We truly believe in routine eye examinations so that you can see as clearly as possible. Once you have to get glasses or contacts, it is even more important to watch the health of your eyes. You also need routine checks to ensure your prescription has not changed.
To ensure good eye health and vision, we are very proud to offer the following services:
Cataracts
A cataract forms when the clear crystalline lens which sits behind the colored part of your eye (the iris) becomes harder and darker with age. If the cataract gets bad enough, it will begin to interfere with your vision. This may take the form of blurry vision or difficulty reading road signs, watching television, or reading. Some people experience problems with disabling glare from their cataracts. Our doctors at Bellingham Bay Ophthalmology will be able to evaluate your eyes and determine if you are a candidate for cataract surgery.
The surgery involves removal of your cataract and its replacement with a special implantable lens (intraocular lens). Dr. Kim is our cataract surgeon and specializes in no stitch, small incisional surgery. Dr. Kim will perform your operation at the Bellingham Ambulatory Surgery Center.
Comprehensive Eye Exams
On average, we recommend scheduling an appointment once every two years to ensure your eyes are remaining healthy. If you have been diagnosed with an eye condition, however, we recommend scheduling an appointment once or twice a year depending on the severity.
During your appointment, we will review your patient history, visual acuity, perform preliminary tests, and evaluate your eyes’ overall health.
Computer Vision
Computer Vision is a relatively new term within the ophthalmology field and refers to eye problems associated with the prolonged use of computers and electronics that utilize a digital screen. Although it can be temporary, there are times when computer vision can strain the eyes to a degree that permanently affects your vision as well. An existing eye condition can worsen as the eyes try to focus and adjust to a computer screen, and precautions should be taken if you spend long hours in front of a computer screen.
If you have been experiencing blurry vision, dry eyes, eye strain, headaches, neck or back pain, try adjusting the lighting, posture, and the distance in front of your computer screen. If computer vision symptoms persist, call us to request an appointment, we will perform a full evaluation.
Designer Frames
Bellingham Bay Ophthalmology PLLC is proud to offer a wide variety of designer frames! Glasses, more than ever, say a lot about your personality, style, and fashion. Selecting the right frames can be confusing and daunting, especially for first time patients. Our staff has a great deal of experience helping patients find the best frames for them – taking into account budget, medical needs, lifestyle, and appearance.
At Bellingham Bay Ophthalmology PLLC, we are here to help you find the perfect look, while also correcting your vision. There is no replacement for professional help finding the right frames for your face, but the guide below can give you an idea of what to look for.
Diabetic Eye Care
Diabetes can affect more than just your blood sugar. It can also do some damage to your eyes if you are not careful.
Diabetic eye disease can cause vision loss if you are not careful. It can cause you to have trouble with everyday tasks even if you have regular glasses or contacts. It can even cause blindness.
Dry Eye Treatment
Bellingham Bay Ophthalmology PLLC is proud to offer dry eye treatment for our patients. Ocular Surface Disease, also known as dry eye, can occur from certain medications, naturally by aging, or as a symptom arising from systemic diseases such as Sjogren’s syndrome, Rheumatoid arthritis, or Lupus. If you have a minor case of dry eye, you may be experiencing irritation, excessive tearing, fluctuating vision, and/or a burning sensation in your eyes. Excessive dry eyes, or dry eye symptoms that go untreated, have the potential to damage eye tissue, scar your corneas, and impair your vision.
Emergency Care
Here at Bellingham Bay Ophthalmology PLLC, we are here for you in the case of an emergency. There are times when you may need immediate care for your eyes. Any time that you experience trauma to your eyes, you need to be seen. If you get anything in your eye, especially chemicals and foreign objects, you should be seen immediately to limit the potential damage to the eye.
Frames
There are many different styles, shapes, and materials to choose from when picking out the best frames for your lenses. This can sometimes be an overwhelming and difficult decision, but at Bellingham Bay Ophthalmology PLLC, we are happy to help you find the best frames for your specific wants and needs. Although frames are primarily a style choice, they are also affected by prescription strength. High-index prescriptions may limit which frames can support your lenses, but our friendly opticians are happy to help you find the right solution!
Frame material is also an important choice that needs to be made when choosing your frames. For our patients with metal allergies, we offer several options in alternative frame materials such as plastic or acetate. Since plastic and acetate frames are generally not adjustable, it is crucial to get the proper fit. Stainless steel frames are also an option as it tends to be less irritating than other metals for those with sensitive skin. Titanium is another alternative, and they are incredibly lightweight as well as durable and hypoallergenic.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma occurs from damage to the eye’s optic nerve and can often lead to loss of vision and blindness. To detect glaucoma, our highly trained doctors will perform a proper screening to determine severity, examine the damage, and help you manage your glaucoma.
Early detection of glaucoma is crucial in preventing vision loss and blindness; the earlier the better. However, there is no official cure for glaucoma. There are several treatment methods that manage, slow down, or halt the process. Treatment for glaucoma will vary depending on the stage and severity for each individual patient.
Hyperopia
Farsightedness, known as hyperopia, makes it difficult to see objects close by. If you are experiencing farsightedness, corrective lenses such as glasses or contact lenses will be prescribed. After a thorough examination, we will determine the prescription that’s best for you.
Keratoconus
Keratoconus is a non-inflammatory disorder that affects the cornea. The cornea becomes thinned and steepened, resulting in distorted vision, sensitivity to light, and decreased vision. Symptoms typically manifest in a person’s younger years, usually the late teens or 20’s.
Keratoconus can affect a person’s ability to read or drive, which can be a major obstacle for people. Luckily, this is a condition that can be diagnosed through a routine eye exam, which underscores the importance of scheduling regular eye exams for you and your children.
LASIK Co-Management
LASIK stands for laser in-situ keratomileusis and is a popular surgery to correct vision problems. LASIK can help people who are nearsighted or farsighted, as well those who have astigmatism.
LASIK works by reshaping the cornea with a laser, which allows light to be correctly focused onto the retina. A laser is used to create a small flap in the cornea, which is peeled back so another laser can reshape the cornea. The flap is then placed back and the surgery is complete.
Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration is a deterioration of the central portion of the retina, the inside layer of the eye that records the images we see and sends them through the optic nerve from the eye to the brain for processing. The macula, or the center of the retina, is responsible for focusing central vision in the eye and controls our ability to see and process information.
Myopia Control
Nearsightedness, known as myopia, makes it difficult to see objects from afar. If you are experiencing nearsightedness, corrective lenses such as glasses or contact lenses will be prescribed. After a thorough examination, we will determine the prescription that’s best for you.
Sunglasses
Sunglasses are designed to protect your eyes from sunlight. While all tinted lenses help to protect your eyes from sunlight, some will protect your eyes better than others. Sunglasses with lenses that block ultraviolet sunlight are the best option. Although sunglasses can be expensive, there are many affordable brands that provide great protection from harmful sunlight as well. If you are interested in finding the best brand of sunglasses for your lifestyle, we can help you find them.
We have a variety of options for you to choose from that will comfortably fit your face and let you enjoy the warm weather in style. Prescription lenses can be applied to most sunglasses and we can help you order a specific brand if we don’t have them in the store.
Surgery Co-Management
If you are interested in laser surgery, we will begin with a comprehensive eye examination, which will let us know more about you and your needs. We may have to perform some testing to properly diagnose your eye conditions. During this time, the surgeon and staff will go over what you can expect before, during and after the procedure; we want to make sure to give you realistic answers for your unique vision.