Depending on the patient’s needs, glasses may be prescribed for:

• Distance vision correction
• Reading
• Multiple vision corrections, i.e., bifocals (near and distance), trifocals (near, intermediate and distance), and progressive addition lenses (all ranges, without lines).
• Protection – approximately 1 million eye injuries occur each year – most are work- or sports- related and preventable. Protective eyewear made from impact-resistant plastic lenses protects the eyes from potentially hazardous airborne objects.
• Ultraviolet protection – besides damaging the skin, ultraviolet rays can hurt the cornea, lens and retina of the eye contributing to cornea growths, cataracts and possibly macular degeneration.
• Sunglasses:

• improve contrast sensitivity
• improve dark adaptation
• reduce glare sensitivity
• improve color contrast
• block ultraviolet radiation

Unlike glasses, contact lenses move with the eye and allow a natural field of vision. Advances in contact lens materials allow the correction of a wider scope of refractive errors and vision problems than ever before. Rigid and soft contact lenses are the two main groups of lens. The patient’s vision prescription, underlying vision circumstances, and lifestyle are some of the variables to consider when determining the most appropriate type of lens.

At Coppell Family Eyecare, our focus is on comfort, vision and long-term eye health utilizing the very latest in technology. To determine the best contact lens fit, Dr. Gemoules employs computerized corneal topography, more than 20 years of knowledge and experience, and an international reputation. Our staff is proficient and extremely patient in teaching lens insertion, removal, and care.

Except in rare instances, laser or refractive surgery (i.e., LASIK, PRK, RK, LASEK, CK, ICRS, CLE, ICL, etc.) is elective. Like any type of surgery, refractive surgery involves greater risks for visual complications compared to the traditional non-surgical vision correction options. Refractive surgical procedures can be performed to correct nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism. These procedures reshape the cornea to improve its ability to focus light on the retina.

Laser surgery is not appropriate for all individuals. Patient selection criteria can include but not be limited to:

• Age – candidates should be at least 18 years old since the vision of individuals younger than 18 years typically continues to change.
• Refractive Stability - candidates must have a stable refraction with no more than 0.50 diopter change within the previous year as the procedure will not change the natural growth or aging of the eye.
• General Health – candidates should be in good general health.
  • Candidate must be free of certain health problems including uncontrolled diabetes, autoimmune or collagen vascular disease, any medication or condition that renders the patient immunocompromised.
  • Candidate must make their surgeon aware of certain general health conditions including keloid scarring with previous surgical healing, back problems, claustrophobia or other psychological problems, which may affect the surgery or recovery.
  • Pregnancy – the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers pregnancy and nursing to be contraindications, although their effects on LASIK or PRK have not been studied. Female candidates must agree to disclose to their surgeon if they are pregnant, could potentially be pregnant, or plan to become pregnant within the next six months.
• Eye Diseases – candidates must be free of certain eye diseases including keratoconus, glaucoma, cataracts, eye inflammations, and certain retinal and optic nerve diseases.
• Eye Viruses – candidates must be free of certain eye viruses including herpes simplex and herpes zoster.
• Eye Problems - candidates must make their surgeon aware of certain eye problems including amblyopia (lazy eye), strabismus (crossed eyes), severe dry eyes, or any recurrent, residual, or active eye condition that may affect healing.
• Eye Issues – possible contraindications for refractive surgery may include large pupils, thin corneas, and previous refractive surgeries.
• Medications – candidates must make their surgeon aware of any medication allergies and any medications they are taking to avoid potential drug interactions and allergic reactions.
• Risk/Rewards – candidates must be aware that this is an elective procedure and that there are non-surgical forms of vision correction. The long-term costs of a poor surgical outcome must always be weighed against the potential gain.

• Orthokeratology, or Ortho-K, is a procedure that uses specially designed Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) contact lenses to alter the curvature of the cornea and enhance its ability to refract light and focus on objects in the distance. The best Ortho-K candidates are individuals of any age with low myopia.
  
  A series of RGP contact lenses is used to gradually flatten the cornea and reduce the refractive error. With conventional Ortho-K, the lenses are worn about eight hours a day. After the cornea has achieved the best shape for optimal vision, the lenses are worn for shorter periods of time and less frequently. Unlike refractive surgery, Ortho-K is not permanent. After the use of the lenses is discontinued, the cornea returns to its original shape and myopia returns. The FDA has approved daily wear Ortho-K lenses.
  
  
• Corneal Refractive Therapy (CRT) and Overnight Ortho-K – approved by the FDA in 2002, this procedure uses contact lenses manufactured by Paragon Vision Sciences and other manufacturers to reshape the eye and reduce myopia. However unlike traditional Ortho-K, the contact lenses are worn overnight. After sleeping in the contact lenses, the patient removes the lenses in the morning and can see without glasses or contacts. Since the vision correction is temporary, typically lasting through the day, the patient must wear the special lenses each night.