Comprehensive Eye Examinations
When we do eye exams, we refuse to cut corners. We always schedule ample time so you will never feel rushed. We provide complete eye care for both adults and children. Our comprehensive eye examinations check your eyes inside and out for glaucoma, cataracts and all other eye diseases as well as high blood pressure, diabetes and other systemic diseases. Your visual skills and abilities are carefully evaluated and we pride ourselves on the accuracy of our eyeglass prescriptions. In spite of our track record for highly accurate prescriptions, there are eyes that can be unstable for reasons ranging from medications to illness. In these rare cases, we will gladly re-examine the patient and remake the glasses.
Technology is rapidly changing the eye care industry. We utilize the latest in diagnostic equipment and are committed to keeping up with whatever advances will come next.
Vision Therapy
Our office offers a complete vision therapy department. We currently have five vision therapists who work one on one with our patients in order to ensure that each patients' specific needs are met.
What is Vision Therapy?
Most vision problems can be very easily corrected with eyeglasses. In fact, about 90% of the people we examine who are complaining of vision problems are treated with glasses or contact lenses and feel better.
However, approximately 10% of the population with symptoms of blurred vision and eyestrain have vision problems which cannot be treated successfully using eyeglasses alone. It is this group of people who need vision therapy. Vision therapy is generally required to treat problems of eye teaming, focusing, tracking, amblyopia, strabismus (crossed eye), and visual perception. Individuals with these problems experience eyestrain when reading or doing other close work, inability to work quickly, sleepiness, inability to attend and concentrate, double vision and loss of vision. Even more significantly, children with amblyopia and strabismus face the possible loss of vision if an appropriate vision therapy program is not initiated in a timely fashion. Children with visual perceptual problems may have difficulty learning.
Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns that you or someone you know is having visual-related difficulties.
For more detailed information the uses and benefits of Vision Therapy, click on More Info at the top of this web site or go directly to More Information on Vision Therapy.
Contact Lenses
Welcome to the contact lens department! Our qualified paraoptometric assistants/technicians are available to assist you with any of your contact lens needs.
We have a variety of name brand contact lenses in our stock that are available for instant purchase. Other lenses are ordered directly from the manufacturer and are normally received within 2-5 working days. Several manufacturers now offer direct shipping of contact lenses to your home or office, at no additional charge! This has made getting new contacts even more convenient for you!
Our doctors are experienced at fitting all types of contact lenses whether they be traditional soft lenses, planned replacement lenses, disposable or rigid gas permeable lenses.
There are contact lenses available for those patients that have special needs as well. These contacts include toric lenses that correct for astigmatism; bifocal lenses that correct for presbyopia and extended wear lenses that may be worn overnight.
We are particularly excited about the new bifocal soft lenses. We are currently fitting several new bifocal designs to reduce, or eliminate, your need for reading glasses.
For those of you who would like a different look, we have a large inventory of contact lenses to change your eye color. We carry some more drastic "Wild Eyes" lenses, if getting noticed is your goal.
Are YOU interested in trying contact lenses? Our experienced doctors conduct thorough examinations and contact lens fittings. Our friendly contact lens staff will teach you to insert and remove your new lenses and instruct you on their handling and care. We are always available for questions or concerns to make sure your contact lenses are providing you with the vision and comfort you need.
Frames & Lenses
Our optical department offers single vision, bifocals, trifocals and progressive lenses from twenty different manufacturers to meet your specific needs. Light weight polycarbonate, thin profile high index and the newest glass and plastic variable tint lens technologies are available. You can rely on our expertise to recommend and fit the best lenses for your activities.
Specialty lenses include non-laminated polarized lenses and spectrum specific proprietary lenses. Lens treatments to enhance your vision experience include easy care anti-reflective coatings, with protective super hard coat, permanently bonded to our lenses.
We offer frames that carry a full two year satisfaction warranty from the best American, European and Asian frame manufacturers. Fashion frames from the most notable designers are represented in wide selections. Please contact us for more information.
Sport sunglass collections and protective eyewear address the specific needs of enthusiasts of nearly all sports and occupations. We look forward to the opportunity to discuss how these products can help you enjoy your activity more.
PRK/LASIK
Myopes (people with nearsightedness), hyperopes (people with farsightedness) and astigmats now have alternatives to glasses and contact lenses. Laser technology offers several procedures to correct these refractive problems. We have guided hundreds of patients through refractive surgery with comprehensive pre-operative and post-operative care.
What is PRK?
PRK stands for Photorefractive Keratectomy. During this procedure, the surgeon gently removes the top layer of cells on the cornea. The excimer laser is then used to sculpt the cornea by removing microscopic layers of tissue.
What is LASIK?
LASIK stands for Laser Assisted Intrastromal Keratomileusis. During this procedure, the surgeon uses an instrument called a microkeratome to create a thin flap of tissue within the cornea. The corneal flap is then returned to its original position, adhering without stitches. This procedure is nearly painless and is performed under topical anesthesia.
Who is a candidate?
Candidates should be at least 18 years old with a stable prescription. They must be within the range of the procedure, have no active eye disease and not be pregnant or nursing. There should also be no restrictions mandated by the candidate’s employer.
What are realistic goals?
Realistic goals for these procedures should include less dependence on glasses (e.g. having the ability to see the clock without spectacle correction or being able to swim without contacts). You should be able to enjoy an active lifestyle without being totally dependent on corrective lenses.
What are potential side effects?
Side effects may include minor discomfort and blurred vision for one to five days following PRK. Although very rare, loss of corneal cap or irregular astigmatism from malpositioning of the cap can occur following LASIK. Transient dryness, nighttime halos and/or glare or a decrease in best-corrected visual acuities following either procedure are potential complications.
People who are most satisfied after having refractive surgery clearly understand the potential risks and side effects and have realistic expectations of what their vision will be like after surgery.
Many people will eventually need to rely on reading glasses or bifocal lenses due to a condition called presbyopia. This is a normal aging process in which the muscles that move the lens lose their elasticity. A condition called monovision, in which one eye is corrected for near vision and the other is corrected for distance vision, is one option with refractive procedures.
We’d love to discuss these procedures with you in greater detail and decide which option will be right for you.
Surgery Co-Management
Our office provides many of the surgical services such as Cataract surgery, Laser surgery, Refractive surgery and Strabismic surgery. We offer this in conjunction with the hospital and local eye surgeons.
Additionally, we have working arrangements established with other specialized eye care doctors to manage such things are retinal detachments, retinal tears and hemmorhages.
Eye Infections, Eye Injuries, Dry Eyes
Our office provides emergency services for eye infections and eye injuries. Please call our office at 719-599-5083 during office hours, after hours or on weekends. Our staff will work with you to schedule an appointment as soon as possible. State of the art microscopes allow us to examine the front surface of the eye and facial areas around the eye for infection or injury. After assessing the extent of the injury or infection a treatment plan will be formulated and explained to you. Treatment may include medications and supportive care. Follow-up visits to monitor your recovery will be scheduled as needed.
Dry Eyes: Symptoms include scratchy eyes, burning, mild redness and gritty feeling eyes. Oral medications, reading, computer tasks and dry environments may aggravate marginally dry eyes. Dry eyes can be diagnosed by using dyes to observe tear patterns, evaluation of the amount of tears on the front of the eye and from review of your symptoms. Treatment may include artificial tears; eye drops for treating allergies; and/or punctal plugs inserted in the tear drainage canals.
Diseases & the Eye
Cataracts
A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s lens that causes loss of vision. The lens is located behind the iris and pupil. It focuses light onto the retina at the back of the eye. It adjusts to allow us to see clearly both up close and far away.
The lens is made of mostly water and protein. As we age, this lens material begins to opacify. This is a cataract. This may worsen over time, making it difficult to see.
Cataracts have little effect on vision at first. Vision may become a bit blurred, like looking through a dirty window. You may also begin to notice glare from lights and say that colors seem to be faded.
Cataracts are treated with surgery. The clouded lens is removed and most often replaced with a clear, plastic lens. This is usually an outpatient procedure. You will be instructed to use eyedrops and an eye shield while sleeping while your eye heals. This procedure is very successful in restoring vision.
Research is showing that there may be several contributors to cataract formation including smoking, diabetes, ultraviolet sunlight and normal aging changes of the eye.
If you are diagnosed with cataracts, you may not need surgery for some time. But by having your vision tested regularly, you can discuss if and when this treatment might be needed.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a term used to describe a group of diseases that can lead to damage to the eye’s optic nerve and result in blindness.
In many people, increased pressure inside the eye causes glaucoma. There is a space in the front of the eye called the anterior chamber. A clear fluid is continuously being produced and draining through this area. If this fluid is being produced too quickly or draining too slowly, the pressure in the eye will rise. If this is left uncontrolled, optic nerve damage and visual loss can result.
Anyone can get glaucoma, but some people are at a higher risk than others. They include African-Americans over age 40, everyone over age 60 and people with a family history of glaucoma. Diabetics are also at greater risk for developing this disease.
Glaucoma is not curable, but is controllable with treatment. Treatment varies with the type of glaucoma, but includes medications, laser surgery or conventional surgery.
Our doctors perform comprehensive eye examinations including tonometry (the measure of the pressure inside the eye), a visual field analysis (the measure of your field of vision) and pupil dilation (which allows a better examination of the optic nerve) to determine your risk for developing glaucoma. Should you be suspected of having glaucoma, further testing is completed and treatment is initiated as necessary.
Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a disease that affects your central vision. Your macula is located in the center of the retina. It is the area of your retina that you use to "look" at objects. People with AMD rarely go blind from the disease, but it can make it difficult to read, drive and do other activities that require clear straight-ahead vision.
There are two types of age-related macular degeneration. The most common type is Dry AMD. The cause is unknown. The macular cells gradually begin to break down. As this occurs, you may start to lose central vision. This often initially occurs in just one eye. However, the disease may occur in the other eye later.
Wet AMD is the second type of this disease. It is much more rare, but accounts for the majority of the blindness from the disease. Wet AMD occurs when new blood vessels in the retina start to grow toward the macula. They are very fragile and often leak blood and fluid under the macula. This causes macular damage and a rapid loss of central vision.
The risk for developing AMD increases as you get older. Women may be at higher risk than men. Smoking may increase the risk of AMD. People with a family history of AMD may be at higher risk as are people with elevated levels of blood cholesterol.
Dry AMD cannot be treated at this time. Fortunately, this form of the disease progresses very slowly. Eventually some central vision may be lost, but most people with dry AMD lead normal, active lives.
Some forms of wet AMD can be treated with laser surgery. The laser is used to stop the leaking blood vessels before further damage occurs.
Research is ongoing concerning this disease. There appears to be some promise that lutein and xeanthine (found in dark, leafy green vegetables) may play a role in slowing the progression of the disease. New treatments are being examined as well.
Our doctors of optometry perform thorough eye examinations to evaluate the health of your eyes and discuss your risk factors for developing this disease.
Diabetes
Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness in American adults. It is caused by changes in the blood vessels within the retina. The blood vessels may begin to swell and leak or new blood vessels may begin to grow on the surface of the retina. These changes may result in vision loss or blindness.
The longer someone has diabetes, the greater his or her risk for developing diabetic eye disease. Almost 50% of all people with diabetes develop some diabetic retinopathy during their life.
There are often no symptoms during the early stages of the disease. There is no eye pain and vision isn’t blurred until the condition worsens. That is why it is so important to have an annual dilated examination if you have diabetes.
Some diabetic retinopathy is treatable with the use of a laser. It is used to shrink the abnormal vessels growing in the retina. Studies have shown that this treatment reduces the risk of severe vision loss by 60%. It often cannot restore vision that has already been lost. That is why early detection is so important.
Another complication related to diabetes is cataracts. People with diabetes are twice as likely to develop cataracts and often develop them earlier than people without diabetes.
People with diabetes are also twice as likely to develop glaucoma as other adults. The longer you have diabetes, the greater the risk for developing glaucoma. Glaucoma related to diabetes is treated with medications, laser or surgery.
If you are diabetic, we urge you to have annual dilated eye examinations.
Dry Eyes
Your eyes are lubricated by tears produced by tear glands in your upper eyelid. Blinking spreads a film of tears across the surface of your eyes that then move to the inside area of your eye and drain through the tear drainage ducts in the nose and throat.
Your tears are comprised of three separate layers. They include a watery layer, a mucus layer and an oily layer. An abnormality in any of these three layers can lead to dry eye symptoms. These symptoms include:
Dryness of the eye Mucous discharge
Redness Sandy or gritty feeling
Itching Burning
Constant or occasional tearing Watery eyes
Light sensitivity Eye pain or soreness
Lid infections Sties
Tired eyes Contact lens discomfort
Contact lens solution sensitivity Frequent use of lubricating eye drops
What causes dry eyes?
Environment plays a large role in your tear layer. Sunny, dry or windy weather can lead to dry eye symptoms. Heaters, air conditioners and high altitudes increase the evaporation of tears from the eye’s surface.
If your tear drainage is too great or too slight, you may experience dry eye symptoms.
Wearing contact lenses increases tear evaporation and may lead to dry eye symptoms.
Tear production gradually decreases with age. At age 65 the tear glands produce about 40% of the lubricating tears they produced at age 18.
Certain medications, including decongestants, antihistamines and diuretics may reduce tear production.
Other related conditions include sinus/nasal congestion, chronic cough, bronchitis, allergies or hay fever, middle ear congestion, dry throat or mouth, headaches and asthma.
How are dry eyes treated?
Management of dry eyes can be a challenging process. Lubricating drops and ointments may provide relief for dry eyes. Lacrimal occlusion is often used when lubricating drops alone are not adequate. Lacrimal occlusion is the partial blockage of your tear drainage ducts to preserve natural tears on the surface of the eyes. This procedure often provides long-term relief from dry eye symptoms. Temporary (dissolving) plugs are inserted into your tear drainage ducts. They last four to seven days, during which time your symptoms are monitored. Once the efficacy of the plugs are determined, permanent plugs are inserted. Often lubricating drops are no longer needed following punctal occlusion.
When left untreated, severely dry eyes may lead to chronic infection of your eye and eyelids, corneal ulceration, scarring and permanent vision loss.
Our doctors of optometry will work with you to determine the best option for treating your dry eye symptoms.
Low Vision Services
Low vision is a condition that exists when ordinary glasses, contact lenses, medical treatment and/or surgery are unable to correct a person’s sight to the normal range. Reduced visual function has a profound influence on an individual’s well being. The goal of low vision services is to maximize the usable sight of a person, enabling them to perform routine tasks.
Our Doctors of Optometry will complete a thorough eye examination and can recommend strategies to improve the quality of life of those with reduced visual function. Optical devices often used to obtain this goal include hand-held or stand magnifiers, high-power reading lenses, telescopes and tinted lenses. Non-optical devices such as talking books, clocks and calculators, large-numeral telephones and large print reading materials are also introduced and considered.
A person with a vision impairment can often benefit from an orientation and mobility specialist. These services can teach the visually impaired person to travel independently. Our doctors will be happy to discuss this option and help arrange for these services.
Pediatric Optometry
We have several optometrists in our offices that specialize in children’s vision. Testing is done not only to check visual acuities and eye health, but developmental aspects of vision as well. Some of these aspects are listed below.
Accommodation: The eye’s ability to focus to make near objects clear
Convergence/Divergence: The ability of the muscles of the eyes to turn the eyes in and out to focus on an object.
Pursuits/Saccades: The eyes’ ability to work together to look from one object to another or follow an object as it is moving.
Visual Perception: The act of processing visual information. This includes efficiency in such areas as visual discrimination, visual memory, spatial relations, sequential memory, figure ground and visual closure.
Laterality/Directionality: The ability to be able to distinguish where one is in space and where other objects are in relation to one’s self in space.
Should a child have difficulties in any of these areas, difficulties in school may arise. Some symptoms that a child may report include:
Red, sore or itching eyes
Jerky eye movements, one eye turning in or out
Squinting, eye rubbing or excessive blinking
Blurred vision or double vision
Headaches or eye strain after reading
Head tilting, closing or blocking one eye when reading
Things that a parent or teacher may observe include:
Poor handwriting
Difficulty copying from the board
Letter or word reversals
Poor reading comprehension
Frequent loss of place
Omits, inserts or rereads letters/words
Failure to recognize the same word in the next sentence
Avoidance of near work
Yearly vision examinations are recommended to ensure your child’s visual skills are developing properly.
Sports Vision
An athlete’s performance is greatly determined by the quality of his/her vision. Athletes must be able to see distant objects from contrasting backgrounds, and estimate distances and speeds. Impaired visual functions can interfere with eye/hand and eye/foot coordination, reaction time, eye tracking and focusing abilities. Being conscious of this fact and how you can both improve and protect sports vision can help enhance performance.
Sports vision therapy is a specialized program that focuses on the evaluation, correction and improvement of the visual performance of athletes. This therapy teaches the patient’s brain to operate his/her eyes to collect information effectively, comprehend the information, and respond appropriately. Sports vision therapy involves a variety of training devices and techniques designed to enhance and improve an athlete’s visual skills. Performance skills will improve as the visual skills improve.
Visual skills that are enhanced include not only visual acuity, but dynamic visual acuity (vision as you move through space), tracking, depth perception, peripheral and spatial awareness, eye/hand coordination and visualization.
FAQ's
How does the eye see? (Why can’t I see?)
Assuming the eye is healthy, refractive problems come from three locations. The curvature of the cornea may be too steep, too flat or irregular. The power of the lens may be incorrect. The length of the eye may be too long or too short.
There are four basic types of refractive problems:
MYOPIA (nearsightedness): The cornea may be too steep relative to the length of the eyeball. Effectively, the eye is too long. The visual image of light entering the eye focuses in front of the retina, resulting in a blurred or distorted view.
HYPEROPIA (farsightedness): The cornea may be too flat relative to the length of the eyeball. Effectively, the eye is too short. The visual image of light entering the eye focuses behind the retina, resulting in a blurred or distorted view.
ASTIGMATISM (asymmetrical cornea or lens): Unlike the normal eye that has a round shape, like a basketball, an eye with astigmatism has an oblong shaped eye, more like a football. The light rays entering the eye are unevenly bent, causing distortion and blurred vision.
PRESBYOPIA: Presbyopia occurs when the eye’s near-focusing ability declines due to loss of elasticity of the focusing lens inside the eye. This generally occurs between the ages of 35 and 45.
Types of Payment Accepted/Insurance Plans
We accept cash, personal checks, MasterCard®, Visa®, and Discover®.
We participate with VSP, Medicare, Medicaid, Pacificare, Kaiser, and Cigna.
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