Dr. Melissa Clare Oltz O.D.?

Dr. Melissa Clare Oltz O.D.

Optometrist

100 Uptown Rd Ithaca NY, 14850 Show map

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About

Dr. Melissa Oltz is an optometrist practicing in Ithaca, NY. Dr. Oltz specializing in providing eye care services to patients. As an optometrist, Dr. Oltz performs eye exams, tests vision, corrects vision by prescribing eye glasses or contacts, detects certain eye disorders and manages and treats vision problems. Optometrists often work closely with ophthalmologists who may need to further treat patients with surgical procedures.

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Dr. Melissa Clare Oltz O.D.

Dr. Melissa Clare Oltz O.D.'s Expert Contributions

My Answers

What causes keratoconus?
Keratoconus is a degenerative thinning of the cornea, frequently associated with eye rubbing. There is some genetic component as well. Changes in prescription and frequent increases/shifts in astigmatism occur. Chances are, if your husband was recently diagnosed, he is not likely to develop severe stages. Most commonly, the condition is found in teenage years due to significant prescription shifts and decreased vision. Most commonly, the condition is managed with glasses and contact lenses. Corneal crosslinking is another commonly used to stabilize the cornea. The best thing is to get eye exams yearly or sooner when a vision change is noticed. This is a medical condition, so your medical insurance should be used for the exams. READ MORE
My eyes strain a lot when working on my computer. What could be the issue?
Computer Vision Syndrome is very common. Eye strain and visual fatigue results from prolonged exposure to full spectrum screens, prolonged over focusing at a specific distance without taking breaks, and decreased blink rate (zoning out and forgetting to blink causing dryness, haziness, eye pain etc.) All of the above combine to make you uncomfortable. Get your eyes checked to make sure you have the proper correction, get glasses with anti glare and blue blocking technology, and take breaks. Every 20 minutes look at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Remember to blink! (The typical blink rate is 17 blinks a minute and on the computer it drops to about 4 blinks a minute.) READ MORE
How would the optometrist prepare my eyes to test for cataract?
Cataracts are easily visible with a slit lamp and any optometrist will be able to identify the cataracts and let you know whether or not it is ready for surgery or if it is just shifting your prescription. A full, dilated eye exam should be performed, especially since you have not been seen in 10 years. There are lots of things besides cataracts that can blur your vision and a thorough eye exam is long overdue! READ MORE
Why do my eyes turn bloodshot by the end of the day?
Normally, that is a form of evaporative dry eye. It usually is brought on by intensive work (computer, driving, etc.). See your doctor for remedies best suited for you and your situation. Sometimes it is moist heat therapy, sometimes occupational glasses, sometimes drops, or all of the above. READ MORE
Can lupus make me blind?
It is unlikely lupus will make you blind but it can cause various eye problems which should be looked at and treated if/when they occur. See your eye doctor regularly. READ MORE
What causes retinal disorders in a person?
There are many causes including genetics and aging. Smoke exposure and certain medical conditions can make it worse. You and your mother should be examined regularly and follow your doctors guidance. Taking a Lutein supplement, eating a diet rich with green leafy vegetables, antioxidants (in food or supplements) and wearing UV protection are all helpful. READ MORE
My eyes are puffed up and feel heavy. Why?
Yes, if it feels different than your allergies, it can be an infection or clogged glands. Get them checked out. READ MORE
I have a problem seeing in dim light. Could it be night blindness?
Yes. It can also be uncorrected refractive error (needing glasses), dry eye, problems with the retina, cataracts...get it checked out by an eye doctor (this would be a medical visit covered under medical insurance) Taking a Lutein/Zeaxanthin supplement daily has been shown to improve night vision, increase contrast, and reduce glare. (Check out the research studies linked to the Macuhealth website) Also, there is dark adaptation testing that can be done to determine if the problem is in your retina: check with the Maculogix company to see who has an AdaptDx machine near you. READ MORE
I have been blinking too much. Is it normal?
If you are blinking a lot more than normal there could be several reasons including a small foreign body under one of your upper lids, dryness, allergies, keratitis, viral infection, plugged tear duct, eye strain, uncorrected refractive error, incomplete lid closure while blinking...best to get it checked out by a professional. READ MORE
I am have hazy vision in the mornings. Could it be due to my blood pressure?
It can be, but it also can be a host of other things. Get your eyes checked. READ MORE
Is there any supplement to improve eyesight?
Vitamins A-E, Lutein, Zeaxanthin, green leafy vegetables, etc. As for myopia (near sightedness), the most recent studies have found that spending more time outside on a daily basis slows it down. As far as non-surgical reversal of a prescription goes, they are working on it. READ MORE
My mother is a blood pressure patient. Will this cause complications in her cataract surgery?
No. She will get clearance prior to surgery with her primary care doctor and he/she would not allow it if her blood pressure is out of control. READ MORE
I am having a dull pain in my left eye along with a minor headache. What could this be?
This can be anything from dry eye to herpetic eye disease. You should have it checked out by your local optometrist. This is a medical problem so your medical insurance would apply here. READ MORE
Is there such a thing as a whole-eye transplant surgery?
Simple answer is no. You would have to hook up millions of nerve fibers in the right spot through the optic nerve in such a way that they would actually make sense in the brain. Entire eye transplants have been done in the past: bottom line is you will not see out of it. READ MORE
Can high thyroid hormone levels also affect the eyesight of a person?
Yes, have your eyes checked! READ MORE
I had corrective eye surgery, but I still can't read without glasses. Is something wrong?
If you are over the age of 40, it is because the focusing system of your eye gets weaker with time, and it starts to impact your reading. This should have been explained to you prior to your surgery. Go back to your eye doctor and make sure that you are not over corrected for the distance which can also speed up the need for reading glasses. READ MORE
My nephew is 7 years old and has been diagnosed with cataract. What should we do?
Yes, you can be born with cataracts. If the vision is being blocked or decreased, cataract removal surgery is done so that vision can develop normally. Typically, vision is corrected with a contact lens (yes, babies can wear contacts when medically necessary) or glasses. Once the eye grows to the proper size, a lens implant is inserted. READ MORE
What causes eye floaters?
“Normal” Floaters are common and can come more frequently with UV exposure. If the eyes are irritated, you tend to see them more. Wearing sunglasses with UV protection and putting in lubricant eye drops regularly is helpful. READ MORE
Can blood pressure medicines cause blurred vision?
Yes. Read the side effect insert that came with your medication. If it doesn’t go away, discuss with your doctor about alternative treatments. READ MORE
My son has been having a yellowish discharge from his eyes. What could this be?
It is a bacterial infection. He should be seen by his eye doctor. It will go away on its own, but will take a lot longer. READ MORE