Comprehensive Eye Examinations

Periodic eye examinations are recommended for all individuals in order to ensure the health of the eyes and to provide clear and comfortable vision. Many eye conditions can begin with little or no patient symptoms or discomfort. If detected early, most ocular conditions can be remediated with appropriate treatment and follow up, allowing for the preservation of visual function.

Keratoconus

Keratoconus is a progressive disorder characterized by thinning and irregularity of the cornea. It usually develops in both eyes, although one eye is usually more affected. The condition typically onsets in the early adult years and affects approximately 1 in every 2000 individuals. Keratoconus results in distorted and blurred or even double vision resulting from the development of irregularity in the cornea. Although the etiology of keratoconus is not well defined at this time, associations with systemic conditions such as atopy, collagen vascular diseases and Down's syndrome have been shown. The majority of patients with keratoconus require rigid gas permeable contact lenses to mask the irregularity on the corneal surface to provide clear vision.

For more information, please visit
http://www.nkcf.org/ 

Low Vision Services

Vision loss can result from a variety of conditions.  Adult patients can have deterioration of their vision from conditions such as macular degeneration, glaucoma, the ocular effects of diabetes or strokes, and retinitis pigmentosa among many others. Vision loss in children can be due to conditions such as albinism, hereditary optic nerve atrophy or macular degeneration. Patients with loss of vision that cannot be corrected with glasses or through medical or surgical treatment may benefit from low vision devices. 

Contact Lenses

New developments in contact lens technology have made contact lens wear safer, more comfortable and expanded the range of patients who are candidates for contact lens use. Over the last decade we have seen improvements in lens materials and design that allow us to provide successful contact lens fittings to patients who were previously unable to wear lenses due to poor comfort, poor vision, or both. 

 Cataracts

Cataracts are a clouding of the lens inside the eye. Over time, sun damage and other factors such as diabetes or steroid use can lead to this cloudiness of the lens which will allow less light to enter the eye. A person developing cataracts may encounter faded colors, problems with light (such as halos, or headlights that seem too bright), and poor night vision. Your eye doctor can detect the presence of cataracts with a thorough eye exam, including measurement of visual acuity and dilation of the pupils. Surgical treatment options are available.

 
Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is an eye condition associated with diabetes. High levels of blood sugar may damage tiny blood vessels in your eye. New vessels may form to replace the damaged vessels. The new vessels can burst, resulting in the leakage of blood in the retina. Symptoms of diabetic retinopathy include "floaters", blurred or darkened vision, sudden loss of vision, and flashes amongst others. If you are experiencing some of the symptoms listed above, you should seek an eye examination as soon as possible. If diagnosed properly, diabetic retinopathy can be treated with a laser procedure or a vitrectomy.

For more information, please visit http://www.diabetes.org/ 

Macular Degeneraion 

Macular degeneration is a disease that affects a small area of the central retina known as the macula. The macula is a specialized spot on the retina that allows us to see fine detail. Dry macular degeneration is accompanied by formation of yellow deposits called drusen, which dry out or thin the macula. In rare cases, abnormal blood vessels develop under the macula and leak fluid. This is known as wet macular degeneration. Common symptoms include a spot of blurry vision, dark vision, or distorted vision. Wet macular degeneration acts much faster when it occurs.

A number of uncontrollable factors contribute to macular degeneration, including age, sex, eye color, and race. Risk factors you can control include smoking, high blood pressure, exposure to harmful sunlight, and diet. Currently, there is no cure for macular degeneration, but treatment is available to slow the effects. Low vision services are available to assist in visual rehabilitation for patients suffering from macular degeneration.

For more information, please visit
http://www.amdalliance.org/ 

http://www.lighthouse.org/ 

http://www.amdhelp.com/

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a very common eye disorder affecting millions of Americans. It is caused by progressive damage to the optic nerve from reduced drainage of fluid inside the eye. More than half of those suffering from glaucoma are unaware they have the condition because glaucoma typically does not have any symptoms. If left untreated, it can lead to a gradual loss of peripheral vision resulting in tunnel vision and even blindness. Risk factors include family history, age greater than 45, African descent, nearsightedness, and long-term use of steroids. Routine comprehensive eye examinations, including measurement of the intra-ocular pressure, peripheral vision testing and assessment of the optic nerve will allow your doctor to determine if you have glaucoma.

For more information, please visit
http://www.glaucoma.org/ 

http://www.glaucomafoundation.org/

Optical Dispensing

Our optical laboratory has the latest in equipment to not only fabricate your glasses, but to maintain and repair them should they become broken or damaged. We are able to tint, coat, harden and edge spectacle lenses. We are able to provide you with any frame or lens design available. Our highly qualified optician and staff are able to adjust and fit your glasses to you for extended comfort and vision.

Laser Vision Correction

Everyone is talking about LASIK. Here is a brief description of the procedure.

A flap is cut in the cornea and then the flap is gently folded back. An Excimer Laser is used to reshape the cornea, much like a contact lens forms a new shape on the cornea, only the laser is permanent. The flap is then put back in place, acting like a natural bandage.

The "Wow!" effect of Lasik is the very rapid recovery of vision and the decreased level of discomfort post-operatively. You hear from people that they did not feel anything, and could see well the very first day. Most people have functional vision in 24-48 hours, although this is true in some cases, it must be noted that each person will heal at a different rate. Vision, although greatly improved immediately after surgery, continues to improve for some weeks, even months.

Everyones eyes are different. Even though you may have had a friend who has had LASIK, it does not mean it is right for you. If you are interested in laser vision correction, we will be happy to guide you in picking the right surgeon, procedure and laser appropriate for you. For many of you who are long-term contact lens wearers my pre-operative input can make the difference between an excellent result and a mediocre one.

Post-operatively we can monitor your eyes, and taper medications to arrive at the best possible result. After all, no one knows your eyes better than your optometrist.

Surgery Co-Management

Recent advancements have made refractive surgery safer and more reliable than ever. Laser refractive surgery to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism now allows for improved vision with rapid recovery following the procedure with minimal discomfort. Our doctors perform all pre and post operative evaluations necessary for refractive surgery procedures. We also provide the same care for any patient undergoing cataract surgery as well as many other surgical procedures.

Dry Eye Syndrome

Dry eye syndrome affects almost 10 million Americans. It is caused by a lack of quality or insufficient quantity of tears. Tears lubricate the outer layer of the eye, called the cornea. If the tears are not composed of a proper balance of mucous, water, and oil, the eye becomes irritated. A number of symptoms, including itching, irritation, burning, excessive tearing, redness, blurred vision, and discomfort after long periods of watching television, using a computer, or reading can be experienced.