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

 

children

Is My Child Ready for Contacts? A Parent’s Guide to Making the Decision

As children grow, their needs and preferences evolve—sometimes in surprising ways. The request for contact lenses is one common milestone that often leaves parents wondering is now the right time. Whether it’s for sports, aesthetics, or simply the desire to ditch glasses, many kids eventually ask, “Can I get contacts?” But how do you know if your child is truly ready? Here are some tips to help you decide if contact lenses are the right choice for your child.

Understanding the Basics: What Are Contact Lenses?

Contact lenses are thin,… Continue reading

Halloween Costume Safety and Eye Care: A Spooktacular Guide

Halloween is a favorite holiday for many, offering the chance to transform into someone or something entirely different for a night of spooky fun. However, amidst the excitement of picking the perfect costume, it’s important to prioritize safety and eye care. From tripping hazards to sharp objects and nonprescription contacts, understanding the potential risks is essential to ensure a safe and enjoyable Halloween.

 

1. Avoid Tripping Hazards

When choosing or creating a Halloween costume, it’s important to consider the potential tripping hazards. Costumes that are too long or have… Continue reading

Pre-School Registration & Eye Exams

When should you schedule your child’s first eye exam? Spring brings about registration for a new pre-school year and as you make your choice on where you want your child to go to school, you should also make a choice to have their eyes examined prior to starting school. Experts say 5 -10 % of preschoolers and 25 % of school-aged children have vision problems. 

Every experience a preschooler has is an opportunity for growth and development. Children use their vision to guide other learning experiences. From ages 2… Continue reading

DON’T LET YOUR CHILD’S SPORTS SEASON BE SIDELINED BY EYE INJURY

Eye injuries are the leading cause of blindness in children and most eye injuries among kids aged 11-14 occur while playing sports. Among the sports with high rates of eye injuries: basketball, baseball, softball, soccer, and cycling. Youth sports leagues don’t always require players to use protective eyewear, but as parents, we can take a stand to protect our children.

Children’s sports eye injuries can range from abrasions of the cornea and bruises of the lid to internal eye injuries, such as retinal detachments and internal bleeding. Such injuries often… Continue reading

What to Expect at My Child’s First Eye Exam

American Optometric Association (AOA), states “infants should have their first comprehensive eye exam at 6 months of age.” Did you know that Bissell Eye Care provides eye examinations for free to children as young as 6 months up to one year old? As children enter preschool around 3 years of age they should be rechecked and then again right before kindergarten. Experts say 5 -10 % of preschoolers and 25 % of school-aged children have vision problems.

During a child’s eye exam, we will perform three assessments, including a vision… Continue reading

Prepare for Flu Season and Conjunctivitis

The 2019 – 2020 flu season is in full swing with the flu and conjunctivitis often going hand in hand.  Experts are predicting epidemic levels of cold and flu will continue during peak flu season.  It seems like everywhere you turn, someone is sick.  For those individuals who received a flu shot your symptoms may not be quite as severe.  Nonetheless, proper handwashing can be the key to not spreading those nasty germs.

When we think of the flu, things such as body aches, fever, and… Continue reading

Halloween Costume Safety Tips

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… Continue reading

WATERY EYES

Watery-EyesOur bodies produce tears to keep our eyes lubricated, and to help remove any foreign bodies. But when the body produces too many tears, or tear drainage is affected, the result is excessively watery eyes. While not necessarily harmful, watery eyes can be troublesome and irritating. Thankfully, this condition can usually be treated quickly and effectively.

Watery eyes are characterized by an excess of tears, which can give the eyes a glassy look, and may result in tears running or dripping from the eyes.

Cold or windy environments are natural… Continue reading

IS SCREEN TIME CREATING DIGITAL EYE STRAIN IN CHILDREN?

You’ve probably felt it before after a long day looking at your computer screen or spending too much time on your smart phone – digital eye strain. Perhaps your child received a new electronic device for Christmas and now they seem glued to the new tablet or phone. Did you know that your kids could be dealing with digital eye strain too?

Between school and home, kids are using tablets, smartphones, computers, and other digital devices at an alarming rate. In fact, they’re probably getting more digital device time than… Continue reading

HALLOWEEN COSTUME SAFETY TIPS

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 to ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday for you and your family.

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… Continue reading