Man holding eyeglasses in front his face

Do You Have VSP Insurance? What to Know

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If you’re going to your eye doctor in Champaign, IL, then it’s important to know how you’ll pay for your visit. While some people pay for their vision care out of pocket, many have VSP insurance. At Champaign Eye Professionals, we make it our mission to help our patients keep their vision care affordable. We accept a range of insurances – here’s what you need to know. 

What Is VSP Insurance?

VSP Vision Care is a popular form of vision insurance. Though VSP is often offered through employers, this type of insurance can also be offered to individuals for a relatively low rate. You can see what kind of plan you might be eligible for on the VSP website. Remember that VSP might be offered through your job, so if you aren’t sure yet whether you have VSP, check with your employer. 

What’s Covered Under My Plan?

Every plan varies, so if you choose an individualized plan for you and your family members, review the plan before paying. VSP often offers services like frames, vision exams, comprehensive eye exams, and more. Since VSP can be personalized to your needs, know what you want in advance before signing up. 

Does Champaign Eye Professionals Accept VSP?

At Champaign Eye Professionals, we take VSP insurance and can help our patients navigate their insurance to get the most out of their plans. If you’re unsure what kind of services you can get through VSP, check your online VSP account, or call VSP if you have questions.

You can also call the professionals at Champaign Eye Professionals! Call today to make an appointment or to ask your questions.

dry-eyes

How to Manage Dry Eye Syndrome

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If you have been diagnosed with dry eye syndrome in Champaign, IL, you need to treat your eyes with special care. Dry eye is a condition that means that your eyes do not produce sufficient moisture. Millions of people around the world suffer from this condition. It’s essential that you learn to manage with dry eye syndrome so that you can enjoy the best eyesight possible without accidentally worsening your condition.

Don’t Use Over-the-Counter Eye Drops

One of the most uncomfortable symptoms of dry eye syndrome is the persistent sandy, gritty feeling in the eyes. To combat this, many people with dry eye syndrome resort to using readily available, over-the-counter eye drops. However, these inexpensive eye drops do little except provide short-term relief. In the long run, they actually make the condition worse by increasing dryness. Only use prescribed eye drops from your eye doctor in Champaign, IL. These medicated eye drops will alleviate that uncomfortable gritty sensation without harming the eyes.

Consider Sclera Lenses

Most people can tolerate regular contact lenses. But if you have dry eye syndrome, regular contact lenses can be damaging. Instead of forcing yourself to bear the discomfort of contacts, ask your eye doctor about sclera lenses. These lenses only contact the eyes around the perimeter of the lens, making them a great choice for those with dry eye syndrome.

Stay Hydrated

Your eyes can only create moisture if there is sufficient hydration in the body, no matter what conditions you suffer from. If you have dry eye syndrome, make a special point to get sufficient hydration throughout the day. Remember that if you’re thirsty, your body may already be dehydrated.

Your eye doctor in Champaign, IL, will have more tips for you to properly manage dry eye syndrome. Contact us today to learn more.

human eye

Common Eye Conditions: Diabetic Retinopathy

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Diabetic retinopathy is a condition that occurs in those with diabetes. High levels of sugar in the blood cause the formation of abnormal blood cells in the retina. If left untreated, this condition can lead to total vision loss. If you’ve recently been diagnosed with diabetes, it’s important to have your vision checked regularly by youreye doctor in Champaign, IL, and to learn how to effectively manage your diabetes.

How Will I Know If I Have Diabetic Retinopathy? 

The earliest stages of this progressive eye disease may have no symptoms, but as it worsens, you may notice signs such as:

  • Blurry vision
  • Floaters
  • Dark spots in your vision
  • Vision loss

Vision that has been lost due to diabetic retinopathy cannot be regained. However, by effectively managing your diabetes and keeping regular appointments for dilated eye exams, you can prevent your vision loss from worsening.

Who Is At Risk of Developing Diabetic Retinopathy? 

Anyone who has Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes can develop diabetic retinopathy. Because high levels of sugar in the bloodstream make it difficult for blood to make it to the retina, blood flow becomes obstructed and new blood vessels try to form. But these blood vessels usually don’t develop as they should, and they begin to leak blood and to form scar tissue that can cause retinal detachment. Your best defense against diabetic retinopathy is to learn how to maintain healthy blood sugar levels and take good care of your eyes.

Help for Diabetic Retinopathy in Champaign, IL

For help withdiabetic retinopathy in Champaign, IL, call on Champaign Eye Professionals. The dedicated clinicians at Champaign Eye Professionals are happy to schedule you for a comprehensive eye exam to help diagnose diabetes-related conditions such as diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma. Call today to book your appointment.

preventing-scratched-sunglasses

3 Things You Can Do to Keep Your Sunglasses From Getting Scratched

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Sunglasses have a way of getting scratched! They’re often only worn for a part of the day, and when they’re not being worn, they’re shoved in glove compartments, beach bags, purses and more.

If you’re tired of your sunglasses always being a scratched up mess, there’s a solution to your problem! By working with your eye doctor in Champaign IL, and by taking measures to keep your sunglasses in good condition when they’re being used, you can extend the service life of your sunglasses. Here’s what you need to know.

1. Get Scratch Resistant Coating

Scratch-resistant coating is an excellent tool to protect your sunglasses from scratches, but you’ll likely need to put the coating on when the sunglasses are made, so ask about scratch coating when you buy your sunglasses.

2. Use a Glasses Case

A glasses case is your first line of defense against scratches, even if your glasses also have a scratch-resistant coating on them. Avoid the temptation to store your glasses loose in your purse, in your car’s sun visor, or in your pants pocket – unless, that is, you’re putting them inside a case.

3. Pick a Safe Spot to Keep Your Sunglasses

In addition to using a case to keep your glasses safe, you should also pick a safe location where you can keep your glasses without worry they’ll be damaged. This might be your car’s glove compartment, a secure place in your purse, or on your dresser.

Are you in need of new sunglasses in Champaign IL? Contact the Champaign Eye Professionals to get new glasses with scratch-free lenses! You’ll be glad you did.