- Judith Lee, Contributing Editor

Thank you for contacting me. The only way that statement holds any truth is that there will be one less frame manufactured for every vintage frame sold, which I highly doubt is true.

Most seekers vintage frames are really going for the "look" and purchase a new frame with a a vintage look. I'm sure there is a very small percentage of people who desire a true vintage frame, but not nearly enough to have any environmental impact.

However I think opticians can make a difference by following standard green practices -- taking mass transit or hybrid cars to work, eliminating non-biochemical plastics and aerosole spray cleaners. etc.

Also remember, frame materials don't always age well. Plastic dries out and become brittle. Metals grow weaker as they are bent and adjusted. In the end, you'd likely expend more energy on extra trips to the optician to repair and replace very old frames!

I am not putting down vintage eyewear. I have an old gold-filled P3 shape frame my father wore in the 1940's, and I wear it occasionally with pride. But I can't say I've helped the environment by wearing it.

"I can see why your patients love you!"
- Dr. Lee

Both Julie and I personally tried these "high definition" lenses. We were impressed. Distance vision seemed exceptionally sharp with very good intermediate and near vision.

These digitally cut lenses have become our lens of choice for new progressive lens wearers. The feedback has been excellent.

Like all progressive lenses, they come with a 60 day warranty. If you don't like them, we'll help you choose a different style of progressive lens or bifocal, or exchange them for two pair of single vision lenses.

Did you happen to catch last month's NY Times article on sports glasses?

Scientist/writer Tim Bertram explains the importance of wearing protective eye wear under all light conditions -- overcast as well as sunny days. Not only to improve visibility, but to help maintain healthy eyesight and youthful appearance.

The article goes on to evaluate five of the leading sports glasses on the market. Guess which ranked as his favorite? (hint: we've carried this line for years -- our customers love it, and so do we).

Read more here.

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IRRITATING CONTACTS
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"Dr. Tracy, lately my eyes feel drier, my contacts bother me more -- help!"

You're not alone -- in the colder months, I hear more complaints about dryness and contact lens discomfort. Here's what you can do, anytime of year:
Read more

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MACULAR DEGENERATION
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"Dr. Tracy, I'm worried about Macular Degeneration. What can we do?"

Macular Degeneration is a common aging problem, and one of the leading causes of reduced vision as one gets older. Until recently there was no cure or treatment. But promising breakthroughs in both treatment and possibly prevention have been made. Read more.

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JOIN US ON FACEBOOK and LINKEDiN!
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Are you a Facebook or Linkin user? I've recently started groups on both and invite you to connect online!

FACEBOOK: Dr. Tracy's Group

LINKEDIN: Upper West Side Business Alliance
(A group I've started to connect with businesses and groups in the neighborhood)

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SHARE YOUR REVIEWS on YELP and CITYSEARCH!
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Are you familiar with these services? We've gotten a couple of reviews, and invite you to share your own:

Yelp

Citysearch

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NEW FRAMES | GREAT VALUES
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Each March we attend the biggest optical show in the world, the Vision Expo at Javits Center, in search of the newest, most beautiful frames from around the world.

Stop by the store and see what's hot. To make room, we're offering significant discounts on some older (but lovely, timeless) frames.

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COMING SOON: a new look for our office!
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We've enlisted Maggie Grise, a Parsons-educated, Upper West Side-based interior designer, to perform a spring makeover -- new lighting, paint, carpeting, and furniture are on the drawing board.

What's YOUR suggestion to improve the appearance and comfort of the office?

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For more tips, visit Dr. Gary Tracy, OD

Questions? Comments? Contact us!
Call: (212) 877-5840
Visit: 351 Amsterdam Ave (between 76-77th street)

Armani frames, with their classic clean designs, have long been popular with our clientele.

This is the first time we're carrying the Gucci line. Each frame has a distinct, modern design and we've got a great selection to try on.

Mention this blog for a 25% discount on these frames, until June 30, 2009

To make room for the new frame lines, prices for many older models have been lowered -- now's a great time to shop for new frames.

* Stop smoking -- smoking decreases the amount of oxygen in the blood stream.

* Wear quality sunglasses -- High-quality glasses reduce ultra-violet light exposure. More suggestions here.

* Lose excess weight/exercise - obesity is a major risk factor for the above conditions, including macular degeneration.

* Maintain normal blood pressure -- High blood pressure is a major risk factor for both systemic and other eye conditions (arterial and vein occlusions, etc.)

* Eat foods rich in anti-oxidants-- Two anti-oxidants in the macula are lutein and zeaxanthin, abundant in green leafy vegetables -- especially kale, collard greens, and spinach. See my previous article for more ideas.

WHAT IS MACULAR DEGENERATION?

Macular degeneration (also known as ARMD - age-related macular degeneration) is a condition that affects the macula of the eye as one ages. The macula is, by far, the most sensitive part of the retina, and where the clearest central vision takes place.

Imagine looking through a lens with a big smear of vasoline in the center....

Many people as they age develop a harmless amount of drusen in the eye. But an excessive accumulation can cause blurred or distorted vision in the central eye area. That is diagnosed as "dry" macular degeneration.

Some people also develop a growth of blood vessels under the macula, which can leak or hemorrhage, causing more severe visual distortion. This is referred to as "wet" macular degeneration.

Unfortunately, reduction and distortion of vision from macular degeneration has not been considered treatable or preventable until recent years.

WHAT ABOUT PREVENTION?

There is much controversy and confusion about whether the effects of macular degeneration can be prevented or lessened.

Recent research suggests that excessive exposure to the sun may contribute to macular degeneration, from the ultraviolet light waves and the resulting oxidative products that build-up in the eye.

What you can do:

1. Wear a good quality pair of sunglasses that totally blocks and filters rays (note: please wear a reputable brand, and avoid inexpensive or "knockoffs" -- they can cause more harm than good). If you have any doubts about the quality of your sunglasses you may bring them by our office to inspect them. We now have an ultraviolet meter that can measure how effective your lenses are in blocking these harmful rays.

2. Consider foods, vitamins and supplements high in anti-oxidants. It is hypothesized that natural anti-oxidants in the diet may have a protective effect against damaging wavelengths.

A study of patients with mild macular degeneration who took anti-oxidants in the form of a pill, delayed the onset, and lessened the eventual severity of the disease. (ARED's study)

Two things to look for: Lutein and Zeaxanthin -- abundant in green leafy vegetables like kale, collard greens and spinach. Many supplements also include these anti-oxidative compounds.

Vitamins B6 and B12 (folic acid) and Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids may help protect against macular degeneration.

There are differences in opinions about the benefits of taking vitamins and supplements. To read more about this, refer to my blog "Do Vitamins and Supplements Really Work?"

Keep in mind, the data is still inconclusive about the cause and effect of sunlight and diet on macular degeneration. But there's no doubt that limiting sun exposure and eating foods high in anti-oxidants are smart lifestyle choices in general -- and may well help limit or delay macular degeneration.

CAN MACULAR DEGENERATION BE TREATED?

There is no treatment available for dry macular degeneration. However there is evidence that taking the above anti-oxidants may delay or prevent its progression. Chemicals have been discovered that can reduce new blood vessel growth, and have shown success in improving reduced vision in wet macular degeneration. Injections of these chemicals will not bring vision back to normal levels, but may lessen the severity of the loss of vision.

Scientist/writer Tim Bertram explained the importance of wearing protective glasses under all light conditions -- not just to improve visibility, but to help maintain healthy eyesight and youthful appearance.

"Wearing sunglasses no matter the brightness of the sky improves visibility, protects the eyes from particles and glare, and limits exposure to the sun, which can remain surprisingly strong on even the grayest of late-winter days."

The article goes on to evaluate five of the leading sports glasses on the market, including Oakley, Nike, Giro, and Smith Optics. And Bertram's favorite?

Rudy Project's new Noyz frames, with ImpactX-Photochromatic Lens.

Bertram found the frames to be the best for low-light running: the ideal synthesis of a flexible frame and responsive photochromatic lens. "The frame was low-profile and very comfortable, and the lens was never too light or dark. If the light changed quickly, the lens transitioned to accommodate, and I never got any of the retina burn I saw with some of the other glasses when the sun suddenly intensified or I looked up into oncoming traffic."

Rudy Project makes many models, each designed to maximize performance in various sports, including bicycling, skiing, golf, tennis, etc, etc. We carry a large selection at competitive prices.

Rudy Project Noyz frames: in stock