smiling young female child getting an eye exam Comprehensive Eye Exam

Preschool Registration & Your Child’s Vision: The Importance of a Comprehensive Eye Exam

by ArticlesBlog

Enrolling your child in preschool is an exciting milestone! As you gather school supplies, medical records, and immunization forms, don’t forget an essential step in preparing your child for success – a comprehensive eye exam.

Many parents assume that a quick vision screening at the pediatrician’s office or school is enough to detect vision problems, but these basic tests can miss up to 60% of eye conditions in young children. A comprehensive eye exam with the doctors at Bissell Eye Care will ensure your child has the clear vision and visual skills they need for learning, socializing, and exploring the world around them.

According to the American Optometric Association, “Every experience a preschooler has is an opportunity for growth and development. They use their vision to guide other learning experiences. From ages 2 to 5, a child will be fine-tuning the visual abilities gained during infancy and developing new ones.”

Vision is Crucial for Early Learning

Did you know that 80% of what a child learns is processed through their eyes? Preschoolers rely on their vision for:

  • Recognizing letters, numbers, and shapes
  • Following along in books and recognizing pictures
  • Developing hand-eye coordination for coloring, puzzles, and crafts
  • Interacting with teachers and classmates

Even minor vision issues can affect a child’s ability to learn, focus, and participate in activities, potentially leading to frustration or misdiagnosed learning difficulties.

Undetected Vision Problems Can Affect Development

Children often don’t realize they have vision problems because they assume everyone sees the same way. If an issue goes undiagnosed, it can impact:

  • Depth perception – Difficulty judging distances when playing or climbing
  • Hand-eye coordination – Struggles with catching a ball, stacking blocks, or using scissors
  • Attention span – Avoiding close-up tasks or becoming easily distracted
  • Confidence – Hesitation in participating in group activities due to blurred vision

Common vision problems in preschoolers include:

  • Nearsightedness (myopia) – Difficulty seeing objects far away
  • Farsightedness (hyperopia) – Trouble focusing on close-up activities
  • Astigmatism – Blurred or distorted vision at all distances
  • Amblyopia (lazy eye) – Reduced vision in one eye that can lead to permanent vision loss if untreated
  • Strabismus (crossed eyes) – Eyes that don’t align properly, which can cause double vision and affect depth perception

Early detection is key to successful treatment!

Vision Screenings Are Not a Substitute for a Comprehensive Eye Exam. While pediatricians or schools may perform basic vision screenings, these tests only check for obvious vision issues. They do not assess eye health, focusing ability, or depth perception—all crucial for a child’s development.

A comprehensive eye exam includes:

  • A full eye health evaluation
  • Testing for eye alignment and coordination
  • Checking for refractive errors (nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism)
  • Assessing depth perception and color vision

If your child does need glasses, starting early can help them adjust quickly and avoid unnecessary struggles in school.

When Should Your Child Have Their First Eye Exam?

  • 6-12 months – The first comprehensive eye exam is recommended to ensure normal development.
  • 3-5 years – A preschool eye exam checks for vision problems before starting school.
  • Before Kindergarten – An exam before formal schooling ensures clear vision for learning.

After the preschool years, children should have an eye exam at least once a year, as their vision can change rapidly as they grow.

Now is the perfect time to schedule your child’s comprehensive eye exam. Healthy vision and strong visual skills will help them thrive in the classroom and beyond! Call our offices at 724-443-6767 or 724-226-0744 today to schedule your child’s appointment.

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 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.

image of US money sprawled out with block letters FSA on top representing 2024 FSA benefits

Maximize Your 2024 FSA Benefits – How to Spend Wisely Before Year-End

by ArticlesBlog

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 to Offset Rising Costs

For families feeling the strain of increased expenses, FSAs offer significant relief. By making pre-tax contributions, families reduce their taxable income, effectively lowering their overall tax burden. These savings can be directed toward various healthcare expenses, including doctor’s visits, prescription medications, dental care, vision expenses, and even specialized treatments like physical therapy and chiropractic visits.

With the 2024 contribution limit increased to $3,200, families have even more room to allocate tax-free funds toward healthcare costs. This increase allows for more financial flexibility, making it easier to cover routine check-ups, annual eye exams, vaccinations, and unforeseen medical needs without tapping into post-tax income.

Stretching Healthcare Dollars with an FSA

An FSA can be particularly valuable when it comes to planning and budgeting for healthcare. Many families use their FSAs to budget for regular expenses they know will come up, such as yearly physicals, eye exams, and prescriptions. This planning helps avoid unexpected costs that can disrupt a tight budget. And with the wide range of eligible items, FSAs can be a go-to resource for stocking up on over-the-counter medications, first-aid supplies, and other essentials that might not be covered by insurance.

Reducing End-of-Year Pressure with Smart Spending

Families who make a habit of tracking their FSA balance throughout the year are often better positioned to avoid last-minute spending to use up remaining funds. Keeping an eye on FSA spending means they can use the account for regular purchases as needed, rather than scrambling at year-end. And, with options like the FSA grace period or rollover feature (depending on their plan), families have a bit more time to make sure their healthcare dollars are used wisely.

Leveraging FSA Benefits to Offset Everyday Costs

FSAs don’t just help with doctor’s bills; they can also cover a broad array of products and services that ease the burden of everyday health and wellness needs. Commonly eligible expenses like contact lenses, glasses, and safety glasses, can all be paid for with FSA dollars. These added benefits allow families to manage costs that would otherwise be out-of-pocket, providing some relief from the rising cost of living.

Making FSA Dollars Work for You

If you’re looking for ways to maximize your FSA this year, consider scheduling routine healthcare visits, filling prescriptions, or buying necessary health supplies before the end of the year. If you’ve delayed any treatments or check-ups, using your FSA can ensure these expenses don’t affect your regular budget. Additionally, some FSA plans offer the convenience of a debit card, making it simple to pay for eligible expenses directly.

By making the most of this tax-advantaged account, families can keep healthcare costs from being an extra burden, even in today’s high-cost environment. Don’t lose those hard earned FSA funds! Schedule your annual eye exam, upgrade or change your eyeglass frames, invest in safety glasses, or purchase contact lenses at Bissell Eye Care. Call our office at 724-443-6767 or 724-226-0444 today and maximize your FSA benefits before the year ends!

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 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.

a-woman-getting-her-vision-checked-at-a-optomotrists office.

Understanding Glaucoma & the Value of a Comprehensive Eye Exam

by ArticlesBlog

Are you ready for the New Year? Resolutions for better health often include eating better, exercising, and 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. 

Vision, a priceless gift often taken for granted, can be threatened by silent conditions like glaucoma. Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, often leading to irreversible vision loss and is often referred to as the Thief of Sight. According to the National Eye Institute, “Glaucoma is a leading cause of vision loss and blindness in the United States. But half of people with glaucoma don’t know they have it.

Glaucoma has no early symptoms. The only way to check for it is to get a comprehensive dilated eye exam. There’s no cure for glaucoma but starting treatment as early as possible can help stop vision loss.”

Glaucoma is a complex eye condition characterized by increased intraocular pressure (IOP), which can damage the optic nerve over time. The optic nerve is responsible for transmitting visual information from the eyes to the brain. When damaged, it can result in peripheral vision loss that often goes unnoticed until significant damage has occurred.

There are different types of glaucoma, with primary open-angle glaucoma being the most common. However, other forms, such as angle-closure glaucoma and normal-tension glaucoma, also exist. The risk factors for glaucoma include age, family history, elevated intraocular pressure, and certain medical conditions like diabetes.

The Importance of Dilated Eye Exams:

  • Early Detection: Dilated eye exams involve the use of eye drops to enlarge the pupils, allowing the doctors at Bissell Eye Care to get a clear view of the optic nerve and retina. This enables early detection of signs of glaucoma, such as optic nerve cupping or changes in the optic nerve head.
  • Comprehensive Assessment: Unlike standard eye exams or screenings that only evaluate visual acuity, dilated eye exams provide a more comprehensive assessment of the overall eye health. They help identify not only glaucoma but also other conditions such as diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, and retinal detachments.
  • Pressure Measurement: Dilated exams allow for accurate measurement of intraocular pressure. While elevated pressure is a risk factor for glaucoma, not everyone with glaucoma has high intraocular pressure, making the comprehensive assessment crucial for diagnosis.
  • Monitoring Progression: For individuals diagnosed with glaucoma, dilated eye exams are important for monitoring the progression of the disease. Regular evaluations help adjust treatment plans, ensuring that the condition is effectively managed to prevent further vision loss.
  • Risk Reduction: Dilated eye exams empower the doctors at Bissell Eye Care to identify and address risk factors that may contribute to glaucoma development or progression. This proactive approach aids in implementing preventive measures, such as lifestyle changes or early interventions.

Comprehensive 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. 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 eye exams at Bissell Eye Care, 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. Here’s to a healthy and happy 2024!

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.

An outline diagram of an eye viewed sideways with Eye Floaters printed above it.

Causes of Eye Floaters

by ArticlesBlog

Ever have a spot or line appear in your field of vision? Eye floaters are a common term for this. Most of the time, when you gaze at something bright, such as a white screen or the sky, these floaters will appear in your range of vision. When you glance around, you may see these areas, which have the appearance of floating. One or both eyes may have eye floaters.

The retina, the inner, light-sensitive layer of the eye, really sees floaters as shadows, even though they may appear to be in front of the eye. Floaters can resemble dots, threads, or cobwebs, among other things. When you try to look at floaters, they could dart away. The floaters move with the eyes because they are inside the eye.

Strands, deposits, or liquid pockets that form on the vitreous humor, or the back of the eye, are what give rise to floating objects. This area of the eye is where light traveling to the retina passes. It takes up the rear two-thirds of the eye and resembles jelly.

These strands, deposits, or liquid pockets that block light cause the surface of the retina to cast a tiny shadow, which is what is perceived as floaters. Usually, they are either gray or black in hue. These shadows provide the impression of moving up, down, left, and right as the eye moves. Patients frequently report seeing a dot or spot hovering in their range of vision because of this.

Risk Elements for Flashes and Floaters

According to Stanford Medicine certain factors make it more likely to develop floaters and flashes: being nearsighted (myopia), undergoing cataract surgery, developing eye inflammation (uveitis), getting YAG laser surgery, injuring your eye.

Most people over the age of 70 suffer from some kind of floater, and about 50% of those over the age of 60 have them as well. Many people initially notice them, but within a few months they may discover that they are less obvious as the brain and eye start to ignore them or become used to their being there.

If you notice a flurry of floaters and spots, especially if they come with light flashes, seek emergency medical attention from an eye care specialist.

Maintain your regular checkups with the doctors at Bissell Eye Care, and let us know if you detect any visual changes like floaters. Grab your sunglasses, go outside, and enjoy the summer!

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.

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How is Your Eye Health Stacking Up?

by ArticlesBlog

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.

Infographic-poster-with-detailed-effects-of-untreated-glaucoma-disease-showing-the-passing-through-a-good-and-healthy-eye-to-a-rogressive-vision loss

Glaucoma Awareness – Screen, Protect & Cure

by ArticlesBlog

More than 3 million people in the United States have glaucoma. The National Eye Institute projects this number will reach 4.2 million by 2030, a 58 percent increase. Glaucoma is caused by the eye’s failure to maintain the balance of pressure between the internal fluid and the amount of fluid it drains away. High eye pressure caused by this imbalance causes pressure to build up against the optic nerve causing nerve damage.

Damage typically starts in the outside peripheral vision and is often not recognized by patients. A dilated eye exam is necessary to examine the optic nerve. Treatment generally begins with eye drops. Just as in any other prescribed medication, it’s important to consistently take the drops as prescribed. Since glaucoma symptoms are typically undetected, patients will not realize the damage that can be done without following the prescription.

If the optometrists at Bissell Eye Care deem that eye drops aren’t the best course of action, lasers or in extreme cases surgical procedures may be necessary to treat the disease. For those recently diagnosed with glaucoma, you can request a free educational booklet from the Glaucoma Research Foundation.

Smart contact lenses offer an exciting breakthrough in diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma. Smart contact lenses use tiny sensors, like those found in smartphones and other wearable devices, to collect data about the pressure inside your eye. As a result, they accurately measure intraocular pressure. These contact lenses can be personalized for each patient’s unique clinical needs, they may provide a promising treatment option for glaucoma.

Glaucoma Awareness – Types of Glaucoma Include:

Chronic (Open Angle) Glaucoma is the most common form of the disease. In open angle glaucoma, aqueous fluid drains too slowly and pressure inside the eye builds up. It usually results from aging of the drainage channel, which doesn’t work as well over time. However, younger people can also develop this type of glaucoma.

Normal Tension Glaucoma is a form of open angle glaucoma not related to high pressure. People with normal tension glaucoma may be unusually sensitive to normal levels of pressure. Reduced blood supply to the optic nerve may also play a role in normal tension glaucoma.

Acute (Angle Closure) Glaucoma: occurs more in Asian and Native American descents which are at higher risk for this form of glaucoma. This type of glaucoma occurs when the drainage system of the eye becomes blocked. This causes a sudden rise in pressure, requiring immediate, emergency medical care. The signs are usually serious and may include blurred vision, severe headaches, eye pain, nausea, vomiting or seeing rainbow-like halos around lights.

January is Glaucoma Awareness Month. Don’t let the “thief of sight” rob you of your independence. If you haven’t scheduled a regular eye exam, now is the time to do so. Call it your New Year’s Resolution to better health. Take action and call our office 724-443-6767 or 724-226-0444 to schedule your annual eye exam!

 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.

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The Correlation Between Diabetes And Eyesight

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November is Diabetes Awareness Month. For the millions of us who are at risk for diabetes, it’s a time to get educated, find resources, and make sure all those around us are aware of their risk as well. Through advocacy, program development, and education the American Diabetes Organization “aims to improve the quality of life for the over 133 million Americans living with diabetes or prediabetes. New technologies to manage diabetes, better resources to educate ourselves, and a community that’s stronger than ever.”

Just as annual physicals are important to keep you in optimal health, annual eye exams may uncover undetected disease.  Did you know diabetes also can 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 can 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?” This type of exam allows doctors to check the retina for various types of disease.

Early Warning Signs Of Diabetic Eye Disease

  • 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 is 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.

Now is the time to get those regular exams scheduled. Call our office at 724-443-6767 or 724-226-0444 to schedule your annual exam today. How you take care of yourself now will determine your quality of life in years to come.

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.

What causes eye floaters and spots

What Causes Eye Floaters and Spots?

by ArticlesBlog

The floating specks you sometimes see in front of your eyes are not on the surface of your eyes but inside them. Eye floaters or a spot occurring in your field of vision are common as people age. In most cases, these floaters will appear in your field of vision when you look at something bright such as a white screen or the sky. These are spots that you can see and appear to float as you look around. Eye floaters can be present in one or both eyes and can come in many different shapes:

  • Black or gray dots
  • Squiggly lines
  • Threadlike strands, which can be knobby and almost see-through
  • Cobwebs
  • Rings

Floaters are caused by strands, deposits, or liquid pockets developing on the vitreous humor, or the back part of the eye. This is the part of the eye that the light going to the retina passes through. It is a jelly like material that occupies the back two-thirds of the eye.

When the light is blocked by these strands, deposits, or liquid pockets, it casts a small shadow onto the surface of the retina, and the shadows that result are seen as floaters. They are usually black or gray in color. These shadows appear to move as the eye moves, left, right, up, and down. This is why patients often say that they see a dot or spot floating in their field of vision.

Floaters are most commonly experienced as we age and don’t totally go away. About 50% of people who are age 60 have floaters and most people over the age of 70 experience some sort of floater. While many people notice them at first, they may find that after a few months they are less noticeable as the brain and eye begin to ignore or get used to them being there.

While floaters are common, and most people will experience them, it is important to get your regular check-up with the eye doctors at Bissell Eye Care.

SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION IMMEDIATELY if you notice a sudden increase in floaters or if you see floaters along with flashes of light in your side vision, this may be a symptom of a retinal tear or detachment. Go to an eye doctor or emergency room if you have these symptoms.

Serious eye disorders associated with floaters include:

  • Detached retina
  • Torn retina
  • Bleeding in your vitreous
  • Inflamed vitreous or retina caused by infections or an autoimmune condition
  • Eye tumors

Annual checkups are key to good eye health. Be sure to maintain your routine visit with Bissell Eye Care and tell the doctors if you notice any changes in your eyesight, such as floaters.

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.

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Pre-School Registration & Eye Exams

by ArticlesBlog

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 to 5, your child will be fine-tuning the visual abilities gained during infancy and developing new ones.

At preschool, children will depend on their vision to learn tasks that will prepare them for school. Visually-guided eye-hand-body coordination, fine motor skills and visual perceptual abilities will be developed to enable your child to learn to read and write.

VISION SCREENING AND AN EYE EXAMINATION ARE NOT THE SAME

It is important to know that a vision screening by a child’s pediatrician or at his or her preschool is not the same as a comprehensive eye and vision examination by a doctor of optometry. Vision screenings are a limited process and can’t be used to diagnose an eye or vision problem, but rather may indicate a potential need for further evaluation. These screenings may lull parents into a false sense of security and may miss as many as 60% of children with vision problems. Even if a vision screening does not identify a possible vision problem, a child may still have one. 

Early identification of a child’s vision problem is crucial because, if left untreated, some childhood vision problems can cause permanent vision loss. Children then should have additional eye exams at age 3, and just before they enter the first grade — at about age 5 or 6.”

The AOA estimates one in four school-aged kids have undetected vision problems that critically impact their visual perceptual skills:

  • RECOGNITION — knowing the difference between letters like ‘b’ and ‘d’
  • COMPREHENSION — ‘picturing’ what’s happening in a story they’re reading
  • RETENTION – remembering and recalling details about what they’ve just read

Here are some tips for eye exams for young children.

  • Schedule the appointment during a time when your child is alert and happy taking into account napping and eating times
  • A case history will be conducted to determine birth history, birth weight, medical issues, and any allergies
  • Be sure to note any delayed motor development, failure to maintain eye contact, poor eye tracking, frequent eye rubbing or blinking

Making a child comfortable with puppets and the use of our “Special Lights” allow us to have fun with children as we look for the following things:

  • How the eye tracks and turns
  • High Refractive Error – meaning significant far or nearsightedness
  • Overall Eye Health

With just a little patience and a quick response time, a 2-year-old’s eye exam can go as smoothly as an adult eye exam. For young children who can’t read letters yet, no worries, we use shapes and colors. No matter what age, regular eye exams are important. If you have concerns about your child’s vision, tracking ability, or overall eye health, give our offices a call at 724-443-6767 or 724-226-0444.

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.

Comprehensive Eye Assessment of Ocular Health

Comprehensive Eye Assessment of Ocular Health

by ArticlesBlog

As technology continues to improve, we are better able to look at the human eye with the Optovue OCT machine. OCT Angiography (OCTA) is a quick non-invasive piece of equipment that performs a test, allowing your eye doctor to see retinal vessels during your annual eye exam. OCTA is the only non-invasive way to visualize the vascular structure of your retina.

During this test, the structure of your eyes are examined— from the front, or anterior segment, to the back, or retina. OCT is used to aid in diagnosing disease and managing your ocular health. These metrics along with a high-resolution image and symmetry analysis help to determine if you are displaying the early signs of retinal disease or glaucoma.

The machine allows us to look at the eye in a similar manner as an MRI utilizing an array of light rays. It takes a piece-by-piece view of the eye. Our optometrists then look at this imagery and can determine the health of your eyes, or if there are any concerns that need to be further addressed. With an OCT, doctors can see a cross-section or 3D image of the retina and detect the early onset of a variety of eye conditions and eye diseases such as macular degeneration, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy (the top three diseases known to cause blindness).

By comparing the thickness of the layers measured by the OCT scan against the normal thickness of healthy retinal layers, eye doctors can determine which retinal disease or eye condition exists in the eye, even before the patient is aware of any problems.

So, what does this mean for you, the patient? These scans can detect early vascular changes in diabetic patients and early signs of glaucoma. We cannot stress the importance of early detection of eye diseases enough. Early detection can help to prevent further loss of vision. As we have talked about before, you can lose a significant amount of your vision without you noticing.

Bissell Eye Care continues to invest in the most up-to-date technology and equipment to best serve our patients. By using this technology, we can better facilitate the diagnosis and management of eye diseases, many of which may lead to permanent blindness.

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.