We truly believe in routine eye examinations so that you can see as clearly as possible. Once you have to get glasses or contacts, it is even more important to watch the health of your eyes. You also need routine checks to ensure your prescription has not changed.
To ensure good eye health and vision, we are very proud to offer the following services:
Comprehensive Eye Exams
Have you ever had an eye exam this thorough?
When you visit our office, you will leave knowing you have had a complete eye examination which will include:
Contact Lenses
Deciding To Wear Contact Lenses? Or ready for a change in the ones that you currently wear?
With all of the healthful and convenient options available today, almost anyone can wear contact lenses. With materials that are thin, light and breathable, contact lenses have become safer and more comfortable over the years. In our practice most patients are fit with lenses that are disposable and which can be slept with for periods of one week or greater. For our middle-aged patients who are presbyopic, we offer monovision contact lens fittings which allow them to see both distance and near without the need for glasses. We also offer the option of bifocal or multifocal contact lenses for patients who have special needs. For those who are currently wearing rigid gas-permeable lenses, we offer a full range of services including corneal topography, lens polishing and lens customization.
Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration refers to aging of the retinal tissue which comprises the macula. The macula is the area of the retina that provides us with our central vision. When the cells of the macula degenerate it causes blurriness or darkness in our central vision. This is very different from other disease processes, such as glaucoma, which causes visual damage mainly in the periphery. Fortunately, macular degeneration does not tend to affect the side or peripheral vision. Macular degeneration only rarely causes total blindness since it tends to preserve the valuable side vision which allows people to take care of themselves in most cases
Cataracts
A cataract occurs when the natural lens of the eye loses it’s clarity over time. This may be caused by U.V sun exposure, by time or by many other factors. The eye functions very much like a camera. Just as a camera has a focusing lens, so does the natural lens of the eye focus images. A young eye has a clear lens which provides clear, sharp images. As the lens loses it’s clarity the images that it produces become blurred and distorted. Furthermore, colors become “washed out” and less vivid. It is also very common for the developing cataract to cause glare and reflections or haloes around lights. The glare may occur at night, while driving, or during the day with sunlight.
What is glaucoma and how is it caused?
Glaucoma is a disease of the optic nerve which usually arises as a result of excess pressure within the eye. Glaucoma is a major cause of blindness in the United States, and is more prevalent in people of advanced years. The key to prevention and successful glaucoma outcomes is to obtain treatment by an eye care professional at an early stage.
Routine checks for glaucoma, an integral part of regular eye care, are essential to detect and treat glaucoma since high pressure in the eye has no discernable symptoms. Without routine eye exams, people often do not realize that they have a significant problem until it is too late to prevent visual loss.
Glaucoma results from an accumulation of fluid in the eye. Usually this type of build up occurs because the fluid is unable to drain out through the natural exit pathways of the eye. The build up of this flow of fluid increases the pressure on the optic nerve. If untreated, this pressure, over a period of months to years will cause damage to the optic nerve. This damage causes decreased vision and visual field loss.
There are several different types of glaucoma. The most common type, which affects over 90% of glaucoma patients, is chronic open-angle glaucoma. Chronic open-angle glaucoma causes a chronic, slow loss of visual field.
Another type of glaucoma is angle-closure glaucoma, in which a sharp rise in pressure occurs suddenly. Symptoms of angle-closure glaucoma include severe pain in the eye, headaches, nausea and vomiting, blurred vision and seeing rainbow halos around lights. This type of glaucoma can occur in only a few hours and cause severe visual loss which is irreversible. It is essential to see an eye doctor for treatment upon experiencing the symptoms of angle-closure glaucoma or blindness can result.
How is glaucoma detected?
Vision loss from glaucoma is permanent but can usually be prevented with early detection and treatment. Glaucoma management is usually a lifelong process that requires frequent monitoring and constant treatment. Since there is no way to determine of glaucoma is under control based on how a person feels, regular doctor visits are critical. The glaucoma exam is painless and includes measuring intraocular pressure, inspecting the drainage angle of your eye, evaluating the optic nerve for signs of damage and testing the visual field in both eyes. We offer state-of-the art equipment to detect glaucoma, and to manage the course of treatment for each individual patient. Our testing is discussed below.
We routinely scan your optic nerves using the most sophisticated imaging technology available, the Zeiss OCT (optical coherence tomography). The optic nerve laser scanner is emerging as the state of the art of glaucoma care. Our precision equipment, which includes a computerized visual field machine and stereo optic nerve cameras permits us to offer our glaucoma patients the gold standard in glaucoma care. Fortunately, routine eye exams detect the vast majority of glaucoma conditions before any damage to vision occurs. SEE OUR SPECIALTY TESTING HERE
What are the risk factors for glaucoma?
There are several risk factors for glaucoma, which include a family history of glaucoma, African descent, high myopia, age, and trauma to the eye. Your ophthalmologist will consider these factors in determining whether and what type of treatment is most suitable for each patient and whether further monitoring is required.
How do you treat glaucoma?
The most common forms of treatment for glaucoma are eye drops which act to reduce intraocular pressure or laser treatment. Eye drops are usually very effective, however, they can be expensive and are often not covered by medical insurance. Glaucoma drops may also unintended side effects, especially since they are usually taken every day for the rest of your life. Surgery is more definitive than drops and can be very effective; however, it has a much higher risk of complications and is only used as a last resort. Another option (discussed below) is SLT laser which is much easier and safer than surgery, and often has the same pressure lowering effect as eye drops. It is important to understand that treatment of any kind does not reverse previous damage but it can stop further damage to the optic nerve or vision. In addition to treatment, monitoring visits with your eye doctor will usually occur every three to four months and include diagnostic tests to follow the progress of the glaucoma.
SLT laser
Selective Laser Trabeculoplast, or SLT, is a laser treatment used to lower intraocular pressure in open angle glaucoma. It targets only specific cells of the eye, located in the drainage meshwork. This allows for only those cells to be affected, leaaving surrounding tissue intact. SLT uses extremely rapid laser pulses with minimal heat absorption by tissues. For this reason it is sometimes referred to as “cold laser” because it does not cause thermal damage or tissue scarring. The main goal of the laser is to disrupt the blockage of fluid outflow from the eye which eventually results in lowering of intraocular pressure. SLT is performed in the office and only takes a few minutes. The laser is applied through a special microscope, similar to the one used for eye examinations. It is rare to experience pain. When used as initial treatment it will lower the intraocular pressure significantly in about 75% of patients, freeing them from the inconvenience, cost and side effects of glaucoma drops. The pressure lowering effect usually lasts for several years and can be repeated if needed. Side effects to the laser are quite limited and, in most cases, can be easily treated with anti-inflammatory drops. SLT is reimbursed by almost all insurance plans.
Computer Vision
Computer Vision is a relatively new term within the optometry field and refers to eye problems associated with the prolonged use of computers and electronics that utilize a digital screen. Although it can be temporary, there are times when computer vision can strain the eyes to a degree that permanently affects your vision as well. An existing eye condition can worsen as the eyes try to focus and adjust to a computer screen, and precautions should be taken if you spend long hours in front of a computer screen.
If you have been experiencing blurry vision, dry eyes, eye strain, headaches, neck or back pain, try adjusting the lighting, posture, and the distance in front of your computer screen. If computer vision symptoms persist, call us to schedule an appointment, we will perform a full evaluation.
Specialty Testing
In many instances, diagnostic testing is critical in taking proper care of your eyes. We regularly invest in the best and newest diagnostic technology for the diagnosis and management of eye diseases.
Optical Shop
Our shop offers hundreds of frames, the most up to date styles available, all at competitive prices. We carry frames for the sports minded and active individual, and also elegant and fashionable styles. In addition, we have a wide variety of budget frames and frames that are completely covered by vision insurance plans.
LASIK
LASIK stands for laser in-situ keratomileusis and is a popular surgery to correct vision problems. LASIK can help people who are nearsighted or farsighted, as well those who have astigmatism.
LASIK works by reshaping the cornea with a laser, which allows light to be correctly focused onto the retina. A laser is used to create a small flap in the cornea, which is peeled back so another laser can reshape the cornea. The flap is then placed back and the surgery is complete.
Diabetic Eye Care
Diabetes mellitus is one of the leading causes of blindness in the U.S. Diabetes can affect the retina (retinopathy) which can result in visual loss. Most forms of diabetic retinopathy can be very successfully recognized and treated if caught in a timely manner. Routine monitoring of diabetics by an ophthalmologist is essential for detection of these problems.
Dry Eye Treatment
Dry eye syndrome results from a reduction in the quality of the tear film that helps to lubricate the eye. There are many causes for the reduction in quality, including the normal aging process, dry climate, high altitude, exposure to recycled air or cigarette smoke, as well as some medications, thyroid conditions, vitamin deficiencies and some systemic diseases. Contact lens wearers may also experience dry eye syndrome as the contacts absorb the tear film and cause proteins to form on the contact lens. Women may also experience dry eye syndrome as they enter menopause.