Winter Eye Health Tips
The effects and havoc the spring pollen and summer dust can cause on our eyes often overshadow the other seasons. We can become so focused on those seasonal changes and subsequently forget that cooler temperatures and winter weather especially can have just as significant an impact on our eyes. Unfortunately, this can lead to neglect of eye care for a substantial portion of the year.
To help with this, we have come up with a few helpful tips that might enable you to protect your eyes throughout this winter season!
Can Diabetic Retinopathy Be Reversed?
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects many Americans. Characterized by the body's inability to use or store sugar properly, it is a disease that impacts a person's entire body. Over time diabetes can cause damage throughout the body to blood vessels and capillaries. And our eyes are especially sensitive to such damage.
When blood vessels in the eye are damaged, it can cause changes in the retina, cause fluid imbalances, and lead to swelling. Swelling of the eye caused as a side effect of diabetes is called diabetic retinopathy.
Do I Need Vision Insurance?
Like all types of insurance, vision or eye care insurance is a way to reduce the burden or costs related to eye care and health in exchange for a monthly premium. It is a safeguard against unexpected illness or injury. For many individuals with insurance through employers, they may find that they already have access to vision insurance through that more comprehensive policy.
However, there are many people who do not have vision insurance through work or a more extensive general health insurance plan. If you fall into that category, you may be wondering if you really need vision insurance or if a discount plan, Flexible Spending Account (FSA), or paying out of pocket is better.
Here is a look at the pros and cons you can expect from each type of plan and a general recommendation concerning insurance needs.
Am I At Risk for Vision Loss?
Our vision changes naturally throughout our lives. As we age, use, injury, and other health conditions can put us at increasing risk of developing eye disease and eventually vision loss. But this risk varies drastically from person-to-person and can leave many patients wondering what their actual risk is.