WE OFFER A WIDE VARIETY OF EYE SERVICES AND EXAMINATIONS
In my practices, I am pleased to provide as wide a scope of optometric practice that is legally allowable in our state. Quite frequently I treat eye conditions which are complicated and potentially sight threatening, such as glaucoma. Also treated routinely are the common “pink eye” (conjunctivitis). I also treat keratitis, blepharitis, anterior and posterior uveitis and cataracts.
Foreign body removal and eyelid lesion removal are typical afflictions which are also part of my continued practice.
Glasses
The determination of a corrective lens prescription for our patients is one of the most important functions of my job. It is only surpassed in importance by the determination of any presence or potential presence of eye disease in that patient.
That is why a great deal of time and emphasis in my practice is spent on the process for the determination of the corrective lens formula. Objective tests with some of the finest equipment available is used during this process. A combination of the previous lens prescription history, the current needs of the patient and the objective and subjective refraction findings all help to determine the new prescription.
All patients are given a copy of their glasses prescription.
Contact Lenses
Contact lenses have made great advances in recent years. Disposable or frequent replacement regimen lenses currently lead the market in contact lenses.
The availability of greater parameters in contact lens prescriptions has vastly increased. This has enabled the fitting of contacts on virtually any person, with any lens prescription.
The underlying retraction, lens prescription determination, is the most important starting point. Special measurements on the corneal surface are obtained. This allows the fit of a lens that will be comfortable and provide good vision.
Eye Disease
- Glaucoma
- Cataracts
- Diabetic Retinopathy
- Macular Degeneration
- Presbyopia
- Refractive Vision Problems
- Retinal Tears and Detachment
- Dry Eye
- Flashes, Floaters, and Vitreous Detachments
Facts About Glaucoma
- Glaucoma causes damage to sight at an earlier age than many eye conditions
- Blindness may develop rapidly
- Glaucoma is more common among persons who are near-sighted or diabetic
- Glaucoma is often symptom-less
- Glaucoma is not contagious
Cataracts
Cataracts are most common in people over the age of 55, but can affect younger people and, although rare, can affect newborns. A loss of transparency in the crystalline lens of the eye causes disruptions in the transmission of light to the retina which results in cataracts. Chemical changes within the protein material of the lens are responsible for yellow or brown discoloration and clouding. Having cataracts is like trying to look through a foggy window.
The natural aging process seems to bring these chemical changes, however there are other contributing factors. Cataract formation, in the early stages, may cause little or no visual problems. However, some may experience a substantial decrease in vision that may require surgery. Although there is no known prevention for cataracts, they can be successfully treated. Working together, you and your eye care specialist can develop a plan that will help you maintain the best possible vision in spite of the gradual development of cataracts.
Contributing Factors
- Injury
- Inherited
- Tendencies
- Certain diseases
- Birth defects
- Exposure to ultraviolet light (sunlight)
- Poor nutrition
- Smoking
- Certain drugs
Facts About Cataracts
- Cataracts do not “spread” from one eye to the other
- Cataracts are not caused from over-using eyes
- Cataracts are neither contagious nor related to cancer
- There is no known means to reverse the clouding once it occurs
- Cataracts are not a film or coating on the eye
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy, a disease of the small blood vessels that nourish the retina, is the most common eye complication of diabetes mellitus, a disease in which glucose, or sugar, is not properly used by the body, allowing high levels of sugar to build up in the blood and urine.
More than 32,000 Americans are blind from diabetic retinopathy, and each year an estimated 300,000 diabetics are seriously at risk for blindness from this disease.
Macular Degeneration
In the United States, macular degeneration is a leading cause of severe vision loss. In this disorder, the macula, the small area of the retina responsible for sharp central vision, is progressively destroyed, producing a blind spot or empty area in the center of focus. Each year an additional 165,000 persons, age 75 or older, develop macular degeneration.
Presbyopia
Presbyopia is a progressive form of farsightedness that affects most people by their early 60’s.
Presbyopia occurs with age as the lens of the eye gradually loses its elasticity (ability to spring back into shape). This reduces the ability of the lens to focus for near vision. The first indication of presbyopia usually is difficulty with reading.
Large print appears clearly, but small print is difficult to read except at arm’s length. Eventually the lenses of the eyes have little or no focusing ability. Simple reading eyeglasses with convex lenses correct most cases of presbyopia. Eyeglass prescriptions may need adjusting over the course of 10 to 20 years to correct the progressive nature of the disorder.
