Wash Your Glasses 101- By Optix Eye Care

WASH YOUR GLASSES WITH SOAP AND WATER! Think about it, your glasses are on your face, do you want them stock piled with germs and debris? Not only is it good hygiene but it improves your vision and extends the lifespan of your glasses when you wash them properly. To list a few of the most common undesirables we regularly see caked in around the lenses, hinges and nose pads: dead skin cells, dried sweat build up, make up, hair products, dirt, etc. You get the point, wiping your lenses with a microfiber cloth just doesn’t cut it.

Microfiber Cloths are great when you are out and about; however they build up dirt over time. If you never fully wash your glasses and cleaning cloths you end up wiping dirt around on your lenses which will result in scratched lenses and eventually obstructed vision. You probably have seen this on your glasses at some point. It looks as though someone put hundreds of tiny circular scratches all over the lens with a super fine sand paper. If you never wash the frames, the salt in our skin as well as other beauty products dry out the frames over time which makes them more brittle and more susceptible to breakage.

HOW TO CLEAN YOUR GLASSES LIKE A PRO:  *RECOMMENDED ONCE A DAY

Wash your glassesSTEP 1: With clean hands, put a drop of dish soap on your finger tips. (Dawn, Palmolive, etc.) -Hand soaps are not recommended as they often contain lotions which can smudge the lenses.

STEP 2: Wet frames with room temperature water and rub entire frame and lenses with dish soap.      *NEVER USE HOT WATER AS IT CAN DAMAGE THE COATINGS ON THE LENSES

STEP 3: Rinse frames and lenses again with room temperature water making sure all soap is removed.

STEP 4: Dry the glasses using a clean %100 cotton or linen towel. When wet these fibers do not scratch.

  • WASH YOUR MICROFIBER CLEANING CLOTHS IN THE LAUNDRY. DO NOT USE FABRIC SOFTENERS.

If you properly clean your glasses regularly you will; reduce scratches on the lenses, improve your vision through the lenses and add longevity to your favorite frames! The moral of the story is: Wash your glasses with soap and water!

What happens if/when you get a scratch on your lens? Remember coatings are scratch resistant not scratch proof! Life happens… so you probably will get a scratch at some point and when you do, contact your optician. All the best Anti-reflective/Anti-scratch coatings provide a 1 year warranty. Take advantage of it!

Stop into Optix Eye Care (across from N. Buncombe Middle School) anytime and we are happy to adjust or clean your glasses anytime.

Natural Ways to Keep Our Bones Strong

Keeping Our Bones Strong…..

Maureen McDonnell, RN – Health Editor WNC Woman Magazine

I’ll cut right to the chase – Due to the fact that our current health care system- (which really should be renamed our “Disease Care system”) is dominated by a very powerful pharmaceutical industry, most people (including physicians) are not clued in to the fact that there are many non-pharmaceutical approaches for both preventing and in some cases, reversing osteoporosis- a condition that affects 25 million Americans -1 in 3 women and 1 in 5 men over the age of 50.

Additionally, many falsely believe that since the creation of strong bone starts when we are young and our peak bone mass is reached around age 35– that changing to a healthier diet and lifestyle later on in life could not possibly or positively impact the health of our bones.  But this is not necessarily the case.  Of course, the younger we start taking care of our bones with nutrient-rich diets and exercise the better. But as you will see, there is much we can do to help keep our bones strong at any age!

Understanding a bit about the miraculous intricacies of bone formation is helpful.  Bone is a living substance that contains blood vessels, nerves, and cells. To maintain healthy bones our body relies on a brilliantly designed, dynamic interplay between osteoclasts (cells that break down old bone to make room for new ones) and osteoblasts (cells that rebuild bones).  Problems begin when the breakdown (resorption) exceeds the rate of bone formation (absorption), resulting in a decrease in bone mass.

Typically, when it is determined that a person has weak bones and they are diagnosed with Osteoporosis, instead of honoring and supporting this perfectly designed and intricate system, drugs such as Fosamax are prescribed. Although this drug (from a class of chemicals called biphosphonates) kills the osteoclasts cells -which will prevent excessive breakdown and create denser bones, it is now known that as a result of taking this medication, eventually the bones actually become weaker!   How can this be you ask?  It happens because this particular class of pharmaceuticals interfere with the dynamic interplay between osteoclasts and osteoblasts and the end result is your bone will not go through the natural regenerative process.

As if interfering in this natural process wasn’t enough of an alarm bell, Fosamax also doubles the risk for developing atrial fibrillation, increases risk of ulcers, can cause liver damage, gastric and esophageal inflammation, renal failure, skin reactions, low blood calcium levels, Osteonecrosis (jaw bone deterioration) and serious eye inflammations (possible blindness.)

Other Options to Consider:   I think I speak for all of us when I say that our desire is to remain active and independent for as long as possible (and compared to previous generations, we are living longer)-  So given the fact that our bones have all of these important functions – they are a warehouse of minerals,  they house bone marrow (where white blood cells develop) and they shelter our vital organs (heart, brain, lungs etc.) it makes complete sense to find the best ways to do all we can to prevent the loss of bone mass and keep our bones strong without solely relying on pharmaceuticals (which in this case, may cause more harm than good.)

Lifestyle and Dietary Changes that will help create stronger bones:    

  • Diet– To obtain many of the nutrients necessary to maintain healthy bones, consuming a diet with lean sources of organic protein and an array of organic vegetables (especially green leafy ones) that are alkalizing and rich in calcium- or fresh made vegetable juice) is a great place to start.
  • Acidic vs Alkalizing foods–  Many of us in the natural health field ascribe to the idea that certain foods taken in excess –  meat, grains, sugar, alcohol, coffee (and stress for that matter)  cause our body to become acidic. Because the body must do all it can to maintain a balanced PH, an acidic condition can lead to the leaching of calcium from our bones and teeth leaving them depleted in this important bone protecting mineral. It may be wise to shift the balance by including more green vegetables, & other alkalizing foods such as legumes, an array of vegetables, nuts etc.
  • Omega 3s Healthy sources of Omega 3’s (fish oil, krill oil etc.) are good for the bones. According to a study in British Journal of Nutrition, the Omega 3 fat DHA “appears to be a vital constituent of marrow and enhances bone mineral content.”
  • Gluten Intolerance: Gluten (the sticky protein in wheat, barley, rye, some oats etc.) for some individuals (even when not diagnosed with Celiac) can prevent the absorption of nutrients needed for bone health. One study showed a Gluten Free diet minimized bone loss. (1)
  • Stop with the Sodas: Phosphorus in soda depletes our calcium supplies and diet sodas cause a greater release of calcium

 

  • 4 important nutrients: Calcium, K2, Vit D and Magnesium are required for healthy, strong bones.  These all work together and each is dependent on the other. If one is missing or not present in the right amount our bones can pay the price.  It is always best to obtain nutrients by consuming a varied, organic diet, but if diet alone is not sufficient (which may be the case due to depleted soils, high stress levels, excess toxicity, poor absorption etc.), supplementation may be necessary:
    • Calcium (food sources include sesame seeds, sardines, spinach, almonds, Swiss cheese, goats milk, collard greens etc.)
    • Vitamin K2 is referred to as the biological glue which helps calcium get absorbed into the bone matrix (food sources: egg yolk, butter, fermented dairy, fermented vegie or natto)
    • Vitamin D (best source-15 minutes per day of sun exposure) May want to consider getting your Vitamin D level checked and if it is below 50 consider supplementing & recheck after 3-6 months.
    • Magnesium (beans, nuts, green leafy vegetables, organic brown rice)

According to Dr. Joseph Mercola, MD “Many experts believe most bone health issues today aren’t due to insufficient calcium. Rather, it’s a lack of the other nutrients, vitamins K2 and D, and magnesium that may be putting people’s bone health at risk. The balance of bone-building nutrients is what truly matters. Too much calcium, or calcium without its other co-nutrients can be hazardous to your health, especially for your heart and arterial health. Calcium can end up in the wrong places in your body especially if taken without vitamin K2.”  The type of calcium you take also makes a difference as many calcium supplements tested had unsafe levels of lead.

 

  • Smoking: studies have also shown smoking cigarettes increases the rate of bone loss (2)
  • Alcohol– consuming more than 2 drinks a day (for men) and 1 drink (for women) interferes with the body’s ability to absorb calcium which slows down the formation of new bone. (3)
  • Exercise is considered by many to be as important to bone health as eating a diet that is rich in calcium and other bone protecting nutrients. If you don’t get the right kind of exercise, bones can lose their density, become brittle and break more easily. A Surgeon General’s report suggests 30 minutes of weight bearing physical activity (exercises that force you to work against gravity) of moderate intensity on most days (if not daily) and strength training at least 2 x per week.  This type of exercise stimulates osteoblasts (bone building cells) Mercola suggests “a good exercise to include in your routine is a walking- lunge. This helps build bone density in your hips, even without additional weights.”

 

  • Natural progesterone cream: Consider discussing its use (which is definitely NOT a synthetic version of progesterone) with your naturally oriented health practitioner.

Natural Progesterone cream can help promote the osteoblasts (cells that build bone).  Depending on whether a woman is still menstruating, pre or post menopausal will determine how many days of the month the cream is to be applied.  So do check with your health care provider. Normal bone loss accelerates during and after menopause for about 5-7 years before returning to the slightly slower rate than men experience so adding this soy or wild yam derived natural hormone might be helpful.

 

  • Certain drugs can negatively impact bone health. Statins for instance- (a 29 billion/per year industry, used to lower cholesterol) often interfere with K2 and can increase one’s risk of deficiency.  Antidepressants we know alter serotonin levels which can lower bone density.

Most startling of all, as mentioned previously, drugs given to treat Osteoporosis can weaken bones.

Summary: Having strong dense bones  is key to living a happy, productive, active and independent life.   No matter what stage of life we find ourselves in (but especially as we age) honoring  this incredible gift we’ve been given by loving and taking care of your bones makes total sense.  Since bone loss is symptomless (often referred to as “The Silent Thief”) and the only way to know if your bones are strong is to have a bone density test done regarulary – go do that!    Additionally, exercise and find a health care provider who is well versed in the specific nutrients, diet and lifestyle components necessary to keep your bones strong.  If all that is in place, and medications are still necessary, then so be it, but at least you will be a knowledgable and active participant in your health!  As Betty Davis once said “getting older aint for sissys”.   Many interpret this quote in a negative way – I believe she was encouraging us to be bold, step up and self educate ourselves about ways to stay healthy so we can be the  happiest and strongest version of ourselves as we age!

Contact Maureen McDonnell, RN for a private health consultation ([email protected]).  She has been a passionate, outspoken, holistic, nutritionally-oriented RN for 40 years and the Health Editor of WNC Woman Magazine for 6 years.

 

  1. J Gastroenterol.2001 Jan:96(1):11209 Osteoporosis in a North American adult population with Celiac,Meyer D,et al.
  2. J Bone Miner Res 1999 Feb:14(2):215-20 Smoking increases bone loss & decreases intestinal calcium absorption, Krall EA et all
  3. NIH Home Publications, Alcohol & Other factors affecting Osteoporosis Risk in Women, H. Wayne Sampson, PhD

 

Mangum Pottery’s Art Safari benefit for Reems Creek Greenway

10% of all sales at Mangum Pottery will go to the Reems Creek Greenway during the weekend of the Weaverville Art Safari, Saturday and Sunday, April 29th and 30th. Come enjoy the art and the mountains and support a good cause. for more info about the Reems Creek Greenway go to:

https://www.facebook.com/ConnectReemsCreek/

New Store in Progress…

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The Shope’s Furniture store was one of the first building in our lovely town of Weaverville.  It is rich in history and life.  It has been a family furniture store for the past 102 years.  Before that, it was home to a variety of different things including the town hall, the post office and even the jail.   We are excited to be part of the next incarnation of life in this place with so many stories. If you would like to read up more about not only out new space but also our great little town, here are a few articles by much better writers than myself:

http://www.citizen-times.com/story/life/2016/11/07/carole-currie-shopes-weaverville-institution-closes/93074786/

https://www.ourstate.com/weaverville/

Opening Soon Sign

Some of the exciting changes in store are, a new quilt shop (that is us), an adorable embroidery shop (Sassy Jack’s Stitchery) and brand-spanking new brewery (DJ may never want to leave work again).  In the near future there will also be local art work on display and a few other surprises…stay tuned for those.

While trying to keep the authenticity of the building but making it inhabitable for new retail shops, there have been many changes during the renovations.   The electrical and plumbing are not up to today’s building codes.  The heating and air-conditioning systems are sorely out or date and we don’t even need to talk about the paint and carpeting…

Here are some pictures of what the space looked like when we signed our lease:

Here are some pictures of the renovations in progress:

We can’t wait for you all to see it when it is finished!

February is Age-Related Macular Degeneration Awareness Month

Yesterday 833 people went blind in the United States from Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

According to the National Eye Institute (NEI): The #1 line of defense for preventing blindness is a yearly comprehensive eye examination.

Not all eye examinations are the same!

Here is a typical eye examination:

TYPICAL EYE EXAM

FEBRUARY IS MACULAR DEGENERATION AND LOW VISION AWARENESS MONTH

This month is Macular Degeneration and Low Vision awareness month.  If you are a patient of mine- you know my passion for prevention, especially when it comes to Macular Degeneration.

Unfortunately, I see this disease every day in my practice- multiple times a day.  I used to just see it in elderly people, but I’m starting to see it in younger and younger people.  It is truly becoming an EPIDEMIC!

How do you combat an epidemic?      PREVENTION AND AWARENESS

One of the most impactful ways you can protect your maculae and give them the best environment to perform optimally is by increasing your macular pigment.

MACULAR PIGMENT

When your eye doctor looks inside your eyes, he/she cannot see this very special protective layer.

The DENSITOMETER, which uses heterochromatic flicker photometry, has been used to measure carotenoids in the macula in most research for the past 20 years.  The technology was developed at Brown University, and they developed an instrument that can be used clinically (see below).

DENSITOMETER

The Densitometer is non-invasive and non-painful.  It takes about 8 minutes to perform. At Optix, we charge $10.00 to perform the test.

Who should have the test?

  • Have a family history of Macular Degeneration
  • Have Macular Degeneration or precursor signs of Macular Degeneration
  • Light complexion
  • If they are exposed to a lot of blue light- outdoors (which is our biggest exposure) or indoors from fluorescent lighting, LED lighting or in front of LED screens- computers, iPads, iPhones, etc.
  • Poor nutrition, smokers, systemic illnesses such diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, overweight

Honestly, I encourage everyone who is over the age of 21 to perform the test, because the earlier you get started on prevention for this devastating disease- the better!

Thankfully, if your levels are low, you can build them up.  There are 3 and only 3 carotenoids that accumulate in the macula to build up the macular protective pigment layer: Lutein (L), Zeaxanthin (Z), and the most potent of all 3 and the hardest one to get in our diet- Mezozeaxanthin (MZ).

Depending on your macular pigment levels, and the amount of risk factors you have for developing the disease, would depend on whether or not I would prescribe a supplement to help build up your macular pigment levels.  The supplement I prescribe is called Macuhealth.  It is the only one that has all 3 carotenoids in the right proportions to most effectively build up the macular pigment. (Macuhealth is patented).  We carry Macuhealth at Optix.

The latest research follows a common theme: macular pigment is important, and increasing macular pigment correlates with increased vision and visual performance.  Studies, show, and I have confirmed in my practice, when prescribing Macuhealth for vision improvement, it can be measured via contrast sensitivity and electrophysiologic testing.

The results mirror the positive findings in the AREDS  2 (Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2) in the US regarding benefits of L and Z in macular degeneration patients, particularly in those individuals whose diets are deficient in the carotenoids.  Dietary recommendations range in various countries from 6mg to 12mg.  Most humans only get about 2mg daily through food sources.

Which brings me to the very controversial topic of the AREDS 2.  There is so much misinformation when it comes to the marketing surrounding supplementation.

When you go to the drugstore and look at all the “eye vitamins” down the aisle, you will see written on the box, “No 1 doctor-recommended brand, and the only clinically proven formula.”  You think you are doing something good for your eye health by taking it, right?

What if supplements faced the same scrutiny from the FDA as prescription drugs?

If they did, then it would also say on the bottle- there is no clinically proven benefit to taking the AREDS 2 formula for patients without Macular Degeneration or even those with mild disease, only a moderate benefit for those with intermediate to severe disease.

It would also say on the label that high levels of zinc have been linked to the development of Alzheimer’s disease and prostate cancer.  The label would state that if you have the wrong genetics, the high dosage of zinc might accelerate the progression of Macular Degeneration.

Furthermore, the label would state that other studies found that Vitamin C and E have no effects on the development of AMD.

What’s really exciting is where the latest research is shifting.  Carotenoids in the macula are being looked at as a biomarker for carotenoid changes in the brain tissue in vivo and correlating these changes with cognitive decline and chronic diseases such as glaucoma and Alzheimer’s disease.

More to come on this as the research develops.

In Good Health,

Dr. Kim Walters

References:

The Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2 Research Group. JAMA. 2013;309 (19):2005-2015. doi:10.1001/jama.2013.4997

Awh CC, et al. Ophthalmology. 2015;122(1):162-169; doi:10.1016/j.optha.2012.o1.053.

Christen WG, et al. Ophthalmology. 2012;119(8):1642-1649; doi: 10.1016/j.ophtha.2012.o1.053.

Leitzmann MF, et al. J Natl Cancer Inst. 2003; 95:1004-1007.

Winter vistor to Dry Ridge Inn

A visitor just outside our breakfast area, overlooking our pond and patio.

 

Dry Ridge Inn

New Year, New Glasses, NEW YOU!

New year, New Glasses, NEW YOU!

If you’re thinking about making a change I suggest starting with a new frame! When you greet anyone the first thing you do is make EYE CONTACT! Whether you like it or not this means your glasses are one of the first things people see. There is a reason the expression is “head to toe” and not the other way around. Why is it normal then to have multiple pairs of shoes but only one pair of glasses? Yes, the average pair of glasses costs more than a pair of shoes, however, over the course of a year, glasses are not really what breaks the bank. Hair, makeup, nails… most women spend at least twice as much on these beauty upkeeps every year than they do on the glasses they put on their faces!

 

The analogies are endless and different for everyone but the argument is the same… GLASSES ARE ON YOUR FACE and the first thing people see! Glasses also determine how well we see the world around us. What good is a HDTV screen if the lenses we use to see that screen are distorted or scratched?

 

I have been fitting glasses for nearly 12 years now. It never gets boring because the possibilities and combinations of styles and personalities are endless. Yes, there are good fits and bad fits but there are so many different and great fit options out there… HAVE SOME FUN! If you are a contact lens wearer why not give your eyes a break? Go bold and start mixing glasses into your wardrobe more often.

STEP OUT OF YOUR BOX, literally! Consider trying on ROUND frames! Almost daily I hear people declare “I don’t look good in round glasses.” With the right round shape that same person later admits round looks “surprisingly good”. There are endless articles that will tell you what frame shape looks best on your face shape… They are about as helpful as someone telling you that if you have a white canvas you should paint with black. It’s unnecessarily limiting and a huge over simplification of fitting glasses. THERE ARE NO SET IN STONE RULES!

 

WOOW glasses in blue

WOOW Eyewear: So What 1

Prodesign glasses in blue tortoise

ProDesign: Danish Heritage 4733

CONSIDER COLOR! Blue is finally blowing up as an option for men and women in many collections and it is more and more popular with a wide range of available looks.

Woow glasses in blue

WOOW Eyewear: Marry Me 1

 

Barton Perreira glasses in purple

Barton Perreira: Cassady in Voodoo Child

Veronika Wildgruber glasses in purple

Veronika Wildgruber: Victoria

Purple is and has been for years the most popular by far for women. Even women who say they hate the color purple often find it to be one of the most flattering and versatile colors to wear on their face with any wardrobe.

 

 

 

 

FRAMELESS… BREAKING MY OWN RULES… Generally I find that rimless glasses can make a person look older than they actually are. Most people try to avoid this! Recently, Silhouettes came out with the Pulse collection that is so fun and playful, it breaks this generalization! We love the new shapes and you can’t beat the comfort!

Rimless Glasses

Silhouette: Titan Minimal Art-PULSE

Fitting glasses is an artform. There are basic guidelines, but it is a skill that one crafts over time. Not everyone has the same tastes but a big part of an opticians success is in their ability to find the style that makes the individual look good AND feel comfortable with their new image and improved vision.

Whether you are itching for a change, or you’re convinced the pair you have been wearing for the past 4-6 years is as good as it gets… STOP INTO OPTIX FOR A FREE STYLING SESSION! If you think you are a hard fit, TEST OUR SKILLS and frame selection!  No obligation to buy! Just let us show you what a transformation a frame change can make!

 

Winter is great for Glass Blowing! Come join us and take a private lesson!

HAPPY 2017!! Winter is Glass Blowing weather for sure! We are back to our “regular” hours- Tuesday thru Sat 10-5pm, and back to work at a more relaxed and thoughtful pace. Gearing up for the next festive offering, we have been making lots of new glass hearts, and some incredible one-of-a-kind Venetian inspired Goblets….just the kind to toast your sweetie with..or be King/Queen for the Day!

2017 will also bring more opportunities to join us at the Glass Studio with our Winter Warmup weekend the first weekend in February, featuring, you guessed it- hot glass and a Valentine-themed Gallery. Also, since we LOVE our loyal customers soooo much, we will have a very special seconds sale to pass the love around starting Friday Feb. 4th-5th. Stay posted and check in on our Facebook page : Crucible Glassworks : Glass Studio & Gallery for the latest on this Special Weekend!

Crucible Glassworks Annual Ornament Extravaganza this Friday Dec 16-17th! Opening reception 12/16 6pm

Join us this Friday December 16th & Saturday the 17th  for our Annual Glass Ornament Extravaganza Sale and Celebration of the Holidays!! Opening Reception will be from 6-9pm Friday night, join us for some refreshments and late night Glass demos and merriment! The sale will continue throughout both days, so get there early and stay late (:

As a special reward to all those shoppers who live last minute lives a special store-wide discount of 15%-20% off everything in the Gallery will be happening, as well as the lowest prices on Ornaments all year!

Crucible Glassworks= where last minute= awesome!

Cheers!

Small Business Saturday at Art Accents

Think Local!  Saturday, November 26th is Shop Small Saturday and Weaverville is the perfect place to come and support your local businesses. Stop by Art Accents Frame Shop for a one day only sale–20% off everything in the shop (with the exclusion of Marcus Thomas’ prints).  From custom framing, ready-made mats and frames, to framed artwork, everything is on sale.  Not quite ready for framing?  Stop by and pick up your 20% off discount coupon for use at your convenience. Open 10-4. We hope to see you soon!  Thanksgiving blessings to all.