PATIENTS

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RETINAL HEALTH SCREENING TESTS

We offer the most advanced technology to help our patients safeguard their eye health. As a part of your eye exam, we recommend the Optomap digital retinal photography to provide an ultra-widefield view of the retina (back of the eye), and a macular pigment optical density (MPOD) measurement to screen for age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Though insurance does not pay for these tests, we strongly encourage you to take this opportunity to identify key risk factors for AMD and other serious eye diseases such as diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, macular edema, etc.

OPTOMAP RETINAL PHOTOGRAPHY

Allows detailed view of the retinal layers (where diseases can start) to facilitate detection of retinal disease, and can aid in early detection of life-threatening diseases like cancer, stroke and cardiovascular disease.
Combines retinal photography with computerized imaging for instant viewing.
Testing is fast, easy and comfortable – no dilation drops required.
The doctor may choose to dilate your pupils if there is a positive finding.

MACULAR PIGMENT OPTICAL DENSITY TEST (MPOD)

Measures thickness of protective macular pigment in the retina. The denser the pigment, the more protection you have in place to preserve your vision.
Identifies key risk factor for AMD (age-related macular degeneration). AMD is the leading cause of vision loss in the US affecting as many as 11 million people.
Identifies the risk of harmful blue light damage. Macular pigment is the eye’s natural defense against harmful blue light from sources such as sunlight, energy efficient light bulbs (CFLs and LEDs) and digital flat screen TVs, computer, tablets, smartphones, etc.
Who should have their MPOD tested?
Patients over 30 years old.
Patients with one or more AMD risk factors, such as family history of AMD, light-colored eyes and/or skin, low vegetable intake, current or former smoker, and females.

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Our Cancellation Policy

Scheduling services are the heart of our business and we schedule your service especially for you, with the understanding of the importance of your time. We strive for no, or very minimal waiting times for scheduled appointments. We will continue to notify our guests of their upcoming appointment times.

Please notify us at least 24 hours working time in advance if you are unable to keep your appointment. This courtesy allows someone else to be treated, a courtesy you would want if the circumstances were reversed. If you miss a scheduled appointment without 24 hours working time advance cancellation, you will be responsible for a $50.00 charge for the missed visit. You will not be rescheduled until the charge is paid in full.

Repeated missed appointments will require credit card information on file in order to reserve future appointment times or appointment privileges will be withdrawn. There are always unfortunate circumstances that occur which will result in a waiver of this fee. We have been forced to adopt this policy due to the lack of consideration of others.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How do I know if I have an eye problem?

Sometimes you don’t, which is why you should have your eyes examined on a routine basis. Sometimes there are no obvious signs or symptoms that alert you to an eye problem. The best rule is to have your eyes examined if you have any suspicion that there may be a problem – even if it seems minor. If you are concerned but not sure what to do, you can always call the office and ask to speak to Dr. Quick (505) 286-0300. For after hours emergencies, please page Dr. Quick at (505) 229-0285.

Signs and symptoms of eye problems that need immediate attention include:

sudden blurred vision
sudden loss of vision
sudden increase in floaters or flashes
red eye
discharge from the eye
any eye injury
eye pain

What exactly does "20/20 vision" mean?

“20/20 vision” is commonly accepted as the standard of normal distance vision for a human being. Basically it means “good visual acuity at 20 feet.” So if your vision is 20/20, you can read certain sizes of letters on a Snellen chart clearly at 20 feet or closer. But if your friend has 20/15 vision, his visual acuity is better than yours: you would have to stand 15 feet away from the chart to read the smaller letters that he can read while standing 20 feet away. Conversely, someone with 20/30 vision has worse distance vision than you.

By the way, visual acuity at a distance isn’t the only measure of how good your vision is. You could have 20/20 distance vision but still have difficulty seeing at night because of poor contrast sensitivity. Or you could have near vision problems because you’re over 40 and experiencing presbyopia.

How can over-wearing contact lenses affect my eyes?

Most contact lenses are only designed to be worn for a specific length of time. Commonly, soft disposable contact lenses are intended for a 2 week or 1 month of daily wear. However, this time may be shortened by the dry high-desert climate in New Mexico. Extending this period places the contact lens wearer at a very high risk for developing an infection. Some corneal infections associated with contact lens wear can cause permanent vision loss.

What is the difference between soft contact lenses and hard (rigid gas permeable) lenses?

The fundamental difference between soft and hard lenses is the material used in the lens. Rigid gas-permeable lenses are inflexible and maintain their bowl-like shape at all times. Soft lenses are can be manipulated out of their original form, but easily “bounce back” to their bowl-like shape without being damaged. Because of their rigid nature, gas-permeable lenses may initially feel slightly uncomfortable and take more time to get used to than soft lenses. Depending on an individual’s eye shape, they may get better vision through a rigid lens than a soft lens. Rigid contact lenses are typically smaller than soft lenses. Furthermore, soft and rigid lenses each have a unique care system.

Can I wear contact lenses if I need bifocals?

If you need bifocals you know that your prescription for distance and your prescription for up-close is different. In other words, going from far to near requires “additional” plus lens power. Some modern contact lens designs include both a prescription for distance and a prescription for near within the same contact lens. Other options do exist, such as wearing readers over the top of contact lenses designed for distance only or using one eye for distance and one eye for up-close. Dr.Quick and his contact lens specialist are experts at fitting contact lenses and can help you decide which option is best.

Does Cedar Crest Vision offer contact lenses for patients with keratoconus and other corneal abnormalities?

Cedar Crest Vision is to offers our patients contact lenses that provide better vision and comfort. We offer many a specially designed hybrid contact lenses that can help those with all types of corneal irregularities, including keratoconus.

How often should I have my eyes examined?

AGE              EYE EXAM FREQUENCY
0-24 m           by 6 months of age
2-5 yrs           at 3-4 years of age
6-18 yrs         by 1st grade, then every year
18-50 yrs       every 1-2 years
51 yrs+          every year

However, different eye conditions will require different frequencies of follow-up so you should follow your optometrist’s recommendation since it is specific for your eyes and vision.

How does Dr. Quick determine which contact lens is right for me?

Many factors weigh on the eye doctor choosing a contact lens, including:

Prescription
Presence of astigmatism
Presence of presbyopia
Curvature of the eye
Dimensions of the cornea
Lid anatomy
Tear film quality
Intended use or purpose of the lens

What is the difference between a daily-wear lens and an extended-wear lens?

All contact lens wear schedules are regulated by the United States Food and Drug Administration. Daily wear lenses are intended to be worn during the day and removed before sleeping. Extended wear contact lenses contain a special silicone material that allows more oxygen to move through the lens and is approved to wear continuously for multiple days in a row. However, Dr. Quick often recommends a shorter wear time for extended wear lenses due to the dry climate here in New Mexico.

Can I wear contact lenses if I have astigmatism?

Contact lens technology now allows us to fit most individuals for contact lenses. Astigmatism simply means that more prescription power is needed on some parts of the eye, but not others, in order to create a clear image. Contact lens orientation and stability if critical for individuals with astigmatism and, therefore, special lenses are required. Dr. Quick is widely known for successfully fitting patients with astigmatism.

How old does my child need to be before they can wear contact lenses?

At Cedar Crest Vision there is no set age requirement for contact lens wear. Contact lenses are a medical device and must be cared for appropriately. The maturity level of the child is what ultimately determines the use of contact lenses.