Comprehensive Family Eye Care
At Professional Eye Care Associates (PECA), we refuse to cut corners. We always schedule ample time so you will never feel rushed. We provide complete eye care for both adults and children. Our comprehensive family eye care includes treatment for glaucoma, management of cataracts, treatment of eye diseases as well as high blood pressure, diabetes and other systemic diseases that can affect the health of your eyes. Your visual skills and abilities are also carefully evaluated. We pride ourselves on the accuracy of our eyeglass and contact lens prescriptions.
Technology is rapidly changing the eye care industry. We use state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment and we are constantly incorporating new advances in our eye care delivery.
Optomap Retinal Exam
Professional Eye Care Associates now offers the Optomap retinal exam as an integral part of your eye examination.
Our doctors are diligent about diagnosing and treating retinal problems including macular degeneration, glaucoma, retinal detachments and the ocular signs of systemic diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure. If left undetected, these conditions can lead to partial loss of vision or blindness and often develop without warning and with no symptoms.
An Optomap retinal exam is a digital scan that provides an in-depth view of the retinal layers where disease can start, and allows our doctors to maintain a permanent record for your medical file that gives comparisons for tracking eye disease.
The Optomap retinal exam is fast, easy, and comfortable. Our doctors highly recommend the Optomap retinal exam for patients of all ages.
Eye Infections and Eye Injuries
Our office provides emergency services for eye infections and eye injuries. Our staff will work to accommodate an appointment as soon as possible. If the office is closed an emergency contact number will be provided for each of our doctors.
State-of-the art microscopes allow us to examine the front surface of the eye and facial areas around the eye for infection or injury. After assessing the extent of the injury or infection a treatment plan will be formulated and explained to you. Treatment may include medications, supportive care, or referral. Follow-up visits to monitor your recovery will be scheduled as indicated.
Specialty Contact Lens Fitting
Contact lens offer an excellent vision correction alternative. Just as you may consider multiple pairs of glasses to accessorize your wardrobe, contact lenses provide one more option in vision correction.
Many people feel they are not able to wear contact lenses for a variety of reasons. In reality, MOST people are able to comfortably wear contact lenses and achieve acceptable vision. There is no age restriction on who may wear contact lenses and there are specialty contact lenses available if you suffer from dry eyes, or the discomfort of seasonal allergeries. If you participate in sports, contact lenses can enhance your peripheral vision and eliminate the risk of damaging your eyeglasses. Wearing contact lenses can also improve self confidence, particularly in teenagers.
There are a wide array of contact lens options available to correct the vision of those who are nearsighted, farsighted, presbyopic (need reading glasses or bifocals), or have astigmatism. There are contact lenses to enhance the natural color of your eyes, or to change the color of your eyes. There have been many advances in contact lens technology, and with the introduction of silicone hydrogel lenses, we can also provide you with the opportunity to sleep in your contact lenses for up to 30 continuous days and nights.
There are two main contact lens materials; soft and rigid gas permeable and there are benefits to both types. The material that is right for you will be determined during your eye examination.
For information on insertion and removal of rigid gas permable contacts: click here
For more information on insertion and removal of soft contacts: click here
How do I get fitted for contact lenses?
When you schedule an appointment for a contact lens fitting, a comprehensive eye exam will be performed by one of our doctors. Whether you have worn contact lenses in the past, or are trying them for the first time, this examination is important because it allows for a thorough evaluation of your ocular health and gives the doctor the opportunity to fine tune your prescription. Certain special measurements will be taken during the exam to ensure the contact lenses fit your eyes properly. At this time, the doctor will select a lens that is appropriate for your lifestyle and visual tasks.
If you are trying contact lenses for the first time, an appointment will be scheduled with one of our highly trained contact lens technicians to teach you how to care for contact lenses. The technician will instruct you on proper contact lens insertion and removal techniques and will answer any questions you may have regarding your lenses. Upon completion of this private contact lens course, a follow up appointment will be scheduled with your doctor within the following two weeks. At that appointment, your vision and contact lenses will be re-evaluated to assure your eyes are adjusting to the contact lenses. If appropriate, a supply of contact lenses can then be ordered so that you may dispose of your contact lenses and insert a fresh pair at the recommended intervals. Another appointment will be scheduled in the following weeks so that your eye physiology and its reaction to the wearing of contact lenses can be evaluated after you have been wearing your contact lenses for a longer period of time.
The FDA classifies contact lenses as a medical device so a prescription is required; valid for one year. For that reason, it is important that you follow our doctors’ recommendation on contact lens wear, contact lens care, disposal and follow up appointments. When fit properly, contact lenses are a safe and flexible option available to you. The doctors at Professional Eye Care Associates are committed to finding the appropriate contact lens that works for you.
Laser Vision Correction
Just as spectacles and contacts are good options to correct your vision, Laser Vision Correction is a third option. There are two Laser procedures commonly considered when a patient is interested in a Laser Vision procedure: PRK and Lasik. Both procedures have excellant safety profiles and expected results but they are different. Just as our doctors would recommend the best spectacle prescription or contact lens style for each patient, a laser consult will allow our doctors to recommend the best option for you. We also refer you to the best surgeon for that procedure. A pre-operative workup and consult will be conducted,as well as the visits necessary to ensure the proper healing is taking place during the post-operative period.
Optical Dispensing
Our highly qualified opticians and staff are able to help you select a frame to enhance your facial features as well as the colors to enhance your natural look. Glasses are fitted for extended comfort and vision. We maintain a free "open door" policy for frame adjustment whenever needed.
Our optical laboratory has the latest in equipment to fabricate, maintain and repair your glasses if they break or are damaged. We are able to tint, coat, harden and edge spectacle lenses and offer the latest in designer frames.
- Designer Frame
- Safety Frames
- Sports Frames
- Childrens Frames
- Sunglasses
- Spring Hinges
- Lightweight Space-age
Metals
- Trendy Colors and Frame Designs
- Large Selection
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- Thin, Lightweight Lenses
- Safety Lenses
- Polycarbonate Lenses
- Progressive Lenses
- Computer Lenses
- Sports Lenses
- Transition Lenses
- Special Tints
- Anti-Reflective Coatings
- Ultra-Violet Protection
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Treatment of Diseases of the Eye
GLAUCOMA
What is glaucoma?
Glaucoma is an eye disease that most commonly causes a slow, painless loss of vision. It can be caused by too much pressure inside the eye. If the pressure in the eye increases it will gradually damage the optic nerve causing a loss in vision. Glaucoma is most prevalent in individuals over the age of 40 and is a hereditary risk factor.
How can I tell if I have glaucoma?
There are several kinds of glaucoma. The most common type, primary open angle glaucoma, is painless and causes no noticeable vision loss in the early stages. Acute angle closure glaucoma, is a less prevalent but can lead to blurred vision, the appearance of colored rings around lights, and pain and redness of the eyes. Glaucoma can only be diagnosed by a comprehensive eye examination.
How is glaucoma treated?
Glaucoma is primarily treated with prescription eye drops to lower the pressure inside the eye. These drops are generally taken one to four times a day. In some cases, multiple medications, laser treatment, or surgery is recommended. Unfortunately, any vision loss due to glaucoma is usually permanent and cannot be restored.
For more information:
Glaucoma facts
Glaucoma diagnosis
CATARACTS
What is a cataract?
When a normally clear lens which sits behind the pupil of the eye becomes cloudy or opaque, it is called a cataract. Cataracts can vary in severity. There may only be small areas of cloudiness or there can be large opaque areas which cause noticeable vision changes.
Many factors can make the lens inside of your eye turn cloudy. Advancing age, hereditary, injury, certain diseases, and ultraviolet radiation from the sun are all risk factors for developing cataracts.
Cataracts most often develop in individuals over the age of 55, but they can also be found as early as birth.
How can I tell if I have a cataract?
Cataracts typically develop slowly and are painless. A person with cataracts may experience blurred vision, color distortion, double vision, and increased sensitivity to glare. A comprehensive eye examination by one of our doctors can determine if a cataract may be forming.
How is a cataract treated?
Sometimes, a change in your glasses prescription is all that you need to see more clearly. When your glasses no longer allow you to read or see objects comfortably we will refer you to a cataract specialist. The specialist may recommend cataract surgery to improve your vision.
Cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure where your cloudy lens is replaced with a clear intraocular lens implant. A prescription eye drop is used after surgery and the eye may be patched. Several follow-up examinations by your surgeon and/or one of the doctors at Professional Eye Care Associates will monitor the healing process.
For more information:
Cataract facts
DIABETIC RETINOPATHY
What is diabetic retinopathy?
Diabetic retinopathy is a condition associated with diabetes. Diabetes often stimulates the growth of new blood vessels in the back of the eye, which ultimately leak and damage the retina. Individuals with high or unstable blood sugar levels are at an increased risk for diabetic retinopathy.
How can I tell if I have diabetic retinopathy?
The symptoms of diabetic retinopathy include; blurred vision, difficulty reading or seeing things up close, “floaters” or flashes of light, or a sudden loss of vision. The doctors at Professional Eye Care Associates have the latest technology to detect changes in the back of the eye.
How is diabetic retinopathy treated?
If we discover changes in the back of your eye due to diabetes that can be treated, or need further evaluation, we will refer you to a retinal specialist for further testing. The specialist may recommend laser treatments, proven to slow the progression of retinal eye disease for many patients. If you have diabetes, make sure you control your blood sugar level and get an annual comprehensive eye examination, including eye dilation. This reduces your risk of serious vision loss due to diabetic retinopathy.
For more information:
Diabetic retinopathy
MACULAR DEGENERATION
What is macular degeneration?
Macular degeneration is a disease which affects a small area of the retina called the macula. The macula is a specialized area of the retina which allows us to see fine detail in our central vision. Macular degeneration occurs when this area begins to deteriorate. Macular degeneration is the leading cause of irreversible vision loss in the western world in those over the age of 60 years.
Many factors can contribute to macular degeneration including smoking, high blood pressure, exposure to harmful sunlight, and diet.
How can I tell if I have macular degeneration?
There are two types of macular degeneration. “Dry” macular degeneration is difficult to detect in the early stages. The most common symptoms might be a spot of blurred vision when looking straight ahead, dark or distorted vision. If you have the second type, “wet” macular degeneration, your symptoms will develop much more rapidly. Both types of macular degeneration can cause blindness.
How is macular degeneration treated?
Presently, there is no cure for macular degeneration. However, it has been proven that some treatments can slow the progression. Eating green leafy vegetables, such as spinach and kale, is highly recommended. Some vitamin supplements have these same nutrients (Vitamin A, C, E, Lutein, and Zeaxanthin). “Wet” macular degeneration can sometimes be treated with a laser procedure.
For more information:
Macular degeneration facts
DRY EYE
What is dry eye?
Tears are necessary for good overall eye health and clear vision. Dry eye occurs when your eyes do not produce enough tears or produce tears which do not have the right chemical composition.
Dry eye can be related to the use of certain medications such as; antihistamines, oral contraceptives, diuretics, hormone replacement therapy, or anti-depressants. Dry eye can also be related to general health problems, contact lens wear, or result from a past history of refractive surgery. Dry eye is more likely to affect the elderly because our tear film degrades as we age. Dry eye affects more females than males.
How can I tell if I have dry eye?
The most common symptoms of dry eye include burning, redness, itching, scratchy feeling, excessive tearing, and uncomfortable eyes. You may experience increased dry eye symptoms upon awakening. If dry eye symptoms are left untreated, the symptoms may intensify.
How is dry eye treated?
Dry eye cannot be cured, but your eye symptoms can be lessened so that your eyes remain healthy. The treatment can be as simple as using over-the-counter artificial tears. For more severe dry eye, a simple, in-office procedure is available that provides more long term relief. In these cases, tiny plugs are inserted into the tears drainage canals to slow the tear outflow. If you think you suffer from dry eye, we can help.
For more information:
Dry eye facts
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