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.

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.

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BISSELL EYE CARE EXPANDS LOCATIONS

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bissell-sizedAs a high school student, Dr. John Bissell always knew he wanted to be an optometrist.  He job shadowed under Dr. Roger Johnson and learned first-hand what owning your own practice meant.   In April 2010, Dr. Bissell had an opportunity to purchase his first practice in Bakerstown.

During Dr. Bissell’s early years in private practice, Dr. Johnson continued to serve as a mentor.  Bissell Eye Care has quickly grown over the past four years to become a premiere eye care center serving the northern Pittsburgh suburbs.

The time has come for Dr. Johnson to retire and the mentor is passing the torch to the mentee as Dr. Bissell expands his practice.  Dr. Bissell has purchased Dr. Johnson’s practice and is now practicing out of both Bakerstown and Natrona Heights office located at 1629 Union Ave, Natrona Heights, PA 15065, phone (724) 226-0444.

Dr. Johnson will continue to see patients a couple of days a week in the Natrona Heights office until he helps Dr. Bissell with the transition of the practice.  Patients will receive the same great service that both doctors have delivered over the years.  We look forward to serving the northern Pittsburgh suburbs and now the Alle-Kiski Valley for years to come.

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.

Guess Frames

TIPS ON CHOOSING EYEGLASS FRAMES

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Guess FramesIt’s time to update your look here are some tips on choosing the best eyeglass frames for your facial features and body makeup.  Don’t be overwhelmed with the amount of eyeglass frames and styles to choose from.    Our technicians are trained to help you select the best fit for your face and body make up from the many brands of eye glass frames featured in our showroom.

Cosmopolitan Magazine recently highlighted how celebrities are choosing the right style to fit their facial features.  Glasses become a focal point, being one of the first things noticed about you, so it’s important to choose eyeglasses that flatter you and are consistent with the image you want to portray.

These are things we consider in helping you make your selection:

Prescription — Some prescriptions such as bifocals may require a maximum/minimum depth or thickness of glass or height.  This may eliminate some types of frames.

Body scale — choose glasses that are in keeping with your body scale and the size of your facial features. For example, if you have a small body scale then choose frames with a small to medium-thick frame.  Likewise you want to be sure if you have a rounder face, the frames don’t look too small.

Lifestyle — consider where you will wear the glasses. Will they be practical for the activity or event? For example: will they stay on for your sporting activity or should you invest in protective sportswear? If you are in outside sales and are in and out of the car multiple times a day, transition lenses may not be the best option.

Your coloring — choose glasses that are in your best color range and that will work with the clothes you intend to wear them with.

Style personality — And finally, do the glasses reflect your personality and complete the image you wish to project? For example, if you favor dramatic, statement clothes and accessories you will be best with statement eyeglasses as well. Go for bold colors, exaggerated design details and heavy-looking frames rather than frameless or light-looking glasses.

So now that we’ve got you thinking about what you may want your next pair of frames to look like, stop in, browse our showroom and see the new selections for spring fashion!

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 Injury Emergency Tips

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According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, approximately 44% of eye injuries occur in the home.  Wearing the proper eye protection can help to prevent eye injuries.  However, should an eye injury occur notify your optometrist and seek medical attention immediately.

For Chemical Burns:

  • Immediately flush the eye with water by holding the eye under a faucet or shower.  Or pour the water into the eye using a clean container while keeping the eye open as wide as possible while flushing.
  • DO NOT use an eye cup or bandage the eye.
  • Seek immediate medical treatment.

Specks In the Eye:

  • DO NOT rub the eye.
  • Try washing the speck out with an eyewash.
  • Lift the upper eyelid outward and down over the lower lid.
  • If the speck remains – bandage the eye and seek medical attention.

Blows to the Eye:

  • Apply a cold compress or ice without putting pressure on the eye.
  • Internal eye damage symptoms include – pain, reduced vision or discoloration and emergency medical care should be sought.

Cuts and Punctures:

  • DO NOT wash out the eye with water.
  • DO NOT attempt to remove an object that is stuck in the eye.
  • Cover the eye with a shield – the bottom half of a paper cup can be used in a pinch and seek emergency medical care at once.

Know and apply first aid accordingly.  By acting quickly and with the appropriate treatment during an emergency may save your sight.  Treat all eye injuries as potential emergencies, and never hesitate to contact or see an eye doctor immediately. Don’t take risks with your eyesight. Remember, you have only one pair of eyes.

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.

Diabetes and Vision Loss

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Diabetes and vision loss can go hand in hand.  Vision loss is one of the most common and debilitating complications of diabetes. An annual eye exam will help in early detection of  diabetes as for many people with Type 2 Diabetes the disease goes undetected.   For those individuals who have been diagnosed as a diabetic, extra attention should be made to monitor their diabetes and have regular eye exams.

According to Medical News Today, “Diabetes describes a group of metabolic diseases in which the person has high blood glucose (blood sugar), either because insulin production is inadequate, or because the body’s cells do not respond properly to insulin, or both. Patients with high blood sugar will typically experience frequent urination they will become increasingly thirsty and hungry”.

There are three types of diabetes:

  • Type 1 Diabetes- account for approximately 10% of all diabetics and occurs when the body doesn’t produce enough insulin.  Diabetics generally develop Type 1 Diabetes before their 40th birthday.
  • Type 2 Diabetes account for approximately 90% of the remaining diabetics.  The body does not produce enough insulin for proper function, or the cells in the body do not react to insulin (insulin resistance).  Typically type 2 diabetes is a progressive disease and eventually may lead to medication dependency to control the disease.    Overweight and obese people have a much higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared to those with a healthy body weight.  That’s why diet and exercise play a key role in prevention.
  • Gestational Diabetes   affects females during pregnancy. Some women have very high levels of glucose in their blood, and their bodies are unable to produce enough insulin to transport all of the glucose into their cells, resulting in progressively rising levels of glucose.  Uncontrolled gestational diabetes can raise the risk of complications at childbirth.

Diabetic Eye Disease is a group of eye problems people with diabetes could face as a result of the disease, which can lead to vision loss or blindness. These include:

•  Cataract (clouding of the lens of the eye)

•  Diabetic retinopathy (the most common form of diabetic eye disease, which damages the blood vessels in the retina)

•  Glaucoma (damage to the optic nerve that affects peripheral or side vision)

People often are unaware they have diabetes but In fact, about 90% of diabetes-related blindness is preventable through early detection, timely treatment and appropriate follow-up care.  To learn more about diabetes, low vision and vision loss, visit Tri-State Low Vision Services, a division of Bissell Eye Care.

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.