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I N S I G H T

N e w s l e t t e r

Volume 1, Issue 1

In this issue:

Northland Eye Care Launches New Web Site.

Northland Eye Care is pleased to announce the grand opening of our web site.
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Proper UV Protection is Essential When Enjoying the Great Outdoors.

We are all aware of the damaging effects of UV to the skin, but many people are not aware that the sun can cause severe damage to the eyes as well.
Read More..

Your Newsletter Subscriptions

As a current patient of Northland Eye Care, you've been automatically added to our newsletter mailing list. However, you can easily control what emails you receive..
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Extras:

Web Site Feature: Dry Eye Treatment

The high altitude and dry air of Northern Arizona make this area one of the worst for dry eye problems. If you currently suffer with dry eye symptoms we can help.
Read More..

Other Sites: VOSH Int'l

Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity (VOSH) International facilitates the provision of vision care worldwide to people who can neither afford nor obtain such care. Dr. Thomas is an active participant in VOSH and regularly travels to countries like Guatemala to provide free eye care to the needy.
Visit VOSH

Northland Eye Care Launches New Web Site

Web SiteNorthland Eye Care is pleased to announce the grand opening of our web site at www.northlandeyecare.com. Some areas of the site are still under construction and we will be adding content regularly. In the near future you will be able to download forms, order contact lenses and eventually schedule appointments, all from the convenience of your computer. Expect to see more articles about the services we provide to our patients as well as information about eye health and more! Please visit often - and feel free to contact us with any feedback or suggestions.


Proper UV Protection is Essential When Enjoying the Great Outdoors

SunshineWith more of us heading outside to enjoy the summer activities so abundant in Northern Arizona the potential risk of damage to the eyes from ultraviolet rays from the sun increases greatly. We can't stress enough how important it is to protect your eyes every day from the sun. We are all aware of the damaging effects of UV to the skin, but many people are not aware that the sun can cause severe damage to the eyes as well. Prolonged exposure to UV rays can cause burns to the surface of the eye. And, the cumulative affect of UV damage has been linked to cataracts and age-related macular degeneration later in life.

Fortunately, adults and children can easily protect their eyes by wearing the proper sunglasses and a brimmed hat. Consumers must be careful of the type of sunglasses they purchase because not every pair offers UV protection. Just because a lens is tinted does not mean it offers UV defense. However, sunglasses that block 99 to 100 percent of UV-A and UV-B rays are widely available.

Adults at a higher risk for eye problems caused by UV rays are those that spend a large amount of time in the sun, whether for work or recreation. Also, people who have had cataract surgery or other retinal disorders, and people who take certain medicines, such as tetracycline, sulfa drugs, birth control pills, diuretics and tranquilizers, are also at special risk.

Children are more susceptible to UV damage than adults because they tend to spend more time outside than adults. We encourage parents to help protect their children's eyes by doing the following:

  • Only purchase sunglasses that offer UV protection.
  • Make sure the sunglasses fit the child's face and shield the eyes from all angles.
  • Choose lenses that are impact resistant and made of polycarbonate, never glass, unless prescribed by a doctor.
  • Always insist that children wear a brimmed hat in conjunction with their sunglasses.

Sun damage accumulates over time so teaching children to protect their eyes is an important early step toward a lifetime of healthy vision.


Your Northland Eye Care Newsletter Subscription

EmailAs a current patient of Northland Eye Care, you've been automatically added to our newsletter mailing list. However, you can easily control what emails you receive from our practice. Simply visit our newsletter management page on our web site to modify your subscription or unsubscribe from this newsletter.