What is a Vision Screening?

A Vision Screening is a quick, limited test to identify people who have common vision problems. Screenings are performed by a school nurse or volunteer, doctor’s assistant, or a DMV employee. A vision screening isn’t a suitable substitute for an eye exam.  

School vision screenings are great and catch many basic conditions!  And I’m grateful that our local schools perform them because in my state of Wisconsin, we do not have a law requiring students to have verified good vision in every grade.  We know that one out of four school-aged children have vision problems that can affect their confidence, learning, and personality.

Children Grow Fast, and Their Vision Will Change as They Grow

Vision screenings in general are usually well designed to alert people of vision problems that are easy to screen for, but they do not capture the very important details of related vision, eye health and teaming issues of the brain’s vision system.  

Why Do I Need a Eye Exam with an Eye Doctor?

Only an eye care professional can perform a Comprehensive Eye Exam to diagnose and treat eye and vision problems in adults and children.  Even with all of the awesome technology we have, still there is no substitute for a knowledgeable and caring person to put it all together for you.

Yearly Routine Eye Exams Begin at Age 3

Studies show that up to 11% of children who pass a vision screening have a vision problem that was missed and needs treatment.  That’s why even if your child passes her vision screening at school, she should still have an annual eye exam with an optometrist or ophthalmologist who is great with kids.  

Kids don’t always know when something is wrong.  I’ve seen countless times the guilt and surprise on parents faces when a newly found vision problems was undiagnosed. 

Making sure the eyes are healthy and seeing properly and working together as a team is what make an eye exam comprehensive.  Just because your son tells you that he can see something small at a far distance doesn’t mean all is well!

Sometimes additional testing of the refractive, accommodative, or convergence system is needed.  A referral to a vision therapy center may be recommended for non routine eye problems which can impede efficient reading and learning.  

There is a Difference Between Seeing, and Seeing Well

To better understand functional vision, your eye doctor may ask how you or your child is doing in school, grades, reading habits, favorite subjects, sports played, and amount of screen time.  Any headaches, eye strain, doubling of vision?

With a comprehensive eye exam at Petrou Eye Care, you can expect a thorough and detailed dilated pupil eye health and vision system evaluation with explanations of specific situation and needs, such how posture and closeness to computer screens can affect the eye’s focusing system, or the importance of hydration, sleep, and exercise on the brain and eye’s ability to work together for reading, concentration and alertness.

To contact one of our knowledgeable team members with questions, or to schedule an appointment, please contact us by phone at 414-247-2020 or by email at info@petroueyecare.com.

Best wishes for a lifetime of healthy eyes and great vision!

~Christina Petrou, OD

Vision Services at Petrou Eye Care

Comprehensive Eye and Vision Exam with Routine Eye Health Screenings:

• All Ages – First Annual Routine Exam at age 3
• Glasses for near, computer, and far 
• Contact Lenses for driving, middle, or reading
• Myopia, Hyperopia, Astigmatism, Presbyopia
• Computer Vision and Ergonomic Consultation
• Eye Nutrition Consultation
• Eye Disease Preventive Care and Education
• Eye Strain
• Red Eye
• Dry Eye
• Eye Irritation
• Blurry Vision
• Pupil Testing
• Eye Muscle Movements
• Strabismus and Amblyopia
• Visual Field Testing 
• Dilated Pupil Fundus Viewing
• Glaucoma – Eye Pressure, Optic Nerve
• Cataracts 
• Macular Degeneration 
• Retinal Holes, Tears, or Detachment

Medical Eye Services at Petrou Eye Care

Comprehensive Medical Eye Exam with Management, Evaluation, Referral, and/or Treatments:

• Glaucoma
• Cataracts
• Macular Degeneration
• Auto-Immune Related Eye Problems
• Diabetic Retinopathy
• Retinal Detachment, Holes, or Tears
• Vitreous Eye Floaters
• Loss of Vision
• Blurry Vision
• Itchy Eyes
• Swollen Eyes
• Painful Eye
• Red Eye 
• Pink Eye
• Allergic Conjunctivitis
• Dry Eye – Rx and OTC Drops, Punctal Plugs
• Eye Strain
• Double Vision – Prism 
• Foreign Body Removal
• Eye Injury 
• Concussion Syndrome 
• Headache – Brain Tumor
• Visual Field Testing – Threshold
• Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography 
• Strabismus – Crossed Eye
• Amblyopia – Lazy Eye

Contact Lens Services at Petrou Eye Care

• Contact Lens Evaluation and Fittings
• Contact Lens Prescription Update
• Adults and Children of All Ages
• Soft, Rigid, Multifocal, Monovision, All Brands
• Contact Lens Insertion and Removal Training Classes or Refreshers
• For Full Time, Part Time, or Occasional Wear

Optical Consultation at Petrou Eye Care

Complimentary Consultations and Optician Services:

• Eyewear Styling
• Sunglass Lenses
• Image Consulting
• Contact Lens Insertion and Removal
• Sports Protective Eyewear
• Eyewear Repair 

Medscape  (7/23, Brown, Subscription Publication) reports researchers found that people who eat “at least one orange per day have a 60% lower risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD) 15 years later compared with those who do not eat oranges.” The findings  were published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

They “report independent associations between dietary intakes of total flavonoids, and some of the common flavonoid classes (e.g., flavonols and flavanones), and AMD among older adults. Furthermore, the consumption of oranges and orange juice, one of the main foods and beverages contributing to total flavanone intake, is also likely to independently influence the risk of AMD,” the authors write.

“Bamini Gopinath, PhD, from the Center for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology and Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Australia, and colleagues published their findings online July 6 in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.”

“The researchers conducted a population-based cohort study of data from the Blue Mountains Eye Study. They included 2856 adults aged 49 years or older at baseline who provided dietary information for prevalence analyses, 2037 of whom were followed up 15 years later and were included in incidence analyses.”

“The study also may have been underpowered to detect modest associations between flavonoid intake and the development of incident AMD, as the number of participants who developed incident AMD was small.”

The authors have disclosed no relevant financial relationships.

Healthy vision offers patients more than good eyesight; for many, their quality of life is greatly diminished if their vision is less than adequate. For example, needing help reading a menu or being nervous to drive at night can limit patients’ independence, but nutritional support can help maintain long- term eye health. Perhaps some of the most talked-about antioxidants necessary for healthy vision are zeaxanthin and lutein, but why all the excitement around these two nutrients?

What’s all the hype about Zeaxanthin and Lutein?

Zeaxanthin (pronounced zee-aZAN-thin)

Zeaxanthin is a member of a group of compounds known as carotenoids.1  In the Zeaxanthin and Visual Function (ZVF) Study, researchers refer to this carotenoid as a “superior antioxidant” because of its chemical structure.2  In the same study, authors remark that “the macula selectively places [zeaxanthin] in its foveal center where the greatest protection is needed, which is last to degenerate.” This means that zeaxanthin is responsible for protecting the crisp, clear central vision needed for reading, seeing faces, and other daily tasks. While this antioxidant can be found in orange peppers, corn, and spinach, many Americans do not consume enough of these foods in their diet. 

Lutein (pronounced LOO- teen)

Like zeaxanthin, lutein is also classified as a carotenoid. Accumulated by the retina in the peripheral aspect of the macula, this antioxidant protects peripheral vision and low-contrast visual acuity.2 Lutein can be found in dark, leafy greens like kale, spinach, broccoli, and collard greens. While most patients know that these foods are beneficial, Americans sadly have moved toward a diet lacking in leafy greens. 

Macular Pigment 

Zeaxanthin and lutein work together to protect the sensitive tissues in the retina and form what is called the xanthophyll macular pigment. Found in the center of the macula, this protective pigment works like internal sunglasses, filtering harmful wavelengths of light before they reach the photoreceptors. Healthy, or dense, macular pigment may improve visual functions such as visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, light sensitivity, and glare recovery. 

From Review of Optometry Online May 10, 2018.

Sources: 

1. Heiting, Gary. “Lutein and Zeaxanthin – Eye and Vision Benefits.” All About Vision, AAV Media, LLC., Dec. 2017, www.allaboutvision.com/nutrit ion/lutein.htm. 

2. Richer SP, Stiles W, Graham-Hoffman K, et al. Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of zeaxanthin and visual function in patients with atrophic age-related macular degeneration: the Zeaxanthin and Visual Function Study (ZVF) FDA IND #78, 973. Optometry. 2011 Nov;82(11):667-680.e6. doi: 10.1016/j.optm.2011.08.008. 

3. Herman JP, Kleiner-Goudey SJ, Davis RL (2017) Case Report of Dietary Supplements Improving Macular Pigment and Visual Function. Adv Oph thalmol Vis Syst 6(1): 00166. DOI: 10.15406/aovs.2017.06.00166. 

Louie’s Last Regatta, the final local sailboat race of the 2017 season, has raised well over $1,000,000 for Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin since 1998.  This fabulous event is open to the public by registering online, or just showing up at Milwaukee Ale House after the race.

Come join Petrou Eye Care to support, donate, and cheer on the hundreds of boats and thousands of sailing fans as they celebrate the end of the season and raise funds for this very worthy cause.

This year’s big sailing event will begin at high noon Saturday, September 23, and held off the Milwaukee shoreline in the waters of Lake Michigan.  To raise additional funds for Children’s Hospital, after the race has ended around 2pm, a raffle and silent auction will be at Milwaukee Ale House!  Trophies are awarded for most funds raised, first place, and to keep it fun, awards are given for best costumes and ugliest spinnaker.  It’s fun for all!

Even sanctioned bribery is allowed during the post-race party as a pirate-worthy fund raising challenge.  This is an opportunity for boat crews, their shore teams and general party participants to buy their way to a better race position!  All bribe proceeds are, of course, given to Children’s Hospital.

This year, they have produced a fantastic video showcasing the impact of the event as well as the community and camaraderie it fosters.  Check it out!

[vimeo_video] 192156399 [/vimeo_video]

You sail!  You pledge!  The kids win!

Petrou Eye Care is proud to be a sponsor and supporter Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin and Milwaukee’s boating community again this year.

There are many other ways to give and raise funds.  To learn more, go to http://www.louieslast.org.

Chunky, large, or small, our goal is to showcase the best new materials and fashion the globe has to offer, right here in Milwaukee.  And we carry exclusive frame lines which are not sold to big box retailers or corporate chains.  So if you’re looking for high quality eyewear that is fresh, progressive, retro, or classic modern, you’re in the right place!  

Our team of fashion-forward optical stylists are active in both Milwaukee’s local commercial fashion market and collaborate at a national and international level to bring you premium eyewear. Together they hold multiple degrees in fashion and multi-media art, as well as certification in optical lens technology, and American Board of Opticianary degrees.  

Call us at 414-247-2020 to schedule a one-on-one styling consultation with one of our fabulous opticians!  We  look forward to helping you achieve a modern look you can wear with unbridled confidence to match your image and style.

We do this by providing extraordinary patient care – one person at a time. We enhance our patients’ quality of life by utilizing only the best lens designs, materials, contact lenses, and technology in eyewear and in eye exam techniques to manage and maintain our patient’s eye health for life.

Here’s more on how we do it:

Our Doctor – Wellness is her top priority. Dr. Christina Petrou strives to meet the visual needs of every patient with the long-term goal in mind of healthier eyes for a lifetime. She is committed to excellence in eye care, and is known for providing detailed and thorough examinations. She believes that great patient care begins with active listening, effective communication and education. Dr. Petrou works closely with, and refers to, other local eye specialists to ensure you receive the finest care in the area if you need surgery, visual therapy, or advanced medical eye care.

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Our Team – You will enjoy being taken care of by our friendly team of optical professionals whose goal is to exceed your needs and make you happy. We want you to have the best experience possible, whether you’re here for a thorough and informative eye exam, or need help selecting fun new eyewear to invigorate your style. One of our team’s specialties is working with unique populations such as seeing children for exams and fitting them with eyewear after being referred by pediatric ophthalmologists, as well as people who have loss of vision (called low vision) sent by their medical eye doctors or retina surgeons.

Our Eyewear – To provide you with excellent vision and perfectly fit spectacles, our skilled opticians scour the globe looking for clearest lenses and the most innovative eyewear. In addition to attending the best continental showcase, New York’s International Vision Expo, our Milwaukee team meets with experts from all over the world to bring you the newest technology for eyes.

Our Patients – We love taking care of you! Because we want to know how we can make your experience better, we encourage you to fill out a survey after each annual exam. We read all of your comments and make changes to improve our service to you. The greatest compliment we receive is your referral of friends and family to us, and we sincerely thank you.

Our Specialty – We are known for integrating vision enhancements, whole body health, and eye care, because it’s all connected. Dr. Christina Petrou pays close attention to how your eyes function, and she is an expert at identifying causes of ocular discomfort and vision loss, whether due to binocular vision disorders, computer eyestrain, or eye disease. If you need glasses or contact lenses, she will prescribe specific lens systems for your vision requirements, and work with the Petrou Eye Care team of opticians to fit you with the best lens design for your eye condition.

Our Office – When you enter Petrou Eye Care, you will feel a sense of relaxation, comfort and trust knowing that you will receive superior service and individualized patient care.

Our Community – Our office is part of this community and a force for positive action. Petrou Eye Care gives back to the community we love in many ways: donating eye wear, eye care, time, and financial support to local organizations including Prevent Blindness Wisconsin, Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, Women’s Soccer Club of Wisconsin / Women’s Charities, Inc, and Walker’s Point Community Clinic.

Our World – To support vision and eye care worldwide for people who cannot afford or obtain such care, Petrou Eye Care donates eyewear to Lion’s Club International. We clean, package and catalog glasses for distance, near, and sun protection to be crated and shipped on missions benefiting others in need, often to South and Central America.

The best way to determine if you are a candidate is to talk to your eye doctor.  A comprehensive eye exam by your optometrist or ophthalmologist, along with a free consultation with the laser center specialists, can give you the information you need to help you make the best decision for your eyes.

Custom LASIK gives the greatest chance of having 20/20 vision without glasses, has less incidence of glare or halos, and has the potential for better vision than is possible with glasses or contacts.  First a flap is created, then lifted, and then the cornea is custom laser sculpted to remove your unwanted prescription.

Bladeless LASIK is a procedure where the flap of corneal tissue is created by using a computer controlled laser, allowing for a more accurate customized incision.  Laser created flaps follow the natural curvature of the cornea, are precise, and of uniform thickness, giving you the best possible vision outcome.

Using today’s best technology, LASIK can be successfully done on a wide range of prescriptions in people who are at least 18 years old, who are in good health with a stable refractive prescription, and who don’t have any eye disease.

It’s exciting to consider seeing the world without glasses or contact lenses.  Like any other surgical procedure, however, LASIK has risks of complications.  A thorough eye and vision examination with your eye care provider is the best place to learn if LASIK is right for you.

Get more info on custom LASIK,  or visit Milwaukee’s top laser surgeon: Dr. Lanny Hale at TLC