Northcenter Eye Care

North Center Eye Care
  • Home
  • Our Practice
    • Meet Our Doctors
    • Testimonials
    • Privacy Policy
  • Our Services
    • Annual Exams
    • Vision Correction
    • Eye Diseases and Conditions
    • Eye Injury
    • Pre-op and Post-op Lasik Support
  • Eyewear
    • Eyeglasses
    • Sunglasses
    • Contacts
  • For Patients
    • Improve Your Eye Q
      • One Minute Sight Saver Test
      • Eye Strain and Computers
      • Adult Vision Facts
      • Protect Your Children's Vision
      • Eye Health Spotlight
    • Contact Lens Order Form
    • Welcome Form and Directions
    • Eye Health on the Web
  • Contact Us
Home / For Patients / Improve Your Eye Q / Archives for eye exam

Flex Funds for Your Eyes

November 8, 2016

Flex spending on the eyesAccording to investment experts at Motley Fool, taking care of your flex spending surplus is a smart money move for November. For those who have flexible spending account (FSA) money to use before the end of the year, there are a number of ways you can ease eye care expenses with those funds.

If you haven’t scheduled your yearly exam, make November the month to get your check-up and offset any deductibles. For those who have had their exam already this year, there are several ways you can use FSAs for the good of your eyes.

Computer eyewear. We are seeing more patients experiencing the effects of digital eye strain. Eyewear designed specifically for computer use is one way to make this aspect of modern life easier. Things like progressive lenses designed for mid-distance work, anti-reflective coating and blue light coating are some of the features that can benefit patients.

Prescription sunglasses. Many people are surprised that prescription sunglasses are a medical device and covered under FSAs. Ditch the clip-ons and treat yourself to a quality pair of sunglasses that are tailored to your eyes. Prescription sunglasses are a good alternative for contact lens wearers at the beach and pool, where contacts aren’t ideal. Anyone who uses readers will find prescription sunglasses very helpful.

Another advantage to prescription sunglasses is our ability to select the right UV protection for your needs, from blue-blockers and yellow lenses that heighten color contrast to gradient lenses that are lighter at the bottom (good choice for distance drivers).

Protective eyewear. It is estimated that the vast majority of eye injuries can be prevented with protective eyewear, but it has yet to catch on. Sports and home improvement projects are popular among our patients. Flex funds can make the difference between having the protection your need and a trip to the ER for an eye injury.

Schedule an appointment for an exam or talk to us about eyewear options. We are happy to help you find the right fit for your funds.

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: digital eye strain, eye exam, flex spending, prescription sunglasses, protective eyewear, second pairs

New doctor at Northcenter Eye Care

August 10, 2016

doodled-desks-2-1207070

There’s still time for back-to-school exams!

Welcome Dr. Laura Blodgett!

With Dr. Vandana Gandhi on maternity leave, Dr. Blodgett is filling in, and we’ve already received great feedback on her care.

A graduate of State University of New York College of Optometry, Dr. Blodgett has five years of experience as an optometrist and comes to us from the East Coast.

Just a reminder, we have a special going on through the end of the year — 30% off Gucci frames. This is an ideal opportunity to add a fashionable pair of glasses to your wardrobe as a second pair or to replace your primary pair with an updated look or prescription.

With back-to-school time quickly approaching, we want to let patients know that we still have spots open for appointments. Give us a call or schedule online to book your exam.

 

Photo courtesy of freeimages.com/igoghost

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: back-to-school, eye exam, eye health, Gucci eyewear

Contact lenses for astigmatism

October 28, 2015

If you have astigmatism and wish you could wear contacts, we have good news for you. Contact lens technology continues to improve the wearability of lenses that provide correction for a variety of conditions, including astigmatism.

Astigmatism is an irregular shape of the cornea causing errors in light refraction. Some people think that astigmatism is a disease but it’s not. It is actually the most common refractive error because it can be associated with nearsightedness, farsightedness or exist on its own.

Most people who have astigmatism also have difficulty with near or distance vision. Because of the irregularity of the cornea in patients with astigmatism, finding the correct fit and comfort for a contact lens is more challenging. In the past, people with astigmatism were limited to gas permeable lenses, which are more rigid and, thus, even out the surface that light travels through to the eye. But not everyone finds gas permeable lenses comfortable enough for daily wear.

With the development of toric lenses, which are designed to fit the specific shape of each patient’s cornea, people with astigmatism are able to experience the comfort of soft lenses. These lenses continue to improve, and we are now fitting more patients with daily disposables. Many patients like the convenience of daily disposables, which require no cleaning. There is the added health benefit of lower risk of eye infections and discomfort, as each day starts with a fresh new lens. (Even the best cleaning regime can’t remove all the build-up on lenses.)

If you are interested in learning more about contact lenses for astigmatism, please get in touch with us.

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: astigmatism, contact lenses, eye exam, eye health, toric contact lenses

Tips for transitioning your child to glasses

September 11, 2015

boy in glassesYou’ve just been told that your child needs glasses. You may feel relief that your instincts about his or her vision were right. Then you may feel apprehension at the extra responsibility of selecting and getting your child to wear a pair of glasses. The following tips can help make wearing glasses a smooth transition for you and your child:

Let them choose. Children who are allowed to choose their own frames are more invested in wearing them right from the beginning. Before you head over to the optical section, give your child some parameters, especially if you are on a budget. Our optical specialists can walk you through the features you’ll want to consider, such as polycarbonate lenses and durable frames, and ensure the right fit.

Pay attention to fit. Sometimes children are so excited about their glasses that they gloss over the questions we ask during fittings. If your child finds that his or her glasses are less comfortable a few days after receiving them, know that we are always available to make adjustments. Kids need to be comfortable in their glasses, whether they are for schoolwork only or worn full-time.

Make wearing them non-negotiable. Sometimes children will resist wearing their glasses. One child may be particularly sensitive to having something on the face. Another may feel self-conscious. Find out why your child is resisting and do what you can to address the issue.

If you know your child will be uncomfortable, use the time before they receive their prescription glasses to get them used to the sensation with dress-up glasses or sunglasses. This will help prepare them for the “real thing” when it comes.

For kids who are afraid of teasing or “being different,” read them books on wearing glasses, point out people they admire who wear glasses and reassure them that their new glasses offer a great benefit — better eyesight!

Regardless of your child’s concern, wearing the glasses should be mandatory. If you do opt to give them time off from their glasses, make sure it is limited, clear and easy to follow, as well as appropriate for their vision needs.

Consider a spare pair. Sometimes the responsibility of wearing and keeping track of glasses is difficult for children. This is especially true for children who don’t need to wear their glasses full-time and end up removing them frequently throughout the day. Having a pair for home and one that your child keeps at school is a good way to ensure that when the homework comes out, your child doesn’t have to muddle through (and vice-versa).

For children who wear glasses full-time, parents should consider keeping a back-up pair for times when the primary pair breaks or is left behind somewhere that isn’t easily accessible. Giving them the choice of which pair they wear each day is another strategy for avoiding a power struggle.

Check in and check up. Once your child has adjusted to the idea of wearing glasses, he or she may not say much about them, including if they are working sufficiently. Kids’ eyes are developing more rapidly than adults’, and their glasses will need adjustments to the frames and changes to the prescription more frequently. Make sure you are communicating with them regularly about their glasses and stick to an annual schedule for comprehensive exams. Do not hesitate to contact us with questions if an issue arises between annual check-ups.

*Photo courtesy of allaboutvision.com

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: children's glasses, eye doctor, eye exam, kids' glasses, vision correction

 Order your contacts online Hear what our patients have to say
  • Home
  • Our Practice
  • Our Services
  • Eyewear
  • For Patients
  • Contact Us

Contact Us

1926 Irving Park Road, Chicago, IL 60613
P: 773-525-0952
F: 773-525-0966
Email: info@northcentereyecare.com

Office Hours

Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri: 9am – 6pm
Wed: 9am - 4pm
Sat: 9am - 3pm
Sun: Closed

Web Design by ePageCity