Free Lens Promotion

You want to plug my what????

Puncta!

Punctal plugs are an effective treatment for individuals suffering from chronic dry eye.  Made of either silicone or collagen, these small devices are inserted into the drainage channels located at the inner corner of the eyelid (the puncta).  They allow tears to be retained and provide natural moisture to the cornea.   

Good candidates for punctal plugs include people who chronically suffer from dry eye syndrome and have had little success with artificial tears and other supplemental therapies.  The procedure is done in our office and takes just minutes.  Mild irritation can occur but most patients are comfortable as soon as they leave the office. 

If you are interested in learning more about this treatment option for dry eye, feel free to contact me with any questions.  Dr. P

Before Plug

After Plug

Nearsighted? You may be at risk for a retinal detachment.

Photo of actual retinal tear with detachment.

 http://www.retinaeye.com/retinaldetachment.html

Did you know that a nearsighted(myopic) eye is longer than the average eye?  The higher the prescription is, the longer the eye tends to be.  This means that the retina has to stretch thinner to cover the inside of a nearsighted eye than it does for an average eye.  A thinner retina is at higher risk for a retinal tear, hole or detachment.   A retinal tear or hole allows fluid to leak under the retina which can then cause the retina to pull away, or detach, from the back wall of the eye.  Retinal detachments can cause permanent vision loss if not treated immediately.  Some sign/symptoms of retinal detachment include: flashes of light, an increase in number of new floaters, a curtain or shadow coming over your vision, and/or sudden loss or change in peripheral vision.  However, sometimes retinal detachments do not have any symptoms at all.  So have you eye checked regularly to ensure that your retinas are healthy and intact! - Dr. Zollman

Diagram of a retinal tear (1) with an associated retinal detachment (2)

 http://www.retinaeye.com/retinaldetachment.html

A fresh contact lens everyday? Fantastic!

 

I think that I can safely say that my most satisfied contact lens patients are those wearing daily disposable lenses.  They rave about the comfort and the convenience.  The contacts are fresh each day, so there are no worries about surface deposits developing over time.  This results in clearer vision and less lens awareness.  Better yet, at the end of the day just toss them in the trash!  Forget about the chore of cleaning.

Patients often express concern about the cost of daily lenses.  If you factor the savings realized by not having to buy bottles of multipurpose solution, these contacts are comparable to most other lenses.  Current wearers always say that the investment is well worth it and that they have no desire to return to their previous lenses.

Manufacturers are responding to the positive feedback on daily disposable contacts and have many new, specialty lenses under development.  More options for daily disposable toric and multifocal contacts will be available over the next year.  If you are interested in a trial of these lenses, let our optometrists know at your next exam.

Dr. P

Stylish Clip-ons??????

Alert the fashionistas!  It IS possible to use stylish and clip-on in the same sentence.  Silhouette recently introduced their new line of Styleshades and we are excited to feature them at Alpine Vision.  The light-weight clips offer full coverage in a variety of shapes that can be paired with any rimless, Silhouette frame.  Dare we say that these clip-ons are an acceptable alternative to sunglasses?  Stop by and see for yourself, the complete line of clips are featured at both our Moscow and Lewiston locations.

http://www.silhouette.com/us/en/styleshades-detail/

Tips from a Photographer

Don't let your next portrait look like this!  Jonathan, from Archer Photography in Moscow, offered a few pointers on how to ensure that your next portrait looks great:

1.  If you typically wear eyeglasses, DO have them on when getting your picture taken.
2.  Make sure that you DO NOT wear eyeglasses with Transitions lenses for an outdoor photoshoot.
3.  DO wear lenses that are treated with an anti-reflective coating.
4.  Consider stopping by our office to have your lenses temporarily removed from your frame before you have your picture taken (you may not be able to see what is going on around you but you will look great!)

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.