Northcenter Eye Care

If you participate in flex spending healthcare accounts, you may find you have money left to spend before the end of the year. Why not treat your eyes? Following are five popular options for using those funds on healthy eyes and great vision.

Offset deductibles. One of the best ways to use your flex spending dollars is to cover deductibles or shortages in allowances for exams and eyewear. If you are due (or overdue) for a compressive exam, December is a great time to make an appointment. Flex spending funds can make a new pair of glasses or a supply of contact lenses more affordable.

Second pairs. There are a number of reasons to invest in a second pair of eyeglasses. For some, having a second pair offers convenience and a necessary back-up when the first pair is lost or damaged. This is especially important for people who remove their glasses frequently throughout the day. Others view eyewear as a fashion accessory, in addition to a medical device, so being able to supplement their wardrobe with a different pair is a bonus. Read more about the benefits of second pairs here.

Prescription sunglasses. Prescription lenses make any pair of glasses a medical device, even sunglasses. If you wear contact lenses, consider a pair of prescription sunglasses as a great alternative for the beach or the pool, where contacts can be less convenient. Flex spending dollars can make the more expensive pairs that are so attractive much more affordable.

Protective eyewear. The vast majority of eye injuries are preventable with protective eyewear. Unfortunately not enough people are aware of the risks. (In fact, one of winter’s most popular sports, basketball, has one of the highest rates of eye injury.) If you or someone in your family spends time on the court, field or in the workshop, using your flex spending funds on prescription protective eyewear is a solid investment. For more information on eyewear for sports, click here.

Computer eyewear. Digital eye strain is a critical health issue, affecting more than half of the adult workforce, per The Vision Council. Even if you don’t wear corrective lenses, you might find that computer glasses ease the effects of digital eye strain.

As always, please call, stop in or send us a message if you have any questions about your eye health. (Your insurance plan is the go-to resource for the specifics of your flex spending options.)

* Photo courtesy of freedigitalphotos.net/suphakit73

Wear the right eye protection for participation in sports and other hobbies.

Corneal abrasions are one of the most common eye injuries. While they generally are not serious, they often cause discomfort and temporary vision impairment. Sometimes eye infections enter the abrasion and lead to more significant damage. In any case, it is important to know how to prevent corneal abrasions and seek treatment when they happen.

The causes of corneal abrasions are numerous. They can result from something as simple as rubbing your eye when there is a foreign object in it, like sand or dirt, or getting poked in the eye. If you’ve ever had a corneal abrasion — and most of us have — you know they can be painful. They also cause light sensitivity, redness, swollen eyelids, excessive tearing and a feeling that something is in your eye.

If you do experience a corneal abrasion, it is important to seek treatment with us right away. We can diagnose the severity of the injury, which isn’t always apparent, and ward off infections, some of which can lead to blindness. We also can give you prescription ointments or eyedrops that help with healing.

Because many eye injuries are preventable, the best thing you can do to keep your eyes safe.

Wear protective eyewear if your job, DIY projects or hobbies pose a treat to you eyes. Chemicals, even those used in household tasks, can also injure your cornea.
Wear protective eyewear when participating in sports, especially those where elbows, racquets, balls and pucks can cause injury. It was recently reported that a mandate from the National Federation of State High School Associations requiring protective eyewear for field hockey players resulted in a three-fold reduction in injuries.
If you wear contact lenses, make sure they are fitted properly and that you are keeping them clean and in good condition. If you wear disposables, stick to the schedule for changing them. Wearing them longer than recommended increases your risk for abrasions.

Talk to us if you have any concerns about corneal abrasions and protecting your eyes from injury. Keep in mind that we are available for emergencies. Make sure you seek treatment as soon as possible for any kind of injury to the eye.

5 Ways To Use Flex Spending On Your Eyes

Protect your eyes from corneal abrasions