Whether it’s seeing the sun rise or set, watching leaves fall from the trees, glimpsing a butterfly flit past your window or a bird soar overhead, or just reading the morning news, we want you to see things clearly with healthy eyes.
Our eye care specialists include ophthalmologists, optometrists, opticians and a certified support staff. They use advanced technology and procedures to help children and adults see better.
Reviewed 10/26/2022
Eyes and sunglasses: True or false?
Does fashion or function lead the way when you're shopping for sunglasses? Next time you're searching for shades, look for a pair that protects your eyes from damaging ultraviolet (UV) rays. This quiz can teach you what to keep an eye out for.
True or false: All sunglasses offer equal UV protection.
False. The ability of sunglasses to block UV rays may vary from one pair to the next. For the most protection, look for glasses with a sticker or tag stating they block 100% of UV rays.
True or false. When it comes to sunglasses, bigger is better.
True. Oversized glasses may be best at limiting exposure of the sun's rays to your eyes. And wraparound frames offer added protection. They limit sun exposure from the sides. Wear a wide-brimmed hat or cap and you may get even more protection.
True or false: Sunglasses with good UV protection are always expensive.
False. Don't judge the quality of your glasses by their price tag. What's most important is the extent to which they block UV rays. A relatively inexpensive pair of glasses may do that just as well as more spectacularly priced specs.
True or false: Darker colored lenses offer more protection than lighter colored lenses.
False. Lens colors can vary, but darker lenses do not necessarily do a better job of blocking UV rays than lighter lenses. One thing to keep in mind, however: Gray lenses may make it easier to recognize colors.
True or false: Polarized lenses improve UV protection.
False. Polarized lenses don't reduce UV rays. They reduce glare. That may make it easier to see when you're driving or on the water.
The right sunglasses can be a great tool to protect your peepers from UV rays. But you should take other steps to protect yourself from the sun.
Sources: American Academy of Ophthalmology; American Optometric Association; National Eye Institute
Eye care services and treatment
Whether you have cataracts, astigmatism, glaucoma, macular degeneration or just need a new pair of glasses, you can depend on us.
Below are just some ways we help you see clearly:
Our optometrists provide comprehensive eye exams, plus contact lens evaluations and fittings. They also provide specialty eye exams for patients with diabetes, glaucoma and other eye diseases.
Our opticians can fit you with eyeglasses that suit your needs. Our vision centers have a variety of frames, including designer frames from Coach, Michael Kors, Kate Spade, Oakley, Ray-Ban, Jimmy Crystal, Nike and others.
Vision with cataracts has been described as seeing life through old, cloudy film. The surgeons of the Mercyhealth Eye Center can help you regain what you have lost, both in terms of visual acuity and quality of vision. Cataract surgery means removing your clouded lens. It is one of the safest, most common and effective surgical procedures done in the United States.
Patients at the Mercyhealth Eye Center are offered cataract surgery utilizing the femtosecond laser. The laser incisions are painless and precise. They add a significant degree of safety and allow the most accurate visual recovery. The patient receives light intravenous sedation prior to starting the procedure and does not have to be asleep or receive injections around the eye.
Once the new lens has been placed where the natural lens was, the openings to the inside of the eye will seal themselves without the need for stitches.
Recovering from cataract surgery is generally quick, with excellent vision returning within hours. Within a week, a full range of vision is usually obtained and full activity is restored. Eyedrops are necessary for at least 4-6 weeks after surgery.
The cornea is the window to the eye. If the window is not clear, you cannot see well through it. The cornea can be affected by disease, trauma or inherited conditions.
Our board certified and fellowship trained corneal specialist can follow and treat many corneal problems such as:
- Corneal ectasia
- Corneal dystrophies
- Dry eye
- Corneal ulcers
- Herpetic infections
- Ocular trauma
Services provided include:
- Corneal transplant including DMEK
- Corneal debridement
- Iris reconstruction
- Medical treatment of corneal disease
- Treatment of corneal dystrophies
Glaucoma is a disease which can rob a person of vision without them even realizing it until it is too late. It involves increased pressure in the eye which damages the optic nerve fibers, causing vision loss. This cannot be felt, so it is essential to get tested. Glaucoma testing is part of every eye exam at Mercyhealth. It is quick, simple and painless and could save your sight.
Risk factors for glaucoma include:
- Being over the age of 40
- Being of African, Asian or Hispanic descent
- Having other health conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, sickle cell or heart disease
- History of steroid use
- Previous injury or surgery to the eye
- Family history of glaucoma
It is important to get tested for glaucoma because high eye pressure is not something you can usually feel.
Our ophthalmologists follow and treat glaucoma. Treatment can be with medicine or surgical intervention when indicated.
Femtosecond laser surgery reduces the need for blades, needles and extended ultrasound energy. The segmenting and softening of the lens with the laser simplifies its final breakup and removal.
Mercyhealth Eye Center surgeons are pleased to offer you a precision-based solution for cataract surgery that is beyond compare. Our bladeless and computer-controlled laser surgery is available to most patients, and its results are not attainable with other surgical methods.
This advanced technology is offered by board-certified ophthalmologists at the Mercyhealth Eye Centers in Janesville and Rockford.
Mercyhealth Eye Center ophthalmologists offer a modern lens implant measurement tool that adds a greater degree of precision to the accuracy of the lens implant placed inside your eye.
The Optiwave Refractive Analysis (ORA) system provides an intraoperative measurement to determine the precise lens implant power needed in your eye. After removal of your cataract, this special measurement is made to confirm that the exact lens implant power being placed in your eye is precisely what you need.
At Mercyhealth, we know that vision problems affect people of all ages. Even preschoolers may not see as well as they should.
Young children may be nearsighted, which means distant objects look blurred, or may be experiencing a wide range of other symptoms. Oftentimes, when conditions are caught early, treatments can help strengthen eyes or help the child adjust and thrive.
Pediatric eye care conditions treated:
- Corneal diseases
- Cataracts
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Glaucoma
- Keratoconus
- Macular degeneration
- Presbyopia
- Blurred vision
- Faded or dull colors
- Poor night vision
- Sensitivity to light
- Nearsightedness
- Farsightedness
- Astigmatism
- Amblyopia (lazy eye)
Good retinal health is important to maintain vision. Retinal care encompasses the retina and vitreous of the eye. The retina can be affected by systemic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Several medications can also affect retinal health.
Our retinal specialists can follow and/or treat many retinal issues including:
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Age related macular degeneration
- Macular edema
- Retinal vein and artery occlusions
- Retinal tears and detachments
- Optic nerve disorders
- Uveitis (inflammation inside the eye)
- Medication related effects on the retina
Make an appointment
To make an appointment or find an eye care professional, call 888.396.3729.