EYE EXAMS

20/20 eyesight does not mean perfect vision

Children and adults with high visual demands often experience visual stress and have undetected visual problems which interfere with their ability to perform or learn. Symptoms such as loss of place, visual fatigue, blur, headaches, reduced comprehension, and difficulty concentrating may indicate a developmental and/or visual stress problem.
 

Our Comprehensive Vision Exam goes beyond 20/20 to evaluate many important visual skills, such as:

• Eye Health
  The eye, neural pathways, visual fields and eye pressure are evaluated to determine the presence of glaucoma, cataracts, diabetes hypertension, and other ocular and systemic diseases.

• Refractive Status
  Evaluations are made for nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and the benefits of glasses and contact lenses.

• Visual Acuity at Near
  Is vision clear and single at close distances? Clear sight at short distances is critical to reading, writing, close work and computer use.

• Visual Efficiency
  Evaluations are made for visual tracking, focusing and eye coordination ability to insure maximum performance for school, work, and leisure activities.

• Eye Teaming Skills
  Do the two eyes aim, move, and work as a coordinated team? Weakness in binocular (two-eyed) vision and eye teaming skills can cause numerous difficulties.

• Eye Focusing Skills
  Do the eyes maintain clear vision at varying distances? Rapid automatic eye focus adjustment is critical to learning, reading, writing, sports, etc. Deficiencies can cause visual fatigue, reduced reading comprehension, and/or avoidance of close work or other activities.

Vision Exams for Children

We recommend that infants have their vision evaluated within the first six months of life by their pediatrician, and then again at 3 years of age. That is why EyeCare Specialties is proud to be involved in the See to Learn Program. Children beginning at age five, should have an annual developmental and visual efficiency evaluation.

Click here for information from the AOA on the importance of regular eye exams
Click here for information from the AOA on vision screening Vs. vision examination

CONTACT LENS SPECIALTIES

NOW, Non-surgical process that allows you to go all day without glasses or contacts.

Optimal contact lens vision and comfort require proper follow-up care. We specialize in contact lenses including hard to fit conditions like bifocal and astigmatism. Our doctors see contact lens patients from the entire region because of our specialty in Keratoconus (distorted corneal curvature) and fitting the patient after having corneal transplants. We consider all possible options of contact lenses to determine what is best for your eyes. Careful follow-up ensures you have the best contact lens for your comfort, vision and eye health.

Click here to learn more about Lenses and Coating
Click here to learn more about Contacts & Solutions
Click here to order contacts

High Toric Contacts Available
If you wear a toric contact lens because of astigmatism and have been told that you can't wear disposable lenses, your time is here! New technology has made it possible to have even high powers available in two week or monthly replacement lenses. Give us a call, or stop into our contact lens department to find out if we have your prescription in the NEW-Toric Disposable Contact Lenses! Our Doctors are all certified in fitting CRT, "Corneal Refractive Therapy" contacts. This allows patients to sleep in their contacts over night, and wake up seeing clearly all day without the need for glasses or contacts!

Paragon CRT® Corneal Refractive Therapy

VISION THERAPY

Some visual conditions cannot be treated adequately with just glasses, contact lenses and/or patching, and are best resolved through a program of Vision Therapy.

WHAT IS VISION THERAPY?

Vision Therapy is an individualized, supervised, treatment program designed to correct visual-motor and/or perceptual-cognitive deficiencies. Vision Therapy sessions include procedures designed to enhance the brain's ability to control:

• eye alignment

• eye teaming

• eye focusing abilities

• eye movements

• visual processing

Visual-motor skills and endurance are developed through the use of specialized computer and optical devices, including therapeutic lenses, prisms, and filters. During the final stages of therapy, the patient's newly acquired visual skills are reinforced and made automatic through repetition and by integration with motor and cognitive skills.

WHO BENEFITS FROM VISION THERAPY?

Children and adults with visual challenges, such as:

• Learning-related Vision Problems
  Vision therapy can help those individuals who lack the necessary visual skills for effective reading, writing, and learning (i.e., eye movement and focusing skills, convergence, eye-hand activity, visual memory skills, etc.).

• Poor Binocular Coordination
  Vision Therapy helps individuals develop normal coordination and teamwork of the two eyes (binocular vision). When the two eyes fail to work
  together as an effective team, performance in many areas can suffer (reading, sports, depth perception, eye contact, etc.).

• Strabismus and Amblyopia
  Vision Therapy programs offer much higher cure rates for turned eyes and/or lazy eye when compared to eye surgery, glasses, and/or patching, without therapy. The earlier the patient receives Vision Therapy the better, however patients well past 21 years of age have benefited from Vision Therapy.

• Stress-Induced Visual Difficulties
  21st century lifestyles demand more from our vision than ever before. Children and adults in our technological society constantly use their near
  vision at work and at home. C.V.S. (Computer Vision Syndrome) is one of the fastest growing health concerns in the workplace today.
  Environmental stresses on the visual system (including excessive computer use or close work) can induce eyestrain, headaches, and/or visual difficulties, which can be effectively treated with corrective lenses and/or Vision Therapy.

• Visual Rehabilitation for Special Populations
  Vision can be compromised as a result of neurological disorders or trauma to the nervous system (such as, traumatic brain injuries stroke, whiplash, developmental delays, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, etc.). Vision therapy may effectively treat the visual consequences of trauma
  (including double vision).

• Sports Vision Improvement
  Strong visual skills are critical to sports success. Not much happens in sports until your eyes instruct your hands and body as to what to do!
  Accurate vision and athletic visual skills can be measured, developed, and enhanced through Vision Therapy. We measure and successfully
  improve eye-hand coordination, visual reaction time, peripheral awareness, eye teaming, focusing, tracking and visualization skills (to mention
  just a few)

Resolution Adopted at the National PTA Convention (June 1999) Learning Related Vision Problems Education and Evaluation

Whereas, it is estimated that more than 10 million children (ages0-10) suffer from vision problems; and Whereas, many visual skills are necessary for successful learning in the modern classroom; and skill deficiencies may contribute to poor academic performance; and Whereas, typical "vision" evaluations/screenings only test for a few of the necessary learning related visual skills (distance acuity, i.e. 20/20 eyesight), leaving most visual skill deficiencies undiagnosed; and Whereas, learning related vision problems, when accurately diagnosed, can be treated successfully and permanently; and Whereas, knowledge regarding the relationship between poorly developed visual skills and poor academic performance is not widely held among students, parents, teachers, administrators and public health officials; now therefore be it Resolved, that national PTA, through its constituent organizations, provide information to educate members, educators, administrators, public health officials and the public at large about learning related visual problems and the need for more comprehensive visual skill tests in school vision screening programs performed by qualified and trained personnel; and be it further Resolved, the national PTA, through its constituent organizations, urge schools to include in the VISION SCREENING PROGRAMS TESTS FOR LEARNING RELATED VISUAL SKILLS necessary for success in the classroom.
 

Click here for information from the AOA about important vision skills for sports
Click here for information from the AOA about toys, games, and your child's vision

LASIK SURGERY

Our goal is to provide you with the information you need to make an informed choice about your vision correction options. With today's State of the Art Laser Technology, amazing results are being achieved. At EyeCare Specialties, our Doctors and well trained staff will always take the time to fully explain the screening process and the actual LASIK procedure. Many patients notice a dramatic improvement in their vision within the first 24 hours after the surgery was performed. The majority of LASIK patients are able to pass a drivers' test and perform most of their daily activities without the need for their glasses or contacts. The LASIK is an outpatient procedure taking approximately 15 minutes per eye and is usually performed in the doctors' surgical suite. Patients may return to their normal activities within a couple days.

How does LASIK work?

The microkeratome incorporates an instrument that lifts a very thin amount of the cornea, called a corneal flap. Once the flap has been lifted, the area of the inner cornea is treated with a "cool beam" light from the excimer laser. The excimer's ultraviolet light treats thin layers of tissue from the cornea. The corneal flap is placed back where it adheres within seconds and requires no stitches. As a result, your cornea (instead of your glasses or contacts) will focus light rays correctly on your retina. Improving the focusing power of the cornea will decrease your eye's dependence on glasses or contacts.

To find out if LASIK surgery is right for you, call EyeCare Specialties to schedule an appointment at (402) 420-2020.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• What is LASIK?
  During LASIK (laser in situ keratomileusis), an instrument called a microkeratome is used to gently lift and fold back a thin flap of tissue across the outer layer of the eye to expose the cornea. The eximer laser is then used to reshape the cornea. This laser is extremely accurate and can remove a quarter of a micron of tissue at a time. (A human hair is approximately 50 microns thick.) After the laser is used, the flap is folded back into position and reseals itself; no sutures are needed. The procedure itself takes about 20 minutes.
   

• Is laser vision correction covered by insurance?
  Most insurance companies consider laser vision correction elective in nature and do not cover the procedure, but we recommend you check with your individual insurance company. However, there are some discount programs available that we participate with. In comparison, consider the repeat costs of purchasing new eyeglass frames and lenses and disposable contacts year after year! Our practice accepts cash, Discover, MasterCard, Visa and have attractive financing plans available.
   

• Am I eligible for laser vision correction?
  This depends on your age, your prescription and the general health of your eyes. Your prescription must have been stable for the past 12 months. We suggest you be 21 years of age or older. Although most laser vision correction patients are under 60, even seniors may be eligible.
   

• Do I need an examination first?
  Prior to treatment, you will have a laser vision consultation and a thorough eye exam. A detailed computer image is taken of your eye that will detail the curvature, shape, overall smoothness and regularity of the cornea.
   

• Does the surgery hurt?
  No, the actual procedure does not hurt. Anesthetic drops are administered before the surgery begins. Some patients may experience discomfort during the first 12 to 36 hours after the procedure. Some patients describe the feeling as a lash in the eye or something under a contact lens. Medications are available if you are concerned about this possibility. An oral sedative is given 30 minutes prior to the procedure to help you relax.
   

• Are there any restrictions after the procedure?
  The first four hours after surgery we encourage you to keep both eyes closed as much as possible. Swimming, hot tubs, sauna or Jacuzzi are prohibited for two weeks. No makeup for 48 hours or eye makeup for 4 days. When your vision clears, you may drive and you may return to work in one or two days.
   

• What are the side effects?
  As with any treatment or surgery there are risks, even though they are rare. Pain is uncommon. You may experience halos, glare, light sensitivity, blurred vision, double vision, difficulty with night vision and/or a foreign body sensation. Other risks include infection, over responding, under responding, irregular astigmatism, epithelial ingrowth, corneal abrasion, reduction of best corrected vision, dry eyes or induced astigmatism.
   

• Does laser vision correction really work?
  Yes. Laser vision correction is being done all around the world. Over 90% of people who have had one of these procedures obtain normal vision, and many others are happy to lessen their dependence on glasses and contact lenses.
   

• What is an enhancement?
  An enhancement is a repeat of the surgical procedure, which is occasionally done when the eye has under-responded. The necessity for an enhancement procedure is determined when the patient's post-operative vision has stabilized. The length of time necessary for vision to stabilize depends upon the procedure and the patient's individual healing time.
   

• Will laser vision correction prohibit me from having future eye surgery?
  Refractive surgery will not interfere with any future eye surgery you may need, such as cataract or glaucoma surgery.
   

• What do I do next?
  Your next step is to learn about your laser vision correction needs. You can provide us with your prescription (even over the phone) and we can let you know if you are a candidate for one of our refractive surgery procedures. If you are a good candidate then we would be happy to schedule a full evaluation with one of our doctors to better assess your visual needs. We are committed to helping you make the informed decision. Please call us at (402) 420-2020.

With the LADARVision tracking system's patented flying small-spot ablation patterns and the Gaussian beam, corneal shaping can be done in gradual and precise increments. While other laser systems may need to be upgraded or even replaced to accommodate future developments, LADARVision already has the technology necessary for customized ablations. In addition, LADARVision is approved for LASIK treatment of myopia (nearsightedness), myopia with astigmatism (blurred vision), hyperopia (farsightedness), hyperopia with astigmatism and mixed astigmatism.
 

DIAGNOSIS & TREATMENT OF EYE DISEASE

Our Doctors are specially trained in the treatment of eye disease. With years of experience along with the latest instrumentation, we can promptly diagnose and treat most ocular conditions. If specific specialty care is required, we will refer you to the appropriate specialist. All necessary follow-up care will be conducted along with correspondence to your primary care physician when indicated.

• Macular Degeneration

• Diabetic Retinopathy

• Blepharitis

• Cataracts

• Conjunctivitis

• Dry Eye Syndrome

• Glaucoma

• Retinal Detachment

LOW VISION

EyeCare Specialties is skilled in the examination, treatment and management of patients with visual impairments not fully treatable by medical, surgical or conventional eyewear or contact lenses.

Few people are totally without sight. Most individuals today classified as "blind" actually have remaining sight and, thanks to developments in the field of low vision rehabilitation, can be helped to make good use of it, improving their quality of life.

Types of Low Vision include:

• Loss of Central Vision
  The loss of central vision creates a blur or blindspot, but side (peripheral) vision remains intact. This makes it difficult to read, recognize faces, and distinguish most details in the distance. Mobility, however, is usually unaffected because side vision remains intact.

• Loss of Peripheral (Side) Vision
  Loss of peripheral vision is typified by an inability to distinguish anything to one side or both sides, or anything directly above and/or below eye level. Central vision remains, however, making it possible to see directly ahead. Typically, loss of peripheral vision may affect mobility and if severe, can slow reading speed as a result of seeing only a few words at a time. This is sometimes referred to as "tunnel vision."

• Blurred Vision
  Blurred vision causes both near and far to appear to be out of focus, even with the best conventional spectacle correction possible.

• Generalized Haze
  Generalized haze causes the sensation of a film or glare that may extend over the entire viewing field.

• Extreme Light Sensitivity
  Extreme light sensitivity exists when standard levels of illumination overwhelm the visual system, producing a washed out image and/or glare disability. People with extreme light sensitivity may actually suffer pain or discomfort from relatively normal levels of illumination.

• Night Blindness
  Night blindness results in inability to see outside at night under starlight or moonlight, or in dimly lighted interior areas such as movie theaters or restaurants.

Click here to read information from the AOA about Low Vision

FINANCING

Professional services not covered by insurance are due on the same day of service. A 50% deposit is required before materials can be ordered, and payment in full must be made at time of dispense. This is our policy unless special arrangements have been made prior to your appointment.

A $20.00 fee for all checks returned by the bank will be assessed.
 

u REFERRAL PROGRAMS

Send your friends and family to EyeCare Specialties for the finest eyecare available, and receive the following savings on your next purchase.

Refer one patient	10% off
Refer two patients	20% off
Refer three patients	30% off
Refer four patients	40% off
Refer five patients	50% off
Refer six patients	60% off

(up to $150) *maximum savings is $150.00

How will you know how much you have earned?
We want to keep you updated! We'll send you verification of each patient we see who was referred by you. Each verification letter will include a referral certificate. You can redeem them one at a time or accumulate them. Certificates must be presented at time of purchase for discount.

Loan Applications are available at EyeCare Specialties. Your loan approval can usually be obtained within less than an hour.