IN THIS ISSUE:

Get to know ECA and the conditions that we treat

Read the doctors' bios

Common eye problems

Good reasons to protect your eyes from the winter sun

 

Sunglasses in the winter are a must!

Your eyes need protection from the sun's intense ultraviolet rays all year long.

Even though you feel less heat from the winter sun – you should still protect your eyes with sunglasses. The sunglasses you bought for summer wear are just as important during the winter months. This is because the sun's rays can still seriously damage your eyes, whether you live in cold, snowy Minnesota or sunny Los Angeles.

The winter sun sits lower in the sky and hits the earth at a different angle than during warmer seasons. Because the sun's angle is lower you actually get more exposure if you're out for a long period of time at sporting events and other outdoor activities. Snow is reflective and up to 85% of the sun’s UV rays are reflected upward.

In the short term, those winter UV rays can cause sunburned eyes. This is also known as snow blindness and it can be a big problem for skiers and snowmobilers. Without proper eye protection, snow blindness can damage the cornea for up to a week. This condition can be very painful, but heals fairly quickly.

Research indicates that the sun's ultraviolet rays may contribute to various age related eye diseases such as cataracts and macular degeneration.

The best type of protective eyewear has anti-reflective, polarized lenses that block out 100% of UV radiation. An ophthalmologist or optometrist can measure the UV protection level using an instrument called a spectrometer.

The Eye Care Associates optical stores in downtown Minneapolis and Northeast Minneapolis sell high quality sunglasses in a wide variety of styles.

Welcome to the Eye Care Associates newsletter

We thank you for being a patient and hope you will enjoy this information about our practice and your overall eye health.

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Get to know Eye Care Associates

Click here to read the doctors' bios.

Q: What types of eye problems do the doctors treat?

A: Eye Care Associates has eight ophthalmologists and two optometrists available to treat the full range of eye issues. MORE

Here are the most common vision problems that we treat:

The most common vision problems that patients experience are refractive errors, more commonly known as nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism and presbyopia. MORE

We have a new Visioffice System at our downtown eyeglass shop; City Eyewear.

This technology creates exclusive, personalized lenses with measurements so precise that patients to the world more clearly than ever before. MORE

Same day appointments are always available for acute eye problems.

CLICK HERE TO REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT

 

 

Have you considered laser vision correction?

A number of our ophthalmologists are highly experienced in helping patients eliminate or reduce their need for contacts and eyeglasses used for nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism.

Our surgeons utilize the most advanced laser vision and refractive surgery techniques. In less than 15 minutes, they can alter the shape of the cornea to improve uncorrected vision. Laser vision correction procedures are highly effective. After their procedures, most patients no longer need contacts or eye glasses for distance vision.

The Eye Care Associates ophthalmologists perform the majority of their surgeries at the renowned Phillips Eye Institute, an outstanding hospital dedicated to ophthalmic treatment and surgery. Phillips Eye Institute is located between 22nd and 24th Streets on Park Avenue in Minneapolis.

After surgery, the doctors and their staff personally attend and administer all postoperative care. At Eye Care Associates we strongly believe that surgeons provide the best postoperative care.