Comprehensive Eye Examinations

We know your vision is important to you - and it is important to us. Our office provides complete eye care for children and adults. Dr. Bell and Dr. Hartley use the latest technology during a comprehensive eye exam to check your visual skills and abilities, as well as screen for glaucoma, cataracts, diabetes and other systemic diseases. Upon completion of the exam, appropriate treatment is prescribed, whether it be medication, vision therapy, or corrective lenses.

Contact Lenses

There have been many advances made to soft and gas permeable contact lenses in the last decade. Our office has the latest in contact lens technology and we stock a wide range of diagnostic lenses to fit you and your needs. We offer a large selection of colored contact lenses for those looking to change the natural color of their eye.

Optical Dispensing

Our optical laboratory has the latest in equipment to not only manufacture your glasses, but to maintain and repair them should they become damaged. We have a large frame selection and are able to tint, coat, harden, and edge spectacle lenses. Our opticians are trained to fit your glasses properly for optimum vision and comfort.

Eye Infections, Eye Injuries, Dry Eyes

Eye Diseases; Cataracts, Glaucoma, Diabetes

Cataracts: The natural lens in the eye gradually becomes less clear as we get older. When opacities develop in the lens and the lens gets too hazy, vision will be impaired. Our office can diagnose and manage cataract care. When the cataract affects the vision to the extent that you cannot read or see distant objects comfortably, we will recommend cataract surgery. Our office co-manages with cataract specialists that are proven experts in cataract surgery. Cataract surgery can provide you with a bright new world of vision.

Glaucoma: Glaucoma gradually destroys the optic nerve tissue in the back of the eye. The greatest danger of glaucoma stems from the fact that the disease is painless and without obvious symptoms until significant damage has occurred. The most common cause is from pressure being too high inside the eye, but vascular disease and other diseases can also cause glaucoma. We always monitor for glaucoma during routine eye examinations. Tests include checking the pressure of the eye, screening for peripheral vision defects and analyzing the appearance of the optic nerve. If you are diagnosed with glaucoma, we typically prescribe medications that lower the eye pressure. Most forms of glaucoma are successfully treated with eye drops. Laser treatments and eye surgery are secondary treatments that offer alternative ways to treat more advanced glaucoma.

Diabetes: Diabetic patients should have a dilated retinal examination each year. Laser treatments have proven to slow the progression of retinal eye disease for many patients. Diabetes often stimulates the growth of new blood vessels in the back of the eye, which ultimately leak and damage the retina. If this condition is discovered early, laser treatment can destroy these vessels. We have the latest instruments used to detect changes in the back of the eye. If we discover advancing diabetic eye disease that can be treated or needs further evaluation, we will refer you for consultation and further testing to a board certified retinal specialist.

Vision Therapy

Seeing clearly is not enough. Some people may find reading and hand-eye coordination tasks to be very difficult. The act of sight not only includes ones eyes, but it also includes the neurological activity that processes visual information. Things such as throwing a ball or running down a hill are all learned at a young age, and sight is a significant part of these learned activities. Sight is the steering mechanism, and is the main sense stimulated when feedback is provided regarding the world around us. Dr. Hartley provides Vision Therapy to increase the effectiveness of eye-hand coordination or to help individuals learn how to process visual information more efficiently.
 

Laser Vision Correction (Lasik)

Most people with less than perfect vision have several questions regarding LASIK eye surgery and whether it is right for them. Here is a brief description of the procedure;

A flap is surgically created in the cornea and is gently folded back. An Excimer Laser is then used to reshape the cornea into a flatter shape, much like a contact lens alters the shape of the cornea. However, the laser is permanent. The flap is then put back in place, acting as a natural bandage.

Much of the appeal surrounding LASIK surgery is the quick healing process and relatively low level of discomfort. Most patients can function very well within 24-48 hours, but it should be noted that everyone heals at a different rate. Vision, although greatly improved immediately after surgery, continues to improve for weeks, even months after surgery.

Because every person is unique, LASIK is not for everyone. If you are interested in laser vision correction, we would be happy to guide you in picking the best surgeon, procedure, and laser appropriate for you.

Dr. Bell and Dr. Hartley are experinced in dealing with post-operative care. They monitor the progress of the eye and are able to taper medications to achieve the best possible result.

Surgery Co-Management

Our office has working arrangements with other eye care professionals to manage special needs cases. Dr. Bell and Dr. Hartley work closely with other doctors before Cataract, Laser, Refractive, and Strabismic surgery. They are also experienced in dealing with specialized cases such as retinal detachments, retinal tears, and hemmorhages.