Month: December 2020

Use it, or LOSE it! Vision Insurance

Use it, don’t Lose it!

If you have vision insurance, you may be unaware that the benefits you have saved this year could potentially disappear at the end of 2020. Let’s be real, 2020 has been tough enough on most of us. Don’t make it worse by losing the benefits you pay for before having the chance to use them!

There are different ways to obtain vision insurance and different types to take advantage of. You may be lucky enough to have it through your employer. In this case, take advantage of all this perk has to offer.

Flexible Spending Account

Sometimes a part of employer-sponsored insurance could be a Flexible Spending Account (FSA). If so, it can be an awesome way to set aside money for unexpected medical expenses throughout the year. The money gets set aside pre-tax and can be used it yearly. The only issue with an FSA is that the funds put into that account do not roll over at the end of the year.

Come 01/01/2021 we are all going to be very excited this year is over. But if the money in FSA  is not used before then, you are going to be upset that the money is gone.

How to Use Vision Insurance

Some common uses for FSA that are related to vision would be a yearly eye exam, the cost of glasses, and the cost of contacts. Depending on family size and vision needs these expenses can add up quickly. If funds are already set aside for these expenses, don’t wait! Even with 20/20 vision, things can change so it is always best to get an exam yearly. If you and your family have already gotten your exam, maybe look for a new style of glasses, or make sure you are stocked up on contacts.

We know that this season of the year can be one of the busiest. Between work and school as well as holiday parties and family gatherings it can feel overwhelming to make the appointments needed. A great time to make an appointment would be during winter break while the kids are off. We have two convenient locations so call today to make you and your family appointments!

Want to ward off eye problems down the road? Learn how to improve your eye health.

EXERCISE

We all know that regular exercise is good for you, this of course, is not news. BUT did you know that in addition to keeping your heart and body healthy it may also help your eye health?

There is a new study that has linked regular exercise to eye health. According to the American Academy of ophthalmology, exercise can help you guard against eye damage and help prevent serious diseases.

Some of the diseases that it could help prevent are:

Macular Degeneration (AMD) – This is a leading cause of vision loss for people over 50, and this happens when the small central portion of your retina wears down over time.

Glaucoma-this is a group of eye conditions that cause damage to the optic nerve, this is usually caused by abnormally high pressure in your eye.

Diabetic Retinopathy-this is damage caused to the blood vessels of the retina, as a result of diabetes.

Cardio exercise will increase the flow of blood to the optic nerve and the retina. The science behind the link is that exercise promotes healthy blood vessels in the eye. This means, that exercise boosts the resilience of your eyes to damages. Vision problems and eye disease can also be a byproduct of high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Regular exercise and a healthy diet can help to lower both your blood pressure and your cholesterol, which in turn help you prevent future eye problems.

DIET

Your overall health and eye health is all interconnected and being health conscious about your food and making sure to get your physical activity in can make such a difference. There are certain nutrients found in commons foods that are good for you eyes like Vitamins C and E, zinc, lutein, and omega-3 fatty acids.

Examples of foods that are good for you and your eyesight are:

  • Spinach/Kale/Collards
  • Salmon/Tuna
  • Eggs/nuts/beans
  • Oranges and citrus fruits

Just adding some of these to your weekly meals will help dramatically.

Eye Health

By taking steps towards a healthier lifestyle you are not only helping your waistline or your heart but your eye health as well. As we move into the holiday season, make sure to balance it out with exercise and healthy meals as well.

In addition to exercise and healthy food, do not forget to schedule your eye exam with us here at TriCounty Eye Associates! A regular eye exam should always be a part of your healthy lifestyle.