Spring 2016
www.akreclarkeyecare.com
A Revolutionary Solution to Blue-Light Blues
Dr. Gene Clark
Smartphones, tablets and computers have created a modern life with a
speedy, all-access convenience that we all love. But how have these
gadgets affected our health and vision?
Health experts warn that these electronic devices come with a flip side:
• Impaired sleep for children and adults and a possible connection between
poor sleep and symptoms that are remarkably similar to attention-deficit
hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) for our children*
• Digital eye strain and fatigue leading to computer vision syndrome**
• Evidence that blue-wave-length light increases the risk of age-related
macular degeneration (AMD), most common for those 50+ years in age***
The high-energy visible (HEV) or blue light from these devices tricks the brain into thinking it is still light outside,
and the production of melatonin, which aids sleep, occurs in the dark. Lack of sleep can cause an increase in
hyperactivity and trouble focusing on tasks, maladies that mirror ADHD. In the short term, damaging blue light
can also cause blurry vision, difficulty in focusing, dry and irritated eyes. Long-term exposure can lead to the
gradual oxidation and deterioration of the macula, leaving our eyes exposed and susceptible to developing
macular degeneration.
A recent eMarketer study determined the average U.S. adult spent over 5 hours per day online, on non-voice mobile
activities and/or tablets and an average of 4.5 hours watching TV. That adds up to 9.5 hours of blue-light absorption
from these devices. Our children also have significant use patterns, so significant that parents try to monitor
their “screentime.”
Revolutionary technology has an answer.
BluTech Lenses provide an ultimate solution to these health concerns. BluTech technology offers a
protective barrier by directly infusing the perfect amount of ocular lens pigment and melanin into the lenses.
This patented technology protects from UV rays and harmful, high-energy blue light without
altering or distorting color perception.
Benefits of BluTech Lenses:
• UV ray and high-energy blue-light protection; you have more energy
• Natural depth and color perception; your vision is crisp and clear
• Improves visual acuity and night vision; you feel more confident in low-light situations
• Improves contrast and reduces glare; your eyes aren’t tired and dry
• High-impact resistance; you have more protection when being active
Our patients enjoy BluTech lenses for both indoor and outdoor environments and BluTech lenses are available in
prescription and non-prescription lenses. Contact our office at 507.354.8531 if you have concerns about excessive
blue-light exposure for yourself or loved ones, and if any family members have a history of age-related
macular degeneration.
*Miami Herald, Children’s sleep disorders on the rise as local clinics work on treatments. **AOA, 2015 American Eye-Q Survey.
***AOA, Light and Eye Damage, Gregory W. Good, O.D., Ph.D.
1715 South Broadway, P.O. Box 727
New Ulm, MN 56073-0727
It’s our May Sale! See inside for details...
75 off
50 off
$
Eyeglasses, frame and lenses, with eye exam –
Eyeglasses, frame and lenses, without eye exam – $
Technology offers Earlier Detection and Better Outcomes
Dr. Kevin Cassin
A NASA camera on the Deep Space Climate Observatory (DSCOVR) satellite has returned its
first view of the entire sunlit side of the Earth from one million miles away. We don’t have that
camera available to us but…Drs. Akre & Clark was one of the first in the nation to acquire the
Panoramic 200C Scanning Laser Ophthalmoscope (Optos). This technology has an ultra-wide,
200° field of view versus 45° which most competitive industry cameras provide.
This technology offers a distinct advantage in providing a panoramic perspective to enhance detection of retinal
disease compared to a dilated-pupil fundus eye exam alone. A study conducted by researchers at the New England’s
College of Optometry’s New England Eye Institute has shown that image-assisted eye examination enhances
clinicians’ ability to detect retinal pathology by 15% and 41% compared to traditional
dilated-pupil fundus exam alone.
Why is this so important?
Many diseases of the eye, as well as diseases that affect the circulation and the brain
can manifest themselves in the retina. These include ocular diseases, such as macular
degeneration and glaucoma. A number of systemic diseases also affect the retina. Complications of such systemic
diseases include diabetic retinopathy from diabetes, hypertensive retinopathy from cardiovascular disease, and
multiple sclerosis. It’s our commitment at Drs. Akre & Clark to stay at the technology forefront of our profession to
ensure our patients of early detention–which always leads to the best outcomes.
www.akreclarkeyecare.com
Daily Disposable Contacts Lenses
offer Daily Benefits
Dr. Rebecca Huisken
Daily disposable contact lenses provide everything you need to keep pace with your
active lifestyle: uncompromised comfort, easy lens insertion and removal and a
highly breathable lens that helps provides a healthier lens-wearing experience.
There are many advantages to wearing “Dailies:”
• You never have to clean them–Forget about the nightly cleaning routine and the purchases
of solution bottles. At the end of a long day, simply toss them away and go to bed.
• Dailies feature the easiest easy-to-remember wear schedule–No more calendar reminders
about replacing your contacts. Take them out at night, and get a fresh pair every morning.
• They may help with eye allergies–With less time for deposits to build up, daily contacts give
allergies less of a chance to flare. Also, a fresh, smooth lens surface every day is gentler on irritated eyes.
• Great with teenagers! With all that’s going on from school to sports to social lives, teenagers are apt to forget or
ignore cleaning and changing contacts. Dailies make cleaning unnecessary and changing a breeze.
The new Daily Disposable Contact Lenses can be the answer to maximizing convenience and minimizing
corneal infection. The daily lens will always have fewer deposits, especially proteins, which over time can
lead to chronic inflammation that can make contact lens wear intolerable. Dailies are available in toric,
bifocals, and a variety of tints.
If you would like to discuss the contact lens technologies now available,
please contact our office at 507.354.8531 to schedule an appointment.
It’s Vera Bradley
We all know there is one designer that we can count on, season after season, to use fearless patterns and bold
colors. It’s Vera Bradley. The Vera Bradley’s eyeglass collection was created not to blend in, but to stand out.
These designer frames are stylish and a must-have for the season.
On March 10, we had a great turnout for our
Spring Trunk Show featuring Vera Bradley,
XOXO and Ducks Unlimited, but if you didn’t
make it, not to worry! Stop in soon and check
out the hottest frames and coolest trends
for spring!
Krista Riggs, won the Vera Bradley bag at the trunk show.
2 Great Offers
for Spring!
$75 off all eyeglasses,
with purchase of
prescription lenses,
with eye exam May 2 – 31, 2016
OR
$50 off all eyeglasses,
with purchase of
prescription lenses,
without an eye exam May 16 – 21, 2016
507.354.8531
1715 South Broadway, New Ulm, MN
www.akreclarkeyecare.com
*Not good on previous purchases, cannot be combined with other discounts or insurance packages, and good only on frames over $100. All orders must be paid in full at time of purchase.
Bring this coupon to your office visit & register for a
chance to win a $25 Perkins Gift Certificate.
A Tough Performer that lets
you focus on your game. Now
at Drs. Akre & Clark!
If performance is important to you
and looking great comes in a close
second–stop in and check out the
Under Armour Eyewear Collection!
Once you slip on a pair of Under
Armour Eyewear, well…the
competition doesn’t stand a chance!
• The lenses feature patented Advanced Peripheral Vision technology (APV),
which eliminates distortion and provides up to 20 percent more peripheral vision.
• The eyewear is constructed so athletes can focus on their game—an anti-bounce
nose bridge virtually eliminates movement and vibration.
• A three-point grip system supplies a non-slip fit.
• A cushioned temple hinge depletes shock and provides a custom fit.
• Frame materials (titanium fused with grilamid) add ultra lightweight and superior strength.
• Under Armour Eyewear available in prescription and nonprescription.
Drs. Akre & Clark in the community:
Kaye Rysdahl, an eighth grader, requested that Drs. Akre & Clark’s doctors and staff
participate in her science fair project for the regional science fair in Mankato on
February 1. Kaye encouraged everyone to practice “parachute-breathing” exercises and
improve their lung-air capacity. It worked and Kaye continued on to the STATE
competition! Congratulations, Kaye! Thanks for helping us breathe deeper☺
The Women’s Networking Event took place February 25 with Dr. Huisken, Patty
and Tracie, along with 253 other participants, enjoying guest speaker, Willow
Sweeny, at “Mingle with a Purpose, Heels and All.” Willow is the co-founder of
Top 20 Training that helps others to develop their potential through social and
emotional skills and develop more effective workplace teams and culture.
Patty Potter, Lead Technician/Refractionist (front row, left) Tracie Schmidt, Optician (sitting next to Patty)
Insight
Drs. Akre & Clark on the air – KNUJ-AM 860 and SAM-FM 107.3
Tune in Saturdays, 8:30 a.m. (CST) for this five-minute
informational show.