Tower Clock Eye Center

Tower Clock Eye Center provides comprehensive eye care to patients of all ages. Our doctors are fully trained and experienced to diagnose, treat and prevent conditions from myopia and hyperopia to glaucoma, cataracts and everything in between. We strive to provide our patients with safe, minimally invasive treatments to effectively relieve symptoms and preserve vision and overall eye health. As a comprehensive ophthalmology practice, our services include not only laser vision correction and small-incision cataract surgery, but also treatments for a range of conditions such as glaucoma, diabetes, dry eye and macular degeneration. Routine Eye Exams Routine eye exams are an invaluable tool to maintain the health of your eyes by detecting and preventing disease. Some diseases develop slowly without pain or vision loss; early detection of any problems can reduce the risk of further harm and allow for a choice of treatment options. We regularly screen for diseases such as glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy, which can develop without any noticeable symptoms. Tower Clock Eye Center surgeon Dr. Tyson Schwiesow, MD. Patients should visit for a comprehensive eye exam every one to three years depending on their age, risk of disease and overall physical condition. Children should have routine eye exams to ensure the proper development of their vision and prevent any interference with their academic achievements. Older adults are at a higher risk for eye conditions such as glaucoma, macular degeneration and cataracts. Even if your eyes are healthy, you should still have routine eye exams to detect any problems as soon as possible to begin necessary treatment. Common Eye Conditions Our comprehensive practice treats vision conditions such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness) and astigmatism through visual aids and surgical procedures. We also treat conditions that affect the cornea, iris, lens, vitreous, retina, eyelid and surrounding areas. Some of the most common eye conditions include: Astigmatism Blepharitis Diabetic Retinopathy Dry Eye Keratoconus Macular Degeneration Presbyopia Uveitis Surgical Treatment Certain advanced eye conditions may require surgery in order to restore or maintain vision and prevent serious complications. Surgery for cataracts, glaucoma, corneal disease and other serious conditions are an effective means of correcting these diseases and returning the eyes to a more optimal state of health. Our doctors recommend surgery only when needed to reduce the invasiveness of treatment and any associated trauma or downtime, and after less invasive treatment such as medications, eye drops and laser procedures have failed. Our doctors also perform LASIK vision correction to improve vision and eliminate or reduce the dependence on contact lenses and glasses. Contact Lens Fitting Thanks to advances in optical technology, almost everyone can now wear contact lenses, regardless of the type or extent of their vision problems. That includes patients with astigmatism and those who need bifocal or multifocal lenses. At Tower Clock Eye Center, we offer a comprehensive array of the highest quality contact lenses to suit our patients’ individual needs. When you are fit for contact lenses, we will provide you with free trial lenses to get you started in finding the perfect lens for you. Our trained staff can assist you in proper insertion, removal and care instructions.

What is a cataract? Cataract Surgery | Cataract Surgeon | Shawano WI | Green Bay WI | Marinette WIA cataract represents a change in the structure of the human lens, leading to opacities that blur vision. Common symptoms include difficulty reading, seeing street signs and glare from oncoming car headlights. Timing of cataract surgery is usually dictated by the patient, when the symptoms of a cataract begin to interfere with the activities of daily life. A cataract is a clouding of the normally clear lens of the eye. It can be compared to a window that is frosted or yellowed. The amount and pattern of cloudiness within the lens can vary. If the cloudiness is not near the center of the lens, you may not be aware that a cataract is present. There are many misconceptions about cataract. Cataract is not: a film over the eye caused by overusing the eyes spread from one eye to another a cause of irreversible blindness Common symptoms of cataract include: a painless blurring of vision glare, or light sensitivity poor night vision double vision in one eye needing brighter light to read fading or yellowing of colors Will I need glasses after cataract surgery? Cataract surgery involves replacing the cloudy human lens with an artificial lens. Because of advances in lens design and surgical techniques, our surgeons are able to address presbyopia (the need for reading glasses), astigmatism, and many times both at the time of your surgery. Patients wishing to reduce or eliminate their dependence on glasses may be interested in our customized approach to cataract surgery. Will I be comfortable during cataract surgery? Cataract Surgery | Cataract Surgeon | Shawano WI | Green Bay WI | Marinette WIA cataract surgery involves removing the cloudy human lens and replacing it with a clear artificial lens. Topical anesthesia is usually employed; gels and drops are used to numb the eye to help prevent pain and discomfort during the procedure. This avoids the need for placing a needle behind the eye to inject anesthetic. Most cataract surgeries are between five and fifteen minutes in length. This approach makes surgery easier on patients and also decreases the risk of infection and other complications. While short operative times are not necessarily the goal, they typically are the result of disciplined surgery. Our approach to cataract surgery involves continued review of developing operative techniques and technology, separating what is new from what is better.

“What is glaucoma?” Tower Clock Eye Center fellowship trained glaucoma specialist Dr. Kurt Schwiesow, MD. Glaucoma is a disease of the optic nerve and is the second leading cause of blindness worldwide. Like a balloon, your eye needs a reasonable amount of pressure to maintain its shape, but too much pressure can damage the optic nerve and cause a loss of peripheral vision. Glaucoma is typically not painful and does not cause symptomatic loss of vision until it reaches an advanced state. Glaucoma is readily treatable, but screening and early diagnosis are vitally important. “My father had glaucoma. Does that put me at risk?” If you have a first degree relative (mother, father, brother, sister, child) with glaucoma you are at increased risk and should have a screening exam. Because glaucoma does not cause symptoms until late in the disease process, only about half of people with glaucoma in the U.S. have been diagnosed. Other risk factors include history of steroid use (even asthma and sinus medications), eye injury, African American ancestry, diabetes and nearsightedness. Because glaucoma can strike at any age, regular eye exams are highly recommended. “How is glaucoma detected?” If your doctor feels that you have early signs of glaucoma, further screening tests may be required. Visual field testing is typically performed to detect subtle changes in your peripheral vision. These tests take approximately five minutes per eye and can be a useful tool for detecting glaucoma. Because visual field testing can fail to detect early damage, our doctors also use the Zeiss Optical Coherence Tomographer (OCT). This device performs a scan of the optic nerve to evaluate the layer of tissue in the eye affected by glaucoma. Often this test can detect structural changes to the optic nerve before they affect the field of vision, allowing for earlier glaucoma detection and treatment. “What is angle closure glaucoma?” The “angle” refers to the drain of the eye that can close off and cause a rapid and severe rise in eye pressure. Although this can be treated, the effects of an attack of angle closure glaucoma can be lasting. Farsighted patients and patients with cataracts are at greatest risk for this form of glaucoma. Laser peripheral iridotomy is recommended for at-risk patients to prevent attacks of this type of glaucoma before they occur. Learn more here. “I have been diagnosed with glaucoma. Are there any changes to my lifestyle that I should make?” The only proven treatment for glaucoma consists of reducing pressure in the eye with drops, laser treatments or surgery. Although not proven to have an impact on glaucoma, adopting a healthy diet and exercise regimen along with smoking cessation will improve your overall health and may have an impact on your long-term treatment. “How is glaucoma treated?” Tower Clock Eye Center fellowship trained ophthalmologist Dr. Tyson Schwiesow, MD. Treatment for glaucoma is directed to reduce eye pressure, which slows or stops the damage caused to the optic nerve. There are three primary ways eye pressure is reduced: Eyedrops For the majority of patients, one or more eyedrops are effective at reducing eye pressure. While eyedrops typically have few or minimal side effects, some can be problematic in the setting of certain medical conditions or when used with other medications. It is important to use your eyedrops as prescribed. Laser When eyedrops prove ineffective or are difficult to take because of side effects or cost, laser treatment is an excellent option. Laser trabeculoplasty consists of a three minute treatment that is performed in the clinic. From the patient’s perspective, it is similar to having an examination and requires no restrictions afterward. During the treatment, a laser is used to shrink tissues that affect the drain of the eye, opening microscopic channels for eye fluid to flow out. Surgery For a minority of patients, surgery to create a new drain for the eye may become necessary.

LASIK improves vision safely and precisely by reshaping the cornea to correct nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia) and astigmatism. Vision improves within minutes, and most patients eventually enjoy 20/20 vision or better after treatment. The most commonly performed elective surgery in the U.S., LASIK (laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis) is safe, precise and highly successful. Thanks to LASIK, millions of people worldwide have experienced the wonder of clear vision without glasses or contact lenses. LASIK offers many advantages over other refractive surgery procedures. These include little or no post-operative discomfort, immediate vision improvement and the ability to drive or return to work quickly-sometimes as soon as the next day. Most patients require no corrective eyewear after surgery (although patients over age 45 often need reading glasses). Tower Clock Eye Center offers Premium LASIK. Premium LASIK offers many advantages over other standard LASIK services. Our Premium LASIK service includes: An all-laser, bladeless, wavefront-guided and highly customizable procedure A free screening to determine if you are a good candidate for LASIK Treatment by a fellowship-trained LASIK surgeon An experienced surgical team One year of free exams and two years of free enhancements Surgery at the area’s most advanced, dedicated laser vision correction facility Twenty-four hour on-call service A flat rate with no add-on fees Value, experience and quality Call today to schedule your FREE consultation and find out if you are a candidate for Premium LASIK. Soon you could be living without glasses or contact lenses and enjoying the freedom of clear vision. We offer financing through CareCredit. Premium LASIK FAQ Click on a question below to view the answer: How is Premium LASIK performed? How is the cornea reshaped? What is the recovery like? Am I a candidate? How does the price for Premium LASIK at Tower Clock Eye Center compare to other facilities? How do I choose a LASIK Surgeon? Why should I choose Dr. Thompson and Tower Clock Eye Center for my LASIK? “How is Premium LASIK performed?” The Premium LASIK procedure is a combination of two sophisticated technologies. The first is the creation of a thin flap on the surface of the cornea. The second is the use of an excimer laser to reshape the cornea under the flap using a femtosecond laser. Combining these two technologies allows for the rapid and precise correction of vision. “How is the cornea reshaped?” A laser known as an “excimer laser” is used to reshape the cornea. Over the years the technology behind the laser has improved. The process starts with the careful measurement of how far out of focus your eye is. We also use a special machine called a “wavefront analyzer” to measure tiny imperfections in the focus of your eye. These measurements result in a detailed picture of your eye, and allow your treatment to be customized just for you. The laser is able to track your eye between each laser pulse, and the entire process of reshaping the cornea usually takes less than 30 seconds. Some doctors refer to the newest process of reshaping the cornea as “Custom LASIK” or “all-laser LASIK.” Dr. Thompson uses the latest version of the VISX laser, the most popular excimer laser in the U.S. for Premium LASIK “What is the recovery following Premium LASIK?” Many patients are able to read the clock on the wall without glasses immediately following the procedure. Vision typically improves further over the first few days. You will use eye drops to help the eye to heal for about 1 month after the procedure. Dr. Thompson will check your eyes the day after, a week after and about a month after the procedure. “Am I a candidate?” Not everyone is a good candidate for Premium LASIK. When you come in for an evaluation, your eyes will be examined to determine whether Premium LASIK or another refractive procedure is appropriate for you, and whether you are at risk for any complications. The ideal Premium LASIK candidate: Is over 23 years old Has had stable vision for at least six months Has a healthy cornea thick enough for a flap Has refractive error(s) that falls within the treatable range Does not have a disease or condition that could impair the procedure or healing process Has been educated about the procedure including its risks and benefits Understands that the goal of surgery is to improve vision and reduce dependence on glasses and contact lenses

Tower Clock Eye Center treats a wide range of cornea conditions. The cornea is the clear, dome-shaped outer most part of the eye that acts like a window to the world for the brain. The cornea’s primary purpose is to focus and transmit light to the retina in the back of the eye. The shape and condition of the cornea is vital to vision and if it becomes distorted or changes shape, vision is affected. It is a complex system of highly specific cells and proteins that don’t receive blood, so it is especially vulnerable to disease and infections. Tower Clock Eye Center doctors offer cutting edge treatments for corneal conditions. Some of the innovative treatments we offer include: Corneal transplants Corneal cross-linking INTACS® corneal implants Scleral lenses The health of the cornea is vital to clear vision. Dr. Matthew Thompson, MD, is a fellowship trained surgeon who specializes in cornea disease and refractive surgery. He also performs Premium LASIK for patients looking to see clearer without glasses or contacts. Many corneal conditions require specialized treatment. We see patients for a wide variety of cornea problems such as: Dry eye Keratoconus Pterygium Trauma Infections Corneal erosions Corneal dystrophy (such as Fuchs’ endothelial corneal dystrophy and epithelial basement membrane disease) The cornea can often heal on its own from minor injuries, infections and traumas, but during the healing patients may experience excessive tearing, blurred vision, mild pain, a slight burning sensation, foreign body sensation or redness. If a person is experiencing changes in vision or if any of the symptoms mentioned above persist, call Tower Clock Eye Center at (920) 499-3102 for a comprehensive exam including a checkup of your corneal health.

Tower Clock Eye Center provides full optical services for our patients, with attention to personalized care when choosing glasses, frames and contact lenses. We offer a complete range of services while assuring the highest quality products and the most advanced lens technology. We stock designer brands and popular styles as well as a full array of sunglasses and accessories. Tower Clock Eye Center opticians have many years of optical experience and knowledge. We pride ourselves in working with our patients to obtain the best vision and frame comfort possible. We guarantee our frames and lenses, and will work with our patients to achieve complete customer satisfaction.