Contact Lense Users (about 45 %) Have Quit Wearing Them

A survey found that many people have stopped wearing contacts because of dry or irritated eyes, which can stem from cutting corners in caring for the lenses.

If you’ve ever tried contact lenses, you might be reading this with glasses instead: An online reader survey of some 7,700 corrective-lens wearers, conducted last spring by the Consumer Reports National Research Center, found that 45 percent who tried contacts in the past decade have quit wearing them. And more than one-fourth of current contact users said they now wear them less than they used to.

You can boost your chances of sticking with your contacts by using them properly, which helps prevent infection as well as dryness and irritation, the two most common reasons for giving up contacts. It’s particularly important not to cut corners in cleaning and storing your lenses.

Contact users should see their eye doctor at least annually. If you often wear lenses overnight, consider semiannual checkups. In this survey, 28 percent of contact users said they hadn’t had an eye exam in the past 11 months.

Contact Lens Users Increasingly Facing Potentially Blinding Eye Infections

The FDA panel of experts have decided to have a closer look at contact lens safety after watching a sharp rise in a potentially blinding eye infection involving people who wear contact lenses.

Take the instance of Kim Tobin who never sees things in quite the same way again. Tobin's eyesight went from clear to blurry when she got infected with acanthamoeba, a parasite that lives in water. In Tobin's case, she got it when water from a hot tub splashed into her eye. Tobin, a cornea transplant patient, said."It just kind of killed my eye. Did so much damage to my eye."

Doctors said simply getting water in her eyes puts her at risk. Doctors say water contaminated with acanthamoeba can come from lakes, rivers, swimming pools, drinking water and even the shower.

Dr. Kristin Hammersmith, of Wills Eye at Jefferson Hospital, said many patients lose vision, or lose their eye. She said one should never expose eyes to water while wearing contact lens and never wash contact lens in water. Hammersmith recommended a daily throwaway contact lens over other soft contact lenses, as to avoid putting contacts back in a contaminated case or in contaminated solution.

LASIK Surgery Complications; Treatable

LASIK treatment, like any other surgery, can in rare cases cause some complications. Since its invention in 1988 in the US, LASIK surgery is widely known, used and accepted worldwide as it rarely brings serious problems. Selecting a reputable eye surgeon is the single best thing you can do to ensure successful outcome of your surgery and in case of complications, he can address them properly. As part of your LASIK consultation and pre-operative exam, your doctor will thoroughly evaluate the health of your eyes to rule out chronic dry eye, thin corneas, unusually large pupils and other factors that might affect your LASIK surgery outcome. Even with these precautions some serious problems like not so clear vision and dry eyes may occur.

Some of the possible complications of LASIK surgery are - dry eye, under-correction and over-correction, regression, flap complications, epithelial ingrowth.

Dry Eyes
During surgery some nerves of the cornea, able to produce tear, may dry up causing dry eyes. In one recent study, 20% of LASIK patients experienced chronic dry eye that persisted for six months or more after surgery. Though some corneal nerves regenerate over time and dry eye symptoms usually decrease within a few weeks to a few months after LASIK, some patients will have persistent dry eye problems. Symptoms of dry eye include discomfort, sensitivity to light, and blurred vision. However, it can be treated with proper medical care.

Undercorrection and overcorrection
In some LASIK patients´ eyes may respond unpredictably to laser energy or may heal in an unusual fashion, leading to such problems. Retreatment rates for undercorrection and overcorrection is not satisfying. The eyes of some LASIK patients may respond unpredictably to laser energy or may heal in an unusual fashion, leading to a significant undercorrection or overcorrection of their nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism. Though this is disappointing to both the patient and the surgeon, undercorrection and overcorrection can usually be resolved with a re-treatment (enhancement).

Regression: Long-term studies with follow-up periods of 10 years or more have shown LASIK results to be very stable for most patients. However, in some cases there will be a mild loss of vision correction over time.

The first step of LASIK is creating a flap of corneal tissue. This is done with a bladed instrument called a microkeratome or with a laser. Flap complications: it includes incomplete flaps that are partial flaps, usually caused by a malfunction of the microkeratome. Buttonhole flaps: this occurs when the flap is cut too thin, creating a hole in the center of the flap. Free cap: this is the term used to describe when the hinge of the flap is cut off and nothing remains to keep the flap attached to the eye.

Such problems however can be solved by consulting the doctor in right time. Also, the new technologies play a role here in reducing complications. However it has not been quantified yet.

As a part of the treatment, the patients have to sign a consent form in which the probable dangers of the treatment are described. However, no surgery can be taken lightly, so patients are advised to discuss the doctors about the probable complications and solutions.It is better not to hope that the vision will be totally clear after the treatment. However, patients can hope to be less dependent on glasses. To conclude, one should consult the doctors before going for the surgery.
Source: LA Chronicle

Jewelry Designer Trunkshows in Texas

Saturday’s trunk show will provide a one-on-one personal experience with the creator of this luxuriously bold jewelry collection whose celebrity fans include the likes of Elton John, Sylvester Stallone, Ashton Kutcher, Jennifer Lopez, Jessica Alba and Kate Bosworth - to name a few. It will also be a chance to see the latest of his collection not yet available in stores, as well as special one-offs that would never be available in-store.

Barneys New York, Dallas - one of the few exclusive retailers to carry Warner’s ultra high-end American masterpieces - is located at 8687 North Central Expressway, Suite 1224, Dallas, TX 75225.

About GOOD ART HLYWD
“It’s the coolest jewelry in the world, and the devil’s in the details,” says Josh Warner of his ultra high-end, in-your-face, handcrafted American masterpieces.

Originally intended to appeal to the rebellious subculture of Warner’s youth, the pieces now produced at his company GOOD ART HLYWD have become status symbols for uber-hip trendsetting celebrities who desire a “badass” edginess in contrast to the conservative luxury of Rodeo Drive.

Today the GOOD ART HLWYD line of fine jewelry is still entirely handmade in Los Angeles, with Warner overseeing every stage of production. Designs originate from his drawings (and then either wood or wax carvings) and incorporate everything from the seemingly obvious Spanish Cross to the most innovative clasps and mechanisms this side of the industrial revolution. With details both subtle and outright ingenious, the entire the line is steeped in Warner’s spare-no-expense attitude of “Do it right or don’t do it at all.”

The GOOD ART HLYWD line is available at such exclusive stores as Barneys New York and Louis Boston, and can be viewed (by appointment only) at GOOD ART HLYWD’s Hollywood showroom.

Tips for Buying Cross Pendants

Cross pendants are the perfect accessories to show the world your faith. Available in a wide variety of styles, it's quite simple to find cross necklaces that you would love to wear. A beautiful symbol of hope and faith, cross pendants make a wonderful gift for someone you love or a perfect addition to your jewelry box!

When deciding which cross pendants you enjoy, it important to know which style suits you best. With such a wide range to choose from, you're sure to find a necklace you love.
If you love fine jewelry, consider purchasing a gold cross pendant. Gold crosses sell well, and seem to be a favorite among many people who purchase cross pendants.

You can purchase gold crosses in white or yellow gold. Each would make a stunning addition to any jewelry collection, and are available in a wide range of prices to suit your preferences and your budget! Gold crosses are also very versatile in that they can be worn with anything! You can even customize a gold cross necklace by the type of jewels, if any, you choose.

For example, there are beautiful 14k gold cross pendants made with cultured pearls, peridot, emerald stones and a host of other precious and semi-precious gems.
There are even gorgeous diamond cross pendants for those who enjoy a little flash and can afford to spend a bit extra on an exquisite piece of jewelry. A white gold diamond cross pendant looks stunning, and can be worn with anything for an extra bit of flair and pizzazz.

Those on a budget will find that diamond and gold cross necklaces are a little more than they can afford. However, there's an easy remedy for this problem' stainless steel crosses! Stainless steel crosses are more affordable than their gold or diamond counterparts, and are still just as beautiful. The fact that they won't put a huge dent in your wallet is a definite plus.

As if these choices weren't enough, there are Celtic cross pendants for people who appreciate their Irish heritage or simply like the design of the Celtic cross. A lot of Celtic crosses are available in high quality, yet inexpensive sterling silver. However, if you prefer to spend a little extra you can purchase a beautiful 14k gold Celtic cross pendant for men or women.

Available in white or yellow gold, diamonds or stainless steel, cross pendants are a beautiful symbol of faith and a lovely addition to any jewelry collection. No matter what type of cross necklace suits you, you are sure to find an exceptional piece of jewelry you'll love to wear time and again for many years to come.

Advantages and disadvantages of all FSAs

An FSA allows money to be deducted from an employee's paycheck pre-tax and then spent on qualified expenses.

For an example of potential tax savings associated with a flexible spending account, a person in the 28% Federal marginal tax bracket and an example 4% state tax (along with FICA taxes of typically 7.65%, for a total tax of almost 40%), could deduct $2,000 and put that money into an FSA for health care. This would result in almost $800 in tax savings.

If this example person had not utilized the FSA and instead itemized their deductions, they likely would not have been able to deduct this $2,000 expense because it would not have met the 7.5% of Adjusted Gross Income threshold needed to be able to deduct it on their federal tax return. Even if the expenses had met the 7.5% threshold, only the part in excess of 7.5% would count as an itemized deduction; and itemized deductions are only beneficial if they exceed the standard deduction, which is hard to meet unless you have home mortgage interest or large charitable contributions. Finally, expenses for over-the-counter drugs cannot be deducted or counted towards the 7.5% threshold, but they can be paid for by the FSA.

One major drawback is that the money must be spent within the "plan year" as defined by the cafeteria plan (commonly the calendar year), and any money that is left unspent at the end of the plan year is forfeited; this is commonly known as the "use it or lose it" rule. In 2005, the Internal Revenue Service authorized an optional 2½ month grace period that employers can use in their plans, allowing use of the funds for 2½ months after the end of the plan year.

Also, the annual contribution amount must remain the same throughout the year unless certain qualifying events occur, such as birth of a child or death of a spouse.

* Methods of withdrawal from FSAs

In recent years, the FSA debit card was developed to eliminate "double-dipping" by allowing employees to access the FSA directly, as well as to simplify the substantiation requirement which required labor-intensive claims processing; the debit card also enhances the effect of "pre-funding" medical FSAs. However, the substantiation requirement itself did not go away, and has even been expanded on by the IRS for the debit-card environment; therefore, withdrawal issues still remain for FSAs.

Eye-Friendly Vitamins

Research shows that many diseases - including cancer, cardiovascular disease, stroke, inflammatory joint disease, and degenerative conditions of the nervous system - are caused by a process called oxidation. Unstable and highly reactive molecules in the body called free radicals mediate this process. Oxidation by free radicals also appears to be involved in the development of certain eye diseases, including cataracts and age-related macular degeneration (AMD).1



Because oxidation by free radicals appears to cause a wide variety of diseases, researchers are focusing on the possible protective role of antioxidant vitamins and other micronutrients. Antioxidants are radical-scavenging agents that destroy free radicals and protect the body from harmful oxidative processes.



Examples of antioxidants include:

* Vitamin C

* Vitamin E

* Coenzyme Q

* Beta-carotene

* Carotenoids

* Alpha-lipoic acid

* Zinc

The Missing Ingredient Most "Experts" Never Tell You About

Are you perfectly content with the shape of your body or do you need to lose some weight? Do you want to lose those extra inches that spoil your looks and is dangerous to your health? If so you are not alone. Health officials now report that we are fatter than ever before! One out of every three adults is overweight.

At any given moment, 35% of Americans are attempting to lose weight with only 5% achieving and maintaining their weight-related goal. It's become clear that excess body fat is a risk factor in cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes and some cancers. In fact, it's estimated that over 300,000 deaths each year are linked to obesity. Obesity can also take an emotional toll, leading to self-hatred, a poor self-image, and depression.

UK Eye Operation Patients in HIV & Hepatitis Alert

The patients at the Manchester Royal Eye Hospital are told to go for a HIV blood test after it was discovered that the same surgical instrument was used for their eye operations. The patients have been called back to undergo blood tests for diseases including HIV and hepatitis.

The eye patients seem to have a tough time as they are suffering from the fear of a deadly disease. One of the patients involved said: "I am devastated. I went into hospital for a minor routine operation and now I am living in fear of a deadly disease."

Health experts, on the other hand assure that the risk is law and that it is only a routine checkup. They have also set up an emergency helpline for patients to call if they have concerns. It can be added that six operations were done on June 11. All of them are informed. A registrar has been suspended so far.

The hospital authority believe at this stage that the lack of cleaning was an isolated incident but they will try to establish whether there is a problem with the system.

The eye hospital helpline will be open from 9am to 5pm today and over the weekend - 0161 276 5621

How to Protect Your Eye: 10-Point Eye Health Plan

10-point Eye Health Plan by leading healthy lifestyle expert, Pamela Peeke, MD, MPH, NWHRC Medical Advisor.

1. Quit smoking. If you smoke, you're much more likely to develop age-related macular degeneration, or AMD, than nonsmokers. AMD is the most common cause of blindness in those over 65. And while there are some ways to slow its progression, there is no cure.

2. Wear sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat when you're in the sun. These two simple steps can reduce your exposure to eye-damaging UV rays up to 18-fold! And, if you wear contacts, ask your eye care specialist about contact lenses with UV protection.

3. Watch your weight. What's weight got to do with your eyes? A lot. Being overweight is a major risk factor for developing Type 2 diabetes. And diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness in those under 65. Not only that, but the Nurses' Health Study from Harvard Medical School found women with a body mass index of 30 or more (considered obese) were 36 percent more likely to develop cataracts, possibly because of some relation to high blood glucose levels.

4. Take fish oil supplements daily, or eat fish two or three times a week. There's some evidence that the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish and other foods may reduce your risk of AMD. Conversely, limit the amount of vegetable oil in your diet; there's some evidence it can increase your risk.

5. Eat three or more servings of fruit a day. In one study, women who did this reduced their risk of AMD by 36 percent compared to those who ate less than 1.5 servings.

6. Eat your spinach. What Popeye didn't know was that spinach is a rich source of lutein and zeaxanthin, powerful antioxidants that can reduce the risk of certain eye diseases, like AMD. Other good sources include any kind of leafy green vegetable such as collards and kale, as well as eggs and orange-colored fruits.

7. See your eye care professional for a full vision examination at least once every two years. Go more often if you have diabetes or any other eye-related condition.

8. Get a 30-minute walk in every day. There's some evidence that regular exercise can reduce the intraocular pressure in people with glaucoma. In one study, glaucoma patients who walked briskly four times per week for 40 minutes lowered the pressure within their eyes enough so they could stop taking their glaucoma medication.

9. Change your eye makeup every three to six months. That means new mascara, liner and powder. The makeup becomes contaminated with bacteria from your lashes and lids and can infect your eye.

10. Don't fall asleep in your daily-wear contact lenses. In fact, don't ever wear them longer than they're designed to be worn. If you want contacts that you can wear overnight, talk to your eye care professional about whether they are appropriate for you.

You Can Put Your Eye Out That Way

A couple of weeks ago we celebrated Independence Day in America, complete with fireworks. This reminded me of when I was a youth and enjoyed setting off fireworks myself. I always found the instructions printed on fireworks rather amusing which said simply, "Put on ground, light fuse, run away." I didn't know exactly where they wanted me to run away to, I had already been to the circus, so I just stood back a few feet and watched the firecracker explode.

Fireworks drives mothers crazy, and I wish I had a nickel for every time I heard my mother warn me, "You can put your eye out that way." I think this was the standard warning for just about anything I did, be it riding a bicycle, playing baseball, swimming, running, or breathing. It is the first cardinal rule each mother must learn in order to bear children. I wasn't alone either, all of my friends' mothers admonished them with this same expression regularly. So much so, that we thought our mothers had formed a conspiracy or some secret society for the sole purpose of maintaining our eyesight.

The power of mothers is rather interesting. Years ago, Jay Leno commented that mothers had the uncanny ability to sniff out just about anything, even better than a bloodhound, such as your secret copy of Playboy you kept stashed away in your bedroom. Back before the Iraq war started, he said we should not have wasted time sending in a team of UN delegates to look for weapons of mass destruction since they never found anything. Instead, they should have sent in a team of mothers who would have pulled Saddam Hussein out by the ear and cleaned up the situation right away. It would have probably saved us all a lot of grief.

Mothers are full of little axioms they use to keep us in line, but I have to think, "You can put your eye out that way," has to be their favorite with "Stop it or you'll go blind" coming in a close second.

What causes diabetic retinopathy?

Diabetes mellitus (also simply called diabetes) is characterized by an altered metabolism of carbohydrates and lipids, resulting in a chronic elevation in blood sugar (hyperglycemia). Hyperglycemia can lead to long-term changes in the circulatory and nervous systems in the body. The hyperglycemia experienced by diabetics is related to an inability to produce sufficient insulin, a resistance to the effects of insulin, or both.



The diagnosis of diabetes is made based on a person's fasting plasma glucose (FPG) levels, (commonly referred to as the fasting blood sugar). An FPG level of 126 mg/dL or higher indicates the presence of diabetes mellitus.



Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes in which the tiny blood vessels in the retina are damaged by the disease. Damage to the retinal blood vessels can cause a number of problems. In some cases, the damaged blood vessels leak fluid and lipids under the macula, the most sensitive part of the retina that allows us to see details. The fluid causes the macula to swell, blurring vision. In other cases, the retinal blood vessels can become blocked, causing portions of the retina to cease functioning because of lack of oxygen and nutrients.

In its advanced stage, diabetic retinopathy is characterized by the growth of fragile blood vessels along the retina and into the clear, gel-like vitreous that fills the inside of the eye. These tiny blood vessels can break open and bleed, causing vision to be obscured and permanent damage to the retina.

Health Care Costs Rising

The cost of providing employees with health insurance coverage continues to increase at a double-digit rate. We've read a lot about cost drivers in health care - exorbitant hospital charges, rising prescription drug costs, expenses associated with developing new technologies and treatments, an aging population and litigation. Nurturing these factors is an environment in which the demand for health care seems to be increasing.

For the most part, there is little employers can do to control what is driving health care costs out of their reach. Health benefits companies can and do negotiate discounts, and while those help, the underlying costs continue to skyrocket. The increases created by these cost drivers flow through the health benefits companies and eventually trickle down to employers in the form of higher health insurance premiums.

In this soft economy, declining revenue is putting a squeeze on company expenses. It is likely that you will experience a 15 percent to 20 percent increase in your group health insurance when a renewal form lands on your desk.

Can you raise the cost of your company's product or service as quickly as your health insurance premiums are increasing?
Probably not. However, there are steps you can take to gain some control over your health care costs.

Finding a solution

Employers can exercise some control over their costs by finding a health benefits company that provides the "best" value for their company's premium dollars. The way in which you "shop" a health plan can impact the price. I'll use an analogy. Your travel agent has a great deal for you - air, car, hotel and meals included. You tell your agent to book it.

Coincidently, your neighbors just booked that same trip for $1,000 less through their travel agent. One agent shopped for the best price, the other agent arranged the trip through his or her vendor of choice. Whether it's a family vacation, buying a car or choosing a health benefits plan, how you shop can impact your cost. Make sure your insurance agent doesn't "arrange" your health plan for you. How many providers are enough? The more participating providers a health plan has, the more you're likely to pay in premiums. If you are considering a health plan that doesn't include a few desired physicians, request that the carrier add them to its network.

Physicians participate in many different health plans and are usually willing to participate in one more. Don't get caught in the trap of paying 10 percent to 15 percent more for your health insurance premiums because one or two doctors are notparticipating in the plan. It's reasonable that an employee can find another physician out of the thousands on the plan.

The power of marketing

Living in the United States affords us exceptional opportunities and choices. Along with that privilege comes a barrage of communications designed to influence our decision-making. What we read in the papers, see on television, hear on the radio, see flashed across a billboard, get stuffed in our mailboxes or pops up on the Internet is designed to predispose us to a company or its product.

Marketing can be an effective tool, and depending on how much is spent, can be quite influential. What marketing cannot do, however, no matter how much is spent, is replace what it takes to come up with an affordable health benefits solution that works for you. Be sure to look for a health benefits company that is flexible, listens and is willing to roll up its sleeves to provide you with a package of health benefits that you can afford.

Do I Really Need a Nanny Cam

In regards to childcare, it is an unfortunate and very sad truth that parents cannot judge a book by its cover anymore when it comes to finding someone to look after their little ones. Now days, asking a few simple questions and scanning the references of the grandmother down the street is no longer safe. Some parents will conduct a reference check, but even this cannot signify whether or not someone is fit enough to take care of your children.

Naturally, scanning references is a must when looking for an individual to take on the responsibility of guiding and aiding your child when you are absent. However, is this really adequate? Even the babysitter that a neighbor or relative has used in the past does not mean they are the perfect one for the job. How could you ever tell if something transpired in between the time they looked over other children? Sometimes, your neighbor may have never known what was going on and were unaware that minor indiscretions could snowball into unforgettable life lessons.

You're not even protected if you are going through an agency that initiates background checks on applicants, as you still have to take a cautious stance when evaluating potential caregivers. Countless times, an individual appears nice in front of parents (even impressing their employers from the very start), but this demeanor can turn into something much different as time goes on.

Some people believe that devices like Nanny Cams invade the privacy of others, and maybe you think so too. But, you really need to analyze the person looking after your child when you are away. A stranger has been left in charge of your little one and that certainly calls for the right to judge their actions when you are not on the premises of your own home.

During a trial run (when you are at home), or when an employee is first hired no one gives a second thought to closely watching the nanny. Many people feel that it is a good thing to observe how this stranger will handle confrontational circumstances and solve problems in regards to your child. How is this any different than placing a Nanny Cam within the home to keep an eye out for your children? Under both circumstances, an employee is observed on how they can stick to the rules you have established for your household.

Whether or not you decide to install a Nanny Cam is really up to you. To make sure you dont step on any toes, you may tell the nanny about the extra security you have set up in the home. Bottom line the safety of your child is something you can never underestimate.