By Dr. David Christensen

When vision becomes significantly worse due to an opacity within the natural lens of the eye, it is called a cataract (Click here to learn more about cataracts). Once a cataract has been formed it does not get better on its own or with medications.  The only solution is to remove the opacified lens from the affected eye.  The removal of the intra-ocular lens is performed by a cataract surgeon.

Before surgery is performed the eye must be measured extensively.  Only detailed measurements of the eye will produce a quality surgical result.  The cataract surgeon will also review your medical history and any medications you may be taking, as these factors may influence the risk of complication.

In Cedar Rapids, Iowa, most cataract surgeries are performed in out-patient clinics.  Occasionally, high-risk patients are scheduled to have cataract surgery in a hospital.

During cataract surgery a small incision is made in the cornea (a clear window in front of the colored part of the eye).  The opacified lens is then broken-down and swept away by a specialized surgical instrument.  Finally, a new intra-ocular lens is implanted into the space where the old lens once existed.

After your surgery, frequent follow up visits with your eye doctor are required. Additionally, a regimen of eye-drop medications must be strictly followed.

The eye doctors at Iowa EyeCare are experts at the diagnosis of cataracts and can tell you when it is time to consider surgery.  Click here to schedule an appointment at one of our Cedar Rapids, Marion, or Robins, Iowa eye clinic locations.  You may also call 319-377-2222.

By Dr. David Christensen

Just about everyone will get cataracts if they have enough birthdays.  What most people don’t realize is that there is more than one type of cataract and that they can be caused by more than just getting older.

Nuclear Sclerosis Cataract

Cataracts may be caused by age, genetics, trauma, drugs, metabolic disease (such as diabetes or hypothyroidism), eye-disease (such as uveitis), infections, or poor ocular development.  The risk for developing a cataract is even higher for individuals who smoke, endure prolonged sun exposure (such as having an outdoor occupation), dehydration and chronic diarrhea.

The most common type of cataract is called nuclear sclerosis.  This is just a general yellowing of the lens, usually due to aging.  Another type of cataract is a cortical wedge-shaped or spoke-like cataract.  Cortical cataracts are also common for the aging individual.  Traumatic blunt-force injuries to the eye may cause star-shaped cataracts.  Posterior subcapsular cataracts are located at the back, inside-surface of the intraocular lens.  These cataracts can be the most devastating and often result in very poor vision.

Traumatic Cataract

The eye doctors at Iowa EyeCare are experts at the diagnosis of cataracts.  Click here to schedule an appointment at one of our Cedar Rapids, Marion, or Robins locations.  You may call 319-377-2222.

 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.

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.