Eye Exams
A thorough eye exam is recommended every year or two, especially as you get older and your vision starts to change. If you have a medical eye condition, or wear contact lenses, eye exams may be needed more frequently. And remember, a thorough eye exams can also detect other health issues you may not know about; such as high blood pressure, diabetes, autoimmune problems, and carotid artery disease.
Types of Eye Specialists
Eye Care Physicians & Surgeons have five types of vision care specialists:
Ophthalmologist (MD)
An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who provides eye care. An ophthalmologist will perform complete eye exams, prescribe corrective lenses, diagnose and treat eye diseases and vision problems. Many ophthalmologists also perform eye surgical procedures such as cataract, glaucoma, and laser surgery.
Optometrist (OD)
An optometrist is an eye physician who can provide complete eye exams, prescribe corrective lenses, diagnose common eye disorders, and treat selected eye diseases. Optometrists typically do not treat complex medical eye problems or perform surgery, but can help identify medical issues and help patients manage pre- and post-surgical care.
Oculofacial Plastic Surgeon
An Oculofacial Plastic Surgeon is a medical doctor certified in ophthalmic plastic and reconstructive surgery. Oculofacial plastic surgery is the correction of an eye problem through the use of reconstructive surgery. Their primary goal is to restore function while improving eye and facial appearance.
Glaucoma Specialist
Glaucoma is an eye condition in which the optic nerve is gradually damaged over time. While common in older adults, glaucoma can occur at any age.
While many forms of glaucoma have no warning signs, it is usually associated with elevated eye pressure that is discovered during a clinical eye examination. At Eye Care, once identified, our glaucoma specialist will work with you to develop an on-going, personalized plan which will include medication, regular exams and treatment schedules, and possibly surgery.
Optician
An optician fits, adjusts, repairs, and sells prescription eyeglasses and sunglasses. Inside each Eye Care clinic is Optic’49, our full-service optical shop featuring an amazing selection of frames and sunglasses. Our talented opticians will help you find the perfect frames for your unique personal style!
Common Eye Conditions
Astigmatism
Astigmatism is a condition that occurs when either the front surface of the eye (the cornea) or the lens inside the eye has mismatched curves. The eye is therefore unable to focus clearly. Astigmatism can be corrected with eyeglasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery.
Hyperopia
People with Hyperopia, also called farsightedness, can see clearly at a distance but not up close. Hyperopia can be corrected by glasses or contact lenses, and sometimes with laser eye surgery.
Myopia
Myopia is also called nearsightedness. People with this condition can see clearly up close but not at a distance. Myopia is often first diagnosed in school-aged children and arises from a complex interplay of genetic and lifestyle risk factors including; having one or both parents who are myopic, less time spent outdoors, intensive near work, or poor lighting levels.
Myopia is now recognized as a disease that should be proactively managed. The good news is there are steps you can take to slow your child’s increasing glasses prescription. To learn more about Myopia Management click here.
Presbyopia
Presbyopia is a condition that usually affects people 40 and over. People with normal vision find it more and more difficult to read and do detailed work unless they’re very close up. People with presbyopia can find help in the use of reading glasses, or bifocal or multifocal contact lenses.
Medical Eye Conditions
Cataracts
A cataract is a clouding of the lens in the eye that can impair vision. It is the most common cause of blindness and more than half of all Americans age 65 and older have cataracts. The visual loss occurs because the clouding in the lens obstructs light from passing through to the retina at the back of the eye.
Macular Degeneration
Macular Degeneration is caused by the deterioration of the retina and results in a loss of vision in the center of the visual field. It occurs in both “dry” and “wet” forms and is a major cause of blindness and visual impairment in adults over 50-years-old.
Diabetic Retinopathy
Damage to the retina caused by diabetes can eventually lead to blindness. It is an ocular manifestation of diabetes, which affects up to 80% of people that have had diabetes for over 10 years.
Glaucoma
A condition in which the optic nerve is damaged, causing reduced contrast sensitivity, loss of peripheral vision, and blindness if left untreated. It is usually associated with elevated eye pressure that is discovered during a clinical eye examination.
Corneal Conditions
The cornea is the clear outer layer at the front of the eye that helps your eye focus light so you can see clearly. There are several common conditions that can affect the cornea, including injuries, allergies, keratitis, dry eye, and corneal dystrophies. There are also a number of less common diseases that can affect the cornea — including ocular herpes, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, iridocorneal endothelial syndrome, and pterygium.
Good Vision Will Help You Maintain an Active Lifestyle
Healthy eyes and good vision play a big part in being active. Having the right lenses in the right frames can also help. If your vision is holding you back from activities you once enjoyed, come see us at one of our convenient locations in Salem or Keizer.
Optical Services
Talk to our doctors about what’s important in your life, and what activities you do, and we’ll find a solution to help you keep doing what you like.
It could be bifocals, trifocals and “no-line” multifocals for such things as sewing or fly-tying. We also have specialty lenses for driving and outdoor activities such as, biking, skiing, or hunting.
And if you spend a lot of time looking at computer screens, we offer special blue-light lenses for your unique vocational needs.
Find Your Frames™ at Optic’49
Inside each of our clinic locations is an Optic’49 store featuring an amazing selection of frames and sunglasses. Our talented and full-service opticians will make sure you find the perfect fit with the right kind of lenses to meet your unique personal style requirements! So, if you’re looking for a particular brand or a special color, Optic’49 is the place to find your frames!
As part of our commitment to offering the best frames and lens products, our customer warranty covers every pair of glasses we sell against frame defects and guarantees each lens for accuracy and appearance for up to two years.
Visit Optic’49 and let us help you find the perfect frame shape, color and size to get the look that’s all about you! Find Your Frames at Optic’49! LEARN MORE
Contact Lens Specialists
At Eye Care Physicians & Surgeons, we offer a large inventory of soft contact lenses. Many of our patients are able to wear their new lenses home. Our physicians will perform your routine vision exam, contact lens fitting, and follow-up examinations. If you need help learning how to wear your lenses or have questions about ordering replacements, our contact lens technicians are always available to help.
Specialty Contact Lenses
Traditional or “off-the-shelf” contact lenses are not the answer for everyone. For certain individuals, specialty contact lenses are necessary to manage certain chronic ocular surface issues, improve eye comfort or provide superior vision not achievable with glasses or traditional contacts. If you have hard-to-fit eye conditions, recently had eye surgery, or have severe dry eyes, specialty contact lenses could be for you. LEARN MORE
New Light Adjusting Contacts
Similar to Transitions™ lenses in eyeglasses, these new contact lenses adjust to changing light conditions both indoors and outdoors. From bright sunlight to dark shadows, ACUVUE Contact Lenses with Transitions™ seamlessly help your eyes adapt to changing light conditions for all-day soothing vision. Available at Eye Care Physicians & Surgeons.
Three Convenient Locations
Each Eye Care Physicians & Surgeons clinic has its own Contact Lens Department staffed by qualified technicians to help patients with service and support for their contact lenses.