BACK TO SCHOOL EYE EXAMS

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Attentive boy is looking in special apparatus, checking his sight. Portrait

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?

Vacations are almost over and 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? Technology can often add additional strain to your eyes. As schools issue iPads and computers, children spend more time in front of a screen.

Although a child may have 20/20 vision, they may experience a vision problem that could impact their ability to learn. Even if there are no complaints during the summer about blurry vision or headaches, children still need to have frequent eye exams. Just like their bodies are rapidly growing, children’s eyes are changing as well.

Having a clear vision is an essential part of the school experience because so much of learning is visual. An undiagnosed eye problem could result in an academic setback in just a few short months. Some behavior problems could be linked to vision issues. These students may seem uninterested or unfocused in school when in actuality they simply cannot see clearly.

Eye issues such as strabismus (misaligned eyes), astigmatism or amblyopia (lazy eye) are also detectable through an eye exam. For some eye conditions, vision can be permanently affected if the problem is not corrected. Regular exams mean earlier diagnosis and earlier treatment.

Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a common condition in children which often develops around the age of 6 or 7. This condition results when the cornea is curved too much or when the eye is longer than normal. When light comes into the eye, it is focused in front of the retina instead of directly on the retina and the child’s vision is blurred.

Nearsightedness can worsen rapidly, especially between the ages of 11 and 13, which means that an eye prescription can change dramatically over a short period of time. Changing eyesight is not a reason for worry, and vision tends to stabilize in the later teenage years and early twenties. During the growing years, it is important to make regular eye appointments with your child’s eye doctor. Making comprehensive eye exams a part of your back-to-school tradition guarantees that your children’s eyes are examined at least once every year.

Eighty percent of all learning is performed through vision. Especially with young children, learning to read and the ability track words is the building block of their educational experience. The longer a vision problem goes undiagnosed and untreated, the more a child’s brain will learn to accommodate the vision problem. This can lead to poor academics and frustration for all concerned.

At Bissell Eye Care, we look for delayed motor development, frequent eye rubbing, excessive blinking, failure to maintain eye contact, eye tracking skills, and the inability to maintain a gaze. These types of symptoms can affect the child’s ability to concentrate and learn.

Learning is fun. Make sure your child is equipped with the right tools to succeed. Start your child on the right track to learning with clear vision. From the doctors and staff at Bissell Eye Care, wishing you the best in the upcoming school year!

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.

SAFETY TIPS FOR NIGHT DRIVING

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Driving on an asphalt road towards the headlights

Have you noticed dusk starting to come earlier in the evening? Are you among those that don’t see as well when driving at night? Did you know that 9 of every 10 decisions you make behind the wheel are based on what you see?

It doesn’t matter if you’re 16 or 60. The ability to drive represents a sense of freedom for adults of all ages. But, as we get older, changes to the body and mind can make driving increasingly difficult. Night vision worsens with age due to a number of factors: pupil size, retinal changes, and cataracts.

Pupils shrink and don’t dilate as much in the dark as we age, reducing the amount of light entering the eye. Smaller pupils limit the amount of light that reaches the back of the eye called the retina. Because the retina of an 80-year-old receives far less light than the retina of a 20-year-old, it can seem like you are wearing dark sunglasses at night.

Rods and cones are contained in the retina. We depend on the cones for color vision and reading small print while the rods are critical for seeing in low light. As time goes on, we have fewer and fewer rods and they take longer to adjust to dark environments.

Cataracts are caused by a clouding of the lens in the front part of the eye. This causes the light entering your eye to be dimmed and blurred making it harder to see at night.

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

  • Avoid driving on dark rainy nights.
  • Keep windshields clean inside and out.
  • Help drivers see you in twilight by turning your headlights on before sunset and keeping them on for an hour after sunrise.
  • Allow more time for your own journey, so you’re not driving under pressure.
  • Avoid looking directly at approaching vehicles at night, even when their lights are dimmed.
  • Have regular eye exams to check for such things as cataracts that can cause nighttime vision loss.

Avoid driving along at 50 mph, dropping to 40 mph when there’s oncoming traffic and then speeding up again. It makes it very confusing for drivers traveling behind you. It’s better to aim for a speed you can maintain such as 45 mph and sticking to it, even if there are times you could go faster.

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.

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 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.

first-pair-of-glasses

GRADY GETS GLASSES

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first-pair-of-glassesGrady Gets Glasses, a new program offered by Bissell Eye Care provides a book written by a retired school teacher and local author, Dede Rittman, to young children who receive their first pair of glasses. It talks about the importance of being able to see better and how glasses will help.

For parents of young children, learning your child needs glasses may be a bit overwhelming at first, but you’ll be amazed at the difference in their ability to see clearly and function better. All of the doctors at Bissell Eye Care have young children, so we are accustomed to working with kids of all ages. You may recall a while back, Dr. Long shared her own story about her son’s vision deficit.

Here are some things to consider when choosing your child’s frames. There are more and more options for glasses for young kids, but keep in mind you need to find frames that fit small faces. Different brands offer warranties, for both the frames and the lenses, so be sure to ask. There are three criteria when shopping for frames… FIT, FUNCTION, and FASHION in that order.

Fit is crucial. Glasses need to fit your child today and not size up for future growth. Glasses that fit well stay put, encouraging your child to look through the appropriate part of the lens. They are more comfortable, which encourages compliance, and honestly, they look more attractive. In small children, bigger is definitely not better when it comes to frames. Bigger frames mean bigger lenses that can cause the frames to slide down their nose. Frames that fit well don’t move even while laying down or rough play.

Function. Frame types vary, but the three basic types are wire, flexible, and plastic. The fit is a huge factor in function because glasses that fit well function well. Age and activity of the child go hand in hand when choosing a frame. If you have an infant or an active toddler that needs glasses, you will likely want something flexible and as close to indestructible as you can get, like Miraflex. An older child active in sports may also need a second pair of glasses that are sports goggles. A child who requires an exact bifocal line may do much better wearing a wire frame with nose pads because it gives you the best adjustability.

Fashion is the last on to consider. Glasses that fit and function well for your child are the most important thing, but they will still look adorable in properly fit glasses. Having concerns about your child’s appearance is expected. Be sure not to get caught up in the fashion of the frames if it is to the detriment of fit and function.

With school shopping just around the corner, make sure an eye checkup is on your TO DO list before school starts. Call our offices at 724-443-6767 or 724-226-0444 to schedule your appointment.

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.

PROGRESSIVE LENSES VERSUS BIFOCALS

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As we age, the need for progressive lenses increases. Just like graying hair and wrinkles, presbyopia is an inevitable sign that you’re getting older. Perhaps it started with cheaters to read but has now progressed so that prescription eyewear is necessary.

Presbyopia is the normal, gradual loss of your eyes’ ability to focus on nearby objects. Most people will start to notice presbyopia in their mid-40s. But unlike your changing hair or skin, blurred vision is much harder to live with. Thankfully, there is an answer – progressive or bifocal eyewear. We will explore the differences.

There is a distinct line in the lens with bifocals. This means bifocals only cover two different distances. With the growth of digital devices, lenses have had to evolve to cover more of a person’s field of vision.

A progressive lens is an amazing piece of engineering, allowing multiple vision fields to be incorporated into a single lens without any clear distinction between the fields themselves. Progressive lenses go from distance to intermediate to near offering a full range of clear vision. Unlike bifocals, progressives don’t have a visible line across the lens, which can be more visually attractive. You can eliminate the need for multiple pairs of glasses (i.e. reading, computer, distance) which can impact your lifestyle and tasks of daily living.

Adjusting To Progressive Lenses

Like anything new, there is an adjustment period. But consistency in wearing your progressive eyewear is key. Put away your old glasses. No-line bifocals will slightly alter your peripheral vision due to power changes that occur at the edges of the lenses. This initial difference in your peripheral vision will probably require some slight changes in horizontal head and eye movements. Make sure to wear your glasses high on the bridge of your nose and as close to your face as possible. Sensitivity to this area of the lens will diminish with time as you become more accustomed to your new lenses.

The professionals at Bissell Eye Care will help you transition as you age gracefully. Have questions? Give our office a call at 724-443-6767 or 724-226-0444.

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.

SUMMER ~ SUNSCREEN ~ SUNGLASSES

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As we roll into summer, sunscreen and sunglasses are a winning combination. Sunglasses are an easy solution that makes life more comfortable when outdoors, while also providing critical protection from the sun’s damaging ultraviolet (UV) rays. But…all sunglasses don’t provide the protection you need to protect your eyes.

Long-term exposure to UV rays can damage the eye’s surface as well as its internal structures. This damage can sometimes lead to eye conditions such as cataracts (clouding of the lens) and macular degeneration (breakdown of the macula).

Did you know that glaucoma can make eyes highly sensitive to light and glare, with some glaucoma medications exacerbating the problem even further?

A brimmed hat whenever you’re in the sun long enough to get a suntan or a sunburn, is recommended along with sunglasses to help protect your eyes from the sun. If you have blue, green, or gray eyes, you may have noticed yourself squinting into the sunlight more than your brown-eyed counterparts. Light sensitivity — typically affects people with light eyes because they have less pigmentation in multiple layers of the eye than those with darker eyes.

Here are some things to keep in mind when shopping for sunglasses:

  • Look for UV protection.
  • Don’t be deceived by color or cost. The ability to block UV light is not dependent on the darkness of the lens or the price tag. Always choose sunglasses that are labeled as blocking 99-100% of UV rays.
  • Polarized lenses block out not only direct rays from the sun but also light reflecting off surfaces such as water, snow or reflective metals. Polarization is unrelated to UV protection, so you still need to ensure UV absorption of the lenses.
  • Blue light blocking.
  • Photo Chromic lenses adjust with the light and can be a compromise from buying dark lenses allowing you to see well in different level of brightness.
  • Wrap around frames and lenses add extra coverage and help to block out the light from all angles providing the best protection for your eyes. Some studies have shown that enough UV rays enter around standard sunglass frames to reduce the protective benefits of the lenses.
  • Check lenses for quality. Look for a uniform tint, not darker in one area than in another.

Special features in sunglasses can include:

Mirror coatings. These thin layers of various metallic coatings can reduce the amount of visible light entering the eyes. They are popular in high-glare environments and when combined with the wraparound feature, they can even provide added protection to the skin surrounding the eye area. UV protection, however, is not guaranteed.

Gradient. These lenses are permanently shaded from top to bottom or from top and bottom toward the middle.

Impact resistant. While all sunglasses must meet minimum FDA standards regarding impact resistance, no lens is truly shatterproof. Plastic lenses are less likely to shatter upon impact than glass lenses. And, polycarbonate plastic, used in many sports sunglasses, is even more impact resistant than regular plastic, but scratches easily. If you buy polycarbonate lenses, look for ones with scratch-resistant coatings.

Buying a pair of sunglasses that offer little more than looks and some shade for your eyes can not only fail you at blocking out the proper amount of sunlight, but they can also cause short term and long term damage to your eyes. Bissell Eye Care carries a full line of RXable (either prescription or nonprescription) sunglasses in a variety of styles and colors.

Wear sunglasses whenever you are outdoors, whether you are working, driving, participating in sports, taking a walk, running errands or doing anything in the sun. Remember this summer as you enjoy the nice weather it is important to protect not only your skin but also your eyes. If you have any questions about proper eye protection, stop in and see us so we can help you ensure you enjoy your summer!

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 EYE SAFETY MONTH

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June is often the time when many families plan their Independence Day or the Fourth of July, celebrations. 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.

Whether you are watching a professional fireworks show or just lighting sparklers at your backyard barbeque with family, 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.

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. 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

The safest way to watch fireworks is for you to let somebody else light off the fireworks. When we say someone else, we mean a professional – as in – go to a fireworks show. 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 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.

Watery eyes

ALLERGY SEASON IS IN FULL FORCE!

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Watery eyesIt was a long hard winter, but the cold winter months have passed and we are in the midst of a stellar allergy season. You look outside and everything is covered in a yellow film causing itchy, red, or even burning sensations in your eyes. Allergy suffers, you aren’t alone in your symptoms. Did you know that the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology estimates that 50 million people in the United States have seasonal allergies? This affects approximately 30% of adults and 40% of children.

Because the symptoms of seasonal allergy can resemble those of dry eye disease, diagnosis can be a challenge. Although patients may have only seasonal allergies or only dry eye disease, there is a good possibility that both conditions are present.

Be nice to your eyes. When avoidance is not an option, there are still steps that you can take to reduce the allergen’s impact and increase eye comfort. Here are some relief and tips for prevention to avoid or limit exposure with your trigger(s).

Outdoor Tips for Allergy Season

  • How do I know what the pollen count is you may ask? The weather channel for Pittsburgh provides an allergy tracker.
  • Avoid going outside and close windows when pollen count is high.
  • Use A/C and air filters/purifiers and be sure to change them regularly and perhaps more often during peak allergy season.
  • Wear sunglasses or glasses when outside to keep the pollen out of your eyes

Indoor Tips for Allergy Season

To minimize dust mites:

  • Use special pillow covers to keep allergens out
  • Wash bedding frequently in hot water
  • Consider replacing old mattresses
  • Clean floors with a damp mop
  • Replace carpeting with hardwood for an easier clean

Curtail the contacts. Contact lens wearers tend to be disproportionately affected by allergy. Even if a patient is a successful contact lens wearer for most of the year, allergy season can make them quite uncomfortable, particularly when contacts are worn for extended periods of time.

For any contact lens wearers, you may want to remove your contacts and opt for your eyeglasses until your allergy symptoms are gone. This is because the surface of contact lenses can attract and accumulate airborne allergens. If wearing your glasses is not an option, you can switch to daily disposable contacts to avoid allergen and other debris buildup.

A last bit of advice: Avoid rubbing your eyes, it will only irritate your eyes more! Dry eye patients, regardless of other treatment they may be on, should use consider the artificial tears and lubricants as a protective measure to reduce discomfort.

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.

Women's Eye Health - Health Concept: WOMEN'S HEALTH text drawn on paper with heart to the side

TIPS TO BETTER EYE HEALTH

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Women's Eye Health - Health Concept: WOMEN'S HEALTH text drawn on paper with heart to the sideDo you take your eyes for granted? Often patients take their eyesight for granted until they begin having problems with their vision. When day-to-day activities become challenging, that will trigger a call for an eye appointment. Having good vision and healthy eyes may determine your ability to remain independent and self-sufficient.

Studies have shown that women make up 65 percent of AMD cases; 61 percent of glaucoma and cataract patients are women, and 66 percent of blind patients are women. On average women live longer and many eye problems are age-related. Some eye conditions, such as dry eye, are more common in women, young and old. Often women put their family’s health and screenings before themselves and neglect regular eye care.

In general, women are more susceptible to autoimmune diseases than men, many of which affect vision, such as lupus, Sjögren’s syndrome and hyper thyroiditis. In addition, pregnancy can cause vision changes due to the hormonal changes pregnant women experience. As women age and go through menopause, dry eye occurs at double the rate.

Prevention is key to preventable vision loss. The good news is most vision loss is preventable. Here are some simple steps to take control of your eye health today:

  1. Early signs of disease or changes in vision may begin at 40. Get a yearly comprehensive medical eye exam. An exam by an eye care professional skilled in medical and surgical eye care provides the opportunity to identify diseases and conditions that are not symptomatic in the early stages.
  2. Know your family history. Certain eye diseases can be inherited – macular degeneration and glaucoma in your family’s history can increase your risk by 50% for macular degeneration and from four to nine times for glaucoma. If you haven’t talked with family members about their eye conditions, now is the time to do so.
  3. Eat healthy foods. A diet low in fat and rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains benefit the entire body, including the eyes.
  4. Stop smoking. Smoking increases the risk for eye diseases such as cataract and age-related macular degeneration. Tobacco smoke worsens dry eye.
  5. Wear sunglasses. Exposure to ultraviolet UV light raises the risk of eye diseases, including cataracts, fleshy growths on the eye and cancer.
  6. Bacteria will form from your eyelashes and requires daily eyelid hygiene. Like brushing your teeth, your eyelids need daily care. Hot compresses help keep tear producing glands working at top efficiency.

In a comprehensive eye exam at Bissell Eye Care, our state-of-the-art technology allow us to look at the overall health of your eyes. During these exams, we may discover conditions that affect your eyes in addition to perhaps uncovering an underlying condition in your overall general health. This will ultimately help your primary care provider enhance your overall health and wellness.

Be proactive, stay healthy and protect your eyesight with regular eye exams.

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.

New-Frame-Lines-for-Spring

NEW FRAME LINES FOR SPRING

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New-Frame-Lines-for-SpringYou may have seen on our Face Book page that we were recently in New York looking at all the new frame lines that are coming to market. Bissell Eye Care prides itself in seeking out different frame lines that aren’t found in the big box stores.  In particular, we are excited when we find those brands that are manufactured in the United States.

As you may recall, STATE Optical Co. is a first-of-its-kind brand of luxury American eyewear proudly being manufactured in Chicago, USA. The brand celebrates the quality, character, and individual style that make their handcrafted frames – like the people who wear them – so genuinely authentic, appealing, inspiring and original.

Jimmy Choo eyeglasses feature sophisticated styles that blend perfectly with luxury, quality, and complete versatility. They are available in a beautiful and stylish selection of color palettes that make them perfect for anyone with a unique element of individual style.

Givenchy eyeglasses bring pure, almost square lines for a neutral outfit that aim to show the true essence of those who wear them. Givenchy combines craftsmanship with technology, to be noticed in the metal inserts of the hinges.

Liz Claiborne line is the original style authority for strong, spirited women at work and in life. The product is classic and functional with feminine details, color and a signature sense of style. Affordable quality, style and versatility is what you’ll find with this brand.

Polaroid eyeglasses are perfect for you if you lead an active lifestyle. Not many glasses can make you look good and see crystal clear, but Polaroid does just that with their modern frames and fitted lenses.

Rag & Bone eyewear brings downtown New York aesthetic with classic eyewear, this collection shows the brand commitment to craftsmanship, innovation and timeless design.

Shwood eyewear is an American brand of sunglasses and eyeglasses founded in 2009 and is based in Portland, Oregon.  The brand features the world’s finest wood sunglasses and prescription eyewear. Acetate, titanium, and wooden sunglasses are all handcrafted in the U.S.A.

Are you ready for a new look for spring?  Visit Bissell Eye Care with offices in Bakerstown and Natrona Heights and shop our new selection of eyeglass and sunglass frames.

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.

Corneal-Topography

STATE-OF-THE-ART TECHNOLOGY IN EYE CARE

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Corneal-TopographyEarlier this year, you may remember us talking about our OCT machine. OCT Angiography (OCTA) is a quick non-invasive piece of equipment which performs a test, allowing your eye doctor to see retinal vessels during your annual eye exam. OCTA is the only non-invasive way to visualize the vascular structure of your retina.

The machine allows us to look at the eye in a similar manner as an MRI. It takes a piece by piece view of the eye. Our optometrists then look at this imagery and are able to determine the health of your eyes, or if there are any concerns that need to be further addressed.

Our newest piece of equipment is located in the Natrona Heights office – a Topcon Corneal Topography Machine. Corneal topography is a procedure used to monitor and measure changes that may occur to the shape and integrity of the cornea of your eye.

Computerized corneal topography (also known as computer assisted corneal topography, computer assisted keratography, or video keratography) is a computer-assisted diagnostic technique in which a special instrument projects a series of light rings on the cornea, creating a color-coded map of the corneal surface as well.

The series of illuminated rings, referred to as a placido disc, are reflected back into the instrument. This process delivers accurate, high resolution images of the anterior corneal surface. Corneal topography testing provides the optometrists with a detailed description of various curvature and shape characteristics of the cornea. This type of testing is particularly helpful in pre and post op surgery.

Corneal-Topography-State-of-the-art-Technology

This information provided in the testing illustrates corneal astigmatism, detection of corneal pathologies and perfection of contact lens fitting. Through the use of the corneal topography machine, it provides the perfect platform for contact lens fitting. Simulation software is used in tandem with the testing, which automatically selects the best fitting contact lens based upon a complete contact lens database for all the main manufacturers.

If we break this down in very basic terms, when you look at a mountain, the OCT test looks at the land terrain by section and the Corneal Topography test is like a drone looking down at the overall shape of the mountain. If you combine both together, you are able to have a very comprehensive view of the overall structure of the mountain.

Bissell Eye Care invests in these types of diagnostic technologies to provide you and your family with comprehensive eye care services. If you have questions about these diagnostic tools, or other eye care concerns, give our office a call at 724-443-6767 or 724-226-0444.

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.