What is blue light and why is it bad for you?

We spend a big portion of our day on a computer, tablet, or smartphone. With these wonderful advances in technology comes a lot of exposure to blue light emitted at close range from these devices. We are also exposed to blue light, in addition to UV rays, from the sun. Blue light electrons penetrate all the way to the retina at the back of the eye. Though the research is just coming out, there is a growing concern about the effects of the exposure of blue light on the eyes.

Blue light can cause oxidative damage to pigment cells, which can, in turn, increase the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration. This especially true for those with light colored eyes and those with a family history of macular degeneration. Of course, age is always a factor, but the research is starting to show that blue light can accelerate the damaging process.

How can I avoid blue light exposure?

There are various blue light blocking lenses available, such as gunner glasses. Eating green and leefy vegetables can also help, such as spinach, kale, and broccoli. We also recommend trying goji berries.

Give us a call to discuss the various options available to you to help prevent exposure to blue light.

Dear Patients:

We have exciting news to share with you about our practice.

                       WE ARE MOVING!!! 

Dr. Yip will be relocating his practice to:

        3151 North Alafaya Trail
        Suite 102
        Orlando, FL 32826

        Phone: 407-737-0269

It is located in the Dr. Law Medical Center, which is less than a 5 minute drive from Waterford Lakes Super Target.

Dr. Yip will begin seeing patients here on September 9, 2013. 
Until then, he will still see patients at Waterford Lakes Target Optical until August 31, 2013.

We apologize for this inconvenience. 
We look forward to seeing you at our NEW location!

Conjunctivitis, also called pink eye, is one of the most frequently seen eye diseases, especially in kids. It can be caused by viruses, bacteria or even allergies to pollen, chlorine in swimming pools, and ingredients in cosmetics, or other irritants, which touch the eyes. Some forms of conjunctivitis might be quite transmittable and quickly spread in school and at the office.

Conjunctivitis is seen when the conjunctiva, or thin transparent layer of tissue covering the white part of the eye, becomes inflamed. You can identify conjunctivitis if you notice eye redness, discharge, itching or swollen eyelids and a crusty discharge surrounding the eyes early in the day. Pink eye infections can be divided into three main types: viral, allergic and bacterial conjunctivitis.

The viral type is usually a result of a similar virus to that which produces the recognizable red, watery eyes, sore throat and runny nose of the common cold. The red, itchy, watery eyes caused by viral pink eye are likely to last from a week to two and then will clear up on their own. You may however, be able to reduce some of the discomfort by using soothing drops or compresses. Viral pink eye is transmittable until it is completely cleared up, so in the meantime maintain excellent hygiene, remove eye discharge and try to avoid using communal pillowcases or towels. If your son or daughter has viral conjunctivitis, he or she will have to be kept home from school for three days to a week until symptoms disappear.

A bacterial infection such as Staphylococcus or Streptococcus is usually treated with antibiotic eye drops or cream. One should notice an improvement within just a few days of antibiotic drops, but be sure to adhere to the full prescription dosage to prevent pink eye from recurring.

Allergic pink eye is not contagious. It is usually a result of a known allergy such as hay fever or pet allergies that sets off an allergic reaction in their eyes. First of all, to treat allergic pink eye, you should eliminate the irritant. Use cool compresses and artificial tears to relieve discomfort in mild cases. When the infection is more severe, your eye doctor might prescribe a medication such as an anti-inflammatory or antihistamine. In cases of chronic allergic pink eye, topical steroid eye drops could be used.

Pink eye should always be diagnosed by a qualified eye doctor in order to identify the type and best course of treatment. Never treat yourself! Keep in mind the sooner you begin treatment, the lower chance you have of giving pink eye to loved ones or prolonging your discomfort.

You can now request your next appointment online. 

Visit the Contact Us section of our web site and complete the Patient Registration Form.  The form is secure and our office will be notified once the form is complete.  When you walk in for your next appointment, we'll already  have the information entered into our computers.  We're always looking for ways to serve our patients better.

Eyeglasses Are Back!

Picking out new eyeglasses can be a daunting task, whether you're getting your very first pair or you've worn them nearly all your life. The sheer volume of eyeglass choices can be torture to work your way through if you don't have any idea what you're looking for.

Not only are there many different shapes and colors in eyeglass frames, but advances in technology have also brought us a variety of new materials, for both the frames and the lenses, which makes eyeglasses more durable, lightweight and user-friendly. Eyeglass frames are now created from high-tech materials such as titanium and "memory metal" for the ultimate in strength and style, while the lenses are now thinner and lighter than ever before, even in high prescriptions.

Lens options, such as anti-reflective coating, light-changing tints, progressive lenses and new high-tech, light weight materials such as Trivex(TM) and polycarbonate, let you choose a pair of eyeglasses that enhances your vision, no matter what you like to do.