Optometrists are independent, primary health care providers who examine, diagnose, treat, and manage diseases and disorders of the visual system, the eye and associated structures as well as diagnose related systemic conditions. Optometrists are an integral part of the health care team. As eye care practitioners, they are skilled in the co-management of eye health and vision care. They exam the structures of the eye to detect and diagnose:
• Vision conditions such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism and presbyopia
• Binocular vision conditions such as convergence insufficiency, which can cause eye discomfort and difficulty reading
• Eye diseases such as glaucoma, cataracts and retinal disorders
• Systemic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes
Optometrists prescribe and/or provide eyeglasses, contact lenses, low vision aids and vision therapy.
They prescribe medications to treat eye diseases and perform certain surgical procedures. Optometrists also do testing to determine the patient's ability to focus and coordinate the eye, judge depth perception, and see colors accurately.
Eye disease can occur at any age. Unfortunately, many eye diseases do not cause symptoms until the disease has damaged the delicate eye. We now know that most blindness is preventable if it is diagnosed and treated early. Regular examinations by an optometrist provides comprehensive eye care to help ensure optimum eye health, perfect vision and if necessary, the fabrication of precision optical systems to match your lifestyle needs. It is especially important to have an annual exam if you've been diagnosed with high blood pressure, diabetes or glaucoma.
At our office, we combine old-fashioned concern with current technology to provide you and your family with the best possible eye care. We're here to serve you, and want to help you with any vision problem that causes you concern. Our thorough eye exam includes:
• a complete medical and optical case history
• visual acuity measurements (how well you can read the eye chart)
• depth perception testing (binocular vision)
• glaucoma testing ("eye puff")
• cataract evaluation
• assessing the inside of the eyes to detect eye disease
• a complete discussion of the doctor's findings
• OPHTHALMOLOGIST : A trained and licensed Doctor (M.D.) who specializes in the diagnosis and surgical treatment of eye diseases. S/he is also trained in the prescribing and fitting of eye glasses and contact lenses.
• OPTOMETRIST: As primary eye care providers, doctors of optometry examine, diagnose, treat and manage diseases and disorders of the visual system, the eyes and associated structures as well as diagnose related systemic conditions. They also determine the patient's ability to focus and coordinate the eyes, to judge depth and to see color accurately. They prescribe eyeglasses and contact lenses, low vision aids, vision therapy and medications to treat eye diseases as well as perform certain surgical procedures.
• OPTICIAN : A person trained in the science and art of optics by interpreting the optometrist's or ophthalmologist's prescriptions, and making proper glasses or other accessories, including contact lenses. Dispensing Opticians fit and dispense prescription ophthalmic eyewear including eyeglasses and contact lenses, following prescriptions written by optometrists or ophthalmologists.
• COMPUTER: Computer lenses use special designs and filters to relieve the eye fatigue, redness and discomfort associated with prolonged computer use. Unlike conventional readers that work only at near, these lenses allow for clear vision at intermediate and near distances.
• FLAT TOP BIFOCAL / TRIFOCAL: Bifocal lenses are available with the near portion made in a variety of widths to aid in various close-up visual demands. Trifocal lenses add a segment to provide clear vision at arm's length, that intermediate distance that is often blurred for bifocal wearers.
• OCCUPATIONAL: Occupational lenses address the specific, visual requirements many jobs impose. If you have visual demands in this category, we can determine the best lens design.
• PROGRESSIVE: Progressive lenses are the most technologically advanced multifocal lens design. These lenses provide continuous, clear vision at all distances, without the lines found in traditional multifocal lenses. They are the design of choice for all multifocal lens wearers.
• SINGLE VISION: Single vision lenses provide clear vision at all distances for most people under the age of forty. These lenses can be used in task specific eyewear to clear far, intermediate or near distance visual demands for people who normally wear multifocal lenses.
• SPORT: Sport lenses offer designs to meet the special, visual needs of sports enthusiasts. Many professional athletes use particular color tints, light filters and materials to enhance their vision and performance. Polycarbonate is the material of choice for active sports.
Lens options can add substantially to wearing comfort and appearance.
• ASPHERIC : Aspheric lenses provide improved visual and cosmetic benefits in single vision and progressive designs. These lenses increase edge-to-edge clarity and flatter, thinner and lighter conventional lenses. This eliminates the "bulgy", magnified appearance of far-sighted prescriptions and the "small eyes", minified look of near-sighted corrections.
• POLARIZED: Polarized lenses are an exciting sunglass option that eliminates the glare reflected off the surface of objects. They are especially appropriate on or around the water and recommended for driving, fishing, hunting and all types of outdoor activities.
• SCRATCH PROTECTION: Special treatments have been developed to help protect lenses from normal scratching. Carbon resin lenses can be more easily scratched than other lenses. The modest additional cost for such scratch protection is usually a prudent investment.
• ULTRAVIOLET FILTER: Special treatment is available for carbon resin lenses to completely absorb the harmful ultraviolet rays found in light. High index, photochromic and polycarbonate lens materials automatically provide ultraviolet protection at no extra cost.
• ANTI-REFLECTIVE: Anti-reflective lenses are much like those used on fine cameras. Distracting reflections are removed from the front and back surfaces of the lenses. This improves the quality and clarity of vision, reduces eye fatigue and enhances the wearer's appearance.
• PHOTOCHROMIC: Photochromic lenses are as clear as regular lenses indoors, but they automatically darken outdoors. The brighter the Sun the darker they get, getting as dark as sunglasses in bright light. These lenses provide 100% ultraviolet protection and scratch protection. A popular brand used is Transitions Lens.™
A contact lens exam is an extra test done using the results from the refraction (the prescription) of your routine eye exam. There are many choices available for those who have astigmatism, need bifocals, are in sports, have keratoconus, or just plain hate wearing spectacle glasses. Whatever your reasons may be, the eye doctor will be able to discuss with you in details the success rate for your particular prescription and visual needs, as all patients have different circumstances and expectations.
If it is your first time getting a contact lens exam, the doctor will select the correct lens for you which takes into account your prescription, the curvature of your eyes, among other factors. After the lenses are inserted into your eyes, your vision will be assessed, as well as how the lenses fit and move in your eyes. Once deemed a good candidate for contacts, you will be given insertion and removal lessons, and allowed the chance to try the trials lenses out for a week.
On the day of the exam, you will be going home with the trial pair and a starter kit, which contains a multi-purpose solution (to clean, disinfect and store your lenses) and cases for the lenses.
The contact lens exam consists of 2 progress visits within 2 months time, at which point you may return to the clinic at any time within that period for any reason should the lenses not be satisfactory (discomfort, dryness, etc).
