Comprehensive Eye Examinations
You and your child's visual condition will be explained during and after the eye health and vision examination. Please feel free to ask questions at any time.
Patients are sometimes concerned that they might give incorrect responses to questions asked during the examination. Our clinic maintains the latest computerized instruments including the Optomap, a retinal image scanner, to help determine the proper diagnosis. Dilating your eyes may not be necessary with this advanced technology. We verify your responses in several ways to make sure your vision needs are satisfied perfectly. This new computerized system makes the eye examination a more accurate and relaxing experience.
We believe regular periodic eye care is essential to you and your family's well being. PREVENTION of vision and eye health problems is our goal. Dr. Brown has studied extensively in pediatric eye care and we recommend that all children be examined before age three.
Many people equate the need for an eye examination with replacing their eyeglasses. While it is important to see well, undesirable changes in your eyes can occur which may not alter your sight. Unlike the rest of your body, your eyes rarely hurt when something is wrong. Glaucoma, cataracts, high blood pressure and diabetes are among the many diseases that will damage the eyes without any warning signs. After age thirty-five, annual examinations are recommended whether you wear corrective lenses or not.
Contact Lenses
With the new and exciting developments in contact lenses, more people can successfully wear contacts including bifocal contact lenses which are now available and prescribed very successfully by Dr. Brown. Feel welcome to ask us about these new developments.
Optical Dispensing
Salem Eye Clinic uses the best and local optical laboratory which has the latest in equipment to only fabricate your glasses, and to meet the finest quality we demand for our patients. With our lab in the clinic we can maintain and make minor repairs to your eyewear. Our highly qualified optician and staff are able to adjust and fit your glasses to you for extended comfort and vision.
Laser Vision Correction
Most people with vision correction issues are wanting to know more about LASIK and whether it is right for them. Here is a brief description of the procedure;
A flap is surgically cut in the cornea and gently folded back. An Excimer Laser is used to reshape the cornea into a flatter shape (this is much like a contact lens corrects vision by forming a new shape on the cornea). The flap is then put back in place, acting like a natural bandage. The healing process is quick and the discomfort level is quite low.
People will often say that they did not feel anything, and could see well the very first day. Most people have improved vision in 24-48 hours. but it must be noted that each person will heal at a different rate. Vision, although greatly improved immediately after surgery, often continues to improve for some weeks, even months.
LASIK is not for everyone. People's eyes are different so even though you may have had a friend who has had LASIK, it may not be the best course of treatment for you. If you are interested in laser vision correction, we will be happy to guide you in picking the right surgeon, procedure and laser appropriate for you.
After the procedure, we take great care to monitor your eyes and adjust your medication for the best possible results. Dr. Brown has worked with lasik refractive surgery for more than twenty years. He has had successful lasik surgery performed on himself and therefore has gained knowledge and experience both personally and professionally .
Surgery Co-Management
Our office provides many surgical services such as Cataract surgery, Laser surgery, Refractive surgery and Strabismic surgery. We offer this in conjunction with the hospital and local eye surgeons.
Additionally, we have working arrangements established with other specialized eye care doctors to manage such things are retinal detachments, retinal tears and hemorrhages.
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Eye Infections, Eye Injuries, Dry Eyes
Our office provides emergency services for eye infections and eye injuries. Please call our office at 503-581-4411 during office hours, after hours or on weekends. Our staff will work with you to schedule an appointment as soon as possible. State of the art microscopes allow us to examine the front surface of the eye and facial areas around the eye for infection or injury. After assessing the extent of the injury or infection a treatment plan will be formulated and explained to you. Treatment may include medications and supportive care. Follow-up visits to monitor your recovery will be scheduled as needed.
Dry Eyes: Symptoms include scratchy eyes, burning, mild redness and gritty feeling eyes. Oral medications, reading, computer tasks and dry environments may aggravate marginally dry eyes. Dry eyes can be diagnosed by using dyes to observe tear patterns, evaluation of the amount of tears on the front of the eye and from review of your symptoms. Treatment may include artificial tears, anti-inflammatory eye medicine, eye drops for treating allergies, and/or punctal plugs inserted in the tear drainage canals.
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.
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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.
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Diabetes: Diabetic patients should have a dilated retinal examination and/or a digital retinal scan 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.
Low Vision Services
People who have lost eyesight due to injuries or eye disease need special types of products to help them function as independently as possible. We offer a full range of these products through our office. Dr. Brown is trained to demonstrate the use of some of these devices. They range from a simple hand magnifier to a closed circuit TV system.
In addition, we can direct those who have low vision problems to products that will help them carry on the day-to-day tasks that they need to perform. In some cases we can set up a program for the low vision patient with the National Library of Congress to receive "books on tapes", which is a service for the blind. Blindskills, here in Salem also provides many great services.
Vision Therapy
Salem Eye Clinic is one of a limited number of practices specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of children and adult vision disorders. These disorders include AMBLYOPIA ("lazy eye"), STRABISMUS (turned eye), LEARNING DISABILITIES, and NERVE AND MUSCLE PROBLEMS of the eye. These disorders can interfere with a child's school performance and learning potential. Research tells us that 80% of what children learn comes through vision. In adults, visual disorders will affect learning potential and work performance
Fees and Insurance
At Salem Eye Clinic careful consideration is given to fee structure. Payment is expected at the time of service. You may pay for services with cash, personal check, or credit card. Many vision and major medical plans including Medicare pay for part or all of vision and eye care.
