General eye care/vision evaluation
Eye exams are usually performed in several stages. Following initial testing by a skilled technician, your doctor will examine you and determine if further testing is needed. After your examination, your doctor will discuss any findings and recommendations for visual correction, medical or surgical treatment, and further testing if necessary.
Click here to see an animation of how the eye works.

The Eye Center of Northern Colorado has been selected to take part in several different areas of research study. Click here for more information on the Eye Center's current studies with availability for qualified participants.

Glaucoma
Glaucoma affects the optic nerve, which is the visual tract connecting the eye to the brain. The most common risk factor for glaucoma is elevated intraocular pressure. 
When intraocular pressure increases, damage to the optic nerve may occur, causing blind spots, loss of peripheral vision, and blindness if undetected. Damage to the optic nerve cannot be reversed but further damage can be prevented with the use of eye drops, laser surgery, or outpatient surgery. Regular eye exams by your ophthalmologist are the best way to detect glaucoma. Kent Bashford, D.O. is the Eye Center's Fellowship trained Glaucoma specialist.

Cataracts
Cataracts occur when the lens, which is located behind the pupil, becomes cloudy. When a cataract forms, it becomes difficult to focus light on the retina which causes glare and blurry vision. Most cataracts develop slowly over time as part of the aging process. Cataracts are surgically removed through a small incision. The eye's natural lens is replaced with an intraocular lens implant, which lets light easily pass through to the retina to focus images sharply.

Advancements in technology allow your surgeon to achieve unprecedented results with cataract surgery. Lens implants sometimes combined with incisions to reshape the cornea may reduce or eliminate your need for distance glasses. Premium multifocal and accommodative lenses offer the potential for complete independence from glasses. So, when it comes time for cataract surgery, ask your doctor about upgrading to Restor®, ReZoom®, or Crystalens®.
Click here to see an animation about cataract treatment.

Diabetic Retinopathy
The retina is the nerve layer at the back of the eye that senses light and sends images to the brain. If you have diabetes mellitus, your body does not use and store sugar properly. High blood-sugar levels can damage blood vessels in the retina. Through a dilated examination, your ophthalmologist can diagnose any diabetic retinopathy and determine if further testing or treatment is needed. Maintaining normal blood sugar levels is key to preventing further damage to your retina. More complex cases may require a consultation with Dr. Kent Crews, our board certified, fellowship trained retina specialist.

Macular Degeneration
The macula is a small area in the retina at the back of the eye that allows you to see fine details clearly and perform activities such as reading and driving. Macular degeneration is the deterioration or breakdown of the macula. It reduces vision in the central part of the retina, however, does not affect the eye's side or peripheral vision. 
Patients with wet macular degeneration often require consultation with a retina specialist. There are new treatments including Avastin & Lucentis which have revolutionized care.
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Click here for additional information on education and training for
the visually impaired  www.ensightskills.org

Detached and Torn Retina
A retinal detachment is a very serious problem that almost always causes blindness if left untreated.  A retinal detachment occurs when the retina is pulled away from its normal position.  Early symptoms that may indicate the presence of retinal detachment include: flashing lights, new floaters, and/or a gray curtain moving across your field of vision.  These symptoms do not always mean a retinal detachment is present; however, you should see your ophthalmologist as soon as possible. Retinal detachment surgery can be performed at our out patient surgery center by our retinal specialist.

Corneal Transplants
Corneal transplant candidates are patients who have diseased or injured corneas that cause poor vision or eye pain that cannot be resolved through other treatment. During transplant surgery, the damaged cornea is removed and replaced with a clear donor cornea. Your ophthalmologist will follow you closely during the healing process. Dr. Matthew Robinson is our board certified fellowship trained corneal specialist.

Blepharoplasty
Blepharoplasty is the removal of excess skin, muscle and fat from both the upper and lower eye lids. Lid surgeries are performed to improve vision and also for cosmetic purposes. The Eye Center of Northern Colorado has a board certified, fellowship trained ophthalmic plastic surgeon, Dr. Chet Reistad, to meet your cosmetic and medical reconstructive eye surgery needs.
Dr. Reistad completed his fellowship with the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons. He is also an instructor for eyelid and endoscopic browlift surgery at the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

Botox® & Restylane®
This highly effective non-surgical procedure can reduce wrinkles in men and women ages 18 to 65. Botox® relaxes the overactive muscles so that you can frown, smile or look surprised with fewer creases or wrinkles. Botox injections take about ten minutes and last up to four months. With just one treatment, Dr. Chet Reistad our ophthalmic plastic surgeon can soften your toughest wrinkles.
Call (970) 221-2343 to schedule your Botox® or Restylane® consultation.

Pediatric Eye Care
The Eye Center of Northern Colorado has a fellowship trained pediatric ophthalmologist, Dr. Patrick Arnold, to meet your child's eye care needs. Development of the visual system occurs from birth through the first decade of life.  Several conditions such as misalignment of the eyes (strabismus), significant refractive errors, and cataracts can interfere with visual development. Some conditions have no symptoms and can only be detected through a complete eye examination. Treatment of childhood eye diseases is most successful at early ages and may include glasses, patching, eye drops, or even surgery. An examination can be performed at any age if a problem is suspected. 
Routine evaluation is ideally performed around three and one-half years of age. At the Eye Center of Northern Colorado your child will undergo a complete examination in order to detect and treat any potential problems.

Having worn glasses since I was ten and contact lenses for forty-two years, I find my vision since cataract surgery and ReZoom lenses a bit of a miracle. The procedure was painless with very little discomfort afterward. Not only is everything bright and clear, I no longer have to worry about wind and dirt under the contacts. For someone who was severely nearsighted, it is amazing.

Betty K.
Fort Collins