Archive for November, 2009

Young Mother Develops Cancer of the Eye

Monday, November 30th, 2009
Dr. Noyes

Dr. Richard Noyes

The importance of routine examinations cannot be under stated.  The light-sensitive retina (located on the back, inside surface of the eye) should be examined at least annually, even for those with perfect vision.  The following is a real-life example of why a retinal exam is so important. 

Not long ago, a 32-year-old, single mother of three came to Iowa EyeCare’s Marion office to see optometrist Dr. Richard Noyes for an eye exam and to get new contact lenses. She had no symptoms and was in good health.
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Melanoma of the Eye

 

 

An Optomap® retinal exam was performed.  The image of the right eye is shown here and has a dark oval lesion: melanoma.  This patient was sent to the University of Iowa to see an ophthalmic oncologist (an eye-cancer doctor) and the eye was removed 3 days later.

Cancer of the eye is deadly.  The early diagnosis made by Dr. Noyes saved this woman’s life.  Fortunately, she doing fine and was fit with a prosthetic eye. 

 

 

Don’t wait to schedule your next eye exam.  We have locations in Cedar Rapids, Marion and Robins, Iowa.

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Visual Fatigue Syndrome

Sunday, November 22nd, 2009
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Visual Fatigue

In recent years there has been a shift in the way we use our vision.  Instead of using our eyes to see most things at distance, we spend most of the day viewing objects that are within arms reach.  These items include the computer, television, cell phone, PDAs, even books are now available in digital format. Both the real world and written word have now been replaced by a constant barrage of illuminated, digital pixels. This new visual environment commonly induces visual fatigue.

 

Users of digital media may experience eyestrain, blurred vision, tired eyes, dry eyes, neck and back pain. Even those who can see 20/20 and those who do not normally wear glasses may experience visual fatigue.  Studies have shown us that 83 percent of all individuals experience one or more symptoms of Visual Fatigue Syndrome. 

 

Unfortunately most of those affected by visual fatigue are not getting the help they need.  The reason is poor education. Most people do not understand why they are experiencing problems and, in many cases, eye doctors are not properly trained to recognize the symptoms of visual fatigue. Even when an eye doctor is well informed, he or she may lack the proper tools necessary to help patients combat symptoms.

 

The eye doctors at Iowa EyeCare can teach you about proper monitor heights, angles, and distances, as well as other tips regarding visual media.  We also use various lenses and lens designs to enhance your experience with digital media and reduce visual fatigue.

 

The Essilor Anti-Fatigue lens may be prescribed for anyone who uses digital media.  These lenses may be used in both children and adults and can even be used over contact lenses.  Our patients tell us that the Essilor Anti-Fatigue lens makes things seem brighter and reduces visual discomfort.

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Anti-Fatugue Lens

  

For those who currently need extra help up close in the form of a lined or progressive bifocal lens, our eye doctors may prescribe the Essilor Computer lenses to increase their overall computer experience.  The Essilor Computer lens is specifically designed to maximize the intermediate range of vision, while maintaining some areas for both near and distance.

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Computer Lens

 

Contact us today to schedule an examination with one of our eye doctors.  Iowa EyeCare has locations in Cedar Rapids, Marion, and Robins, Iowa.

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What should be included in a comprehensive vision examination?

Monday, November 16th, 2009

 

 By Dr. Kimberly Cruise

 

 

The Eye Exam

I am often told by patients that their last eye exam was a screening performed at school, at work, or at the Iowa department of motor vehicles.  It is important for us all to understand why a vision screening is not a replacement for a comprehensive vision examination. 

The eye is like a window that can show your eye doctor what is going on inside the rest of the body.  It is the only place where blood vessels and nerves can be viewed directly.  Many whole-body conditions including diabetes, high blood pressure and even some types of cancer can sometimes be found within the eye.  Every day, eye doctors save lives by diagnosing and monitoring diseases that may otherwise have no signs or symptoms. 

At a minimum, assessment of visual acuity, eye muscles, visual field, pupil reaction, binocularity, glasses prescription, eye pressure and both the front surface and the inside of the eye should be included in a comprehensive examination.  The eye doctors at Iowa EyeCare recommend that, regardless of age, you have a complete eye and vision examination at least every year.  In some cases of ocular disease or general ailment, more frequent visits may be necessary. 

Remember that not all vision exams are created equal.  Make sure that you and your family are receiving the very best medical care by scheduling an examination with us today in Cedar Rapids, Marion, or Robins, Iowa.

Dr. Cruise

Dr. Cruise

 

Visit us on our website www.iowaeyecare.com

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Scratched Eye

Monday, November 9th, 2009

By Dr. Dennis Francis

 

The doctors at Iowa EyeCare have a different term for “scratched eye”.  We call it a corneal abrasion.  The cornea is the clear window in front of the colored part of your eye.  It’s about the thickness of a credit card and has 5 different layers.  The front or top layer, the epithelium, is designed to protect the rest of the cornea, but it’s also very sensitive and susceptible to damage.  When the epithelium is injured by an abrasion, the eye is at risk contracting an infection.  Corneal infections can have severe consequences, including permanent vision loss.

Prompt care can help to protect the eye and prevent permanent vision loss.  An antibiotic eye drop is usually required to help thwart infection and get you feeling better again. Your doctor may also choose to use additional medications or even a bandage contact lens, depending on the nature of the injury.  Either way, close monitoring of the abraded eye is critical.  It is important to follow up as directed by your Iowa EyeCare optometrist.

Prevention is always the best medicine.  Never forget to use safety glasses when it is appropriate, especially when doing yard work or working with metal.  A scratched eye can be very painful and it is important to seek medical care immediately.  At Iowa EyeCare we have a doctor on call 24 hours and day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, to care for any type of eye emergency.

If you or someone close to you has an eye emergency, you’ll want to call us right away.  Our phone number is 319-377-2222.  Keep number on hand, so when bad things happen your prepared.

 

Visit us on our website www.iowaeyecare.com

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Okay, so what exactly is “astigmatism”?

Monday, November 2nd, 2009

By Dr. Ryan W. Nelson

 

Astigmatism is the most common refractive condition.  It’s different from being nearsighted or farsighted.  Astigmatism means that light entering the eye is not focusing in one place.  Instead light is being scattered and the result is blurred vision. 

Most often, astigmatism results from misshapenness on the front surface of the eye (the cornea).  Instead of the cornea being spherical like the side of a basketball, it’s shaped more like the side of a football, flatter in one area and steeper in the other areas. 

At Iowa EyeCare we correct astigmatism using glasses, contact lenses, or even LASIK surgery.  If you aren’t seeing as well as you think you should, it just might be astigmatism that’s causing a problem.  Schedule an appointment today in either of our Marion, Robins or Cedar Rapids, Iowa, locations to find our which treatment options are right for you.

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