Procedures

Cataract Evaluation & Surgery

Cataracts cause progressive, painless loss of vision. The lens clouds naturally as we age, so people over the age of 65 usually see a gradual reduction of vision. No one is exactly sure what causes cataracts. In younger people they can result from an injury, certain medications, or illnesses such as diabetes. Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light may also play a role in the formation of cataracts. Studies have also shown that people who smoke cigarettes have a higher risk of developing cataracts than non-smokers.

Treatment for cataracts is done through cataract surgery, the most commonly performed surgical procedure in the US. Cataract surgery is a minimally invasive procedure that involves numbing the eyes with anesthesia and then making a tiny incision into which an ultrasonic probe is inserted. The probe breaks up, or emulsifies, the cloudy lens into tiny pieces and then suctions them out of the eye. Once the cloudy lens has been removed, a new artificial lens is implanted into the eye. This lens is known as an intraocular lens (IOL), and can often be inserted through the same incision that the old lens was removed from.

Glaucoma Evaluation & Treatment

Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness in the United States. The risk of glaucoma increases with age, and those with diabetes, nearsightedness and a family history of the disease are also at an increased risk. The most common type of glaucoma, chronic open-angle glaucoma, causes a slow, "silent" loss of vision. Many patients with glaucoma are not even aware that they have this condition.

With routine eye exams, early signs of glaucoma can be detected and appropriate testing and treatment can be implemented. We offer the latest in diagnostic technology including the Humphrey Visual Field Analyzer.

While there is no cure currently available for glaucoma, treatment is often effective in restoring vision and slowing the progression of the disease. Treatment options include eyedrops, laser surgery, or more complex surgical procedures. Your doctor will determine which type of treatment is best for you after a thorough evaluation of your individual condition.

Macular Degeneration Evaluation

Macular degeneration is the leading cause of blindness in adults over the age of 55. It involves a weakening of the tissues in the retina that causes gradual vision loss and may develop as a result of genetics, age, diet, smoking and sun exposure. Patients with this condition may experience distorted or blurry vision, a loss of color vision or a dark area in the center of vision.

Although there is no cure for macular degeneration, early detection and treatment may slow progression of the disease. With the latest in high-resolution digital imaging, we are able to closely follow any progressive degeneration and recommend the latest in treatment options.

Diabetic Eye Care

Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness in Americans under the age of 55. Prevention or early detection and treatment are vital to preserving sight. All diabetics should have yearly dilated eye exams to detect any retinopathy. With the latest in high-resolution digital imaging, flourescein angiography, and laser technology, we provide state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment options. Combining routine eye care with steady blood sugar levels and a healthy diet, patients can reduce their risk of complications and permanent vision loss.

Dry Eye

Dry eye is the term for when your eyes are insufficiently moisturized, either because they do not produce enough tears or because the tears have an improper chemical composition. It often occurs during the natural aging process, but it can also form as a result of eyelid or blinking problems, certain medications (antihistamines, oral contraceptives, antidepressants), climate (low humidity, wind, dust), injury, and various health problems (arthritis, Sjogren's syndrome).

Laser Vision Correction

LASIK is a safe, reliable and painless way to improve vision without the need for glasses or contact lenses. LASIK, which stands for laser assisted in-situ keratomileusis, is a form of refractive surgery that changes the way light is bent, or refracted, as it passes through the cornea so that it focuses properly on the retina in the back of the eye and objects can be seen clearly. The procedure is effective for many patients with nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia) and astigmatism.

During the procedure, a device called a microkeratome creates a flap in the outer layer of the cornea called the epithelium. Patients are given topical anesthesia and a mild sedative so they are awake but calm and cannot feel the instruments. The epithelial flap is lifted and an excimer laser beam adjusts corneal curvature so objects no longer appear blurry. The cornea is steepened for hyperopic patients, flattened for myopic patients, and made more spherical for patients with astigmatism. The flap is then closed.

The entire LASIK procedure takes only 15-30 minutes per eye, and patients are often ready to leave the office within an hour or two. A common complaint after surgery is sensitivity to light, but this will subside. Antibiotic eye drops will be prescribed for a few days, along with any other post-operative instructions. Full recovery takes a few weeks.

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