Iowa EyeCare remains committed to offering the very best for our patients. New innovations in progressive addition lens technology are allowing our patients to see better and enjoy their glasses more then ever before.

Starting near age 40, most people will need extra help seeing things clearly up close.  This is due to a phenomenon called Presbyopia.  Presbyopia occurs naturally in 100% of all individuals.  Presbyopia is mild initally, but continues to worsen slowly over time.  The degree of presbyopia is often a factor of age.  Progressive lenses are designed to correct for all degrees of severity in Presbyopia.

Progressive lenses (also called a “no-line” bifocal) are designed to correct vision for every distance.   Not all progressive lenses are the same, however.  Choosing quality lenses for your glasses will help you see better, with fewer distortions.  Iowa EyeCare is proud to offer the latest technology in progressive lens design.  Among these is a premium “top-of-the-line” lens called TruClear HD.

To learn more about TruClear HD and other vision-related products 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. 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.

 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.

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. 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

Visit us on our website www.iowaeyecare.com

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!