Christmas 2020🎄

In observance of Christmas, our offices will be CLOSED from noon December 24th thru Sunday December 27th. Business will resume for appointments and pick up, Monday from 10-5.

Doctors Boyer and staff wish you a safe, healthy and

MERRY CHRISTMAS 🎄 

 

Thanksgiving 2020

In observance of Thanksgiving, our offices will be closed by location:

UPLAND- CLOSED Thursday, Friday and Saturday 

LA VERNE- CLOSED Thursday and Saturday OPEN Friday 8-12 by appointment only, for frame and contact pickup only.

Regular business hours 10-5 will resume Monday

Our doctors and staff wish you and your families a safe, and healthy holiday.

Don’t forget to schedule a yearly eye exam 

(909) 596-6756  2443 Foothill LaVerne CA 91750 

(909) 982-0100  1637 Mountain Ave Upland CA 91784

www.drboyeroptometrist.com

What is farsightedness?

 Hyperopia

Far sightedness means that ones best sight is at far. It is a lay man's term for hyperopia. Hyperopia describes an eye that is too short in length (sometimes people confuse hyperopia with presbyopia, which also causes near vision problems but for different reasons). That means that the focal length lies behind the eye. People with hyperopia might squint to see nearby objects. This is especially true for an object that is close, like a book, a computer, or a cell phone. In that case the eye must focus harder with the crystalline lens in order to see clearly. This increased effort can cause fatigue, headaches , and eye strain. 

Seeing comfortably

What can be confusing about hyperopia is one would pass a vision screening with an eye chart and even report that they're able to see a book clearly. Yet, they definitely benefit from reading glasses. In this case the glasses are more about seeing comfortably than clearly. This is one reason that yearly eye exams are recommended starting at school age. Most of our learning is visual and reading glasses can make a huge difference in that person's life. 

Treatment options

Treatment options include eyeglasses, contact lenses, and surgery such as LASIK. 

Don't forget a yearly eye exam for you and your family. (909) 596-6756  2443 Foothill LaVerne CA 91750 (909) 982-0100  1637 Mountain Ave Upland CA 91784 www.drboyeroptometrist.com

Should we be concerned about blue light exposure?

 

What is blue light? 

We’ve all found ourselves tired and irritable during the workday. Sitting for long hours staring at our computer screens, can leave us tense, unfocused and sometimes with a pounding headache. Blue light may sound pretty innocent, but without using some kind of blue light blocker, it's actually pretty bad for us.

What we see – the visible spectrum of light – consists of a range of colors, from blue-violet on the lower end to red on the higher end. Light on the lowest end of the visible spectrum has the shortest wavelengths; light on the highest end has the longest wavelengths. Since shorter wavelengths emit more energy, blue light is also known as High Energy Visible (HEV) light. This is what’s filtered out by blue light glasses.

What we see – the visible spectrum of light – consists of a range of colors, from blue-violet on the lower end to red on the higher end.

How are we exposed to HEV or blue light?

We all know the dangers of sun exposure. That glorious bright sunny day that most of us love is the primary culprit in blue light exposure. But even those who would rather stay indoors watching Netflix or playing video games are not safe from blue light because we're also exposed to "unnatural" blue light from our smartphones, TVs, computer screens, and artificial lighting. Although our digital devices emit only a fraction of the HEV light emitted from the sun, the number of hours we spend using our devices can have both an immediate and a cumulative effect on our health.

Should we be concerned about blue light exposure?

The short answer is yes. Blue light is a bit like salt, our bodies need it but our modern diet of processed food has us eating enough to make it harmful. So while exposure to blue light does have some positive benefits, our modern digital world has overexposed us to it. Blue light glasses help reduce harmful overexposure.

Eye Strain 

Medical studies suggest that prolonged exposure to blue light may cause permanent damage to our eyes. We've all experienced digital eye strain from staring at a computer screen for long periods of time. And these days it's even more pronounced, as we spend a significant portion of our workday looking at our smartphones, tablets, computer screens. Even while relaxing, we play video games, read on a tablet, or watch TV. All of these activities expose us to artificial blue light. 

How does blue light cause eye strain?

Our eyes are not built for our modern digital world. The eye's cornea and lens aren't good at filtering HEV light from reaching our retina, the thin layer of light-receiving tissue that lines the back of the eye. Over time, this can cause damage to its light-sensitive cells. As we age, this damage can make us more susceptible to eye diseases such as macular degeneration and cataracts. Young children are even more sensitive to blue light exposure since the lens of their eyes are even more transparent than adults, allowing more HEV light to pass through. 

A scientific explanation is because High Energy Visible (HEV) light has such a short wavelength, it scatters in the eye, reducing contrast and making it difficult to focus. Over time, our eyes begin to feel tired. It can also cause pain in or around the eyes, blurred vision, headache, or sometimes even double vision.

Some helpful tips.

To protect your eyes and maintain a healthy sleep schedule, you should:

•  Expose yourself to natural daylight
• Whenever possible, take frequent breaks from viewing devices
• Protect your eyes in daylight using sunglasses
• Avoid the use of digital devices right before bedtime
• Protect your eyes from excess artificial blue light with blue light blocking computer glasses

Men’s Health

You workout. You try your best to eat healthy. You drink plenty of water. But what about your eyes? What does it takes to keep your vision healthy? Your eye health has a major correlation to the rest of your overall health.

Part of staying healthy is making sure you’re on top of your preventative checkups. However, men tend to schedule 1/2 as many health visits as women.

Maybe you don’t wear glasses or contacts and haven’t had any issues with your eyes. You might think, “Why would I need to go the eye doctor every year?” It turns out that men have a higher mortality for most leading causes of death including cancer, heart disease and diabetes. Early warning signs of these diseases can be found through an eye exam.

In partnership with an eye exam, you can also diminish your risk with proper nutrition. Research has shown nutrients such as lutein and zeaxanthin, found in leafy green vegetables and eggs, can support healthy vision. As well as vitamin C, vitamin E and zinc, which can be found in whole, unprocessed fruits and vegetables.

Schedule an annual comprehensive eye exam today with Dr Boyer or Dr Brian to ensure you’re staying on top of your health and can work with your doctor’s to address any issues.

(909) 596-6756  2443 Foothill LaVerne CA 91750

 (909) 982-0100  1637 Mountain Ave Upland CA 91784

 #drkennethboyerOD #drbrianboyerOD www.drboyeroptometrist.com

Vision Benefits

 This year more than ever, making sure you have an appointment before the end of the year, in order to not lose your vision insurance benefits is important.

With  the limitations of social distancing our number of available appointments is less than half our usual time slots. And we are booked out a month or more!  Call our office today, or through our website  in order to schedule a time, so you don't lose out.


We're doing our best to meet everyone's needs, but we have restrictions.
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Scleral Lenses

 The latest development in the world of contact lenses is the scleral lens. The sclera is the white part of the eye surrounding the clear cornea. Scleral lenses ride on the sclera and vault over the cornea. This unique contact offers some special advantages for those with corneal problems; keratoconus causes the cornea to be distorted. Hard lenses covers up the distortion and provides good vision. However, a standard lens rides on the cornea and, for many, is very uncomfortable. The scleral lens provides both the vision and the comfort.

The Zen Lens by Bausch and Lomb is especially designed for easier fitting and practical use. Problems like corneal scaring, corneal transplants, and dry eyes can be greatly eased with the Zen lens. 

Schedule a Keratoconus Consultation With Us Today 

(909) 596-6756  2443 Foothill LaVerne CA 91750 

(909) 982-0100  1637 Mountain Ave Upland CA 91784

www.drboyeroptometrist.com

Why Do I Need A Yearly Eye Exam?

You don’t wear glasses or contacts and haven’t had any problems with your eyes. So, why would you need to go to the eye doctor every year? Like most people you’d be surprised to know that there is more to an eye exam than just checking your vision. Here are three reasons why you should visit your eye doctor every year.

1. Early Signs of Chronic Diseases like Diabetes

Your eyes reveal a lot about your overall wellness. An eye exam can detect early signs of serious health conditions such as diabetes and hypertension. Regular eye exams are critical because what may seem like a vision-related problem might be an indication of a broader health issue.

2. Some Eye Diseases Are Symptom-Free

What do glaucoma, cataracts and macular degeneration all have in common? All these conditions share a common characteristic—no early warning signs. Getting an annual eye exam can help detect health conditions before they progress and may help preserve your vision. 

3. Your Vision Might Not Be as Clear as You Think

You may think your vision is clear, but many people are often surprised to discover they aren’t seeing as well as they thought they were. You may not notice that your vision changed, but an eye exam can reveal if you need glasses or contacts – or an update to your current prescription to ensure you’re seeing as clearly as possible.

Schedule your annual check-up at either of our two offices

(909) 596-6756  2443 Foothill LaVerne CA 91750 

(909) 982-0100  1637 Mountain Ave Upland CA 91784

www.drboyeroptometrist.com

Can Your Eyes Get Sunburned?

The simple answer is YES! Our skin and our eyes are organs. This makes them susceptible to the elements, which mean that like our skin, our eyes can become sunburned from prolonged exposure. There are simple things you can do to prevent photokeratitis, which is essentially damage to the cornea from sunlight exposure. Cataracts and macular degeneration are some of the long-term issues linked to prolonged UV exposure.

3 Ideas for Protecting Your Eyes in the Summer

• SUNGLASSES! Wearing protective eyewear is an essential for summer. There are a lot of great stylish sunglasses to choose from that can protect your eyes while keeping you looking great. Larger frames will always protect more of your face so consider oversized styles for prolonged exposure. Also, when shopping for sunglasses, the most important feature to keep in mind is full UV coverage. You want to look for a sticker that says UV 400 which covers UVA and UVB lights or 100% UV protection.
• Large brim hats are very much in style right now. When outside and exposed to the sun, wear one that shades your eyes.
• While at the pool, beach, lake, or river, consider an umbrella to create a shaded spot for yourself and your family.

How Are Sunburned Eyes Treated?

There are things you can do to make yourselves more comfortable while waiting for it to resolve. These include:

• Applying a cold compress to the eyes. A cold wash cloth over the eyes can reduce pain and swelling.
• Using artificial gel teardrops or a lubricating ointment. This can reduce the gritty or sandy feeling in the eye.
• Taking over-the-counter pain medications. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen or naproxen sodium can help reduce inflammation and irritation in the eye.
• Avoiding further sunlight exposure. Don’t worsen your existing injury.

Don’t Forget About Those Overcast Days

Even on days when you don’t see the sun, your eyes are exposed to UV rays. Wind, glare, and ultraviolet radiation exposure are always present. Regardless of the time of year, sporting the right protective eyewear is important for your overall eye health. Avoid the short and long-term effects of UV damage (and look stylish) by simply throwing on a pair of shades year-round.

Wishing everyone a happy, healthy, and safe summer!

Haven’t had your annual eye exam yet? Call for an appointment today.(909) 596-6756  2443 Foothill LaVerne CA 91750 

(909) 982-0100  1637 Mountain Ave Upland CA 91784

www.drboyeroptometrist.com

Emergencies

Ocular emergencies can happen in a heartbeat. Our doctors have treated numerous ocular emergencies in their years of optometric practice. An eye doctor is the best first contact for ocular emergencies.  Optometrists have specialized equipment and training to treat eye problems.  Urgent care centers are not well-equipped to deal with ocular emergencies.

Here at Dr Boyer Optometrist, the Doctors routinely treat ocular emergencies promptly, often on a walk-in or same-day basis.  Since emergency department visits can be costly, it also makes economic sense to see an eye doctor first.

Some eye conditions require seeing an eye doctor promptly.  These include:

Sudden loss or change of vision	Flashes of light
Severe eye pain	Seeing double
Eye trauma	Chemical splash
Foreign body in eye	Injuries from fireworks

(909) 596-6756  2443 Foothill LaVerne CA 91750

 (909) 982-0100  1637 Mountain Ave Upland CA 91784

 #drkennethboyerOD #drbrianboyerOD drboyeroptometrist.com

Floaters, Light Flashes and Spots

Seeing eye floaters, light flashes or spots before your eyes can appear as specks or strings of black and gray. This generally occurs upon eye movement, but they can also appear when looking at something bright, such as sunlight. They are generally harmless to your field of vision, but larger sized floaters may cast a shadow making it slightly more difficult to see. Experiencing floaters warrants a visit to your eye care professional to make sure that it is not something more serious. The aging process is the most common reason for having eye floaters.

The Causes and Effects of Floaters

The cause of eye floaters is a protein known as collagen. The back of the eye contains a gel-like substance known as vitreous humor. As a person ages fibers decrease in size and collect in this area among the vitreous. The changes that take place cause the spots or floaters. Floaters can occur in all ages, but is most prominent between the ages of 50-75. It also affects people who have undergone cataract surgery or those who are nearsighted, as well as other disorders that occur within the eye.

Treatment of Floaters

There is no real treatment for eye floaters, as it is not necessary. Most people become used to them. For some people treatment is necessary, as it impairs their ability to see. This surgery is generally done by removing the vitreous. This surgery does carry the risk of retinal bleeding or tearing though. Laser surgery is also an option to break up the floaters.

Flashes of Light with Spots

If flashes of light or loss of vision are also seen with floaters it could signal something of a more serious nature and requires immediate attention. Serious conditions, such as retinal detachment, bleeding in the eye area or a retinal tear could also be occurring. Contact our office immediately if you are experiencing flashes of light with spots or floaters. Prompt diagnosis and treatment can save your sight.

Dr Boyer Optometrist  

(909) 596-6756  2443 Foothill LaVerne CA 91750

 (909) 982-0100  1637 Mountain Ave Upland CA 91784

 #drkennethboyerOD #drbrianboyerOD www.drboyeroptometrist.com

Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis Symptoms

Conjunctivitis gets the nickname pink eye because it gives the affected eye a shade of pink. Symptoms of pink eye vary depending on which of three types of pink eye you have contracted. One or both eyes can be affected by these symptoms:

1. Viral conjunctivitis produces watery and itchy eyes and causes sensitivity to light. It can be spread through coughing and sneezing.

2. Bacterial conjunctivitis creates a yellow-green discharge in the corner of the eye. It can cause your eyelids to stick together while you are sleeping. This type of pink eye is spread through direct contact with infected hands or objects.

3. Allergic conjunctivitis leads to watery, burning and itchy eyes. Other associated symptoms include a runny nose, stuffiness, and light sensitivity. Both eyes are affected by it, but this form of pink eye is not contagious.

Conjunctivitis Causes

Causes behind a case of conjunctivitis vary based on which type you have contracted. Some types of conjunctivitis are more dangerous to the long-term health of your eyes than others.

1. Viral conjunctivitis is caused by a virus. It is a contagious form of pink eye, but typically clears up on its own within a few days. 

2. Bacterial conjunctivitis is the most dangerous type of pink eye. It results from a bacterial infection. If left untreated by an eye care professional, the bacteria can cause serious damage to the affected eye.
3. Allergic conjunctivitis is usually connected with allergies, so it typically flares up when exposed to seasonal irritants like pollen or everyday irritants like dust or pet dander.

Conjunctivitis Treatments

Treatments for conjunctivitis vary based on the type afflicting your eyes. Viral conjunctivitis does not usually require medical treatment. A cold wet washcloth is often enough to relieve symptoms. Allergy medications can be effective in reducing or preventing bouts of allergic conjunctivitis. Bacterial conjunctivitis can only be treated through applying antibiotic eye drops or ointments prescribed by your eye care professional.

Don’t hesitate to call and get it checked and treated to prevent spreading it.

Our doctors are in office 10-5 Monday through Friday for all essential care. Appointments are necessary for social distancing.  

(909) 596-6756  2443 Foothill LaVerne CA 91750 

(909) 982-0100 1637 Mountain Ave Upland CA 91784

www.drboyeroptometrist.com #drkennethboyerOD #drbrianboyerOD 

We’re OPEN

We are happy to provide your eye care in a safe environment, using the state guidelines. Fewer patient’s being seen (promotes social distancing), temperature checked before entering, patients instructed to wash hands upon entering the office. Doing our part to help you get continued service at our offices. 
(909) 596-6756  2443 Foothill LaVerne CA 91750
(909) 982-0100  1637 Mountain Ave Upland CA 91784
 #drkennethboyerOD #drbrianboyerOD www.drboyeroptometrist.com

Closed Memorial Day

Our offices are closed in remembrance of those who sacrificed their lives for America. Pandemic hours Monday-Friday 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. will resume Tuesday.

 (909) 596-6756  2443 Foothill LaVerne CA 91750

 (909) 982-0100  1637 Mountain Ave Upland CA 91784

 #drkennethboyerOD #drbrianboyerOD #memorialday www.drboyeroptometrist.com

2 locations; same outstanding service

Our doctors are in office 10-5 Monday through Friday for all essential care. Appointments are necessary on all services and pick-up, for social distancing.  (909) 596-6756  2443 Foothill LaVerne CA 91750  |  (909) 982-0100 1637 Mountain Ave Upland CA 91784 www.drboyeroptometrist.com #drkennethboyerOD #drbrianboyerOD

Ortho-K overnight sight

Orthokeratology, or ortho-k, is the use of specially designed and fitted contact lenses, worn at night to temporarily reshape the front surface of the eye while you sleep. Ortho-k is a surgery-free way for some people to leave their glasses behind and not have to wear contact lenses all the time. 

Sometimes recommended to correct children’s vision, it is being studied to see how it can slow down the progression of myopia.  Trust Dr Boyer to evaluate your specific circumstances and prescription for you. Schedule a consultation at drboyeroptometrist.com

Closed for 2 weeks in compliance with Federal and State suggestion

COVID-19 is having a dramatic impact on our lives, and businesses

We want to share an update on what Dr Boyer is doing to keep our patients and our employees safe during this national and world health crisis.

Although we have followed the guidance of global health experts at the World Health Organization (WHO) and U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) on preventing the spread of the COVID-19 virus; with frequent hand washing, and regular cleaning and disinfecting of our facility and equipment, we are being asked to go further. 

State and federal authorities are suggesting, [with strong urging] that we close our business, along with other businesses for 2 weeks, effective March 18th till April 1st. We are complying with this directive in order to do our part for the social conscience of our community.

With that said, we will have some staff on hand to dispense ordered glasses, and contacts—by appointment only. You need only to call the office (909) 596-6756 to be scheduled for a quick 10-15 minute time slot. Our hours will be 10-5 Monday thru Friday with a half hour lunch closing from 12:00-12:30.
Should you have a medical or eye emergency, a doctor also will be available to handle that during this time. 

These guidelines will be followed until April 1^st, at which time we hope to resume normal business days and hours, unless we receive further notice or extensions.

Wishing you health,

Dr Brian C Boyer and Dr Kenneth J Boyer

 

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Titanium strength frames

Flexible Titanium Eyewear. More durable, lightweight and resistant than conventional metals allowing wearers to confidently embrace every challenge without hesitation.  

(909) 596-6756  2443 Foothill LaVerne CA 91750  (909) 982-0100  1637 Mountain Ave Upland CA 91784

www.drboyeroptometrist.com #drkennethboyerOD #drbrianboyerOD #eyewear #frames

Diabetes and your eye exam

There are 30 million American adults living with diabetes. Another 84 million are living with prediabetes, yet 90% of them don’t know they have it. People living with diabetes or prediabetes face increased risk for glaucoma, cataracts, diabetic macular edema and diabetic retinopathy, the leading cause of blindness in working age adults. 

Blurry vision is often one of the first warning signs of diabetes. Your vision may be blurry because fluid is leaking into the lens of your eye. This makes the lens swell and change shape. Those changes make it hard for your eyes to focus, so things start to look fuzzy. If you have diabetes, you’re at increased risk for a variety of eye problems. It’s important to have regular checkups and eye exams. This should include a comprehensive eye exam, including dilation, every year.

Fortunately, we can effectively manage and even prevent diabetic eye disease with early detection and treatment. For those living with diabetes, an annual eye exam is a must – offering a simple way to prevent or delay disease and vision loss caused by diabetes. 

Dr’s Ken and Brian Boyer are specially trained and certified to treat and manage eye care for diabetics. Call for an appointment to receive an exam and treatment information today.
(909) 596-6756  2443 Foothill Blvd, La Verne, CA 91750 drboyeroptometrist.com 

Dry eyes

We rely heavily on our eyes every day, yet we often take them for granted. We spend too much time staring at bright screens, going out into the sun without any eye protection, and overtaxing them by close reading and burning the midnight oil during exams.

Yet most of us tend to be unconcerned about our eye health as long as we can see clearly.

Don't wait until you develop blurry vision before paying attention. Start taking care of your eyes with some simple habits:

1. Reduce screen time

Daily use on various screens such as laptops, mobile phones and tablets, can cause eye strain and dry eyes. These devices also emit blue light, which is harmful to your eyes. To reduce your exposure to blue light, make the effort to cut down on your screen time, adjust your screen settings, or invest in special glasses that filter it out.

2. Take a break to reduce eye strain

If you find it difficult to cut down the amount of time you spend looking at screens, make it a point to practise the 20-20-20 rule: take a 20 second break every 20 minutes of screen time to look at something that is 20 feet away.

3. Avoid exposure to UV light

Excessive exposure to UV light from sunlight or other light sources can be damaging to your eyes. Get a good pair of sunglasses that completely blocks both UVA and UVB light, and make it a point to wear them whenever you are outdoors during the day.

4. Avoid rubbing your eyes

Even though it might provide immediate relief or distraction from irritated or itchy eyes, it can exacerbate the problem and further worsen the discomfort. Use some eye drops to soothe eye irritation instead.

5. Get the right kind of nutrition to optimize your eye health

Getting the right nutrition is key to keeping your eyes healthy. Berries are good for this purpose, as they are packed full of antioxidants and contain anthocyanins, which have been found to be beneficial to people with cataracts, and could help to protect the retina from damage caused by ageing and overexposure to light. Berries also contain vitamin C, which may slow down macular degeneration and vision loss.

Call for an appointment to get the latest facts, procedures and supplement information for dry eye at drboyeroptometrist.com

 (909) 596-6756   2443 Foothill LaVerne CA 91750  #drkennethboyerOD #drbrianboyerOD #dryeye