Alpine Vision Introduces Dr. Zollman

Stacie Zollman, OD

Alpine Vision Center, announces the arrival of Latah County native, Dr. Stacie Zollman. Specializing in comprehensive optometry including ocular disease, low vision, and specialty contact lens fittings, Dr. Zollman is the first local optometrist to join the husband and wife optometry team of doctors Nathan Wilson and Julia Polito. Doctors Wilson and Polito, owners of Alpine Vision Center, welcome Dr. Zollman’s experience in low vision care.

Alpine Vision Center provides comprehensive eye care for patients of all ages. Dr. Zollman’s expertise includes diagnosing and treating nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and other low vision issues in children and adults. Additionally, she has extensive training in the treatment and management of ocular diseases, including glaucoma, diabetes, and macular degeneration.

"The addition of Dr. Zollman will help us better meet the needs of a diverse group patients," said Dr. Wilson. "She will work closely with patients of all ages in need of glasses or contact lenses, and in many cases will be the first point of diagnosis for those with more complex ocular and systemic diseases."

Dr. Zollman, a graduate of Genesee High School in 2004, received her undergraduate degree in Biology from the University of Idaho in 2009, and her Doctorate of Optometry from Pacific University in Oregon in 2013. She is a member of the Beta Sigma Kappa honor society and graduated with distinction.  She is also a recipient of the Eschenbach Award for Excellence in Low Vision (http://www.eschenbach.com/).  Dr. Zollman is already known to many of Alpine Vision Center’s patients, having worked for Alpine Vision Center prior to leaving Moscow for optometry school. 

In addition to serving her community, Dr. Zollman enjoys “…spending time with family and enjoying the outdoors in beautiful Idaho!”

To schedule an eye exam with Dr. Stacie Zollman or other members of the Alpine Vision Center team in Moscow, call 208-883-1800 and in Lewiston, call 208-743-5830, or visit www.myalpinevision.com to request an appointment online. The Alpine Vision Center offices in Moscow and Lewiston are easily accessible from Latah, Nez Perce, Whitman, and Asotin counties.

Macular Degeneration Update

Macular Degeneration Update

The National Eye Health Institute recently released results from second Age Related Eye Disease Study.  AREDS2 evaluated the effectiveness of specific antioxidants, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids on halting the progression of macular degeneration.  The following is intended to provide you with information about this disease and steps you can take to preserve your vision.

 

What is macular degeneration?       

The macula is the most sensitive part of the retina.  It is located centrally and is host to the highest concentration of photoreceptors in your eye.  Because of this fact, the macula is responsible for processing light rays that result in our most detailed vision.  When the photoreceptors are damaged, they expend waste products that cause the macular tissue to die or degenerate.  This situation can lead to difficulty when driving, reading, or looking at faces.

 

What vision may be like with macular degeneration.

 

Who is at risk for macular degeneration?

We are all potentially at risk for development of macular degeneration.  It is an age related disease and is the leading cause of blindness among Americans aged 60 and older.  Currently, 2 million Americans have advanced macular degeneration and another 8 million people are at risk.  The following are a list of systemic and environmental factors that contribute to the disease:

1.       Race – Macular degeneration is more prevalent among Caucasians.

2.       Family History

3.       Cigarette Smoking

4.       Cardiovascular Health – Hypertension, elevated cholesterol, and higher BMI increase risk

5.       Unhealthy Diet – Deficient in vitamins and antioxidants

6.       UV Exposure
 

What steps can be taken to help prevent the disease?

A variety of lifestyle habits can be implemented to help reduce your risk for macular degeneration.

1.        Don’t smoke

2.       Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy body weight and good cardiovascular health

3.       Eat foods rich in vitamins and antioxidants, specifically carotenoids

4.       Take a daily multivitamin (unless otherwise directed by your physician)

5.       Wear UV protective eyewear

What are carotenoids?

Carotenoids are naturally occurring pigments that are antioxidants and a source of Vitamin A.  Lutein and zeaxanthin are two carotenoids found in the macula.  They help prevent oxidation and damage to the retinal tissue caused by UV radiation.  Leafy greens, like kale and cooked spinach, are excellent sources of carotenoids.
 

What are the highlights of the AREDS2 study?

The goal of AREDS2 was to reevaluate the formulation of vitamins specifically designed for individuals with moderate macular degeneration.   The original AREDS study, conducted in 2001, found that high doses of beta-carotene along with vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, and copper could reduce the progression of macular degeneration from moderate to advanced disease in 25% of patients.  Unfortunately, these doses of beta-carotene increased the risk of lung cancer for current and former smokers.  Furthermore, clinical studies have demonstrated that consumption of high doses of zinc increase risk for prostate cancer development twofold.

AREDS2 sought to evaluate whether beta-carotene could be substituted with lutein and zeaxanthin.  These carotenoids are not associated with the developments of cancer.  The study also investigated the necessity of high doses of zinc and the overall efficacy of omega-3 fatty acids.  The following provides a brief synopsis of the results:

• Lutein and zeaxanthin ARE acceptable substitutes for beta-carotene and are slightly more effective in preventing progression to advanced stages of macular degeneration.
• Zinc is a necessary component in vitamin formulations for macular degeneration.  The exact amount of zinc needed, however, is undetermined.   Lower doses of zinc may eventually be recommended to negate the potential for other adverse side effects.
• Omega-3 fatty acids do not have an effect in the prevention of macular degeneration progression.  Many eye-care professionals, however, continue to recommend omega-3 supplementation because of the systemic health benefits.

If you have any questions about macular degeneration and your eyes, feel free to contact our doctors at alpinevision2020@gmail.com or ask at your next eye exam.

Saturday Appointments Now Available

Dailies Total 1

Ciba Vision recently lauched the Dailies Total 1 lens for the U.S. market.  Alpine Vision Center is pleased to be one of the select offices to offer this product to patients.  Dailies Total 1 has a highly permeable oxygen core with dual sided water surfaces.  With an outer surface water content of over 80% and a design geared to reduce friction against the cornea and conjunctiva, Dailies Total 1 is touted as the most comfortable contact lens available.

The following is a link to a video that provides a summary on the features of this lens:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g05bsFChLmg
The surface structure of Dailies Total 1 was designed under the direction of a NASA engineer.  This next video features a demonstration of its lubricity compared with other contact lenses:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=XwmW0tlWTMc

If you experience end of the day discomfort or are unable to wear contact lenses altogether, Dailies Total 1 may be just for you.  Feel free to contact us for a trial of these lenses.  Your prescription must be current and we will let you know if the lenses are available in your specific power.

A New View on Progressive Lenses

Let's talk progressives.  Most people wonder if they are good candidates for these lenses.  Everyone has heard a story from their "great aunt Ida" about how horrific progressives are and how they would never wear them again.  I would like to challenge that notion and introduce you to the new school of digitally enhanced progressives.

Progressive lenses became common in the market place during the 1980s.  Prior to this, lined bifocals were the preferred solution for blurred vision when reading.   Whereas lined bifocals offered only distance and near vision, progressive lenses allowed for a fluid change between all ranges of vision including distance, intermediate and near.   With the increased demand for intermediate vision due to computer use over the past 30 years, designers of progressive lenses have worked diligently make improvements in design and functionality.  Modern lenses offer more area for viewing in the intermediate and near ranges and less distortion in the periphery.

What makes digitally enhanced progressives better than "old school" lenses?  The answer is CUSTOMIZATION.  Our progressives are designed to provide you with the most precise focus and reduced distortion by offering the optimal design for your specific prescription.  The newest lenses can even take into account whether you move your eyes or head when you look side to side and which eye is dominant and provides your brain with the most visual feedback.

When new products are introduced to our practice, we put them to the test.  Digital progressives have surpassed our expectations!  Patients previously unable to wear progressives can now work comfortably without having to strain their eyes and necks while using the computer.  Those who are new to the world of progressive lenses are able to transition easily without feeling like they are looking through a fishbowl.  The overall response has been overwhelmingly positive.

If you interested in learning more about the latest in progressive design be sure to check out these videos or contact our opticians for more details.

Visiooffice...The latest in eyeglass customization!

http://www.prlog.org/11954516-alpine-vision-center-deploys-latest-in-vision-technology.html

Be sure to check out this link!  We are excited to introduce the Visioffice System to both of our practices.

 
Do you suffer from dry, red, irritated eyes?  Do tear drops and ointments just not do the trick?  You may want to consider Punctal Plugs.  These silicone or collagen plugs are placed into the drainage ducts (puncta) of the eye.  They allow for retention of your natural tears.  Most times, insertion of Punctal Plugs is quick and painless.  It is a procedure done in our office and is usually covered by your medical insurance.  Our doctors and staff are available to answer any questions, so feel free to give us a call!