Protective Eyewear for Sports

Protective eyeglasses and eyewear for sports is easy to overlook when athletes think about performance-but at Northwest Indiana Eye & Laser Center we take eye safety and avoiding eye injury as a serious matter. Scott Buck, M.D. shared information about sports eye protection and the risk of eye injuries for athletes. “April is Sports Eye Safety Awareness Month and the American Academy of Ophthalmology asks eye doctors to remind our community that 40,000 people suffer from eye injuries related to sports every year. These eye injuries from sports can be devastating, and the only way to prevent them is by wearing protective eyewear,” said Dr. Buck. 

Many sports create risk for eye injuries which can include abrasions of the cornea and bruises of the lids, retinal detachments and internal bleeding. The most serious risks involve permanent vision loss along with infection. In addition, patients who have sustained eye injuries are at greater risk for developing glaucoma. 

Athletes need to use the eye protection that is available for most sports, including basketball, baseball, hockey, football, lacrosse, fencing, paintball, water polo, golf and others. “I counsel and reassure my patients that wearing properly fitted protective eyewear will not harm your performance, and it may well save your eye health and vision,” said Dr. Stephen Buck, Optometrist at Northwest Indiana Eye & Laser Center in Valparaiso, IN. “Something I remind parents of is that most amateur athletic leagues don’t require children to wear eye protection, so parents should take special care to ensure their children wear eye protection.” 

Tens of thousands of sports and recreation-related eye injuries occur each year. The good news is that 90 percent of serious eye injuries are preventable through use of appropriate protective eyewear. The risk of eye injury can vary depending on the activity. Make sure the level of eye protection you or others in your family use is appropriate for the type of activity. Regular eyeglasses do not offer proper eye protection. Athletes need to wear appropriate, sport-specific protective eyewear properly fitted by an eye care professional. Lenses made from polycarbonate materials provide the highest level of impact protection and in fact they can withstand a ball or other projectile traveling at 90 miles per hour. 

If you or someone you know has questions or would like help in selecting, fitting or choosing sports protective eyeglasses, please Northwest Indiana Eye & Laser Center at 219-464-8223, or visit Northwest Indiana Eye & Laser Center or facebook.com/nwindianaeyeandlaser. 

Northwest Indiana Eye & Laser Center in Valparaiso, IN is staffed by a team of Ophthalmologists, Optometrists, Opticians, technical and administrative staff who provide eye examinations for adults and children, cataract surgery and intraocular lens implants (IOL), laser vision correction such as LASIK, diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the retina including diabetes and age related macular degeneration and diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma as well as contact lenses, eyeglasses, eyewear and optical services. We are conveniently located for patients seeking eye care from throughout northern Indiana including La Porte, Mishawaka, South Bend, Michigan City, Crown Point, Merrillville, Chesterton, South Haven, Westville, Hebron, Lowell, Valparaiso and Walkerton as well as Chicago, Illinois suburban areas of Frankfurt, Calumet City, Monee and Crete.

Cataract Surgery: Like Someone Washed My Windows

“I cannot begin to tell how pleased I am with my recent cataract surgery with the ReSTOR® Lens. Not even a week passed and what a difference it has made. Before the cataract surgery, I was thinking of not have it done. I thought maybe my sight and the cataract were not that bad. However, I went ahead with it and OH MY! Everything is so much brighter, vivid and clear. It is as if someone came in and washed my windows sparkling clean inside and out. The surgery itself was quick and easy with very little to no discomfort during and after. I had my left eye done first and now cannot get my right eye done soon enough. Dr. Buck and his staff were so professional, helpful and informative. I would definitely recommend this procedure to anyone who is a candidate and is considering it. I have not worn my reading glasses since the surgery!” 

 Judy Z. 

If you or someone you know has questions about cataract, cataract surgery or lens implants please feel free to call Northwest Indiana Eye & Laser Center at 219-464-8223, or visit Northwest Indiana Eye & Laser Center or facebook.com/nwindianaeyeandlaser. 

Northwest Indiana Eye & Laser Center in Valparaiso, IN is staffed by a team of Ophthalmologists, Optometrists, Opticians, technical and administrative staff who provide eye examinations for adults and children, cataract surgery and intraocular lens implants (IOL), laser vision correction such as LASIK, diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the retina including diabetes and age related macular degeneration and diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma as well as contact lenses, eyeglasses, eyewear and optical services. We are conveniently located for patients seeking eye care from throughout northern Indiana including La Porte, Mishawaka, South Bend, Michigan City, Crown Point, Merrillville, Chesterton, South Haven, Westville, Hebron, Lowell, Valparaiso and Walkerton as well as Chicago, Illinois suburban areas of Frankfurt, Calumet City, Monee and Crete.

IN Surgeon on Being Too Old for LASIK

Indiana LASIK Surgeon Scott Buck, M.D. reassured patients seeking LASIK that if their eyes are healthy and they have an appropriate need for vision correction, you are never really too old for LASIK. “I recently examined a 64 year old gentleman who wanted to know if he was too old for LASIK,” shared Dr. Buck of Northwest Indiana Eye & Laser Center in Valparaiso, IN. “After performing a thorough examination and LASIK consultation I understood that for his avid hobbies of hiking, hunting and camping he just didn’t want to wear glasses for seeing at distance,” said Dr. Buck. From his eye exam I was comfortable that his eye health, corneal health and tear film were quite good. His retinas were normal and he had no sign of cataracts and his vision corrected to 20/20 with his -6.25 D eyeglass correction. Also, importantly he couldn’t tolerate contact lenses and just didn’t want to wear them while camping anyway-so we scheduled him for LASIK,” explained Dr. Buck. “We carefully explained that he was going to need to either wear reading glasses or consider having monovision to help with his near vision presbyopia focusing problem that we all have after 40 or so.”

As long as they have a tangible reason for wanting LASIK so that it will improve their lifestyle, people thinking about having Laser Eye Surgery can do so without worrying about being too old for LASIK as long as they have healthy eyes, a health cornea, sufficient tears and are free of cataracts or retinal diseases.

If you are someone you know would like to find out if you are a good candidate for LASIK please schedule a Free LASIK consultation with Scott Buck, M.D at Northwest Indiana Eye & Laser Center at 219-464-8223, or visit Northwest Indiana Eye & Laser Center or facebook.com/nwindianaeyeandlaser. Let us tell you if you are a good candidate for Laser Eye Surgery for Laser Vision Correction.

Northwest Indiana Eye & Laser Center in Valparaiso, IN is staffed by a team of Ophthalmologists, Optometrists, Opticians, technical and administrative staff who provide eye examinations for adults and children, cataract surgery and intraocular lens implants (IOL), laser vision correction such as LASIK, diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the retina including diabetes and age related macular degeneration and diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma as well as contact lenses, eyeglasses, eyewear and optical services. We are conveniently located for patients seeking eye care from throughout northern Indiana including La Porte, Mishawaka, South Bend, Michigan City, Crown Point, Merrillville, Chesterton, South Haven, Westville, Hebron, Lowell, Valparaiso and Walkerton as well as Chicago, Illinois suburban areas of Frankfurt, Calumet City, Monee and Crete.

Indiana Contact Lens Specialists on Healthy Wear Tips

Contact Lens Specialists at Northwest Indiana Eye & Laser Center in Valparaiso shared some tips for wearing contact lenses and maintaining healthy vision. “Sometimes patient forget that that contact lenses are a medical device and even those worn purely for cosmetic purposes, should be prescribed and properly fit by a licensed eye care professional," explained Dr. Stephen Buck. "Patients forget this and end up buying and wearing contact lenses without proper medical guidance and a valid prescription and then, often without even realizing it, they put themselves at risk for serious, even blinding eye infections." Equally as important is taking care to follow the instructions given to you by your eye doctor-carefully and completely-as this can go a long way to help avoid contact lens problems and complications. "We know that that by not following instructions on proper wear and care, contact lens wearers are more likely to have discomfort and may actually put themselves at greater risk for infection or other serious complications, such as microbial keratitis," said Dr. Buck. “We often find that improper storage, handling and disinfection of contact lenses really predispose patients to unnecessary risk.”

Some good contact lens care, handling and disinfection tips to follow include:

• Always wash your hands with soap before inserting or removing your contact lenses. 
• Always empty the storage case of disinfection solution after removing your lenses, and fully refill with fresh solution before storing them.
• NEVER clean your case with tap water. 
• REGULARLY-even daily- clean your case.
• REGULARLY-at least monthly- replace your case.

If you or someone you know has questions about contact lens care, handling and disinfection please feel free to call Northwest Indiana Eye & Laser Center at 219-464-8223, or visit Northwest Indiana Eye & Laser Center or facebook.com/nwindianaeyeandlaser.

 

Northwest Indiana Eye & Laser Center in Valparaiso, IN is staffed by a team of Ophthalmologists, Optometrists, Opticians, technical and administrative staff who provide eye examinations for adults and children, cataract surgery and intraocular lens implants (IOL), laser vision correction such as LASIK, diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the retina including diabetes and age related macular degeneration and diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma as well as contact lenses, eyeglasses, eyewear and optical services. We are conveniently located for patients seeking eye care from throughout northern Indiana including La Porte, Mishawaka, South Bend, Michigan City, Crown Point, Merrillville, Chesterton, South Haven, Westville, Hebron, Lowell, Valparaiso and Walkerton as well as Chicago, Illinois suburban areas of Frankfurt, Calumet City, Monee and Crete.

LASIK in Indiana for Motorcycle Riding

“This is the time of year we start to see many Indiana motorcycle riders who are interested in LASIK,” commented LASIK Surgeon Scott Buck, M.D. of Northwest Indiana Eye & Laser Center in Valparaiso, IN. “Contact lenses and certainly eyeglasses can be a real challenge for motorcycle riders-so many consider LASIK about now. As motorcycle lovers start to think about the spring and summer motorcycle riding season, I try to remind them that eye safety and also dry eyes should top the list of things they think about as part of their readiness checklists along with the condition of their gear and bikes,” Dr. Buck further explained.

It is important to recognize the need for eye protection from the sun, bugs, small rocks and pebbles and especially the wind, which can really contribute to dry eye symptoms. LASIK patients as well as other recreational motorcycle riders sometimes overlook or are just not aware of the potential for eye irritation and motorcycle dry eye caused by the wind, exhaust fumes, pollen and pollution-as well as the summer sun and heat.

At your LASIK consultation the staff will be exploring your lifestyle needs and activities. As a potential LASIK patient we want to take the time necessary so that we can carefully counsel you in order to get the best results and help meet your expectations. Please take the time to tell us about your motorcycle riding interest as well as all of the ways in which you are hoping to benefit from LASIK.

If you or someone you know is thinking about LASIK, please have them schedule a Free LASIK consultation with Scott Buck, M.D at Northwest Indiana Eye & Laser Center at 219-464-8223, or visit Northwest Indiana Eye & Laser Center or facebook.com/nwindianaeyeandlaser. Let us tell you if you are a good candidate for Laser Eye Surgery for Laser Vision Correction.

Northwest Indiana Eye & Laser Center in Valparaiso, IN is staffed by a team of Ophthalmologists, Optometrists, Opticians, technical and administrative staff who provide eye examinations for adults and children, cataract surgery and intraocular lens implants (IOL), laser vision correction such as LASIK, diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the retina including diabetes and age related macular degeneration and diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma as well as contact lenses, eyeglasses, eyewear and optical services. We are conveniently located for patients seeking eye care from throughout northern Indiana including La Porte, Mishawaka, South Bend, Michigan City, Crown Point, Merrillville, Chesterton, South Haven, Westville, Hebron, Lowell, Valparaiso and Walkerton as well as Chicago, Illinois suburban areas of Frankfurt, Calumet City, Monee and Crete.

IN Contact Lens Specialist on Self Esteem for Teens

Contact Lens Specialist Dr. Stephen Buck of Northwest Indiana Eye & Laser Center counseled patients on how contact lenses can play an important role in helping adolescents-especially teenagers-with some difficult times for their self esteem and self image. “Teens and tweens are often quite challenged during adolescence by the “Trifecta of Awkwardness-braces, acnes and glasses!” commented Dr. Stephen Buck. “I remember from my own kids, the peer pressure and insecurity created by concerns about appearance at these ages,” Dr. Buck shared.

Not being able to play sports or worrying about how they look can leave many teens feeling anxious, stressed out and unhappy. “We love fitting children in this age group with contact lenses because we routinely see that teens who wear contact lenses benefit beyond simply correcting their vision. They typically improve in how they feel about their physical appearance, their acceptance among friends and of course their ability to play sports,” further explained Dr. Buck.

If you or someone you know would like to learn more about contact lenses or schedule an appointment for a contact lens fitting please call Northwest Indiana Eye & Laser Center at 219-464-8223, or visit Northwest Indiana Eye & Laser Center or facebook.com/nwindianaeyeandlaser.

Northwest Indiana Eye & Laser Center in Valparaiso, IN is staffed by a team of Ophthalmologists, Optometrists, Opticians, technical and administrative staff who provide eye examinations for adults and children, cataract surgery and intraocular lens implants (IOL), laser vision correction such as LASIK, diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the retina including diabetes and age related macular degeneration and diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma as well as contact lenses, eyeglasses, eyewear and optical services. We are conveniently located for patients seeking eye care from throughout northern Indiana including La Porte, Mishawaka, South Bend, Michigan City, Crown Point, Merrillville, Chesterton, South Haven, Westville, Hebron, Lowell, Valparaiso and Walkerton as well as Chicago, Illinois suburban areas of Frankfurt, Calumet City, Monee and Crete.

My Eye Surgery Experience

“It took me two years to even consider having an eye surgery that would give me the eyesight I wanted so badly.  From the minute I entered the office I was treated as thought I were the only patient.  Every step of the consult was explained in detail. 

Scott Buck, M.D.

When Dr. Scott Buck came in he informed me I had passed the testing and was a candidate for the procedure.  He explained the process in terms that I could understand and spoke to me as if I were a family member, but at no point was I pushed to say yes at that time. Feeling I had 100% of my concerns addressed, I made the decision to go forward with the procedure knowing I had found the doctor with the knowledge and experience I could put my faith in.  One week later I had my first eye done.  At the surgery center, I was met by a very nice woman who took me back to get ready for the surgery.  

Every person in the surgical center treated me as if I were royalty.  I was never left alone and my husband was allowed to stay with me.  Each thing being done was explained to both of us and why it was needed.  Any fear I had just evaporated.  Dr. Buck talked to me through the procedure.  I felt NO pain.  At the follow up visit in the office, I was greeted by name, the doctor saw me and told me I was doing great and we scheduled the other eye.  Bottom line: I had zero problems, can read with no glasses, can see at long distance and dealt with the most professional staff I can remember.  My advice to anyone would be GO FOR IT!!!”-Bea Z.

If you or someone you know has a question about LASIK or would like to schedule a Free LASIK Consultation please feel free to call Northwest Indiana Eye & Laser Center at 219-464-8223, or visit Northwest Indiana Eye & Laser Center or facebook.com/nwindianaeyeandlaser.  Let us tell you if you are a good candidate for Laser Eye Surgery for Laser Vision Correction. Then let us help make LASIK affordable.

Northwest Indiana Eye & Laser Center in Valparaiso, IN is staffed by a team of Ophthalmologists, Optometrists, Opticians, technical and administrative staff who provide eye examinations for adults and children, cataract surgery and intraocular lens implants (IOL), laser vision correction such as LASIK, diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the retina including diabetes and age related macular degeneration and diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma as well as contact lenses, eyeglasses, eyewear  and optical services. We are conveniently located for patients seeking eye care from throughout northern Indiana including La Porte, Mishawaka, South Bend, Michigan City, Crown Point, Merrillville, Chesterton, South Haven, Westville, Hebron, Lowell, Valparaiso and Walkerton as well as Chicago, Illinois suburban areas of Frankfurt, Calumet City, Monee and Crete.