Yes, We are Partnership Providers

As many of you know, California’s Medicaid program has made a monumental switch in Lake County from  Medi-Cal to managed care through Partnership Health Plan of California. Some of our patients have expressed difficulty finding our doctors in the provider directory for Partnership. Both Dr. Alan D. Sampson and Dr. H. Vernetta Johnson are PHC providers and listed in the directory. Dr. Sampson is listed on page 21 under Ophthalmology (not on page 25 since Dr. Sampson is not a VSP provider). Dr. Johnson is listed on page 22 under Pain Management, both at her CPIC location at Creekside Medical Plaza and at Lake County Tribal Health. We welcome all PHC patients and still look forward to serving you and “helping you find health and well being.”

For a full listing of the Partnership Health Plan providers in Lake County, please click here.

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Keep Your Eyes Healthy (& Beautiful) With These Makeup Safety Tips

     Many women use it every day and some even feel bare without it. Eye makeup has become part of the typical morning routine for women (and some men) throughout the country. While the quality of eye makeup has much improved over the years and more advanced research has been done to create the eye-beautifying products used today, it is still important to ensure that you are not putting your eyes at risk when you use makeup products.

            “Women must help preserve their eye health by ensuring that they don’t share eye makeup, that they throw out their old makeup, and that they use extreme caution when applying cosmetics to the eyes and eyelids,” said Dr. Alan D. Sampson, ophthalmologist and CEO of Creekside Medical Plaza in Lakeport, CA. “A careless or hurried eye makeup application can result in an emergency trip to the eye doctor with a painful infection or corneal abrasion.”

Photo Courtesy of Courtney Rhodes

 

            Improper makeup application, sharing tools, or using old products can contribute to infection, dermatitis, dry eyes, excessive tearing, inflammation, styes, and eye trauma.

            Many liquid or cream eye makeup products, such as mascara, eyeliner, and cream shadows, are repeatedly exposed to air and contaminants during normal use. This makes it very important to throw away these products at least every three months. It is also a good idea to make sure that you remove all eye makeup before going to bed at night to avoid infection and irritation.

            Make it a habit to never share makeup, especially eye makeup, with friends and family. Sharing makeup can lead to contamination and, ultimately, an eye infection. It is also important to make sure that any makeup that you sample in a department store or beauty store has been disinfected prior to application.

            Never use sharp objects to apply makeup or separate eyelashes and take precaution when using both heated or clamp-style eyelash curlers. Remember to wash your makeup tools frequently and rinse them well.

            These simple tips can help you avoid eye infections, injuries, and irritation while still allowing you to wear the makeup that you love. If you do experience any eye problems as a result of wearing makeup, contact your local ophthalmologist.

 

 

Dr. Sampson Says to Eat These Superfoods to Keep Your Eyes Healthy

Many people know that eating healthier foods helps contribute to a better and happier life, yet one of the less widely known benefits of a more nutrient-dense diet is the impact it can have in protecting eye health and eye sight.

“There are certain foods that are naturally full of vitamins that help provide specific nutrients to your eyes,” said Dr. Alan Sampson, Ophthalmologist and CEO of Creekside Medical Plaza in Lakeport, CA. “Green vegetables, oranges, legumes, and some fish can all promote healthier eyes. Often a large variety of colorful fruits and vegetables incorporated in your diet will provide you with essential vitamins to boost not only your eyes’ health, but also your overall well-being.”

The American Academy of Ophthalmology suggests people consume the following four foods to keep their eyes healthy:

• Kale – Leafy, dark vegetables contain lutein and zeaxanthin, which are believed to lower the risk of age-related macular degeneration and cataracts.

• Salmon – Fish that is high in Omega-3 fatty acids also reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration.

• Oranges – Citrus fruits are high in vitamin C, which is important for eye health.

• Beans – Legumes contain zinc, an essential mineral that may help protect your eyes from the damaging effects of light.

There are many ways to include these foods in your diet. Some of our favorites are this simply delicious Kale salad, oven baked Salmon, fresh oranges and grapefruit, and white bean soup.

If you have any questions about how including these superfoods in your diet can help preserve your sight, please call your local ophthalmologist.

Protect Your Eyes During Sports Eye Safety Awareness Month

With all this beautiful weather and sunshine that we’ve been having lately, more of you are gearing up to play outdoor and indoor sports. While sports and activities are enjoyable and contribute to a healthier lifestyle, Dr Sampson stresses the importance of protecting your eyes to prevent serious damage and possible vision loss.

“Protective eye wear can prevent a lot of the sports-related eye injuries that ophthalmologists treat every year,” said Dr. Alan D. Sampson, ophthalmologist and CEO of Creekside Medical Plaza. “By protecting your eyes, you can make sure that you and your family have a safe and fun time while playing your favorite sports.

Sports injuries can include corneal abrasions, bruises, retinal detachments and internal bleeding. The most serious injuries may cause vision loss. Additionally, patients who have had previous eye injuries may have a higher risk for developing glaucoma.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology has designated April as Sports Eye Safety Awareness Month and reminds the public that every year 40,000 people suffer from eye injuries related to sports and recreational activities. The AAO states that athletes of all ages need to wear appropriate, sport-specific protective eyewear properly fitted by an eye care professional.

There is eyewear created for most of the sports that we love to play including basketball, baseball, football, swimming, paintball, water polo, and more. It is also important to protect eyes from harmful UV rays during outdoor recreational activities.

If you ever just want to ask a professional some questions about the best protective eyewear for your hobbies and lifestyle, come by the Optical Shop at Creekside Medical Plaza and we would love to talk to you.

Photo Courtesy of sippakorn yamkasikorn