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Healthy Aging Month: Protecting Your Vision for the Years Ahead

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September is recognized as Healthy Aging Month , a time to focus on habits and healthcare choices that help us thrive as we grow older. Staying active and eating well are important, but so is maintaining healthy eyes. At ilumin Eye Care Center in Omaha, NE , we believe that protecting and enhancing your vision is one of the most powerful ways to stay engaged, independent, and confident at every stage of life. Thanks to remarkable advances in vision correction, adults now have more options than ever before to reduce or even eliminate their dependence on readers, bifocals, or cloudy cataract lenses. Clear vision truly supports healthy aging. Explore Expanding Options for Adults 40+ during Healthy Aging Month Not long ago, older adults had very limited choices: glasses, contacts, or standard cataract surgery that restored sight but didn’t necessarily improve overall vision quality. Today, modern techniques allow us to personalize treatments so patients in their 40s, 50s, 60s, and beyo...
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Clearer Vision with Refractive Cataract Surgery in Omaha

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Cataracts are one of the most common causes of vision loss as we age—and fortunately, also one of the most treatable. In a recent KETV Very Local Business Spotlight, Dr. Brandon Menke of ilumin in Omaha, NE , shared how modern refractive cataract surgery is transforming lives by going beyond simply removing a cloudy lens and giving patients personalized, lasting clarity. What Are Cataracts? A cataract develops when the eye’s natural lens becomes cloudy over time. This cloudiness can cause: Blurry or hazy vision Glare and halos around lights Frequent changes in glasses prescriptions Trouble seeing at night or in low light Cataracts are a natural part of aging, but they can seriously impact quality of life if left untreated. The good news: cataract surgery is one of the most common and successful procedures performed in the U.S. The Role of Intraocular Lenses (IOLs) Traditional cataract surgery involves removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with a clear, artificial in...
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Early Cataract Warning Signs Most People Miss

Cataracts often develop so gradually that early signs can go unnoticed until they start interfering with daily life. At ilumin, we see many patients who didn’t realize their subtle vision changes were related to cataracts. Knowing what to watch for can help you get timely treatment and protect your long-term vision. In this article, we’ll cover some of the most commonly missed early warning signs of cataracts. If you’ve noticed any changes in your vision, schedule a consultation with ilumin to get a clear diagnosis and personalized care. 10 Early Cataract Warning Signs Most People Miss 1. Cloudy or Blurred Vision Blurred vision that gradually worsens is one of the most common early signs of cataracts . Many people describe it as if they’re looking through a foggy or dirty window. At ilumin, we often hear from patients who thought they just needed a new eyeglass prescription, only to learn a cataract was affecting the lens inside their eye. This symptom can interfere with reading, w...
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Cataract Surgery Can Prevent Falls

At ilumin, we believe protecting your vision is also a way to protect your overall health and safety. Cataracts are a common cause of blurry vision in older adults, and that loss of clarity can significantly increase the risk of falls. Research shows that cataract surgery (including same-day bilateral surgical options available at ilumin!) not only improves eyesight but also helps reduce fall-related injuries. For patients looking to stay active and independent, addressing cataracts early can make a meaningful difference. Don’t wait—schedule your consultation with ilumin today and take the first step toward clearer vision and a safer tomorrow. How does cataract surgery help prevent falls? Cataract surgery helps prevent falls by restoring visual acuity, depth perception, and contrast sensitivity—three functions that are essential for safely navigating your environment. At ilumin, we understand that as people enter old age, the natural lens in the eye can become clouded by cataracts,...
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Cataract Awareness Month: Restoring Clear Vision at ilumin Eye Care Center

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Every June, we observe Cataract Awareness Month to spotlight cataracts , one of the leading causes of vision impairment—and one of the most successful surgeries performed today. At ilumin Eye Care Center in Omaha, NE, our renowned surgeons Brandon Menke , MD and Peter Simone , MD, PhD, help patients see clearly again using the latest cataract removal techniques and advanced intraocular lenses (IOLs). Here’s what you need to know about cataracts, why they form, and how we treat them. What Is a Cataract? A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s natural crystalline lens, which sits behind the iris and helps focus light onto the retina. As proteins in the lens break down over time, they clump together and create a veil-like opacity. Early on, you may notice: Blurred or dim vision Increased glare around headlights or in bright sunlight Faded or yellowed colors Frequent changes in your eyeglass prescription If left untreated, cataracts can progress to significant vision loss. Why a...
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What is Refractive Error?

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Clear vision is essential for daily life, but refractive errors can make it difficult to see objects at various distances. At ilumin, Omaha’s leader in medical and surgical eye care, we specialize in advanced solutions for vision correction. This guide explains what refractive errors are, their causes, symptoms, and the best treatment options available. If you’re struggling with blurry vision, schedule a consultation with ilumin to explore your options. What is Refractive Error? Refractive error occurs when the eye cannot properly bend (or refract) light to focus it on the retina, causing blurred vision. Normally, light should focus directly on the retina at the back of the eye. When this doesn’t happen, objects may appear blurry at certain distances. What Are the Four Main Types of Refractive Errors? There are four primary types of refractive errors: myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, and presbyopia. Each affects vision differently and requires unique correction methods. Myopia (Ne...
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Meet a Modern Visionary: Nicole Petersen

For over 26 years, Nicole Petersen has been an integral part of the ilumin team, bringing a unique combination of clinical expertise and business acumen to her current role as Modern Vision Billing Manager. With 30 years of experience in eye care, Nicole’s journey has been one of growth, learning, and unwavering dedication to patient care and team leadership. Nicole’s career in eye care began while she was in college, working as a receptionist in an optical department. She quickly transitioned to being an optician and later joined ilumin, where she spent 18 years as a Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) in a bustling retina clinic. Reflecting on her time in clinic, Nicole shared, “I thoroughly enjoyed learning the amazing world of ophthalmology, helping patients, developing relationships with them, and the camaraderie with fellow staff and physicians.” Over the years, Nicole has worn many hats, from managing medical supply orders to serving as the point of contact for drug represen...
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