By 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. 

A quality pair of polarized sunglasses are an angler’s most overlooked investment.  A good pair of sunglasses will help you with better lure placement, detection of underwater cover and structure,  underwater topography, and even the fish themselves.   If you have not tried a quality pair of sunglasses on for yourself, you need to do so.  The difference is incredible.

A quality pair of sunglasses from Iowa EyeCare can help you catch more fish.  Iowa EyeCare can help you with both prescription and non-prescription sunglasses for fishing, driving, or other recreational (or occupational) activities.  Don’t waste your money on sunglasses from a convenience store.  Cheap sunglasses may even say “polarized” but they often just have components that imitate true polarization.  In addition, convenience store sunglasses often have warped lenses that can cause distortion and eyestrain.  A quality pair of sunglasses will hold up well to tough weather conditions like rain and heat.

Some of my favorite sun-glass brands are Bolle and Serengeti.  Iowa EyeCare carries a huge stock of both brands, as well as sunglasses that can attach-to or fit over your current frame.

Dr. Dennis Francis

In open water, direct and indirect UV exposure is abundant, regardless of the weather.  UV light has been linked to premature cataracts and macular degeneration among other ocular complications.  Polarized sunglasses eliminate glare off the water and reduce the direct UV entering the eye, thus reducing your risk for advanced eye disease.

Eye protection is never taken seriously until something happens to you.  Bass fishing involves sharp, weighted, fast-moving, flying objects… a true recipe for disaster.  Don’t gamble with your eyes.

Read more about sunglasses in this article from bassresource.com:

The Shining Points of Sunglasses by Mike Iaconelli

Iowa 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. 

Iowa EyeCare has new high-index materials that bend light more efficiently than the conventional plastic lenses. This means less material can be used in high-index lenses to correct the same amount of prescription. 

What is index of refraction? 

For Nerds Only

The index of refraction of a lens is a measure of ability to bend light.   Index of refraction is determined by the material in which it is made.  For the nerds reading this, you’ll be interested to know the refractive index equation: Refractive Index = velocity of light in a vacuum / velocity of light in medium… the bottom line… the higher the refractive index of a lens material, the thinner a corrective lens can be made.  

High Index (left) verses Conventional Plastic (right)

The higher your prescription, the more important high-index material becomes.  Iowa EyeCare also recommends this material for certain frame styles.  Ask the expert frame stylists at Iowa EyeCare about high index lenses in your next pair of glasses. 

Iowa EyeCare is located in Cedar Rapids, Marion, and Robins, Iowa.  Click here to schedule an appointment with one of our talented eye doctors.

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.

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.

 

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.

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.

By 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.

Your glasses prescription is the most important factor to consider when selecting new lenses and frames. Ask your doctor about a prescription that is specific to your occupation and hobbies.

Did you know …

• Most people can achieve better vision with an anti-reflective option.
• Ultraviolet coated lenses protect your eyes from UVA/UVB rays that cause cataracts and ocular surface disease.
• The life of your lenses can be extended with a scratch resistant coating.
• High Index allows lenses to be thinner and lighter and is especially important for those with high prescriptions.
• A second spare pair of glasses may be critical if you ever lose or break your glasses.
• Polarized sunglasses cut through reflections and glare to help you see clearly.

The staff at Iowa EyeCare is ready to help with choosing the right glasses to fit your prescription, your lifestyle and your personal fashion. Iowa EyeCare offers a variety of options to suit any individual. Ask about our multiple-pair glasses discounts.

You dress to express your own style and your glasses should reflect that. As both an accessory to any outfit and necessary eye care, the right glasses can make you feel more confident. The right fit, shape and color are all important aspects to keep in mind when selecting your frames.

Visit our website to schedule an appointment today or contact us today to discover any discounts we may have available for you!