Yamamoto & Inouchi
Eye health

Your Eye Health Matters

Your Eye Health Matters
Your Eye Health Matters

May is Healthy Vision Month! Did you know that there are multiple ways you can promote healthy vision? One of the best ways is to get an eye exam regularly. Eye exams can provide early detection of vision problems and possible health conditions and taking steps to promote healthy vision is something you can do every single day! Here are 6 different ways you can keep your eyes and body healthy. 

  1. Schedule a Yearly Eye Exam. Regular eye exams go far beyond detecting blurry vision. In addition to serious health conditions, many eye diseases, such as glaucoma and cataracts, can also be detected early through annual eye exams.  
  2. Drink Water. Dehydration can greatly affect your eyes in addition to the rest of your body. Dehydration can worsen eye strain and dry-eye symptoms and can even cause blurred vision. Make sure water is a regular part of your day to keep your eyes healthy and protected. 
  3. Eat Well. Your diet affects your vision. There are key nutrients in leafy greens, berries, beets, citrus, and even foods with high omega 3s that are important for helping to maintain healthy vision.  
  4. Exercise. Many eye diseases are related to high-blood pressure and diabetes. Exercising 4 times a week can lower your blood pressure and eye pressure, which may reduce your risk for disease*.
  5. Cover Up. Just like sunscreen is important for your skin, sunglasses and hats are important for your eyes. Protect against harmful UV rays by wearing your sunglasses while the sun is shining.
  6. Limit Screen Exposure. Digital eye strain can cause visual discomfort as well as dry eyes, blurred vision, and headaches. Give your eyes a break throughout the day and look at something other than a screen! 
  7.  Put your vision first this month and every month going forward. Schedule an appointment today.
Schedule Your Eye Exam Now
*Glaucoma Research Foundation, https://www.glaucoma.org/q-a/can-exercise-lower-eye-pressure.php 
Contact lenses, Eye, Eye Exam, Eye health

The Signs are in Your Eyes

Blow spring eye allergies away.Even before we see the sunny weather, blooming flowers, and greening trees, there are a few sure signs that spring is near. You’re more likely to feel the season change versus seeing it with your own eyes. The problem is, sometimes, it’s your eyes that get hit the worst with the first signs of spring. 
Considering the time of year, if your eyes are itchy, watery, and red, chances are your eyes are reacting to pollen. Allergens stimulate the histamines located in the eyes causing these symptoms. Pet dander, dust, dirt, and cigarette smoke can also cause a similar reaction to plant allergies. 
Here are some tips to help arm yourself as we head into spring: 
  • Avoid allergens - Stay indoors to limit your exposure to common allergens you are sensitive to. If you do go outdoors, wear wrap-around sunglasses to help shield your eyes from pollen, ragweed, dust, etc. 
  • Remove contacts - Contact lenses can attract allergens and accumulate throughout the day. Consider wearing your glasses or switching to daily disposable contacts during allergy season. 
  • Over-the-counter eye drops – There are a number of allergy drops that are formulated to relieve itchiness, redness, and watery eyes. 
  • If you are experiencing symptoms that won’t go away, your eye doctor might need to prescribe something stronger. Make an appointment today to discuss these options and get your comprehensive annual eye exam. 
Eye, Eye Exam, Eye health

Women’s Eye Health and Safety Month

Women are more likely than men to suffer from eye-related disease and conditions such as: Cataract, Glaucoma, and Age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Ladies, stay ahead of your eye health and schedule your annual exam today! #Women’sEyeHealth

Women's Eye Health and Safety Month
Women’s Eye Health and Safety Month
Eye, Eye Exam, Eye health

21st Century Eye: Ways to Protect your Eyes

 

Eye protectionWhen it comes to really seeing what’s going on with your eyes, there is no substitute for a comprehensive, yearly eye exam by our eye doctors. Despite catchy claims, there is truly no ‘app’ for that. While a variety of new mobile applications claim to evaluate vision or the fit of eyeglasses, often these apps give inaccurate or misleading information, and misinformed consumers end up delaying essential, sight-saving exams. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical and can often prevent a total loss of vision and improve quality of life.  Get your eyes check annually.

Eye, Eye Exam, Eye health

Clues to a healthy heart can be found in your eyes.

 

Healthy Heart Healthy Eyes

 

Did you know your eyes may help show how healthy your heart is? A yearly eye exam does more than check your vision – it can help detect signs of chronic conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes that could lead to heart disease.

Schedule a comprehensive eye exam so we can keep your heart pumping and your eyes seeing. And in the meantime, here are 5 things you can start doing today to show your eyes and your heart more love:

  • Exercise regularly
  • Get enough sleep
  • Don’t smoke
  • Eat a heart-healthy diet
  • Reduce stress

Schedule an appointment today! 

Schedule Your Eye Exam Now
Insurance

New Year, New Benefits

New Year, New Benefits

 Make 2024 your clearest year yet. Use your new benefits to get that eye exam you’ve been needing or those trendy frames you’ve had your eye on! Call to schedule an appointment.

Eye Exam, Eye health

Am I at risk for glaucoma?

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January is Glaucoma Awareness Month.

Did you know that Glaucoma is the second-leading cause of vision loss and blindness? According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, there are more than 3 million people affected by the disease in the U.S. today, and that number is expected to reach 4.2 million by 2030.

It’s important to know some of the potential risk factors for glaucoma, which include:

  • High myopia (very severe nearsightedness)
  • Diabetes
  • Previous eye surgery or injury
  • High blood pressure
  • Family history of glaucoma
  • Use of corticosteroids (for example, eye drops, pills, inhalers and creams)

For those at risk of developing glaucoma, the American Optometric Association recommends an annual comprehensive eye exam. Early detection through regular eye exams, is the key to protecting your vision from damage caused by glaucoma.

Has it been a while since your last comprehensive eye exam? Give us a call to schedule one today!

Happy New Year

Dr. Dan’s New Years Recommendations

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New Year's Resolution. Take Care of Your EyesLooking for a healthy new year’s resolution? Don’t overlook your eyes. An eye exam gives the doctor the perfect view of the eyes’ blood vessels and optic nerves, both of which can give away signs of chronic diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure and even some cancers years before a person shows symptoms. Schedule your exam today! #newyearsresolution #eyehealth #eyehealthmatters

Book Your Eye Exam Online

 

Once again, here are my suggestions for 2024 New Year’s Resolutions to keep your eyesight sharp, and your eyes comfortable all year long:

  • Everyone: Have regular eye exams.  Don’t forget how important it is to have healthy eyes.
  • Computer users:  Take frequent breaks and don’t forget to blink.   Your blink rate drops significantly while you are on the computer.  BLINK, BLINK, BLINK.
  • Smokers: This year again, stop smoking.  Smoking increases your risk for both cataracts and age related macular degeneration.
  • Contact lens wearers: Don’t sleep in your contact lenses and replace your disposable contact lenses regularly .
  • Everybody: Watch your weight and your blood pressure.
  • Diabetics: Control your blood glucose.  Diabetics have an increased risk for diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, and glaucoma.
  • Everybody: Take a daily multi-vitamin loaded with antioxidants.
  • Athletes: Use protective eye wear made of durable polycarbonate lenses.
  • Everybody: Wear sunglasses with 100% UV protection.
  • Everybody: Know your family history for glaucoma and other eye disorders.
  • Travelers: Frequently apply artificial tears when in-flight.  That long flight to Las Vegas will dry yours eyes. They don’t call it the “red eye” for nothing.
  • Young males: Stay away from firecrackers this New Year’s.

Have a Happy and Safe New Year. See all of you in 2024.

Flex Spending

Beat the Rush

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Beat the Rush , Use our FSA PlanJust like your end-of-the-year holiday planning, it’s also a busy time for your eye doctors. Families are rushing in to use their vision benefits before they expire. This season, don’t wait—make an appointment before the rush. Here are a few tips to help reduce the stress so you can get in and out of your next appointment with ease.

1. Plan ahead. By making an appointment before the busy season, you can pick a time that’s convenient for you.

2. Get to know your vision benefits. Log in to your vision plan to learn about your coverage. If you’re still not sure what’s covered, our office staff will be happy to explain your benefits and the options available.

3. Write down your questions. To get the most out of your time with both your eye doctor and optician, take a moment to prepare your thoughts before your appointment.

4. Recent changes to your vision? Take inventory of your symptoms so you can discuss the changes with your doctor.

By making sure you prioritize your eyes, you can take the stress out of at least one thing this holiday season.

Beat the end of the year rush and schedule an appointment today!

Schedule Your Eye Exam Now
Eye Exam, Eye health

Tips for Keeping Your Eyes Healthy For A Lifetime

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Carrots are good for your eyes.
Carrots are good for your eyes.

Here are some healthy vision tips from Dr. Dan an Dr. Tracie

  1. We feel that patients should schedule yearly comprehensive eye exams Seeing an eye doctor regularly will help keep you and your eyes healthy for a lifetime.
  2. Protect your eyes against ultra violet (UV) rays. Living in Hawaii, ts important to wear sunglasses.
  3. Give your eyes a break from digital devices use. Practice the 20/20/20 rule: every 20 minutes take a 20 second break and look at something 20 feet away.  Limit your screen time.
  4. Practice good nutrition.  Eat your greens. Eat five servings of fruits and vegetables – particularly the leafy green variety.  Leafy greens keep your retina helthy.
  5. Practice safe wear and care of your contact lenses. Keep them clean and don’t over wear them too long.  Don’t forget to dispose of your contact lens on a regular basis.
Eye health

FDA warns consumers not to use 27eye drops from several major brands due to risk of eye infection

 

The FDA has issued a warning to consumers to immediately stop the purchase and use of 27 over-the-counter (OTC) eye drop products due to a potential risk for eye infection.

Anyone who owns the recalled eye drops should follow the FDA’s guidelines for throwing the products away, which may involve taking them to a drug take-back site.

Here is the list of all 27 eye drops that are on the warning list.

CVS Health

  • Lubricant Eye Drops 15 ml (single pack)
    • Active Ingredient: Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium Eye Drops 0.5%
  • Lubricant Eye Drops 15 ml (twin pack)
    • Active Ingredient: Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium Eye Drops 0.5%
  • Lubricant Gel Drops 15 ml (single pack)
    • Active Ingredient: Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium Eye Drops 1%
  • Lubricant Gel Drops 15 ml (twin pack)
    • Active Ingredient: Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium Eye Drops 1%
  • Multi-Action Relief Drops 15 ml
    • Active Ingredients: Polyvinyl Alcohol 0.5%, Povidone 0.6%, & Tetrahydrozoline Hydrochloride 0.05% Eye Drops
  • Lubricating Gel drops 10 ml
    • Active Ingredients: Polyethylene Glycol 400 0.4% & Propylene Glycol 0.3% Eye Drops
  • Lubricant Eye Drops 10 ml (single pack)
    • Active Ingredient: Propylene Glycol Eye Drops 0.6%
  • Lubricant Eye Drops 10 ml (twin pack)
    • Active Ingredient: Propylene Glycol Eye Drops 0.6%
  • Mild Moderate Lubricating Eye Drops 15 ml (single pack)
    • Active Ingredient: Polyethylene Glycol 400 Eye Drop ‘0.25%

Rugby (Cardinal Health)

  • Lubricating Tears Eye Drops 15 ml
    • Active Ingredients: Hypromellose 2910-0.3% & Dextran 70- 0.1% Eye Drops
  • Polyvinyl Alcohol 1.4% Lubricating Eye Drops 15 ml
    • Active Ingredient: Polyvinyl Alcohol Eye Drops 1.4%

Leader (Cardinal Health)

  • Dry Eye Relief 10 ml
    • Active Ingredients: Polyethylene Glycol 400 0.4% & Propylene Glycol 0.3% Eye Drops
  • Lubricant Eye Drops 15 ml (single pack)
    • Active Ingredient: Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium Eye Drops 0.5%
  • Lubricant Eye Drops 15 ml (twin pack)
    • Active Ingredient: Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium Eye Drops 0.5%
  • Dry Eye Relief 15 ml
    • Active Ingredient: Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium Eye Drops 1%
  • Eye Irritation Relief 15 ml
    • Active Ingredients: Polyvinyl Alcohol 0.5%, Povidone 0.6%, & Tetrahydrozoline Hydrochloride 0.05% Eye Drops

Rite Aid

  • Lubricant Eye Drops 15 ml (twin pack)
    • Active Ingredient: Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium Eye Drops 0.5%
  • Lubricant Eye Drops 10 ml (twin pack)
    • Active Ingredient: Propylene Glycol Eye Drops 0.6%
  • Gentle Lubricant Gel Eye Drops 15 ml
    • Active Ingredients: Hypromellose 0.3%, Glycerin 0.2%, and Dextran 70 0.1% Eye Drops
  • Lubricant Gel Drops 15 ml
    • Active Ingredient: Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium Eye Drops 1%
  • Lubricating Gel Drops 10 ml
    • Active Ingredients: Polyethylene Glycol 400 0.4% & Propylene Glycol 0.3% Eye Drops
  • Multi-Action Relief Drops 15 ml
    • Active Ingredients: Polyvinyl Alcohol 0.5%, Povidone 0.6%, & Tetrahydrozoline Hydrochloride 0.05% Eye Drops

Target

  • Up&Up Dry Eye Relief Lubricant Eye Drops 30 ml
    • Active Ingredients: Polyethylene Glycol 400 0.4% & Propylene Glycol 0.3% Eye Drops
  • Up&Up Extreme Relief Dry Eye 15 ml (single pack)
    • Active Ingredients: Polyethylene Glycol 400 0.4% & Propylene Glycol 0.3% Eye Drops
  • Up&Up Extreme Relief Dry Eye 30 ml (twin pack)
    • Active Ingredient: Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium Eye Drops 0.5%

Velocity Pharma LLC

  • Lubricant Eye Drop 10 ml (triple pack)
    • Active Ingredient: Propylene Glycol Eye Drops 0.6%

Walmart

  • Equate Hydration PF Lubricant Eye Drop 10 ml
    • Active Ingredients: Polyethylene Glycol 400 0.4% & Propylene Glycol 0.3% Eye Drops
Diabetes, Eye health

November is Diabetes Awareness Month

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November is Diabetes Awareness Month. Diabetes can affect your eyes . November is a special month for millions of people around the world as it marks Diabetes Awareness Month. During this time, individuals, organizations, and healthcare professionals come together to raise awareness about diabetes, a chronic condition that affects over 400 million people globally. The goal is not only to educate the public but also to promote early detection, prevention, and support for those living with diabetes. Many people don’t know that diabetes can affect the eyes.  An annual eye exams can detect early changes to the eyes by diabetes.  Our eye doctors can help you stay healthy and seeing well with an annual eye exam.  Schedule your eye exam today.

Flex Spending

Don’t Forget to Use Your Flex Spending

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Use Your FSASchedule Your Eye Exam Now

Did you know that you can use your flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account dollars to purchase prescription eyeglasses, prescription contact lenses, and prescription sunglasses?

Don’t wait until next year to maximize your vision benefits. There is no better time than now.

Understand Your Vision Benefits

Review your plan details to see what’s covered and within what time frame. Easily find details like co-pays, frame allowance and lens enhancement coverage. You can also print or email yourself a copy of your membership card if you like, but you don’t technically need one when you go to the eye doctor.

Schedule an Eye Exam

Comprehensive eye exams are beneficial because they can also help with early detection of eye conditions and diseases that can be better treated if caught early.

Choose Your Best Eyeglass Frames

You don’t need to be a fashion expert to find eyeglass frames that look great on you. But our opticians can help you determine which frames enhance your look based on your face shape, skin tone and lifestyle.

Now that you’re equipped with the know-how, end 2023 with your clearest vision yet! Use your benefits before you lose them.

Eye Exam, Eye health

Dr. Tracie Inouchi’s Simple Tips to Relieve Digital Eye Strain at Work

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Digital eye strainOur optometrist, Dr. Tracie Inouchi recommends the following tips to reduce digital eye strain.

  • Follow the 20-20-20 rule: Take a 20-second break, every 20 minutes and view something 20 feet away.
  • Blink often: Decrease the chances of dry eyes when using a computer by making an effort to blink frequently.
  • Keep a distance: We recommend sitting at a comfortable distance from the computer monitor where you can easily read all text with your head and torso in an upright posture and your back supported by your chair. Generally, the optimal viewing distance is between 20 and 28 inches from the eye to the front surface of the screen.
  • View from a different angle: We feel the computer screen should be 15 to 20 degrees, or about 4 to 5 inches, below eye level as measured from the center of the screen.
  • Decrease glare: While there is no way to completely minimize glare from light sources, consider using a glare filter. These filters decrease the amount of light reflected from the screen.
  • Get an annual eye exam