Here at Des Moines Eye Care we are proud to offer patients a comprehensive range of optometric and ocular health services. Our optometrists, opticians, and support staff are dedicated to providing each patient with comfortable and effective care and services. We utilize the latest optometric techniques and technology to ensure each patient receives the care they need and deserve. We focus on creating personalized treatment plans to help each patient achieve and maintain their eye health.
Our independent optometry practice serves patients of all ages from across the Greater Des Moines area. We are proud to operate two family-friendly practices. For more information about our location in Ames, please visit the Ames Eye Clinic website.
We offer a full range of optometric services and treatments for conditions including:
Comprehensive Eye Exams
No matter what your vision is like, an important part of maintaining great eye health is scheduling regular eye exams. We provide patients with thorough, comprehensive eye exams. These exams help us identify any changes in your eyesight and monitor existing conditions including glaucoma, myopia, and more. A routine exam also helps us determine your optical prescription and ensures you are maintaining your best eye health.
Children’s Vision Care
Maintaining good eye health is important for a child’s development. Our staff and doctors have the skills, experience and gentle approached needed to help children feel comfortable. We provide routine eye exams for diagnosis and treatment for common childhood vision issues like amblyopia (lazy eye). Our team is dedicated to helping children develop good eye health that will last a lifetime.
Contact Lens Services
Whether you are curious about contact lenses or have been wearing them for years, our optometrists are here for you. We perform contact lens evaluations and can refill your prescriptions. During your evaluation, we will determine if you are a good candidate for contact lens uses. For patients who are good candidates, we will explain your options and begin the fitting process. For people new to wearing contacts, we can give you lessons on how to put your contacts in, take them out, and how to care for your lenses. We fit contacts for patients of all ages.
Retinal Imaging
Retinal imaging is a diagnostic exam which uses light waves to take a cross-section image of your retina. This test allows your optometrist to measure the thickness of each of the retina layers, as well as the optic nerve. These measurements are used to diagnose and treat retinal diseases and glaucoma.
Dry Eye Treatment
When your tears are not sufficient lubrication for the ocular surface, you may be suffering from dry eye. Dry eye is a common condition that millions of people suffer from. It can be caused by a variety of factors such as increased tear evaporation, poor quality of tears, and eyes not producing enough tears. Certain medications can cause dry eye. In some cases, over-the-counter eye drops may be enough to help with mild dry eye symptoms. For patients with more serious symptoms, our optometrists will discuss the available options including prescription eye drops.
Latisse
For patients looking to darken, lengthen, and thicken their natural lashes, Latisse is a potential solution. This is an FDA approved and clinically proven eye gel designed to strengthen your lashes from the inside out. Latisse does not give you instantaneous results, but can provide you with lasting results. It is applied by brushing the gel onto the base of your existing eyelashes. When used on a consistent basis, you will see results in about 4 weeks, with the maximum effect happening after about 16 weeks.
Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty) Consultation
Common problems that affects appearance, limit vision, and cause discomfort can be corrected by eyelid surgery. These common conditions include excess eyelid skin, droopy eyelids, and eyelid positioning. In addition to improving vision, eyelid surgery can help you look refreshed. During your consultation, we will discuss if this procedure is right for you.
Macular Degeneration
Macular Degeneration is often unnoticeable in its early stages, and it generally progresses over time. As it develops, it causes vision loss and makes it harder to see fine details such as small print. It also results in vision distortion and some images will appear as if parts of them are missing. The macula is the part of the eye that controls the central field vision. When the macula is damaged, it reduces the central vision, while the peripheral vision remains the same.
Lasik Vision Correction
LASIK is used to correct a range of vision problems including hyperopia, nearsightedness, and astigmatism. It is the most popular refractive laser procedure in the United States. It is designed to reduce a patient’s dependency on prescription glasses and contact lenses by reshaping the cornea. The procedure is completed in a short period of time and is virtually painless.
If you have questions regarding this procedure and would like to receive more information, please ask your doctor after you have completed your eye exam. Together, we will determine if you are a good candidate for this procedure, and give you the information you need to understand what it entails.
Cataracts
When a cataract forms, the lens within the eye becomes cloudy. This results in distorted, blurry, and sometimes leads to experiencing double vision. It also prevents light from passing through to the retina. As we age, cataracts are more likely to develop, as the lens in our eye begins to harden and become cloudy. High blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, certain medications, eye injuries, and kidney disease are some of the factors that can contribute to cataracts developing.
If you have cataracts, we will discuss the treatment plans. Our goal is to slow the cataract progression. If surgical correction is the best option, we will work with you to explore this treatment option. We provide both pre- and post-operative cataract care.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is an eye disease that affects the optic nerve, causing the progressive loss of fibers due to the rise in pressure inside of the eyes. It does not cause any pain and develops gradually—usually over the course of many years. The optic nerve serves as the cable between the brain and the eye. The symptoms for this disease worsen over time and are very subtle. It can cause blindness, an inability to adjust the eyes to darkened rooms, and a loss of peripheral vision.
Early diagnosis and treatment is essential to preventing complete vision loss (as in total blindness). Together with you, our staff will work to preserve your vision and explore the available treatment options and care.
Computer Lenses
If you spend 1-2 hours, or more, in front of a computer during the day then you could be at risk of suffering from digital eye strain. Symptoms include fluctuating vision, tired eyes, dry eyes, headache, and fatigue. As well as neck, back, and shoulder pain. Both prescription and non-prescription computer glasses can offer immediate relief.