NATIONAL DIABETES AWARENESS MONTH

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November is National Diabetes Month, just like having a yearly physical, November is a perfect time to remind people with diabetes how important it is to take care of their eyes. Everyone with diabetes, type 1 and type 2, are at risk for diabetic eye disease, a leading cause of vision loss and blindness.

Unfortunately, diabetic eye disease often has no early warning signs so people with diabetes might not even know they have an eye disease until it progresses and they start to notice problems with their vision.

 

You are at increased risk for developing pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes if you:

  • are 45 years of age or older
  • overweight
  • have a parent, brother or sister with diabetes
  • have a family background that is African-American, Hispanic/Latino, American-Indian, Asian-American, or Pacific-Islander
  • had diabetes while pregnant (gestational diabetes)
  • gave birth to a baby weighing 9 pounds or more
  • or are physically active less than three times a week

Some types of eye problems people with diabetes may have may include: cataracts, clouding of the lens of the eye, diabetic retinopathy, damage to blood vessels in the retina, glaucoma, or damage to the optic nerve. There are 7.7 million people ages 40 and older that have diabetic retinopathy and it is projected that number will reach 11 million people by 2030.

There are often NO early warning signs, but 95% of severe vision loss from diabetic retinopathy can be prevented by early detection, timely treatment, and appropriate follow-up.

The longer you have diabetes, the higher your risk of getting diabetic eye disease. Early detection for eye disease is done through a yearly comprehensive dilated eye exam.

Take control of your health and particularly if you are diabetic, your diabetes. Get a comprehensive dilated eye exam at least once a year. Take your medications. Reach and maintain a healthy weight. Add physical activity to your daily routine and control your blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol. Kick the smoking habit. Only YOU can make these changes in your lifestyle.

Taking steps to take care of yourself today can lead to an improved quality of life tomorrow.

About the author: John D. Bissell, owner of Bissell Eye Care and Tri-State Low Vision Services, offers comprehensive eye examinations for the entire family, ocular disease detection and treatment, eye glasses, sun glasses, active wear, contact lenses, and low vision examinations for those with significant vision loss. He has undergone specialized training for treatment of low vision by the International Academy of Low Vision Specialists utilizing customized telescopic eyeglasses, prisms and telescopic implants for patients who qualify. The practice accepts most types of vision and health insurance plans.

HALLOWEEN COSTUME SAFETY

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Happy group of children in costumes during Halloween party playing around the table with pumpkins and bottle of potion

There’s a nip in the air, pumpkin patches are in full swing and children’s Halloween costumes are being planned. We wanted to offer a few tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday for you and your family.

Does your costume block your vision?

Masks, wigs and eye patches may make an outfit complete, but make sure these accessories don’t significantly obstruct your field of view. Some masks are very dangerous for children because they block their side vision and can cause a trip hazard. A better, safer option is to decorate your child’s face with face paint or makeup.

Use FDA approved makeup

If you decide to disguise your child with makeup instead of a mask, use hypo-allergenic options and keep it away from the eyes. Make sure that any color additives to the face paint are FDA approved (check the Summary of Additives on the FDA website). When applying make-up near or around the eye, stay away from the lid margin, or lash line—the area where you would normally apply eye liner. If you are applying make-up very close to the eye, use only products approved for use in that area such as an eye-liner or eye shadow. Do not use blush or lip-liner to create a “red” effect. It is a good idea to carry a damp towel or washcloth in case the makeup begins to run while trick-or-treating.

Don’t allow sharp objects to be used as props

Some costumes don’t seem complete without swords or wands. Elementary and nursery schools are very strict in prohibiting these props for school parties. Sharp, pointed props endanger your child’s eyes as well as the eyes of other children. If your child must carry a sword, find a belt carrier or scabbard where the sword can stay safely nestled while the kids roam the neighborhood. Buy or construct only accessories made of soft or flexible materials.

Avoid decorative contact lenses

Don’t buy or wear decorative contact lenses that have not been prescribed by an eye doctor. The decorative lenses make the wearer’s eyes appear to glow in the dark, create the illusion of vertical “cat eyes,” or change the wearer’s eye color. These lenses are particularly popular for teens.

Despite the fact that it’s illegal to sell decorative contact lenses without a valid prescription, FDA says the lenses are sold on the Internet and in retail shops and salons. Decorative lenses from unlicensed manufacturers may be made from inferior plastic or may contain toxic dyes. In addition, untrained individuals may not follow proper hygiene in inserting or removing the devices. Eye infections related to improper wearing and handling of contact lenses can rapidly develop into corneal ulcers, which can cause permanent blindness.

Make sure costumes are reflective

If the costume your child chooses is not made of reflective material, sew on reflective fabric strips or use stick-on strips of reflective tape. You want your child to be seen, especially crossing streets in the dark. Place reflective material on the front, back and sides of your child’s costume.

Be informed…be safe….and have a Happy Halloween.

About the author: John D. Bissell, owner of Bissell Eye Care and Tri-State Low Vision Services, offers comprehensive eye examinations for the entire family, ocular disease detection and treatment, eye glasses, sun glasses, active wear, contact lenses, and low vision examinations for those with significant vision loss. He has undergone specialized training for treatment of low vision by the International Academy of Low Vision Specialists utilizing customized telescopic eyeglasses, prisms and telescopic implants for patients who qualify. The practice accepts most types of vision and health insurance plans.

Bissell Eye Care - Eye Safety Monthg

EYE INJURY PREVENTION MONTH

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Bissell Eye Care - Eye Safety Monthg

October is eye injury prevention Month. Did you know that nearly 2.5 million people suffer eye injuries each year in the United States, and nearly one million people have lost some degree of vision as a result of their injury? Most injuries could have been prevented with protective eyewear.

Think about the things you do around the house to get ready for winter. Flying debris or other small particles can be created from outside jobs such as trimming shrubs, raking leaves, mowing the lawn and cleaning up after a wind storm. These particles can get into your eyes and have the potential to scratch or damage your eye. Put on protective eyewear before you use a lawnmower, power trimmer or edger and be sure to check for rocks and stones when mowing as they can become dangerous projectiles as they shoot from these machines

Closing up swimming pools, cleaning windows and other projects around the house that involve the use of chemicals can lead to injury. Splashing chemicals can burn your eyes causing permanent damage. When using household chemicals, be sure to work in a well-ventilated area and keep the spray nozzle pointed away from you.

Flying fragments, fumes, dust particles, sparks can occur in the workshop or while doing woodworking projects. For those car buffs, battery acid sparks and debris from damaged or improperly jump-started auto batteries can severely damage your eyes. Learn the proper way to jump-start an automobile, and keep protective goggles in the trunk of your car to use for those emergencies and everyday repairs.

We recommend that every household have at least one pair of ANSI-approved protective eyewear to be worn when doing projects and activities at home to safeguard against eye injuries.

At Bissell Eye Care, we have many options for safety and sport eye wear available both our Bakerstown and Natrona Heights locations. If you would like to make an investment in your eye health, consider purchasing a reliable pair of safety glasses! As always, UV Protection is also important for optimum ocular health. Ensuring that the exposure of the eye to harmful UV radiation is as limited as possible is equally as important as wearing protective glasses during risky activities. Sunglasses may be covered under your insurance care provider (especially if they are dispensed with your current prescription). If you have any questions or concerns or would like to schedule an appointment for an eye examination, call us today!

About the author: John D. Bissell, owner of Bissell Eye Care and Tri-State Low Vision Services, offers comprehensive eye examinations for the entire family, ocular disease detection and treatment, eye glasses, sun glasses, active wear, contact lenses, and low vision examinations for those with significant vision loss. He has undergone specialized training for treatment of low vision by the International Academy of Low Vision Specialists utilizing customized telescopic eyeglasses, prisms and telescopic implants for patients who qualify. The practice accepts most types of vision and health insurance plans.

Bissell Eye Care - Eye Exams for Infants

EYE EXAMS FOR INFANTS

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Bissell Eye Care - Eye Exams for InfantsIn 2005, the InfantSEE® program was developed by the American Optometric Association and The Vision Care Institute of Johnson & Johnson Vision Care Inc. The goal of the program is ensure all infants and their families have access to quality eye care as part of a no-cost public service.

Bissell Eye Care is a proud member of the InfantSEE® program providing early detection of eye disease. Under this program, participating optometrists provide a comprehensive infant eye assessment between 6 and 12 months of age as a no-cost public service. This public health program is committed to encourage early eye examinations for children 6 months of age or older. Many children do not receive a comprehensive eye examination until they are in their later elementary grades and only get an examination when it is perceived that something is wrong. Most problems occur much earlier and can be prevented with early detection and treatment.

The American Optometric Association recommends having your child’s first eye assessment at six months to check for eye movement, eye tracking and excessive amounts of nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism.

As baby’s eyes develop in their early months they first begin to focus on objects that are about a foot away. Complex shapes and color contrasts stimulate a baby’s interest. During the first four months, your baby should begin to track movement as they develop hand-eye coordination and depth perception. At six months an eye exam is important to determine any eye conditions that may be present. Although these problems aren’t common, treatment is often most effective when conditions are caught early.

During the eye exam – you will be asked to hold your infant on your lap. The optometrists at Bissell Eye Care will use a variety of things such as puppets and colorful objects in our examination. It’s best to schedule the exam when your child is most alert. During our evaluation, we examine the eye’s structure as well as eyelids, tear ducts, and other parts of the eye.

There are factors that place an infant at risk for eye disease in infants. In reviewing the family history, we look for things such as low birth rate, family history of eye disease, infection of the mother during pregnancy, sexually transmitted disease and difficult or assisted labor.

From eight to twelve months, your baby becomes mobile and is attracted to objects using both eyes to judge distances. Crawling helps to further develop your baby’s hand-eye coordination.

Many eye conditions have no symptoms that can be identified by a parent or in a well visit. Having your child’s eyes checked at an early age provides parents peace of mind in knowing about their child’s eye health.

About the author: John D. Bissell, owner of Bissell Eye Care and Tri-State Low Vision Services, offers comprehensive eye examinations for the entire family, ocular disease detection and treatment, eye glasses, sun glasses, active wear, contact lenses, and low vision examinations for those with significant vision loss. He has undergone specialized training for treatment of low vision by the International Academy of Low Vision Specialists utilizing customized telescopic eyeglasses, prisms and telescopic implants for patients who qualify. The practice accepts most types of vision and health insurance plans.

ARE YOUR CHILD’S EYES READY FOR SCHOOL?

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health care, medicine, people, eyesight and technology concept – optometrist with trial frame checking girl patient vision at eye clinic or optics store

A Back to School comprehensive eye exam can be a key to your child’s success at school. Will your child be among the 86% of children that don’t have a comprehensive vision exam before returning to school or entering school/preschool for the first time?

We’re entering the back to school mode, a time for excitement and learning. Our children receive so much information at school….are they ready to thrive in today’s fast paced and challenging educational environment?

Students with poor vision are often misdiagnosed as learning impaired, having attention deficient disorder, or are just plain left behind from their peer group. These kids don’t know that they can’t see what their friend sees, because they don’t know what normal vision is like. Without healthy vision, children may struggle not only at school, but also socially.

Don’t wait until kindergarten to schedule your child’s exam. Children as young as 3 years old should have a comprehensive eye exam prior to starting preschool. Think about what your child learns at preschool, colors, numbers and social skills. Yet, if your child can’t see well, or has other vision issues, they miss out on the foundation building blocks of recognizing shapes and letters, as well as social interaction.

Vision is a dominant process in a child’s growth, development and daily performance. Your child interacts with computers, iPods, educational TV, reading books – they all require vision. Reports have shown that 60% of students classified with a learning disability really have undetected vision issues.

There is a difference between a vision screening done at school or the pediatrician’s office and a comprehensive eye exam done by an eye care professional. Two studies published by the American Academy of Ophthalmology found that 40 to 67% of children who fail a vision screening do not receive the recommended follow-up care by an eye doctor.

One reason for this lack of compliance is poor communication with parents who may or may not be present at the screening. One study found that two months later, 50% of parents were unaware their child had failed a vision screening.

Comprehensive vision examinations can only be conducted by an eye care professional with the specialized training needed to make a definitive diagnosis and prescribe treatment. Keep in mind that a vision screening, while a useful tool, is a limited process and cannot be used to diagnose an eye or vision problem, but rather to indicate a potential need for further evaluation. The best way to make sure your child has the visual skills he or she needs to excel in and outside the classroom is to schedule routine comprehensive eye exams with an eye doctor

About Bissell Eye Care: John D. Bissell, OD owns and operates Bissell Eye Care servicing Northern Pittsburgh and Alle-Kiski Valley regions. With two locations to treat patients, we offer evening and Saturday appointments. Bissell Eye Care provide comprehensive eye examinations for the entire family beginning as early as 6 months, ocular disease detection and treatment, eye glasses, sun glasses, active wear, contact lenses, and low vision examinations for those with significant vision loss. We accept most types of vision and health insurance plans. For more information, visit bisselleyecare.com or call 724-443-6767.

IS MY CHILD READY FOR SUNGLASSES?

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We all love sunshine, but the UV rays that the sun puts out aren’t good for our eyes. As adults, we put on sunglasses and enjoy the outdoors. But, how often do you see kids wearing sunglasses? Children spend much more time outdoors than many adults and it’s important for them to have sunglasses that block 100 percent of the UV rays.

Young children and toddlers will mimic what they see their parents and older siblings doing. If they express interest in wearing sunglasses, allowing them to pick something they like may result in the likelihood of them wearing the sunglasses. For infants and very young toddlers, a visor or hat may be a better choice.

Children’s eyes are more susceptible to UV and HEV radiation than adult eyes because the lens inside a child’s eye is less capable of filtering these high-energy rays. This is especially true for young children. Begin wearing protective sunglasses outdoors as early in life as possible.

Think about looking out into the ocean or on a lake. If you’re on a boat you tend to burn easier because the sun reflects off the water. The same applies to ski slopes. These reflective environments cause an increase in the UV rays. Protective sun wear is important for the entire family.

When choosing sunglasses, buy a pair with a label saying it blocks 99 to 100 percent of both UVA and UVB rays. Labels that say the glasses meet ANSI (American National Standards Institute) requirements or block UV absorption up to 400 nm (nanometers) mean you’re getting this protection, too.

Sunglasses for children come in rubber frames for rugged use. Tinted goggles help protect eyes from snow glare. Choose polycarbonate for your child’s sunglass lenses, because it’s very shatter-resistant.
As children age, they may begin to follow trends in sunglasses that mimic styles of adult sunglasses and are rich in colors. Clip-on sunglasses are available for prescription eyeglasses and some types of clip-ons are designed to magnetically attach to the glasses. Brand names such as Disney are also popular.

Sunglasses are important for the entire family. For questions regarding sunglass fitting for your child, give our office a call.

About the author: John D. Bissell, owner of Bissell Eye Care and Tri-State Low Vision Services, offers comprehensive eye examinations for the entire family, ocular disease detection and treatment, eye glasses, sun glasses, active wear, contact lenses, and low vision examinations for those with significant vision loss. He has undergone specialized training for treatment of low vision by the International Academy of Low Vision Specialists utilizing customized telescopic eyeglasses, prisms and telescopic implants for patients who qualify.  The practice accepts most types of vision and health insurance plans.

FIREWORKS SAFETY: AVOID EYE INJURIES

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Summer is rolling right along and the 4th of July with all the celebrations and of course fireworks will be popping up everywhere.  The best way to enjoy fireworks this 4th of July is to attend a professional public display.  Pittsburgh and the surrounding communities offer a variety of options.

Did you know… sparklers can easily ignite clothing and generally burn at 1,200-2,000 degrees Fahrenheit — hot enough to cause third-degree burns to the skin?

Out-of-control bottle rockets are responsible for many serious eye injuries, including corneal abrasions, traumatic cataract, retinal detachment, optic nerve damage, and rupture of the eyeball – all of which can lead to potential blindness.  Kids don’t often realize the hidden dangers in playing with fireworks that can lead to permanent eye damage.

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology:

  • Never let children play with fireworks of any type, even sparklers.
  • Adults should always wear protective eyewear that meets the parameters set by the American National Standards Institute if handling fireworks and ensure that all bystanders are also wearing eye protection.
  • Leave the lighting of professional-grade fireworks to trained pyro-technicians.

For those who attend professional fireworks displays and/or live in communities surrounding the shows:

  • Respect safety barriers at fireworks shows and view fireworks from at least 500 feet away.
  • Do not touch unexploded display (show) fireworks; instead, immediately contact local fire or police departments to help.

If you do experience an eye injury during a fireworks accident, seek immediate medical help.

About the author: John D. Bissell, owner of Bissell Eye Care and Tri-State Low Vision Services, offers comprehensive eye examinations for the entire family, ocular disease detection and treatment, eye glasses, sun glasses, active wear, contact lenses, and low vision examinations for those with significant vision loss. He has undergone specialized training for treatment of low vision by the International Academy of Low Vision Specialists utilizing customized telescopic eyeglasses, prisms and telescopic implants for patients who qualify.  The practice accepts most types of vision and health insurance plans.

GOOGLE GLASSES

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Are you ready for new technology and wearable headgear? Google Glass is a wearable computer with an optical head mounted display paving the wave of the future. Technology is ever evolving and Bissell Eye Care is now an approved vendor for Google Glass. You may have noticed the photo on our Facebook Page. We wanted to weigh in on your thoughts about technology.

The new technology isn’t available on all frame types. In a partnership with eyewear company Luxottica, Google provides four prescription frame choices for about $225.00 U.S.

Voice controlled, there are seven things you can do with Google Glass:

  1. Take a picture
  2. Record a video
  3. Get Directions
  4. Send a Message
  5. Make a call
  6. Visit Google + and Hangouts
  7. Google

The technology and eyewear will continue to evolve, but one thing is for certain, do not drive while wearing these glasses.  To learn more about what Google Glass can do and to ‘see’ sample images, click here.

About the author: John D. Bissell, owner of Bissell Eye Care and Tri-State Low Vision Services, offers comprehensive eye examinations for the entire family, ocular disease detection and treatment, eye glasses, sun glasses, active wear, contact lenses, and low vision examinations for those with significant vision loss. He has undergone specialized training for treatment of low vision by the International Academy of Low Vision Specialists utilizing customized telescopic eyeglasses, prisms and telescopic implants for patients who qualify.  The practice accepts most types of vision and health insurance plans.

EYE STRAIN AND MACULAR DEGENERATION

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Man in formal clothes sitting by the table with laptop and feels bad.

Did you know according to the American Optometric Association that 75% of computer workers complain of eye strain?  Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) occurs when the eyes focus on the computer display for a protracted amount of time resulting fatigue, eye strain and dry eyes.  According to the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, computer vision syndrome affects some 90% of the people who spend three hours or more a day at a computer.

It’s no wonder with the amount of time we spend in front of the computer, tablets and other electronic devices that more individuals are experiencing computer-related eye strain.  Due to the exposure of blue light which is omitted from the devices, we are beginning to see the effects of digital eye strain – headaches, eye pain, double vision, watery eyes, and burning. Blue light may cause oxidative damage to the eyes, and may play an integral role in causing age-related macular degeneration, which can lead to significant vision loss.

For years now, professionals in the fields of light energy and vision have known about the hazards ultraviolet (UV) light presents to ocular health. We are gradually having longer and more intense exposures to blue light.  While some people find blue light irritates their eyes or causes headache, most are able to ignore it. Scientists only now are beginning to investigate its long term effects and offer some solutions for maintaining ocular health in the presence of blue light.

Some tips to avoid eye strain

  • Take a break from the screen
  • Blink frequently
  • Consider the use of computer glasses they have a different focal point than glasses
  • Keep a bright monitor and reduce the blue light at night
  • Reposition your computer 20-28 inches from your eye

These symptoms not only apply to adults, but we are seeing more kids than ever before with eye strain from hours spent on video games, portable electronic devices and computer use.  If you see your kids rubbing their eyes or notice an increase in headaches, it may be time to limit usage and schedule an eye exam with an optometrist.  Technology is here to stay, but we must be aware of long term effects with overuse.

About the author:  John D.  Bissell, owner of Bissell Eye Care and Tri-State Low Vision Services, offers comprehensive eye examinations for the entire family, ocular disease detection and treatment, eye glasses, sun glasses, active wear, contact lenses, and low vision examinations for those with significant vision loss. He has undergone specialized training for treatment of low vision by the International Academy of Low Vision Specialists utilizing customized telescopic eyeglasses, prisms and telescopic implants for patients who qualify.  The practice accepts most types of vision and health insurance plans.

WHEN IS TOO EARLY FOR A CHILD’S FIRST EYE EXAM?

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Did you know that Bissell Eye Care provides eye examinations for children as young as 6 months of age? For children under the age of one we do not charge for the examination.

According to the American Optometric Association (AOA), “infants should have their first comprehensive eye at 6 months of age. Experts say 5 -10 % of preschoolers and 25 % of school-aged children have vision problems.  Early identification of a child’s vision problem is crucial because, if left untreated, some childhood vision problems can cause permanent vision loss. Children then should have additional eye exams at age 3, and just before they enter the first grade — at about age 5 or 6.”

Here are some tips for eye exams for young children.

  • Schedule the appointment during a time when your child is alert and happy taking into account napping and eating times.
  • A case history will be conducted to determine birth history, birth weight, medical issues and any allergies.
  • Be sure to note any delayed motor development, failure to maintain eye contact, poor eye tracking, frequent eye rubbing or blinking.

Making a child comfortable with puppets and the use of our “Special Lights” allow us to have fun with children as we look for the following things:

  • How the eye tracks and turns
  • High Refractive Error – meaning significant far or near sightedness
  • Overall Eye Health

For young children who can’t read letters yet, we use of shapes and colors.  No matter what age, regular eye exams are important.  Don’t let your children fall behind in preschool or school as a result of a vision problem.

About the author:  John D.  Bissell, owner of Bissell Eye Care and Tri-State Low Vision Services, offers comprehensive eye examinations for the entire family, ocular disease detection and treatment, eye glasses, sun glasses, active wear, contact lenses, and low vision examinations for those with significant vision loss. He has undergone specialized training for treatment of low vision by the International Academy of Low Vision Specialists utilizing customized telescopic eyeglasses, prisms and telescopic implants for patients who qualify.  The practice accepts most types of vision and health insurance plans.