Eye Care
astigmatism (abnormal bending of light entering the eye) and presbyopia (loss of close vision, due to aging).
All of these are easily remedied with prescription eye glasses or contact lenses. Our opticians will help you
choose from the finest selection of stylish designer frames in our attractive new optical shop
A fundamental factor in maintaining healthy vision throughout life is regular
examinations. In the course of your annual eye exam, Dr. Steiner will
thoroughly evaluate your total eye health, assessing the condition of your
eyelids, lens,retina and other ocular structures. Your exam will include
important tests for glaucoma, cataracts, and other eye diseases. Because
Dr. Steiner is a fully trained medical physician (M.D.) who specializes in eye
care, he will also carefully watch for signs and symptoms of a variety of
medical conditions that may affect your vision. Many people are not aware
that the initial diagnosis for a number of serious illnesses, such as diabetes
and multiple sclerosis, are often made by a medical eye doctor in the course
of a routine eye exam. Detected early, most of these conditions are treatable.
If you are overdue for your eye examination, please consider calling us today at
our Highline office: 206-243-3611. We will be happy to schedule this important
visit for you.
source of common allergens. Pollen, mold, dust, and of course pet dander, can irritate the eyes, causing
enough redness, itching, swelling, and blurry vision to make life truly miserable for sufferers. Allergies often first
appear during childhood. Because allergy symptoms can be very similar to those of an eye infection, Dr. Steiner
will carefully assess the patient’s condition to insure proper diagnosis and treatment Fortunately, allergy eyes
can be effectively managed with a number of prescription eye drops or other appropriate medications that
resolve symptoms and improve comfort.
Cataracts can be caused by a number of things, but normally they are related to growing older. The condition is
so common that it is often considered a normal part of the aging process. All it means to have a cataract is that
the crystalline lens inside the eye, located behind the colorful iris, has become cloudy and sometimes
discolored. This causes a series of predictable symptoms, usually beginning with glare problems that may
make driving difficult, especially at night or in the rain. Distance vision becomes blurry, and eventually close
vision will be affected as well. Colors may become muddy or indistinct, white may appear yellowed or off-white
and it may become difficult to discern dark colors. Someone with cataracts may feel as if their glasses are
always dirty, or may need more light to see clearly indoors.
Cataracts can also be caused by diabetes, certain prescription medications, especially cortisone or
prednisone. A blow to the eye can cause a cataract to form, and some people are born with the condition.
Cataracts progressively worsen and usually must be treated within two years of initial diagnosis. Left untreated,
they will eventually cause blindness. Fortunately, cataracts are very easy to remedy, and it is extremely rare to
lose vision to them in this country. Because cataracts cause nearsightedness, vision can often be improved
temporarily with a simple change of eyeglass prescription. New glasses may not help with glare or color
perception, and Dr. Steiner will carefully test to determine whether a prescription change is appropriate.
Ultimately, the only effective treatment for cataracts is to surgically remove the clouded lens and to replace it with
a clear artificial lens. This is done in a simple outpatient procedure that takes only about ½ hour to complete.
The clouded lens is removed and replaced with a clear, artificial lens, called an “intraocular lens”. This safe
treatment is the most widely performed surgical procedure in the world, and very effectively restores normal
vision.
Because we do not perform cataract surgery at Island Vision Center, you can count on an unbiased
assessment of your condition. If you do need treatment Dr. Steiner will refer you to a highly reputable cataract
specialist. We will be happy to provide your pre and post-operative care, and to prescribe and make your new
prescription glasses after your procedure. If you have symptoms of cataracts, please call Dr. Steiner for a
complete eye examination.