Author: Dr. Steven Soong

the easter island man

The Man From Easter Island

A warrior like necklace hung from his neck. He was tan with white flowers dangling at the tips of his long hair. 

I don’t know why he decided to sit next to me. 

You can tell he was proud of his tradition. It was 11:30 pm inside a restaurant and he was half-naked.

It was my last night here and I spent it with the man from Easter Island.


Easter Island is one of the most isolated inhabited islands in the world, if not, the most intriguing too.

There are hundreds of huge stone head statues called moai across Easter Island. These statues are so famous, there is even an emoji of it (🗿)!

The lingering mystery behind these statues and the people of Easter Island attract tourists from all over the world.  

How did native people, the Rapa Nui, come to live here? Why and how did they construct these massive monuments?

easter island


The man from Easter Island and I spoke for hours. He described to me the powers that come from the sun, the moon, the water, and mother nature.

For example, if he was hungry, he would go fishing in the waters and that was dinner.  Life was that simple. 

easter island head statues

He emphasized the importance of awareness to one’s spirit and of being in the moment. Perhaps it was something he had observed as lacking in our modern culture. 

While summoning my own spirit, I had one question for him.

“Do you want to meet my mom? She is sleeping in the hotel room right now.”

“Yes! Let’s go.” he said.


As we walked to our hotel room, the man from Easter Island picked a pink flower.

Inside, my spirit giggled with excitement.

My mom was asleep when I entered, still wearing her sleeping mask.

“Mom, there is someone I want you to meet.” I said.

She woke up, dazed and confused. She gave me a look as if to say “WTF?”

The man from Easter Island entered. He does his native dance and hum. My mom smiled and laughed. A pink flower was was handed to her. Their spirits embraced.

This is the story of the man from Easter Island.


MORE: Mother Nature – Banff and Jasper National Park with My Mom – CLICK HERE

MORE: Part 2 – “The Wedding Day” – CLICK HERE

What Does Marriage Mean?

It’s Monday, 10:47 pm in Santiago, Chile. Outside, the streets are surprisingly quiet. Inside our hotel room, the AC is on.

Tomorrow my mom and I start our journey to Patagonia. The famous “W Circuit” or “W Trek” hike awaits us.

what does marriage mean

I look down at this mess that is me packing. I see 3 neat zip-lock bags filled with clothes.

It reminds me of my wife.

I see my hiking shoes that still needs to be packed.

It reminds me of the meaning of marriage.


COMMITMENT
Weather in Patagonia is unpredictable and the winds are infamously wild. It’s common to experience all “4 seasons” in one day.

I did not know that. But luckily my wife did.

To ensure her husband’s survival, she packed him 3 zip-lock bags labeled “OUTERS”, “CLEAN INNERS”, and “WARMTH”.

patagonia hike

Marriage means commitment.

It means always caring for each other’s ultimate well-being, physically and mentally.

TOGETHER
The W Trek of Patagonia totals 50 miles of nature’s best. Parts of this adventure involves terrain that require some tricky scrambling. Legit hiking boots are required.

I did not know this. But luckily my wife did.

Together, we went to REI and found the perfect hiking boots. Together, we went on a practice hike, up towards Mt. Wilson, to break-in my new hiking boots.

hiking boots

Marriage means doing life together.

It means her situation is my situation, and my need for new hiking boots is her need too.

FAMILY
Bucket-list worthy, breathtaking landscape and heavenly views, hiking Patagonia is every hiker’s dream. Including my mom’s.

Read: Mother Nature – Banff and Jasper National Park with My Mom – CLICK HERE

Now I did know this. Luckily my wife did too.

She knew this trip was important to me but more important to our mom. I didn’t even have to ask, she was already encouraging me to go.

Hiking the W Trek

Marriage means family.

It means starting a family together but more importantly, it means integrating family to the point “in-laws” are said by no one.


It’s Tuesday, 11:20 pm in Puerto Natales, Chile. Outside, the streets are understandably quiet. Inside our hotel room, the heater is on.

Tomorrow my mom and I start our hike to attack the famous W Circuit of Patagonia.

Puerto Natales

I look at down, my backpack is stuffed with 3 neat zip-lock bags filled with clothes and my hiking boots.

I am reminded of my wife. I am reminded of the meaning of marriage.


READ MORE: Part 2 – “The Wedding Day” – CLICK HERE

Computer Eye Strain

Can Computers Make My Eyes Worse?

If you are in front of the computer daily, you may have wondered, “Can computers make my eyes worse?” 

More than 50% of our adult patients at Bright Vision Optometry report using the computer for more than 6 hours a day. Not to mention, we find that most computer users are not just in front of 1 screen, but in front of multiple screens.

Last week, one of our patients reported working on 4 different screens for 8 hours a day! Now that’s a lot of screen time for a pair of eyes! 

With our increased usage of digital devices, there is a growing worry that digital devices that are helping us navigate our lives may actually be harming our eyes. So let’s answer the pressing question, “Can computers make my eyes worse?” 

Eyesight vs. Eye Damage 

For the purpose of answering our question, we will separate “eyes worse”  into 2 categories: eyesight and eye damage. As we probe to find the answer to our question, let’s explore the differences between eyesight and eye damage.

Eyesight
Eyesight is simply a person’s ability to see. So the question we will answer is, “Can computers make my eyesight worse?”

In other words, can working in front of computers make my vision worse? Will my prescription increase because of my computer use? 

Eye Damage
Eye damage refers to any damage to the overall health of the eyes. Eye damage includes conditions like cataracts, macular degeneration or any other conditions that harm the health of the eyes. 

So the question we will answer is, “Can computers harm or damage my eyes?”


Can Computers Make My Eyesight Worse?
Probably to one’s surprise, the answer is no. Working on the computer does not make your eyesight worse. 

Eye prescription changes are due to natural changes to the eyeball size and shape. Working in front of the computer will not cause changes to your eyeball size and shape. Therefore, computers have little to no influence on changes to your natural eye prescription. 

Computer Eye Strain


Keep in mind, heavy computer use can cause temporary blurry vision when eyes become too fatigued to see properly. 

Parents, there is research evidence that students and young kids who spend many hours working on near-viewing tasks, such as reading textbooks, tend to become nearsighted. Additionally, kids who spend more time playing outside tend to have better distance vision. 

It is now a fact that over 2 hours of screen time a day for children can do damage. Heavy computer or iPad use in kids can increase their risk of becoming nearsighted. It’s still too early to say how long-term digital device use could change eyesight in kids. 


Can Computers Damage My Eyes?
Computers can cause temporary eye damage. However, permanent eye damage is still unknown. 

Temporary eye issues such as eye strain, tired eyes, headaches, dry eyes, eye discomfort, and difficulty focusing are common among computer users. These issues have been bundled into the medical term “Computer Vision Syndrome” or CVS.

Digital devices, like the computer, emit significant amounts of blue light. There is a growing concern among eye doctors about the possible long-term effects of blue light on eye health. 

Blue light can penetrate into the eyes, and research has shown that blue-light can damage cells in the retina. The long term effects of blue light on human eyes are still uncertain. There is a growing concern that blue light damage can contribute to early cataracts and macular degeneration

There are still many questions that need to be answered about blue light and its relationship to our eyes. While scientists work toward the answers, the best thing we can do right now is to protect our eyes with blue light blocking computer glasses. 


Watch Video: Dr. Soong Gives 3 Tips to Reduce Computer Eye Strain: CLICK HERE

Text Bright Vision Optometry: (909)627-1111
Schedule your eye exam online today: CLICK HERE

The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions. Bright Vision Optometry is a family-owned & operated optometry office located in Chino Hills, CA 91709.

 

The Wedding Day (Part 2)

Saturday – 11/24 – Anaheim, CA 

6:14 am 
The aroma of scotch lingered in the hotel room.

There wasn’t much time left. I really need to finish my vows. So far I got nothing.

Today was suppose to be the best day of my life.Photos by Lin & Jirsa: WEBSITE


11:44 am
Surrounded by my boys that know me best, we scrambled to look presentable.  

The night before, we drank scotch, reminisced about our childhood and played video games. 

All good reasons to procrastinate perhaps. 

Photos by Lin & Jirsa: WEBSITE


1:00 pm
First look went something like this.

Wow. Just wow. Joseph, our awesome photographer, chimed in “Let’s rewind and do this one more time!” 

Wow. Just wow. 

Photos by Lin & Jirsa: WEBSITE


3:15 pm
She walked down the aisle. 

Eric, our officiant, says a few words. We kiss. It’s official.

Mr. and Mrs. Soong, party of 2. 

Photos by Lin & Jirsa: WEBSITE


5:26 pm
Overwhelmed and mesmerized by the smiling faces of friends and family, we danced. 

I raised my hand, my wife spins around. Beautiful.

She raised her hand too, I spin around awkwardly.

Nailed it. 

Photos by Lin & Jirsa: WEBSITE


8:22 pm
A surprise food truck entered the parking lot. 

IN-N-OUT! IN-N-OUT!

That’s what a hamburger’s all about. 

In and Out at WeddingPhotos by Lin & Jirsa: WEBSITE


9:09 pm
The last song of the night. 

🎵 “Man this feel incredible, I’ll turn you into a bride, you’re mine.” – Bazzi (Mine) 🎵

I looked at my wife and I said…

“Today is the best day of my life.”

Photos by Lin & Jirsa: WEBSITE


BONUS: 11:46 pm
Meanwhile, back at the hotel…(warning: NSFW)


Read Part 1: “The Wedding Plan” – CLICK HERE

nearsighted

Are You Nearsighted or Farsighted?

Have you ever wondered, am I nearsighted or farsighted? What’s the difference anyways?

This vision concept can sometimes be tricky to understand. So let’s explain the difference between nearsighted and farsighted. 

An easy way to find out is by  looking at your glasses or contact lens prescription.nearsighted prescription

If your eyes are nearsighted, under “SPH” or “Sphere” the number or power is negative or has a (-) in front of the number. For example, looking at my glasses prescription, you can see I have -1.75 power of nearsightedness for my right eye (OD) and -2.00 for my left eye (OS). 

If your eyes are farsighted, under “SPH”, the number is a plus number or (+) in front of the number. Here is a copy of a farsighted contact lens prescription.

Side note: Looking at your glasses or contact lens prescription, you may be wondering what does the “CYL” mean. It’s short for CYLINDER power which reflects your astigmatism correction. Most of the time, CYL or astigmatism power is indicated by a negative or (-) number. The “CYL” number doesn’t reflect whether you are nearsighted or farsighted but it means you have an astigmatism correction on your prescription.

To learn the tricky concept of astigmatism – CLICK HERE

But what if you don’t have a prescription on hand? How can you tell if you are nearsighted or farsighted? It’s fairly easy, let’s explains how you can figure it out.  

Artwork by Painter Philip Barlow (WEBSITE)

Nearsighted or sometimes referred as the medical term myopia, means you can see close but not far. Nearsighted eyes have “near sight” but far sight or vision is blurred.

Without glasses or contact lenses, if you can see close objects clearly but have trouble seeing distance objects you are probably nearsightedness. Common signs that you are nearsighted include blurry night time vision and squinting to see clearly.

Farsighted is just the opposite. Shocking right? Farsightedness or sometimes referred as the medical term hyperopia, means you can see far objects but have a harder time seeing close objects. Most farsighted people, especially if under 40 with a low amount of nearsightedness, you can see both distance and near clearly. If you are farsighted, you might notice eye strain and fatigue after long sessions of reading or computer use.

Artwork by painter Philip Barlow (WEBSITE)

Both nearsightedness and farsightedness are easily corrected with glasses, contact lenses and if a good candidate LASIK. In some cases, someone can be nearsighted in one eye and farsighted in another eye.  

Can you figure out whether you are nearsighted or farsighted now?


Still don’t know if you are nearsighted or farsighted?

We have the answer. Just text us: (909)627-1111
Schedule your eye exam online today: CLICK HERE

The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions. Bright Vision Optometry is a family-owned & operated optometry office located in Chino Hills, CA 91709.

The Wedding Plan (Part 1)

“Any special requests for the wedding?” she asked. 

Without hesitation I answered, “In-N-Out truck please!” 

My fiancee at the time, gave me this weird look, “Are you serious?” she asked. 

I nodded.

Super serious. 

wedding planning
Photos by Akiko Liu Photos – Website 


They say communication saves relationships. It’s true. 

So the first thing we did was to divide wedding planning responsibilities. We created a list which looked something like this:

ME: Music   

HER: Everything else

The message was clear.

I was pretty much useless. 


Photos by Akiko Liu Photos – Website 


It was impressive watching her wedding plan. 

She had a vision and she knew exactly what she wanted. 

Budget. Venue. Guest list. Catering. Color theme. Photographer. DJ. Videographer. Wedding dress. Hotel-room block. Website. Invitation. Seating chart. Flowers. Cake. Menu design and print. Photo booth. Marriage license. Rehearsal dinner. Checked. 

The best part? She made sure we had fun with the whole process. This is who I was marrying? 

How did I ever get so lucky? 

Photos by Akiko Liu Photos – Website 


An unexpected blessing came during our planning.  

In high school, Elaine and I met through a childhood friend named Eric. Thinking it would be great idea, we asked Eric to be our wedding officiant. 

“I’ll do it but you and Elaine would have go through premarital counseling. I’ll be happy to facilitate this.” he said. It was a no-brainer. We agreed. 

So Eric and his lovely wife Diana, lead us through a series of premarital counseling sessions and prepped us for the realities of marriage.  

This was our best wedding planning decision. 


Photos by Akiko Liu Photos – Website 


“Do you want the good news or bad news first?” she asked with a smirk on her face.

I gave her a weird look, “I’ll take the bad news first”, I replied. 

“They can’t do french fries or milk shakes with the truck.” she answered.  

“So what’s the good news?” 

You already know her answer. 

Photos by Akiko Liu Photos – Website 


More: “The Wedding Day (Part 2)”: CLICK HERE

More: “Taiwan: Back to the roots of love and family”: CLICK HERE

Debunking 5 vision insurance myths

We agree with you, trying to understand your vision insurance can be frustrating. Vision insurance plans such as VSP or EyeMed can be hard to digest but let us help you understand just a little bit more.

Let’s debunk 5 common vision insurance myths. 

Myth #1
“Vision insurance benefits covers both glasses and contact lenses.”

Vision Insurance Myths

Our optician Michael explains, “Most vision insurances will only cover glasses OR contact lenses but not both. The only time I have seen a patient get covered for both is if someone used two different insurances.”

PRO-TIP: Use your insurance towards glasses, 99% of the time you will save more money by using your benefits for glasses over contact lenses.

Myth #2
Vision insurance covers the contact lens fitting exam completely.

Vision Insurance Myths with Adriana

To this Adriana answers,  “Your comprehensive eye exam and contact lens fitting exam are two separate exam services. Most insurances will cover the comprehensive eye exam (sometimes with a co-pay) but will only give a discount on the contact lens fitting exam.” 

During a comprehensive eye exam, our doctors check the overall health of your eyes and it includes updated glasses prescriptions. 

PRO-TIP: If you are very nearsighted or farsighted or have a big difference in prescription between you eyes, you may qualify for medically necessary contact lens services through your vision plan. Medically necessary contact lens services covers fees for a comprehensive eye exam, a contact lens fitting and a whole year supply of contact lenses.

Learn more about VSP medically necessary contact lenses: CLICK HERE 

Myth #3
“If I don’t use all of my frame allowance, that amount rolls over to cover other optical expenses.”

Vision Insurance Myths with Joanna

Joanna’s reply to this myth, “Unfortunately that’s not true. I wish it was, but unused frame allowance does not roll over.” 

PRO-TIP: Most optometry office offer a wild range of brands and prices, including frames that are close or with in your vision plan’s budget. Sometimes you just have to ask about those glasses frames. 

Myth #4
“I can use my vision insurance benefits to buy non-prescription sunglasses.”

Vision Insurance Myths with Melissa

Our staff Melissa’s response, “Unless you are doing a pair sunglasses with prescription lenses, you will not be able to use your benefits towards non-prescription sunglasses. In order to be considered a “prescription lens”, you prescription needs to be or exceeding -0.50 diopters or +0.50 power.”

PRO-TIP: If you had LASIK surgery or PRK, you can use your VSP frame allowance toward the cost of non-prescription sunglasses. 

Myth #5
“Since my husband didn’t use his vision insurance, I can use his benefits for my glasses or contact lenses.”

Dr. Soong’s answer, “This sounds pretty much like insurance fraud. Sorry but we can only apply vision insurance benefits to the assigned individual.” 

PRO-TIP: Not everyone in the family needs vision insurance. If you know your husband has good vision and eye health with no foreseeable need for glasses or contact lenses, there might not be a need for vision insurance for him.

Consult our doctors and staff if you have any questions about your insurance. We are just a text message away. 


Do you have a vision insurance question?

We have the answers. Just text us: (909)627-1111
Schedule your eye exam online today: CLICK HERE

The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions. Bright Vision Optometry is a family-owned & operated optometry office located in Chino Hills, CA 91709

taiwan

Taiwan: Back to the roots of love and family

I looked behind me, my sister was already deep asleep.

The airplane air was dry, so dry that I couldn’t tolerate wearing contact lenses. I turned around. My fiancee, Elaine, was wearing her glasses too.

She smiled at me and asked, “Are you ready to be 25% married?” I gave her a gentle nod and said “Yes, of course.” 

14 hours later, we landed in Taiwan.

Taiwan has a special place in my heart.

When my dad passed away, my sister and I were shipped to Tainan (a city on the southwest coast of Taiwan) to live with my grandparents.

This gave my mom the opportunity to go back to school without the burden of dealing with her 2 annoying, bratty kids.

We lived in Taiwan for a total of 4 years before coming back to the States.

Being in Taiwan always gave me a feeling of nostalgia.

The food, family, the culture. Sporadic childhood memories of my sister and I returned.

Like the time when we were suspended upside down on the apex of a ghetto roller coaster for 2 hours.

It’s probably the reason we are both deathly afraid of heights.

Taiwan has it all.

Night markets. 7-Elevens. Lakes. MRT. Mopeds. Boba milk tea. Monuments. Night clubs. Endless shopping. Bullet trains. Mountains.

The food, oh my goodness, the food.

Above all, Taiwan is home to some of the friendliest people in the world.

Humble, old-school, empathetic and sincere.

On the same weekend, we witnessed our good friends Johnathan and his seraphic wife Emily tie the knot.

With the distant mountains as their backdrop, they celebrated love and life. A surprise firework show capped off their special night.

Taiwan was a part of their story too.


We decided on a wedding banquet in Taiwan because of family.

With so many important family members living in Taiwan, it just made sense.

My mom was smiling the whole night. Perhaps it was because she was surrounded by her closest childhood friends.Or maybe it was because she was happy for me. I don’t know.

But I smiled through the whole night too.

On our last day, Elaine and I went to Ximending, a popular shopping area in Taipei.

This was where I randomly ran into her in 2005. We often reminisced about that day. I would always remind her that was the day I knew I was going to marry her.

The streets of Ximending were crowded with people but we spotted a small opening. We stopped, we smiled and took a polaroid together.

Our Taiwan tradition continues.

Through her thick lenses, I saw the focus in her eyes. She was already tackling her work emails that had piled up.

I poked her stomach with my index finger, breaking her concentration. I asked her, “Are you ready to be 100% married next month?”

She gave me a gentle smile and said “Yes, of course.” Then I took off my contact lenses and closed my eyes.

12 hours later, we were back in California.

vision insurance benefits

5 ways to maximize your vision insurance benefits before 2019

Not taking advantage of your yearly vision insurance benefits is like flushing money down the toilet. Remember, use it or lose it (flush it works here too).

With the end of the year fast approaching, do you still have vision insurance benefits left for the year? If so, here are 5 ways you can maximize your vision insurance benefits before 2019.

(Still got FSA dollars left to spend? Learn 5 ways to use your end of the year FSA money: CLICK HERE)

1. Computer glasses
It’s true, the digital age is here. About 75% of my patients are using a computer on a daily basis at work. This number is staggering and it’s also increasing.

computer glasses

Heavy computer or phone use can increase risk for eye problems. Like your smartphone, computer screens emit harmful blue-light which can increase risk for macular degeneration and contribute to digital eye strain. Protection with blue-light filters are certainly necessary.

Prescription computer glasses is not the same as your everyday prescription glasses. The prescription powers are usually different and made specifically for your computer working distance.

Pro-tip: Add a blue-light filter to your lenses if you use the computer or look at your phone for more than 6 hours a day.

2. Prescription or non-prescription sunglasses
It’s a little known fact that vision insurance benefits can be used towards sunglasses, even designer sunglasses. Yes, summer may be over but here in sunny Southern California, sun protection a year round thing.

prescription or non-prescription sunglasses

Keep those eyes protected in style with a pair of designer sunglasses from brands such as Tom Ford, Gucci, Tiffany & Co, Prada or Celine. Or consider popular sunglasses brand such as Ray-bans, Oakleys and Oliver Peoples. Just like your collection of shoes, you can never have enough sunglasses.

Pro-tip: If you had LASIK eye surgery, you can still use your vision insurance benefits towards a new pair of sunglasses.

3. Back-up glasses
Using vision insurance towards new prescription glasses may sound obvious. However, using vision insurance for a back-up pair of glasses is an unfamiliar but great idea.

back-up glasses

If you are like me and are constantly forgetting and losing things in life, consider a back-up pair of glasses. For those that dependent heavily on their glasses to see, just imagine a day without your glasses. Imagine trying to drive at night. Sounds terrible and scary right?

So if you still have vision insurance left, why not get some back-up glasses for those unexpected moments in life.

Pro-tip: A solid pair of back-up glasses won’t break the bank. Most vision insurance will cover the basics: frame, lenses and some insurance will even cover anti-reflective coatings too.

4. Prescription contact lenses
If you are a contact lens wearer and still have vision insurance left for the year, it’s a no-brainer to use that benefit to buy more contact lenses.

contact lenses with vision insurance

Most vision insurance will have an allowance of $130-$200 to be used towards buying contact lenses. If you don’t use that money, you simply lose it.

Pro-tip: All contact lens wearers should have a pair of back-up glasses. Use your insurance benefits towards back-up glasses if you don’t owe a pair.

5. Eye health exam
When was your last eye health exam? For a healthy individual, the American Optometric Association recommends an eye exam every 2 years.

eye exams with vision insurance

Eye exams are especially important for children, because 80% of what they learn is through their vision. Remember, vision screenings at school is not a comprehensive eye exam.

Pro-tip: Most vision insurance fully cover basic vision and eye health exam. Co-pays for eye exams can range from $0 – $25 depending on your insurance coverage.

As I am writing this, the weather is starting to cool, kids are fully back to school and more importantly the NBA season has started for my Lakers. Soon the holiday season will be upon us.

Your calendar will start to stack with Thanksgiving and Christmas events. So don’t forget to mark down a day to use your vision insurance benefits before the year is over.

Remember, you either use it or you lose it. Don’t let money flush down the toilet.


Do you still have vision insurance benefits left over for the year?

Text to us find out: (909)627-1111
Schedule your eye exam online today: CLICK HERE

The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions

Bright Vision Optometry is a family-owned & operated optometry office located in Chino Hills, CA 91709


 

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