Eye Disease Diagnosis & Management in the Des Moines Metro Area

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Watch for Eye Trouble with Regular Check-Ups

A regular eye exam does so much more than determine your prescription. It’s a part of your overall healthcare plan and can unearth diseases before symptoms arise. Our optometrists are like vision detectives, ready to search out the root of eye problems at the first sign of trouble. Come visit to protect your eyesight!

Common Eye Diseases

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that progressively damage the optic nerve. Many types of glaucoma involve high intraocular pressure, though some do not. Glaucoma often has no warning signs until it has already progressed to vision damage.

Please visit our glaucoma page to learn more about the risk factors associated with glaucoma, types of glaucoma, and treatments.

Cataracts are a clouding of the eye’s lens. They are a common occurrence as we age, and about half of Americans over 80 have cataracts or have undergone cataract surgery.

Cataracts are characterized by clouded vision, dull color vision, halos around lights, and reduced vision at night. The surgery used to treat the condition is effective and safe.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a problem with the central vision of the eye. AMD is the leading cause of vision loss in people over 50

Primary symptoms of AMD include:

  • Dark spots in the center of the visual field
  • Straight lines appearing wavy
  • Objects appearing unclear

There is currently no treatment for AMD, so early detection is important. AMD can be prevented with healthy lifestyle choices, like a balanced diet, regular exercise, and not smoking.

Conjunctivitis is an infection of the conjunctiva, the transparent layer over the white of the eye. You may know it as pink eye.

Conjunctivitis can be caused by a bacterial or viral infection or allergies. The symptoms can range from pus or crust forming around the eye (especially when waking up), an itchy or gritty feeling in the eye, and redness of the eye.

Though conjunctivitis can be highly contagious and quite uncomfortable, it is usually not harmful to long-term eye health. You can visit us to get antibiotic drops or advice on remedies, depending on what type of conjunctivitis you have.

Safeguarding Your Vision with Service & Smarts

We pride ourselves on our dedication to your eyes. Our team is ready to uncover any eye problems. We use the most effective treatment to manage symptoms or slow disease progression.

Please book an appointment with one of our experienced optometrists, and breathe easy knowing your eye health is in good hands!

Our Locations

Altoona

  • 1005 8th St SW, Suite A.
  • Altoona, IA 50009

Johnston

  • 5501 NW 86th St., Suite 500
  • Johnston, IA 50131

Our Blog

Why Does Driving at Night Get More Difficult as You Age?

Eye Health

Driving at night can be difficult at any age, especially if you have a preexisting vision problem. Between glare, difficulty seeing in the dark, or a delayed reaction time, it can be difficult to do so safely. But why does it become more difficult as you age? As you get older, your eyesight naturally gets […]

Read More…

May 10, 2023
Jeff Neighbors

How Long Does an Eye Exam Take?

Eye Health

How long will your eye exam be? An eye exam typically takes between 20 and 60 minutes, but certain factors can affect the duration of your appointment, such as your eye health and any potential risks for eye diseases.  What Happens During an Eye Exam?  During a comprehensive eye exam, your vision care practitioner must […]

Read More…

April 4, 2023
Jeff Neighbors

How to Clean Eyeglasses

Eyeglasses

An inevitable part of wearing eyeglasses is that, eventually, they will get dirty. You’ll smudge the lens with a fingerprint, or maybe you’ll splash water on them. As tempting as a quick breath and wipe from your t-shirt is, that’s not an ideal way to clean them. A gentle wash with warm water and soap […]

Read More…

April 4, 2023
Jeff Neighbors
A senior man in the driver's seat of a car with a senior woman in the passenger seat, both with a concerned look on their faces

Driving at night can be difficult at any age, especially if you have a preexisting vision problem. Between glare, difficulty seeing in the dark, or a delayed reaction time, it can be difficult to do so safely. But why does it become more difficult as you age? As you get older, your eyesight naturally gets […]

Read More…

"An optometrist performing an eye examination on a man using a specialized medical device while holding a lens up to the man's eye."

How long will your eye exam be? An eye exam typically takes between 20 and 60 minutes, but certain factors can affect the duration of your appointment, such as your eye health and any potential risks for eye diseases.  What Happens During an Eye Exam?  During a comprehensive eye exam, your vision care practitioner must […]

Read More…

A close-up of hands cleaning black-colored frame eyeglasses with a cleaning spray and a microfiber.

An inevitable part of wearing eyeglasses is that, eventually, they will get dirty. You’ll smudge the lens with a fingerprint, or maybe you’ll splash water on them. As tempting as a quick breath and wipe from your t-shirt is, that’s not an ideal way to clean them. A gentle wash with warm water and soap […]

Read More…

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