swansea

Say What?! Performance Eyecare Checks Your Eyesight AND Your Hearing!

by

Hey, listen up! Did you know that 1 in 5 Americans have hearing loss in at least one ear? That’s right! That comes out to be about 48 million people.

 Just because we care for your eyes doesn’t mean we ignore everything else! In fact, our optometrists are focused on providing you with excellent eye care AND improving your total health. That’s why we’re pleased to offer all of our patients hearing services in our office with the help of Hearing Professionals of America.

When you come in for your annual eye exam, we will conduct a FREE one-minute hearing screening to test for any and all hearing loss you may have. Loss of hearing can range from minor loss from wax build-up to serious loss due to health problems such as cancerous tumors.

In case you do not pass the hearing screening, you will be scheduled with our on-staff hearing specialist who will perform comprehensive hearing evaluation for you! He will then determine if you will need any hearing devices or not.

So if you’re experiencing anything out of the norm with your hearing, find it difficult to understand a conversation in a noisy restaurant, or have found that your loved ones have been constantly complaining that you set the volume too high on the TV or the car radio, then you don’t have to worry. You can just come in to see us at Performance Eyecare, and we’ll make sure your hearing is up to par.

Whether it concerns your vision or your hearing, you can be confident that we have your best interest in mind.

Visit Performance Eyecare for eye exams

by

Did you know August is National Eye Exam month? It’s a nice reminder as we get ready to send the kids back to school that eye health is important learning for children, and even for adults.

The Vision Council of America states that 12.2 million Americans need vision correction, but don’t use any. Also, almost 50 percent of parents with children under 12 years old have never taken their children to an eye care professional.

Here are five reasons why you should have an eye exam this month:

1. Save a headache

You might need to visit an eye care doctor if you have unexplained and constant headaches. The stress you’re putting your eyes through could be the cause.

2. Perform well in school

This is vital as one out of four children is believed to have vision problems, which could explain why your child’s grades are slipping. Children won’t always speak up so it’s on you to do the right thing and take your child to get his or her eyes examined.

3. Determine prescription

Like everything, your eyes change. Visiting an eye care professional such as the one you’ll find at Perfomance Eyecare, you can change your prescription so you can see better.

4. Detect eye conditions

An eye doctor is able to spot early onset signs of various health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, glaucoma and high cholesterol.

5. Prevent conditions

As if the previous four reasons weren’t enough, you can stop eye conditions. Many eye diseases, such as macular degeneration or cataracts, don’t have symptoms. Early detection is extremely important to prevent serious damage.

At Performance Eyecare, we test for glaucoma without the dreaded air puff. Your eye doctor instills an eye drop and determines your eye pressure while looking with the microscope. There is no pain and this method is much more accurate than blowing air into your eye.

Blurred vision at 40

by
Blurred Vision Eye Care at Performance Eyecare

Are you 40 years old and beginning to experience blurred near vision when reading or working at the computer? You may have developed presbyopia.

Presbyopia is widespread in the United States as the people in the country are growing older than in previous years. The growing number of older citizens generates a huge demand for eyewear, contact lenses and surgery that can help those with presbyopia deal with their failing vision. According to the World Health Organization, more than a billion people in the world were presbyopic as of 2005.

A major sign that someone has developed presbyopia is when they have to hold books, magazines, newspapers, menus and other reading materials at arm’s length in order to focus properly. When they perform near work, they may develop headaches, eye strain or feel fatigued.

Presbyopia is an age-related process, which differs from astigmatism, nearsightedness and farsightedness. Some treatment options include eyeglasses with bifocal or progressive addition lenses. Reading glasses or multifocal contact lenses are also available.

At Performance Eyecare, we create eyeglass lenses in our office with our state-of-the-art edging instruments.

Surgical options to treat presbyopia are also available, although some surgical procedures correct the problem only temporarily for a limited amount of time.

For more information or to test your eyes for presbyopia, schedule an appointment with your local PEC office!

What Are Progressive Lenses?

by

Progressive addition lenses (also called progressives or PALs) are the most popular multifocal lenses sold in the United States. Sometimes called “no-line bifocals,” these line-free multifocals provide a more complete vision solution than bifocals. Instead of having just two lens powers like a bifocal – one for distance vision and one for up close – progressives have a gradual change in power from the top to the bottom of the lens, providing a range of powers for clear vision far away, up close and everywhere in between.

Progressive lenses provide the closest thing to natural vision after the onset of presbyopia – the normal age-related loss of near vision that occurs after age 40. The gradual change of power in progressives allows you to look up to see in the distance, look straight ahead to clearly see your computer or other objects at arm’s length, and drop your gaze downward to read and do fine work comfortably close up.

While progressive lenses typically are worn by middle-aged and older adults, a recent study suggests that they may also be able to slow progression of myopia in children whose parents also are nearsighted.

Choosing the right frame for progressive lenses

Because a progressive lens changes in power from top to bottom, these lenses require frames that have a vertical dimension that is tall enough for all powers to be included in the finished eyewear. If the frame is too small, the distance or near zone of the progressive lens may end up too small for comfortable viewing when the lens is cut to fit into the frame.

To solve this problem and to expand options in frame styles, most progressive lens manufacturers now offer “short corridor” lens designs that fit in smaller frames. Today, an experienced optician can usually find a progressive lens that will work well in nearly any frame you choose.

Different progressives for different purposes

Many different progressive lenses are available on the market today, and each has its own unique design characteristics. There are even progressive lenses designed for specific activities. For example, for the computer user, special “occupational” progressive lenses are available with an extra-wide intermediate zone to maximize comfort when working at the computer for prolonged periods of time. Other designs for office work have a larger reading portion.

Adaptation

It may take a few minutes to a few days before you are completely comfortable with your first pair of progressive lenses, or when you change from one progressive lens design to another. You have to learn how to use the lenses, so you are always looking through the best part of the lens for the distance you are viewing. You also may notice a slight sensation of movement when you quickly move your eyes or your head until you get used to the lenses. But for most wearers, progressive lenses are comfortable right from the start.

Let us help

With so many options in eyewear today, choosing the right frame and lenses can seem overwhelming. Let us help. Our professional opticians can discuss the advantages of the latest progressive lenses with you and help you find the lenses and frames that best match your needs.

Winter season spurs pink eye

by
Pink Eye Care at Performance Eyecare

The winter season is the season for colds, which in turn can create a battle against pink eye.

As noted by AllAboutVision.com, anyone can get pink eye. Preschoolers, schoolchildren, college students, teachers and daycare workers are particularly at risk for the contagious types of pink eye due to their close proximity with others in the classroom.

So what is pink eye?

Also known as conjunctivitis, pink eye “is inflammation of the thin, clear covering of the white of the eye and the inside of the eyelids. Although the conjunctiva is transparent, it contains blood vessels that overlay the sclera of the eye. Anything that triggers inflammation will cause these conjunctival blood vessels to dilate. This is what causes red, bloodshot eyes.”

There are three types of pink eye, based on cause. They are:

Viral conjunctivitis which is caused by a virus, like the common cold. This type is very contagious, but usually clears up on its own after several days without medication. The symptoms include watery, itchy eyes; sensitive to light. It can be spread by coughing and sneezing.

Bacterial conjunctivitis is caused by bacteria and can cause serious damage to the eye if it isn’t treated. The symptoms include: a sticky, yellow or greenish-yellow eye discharge in the corner of the eye. This can be contagious usually by direct contact with infected hands or items that have touched the eye.

Allergic conjunctivitis is caused by eye irritants such as pollen, dust and animal dander. This may be seasonal or flare up year-round. The symptoms include: watery, burning itchy eyes; often accompanied by stuffiness and runny nose, and light sensitivity. This is not contagious.

You should see your eye doctor if you or your child has pink eye symptoms. Give Performance Eyecare a call at (314) 878-1377 (St. Louis location) or (618) 234-3053 (Swansea, Illinois location).

Original article: http://www.allaboutvision.com/conditions/conjunctivitis.htm

Customized Eye Prescriptions

by

Did you know that Performance Eyecare is one of the only eye centers that customizes Eye prescriptions in Scuba Diving Masks in our St. Louis, MO & Swansea, IL area? We provide affordable pricing on specialty lenses made to custom fit into your scuba mask to help you see at distance and also up close to see your gauges and watch.

Or, that we make eyeglasses in the office with our state-of-the-art edging instruments? And that we have a custom selection-process to fit your optical needs and we pick frames according to your face shape, skin tone and brow structure? Our staff and selection makes us the premiere eyecare center in St. Louis.

Scary Facts About Glaucoma, the Thief of Vision

by

Woman's eyeDid you know that 2.7 million people in the United States have glaucoma? If that doesn’t scare you, take this fact in – nearly HALF of those with glaucoma don’t even realize that they have it!

Could you be one of them?

“So what exactly is glaucoma?” you ask. Well, to put it succinctly, glaucoma is a group of diseases that damage the optic nerve and destroy your eyesight without warning. This disease gradually destroys your visions so you will hardly notice it occurring. It can also affect people of all ages, though it generally strikes the middle-aged or the elderly. While there is no cure for the disease, medication and surgery can impede its progression or can prevent further vision loss.

What’s the best way to fight against glaucoma then?

Early detection via an eye exam can work wonders in saving your vision from glaucoma. An eye exam can help detect its appearance or progress, which is vital as the disease is painless, generally has no early warning signs that can be detected without an eye exam, and can come on very gradually. Treating the early stages of this disease can help control it and prevent you from losing anymore of your vision or becoming blind.

It’s true – anyone can get glaucoma, but many are at a higher risk of getting it. This includes African Americans over the age of 40, everyone over the age of 60, and people with a family history of the disease.

Don’t worry; all is not lost! Come in for an eye exam to see if you could have glaucoma. While there are really no symptoms, an eye exam can detect signs of glaucoma such as subtle changes to your optic nerve and an increase to your IOP, that is, your intraocular pressure, which is the pressure that exists inside your eyes.

If you’re ready to come in for your annual eye exam or would like to be examined for glaucoma or other eye health issues, just give us a call at (618) 234-3053 in Swansea or (314) 878-1377 in St. Louis, or you can visit us online at www.PerformanceEyecare.com. Let us help keep you safe from the leading cause of preventable blindness!

What Are Your Chances of Developing Macular Degeneration? Visit Us to Find Out!

by

EyeImagine doing your favorite activity right now. Perhaps you picture yourself reading your favorite book, sewing together a gorgeous quilt for your best friend, fixing up a car, or painting a landscape that would even make Monet jealous.

Now imagine yourself doing those same things with low vision or no vision at all. That’s what it would be like to partake in your favorite activities if you suffered from macular degeneration.

Perhaps you’ve heard the term “macular degeneration” but have no idea what it’s all about or maybe you shrug off the worry, thinking that it only strikes the elderly. We at Performance Eyecare are here to tell you that you should take the time out to get tested to ensure that you are not developing the disease that is a huge reason for causing vision loss in people across the world.

It’s true, macular degeneration is a common eye condition that mostly affects people in their 50s or older. What happens when you have macular degeneration is your macula, the part of the eye that allows you to see things in sharp, clear vision, is destroyed gradually, causing you to lose your vision in time. Sometimes the disease advances so slowly that you won’t have vision loss for a long time, and other times it progresses so quickly that you might experience vision loss in one or both eyes, making it hard to recognize your loved ones’ faces, drive your car, or do your favorite hobbies and activities!

So who is at risk for this disease? Macular degeneration typically occurs in those 50 years old and older, and as you age, your risk increases. Other risk factors include smoking and if anyone in your family has developed the disease at some point.

There are some schools of thought that believe that your lifestyle choices can make a difference in developing the disease, especially if you’re predisposed to the disease due to family history. Lifestyle choices such as avoiding smoking, exercising, maintaining a normal blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and eating a healthy diet rich in green, leafy vegetables and fish might help you prevent this disease.

The most important thing you can do to fight against macular degeneration, however, is to get tested. Seeing your eye doctor at least once a year for a complete eye exam can help ensure that you’re healthy, and the disease is much easier to deal with when it is detected early.

We at Performance Eyecare are happy to inform you that we will be holding a testing day at our office in Swansea on Thursday, January 31! We will be offering the MaculaRisk Genetic Test – the most advanced diagnostic tool for determining your risk of vision loss from macular degeneration – to all who come in on that day! Your health insurance will be billed, so your out-of-pocket expense that day will only be your copay, if you have one.

To schedule an appointment with us on our testing day or to make a regular appointment for an eye exam, just call us here at (618) 234-3053 in Swansea or (314) 878-1377. Be sure to check us out online at www.PerformanceEyecare.com to see what we can do for you!

Meet Dr. Susan Dreyer!

by

Dr. Susan DreyerYou’ve probably heard by now that we’ve opened another location in Creve Coeur in St. Louis, but do you know who will be taking care of your eyes in our newest location?

Well, wonder no more! We are extremely pleased to introduce to you the newest member of the Performance Eyecare team, Dr. Susan Dreyer!

Dr. Susan Dreyer is a 1990 graduate of the University of Missouri – St. Louis School of Optometry, and she has been practicing optometry in the St. Louis area for over 20 years. In fact, she spent the last 12 years serving the Creve Coeur area in St. Louis!

She holds two undergraduate degrees from Dickinson College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania in which she received a Bachelor of Science in Biology and also a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish. Upon graduating from Dickinson College, she was honored to be awarded the Low Vision Clinical Award for her exceptional performance in this specialized area.

A native to the St. Louis area, Dr. Dreyer spent her high school and college years on the east coast before she returned to St. Louis to establish her clinical practice as a Doctor of Optometry.

She is married with three fantastic children and is very active in her community. When she’s not serving patients in need in the St. Louis region, she volunteers to work fish fries, serves on a school board, or co-chairs annual auctions!

Whenever she has free time, she thoroughly enjoys traveling and spending time with her family while hanging out outdoors!

Dr. Dreyer is extremely pleased to be part of the team here at Performance Eyecare. She believes that the quality of care and professionalism that we exhibit is simply unmatched. Much like how we at Performance Eyecare operate, people have always come first in Dr. Dreyer’s practice. Becoming a part of the Performance Eyecare team allows her to not only provide excellent care to her many valued patients, but also to build on that service in ways that take advantage of recent advances in optometry and technology.

Dr. Dreyer is excited to share this enhanced experience with her previous patients and develop new patient relationships! If you’re interested in making an appointment with Dr. Dreyer, just call our office in St. Louis at (314) 878-1377 or visit us online at www.PerformanceEyecare.com! We’ll be more than happy to serve you and help you with all of your eyecare needs!

Don’t Miss Out on Scratch-Off September!

by

What does the month of September mean to you? Do you think about the change of seasons from the hot summer to the crisp, cool fall and switching out your sandals for tennis shoes and your swimsuits for scarves? Do thoughts of Labor Day weekend and back-to-school activities spring to your mind?

You know what SHOULD come to mind? Your eyesight!

We at Performance Eyecare are once again hosting our famous Scratch-Off September event here at our place in business in beautiful Swansea, Illinois!

Don’t have vision benefits? No problem! During Scratch-Off September, you don’t NEED benefits to participate! Whether you’re a long-time patient, a newcomer, or a curious passer-by, all are welcome to come in and take advantage of this awesome promotion!

If you’re not familiar with Scratch-Off September, then boy, are you missing out! Throughout the entire month of September, you can come in anytime during our business hours to take advantage of some awesome discounts!

What do you have to do? Simple – just bring in your lucky penny and get ready to scratch!

When you come in, you’ll be handed your very own scratch-off card. All you’ll need to do is use your penny to scratch your card, and you will reveal your discount. You can get up to 50% off toward your eye exam AND frames for prescription glasses or sunglasses!

If you’re ready to take advantage of all of our special promotions, come on over to our office or call us at (618) 234-3053 to find out more information! You can also check out all that we have to offer on our website at www.PerformanceEyecare.com. Call today to schedule your appointment and come on in sometime during the month of September to make sure that you don’t miss out on our great deals! Your eyes (and your wallet!) will thank you!

25 Fun and Interesting Facts You Didn’t Know About Your Eyes

by

 

The eye is a fascinating, powerful part of the human body that is surrounded with legend and awe. It is said that they are the windows to our souls, and in ancient culture, they were symbols of spirituality and wisdom.

Because of technological advances in the field of optometry and ophthalmology, we know more about the eyes now than ever!

How much do YOU know about your eyes? The following 25 facts might surprise you! Read on to find out more!

*Your eyes are comprised of over 2 million working parts to make them fully functional.

*The most active muscles in your entire body are the muscles that control the eyes.

*Human corneas are so similar to shark corneas that they have been used as a replacement in human eye surgery.

*Eyes can process about 36,000 bits of information each hour.

*Our eyes are approximately 1 inch across and weigh about ¼ of an ounce.

*An eye blinks over 10,000,000 times in ONE YEAR!

*Our eyes can distinguish between 500 shades of gray.

*Your pupils change in size in order to allow different amounts of light into the eyes.

*Your eyes started to develop only after two weeks you were conceived.

*Your eyes always remain the same size once you are born, but your ears and nose will never stop growing.

*Babies may cry, but they cannot produce tears when they cry until they are between 1 and 3 months old.

*The older we get, the less amount of tears we produce.

*One in every 12 males is colorblind.

*The leading cause of blindness in the United States is diabetes.

*Those who are blind can see their dreams as long as they weren’t born blind.

*The images that are sent to your brain are actually backwards and upside down.

*Each of your eyes has a small blind spot in the back of the retina where the optic nerve attaches. You don’t notice the hole in your vision, though, because amazingly enough, your eyes work together to help fill in each other’s blind spot!

*Your eyes use about 65% of your brainpower, the most out of ANY body part!

*Every single body part of yours contains blood vessels – every part except for the cornea.

Max Scherzer, pitcher for the Detroit Tigers (and St. Louis native), has heterochromia.

*Some people are born with two differently colored eyes. This condition is known as “heterochromia.” For example, Max Scherzer, pitcher for the Detroit Tigers (and a St. Louis native!), has a brown eye and a blue eye!

*It’s impossible to sneeze with your eyes open (and we wouldn’t recommend trying it).

*Each eyelash has a life span of approximately 5 months.

*It may take time for most of your body to warm up to their full potential every day, but your eyes are ALWAYS on their “A game!”

*Pirates used to wear a gold earring because they believed it would improve their eyesight.

*Doctors have yet to find a way to transplant an eyeball successfully. The optic nerve that connects the eye to the brain is too delicate to successfully reconstruct.

And here’s an extra tip – your eyes are one of the most important parts of your body and should be taken care of properly! So why not provide one of your most important body parts excellent care from Dr. Massie or Dr. Cuff?  Make an appointment today to get your eyes checked and cared for properly! Call Performance Eyecare at (618) 234-3053 or visit our website at www.PerformanceEyecare.com!