Examinations
A comprehensive eye examination is not only important for vision, but for eye and general health purposes as well.
Amblyopia: Amblyopia is often found in children with a lazy eye. It is when an eye does not fully develop to full potential to see as well as it normally would.
After hours care: We provide on–call coverage for our patients any time we are not in the office. We want to make sure that emergencies are taken care of appropriately and in a timely fashion. One of our doctors is always able to come and see you if needed.
Astigmatism: Astigmatism is a type of prescription, and not an eye disease. It causes light to focus in the eye at more than one point. People with astigmatism can correct their vision with glasses, contacts or surgery.
Blepharitis: is inflammation of the eyelash follicles, along the edge of the eyelid. Symptoms may include eyelids appearing red and irritated, with scales that stick to the base of the eyelashes and crusty eyelids.
Cataract: A cataract is a clouding of the lens in the eye. This starts to happen earlier in life than you think, but usually does not need surgery until at least the 60’s or 70’s. link: www.nei.nih.gov/health/cataract/cataract_facts.asp
Cataract surgery: Cataract surgery is one of the most commonly performed surgeries in this country. Surgery is needed for cataracts when they are affecting vision and having an affect on quality of life. There are many choices in cataract surgeons, and we feel that it is very important to make sure that you go to an excellent and experienced surgeon. We will help coordinate all pre-operative and post-operative care. LINK:http://www.nei.nih.gov/health/cataract/cataract_facts.asp
CLIA waived tests: CLIA stands for clinical laboratory improvement amendment. WestGlen eyecare has a CLIA waiver, which means that there are several specific lab tests that the government allows us to do. The ones that we perform are AdenoDetector (for viral conjunctivitis/pink eye), Hemoglobin A1c (average blood sugar over last 3 months) and fasting/random blood sugar by finger stick. These tests often allow us to make an important diagnosis and coordinate appropriate care with other doctors.
Conjunctivitis: This is often referred to as pink eye. It is when the clear lining of the eye is inflamed and is often caused by either bacterial or viral infection or allergies. Often times eyedrops are prescribed to treat conjunctivitis, but sometimes they may not be needed.
Contact lens examination: There are certain tests that are especially done for patients with contact lenses. Contact lenses are medical devices and require attention to make sure that they are not causing any harm.
Diabetes: Diabetes is predicted to affect 1/3 of Americans born in 2010. Diabetes affects the body so that it cannot process sugar and other carbohydrates. One of the most common complications is eye disease. People with diabetes should have annual eye exams to watch for complications. WestGlen Eyecare has all the technology and knowledge to be able to follow people with diabetes. Link: diabetes.org
Dilated eye exam: This is when drops are used to dilate, or enlarge, the pupil so that the doctor can get a better look and examination of the inside of the eye, which includes the optic nerve, macula, and rest of the retina.
Dry Eye: Dry eye syndrome is extremely common, there are over 50 million Americans with this condition. Often times, eyes feel gritty and dry, but sometimes they will water. There are many different treatment options, including prescription drops. Link:http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1210417-overview
Glaucoma: Glaucoma is an eye disease that tends to affect peripheral vision, but can also damage central vision. Most people with glaucoma have high eye pressure, and this can often be treated with eye drops and will occasionally require surgery or laser. People with a family history of glaucoma are more at risk. www.optometricglaucomasociety.org
Hyperopia: Hyperopia is the technical term for being far-sighted. This generally means that somebody will have difficulty with near tasks. Children with hyperopia often have no symptoms, which is one reason why routine eyecare is important even for people with “normal” vision.
Infant See: This is a free screening for children between 6 and 12 months of age. Although infants can’t give us much subjective feedback, there is a lot of important information that can be objectively obtained to make sure that eye development is normal.
Intra-ocular pressure (IOP): Eye pressure is important in checking for glaucoma. We don’t and never have used the air-puff test at WestGlen eyecare. We use more patient friendly methods.
LASIK pre-operative and post operative exams: Before LASIK is done, a careful and methodical pre-operative examination is needed. We perform these at Westglen Eyecare. If you are a contact lens wearer, you will need to be out of your contacts for at least one week before this evaluation. We also do the post-operative care for our patients after the surgery where we will see you the day after and the week after your surgery.
See to Learn: These are free screenings done on 3 year old children. It is important to make sure that children can see well if they are going to be able to learn!
LASIK: LASIK is the most common form of refractive surgery, for correction prescription. Most people will be free of glasses after LASIK surgery, and do quite well. LASIK does involve a laser for vision correction. LASIK can correct myopia, hyperopia or astigmatism. http://www.allaboutvision.com/visionsurgery
Lazy eye/Strabismus: This is when your eyes are not lined up correctly. Often times this can be treated with glasses, patching, drops, exercises or sometimes surgery.
Low Vision Evaluations: Dr. Gerson sees patients for low vision evaluations. This is a time-consuming process, and we generally allot 90 minutes for such a consultation. A large percentage of the time is spent on trying different devices and on patient education.
Low Vision: Westglen Eyecare is one of only a few practices in Kansas City that offers low vision services. This is basically when people can not attain good enough vision to perform daily tasks, often worse than 20/50, usually due to eye disease. Glasses in most of these cases is not the answer, and these patients need more in depth appointments to find what they need to be able to better function. Low vision is often caused by diabetes, macular degeneration or glaucoma.
Macular degeneration (AMD): AMD is the most common cause of loss of vision in older Americans. Macular degeneration affects the central vision and can change slowly over time or very profoundly in a short period of time. Not only do we do exams catering to AMD, but we also have the advanced technology to monitor, knowledge regarding importance of nutrition and genetic testing to best serve AMD patients. LINKS: www.amdalliance.org and maculardegenerationassociation.com
Macular Pigment Optical Density (MPOD): MPOD is a measure of one of the potential risk factors for macular degeneration. The Quantifeye allows us to measure this and help act when preventative measures are needed: http://zeavision.com/patients.html
Myopia: Myopia is the technical term for being near-sighted. Generally, people that have myopia don’t see well in the distance without glasses or contacts. Some people will choose to have refractive surgery/LASIK to correct their vision.
Ocular Coherence Tomography (OCT): This is an instrument that helps to diagnose and monitor treatments of certain eye diseases such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and others. Link: http://www.optovue.com
Ophthalmologist: An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor specializing in eye surgery.
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): OCT is similar to ultrasound technology, except this is for use in the eye. It has revolutionized diagnosis and treatment of both glaucoma and retinal disease. http://www.optovue.com
Optician: An optician specializes in helping people with glasses. At WestGlen Eyecare, we pride ourselves on helping people look their best in glasses by choosing the right frame styles.
Optomap: This is a digital image of the retina that often gives a view that allows the doctor to not have to dilate pupils. A stored image is often important for tracking potential changes from year to year.
Optometrist: An optometrist is a doctor of optometry. After 4 years of undergraduate studies, an optometrist attends 4 years of Optometry school (which “focuses” not only on eye anatomy and disease but also systemic health issues and pharmacology). Some OD’s have chosen to undertake an additional year of study and do a year of a residency. An optometrist is able to not only perform eye exams, but also diagnose and treat many different eye diseases. www.aoa.org and www.kansasoptometric.org
Optomap: The Optomap retinal exam is a procedure used to capture a wide-field view of the retina. It is a revolutionary technology and painless way to have the backs of your eyes examined: http://optos.com/en-us/Patients
Other services:
We truly strive to exceed any expectations that patients may have.
Pachymetry: This technology is a way to measure corneal thickness, which is important for people considering LASIK or other refractive surgeries and also for several eye diseases, including glaucoma. We have the capability of performing this test without use of any drops in the eyes.
Pink eye: Pink eye is the “laymans” term for conjunctivitis. It can be caused by bacteria, viruses or allergies.
Presbyopia: Presbyopia is when our eyes no longer focus on near objects as well, and is virtually always associated with age. It usually starts around age 40 when peoples “arms are not long enough” to focus for reading material.
PRK: PRK is a form of refractive surgery that is not as popular, but still works quite well. The post-operative recovery is a little longer, but results are quite good.
Refraction: the part of the eye exam when the doctor figures out the correct prescription for glasses.
Retinal Detachment: A retinal detachment is when the retina separates from the layer below it. It is often accompanied by flashes of light and floaters in vision. If caught quickly, it can often be repaired without long-term affect to vision. Link: http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1210417-overview
Visual Field: This is a test of peripheral vision, and is important in glaucoma and also in neurologic disorders.
Vitreous detachment: The vitreous is the gel within the eye. As the gel changes, it often becomes detached, or pulls away from the back of the eye. This is not a retinal detachment, but can have similar symptoms of flashes of lights and floaters in vision. If you have these symptoms, you should have your eyes checked to make sure that there aren’t any problems that require treatment. A vitreous detachment does not need any treatment.