Eye Care Services

Vision

Comprehensive eye exam - A comprehensive eye exam is the best way to detect eye disease and disorders early on to prevent serious complications such as loss of vision. Often times, systemic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension are first detected during an eye exam. The American Optometric Association recommends a yearly comprehensive eye exam as an important part of preventative eye care.

What procedures are done at a comprehensive eye exam?

The three areas evaluated in a routine exam are: Visual Acuity (the clarity of vision), binocularity (how the eyes work together), and eye health. The first critical step, however, is conversation about what symptoms you may experiencing, and what tasks your eyes do in your everyday life; there is no substitute for the doctor listening carefully to the patient. We measure your vision using eye charts, do tests to evaluate your lens prescription, eye pressure, visual field, eye muscle ability, eye teaming skills, and focusing ability. Further tests may also be done, such as pupil dilation, which helps us see the inner parts of the eye better. Special testing, such as photographing the retina, measuring corneal thickness, or automated visual field testing may also be done if we see things that warrant further evaluation.

What's the Difference Between a Standard Routine Examination and a Contact Lens Exam?

Contact lens fittings are simply an additional "layer" on a standard routine exam. Each brand of contact lenses has a unique set of fitting characteristics, and must fit on your cornea with adequate tear circulation underneath it or serious complications can happen (You should never wear another person’s contacts, even if they have similar prescription numbers to yours!). The materials and advanced designs available today have enabled millions of people to go back to contact lens wear who were driven away because of dryness, discomfort, or inconvenience. Today’s contacts are a joy for physicians to fit and for patients to wear! See our links page for some of the contact lens manufacturers whose products we fit.

Medical Exams

Cataracts - Cataracts are a common eye problem where the lens inside the eye becomes cloudy, like a foggy window, causing blurry or hazy vision. They often develop slowly over time and can make it difficult to see clearly, especially in bright light or at night. Cataracts can be removed through surgery, replacing the cloudy lens with a clear artificial one, which usually leads to improved vision and clearer eyesight.

Glaucoma - Glaucoma is an eye condition that happens when the pressure inside the eye builds up, damaging the optic nerve that sends signals from the eye to the brain. This damage can result in gradual vision loss, usually starting with the side or peripheral vision. Since glaucoma often develops without noticeable symptoms at first, regular eye exams are important for early detection and treatment to prevent further vision impairment.

Diabetic eye exam - A diabetic eye exam is a specialized check-up for individuals with diabetes to assess the health of their eyes. It involves a thorough examination of the retina, the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye, using special tools and techniques. The purpose of this exam is to detect any early signs of diabetic eye diseases, such as diabetic retinopathy, which can cause damage to blood vessels in the retina and potentially lead to vision loss. Timely diabetic eye exams are crucial in managing diabetes-related eye complications and ensuring appropriate steps are taken to preserve eye health.

Macular degeneration - Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is an eye condition primarily affecting older adults, causing gradual deterioration of the macula – the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision. It leads to blurriness or distortion in the center of the visual field, making it difficult to read, recognize faces, or perform daily tasks that require clear central vision. There are two main types of AMD, "dry" and "wet," with the "wet" form involving abnormal blood vessel growth that can leak and damage the macula more quickly. Regular eye exams are vital for early detection and management of AMD, as there are treatments available for the "wet" type that can help slow down or prevent further vision loss.

Dry Eyes - Dry eye syndrome is a common eye condition where the eyes don't produce enough tears or the tears evaporate too quickly, leading to discomfort, irritation, and a feeling of dryness. This can result in redness, a gritty sensation, and occasional blurry vision. Factors like aging, certain medications, and environmental conditions can contribute to dry eye syndrome. Artificial tears and lifestyle adjustments are often used to manage the symptoms and improve eye comfort.

LASIK and Surgery Co-management - Refractive eye surgery is a surgical procedure aimed at correcting vision problems by reshaping the cornea, the clear front part of the eye, to improve the way light enters the eye and focuses on the retina. This surgery is commonly used to treat conditions like nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism. There are different types of refractive surgeries, including LASIK, PRK, and SMILE, each with its own method of reshaping the cornea. The goal of refractive eye surgery is to reduce or eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses, providing clearer and improved vision for individuals with refractive errors. It's important to consult with an eye doctor to determine if someone is a suitable candidate for this type of surgery and to understand the potential risks and benefits.

Conjunctivitis (pink eye) - Conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye, is an inflammation of the thin, transparent layer of tissue covering the white part of the eye and the inside of the eyelids. It can be caused by infections (bacterial or viral), allergies, or irritants. Symptoms include redness, itchiness, a gritty feeling, excessive tearing, and sometimes a discharge that can cause the eyelids to stick together. Conjunctivitis is usually not serious, and treatments vary based on the underlying cause, ranging from eye drops and compresses for relief to medications for infections. It's important to avoid touching the eyes and to practice good hygiene to prevent its spread.

Eye Emergencies, Injuries, and Foreign Body Removal - An eye emergency may occur due to accidents, trauma, foreign objects, or other factors. Eye injuries can range from minor scratches or irritations on the surface of the eye to more severe injuries involving the cornea, lens, retina, or other structures. Symptoms can include pain, redness, blurred vision, sensitivity to light, and sometimes even vision loss. Immediate medical attention is essential in case of an eye injury to prevent complications and ensure proper treatment, which can include eye rinsing, antibiotics, bandage contact lenses, or even surgery depending on the severity of the injury.

Vision

Medical Exams