Breathable Colored Contacts Do Exist

It's official!  The newest generation of colored contact lenses has arrived at Alpine Vision Center.  After years (truly) of anticipation, Alcon introduced Air Optix Colors.  These contacts offer a healthy, comfortable option for those who are interested in enhancing their eye color.  Choose from an array of colors to create your own personalized look.  Stop by our office for a trial or check out the virtual Color Studio to choose the color that works best for you.

Time for a Tune-up?

Eyeglasses need adjustment after they are worn for period of time.  Misalignment can cause discomfort and alter the visual clarity.  Plus have you ever taken a close look at your frames?  They can get a bit funky over time.  Crooked and dirty eyeglasses are not something you want on your face.  Feel free to stop by our offices for complimentary adjustments and tune-ups.  Each location has an ultrasonic cleaner that can make your eyeglasses sparkle like new.  Think of it as a spa day for your spectacles.  Your face will thank you for it!

Ummmm...Gross!

Attention contact lens wearers of the world...don't be nasty!  Soft contact lenses are like little Petri dishes where bugs can grow.  The warmth and moisture from your eyeballs provides an excellent breeding ground for bacteria, fungi, and amoebas.  Get one of those buggers in your cornea and you may be in for a rude awakening.  Some of these critters can lead to blindness within days of initial infection.  Here are some tips to make sure that you are not a victim of Eyeballs Gone Wrong:

1.  NEVER and I repeat NEVER soak your contact lenses in water!
2.  Don't "top off" your solution.  Multipurpose solution is designed to be replaced daily.  Dump it out and start with a fresh batch every night.
3.  Let your case air dry each day.  Leave the lids on loosely to avoid contamination.
4.  Replace your case every 2 months.  Please oh please don't be one of those people who come to our office with crusty cases.  Just stop by if you need a new case and we will happily supply one.
5.  Rub your lenses when cleaning.  The No-Rub campaign is a thing of the past.  Mechanical motion aids in the removal of debris and infectious agents.
6.  Respect your contact lenses!  They are amazing little medical devices that allow you to see.

Feel free to email me with any questions.

Dr. P
alpinevision2020@gmail.com

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