February 2017     
VTVision Therapy

Isthmus Eye Care is pleased to be a local leader in offering Vision Therapy (VT) services. VT is like physical therapy for the entire visual system. It enhances and improves the connections between the eyes  and the brain.

We would like to introduce you to our very first VT "graduate", nine year old Ava. At the start of fourth grade, Ava began falling behind in reading and struggled with math word problems. Her teachers and mother wer e concerned; there was discussion about special education. Ava's teachers recommended an eye exam to rule out any vision problems.

The team of doctors at Isthmus Eye Care recognized a visual function deficiency. Specifically, Ava had difficulty accurately tracking (oculomotor dysfunction) when she was reading and keeping words clear (accommodative insufficiency and infacility). Our doctors recommended twelve session of VT, focusing on enhancing the ability and responsiveness of eye tracking and focusing.

After twelve sessions of VT, Ava is thriving. Recent test results show she is reading at a normal fourth grade level.  Speed, accuracy, fluency and comprehension have all improved dramatically. Ava's mom and teachers are thrilled to say the least, and most importantly, Ava's confidence is restored. We could not be prouder and any ideas of special education are off the table.

VT allows us to help patients who struggle with getting visual information efficiently to their brains. VT optimizes affected systems so patients can reach their full potential - whether it is in sports, academics or daily life.
LowVision Addressing Low Vision and Age-Related Macular Degeneration
 
According to the National Eye Institute, low vision is a visual impairment that interferes with the ability of millions of Americans to perform everyday tasks, despite some level of visual correction such as standard glasses, contact lenses, medications or surgery.

A majority of people develop low vision as a result of eye diseases such as cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy or age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the latter which accounts for a significant amount of all low vision cas es and is the leading cause of blindness in American adults over 
the age of 50.
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A recent survey conducted by the American Optometric Association revealed that U.S. adults are concerned about the potential for vision loss as it relates to their quality of l ife and ranked it as their primary concern ahead of the loss of memory, the loss of physical mobility and loss of hearing.

The best way to address low vision and AMD is proactive eye health care, which means regular comprehensive eye exams as a possible preventive measure, even if you are not yet noticing significant changes in vision. In addition, a healthy, smoke-free lifestyle including proper diet and exercise is recommended. Taking vitamins C, E and A, as well as Zinc, may also help reduce risk of vision loss.

If you are due for your regular exam or have noticed even minor changes to your vision, be sure to schedule an appointment with your doctor at Isthmus Eye Care right away. We are always here to help address your eye health questions and concerns.
BowlingIEC Team Celebrates the Holidays on the Lanes

The Isthmus Eye Care team celebrated the holidays in high Wisconsin style with a bowling party last month. It was a great way to connect, relax and have fun outside the office. Congrats to the winning team of Alex, Mason, Crystal and Danny!
Isthmus Eye Care                                                                                         Your Life. In Focus.