VISION BLOG

It's inevitable. As we age, the lenses and intricate muscles of our eyes--just like our shoulder, knee and hip joints--lose elasticity and flexibility. Are you having trouble focusing on close-up details? Reading the fine print on the vitamin bottle? Finding the right spot - by moving your arms out and in - where the book or tablet is readable? Then you have presbyopia{...}. Originating from Greek language, meaning "elderly vision," presbyopia develops as we age, causing our eyes to strain as we focus on close or nearby objects. The treatment is simple. It's time for reading glasses.  Need more convincing? We have a few other indications that it may be time for readers.  Physical symptoms Squinting, eye fatigue or strain, headaches, blurred vision: These physical symptoms occur because the lenses in your eyes are becoming less flexible and your eyes are working harder to see.  Let there be light Are you starting to turn on all the lights when you enter a room? Not to worry. Studies show that people over the age of 60 require up to three times as much light as millennials to read or perform close-up tasks. You do need plenty of light in order to read--even with reading glasses.  Seeing halos If you see glowing circles around car headlights, street lights or light bulbs,  you may have presbyopia.  Your optometrist says so If you’re experiencing any of the above, it’s time for an eye exam. Your doctor may suggest readers, bifocals, or a new prescription for your daily eyewear. Staying current with your comprehensive eye exams and visiting your eye doctor at the onset of any of the above symptoms is key to maintaining good eye health well into your years.  Half or full frames? Ask your doctor if full frames (the entire lens includes your prescription for reading) or “half-eyes” (those Ben Franklin style glasses that sit lower on your nose) might be right for you. How much time do you spend reading or performing close-up tasks? If the answer is “a lot,” then talk with your doctor about getting full frames. Always make sure you are covered with the best possible vision insurance. We know this business inside and out, and we’ve got your back. We’ve done the research and are here to help with any questions. Chat with one of our teammates, call at 888-890-1944 or e-mail us at info@directbenefits.com. We’re glad to assist anytime. Of note: The information provided here is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always check with a doctor or other appropriate medical professional you trust before making any healthcare changes. Also, please speak to your doctor before using any form of medication, whether that is prescription or nonprescription drugs.  

It can happen in an instant. A twig snaps or leaf blows across your face, a poke with the mascara wand, a speck of dust, a contact lens fail: Any of these happenstances could result in a scratched eye. Known as a corneal abrasion, a scratched eye is a common occurrence, but how do you heal a scratched eye? Let's help you be prepared{...}. First of all, what exactly is the cornea? It's the clear outer layer of your eye that protects your eye from dirt, germs, and other harmful substances. The cornea is full of pain receptors--more than in your skin. So when it's damaged? It can be painful. To help you heal a scratched eye, whether it’s happens to you or someone you love, we’ve compiled some tips from the American Academy of Ophthalmology about caring for a corneal abrasion. If you suspect you’ve injured your eye, see your opthamologist. He or she will use a special dye that highlights the damaged area so they can diagnose the problem and recommend treatment options. If you feel an injury needs urgent treatment, get to urgent care or an emergency room right away. Once a doctor diagnoses a scratched cornea, treatment options vary depending on the injury. Options might include an eyepatch, or moisturizing or antibiotic eye drops. Contact lenses designed to alleviate pain and speed up the healing process might be prescribed, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology. A minimal injury might heal in a few days. More serious injuries, of course, take longer. To accelerate the healing process, be sure to do the following: •  Blink to clear away anything that’s not meant to be in your eye. •  Rinse your eye with saline solution or even fresh water. •  Wear protective sunglasses. •  Don’t rub or touch your eyes, as this could worsen your injury. •  If you regularly wear prescription contact lenses, wear your glasses until your doctor says it’s okay to wear your contacts.  •  Don’t use eyedrops intended for redness, because this could cause more pain to a scratched eye. Prevention is good medicine. Always wear eye protection when playing sports or doing yard work. Take your time and pay attention when putting on eye makeup or brushing your hair, as fast-moving brushes close to your face are common ways in which corneas get scratched.  Finally, enjoy peace of mind and make sure you’ve got the best vision insurance possible to protect you and your family. We’ve done the research and are here to help choose the best plans for your family. Chat with one of our teammates at 888-890-1944 or e-mail us at info@directbenefits.com. Source: American Academy of Ophthalmology  

An eye exam may be one of the least stressful, least invasive doctor's visits you experience. So much so, that you might forget to include an eye exam on your annual wellness calendar. Still, good eyesight is critical to health and wellbeing. As you prepare for a visit to the eye doctor, or to take a loved one for an examination, provide the doctor with the most up-to-date health information. We have a few things you'll want to be ready to talk about{...}: 1. Overall health Report any current health concerns, from headaches, neck aches, and back aches to diseases, conditions, or other health concerns. Bring your medication list. Include the name of each medication, what the medication treats, the dosage order and strength, and how long you have been taking the medications. Also include any vitamin or herbal supplements, and how much, you take daily. Allergies? If so, be sure to tell the eye doctor. 2. Family history Provide information on anyone in your family with eye problems or diseases, such as cataracts, glaucoma, or macular degeneration. Provide information on anyone in your family with a history of other health problems that could affect the eyes, including diabetes, heart disease, blood disorders, or cancer. Mayo Clinic suggests compiling information on three generations of your family. Be sure to include great grandparents, grandparents, and parents, as well as uncles, aunts, siblings, cousins, children, nieces, nephews and grandchildren. 3. Past vision health problems or injuries If you’ve experienced any eye problems or injuries in the past, describe them to your doctor, along with any treatment you received. 4. Glasses or contacts If you wear prescription glasses or contact lenses, the doctor will want to read your prescription. Be ready to discuss any changes you need to contacts or glasses. 5. Current vision Discuss with your doctor any general eye problems or concerns you have, which might include blurry or hazy vision at specific distances, trouble with side or peripheral vision, or pain or discomfort in certain light. 6.  Non vision-related questions Did you come to the appointment with specific concerns? Do you have immediate and longer-range vision needs? Do you have questions about vision care? 7. Bring all appropriate documents to your appointment Be sure to bring your ID, as well as your health and vision insurance information. Be sure you’ve got the best vision insurance possible. We’ve got your back. Have a question? We’ve done the research and are here to help! To chat with one of our team members, call at 888-890-1944 or e-mail us at info@directbenefits.com. Of note: The information provided here is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always check with a doctor or other appropriate medical professional you trust before making any healthcare changes. Also, please speak to your doctor before using any form of medication, whether that is prescription or nonprescription drugs.

Of all of our five senses, sight may be the sense we experience the most difficulties with. We want to make sure your eyes remain as healthy as possible throughout your lifetime. So we've put together these healthy eye tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the American Optometric Association, and the National Eye Institute{...}. Know your family history. Who in your family has experienced vision changes? Diabetes? Glaucoma? Cataracts? Know your genetic history, so you can talk with your eye doctor about any elevated risks you may have for conditions or diseases. Staying ahead of any potential changes means you’ll experience good vision longer.  Ask your ophthalmologist to include a dilated eye exam. Many common eye problems — including glaucoma, diabetic eye disease, and macular degeneration related to age — don’t have warning signs. During a dilated eye exam, the ophthalmologist places drops in your eyes that dilate the pupils, so the doctor can see into the back of your eyes for a thorough examination. Add dark leafy greens to your diet. Besides eating the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables every day, include dark leafy greens. Spinach, kale, and collard greens are among the dark leafy greens that benefit healthy eyes. Also, include fish — like halibut, tuna, and salmon — to your diet, and you’re adding high amounts of eye-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Yum! Give up the cigarettes. Numerous studies show that smoking increases the risk of cataracts, optic nerve damage, and age-related macular degeneration. All of these conditions, if left untreated, can lead to blindness, according to the National Eye Institute. Care for your contacts. If you’re one of the more than 40 million Americans (according to the American Optometric Association) who wear contact lenses, here are three quick tips for you. Take great care to avoid problems like blurred or fuzzy vision, red eyes, pain, inflammation, or irritation by:  Washing your hands, before putting in or taking out contacts.  Disinfecting contact lenses on a regular basis.  Replacing contacts at any sign of discomfort or when your eye doctor says it’s time.  Always protect your eyes. Whenever you’re outside, protect your eyes. Wear sunglasses with 99 to 100% protection from UV-A and UV-B radiation. Wear protective eye gear when participating in sports; doing yard work or gardening; puttering in your workshop; or working on house projects. Your eye care provider can recommend protective eyewear for any work or play situation.  Take a break from your screens.  In the U.S., two-thirds of us spend approximately seven hours per day looking at our screens: whether computers, smartphones, or tablets, according to the American Optometric Association. This can lead to dry eye and eye strain, as well as headaches, neck aches, backaches, and fatigue. Here’s a common remedy: the “20/20/20” rule. Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break. Stand up, take in your surroundings, and be sure to look at something 20 feet away. Your eyes, neck, and back will thank you. Know the warning signs. If you experience any of these warning signs with your eyes or sight, contact a health professional immediately to make an appointment:   •  Decreased vision •  Eye pain •  Eye redness •  Eye drainage •  Double vision •  Seeing flashes of light •  Seeing “floaters,” which are tiny specks that float in front of your eyes •  Seeing halos or circles around light sources Be sure you have great vision insurance. So, is vision insurance worth it? Yes. Good vision insurance helps you prepare for — and stay protected from — any changes in your eye health. You and your family deserve the best vision health protection you can find. We’ve done the research and are here to help! Chat with one of our team members by calling us at 888-890-1944 or e-mail us at info@directbenefits.com. Sources: National Eye Institute, American Optometric Association, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  

Thinking about LASIK surgery? If so, you've probably talked to friends and family members who have had the procedure about their experience. You've done plenty of research. You've checked out various doctors and clinics, and asked for testimonials from their clients. You're likely aware of the pros and cons. Still, we want to make sure you've considered the basics{...}: your age, overall health, the risks, and the costs involved. Let us help you make the best, and right, decision. Before deciding on LASIK surgery, think about points:  How old are you? LASIK is not recommended for anyone younger than 18, as   vision can change dramatically during the adolescent years. If you’re older than 40 and struggling with blurry vision, solutions like reading glasses could be a much better option.  How’s your overall health? If you are pregnant, have dry eye syndrome, have large pupils or thin corneas, or if you have other conditions such as diabetes, autoimmune disease, or collagen vascular disease, consult with your physician to evaluate whether LASIK is a viable option for you.  Consider the risks. This is a surgery that, like any medical procedure, comes with risks. Post-surgical risks with LASIK include dry eyes, under-corrections or over-corrections in vision, glare, halos and double vision, as well as vision loss or other changes.  Consider the costs. Let us help you with this one. If LASIK surgery is right for you, give us a call. We’ll look over your current plan or a future plan that provides you with the right coverage. We’ll also compare and contrast different plans, so you receive the best value. We’ve done the research and are here to help! To chat with one of our team members, call us at 888-890-1944 or e-mail us at info@directbenefits.com.

We know you keep a close eye on your children's growth and development. But do you know how to tell if your child is having problems with their eyesight? We've done the research for you, so you know just what to look for and when. Your child's vision is as critical to their development as their overall health and wellness. In order to read and learn effectively in school, children need to have visual{...} acuity, eye focusing, eye tracking, eye teaming, visual perception and hand-eye coordination, according to the American Optometric Association. Our researchers have compiled three things to look out for as your child develops. If your little one shows any of these red flags, make an appointment with an eye doctor right away. The doctor will provide you with a diagnosis and a treatment plan to keep your child’s vision healthy. 1.Eye irritation Does your child rub their eyes a lot? Are their eyes are constantly red? Do their eyes water or tear up a lot? A pediatric eye doctor can diagnose the issue and prescribe treatment. 2. Eye Sensitivity Does your child squint or close their eyes when outside in sunlight or indoors among bright lights? This is another warning sign. Make an appointment with the ophthalmologist right away. 3. Abnormalities A variety of vision abnormalities may manifest as one or several of these symptoms: Your child can’t focus or see close-up objects clearly (for example, they have trouble reading, sit too close to the TV, or hold a tablet very close to their face) Your child can’t focus or see objects that are far away (for example, they can’t see the Smartboard at school) They have trouble tracking a moving object After 6 months of age, their eyes seem out of alignment If you notice any of these tell-tale signs, schedule an appointment for your child with a pediatric eye doctor as soon as possible. Eye problems that are caught early and diagnosed can be easily managed and oftentimes corrected. Through treatment and other preventive measures, you can often heal existing problems and avert future vision health issues. And be sure you are covered with the best possible insurance for your child and your family. We know this business inside and out and we’ve got your back. We’ve done the research and are here to help with any questions. Chat with one of our teammates, call us at 888-890-1944 or e-mail us at info@directbenefits.com. We’re glad to assist anytime. Of note: The information provided here is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always check with a doctor or other appropriate medical professional you trust before making any healthcare changes. Also, please speak to your doctor before using any form of medication, whether that is prescription or nonprescription drugs.

Seeing a new eye doctor? Ready to impress your current eye doctor? We know just what you need in order to elevate your level of self-care with a forward-looking approach to caring for your eyes. Get ready for your next eye exam by consulting our list of four questions, which our researchers compiled with the National Eye Institute(which is part of the National Institutes of Health){...}. Next time you're scheduled for an eye exam, ask your doctor these questions to get the most from your visit. These questions are for your loved ones, too, so they receive the best possible care.  Question 1: What changes can I expect in my vision?  Know what to expect for your vision health based on age, profession, and vision needs so you can proactively ensure optimal eye health.  Question 2: What lifestyle changes, if any, might help my vision?  Diet, exercise, and screen time (computers, tablets, smartphone) can affect eyesight. Talk about your lifestyle with your eye doctor. Talk about ways in which you could make lifestyle changes that will improve eyesight or even prevent future vision problems. Question 3: How can I protect or prolong my vision? Talk with your eye doctor about steps you can take. Depending on what you do for work and play, your eye doctor can describe common mistakes people make in caring for their eyes — and what you can do to avoid making those mistakes. Question 4: Can you help me better understand my medical directions?  Concerns or questions about instructions your eye doctor has given you? Ask them to print out directions, or explain instructions more clearly. It’s okay to bring a family member or friend with you to appointments: They can take notes, help with interactions, or ask for clearer information. Clarifying questions you might ask could include:  “What do you mean by that?” or “Could you share an example?” or “Could you repeat that?” Are you insured? If you’re heading to an eye appointment and are unsure if your fully covered under your insurance, we’re here to help. If you’re interested in comparing and contrasting different plans, get in touch. We’ve done the research and are here to help! To chat with one of our team members, call us at 888-890-1944 or e-mail us at info@directbenefits.com. Of note: The information provided here is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always check with a doctor or other appropriate medical professional you trust before making any healthcare changes. Also, please speak to your doctor before using any form of medication, whether that is prescription or nonprescription drugs.