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 are a clouding of the intra-ocular lens.  The lens of the eye helps us adjust our focus from distance to near and is positioned just behind the colored part of the eye.  The lens protects the eye from harmful UV sunlight and is a major component to the optical system of the eye.  Without the intra-ocular lens, an individual with no glasses prescription would instead be about +20.00 dipoters farsighted.

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.

By Dr. Ryan Nelson & Dr. Dennis Francis

Dr. Ryan Nelson

Take it from a couple of eye doctors who are avid bass fisherman: Your eyes are more important than any tackle or technique when bass fishing in Iowa. 

A quality pair of polarized sunglasses are an angler’s most overlooked investment.  A good pair of sunglasses will help you with better lure placement, detection of underwater cover and structure,  underwater topography, and even the fish themselves.   If you have not tried a quality pair of sunglasses on for yourself, you need to do so.  The difference is incredible.

A quality pair of sunglasses from Iowa EyeCare can help you catch more fish.  Iowa EyeCare can help you with both prescription and non-prescription sunglasses for fishing, driving, or other recreational (or occupational) activities.  Don’t waste your money on sunglasses from a convenience store.  Cheap sunglasses may even say “polarized” but they often just have components that imitate true polarization.  In addition, convenience store sunglasses often have warped lenses that can cause distortion and eyestrain.  A quality pair of sunglasses will hold up well to tough weather conditions like rain and heat.

Some of my favorite sun-glass brands are Bolle and Serengeti.  Iowa EyeCare carries a huge stock of both brands, as well as sunglasses that can attach-to or fit over your current frame.

Dr. Dennis Francis

In open water, direct and indirect UV exposure is abundant, regardless of the weather.  UV light has been linked to premature cataracts and macular degeneration among other ocular complications.  Polarized sunglasses eliminate glare off the water and reduce the direct UV entering the eye, thus reducing your risk for advanced eye disease.

Eye protection is never taken seriously until something happens to you.  Bass fishing involves sharp, weighted, fast-moving, flying objects… a true recipe for disaster.  Don’t gamble with your eyes.

Read more about sunglasses in this article from bassresource.com:

The Shining Points of Sunglasses by Mike Iaconelli

By Dr. Ryan W. Nelson   

Dr. Ryan W. Nelson

Good visual skills are essential for both the competition and recreational mountain biker.  The best advice I can give you is to keep your head up and cast your eyes farther down the trail.  When you stop looking at the ground and start looking at the trail, it does a number of things that will help you build speed and gain confidence when riding.   

1. Looking farther down the trail gives you more time to react to the terrain.  

2. A level head position allows the internal balancing system (located in the inner ear) to work most effectively.   

3. Imagine a line on the trail that you want your bike’s wheels to follow and concentrate on it.  Your bike will follow your eyes.  

4. Avoid looking at the trail hazards, again because your bike will follow your eyes.   

Sugar Bottom Mountain Bike Trail, located  in eastern Iowa, is one of my favorite places to ride.  Sugar Bottom has trails with variety of terrain conditions for all ability levels.  Having the proper equipment can enhance performance and the enjoyment of riding. Regardless of whether you mountain bike several times a week or several times a year, remember to always wear eye protection when you ride.   

Iowa EyeCare is the leader in recreational frames and lenses for the state of Iowa.  We have both prescription and non-prescription options available and we would be happy to assist you regardless of your budget.   

Mountain Biking presents multiple hazards to the eye, including low-hanging tree limbs, loose dirt, bugs, wind, and bright sunlight.  When selecting eye protection keep these tips in mind: 

• Use only Polycarbonate or other, shatter-resistant lenses.
  

  A Specialized Rockhopper, just like my own bike.

• Frames should fit comfortably and snugly on the face.
• Use a neck strap to prevent lost eyewear over rough terrain.
• Use lenses that have UV protection.
• Use yellow tinted lenses for riding during low-light conditions.
• Use amber or rose tinted lenses for general riding conditions.

Don’t forget the other basic necessities either:   

• Always wear a helmet.
• Obey the posted trail rules and regulations.
• Carry a portable bike emergency repair kit.
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.

The eye doctors and staff at Iowa EyeCare are experts at fitting eye protection for all outdoor activities.  Schedule an appointment today by calling 319-377-2222 or by clicking on the link: CEDAR RAPIDS EYE DOCTORS.

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.

 

The radiation you receive from the sun is known to cause multiple adverse eye conditions including:

• Cataract: a clouding of the lens.
• Macular Degeneration: loss of light-sensitive tissue inside the eye.
• Pterygium: a growth on the surface of the eye.
• Photokeratitis: sunburn of the eyes
• Dry Eye: inadequate tear film. 

Save Money! If you have insurance that allows you to get new frames, why not make your old glasses into sunglasses?

Get an Eye Exam! The eye doctors at Iowa EyeCare are ready to serve all of your vision care needs.  We are confident that Iowa EyeCare can provide you with the best sunglasses in Iowa.  Contact us today: Iowa EyeCare has locations in Marion, Robins, and Cedar Rapids, Iowa.