The TearLab™ Osmolarity system is the first instrument in the next generation of dry eye diagnosis technologies. Tear osmolaritycan be defined as the concentration of particles in the tears. Dry Eye is caused by decreased tear production, increased tear evaporation or abnormal lipid production. Continue Reading 
Iowa EyeCare Presents New Diagnosis Technology for Dry Eye: TearLab™ Osmolarity
May 9th, 2010Summer Eye Saftey
May 2nd, 2010
The snow in Iowa has finally thawed and it’s warming up. That means more and more people are planning outdoor activites. Just remember to be concious about your eye health this summer season.
One of the biggest eye hazards is yard work. Eye protection is essential when operating power equipment like a lawn-mowers, weed-eaters, chain-saws, leaf-blowers or electric trimmers. Each of these tools can send small high-velocity projectiles hurling toward the eyes. Eye abrasions, perforations and infections have the potential to cause significant damage to the eye including permanent vision loss.
Think about eye protection even when you don’t anticipate dangers.
If you receive an eye injury or have foreign material in your eye, seek care immediately. It’s always best to have a professional look at your eye under a microscope. Washing the eye yourself with tap-water is insufficient. The doctors at Iowa EyeCare are on-call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Call 319-377-2222.
Can a contact lens dislocate behind the eye?
April 25th, 2010
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.
Eye Care Professionals: What’s the Difference?
April 19th, 2010Optometrist
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.
Eye Infections
April 11th, 2010An 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.
Mountain Bike Vision Skills and Eyewear
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.
Backyard Chickens & Histoplasmosis in Cedar Rapids, Iowa
March 28th, 2010
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.
How do Transition® Lenses Work?
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
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.
A Baby’s Eyes and Vision
March 7th, 2010
A 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:
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.
