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.

Learn more about one of the most common vision problems from the eye doctors at Iowa EyeCare.

By Dr. David Christensen

Astigmatism is the most common ‘refractive’ vision problem that I see in my patients. Astigmatism occurs when the front surface of the eye has a non-spherical curvature. Instead, the front surface of the eye is more flat along one axis and more curved on the opposite axis, 90-degrees away. For this reason, astigmatism correction is called “cylinder” power.

Most often, Astigmatism is hereditary. Other causes of astigmatism include eye disease, injury, or surgery to the eyes.

Glasses and contact lenses are the most common methods I use for correcting astigmatism. Astigmatism can be permanently treated using LASIK surgery. Our Robins, Iowa, location may be reached by calling 319-294-8888 if you would like to learn more about LASIK surgery.

 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.

Iowa LASIK

Laser vision correction has never been more precise or more safe than it is right now at Iowa EyeCare in Robins, Iowa.  We use the best equipment in the world.  We have a world-class LASIK surgeon.  Experience now what thousands of others have already discovered.

Iowa EyeCare has teamed with TLC Laser Eye Centersto provide patients with the very best LASIK experience.  Iowa EyeCare and TLC are committed to quality.  Many patients choose us because of our lifetime guarantee. 

To learn more about LASIK surgery at Iowa EyeCare schedule a free LASIK consultationwith Stacey Lensch, our Laser Vision Coordinator.  Stacey may also be reached by phone at 319-294-8888.

You can also learn more by reading our previous Blog post:

Important Facts To Know About Custom Bladeless LASIK

Laser vision correction is one of the most frequently performed operations in America. Iowa EyeCare offers Custom Bladeless LASIK at our location in Robins through TLC, the largest laser correction company in the world. We also have the most extensive diagnostic equipment and technology in the world because we are committed to providing the highest level of care for you and your eyes. Our skilled doctors can identify the unique imperfections of your eyes and factor them into a custom treatment plan.

We take care to assist you in your decision to have LASIK eye surgery.  We want you to be fully informed of your options and feel absolutely comfortable with the procedure.  The following items will help you understand more about Custom Bladeless LASIK.

1. What does Custom Bladeless LASIK mean?

Custom Bladeless LASIK is the most advanced laser vision technology.  LASIK (Laser-Assisted-In-Situ Keratomileusis) is an FDA-approved outpatient procedure that uses a laser to reshape the front surface of your eye in order to correct your vision.  Instead of a blade, our offiice uses a silent computer-guided laser during the first step of the LASIK procedure to create the corneal flap. This laser is very precise and has improved the healing time and discomfort typically associated with a microkeratome blade.  We also create a customized map for each eye, which allows for treatment of tiny imperfections in the eye that can have a significant impact on your quality of vision.  The entire procedure typically takes about 10 minutes to perform on each eye.

2. Are you an eligible candidate?

The best way for you to determine if you are a candidate for Custom Bladeless LASIK is with a personal one-on-one consultation.  Free consultations can be arranged by calling our Laser Vision Coordinator at 319-294-8888.  LASIK can treat people who are at least 18 years old, are not pregnant or nursing, are in good general health, have a stable prescription, and have no eye diseases.  Your Iowa EyeCare doctor will work with you to assess your eligibility for laser vision correction.

3. Is your surgeon qualified?

Dr. Larry Womack, M.D., focuses exclusively on LASIK surgery and has performed over 30,000 LASIK procedures; making him one of the region’s most experienced LASIK surgeons.  Our supporting staff is professionally trained and nationally recognized.  We have the experience and skill to help you and will carefully guide you through your decision to undergo LASIK eye surgery.

4. Is Custom Bladeless LASIK Safe?

Like all surgeries, there is a potential for risks and complications.  Each individual eye heals differently, and it is not always possible to predict how your eye will heal.  Extensive screening and testing enables us to identify most potential complications before they start and you will only be considered a candidate when it is medically advisable.  Diligent post-procedure care is also necessary to protect against infection and measure your visual progress.

5. Does it hurt?

Prior to the procedure, anesthetic drops are used to numb the eye.  Although most patients say there is no pain during the surgery, some report feeling mild pressure or vibration.  Afterward, your eyes may feel slight irritation for a few hours.

6. How long does the correction last?

Laser vision correction is intended to permanently reduce your dependancy on glasses or contact lenses.  While most patients achieve fully corrected vision with one procedure, some patients will require an enhancement to complete their correction. For nearly everyone, beginning in their 40s or 50s, the lens of the eye loses some of its flexability, making it necessary to use bifocals or reading glasses.  LASIK does not correct for this normal aging process.

7. What is the TLC Lifetime Commitment?

TLC stands behind your vision results for life.  We have sincere confidence in our surgeon and in your long-term results and want to help you maintain the best possible vision throughout your life.  If an enhancement is needed to maintain vision results it will be administered at no cost for qualified patients.  To maintain eligability in the TLC Lifetime Commitment you must complete your course of post-operative appointments and have an annual eye exam with any TLC affiliate doctor.

8. How much does it cost?

Prices vary based on your individual treatment plan.  The best way to determine your cost is to schedule a personal one-on-one consultation.  Free consultations can be arranged by calling our Laser Vision Coordinator at 319-294-8888.  Keep in mind that Flex Spending Accounts, Insurance Plans, and Financing Plans may help make laser vision correction more affordable.