Vision insurance is a form of coverage that is often not included in many insurance plans offered by employers, although it is becoming more common today. Some plans, if they do have vision coverage, may just be for the eye exam. With the costs of glasses, contact lens and the various forms of laser surgery today, many people desire and require vision insurance. Some employers will offer vision insurance at an additional cost. These are the cafeteria style benefit programs where the employee selects the coverage level desired and pays the additional premiums.

There are various vision plans available independent of employer-provided insurance. Purchased vision insurance programs differ in the kinds of coverage included and also in the amount of covered expenses. Most plans provide the minimum coverage, eye exam, glasses and contacts and glaucoma testing with the amount paid depending on the terms of the policy. The cost to consumer is approximately $50 per year. The cost is lower if it is an add-on to an employer provided policy or HMO. However, the HMO will restrict the selection of the provider to one within their network.

Some vision insurance plans, like other forms of insurance, will let you select the level of coverage that you desire. The better the coverage is, the higher the cost is. Some even provide partial coverage for laser correction surgery, although this is not included in many plans. Avesis is one such provider of vision plans. Their plan covers glasses and contact lens and a small portion of the costs of LASIK procedures. Their plan does not cover treatment of eye diseases. The insured has to stay within their provider network to obtain the maximum benefits. If they go outside the network, they have to pay the bill in full and submit a claim for reimbursement of the portion of the benefits covered. VSP is another provider of individual vision care plans. Their plans are similar to the one described for Avesis, with some variations. Since VSP is in the process of developing programs in various states, the individual has to check their website to see if coverage is available in their state yet. Eyemed, and Spectera are other vision care providers. All of them make a distinction between network providers and out-of-network providers.

Many employers, realizing the cost of eye care especially with the advances made, like LASIK surgery, make some form of coverage available and many times at an additional cost to the employee. Those without employer provided coverage can look on the internet for available vision insurance plans. Avesis, VSP, Eyemed and Spectera are the vision care providers. The costs and the level of coverage depend on the plan the individual selects but most plans just cover lenses and exams.

For more about vision insurance and vision plans visit http://www.1st-insurance-shop.com

Of all our senses, it is sight which is deemed to be the most used. It works from the moment we wake up to the time we drift off to sleep. We use our eyes to read books, watch television, see our loved ones — or enemies — and go about our daily routine. Odes have been written about eyes being the windows of the soul, while romantics always include a glamorized description of their beloved’s eyes, from the color to the shape. Being a ‘decorative’ feature on our faces and a necessary tool for vision, our eyes are indispensible, multi-tasking workers even in the most ungodly conditions.

But what happens when our eyes begin to give up? What if they suddenly show a decline in proficiency and exhibit symptoms of stress? Soon, we find ourselves squinting as we read the newspaper or having a hard time realizing that the bald, fat guy in the blurry distance happens to be our boss. Do we have to wait for our eyes’ inevitable two weeks notice or AWOL before doing something?

Due to our current lifestyle, coupled with our genes, more and more people are developing near-sightedness and/or astigmatism, wherein the eye has a refractive error in the focusing of light, thus causing reduced visual acuity. This occurs mainly because we strain our eyes by often spending time in front of computers or reading texts with small letters in dim light. In fact, this condition is now common in children and teenagers who spend more time indoors, playing video games than going out or playing sports. Today, myopia is ranked as the leading eyesight problem in the world, affecting mostly those from Asian countries like Japan, Singapore, and Taiwan. Majority of these people wear corrective lenses, turning our society into a colony of four-eyed freaks who consider glasses as the ultimate accessory for survival.

However, recent developments are now enabling people with minor eye disorders to regain or improve their vision without the need for or use of bulky glasses. This is by the use of INTACS. These are implants composed of a unique biocompatible plastic, which permanently changes some of the eye’s tissues by correcting the cornea’s shape and form and subtly flattening it. Patients need not worry about the implant interfering with their eyes, since it is small enough to be felt, and is also removable or changeable just like contact lenses. Studies show that 97% of the INTACS users reported to having improved their vision, resulting in a 20/40, 20/20, or 20/16 grade.

Of course, not everyone can wear INTACS, as there are several conditions and prohibitions set before it can be implanted. A person can be fitted with INTACS if their eyeglass prescription is somewhere between -1.00 to -3.00 diopters. Of course, healthy eyes are a must so the eyes should be disease or injury-free. The person also has had at least a year of stable vision. Pregnant or nursing women, or those with immunodeficiency or autoimmune diseases, like AIDS or LUPUS, are prohibited to undergo the treatment. Likewise, patients who are currently using prescription drugs are also discouraged from undergoing INTACS treatment because these drugs may affect vision or the cornea’s healing.

Despite the advantages of this medical breakthrough, it is still important that we take good care of our eyes. If we are unable to avoid spending time in front of the television or computer, we should take several breaks to rest our eyes. Proper lighting conditions must also be considered when working or reading, so that our eyes will not be too stressed. People forget that a balanced diet and enough sleep are needed to ensure that our eyes are in top condition, so these factors should be considered, too. These steps may not take much effort or may not have immediate and dramatic effects, but unless we enjoy moving about in the hazy and blurry part of the world, or worse, be as blind as a bat, such efforts are helpful to see the world clearly, even without the rose-tinted glasses.

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Like an ophthalmologist is a surgeon for the eye and optometrist also takes care of your eyes but not in the same capacity. In fact, an optometrist is not a medical doctor but a health care professional. They are not licensed or qualified to perform surgery but frequently provide pre and post surgery care. They also perform duties such as diagnosis of problems with vision, eye diseases, eyeglasses and corrective contact lenses prescriptions etc. often, optometrists and ophthalmologists go into practice together and co-manage patients.

Of course, the education required to become an optometrist is less than that required for an ophthalmologist, but is tough and rigorous nevertheless. They criteria is that they have to complete a three year study at any university or college (accredited, of course) before beginning their optometrist training.

The next step is a four-year optometry school and when they’ve graduated, board examinations are held in a 2-step process- written and clinical. Master’s degree and Ph.D are also options that quite a few optometrists opt for. A specialized optometrist is able to treat problems relating to the following fields after one-year clinical residency.

• Contact lenses

• Vision therapy

• Primary care optometry

• Geriatric optometry

• Pediatric optometry

• Hospital-based optometry

• Ocular disease

• Family practice optometry

Most optometrists are employed in either private practices or hospitals to cater to a wider patient base. As said before, a partnership of an ophthalmologist and optometrist is beneficial to both the doctors and patients as well.

The duties an optometrist performs include examination of the structure (inner and external) of the eye to check the depth perception, color blindness and other corrections. They also review the ability of a person to see things clearly both upfront and afar. They also diagnose appearance of eye diseases and illness related to the eye.

So if any of these problems plague you ever, an optometrist is who you should go to solve them, quickly and efficiently.

Lim Zheng Yang has dedicated countless hours researching on eye problems related issues. He also specializes in information about eyewear. For more information on daily contact lenses and others, kindly visit his site.

An optician provides lenses for the correction of vision defects.

The lenses may be contact lenses, or held in a frame in front of the eye, most frequently as a pair of classes or spectacles.

Opticians, also known as dispensing opticians, analyze and interpret prescriptions written by ophthalmologists or optometrists to determine which eyeglasses or contact lenses are best suited for the patient.

As compared to ophthalmologists and optometrists, opticians are the least qualified in the field of eye care.

They usually work with either of the former and help filling in their prescriptions and/or dispensing eye wear in the form of lenses or glasses, according to the patient’s lifestyle and personal needs.

The most important job of an optician is to fix eyeglasses and/or lenses for people needing vision correction.

Therefore, they are authorized and certified to cut and modify lenses to fit the frame chosen by the customer.

Some opticians manufacture or grind these lenses from the basic raw materials, others just cut to fit.

It is also their job to ensure that the placement of the lenses is proper and accurate without any distortion.

For this they take measurements individually, because they differ from person to person.

Verification of the accuracy of the final finished product is also a responsibility of the optician.

For contact lenses, the optician needs to first examine the patient’s eye carefully to measure the eye curvature.

For this purpose a special microscope is used. The optician also guides and instructs the patient in the handling and care for his/her contact lenses.

Lim Zheng Yang has dedicated countless hours researching on eye problems related issues. He also specializes in information about eyewear. For more information on cool sunglasses, kindly visit his site.

If you think about it, calling it ‘pink eye’ does makes this eye infection sound less serious than it should be.

Then again, we should never be too worried about any condition, and instead stay calm and search for the appropriate steps to treat any eye problems. It’s better that way, isn’t it?

Also known as conjunctivitis, it occurs when our conjunctiva is inflammed due to infection. (If you’re like me and don’t know what conjunctiva means at first, it’s the part where your eyeball and eyelids meet).

The three most common forms of pink eye are viral, allergic and bacterial.

When this happens, your eyes appear red, watery and you also feel irritated. Sometimes, your eyes may feel itchy as well.

Treatment is relatively simple, and varies depending on the type of conjunctivitis.

For mild cases of the allergic type, cool compresses and artificial tears can be used. If it’s more serious, your eye doctor might prescribe antihistamines and medication (non-steroid) that help reduce inflammation. Those with more persistent conditions may require topical steroid drops instead.

Anti-biotic drops, that help fight a broad spectrum of bacteria, is commonly prescribed if the condition is bacterial.

The treatment for a viral eye infection is similar to that of an allergic one, and the infected person usually gets better within three weeks.

To be doubly sure, it’s always better to consult an eye care professional to determine the exact type, and receive proper prescription treatment

Lim Zheng Yang has dedicated countless hours researching on eye care related issues, including, but not limited to, eye problems, eye surgery, eye doctor, eyewear etc. For more information on eye health, kindly visit his site.

Blepharoplasty commonly known as eyelid surgery

Overview

Although eyelid surgery is most often undertaken for cosmetic reasons, there are conditions where the procedure can become necessary for medical reasons.

It is a common sense precaution to take advice from your usual medical practitioner before committing yourself to surgery.

You should be aware that, as with all types of surgery, there are risks. These include infection, blindness, dry eyes,blurred vision,swelling, inability to completely close one or both eyes and double vision.

Although these risks are by no means common it is a sensible precaution to check out the reputation and qualifications of your intended surgeon and be sure to ask him to run through the procedure and risks with you before committing yourself to surgery.

More often than not you will feel that undertaking successful eyelid surgery has made a significant difference to your self confidence by removing unsightly features around your eyes.

It is often said that the eyes are the first point of contact people make with each other and we all know how important first impressions can be.

Blepharoplasty can be a truly ‘ life enhancing ‘ cosmetic procedure.

What is it?

Blepharoplasty is a procedure in which excessive fat, skin and muscle, which has either accumulated over the years or is a natural feature is removed surgically from the upper and/or lower eyelids. As people age, the eyelid skin stretches, muscles weaken, and fat accumulates around the eyes, causing "bags" above and below.

Why have it?

Drooping upper eyelids and puffy bags below the eye can age a person and make them look more tired then they actuall feel.

Sometimes excessively lids can interfere with eyesight. Removal of these can rejuvenate an appearance resulting in more self confidence and self esteem.

Blepharoplasty will not remove crow’s feet or other wrinkles.

Who can have it?

The best candidates are physically healthy and psychologically stable men and women in their 30s onwards. If droopy or baggy eyelids run in the family surgery can be perfomed earlier.

The Procedure.

The patient is normally administered with a local anaesthetic along with general sedatives.

A general anaesthetic is also available for patients who prefer to sleep through the operation. An incision is made following the natural line of the eyelid, in the creases of the upper lids and immediately below the lashes in the lower lids.

The excess fat is removed and the sagging skin and muscle is often trimmed. The insicions are then closed with very fine sutures and a bandage may be applied.

After Effects

When the anaesthesia wears off the eyes may feel sore and tight. This can be relieved with prescribed pain killers.

The swelling and bruising will take up to a month to reduce, varying upon the individual. There may be sensitivity to sunlight or wind and it will be advisable to wear sunglasses during this period.

Televison and reading should be restricted for about 2-3 days and contact lens will not be advisable.

The scars may remian slightly for about 6 months but will eventuall disappear to an almost invisible line.

The positive results will last for years and for many people are permanent.

Copyright 2006 Jaks Lloyd

Jaks Lloyd is a former photographic fashion model. She now lives in Spain and indulges her creative talents by writing and building innovative authority websites. www.hotexercise.com www.eyebeautytips.com

Your Eyes and Pregnancy

What you need to know Pregnancy is a truly wondrous experience. Every woman is aware that there are changes to her body that are entirely natural and obvious but many do not know or consider the effects of pregnancy upon the eyes.

It is important that you know of the changes that take place with your vision and eye health but do not be alarmed.

The vast majority of reasonably healthy women suffer no lasting eye health or vision problems during pregnancy and very many do not notice any changes whatsoever.

Natural bodily changes take place during pregnancy due to hormonal effects upon many organs, including the eyes.

These normal eye changes are brought about by a progressive decrease in the pressure of the fluid within the eye and associated fluid retention in the ocular tissues

Do Not Be Alarmed.

1. The sensitivity of the cornea progressively decreases throughout pregnancy, particularly during the last three months. This results in a risk to contact lens wearers who may damage the surface of the cornea more than usual. This can lead to red, sore eyes and an intolerance of contact lenses.

It is unlikely to cause any problems if there is no visual impairment or only corrective glasses are worn.

2. Ocular fluid retention can affect refraction and results in a temporary change in vision. Spectacle or contact lens wearers can find their existing prescription is either too weak or too strong. It is best to avoid having an eye test until six weeks or more after giving birth as it more than probable that vision will return to normal.

3. The pressure of the fluid in the eye, known as intra-ocular pressure, decreases. It is unlikely that this will be noticeable unless Glaucoma was diagnosed and being treated prior to pregnancy. Glaucoma is caused by raised intra-ocular pressure and is a serious condition affecting the ocular nerve. The resulting decrease in intra-ocular pressure during pregnancy is an advantageous side effect enjoyed by sufferers.

4. Some pregnant women suffer from dry eyes, which are normally only temporary and will disappear after giving birth. Ask your optrometrist for eye drops. He will know which drops you should use that will not have any detrimental effects on you or your baby. Otherwise the traditional and well known home beauty treatments will solve the problem. Rest with cotton wool soaked in witch hazel or simply cucumber slices laid on your eyes can only be beneficial. Try an eye mask straight out of the fridge.

5. Puffy or swollen areas around the eyelids are a frequent side effect during pregnancy. Drinking plenty of water and keeping to a healthy diet will actually limit water retention and relieve any discomfort.

6. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can lead to migraine headaches and sensitivity to bright lights.

Be sure to check with your medical advisors before taking any medication to relieve the symptoms.

There are pre-existing health problems that can affect the sight which should be considered before deciding to become pregnant and should be fully discussed with your physician and ophthalmologist.

It is recommended that Diabetics see their ophthalmologist at least once a year to be aware of diabetic eye disease.

This eye disease has a tendency to worsen during pregnancy so it is very important to increase the frequency of visits starting immediately you become aware of being pregnant.

Sufferers of diabetic eye disease should consult with their ophthalmologists before planning a pregnancy.

Blood can clot more quickly when pregnant so it is important to remain sensibly active and mobile throughout the term to keep the blood circulation from slowing. If not thrombosis of the cerebral blood vessels may develop which may lead to field of vision problems and other neurological defects.

Pre-eclampsia, which is caused by high blood pressure developing during pregnancy can have a severe effect upon the eyes. Bleeding in the retina may lead to permanent vision impairment and should be treated without delay.

In rare cases, a form of skin cancer called Malignant Melanoma can develop during pregnancy.

Due to the hormonal changes that take place, the progress of this cancer becomes quicker and first indications can appear in the eye.

Another result of the changes to the body is the occasional development of diminishing vision accompanied by blank areas in the field of vision and headaches.

This is caused by pressure on the optic nerves as a result of some Pituitary Gland tumors suddenly enlarging.

WARNING

If you are using any type of medication whatsoever including most importantly eye drops for Glaucoma check with your physician and your opthalmologist without delay.

Certain treatments for eye problems can have a catastrophic effect on an unborn baby.

There are alternative medications that can be prescribed that have no harmful side effects on mothers and their unborn babies.

Copyright 2006 Jaks Lloyd

Jaks Lloyd is a former photographic fashion model. She now lives in Spain and indulges her creative talents by writing and building innovative authority websites. http://www.hotexercise.com http://www.eyebeautytips.com

Blepharoplasty is the term for cosmetic surgery of the eyelids. It promotes a more youthful appearance by "waking up" sagging skin around the eyes. Cosmetic surgery for the eyelids removes fat and excess skin from the upper eyelids, the lower eyelids, or both. Drooping eyelids and puffy bags under the eyes can be correcting by this kind of cosmetic surgery. Blepharoplasty will not remove dark circles or crow’s feet.

Typically, the cosmetic surgery procedure calls for incisions in the crease of your upper eyelids and along the lash line of the lower eyelids. After separating the skin from the fat and muscle underneath, the surgeon removes excess fat and, if necessary, excess skin as well. If you only need fat removed from your lower eyelids, and have fairly young, resilient skin, a different cosmetic surgery procedure called a transconjunctival blepharoplasty may be performed. Here, the incision is made inside the lower eyelid.

After cosmetic surgery on your eyelids, it will take two or three days before you can read or watch TV, and you may be sensitive to light for several weeks. It is possible that you may have to go 24 hours or more not being able to see at all, until your bandages are removed. If you cannot cope with that idea, you may need to undergo the more time-consuming and expensive procedure of having each eye done at a different time.

Your surgeon can tell you if your drooping upper eye appearance is a result of dropped eyebrows. This cannot be repaired by cosmetic surgery on your eyelids; instead, a brow lift may be needed, which will raise your eyebrows while removing creases from your forehead.

Jeanette Pollock is a freelance author and website owner of cosmeticsurgery-101.com. Visit Jeanette’s site to learn more about blepharoplasty.

Healthy eyes are clear and sparking. Normally, they relay on their own protective mechanism to stay healthy. The swift flicker of an eye-lash keeps out a speck of dust. If the speck does get in, tears wash it to a corner of the eye and soothe the passing irritation. This mechanism, however, is not an adequate safeguard against infectious bacteria, or against serious conditions that develop from minor irritations.

Redness and inflammation are the first signs that your eyes need special care. It is wise to get prompt, effective treatment at this initial stage.

Conjunctivitis is the commonest cause of red eyes, and in its early stage there is also itching, burning, dryness, fatigue and the sensation of a foreign body in the eye - all of which are more pronounced at night. If neglected acute symptoms being to set in: watering and discharge, photophobia (sensitivity to light), oedema (swelling due to accumulation of fluid), haemorrhage and sticking of the eyelids.

Other common causes of eye trouble

Redness of the eyes can also be due to minor irritations from air polluted by gases, chemicals and noxious particles; or because of dust, soot, smoke and wind, or too much sun; or reading and working for long hours in light that is too bright or too dim. Those who go on long journeys, work in factories, or undertake intensive study or desk work at the office are particularly susceptible to strained and irritates eyes. For them, regular care and timely treatment are specially important to preserve their eyesight.

Whenever redness or inflammation appears, a good brand of eye drops can provide very helpful medication to clear away these complaints and give immediate, soothing relief. If regular application of eye drops does not restore your eyes to normal within a few days, consult a doctor. Stubborn symptoms could indicate a systemic disease, and occasionally, a fungal infection.

Personal eye care

But why not play safe and look after your eyes before any trouble beings. Remember these basic rules to keep your eyes healthy:

• During a long spell of reading or desk work, close your eyes and relax them for a few minutes at intervals.
• Make sure of adequate, glare-free lighting. Ideally the source of light should be placed above and behind your shoulder.
• Avoid towels used by others. Eye diseases can be highly infectious.
• Eat nourishing, well-balanced meals.
• Get enough sleep and relaxation. If your eyes are strained or sore-soothe them with reliable, medicated eye drops containing a safe antiseptic and astringent agent.
• Ensure that a serious eye condition does not develop. Always carry a bottle of medicated eye drops when you go on a journey. Use them the moment your eyes give you trouble.

Stella Marie is a trained Beautician & Dietician. Alongwith her clinic, she also runs the popular website http://www.greatoffers4u.com/. Visit http://www.greatoffers4u.com/library/ for more articles.

Women are used to receive compliments from men who admire their eyes’ color or general shape. On the other hand, although men are not used in hearing compliments from women, let alone other men, when they become the subject of positive remarks regarding their eyes, they usually feel rather happy that someone has noticed not their lack of hair or big arms, but one of their most distinctive facial features, their eyes, and decided to pay them a compliment. But human eyes, as any other organ, need special attention of their beholder and particularly good care. Especially men, who usually avoid wearing regular or sun-glasses or visiting the office of an eye-doctor, have to know why performing a regular eye check is important and what types of vision problems they might have to face one day.

In fact, many serious developing eye problems have no obvious onset symptoms, so it is important to see an eye doctor regularly even if the visiting person does not suffer from any pains or headaches or does not have an already detected eye problem and wears glasses. The right doctor to visit is an ophthalmologist, an M.D. eye specialist. Optometrists also examine a person’s eyes but they are not physicians. Neither are the opticians who are trained to fit glasses and contact lenses.

In addition to checking one’s eyes, recommend the right type of glasses and/or contact lenses-after determining whether or not one actually needs them-an eye doctor will use an ophthalmoscope to examine the optic nerve and retina-the light sensitive membrane at the back of the eye that captures images from the lens and cornea. It is also recommended that everyone gets an eye pressure test to detect at an early stage the second most common kind of serious eye problem, after the macular degeneration, the glaucoma. This type of eye problem, affects about 2 percent of people over 62 in the United States-making it one of the most common causes of vision loss. Detected in people of all ages-though older people are at higher risk-glaucoma is now considered a cluster of diseases that damage the optic nerve and cause limited peripheral vision. Thus, if it is not treated, glaucoma may lead to blindness. Most glaucoma is caused by a buildup of pressure within the eye, but more women than men develop an insidious form, called normal pressure glaucoma. That is why a checkup needs to measure eye pressure as well as to examine the optic nerve. If it is caught early, it need not cause blindness. Eye-drops, laser treatments and surgery keep glaucoma in check in most cases.

Another type of serious eye problem is macular degeneration that causes vision impairment by destroying the center of the retina. It wipes out central vision and gradually makes driving, reading and any other close work impossible. Although its cause is still unknown, genetic predisposition and family history have pinpointed that it is more common in people with light-colored eyes and those who smoke.

Finally, there is the well-known eye problem of cataracts, which is a clouding of the lens that interferes with vision, affecting usually more women than men, mainly because they live longer. But due to aging, ultraviolet light, and smoking, all men have to be aware of the danger to develop cataract. Fortunately, 20 to 30 minutes in surgery restores sight to 95 percent for both male and female patients.

Jonathon Hardcastle writes articles on many topics including Men’s Health, Food, and Science