Progressive Addition Eyeglass Lenses

Progressive addition lenses (PALs) are a type of multifocal lens that transitions between distance, intermediate and near viewing zones.  Instead of having lines which separate these zones, progressive addition lenses are seamless. Progressive addition lenses are made by many different manufacturers and come in lighter, thinner and stronger materials making an attractive option for many eyeglass wearers.  They can be tinted and made from polarized lens material as well as materials which darken in bright light. Our office is proud to offer Kodak Unique and New Varilux Comfort. The New Varilux Comfort has a shorter progression length and wider near and far zones which allows for faster adaptation and easier access to the reading zone. The Kodak Unique’s design is based on the patient’s unique eye prescription allowing for better optics and more natural vision.

Ultraviolet Radiation Protection

The development of cataracts, pterygia, macular degeneration and cancers of the eyelids have all been associated with chronic ultraviolet sunlight exposure.  These conditions can cause redness, tearing, irritation, blurred vision and in some cases, blindness.  Eyeglass lenses embedded with ultraviolet protection help to protect the eyes from harmful ultraviolet rays. Quality lenses should block 99%-100% of UV-A and UV-B radiation.  Protection from ultraviolet light should be year round because even when the sun is not shining we are bombarded with the invisible harmful rays.  Good choices for UV protective eyeglass lenses include Transitions, which turn dark gray in sunlight and Transitions Drivewear which turn darker brown behind the windshields of vehicles for comfort while driving.

Our New Associate! Alex Grand, M.D.

Areas of Interest: Oculoplastics, orbital surgery, dry eye, lacrimal disorders, neuro-ophthalmic surgery.

Dr. Grand grew up in the Sacramento area and received his undergraduate degree in Biochemistry and Visual Arts from the University of California, San Diego.  He obtained his Medical Doctorate from Drexel University College of Medicine in Philadelphia, PA.  He completed his medical internship at Tufts University, Lemul Shattuck Hospital then completed his ophthamology residency at Louisiana State University in Shreveport, LA.  In his quest to master the art of Oculofacial surgery, he then completed fellowship training in Oculoplastic, Orbital, Lacrimal & Dry Eye surgery in Detroit, trained by Thomas C. Spoor, M.D. at St. John Hospital.  Additionally, he completed further specialized training in Neuro-Ophthalmic surgery – the subspecialty of surgery which encompasses the optic nerve, the eye movement nerves and the brain.

Dr. Grand’s specialty is oculoplastic surgery, specializing in techniques of plastic surgery as it related to the eyes and their surrounding structures such as eyelid repairs, browlifts, tear duct surgery and treatment of dry and thyroid eye disease.  He also implements the art of laser skin resurfacing and treatment of facial veins and blemishes as well as use of Botox and Juvaderm.  He also specializes in Neuro-ophthalmic surgery consisting of Botox and nerve block surgery for headaches, strabismus surgery and optic nerve sheath fenestrations for pseudotumor cerebri.

Dr. Grand is accepting patients at our Sacramento location (916) 730-8040 and in our newest office with Dr. Kira and Wagner in Davis (530) 756-5040.

“GRAND” Reopening of our Davis Office!

Since September 2010, we’ve been busily remodeling and updating our Davis office to better serve YOU!  We’re now open again during our regular hours for eye exams, medical consultations, contact lenses and glasses.

We’re excited to welcome Alexander Grand, M.D., a fellowship trained oculoplastics surgeon to our office.  He can help you with droopy eyelids, wrinkles around the eyes, Botox and other facial plastics needs.  Please call (530) 756-5040 to set up your consultation today.

Alexander Grand, M.D. – Comes to Davis!

Medical Vision Technology would like to introduce Alexander Grand, M.D. to our Davis office.  Dr. Grand specializes in oculoplastic surgery of the eyelids, face and orbit.

If you have problems with your eyelids such as drooping or sagging, Dr. Grand can help.  Increase comfort and function or look years younger with elective eyelid surgery.

Excessive tearing of the eyes can come from problems with the tear ducts and we can help with this also.  If you have questions about your lids, eyes or skin, please call us today (530) 756-5040 for a consultation!

Garden Vision Update!

We’re counting down until the event this Sunday April 25th – so far we’ve raised OVER $4,900 dollars to make glasses for Yolo County children in need!

The first of the the vision screenings is planned for July 17th, 2010 at Medical Vision Technology, 635 Anderson Road, Suite 1 in Davis.  The clinic will run all day with entertainment and crafts for the kids.  We’ll check the children for glasses, our opticians will help select frames and take measurements for custom glasses and we’ll have them delivered before the start of the next school year!

SO, if you’re thinking of attending the Garden Show – tickets are still available for $25 each – please call (530) 756-5040.  If you know a Yolo County child who doesn’t see clearly and can use an eye exam please call as well.

See you at the garden show!!!

Garden Vision 2010 – Yolo Eyes For Kids Day

“Garden Vision 2010″, a showing of Huei Young’s Asian garden, will be held from 1:00 to 4:00 P.M. on April 25, 2010 to help raise funds for “Yolo Eyes for Kids”.  This program sponsored by David Kira, M.D., William Wagner, O.D. and Medical Vision Technology will provide NO COST eye exams and glasses to Yolo County schoolchildren in need.  Tickets are $25 and are available from:

Medical Vision Technology
635 Anderson Road, Suite 1 – Davis
(530) 756-5040

*AND*

Three Palms Nursery
26990 County Road 95A – Davis

*OR*

At the event on April 25th.

Huei’s garden features three waterfalls with a bridge ideal for visitor pictures.  Her gardens were featured on HGTV.  Terraced flowerbeds with evergreens and a variety of plants highlighted by the backdrop of a shoji-screen fence.  Those who have passed by the front or greenbelt areas adjacent to her home on Luz Place in Davis, or have viewed her website have only experienced a taste of the spectacular garden that lies within.  Appetizers and beverages will be provided outside the garden.

Volunteer physicians, optometrists and staff from Dr. Kira’s office and Medical Vision Technology will be working hard on the Eyes For Kids Day in Davis, July 17, 2010.

If you know of a Yolo County child in need of glasses and who cannot afford them, please contact our coordinators Dyan, Bailey or Charisse at (530) 756-5040 to reserve a space at the big glasses event!

We hope to see you there!!!

Lenses – Thinner, Lighter, Stronger!

Polycarbonate lenses are usually a better option for patients than standard plastic lenses ( CR-39).  Polycarbonate is a type of plastic that has unsurpassed impact resistance.  Polycarbonate is also more efficient at bending light so lenses are thinner and lighter.  Polycarbonate is the lens of choice for sports, pediatric and safety applications.  It is highly recommended for children who are not always mindful about safety.  Trivex® is a another lightweight that has a similar impact resistance and improved color transmission (reduced chromatic aberration).  Ask professional opticians, Jorge and Marcella to show you samples of polycarbonate and Trivex lenses so you can decide which lens material is the best choice for your needs and budget.

Medical Vision Optical Services (530) 756-5040

Know Your Glaucoma Risk Factors

Glaucoma is an eye disease that, over time, causes damage to the eye’s optic nerve.  It can result in permanent vision loss and blindness.  A healthy optic nerve is essential for good vision.

Open-angle glaucoma (OAG) is the most common type.  It affects about 2.3 million people in the United States.  Clear fluid flows out of a space near the front of the eye and helps keep the eye healthy.  This fluid exits the eye through the drainage angle and in some patients, the fluid moves too slowly.  This can cause a buildup of fluid and an increase in pressure.  This pressure may damage the optic nerve.  Some people can tolerate a high pressure better than others and the level of eye pressure is different for each person.  In people with OAG, the optic nerve is damaged from increased pressure and can lead to vision loss.

Courtesy NIH

At first, there are NO symptoms of glaucoma.  Your vision is normal but as the glaucoma progresses, you may lose the ability to see objects to the side or out the corner of your eye.  Over time, in severe glaucoma, the straight-ahead vision may be lost.  Glaucoma can occur in one or both eyes.

Risk factors for glaucoma include:

• Older age (especially patients older than 40 years of age).
• African or Hispanic/Latino ancestry.
• Family history of glaucoma.
• Elevated eye pressure measurements.
• Thinner central corneal thickness.

Suspected (not proven) risk factors for glaucoma:

• Migraine headache.
• Diabetes.
• Nearsightedness (myopia).
• High blood pressure.
• Low diastolic blood pressure.

How to Detect & Treat Glaucoma

It is important to have regular eye examinations.  A complete eye exam includes measurement of eye pressure using a special dye and blue light (NOT AN AIR PUFF) with dilation.  If indicated, further testing of glaucoma may include side-vision and corneal thickness measurement; examination of the drainage apparatus of the eye and pictures of the optic nerve.

Treating Glaucoma

Daily eye drops are the mainstay of glaucoma therapy.  Recent advances in medicines used today make dosing and usage practically effortless.  Occasionally, surgery or lasers are used to treat glaucoma but with the efficacy of modern eye drops, this is much less common.  Some medicines cause the eye to make less fluid while others help drain fluid from the eye.  Please, before you begin glaucoma treatment, tell us about other medicines and other medical conditions you may have – this helps us to select the safest medication for you.  There is no cure for glaucoma but with early and regular treatment you can often protect your eyes from vision loss.

If you think you may have glaucoma – please call today (530) 756-5040 for an examination – vision loss from glaucoma is PREVENTABLE!

Cataracts & Your Prostate?!?

WHAT ON EARTH DOES MY PROSTATE HAVE TO DO WITH MY CATARACT?

In 2005, the syndrome “intraoperative floppy iris syndrome” (IFIS) was coined by John Campbell, M.D. and David Chang, M.D.  These experts in the field of cataract surgery noticed that the use of tamsulosin (Flomax) was highly associated with IFIS which makes cataract surgery more difficult by reducing visibility during the surgery.  Flomax is prescribed for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and is the most widely prescribed treatment worldwide.  Flomax is in a class of drugs called systemic alpha-1 antagonists and is designed to relax muscles near the bladder improving urination.  Similar muscle receptors are found in the iris and hence the problem with IFIS.  Other drugs in this same class such as doxazosin (Cardura), terasozin (Hytrin), and alfuzosin (Uroxatral) can also cause IFIS but much less frequently.

Reference: Chang DF, Campbell JR. Intraoperative floppy iris syndrome associated with tamsulosin (Flomax). J Cataract Refract Surg 2005; 31: 664-673.

Since the syndrome has been identified, we have developed many strategies to reduce the complication risks and improve surgical outcomes.  IFIS can occur even if you have taken Flomax in the past and have since discontinued the medication therefore it is very important to tell us during the pre-operative examination for surgery if you have an enlarged prostate and which medications you have used in the past.  Additionally, if you and your doctor or urologist are considering starting Flomax for BPH and you know or suspect catarct formation, it is recomended you have an ophthalmologic examination prior to starting therapy.

So, there really is a link between your prostate and your eyes… ask us for more information (530) 756-5040.