Northcenter Eye Care

Flex Funds for Your Eyes

November 8, 2016

According 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.

25% off 2nd pairs and 20% off most sunglasses at Yelp!

May 10, 2016

Yelp! has been a great resource to our practice, because knowing what we do well and where we need to improve is critical to our ability to best serve our patients.

This month we are inviting patients, new and current, to stop by our Yelp! page and take advantage of two special offers we have.

25% off second pairs. Second pairs are something to consider for a variety of reasons, including computer work, time spent outdoors and behind the wheel, and for participation in sports. Not to mention, a new pair might be just the thing you need for your summer wardrobe.

20% off most sunglasses (restrictions apply). Of course, sunglasses are an essential summer accessory — and a must-have for protecting your eyes. Learn more about what to look for in the perfect pair here.

As always, if you have any questions about your vision or eye health, feel free to call us or make an appointment.

Second pairs — a great investment in your eyes

July 22, 2015

Do you work on a computer? Enjoy time outdoors? Spend a good portion of time driving?

If you wear glasses and do any of these things, you might consider getting a second pair.

When it comes to having an extra pair of glasses, convenience is important, but there are other reasons to build your eyewear collection.

Computer work. People spend time in front of computer screens more than ever before, and for many patients it’s mandatory for their jobs. Unfortunately, computer eye strain is a common outcome.

There are two primary ways that computer work impacts vision. One is that computer screens are situated in what is called the “intermediate” zone for vision. Most vision correction addresses distance or near vision, not intermediate, so there is a good chance your current prescription isn’t quite right for computer work. Second is that computers emit “blue light,” which studies indicate is harmful to the eyes because of its high level of UV rays.

Glasses specially prescribed for computer work factor in the typical distance of a monitor or laptop screen and include tints to reduce glare and block blue light. They are an ideal solution for anyone who spends four or more hours on the computer most days of the week.

Time spent outdoors. While photochromatic lenses that darken when exposed to UV rays are an option for people who wear glasses, a second pair in the form of prescription sunglasses is sometimes preferred. Contact lens wearers should consider opting for prescription sunglasses in places like the beach and the pool, where contacts can be less convenient.

Time spent behind the wheel. One place that photo chromatic lenses aren’t as effective as prescription sunglasses is in the car. Because the windshield blocks a certain amount of UV rays, these lenses do not darken enough for most drivers’ comfort. Prescription sunglasses do a better job of reducing glare while driving.

Participation in sports. The vast majority — an estimated 90 percent — of sports-related eye injuries are preventable. If you wear glasses and participate in sports, make sure you have the proper eyewear. Most protective eyewear for sports is made of impact-resistant polycarbonate, which also offers the bonus of being UV protective, and has features to boost comfort and wearability during the action.

To make it easier on our patients, we offer 20 percent off second pairs. This is also a great way to use any healthcare flex spending funds you have. Please schedule an appointment if you’d like to talk more about your second pair needs.

*Photo courtesy of usamedeniz/freedigitalphotos.net.