Visit our 2 convenient locations!

5900 Heckert Rd.
P.O. Box 324
Bakerstown, PA 15007
724-443-6767 Phone
724-443-6730 Fax

4001 Freeport Rd.
Natrona Heights, PA 15065
724-226-0444 Phone
724-226-0744 Fax

 

bissell

PLAY BALL AND GEAR UP!

Eye-Protection-In-SportsSpring arrives this month and that means spring sports are lining up into full gear. According to the to Prevent Blindness organization, “every 13 minutes, an emergency room treats a sports-related eye injury. And, 43 percent of sports-related eye injuries are to children ages 14 and younger.”

By using the right protective eye gear, the good news is that ninety percent of these eye injuries can be prevented. Know that regular glasses don’t provide enough protection. Use batting helmets with polycarbonate face shields for youth baseball.

For the… Continue reading

EYE INFECTIONS AND COLD AND FLU SEASON

Eye-InfectionsAs of Feb. 2, 2019, the flu is widespread in 47 states, and 24 states are experiencing high levels of the disease. In addition, hospitalizations are increasing, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Flu activity has continued to increase this week,” said Lynnette Brammer, the lead of CDC’s domestic influenza surveillance team.

It seems like everywhere you turn, someone is sick. For those individuals who received the flu shot, your symptoms may not be quite as severe, and Brammer urges individuals who haven’t gotten the flu… Continue reading

AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION EARLY DETECTION

Age-Related-Macro-DegenerationFebruary is National Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) awareness month. We want to make sure that you know what side effects to be on the lookout for. While there is not a cure for Macular Degeneration early detection is key to slowing down vision loss and keeping your sight.

Macular degeneration is one of the leading causes of vision loss. It is caused by the deterioration of the central portion of the retina. The central portion of the retina, known as the macula, is responsible for focusing vision for your eye,… Continue reading

IS MARIJUANA A VIABLE TREATMENT FOR GLAUCOMA?

Treating-GlaucomaDid you know over 2.8 million Americans have glaucoma and that number is expected to rise by 50% by the year 2032? Glaucoma, a group of eye diseases that gradually steal sight without warning, is caused by the eye’s failure to maintain the balance of pressure between the internal fluid and the amount of fluid it drains away. High eye pressure caused by this imbalance creates pressure build up against the optic nerve causing nerve damage. The most common forms primarily affect the middle-aged and the elderly, but glaucoma can… Continue reading

IS SCREEN TIME CREATING DIGITAL EYE STRAIN IN CHILDREN?

Children's-Eye-StrainYou’ve probably felt it before after a long day looking at your computer screen or spending too much time on your smart phone – digital eye strain. Perhaps your child received a new electronic device for Christmas and now they seem glued to the new tablet or phone. Did you know that your kids could be dealing with digital eye strain too?

Between school and home, kids are using tablets, smartphones, computers, and other digital devices at an alarming rate. In fact, they’re probably getting more digital device time than… Continue reading

DO YOU KNOW YOUR FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNT (FSA) NUMBERS?

Flexible-Spending-AccountIf you haven’t checked your FSA balance recently, now may be the time to check your account. In 2018, the IRS raised the contribution limit from $2,600 in 2017 to $2,650 for 2018. FSAs are pretax monies that can save an employee up approximately 30% on their out of pocket medical expenses. Employees may use their FSA funds to cover certain qualified medical expenses that their employer’s plan does not cover, such as co-pays and deductibles. Other qualified medical expenses include contact lenses, eye exams, eyeglasses, crutches and hearing aids.… Continue reading

NATIONAL DIABETES AWARENESS

DiabetesDo you or someone that you love suffer from diabetes? November is National Diabetes Awareness Month and we want to take the time to not only bring awareness to the effects diabetes can have on your eyes but also on the effects the disease can have on your overall health.

Over time, high blood sugar can damage the tiny blood vessels in your eyes. That can lead to a condition called diabetic retinopathy. High blood sugar can also lead to cataracts and glaucoma, which happen earlier and more often when… Continue reading

HALLOWEEN COSTUME SAFETY TIPS

Halloween-Costume-Safety-TipsAlthough it’s been a warm October, the signs of fall are certainly around us. The leaves on the trees are turning, haunted houses are popping up. 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… Continue reading

EYE INJURY PREVENTION MONTH

eye-injury-preventionOctober 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.

Could your job land you in the doctor’s office or the ER with an eye injury? According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 20,000 workplace eye injuries happen each year. Injuries on the job often require one or… Continue reading

HEALTHY AGING AND EYE EXAMS

Healthy-Aging-and-Eye-ExamsSeptember is a perfect time to celebrate Healthy Aging Month since it is time when many people think about getting started on new tasks after the summer. As the years roll on, are you doing all you can to stay active and healthy? The choices you make today may affect the quality of your life down the road. Diet and exercise are key components to healthy aging.

Fitbits and online apps can help track healthy eating habits and steps. Have you set a new goal to walk 10,000 steps a… Continue reading