Here in the Denver-Metro area and all across our great state, Coloradans take their sports seriously.
Whether you play basketball, baseball, football, tennis, volleyball, soccer, racquetball, softball, enjoy mountain biking or other active pastimes, your eyes need protection from elbows, fingers, and other stuff flying through the air.
Did you know that regular sunglasses present more of a risk than no glasses at all?
Most people consider eyesight their most precious of the 5 senses. And yet, most folks do not take any extra measures to protect this valuable asset. At Highline Vision Center, we take your sports eye safety seriously and help you look great at the same time.
Highline Vision Center carries a variety of styles and brands in safety glasses all of which can be fitted with prescription lenses if necessary. Our highly trained optical team provides expert guidance on design and function.
In Colorado, motorcycle riders are required by law to wear protective eyewear. Our polycarbonate lenses are 10 times more impact-resistant than other plastics and can withstand the force of a .22-caliber bullet. Doesn’t that make you feel safer from road debris?
That means improved visual performance that allows you to achieve your potential in school, work, sports, and your favorite hobbies. Undetected vision problems can have a profound effect on learning. In fact, as many as one in four children of school age have a vision problem that can affect learning. We specialize in detecting and treating these binocular vision disorders so students can achieve their goals. A binocular vision evaluation is a crucial first step to finding out if a student’s vision is keeping them from succeeding in school. People of all ages have binocular vision problems that affect reading, writing, and computer use. Children with visual problems become adults with vision problems. In today’s high-demand visual world, vision that supports comfort and efficiency is imperative for success.
Blur at near
Double vision
Headaches
Avoiding near work/ reading
Misaligns digits/columns
Fatigue with reading
Poor comprehension
Poor handwriting
Skipping or repeating lines when reading
Omitting small words when reading
Poor or inconsistent sports performance
Unable to judge distances accurately
Visually overwhelmed in crowded situations
Words run together or move on the page
We also specialize in sports vision training and visual rehabilitation after a brain injury. Please contact us for more information. To schedule a binocular vision evaluation call 303-325-2014
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At Highline Vision Center in Aurora, we have always been in the forefront of our industry when it comes to efforts to slow the progression of myopia.
MYOPIA CONTROL & MANAGEMENT IN CHILDREN
Dr. Jeri Schneebeck, O.D., F.C.O.V.D., shares the latest treatments available to control and manage myopia (nearsightedness) in children. Myopia is occurring more frequently and earlier than every before which, if left untreated, can lead to serious eye health issues later in life.
What is myopia?
Myopia is a refractive error causing distance vision to be blurry. The myopic eye is typically longer than the non-myopic eye. Myopia often occurs during childhood when the eye is still growing and the earlier it occurs, the more likely the myopia will worsen if appropriate interventions are not employed.
In the early 1970s, only 25% of Americans were nearsighted. Today more than 40% are nearsighted and the number is increasing at an alarming rate, especially among school-age children. It is being called a myopia epidemic. By 2050 it is predicted that 58% of North Americans will be myopic.
Family history (genetics) and lifestyle are the main reasons myopia incidence is increasing. Reduced time spent outdoors and increased screen time indoors increase the risk of myopia.
Leaving progressive myopia unaddressed may contribute to the development of more severe sight-threatening complications later in life, including retinal detachment, myopic maculopathy, glaucoma and earlier development of cataracts.
What is myopia management?
Myopia management involves using special lenses, prescription eye drops and/or lifestyle changes to slow or stop the progression of myopia. A myopia management program may include one or more of the following methods.
DUAL FOCUS SOFT CONTACT LENSES
Myopia management with soft contact lenses uses specially designed optics to focus light on the retina in such a way as to keep the eye from elongating (increasing axial length) thereby slowing or stopping the progression of myopia.
Advantage: while these are specially designed soft contact lenses for myopia control, their care is the same as other soft contacts so parents may be more familiar with them.
Disadvantage: recurring cost
CORNEAL RESHAPING LENSES OR CORNEAL REFRACTIVE THERAPY
These contact lenses are FDA approved to be worn while sleeping to reshape the cornea temporarily correcting the myopia. This eliminates the need for glasses or daytime contact lenses. In addition, the curvature of the lenses focuses light on the retina in such a way as to keep the eye from elongating (increasing axial length) thereby slowing or stopping the progression of myopia.
Advantage: since no lenses are being worn during the day, these can be a real benefit for certain athletes such as swimmers.
Disadvantage: lenses must be worn every night for at least 6 hours.
LOW DOSE ATROPINE DROPS
Studies show that a low dose of atropine, typically administered as eye drops in the evening, has the potential to significantly slow the progression of myopia in children.
Advantage: these can be used in conjunction with other myopia control measures
Disadvantage: it takes motivation of parents and child to get the drops in nightly. There do not appear to be other quality of life issues with the drops.
Lifestyle changes to combat nearsightedness
Increase outdoor time to two hours a day
Reduce screen time and maintain an adequate working distance of about 16 inches
Follow the 20-20-20 rule when doing near or computer work: every 20 minutes look 20 feet away for 20 seconds
Correct your vision while you sleep — Wake up seeing clearly.
Corneal Reshaping Therapy (CRT – also known as Corneal Refractive Therapy, Orthokeratology, or Ortho-k) corrects your vision while you sleep using a specially designed contact lens. The lens reshapes your cornea temporarily. There is no permanent change to your eye’s physiology – which is important because the eyes of children and teens are still maturing. (See the video below for more information about why myopia in children and young adults is increasing dramatically.) Treatment results should equal the vision correction provided by traditional glasses or contacts.1 Studies suggest the possibility that wearing lenses such as CRT helps to slow or even stop the progression of nearsightedness (myopia).
Call us today to schedule your consultation: 720-870-2828
We have been using FDA-approved lenses for CRT treatment for over 10 years. Our patients wear these lenses at night and remove them in the morning. The result is clear vision all day whether it’s in the classroom, in the game, or on the job!
NO MORE TORN LENSES. NO MORE BROKEN FRAMES. NO SURGERY REQUIRED.
At Highline Vision Center, we trust Paragon CRT lenses. Paragon CRT is a specially designed therapeutic contact lens that gently and temporarily reshapes the cornea while you sleep. Paragon CRT has been FDA approved since 2002 and has been found both safe and effective for patients of all ages when worn during sleeping hours.
» Q: HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR CRT TO START WORKING?
A: Most patients see dramatic improvement in the first few days, with complete vision correction within 1-2 weeks.
» Q: IS CRT SAFE?
A: Yes. Part of the safety profile lies in the fact that, if you stop wearing CRT lenses, your vision will return to its previous levels.
» Q: CAN I SEE WITH MY CRT LENSES ON?
A: Yes. One of the great features of CRT lenses is you will be able to see clearly with your lenses on and off.
Do you have a child who is smart but struggles to learn?
Are you an athlete looking to improve your game? Have you suffered a brain injury and find the world visually overwhelming? Vision Therapy is a customized treatment plan that can help. At Highline Center for Vision Performance, a highly trained vision therapist will guide you one on one through an individualized set of visual problem-solving experiences tailored to meet your specific needs and goals. To schedule an evaluation, call (303) 325-2014.
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Have you ever been told that you cannot wear contact lenses?
Please note: online contact lens ordering is temporarily unavailable. Call our office for assistance in ordering your contact lenses.
With today’s advancing technology more people are turning to contact lenses to bring their vision into focus. Whether you have an active lifestyle, desire more “natural” vision, or enjoy the cosmetic look of contacts, we have a solution that is right for you. Contacts vary by “modality”; daily, two week, and monthly are common replacement schedules. Contacts are designed for astigmatism, nearsightedness, farsightedness, and presbyopia (bifocal/multifocal lenses). At Highline Vision Center, we fit soft, gas permeable (GP), scleral, and hybrid (soft fused with GP) lenses. We also fit patients after refractive surgery, after injuries, with high astigmatism, or corneal diseases such as keratoconus. We are also certified to do corneal reshaping with CRT lenses which gives you freedom from contacts and glasses during the day. Today’s contact lens technology can enable you to live a better life through better vision. To schedule an exam call us at (720) 870-2828.
Highline Vision Center prides itself on offering the most comprehensive eye exams using the finest optometric technology available. Below is a list of some of the equipment used by our staff and optometrists to care for our patients.
The Optos instrument creates the optomap, which is a high resolution digital image of the inside of the eye. In less than ½ second, this machine takes a picture that:
Is an anatomically correct 200⁰ or 82% image of the retina
Gives simultaneous views of the central, mid-peripheral and peripheral retina
Provides multiple retinal imaging modalities to see more, discover more, and treat more patient diseases and pathologies.
The optomap creates images that become a permanent part of your health history, which is important for long term care. Past images can be compared to track illness progression as well as provide visual examples for discussion between doctor and patient.
Seeing inside the eye is a crucial part of a comprehensive exam because it allows our doctors to look for illness in the eye, indications of disease, and injuries. Many diseases show signs in the eye very early on, and an Optos image offers an opportunity for early treatment.
OCULUS KERATOGRAPH 5M
The Oculus Keratograph uses light emitting diodes (LED) to take high resolution pictures of the surface of the eye. Used for the testing, diagnosis, and treatment of Dry Eye Disease, the Oculus Keratograph helps our doctors see up close details of the surface of the eye, the meibomian glands (tiny glands in the eyelid), and how thick the layer of tears is over the eye.
The Oculus Keratograph is non-invasive and offers multiple ways to examine the eye. Images can be captured with multiple light sources including infrared, which prevents the eye from watering due to bright light.
Images from the Oculus Keratograph provide precise, up close details of Dry Eye Disease and its effect on how the eye is functioning. These images are excellent for discussion between doctor and patient and the tracking of changes over time.
TEAR LAB
Tear Lab is a diagnostic instrument used for measuring the health of your tears and is used in the diagnosis of Dry Eye Disease. Tear Lab provides immediate, objective results about the health of the tears on the surface of the eye. A healthy tear layer is an important part of the clarity of the visual system.
Tear Lab tests for abnormal osmolarity. Osmolarity is an objective measure of the salt concentration in a patient’s tears. The test consists of collecting a small amount of tears with a testing wand which then measures the chemical composition. The test has a positive predictive value of 89%, and is quick and minimally invasive, which is good for patients who might already be experiencing discomfort.
Tear Lab provides chemical analysis in real time allowing doctors and patients to make informed decisions based on objective results. Test result numbers can be tracked and compared over time which is good for long term patient care.
BLEPHEX
Blephex is a hand held wand that optometrists can use to gently clean and remove debris from your eyelids in order to restore healthy function to the Meibomian glands. Meibom oil coats the eyeball with every blink, keeping tears from evaporating too quickly. These glands can become blocked and do not produce enough oil for proper eye health. Unhealthy meibom oil can allow bacteria to grow causing irritation. These conditions can lead to Meibomian Gland Dysfunction and Dry Eye Disease.
The Blephex is an excellent instrument for our optometrists to help cleanse and restore proper Meibomian function, hopefully, before any permanent or long term damage can occur to the eyelid or eye.
ILUX
iLux is a hand held wand that allows an optometrist to apply direct heat to a patient’s eyelids and clear blockage caused by unhealthy meibomian oil. Meibom oil coats the eye with every blink and prevents tears from evaporating too quickly. If these glands become blocked they do not produce enough oil for proper eye health.
If there is blockage or unhealthy oil production, the iLux wand is used to apply light-produced heat and gentle compression to clear the blockage from the glands. This restores the glands to healthy oil production
ZEISS CIRRUS OCT 6000
Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a non-invasive high speed imaging test. It uses light waves to take a cross-section picture of your retina. A few of its benefits include:
– high definition photos of the blood vessels inside the eye, allowing for early detection of damage in many diseases, such as diabetes, age related macular degeneration and vein occlusion.
– evaluates diseases of the optic nerve by measuring the nerve fiber layer thickness. This is the part of the optic nerve most sensitive to damage in diseases such as glaucoma.
– scans through all of the distinctive layers of the macula to detect macular pathology such as age related macular degeneration, macular holes, epiretinal membranes, diabetic macular edema and many others.
Images remain in patients’ files for comparison over time. Past images can be compared to track illness progression and manage treatment as well as provide visual examples for discussion between you and your Highline optometrist.
HUVITZ DIGITAL REFRACTOR SYSTEM
The Huvitz digital refractor system is made up of instruments for measuring how much correction eyes need to see clearly. Highly accurate, digital measurements are taken quickly and easily. The system includes instruments like digital lensometers and digital autorefractors/keratometers.
A keratometer is used to determine if a patient has astigmatism by measuring the image size reflected from two paracentral points on the corneal surface to determine its curvature.
An autorefractor 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.
A lensometer is used to verify the prescription in a pair of eyeglasses, to properly orient and mark uncut lenses, and to confirm the correct mounting of lenses in spectacle frames.
Using digital instruments provides highly accurate measurements quickly without the need for close personal contact.
HUMPHREY VISUAL FIELDS
The Humphrey Visual Field Analyzer is an instrument to test and measure a patient’s field of vision to check for problem areas and signs of diseases, like glaucoma.
Field analyzers test and measure how wide an eye’s field of vision is. Patients sit at the instrument with one eye looking at a target on the screen and hold an indicator tool in one hand. The patient focuses on a central point while the screen flashes small points of light of varying degrees of brightness in the patient’s periphery. The patient indicates they see the flash with the hand held indicator. This test takes 10-15 minutes per eye.
The analyzer then records how many points the patient does and does not see, paying particular attention to areas where diseases like glaucoma typically cause damage. Many other conditions can be discovered through this test as the fibers of the visual system course through all areas of the brain. Hence, many times the location of a problem in the brain can be determined by seeing where it is affecting the visual field.
This instrument also allows your optometrist to compare results over time aiding in the management of progressive diseases.
QUANTIFEYE MPS
The QuantifEye MPS is an instrument for measuring the density of the macular pigment (MPOD) in a patient’s eye. The macula is the portion of the eye responsible for sharp vision. Located in the center of the eye, the macula is made up of cells that protect photoreceptors underneath by absorbing blue light – high energy light near the ultraviolet end of the spectrum. Age, poor diet and stress can reduce these pigments over time. The thicker the macular pigment, the more protective it is against macular degeneration.
By knowing the patient’s MPOD score, our optometrists can counsel their patient on ways to improve that score and thereby better protect their maculas.
ANTERIOR SEGMENT AND EXTERNAL OCULAR PHOTOGRAPHY
Anterior Segment and External Ocular photography use a variety of instruments to take photographs of physical structures of the eyes to document injuries, conditions of the front surface of the eye and abnormal structures. Two common components include:
-Slit Lamp (also called a biomicroscope). A slit lamp is an instrument consisting of a high-intensity light source that can be focused to shine a thin sheet of light on or into the eye.
-External Ocular photography. This instrument takes high magnification photos of the exterior of the eye and surrounding areas.
Both instruments are non-invasive and have patients sit upright while a bright light is shone onto the eye. The optometrist moves the light over the eye examining the physical structure of the eye through magnification. High resolution photographs are then taken of any areas of concern for comparison over time.
These instruments provide visual examples which allow for discussion between you and your optometrist. Images are documented in patients’ files and can be compared over time to track illness progression.
SMART MIRROR
Smart Mirror is a digital tool used in the optical department to help patients make informed choices when deciding what lenses and frames are best for their lifestyle. It is especially helpful in choosing progressive lenses which provide different “zones” of vision correction based on lens design, shape, and prescription.
The Smart Mirror also offers:
–Lens comparison – Provides interactive demonstrations and comparisons of the benefits of multiple lens designs
–Custom Measurements – Allows trained opticians to take specialty measurements for fully customized progressive lenses
–Frame photo comparison – Allows customers to take and compare up to 4 photos of how frames look, and even includes a share function to allow feedback from family and friends
-Coatings Education – Provides visualizations of how coatings affect vision. Included are anti-reflective properties, polarization, anti-scratch, anti-static, and waterproofing.
View All Of Our Eye Care Services
The team of doctors at Highline Vision Center in Aurora, Colorado are friendly, professional, and focused on care.
LASIK stands for laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis. It’s a type of laser refractive surgery that allows your eye doctor to alter the shape of your cornea, correcting numerous vision problems.
LASIK offers the opportunity to correct the following vision issues:
Myopia (Nearsightedness): If your cornea is abnormally curved or your eyeball is longer than normal, you may have trouble seeing things that are far away, but your up-close vision may be perfectly normal.
Hyperopia (Farsightedness): If your cornea is flatter than normal or your eyeball is shorter than average, you may have trouble seeing things that are close to you, as well as things farther in the distance.
Astigmatism: If your cornea is unevenly curved or flattened, you may have trouble achieving proper focus in both your near and far vision.
All of these vision problems are caused by cornea irregularities. LASIK surgery can correct those issues, restoring your vision and reducing your reliance on corrective eyewear.
What Happens During LASIK Surgery?
LASIK surgery is often completed in less than 30 minutes. Once you’re comfortable in the treatment chair, your eye doctor places numbing drops in your eye and cleans the surrounding skin. A special tool called a lid speculum keeps your eyelids open during the procedure.
Once numb, your doctor uses an automated microkeratome to create a flap in your cornea. At this point in the procedure, you’ll be asked to focus on a small light and maintain a steady gaze. That keeps your eye in the right position during the laser portion of the procedure.
Next, an ultraviolet laser beam removes incredibly small portions of your corneal tissue until the proper shape is achieved. The corneal flap is then carefully placed back into position, and will usually heal without the need for sutures.
What Can I Expect After LASIK Surgery?
At the end of your procedure, a shield is placed over your eye to protect it during the healing process. It’s important to adhere to your eye doctor’s advice on how long to wear the shield.
You may experience sensations of itching, burning, or irritation after the procedure, but over-the-counter pain medications should be sufficient to address any discomfort. Within a few days of your procedure, you should feel better, although you’ll need to avoid strenuous activities like contact sports for several weeks after your LASIK surgery.
It’s normal to have fluctuations in your vision in the weeks following LASIK. Within three to six months after the procedure, your vision will stabilize. Be sure to come in for routine follow-up visits to ensure the healing process is moving forward properly.
If you’d like to learn more about what LASIK surgery can do to improve your vision, book a consultation with us today online or by calling the office.
Dry Eye Disease (DED), also known as Ocular Surface Disease, is a complex condition that is chronic and will progress over time.
In its early stages, more than half of those with Dry Eye do not report any symptoms at all. Those who do have symptoms often disregard them as related to allergies or the environment and think there is no relief available. We are proud to have many treatments options available to Highline patients to make their life more comfortable.
CAUSES OF DRY EYE
Digital device work
Environmental factors
Aging
Contact lens wearing
Hormonal changes in Women
Certain Diseases
Medications
Corrective surgery (such as corrective or cataract surgery
Our comprehensive vision examinations go above and beyond with a focus on prevention, treatment, and improvement of your vision.
Your eyes are a window into your general health. Comprehensive eye exams are important annually, even if you don’t feel like you have a vision problem. Some eye diseases, such as glaucoma, have no warning signs. When caught and treated early, vision loss can be minimized. Taking a preventative approach to your eye care allows us to give you a full assessment of your ocular health. We also routinely monitor patients with diabetes, hypertension, or other health issues for associated eye diseases. In addition to eye health, we gain a detailed look at how your entire visual system is functioning. Your “binocular vision system” includes eye tracking, focusing, eye teaming, and depth perception. These skills are just as important as how clearly you see, and are crucial in our visually demanding world. They are especially important in school and learning performance. As you can see, a comprehensive eye examination gives us a picture of total eye health and visual performance that helps you maintain clear and comfortable vision for a lifetime. To schedule an exam, call us at (720) 870-2828.
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