Eye Care

At Colorado River Eye Care, we are pleased to offer a wide range of optometry services for our community! Our experienced optometrist and staff can provide you with thorough eye evaluations, determine if you need corrective lenses and your exact prescription strength, fit you with the appropriate specialty eyewear, and help you pick out the most flattering pair of glasses for your face shape and skin tone.

Our new patient appointments always begin with a comprehensive eye exam. If you are unsure of your family’s eye health history, it’s helpful to research beforehand, so we can better evaluate your own eye health. If you have never had a comprehensive exam, don’t worry! All the tests and exercises are simple and painless.

Optometry Services in Bullhead City, AZ

Full Comprehensive Eye Exams

If you have not had a comprehensive eye exam in the past year, it is time to schedule one. Colorado River Eye Care’s eye exams identify current problems with eyes as well as looming issues. If your vision has weakened, we will update your prescription so you can see with flawless visual clarity. Eye exams also include an intake of data pertaining to your family’s history of glaucoma, macular degermation and other eye problems.

The eye doctor will perform a refractometry that updates your current prescription for glasses or contact lenses. If you are pre-glaucomic or glaucomic, the eye doctor will test your intraocular eye pressure to get a sense of whether the pressure is stabilizing or worsening. All in all, the comprehensive eye exam performed at your office is likely to take about half an hour.

If the eye doctor wants to take a look at the back of your eyes, dilating drops will be used, adding another 15 minutes or so to the total exam time. Your eyes will be sensitive to light following the use of dilating drops so be sure to bring a pair of sunglasses along and take the afternoon off from work if you stare at a screen all day or labor outside in the bright sunlight.

Contact Lens Exams with Topography

Contact lens exams are fairly similar to regular eye exams performed at Colorado River Eye Care. Our eye doctor will test your vision using an eye chart along with a phoropter. The curvature of the cornea will be measured. The internal structure of the eyes will also be examined. Accurate measurements are necessary for creating contact lenses that rest comfortably along the cornea’s surface.

Additional testing might be necessary if you have a pre-existing eye condition or if the doctor spots something unusual during the contact lens exam. Keratometer measurements are also taken to accurately measure the cornea’s curvature. Once the right diameter dimensions and curvature are recorded, the stage is set for the creation of your contact lenses.

The eye doctor will also perform corneal topography. This medical imaging procedure helps map the cornea’s curvature and surface. This topography is a key component of the contact lens evaluation as it assists with the overarching eye assessment necessary to ensure the optimal contact lens fit. The corneal topography results in a highly detailed description of the cornea’s power and shape. Such analysis reveals the details our eye doctor needs to gauge your eye health, fit your contact lenses just right and determine if laser vision correction will be necessary.

Glaucoma Screening

Glaucoma screening at Colorado River Eye Care is performed to gauge intraocular eye pressure. If your eye pressure is in the low 20s or higher, you might be considered pre-glaucomic or glaucomic. However, aside from the use of eye drops, pre-glaucomic patients cannot do much else to reduce eye pressure. Contrary to popular opinion, the use of medical marijuana and even exercising at a higher frequency are not guaranteed to lower eye pressure. Some studies have revealed exercise and medical marijuana have the potential to increase intraocular eye pressure.

The glaucoma screening is centered on the air puff test. This eye pressure test measures the resistance of the eye to air puff sent directly into the eye. Pressure testing is the initial step in screening for glaucoma. However, even if the eye doctor finds your eye pressure is elevated into the low 20s, it is not a definitive indication that you will end up with glaucoma.

What matters most is that glaucoma is diagnosed as early as possible so timely treatment can be provided. This is precisely why we encourage all patients to return to our office at least once per year for an annual glaucoma screening. If you have not had your eyes screened for glaucoma in the prior year, reach out to us today (928) 758-2020.

Diabetic Retinopathy Screening with Dilation

Diabetic retinopathy screening is best described as an eye exam that gauges ocular health of kids saddled with diabetes. This exam involves the use of dilating drops so your child’s vision will be blurry for upwards of a couple hours after the screening. However, your little one should not fear this screening as it does not cause any pain whatsoever. Our eye doctor will inside your little one’s eyes using a bright light to examine the tissues toward the back part of the eye.

Every parent should know dilated eye exams that screen for diabetic retinopathy are not vision tests. This screening is performed for kids who are diabetic and facing a heightened risk of developing diabetic retinopathy. Retinopathy leads to alterations within the blood vessels toward the back part of the yes. Diabetic retinopathy is the top cause of blindness in our country. What matters most is that it is identified as soon as possible and treated to prevent blindness. If your child has diabetes or if you suspect he or she might be diabetic, reach out to us today to schedule a diabetic retinopathy screening with dilation. You can reach us by phone at (928) 758-2020.

Visual Fields Testing

Visual field testing measures a patient’s scope of vision, meaning both central vision as well as peripheral vision to the sides. This testing is centered on mapping each eye’s visual field to identify blind spots and even dimming vision. Visual field tests are subjective examinations, meaning it is important that the patient understand all of the testing instructions, complete the full visual test and cooperate with the eye doctor.

The purpose of visual field testing performed at Colorado River Eye Care is to identify indications that the optic nerve has suffered glaucoma damage. Visual field tests are also helpful for detecting peripheral retinal disease, central retinal disease, optic nerve damage/disease, eye drooping and conditions that compromise visual pathways that move from the optic nerve to the occipital cortex within the brain for vision processing. Reach out to our office today to schedule your visual fields testing. You can contact our Bullhead City, AZ eye care office by dialing (928) 758-2020.

Prescription Eyewear Dispensing and Adjusting

Schedule an appointment with Colorado River Eye Care and the process of selecting, receiving and adjusting your eyewear will be a pleasure. Our friendly staff is here to help you choose the best pair of glasses for your unique head shape, eyes and stylistic preference. Describe what you are looking for and we will steer you toward frames that look amazing on your face. Our team knows exactly which frames will work the best with your unique eyeglasses prescription.

Once you select your glasses, it is time to order the prescription lenses. The lenses are closely inspected upon arrival. Our team will contact you as soon as your glasses are available so you can pick up your new eyewear right away.

If you find the frames don’t fit right after time passes or if they end up causing discomfort down the line, our team will gladly adjust them so they are perfectly comfortable. If this is your first time wearing eyeglasses or bifocals, we will provide a short educational session in which we explain how the glasses work, the best approach to cleaning them and other subtleties that you would have no way of knowing without our expert guidance. If you know or suspect you need a new pair of glasses or if you would like your glasses adjusted, reach out to us today at (928) 758-2020 to schedule an appointment.

Color Vision Screening

Color vision screening determines if you are colorblind. Colorblind tests are typically centered on the use of images referred to as Ishihara color plates. Our eye doctor, Dr. Eric Jones OD, will have you look at images that have numbers within colored dots. The numbers are not the same color as the background. If the numbers cannot be seen, it is an indication you are colorblind. Color blindness occurs when the retinal tissue cone cells toward the back of the eye are damaged or simply do not function.

Color vision screenings are provided to kids at an early age to gauge whether they can see colors exactly as they are. If it is determined you or your child are colorblind, there is no reason to panic. Colorblindness will not make life as difficult as most assume. If you have a family history of color blindness or if you suspect your child might be color blind, reach out to Colorado River Eye Care to schedule your color vision screening. In particular, those who are suffering from noticeable vision issues or deteriorating color vision are encouraged to schedule a color vision screening at our office as soon as possible. You can reach us by phone at (928) 758-2020.

Onsite Lab Services

Colorado River Eye Care is proud to provide onsite lab services, meaning we will create your eyeglasses right here at our office. This is the convenient, one-stop-shopping you deserve. We will fulfill your prescription needs in comparably little time. Our on-site lab is located at our Bullhead City, AZ facility to expedite the manufacture and preparation of your glasses, bifocals and other prescription needs.

An on-site lab eliminates the need to transmit prescription information to a completely separate facility that might be hundreds or even thousands of miles away from our office. There is no sense waiting any longer than necessary to receive your lenses when our service provides everything you need in a fraction of the time it takes competitors to do the same through outsourcing.

Aside from expediting the manufacture and availability of your glasses, part of the appeal of using our onsite lab services is increased control. Our eye doctor, Dr. Eric Jones OD, has full control over the process of creating lenses to ensure they are absolutely flawless. We do everything from casting to tinting, surfacing, edging and finishing right here in-house. Performing this work in-house streamlines the process so you can receive the best possible prescription lenses without subjecting them to the risk of transportation from an off-site lab to our facility.

Onsite Frame Repair

Frames are getting stronger with each passing year yet there is always the potential for them to break. If your frames are even slightly compromised as a result of participation in sports, an auto accident, an accidental drop or anything else, contact Colorado River Eye Care for onsite frame repair. If we aren’t extremely busy, we will even repair your frames on-site without an appointment. This timely service is exactly what you need to get your vision back to normal so you can return to work and living life to the fullest.

We understand your time is worth money. Lean on our eye care specialists to handle your frame repair and it won’t take long to return your frames to normal so they feel comfortable and empower you to see the world exactly as it is. Even if your frames have endured significant damage, our onsite frame repair service will get them back to normal. We recommend getting a backup pair of glasses just in case your frames are damaged to the point that they require replacement. If your frames are compromised in any way, reach out to our office today to schedule prompt repair. Our eyecare specialists can be reached by phone at (928) 758-2020.

Foreign Body Removal

A foreign body that enters the eye has the potential to cause significant issues, especially if it is sharp, dirty or otherwise contaminated. Even something as simple as a diminutive allergen can damage the eye or become trapped beneath the eyelid, leading to all sorts of problems down the line. Do not try to remove such a foreign body from your eye on your own. Instead, do the smart thing by contacting Colorado River Eye Care for assistance with foreign body removal. Even if you cannot see the foreign body within your eye, you might detect is presence due to pain or irritation. It is also possible the foreign body moved from the eye beneath the eyelid.

Our eye care specialists are here to ensure the foreign object does not lead to an inflammatory cascade that dilates vessels and causes edema of the cornea and conjunctiva. Sadly, foreign bodies that are not removed from the eye will lead to an infection. Instead of using your finger or another small tool such as tweezers to attempt to pluck the foreign body out of your eye, lean on our team to carefully remove it and assess your eye health.

Reach out to our team today at (928) 758-2020 to schedule an appointment. We will prioritize your emergency need for foreign object removal to restore your vision to perfect clarity and set the stage for continued eye health.

Pre and Post Operative Management of Cataracts

Cataract management requires both pre and post-operative management. An artificial lens is used to replace the clouded lens in cataract surgery. This is a safe procedure yet it will require careful management on your behalf. Pre-operative care prior to cataract surgery greatly reduces the chances of subsequent complications following the procedure. Cataract surgery pre-operative management also enhances the chances of the procedure being 100% successful. You can do your part to prepare for cataract surgery by attending a pre-operative assessment. An ultrasound scanning performed by the surgeon measures the eye’s size to gauge its shape along with the optimal size and type of intraocular lens for replacing the eye’s natural lens.

Our eye doctor, Dr. Eric Jones OD, will also determine if you are a suitable candidate for sedation. Certain medications must be halted prior to the procedure. Fasting, extensive rest and scheduling a ride home from the operation are also essential to preparing for this surgery. Once the procedure is complete, you will be provided with instructions for eye care that facilitate recovery as quickly and comfortably as possible. Certain activities such as exposure to water in a hot tub or swimming pool must be avoided after this procedure. The doctor will detail additional strategies that catalyze your recovery so you can return to life as usual after your cataract surgery. If you are planning a cataract surgery or if you suspect you need this surgery, reach out to our team today for more information about pre-operative and post-operative management. You can reach Colorado River Eye Care by phone at (928) 758-2020.

Pre and Post Operative Refractive Surgery Management

Refractive surgery improves the eye's refractive state to reduce dependency on contact lenses or glasses. This procedure involves a surgical cornea remodeling, the implantation of a lens or the replacement of the lens. Refractive surgery treats vision problems including farsightedness, nearsightedness and astigmatism. A laser reshapes the outer section of the eye required for focusing light for optimal visual clarity. If you suffer from chronic dry eye or corneal disease, you might not qualify for this procedure. A comprehensive eye exam along with a thorough review of your ocular health history will be necessary prior to the actual surgery. Be sure to rest your eyes for as long as possible on the morning/afternoon leading up to the surgery.

Post-operative refractive surgery management is centered on the use of specialized medicated eye drops along with a clear protective shield placed above the eyes. Be sure to coordinate a ride home with a family member or friend so you can make it home safely after the surgery. Medicated eye drops will be necessary for upwards of a week or even longer to facilitate healing and prevent infection. Artificial tears might also be necessary to maintain the optimal level of eye moisture.