Explore the 'Optometry Blog' on vision and eye health issues in Santa Cruz. Learn about local community events and relevant news relating to optometry.
March 21 marks World Down Syndrome Day, and a day which we hold very near to us at Midtown Optometry. Being the 21st day of the 3rd month, this parallels the extra 'third' chromosome number 21 that causes Down Syndrome. We decided to celebrate by donating 5% of all sales to the foundation.
Read MoreTo celebrate President's Day Midtown Optometry decided to give back by organizing a beach clean up of both Cowell's and Boardwalk Beach. The whole crew gathered at 8AM ready with trash bags, rubber gloves, and notably cool beach eyewear. Starting with Cowell's, we were impressed with how clean the beach was this morning, but as we traveled down towards the San Lorenzo, however, we had a bit more work to do.
Read MoreIn July, Dr Fellers was part of a huge community event in Santa Cruz, providing free eye care and glasses to those in need. Other services such as dentistry and nutritional consultation was also provided during the comprehensive health fair. For many, this was the first eye exam that attendees had ever received.
Read More
Our Doctors at Midtown Optometry recommend having an annual Comprehensive Eye Exam. This is different from a Vision Exam that may be administered by a school nurse or pediatrician.
In a vision exam, a health care professional will generally check visual acuity using a Snellen chart both at a distance and up close generally both with and without glasses. Only if the patient has a reduced visual acuity are they referred to their optometrist for further evaluation. While this gives some good information about their glasses prescription, it is a small part of what should be checked on an annual basis. While this vision screening is the initial part of a Comprehensive Eye Exam, after the vision is measured, a refraction is performed to find the optimal prescription for distance and near vision. Afterwards, our optometrists test the binocular system to evaluate how the eyes work together as a team. The eye health is evaluated next in detail. Our doctors use a slit-lamp biomicroscope to view the anterior segment of the eye, looking closely at the cornea, conjunctiva, iris and lens. Conditions such as dry eye and cataracts can be diagnosed during this portion of the exam. Next, your doctor will preform Goldman Tonometry to check the eye’s pressure (not related to blood pressure) as a screening test for glaucoma. Eye pressure is something that should be checked yearly since high pressure is not able to be felt by the patient and can damage the optic nerve. A visual field evaluation is also performed to check for any optic nerve damage.
Next, a retinal exam is performed either with or without dilation. Looking in the back of the eye, your eye doctor will closely evaluate your optic nerve for signs of glaucoma along with your macula, peripheral retina and retinal vascular system. As the retina is the only place where blood vessels can be seen directly as opposed to not through the skin, it is often the first place where we can pick up early signs of high blood pressure or diabetes. A thorough screening for early signs of macular degeneration will also be performed. Most importantly, at the end of each exam, our doctors will discuss each finding with you as well as the recommended treatment plan and follow up. You will have an opportunity to ask questions and discuss any concerns with your doctor. Our doctors are always happy to answer questions and will spend as much time is needed to make sure you are comfortable with your diagnosis and treatment plan.
With all the excitement surrounding the solar eclipse on August 21, many people have been asking about how to protect their eyes while viewing. This is a good question, since even during a partial eclipse (the total eclipse will not be visible in Santa Cruz), the intensity of the sun's rays can damage the retina.
Read More
