The American Academy of Ophthalmology reports that 40,000 people suffer from eye injuries related to sports every year; about one-third of these victims are children.

Protective eyewear properly fitted by an eye care professional can prevent most of these injuries. Lenses made from polycarbonate materials provide the highest level of impact protection; they can withstand a ball, or other projectile, traveling at 90 miles per hour.

Eye injuries can be devastating. Many athletes, however, don’t wear protective eyewear because they feel that injuries are uncommon.

In addition to abrasions of the cornea and bruises of the lids, sports injuries can include retinal detachments and internal bleeding. The most serious risks involve permanent vision loss along with infection. In addition, people who have sustained eye injuries are at greater risk for developing glaucoma.

Many sports create risk for eye injuries; however, protection is available for most sports, including basketball, baseball, hockey, football, lacrosse, fencing, paintball, water polo, golf and many others. Wearing properly fitted protective eyewear will not harm performance in a game; in fact, it may save your sight.

Most sporting leagues don’t require children to wear eye protection, so parents should take special care to ensure that their children wear eye protection.

When To Get Help: In the event of an eye injury, it is important to seek medical help immediately. Even a seemingly light blow can cause a serious eye injury. If a black eye, pain, or visual problem occurs after a blow, seek emergency medical help at once.

Many of your patients spend 8-12 hours a day in front of a computer. Some simple tips can make them more comfortable.

The center of the computer screen should be 4-9 inches below the eyes to form a slight downward gaze. If the computer screen is higher or lower than this, it causes an awkward posture that contributes to a sore neck, back, or shoulder.

If the screen is too low, more than 9″ below the eyes, raise the computer screen using purchased stands or old phone books.

If the screen is higher than 4″ above the eyes, lower the computer screen. If the monitor is on top of the computer, move the computer to the side or under the desk and place the screen directly on the desk surface.

Readjust the work chair making sure that feet touch the floor.

The computer screen and other work should be located straight in front of the user so that he doesn’t have to look sideways or twist his body or neck to see them.

Do the exam chairs you bought 10 or 15 years ago look a little shabby? We can bring a new look to that worn Reliance chair.

A new, full-powered Reliance 7000 can cost $6000. For as little as $1650, we can completely recondition your existing chair. We’ll strip the chair down and, if needed, rebuild the lift motor, rewire the electrical system, and fully reupholster the seat, backrest, and armrests in a contemporary color. We will provide a free loaner chair.

The patient’s chair is the focal point of your exam room. Make it look good and work well at a fraction of the cost of new.

Heine’s Lambda 100 Retinometer assesses potential acuity prior to cataract surgery and is powered by the same handle you use for your ophthalmoscope or retinoscope.

Because of its size, the Lambda 100 is easy to use, reliable, and completely portable. No slit lamp is needed. Examine the patient lying down or in a seated position without fuss or delay. A simple halogen bulb projects the image.

Another attractive feature of the Lambda 100 is its price - a considerable savings over products of similar function.