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What’s New

Keep up-to-date on the latest vision-related news and eye care events in our Practice.

New Year, New Vision Benefits: Your 2026 Eye Care Plan

Vision insurance benefits reset every year, which means now is the best time plan your eye care for 2026 to make sure you make the most of your coverage. Ives Eyecare Center in Murrysville helps patients get the most from their plan, from routine eye exams to prescription eyewear. Don’t let care benefits go to waste.

Keep Your Family’s Eye Health Merry and Bright

Your 2025 vision benefits expire soon, and they won’t roll over. Learn what most insurance plans cover, who’s at risk of missing out, and how Ives Eyecare Center helps families across Westmoreland County use their coverage before December 31.

Family Vision Insurance: Use Your Plan Before It Expires

Many families are unaware that their vision insurance benefits can be forfeited if not used by the end of the year. Ives Eyecare Center in Murrysville and West Newton makes it easy to use those benefits for eye exams, glasses, or contact lenses. With care for children, adults, and seniors, now’s the time to take full advantage of your family’s coverage.

Fall Allergies and Your Eyes: What to Know This Season

Fall allergies are a common but frustrating issue for many in Murrysville and West Newton. Pollen, mold, and dust mites can irritate the eyes, causing redness, itchiness, and blurred vision. This blog outlines common triggers, who’s most at risk, and how to manage symptoms effectively.

Eye Allergies: Why Your Eyes Get Itchy in the Fall

Fall allergies, often triggered by ragweed, mold, and dust mites, can cause inflammation in the eyes, leading to symptoms such as itching, tearing, and vision issues. Children and adults may experience different symptoms, and diagnosis is key to long-term relief. At Ives Eyecare Center, our optometrists provide custom treatment plans to help you see clearly and comfortably through the season.

How to Spot Myopia Progression Before School Starts

Worried your child’s nearsightedness is getting worse? This blog explains how to spot signs of myopia progression and why early intervention matters. Learn how can help protect your child’s vision this school year. Explore our myopia management options and book your child’s back-to-school eye exam today.

Ace Your Next School Year with Back-to-School Eye Exams

Vision plays a crucial role in classroom performance, yet many vision issues in children go undetected. A comprehensive eye exam can identify undiagnosed vision problems that affect reading, writing, and focus. Learn why Ives Eyecare Center recommends back-to-school exams before the first bell rings.

The Hidden Dangers of UV Rays for Your Eyes

UV rays can cause serious eye problems like cataracts, macular degeneration, and even eye sunburn. Many people mistakenly believe that all sunglasses protect their eyes, but not all lenses block 100% of UVA and UVB rays. Proper eyewear and consistent sun protection habits are key to preserving long-term eye health.

Seeing the Future Clearly: The Importance of Myopia Control

Myopia in children is rising, leading to long-term vision issues. MiSight® lenses offer a proven solution to slow this progression. At Ives Eyecare Center we provide expert care to safeguard your child's eyesight.

Why Your Eyes Itch in Spring: Managing Pollen Allergies

Seasonal pollen can trigger itchy, red, watery eyes. At Ives Eyecare Center in Murrysville, we offer effective treatments for allergy-related eye irritation.

Eye Emergencies: Know What to Do | Ives Eyecare Center

Eye emergencies can happen anytime. At Ives Eyecare Center in Murrysville, we provide urgent eye care services to protect your vision when you need it most.

Glaucoma: Early Detection is the Best Treatment – Ives Eyecare Center

Glaucoma can develop without symptoms, making regular eye exams essential. Learn how Ives Eyecare Center helps detect and manage glaucoma early.

Elevate Your Look in 2025 with Designer Eyewear

Start the new year with a fresh look by exploring the exclusive designer eyewear collection. Featuring top brands, our stylish frames are perfect for expressing your unique personality and elevating your wardrobe.

Why You Should Use Your Vision Insurance Benefits Before They Expire

Don't miss out on your vision insurance benefits before they reset! Learn how to make the most of your coverage for eye exams, glasses, and more. Act now to safeguard your vision and start the new year with crystal-clear focus.

Why December is the Best Month for Eye Exams

December is the ideal time to schedule your eye exam. With year-end vision benefits expiring, potential tax deductions, and the New Year appointment rush looming, December offers unique advantages for maintaining your eye health.

Myths vs Facts: What You Need to Know About Myopia

Think contact lenses are only for adults or that they cause more infections? The truth is, contact lenses can be safe for children and adults alike when handled correctly. We can help guide you.

What is Blue Light?

What is Blue Light? Whether you spend a significant amount of your day on a computer, tablet or smartphone, the blue light that is emitted from these devices may be harming your vision and putting you at risk for developing serious eye diseases later in life. Blue light emissions create...

Discover Dry Eye Relief with IPL Treatments

Are you ready to break free from the constant discomfort of dry eyes? At Ives Eyecare Center, we're excited to introduce you to a breakthrough solution that's revolutionizing eye care: Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy. This advanced treatment tackles the root causes of dry eye syndrome, providing long-lasting relief and...

Did you know? 80% of Learning is Visual

Is your child’s vision problems preventing them from reaching their full potential in school? Undiagnosed vision and eye health problems that can interfere with academic and social success. Children often don't realize that they have a vision problem. Since school vision screenings are unable to detect vision problems related to...

Sunglasses + UV Eye Damage + Water

What's the Connection? It is well known that the sun’s harmful UV rays can damage our skin and eyes. But did you know that even if you look away from the sun, water and other surfaces can reflect those UV rays straight into your eyes? This can damage your vision...

Try Contact Lenses for Summer Sports

Do you Wear Eyeglasses for Summer Sports? Drop the Prescription Goggles - Upgrade to Contact Lenses Hassle-Free Clear Vision, On and Off the Sports Field If you participate in any type of sport, you know how important it is to see clearly and comfortably when you’re in the zone. The...

Spring in Here – its Time to be UV-Wise!

The time of year to be reminded of the importance of protecting yourself and your loved ones against harmful Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun and other sources.

March is Women’s Eye Health Month

Embrace Your Vision As we celebrate the strength and achievements of women, we also want to spotlight the importance of eye health in women's lives. Learn why regular eye exams are crucial for women and discover how Ives Eyecare Center can help care for your vision. Why Women Need Regular...

Glaucoma is the ‘Silent Thief of Sight’

Even if you show no signs of glaucoma, there are ways to prevent it from developing or keep it from progressing.

Provide your Child with a Clearer Future

Myopia, also called nearsightedness, occurs when the eye is elongated, or the cornea or lens are too curved in relation to the length of the eye. A myopic eye focuses images in front of the retina, instead of directly on the retina— resulting in blurry distance vision. Myopia can significantly...

Myopia is on the Rise as Technology Use Increases

Online learning and more screen time, can negatively affect your child’s eyes causing myopia, short-sightedness. Myopia can impact your child’s school performance and social activities and can also potentially lead to serious sight-threatening eye conditions later in life.

 

Why Is UV Protection Important For Your Eyes?

Learn more about UV rays, why it’s important to protect your eyes, and how to do it.

The Link Between High Myopia and Serious Eye Diseases

High myopia – severe nearsightedness – is associated with an increased risk of serious eye diseases such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, and cataracts.

The Importance of Regular Eye Exams in Detecting Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) can cause severe vision loss, but early detection can help preserve your vision.

Eye Exam Saves Woman’s Life by Detecting Brain Tumor Early

Here's how eye exams helped save Katie's vision and quality of life. Call Ives Eyecare Center to schedule your appointment.

How Diabetes Increases Dry Eye Risk in Children and Adolescents

Children and adolescents with diabetes are significantly more likely to suffer from dry eye syndrome (DES) than their non-diabetic peers. Read on to learn why diabetics are at higher risk, and how Ives Eyecare Center can help.

How Long Does It Take To Switch From Glasses to Scleral Lenses?

Switching from glasses to scleral contact lenses can take several weeks. your Murrysville eye doctor will provide instructions on how to properly insert, remove, and care for the lenses, as well as how to monitor for any potential complications. Read on to learn more.

When Should You See a Retina Specialist?

Many retinal conditions can lead to vision loss if not diagnosed early and treated promptly. If your optometrist notices signs of retinal disease, they’ll manage the condition until it's necessary to refer you to a retina specialist.

Experts Warn of Rising Levels Of Myopia

Discover why experts say there’s a myopia epidemic, and learn what you can do to keep your kids’ eyes healthy. Ives Eyecare Center proudly offers myopia management treatments to nearsighted children for healthy and clear life-long vision.

Natural And Holistic Dry Eye Treatments

Medication doesn't always work to heal dry eye syndrome's underlying cause. The following natural and holistic remedies may relieve your eye discomfort and relieve your symptoms.

7 Eye Care Tips for the Holiday Season

Your eye experts at Ives Eyecare Center have compiled our top 7 tips for keeping your eyes healthy and safe this holiday season. Let us know how else we can help!

High Blood Sugar Linked to Meibomian Gland Dysfunction

Did you know that having atrophied meibomian glands can signal uncontrolled blood sugar levels? To learn more or to schedule an appointment, contact Ives Eyecare Center today!

Supplements That Slow AMD Progression

Aging comes with many blessings but also certain challenges. Having a higher risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of them. Fortunately, a formulation of vitamins and minerals called AREDS2 may slow the progression of vision loss from AMD. We at Ives Eyecare Center in Murrysville offer treatment for macular degeneration and other eye diseases.

City Kids Are More Likely To Be Nearsighted

Did you know that a risk factor for developing myopia (nearsightedness) is living in an urban area? But don’t worry – the myopia management program at Ives Eyecare Center can help.

Raising Awareness About Keratoconus

World Keratoconus Day is celebrated every year on November 10 to raise awareness of this rare eye condition. Read on to learn about keratoconus and how it’s treated.

Can Dry Eye Cause Focusing Problems?

Many conditions can cause hazy vision and difficulty focusing, including dry eye syndrome. Here’s how your Ives Eyecare Center in can help.

Could You Pass on the Keratoconus Gene?

Genetic testing can help determine whether you have a genetic variant that may put you or your children at risk for certain diseases. Read on to learn about genetic testing for keratoconus.

Protect Your Eyes With These Contact Lens Safety Tips

It's Contact Lens Safety Month, which makes it the perfect time to brush up on ways to keep your eyes and vision healthy when wearing contact lenses. Here are our top contact lens safety tips to keep your peepers happy.

Childhood Glaucoma: Here’s What You Need to Know

Glaucoma in children is rare, but when it occurs, it must be treated with surgery to prevent vision loss. Read on to learn more about congenital glaucoma symptoms and treatments.

Why Glasses Are Not the Solution for Progressive Myopia

Traditional myopia correction uses glasses to improve visual acuity, but they are not a solution for controlling myopia’s progression and may even contribute to worsening myopia. Myopia management is an effective treatment program to slow or halt myopia progression.

How Long Does It Take for Macular Degeneration to Progress?

Macular degeneration is a disease that can threaten your sight as it progresses, but early diagnosis and treatment can delay and even lower your risk of vision loss.

Are You Suddenly Seeing Dark Spots? Here’s What You Should Do

Seeing floaters is common and usually nothing to worry about. Yet there are times when floaters are a sign of a serious eye condition. Here’s what you need to know about eye floaters, and how Ives Eyecare Center can help!

Is Myopia Management Worth The Financial Investment?

The most important reason for choosing myopia management is to protect your child’s precious gift of sight from sight-threatening eye diseases. But here’s an added benefit: it may save you money in the long run!

Can You Wear Contacts With Corneal Dystrophy?

If you have corneal dystrophy, it will become increasingly difficult to wear standard contact lenses. Scleral lenses are an excellent choice for patients with many types of corneal irregularities, including most types of corneal dystrophy. Read on to learn how Ives Eyecare Center can help.

3 Effective Ways to Relieve Dry Eyes

Dry eye syndrome is one of the most common eye conditions in the world, yet many people put up with the discomfort, even though it's very treatable. Here are tips to help you deal with your dry eye symptoms, along with treatment from your eye doctor.

What Are the 5 Most Common Dry Eye Symptoms?

Many substances and situations can cause dry eyes, such as certain medications, hormonal changes, and your environment. No matter the cause, having dry eyes feels pretty terrible. Here we list the different symptoms of dry eye and address treatment options.

Ways You Can Prevent Vision Loss From Glaucoma

Unfortunately, glaucoma doesn't show any symptoms until its advanced stages. Read on to learn what you can to preserve your vision and live your best life.

5 Eye Symptoms You Should Never Ignore

Here are 5 eye symptoms that you should never ignore. Call Ives Eyecare Center without delay if you or a loved one experiences any of these eye or vision problems.

LASIK Complications: How Scleral Lenses Can Help You Regain Clear Vision

Have you or a loved one have experienced complications following LASIK or any other type of refractive surgery? Scleral lenses may be just the solution you need! Read on to learn how scleral contact lenses can help restore clear and healthy vision.

Start The Year Right With A Pediatric Eye Exam

Every child should have a comprehensive eye exam before the start of the new school year. Just as you wouldn’t consider sending them to school without a backpack or a lunch box, make sure their eyes and vision are ready for the challenges ahead.

Why Get Custom Contact Lenses?

Custom contact lenses are specially designed to fit irregularly-shaped corneas. If you find wearing regular contact lenses uncomfortable, ask your optometrist if custom contact lenses are right for you.

How High Blood Pressure Can Lead to Vision Loss

If you’ve been diagnosed with high blood pressure, you're at risk of developing certain eye diseases. Read on to find out how to protect your vision.

Can I Be Blinded By A Nerf® Gun?

Did you know that Nerf® guns, a supposedly safe children’s toy, have been shown to cause eye injury in certain cases? What makes them so dangerous?

Hyperopia and Your Child

Hyperopia affects near vision in children and young adults. Want to know more about hyperopia? Here we explain ways to recognize the condition and help your child if they have it.

Why Is There Sticky Mucus In My Eye?

Whether you call it eye goop, crusties or gunk, there are times when a bit of mucus around your eyes is normal — and times when it’s not. Learn how a dry eye optometrist can help.

Everything You Need To Know About Keratoconus

Keratoconus is a progressive eye disease that causes the cornea to thin and bulge, resulting in blurry and distorted vision. Here are the most commonly asked questions about keratoconus.

Can Cataract Surgery Prevent Dementia?

Cataract surgery not only improves vision. Research suggests that cataract surgery may also prevent cognitive decline.

June 27 Is National Sunglasses Day!

Here’s how you can celebrate National Sunglasses Day on June 27.

What’s The Connection Between Dry Eye And Asthma?

Studies have found a correlation between asthma and dry eye syndrome. Fortunately, a dry eye optometrist can help by treating your uncomfortable dry eye symptoms.