- Pediatric CareDr. Michaela Novak, O.D. graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Notre Dame. She then continued her education at the Illinois College of Optometry graduating magna cum laude with her Doctorate of Optometry in 2008. Dr. Novak’s training includes internships in primary care, ocular disease, contact lenses, and pediatrics. Dr. Novak is passionate about educating her patients and has special interests in myopia control and the management of dry eye disease. When not seeing patients, she enjoys hiking, running, and exploring the outdoors with her husband and twin sons.
- Primary Care
- GlaucomaMyopia, or nearsightedness, causes blurry distance vision. Myopic eyes are longer or more stretched than normally sighted eyes. A person with myopia can see clearly when reading a book or looking at their phone/computer screen, but words and objects at distance such as the whiteboard in school, television, or street signs appear fuzzy. Myopia tends to progress throughout childhood. Higher levels of myopia are associated with increased risk of sight threatening eye diseases such as retinal detachment, macular degeneration, early onset cataract, and glaucoma. Fortunately, we have several options to help slow this process.
- Macular DegenerationEveryone needs regular eye exams. It’s important for adults to schedule eye exams to monitor their eye health and check for problems. Conditions that are often detected during eye exams include glaucoma, macular degeneration, cataracts, and diabetic retinopathy. Early detection of these conditions allows for the widest range of treatment options and the best chance of slowing or reversing any symptoms.
- Laser Eye SurgeryLASIK stands for laser in-situ keratomileusis and is a popular surgery to correct vision problems. LASIK can help people who are nearsighted or farsighted, as well those who have astigmatism.
- Cataracts
- Eye ExamDr. Crothers and Dr. Novak dilate most patients in order to provide a more comprehensive eye examination. Dilating the pupil allows a more extensive view of the retina. Many eye diseases have no noticeable symptoms until the later stages, so it is important to check for them even if you are not experiencing any disturbances in your vision.
- Diabetes Care
- Diabetic Retinopathy