Kids need a special kind of eye care. They require patience, creativity, and specialty testing skills and instruments to uncover vision disorders common to children.
Some vision conditions show more obvious signs such as an eye turning in, squinting, or holding things too close to read. However, many vision problems are only caught through special testing during a pediatric comprehensive eye exam. For example, slight eye turns (called “strabismus”), or if one eye sees well and the other is weaker (called “amblyopia”), are unnoticeable to parents and children and can lead to permanently decreased vision and depth perception if not treated in time.
Poor performance in school or sports can sometimes mean there is an underlying vision problem, either from a refractive error (needs glasses) or if the eyes are not aligned and are not working together. Sometimes children are told they have a reading or learning disability, and we discover a vision disorder as the cause instead. We treat amblyopia, strabismus and binocular vision disorders among other pediatric eye conditions.
Early detection of any vision disorder is crucial to have the best chances of giving the child good vision and strong depth perception to last the rest of their lives. Dr. Burgett recommends children have their first comprehensive eye exam as young as 1 year old, then every other year until kindergarten unless he finds a reason to monitor more often.
During your child's exam
During your child’s pediatric eye exam we will perform a thorough evaluation of their depth perception, color vision, eye alignment and your doctor will evaluate the health of their eyes with a kind and gentle touch.
Protection from the sun
Since the sun causes damage to children’s eyes, and they are outside so often, Dr. Burgett recommends, “I always stress the importance of kids using 100% UV blocking sunwear whenever outside. This is one of the best habits we can encourage them to get into.” Transitions are an excellent option to make sure our kids get the protection from the sun they need without having to switch glasses before going outside.
Contacts and eye health
For school aged children and teenagers, Dr. Burgett offers CRT contact lenses for myopia control, as well as soft contacts to improve vision for sports or activities. Eye health vitamins such as Screen Shield and Visual Edge provide zeaxanthin and lutein formulated to protect their eyes from the harmful effects of blue light from digital screens, and to enhance contrast sensitivity, helpful in competitive sports. Since most youngsters spend hours on digital devices these days, we recommend a glasses lens that filters out the blue light.
Adult Eye Exams
Keep Your Vision Sharp With Annual Eye Exams
Vision is precious. The American Optometric Association recommends getting an eye exam every year because it is paramount to maintaining and preserving eye health. During your comprehensive eye exam we test for sight threatening conditions using the most advanced and sensitive instruments which can even detect systemic health disease such as diabetes and hypertension. Our staff and doctor will evaluate your vision, eye alignment and eye health and address any symptoms of dryness, redness or irritation during your exam. We maintain a flexible schedule to make it easy for you to call in or book an appointment online in minutes.
Your First Appointment
During your first visit to Advanced Vision Care we will need you to bring your insurance information, and identification, as well as your current glasses and contact lenses. We keep your information on file so you will not need to bring it in every time.
During Your Eye Exam
We assess the status of your vision, eye health and alignment, field of view, blood pressure and maculas using state-of-the-art testing instruments. We’ve done away with the annoying “air-puff test” and replaced it with the “I-care” technology which is the latest in accurate, “no puff” eye pressure testing. Your doctor will explain your test results and review your optos retinal exam to evaluate the health of your retinas, blood vessels, and optic nerves. Our exam rooms are equipped with the best imaging instruments available, including automated refraction systems and a digital imaging microscope so you can see what our doctors are seeing.
Senior Eye Exams
As we age, our eyes and vision naturally mature in ways that make us more susceptible to vision-threatening conditions, which require special attention. We perform tests which are sensitive to these changes to evaluate the progression of dry eye disease, cataracts, macular pigment density, intraocular pressure, and corneal health.
Prevention of Disease
Later in life we are more vulnerable to age-related eye diseases and systemic illness that can cause vision loss. At AVC we are keenly aware of this and therefore perform sensitive tests such as the Optos retinal exam, that reveal subtle changes structure and function of your eyes that can put you at risk for reduced vision. Because the damaging effects of diseases like age-related degeneration and glaucoma are irreversible, we strive to catch it early and utilize treatments based on the latest research for the best chance of preserving your vision and preventing sight loss.
We monitor your eye pressure closely and perform specialized testing when called for in order to gain insight into your potential for developing glaucoma. We can also detect small changes in the progression of cataracts and macular changes. If we detect any suspicious signs we will work with you to build a treatment plan tailored to you.
After Your Eye Exam
Our professional staff will process any follow up appointments or prescriptions your doctor orders and assist you in filling your glasses and contacts prescriptions. We have a world class optical featuring a vast variety of frames from fashionable European lines to high tech sports frames and children’s frames. Our opticians are experts in finding the most comfortable, best-looking frames to complement your facial features. Don’t miss our attractive selection of sunglasses to protect your eyes from the harsh Tucson sun. Try the latest polarized lenses for optimum visual comfort and glare reduction.
Dry Eye Treatment
Dry Eye Treatment In Tucson
Dry eye disease comes in many forms and has many different symptoms. There are also many causes for dry eye symptoms, and at the AVC dry eye clinic we use state-of-the art testing instruments to find out the root cause of your dry eyes. Dr. Burgett is at the forefront of technology in diagnosis and treatment, and will customize your dry eye treatment to the cause of your symptoms. A common cause of dry eye disease is meibomitis, which is a dysfunction of the oil glands in our eyelids that are supposed to release liquid oils into the tears to keep the eyes moist. At AVC we focus on finding the source of your symptoms and treating them with the goal of healing, not just temporary relief.
Dry Eye Symptoms
Dryness in the eyes can feel different from one person to another. It can also depend on the cause of dryness and the severity. Here are the most common symptoms of dry eye disease:
- Dry, gritty, scratchy
- Sore or irritated
- Burn or sting
- Watering or tearing
- Tired eyes / eye fatigue
- Fluctuating blurry vision
- Discomfort with contacts
- Itching
- Light sensitivity
- Redness
- Stringy mucus
In some cases, past surgery or chronic dryness can reduce the sensitivity of the cornea so you may not notice or feel how dry your eyes really are. That’s why it’s necessary for your doctor to inspect your eyes and determine the extent and cause of your dry eyes.
The Right Diagnosis
The key to effective treatment and lasting relief is an accurate diagnosis of the root cause of your dry eyes. Using sensitive testing equipment such as the Oculus meibographer, Inflammadry tests and biomicroscopic digital imaging, Dr. Burgett is able to draw on 18 years of experience and the latest research to determine the source of the problem. After reviewing the findings with you, he will customize your treatment plan specifically to your eyes to achieve the fastest and longest lasting results.
MiBoFlo® Dry Eye Spa
The MiBoFlo® is a new, therapeutic device which uses a thermal induction designed to liquefy hardened oil secretions and improve meibomian gland function. Based on the most recent research in dry eyes, MiBo therapy activates your meibomian glands to start producing the required oils for more comfortable, hydrated eyes and reduced need for artificial tears.
Advanced Vision Care is proud to be 1 of 300 Dry Eye Centers in the United States and 1 of a handful in Arizona to offer Miboflo dry eye therapy. Most eye care professionals look only at the surface of your cornea when evaluating dry eye; however, our clinic focuses on the root cause – the meibomian gland dysfunction and blepharitis.
Miboflo is a spa therapy that produces physiological and medical results. The device generates comfortable “Thermal Energy” like the heat in a Jacuzzi. We gently massage the eyelids to stimulate the blood flow and liquefy the hardened oils in your glands. After a 10 minute massage the meibomian glands become unclogged, giving you immediate relief.
The treatment program generally consists of three MiBoFlo® sessions with one deep cleaning of your eyelash area to remove the build up of oils, dead skin and bacteria that can clog the openings of the glands. Most people experience improvement right away, and usually feel a minimized need for artificial tears or medicated drops. Sometimes additional treatments and maintenance take-home therapies are needed in order to obtain continued effective, long term relief.
Dry Eye Treatment Options
At AVC we can treat all causes of dry eyes using a combination of effective treatments, from our pleasant MiBoFlo® dry eye spa therapy and in-office eyelid treatments to punctal occlusion, medical-grade artificial tears, scleral contact lenses, ointments, lid wipes, or medicated drops, among others. Dr. Burgett customizes your dry eye treatments depending on the cause of your dry eyes. Each one has a purpose and is an important part of your overall treatment plan.
Telehealth
Now Offering Telehealth Appointments
When to request a telehealth appointment
We can see you live – right in the comfort and safety of your own home – for any of the following essential or emergency conditions:
- Red or painful eyes
- Swollen eyelids
- Dry eyes
- Vision changes
- Allergies
- Prescription refills
How to Book a telehealth appointment
The same way you book an in-office appointment with us – either send us an email, on our contact us page, or give us a call.
Cataracts
What are Cataracts?
A cataract is clouding of the eye’s natural lens as a result of a buildup of protein in the lens. Cataracts cause a progressive, painless loss of vision which occurs naturally as we age, and becomes more noticeable over age 65. The cause of cataracts is unknown, although it may be a result of injury, certain medications, illnesses (such as diabetes), exposure to ultraviolet light, and smoking.
Here are some symptoms of Cataracts:
- Blurred or hazy vision
- Double vision
- Poor vision in bright light
- Seeing halos around lights
- Poor vision at night
- Yellowish tinged vision
- Frequent changes in eyeglasses or contact lens prescription
How can we treat Cataracts?
If visual impairment begins to interfere with your ability to read, work or do the things you enjoy, you may want to consider cataract surgery to restore your vision. Cataract surgery is the most commonly performed surgical procedure in the US, and can be performed quickly and easily with a success rate of over 90 percent and a minimal risk of complications. Consider booking an appointment for a cataract surgery consultation at NVISION, with whom we co-manage cataract surgery for our patients.
What can we do to reduce risk of cataracts?
Growing evidence suggests that long-term exposure to UV rays can lead to macular degeneration and cataracts, serious eye conditions that can cause vision impairment or loss. Protecting our eyes from the sun’s UV rays and not smoking are practically the only things that are in our power to reduce or slow the progression of cataracts.
Here are a few precautions you can take:
- If at all possible, limit your time in the sun
- Wear a wide-brimmed hat
- Wear sunglasses that filter at least 99% of UV rays when in the sun
Protect Your Children, Too!
Studies show that children receive up to 80% of their exposure to damaging UV rays by age 18, so teaching our children the habit of putting on sunglasses when they go outside is one of the best things to help protect their eyes. Be sure to choose sunglasses that fit their smaller faces, have impact-resistant lenses with quality frames, and have lenses large enough to shield the entire eye.
Our office can help you have your day in the sun and do it safely. We offer quality sunglasses – both prescription and non-prescription – that meet the highest standards for sun protection. And we offer them in styles to suit everyone, from infants through adults. Call us for an appointment today.
Urgent Eye Care
Urgent Eye Care in Tucson
When your eyes have an urgent problem, we are here to help. Whether you are experiencing flashes of lights and floaters in your vision, have redness and pain, or feel like something got in your eye, we always welcome urgent walk in appointments. Dr. Burgett uses careful examination and a delicate touch to find out what’s wrong and get your eyes back to good health. Instead of waiting, Dr. Burgett encourages you to come in right away to make sure you get treatment if needed, avoid getting worse and start getting better as soon as possible. Here are just some of the myriad of urgent eye conditions we treat with no appointment needed:
- Recent Visual disturbances (flashes, floaters, or dark spots)
- Red eyes
- Painful eyes
- Constant tearing or watering
- Light sensitivity
- Feel like something’s in your eye
- Infections / Pink eye
- Uveitis / Iritis
- Styes or swollen eyelids
- Acute Allergy
Myopia Control & Ortho-K
Controlling the Progression of Myopia in Children
Myopia is becoming more prevalent amongst children. Moreover, we are finding it in younger children and to a higher degree. At AVC, we are able to slow the progression of myopia in children so they grow up with a lower prescription.
What is Myopia
Also known as nearsightedness or short-sightedness, myopia refers to the inability to see objects far away clearly. Myopia a vision disorder called a refractive error, which means light from objects in the distance do not focus directly on the retina. Due to the shape of the eye, light focuses in front of the retina, and requires a lens to move it back to fall on the retina, giving a clear image. Myopia is generally a progressive condition, and can worsen over time.
Symptoms of Myopia in Children
Children may have myopia without complaining about it, because they may not know any better. There are many signs you as a parent can look out for. If you notice any of these behaviors, bring your child in for an eye exam at Advanced Vision Care.
- Holding reading or digital devices close to their face
- Writing with their head very close to their work
- Sitting too close to the television
- Squinting when looking in the distance
- Regular complaints of headaches
- Trouble focusing at school
Controlling Myopia
Nearsightedness (myopia) can often progress quickly in children to require a strong prescription to see well. Luckily, we have a method that has been shown to slow this progression, called orthokeratology (ortho-k), which is available for children and adults
Ortho-K and CRT Lenses
Also known as orthokeratology, these contacts help correct nearsightedness and astigmatism through a process called corneal refractive therapy (CRT) which gently reshapes the cornea as you sleep. CRT lenses are worn at night, and they correct the curvature of the cornea while you’re sleeping so you can see clearly during the day without glasses or contacts. For this reason, it is often also referred to as corneal reshaping, corneal refractive therapy, or vision reshaping. With continued use, the daytime prescription will lessen over time. Eventually, daytime glasses or contact lenses may not be necessary, as long as nighttime therapy is still undertaken.
Paragon CRT® ortho-k lenses are FDA-approved for children and adults and have been prescribed to over 1.5 million patients, in over 50 countries worldwide. Talk to a doctor at Advanced Vision Care about myopia treatment.
Your Dream Lashes
We at AVC keep abreast of the latest technological developments and at the forefront of growth in the eyelash industry is Drug-free Zoria Lash Intensifying Serum, which utilizes patented technology to naturally stimulate, strengthen and condition eyelashes creating a dramatically longer, fuller, darker look.
Refractive Surgery Consultation
Laser Refractive Surgery in Tucson
Through the advent of laser eye surgery, people are seeing permanently without glasses or contacts. If you dream of waking up and opening your eyes to clear vision, it may be time to speak to our doctors about your options.
Your Refractive Surgery Consultation at AVC
If you are considering eye surgery for vision correction, we encourage you to book an appointment at Advanced Vision Care. A consultation does not mean you will be scheduled for surgery. It simply gives you some insight into the expectations, cost, and procedures available to you. Based on your consultation, you may decide eye surgery is not right for you, or that it will be just what you are looking for. During your consultation with us you will receive our professional recommendations on whether you are a candidate for refractive surgery and if so, which procedure would most likely give you the best outcome.
In addition to performing a thorough eye exam including your refractive error and corneal thickness, we’ll discuss with you your desires and expectations, as well as your visual tasks and lifestyle. This way we will be able to accurately inform you about the treatment options to help you make your decision.
Once you have decided which refractive surgery you prefer to have, we will help you to understand and prepare for each step from prep to recovery. We are here for your pre- and post-operative care and can connect you to the best ophthalmologists in the Tucson area. After your surgery, we will follow you to ensure your eyes are healing well and seeing their best.
Book an appointment for a laser vision surgery consultation at NVISION.
