WINTER WEATHER EYECARE

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Mother and children skiing in the mountains. Active mom and three kids with safety helmet, goggles and poles. Ski lesson for young children. Winter sport and snow fun for family. Child learning to ski

If you live in the Northeast, then you are well aware that this year is off to a blistering start. Erie has been buried in blizzard conditions with multiple feet of snow. Pittsburgh is shivering in the deep freeze. With December having temperatures near zero and wind chills below zero, many people find it a struggle to get bundled up to fight the cold.

For those who enjoy the outdoor sports associated with colder weather such as snow skiing, boarding, sled riding, riding snow mobiles or even ice fishing, it is important to have the right clothes to keep you warm and comfy as you brave the freezing temperatures.

Did you know that your eyes can get sunburned in the winter? Snow and ice reflect up to 80% of the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. When you are out on the slopes, or sliding down the big hill in your yard, UV rays are hitting you from every angle.
UV exposure can cause a painful condition called photokeratitis, or “snow blindness.” While you can get snow blindness any time of the year it is most common in the winter due the amount of UV rays that are reflected off of the snow and ice.

Protecting your eyes during the winter months can also help to prevent:

  • Wrinkles around the eyes
  • Age-related macular degeneration
  • Cataracts

Exposure to extreme cold can also affect your eyes. Some of the symptoms of extreme cold exposure often include eye pain and blurred vision. The cornea, or the front of your eye, can freeze if temperatures are cold enough and your eyes are not protected.

So the question is, “Do you have the right eye protection to get through the winter?” Eye protection can range from sunglasses that have UV protection to protective goggles that not only protect your eyes from the UV rays but also can help to block out wind and cold.

Which type of eyewear is right for you? To answer that question, first you need to look at what type of outdoor activities are you planning on doing. If you are involved in an active sport such as snow skiing, snow tubing, or sled riding, goggles will help to protect from the sun, cold and even from debris getting into your eye. If you are out shoveling the driveway or grabbing the snow shoes to go for a walk through the woods, sunglasses may be your best bet.

In any case it is important to make sure that your eye protection has UV protection. Having the right gear this winter can help to keep you and your kids outside, playing in the snow and enjoying everything winter has to offer.

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.

DIABETIC AWARENESS

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November is Diabetes Awareness Month and we would like to talk about how this disease can affect your eyes. Diabetic eye disease is comprised of a group of eye conditions that affect people with diabetes. These conditions include diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetic macular edema or DME.

If you or a loved one suffer from diabetes, it is important to maintain annual eye exams to help prevent vision loss. It is even more important for those who suffer from diabetes to take their medication as prescribed, stay physically active and maintain a healthy diet. This will help to delay or even prevent vision loss from diabetes.

Diabetics should be aware of a few eye diseases that can affect people with diabetes.

  • Diabetic retinopathy. Diabetic retinopathy affects blood vessels in the retina which lines the back of the eye. It is one of the most common causes of vision loss among people with diabetes.
  • Diabetic macular edema or DME. This is an accumulation of fluid due to leaking blood vessels in the macula – part of the retina that controls our most detailed vision abilities.

Diabetic eye disease can also include cataracts and glaucoma. While these are not limited to individuals who have diabetes, it is more common for diabetics.

  • Cataracts. This is a clouding of the eye’s lens. Adults who have diabetes are 2-5 times more likely to develop cataracts at an earlier age than those without diabetes.
  • Glaucoma. For adults, having diabetes doubles the risk of glaucoma. This occurs when the optic nerve that connects your eyes to you brain is damaged.

Of all the diseases that diabetic eye disease is comprised of, a cataract is the only one that is reversible. A simple surgery can remove the cataract from the eye allowing for clear, normal vision. With all of the other diseases, once the damage is done there is no reversing it.

There is good news! Early detection and treatment can help to reduce the risk of blindness. Early detection is key to preventing damage to the eye that is irreversible. If you are diabetic let your optometrist know and be sure to maintain your annual visits and 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.

SHORTER DAYS AND LONGER NIGHTS

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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.

BLOCKING OUT UV

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As summer is finally underway, and temperatures reach up into the 90’s, many of us will find ourselves at annual pool parties, on the way to the beach, or just soaking up the sun’s rays outside. While sun exposure is encouraged, as it provides a good source of vitamin D, overdoing it can cause more harm than good if you fail to use the proper protection.

July is National UV Safety month and it is a great time to spread information and awareness about UV safety. UV radiation is the leading cause of skin cancer in the United States and is also responsible for eye damage, including cataracts and macular degeneration, which are the primary causes of vision loss among seniors.

There are some characteristics that make people more susceptible than others. Individuals with light colored eyes, blue or green, are generally at a larger risk from UV exposure than those who have darker eye colors.

There are some ways that you can help to prevent UV Damage.

  • Put on your sunglasses. The most effective type of sunglasses block out 99-100% of UV and are the wrap around type. This style helps to prevent UV rays from entering around the sides of the glasses.
  • Find the shade. Avoiding the sun when the UV rays are at the most intense, between the hours of 10 am to 3 pm, will lower the amount of UV you are exposed to.
  • Grab the cap. Wearing a hat will also help to limit exposure not only to your eyes but also to your face, scalp and neck depending on the type of hat you choose.

Remember that more than your skin can get burned by the UV rays. This is referred to as photokeratitis or sun burned eyes.
Symptoms of sun burned eyes are:

  • Eye pain
  • Burning sensation
  • Swollen eyes or lids
  • Watery eyes
  • Blurred vision
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Headaches
  • A gritty feeling
  • Red eyes.

These symptoms are usually temporary and will generally resolve themselves in 24-48 hours. If you find your symptoms are prolonged, contact your eye doctor immediately.

When the pool bag is packed and the sun screen is applied, don’t forget to grab your sunglasses as you head outdoors this summer. Proper UV protection will help to prevent your eyes from being burned by the sun but will also help to reduce the chances of eye troubles years down the road!

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.

CLOUDY VISION

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If you are over the age of 60 and have noticed that your vision has become blurry or cloudy, you may be suffering from cataracts. April is cataract awareness month and we want to talk about what the symptoms are and how you can treat cataracts to bring your world back into focus.

Every year, thousands of Americans will suffer vision loss associated with cataracts. Cataracts form when the protein, part of what helps to make up the lens in your eye, clump together forming what appears to be a cloud over the eye. Fortunately, cataracts are treatable and can be removed allowing you to see clearly again!

At the onset of development, cataracts are small in size and generally have minimal effect on your vision. As they progress you may feel as though you are wearing dirty contacts or glasses, leaving you with the sensation that you are looking through a cloudy piece of glass. During the day, light such as the sun or a lamp may feel very bright or create a glare which you never noticed before. At night you may have increasing difficulty driving because on coming headlights have more glare or a halo look. Colors will be dull and not appear as bright and vivid as they once did. The most surefire way to determine if you are suffering from cataracts is to see your eye doctor for a routine eye exam.

While there is no answer as to why the eye’s lens changes over time as we age, there are a few factors that put you at higher risk of developing cataracts.

  • Diabetes
  • Obesity
  • Hypertension
  • Significant alcohol consumption
  • Family history
  • Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun

You can help to prevent cataracts by wearing protective sunglasses that block 100% of the sun’s UV rays when you are outdoors. Eat a proper diet that is high in leafy greens and fruits which are high in vitamins and antioxidants. Some examples of food to add to your diet are:

  • Spinach
  • Kale
  • Leafy vegetables
  • Broccoli
  • Turnip greens

Now to the important part, TREATMENT! Many people feel that losing your vision as you age is inevitable. If you have cataracts however, this is not the case. Cataracts can be removed with surgery. The surgeon will remove the protein that has built up to form the cataract. Surgery may be a word that makes many people cringe. However cataract surgery is relatively simple and painless procedure. Nine out of ten people who undergo cataract surgery will regain vision between 20/20 and 20/40.

Remember that routine eye exams will help to detect cataracts early. This will prevent you from spending years of your life feeling like you are living in a fog, letting you enjoy everything that our beautiful earth has to offer us!

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 AWARENESS MONTH

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If you are one of the estimated 29.1 million people that have diabetes, then you have most likely had a discussion with you doctor about possible health related issues that comes with the disease. Diabetes also can have a negative effect on your eyesight. Obtaining regular screenings will allow you to monitor your health and react to any changes that may have occurred.

While it is important for everyone to maintain routine visits with their optometrist, 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. Talk to your eye doctor about any concerns or vision loss you may be experiencing for the best chances of early detection and treatment.

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 begins to see 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 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.

COMBATING CATARACTS

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Have you noticed that your vision has become cloudy, or that you have trouble seeing in dark settings? These are signs of cataracts. Cataracts are the leading cause of vision loss in the United States; however, vision loss due to cataracts is reversible!

A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s lens which blocks or changes the light that passes into the eye. Cataract surgery is one of the most common types of eye surgery with a 95% success rate. Recent studies have also shown that cataract surgery patients have a significantly reduced rate of bone fractures from falls.

Some of the signs of cataracts are:
• Blurred vision, double vision, a sense of film over the eyes or ghost images.
• Reading, working or driving in low light is difficult.
• Changing your prescription for your eyes often and the changes may not seem to help.
• A milky or yellowish spot in the pupil.
• Halos around lights.
• Sensitivity to light.

If you have these symptoms it may be time to talk to your doctor. Cataracts are caused by natural aging. Old, dead cells build up in the lens of your eyes, causing them to become cloudy. As light passes through the lens, your sight becomes distorted causing your vision to be degraded. Cataracts often develop slowly over a period of years before they are formed enough for an individual to notice them.

If you are diagnosed with cataracts there is good news. This is one form of vision loss that is reversible. Surgeons are able to remove the deteriorated lens and replace it with an artificial lens called an intraocular lens. Annually over 3 million Americans undergo surgery to correct cataracts with a 95% success. The surgery is short and lasts only about 20-25 minutes and most people are able to return to a normal, clearer life in a short amount of time.

There is no way to prevent cataracts other than living a healthy lifestyle. You can help to avoid the progression of cataracts by avoiding smoking, reducing exposure to UV rays by wearing sunglasses, eating a healthy balanced diet and wearing proper eye protection to avoid eye injuries.

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.