Resources

At Prism Eye Care Inc., we use state-of-the-art equipment to properly examine your eyes, ensuring your prescription is accurate and your eyes free of disease. As members of the American Optometric Association, we stay up on changes in medicine and advances in technology, mastering innovative techniques and methods in order to give you the best possible eye care.

Autorefractor

An autorefractor is a computer-controlled machine used during an eye exam to help determine visual acuity. It provides an objective measurement of a person's refractive error and prescription for glasses or contact lenses. This is achieved by measuring how light is changed as it enters a person's eye. The autorefractor has been in use since the 1970’s because of its’ ease of use and accuracy.

Daytona Retinal Imaging Device - Optos

Retinal imaging allows optometrists to see signs of eye diseases that they couldn’t see before. The test itself is painless and the results are easy for optometrists to interpret.

In addition to helping detect diseases early, retinal images provide a permanent and historical record of changes in your eye. Through retinal imaging technology, Prism Eye Care Optometrists can diagnose: Macular degeneration and Ocular cancers.

Digital retinal imaging uses high-resolution imaging systems to take pictures of the inside of your eye. This helps our optometrists assess the overall health of your retina and helps them to detect and manage such eye and health conditions as diabetes, glaucoma, and existing macular degeneration.

Retinal imaging plays a critical role in the diagnosis and on-going management of diabetic retinopathy.

Humphrey Zeiss The Frequency Doubling Technology (FDT) Visual Field Machine

A visual field test is an eye examination that can detect dysfunction in central and peripheral vision which may be caused by various medical conditions such as glaucoma, stroke, pituitary disease, brain tumors or other neurological deficits.

Visual field testing maps the visual fields of each eye individually and can detect blind spots (scotomas) as well as more subtle areas of dim vision. The visual field test is a subjective examination, so the patient must be able to understand the testing instructions, fully cooperate, and complete the entire visual test in order to provide beneficial information to the optometrist.

Auto Refractor Optical Phoropter

A phoropter or refractor is an ophthalmic testing device that provides an objective reading prior to the subjective tests that follow on a phoropter. An auto refractor works by shining light into the eye and measuring how it bounces off the back of the eye.

It is commonly used by an optometrist during an eye examination, and contains different lenses used for refraction of the eye during sight testing, to measure an individual's refractive error and determine his or her eyeglass prescription.

Q: What is diabetic retinopathy?

A: Diabetic retinopathy is a condition which can occur at any stage or type of diabetes. In fact, many times diabetes is identified during an eye exam in a person who never suspected they may have diabetes. It is caused by damage to the very delicate blood vessels within the retina. Over time, these blood vessels may start to leak blood and fluid into the retina or other areas of the eye. If the condition progresses, new vessels may begin to grow within the retina, which places the retina at risk of additional and sometimes sudden complications including internal bleeds and retinal detachment.

Q: How do I know if I have Dry Eye?

A: Dry eye can cause quite a few symptoms, anything from the eyes actually feeling dry to the eyes watering often, or having a burning, itchy, or irritated feeling. One of the most common symptoms is the eyes feeling gritty or like something is in your eye. Most people will often experience blurred vision since the tears, which comprise the outermost surface of the eye, are unstable.

Q: My optometrist says I have a cataract, but he wants to wait a while before removing it. Why?

A: A cataract usually starts very small and practically unnoticeable but as it advances it gradually becomes cloudier. Your optometrist is probably waiting until the cataract interferes significantly with your vision and your lifestyle. You need to continue to visit your optometrist regularly so the cataract's progress is monitored. Some cataracts never really reach the stage where they should be removed. If your cataract is interfering with your vision to the point where it is unsafe to drive, or doing everyday tasks is difficult, then it's time to discuss surgery with your ophthalmologist.

Q: My eye is suddenly red and irritated/painful, what should I do?

A: Whenever you get a red eye, it is very important to make an emergency eye appointment immediately with our optometrist to see what the cause is. Some red eyes will go away with rest, but some are vision threatening and could cause blindness within 24 hours (ie. If the cause was a microorganism from contact lens wear). If you wear contact lenses, remove them immediately and do not wear until the redness subsides. Our optometrist uses a high magnification slit lamp to examine your eyes to determine the exact cause of the problem and will treat accordingly. A family doctor usually does not have the necessary equipment and will treat based on your symptoms only. If your eyes need antibiotic eye drops, our optometrist can prescribe the proper ones for your condition.

Q: Am I a good candidate for refractive surgery?

A: Patients who are at least 18 years of age, have healthy eyes that are free from retinal problems, corneal scars, and any eye diseases are generally suitable. Many patients who are nearsighted, farsighted or have astigmatism are potential candidates. We will also discuss your lifestyle needs to help you decide if LASIK is the best alternative for you. If you would like to schedule a free LASIK consultation, please contact our office.