Obermark Optometry, Inc.

08/28/2025

Cataracts are one of the leading causes vision loss. They occur when the eye's natural lens becomes clouded over time. Clear Images can no longer be sent to the retina. The most common cause of cataracts is a change in the tissue that makes up the eye lens due to aging or injury. People generally develop age-related cataracts starting in their 40s, with the cloudiness becoming more severe and noticeable in their 60s and 70s.

Traditionally, cataracts are treated by removing the affected lens and replacing it with a standard artificial intraocular lens (IOL), which improves the quality of vision. However, most patients who opt for & receive standard intraocular lenses during cataract surgery still need glasses or contact lenses to read or treat astigmatism. Advanced Intraocular lenses have developed over the last few decades to correct refractive errors & reduce post operative dependence on corrective eyewear. With the use of advanced IOLs, a patient's vision can be customized, and their need for dependence on glasses afterwards greatly reduced or eliminated completely. It's amazing!

Our doctor of optometry can determine if and when you need cataract surgery by assessing the severity of your cataracts and how they are impacting your daily vision and activities. If you think you may have cataracts call to schedule a comprehensive eye examinaton with us. Our doctor can help you explore your options.
Washington 636.239.7144 / Belle 573.859.6614

08/27/2025

A first brand extension of Marcolin's Guess eyewear, this is Marciano Los Angeles. This edgy eyewear is a little boasty-upper line but descriptive in a proud and accomplished way. Beautiful eyewear. Our eyewear is selective & diverse - we have something for nearly everyone 🎈

08/26/2025

Eyewear lenses: Not all eyeglass lenses are equal. Opting for private practice optometry & their associated reputable laboratory to get your outcome spot on - you can receive the guidance & product which suits you best. Today's post is about the Pros & Cons of Polycarbonate Vs. Trivex Lenses. Both lens materials are impact-resistant, have built-in UV protection, and they are thinner & lighter than plastic (CR-39 lenses). Polycarbonate & Trivex are the recommended lens material for kids or anyone needing an impact resistant lens. So, what is the diff?

✔️Polycarbonate Pros: An industry standard lens means that they are compatible with other lens option adds (light intelligent lenses, variable prescription strengths, other coatings); they are thinner than Trivex, light weight, are impact resistant and inexpensive.
✔️Polycarbonate Cons: The degree of optical clarity is less than Trivex.
✔️Trivex Pros: A thin & light weight lens material boasts improved optical clarity over Polycarbonate, and has a greater tensile strength (for drill mounts).
✔️Trivex Cons: Trivex offers less availability with other lens option additions, and are pricier than polycarbonate lenses. Trivex lenses offer improved optical clarity over polycarbonate lenses but are about 10% "thicker".

Q: What's our recommendation for Polycarbonate Vs. Trivex?
A: Bottom line: Let us be your lens guide experts. Based upon your prescription, choice of additional options, frame selection & what you would like to spend, we will help you decide. Your eyes, your wallet, our expertise. Whether polycarbonate or Trivex - when combined with a lightweight frame either is an excellent choice for kids and anyone needing durable and comfortable lenses.

08/25/2025

Regular Eye Examinations are important. One of the causes of irreversible vision loss could begin with elevated eye pressure, according to a recent study published in the American Academy of Ophthalmology (Date: May 15, 2025/Source: University of Mississippi). Pressure inside the eye can increase when aqueous humor (a clear fluid produced by the eye) does not properly drain. The buildup of fluid increases pressure on the lamina cribrosa, a mesh-like structure in the optic nerve head, which can constrict blood vessels, reducing oxygen flow to nerve cells and other parts of the eye. While the eye can weather a short-lived elevaton in eye pressure (Ocular Hypertension), a chronic increase (of weeks, months or years) can cause substantial damage. Treatment options are available for elevated eye pressure, but they are most effective for patients who undergo regular eye examinations and are diagnosed early, especially if they are at risk of developing glaucoma.

Photo credit: National Eye Institute.

08/24/2025

Today, August 24, 2025, the general pollen, w**d, and mold allergen index in the Washington/Belle, MO area is high, with high counts for w**ds and mold. If your allergies are wreaking havoc on your eyes (red, itchy & watery eyes are common), please give us a call. We can usually work you in for a medical ofc visit to address your immediate symptoms & provide relief.

While over-the-counter solutions can offer temporary relief, our doctor is your best resource for managing these allergies effectively & quickly. The first step is an accurate diagnosis. Allergies can sometimes mimic other conditions like dry eye syndrome or infections. Our doctor will examine your eyes to rule out these issues and determine the exact cause of your symptoms. Once diagnosed, he can recommend personalized treatment options based on the severity of your allergies. This may include prescription eye drops to reduce inflammation, antihistamines to control itching, or other medications to ease discomfort.

08/22/2025

What your eat affects your health. Antioxidants, in particular, are eye health superheroes. To learn more, open the information. Credit goes to the American Optometric Association.

Add these eats to your menu.

08/20/2025

It's cooler today (tomorrow - even cooler)! As the weather cools, sunwear fashion trends shift towards warmer hues and materials. Our Maui Jim cabinet is full of eyewear that is trendy, stylish and practical for all seasons current & ahead. Stop in our WashMO ofc & see. We love Maui Jim & we have you covered!

08/19/2025

08/18/2025

FLOATERS.
Q: What are they?
A: In short, floaters are composed of tiny strands of vitreous (the gel-like fluid that fills your eye), which clump together and cast shadows on the retina (the light-sensitive layer of tissue at the back of the eye). Those shadows appear as "floaters" and are often described as squiggly lines, black spots, little cobwebs, ring shapes or threads within a person's visual field.

While most floaters come & go, & typically just need to be monitored without treatment, some can be indicitative of a more serious eye condition. Restated, treatment for floaters depends on the cause. If the floaters are caused by another eye condition (such as other changes within your retina), then treatment may be needed for that condition.

So if you or your person notices new floaters that appear suddenly and don’t go away, it’s important to tell your eye doctor. A dilated fundus exam is needed to accurately diagnose what is being experienced.

We can help. Call us in Washington 636.239.7144 or Belle 573.859.6614

08/15/2025

Making retinal ganglion cells and astrocytes from stem cells may one day help doctors rewire optic nerves damaged by glaucoma. Research nothing short of amazing. Credit: National Eye Institute.

Drumroll please!! Introducing our for August. This photo depicts new neurons (green) and their supporting cells, called astrocytes (red), created in a petri dish from stem cells. Making retinal ganglion cells and astrocytes from stem cells may one day help doctors rewire optic nerves damaged by glaucoma.

You can view this image and others by visiting:
https://brnw.ch/21wUTEr

08/13/2025

Transitions GEN S lenses are super responsive to light—they start to darken within seconds of being exposed to sunlight. And when you go back inside, they return to clear faster than ever—usually in under two minutes.