Understanding Age-Related Macular Degeneration and Low Vision
February marks Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) Awareness Month, an initiative led by Prevent Blindness to educate the public about the risks, symptoms, and treatment options for this leading cause of vision loss. It is also recognized as Low Vision Awareness Month, highlighting the impact of advanced AMD and other conditions that result in significant visual impairment.
What is Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)?
AMD is a worsening eye disease affecting the macula, which enables sharp central vision. This condition makes it difficult to read, recognize faces, or perform detailed tasks.
There… Continue reading
Heart Health & Your Eyes: The Link Between Cardiovascular Health and Vision Problems
February is designated as American Heart Month to raise awareness about heart disease, the leading cause of death in the United States. Did you know that your heart and eyes are more connected than you might think? While we often associate heart disease with high blood pressure or cholesterol, its effects can also extend to your vision. The eyes are full of tiny, delicate blood vessels that are highly sensitive to changes in blood flow. When your cardiovascular system is not functioning properly, your eyes may show some of the… Continue reading
What Causes Dry Eyes in Winter?
Winter creates a unique set of challenges for your eyes that make them feel drier. The season brings about environmental changes and lifestyle factors that occur during the colder months, often leading to dry eyes in winter. Here’s why:
Dry Indoor Air: As temperatures drop, we rely on heating systems to stay warm. However, heated air often lacks humidity, drying out the natural moisture in your eyes.
Cold, Windy Conditions: When you’re outside, cold winds can strip moisture from your eyes, exacerbating dryness and irritation.
Reduced Blink Rate: During… Continue reading
Pink Eye 101: Causes, Types, and Seasonal Triggers
As another season of cold and flu ramps up, another unwelcome visitor often tags along—pink eye, also known as conjunctivitis. Pink eye is a common condition, particularly during colder months, when respiratory illnesses are more prevalent. Let’s take a closer look at what causes pink eye during this time, the different types of conjunctivitis, and how to protect your eyes.
Why Does Cold and Flu Season Lead to More Cases of Pink Eye?
The cold and flu season creates the perfect environment for the spread of viruses and bacteria, which… Continue reading
Maximize Your 2024 FSA Benefits – How to Spend Wisely Before Year-End
With rising costs in essentials like groceries, utilities, and daily living expenses, families are feeling the pinch on their budgets. As inflation continues to impact household finances, many are looking to Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) as a strategic way to stretch their dollars. FSAs allow individuals to set aside pre-tax income specifically for healthcare expenses, reducing taxable income while covering essential medical costs. This means families can save money by using tax-free funds to pay for eligible expenses, freeing up more of their earnings for other needs.
Maximizing FSA Dollars… Continue reading
Are You at Risk for Diabetes?
November is Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness Month, an important time to learn how diabetes can affect your eyesight and why managing your vision health is essential. People with diabetes face an increased risk of vision problems, including diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and cataracts. However, with the right care and regular eye exams, it’s possible to maintain clear, healthy vision. The National Institute of Diabetes and Kidney Disease, states, “diabetes affects about 38 million Americans, including adults and youth. Diabetes can damage the eyes, kidneys, nerves, and heart, and it is… Continue reading
Spooky Season Safety: How to Protect Your Vision This Halloween
Halloween is a time for fun costumes, creative decorations, and plenty of spooky adventures. But while you’re planning your costume and gearing up for trick-or-treating, it’s important to remember that certain elements of Halloween fun can pose risks to your vision. The doctors at Bissell Eye Care want to help you enjoy the holiday while staying safe. Let’s talk about how to protect your eyes from costume-related hazards, including masks, trip hazards, and non-prescription decorative contacts.
Masks and Obstructed Vision
Wearing a mask is a quick way to transform into… Continue reading
October is Eye Injury Prevention Month: Protect Your Vision at Home and Work
Eye injuries can happen when you least expect them. Many people think that eye injuries occur primarily in high-risk workplaces like factories or construction sites, but in reality, most eye injuries happen right at home. October is Eye Injury Prevention Month, and it’s the perfect time to raise awareness about how to protect your vision during everyday activities. According to the Discovery Eye Foundation, more than 1 million people suffer an eye injury each year in the U.S., and most of these injuries could have been avoided simply by wearing… Continue reading
Navigating Night Driving: A Guide for Older Adults as Fall Approaches
It’s hard to believe another season is fast approaching. As the days grow shorter and nights longer with the arrival of fall, many older adults find themselves facing the challenge of driving in the dark more frequently. Night driving can be daunting, especially for those who experience age-related vision changes. When you are driving at night, depth perception, color recognition and peripheral vision can be compromised in the dark, and the glare of headlights from an oncoming vehicle can temporarily blind a driver. These are some common issues all drivers… Continue reading
Healthy Aging and Your Eyesight: A Guide to Preserving You Vision
As we age, our bodies undergo various changes, and our eyes are no exception. According to the National Eye Institute, with the aging population, vision loss from eye disease is becoming a major public health concern. More than 40 million people are age 65 or older, and that number is expected to grow to more than 88 million by 2050. Maintaining good eye health is the key to maintaining our quality of life and independence. Understanding common eye diseases that affect older adults and taking proactive steps to care for… Continue reading