Dry Eye Syndrome

If eyes are not properly lubricated they may feel itchy, scratchy, and irritated. Dry eye syndrome affects approximately 10-14 million Americans, mostly over the age of 40.

In addition to a lack of tear production, dry eye can result from inadequate levels of moisture on the surface of the eye. This is caused by situations that dry out the tear film. These situations can include dry air from air conditioning, heat, or other environmental conditions such as smoking, high altitude or pollution.


There are three layers of your tear film:
The mucin layer is the thinnest and its purpose is to coat your eye and to spread the moisture of your tears evenly across the eye.
The water layer is made up of a saltwater solution. It is the largest and thickest layer, and its purpose is to ensure that your eye remains moist.
The outer lipid layer is made up of lipids (oils). Its purpose is to prevent the watery middle layer from evaporating.

Treatment of Dry Eye
There are many treatment options for Dry Eye. The best option depends on the severity of your Dry Eye, age, lifestyle, medications and overall health. Some options are:
Hot Compresses and Lid Scrubs used daily
A high quality fish oil capsule, such asFortifeye, which contains Omega 3 fatty acids keep the tear production system healthy.
Lubricating Drops, like Systane Ultra can help moisten the eyes.
RESTASIS® Ophthalmic Emulsion is the only prescription eye drop to help increase tear production
Temporary or permanent punctal plugs. An in office procedure for more severe cases.

Our exams always include an evaluation of the tear film and testing for Dry Eye.

Cataracts

Today’s cataract surgery is one of the safest and most effective procedures that can be done to correct your vision. Compared to just a years ago advances in cataract surgery have really come along way.

All cataract surgeries now are completed with an Intraocular Lens (IOL) implanted into the eye. New advances allow people to be corrected with Multifocal implants which corrects the distance and near vision or something called a Toric IOL which corrects any astigmatism that the patient may have.

Cataracts are a part of the normal aging process and affect us all. In school, I learned that anyone who lives long enough will get cataracts. Today’s vision requirements are so advanced that many people are opting for cataract surgeries with mild cataracts because of the large impact that a small vision impairment can have on your life. I’m excited about what the future holds in working with our talented and experienced cataract surgeons.

New Personalized Lenses From Zeiss

There has been an amazing amount of technology that has come out of progressive lenses in the last ten years. Right now, I am most excited about the newest type of progressive lens, called the Zeiss Individual Lens. Each lens is not even designed until a patient’s prescription has been decided. It takes into account not only the prescription but also the type of frame, the tilt, wrap and shape of the frame. It also factors in the facial features of the person wearing it. All of the studies have shown that this will be one of the biggest advancements in progressive lenses since they were first invented. I am excited that we are able to offer this. Click here to see our latest newsletter article about these fantastic lenses.

New ZEISS Individual™ Lenses Precisely Personalized For Your Best Vision Possible

Personalized products are everywhere. You can buy custom M&Ms in your favorite colors with a picture or personal sentiment. Clothing companies like Levi Strauss and Lands' End provide custom designed jeans.

Computers and cell phones allow you to personalize your home pages and applications. In healthcare, financial services and insurance, highly personalized plans are now the norm, not the exception.

What if you could have eyeglass lenses made just for you?

You can, with Zeiss Individual. ™ Individual lenses are precisely personalized for you, the glasses you select and how those glasses fit your face.

Did you know that your vision is affected by how your nose and cheekbones position your lenses? Taking precise measurements results in more precise vision. Zeiss Individual™ lenses take into account the distance from your eye to the back of the frame, the angle of the frame and the shape of the frame in relation to your face.

Think of it as the difference between buying clothes "off the rack" versus clothes made by a tailor. The tailor takes extensive measurements so that the clothes fit you precisely. When you buy something off the rack, it is designed to fit numerous people within a certain size range. While it might fit you well, it won't fit exactly and may require additional tailoring for a perfect fit.

Ask our staff about Zeiss Individual™ lenses and find out how you can have your best vision.