Posts Tagged ‘eyeglasses’

Summer Eye Saftey

Sunday, May 2nd, 2010

By Dr. Kimberly Cruise

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.

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Eye Care Professionals: What’s the Difference?

Monday, April 19th, 2010

 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.

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How do Transition® Lenses Work?

Sunday, March 21st, 2010
 
What are Transition® Lenses?  

Lenses that change automatically to lighting conditions.  

  • Clear as an ordinary clear lens indoors and at night
  • Block 100% of sun’s harmful UVA & UVB rays
  • Available in Gray or Brown
  • Widest variety of lens designs and materials to choose from

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    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.

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    Visual Fatigue Syndrome

    Sunday, November 22nd, 2009
    Visual+Fatigue+Man+(2)

    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.

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    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.

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    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.

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    What should be included in a comprehensive vision examination?

    Monday, November 16th, 2009

     

     By Dr. Kimberly Cruise

     

     

    The Eye Exam

    I am often told by patients that their last eye exam was a screening performed at school, at work, or at the Iowa department of motor vehicles.  It is important for us all to understand why a vision screening is not a replacement for a comprehensive vision examination. 

    The eye is like a window that can show your eye doctor what is going on inside the rest of the body.  It is the only place where blood vessels and nerves can be viewed directly.  Many whole-body conditions including diabetes, high blood pressure and even some types of cancer can sometimes be found within the eye.  Every day, eye doctors save lives by diagnosing and monitoring diseases that may otherwise have no signs or symptoms. 

    At a minimum, assessment of visual acuity, eye muscles, visual field, pupil reaction, binocularity, glasses prescription, eye pressure and both the front surface and the inside of the eye should be included in a comprehensive examination.  The eye doctors at Iowa EyeCare recommend that, regardless of age, you have a complete eye and vision examination at least every year.  In some cases of ocular disease or general ailment, more frequent visits may be necessary. 

    Remember that not all vision exams are created equal.  Make sure that you and your family are receiving the very best medical care by scheduling an examination with us today in Cedar Rapids, Marion, or Robins, Iowa.

    Dr. Cruise

    Dr. Cruise

     

    Visit us on our website www.iowaeyecare.com

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    Fashion Forward to Clearer Perspective

    Tuesday, September 1st, 2009

    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.

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