Eye Conditions
Common Eye Conditions
Within our comprehensive practice, we treat vision conditions such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness) and astigmatism through visual aids and surgical procedures if desired, as well as conditions affecting the cornea, iris, lens, vitreous, retina, eyelid and surrounding areas. Some of the most common eye conditions include:
- Blepharitis
- Flashing Lights and Floaters
- Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)
- Ocular Trauma
Common Childhood Eye Conditions
In addition to detecting vision problems, our school eye exams also check for common childhood conditions such as a lazy eye (amblyopia) or crossed eyes (strabismus). These conditions are often present at birth as a result of genetic factors, and should be treated early to reduce the risk of complications. Treatment may include glasses to improve focusing or eye exercises to correct improper vision habits.
Our exams also test for dyslexia and other learning disabilities that may inhibit your child's ability to perform well in school. Children with dyslexia have trouble processing letters and sounds, and must work hard in order to read properly and efficiently.
It is important for parents to explain the importance of professional eye care and treatment to their children in order to promote proper eye health and a lifetime of strong, healthy eyes.
To schedule a comprehensive eye exam for your child, please call us today.
Cataracts and Surgical treatments
Cataract surgery is the most commonly performed procedure in the US, replacing the cloudy natural lens of the eye with a clear artificial lens called an intraocular lens (IOL). Cataracts affect millions of people each year, including more than half of all Americans over the age of 65, and cause a progressive, painless loss of vision, as well as:
- Blurred/hazy vision
- Spots in front of the eye(s)
- Sensitivity to glare
- A feeling of "film" over the eye(s)
- A temporary improvement in near vision
We perform a minimally invasive, small-incision, no-stitch cataract surgery called phacoemulsification ("phaco") surgery. During this procedure, a tiny incision is made in the eye to make room for a small ultrasonic probe. This probe breaks up, or emulsifies, the cloudy lens into tiny pieces. The pieces are then suctioned out through the probe. Because of its small size, the incision can heal on its own and only requires a topical (eye drop) anesthesia, so there is no injection or stitching in the eye at all.
Once the cloudy lens has been removed, the artificial IOL is implanted in the eye. Advanced foldable IOLs can be inserted through the same small incision that the original lens was removed from. This significantly reduces recovery times while improving safety and reducing the risk of bleeding, scarring, irritation and distortion.
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After Cataract Treatment
During cataract surgery, your doctor replaces the clouded, blurry area of the lens with an artificial one to correct vision. However, after surgery, many people experience a gradual clouding on the covering of the new lens, a condition known as aftercataract or secondary membrane.
A procedure called a posterior capsulotomy, using an Nd: YAG laser, can be performed to remove the back lining of the lens capsule and let light pass through to the retina. The laser creates a space in the back lining and helps remove cloudiness in the lens.
The capsulotomy is a painless procedure that does not require any anesthesia. It is considered a safe procedure and most people only experience short-term increased eye pressure. Most people experience improved vision and reduced glare after undergoing a posterior capsulotomy.
Laser Vision Correction
Laser Vision Correction, also known as LASIK, is quickly becoming the new standard in vision correction as it offers the most accurate, individualized results for each patient. This FDA-approved procedure uses three-dimensional measurements of the eye to help guide the laser as it reshapes the cornea and corrects your vision.
Laser Vision Correction lets patients benefit from a higher chance of achieving 20/20 vision, with many patients achieving vision that is better than 20/20, a feat often unachievable with traditional LASIK, glasses, or contacts. Laser Vision Correction also reduces the risk of poor night vision and glare, side effects that are common with traditional LASIK.
We perform bladeless “All Laser” LASIK utilizing the latest Intralase FS 60 laser and the VISX Star S4 IR laser, which accepts Wavescan data to perform CustomVue LASIK. The VISX Star S4 IR laser utilizes four dimensional eye tracking and iris recognition to ensure that the custom treatment plan is properly aligned on the eye’s visual axis. This combination of lasers sets the new standard for safety and efficacy in the LASIK procedure. The VISX Star S4 IR produces the shortest treatment time of any laser on the market through the use of variable spot scanning.
Not everyone is a good candidate for vision correction surgery by LASIK. If it is determined that you are not a good LASIK candidate, as an experienced cataract surgeon, we recommend alternative treatment plans which may accomplish your goals such as intraocular lens implantation. Lifestyle intraocular lenses nearly eliminate the need for both distance and near glasses or contact lenses.
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Macular Degeneration
The macula is a part of the retina in the back of the eye that ensures that our central vision is clear and sharp. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) occurs when the arteries that nourish the retina harden. Deprived of nutrients, the retinal tissues begin to weaken and die, causing vision loss.
AMD is the number-one cause of vision loss in the U.S. Macular degeneration doesn't cause total blindness because it doesn't affect the peripheral vision. Possible risk factors include genetics, age, diet, smoking and sunlight exposure. Regular eye exams are highly recommended to detect macular degeneration early and prevent permanent vision loss.
Symptoms of macular degeneration include:
- A gradual loss of ability to see objects clearly
- A gradual loss of color vision
- Distorted or blurry vision
- A dark or empty area in the center of vision
There are two kinds of AMD: wet (neovascular/exudative) and dry (non-neovascular). Dry AMD is much more common than wet AMD, and involves vision loss that is slower and often less severe than with wet AMD.
Recent developments in ophthalmology allow doctors to treat many patients with early-stage AMD with the help of lasers and medication.
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