Diabetic Retinopathy

For Americans age 20-74, the leading cause of blindness is diabetic retinopathy. This painless, silent, complication of poorly controlled blood sugar, will damage the blood vessels in the retina. The vision loss can be either slow or quick, however the vision lost can lot be fully recovered.

Only 50% of patients with diabetes received appropriate eye care. With early detection, treatment and follow-up care, 95% of blindness can be prevented.

Every diabetic (and pre-diabetic) should have a yearly diabetic eye exam, control your blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol. Other important habits for healthy eyes are getting enough sleep, stop smoking and limited processed foods and drinks.

Schedule today for your diabetic health exam.

New MULTIFOCAL Contacts for ASTIGMATISM!

The days of needing to wear monovision style contacts or reading glasses due to an astigmatism and needing bifocals are over!

For the past month, we have been very successful at fitting the new Bausch + Lomb Ultra Multifocal for Astigmatism.

This monthly replacement silicone hydrogel lens combines comfort and superior optics for all day clarity. If you would like to try this new technology, give us a call at 614-336-3727.

What is the difference between medical and vision insurance?

We often have patients that have both medical and vision insurance. They are very different in terms of the services they cover and it’s important to understand these differences. These rules are set by the insurance companies and we must comply with them.

Vision insurance is designed mainly to cover a yearly routine/healthy vision exam with coverage to help pay for glasses and /or contact lenses. This evaluation is for a healthy patient that has no problems or symptoms.

Medical insurance is designed for a medical diagnosis or medical condition that can present in your eyes, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol, infections, dry eyes, allergy or cataracts just to name a few.

Should my child have an eye exam?

Did you know that 1 in 4 children have a vision problem? For this reason, every child should have an eye examination by an Optometrist before starting school. A screening by the pediatrician or school nurse is not a substitute for an eye exam performed by an eye doctor. Our doctors have the advanced training and clinical tools to perform a thorough evaluation of your child’s eyes and visual system.

This exam will measure visual acuity at all distances, how accurate the eyes team and move together and other skills essential for optimal learning. It’s crucial to detect “lazy eye” and strabismus early in the child’s development. These focusing problems can greatly impact your child’s performance in school.

Send your child back to school with the best vision for successful learning!

Can we slow down my child’s myopia?

Myopia or nearsightedness is progressing in children at epidemic proportions. Children are on their electronic devices and preforming near tasks much more than they are being outside and playing. By 2050 there will be almost 5 billion myopes!


Besides having thick glasses, high myopia also increases the risk for retinal detachments, glaucoma, cataracts and macular degeneration. Parents who are nearsighted need to understand these risks for their children and the treatments to help slow down the myopia progression.

At your child's exam, our doctors will calculate the risk of progressive myopia and discuss how the myopia can be halted through specialty contact lenses. Schedule today to find out more details!

Are eyelash extensions safe for my eyes?

Eyelash extensions are all the rage and many of our patients are wearing them. Although this beauty trend can look amazing, some patients are experiencing extension related infections. Symptoms include redness of the lash line, and dry, itchy, scratchy, irritated eyes. Many of these patients also are wearing contact lenses, which can be a double whammy when it comes to symptoms.

To avoid painful, red, ugly looking eyes, be sure to clean the lashes nightly with proper lid shampoo and wipes to ensure bacteria is not building up. With extensions, there is no need to use mascara, however if you, avoid waterproof mascara.

If you are experience symptoms give us a call so we can safely treat the infection, instruct on lid hygiene and preserve your lashes!

Could I wear bifocal contact lenses?

The short answer is YES? Even if you have never worn contact lenses or were told in the past you couldn’t, there are many options for those needing bifocal prescriptions. Each year the technology seems to improve, and our office is one of the first in the area to get the newest contact lenses.

Our doctors enjoy fitting these unique lenses and will spend the extra time and care needed to achieve a great visual result. If you are new to contact lenses, our trained technicians will sit one on one with you to review the insertion and removal steps and any care required.

Don’t let age or a bifocal prescription stop you from wearing contact lenses. Call today to schedule an appointment with our doctors to review the options for being glasses-free!

Can the large amount of screen time hurt my eyes?

In today’s world, everyone is on their phone and multiple computer screens all day long. Whether you are young or old, it’s happening and it’s creating digital eye strain. Yes, that’s really a condition that over 60% of Americans are experiencing.

Symptoms of digital eye strain include dry, irritated eyes, blurred vision, eye fatigue, neck and back pain, and headaches. There are ways we can help to reduce the amount of eye discomfort and provide a more relaxing screen time experience.

During your examination, we will measure the amount of strain on your eyes. Then evaluate the dryness and irritation and decide on a treatment plan according to your needs. The correct prescription glasses with blue light filters can help to relax the eyes. Certain types of lens styles can help with neck strain when on multiple screens at one time. Dry eye treatments can also help with the redness and irritation that comes with digital eye strain.

If you are experiencing any of these problems, please schedule an appointment and we can help you feel better while on your screens. 

I have this bump……..

If you have ever had a tender, red bump along or in your eyelid you understand how annoying and unsightly it can be. Often patients wait and think the bump will go away eventually, but it only starts growing larger, painful and more noticeable. Before long it’s a huge boulder sticking out from the lid and you are begging for help!

Often, we see patients after they have been elsewhere or urgent care, only to have expensive medications and copays for treatments that did not help at all. It might lead to an extra week or more of misery before calling our office.
 
We specialize in the eyes and have the proper equipment to accurately diagnose and treat all types of eyelid lumps and bumps. With the proper treatment, medication and early course of action, these can be easily healed and prevented from happening in the future.