Archive for April, 2010

Can a contact lens dislocate behind the eye?

Sunday, April 25th, 2010

By Dr. Dennis Francis

A contact lens may occasionally become dislocated from its normal riding position.  Dislocation of a contact lens occurs when the contact lens is dry, when it is fit poorly or, most often, when the eye is rubbed by the lens wearer.   The diagram shown here is a cross-section of the human eye.  Notice that the space between the eye and the lid extends only a short distance toward the back of the eye.  You can see that while a contact lens my become dislocated under the upper or lower lids, it will never become dislodged completely behind the eye.

If you think you may have a contact lens or just  piece of a contact lens dislocated in the eye, seek care immediately.  Dislodged lens materials should be recovered as soon as possible.  Poor lid function, lid tissue irritation, and even infection can result from dislocated contact lens material.  The eye doctors at Iowa EyeCare in Cedar Rapids, Marion and Robins, Iowa, are willing to assist you at any time.  Iowa EyeCare has a doctor on-call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.  Please call 319-377-2222 if you need our help.

If you have more questions about contact lenses go to Iowa EyeCare’s Contact Lens FAQ Page.

If you are interested in learning more about LASIK surgery in Cedar Rapids, visit Iowa EyeCare’s LASIK FAQ Page.

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Eye Care Professionals: What’s the Difference?

Monday, April 19th, 2010

 Optometrist

Optometrists are doctors of optometry.  Optometrists are experts at all parts of the eye and visual system.  Commonly, optometrists will prescribe glasses and contact lenses.  Optometrists are able to diagnose and treat binocular vision disorders, including strabismus (eye turn) and amblyopia (lazy eye).  Optometrists treat eye infections, remove foreign material from the eye and even perform some minor, non-invasive surgeries.  Optometrists are able to diagnose all eye conditions.  Optometrists are able to use both topical eye drops and oral medications to diagnose and treat eye disease.

Optometrists must have 8 years of college education, including a doctorate degree from a 4-year college of optometry.

The eye doctors at Iowa EyeCare are optometrists.

Ophthalmologist

Dr. Womack, Ophthalmologist

An ophthalmologist is an eye surgeon.  Ophthalmologists commonly perform cataract removal, retinal repairs, and LASIK surgery.  Most ophthalmologists specialize in a particular area of the eye, such as the retina, neuro-ophthalmology or cornea.

After earning an undergraduate degree ophthalmologists go to a 4-year general medicine school before learning a specialty.

Dr. Larry Womack, our LASIK surgeon, is an ophthalmologist.

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Eye Infections

Sunday, April 11th, 2010

By Dr. Kimberly Cruise

An eye infection is just one of the common reasons individuals seek medical eye care in Cedar Rapids.  Eye infections can have serious, long-lasting or permanent consequences to the eye and to the visual system.  Seek the care of a medical eye professional immediately if you suspect you may have an eye infection.  The optometrists at Iowa EyeCare are experts in treating all types of eye infections.  Eye infections can attack many different parts or locations on or within the eye:

  • Conjunctiva (the clear tissue lining the surface of the white ocular surface)
  • Cornea (the clear window in front of the iris and pupil)
  • Inside the Eye
  • Retina (the light-sensitive inside-surface of the eye)
  • Optic Nerve (the cord that takes vision from the eye to the brain)

 

Viral Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)

The most common type of eye infection is viral conjunctivitis, more commonly known as “pink eye”.  Usually the culprit is an adenovirus, the same type of virus that causes the common cold.  The adenovirus is often transmitted through respiratory droplets. These highly contagious eye infections cause redness, watering, light sensitivity, and blurred vision.  The eye doctors at Iowa EyeCare use prescription medications to reduce these symptoms.  Recovery usually occurs within one week.

Iowa EyeCare has locations in Robins, Marion and Cedar Rapids, Iowa.  To learn more about eye infections and other eye conditions visit the Iowa EyeCare Website.

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Mountain Bike Vision Skills and Eyewear

Monday, April 5th, 2010

By Dr. Ryan W. Nelson   

Dr. Ryan W. Nelson

Good visual skills are essential for both the competition and recreational mountain biker.  The best advice I can give you is to keep your head up and cast your eyes farther down the trail.  When you stop looking at the ground and start looking at the trail, it does a number of things that will help you build speed and gain confidence when riding.   

1. Looking farther down the trail gives you more time to react to the terrain.  

2. A level head position allows the internal balancing system (located in the inner ear) to work most effectively.   

3. Imagine a line on the trail that you want your bike’s wheels to follow and concentrate on it.  Your bike will follow your eyes.  

4. Avoid looking at the trail hazards, again because your bike will follow your eyes.   

Sugar Bottom Mountain Bike Trail, located  in eastern Iowa, is one of my favorite places to ride.  Sugar Bottom has trails with variety of terrain conditions for all ability levels.  Having the proper equipment can enhance performance and the enjoyment of riding. Regardless of whether you mountain bike several times a week or several times a year, remember to always wear eye protection when you ride.   

Iowa EyeCare is the leader in recreational frames and lenses for the state of Iowa.  We have both prescription and non-prescription options available and we would be happy to assist you regardless of your budget.   

Mountain Biking presents multiple hazards to the eye, including low-hanging tree limbs, loose dirt, bugs, wind, and bright sunlight.  When selecting eye protection keep these tips in mind: 

  • Use only Polycarbonate or other, shatter-resistant lenses.

    A Specialized Rockhopper, just like my own bike.

  • Frames should fit comfortably and snugly on the face.
  • Use a neck strap to prevent lost eyewear over rough terrain.
  • Use lenses that have UV protection.
  • Use yellow tinted lenses for riding during low-light conditions.
  • Use amber or rose tinted lenses for general riding conditions.

Don’t forget the other basic necessities either:   

  • Always wear a helmet.
  • Obey the posted trail rules and regulations.
  • Carry a portable bike emergency repair kit.
  • Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.

The eye doctors and staff at Iowa EyeCare are experts at fitting eye protection for all outdoor activities.  Schedule an appointment today by calling 319-377-2222 or by clicking on the link: CEDAR RAPIDS EYE DOCTORS.

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