Blur due to Irregular Cornea

Refractive surgery, corneal transplants, infections and corneal syndromes like Keratoconus are among the many potential causes for irregular corneas. An irregular cornea results in symptoms of blur and distortion that glasses and most contact lenses are unable to correct.  Visual symptoms from an irregular cornea are constant, but often worsen in dim light when the pupil is more dilated.

In the past, some of these individuals were fit with rigid gas-permeable (RGP) contact lenses.  RGP lenses do not conform to the shape of the eye like a soft lens does.  Instead the RGP’s rigid structure allows tears to fill in behind the lens and create an optically smooth surface for light to enter the eye and provide improved vision.  Unfortunately, RGP lenses are too uncomfortable for most patients, are easily lost, and can cause scarring to the front surface of the eye.

ClearKone Lens Design

ClearKone is a new hybrid contact lens product that has both the comfort of a soft lens combined with the acuity benefits of a rigid lens.  ClearKone is an improvement upon other similar hybrid products because its unique design is more comfortable and easier to remove than older hybrid lenses.

Special expertise is required to fit the ClearKone lens.  Currently, Dr. Ryan Nelson, optometrist at Iowa EyeCare in Cedar Rapids, is the only physician in  Iowa approved fit ClearKone lenses.  Dr. Nelson gives each ClearKone candidate extensive one-on-one time during the fitting process to ensure a good contact lens fit the first time.

“The ClearKone design is sure to revolutionize the way patients with irregular corneas are managed.  Some of my patients have been overwhelmed with emotion when they experience the ClearKone lens for the first time,” says Dr. Nelson.

To schedule an appointment or to learn more about ClearKone lenses, call Iowa EyeCare at 319-377-2222.

Contact us at www.iowaeyecare.com.

Dr. Ryan W. Nelson

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. 
 As with all refractive eye conditions, myopia is the result of eye “mis-shapeness”.  For those who are nearsighted, the eye may be longer from front to back, or the cornea (the clear window in front of the iris) may be too steeply curved.

Myopia will commonly start out mild during adolescence and get progressively worse before it levels off and becomes stable.  The final amount of nearsightedness someone will end up with is unpredictable, but most eye doctors believe it’s a combination of genetics and the amount of near activity.

A common myth is that corrective lenses will make nearsightedness worse.  This is simply not true.  Glasses will allow someone with myopia to see clearly, but will not make the degree of myopia get better or worse.  LASIK vision correction, however, can permanently correct for nearsightedness, farsightedness, and  astigmatism.  If you would like to learn more about LASIK please call, Stacey, our LASIK coordinator at 319-377-2222, ext. 308.

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.

 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.

By Dr. Kimberly Cruise

Look your best . Maximize your performance . Achieve more

If your eye doctor has told you that you’re not a candidate for contact lenses or you’ve tried contact lenses before and stopped, it’s time for you to try again!

The new generations of contact lenses are more comfortable and provide better vision than ever.  Most new lenses now have:

• Better optics
• Better oxygen transmission
• More moisture
• UV sunlight protection

New contact lens materials and designs have made contact lenses available to nearly everyone.  Contact lenses have been redesigned for nearly all types of vision correction:

• Astigmatism
• Near-sighted (myopia)
• Far-sighted (hyperopia)
• Bifocals (presbyopia)
• Keratoconus

Contact lenses are also designed to change or enhance eye color. 

Did you know…

Contact lenses will soon help deliver medications to the eye.  The goal of the new contact lens drug-delivery system is to provide a constant stream of therapeutic medicine in a way that reduces drug-induced side effects.

All contact lenses are considered a medical device.  Even contact lenses without vision correction require a prescription.

Schedule a contact lens consultation with one of our Cedar Rapids eye doctors today.

Learn more about contact lenses:

http://www.iowaeyecare.com/contacts.html

Your questions answered:

http://www.iowaeyecare.com/contacts-faq.html

Wearing contact lenses can be freeing, and can even increase the quality of life for the wearer.  Many people who wear eyeglasses for vision correction would prefer not to have to wear glasses at all.  No matter how stylish and in vogue, glasses can sometimes be a burden to wear and care for, and some wearers just can’t get used to them.  Contact lenses can be a welcome relief from eyeglasses and give the wearer self-confidence.  However, wearing contact lenses requires a great deal of attention and care.

There are many types of contact lenses to choose from, such as soft lenses, gas permeable, multifocal, toric, disposable, extended wear and more.  Contact lenses are actual medical devices, with a fitting and an annual prescription evaluation required by your optometrist.  It is important to keep up on your prescription, as it may change over time.  You may also need to change your prescription if you switch from one contact lens brand to another.   Making sure your contacts are the correct prescription will ensure comfortable eyes and prevent strain and vision problems.

One factor that can determine your enjoyment of wearing contacts is the choice of contact lens solution that you use.  Your contacts are really only as good as your contact solution and the care you give them.  There are enough contact lens solutions on the market to cover an entire wall at the pharmacy, yet only one might be the right one for you!  You’ll want to discuss with your optometrist which solution is the right one to use with your brand of contacts.  While it might be tempting to save some pennies and buy a store or generic brand, these often don’t provide the same level of cleaning as a name brand solution formulated specifically for your lenses.

Taking care of your contact lens solution is as important as making sure you’ve been fitted with the correct type of lens for your prescription.  Contact lens solution is carefully formulated for use with your specific brand of contact lens.  Anything that upsets the concentration of chemicals in your solution can potentially harm your eyes or lenses. To prevent this, make sure to always close the top of your lens solution.

Keep in mind that your eyes are constantly bombarded with dust, dirt, pollutants, organisms and proteins.  Be sure to rinse and rub your lenses every day, even if you’re using a ‘no rub’ solution.  Make sure to rinse and air-dry your contact lens case to prevent the growth of bacteria, use fresh solution every day and replace your contact lens case every three months.  These steps will ensure the best performance from your contact lenses!

You must also keep in mind the type of lenses you’ve purchased-are they extended wear or daily disposable?  There are many types to choose from and you’ll want to wear them according to the instructions.  If they are for daily use and to be disposed of every night, you shouldn’t wear them for an extended period of time, or wear them at night.  Both can be detrimental to your eyes’ health.  Contact lenses are FDA approved for wearing a certain length of time.  While it seems attractive to save money by wearing contacts longer than they are made for, you risk eye infections, discomfort or serious blinding damage to your eyes.  Wear your contacts according to instructions, and you’ll be comfortable and have great vision.

By properly caring for your contact lenses, you can enjoy wearing them much more and be free from eyeglasses!

Contact us to schedule an appointment today.