Diabetes Complications

DIABETES AWARENESS MONTH

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November is Diabetes Awareness Month. If you are one of the estimated 29.1 million people that have diabetes, then you have most likely discussed with your doctor about possible health-related issues that come with the disease. Diabetes also can also harm your eyesight. Obtaining regular screenings will allow you to monitor your health and react to any changes that may have occurred.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology (and the American Diabetes Association) recommend patients with type 1 diabetes receive an eye exam within the first 5 years after diagnosis, then one exam per year. The groups recommend those with type 2 diabetes receive an eye exam as soon as diabetes is diagnosed, and then once yearly.

All people with diabetes are at risk of developing eye disease that can permanently damage their vision and even lead to blindness. However, some steps can be taken to help prevent diabetic eye disease, including:

  • Managing good blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol control
  • Scheduling a yearly comprehensive dilated eye exam
  • Women with diabetes before pregnancy should have a comprehensive dilated eye exam early in their pregnancy. Additional exams may be recommended during pregnancy.
  • Maintaining a healthy lifestyle by exercising regularly, not smoking and following a healthy diet.

While everyone needs to schedule routine eye exams, people with diabetes need to be especially vigilant in scheduling their annual exams. Diseases such as glaucoma, cataracts, and retinopathy are best treated when they are detected early and are often associated with diabetes. Talk to your eye doctor about any concerns or vision loss you may be experiencing for the best chances of early detection and treatment.

Patients often ask, “Why do I have to have my eyes dilated?” A comprehensive dilated eye exam allows our doctors to check the retina for early signs of diabetic eye disease damage such as:

  • Warning signs of leaky blood vessels, such as fatty deposits
  • Changes to blood vessels
  • Changes in the lens
  • Swelling of the macula
  • Damage to nerve tissue

Glaucoma occurs when pressure builds inside the eye and is 40% more likely to occur in individuals who have diabetes. The pressure pinches blood vessels that carry blood to the retina and optic nerve. Vision is gradually lost as the retina and nerves are damaged from the increase in pressure. There are several treatments available for Glaucoma however some treatments may require surgery. Early detection of high pressure may be able to be managed by medication. Maintaining the proper eye pressure is key to preventing permanent damage to the eye.

As we age many people run a higher risk of developing cataracts. Those with diabetes are 60% more likely to develop them. By detecting cataracts early you can help to slow down the progression. The typical corrective action for cataracts is to remove the lens of the eye. Patients then would typically receive a new transplanted lens. In people with diabetes, vision can get worse after the removal of the lens and glaucoma may start to develop so additional treatment may be necessary.

Retinopathy is a general term used for all disorders of the retina that are caused by diabetes. The good news that there have been giant strides in the past decade on treatment for retinopathy.
Have you noticed a pattern? Particularly those with diabetes must be extra vigilant with screenings and health checkups. The key to being able to keep your vision as clear as possible when you suffer from diabetes is early detection. Keep in mind that you often can lose more than 60% of your vision before you begin to notice significant differences.

Talk with your doctor if you have diabetes so you know what symptoms to look for and schedule your annual vision screening.

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.

October Is Eye Injury Prevention Month

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Skilled carpenter cutting a piece of wood in his woodwork workshop, using a circular saw, and wearing safety googles and earmuffs, with other machinery in the background

October 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? Do you always wear protective eyewear when performing home repairs or maintenance?

According to the fifth-annual Eye Injury Snapshot conducted by the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Society of Ocular Trauma found that:

  • Most people believe that eye injuries are most common on the job — especially in factories and on construction sites. But in fact, nearly half of all eye injuries occurred in the home.
  • Home repairs, yard work, cleaning, and cooking caused more than 40 percent of eye injuries.
  • More than a third of those injuries in the home happened in the kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, living or family room.
  • More than 40 percent of eye injuries every year are related to sports or recreational activities.
  • More than 78 percent of people were not wearing eyewear at the time of injury. Only 5.3 percent of those who were wearing eyewear

Most injuries could have been prevented by wearing 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 more missed workdays for recovery. The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that nearly three out of every five workers injured were not wearing eye protection at the time of an accident. While you may believe it unnecessary to wear protective glasses at your job, consider the alternative of losing eyesight in one or both eyes.

Small business owners and independent contractors, you aren’t immune. How often do you work a “side job” without the proper eye protection? Whether you work for a large manufacturing company or are an independent business owner, you are subject to injury. Are you willing to take a risk as it could mean the loss of work, wages and career with no safety net to ensure your financial future?

To help prevent eye injuries and make your workplace safer and take steps to protect your eyesight. Follow the OSHA rules regulations and guidelines.

Eye injuries are not limited to the workplace. Think about the things you do around the house to get ready for winter. Flying debris or other small particles can be created from outside jobs such as trimming shrubs, raking leaves, mowing the lawn and cleaning up after a wind storm. These particles can get into your eyes and have the potential to scratch or damage your eye. Put on protective eyewear before you use a lawnmower, power trimmer or edger and be sure to check for rocks and stones when mowing as they can become dangerous projectiles as they shoot from these machines.

When we think of fall cleanup –many things can occur around the house to get your home ready for winter. Closing up swimming pools, cleaning windows and gutters, as well as other projects around the house that involve the use of chemicals can lead to injury. Splashing chemicals can burn your eyes causing permanent damage. When using household chemicals, be sure to work in a well-ventilated area and keep the spray nozzle pointed away from you. Read the labels of chemicals and cleaners carefully, and don’t mix products.

Flying fragments, fumes, dust particles, sparks can occur in the workshop or while doing woodworking projects. For those car buffs, battery acid sparks and debris from damaged or improperly jump-started auto batteries can severely damage your eyes. Learn the proper way to jump-start an automobile, and keep protective goggles in the trunk of your car to use for those emergencies and every day repairs.
We recommend that every household have at least one pair of ANSI-approved protective eyewear to be worn when doing projects and activities at home to safeguard against eye injuries.

At Bissell Eye Care, we have many options for safety and sports eyewear available both our Bakerstown and Natrona Heights locations. If you would like to invest in your eye health, consider purchasing a reliable pair of safety glasses! As always, UV Protection is also important for optimum ocular health. Ensuring that the exposure of the eye to harmful UV radiation is as limited as possible is equally as important as wearing protective glasses during risky activities. Sunglasses may be covered under your insurance care provider (especially if they are dispensed with your current prescription).

If you have any questions or concerns or would like to schedule an appointment for an eye examination, call us today! Knowledge is power, keep yourself safe and eyes healthy through proper eye safety protection.

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.

Halloween Costume Safety Tips

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Happy group of children in costumes during Halloween party playing around the table with pumpkins and bottle of potion

From the candy to Halloween costumes, this is a fun-filled time for kids and parents. Although 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 on dressing your little ghouls and goblins.

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 of view. Some masks are very dangerous for children because they make it hard to breathe, block their side vision, and can cause a trip hazard. Consider decorating your child’s face with non-toxic face paint or makeup. Make sure wigs and beards don’t cover your kids’ eyes, noses, or mouths.

Avoid over the counter decorative contact lenses.
Although it’s illegal to sell decorative contact lenses without a valid prescription, FDA says the lenses are sold on the Internet and in retail shops and salons. Don’t buy or wear decorative contact lenses that have not been prescribed by an eye doctor. The decorative lenses make the wearer’s eyes appear to glow in the dark, create the illusion of vertical “cat eyes,” or change the wearer’s eye color. These lenses are particularly popular for teens.
Decorative lenses from unlicensed manufacturers may be made from inferior plastic or may contain toxic dyes. Besides, untrained individuals may not follow proper hygiene in inserting or removing the devices. Eye infections related to improper wearing and handling of contact lenses can rapidly develop into corneal ulcers, which can cause permanent blindness.

No long costumes.
Long costumes can cause a trip hazard. To prevent falls, avoid oversized and high-heeled shoes. Make sure the rest of the costume fits well. Be sure your child’s costume ends above their ankles to avoid a fall. Use well-fitting shoes or boots for safe walking. Make sure your child’s costume is flame resistant and avoid baggy, billowing skirts and cloaks that might brush against a candle-lit jack-o’-lantern or luminary.

Use FDA approved makeup.
If you decide to disguise your child with makeup instead of a mask, use hypo-allergenic options and keep it away from the eyes. Make sure that any color additives to the face paint are FDA approved (check the Summary of Additives on the FDA website). When applying makeup near or around the eye, stay away from the lid margin, or lash line—the area where you would normally apply eyeliner. If you are applying make-up very close to the eye, use only products approved for use in that area such as an eyeliner or eyeshadow. Do not use blush or lip-liner to create a “red” effect. It is a good idea to carry a damp towel or washcloth in case the makeup begins to run while trick-or-treating.

Don’t allow sharp objects to be used as props.
Some costumes don’t seem complete without swords or wands. Elementary and nursery schools are very strict in prohibiting these props for school parties. Sharp, pointed props endanger your child’s eyes as well as the eyes of other children. If your child must carry a sword, find a belt carrier or scabbard where the sword can stay safely nestled while the kids roam the neighborhood. Buy or construct only accessories made of soft or flexible materials.

Make sure costumes are reflective.
If the costume your child chooses is not made of reflective material, sew on reflective fabric strips or use stick-on strips of reflective tape. You want your child to be seen, especially crossing streets in the dark. Place reflective material on the front, back and sides of your child’s costume. Give kids flashlights with fresh batteries. Kids may also enjoy wearing glow sticks as bracelets or necklaces. According to Safe Kids Worldwide, the risk of children being hit by a car is higher on Halloween than on any other day of the year.

Use the Buddy System.
Small children should always be accompanied by an adult. Older children should never trick or treat alone. Review with children how to call 9-1-1 (or their local emergency number) if they ever have an emergency or become lost.

Check Your Child’s Candy.
When they get home, it’s time to check the loot! Discard any candy with holes in the wrappers, or homemade goodies unless it is from someone you know. You may want to limit how much candy they can have following a night of haunting!

Happy haunting….be informed, be safe and have a Happy Halloween.

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.

Dry Eyes and Healthy Aging

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Eye drops for dry eyes

We’re rolling into another season of the year as summer winds down and the nights are getting dark earlier. September is National Healthy Ageing Month and we want to point out some advantages of annual exams and health visits. When it comes to your vision many diseases can be slowed down, stopped, or even reversed if caught early. Having routine screenings helps to give a baseline for your doctor to better be able to notice changes in your eyes.

If your eyes aren’t giving you any discomfort, they may become a second thought. However, a condition called dry eye can become unpleasant, painful and create a gritty feeling as well as blurred vision. Based on data from the National Health and Wellness Survey, 6.8 percent of the United States adult population (approximately 16.4 million people) have been diagnosed with Dry Eye Disease with women more likely to develop dry eyes after menopause.

Tears are made up of three layers. The layer closest to the cornea is a thin mucus that helps tears adhere to the surface. The middle layer contains the watery portion of the tears. The outer layer is composed of fatty oils. A proper mix helps maintain healthy tears, which coat and lubricate the eyes, nourish cells, wash away dust and other irritants to ward off infection and keep the surface smooth so you can see clearly.

Certain medical conditions can impact our tear function, triggering dry eye — among them, systemic autoimmune diseases (such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus), as well as diabetes, strokes and thyroid problems. Antihistamines, decongestants, blood pressure medications, antidepressants, and anti-anxiety medication, and hormone replacement therapy to relieve symptoms of menopause can also lead to dry eyes.
If you suffer from dry eyes, these tips can help alleviate dry eye symptoms:

  • Take a tech break – using the 20 20 20 rule. Look away from the screen every 20 minutes, focusing on something 20 feet in the distance for at least 20 seconds.
  • Increase moisture in your environment with the use of a humidifier.
  • Protect your eyes from nature’s elements with wrap-around frames to protect from wind, frigid temps and bright sunlight.
  • Limit contact usage by switching to daily disposable lenses or wear glasses
  • Over-the-counter eye drops may provide some relief but prescription artificial tears may add relief if over the counter options don’t work.
  • Clean eyelids regularly with a mild cleanser or eyelid scrub such as Ocusoft.

Vision loss is not always noticeable immediately. Many times an individual can lose a significant amount of vision before it becomes noticeable. When vision loss is detected early, the person stands a much greater chance of being able to slow down or even prevent their vision loss.

Medical screenings are important too. Annual physicals, bloodwork, and regular cancer screenings can be a pivotal point of identifying a problem and taking the proper steps to treat it. These screenings also provide peace of mind that you are as healthy as you can be.

Diet and exercise also play in role in healthy aging. It’s easy to come home from a long day at the office, run through the take out window and grab a quick bite. Taking time to plan and cook meals on the weekend allows for better eating habits and healthier food all around.

Put regular exercise into your routine that will help shed some unwanted pounds. Take a walk at lunch or right after work if you can. As we grow older, gone are the responsibilities of running kids to their various activities. Make taking care of yourself the priority and put exercise into your calendar.

While we, at Bissell Eye Care, focus on vision and helping our patients to see to the best of their ability, we want to stress that importance of not just routine eye appointments, but all suggested medical appointments and screenings. As we age it becomes more important than ever to take care of yourself. The quality of our lives as we age, will depend on what we do 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.

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.

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.

EYE STRAIN AND TECHNOLOGY

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Has the extreme cold of the winter kept you and your kids indoors more than usual? If so, you have probably realized that they are spending more time on their smart phones, iPad, computers, or on their gaming systems, keeping themselves occupied while trying to combat cabin fever.

New studies show that this increased of use of technology could be causing eye strain for your kids. This eye strain can cause your children to experience things such as headaches or blurry vision.

If your children are like many, they use their iPad on long car trips, a smartboard at school, and seemed to have grown an appendage out of their hand that looks an awful lot like an iPhone. This is just everyday life for them. But as parents, we need to limit their time on the screens.

Some of the symptoms to watch out for in your kids that point to eye strain are:

  • Blurry vision
  • Double vision
  • Headaches
  • Dry, sore eyes

It is important to teach your children how to take a break from technology. Here are a few ways to help ease eye strain.

  • Make time for other activities. Exercise is obviously one of the best activities for your children to do; however, simply spending time away from the screen is important, whether it’s going for a walk or cleaning their room. Board games for some family time are a great alternative.
  • Proper distance. Your child should not be right up against the screen. If you find they are constantly sitting close to the TV or have their phone/iPad in their face it might be an indicator that they are having trouble seeing.
  • Blink often. When children, even teens, stare at a screen for long periods of time they have a tendency to blink less often. This can cause the eyes to dry out and may cause discomfort and pain. Be sure to remind them that even when they are intently focused on the screen that it is important to blink.
  • Look away. A good rule of thumb is the 20-20-20 rule…for every 20 min of use you should be looking away from the screen for at least 20 seconds and focus on an object that is 20 feet away. This gives your eyes a chance for a break so that they are able to focus better.

As with anything else, the key to vision health is moderation. While playing on the iPad will not immediately hurt your child’s vision or cause discomfort, prolonged over usage will lead to eye discomfort and may lead to eye difficulties.

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 YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS

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Are you ready for the New Year? During the holiday season many people take the opportunity to reflect on the year that has past, focus on new goals and make New Year’s Resolutions. Weight loss, financial freedom, healthy habits are among the top resolutions people make.

Resolutions for better health often include, eating better, exercising, or cutting down on sugar intake. While many people have resolutions to improve their health, they tend to not include an annual medical physical, 6 month dental visits and an annual eye exam.

With the New Year in full swing there is no better time to schedule your eye exam. You or your children may receive an annual vision screening at work or school. What people don’t realize is that a vision screening is much less comprehensive than an eye exam.

Vision screenings usually only take a few minutes and are often performed by volunteers, not by a certified optometrist. Vision screenings are typically designed to detect major vision problems. What many people do not realize is that an eye screening is ineffective at detecting subtle vision problems or overall health diseases, which if left untreated can rob you of your vision or lead to ongoing health problems.

Eye exams that are performed by an optometrist are designed to not only evaluate your visual acuity, but also to check the overall health of your eye. During a comprehensive eye exam, the optometrist will also check for signs of eye problems such as glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration and detached retina.

As an added health bonus, your optometrist can also detect early signs of health problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure and stroke risk; all based on the appearance of the delicate blood vessels and other structures within the eye.

As the New Year brings about resolve to change, consider your body’s overall health. Scheduling annual visits to not only your optometrist, but also to your medical doctor for a yearly physical can help to keep your body in top shape and provide early detection of any medical conditions before they become serious problems. Early detection is key to obtaining the best chance of treatment providing a positive outcome. Wishing you the best in 2018.

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.

BALANCE CHECK ON FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNT BENEFITS

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It’s that time of year. Have you checked the balance in your Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)? This pretax medical deduction can help you to spend less on your health care while experiencing the maximum tax benefit. There is a catch-you must use monies within the current calendar year to reap the rewards. By spending all of the money in your account before the year-end deadline, you ensure you are getting the most bang for your buck.

FSAs are pre-tax monies that are placed in an account and are available for use only on approved medical expenses. They differ from a health savings account, HSA, in that the money contributed can only be used for that calendar year. In other words the FSA accounts are use it or lose it. As the year quickly draws to a close the question becomes, have you used it? Being proactive in checking your balance allows you time to react before the year ends.

In October 2016, the IRS released its inflation adjustments which raised the limits for healthcare FSAs. In 2017, the annual FSA contribution limit is increasing by $50 from the previous year. Employees with this employer-sponsored benefit account can contribute a maximum of $2,600. While there are no exceptions that allow that money to be directly paid back to you, there are more options than you might expect as to how to spend the extra money. If you have monitored the amount spent during the year, you have an idea what is left to spend down as December quickly approaches.

There are two cases where you can get a little extra time to spend that money.

  1.  A rollover option. This allows you to move up to $500 to next year’s balance.
  2.  Grace period. Because most plans fall on the calendar year, this option allows you to use the moneys for up to 2 ½ months past the end of the year. Why is this? Because, during the first few months of the year your account has accrued little funds.

Most FSA accounts come with a debit card and usually have one or the other of these two options but CANNOT have both. However, if you are required to submit a claim, be sure to watch the claim windows in which you can ask for reimbursement.

How to spend FSA accounts?

If you have a high balance left in your account, don’t despair. The list of things that you can spend the money on however is pretty large, leaving many surprised what they can purchase using their FSA account. To get a full listing of what you’re allowed to spend FSA money on, visit an online FSA store. These stores only sell items that qualify approved purchases using your FSA account.

Some out-of-the ordinary expenses you can pay for using your FSA account also include:

  • Eye Exams, Eyewear and Contact Lenses
  • Chiropractor visits
  • Artificial teeth or limbs
  • Qualified service animals, such as a guide dog, including food and grooming costs
  • Travel that was required for medical treatment.

You may also use the FSA for expenses such as hearing, vision, and dental services even if you don’t have insurance for those services.

Keep track of your FSA account throughout the year. Spending in moderation throughout the year will also help to reduce the scramble to use money that you have left as the year comes to an end. Despite the hassle of having to make sure all the money is spent, FSA accounts are a good way to avoid paying taxes on money that is used for medical expenses.

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.

SHORTER DAYS AND LONGER NIGHTS

by ArticlesBlog

As the leaves begin to change and the beautiful colors start to appear, it also becomes apparent that days are growing shorter and the nights are getting longer. For some Americans this means that they may struggle to see – particularly at night.

If you find you are becoming afraid to hit the road after dark because you struggle to see, now is the time to let your eye doctor know. The answer may be as simple as a pair of glasses, or it may mean that you need to get your cataracts taken care of. In any case, it is important to speak with your eye doctor to make sure there isn’t a more serious underlying issue.

Cataracts are one of the leading causes of night vision problems. As you age, cells grow and die behind your pupil. When the debris from dead cells builds up, it starts to cloud your vision. While cataracts are not painful they do make it difficult to see, especially at night. Cataracts are easily treatable and once removed you will find your night vision improves but also your vision in general may change.

A lack of Vitamin A may also be a reason for struggling with night vision. Vitamin A is found in carrots and leafy vegetables. It helps to keep the retina, the back of your eye where images are focused, healthy. Many Americans get enough vitamin A in their regular diet – that’s one of the reasons we always talk about a well-balanced diet. However, those with health problems such as celiac, gastric bypass or Crohn’s disease, may have problems absorbing the nutrients they need.

If you have recently been on a beach vacation, you might feel as though your vision is worse at night. This is more than likely correct as sustained bright sunlight can worsen night vision for up to two days. One way to avoid this is to wear sunglasses with UV protection. The wrap around style is best.

Regardless of why you suffer night vision loss, it is always a good idea to consult your eye doctor. While some forms of night vision loss may be permanent, there are several kinds that are treatable. If you do have difficulty seeing at night, be sure to clean your car windows and headlights before heading out for a night drive. As the leaves begin to fall, also remember the pavement becomes slippery when wet so give yourself extra room between you and the vehicle in front of you.

If you have questions about night driving or any other vision related issue, 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.