Learning Resources in Celina & Fort Recovery, OH

Blepharitis is a common eye condition causing inflamed eyelids. Symptoms include redness, swelling, crusting, and irritation. It can be chronic or triggered by skin conditions like rosacea or poor hygiene.

There are two main types: anterior (outer eyelid redness) and posterior (inner eyelid, near the eye). Treatments include warm compresses, eyelid scrubs, and sometimes medication. Early diagnosis and hygiene practices can help manage symptoms and maintain eye comfort.

Schedule an eye exam to discuss any concerns you may have.

What is it? Blue light is part of the visible light spectrum and is found in sunlight and electronic devices.

Concerns:  Excessive exposure may contribute to eye diseases and sleep disruption.

Protecting yourself:

• • Limit screen time before bed.

• • Use screen filters or blue light glasses (consult your doctor).

• • Take regular screen breaks.

• • Wear UV-blocking sunglasses outdoors.

Cataracts are a clouding of the eye’s lens, causing blurry vision and difficulty seeing colors. Aging and UV exposure are the main culprits. While there’s no prevention, wearing UV-blocking sunglasses can slow their onset.

The good news is that cataract surgery is safe and effective. It replaces the clouded lens and restores clear vision. Talk to Dr. Gerlach and Dr. Dues to learn more.

Pink eye (conjunctivitis) is an eye irritation causing redness and discharge. Irritants like allergies or debris can cause temporary pink eye. At the same time, viral or bacterial infections are contagious and require an eye doctor’s evaluation.

Most cases are mild and treatable with eye drops or ointments. Call Grand Lake Eyecare for a diagnosis and fast relief!

Diabetic retinopathy is a serious eye disease affecting up to 80% of diabetics after 10 years. The good news? Early detection and treatment can prevent vision loss in 90% of cases.

Why is early detection important?

• • Early stages often have no symptoms.

• • Regular eye exams are crucial for early detection.

• • Treatments can slow the disease and prevent vision loss if caught in time.

• • Untreated diabetic retinopathy can lead to permanent vision loss.

Don’t wait for vision changes. Call us to schedule an appointment and protect your sight.

Dry eye syndrome occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears, or the tears you produce aren’t of good quality. Tears are essential for lubricating your eyes, protecting them from infection, and maintaining clear vision.

Causes:

• • Imbalance of tear production and drainage

• • Age (more common in older adults)

• • Medications

• • Medical conditions

• • Hormonal changes

Symptoms:

• • Irritated, scratchy, or burning eyes

• • A feeling of something in your eye

• • Excess watering

• • Blurry vision

Treatment:

Although dry eye can be chronic, Grand Lake Eyecare offers treatment options to keep your eyes comfortable and healthy. We can help you manage dry eye and prevent it from impacting your vision. Learn more about our dry eye treatment services.

A comprehensive eye exam goes beyond just measuring your vision with a Snellen chart. It checks for overall eye health, including common diseases, how your eyes work together, and even signs of other health problems.

These exams are important for everyone, starting in infancy, to ensure proper vision development and catch any issues early.

Never before has there been such a variety of frame materials for informed, technologically driven patients.

Ask us about the features and benefits of each frame material and what best meets your lifestyle requirements.

Magnesium Frames

Magnesium is the eighth-most abundant metal element on earth. Lighter than both titanium and aluminum, magnesium is either extracted from the ocean or recovered from minerals such as dolomite or magnetite. Because of its unique properties and high cost, it has been used in the high-end frame market.

Pros: Super-lightweight material is strong, durable, and hypoallergenic.

Cons: It costs almost 50 percent more than aluminum or steel.

Beryllium Frames

Beryllium is six times stronger than steel and more than 30 percent lighter than aluminum. Beryllium resists corrosion and tarnish, making it an excellent choice for wearers who have high skin acidity or spend time in or around salt water. It is also the only memory metal containing no nickel and can withstand very high temperatures.

Pros: Lightweight, durable, flexible, and is available in a wide range of colors.

Cons: A very small number of people are allergic to beryllium.

Pure Aluminum Frames

Pure aluminum is soft enough to carve. However, mixed with small amounts of alloys, it can provide the strength of steel with only half the weight because it can be “sculpted,” the softer properties of aluminum break down the creative barriers present with many other strong materials.

Pros: Aesthetically pleasing, strong, lightweight, and recyclable

Cons: Aluminum can get rigid, especially in lower temperatures. Thus, integrating elements like flex hinges into an aluminum frame can be challenging.

Titanium Glasses Frames

Titanium is a high-strength, lightweight material commonly used in everything from hubcaps to eyewear. Because titanium ranks seventh in abundance among industry elements in the earth’s crust, it is easily accessible. This material has picked up speed in the eyewear industry as a lightweight option that lends itself to unique designs and colorations.

Pros: Strong as steel, lightweight, hypoallergenic, and corrosion-resistant.

Cons: This material is more expensive than other materials. Beware of the difference between “pure titanium” and “titanium alloy.”

Ticral Eyeglass Frames

Ticral is an alloy of titanium. It is nickel-free and thus hypoallergenic. It’s also extremely lightweight and offers many of the features of titanium without the high cost. It can be cut a bit thicker than titanium, which enables it to have the popular look of a thin plastic frame while still offering lightweight durability.

Pros: Strong, durable, and available in a variety of colors.

Cons: Not yet well-known.

Stainless Steel Frames

Stainless steel is an alloy of iron and carbon steel with chromium and other elements. The addition of at least 10 percent chromium makes this alloy less prone to staining or rusting, resulting in a longer life compared to traditional steel. Because of its durability, lightweight, and sleek appearance, stainless steel has long been a choice of eyewear designers.

Pros: Stainless steel frames are non-corrosive, durable, strong, lightweight, and hypoallergenic. They can also be easily shaped into ultra-thin eyewear styles and are flexible, which adds to the wearer’s comfort.

Cons: Not as lightweight, heat-resistant or flexible as titanium

Nickel Titanium Frames

Nickel Titanium or NI-TI is used to manufacture Flexon™ eyewear. Ni-Ti, or titanium-based alloys, are more flexible than steel and 25 percent lighter than conventional metals.

Pros: Flexibility removes the need for a spring hinge and increases comfort and durability for patients who are hard on their eyewear.

Cons: Since all Ni-Ti is nickel-based, allergies and pitting may be an issue.

Monel Frames

Monel is a nickel alloy containing 68 percent nickel, 30 percent copper, and two percent iron. Monel, the most commonly used frame material today, is often used for components that require sturdiness and rigidity, such as temples and bridges.

Pros: Strong and can also be welded, brazed, and soldered.

Cons: Surface discoloration can occur from exposure to atmospheric conditions. Pitting can also occur if exposed to salt water.

Plastic Glasses Frames

Plastic materials have many styles and material options. Easily colored, laminated, patterned, or even layered with fabrics, this material is one of the more creative and workable options. The two commonly used plastic frame materials are called zyl and propionate. Zyl, also known as cellulose acetate, is the most commonly used plastic frame material and is available in every color of the rainbow. Propionate is the second most common material and is a nylon-based, hypoallergenic plastic. It’s lightweight and has a different look and feel than other plastic.

Pros: Easily molded into today’s popular wraparound styles.

Cons: Plastic frames have some drawbacks in terms of fit. Be certain of proper fit initially since the adjustments are limited.

Gliamides and Grilamid Eyeglass Frames

Gliamides and Grilamid is also a premier material for sports and performance frames. It is typically made of a high-quality thermoplastic material that is shock-resistant, lightweight, and non-allergenic. This material is used to manufacture Rudy Project sunglass frames. It provides structural integrity and stability that is very resistant to hot, cold, and chemical damage.

Pros: Easily molded into today’s popular wraparound styles.

Cons: Nylon frames do have some drawbacks in terms of fit. Be certain of proper fit initially since the adjustments are limited.

Combination Eyeglass Frames

Combination frames help you get the best of both materials with frames that combine the sleek sophistication of metal with the colors and thickness of plastic. The cool contrast of these popular material duos adds visual interest.

Are You Allergic to Certain Materials?

Is your skin sensitive to certain frame materials or nose pads? Please tell Dr. Gerlach and Dr. Dues or someone on our staff so we can help you find eyeglasses you can comfortably wear.

Glaucoma is a complicated disease in which damage to the optic nerve leads to progressive, irreversible vision loss. It is the second leading cause of blindness.

The most common form of the disease occurs when the ocular drainage canals become clogged over time. The inner eye pressure (also called intraocular pressure, or IOP) rises when the correct amount of fluid can’t drain out of the eye. With the most common form of glaucoma, the entrances to the drainage canals are clear, and should be working correctly. However, the clogging problem occurs farther inside the drainage canals. This is like a clogged pipe below the drain of a sink.

Glaucoma Symptoms & Risks

Most people will not experience symptoms, nor will they have any early warning signs. Open-angle glaucoma can cause a gradual loss of vision if it is not diagnosed and treated. The disease develops slowly and sometimes without visible vision loss for many years. It usually responds well to medication, especially if caught early and treated.

While anyone at any age can develop the disease, these conditions pose a higher risk:

• • A family history of glaucoma

• • Individuals over 40 years of age

• • Diabetics

• • Individuals of African or Mediterranean descent

• • People who’ve experienced an eye injury or trauma

People of all ages are at risk for developing glaucoma, and only an eye doctor can make a diagnosis. Routine eye examinations are important to detect and identify symptoms.

High-definition lenses, also known as digital lenses, are now available. These advanced technology lenses offer several benefits over conventionally surfaced lenses. Unlike conventional lenses, HD lenses are manufactured using digital computer technology and diamond-cutting tools that allow the lenses’ surface to be customized to an individual’s eyes.

The quality of a high-definition lens is similar to that of a digital camera. The higher the pixel count, the higher the degree of resolution, resulting in crisp vision with unmatched depth and clarity.

What are the Benefits of HD Lenses?

This customized vision correction solves unique vision problems and provides wearers with superior clarity and sharper, brighter eyesight, whether they are nearsighted, farsighted, or have mild astigmatism. High-definition lenses also enable patients to enjoy up to a 20 percent wider vision channel for both intermediate and near distances, making computer use and reading more comfortable and enjoyable.

Are HD Lenses for Me?

High-definition lenses are ideal for all patients who want to experience the latest in lens technology, while those with high prescriptions and large amounts of astigmatism will experience the greatest wow factor.

For more information on HD lenses, please ask Dr. Gerlachand and Dr. Dues or a member of the Grand Lake Eyecare staff.

Eyes are the organs of vision. Through a complex process, they detect and focus light to create images. Vision begins when light rays are reflected off of an object and enters the eye through the cornea and then pupil. It then passes through the crystalline lens which refracts light to be focused on the retina. By changing shape, the lens functions to change the focal distance of the eye so it can focus on objects at various distances.

When light hits the retina, tiny cells, rods, and cones capture the light signals and convert them into electrochemical impulses in neurons. Rods communicate the object’s shape by reading black and white and shades of gray. Cones communicate the color of the object. Working together, the rods and cones process the light. They then create an image by triggering nerve impulses that pass to the image centers in the brain via the optic nerve.

It’s important to understand how the eye works so you can understand your body. The better informed we are about our health, the easier it is to note potential symptoms and to take an active role in preventative care.

Did You Know?

• • Eyes heal much faster than many other parts of the body. It can take as little as 48 hours for a corneal scratch to heal.

• • Our visual systems are so complex that they involve more than half of the brain in functioning properly.

• • You may think babies cry a lot, but the real tears don’t start flowing until babies are at least four weeks old. They cry before then (and even while in the womb), but no tears are produced.

If you have any questions about your vision or eye health, contact us at Grand Lake Eyecare right away. We are happy to have an eye care professional explain any of these concepts or evaluate your eye health.

Eye health is an important part of overall health. It’s crucial to childhood development and independent aging for adults. Most people depend on clear vision. It helps them participate in their occupations and hobbies and even perform most everyday tasks. If any part of your visual system is not working or not conveying the appropriate messages to your brain, your vision suffers. To understand how vision is possible, check out our Introduction to the Eye video below.

Our eyes allow us to appreciate the beauty of the world, experience the joy of learning new activities, and undertake new adventures. Knowing the anatomy of your eyes and having regular exams is the best way to keep your eyes healthy and your vision intact.

Parts of the Eye

The sclera (the white part of the eye) is the opaque, fibrous, protective outer layer.

The pupil is the hole located in the center of the iris. It allows light to enter the eye. The pupil appears black because the tissues inside the eye absorb light rays entering the pupil. Or they are absorbed after diffused reflections within the eye.

The iris is a thin, circular structure in the eye. It controls the diameter and size of the pupil. The color of the iris is often referred to as eye color.

The cornea is the transparent front part of the eye that covers the iris, pupil, and anterior chamber. The cornea with the anterior chamber and lens refracts light with the cornea. This accounts for approximately two-thirds of the eye’s total optical power.

The crystalline lens is a transparent and biconvex structure. Along with the cornea, it helps to refract light to focus on the retina. By changing shape, the lens changes the focal distance of the eye. This happens so that it can focus on objects at various distances.

The retina is a light-sensitive layer of tissue lining the eye’s surface. It captures light sent through the cornea and crystalline lens. It then creates an image by triggering nerve impulses that pass to various brain visual centers via the optic nerve.

The macula and fovea are small retina areas containing the rods and cones. These structures determine the color and shape of the image you are viewing.

Cataracts affect millions of Americans each year, and as the leading cause of vision loss in people over the age of fifty, it’s no wonder new advances in cataract surgery are breaking through on a regular basis.

The most recent development? Laser technology—the new-and-improved version of the traditional hand-and-knife technique of past decades. With laser surgery comes the benefit of a bladeless procedure and the use of a highly customized eye map for greater accuracy.

What Is a Cataract?

A cataract is the thickening of the eye’s lens. Over time, this “clouding” begins to restrict the light flow to the retina, causing eyesight to become blurred and dim, with visual acuity similar to someone looking through a foggy window. Eventually, if no action is taken, total vision loss will occur. Though this condition is chronic and arguably inevitable, cataract surgery is a safe and effective solution, with a 98% success rate of improved vision in patients.

Traditional Cataract Surgery

Originally, the procedure to remove a cataract involved using a diamond blade to make a small incision in the cornea, the clear outer coating of the eye. The surgeon would then insert a small ultrasound wave-emitting probe to soften the cataract enough to be suctioned out of the cornea. Once the cataract was cleared, only the thin outer membrane of the cornea—the lens capsule—remained. An intraocular lens (IOL) would be inserted into the lens capsule, allowing light to pass through to the retina once again safely. (Note: Though laser technology is gaining widespread acceptance, traditional cataract surgery is still a common and modern procedure.)

Laser Cataract Surgery: Out with the Old

While some of the actual cataract removal process remains the same, replacing traditional incision instruments with a laser has quite a few benefits. Laser technology allows for increased accuracy when it comes to creating the initial incision and circular opening through which the cataract will be removed. An optical coherence tomography captures a 3D image of the eye, enabling the laser to incise at the correct points on the cornea, creating openings at precisely the correct depth and length. This precision also allows for a greater degree of success when the cornea self-heals after surgery.

In with the New

Next, the front portion of the capsule lens is removed. This “anterior capsulotomy” is performed with a femtosecond laser and gives access to the cataract while creating a space for the new lens to be planted in its place. A laser is then used to break down the cataract itself, which is a gentler process requiring less ultrasound energy and a decreased chance of burning, distortion or an acquired astigmatism. As with traditional cataract surgery, the cataract is removed with the probe, and an IOL is inserted into the lens capsule.

Before Surgery

As with any major surgery, meticulous planning must be done beforehand. Using the 3-D image technology, your surgeon will create a detailed map of your eye to assess the thickness of the cornea and depth of the anterior chamber, the fluid-filled space between the cornea and the lens. He or she will also measure pupil diameter and determine parameters for the incisions made during the procedure. On the day of surgery, you will remain awake, but your eye area will be numbed and your eye will be stabilized in a laser platform.

During Surgery

During the 15 to 20-minute procedure, your surgeon will use the information gathered from the 3D images and maps to obtain greater accuracy and precision. The procedure itself is not painful, but you may experience slight tugging or pressure. You will be sedated for relaxation and lie under bright lights so you will not feel any discomfort or witness any of the procedures.

After Surgery

Laser cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure, which means that you will be able to go home the same day. Once vitals are normal, most patients can leave within an hour after the surgery is completed. You will most likely feel slight discomfort, itching, and blurred vision for a few days while your eye heals. Resist the temptation to rub your eyes, lift heavy objects, or perform any other strenuous tasks. Follow-ups are usually scheduled within a few days and over the next few months to ensure the eye is healing properly and no complications have arisen.

The Cost

Laser cataract surgery costs vary based on specific eye-correction options and insurance plan coverage. Even if a portion of the surgery is covered, there may be additional out-of-pocket deductibles or copayments that will need to be met. With so many variables, it is best if you consult with our office and your insurance company to determine cost and benefits specific to you.

Risk and Complications

Most post-surgery complications are low-risk and easily treatable. If a complication does arise, it is most commonly a posterior capsule opacification (PCO) or the slight thickening of the lens capsule due to a regrowth of the cells. This is not a new cataract; cataracts do not grow back. However, this thickening can cause slight blurriness and sensitivity to bright lights. This complication can be corrected with a Nd: YAG laser capsulotomy, where the surgeon uses a laser to make a small hole in the back of the lens, allowing light to pass through to the retina. PCO is relatively uncommon, affecting only about 20% of laser cataract surgery patients.

Is Laser Cataract Surgery Right for Me?

Begin by scheduling a consultation with Dr. Gerlach and Dr. Dues. During this appointment, they will assess your eye structure, the condition of your cataract, and if you have any interfering medications or health concerns. Remember, cataract surgery is currently the most common and safest surgery performed each year, but if you have additional concerns regarding the procedure, please call our office.

Age-related macular degeneration, often referred to as AMD is a medical condition that usually affects older adults. This vision-stealing disease is the result of degeneration of the macula. It results in a loss of vision in the center of the visual field because of the damage to the retina. It occurs in dry and wet forms and is the leading cause of blindness and visual impairment in adults over the age of 50.

Types of Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration can make it difficult or impossible to read or recognize faces, although enough peripheral vision remains to allow other activities of daily life. The dry form of advanced AMD results from atrophy of the retinal pigment epithelial layer below the retina. This causes vision loss due to the damage of photoreceptors, also known as rods and cones, in the central part of the eye.

The wet form of advanced AMD causes vision loss due to abnormal blood vessel growth. This ultimately leads to blood and protein leakage below the macula. Bleeding, leaking, and scarring from these blood vessels eventually cause irreversible damage to the photoreceptors and rapid vision loss if left untreated. Fortunately, only about 10 percent of patients suffering from macular degeneration have the “wet” type.

Macular degeneration is not painful, which may allow it to go unnoticed for some time. For this reason, regular eye examinations are important. While approximately 10 percent of patients aged 66 to 74 will have findings of macular degeneration, the prevalence increases to 30 percent for patients aged 75 to 85 years of age.

Family history may also play a factor. The good news is that regular eye exams, early detection, and new treatment options enable doctors to maintain (and in some cases increase) visual acuity in patients.

Multifocal Intraocular Lens Implants (multifocal IOLs) are a relatively new phenomenon in vision correction. The first FDA-approved lens was introduced in 2005.

Don’t be swayed by the seemingly recent developments; multifocal IOLs are an effective way to expand your range of vision with little to no post-surgical complications. Working as a substitute for traditional single-lens IOLs during cataract surgery, these premium lenses offer patients additional options when it comes to their vision enhancement.

Multifocal IOLs—What Are They?

Multifocal IOLs aren’t your run-of-the-mill intraocular lenses. Traditionally, cataract or eye correction patients who underwent surgery received artificial corrective lenses designed to enhance distance vision only. Most patients still suffered from varying levels of post-surgical presbyopia, which required them to wear reading glasses or bifocals. Now, cataract or laser surgery patients can choose multifocal IOL implants.

What’s the difference between these lenses and traditional IOLs? Multifocal IOLs can correct all vision variances, including greatly reducing presbyopia and the consistent need for reading glasses. Most multifocal IOLs work like an “in-house” bifocal lens for the eye to accurately distribute light at any focal point, creating clear vision at any distance. The lens provides near and far vision capability at the same time at all times. Your brain will quickly learn to adjust to the correct focus depending on your activity.

The Benefits of Multifocal IOLs

Multifocal IOLs offer many benefits for patients interested in removing the need to wear glasses or becoming less dependent upon them. Because of their bifocal structure, this two-in-one lens is not dependent upon eye movement and alters itself independently to optimize incoming light. Multifocal IOLs can also be combined with their single-lens sister IOLs for optimal vision enhancement. Multifocal IOLs are also safe and comfortable, acting much like a permanent contact lens, and can be implanted in either one or both eyes.

The Cost of Multifocal IOLs

Costs will vary based on unique patient needs and insurance. Because multifocal IOLs have additional features compared to their single-lens counterparts, the cost of the lenses and procedure itself is increased, as well as out-of-pocket deductibles and copayments. These enhancements are not considered a medical necessity, especially if the patient without cataracts is electing to receive implants. However, for a lot of patients, the high success rate and the reduced need for glasses far outweigh the cost of surgery.

Are Multifocal IOLs for Me?

When considering multifocal IOLs, the first thing to consider is how you want to see them. Do you drive long distances for work? Spend most of your day on a computer or read a lot? Are you constantly in dim light? Occasionally, multifocal IOL wearers experience mild glaring or halos around their eyes. These small compromises in vision should be taken into consideration, but for most patients, these are only minor symptoms to otherwise clear and focused vision.

If you have pre-existing conditions or health issues like astigmatism or glaucoma, it is not recommended that you undergo corrective eye surgery. When considering if multifocal IOLs are right for you, talk with Dr. Gerlach, Dr. Dues, and Dr. Evans, who will be able to assess your eye health, health history, and any current or future precautions.

Have you ever experienced blinding reflections in your lenses from oncoming traffic while driving at night? No-glare, also referred to as an anti-reflective or AR treatment, is specially calculated to eliminate the glare on your lenses and increase the amount of light entering your eye. This is an important safety benefit for driving at night as no-glare lenses reduce annoying reflections and halos around lights.

Reducing glare is beneficial for many reasons. No-glare lenses improve the cosmetic appearance of your glasses by dampening the reflections that mask your eyes when someone is looking at you, making your eyes look more natural. Better yet, most premium no-glare lenses include a special coating that makes them easier to clean, along with a two-sided scratch-resistant coating.

Cleaning No-Glare Lenses

Cleaning your no-glare lenses is easy! Always start by wetting the lens and cleaning it with a soft soap or approved cleaner from Grand Lake Eyecare. Don’t ever use window cleaners or other harsh chemicals, as they can damage the lens. Always use a soft, dry cloth to wipe the lenses clean. Never use facial tissue or paper towels, as these materials can scratch your lenses.

Be sure to ask for a demonstration of no-glare lenses during your next visit with us!

Let’s begin with “Myopia.” What is it? Myopia is the medical term for “nearsightedness,” a condition affecting nearly three million Americans a year, where a refraction error of the cornea hinders light from bending properly, making objects far away appear blurry.

While this condition is technically chronic, recent advancements in the eye industry have made it possible for people with low Myopia to temporarily correct their vision through a process called orthokeratology, or “ortho-k.”

Orthokeratology—What is It?

Orthokeratology is a form of reversible, refractive correction involving the overnight use of gas-permeable contact lenses to reshape the contour of the cornea while you sleep. These oxygen-intense, “breathable” lenses work to temporarily reverse the effects of myopia during the night so the wearer can experience clear vision the following day—without the use of glasses or contacts. Ortho-k is used primarily to slow the progression of mild myopia in adults and children, although it can aid in the temporary correction of low-degree astigmatism, hyperopia, and presbyopia as well.

The Orthokeratology Process

Orthokeratology involves a 3-step process:

1. 1. The initial examination is where your optometrist or ophthalmologist will use a Topograph to determine the refraction error of the cornea.

1. 1. The fitting may happen on the same day when your eye care professional will select a series of up to three strengths of custom Ortho-k prescription contacts.

1. 1. The one-to-two-week treatment phase is where candidates use their prescription contacts while sleeping for at least six to eight consecutive hours each night.

Candidates will wear disposable soft lenses or glasses throughout the day during the correction phase. On completion of the treatment, only the prescribed overnight contacts need to be worn. Occasionally, candidates experience mild glaring and haloes around bright light. Remember, there is always the risk of infection without proper eye and lens care, so practice good hygiene and schedule routine follow-up eye appointments!

Why Choose Orthokeratology?

For those with mild or moderate myopia, ortho-k is a great option, especially for sports-related activities or when working in environments containing debris or dust. ortho-k can also be an effective pre-LASIK treatment that can temporarily stall the need for corrective eye surgery. In addition, the fast, painless and safe process makes ortho-k a practical solution for children who have myopia.

How Costly is Ortho-k?

Unfortunately, most insurances do not cover the total cost of ortho-k. Additionally, costs will vary depending on your eye doctor and your unique prescription. The general, two-set lens and appointment package can range anywhere from $900 to $1,800.

Am I a Candidate for Ortho-k?

The best candidates for Orthokeratology are children between the ages of eight and 12 with progressive myopia. If early stages of nearsightedness are caught soon enough, ortho-k can sometimes help with restoring vision in children because the custom lenses “mould” the eyes overnight to hinder or encourage the growth of cells. Ortho-k also works well with adolescents and young adults with mild or moderate myopia or for adults under the age of 40 who aren’t interested in LASIK or other eye corrective surgery. If you suffer from dry eye syndrome or have severe myopia, ortho-k is not recommended.

Ask Your Doctor

If you have questions or concerns about ortho-k, schedule an appointment with your eye care professional. He or she will be able to help you determine your candidacy, costs, benefits, and risks of the process.

Progressive lenses, sometimes called “no-line bifocals,” provide a more youthful appearance by eliminating the visible lines found in bifocal and trifocal lenses. They provide the ability to see at all distances in one seamless lens, including driving at a distance, arm’s length for computer use, and up close for reading.

Progressive lenses are the most natural form of vision correction available for patients with presbyopia, as they eliminate the “image jump” present in standard bifocal and trifocal lenses. Progressive lenses provide a smooth transition from the distance through intermediate to near vision with all the in-between corrections included.

Who Needs Progressive Lenses?

Even if you’ve never needed glasses before, presbyopia usually occurs in individuals around age 40. As we age naturally, our ability to see objects up close and the computer screen can decrease and can be blurry. Progressive lenses address separate visual needs in one lens.

How Do Progressive Lenses Work?

If you need more than one pair of glasses or prescription to do computer work or drive, progressives let you see clearly at any distance with one pair of glasses. The constant graduation of prescription in progressive lenses enables you to look up to see in the distance, look ahead to view things such as the computer in the intermediate zone, and drop your gaze downward to read, text, or perform other work comfortably up close.

With so many progressive lens designs and options available, the choices can be overwhelming without professional advice. Ask Dr. Gerlach and Dr. Dues about progressive lenses at your next visit!

Did you know? 80 percent of lens scratches occur by cleaning eyewear incorrectly. Protect your investment by following these proper lens care instructions. Taking care of your lenses can be the difference between seeing clearly for the life of your eyeglasses, or having to replace them early due to excessive scratching and improper maintenance.

Many anti-reflective or non-glare treatments help protect against dust, debris, oil, water, and smudges. These can help your glasses stay clean longer, but they also need special care. Begin by rinsing your lenses with warm water and a mild soap without additives. You may also use an approved lens cleaning solution provided by your eye care professional. Never use glass cleaner or other household cleaners. Avoid all chemicals, including hairspray, perfume, and cologne, which are harmful to eyeglass lenses.

Next, dry your lenses with a soft, lint-free cloth. You may also use a microfiber cloth specially designed for your eyewear. Never use facial tissue or paper towels, as they will scratch your lenses. Finally, never leave your eyeglasses in direct sunlight or in a hot car. The heat can damage your lenses as well as your eyeglass frames. Additionally, never leave your eyeglasses facing downward. Always keep them in a case when not in use.

Remember that you should never use commercial cleaners on your lenses. Talk to us about the best way to care for your eyewear and we’ll be happy to make suggestions on products we recommend.

At Grand Lake Eyecare, we’re committed to helping you care for your eyes and your eyewear!

Eye protection is serious business whether you’re working on a project at home or at work. According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), about 2,000 U.S. workers sustain job-related eye injuries requiring medical treatment each day. Of these injuries, 90 percent could have been prevented with the right eye protection. Luckily, specialized eyewear is available from Grand Lake Eyecare to provide eye protection and visual enhancement for recreational, industrial, and occupational situations.

The 2 most common reasons for eye injuries in the workplace are when a worker is wearing the wrong type of protective eyewear for the task or when they are not wearing any protection at all.

The most common occupations for eye injuries include:

• • Auto repair

• • Carpentry

• • Construction

• • Electrical work

• • Maintenance

• • Manufacturing

• • Mining

• • Plumbing

• • Welding

A Bureau of Labor Statistics survey questioned people who experienced an eye injury in the workplace. The responses revealed that nearly three out of five workers were not wearing eye protection at the time of the accident. These same workers reported they didn’t feel safety eyewear was needed for the job they were doing.

Hazards exist in every home in many different forms, such as sharp edges, falling objects, chemicals, noise, and a variety of other potentially dangerous situations. Whether you’re working on a weekend project in the garage or participating in recreational activities, wearing eye protection can significantly reduce the chances of sight-damaging injuries.

Grand Lake Eyecare’s Tips for Protecting Your Eyes

1. 1. Plan ahead. Know the eye safety dangers associated with the job or project you’ll be working on. Will there be projectiles, chemical exposure, or light radiation?

1. 1. Eliminate hazards. Reduce your risk of eye injury by eliminating hazards before you begin the job. Use safety guards, work screens, and other preventive measures whenever possible.

1. 1. Wear protective eyewear. Don’t risk something as important as your sight. Whether it’s goggles, a face shield, a helmet, or eyewear with impact-resistant lenses, always wear the proper form of protective eyewear for the job.

1. 1. Maintain your eyewear. If your protective eyewear becomes scratched or broken, be sure to replace it right away. If you cannot see through it clearly, or if it’s broken in any way, it will not protect you like it was designed to do.

Grand Lake Eyecare can help you select the protective eyewear most appropriate for your job or activity based on a hazard assessment. Please call our office for more information.

Do you get headaches or eyestrain from staring at your computer screen? At the end of a long day in front of your digital devices, is it difficult to focus on objects in the distance? You may be suffering from digital eye strain. With most people working on computers for multiple hours a day, Dr. Gerlach and Dr. Dues want to share some information on the benefits of computer lenses.

Computer Lenses

According to the American Optometric Association, the average American worker spends seven hours a day on the computer, either in the office or working at home. That’s why digital eye strain or computer vision syndrome is common. Computer vision syndrome is caused by excessive digital screen use. Symptoms include blurry vision, sore and tired eyes, and neck and shoulder pain. Nearsighted people often complain of headaches, eye strain, squinting or fatigue when driving, playing sports, or when looking more than a few feet away.

Special lenses can be used to supplement your primary pair of eyewear. They can solve vision-related problems that result from prolonged computer, tablet, e-reader, and cell phone use by enhancing vision at near and intermediate distances.

To avoid or reduce digital eye strain, follow the 20-20-20 rule. Every twenty minutes, concentrate on taking a 20-second break to view something 20 feet away.

Retinal tears and detachments happen when the retina (the inner lining of the eye) is damaged. The retina is a layer of tissue that’s light-sensitive and sends visual information through the optic nerve to the brain. Without it, we are unable to see.

A retinal tear is a small break in this inner lining. Retinal tears can have many causes and can happen at any age. Aging, eye trauma, eye surgery, or being drastically nearsighted may cause retinal tears or detachments.

Treating Retinal Damage

Tears and detachments can be treated with laser surgery or an advanced “freezing” process. Both of these treatment options attempt to keep the retina in place and keep it from fully detaching. If tears are not treated quickly, this layer of tissue can eventually detach from the inside of the eye. Detachment causes permanent vision loss.

Retinal detachment describes a much larger separation of the retina tissues. Although it is not exclusive to older people, it’s more common in those over age 40. If detected early enough, retinal detachment can be treated with the procedures used for some tears. More intricate surgery may be necessary. This procedure uses gas to push the retina together with the wall of the eye to allow for reattachment.

Symptoms of Retinal Tears and Detachments

Symptoms of these retinal conditions may include seeing flashes or floaters, sudden blurry vision, and seeing an area of dark vision.

If you notice changes to your eyesight or have other questions regarding your eye health, please call us right away. Make sure to mention any changes to Dr. Gerlach and Dr. Dues during your appointment. Serious problems can develop if left untreated or if too much time passes between eye exams.

Although no lens material is “scratch-proof,” it’s important to protect your new lenses with a scratch-resistant treatment. Lenses that are treated on the front and backside with a clear, hard coating show increased resistance to scratching. A two-sided scratch-resistant treatment is the best choice for optimal scratch-resistant protection.

Scratch-Resistant Lenses

Lenses with the best scratch protection are treated on the front and backside with a clear, hard, scratch-resistant coating. This can minimize the damage to your lenses if you accidentally drop them or clean them with the wrong type of material.

When eyeglass lenses are scratched, they become less clear and are more likely to cause eye fatigue. Scratches also make it harder for others to see your eyes from the front and may even begin to bother the wearer if scratches are noticeable. There are some treatments that can help your lenses resist scratching and have a longer life.

Some lens materials like polycarbonate and trivex have built-in scratch resistance. However, it’s important to know that not all scratch-resistant treatments offer equal protection. Since most lens treatments are optional, be sure to ask our staff at Grand Lake Eyecare for a two-sided scratch-resistant treatment that offers the best protection for your new eyewear investment.

While sunlight is a beautiful thing, too much of anything can be harmful. In addition to making a unique fashion statement, sunglasses are also functional and can prevent sun damage to the eyes to improve and protect vision.

From sunburn to skin cancer, almost everyone is aware of the damage ultraviolet (UV) radiation can inflict on their skin. However, very few understand the dangers of UV exposure to their eyesight. In fact, while more than 8 out of 10 Americans know that extended UV exposure can cause skin cancer, fewer than one out of 10 know it can harm their eyes. Additionally, 20 percent of Americans mistakenly believe that UV damage is reversible.

Because so few people understand the detrimental effects of UV exposure, many aren’t taking the best steps to protect and preserve their vision. For example, less than half of Americans get a regular eye exam, which can be instrumental in detecting and preventing serious vision problems and eye disease. Additionally, more than four out of 10 people don’t wear UV-blocking sunglasses during the winter months when UV rays are still a threat.

Sunglasses Quality Matters

Did you know that wearing an inadequate pair of sunglasses can be worse than wearing no sun protection at all? If a pair of sunglasses offers no UV protection, the wearer is actually increasing his or her exposure to UV rays. The inadequate sunglasses will block some of the light, causing the pupil of the eye to enlarge and allow more light in. This also lets in more UV light, increasing the amount of damaging light reaching the retina. Quality sunglasses are designed to absorb UVA and UVB rays. However, not all sunglasses block 100 percent of UV rays and, therefore, may not be effective in preventing sun damage to the eyes.

Considering the potential damage that UV exposure can cause to eyesight, everyone should be wearing lenses that block 100 percent of UVA and UVB rays.

Polarized Lenses Block Glare

Polarized lenses are helpful in blocking polarized light. This type of light is created by reflected light. When bright light bounces off of horizontal surfaces such as water, cars, snow, or the highway, it can cause intense glare. Bright glares make it difficult or impossible to see. Polarized lenses can be beneficial for certain situations, including driving, skiing, and fishing, because they cut the scattered light, causing a glare. Fishermen, for example, often use polarized lenses to help them see beneath the water and better locate fish. While most polarized lenses have built-in UV-blocking features, it is important to check the lens labelling to determine if the sunglasses offer full protection. Regardless of the type of sun protection chosen, the quality of the lens is important.

Stop by to see us at Grand Lake Eyecare to be sure your sunglasses provide 100 percent protection from UVA and UVB rays. If they don’t, we can help you pick out a fashionable pair that offers function and protection, too!

Parents spend many years looking forward to a time when their children will be more independent. It isn’t easy to care for one or more little people while still caring for yourself! When children start growing into teenagers and young adults, parents often agonize over when their children are ready for these newer and greater responsibilities. One question we are often asked is, “What is the right age for contacts?”

As you can imagine, there is no definitive answer. It depends on the child. Physically, even young children are able to wear contacts but are not ready to handle the responsibility of proper eye care. Some babies can wear contact lenses from birth as part of a treatment plan or vision correction process. Many elementary and middle school children have to continue developing to understand and practice proper procedures, but a surprising number can perform the tasks without incident.

Can Children Learn to Use Contact Lenses?

When studied, 90 percent of children in a group of eight to 11-year-olds were able to use daily disposable contact lenses with little to no trouble.* Even though many parents won’t consider contact lenses for their children until they are teenagers, clearly, younger children can learn proper hygiene and usage of contact lenses.

If you are considering contact lenses for your child, talk to Dr. Gerlach, Dr. Dues, and Dr. Evans about how they handle other responsibilities. Does he or she need regular reminders to wash their hands, close doors or containers, or provide other kinds of self-care? If yes, your child may need some more time before learning how to use contact lenses. If you feel your child is mature enough to complete everyday self-care tasks, remembers to wash their hands, and will practice putting lenses in and taking them out carefully, they may be ready to try.

Why Should Children Try Contact Lenses?

On average, many eye care professionals begin to encourage contact lens wear between the ages of 11 and 14. Only some enjoy wearing contacts, but letting children try is a good idea. By giving them an opportunity to try contacts early, they are more likely to build the skills needed to place and remove contacts with ease. Adults who try contact lenses later in life are still capable of learning but often take extra time and don’t enjoy the novelty of contact lenses like younger patients do.

Still, some patients always prefer to wear glasses no matter their age, and that’s okay! Having options is great, so we are more than happy to help your child learn about wearing contact lenses. If you would like to speak with someone about getting contact lenses for your child, contact us for a consultation. We can provide information on getting an exam, lens fitting, and follow-up to be sure you and your child are happy with the new eyewear.

Learn more by getting in touch with our team.

Do you desire thinner, lighter lenses? People with a lower refractive error generally don’t think about the thickness of their lenses because they have many material options that are thin and light. However, people who have a stronger prescription will notice a big difference in the weight and appearance of their lenses with new materials. Watch the video to learn more!

Get Thinner and Lighter Lenses

People with strong prescriptions usually want the thinnest and lightest lenses possible. Most eyewear choices are made of plastic or metal with rims thinner than the lens. In other cases, the frame has no rim at all and features rimless mountings. In either case, the edges of your lens are highly visible, and thinner edges can detract from the appearance of your eyewear.

The good news is that a variety of new plastic materials are available to provide thinner and lighter lenses. This means less lens material can be used to correct the same amount of prescription. High-index lenses are the thinnest, flattest, and most cosmetically appealing lenses ever developed. Most high-index lenses have what is called an aspheric design. In addition to looking thinner, your lenses will also reduce the magnified “bug-eye” or “Coke bottle” look often caused by thicker lenses.

Ask an optician here at Grand Lake Eyecare about which lens material will be best and most comfortable for you!

Millions of people wear different types of contact lenses to help them see clearly. We’ve seen many advancements in lens materials and designs over the years. If you have tried contacts in the past but stopped due to discomfort or poor quality, it may be time to try again. Dr. Gerlach and Dr. Dues will help you select the best option for your eyes! We have a variety of options for your specific type of prescription correction, tear production, lifestyle, and more.

Contact us at Grand Lake Eyecare to learn more.

Disposable Contact Lenses

Disposable contact lenses are soft lenses that are discarded on a daily, weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly basis. With regular replacement, protein deposits do not build up. Deposits can affect vision, comfort, and the health of the eyes. These lenses are convenient and have low maintenance compared to traditional soft lenses. It is important to replace disposable contacts, as suggested, to avoid eye infections. Disposable lenses are available in most prescriptions.

Extended Wear Contact Lenses

Extended wear contact lenses are gas-permeable or soft lenses designed for up to 30 days of continuous safe wear. They offer the convenience of not having to take them out at night, but there are risks. Sleeping in them poses a higher risk of infection, corneal ulcers, and abnormal blood vessel growth in the cornea. These lenses need more frequent follow-ups. Some doctors will not recommend extended wear lenses for these reasons.

Tinted or Cosmetic Contact Lenses

Tinted contact lenses are soft lenses that enable some patients to change the color of their iris (the colored part of the eye). These lenses are available in interesting colors and patterns. They can provide a subtle or dramatic change in the appearance of your eyes. They are not available for all prescriptions and are not suggested for everyday wear.

Hard Contact Lenses

Hard polymethyl methacrylate contact lenses were common before the introduction of soft contact lenses. They did not allow for oxygen transfer to the cornea and often caused the cornea to swell. For this reason, hard contact lenses are obsolete.

Rigid Gas Permeable Lenses

Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) or just gas permeable (GP) lenses are sometimes mistaken for old-fashioned lenses. The old hard contact lenses that people know are rarely used today. RGP lenses are more pliable and more comfortable, and they allow oxygen to the cornea. Gas-permeable lenses also allow more oxygen to the cornea than traditional soft contact lenses. They do not change their shape when you blink or move your eyes because they are rigid. This means they offer sharper vision than soft contacts. They are much more durable than soft lenses. Because they do not contain water, proteins and lipids, they do not adhere to them as they can do with soft lenses. RGP lenses also come in many bifocal and multifocal designs.

The biggest disadvantage of RGP lenses is that patients need to get used to them. They are not immediately comfortable like soft lenses. RGP lenses take three to four days for patients to adapt to them. They need to be worn regularly (although not every day) to achieve optimal comfort. They are smaller in size so they can dislodge from the eye more easily than soft lenses.

Toric Contact Lenses

Toric contact lenses help correct astigmatism. They are available in both soft and gas-permeable designs. These lenses have one power that is vertical and another that is horizontal. There is a weight at the bottom, allowing the lenses to center correctly on the eye. Toric lenses are more difficult to fit. They generally require more time from the patient to determine their comfort. They may need additional fitting help from the doctor.

Bifocal Contact Lenses

Bifocal contact lenses, like bifocal glasses, have more than one power. This allows an individual to have clear vision in fields that are near and far. These lenses are available in both soft and gas-permeable designs. Another alternative to bifocal contacts is monovision correction. With these lenses, one eye is used for distance and the other eye for near or reading vision. Both of these lens types require more time from the doctor to fit them. Patients need to adapt to using one eye, depending on which distance they are viewing.

There are now more choices for contact lenses than ever before. While some individuals wear contact lenses without trouble, others have to try different types to find their perfect pair. Call our office today to schedule an appointment!

Vision therapy is similar to physical therapy, but it works with the eyes and brain instead of a joint or muscle. This kind of therapy has a neurological component because the eyes are an extension of the brain. Our eyes help make “seeing” possible, but vision is reliant on the eye-brain connection. If either of these organs are not working properly, vision will be difficult or non-existent.

What Does Vision Therapy Treat?

Every patient is different, but vision therapy is most commonly a treatment option for amblyopia (“lazy eye”), strabismus (“crossed eyes”), and binocular vision problems with eye alignment. It may also treat eye movement disorders, focusing disorders, or other visual deficiencies related to eye strain or fatigue.

Vision therapy can address problems derived from stroke or brain injury, too. The earlier problems are caught and treated, the more likely they are to be fixed. For this reason, vision therapy is often used for children because they adapt better to changes and visual exercises. This doesn’t mean adults can’t benefit from vision therapy in certain situations. Parents who bring their child in for an eye exam during their infancy greatly reduce the risk of their child developing any vision-related learning disorders.

Does Vision Therapy Work?

Studies show that vision therapy is rooted in science and can help train your body and its abilities in the same way that physical or occupational therapy can. The important thing to remember is that vision therapy is not one set of devices or exercises. Vision therapy may include any number of activities or techniques put together by a qualified medical professional to address specific vision problems. Vision therapy should not be confused with informal and unscientific methods that some people believe can fix your refractive error and “train you” not to need glasses.

When Do I See a Doctor About Vision Therapy?

Any time you feel your eyes or your child’s eyes are not performing properly, you should seek medical attention. Children should receive an eye exam even as babies and again before they enter school. Eye exams check for more than clear and accurate vision. For this reason, everyone should receive periodic exams to ensure their eyes are healthy. If you notice any changes in your sight or think your child is not developing properly, seek help right away.