Dry Eyes Are Grouchy Eyes

Dry eye syndrome can be the cause of uncomfortable, “grouchy” eyes. Some of the most common causes of this condition include side effects from antihistamines, birth control pills or menopause. Other causes of dry eyes can come from medical diseases that don’t allow eyelids to close properly.

Symptoms of dry eyes include pain, light sensitivity and a gritty, sandy or foreign body sensation, itching, redness, excessive tearing and blurred vision.  An evaluation of dry eyes will include an inspection of the lacrimal system and eyelids, a measurement of tear production, and an examination of the tear system by your eye doctor.

Treatments vary due to the severity of the symptoms and include the use of artificial tears and ointments, the occlusion of the tear ducts to keep moisture in the eyes, and the prescription of drugs, such as Restasis. Your eye doctor will recommend the treatment option that is best for you.

Use Your FSA Benefits Now

The end of the year is fast approaching, so time is running out to maximize the funds you make have in your employer sponsored Flexible Spending Account (FSA). FSA's can be used for a variety of health care related expenses not covered by medical insurance such as LASIK laser vision correction, eyeglasses, contact lenses, routine eye exams and Botox injections.

If you have an FSA benefit but don't think you have enough money in your account for LASIK, Botox or designer eyeglasses, you may want to ask your employee benefits department. In most cases, you merely have to commit to funding the expenses in full during the current calendar year; you can actually spend the money before your account balance is fully funded. At The Eye Care Institute, we often have patients who enroll in their FSA to pay for LASIK through payroll deductions to their FSA over the course of the whole calendar year, but who actually have the procedure performed during January or February, which is months before they have fully funded their FSA account.

Remember, FSA monies are on a modified "use it or lose it" basis. In most cases, you will forfeit your FSA savings unless you use the money in full by April 30th of the following year.

To learn more about FSA's, here is a link from the website of the the federal government https://www.fsafeds.com/fsafeds/summaryofbenefits.asp#HCFSA

See The Doctors Who See The Cards

The University of Louisville’s Cardinal Athletic Department has named The Eye Care Institute their official eye care provider. This decision came from a long history of the doctors of The Eye Care Institute providing care for the athletes of University of Louisville – in fact, a 20 year history of providing eye care on an “unofficial” basis. This relatively new title as the official eye care provider allows The Eye Care Institute to be known as the only eye care provider associated with the Cards. We have a commitment to the players to provide them with the very best eye care and make sure they are seeing their best on game day.

Not only do we have a commitment to the players, but we also have a commitment to the fans. As part of our relationship with the Athletic Department we have an information booth set up at home football games. Fans have the chance to register their name for a chance to win LASIK done by our very own Dr. John Meyer. And this year, at the games, fans have a chance to play our “Fan of the Game” text messaging contest (and to enter to win LASIK). So be sure to stop by our booth at the U of L football games & participate in the “Fan of the Game” for your chance to win and make sure to “See The Doctors Who See The Cards!” You can also enter to win Free LASIK online by visiting the graphic box at the bottom of this newsletter.