Proper eye care is important for people of all ages and regular eye exams are encouraged for everyone, but especially for those already using glasses or contact lenses. Your vision plays a vital role in your life each and every day, which is why it is so important to take the right steps for maintaining good eye health. At Union Optical, we provide a variety of services, from general exams to corrective surgery. We also carry a wide selection of eye frames for our patients as well.
Comprehensive eye exams
At Union Optical, we offer comprehensive exams that cover all aspects of your vision and eye health. We start with questions regarding your daily life and any symptoms you may be experiencing at home or at work. We also take record of your vision, medications, and overall health. Then our optometrists perform a visual exam to take a look at your eye and eyelids. This is done with magnification and light, and may require dilating of the pupils. We also record your eye pressure with tonometry, which is an important test to identify patients at risk of developing glaucoma.
Contact lenses
The field of optometry changes quickly, and now many more patients are able to enjoy the flexibility of wearing contact lenses to correct their vision. Contact lens exams include tests that are not always performed in regular eye exams, so if you are considering contact lenses, be sure to let us know when you schedule your exam. This allows us to schedule the extra time required for contact lens fitting or prescription updates.
Hard to fit contact lenses
We are dedicated to finding the right type of contacts, even hard-to-fit ones, for our patients. There are many different eye conditions that require specific kinds of contact lenses, so finding the right kind isn’t always easy. There are lenses designed for certain eye conditions, such as an astigmatism, dry eyes, keratoconus, and more. However, we believe that comfort is also very important when it comes to giving you good vision.
Diabetic retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is a disease of the retina. Your retina is necessary to transfer everything that your eyes see to your brain. Diabetic retinopathy usually continues to get worse, especially if your diabetes is not under control. Still though, it can get worse even with controlled diabetes. For this reason, we recommend having regular checkups so that we can monitor your eyes. During the progression of the disease, you may not even notice any symptoms, which makes coming in regularly even more important.
Macular degeneration
Macular Degeneration is the loss of central vision due to damage to the retina. The macula is a part of the retina located on the back layer of the eye that affects the center of the visual field. Macular degeneration is often related to age and can be atrophic (dry) or exudative (wet).
Cataracts
Since there are many conditions that can lead to cataracts, it is really important to visit your eye doctor regularly. It is best to catch cataracts early, and we can do that with routine examinations. Though some medications can improve your vision, the best course of action is surgery to restore your vision. The clouded lens can be removed, and this surgery is generally successful.
Glaucoma
There is no way to completely prevent glaucoma, but early diagnosis and treatment can help control the condition and limit its effects. Though medication or surgery can help reduce the damage, glaucoma is not curable. For this reason, it is important to have your eyes checked regularly. If you have certain risk factors (such as those related to age, race, family history, and previous medical conditions), we may test for glaucoma even more often.
Computer vision
Computer Vision is a relatively new term within the optometry field and refers to eye problems associated with the prolonged use of computers and electronics that use a digital screen. Although it can be temporary, there are times when computer vision can strain the eyes to a degree that permanently affects your vision as well. An existing eye condition can worsen as the eyes try to focus and adjust to a computer screen and precautions should be taken if you spend long hours in front of a computer screen. Some people with an astigmatism will feel completely normal until they get in front of a computer and the condition seems to come back into play. Just as some people use glasses for driving at night there are glasses specifically designed for use with a computer.
Hyperopia
Farsightedness, known as hyperopia, makes it difficult to see objects that are close and is caused when images are focused behind the retina. This can be a result of the eye being too small. Many times, farsightedness occurs at birth. Some children outgrow the condition without experiencing many symptoms.
Myopia control
Nearsightedness, known as myopia, makes it difficult to see objects far away and is caused when images are focused in front of the retina. This typically occurs when the eyeball becomes longer, which is common in children who are growing quickly. The changes may be frequent, and glasses or contact lenses may need to be updated often.
Diabetic eye care
Diabetic retinopathy is a disease of the retina, which is involved in your vision. Your retina is necessary so that everything that you see is transferred to your brain.
Diabetic retinopathy usually continues to get worse, especially if your diabetes is not under control, though it can get worse even with controlled diabetes. For this reason, we recommend having regular check ups so that we can monitor your eyes. During the progression of the disease, you may not even notice any symptoms which makes it even more important to come in regularly.
Co-management
If you are interested in laser surgery, we will begin with a comprehensive eye examination, which will let us know more about you and your needs. We may have to perform some testing to properly diagnose your eye conditions. During this time, the surgeon and staff will go over what you can expect before, during and after the procedure; we want to make sure to give you realistic answers for your unique vision.
Dry eye
To keep your eyes healthy, you need to have tears to provide moisture and lubrication. This is not only for your comfort, but it helps with your vision. Tears are secreted by glands around your eyes. When you do not make enough tears, you have a condition called dry eyes.
If you have any questions about our services or procedures, please call us today at (330) 833-1091.