Merry Christmas 2024

 

What is an Eye Freckle

 

A nevus is a common, pigmented growth that appears on or in the eye. Sometimes referred to as a freckle in the eye, it is similar to a freckle on the skin. These nevi can be yellow, brown, gray, or a combination of these colors.

Having an eye freckle is not rare; approximately 10% of people have them in one or both eyes. This occurrence is more common among individuals with lighter skin tones, which may also relate to the visibility of freckles on lighter-colored eyes.

A nevus is composed of cells called melanocytes, which produce melanin—the pigment that colors the hair, skin, and eyes. Typically, these cells are evenly distributed throughout body tissues. However, they can sometimes cluster together to form an eye freckle. A congenital nevus, or one you are born with, is generally harmless. If a nevus develops later in life, it is likely also harmless, though there is a rare possibility for it to become cancerous (melanoma). It is advisable to have a healthcare provider monitor eye freckles during regular eye exams.

Your doctor may take a photograph or use imaging scans to examine the freckle more closely. This helps to watch for any changes over time. If the nevus remains unchanged after several examinations, it is generally considered harmless. However, if it grows larger, further evaluation and imaging may be necessary for diagnostic purposes.

Sources:

www.880.org

Www.clevelandclinic.org

www.saintlukeskc.org

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Germs Can Access the Body via the Eyes

 

It is cold and flu season again, along with other infections like Covid, pneumococcus, and streptococcus, just to name a few. Did you know that these infections can enter the body through the eyes? While infection through the eyes is less common than through the nose and mouth, germs often seek the easiest route to enter the body, such as through mucous membranes.

Our hands are exposed to countless germs, bacteria, and viruses throughout the day. Most people do not realize how often they touch their eyes, nose, and mouth throughout the day, they touch everything from doorknobs to keyboards, making them prime carriers of microorganisms often after coming into contact with surfaces contaminated by others who are already infected. Various microorganisms, known as "skin flora," live on our skin. Some microorganisms are beneficial, while others can cause infections or diseases.

To defend against spreading germs from your hands to your eyes is proper handwashing routines. Research shows that you can prevent 1 in 3 illnesses and infections by keeping your hands clean.

Here is a reminder of how to wash your hands properly:

1. Wet your hands with clean, running water, whether warm or cold.
2. Apply soap to your hands.
3. Rub your hands vigorously to a lather by rubbing them together.
4. Scrub all surfaces of your hands for at least 20 seconds, including the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
5. Then thoroughly rinse your hands under clean, running water.
6. Dry your hands with a clean towel, paper towel or hand dryer.

By following these steps, you can help protect yourself and others from infections.

Sources:

www.cdc.gov

www.visionsource.com

www.clevelandclinic.org

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#DrClaudiaWendel

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Year End Insurance Benefits – Reminder

What a year it has been! With everything happening, it's crucial to keep up with your health and make the most of your yearly health benefits.

Did you know that many Americans start the New Year with unused vision insurance benefits? Most vision plans "reset" or "expire" at the beginning of the year, which means December 31st is typically the last day to use the benefits you've already paid for. During these challenging financial times, it's wise to make use of your hard-earned money on your vision care rather than risk losing what you've saved. The great thing about these benefits is that they can be used for various eye care needs, including eye exams, frames, lenses, or even prescription sunglasses!

Since many patients have insurance that works this way, it's important to schedule any necessary appointments as soon as possible. December is often the busiest month for healthcare services due to this reason, so we recommend booking your appointment now to ensure we can accommodate you.

Don't let your vision benefits go to waste! If you have any questions about your vision coverage or would like to schedule an eye exam at Pearle Vision with Dr. Wendel today, please give us a call on 412-331-9696.

Sources:

www.pearlevision.com

www.allaboutvision.com

www.aao.org

#PearleVisionRobinson

#DrClaudiaWendel

#PittsburghOptometrist

#PittsburghEyeCare

 

Are You Joking- Thanksgiving Edition

 

1. What’s the best way to fix a broken pumpkin?

Use a pumpkin patch.

2. Why did the cranberry blush?

It saw the turkey dressing.

3. Knock, knock! Who's there? Norma Lee.

Norma Lee who? Norma Lee I don't eat this much.

4. What did the ocean say when it saw the Mayflower crossing?

Nothing. It just waved.

5. If Pilgrims traveled on the Mayflower, what do college students travel on?

Scholar ships.

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Truffles The Kitty

 

Truffles is a feisty black-and-white kitty who serves as an ambassador for Vision. She was born in July 2017 and was once a stray before finding her "fur-ever" home as an office cat in an optical shop. The Crull family adopted Truffles in October 2017, and by the time she was four months old, she had already proven herself to be a very special kitty. She learned to sit and give high-fives. When she was six months old, her owner wondered if Truffles could wear glasses as a trick, and she did!

Danielle, Truffles' "purrson," got her a pair of tiny pink preemie glasses so they would fit Truffles comfortably, and she started teaching her to wear them. Truffles has a little brother and assistant named Gumdrop who joins her in her efforts.

Truffles is a charming character who helps young patients at "A Child's Eyes" Optical Shop in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, by wearing glasses herself. She assists children during their eye exams and fittings. She helps alleviate fears by showing kids that if she can happily sport her glasses, so can they. Even donning an eyepatch on her glasses to show pediatric patients what it feels like to wear one.

In addition to her in-person support, Truffles has created a series of videos that teach children about the exam process, how fittings work, and how to properly care for their glasses when they aren't wearing them. On Truffles' Facebook page, children can find printable coloring pages and activities featuring Truffles.

Children can easily relate to Truffles, and many are excited to learn from her. She is particularly comforting to those who feel uneasy about getting glasses. There are even times when Truffles falls asleep wearing one of her 16 pairs of glasses!

In 2020, Truffles made a playful run for president. As a social media influencer, she helps kids feel more confident in wearing glasses and raises awareness about various eye conditions. Truffles also stands out for her unique fashion sense when it comes to accessorizing her glasses.

Sources:

www.optometrytimes

www.trufflesthekitty.com

www.USAToday.com

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ABCs to Protect your Eye Health with Diabetes

November is the month of Diabetes-Related Eye Disease Awareness. If you have diabetes, taking preventive measures is essential to preserving your vision for as long as possible. Eye diseases are common among individuals living with diabetes.

• Diabetes-related retinopathy occurs when diabetes affects the blood vessels and nerve tissue in the retina.

• Diabetes-related macular edema involves tiny bulges forming in the blood vessels, which leak fluid into the retina.

• Cataracts can develop because high blood sugar levels over time lead to structural changes in the lens of the eye.

• Glaucoma, the second most common cause of blindness worldwide. Glaucoma has been linked to diabetes. People with diabetes are twice as likely to develop glaucoma compared to those without the condition.

ABCs to Protect Your Eye Health with Diabetes

A. A1C-Manage your blood glucose. Have your A1C checked every 6 months.

B. Blood pressure- Manage your blood pressure to protect your heart, kidney, and eye health.

C. Cholesterol- Manage Cholesterol levels.

D. Don't smoke.

E. Eyes- Get a comprehensive, dilated eye exam every year.

Sources:

www.preventblindness.org

www.clevelandclinic.org

www.hopkinsmedicine,org

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#DrClaudiaWendel

#PittsburghOptometrist

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