What are those eye drops?

 

Your eye doctor will put a small amount of dilating eye drops into each of your eyes (called mydriatics) so that your eye doctor can see the inside of your eye in detail, including the entire retina, the part of the retina called the macula, and the optic nerve. There are two main types of drops.  One type causes special muscles of the iris to contract, which makes the pupil bigger (dilation).  The other type prevents special muscles from making the pupil smaller, and also relaxes the eye’s ability to focus (cycloplegia).  The two kinds of drops are usually used together, either as two separate drops, as a single combination drop, or as a spray. All these changes are temporary, and usually last for a short amount of time. It usually takes about 20 to 30 minutes for your pupils to fully open. Light-colored eyes (such as blue, green or hazel) will dilate faster than brown eyes.

The eye drops used for dilation cause your pupils to widen, allowing in more light and giving your doctor a better view of the back of your eye. Eye dilation assists your doctor in diagnosing common diseases and conditions, possibly at their earliest stages. They include:

•  Diabetic retinopathy
•  High blood pressure
• Age-related macular degeneration
•  Retinal detachment
•  Glaucoma
• Cataracts

During a dilated exam, your doctor can spot problems like a torn or detached retina or an eye tumor also.

Dilation drops last anywhere between 6 and 24 hours, depending on the drop used. Blue eyes are more sensitive than brown and can stay dilated for longer periods of time. Many patients are concerned about the potential side-effects of these drops. The reality is that these drops are relatively well tolerated. Most patients experience some light sensitivity and blurry near vision. Dilation doesn’t typically affect your distance vision. But because your pupils can’t control the amount of light going into your eyes, the glare outside may bother you. For some people, that makes it unsafe to drive. So make arrangements to have a driver when having a comprehensive eye exam.

#eyegotcha

Sources:

www.aao.org

www.aapos.org

www.sightmd.com

www.mayoclinic.org

Image: www.accutome.com

Year-End “Use It or Lose It” Reminder

As we are quickly approaching the end of the year, it is a great time to review what’s available in your Flex Spending Account! FSAs are known for their “use it or lose it” rule. Don’t let that money got to waste! Use it to start treatment now or to make a payment if you’ve already started. Planning ahead is crucial, as well. It is that time to verify with your employer your flex spending. In addition, it’s great to keep in mind Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and any changes in insurance coverage. Each year many patients lose out on hundreds of dollars through their vision insurance provider, simply because time has slipped away. Don’t forget to take advantage of your remaining vision benefits before the end of the year!

Like most other services or treatments covered in your personal health insurance plan, the vision coverage included in your policy will most likely refresh on December 31^st. With the full coverage amount resetting January 1^st. This means that your annual deductible amount starts over again from zero. However all insurance policies differ, confirm what your plan offers by getting in contact with your provider.

 FSA eligible expenses for vision care:

• Eye exams
• Eye surgery
• Transportation expenses for medical treatments and services
• Braille reading material
• Contact lenses and eyeglasses
• Prescription safety glasses
• Prescription sunglasses
• Co-pays, co-insurance and deductibles
• Guide dog or other service animals

FSAs provide the opportunity to use pre-tax dollars for medical benefits in turn reducing taxable income. They also offer increased deductions for dependent care expenses, help with increases in premiums, co-pays and deductibles.

Contact us and we can help you maximize your benefits and plan for your treatment investment.

 

412.331.9696

eyegotcha.net

 

#eyegotcha    #FSA   #useitorloseit

 

November is Diabetic Eye Disease Month

 

November has been declared as Diabetic Eye Disease Month by Prevent Blindness. To educate the public on the effects of diabetes on vision, risk factors and treatment options.  Diabetic Eye Disease is a group of eye problems that people with diabetes may face as a complication of the disease. These conditions include:

•  Diabetic Retinopathy-is caused by damage to blood vessels in the tissue at the back of the eye (retina). Treatment can help, but this condition can’t be cured.
• Diabetic Macular Edema- is an accumulation of fluid in the macula, (the part of the retina that controls the most detailed vision), due to leaking blood vessels.
• Cataracts- A condition in which the lens of the eye becomes opaque or cloudy, resulting in blurry vision.
• Glaucoma- This condition is when the nerve connecting the eye to the brain is damaged, usually due to high eye pressure.

If you have diabetes you can protect your vision by taking charge of your health to keep your vision sharp:

•  Visit your Doctor
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle
• Manage your medications
• Know the ABCs of Diabetes
• If you smoke - STOP

How to observe Diabetic Eye Disease month:

• Get tested for diabetes
• Post an eye exam reminder
• Offer to take someone to their eye exam

#eyegotcha        #DiabeticEyeDiseaseMonth

Sources:

www.preventblindness.org

www.nationaltoday.com

www.nih.gov

www.modernretina.com

www.mayoclinic.org

www.VSP.com

Image:

www.invisioncare.com

Eyegotcha Trivia Election Edition

1. It takes 270 electoral votes for a candidate to secure victory in the Electoral College
2. President Zachary Taylor never once voted prior to his electoral victory.
3. Theodore Roosevelt was the youngest person to become President at 42 years of age.
4. Only about 60% of eligible voters turn out on average for a Presidential election.
5. Gerald Ford is the only person to have served as President and Vice President without having been elected to either office.