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Tips for Healthy Aging

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September is National Healthy Aging Month an effort to recognize aging adults.  The Healthy Aging® organization was created over 25 years ago to draw attention to the importance of healthy lifestyles for adults, 45-plus. With proper diet and exercise and regular health screenings, each generation is proving that many older adults are vibrant, passionate, and not the image of old age at all. From the Greatest Generation (those now over 93), the Silent Generation (those between 75 and 92), and Baby Boomers (56 to 74) to Gen-Xers (40 to 55), individuals are determined to remain active by setting healthy goals.

As part of those goals, we want to point out some advantages of annual exams and health visits.  When it comes to your vision many diseases can be slowed down, stopped, or even reversed if caught early.  Having an annual comprehensive eye exam that includes dilation helps to give a baseline for your doctor to better be able to notice changes in your eyes.

Are you squinting a little more to read labels or catch that email on your phone? You’re not alone. As you age, it’s normal to notice changes in your vision. According to the National Eye Institute, some changes are normal, however, some may be cause for concern.

As we age, it’s normal to:

  • Lose focus, find it harder to focus vision up close.
  • Find it challenging to distinguish colors, such as blue from black, or to see where an object ends and its background begins.
  • Need more light to see well and more time to adjust to leaving a dark room and going into a brightly lit room.

Actual vision loss is not a normal part of aging.

If your eyes aren’t giving you any discomfort, they may become a second thought.  However, a condition called dry eye can become unpleasant, painful, and create a gritty feeling as well as blurred vision.  Based on data from the National Health and Wellness Survey, 6.8 percent of the United States adult population (approximately 16.4 million people) have been diagnosed with Dry Eye Disease with women more likely to develop dry eyes after menopause.

Certain medical conditions can impact our tear function, triggering dry eye — among them, systemic autoimmune diseases (such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus), as well as diabetes, strokes, and thyroid problems. Antihistamines, decongestants, blood pressure medications, antidepressants, and anti-anxiety medication, and hormone replacement therapy to relieve symptoms of menopause can also lead to dry eyes.

Other types of eye diseases that appear as we age can include age-related macular degeneration (AMD) – cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, and Glaucoma.

Are you ready to take control of your health?  Here are some tips.

  • Stop smoking.
  • Exercise.
  • Maintain normal blood pressure.
  • Control diabetes (if you have it).
  • Wear sunglasses and a brimmed hat any time you are outside in bright sunshine.
  • Eat a diet rich in green, leafy vegetables and fish.
  • Wear protective eyewear when working around your house or playing sports.

Vision loss is not always immediately noticeable.  Many times an individual can lose a significant amount of vision before it becomes noticeable.  When vision loss is detected early, the person stands a much greater chance of being able to slow down or even prevent their vision loss.

Medical screenings are important too.  Annual physicals, bloodwork, and regular cancer screenings can be a pivotal point of identifying a problem and taking the proper steps to treat it.  These screenings also provide peace of mind that you are as healthy as you can be.

Diet and exercise also play in role in healthy aging.  It’s easy to come home from a long day at the office, run through the take out window and grab a quick bite.  Taking time to plan and cook meals on the weekend allows for better eating habits and healthier food all around.

Put regular exercise into your routine that will help shed some unwanted pounds.  Take a walk at lunch or right after work if you can.  As we grow older, gone are the responsibilities of running kids to their various activities.  Make taking care of yourself the priority and put exercise into your calendar.

While we, at Bissell Eye Care, focus on vision and helping our patients to see to the best of their ability, we want to stress the importance of not just routine eye appointments, but all suggested medical appointments and screenings.  As we age it becomes more important than ever to take care of yourself. The quality of our lives as we age will depend on what we do today.   Stay positive. Try to think beyond yourself. Sure, these are complicated, unsettling times but you can use these days to work on your own health as well as to support your friends, neighbors, and family.

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 provides comprehensive eye examinations for the entire family beginning as early as 6 months, ocular disease detection and treatment, eyeglasses, sunglasses, activewear, 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 our Bakerstown Office at 724-443-6767 or Natrona Heights office at 724-226-0444.

Blurry vision

Night Driving Safety Tips

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Night driving hazards.  Did you know according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NTSA) road fatalities triple during the night?  Because you see less road ahead, there is less time to stop.

Night vision is the ability to see well in low-light conditions. As we age, we have greater difficulty seeing at night. Did you know that 9 of every 10 decisions you make behind the wheel are based on what you see?  A 50-year-old driver may need twice as much light to see as well as a 30-year-old. At age 60 and older, driving can become even more difficult, according to the American Optometric Association. If night driving is challenging, you aren’t alone – millions of Americans feel the same way.

Driving becomes more difficult as we age because the cornea and lens in the eye become less clear causing light to scatter inside the eye, which increases glare. These changes also reduce contrast sensitivity — the ability to discern subtle differences in brightness — making it harder to see objects on the roadway at night.

We can’t change the aging process so what steps can be taken to ensure safe nighttime driving?

Protect your vision – One of the most damaging things to the eyes is being exposed to bright sunlight without protection. The more often your eyes must adjust to bright sunlight, the harder time they will have adjusting to the darkness. Always wear sunglasses when outdoors and reduce the brightness of your computer screen or phone, especially in a dark room.

Diet plays a role in helping your night vision and furthermore for your overall health.  Eating foods rich in Vitamin A can help night vision and also protect the eyes from cataract formation, which is one of the most common causes of night blindness. Vitamin A-rich foods include dark green leafy vegetables, carrots, potatoes, dairy products, broccoli, squash, and fish.

Driver fatigue is prevalent between midnight and 6 am.  Be extra vigilant during that time for tired drivers and becoming sleepy yourself.  Roll down the window, play music, or stop for a cup of coffee.

Dirty or damaged windshields can scatter light and potentially increase the effects of glare, according to NHTSA. Newspaper and Windex are a great combination for your windshield.  The group also reports that dirty or damaged headlights can decrease your visibility and cast glare onto oncoming drivers. So clean headlights and windshields regularly; you can use a special cleaning kit for headlights.

Collisions with deer often happen at dusk or at night and are more common from October to January. Your high beams can help you spot an animal’s glowing eyes. Nocturnal animals such as raccoons and possums are often seen scurrying across the road.   When you see them, the safest way to avoid an accident is by slowing down and stopping—not by swerving.

Glasses—prescription or otherwise—add another reflective surface between the driver’s eyes and the road, so choosing the correct glasses to wear is crucial to improved nighttime visibility. The best option? Prescription lenses with anti-reflective coating. This coating stops additional, unnecessary light from reflecting inside your lenses while allowing more light to pass through.

Many different things may cause trouble in seeing at night.  It can be as simple as needing a new eyeglass prescription, lacking vitamins, overexposure to the sun, or the presence of cataracts.  If you find that you are having trouble seeing at night, contact your eye doctor who can help to rule out diseases that could cause long term loss of vision.

Be proactive in taking care of your health and be safe on the road.    Be honest with yourself.  If a driving situation makes you uncomfortable, don’t do it. Many older drivers voluntarily begin to make changes in their driving practices. If fast-moving traffic bothers you, consider staying off freeways, highways, and find street routes instead. You may also decide to avoid driving in bad weather (rain, thunderstorms, snow, hail, ice). If you are going to a place that is unfamiliar to you, it is a good idea to plan your route before you leave so that you feel more confident and avoid getting lost.

You can have the cleanest windshield and the best headlights, but they do nothing if your eyes are strained and they can’t correctly perceive road objects or other dangerous hazards.  If friends or relatives are concerned about your driving ability – it may be time to take a hard look at your safety and the safety of others.

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 provides comprehensive eye examinations for the entire family beginning as early as 6 months, ocular disease detection and treatment, eyeglasses, sunglasses, activewear, 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 our Bakerstown Office at 724-443-6767 or Natrona Heights office at 724-226-0444.

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Technology and Blue Light Overload

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Do you find yourself spending more time in front of your computer?  Working from home, remote learning for your kids, texting, social media, TV – we never seem to be able to take a break from technology.  All that blue light can cause a number of symptoms.  The artificial blue light emitted from our smart devices is high-energy and can have some long term effects on our vision.

Blue light is all around us, there are both natural blue light and artificial blue light.  Natural blue light comes from the sun. It is a short wavelength of visible blue light and high in energy.  Artificial blue light also a short wavelength of visible blue light is high-energy and remains high all the time. Prolonged exposure to blue light has shown to damage the retina, the part of the eye that detects qualities such as color and light intensity.

Blue light comes primarily from the sun and artificial light sources like digital screens and fluorescent lights. Blue light could be the reason your kids find it difficult to fall asleep at night, struggle with concentration, and develop eye-strain.

Ever wonder why you can’t go to sleep after scrolling on social media, checking email, or texting?  Did you know that blue light disrupts your circadian rhythm by reducing melatonin production? This is the hormone that tells your brain when it’s time to sleep. Blue light tricks your body into thinking it is daytime.

Other symptoms include:

  • Headaches/Migraines
  • Eye Strain
  • Blurry Vision
  • Dry Eyes
  • Inability to focus
  • Disruptive Sleep Patterns

Although there are many alternatives to blue light blocking, the most effective is blue light protection eyewear glasses because it provides protection all day. Just think about it, how quickly do you switch from looking at your computer screen to your phone or television to take a break? How about the LED lights at the supermarket or workplace? We can’t escape blue light, but we can surely decrease our exposure to it.

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 provides comprehensive eye examinations for the entire family beginning as early as 6 months, ocular disease detection and treatment, eyeglasses, sunglasses, activewear, 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 our Bakerstown Office at 724-443-6767 or Natrona Heights office at 724-226-0444.

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Back to School Eye Exams

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As the 2020–2021 school year begins parents and school districts alike are making decisions on in-person, hybrid, or remote learning.  Regardless of how your children will be learning, this is a great time to schedule your kids’ annual eye exams.

August is Children’s Eye Health and Safety month.  As a good rule of thumb, you should have your children’s eye examined by an eye care professional during their well visits starting around the age of three and also before the start of each school year.  If your children struggle to see, it may inhibit their ability to learn as they head back to school this year.

Pupil dilation is performed to purposefully increase the size of the pupils during an eye exam so that the eye doctors at Bissell Eye Care can fully examine the health of the optic nerve and retina. The exam is critical to preventing and treating eye conditions that could potentially lead to vision loss.

The view to the back of the eye is limited when the pupil is not dilated. When your pupil is small we can see your optic nerve and macula but the view is limited. To see the entire retina, the pupil must be dilated. This is achieved through the use of eye drops.

Comprehensive eye exams look into the back of the eye for overall eye health but are also able to detect things such as:

  • Ptosis (drooping of the eyelid)
  • Color deficiency (color blindness)
  • Amblyopia (lazy eye)
  • Strabismus (cross eyes)

Often children receive a screening at school or through other means that provide parents with a false sense of security.  According to the American Optometric Association, “Parents of children who “pass” a vision screening are often given a false sense that their child’s eyes are healthy, when they may have a serious, undiagnosed eye or vision condition. These screenings provide less than 4% of the information generated during a comprehensive eye exam and they miss up to 75% of children with vision problems. These children are less likely to receive timely treatment for their vision problem, allowing the impairment to become worse and to have a greater impact on their health and development.”

Early detection of vision problems can make a big difference when it comes to your child’s ability to learn.  If they suffer to see, they will more than likely suffer to learn as many people learn by sight.

Keeping your children’s eyes safe is another part of maintaining healthy vision.  Did you know those eye injuries are the leading cause of vision loss in children?  There are a few basic rules that you should follow to help ensure that your child is not one of the 42,000 sports-related eye injuries that occur each year.

  • All children should wear protective eye gear while participating in sports or physical activities.
  • Be sure to purchase age-appropriate toys and avoid those toys which have sharp or pointy edges.

No matter how they are learning this year, give your kids the best chance of success by scheduling a comprehensive eye exam.  Make sure that your children can see clearly.   Protecting their ability to see will help them be successful as they head back to school this year!

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 provides comprehensive eye examinations for the entire family beginning as early as 6 months, ocular disease detection and treatment, eyeglasses, sunglasses, activewear, 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 our Bakerstown Office at 724-443-6767 or Natrona Heights office at 724-226-0444.

Color Blindness graphic

Color Blindness Affects Learning

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As toddlers grow, some of the first things they learn are colors and shapes.  When you think about early children’s games such as Candyland, Go Fish, and Uno – they all depend on recognizing colors.  Children that have color blindness will have trouble distinguishing between colors, or not be able to recognize color at all.  Color vision deficiency, or color blindness, is a hereditary trait that has a 50% chance to be genetically passed down.

As children enter school the problem continues as most grade schools focus on learning through letters, numbers, and colors. A child that can’t discern between colors is already at a disadvantage as the foundations of learning are built upon in the early years of education.   They need help overcoming this obstacle since many schools heavily rely on colors to relay educational messages and lessons.

If a child is suspected of being color blind some clues to look out for are:

  • Reading issues with colored pages or worksheets produced with color on color
  • Children may complain that their eyes or head hurt if looking at something red on a green background, or vice versa
  • Using the wrong colors for an object – e.g. navy leaves on trees, particularly using dark colors inappropriately
  • Low attention span when coloring in worksheets
  • Problems in identifying red or green color pencils or any color pencil with red or green in its composition. (e.g. purple, brown)
  • Identification of color may be made worse by low-level light, small areas of color and colors of the same hue
  • Excellent night vision
  • Sensitivity to bright lights

The most common types of color blindness are inherited.  Color blindness can range greatly in the degree of colors that are able to be seen.  Some people can see darker colors easier than light, such as a dark red vs. a light red, with the light red being more difficult to distinguish.

There are three main categories that people who are color blind fall into.

  • Red-Green Color Blindness. The most common type of color blindness.  It is caused by the loss or limited function of a red cone or green cone photo pigments.  People with red-green color blindness struggle to distinguish red and green colors, seeing them as different colors or even black.
  • Blue-Yellow Color Blindness. This color loss is rarer than red-green color blindness.  The blue-cone photo pigments are either missing or have limited function.  This form of color blindness affects the ability to distinguish yellow and often shows yellow and red as pink.  Blue can also appear as green and yellows as violet or light gray.
  • Complete Color Blindness. People who suffer from complete color blindness see no colors at all. They may also have the clearness of their vision affected in people who suffer from complete color blindness.

There are many tests that your eye doctor can perform to determine if you are color blind.  If so, to determine what category of color blindness that you fall into.  It is important to have children checked at a young age as many times they do not know that they are color blind.

Children that are born with difficulty seeing colors do not know the difference of what life is like with all colors being portrayed as they should be.  Because color blindness is hereditary, it is especially important if one parent is color blind to have regular checkups for the entire family.

There is currently no cure for color blindness, however people with red-green color blindness may be able to use a special set of lenses to help them see colors more accurately.  These lenses are typically only to be used outdoors under bright light conditions.

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 provides comprehensive eye examinations for the entire family beginning as early as 6 months, ocular disease detection and treatment, eyeglasses, sunglasses, activewear, 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 our Bakerstown Office at 724-443-6767 or Natrona Heights office at 724-226-0444.

Doctor shows information: dry eye syndrome

Dry Eyes

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Our bodies produce tears to keep our eyes lubricated, and to help remove any foreign bodies. But when the body doesn’t produce enough tears or tear drainage is affected, the result is dry eyes. Dry eyes can be troublesome and irritating. Thankfully, this condition can usually be treated quickly and effectively.

Tears are a mixture of oils, water, mucus, antibodies, and protein that form to keep your eyes comfortable.  Watery eyes are characterized by an excess of tears, which can give the eyes a glassy look, and may result in tears running or dripping from the eyes.

When tears don’t provide enough moisture, you might notice:

  • A gritty feeling
  • Feeling like there’s something in your eye
  • Itching
  • Redness
  • Blurry vision
  • Light sensitivity

Some Causes of Dry Eyes

Sometimes, there’s a lack of balance in your tear-flow system. Your environment such as an air conditioner, heater, or other things around you could dry out your tear film. Other causes include:

  • Overuse of technology and not taking a break from screen time.
  • The natural aging process, especially menopause
  • Side effects of certain drugs like antihistamines
  • Diseases that affect your ability to make tears
  • Problems that don’t allow your eyelids to close the way they should

Treatment for Dry Eyes

  • Artificial tear drops and ointments are the most common treatment options. Many types of drops are available over the counter. No one product works for everyone, so you might have to try a few to figure out the one that’s right for you.
  • A surgical procedure that plugs the tear duct
  • Unclogging glands on the eyelids
  • Prescription cream

The various causes of dry eyes require different treatments.  Contact our office at 724-443-6767 or 724-226-0444 with any concerns you may have regarding dry eyes or any other eye condition.

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 provides comprehensive eye examinations for the entire family beginning as early as 6 months, ocular disease detection and treatment, eyeglasses, sunglasses, activewear, 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 our Bakerstown Office at 724-443-6767 or Natrona Heights office at 724-226-0444.

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Fireworks Eye Safety

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With the changes in outdoor gatherings this year, many large fireworks displays have been cancelled.  So that leaves families bringing the fireworks celebrations closer to home releasing fireworks in their own backyards.  Each year, thousands of people are injured by fireworks in June and July and almost half of those injured are children and teenagers.  Over a thousand of those are eye injuries.

There are certain precautions you can take to prevent eye injury or at least decrease the risk. Even when using sparklers, make sure that your kids are supervised. They should also keep the sparklers at arm’s length and never swing them around or run with them   Sparklers burn at about 2,000 degrees – hot enough to melt some metals. Sparklers can quickly ignite clothing, and children have received severe burns from dropping sparklers on their feet.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, sparklers alone account for more than 25% of emergency room visits for fireworks injuries. For children under 5 years of age, sparklers accounted for nearly half of the total estimated injuries.  Particularly for younger children, consider using safer alternatives, such as glow sticks, confetti poppers or colored streamers?

Fireworks can cause devastating and life-changing injuries. Simple ways to protect yourself and your children include staying at least 500 feet away from fireworks, allowing trained professionals to light fireworks and not allowing children to handle any fireworks.   Everyone who lights a firework should wear gloves and safety goggles. Work gloves protect the hands, where 28% of firework injuries occur.

If a firework doesn’t go off right away, don’t relight it. Don’t touch it or stand over it, either. Just leave it until it’s time to dispose of the shells.  If you find unexploded fireworks, call your police or fire department to dispose of them.  Do not touch them or try to light them.

If you suffer an injury due to fireworks, especially to your eyes, seek help immediately.

  • Do not rub the eyes
  • Do not rinse the eyes
  • Do not apply pressure
  • Do not put on ointments or take any blood thinning pain medication

If you have any questions or need information on eye injury following an accident, call Bissell Eye Care at (724) 444-6767 or 724-226-0444.  Remember 4th of July is about enjoying our freedom.  Be sure to thank a Veteran for their sacrifice and service.  Wishing you and your family a happy and safe summer.

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 provides comprehensive eye examinations for the entire family beginning as early as 6 months, ocular disease detection and treatment, eyeglasses, sunglasses, activewear, 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 our Bakerstown Office at 724-443-6767 or Natrona Heights office at 724-226-0444.

Healthy Eyes

Cataract Awareness – Know the Facts

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June is Cataract Awareness Month. Most people will develop a cataract at some point in their life.  Cataracts are the leading cause of vision impairment of loss in this country. Did you know by the age of 80, more than half of all Americans either have a cataract or have had cataract surgery?

What happens when you have a cataract?

Cataracts are a clouding of the lens of the eye, which prevents the passage of light into the eye. Seeing with cataracts is like looking through a frosty or fogged window.   Cataract sufferers may also experience sensitivity to light, see “halos” around lights, notice fading or yellowing colors or have double vision in one eye.

The solution to cataracts is cataract surgery, which requires a surgeon to remove the deteriorated lens and replace it with an artificial lens called an intraocular lens or IOL.

There are over 3 million cataract surgeries performed in the US each year with each surgery lasting about 20 minutes.  Recovery time is minimal and most people can resume normal activities fairly rapidly.

Diseases such as diabetes, lifestyle choices such as smoking, excessive alcohol use, and prolonged exposure to UV rays all can contribute to your chances of developing cataracts.

Did you know there are other types of cataracts?

  • Secondary cataract. Cataracts can form after surgery for other eye problems, such as glaucoma. Cataracts also can develop in people who have other health problems, such as diabetes. Cataracts are sometimes linked to steroid use.
  • Traumatic cataract. Cataracts can develop after an eye injury, sometimes years later.
  • Congenital cataract. Some babies are born with cataracts or develop them in childhood, often in both eyes. These cataracts may be so small that they do not affect vision. If they do, the lenses may need to be removed.
  • Radiation cataract. Cataracts can develop after exposure to some types of radiation.

Annual eye exams to include dilation can detect the onset of cataracts, as well as other types of eye disease.  These preventive measures, along with healthy eating will help to maintain overall eye health.  Call 724-444-6767 or 724-226-0444 to schedule your exam today!

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 provides comprehensive eye examinations for the entire family beginning as early as 6 months, ocular disease detection and treatment, eyeglasses, sunglasses, activewear, 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 our Bakerstown Office at 724-443-6767 or Natrona Heights office at 724-226-0444.

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Bissell Eyecare Operations Update

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As businesses begin to reopen, Bissell Eye Care will be following the CDC and State Health Guidelines as it pertains to generalized non-emergent eyecare. Our staff will be reaching out to reschedule annual eye exams and follow-up care. As of May 18, 2020, we are not permitted to do contact fits on patients who have never previously worn them, but can continue all other contact lens services. This may change at any time, so we will continue to keep everyone updated on the latest information provided to us by the CDC, AOA, and POA.

We want to assure you that the Bissell Eye Care staff stands ready to serve you and your family. You may have concerns about the Coronavirus (COVID-19) so we want to take the time to let our patients know what extra precautions the Bissell Eye Care staff are taking in our efforts to help keep everyone healthy:

  • Daily monitoring of the CDC updates and recommendations
  • Increasing the frequency of cleaning/disinfecting of heavy use patient areas and in house eyeglass frames
  • Limiting the number of patients in the office at one time, including limiting who may accompany a patient to their appointment. We ask that only the patient come into the building and others remain outside the building unless the patient needs a caretaker (i.e. child, elderly, medical condition, etc.)
  • Curbside pick-up of glasses, contacts, and other goods
  • Temperature check of employees and patients
  • Mandatory use of masks of all employees and patients while in the building
  • Providing hand sanitizer to patients and employees
  • Discussing prevention measures daily
  • Ensuring any employee displaying signs or symptoms of illness do not come into the office

The staff at Bissell Eye Care request any patients experiencing symptoms such as cough, fever or shortness of breath to please reschedule any appointments and follow CDC guidelines for monitoring.

We remain focused on doing our part in keeping you safe and healthy.

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New Technology for Bifocal Contact Lenses

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Bifocal contact lenses have been around for many years, but until recently they weren’t very popular.  Today, new technology has produced more successful and a greater variety of designs. So if one design or brand doesn’t work for you, another might.

Often after the age of 40 people develop presbyopia, a condition that affects our ability to focus on objects that are near.  Think about it.  Do you have a separate pair of glasses for reading?  Or do you need to wear bifocals to see both near and far?  Some people find that they struggle to read newspapers, books, or menus and must hold them further away to be able to see the print better.  Bifocal contact lenses are great for people with active lifestyles who do not want to be chained to their reading glasses.

There are several different types of contacts that can be used to find what works best for you to replace your need for reading glasses or bifocals.  The doctors at Bissell Eye Care can give a proper diagnosis as well as help you find the best treatment options.

Concentric multifocal contact lens design contains the lens power for seeing distant objects in the center of the lens, which is surrounded by concentric rings of near and distance powers of your bifocal contact lens prescription.

The design of aspheric multifocal contact lenses is similar to that of progressive eyeglass lenses — there’s a gradual change in power from far to near, with no visible lines in the lenses.  Unlike eyeglasses, however, aspheric multifocal contacts are simultaneous vision lenses, so your visual system must learn to select the proper lens power for the moment.

Your pupil size and your “add,” or near prescription are two factors our doctors consider in choosing a bifocal contact lens that is best for you.   There are no hard and fast rules; but, aspheric multifocal contact lenses tend to work best for mild to moderate presbyopia, and concentric or segmented multifocal contacts often are more successful for advanced presbyopia.

Bifocal and multifocal lenses come in both soft and rigid gas permeable materials.  They also come in a hybrid form.  This means that the contacts have the option to be used and disposed of at set times, and can even be daily in some cases.

What is the difference……Bifocal, Multifocal contacts?

Bifocal contact lenses have two different prescriptions in the same lens.  They are similar to bifocal glasses where the top half is used for seeing far while the bottom is used for seeing close.  A segmented bifocal, and sometimes also referred to as an alternating or translating bifocal places the near vision prescription in the lower part of the lens, and the normal, distance prescription is in the rest of the lens.

Multifocal Contact Lenses and how they work

Multifocal contacts have a range of powers in each lens and are designed two different ways.

  1. Simultaneous Vision. This option is set up so your eye looks through both near and far at the same time.  Your brain adapts and allows focus on either the near or far prescription depending on the distance of the object.
  2. Alternating Vision. In the alternation set up is more like a bifocal glasses design.  It allows your pupil to move up or down as necessary to get the proper focus.

If you’re tired of carrying around two pairs of glasses, or have tried bi-focal contacts years ago but couldn’t wear them, technology has changed.    The doctors at Bissell Eye Care will work with you to see how bi-focal contact lenses can benefit you.

Are you ready to enjoy outdoor activities such as gardening and sports more easily?  People who once thought they could never benefit from contact lenses now have a second chance.  To learn more about the latest technology in bi-focal contact lenses, give our office a call at 724-444-6767 or 724-226-0444.

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 provides comprehensive eye examinations for the entire family beginning as early as 6 months, ocular disease detection and treatment, eyeglasses, sunglasses, activewear, 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 our Bakerstown Office at 724-443-6767 or Natrona Heights office at 724-226-0444.