Dr. Claudia Wendel at Pearle Vision - Robinson Town Center

12/30/2025

Is There Any Value to Apple Vision Pro to People Who Are Visually Impaired

The launch of Apple Vision Pro (AVP) is an important step in the intersection of technology and healthcare, offering unique capabilities in mixed reality, which Apple terms “special computing “.

AVP stands out over other devices, such as meta quest pro and Microsoft’s halo lens, for advanced integration within healthcare workflows. The AVP‘s unique combination of high resolution, displays, precise, I, tracking, and seamless user interface offer distinct advantages in a clinical setting by enhancing, patient care, medical training, and immersive visualization experiences.

*Does insurance cover in the case of visually impaired? No, the Apple Vision Pro is not currently covered by medical insurance for the visually impaired because it is not classified or approved by the FDA as a medical device. It is sold as a general consumer electronics device.

*How much does it cost? $3499

*Does the newest AVP improve on the original? Apple Vision Pro headset, the newest model with the M5 chip notably improves on the original M2 version in performance, motion clarity, and comfort.

*What are the differences between VR and AR:
AR adds to the real world; VR replaces it.

Hardware: AR uses smartphones/glasses; VR needs immersive headsets.
Interaction: AR interacts digital with physical; VR interacts within the virtual space.

• Both have many uses in healthcare.

AVP integrates VR and AR into a cohesive mixed reality platform to create a versatile platform that combines both functionalities.

There is room for improvement some visually impaired testers have compared it to wearing someone else’s glasses while other testers have said it is life altering technology for them. In some cases, it may depend on a person’s visual condition the AVP can be fitted with a custom lens insert. When you order your AVP at an Apple Store the strap is fitted for you. Some of the settings may need to be adjusted for eye tracking needs.

Sources:
www.pmc.ncbi.nih.gov
https://sopa.tulane.edu
https://www.princetonreview.com
Photo:
Apple.com

12/23/2025

Are You Joking-Christmas Edition

1. What are ugly Christmas sweaters made of?
Fleece Navidad

2.What reindeer games do reindeer play at sleepovers?
Truth or deer

3.What do grapes sing at Christmas?
Tis the season to be Jelly

4. What is the difference between the regular alphabet and the Christmas alphabet?
The Christmas alphabet has No-el.

5. What do elves say before telling Santa a joke?
This will sleigh you.

12/11/2025

Use Them or Lose Them Vision Benefits – The Clock is Ticking

Vision benefits and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) funds follow a “use them or lose them” policy—they expire at the end of the year and do not roll over.

What you should do before the end of the year:
• Book a comprehensive eye exam for yourself and family members, as the exam is partially, if not fully, covered by vision insurance.
• Get new glasses, prescription sunglasses, or contacts to use your remaining allowance.
• Check to see if there is also an allowance for upgrades, such as anti-glare or blue light filters.
• Use any FSA funds to help pay for Eligible expenses.
• Schedule appointments as early as possible since the end of the year is a busy time for vision care, because of these benefits being close to expiration.
• Some vision plans cover specialty eyecare services, including treatment for dry eye, computer vision syndrome, and eye conditions like glaucoma.

On average, families across the United States lose $441 each year in unused benefits and FSA funds that they paid for. Do not let these benefits go to waste-use them before they expire on December 31st.
Remember the clock is ticking. Call now to schedule.

Sources:
www.visionworks.com
www.vsp.com
www.pearlevision.com





Remember, the clock is ticking. Call now to schedule.

12/10/2025

January 12, 1994

12/03/2025

UPMC Vision Institute Using Ocular Genetics

UPMC Vision Institute uses the medical and research knowledge of UPMC and the University of Pittsburgh Department of Ophthalmology.

The ocular genetics team, including genetic counselors, are very important for patients with inherited vision problems, such as retinal dystrophy, front-of-the-eye disorders, developmental disorders, cornea problems, uncontrolled eye movements, optic nerve damage, and albinism, among many other conditions.

The most common disorders which UPMC specialists are skilled at treating include:
• Retinitis pigmentosa is a group of inherited disorders that progressively reduce the retina’s ability to respond to light, leading to a loss of vision.
• Stargardt disease is the leading inherited juvenile macular degeneration, characterized by progressive vision loss due to the degeneration of cells in the central retina.
• Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA) is an inherited retinal degenerative disease that causes severely reduced vision from birth. This condition is characterized by early-onset visual impairment
• Retinoschisis is a genetic eye disorder in which the retina splits into separate layers. This separation impairs both central and peripheral vision, potentially affecting activities such as reading, recognizing faces, and navigating spaces. Early diagnosis and management are important to help preserve vision and quality of life.
• Optic neuropathy refers to damage to the optic nerve, which may result in vision loss. Common symptoms include blurry vision, blind spots, and reduced color perception. While genetic factors are a frequent cause. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial to help preserve vision and improve quality of life.
• Pediatric cataracts are clouding of the eye's lens in children, which can be present at birth (congenital) or develop later (acquired) due to causes like genetics, infection, trauma, or certain medical conditions.

Genetic counselors collaborate closely with optometrists, ophthalmologists, and other specialists to assess patients’ medical and family histories. They also coordinate genetic testing and provide expert interpretation of results, helping patients and families understand their inherited vision conditions and make informed decisions about care.

Ultramodern care, diagnostic evaluation, testing, genetic counseling, advanced genetic testing, and access to modern treatments. Some of those initiatives include repairing genetic defects in the eye using gene therapies, using stem cells to repair severely damaged corneas, cortical vision, or sending images directly to the brain from a camera, implantation of a bionic chip new treatments for macular degeneration and glaucoma, and regenerating the optic nerve.

Sources:
www.aao.org
www.wtae.com
www.health.pitt.edu
Photos:
www.linkedin.com

11/27/2025

11/19/2025

11/18/2025

Sleep crust, also known as eye gunk or by its technical term, rheum, is a common occurrence. Rheum is a harmless mixture of exfoliated skin cells, oils, and tears produced or shed that accumulate in the eyes. We all get that crusty stuff in the corners of our eyes when we wake up in the morning. It is all part of a good night's sleep.

This buildup happens because, during sleep, you do not blink, allowing secretions and debris to collect and dry in the corners of your eyes and along the eyelash line.
This residue is a result of the eye’s normal protective processes. Blinking throughout the day helps flush away mucus and other debris from the surface of the eye.
Therefore, finding crusty residue in the corners and along the lash line of your eyes is normal, unless it is accompanied by symptoms such as redness, pain, or excessive discharge, which may indicate an underlying condition. It should be white or light cream color—which is normal.
If the discharge is yellow or green, that can be a sign of bacterial conjunctivitis—a common form of pink eye. There are also chronic conditions, like blepharitis (a type of inflammation), dry eye, and allergic conjunctivitis that can cause sleep crust. In some cases, it could be enough to make your eyes stick together. In those cases, see an eye care professional.

Sources:
www.healthcare.utah.edu
www.healthline.com
www.aao.org
Photo sources:
www.reichpharm.com
www.healthcare.utah.edu
www.amconlabs.com

11/11/2025

Did you know – Veterans Day Edition

1. Veterans Day was originally called Armistice Day until 1954 when it was renamed Veterans Day

2. Veterans Day coincides with Holidays in several countries including Armistice Day and Remembrance Day

3. Veterans Day occurs on the Anniversary of the end of WWI

4. Major hostilities of WWI were formally ended on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918.

5. There are distinct holidays commemorating the service of all US Veterans

• Memorial Day in May
• Veterans Day in November
• Armed Forces Day also in May
• Women’s Veterans Day in June

11/11/2025

1994

11/09/2025

It’s a hockey day in Pittsburgh!

11/05/2025

How many of you play pickleball, it’s a burg thing right? With nearly 20 million people playing pickleball has quickly become big in the United States. Pickleball-related eye injuries are on the rise in the US. Although the increase in ocular injuries may simply reflect the increasing number of players. It is possible that casual players are more susceptible to injury due to limited experience and unfamiliarity with the game.

A study found that pickleball-related eye injuries have increased at an alarming rate over the past 4 years as the sport continues to grow in popularity. It is not that the game is getting more dangerous.

Common kinds of ocular injuries from pickleball have been reported by ophthalmologists and Emergency rooms, including:

• Lacerations around the eye
• Corneal abrasions
• Inflamed irises
• Retinal detachment or tear
• Orbital fractures
• Globe trauma
• Berlin's edema is damage to the retina's outer layers, which can cause temporary decrease in vision.
• Hyphemia is bleeding in the front chamber of the eye

To prevent these injuries, the American Academy of Ophthalmology and other experts recommend wearing shatterproof polycarbonate safety goggles that meet ASTM F3164 standards. These standards ensure that eyewear is rigorously evaluated for impact resistance and safety during play, providing reliable protection against the types of injuries commonly seen in pickleball.

Eye protection is not currently mandated to take part in amateur or professional pickleball play. However, there is a push to establish standardized guidelines that is strongly recommended, as evidence from other sports a significant reduction in ocular injuries when protective eyewear is required. For example, studies in racquetball and hockey have shown a 90% decrease in common eye injuries after mandating protective eyewear. This underscores the potential benefit of implementing similar safety measures in pickleball.

Sources:
www.livescience.com
www.jamanetwork.com
www.aao.org
Photo sources:
www.potthoffeyecare.com
https://www.foxnews.com






Check out Dr. Wendel's latest blog: