Last updated 8 days ago
A healthy lens functions like the lens of a camera; it focuses light as passes through to the back of the eye. A cataract occurs when the lens, which is normally clear, becomes cloudy. This results in gradual changes in vision that you may not notice until the condition is quite advanced. Cataracts can be diagnosed during an eye exam by your ophthalmologist or optometrist.
Visual Acuity Testing
You are probably familiar with visual acuity testing from previous eye exams you’ve had through the years. This test typically uses an eye chart that has rows of letters that decrease in size. During this test, you may be asked to cover one eye at a time while you read aloud the smallest line of letters you can see. If you wear glasses, the test will be performed with your glasses on and again with them off.
Contrast Sensitivity and Glare Testing
A cataract can make it difficult to see when there is not a lot of contrast between objects, such as on a gloomy day or in a dark corner. To test for contrast sensitivity, your doctor will have you read an eye chart that has uniform size letters, but differences in contrast with the background. This test helps the doctor better understand the changes in your vision.
Some types of cataracts can also cause glare. To test for glare associated with cataracts, your ophthalmologist will have you read the eye chart with the lights on and again with the lights off.
Slit-Lamp Examination
A slit-lamp is a low-power microscope that allows your eye care specialist to examine the structure of your eye in fine detail. A high intensity light from the instrument’s lamp is focused through a slit and shined into the eye. Your ophthalmologist will also administer special eye drops to dilate your pupils. This enables your doctor to get a better look at the inside of your eye during the examination.
If you have been experiencing changes in your vision, cloudy vision or glare, contact Eye Care Associates of St. Louis today at (314) 332-2839 to schedule a comprehensive eye exam. Our doctors are dedicated to evaluating and maintaining your eye health for clear vision every day. Visit our website to learn more about cataracts and other eye conditions we treat.
Last updated 11 days ago
A healthy lens functions like the lens of a camera; it focuses light as passes through to the back of the eye. A cataract occurs when the lens, which is normally clear, becomes cloudy. This results in gradual changes in vision that you may not notice until the condition is quite advanced. Cataracts can be diagnosed during an eye exam by your ophthalmologist or optometrist.
Visual Acuity Testing
You are probably familiar with visual acuity testing from previous eye exams you’ve had through the years. This test typically uses an eye chart that has rows of letters that decrease in size. During this test, you may be asked to cover one eye at a time while you read aloud the smallest line of letters you can see. If you wear glasses, the test will be performed with your glasses on and again with them off.
Contrast Sensitivity and Glare Testing
A cataract can make it difficult to see when there is not a lot of contrast between objects, such as on a gloomy day or in a dark corner. To test for contrast sensitivity, your doctor will have you read an eye chart that has uniform size letters, but differences in contrast with the background. This test helps the doctor better understand the changes in your vision.
Some types of cataracts can also cause glare. To test for glare associated with cataracts, your ophthalmologist will have you read the eye chart with the lights on and again with the lights off.
Slit-Lamp Examination
A slit-lamp is a low-power microscope that allows your eye care specialist to examine the structure of your eye in fine detail. A high intensity light from the instrument’s lamp is focused through a slit and shined into the eye. Your ophthalmologist will also administer special eye drops to dilate your pupils. This enables your doctor to get a better look at the inside of your eye during the examination.
If you have been experiencing changes in your vision, cloudy vision or glare, contact Eye Care Associates of St. Louis today at (314) 332-2839 to schedule a comprehensive eye exam. Our doctors are dedicated to evaluating and maintaining your eye health for clear vision every day. Visit our website to learn more about cataracts and other eye conditions we treat.
Last updated 18 days ago
Contact lenses are a popular alternative to eyeglasses and consist of lenses that sit directly on the eye rather than in frames. When and how you plan to wear your contact lenses will directly influence your choice of lenses. There are many options available when choosing the right contact lenses for your needs, including disposable, hard, soft, and cosmetic lenses.
How Will You Wear Your Contacts? How and when you wear your contacts may determine the type of lens that is best for you. While most varieties require that the lenses be removed overnight, some types of contacts are approved to be worn even while you sleep (Extended Wear). It is important to be aware that not everyone is a candidate for extended wear contacts and it increases your risk of getting an eye infection or other complications. Fortunately there are many types of contact lenses to choose from and disposable soft contacts are one of the most popular and convenient modalities. Disposable contacts are discarded and replaced at the end of a specified period of time. Common options include lenses that are replaced every day (single use), every 2 weeks and every month. By talking with your doctor, you can decide which contact lens modality would be best for your needs.
Will You Need Soft or Hard Lenses? Contact lenses may be soft or hard; your eye doctor can provide you with more information about how each works and which may be best for your eyes. Soft contact lenses provide a comfortable and convenient option. Many people enjoy the convenience of having disposable back-up lenses available or having the ability to wear these on an occasional basis. Hard contact lenses (Rigid Gas Permeable) can provide crisper vision for those requiring certain types of correction, but these must be worn regularly for a comfortable fit.
Can You Benefit from Multifocal Lenses? Like eyeglasses, contacts can incorporate a multifocal design to allow you to see far away objects and read up-close with the same pair of lenses. Talk to your optometrist about your specific vision correction needs to find out if bifocal or multifocal contact lenses might let you reduce your dependence on reading glasses.
Call our office today at (314) 332-2839 to set up an appointment and ask about our online ordering option for contact lenses. And remember: even if you’re a good contact lens wearer, it’s important to have a back- up pair of glasses, as well as quality sunglasses with UV protection. Eye Care Associates of St. Louis’ Optical Shop has a great selection frames from the biggest names in eyewear, so be sure to stop by and take a look. You can find more information about our office and services, including cataract and refractive surgery treatments, by clicking through our website.
Last updated 25 days ago
Some vision problems pose a serious threat to your eyes. Without proper diagnosis and treatment, significant vision loss or blindness may occur.
This video explains common eye problems and their risk factors. You will hear about the symptoms of conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, conjunctivitis, eye floaters, macular degeneration, and retinal detachment. A family history of vision problems, previous injuries to the eye, and other medical conditions can all increase your likelihood of vision problems. If any of the symptoms in this video sound familiar to you, mention them during your next eye exam.
You can get more information about these eye conditions and their treatments from your optometrist or ophthalmologist at Eye Care Associates of St. Louis. We proudly provide comprehensive eye care, including treatment for cataracts, glaucoma, and more. Call us at (314) 332-2839 or click here to visit our website and learn more.
Last updated 1 month ago
Whether you suffer from a medical issue such as cataracts, are considering laser eye surgery, or simply need a new eyeglasses prescription, the doctors and professional staff at Eye Care Associates of St. Louis are here for you. Click through the links below to learn more about your vision correction options and how to maintain the health of your eyes.
Do you live in Richmond Heights, Clayton, University City, or Creve Coeur? Do you live in Kirkwood or Sunset Hills? Call Eye Care Associates of St. Louis at (314) 332-2780 to schedule an appointment with an ophthalmologist or optometrist at the office nearest you. Visit our website to learn more about our mission to provide personalized, comfortable care to all eye patients in the St. Louis area.
