Health Conscious Tips for Wearing Eye Makeup
Cosmetics are a great way to highlight your best features, tone down any imperfections and really take control of the way you look. When applying any kind of makeup near your eyes, it’s important to take appropriate precautions. Eyes are susceptible to infections, irritations and various aggravators, which is why we’ve put together these tips for keeping your eyes healthy while wearing makeup.
Keep It Clean
It sounds simple, but there is a lot involved with maintaining the cleanliness of your eyes.
- Remove before bed: Be sure to remove all traces of makeup before going to bed, especially if you are a contact lens wearer. Use a makeup remover and a cotton pad for your eyelids and a cotton bud to target the residue that lingers in-between the lash line.
- Avoid the waterline: Placing eyeliner in the inner rims of the eye (the area between your eyeball and the base of your lashes) can clog up your tear ducts and cause irritation.
- Take precautions: Simple moves like washing your hands before makeup application can make the biggest difference. It’s also beneficial to disinfect and replace makeup brushes often. Sharpen pencils regularly to give yourself a fresher application.
Out With the Old
After opening the packaging, makeup products have a shelf life of about 3 months. Cream or liquid products like mascara should especially be thrown out within this time period or when they begin to look dry. Do not attempt to remoisten these products with water or your saliva. To best preserve your cosmetics, keep them cool – they should be stored in areas that are kept 85° F or below.
Don’t Share
Cosmetics can carry bacteria that may be hazardous to your eyes. It’s best to never share cosmetics, even if the other person does not appear to have an infection. This risk is even more significant with the use of in-store eye makeup testers. When trying on samples in-store, have a sales rep disinfect the product appropriately, use single-use or disposable applicators and avoid tubes or pots with cream based or liquid products.
After an Infection
If you happen to develop an eye infection or irritation, stop using any cosmetic products around the area until it has completely cleared up. Once the issue has resolved itself, be sure to discard any products previously used, especially those that may have been in contact with affected areas.
Have any questions or concerns about makeup and your eye health? Contact us!
Google Glass Gets a Makeover
If you’re a glasses wearer with an interest in technology, you’ve probably heard of Google’s revolutionary new glasses/technology hybrid, “Google Glass”.
Google Glass was first introduced in 2012, but didn’t become available to the public until May of 2014. Although Google Glass is currently available to any American citizen who wants one, the product is still in its beta stage, which means it is undergoing constant improvements and alterations. Google also states that while the beta product is available to the general public (for around $1,500), this is only a possibility while supplies last. Google is hoping for an official/international release date of a finished version of Google Glass for late 2014.
Criticisms
Wearable technology, although incredibly exciting, isn’t without its criticism. There has been hot debate over the dangers of distracted driving while wearing Google Glass, and privacy issues have followed the product since its inception, as it can be difficult to tell when the device is recording. That said; one of the biggest criticisms of Google Glass is its aesthetics! Whether you’re shopping for prescription frames or non-prescription sunglasses, everyone knows how hard it can be to find a style of glasses that compliments the unique features of your face. Previously, Google simply provided one style of frame for their Google Glass, but it seems they’ve finally come to their senses.
Functional and Fashionable
Earlier in this year Google announced that they would partner with eyewear brands to create new frames. As a result, they have begun releasing Google Glass in five different styles, with a variety of sunglass options. Google Glass is now also compatible with prescription lenses, which is a welcome addition for many prospective buyers who were previously on the fence about the product.
If you’re interested in buying Google Glass, you must sign up to become an explorer, and you should ensure your prescription is up to date. However, if $1,500 dollars is out of your glasses frame budget: don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Visit our optical shop to check out our selection of high quality, reasonably priced prescription frames and sunglasses. They might not shoot high definition video, but they’re sure to have to looking great, and seeing clearly for years to come.
5 Life Moments When You Need Clear Vision
There are some moments in life that are simply unforgettable. You’ve waited eagerly for these moments to arrive, and when they finally do, you almost have to rub your eyes and pinch yourself to make sure that what you’re seeing is actually happening. In those particular moments, there’s nowhere else you’d rather be in the world.
Imagine you’ve finally arrived at the moment you’ve been waiting for forever and…you can’t see properly. Your vision is blurry, your contacts are bothering you, or you can’t find your glasses. Instead of seeing the moment with clear vision, it becomes ruined with pesky and avoidable eye problems! The thing is, if you don’t keep up with your regular eye exams, and keep your prescriptions up to date, this could happen to you.
Here are 5 life moments when you absolutely need clear, optimal vision:
Seeing the Wonders of the World
They don’t call them “Wonders of the World” for nothing. They are true visual wonders. There’s no point traveling all the way to the Taj Mahal or The Great Wall of China when you can’t see them clearly!
The Birth of your Children
What a joyous occasion! It’d be a shame if itchy eyes or an old prescription ruined that moment when you look into your child’s eyes for the first time!
Watching Fireworks
There’s nothing like the beauty of some great fireworks. With all the different colours and patterns, it just wouldn’t be as good if you were watching it with blurry vision.
Wedding Day
Whether it’s your own wedding or a loved one’s, it’s one of the happiest moments of our lives.
Attending A Concert
You’ve already paid good money for your ticket, so you better make sure you can see the performer clearly. The concert experience is like no other…the environment, the music, the people, the visuals…it’s a treat for your ears and eyes!
Have an important life moment coming up? Book an appointment with us today and let us help you see life clearly!
What Your Brand Of Sunglasses Says About You
Is it time for you to get a new pair of sunglasses? Here at Cedar Park Vision, we offer a variety of designer brands. From Oakley to Kate Spade, there’s something available for everyone! Before you choose your next pair of shades, check out what your brand of sunglasses says about your personality:
Kate Spade
A girly girl at heart, if we opened your closet, there would be bright colours and patterns galore. You’re a happy and positive person who enjoys collecting pretty things. You have an abnormal amount of Pinterest boards (don’t worry, we won’t tell!) and you spend your days finding your next DIY project to work on.
Nike
More often than not, you can be found in a pair of sneakers. Track pants and t-shirts are pretty much your uniform as you spend all your free time playing as many sports as you can. Just wearing the little swoosh sign gives you that extra boost of confidence that you really can “do it”…whatever it is.
Gucci
If you wear Gucci sunglasses, you live a luxurious lifestyle… or at least you wish you had one. You refuse to wear anything unless it’s high-end…and black. Forget Orange. Black will always be the new black. You thrive on planning and attending social events because you’re no one if no one sees you.
Juicy Couture
Known for their oversized glasses, this brand is a must-have for anyone looking to make a statement…or go incognito. You wear your velour tracksuit proudly, while watching reruns of the early reality show The Simple Life. After all, Nicole and Paris started the trend of velour and oversized glasses, right?
Michael Kors
A pair of Michael Kors is a true staple of the classic, all-American style. You enjoy dressing pretty comfortably most of the time, but don’t get it twisted – you clean up very well. Going from day to night with ease is your thing. We can’t expect to find you in one place for too long, though – you’re a jet setter who is always planning their next vacation. New cultures, exploring, shopping in a new city…that’s your idea of living life.
Think you’ve found a pair that suits your tastes and your personality? Visit us today and take a look at what we have to offer in our optical shop!
What Is InfantSee?
InfantSee is a public health program that launched in 2005, dedicated to ensuring that access to eye and vision assessments are an essential component of a child’s wellness care. Failing to treat eye problems at young age can negatively affect a child’s learning greatly, and can have a lasting result that continues to impact them throughout their life. Even if your child appears to have no obvious eyesight or learning issues, it’s still important to bring them for regular appointments. In fact, the American Optometric association recommends that your child have their first eye examination between 6 and 12 months of age.
What are the risks?
Babies are susceptible to a variety of eye conditions, and when discovered early and treated correctly, can be successfully rectified. Strabismus or “crossed eyes” for example affects 1 in 25 babies, and amblyopia or “lazy eye” affects an additional 1 in 30.
How to prepare for your first visit.
Consider the time of day
When booking your appointment it’s important to let the office know about any special conditions or concerns. Be sure to also consider your baby’s schedule when choosing an appointment time, making sure it’s not close to their typical naptime.
Bring a bottle, and their favorite toy
During your baby’s exam it’s important for them to be alert. Since this is usually at its peak during feeding times, we recommend that you have a bottle on hand. Also, to ensure your baby is comfortable and to capture their attention, feel free to bring along their favorite toy or object.
If possible, leave other children at home
It’s important that we capture your child’s full attention during the exam. As a result, we try to keep all potential distractions to a minimum. We understand that this is not always possible, but try to arrange for the infant and parent to be the only people in the exam room.
At Cedar Park Vision, we understand the importance of proactive attention for your child’s eyesight. As a registered InfantSEE office, we provide a comprehensive evaluation that goes beyond the typical eye evaluation that is performed by a pediatrician or family doctor. Contact us today to book your child’s first appointment, or for more information on this great program!
The LASIK Recovery Process
LASIK surgery is quickly becoming one of the preferred methods of treatment for visual acuity. Advances in technology have made the procedure extremely effective, presenting very few side effects in most cases. Currently, over 20 million Americans have had some form of LASIK procedure done, and with 3,300 refractive surgeons operating in over 1,060 hospitals in the US alone, that number is sure to rise.
Although the risks of LASIK have been drastically decreased, it is still an incredibly delicate procedure. Its effectiveness requires that you follow your surgeon’s instructions meticulously. Failure to do so can result in excessive post-operative eye pain and irritation, a sub optimal visual result, as well having an impact on the effectiveness of any additional corrective procedures that you may need in the future.
What to Expect
- Day of the procedure: Your vision will likely be blurry for the first few hours following your surgery. You may experience the feeling of having a slight foreign body in your eye, similar to an eyelash. It’s absolutely imperative that you avoid the urge to rub it. Should you feel any discomfort, you may take a mild pain reliever, although you should clear this with your doctor ahead of time.
- Day after: By the next morning you should notice a significant increase in your vision. It’s also standard procedure on the first day to return to the clinic for your first post-operative examination. Typically after a day or two patients are able to resume normal daily activities and return to work, however, you should avoid strenuous activity like working out for at least 7 days.
- First four weeks: You may experience extra sensitivity to light, as well as occasional tearing or dryness. These are perfectly normally post-op symptoms. Your doctor may prescribe you with lubricating eye drops to combat any irritation. Avoid getting any foreign objects in your eyes other than the drops. Feel free to wash your face with soap and water, but avoid getting soap in your eyes.
- After four weeks: After one month you may resume any high intensity activities. Contact sports like hockey and football are allowed, but consult with your doctor before resuming other more dangerous sports like boxing or martial arts. Swimming pools and spas are also now permitted.
LASIK surgery can offer you a level of vision correction beyond what you may have ever thought to be possible. It’s truly a life changing procedure. However, as with any surgery, the recovery period can be extensive, and requires your active participation to ensure a successful result.
Are You a Candidate for LASIK Surgery?
LASIK surgery offers recipients the chance to improve their visual acuity and live free of the burden that glasses and contacts bring. However, as with any surgical procedure, LASIK is not for everyone. Your personal eligibility regarding LASIK surgery is a conversation you need to have with your primary care doctor, prior to consulting with a LASIK provider.
The Clinical Criteria
The ideal candidate for LASIK surgery should meet the following clinical criteria:
- Demographics: LASIK patients must be at least 18 years of age, and not be pregnant or nursing. The hormonal imbalances associated with the antepartum and postpartum periods may affect your body’s reaction to medication prescribed as part of your LASIK procedure. It’s recommended that you wait at least three menstrual cycles after discontinuing nursing to have your LASIK procedure.
- General health: Certain health problems may automatically exclude you from being a candidate for LASIK. These include:
- Diabetes (uncontrolled)
- Autoimmune disease
- Collagen vascular disease
Mental health conditions that may affect the surgery such as claustrophobia should also be disclosed to your doctor.
- Optical health: While LASIK treatment is designed to correct aberrations of the eye, certain eye conditions or abnormalities can complicate a LASIK procedure. Issues such as amblyopia (lazy eye), or a strabismus (muscle imbalance) can affect healing. Patients who consistently suffer from dry eye may also be disqualified from LASIK. Additionally, patients that may have suffered any sort of eye injury that has affected their vision must demonstrate stable vision for at least one year before they can be considered candidates for a LASIK procedure.
Don’t Give Up Hope
The presence of any one of these risk factors or conditions doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re forever excluded from having laser eye surgery. You may simply require concurrent treatment to ensure the success of your LASIK procedure. Your LASIK provider may also simply ask you to wait six months to a year to be reevaluated.
The science and technology behind LASIK surgery has evolved to the point of making this procedure a possibility for almost anyone. However, you should always keep the big picture in mind, which is your overall vision and the general quality of your health. The convenience of no longer requiring glasses certainly doesn’t warrant an unnecessary risk. Remember, LASIK surgery is just one of the many options designed to treat vision problems. A thorough discussion with your doctor or with one of our optometrists at Cedar Park Vision Center may reveal other treatment options available for your situation.
Combatting Office Eye Strain
Staring at a computer screen for 8 hours a day can really start to take a toll on your eyes. When your eyes are focused for long periods of time you can experience eye strain, headaches, and even blurred vision. Not only does this affect your eyes, but it can decrease your productivity too. All it takes is a minimum of 3 hours per day in front of a computer screen to experience symptoms of Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS). Add to that the amount of time we spend on other electronic devices each day, and it’s no wonder why 50-90% of computer workers are victims of eye strain and vision-related problems like CVS.
Here are some tips to help reduce the strain on your eyes at the office:
1. Just like you need a break sometimes, so do your eyes
Whether it’s your computer or paperwork, every now and then make it a point to take your eyes off of whatever it is you’re doing. Look at something different, talk to a coworker, or expose yourself to some natural lighting by going for a walk. The 20/20/20 rule will also help remind you to give your eyes a break. Every 20 minutes, look at least 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.
2. Give your eyes some exercise!
Exercise can make you feel good, but it’s important not to forget about your eyes. Roll your eyes in each direction a couple of times, and then close your eyes for a minute. Repeat a few times before getting back to work. It doesn’t hurt to envision yourself on a beach somewhere either!
3. Adjust your computer/workspace
Adjust the contrast and/or brightness of your computer screen to reduce any glare. Control natural lighting contributing to glare with the use of blinds or curtains. You may also want to consider using a glare filter for your screen. Often, fluorescent lighting can be too harsh, causing discomfort to the eyes. Adjust the lighting to make working comfortable – not too bright or dark. You can also change the text size on your screen to make reading easier, and reduce the strain on your eyes. In addition, your computer screen should be approximately 18-30 inches from your eyes.
The best way to ensure that your eyes are in good shape is to have an annual comprehensive eye exam. An eye care professional at Cedar Park Vision Center can help treat any of your eye conditions and/or concerns. Whether the solution is getting an anti-reflective coating on your prescription glasses, or getting LASIK surgery, we are here to help.