Archive for March, 2010

Backyard Chickens & Histoplasmosis in Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Sunday, March 28th, 2010
By Dr. Ryan W. Nelson

Iowa Backyard Chickens

Histoplasmosis is an infection caused by the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum.  Fortunately, Histoplasmosis most often results in no symptoms or illness.  This fungus grows in the soil and is thought to be carried through chicken and other bird droppings.  Histoplasma capsulatumis transferred to humans via the respiratory tract.  Histoplasmosis is common in Iowa and reports show that more than 60% of the population has already been exposed.

Ocular Histoplasmosis occurs when this fungus causes scarring of the retina on the back, inside-surface of the eye.   I often see patients with these scars and they cause vision problems very rarely. 

Chickens are a fundamental part of Iowa heritage.  More and more Iowans are becoming interested in having their own flock of chickens for good reason.  Chickens can be a good source of both meat and eggs for the family.  Local food is environmentally friendly.  Free-range, organic food is healthier for you.  It reminds us and teaches our children where food comes from.   

Personally, I’m in favor of backyard chickens and the movement by Cedar Rapids Citizens for the Legalization of Urban Chickens (CLUC).  Chickens do not carry more disease than other city-approved animals.  Chickens make make less noise than barking dogs.  A well-maintained chicken coop doesn’t have a foul odor. 

If you have questions about Ocular Histoplasmosis contact one of the optometrists at Iowa EyeCare by calling 319-377-2222 or by clicking on the link: CEDAR RAPIDS EYE DOCTORS.

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How do Transition® Lenses Work?

Sunday, March 21st, 2010
 
What are Transition® Lenses?  

Lenses that change automatically to lighting conditions.  

  • Clear as an ordinary clear lens indoors and at night
  • Block 100% of sun’s harmful UVA & UVB rays
  • Available in Gray or Brown
  • Widest variety of lens designs and materials to choose from

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    How do Transition® Lenses work?      

    When photochromic molecules of a Transitions® Lens are in their resting state they allow all visible light to come through the lens.  Even in the resting state lenses block 100% UV A and UV B light. When the photochromic molecule becomes exposed to an energy source (bright sunlight), a complex molecular reaction occurs and changes chemical bonding and, thus, the shape of the molecules in the lens. In the fully activated state, the photochromic molecules are folded into completely new configurations. These configurations absorb light more effectively than the resting state and make the lens look dark. When the  energy source is removed the molecules will always return to their original position and the lens lightens to its original color.    

      

    Spend a significant amount of time driving? 

    Drivewear® lenses have the ability to sense various light conditions and automatically adjust for those conditions, even from behind the windshield of a car.  Photochromatic properties of this lens respond to both visible and UV light to protect your eyes from the sun and reduce glare. 

     

      

     

     

     

     

     

    The eye doctors and staff at Iowa EyeCare are experts at fitting all prescription non-prescription lenses, including Transition® and Drivewear® lenses.  Schedule an appointment with one of our optometrists by calling 319-377-2222 or clicking here: CEDAR RAPIDS EYE DOCTOR.

     Iowa EyeCare has locations in Marion, Robins, and Cedar Rapids, Iowa. We can help make a difference today.

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    Golf: An Optometrist’s Perspective

    Sunday, March 14th, 2010
    Dr. David Christensen

    Dr. David Christensen

    As spring draws near, golfers start to think about that first round of golf. I certainly am ready to get out and enjoy the outdoors. When it comes to golfing and vision, there are a few items that need to be considered. First of all, golfing can last anywhere from an hour and a half for a quick nine holes to over four hours for an eighteen hole round. This allows for significant exposure to the elements. Just as you need sunscreen to protect your skin, you should wear sunglasses to protect your eyes. Your sunglasses should block UV light as UV light can increase the risk for macular degeneration and cataracts.

    For years, I struggled to find sunglasses that worked for golfing as I always felt that the frames were in the way of my vision. Sunglasses for golf should have a wrap to them. Wrap means that the lenses are slightly more curved than a typical glasses lens and the lens extends farther around the side of the head. This reduces the possibility that you will see the edge of the lens or the frame in the side of your vision. I also prefer a frame with a rimless design—meaning there is no wire or plastic on the bottom of the lens—for the same reason.

    Iowa Golf

    Golf Iowa

    Finally, the tint on the lenses is very important. A typical sunglass tint is too dark for golfing. During a round of golf, the light conditions can vary dramatically. It may be bright sunlight at one moment and then clouds roll in or you have to move under the shade of a tree. You don’t want to have to remove your sunglasses in all of these situations. So, a light grey or brown tint typically works well. Some of the sunglass companies have a “golf” tint which is a color that is designed to enhance the ability to see the ball. These “golf” tints have worked well for me, but I haven’t noticed a dramatic improvement compared to other colors of tints.

    So, if you haven’t worn sunglasses for golf in the past, give it a try. You will be pleasantly surprised at how much more comfortable your vision is during your round of golf and the health of your eyes will definitely benefit. We have plenty of sunglasses that will work for you including styles from Serengeti and Bolle.

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    A Baby’s Eyes and Vision

    Sunday, March 7th, 2010

    By Dr. Ryan W. Nelson

    Baby EyesA baby’s first eye exam is essential to rule out congenital cataracts and other neonatal eye conditions.  If these problems are not detected soon after birth, vision will not develop properly.  The eye doctors at Iowa EyeCare  recommend that even if no eye or vision problems are apparent, at about age 6 months, you should take your baby to your doctor of optometry for his or her first thorough eye examination.

    All newborn babies have poor vision, about 20/400 (the top letter on the eye chart).  Color vision, visual details, eye movement skills and depth perception, improve during the first few months of life.

     

     

    The American Optometric Association and the doctors at Iowa EyeCare agree that parents should watch for signs of eye or vision problems and engage their child in age-appropriate visual activities:

  • Excessive tearing – this may indicate blocked tear ducts
  • Red or encrusted eye lids – this could be a sign of an eye infection
  • Constant eye turning – this may signal a problem with eye muscle control
  • Extreme sensitivity to light – this may indicate an elevated pressure in the eye
  • Appearance of a white pupil – this may indicate the presence of an eye cancer

    • There are many things parents can do to help their baby’s vision develop properly. The following are some examples of age-appropriate activities that can assist an infant’s visual development.

    Birth to four months

    • Use a nightlight or other dim lamp in your baby’s room.
    • Change the crib’s position frequently and change your child’s position in it.
    • Keep reach-and-touch toys within your baby’s focus, about eight to twelve inches.
    • Talk to your baby as you walk around the room.
    • Alternate right and left sides with each feeding.

    Five to eight months

    • Give the baby plenty of time to play and explore on the floor.
    • Provide plastic or wooden blocks that can be held in the hands.
    • Play patty cake and other games, moving the baby’s hands through the motions while saying the words aloud.

    Nine to twelve months

    • Play hide and seek games with toys or your face to help the baby develop visual memory.
    • Name objects when talking to encourage the baby’s word association and vocabulary development skills.
    • Encourage crawling and creeping.

    One to two years

    • Roll a ball back and forth to help the child track objects with the eyes visually.
    • Give the child building blocks and balls of all shapes and sizes to play with to boost fine motor skills and small muscle development.
    • Read or tell stories to stimulate the child’s ability to visualize and pave the way for learning and reading skills.

     

    If you have additional questions or concerns regarding your newborn, contact the eye doctors at Iowa EyeCare now.  Our phone number is 319-377-2222.  We have office locations in Cedar Rapids, Marion, and Robins, Iowa.

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