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

 

How is Your Eye Health Stacking Up?

Good eye health involves having clear vision, comfortable eyes, and normal visual function, which are essential for daily activities such as reading, driving, and using electronic devices. Patients take their eyesight for granted until they begin having problems with their vision. Keeping up with annual checkups is as important as your annual physical. Having good vision and healthy eyes may determine your ability to remain independent and self-sufficient.

Tips To Maintain Optimal Eye Health

EAT A BALANCED DIET

As part of your healthy diet, choose foods rich in antioxidants, like vitamins A and C, foods like leafy, green vegetables and fish. Many foods – especially fatty fish such as salmon, contain essential omega-3 fatty acids that are important to the health of the macula, the part of the eye responsible for central vision. As the gardening season gets underway, be sure those green vegetables are part of your crop. High-fat diets can also cause deposits that constrict blood flow in the arteries. The eyes are especially sensitive to this, given the small size of the blood vessels that feed them.

DRINK WATER 

Did you know that drinking water can help keep your eyes hydrated and prevent dryness?

EXERCISE

Not only is exercise good for the body, but the increased blood circulation improves the oxygen level to the eyes.

USE SAFETY EYEWEAR

Chemical splashes and flying debris are the main causes of injury. Wear safety glasses or protective goggles at home while working in the yard, or at work to prevent airborne materials from entering your eye.

Sports like ice hockey, racquetball, and lacrosse can also lead to eye injury. Wear eye protection. Helmets with protective face masks or sports goggles with polycarbonate lenses will shield your eyes.

CATCH YOUR ZZZZs

How are you sleeping? A good night’s sleep allows your eyes to replenish their supply of natural tears. Go too long without enough sleep, and you may begin to notice twitchy eyelids, eye strain, or dry eyes.

STOP SMOKING

Smoking increases the risk of eye diseases such as cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. Tobacco smoke worsens dry eyes.

MANAGE CHRONIC HEALTH CONDITIONS

Not only is it good for your overall health, but managing conditions such as diabetes and hypertension can impact your eye health as well.

WASH YOUR HANDS

Maintaining good hygiene practices will help to prevent eye infections. Always remove makeup before going to bed. Bacteria will form on your eyelashes and require daily eyelid hygiene. Like brushing your teeth, your eyelids need daily care. Hot compresses help keep tear-producing glands working at top efficiency.

BREAK OUT THE SUNGLASSES

Exposure to ultraviolet UV light raises the risk of eye diseases, including cataracts, fleshy growths on the eye, and cancer.

DEVICES AND BLUE LIGHT OVERLOAD

Digital devices have become appendages – TV, computers, tablets, iPads, and smartphones. Between work and personal use, we can’t get away from technology. These devices expose your eyes to high energy blue light. It’s called blue light because the wavelengths emitted are near the bluer part of the spectrum. To avoid digital eye strain, take a break every 20 minutes, blink often, keep your computer screen within 20-24 inches of your eye, and adjust the lighting to minimize glare.

During a comprehensive eye exam at Bissell Eye Care, dilation and our state-of-the-art technology allow the doctors to look at the overall health of your eyes. Did you know that sometimes underlying medical conditions in your overall health could be uncovered during a comprehensive exam?

Be proactive, stay healthy, and protect your eyesight with annual eye exams. Make Eye Appointments A Priority! Call our office at 724-444-6767 or 724-226-0444 to schedule your eye 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.