Babiators - the awesome new sunglasses for babies and kids!

Bison Vision Center is an authorized retailer of Babiators - safe, durable and awesome sunglasses for kids - for only $19.95*!

  

age 0-3 Blue Angels Blue

Babiaors are the hot new thing in kids fashion...and Babiators' lenses keeps babies and kids safe from the harmful effects of UVA and UVB rays. There is a lot of scary information out there about UV rays and sun exposure during daily activities (macular degeneration, pinguecula and pterygium - growths on the the eye's surface - cataract formation, photokeratitis (snow blindness) and skin cancer on the eyelids) but what it comes down to is being safe.

Classic Blue Angels Blue

They come in numerous colors and sizes which include Junior Babiators (ages 0-3) and Classic Babiators (ages 3-7+). And to top it off, if they have an incredible guarantee: Register your child's classes and if your child's Babiators are lost or broken, they will replace them, no questions asked! (see here for full details)

age 3-7+ Black Ops Black

Just like wearing a helmet when riding a bike, wearing UV tested sunglasses protects your precious vision. You wear sunglasses, shouldn't your kids?

For more information on how children’s eyes are different from adults’ eyes, and why UV protection is especially important for children, click here.

For more information about the UV Index, check out this document published by the EPA.

Contact us at bison@bisonvisioncenter or call 541-773-1414 or stop in our office to get a pair today!

*No tax. S&H not included, USPS Priority Flat Rate $5.80

LATISSE® Now Available at Bison Vision Center

I am very pleased announce that I am qualified as a registered provider and my staff as certified trainers and dispensers of LATISSE®. This is an incredible opportunity for those individuals who have sparse or thinning eyelashes, similar to balding, regardless of age. There are many ways to maintain or enhance your eyelashes such as mascara, fake, enhancers or extension eyelashes, or finally a medical solution.

I take my commitment to your eye health as seriously and follow reasonable protocol for eye safety, including the prescribing and dispensing of LATISSE®.. While you or your friends may have already experienced casual (i.e., non-complaint) dispensing of LATISSE® from other sources, when considering LATISSE® note that the parameters I have established are in your best health interest, allowing me to confidently prescribe LATISSE®.
  
I require baseline findings of IOP, lid color and Iris color as well as baseline visual skills and photo documentation at the patient option prior to prescribing.

Bison Vision Center will provide LATISSE® upon presentation of a valid written prescription for patients under another doctor’s care. Bison Vision Center will not provide any additional services, other than dispensing.

For Existing Patients
If you are a patient of Bison Vision Center, there is no service charge associated with the data gathering, documentation and dispensing of LATISSE® as long as all the findings currently exist in your patient chart. Occasionally some additional observations must be made and documented and there would be a nominal fee (please contact us to discuss).

For Non-Patients
Individual who are not patients of Bison Vision Center or in possession of a written prescription and under the ongoing care of another physician will be managed as follows. For only $260.00* **, Bison Vision Center will provide:

• Initial Examination (limited to LATISSE® protocol): $135.00
• Initial Photo Documentation: $125.00
• 6-Month Follow-Up with Photo Documentation: included

*Full payment is due prior to examination and dispensing of LATISSE®.
**In all instances, our billing service (MMSS) will bill your Major Medical Insurance for any allowed benefit reimbursement or plan deductible credit covered medical examination services and procedures.

About LATISSE® 
LATISSE® is a drug developed and used to treat Glaucoma. The side effect of lash growth on eyes treated with this prescription drug led to the approval of this drug as a therapeutic and cosmetic prescription treatment for thin, scattered, colorless and short lashes. LATISSE® is a drug available by prescription only.

To obtain any prescription drug, an appropriate examination must be documented in the physician’s chart, reflecting observations, tests, diagnosis and proposed therapy. A WRITTEN prescription must be presented to the dispenser and kept on file by the dispenser of the drug.

Obtaining LATISSE® even in trial form from anyone without examination and prescription is in violation of federal law and accepted standards of practice.

The examination does not need to be provided by an eye care specialist. The prescribing physician, whether a  specialist,  or general practitioner should verify that baseline Intra-Ocular Pressure findings exist in an eye care specialists records or request that an eye specialist measure and record baseline Intra-Ocular Pressure.

Eye care specialists are best prepared to document and monitor baseline ocular pressure and lid findings, subsequent changes and if necessary to monitor and treat any conditions resulting from discontinuing of LATISSE®.

Manufacturer’s Warnings

Side effects of LATISSE® include but are not limited to:

• Darkening of the lid where the drug is applied
• Permanent darkening of the Iris of the eye
• Lowering of Intra-ocular pressure (though “not to a dangerous level”) as the manufacturer literature states.

The admitted side effect of lid darkening confirms absorption by the lid. The darkening of the Iris and lowering of the pressure confirm that the agent does indeed filter into the eye itself, even though the drug is promoted for external use only.

The manufacturer does not address the effects of discontinuing LATISSE®, other than indicating that the lashes will ultimately return their pre-treated appearance and that darkening of the lid and the iris are permanent.

What is not addressed is the intraocular pressure that may have been lowered during use of LATISSE®.

Discontinuing any drug can cause rebound effects, specifically in this case returning pressure measurements not only to levels present prior to the treatment, but often to a higher level than was initially present.  The occurrence, duration and effect of this potential side effect can be best monitored by an eye care provider with the proper equipment and experience to detect, monitor and treat Glaucoma.  You may need guidance to discontinue LATISSE® safely,

Proper LATISSE® Protocol

Schedule an appointment for:

• Examination and diagnosis of existing eye lid and lash conditions.
• Documentation of baseline Intra-ocular Pressure
• Documentation Iris color before therapy
• Documentation of lid / lash profile before therapy
• Instruction and demonstration of proper use, storage and how to reduce the amount of LATISSE® used with each application.
• Photo-documentation at patient option

The doctor should:

• Create a record for each patient and document all findings.
• Provide a written prescription to obtain LATISSE® from an approved source
• Visit with the patient quarterly and then at longer intervals as success is achieved
• If there is a medical condition underlying lash pathology, major medical insurance may participate in many or all of the above steps

 Thank you and see you soon.

Dr. Doug Smith, O.D.
(aka. Doc Bison)

Vision Fatigue: Causes and Solutions

What is different about the way we live that has more and more patients increasingly fatigued? Our environment and how we function in it has drastically changed in the past few years, and has changed faster than in any other time in our history.

1. Our indoor world and media consumption habits have changed.
2. The symptoms of Computer Vision Syndrome and Digital Eye Strain include chronic headache, blurred vision and overall fatigue are more prevalent.
3. Viewing digital screens has substantially increased with the use of smart phones, tablets and computers.
4. The light transmitted from devices to and around the eyes is full of visual noise from high-energy visible (HEV) light waves that are just beyond the visible spectrum.
5. High-efficiency compact fluorescence and LED lighting have replaced inefficient incandescent bulbs.

Visit us online or call us at 541-773-1414 to schedule an appointment today with Dr. Douglas Smith, O.D. to relieve the visual stresses of your electronic world with Recharge.  

Bison Vision Center   |   585 Murphy Road   |   Medford   |   Oregon   |   97504

www.bisonvisioncenter.com   |   541-773-1414 (o)   |   541-773-5613 (f)

Quick Tips for Seasonal Allergy Symptom Relief

Depending on where you live, you could already be experiencing seasonal allergies. Here are some quick tips for quick relief. And as always, if you have questions or concerns, schedule an appointment for a full evaluation.

Tips for Happy Eyes

• Apply a cold wet wash cloth over the closed eyes when the lids or eyes are teary, red, puffy or itchy.  Do not cold pack with ice!!
• Wash your hands,  face and eyelids frequently to remove offending agents
• Over the Counter (OTC) anti-histamine products:
• Similasan Allergy Relief drops (this is a homeopathic product that is effective for some people)
• Zaditor (Ketotafin) (a safe and effective antihistamine product for ages three and older)
• To use the drops:
• Apply one drop to each eye. Form a pocket by pulling the lower lid out while looking up
• Apply the drop in the pocket from about 1” away
• Do not touch the bottle tip to the eye to avoid injury or contamination
• First days of use: apply one drop in the morning and one drop at bedtime to each eye
• When your eyes feel better after a few days, apply bedtime drops only
• If the symptoms remain under control discontinue all drops after 5 days
• If the symptoms reappear return to the AM -PM drop schedule
• Place drops 10 minutes BEFORE inserting contacts in the morning and anytime AFTER removing contact lenses for the day
• Wait 5 minutes before using any other eye drops or the effect of each drug will be reduced or eliminated 
• If symptoms are not controlled within 10 days, an in office examination is recommended

UV vs. UB Rays

This article is a bit misleading. UV protection is provided by most ophthalmic lenses and can be improved with coatings even on sunglasses. Polarization reduces the total amount of light striking the eye behind the sunglasses from a specific angle of reflection.

EXPERIMENT: find a BRIGHT GLARE OFF FROM A SURFACE. PUT ON POLARIZING LENSES AND SEE THE GLARE REDUCE, THEN TILT YOUR HEAD TOWARDS YOUR SHOULDER. NOTICE THE GLARE RETURNING...POLARIZATION PROTECTS FROM GLARE FROM THE MOST COMMON HEAD POSITION.

Schedule an appointment today to find the right sunglasses for you from our wide collection! http://www.demandforce.com/b/bisonvisioncenter/schedule

http://www.vspenvisionnewsletter.com/2013/06/uv-or-polarized-dont-get-stuck-wearing-the-wrong-shades/#.UbfJv8VoXS4.facebook

Cancers that Silently Affect the Eyes

There are many cancers that can silently affect the eyes and adjacent tissues. This article highlights what you need to know about skin cancer. Some days I refer as many patients to specialists for skin cancers as I do for Cataract surgery. Take care and be informed.

Dr. Douglas G. Smith, O.D.
(aka. Doc Bison)

Free Elderly Transportation for Appointments

Difficulty or lack of transportation for you or elderly loved ones often times deter from scheduling necessary medical appointments. Here are two great transportation services available in the Rogue Valley for those senior individuals who need rides to medical appointments.

• RVMC Transportation Services
• 541-789-5233
• No charge to seniors for medical appointments
• Must schedule a minimum of 24 hrs in advance

• TransLink
• 541-842-2060
• No chage to Medicaid patients
• Must schedule two (2) days in advance

Contact us today to schedule your appointment and we look forward to seeing you soon!

Dr. Douglas G. Smith, O.D.
(aka. Doc Bison)

Q&A with the Doc: Why Doesn't Insurance Cover Contact Lens Exams

Question: Why am I charged for a contact lens exam if I my insurance company pays for a “Comprehensive Eye Exam”?

Answer: A comprehensive eye exam includes evaluation for each eye’s focus and eye pointing capability at all distances, and an evaluation of how the eyes focus and converge. The “which is better: one or two?” portion of the exam is the refraction and results in a spectacle prescription. It also includes external and internal eye health evaluation including checks for glaucoma, cataracts and macula degeneration.

A contact lens is a synthetic device made of hard or soft plastic polymer that rests upon the living, naturally clear tissue of the cornea. Additional testing and measurements are made to assure, safe, comfortable and best possible vision correction.

I am a medically focused Optometric Physician and insist that my patients allow me to protect their eye health, in order for them to have decades of successful contact lens wear. A contact lens Examination and Fitting process requires evaluation of the lids, lashes, and corneas in order to provide the best and safest contact lens prescription. This requires extra time, training and skill on the part of the doctor. The patient must also become a student and learn from the doctor and his staff how to handle, clean, disinfects, insert and remove the lenses.

Experience and training allow me to determine the most appropriate lens for the patient, that will provide:

1. Clear vision
2. Comfortable wear
3. Safety for the eye

The patient has votes for number 1 and 2, but my vote for 3 overrides 1 and 2. I base the successful completion of the fit on how the patient adapts to the lens over a 4 to 8 week period. This requires that the patient return to my office for me to evaluate the cornea and contact lens combination during that period and annually. The contact lens examination and fitting program fees include the two months of follow-up visits and all trial lenses used for adaptation.

You may wonder why is medical monitoring of contact lens fitting necessary? Aside from the immediate benefits of a responsible fit, the long term health of the cornea is protected. Many contact lens patients convert to Lasik patients later on. If the cornea is healthy, laser surgery can proceed without an extended period of corneal rehabilitation before the patient is allowed to have the surgery. Also a healthy cornea and continuous 20/20 vision provide a best case playing field for the laser surgeon to achieve an optimal outcome.

Bison Vision Center's web-based store matches online prices of 1-800 xxxxxxxx, and delivers them to your home. As a patient of Bison Vision Center, when you purchase your contact lenses through our online store  at www.bisonvisioncenter:

• the consumer rebate coupons AUTOMATICALLY appear, reducing your cost even further;
• we provide replacement contact lenses, when a contact lens tears or you run out of lenses just before your annual exam.

Thank you. I appreciate your business and your loyalty!

Dr. Doug Smith, O.D.
(aka. Doc Bison)

Doc Bison Facts of Life: Your Vision at Work

Did you know that you can save yourself physical stress and discomfort while at work AND improve your efficiency buy maintaining good posture? Here are a few tips on how to achieve optimal results!

  

Sitting Pretty Infographics 

First and most importantly, modify your chair with cushions to follow the 90 degree rule:

•     Head over shoulders and elbows
•     Elbows at 90 degrees to torso and parallel to the floor
•     Hips and knees parallel to the floor
•     Knees above ankles
•     Keep feet flat on the floor

If you use bifocals, trifocals or progressive lenses, the center of your computer screen should be slightly lower as well as parallel to your tilted face. You should be able to look over the top of your computer screen while looking straight ahead.

The concept of "special use" glasses is becoming a reality with today’s technology. A 15", 17" and even 21” illuminated monitor is not have the same visual demand as a book or sheet of paper. While We traditionally think of “a pair” of glasses to perform successfully in all environments and for all needs day to day activities of shopping, reading and driving, work environment, and all recreational and sports activity, this is no longer the case. Especially with smartphones and the tiny screens, this is another workout for your vision. It is important to talk with me, your eye care professional, about your vision "use and needs" so we can discuss what type of glasses are best for you.

If you use a large screen, you may also need special work spectacles. We have special lens designs that allow for larger fields in the middle (CRT RANGE) and bottom (DESK LEVEL) sections of the fields while still allowing you to respond to someone who comes to your workstation without having to remove your glasses. We are always willing to discuss this very useful problem solver lens with you.

Contact our office today to schedule your appointment and we look forward to seeing you soon!

Douglas G Smith, O.D.
(aka. Doc Bison)

Sports Concussions - New Position by the American Medical Society of Sports Medicine

Recently, the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine (AMSSM) advised a new position statement on concussions in sport. I encourage everyone, whether their children or loved ones play or are involved with athletics, to read this article. 

"An athlete with concussion should not return to practice or competitive play until all symptoms have resolved, in order to avoid the risk for further injury during the vulnerable period before the brain has recovered, the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine (AMSSM) advises in a position statement on concussions in sport." -  American Medical Society for Sports Medicine (AMSSM), January 17, 2013.

The serious nature of even the mildest blow to the head, especially in youth athletes is now recognized. There does not have to be a period of unconsciousness for a concussion ( blow to the brain) to have occurred.

The brain is like a peeled grapefruit sitting in pineapple juice enclosed in a bone box, with many bony spikes and depressions in it. If you shake or hit the box hard enough the grapefruit will strike the side of the box, a spike or a depression and tear. Some grapefruit juice will leak into the pineapple juice. Also the grapefruit cells will have ruptured, or been bruised so much that they will never to hold juice again.

So much for the lesson in agricultural neurology.

Think of the magnitude  of the impact  of head to head clunks on the playground, a basketball forward coming down off the boards to hit the top of another player’s head with a pointed elbow, a full on soccer kick unintentionally striking the face of an opponent, and a missed ground ball striking a young fielder on the forehead.

“Shake it off and go back into the game”.

WRONG MOVE, COACH!!!

Pre-season Cognitive Tests should be part of a sports physical for all athletes, at all levels of play.
Some high school teams are conducting pre-season computer based Cognitive Processing screenings for their athletes. Most youth and school teams are not. Even the pre-season tested athlete is often told to shake it off and is allowed to continue to play. A sideline retest should be administered before the athlete is allowed to reenter the game, yet in the melee of a game, follow up cognitive testing is done the next day when the team is back on their own campus. One day of increased vulnerability or actual undetected damage has lapsed.

Skiers, snowboard and skateboard enthusiasts should be tested to allow reassessment after a serious head-biff on the hill or off the rail in a skateboard park.

If your child is a youth athlete, a KING-DEVIK TEST provides an accurate and repeatable  baseline test for cognitive function and speed. This test plus a sideline version administered by coaches or trainers every time an athlete has a bell ringing contact will assure parents of no hidden neurological damage.

King Devik Testing is done at Bison Vision Center. Contact us today if you are interested in a consultation at 541-773-1414.