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Our Favorite Easy Christmas Desserts

Our Favorite Easy Christmas Desserts

Our Favorite Easy Christmas Desserts

While we generally try to focus our blog on eye health and LASIK facts, we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to share some of our favorite easy Christmas desserts. These sweet treats are sure to make everyone’s eyes sparkle…and you will be less stressed than Santa’s elves on December 23rd!

S’mores Bars

favorite easy christmas desserts

EnJOY these desserts!

Enjoy the ooey-gooey goodness of s’mores without the wait…or the heat from the fireplace!

  • 8 cups Golden Grahams cereal
  • 10 ounces marshmallows (miniature work best)
  • 5 tablespoons unsalted butter or margarine
  • 1 1/4 cups chocolate chunks or chips
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Place cereal in a large mixing bowl and mist a 13×9 inch pan with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside 1 cup of marshmallows.

In a large saucepan, melt marshmallows, butter, and chocolate together over medium-low heat, stirring frequently so that the marshmallows don’t burn. Once the mixture has melted together, remove pan from heat and stir in vanilla.

Pour chocolate-marshmallow mixture over the cereal. Stir until well incorporated, then stir in the remaining marshmallows. Pour contents into the prepared pan, using a spatula to press the mixture firmly into the pan.

Allow to cool for at least 2 hours. Cut into squares to serve.

Homemade Hot Cocoa

Keep warm with hot cocoa.

Skip the mix! This winter classic is sure to keep you warm on chilly nights.

  • 1/3 cup good quality cocoa powder
  • 2/3 cup granulated sugar or sugar alternative
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/3 cups boiling water
  • 3 1/2 cups milk of your choice (also works very well with vanilla almond milk)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup fat free half and half
  • Optional: see note below

In a large saucepan, bring water to a boil. Stir cocoa powder, sugar, and salt together and whisk into the boiling water. Reduce to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes.

Whisk the milk into the chocolate mixture. Stir frequently and heat until very hot but not boiling (this will scald the milk). Remove pan from the stovetop and stir in the vanilla extract and half and half. Serve immediately.

(Note: For holiday parties, you can create a “hot cocoa bar.” Guests can add what they like to their mugs. Options include candy canes, whipped cream, marshmallows, peppermint extract, sprinkles, caramel and chocolate syrup, and others…let your imagination go wild!)

 From all of us at EyeLASIK…Merry Christmas!

How To Avoid Winter Eye Irritation

How To Avoid Winter Eye Irritation

winter eye irritationThough many people love the wonderland that winter can bring, there are also several downsides to the colder weather. Winter chills can cause several eye conditions, which, though treatable, can be annoying. EyeLASIK is here to share some ways to avoid winter eye irritation.

Winter Eye Irritation #1 – Painful Eyes

Did you know that cold, blustery weather can cause your corneas to freeze? That’s terrifying! Also, the sensitive skin around your eyes is also susceptible to getting wind and sunburned.

Winter Eye Irritation #2 – Dry Eyes

Cold wind and weather often dry out a person’s eyes. When exposed to prolong or extreme conditions, your eyes cannot naturally produce the amount of tears necessary to maintain comfort. The result is dry, itchy, painful eyes. However, there are several solutions to this irritation.

Winter Eye Irritation #3 – Itchy, Watery Eyes

Though it’s not a “big” allergy season, there are still allergens floating around during the winter months. It’s still important to take your regular allergy medications, including eye drops.

Winter Eye Irritation #4 – Tearing

Instead of drying eyes out, wind, allergens, and other eye irritants can actually cause a person’s eyes to tear excessively. This can become incredibly annoying, as it can prevent seeing clearly.

How Can You Combat These Issues?

  • Wear sunglasses. Even though the days are often overcast, it’s important to protect your eyes from potentially harmful weather conditions. If you enjoy winter activities such as snowboarding or hiking, be sure to use proper protective eyewear.
  • Drink up. People are less inclined to drink water during the winter months than they are in the summer heat. Hot teas and brothy soups are a great way to stay warm and
  • Use eye drops frequently. If you experience dry eyes, find a lubricating eye drop at your local pharmacy. However, if you experience chronic dry eyes, we recommend speaking to your optometrist about prescription-strength drops.
  • Add a little humidity. Furnaces, fires, and other heat sources to stay warm can be a cause of dry eyes. Purchase a humidifier in your bedroom at night to add a burst of humidity to the air. Your eyes (as well as your throat, nose, and sinuses) will appreciate the extra moisture in the air.
  • Allergy medications are still necessary, even during the winter months.

 

EyeLASIK is happy to welcome the wintery months. We hope you’ll be able to combat these winter eye irritations with these tips, though! Don’t forget: it’s not too late to schedule your complimentary LASIK consultation today.

Thanksgiving Recipes For Eye Health

Thanksgiving Recipes For Eye Health

In our last blog, we discussed the nutrients that are beneficial to maintaining healthy vision. Since Thanksgiving is this week (how?!), we thought we should share a couple of our favorite Thanksgiving recipes for eye health. Prepare to get hungry!

Kale and Apple Salad

Kale and other leafy greens pack a big punch of Vitamin E, lutein, and zeaxanthin, all of which are important to maintaining great vision.

Dressing

  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon orange juice
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

 

Salad

  • 1 large bunch of kale, washed, ribs removed, and chopped finely
  • 1/4 cup reduced sugar dried cranberries
  • 1 large apple, either Honeycrisp (for sweet fans) or Granny Smith (for tart fans), cored and chopped into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/4 cup chopped pecans or slivered almonds, toasted
  • 1 ounce shredded Parmesan or Romano cheese

 

Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Toast the almonds or pecans on a foil-lined baking sheet for 5 minutes, or until they start to become fragrant. Watch carefully so that they don’t burn. Remove from oven and allow to cool.

When the toasted nuts are cooling, whisk together dressing ingredients. Pour over chopped kale. Stir and allow to rest for 10-15 minutes.

When the kale is finished and the pecans/almonds are cool to the touch, stir all the ingredients together. Season to taste with additional salt and pepper.

Easy Homemade Cranberry Sauce

thanksgiving recipes for eye healthVitamin C is highly beneficial to healthy vision. So ditch the canned cranberry sauce and make this easy, flavorful addition instead.

  • 12 ounces fresh cranberries, washed
  • 1 cup freshly squeeze orange juice
  • Zest of 1 orange or lemon
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar

 

In a large saucepan, heat all ingredients over medium heat, stirring occasionally. After the mixture begins to boil, reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for 10-15 minutes, or until cranberries will begin to pop (think the sound of bubble wrap). Remove from heat and transfer to a sealed container. The pectin in the cranberries will begin to gel as the mixture cools down.

We hope you’ve enjoyed our Thanksgiving recipes for eye health. Remember that items such as turkey, Brussels sprouts, spinach, eggs, and broccoli can also help to keep you thankful for good eyesight.

Happy Thanksgiving from the EyeLASIK team!

 

The Nutrients For Good Eye Health

The Nutrients For Good Eye Health

Eating well and regular exercise are a big part of a healthy lifestyle. However, have you ever given any thought about the nutrients for good eye health? We’re here to fill you in on the foods and supplements you should be taking to boost your vision.

Vitamins

nutrients for good eye health

Foods & supplements can promote healthy eyes.

Did you know that there are vision health-specific vitamins and supplements available? It’s true! Often, many people do not get the right dosage of vitamins required to maintain proper eye health.

Many diseases, especially those caused by aging, can be minimized and prevented through diet and regular vision checkups. However, be sure to speak with your doctor about any supplemental vitamins you are taking. This is especially important if you are taking any other prescriptions. Surprisingly enough, some supplements might counteract the benefits of other medications, even with your realizing it.

Prior to starting a new supplement schedule, be sure to check the label of your existing multivitamin. There’s a good chance you’re already receiving all the vitamins you need. However, we’ve listed out the daily recommended dosages for these vitamins and minerals for easy reference:

  • Vitamin C-250 mg
  • Vitamin E-200 mg
  • Zeaxanthin-500 mcg
  • Selenium-100 mcg
  • Zinc-25 mg
  • Beta-carotene-5,000 IU
  • Folic Acid-800 mcg
  • Lutein-10 mg
  • Selenium-100 mcg
  • Calcium-500 mg
  • Thiamin-2 mg
  • N-acetyl cysteine-100 mg
  • Alpha Lipoic Acid-100 mg

 

Food

Some of these necessary vitamins and minerals occur naturally in the foods we eat. Unfortunately, many of them aren’t found in our favorite foods, like pizza or tacos. A healthy, balanced diet filled with fresh produce, whole grains, and lean proteins helps you reach your daily vision vitamin goal. However, if you’re still looking for a big boost, check out these food options:

  • Lutein and Zeaxanthin – Found in dark leafy greens (specifically kale and spinach), colorful vegetables, and eggs
  • Zinc – Eat beef, lamb, turkey, quinoa, or lentils for a big boost of zinc to your diet
  • Omega-3 Fatty Acids – Dive under the sea and enjoy salmon, trout, tuna, oysters, and other various seafood for natural omega-3’s. However, many dairy and grain products are enriched with these fatty acids during processing.
  • Vitamin E – The leafy greens for the win! Choose Swiss chard, mustard greens, and spinach for more vitamin E. However, you can also reach for avocados, almonds, or olives if you’re not a big fan.
  • Vitamin C – You can reach for just about any citrus fruit, or opt for papaya, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, or strawberries.

 

Not only are these nutrients good for healthy eyes, they’re good for overall health, too. We hope that this holiday season, you’ll consider serving some of these eye-healthy foods at your big dinner.

Can I Use My HSA For LASIK?

Can I Use My HSA For LASIK?

HSA for LASIK
“Can I use my HSA for LASIK?” This is a question we receive pretty regularly. With the end of the year looming, it’s one we’ve been getting more frequently, as well. Today, we’re going to explain whether or not your health savings account can be used for LASIK.

The History Of The HSA

In 2003, health savings accounts (or HSA’s) were created as part of the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act. As a high-deductible form of insurance, HSA’s have no-copays and the deductible must be met “before insurance kicks in”. This means is that initial cost is higher, as in the patient must pay the entire deductible upfront.

Where’s The Incentive?

We’re glad you asked. Unlike other insurance plans, health savings account plans are tax-deductible. Additionally, the plan allows you to open a medical-use-only savings account, to which both you and your employer can contribute. Whether you use your insurance or not, you’re able to create a savings account. This option is great for a rainy day or elective procedures, like LASIK.

Woohoo! So I Can Use My HSA For LASIK?

You bet! Current HSA guidelines allow you to use the money you’ve saved up on certain elective procedures, including LASIK. Isn’t that exciting? Considering how much you can save on contact lenses and glasses over a lifetime, this is an excellent chance to save money when you get LASIK.

HSA for LASIK

2017 Contribution Guidelines

If you have questions, be sure to ask your insurance carrier and a member of the EyeLASIK staff. However, we recommend that you set up a complimentary consultation first. If you’re interested in saving up for LASIK using your employee insurance plan, a health savings account might be for you!