Indianapolis Glasses

Dr. Tavel's Vision Blog would like to clear up a confusing eye health myth once and for all.
Eye Health Myth #2 from EyeCare America is something I again have been told growing up by my parents and this time grandparent’s too-eating carrots help your vision and eye sight.  This is TRUE!

My parents and grandparents were right with this myth as carrots do help maintain good sight.  Being rich in Vitamin A and beta-carotene, carrots help our eyes adjust to light from outside conditions to inside conditions as well as keep eye membranes moist for the best eye sight.  Vitamin A is commonly called retinol.

Not a carrot fan?  Nutritionists, Indianapolis optometrists, and eye care doctors across the state agree that there are plenty of other foods rich in both Vitamin A and beta-carotene to help your eye sight.  Other top sources of Vitamin A are egg yolk, cheddar cheese, and fortified milk.  Beta-carotene can be found in other fruits and vegetables with deep orange or yellow colors like cantaloupe, mangos, peaches, sweet potatoes, and apricots.  Pumpkins too have beta-carotene so as we enter into fall enjoy some pumpkin treats common this season to help your eyes.

Help dispel this myth and eat carrots!  Carrots may not completely be the answer though and you may need to buy eye glasses or contact lenses in Indianapolis or your home city to see clearly.  Carrots tend to be the best food though to help maintain good vision simply because they have both Vitamin A and beta-carotene.

Myth #2 is dispelled!

No one can quite beat one thing in life and that is aging.  We all may come from different backgrounds, have various likes, dislikes, and opinions but regardless of our multiple differences we all share the common ground that each day we grow older.  One of the inevitable facts of aging (beyond the grey hair and wrinkles) is cataracts which is the clouding of the eye’s lens.

Cataracts will most likely affect all of us after age 70 as Dr. Chi-Wah (Rudy) Yung, director of the comprehensive ophthalmology service at the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Eye Institute at Indiana University School of Medicine, said about one of the most common eye diseases where the eyes natural lens is clouded causing vision to be blurry.  Dr. Yung comments about cataracts and their risk factors in the Indianapolis Star article, “If you live to your 70s, you will likely develop cataracts.”

How can this common symptom of aging be fixed?  First, cataracts must be detected with a dilated eye exam which can be done by a vision doctor at an Indiana vision center.  A dilated eye exam will not only detect cataracts in the eyes but other eye diseases like glaucoma.  Having this done can determine whether a surgery should be completed or whether you should buy eye glasses with a higher prescription.  Both may be necessary but together they can help eliminate cataracts and save your vision.

Wearing sunglasses that block harmful UV-rays to protect your eyes, stopping smoking, and controlling blood sugar if diabetic are Dr. Yung’s as well as Dr. Tavel’s tips to prevent this aging eye disease (along with visiting your eye doctor of course!)
 

Macular degeneration (AMD) was something I knew about before I entered the optical industry.  My grandfather has it and has personally been dealing with this life altering impairment for over a decade.  I first really understood my grandpa’s situation years ago when the family discussed buying a special reading machine for him as his vision was so poor that even the highest prescription of glasses could not help him see to read or enjoy sporting events on the television screen-his favorite pastime.

This was heartbreaking for him and our entire family as he struggled to recognize words on a page, street signs, and eventually even faces of his family and friends. According to Allaboutvision.com, 1.75 million American’s struggle alongside my grandfather with losing their vision from AMD as it is the leading cause of vision loss and blindness for older American’s.  It affects those  55 and older as dark spots (new blood vessels) form in the middle of the visual field making vision very difficult.

For my grandfather, the projection screen making text large enough to read and buying eye glasses with strong prescription lenses have helped him see.  For other American’s with AMD treatments like my grandfather’s aren’t enough so that a new device mentioned in Sunday’s Indianapolis Star article, “Device may improve sight,” might be their answer for better vision.  An implantable telescope has been approved by the FDA to be placed in the eye to replace the lens and thus reading and recognizing faces becomes much easier.

Only one telescope is inserted in an eye so that those with the impairment have the remaining eye to help them with peripheral vision which this implant cannot provide.  Those with AMD can be treated with these visual implants by vision doctors at 14 locations across the nation.  This implant will aid vision and improve the lives of those affected with AMD but sadly it is not a cure so that those like my grandfather will still have to cope with the overall affects of losing their vision which is devastating.

Preventative methods like annual visits to an Indiana vision center and eye examinations by eye care doctors can help in the care of aging eyes prone to AMD.  Being patient with those losing their vision is important and I have become the “eyes” for my grandfather at family events as we make the most of this vision impairment.

If I have to be open and honest (and I will be here) I am a bit of a hypochondriac.  Nothing too severe but I am definitely an over-thinker and worrier when it comes to major illnesses or health concerns.  Recently I read up on multiple sclerosis or as it is commonly abbreviated, MS.  I had heard about MS before in the media and just from being intrigued by the world of medicine and healthcare, but I didn’t really understand the disease until I looked further. 

After some research I found a connection with MS and eye health.  Vision symptoms such as blurry vision, complete loss of vision in one or both of the eyes, or pain during eye movement are connected to MS.  Other symptoms I found are fatigue, numbness in the face and body limbs, walking/coordination problems, sexual dysfunction, cognitive problems, bladder and bowel problems, spasticity or muscle stiffness and involuntary movements.  Someone with MS could have many of these symptoms or just a few which makes diagnosing the disease very difficult.

Looking deeper into eye health and MS, I found that optic neuritis can be one of the first presenting symptoms of MS and it is an inflammation of the optic nerve.  Optic neuritis typically affects one eye and the loss of vision may develop over a period of days to weeks which can be very scary.  A Dr. Tavel optometrist in Indianapolis or at one of our other Indiana vision centers can help detect symptoms such as optic neuritis as well as double vision or nystagmus.  Nystagmus is the involuntary rhythmically repeated oscillations in one or both eyes in any or all fields of gaze.  By performing a routine eye examination, optometrists can decipher if symptoms such as these may be related to MS or other diseases. 

MS affects the body’s central nervous system as communication between nerves is interrupted resulting in these varying symptoms mentioned above.  MS should be on my radar as a 20-something as adults between the ages of 20-40 typically are diagnosed with the disease although children and teens can suffer too.  My findings from my research just go to show me how truly vital it is to get a yearly eye examination for not only my visual health but my overall health!

Blog By: Lauren Tavel

Showing your farm animals or simply working at the state fair takes a lot of hard work. The past few days (weeks really) Indiana has been overwhelmed with humidity, heat advisories and bright sunlight while those Indiana farmers and state fair employees stand around the Indiana State Fair without air conditioning all day and night!

Last week when I went to the fair, I only got a hint of what they have to cope with every day. Everyone was squinting.  As I began eating my ear of corn and walking around with my Purifier polarized sunglasses on, I looked at everybody’s faces. Tinted lenses only reduce the amount of light our eyes can notice and help our eyes to avoid squinting, but they don’t block out that blinding glare. Why waste the money on sunglasses that don't completely work for you? Clip-on’s and Fit-over’s are a hassle to those who are on the move for most of the day like those at the fair. And that’s only the beginning of why Purifier polarized lenses are the way to go for sunglasses.

I have a friend that shows dairy cattle at the state fair. He knows polarized Purifier lenses are the best for all outdoor activities. His Purifier lenses change from a copper color to fight the road glare while driving providing sharper and clearer images on the way into Indianapolis, and then become a dark reddish brown color to better block the bright light when outside in the sun.  His sunglasses when outside help to create more vibrant and alive colors in the fair conditions while unloading his cows into the cattle barn. Polarized Purifier sunglasses also protect your eyes from harmful UV radiation.

Being at the fair all day, I noticed how much polarized Purifier lenses become a necessity around 6 o’clock as the sun sets. Can you imagine having to work all day in the blazing heat on top of the reflecting light off the pavement?  All of the garbage collectors, policemen and first aid workers at the fair riding around on the golf carts would benefit greatly from Purifier polarized lenses. Polarized lenses can help them get around the fair crowd safely. Without the glare, they would be sure not to hit anyone!

So bring on the sunshine Indiana and remember to wear Purifier polarized sunglasses at the fair! 

Fair ends on Sunday!  The bright sun doesn't leave when the fair does though so be sure to block the glare from your eyes and wear Purifier polarized sunglasses!
 

It’s the little things that matter the most, always.  Time and time again patients tell Dr. Tavel that it is indeed the little things done for them that make a difference in their experience with Dr. Tavel Family Eye Care and this is why they continue to come back year after year. 
 

In Shelbyville, it was Senda putting a patient’s needed lenses in another frame while a new prescription was made in his current frames.  The patient could not go without his glasses and was worried about the time he wouldn’t have them.  Senda and Dr. Tavel solved this problem by simply transitioning the existing lenses into another frame while the new lenses were being made to be put in the existing frames which the patient wanted to keep.  This small act made a world of difference for this patient as this patient said, “It is great to know that there are still places that care about their patients.”
 

In Fisher’s, it was Stephanie helping an anxious new dad whose glasses had been broken and he was unable to see clearly enough to drive home to New York.  Stephanie arranged it so that this patient could receive new lenses the same day from the Dr. Tavel Lab and he could be on his way home with his daughter.
 

It’s Dr. Kautzman who made an eye examination relaxing for a patient and answered all of the questions the patient had about his eye health and prescription.  By doing this, Dr. Kautzman helped this patient understand the importance of vision care and this patient walked away with new glasses helping him see clearly. This patient said, “My time with Dr. Tavel Family Eye Care was a strong experience that was relaxed and comfortable.  I am a patient for life!”
 

It is all of these little things and so many more that patients share with us about their Dr. Tavel Family Eye Care experiences that have made a difference.
 

Blog by: Lauren Tavel

Your eyesight is vital. As one of the five senses we value, it is important to care for your eye health and prevent any vision loss. The first step in doing so is choosing an eye doctor that’s best suited for your needs. Whether it’s simply scheduling annual eye exams to check for diseases and infections, or getting glasses and lenses or premium contact lenses, you want an eye doctor that is qualified, has the right training and experience, and offers the services you need.  An eye care doctor should be knowledgeable, and show genuine care for his or her patients’ health.

Either your optometrist (OD) or ophthalmologist (DO or MD) should be certified through an accredited medical institution and should be licensed to practice through the state board of optometry or state medical board. Out of Dr. Tavel’s twenty-two eye care doctors, we have twenty one certified optometrists and one ophthalmologist that are licensed to practice. Our Columbus eye doctors are optometrists as well as our Bloomington, Indianapolis and Anderson eye doctors.  Our ophthalmologist, Dr. Regenstreif, works at our Kokomo location.

But which one is right for you; an optometrist or an ophthalmologist?  Both kinds of doctors can help you take care of your vision and protect your sight for the future.  Optometrists specialize in vision services such as eye examinations, treatment of conditions like amblyopia and strabismus, and diagnose conditions such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, and conjunctivitis. Optometrists can prescribe medications for specific eye conditions, prescribe eyeglasses and contact lenses and can aid in diagnosing eye diseases and injury prevention services.  An ophthalmologist provides complete vision care including eye exams, medical and surgical eye care for instances such as glaucoma, iritis, chemical burns, cataracts, crossed eyes, tumors, trauma and more. They can diagnose and treat eye conditions related to diseases like diabetes, arthritis or brain conditions, offer eye disease preventative services and some offer plastic surgery.

So which eye care doctor is right for you? Come in to any of our Indiana vision centers and talk to our doctors for more information on eye health. At Dr. Tavel we aim to do much more than correct your vision; we also help you protect your vision. We go beyond the standard eye exam because we care about your health.  Choose one of our many qualified eye doctors today!

Being new to Indianapolis, I am relatively a blank slate when it comes to the best of anything in the Circle City.  I have done my research here and there, have asked friends about their favorites be it for restaurants, nightlife spots, or hair salons but I still have much investigating to do to figure out the bests here in Indy.

IndyChannel.com is making my research efforts much easier by hosting “The Best of IndyChannel.com A-List for 2010” where there are categories for just about anything to be voted as “Best” in Indianapolis.  You can vote for numerous “bests” like the best barbecue, the best bowling alley, and the best eyewear.

Dr. Tavel Family Eye Care is thrilled to be recently nominated for the Best Eyewear in Indianapolis! Since 1940, Dr. Tavel Family Eye Care has been providing affordable eye wear and professional eye care to Hoosiers all over the state starting in Indianapolis. 

Help us become number 1! You can vote for Dr. Tavel Family Eye Care by visiting the A-List at the IndyChannel.com and find us under the Fashion Category-Eyewear.

Thank you for your support!
 

Blog By: Calli Connor, Fisher's Office

“We had a patient come in who has been a Dr. Tavel patient for years. She mostly wears contacts lenses because she absolutely hates wearing her glasses as her prescription is so different for each eye. This patient actually had no Rx in one eye and was extremely farsighted in her other eye, making one of her eyes look extremely magnified when she did wear glasses. So I explained to her that there are special lenses called Kodak Aspheric lenses that will help lessen the magnification on her eyes and balances the lenses out for her comfort. The patient agreed to try out these lenses with a plastic Ted Baker frame (the Ted Baker B825-Razor Fish/ Clear Brown), and upon receiving her glasses she was so excited that she went around the office showing all of the patients how great her glasses looked, and how her eyes looked the same! She now wears her glasses more than her contacts and can see clearly while also having a new fashionable look.”

Glasses are a great fashion accessory especially for back-to-school and the start of fall.  Find a pair and change your look today at Dr. Tavel!
 

School buses will start making their daily stops very soon here in Indiana as school doors open and summer officially ends.  For many students in Indianapolis school begins the second week of August and for many others like those in Anderson, Bloomington or Columbus, Indiana school will start shortly afterwards.

As backpacks are being brought out of their summer vacation spots and dusted off or newly purchased, many school supplies are being purchased to use for the long days of studying ahead.  Sports practices have begun which typically coincide with routine physicals to ensure student athletes are healthy to participate.  But what about the health of students eyes and routine eye exams?

Overlooked at times in this rush for back-to-school, vision eye centers and eye examinations should top the list for returning students as they prepare to hit the books and playgrounds for the school year.  Their eyes will need to be able to focus on academic material on the chalk board, text book, or computer screen.

A children’s eye exam can help detect if glasses or contacts are needed for reading or even prolonged use of a computer screen.  Nearly 1 in 4 students has a vision problem that could hinder their performance in school. Vision problems can be detected by a  member of Dr. Tavel’s team of eyecare doctors during a children’s eye exam and fixed with glasses or contacts.

Find a Dr. Tavel location near your school and make sure your student’s supply of sight is ready for school to begin!

 

Blog by: Terrie Jackson, South Office

“I had a patient come in to our South Indianapolis Dr. Tavel Vision Center and order two pair of glasses, one for everyday use and one Purifier polarized pair for prescription sunglasses. The frames that the patient came in with were too small of frames for his face so the frames left indentions on his face.  This patient came into our office very upset about their current pair of eyeglasses (and rightly so!)

Together we discussed the issue and I told him that the frames he had chosen were too small for his face shape and would naturally leave indentions.  I showed him two larger frame options that would be a better fit for him to try.  Knowing what will work for a patient’s face shape and style is my job as an optician.  Gathering data from each individual patient is extremely important for me to help patients choose the right kind of eye wear for their needs.
 
This patient chose to go with the larger frames I suggested and this solved his problem of facial indentions.  Now this patient visits regularly to share with us how much his family and friends like his glasses and how he refers them to Dr. Tavel South.  We are happy to have this patient's needs met and are thrilled to have solved his vision problems.  It is problems like these that we work to solve each day at Dr. Tavel!”

Talk with a Dr. Tavel Optician today to best address your eye care needs for your face shape, lifestyle, and fashion!
 

Indianapolis is race car country.  It would seem that the entire state of Indiana, fitting as it is the crossroads of America, is infatuated with racing of some sort.  Coming from Bloomington, I have experienced racing of the bike kind as I have cheered on friends riding around the historic cinder bike track for the annual Little 500 race.  Now, having made the move to Indianapolis I am in the home of two of NASCAR’s largest races and the historical Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

I have yet to experience NASCAR racing in the capital city though with its known fun of camping, eating, and enjoyment of beverages of choice.  This weekend however I am in luck as a race less well known to learning race fans like myself, the Brickyard 400, takes place on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.  Events begin Thursday as the camping lots are open for visitors and official practice begins Friday.  The weekend boasts Qualifications held on Saturday with the actual race taking place Sunday afternoon.

Starting in 1994, Brickyard 400 is a NASCAR Sprint Cup race 400-miles long with 160 laps around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.  This race boasts more than 250,000 fans attending annually making it the most attended NASCAR event.

A very popular sport, NASCAR racing requires certain equipment be it for the drivers/teams or the race fans.  One such piece of equipment is eyewear, specifically sunglasses.  You rarely see a driver outside of his or her car without shades covering their eyes.  Same should be for the fans this weekend as shading your eyes can help you see all of the action on the track better as well as protect you from harmful UV-rays that can cause vision damage.  Better yet, Purifier polarized sunglasses would be my best piece of equipment advice for fans this weekend as these lenses block glare on the track.

Don't miss a thing this racing weekend by wearing your sunglasses!

Blog By: Stephanie Griffin, Fisher's Office

Recently, I had a patient come into my office and I could clearly tell he was in a bit of a panic.  Looking closer I realized that his glasses were broken, and as I began asking him how could I help him, he handed me his prescription and I realized why he had such a panicked look on his face, HE COULD NOT SEE without his glasses on! He needed his glasses that day because he was in town from New York adopting a baby and he had to drive all the way back home that afternoon. When he had given up hope that he was not going to be able to get glasses that day, I called Mike at the Dr. Tavel lab, knowing it was a long shot to have this patient's Rx in stock but tried anyway. As Mike looked for the specific Rx, he was just as much surprised as I was when he found this specific Rx in stock, and it was the last one he had!

I let the patient know of this awesome find and he was able to drive down to the lab where Mike personally cut his lenses, and made it so this patient was able to drive back home the same day safely with his brand new baby in tow. The patient was so grateful that we could help him in such short notice when he had lost hope that no one would be able to get him a pair of glasses to get home that day. He was excited and thrilled that he had made one last stop to Dr. Tavel. The next day I called the patient just to make sure that his glasses turned out ok and to make sure that he and his new baby had made it home safely. The patient was very happy with his glasses and thankful that we were able to help him and I was too!

Helping patients solve important problems such as this one is something I, as a Dr. Tavel employee, take seriously as Dr. Tavel aims to provide the Best Eyecare, Best Eyewear possible!

Summer has flown by and school bells will be ringing soon across the country as students, teachers, and parents gear up for another school year.  Here in Indianapolis school begins for many students the second week of August meaning sports practices and band practices have now officially begun and school supply shopping is well underway.  Unfortunately, many families in the Indianapolis Public School (IPS) district will be unable to fill their children’s backpacks with any school supplies leaving these students struggling to keep up with their peers.

Backpack Attack Indianapolis aims to eliminate this struggle for over 80% of the IPS families that the organization says is unable to provide school supplies for their children by hosting the annual Backpack Attack School supply drive.  Dr. Tavel is a proud partner with Backpack Attack Indianapolis and has two official drop-off locations for school supplies at the Fishers and Zionsville offices. 

Dr. Tavel knows students with the right supplies have a better chance of succeeding in school.  By donating needed school supplies these students will have an opportunity to learn with the right materials inside the classroom. 

Help today and donate July 19th through August 21st at these locations:

Dr. Tavel Fishers           Dr. Tavel Zionsville
7035 E. 96th Street      61 Boone Village Road
Fishers, IN 46250         Zionsville, IN 46077
317-842-5000              317-733-3344

The following supplies are needed: Backpacks, pencil sharpeners, spiral notebooks, erasers (pink), calculators, rulers (12 inch), crayons (24 count), art boxes, scissors (safety tip), markers (8 count), alarm clocks, ink pens (blue or black), pencils (#2), colored pencils (12 count), pocket folders, glue sticks, notebook paper

Need further information? Visit here.
 

A Dr. Tavel patient tells of his experience getting an eye exam:

"I visited the Dr. Tavel Vision Center in Fishers, Indiana. I had scheduled an appointment for an eye examination and I wanted to get new eyeglasses. I was not necessarily worried about going in for an eye exam as I have always had bad eyes, but I haven't had an eye examination in a few years and the last time I went to an optometrist in Indianapolis (this was my first time at Dr.Tavel) was a fairly bad experience.

Once I arrived and filled out the mandatory paper work, the doctor, Dr. Kautzman, invited me back to the exam room. He was simple and to the point, but presented a fairly relaxed examination. I didn't feel pressured or rushed to answer his questions. He also was more than willing to answer my questions about each test during the examination. My Dr. Tavel experience was relaxed and laid back, but it still maintained a high level of professionalism, which led me to believe Dr. Kautzman had done his job correctly, and that I was walking out with the right pair of lenses.

After the examination, one of the friendly opticians helped me choose the right frames. She offered numerous ideas, and asked a few questions to help present a few brands of frames that fit the style I was seeking. All in all, my time with Dr. Tavel in Fishers was a strong experience that was relaxed and comfortable. I am a customer for life!"


Have you had an experience like this one getting an eye exam?  Tell us about your Dr. Tavel experience here!
 

I want your love, and I want your revenge; You and me could write a bad romance.  Infamous song lyrics by pop-music artist Lady Gaga to the global chart topping hit song “Bad Romance;” a song that has helped make Lady Gaga one of the most popular artists today all over the world. 

Tonight at Conseco Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Gaga fans will get to see the American star perform in a show that according to the star’s website will still have the disco balls, hot pants, sequins, and stilettos, known favorites of Gaga, but with a more fine tuned approach and a fierce structure. 

Hoosiers are bound to hear the hit, “Bad Romance” tonight, a song that has many young fans risking their eye sight to mimic the star’s music video cartoon eyes.  Gaga’s eyes in the song’s music video appear to be large and circular, inspired from Japanese cartoons “Anime” and young girls everywhere are buying illegal contacts to make this fashion statement.

Called “Circle Contact Lenses,” these contacts cover a portion of the whites of the eye making the eye appear large and round like a cartoon’s.  According to an ABC News report, these lenses are not FDA approved which has many eye care doctors concerned about their popularity and usage, especially among young Gaga fans who are illegally buying the colored lenses online for $20 and changing them in and out like earrings.

Wearers of these illegal contacts run the risk of potentially losing their eye sight if worn for extended amounts of time or if fitted improperly which could scratch the cornea damaging vision. It is impossible to have these “Circle Contact Lenses” fitted properly as they are bought online and not prescribed through an optometrist.  Quite the risk for making a fashion statement, but one that many are making as they sing along Rah, rah ah, ah, ah; Roma, roma, ma; Gaga, ooh, la, la; Want your bad romance.

Batter up!  As one of America’s favorite pastimes, baseball is in full swing this summer across the nation in way of little league teams, minor league teams like our Indianapolis Indians, and of course the famous major league teams that make up the MLB.  Although Indiana doesn’t have a MLB team of our own, our surrounding states do and many Hoosier’s root for teams like the Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Cincinnati Reds or St. Louis Cardinals among the 30 teams in the league.

Who do you root for? 

Catch up on your MLB history with these facts:

• MLB organizes the National and American Leagues of baseball
• MLB was founded in 1869 with the first professional team: the Cincinnati Red Stockings
• The National League has been in existence since 1876
• The American League has been in existence since 1901
• There are 162 scheduled games each season, additional games can be played with tie-breakers and postseason play
• Babe Ruth holds single season records in amount of runs (177), total bases (457), and extra base hits (119)

Dr. Tavel wants to take you out to the ball game this summer and will be giving four lucky Dr. Tavel fans tickets to an area MLB game of their choice!  Winners can choose tickets for the Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Cincinnati Reds, or St. Louis Cardinals.  To enter to WIN the Dr. Tavel Major League Give-Away, go to any Dr. Tavel location around Indiana or to www.drtavel.com/baseball.

A valid email address is required to win.  Hurry up so you don’t strike out, series ends September 3!

Remember important eyewear like Dr. Tavel Purifier sunglasses for days at the ballpark.  Protecting your eyes is just as important as protecting your skin!