Iowa EyeCare remains committed to offering the very best for our patients. New innovations in progressive addition lens technology are allowing our patients to see better and enjoy their glasses more then ever before.
Archive for the ‘glasses’ Category
Experience TRUCLEAR HD
Thursday, May 19th, 2011Nearsightedness
Monday, February 14th, 2011
Worsening Distance Blur Caused By Myopia
Nearsightedness generally means that objects in the distance are blurry. Another term for nearsightedness is “myopia”. It’s been estimated that 20% of all Americans have some degree of the refractive condition called myopia. (more…)
Eyecare Tips for Bass Fishing in Iowa
Friday, July 9th, 2010By Dr. Ryan Nelson & Dr. Dennis Francis
Dr. Ryan Nelson
Take it from a couple of eye doctors who are avid bass fisherman: Your eyes are more important than any tackle or technique when bass fishing in Iowa. (more…)
The Value of High Index Lenses
Friday, June 25th, 2010Iowa EyeCare is committed to giving our patients the very best services and products, including high quality eyeglasses and prescription lenses. This includes High Index options for lighter, thinner lenses that improve the comfort and function of your glasses. (more…)
Mountain Bike Vision Skills and Eyewear
Monday, April 5th, 2010
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.
How do Transition® Lenses Work?
Sunday, March 21st, 2010
Lenses that change automatically to lighting conditions.
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.
Golf: An Optometrist’s Perspective
Sunday, March 14th, 2010
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.
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.
Don’t Underestimate the Importance of Sun Protection for Your Eyes
Sunday, January 10th, 2010
You know sun protection is important for your skin. The eyes need sun protection too. Even during the Iowa winter months.
Iowa EyeCare strongly recommends all of our patients wear UV eye protection when outdoors, even on cloudy days and even during the Iowa winter. Limit you time in direct sunlight, wear a wide-brimmed hat, and always wear sunglasses. Sun protection is especially important in children. Significant UV damage occurs in children when the eyes are not properly protected from the sun because their eyes do not filter UV as well as adults.
The radiation you receive from the sun is known to cause multiple adverse eye conditions including:
- Cataract: a clouding of the lens.
- Macular Degeneration: loss of light-sensitive tissue inside the eye.
- Pterygium: a growth on the surface of the eye.
- Photokeratitis: sunburn of the eyes
- Dry Eye: inadequate tear film.
Save Money! If you have insurance that allows you to get new frames, why not make your old glasses into sunglasses?
Get an Eye Exam! The eye doctors at Iowa EyeCare are ready to serve all of your vision care needs. We are confident that Iowa EyeCare can provide you with the best sunglasses in Iowa. Contact us today: Iowa EyeCare has locations in Marion, Robins, and Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
- Iowa’s Winter Sun
Visual Fatigue Syndrome
Sunday, November 22nd, 2009
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.
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.
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.
I’ve never needed glasses for reading… why now?
Monday, October 26th, 2009By Dr. Ryan W. Nelson
The most common reason for reading glasses in a person who has never needed them before is a phenomenon known as presbyopia. Presbyopia causes near vision blur when distance vision is either normal or corrected.
The cause for presbyopia is a faulty focusing system. The focusing system of the eye is made of two major components, the “lens” and the muscle that controls it called the “cilliary body”. The ciliary body is triggered to contract when focusing on objects at near and it directly controls the lens. It is ultimately the lens’ flexibility which allows us to see at both distance and near automatically. Over time, the lens becomes less flexible and is no longer able to focus light like it once could, which results in blurred vision.
In the optometry profession we say, “three things are certain: death, taxes… and presbyopia”. Given enough time, presbyopia catches up with us all. Most individuals will experience the early signs of presbyopia between 40 and 50 years old. It starts when you have to hold things further away in order to see them clearly.
Near vision blur is correctable with glasses and contact lenses. The difference is that now two prescriptions are needed: one for distance, and one for near. Let us help you at your next eye examination.
