Eye Physicians & Surgeons

EPS Surgical Center, LLC is owned and operated by the doctors at Eye Physicians & Surgeons. It is a state-of-the art facility dedicated to providing excellent surgical services for our patients with surgical needs. The center provides a comfortable environment free from the anxiety and stress of a hospital setting and also reduces the out-of-pocket expenses of our patients. You receive personalized attention from scheduling and admissions through the pleasant recovery process. You are never left unattended by our medical staff, and our surgical staff of Registered Nurses and Surgical Technicians uphold the highest standards of safety and care. The facility is located adjacent to our main office at 1457 Scott Boulevard, in Decatur, Georgia. For our patients' convenience, EPS Surgical Center accepts all insurance plans accepted by Eye Physicians & Surgeons. Accredited by AAAASF EPS Surgical Center holds the distinguished certification of the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgical Facilities (AAAASF) for indicating that quality care and personalized service are continually delivered. To qualify for this premier accreditation, rigid standards must be met in patient safety, emergency equipment, anesthesia, instrumentation, policies, procedures and quality control. AAAASF operates a voluntary review and accreditation program that helps ensure the highest achievable level of patient care. We are proud to join an elite group of facilities accredited in the United States. Eye Physicians & Surgeons, PC Medicare Certified EPS Surgical Center is "Medicare Certified," ensuring that our patients receive the highest quality level of surgical services. The surgery center is equipped with Two operating rooms for eye surgical procedures including cataracts, glaucoma surgery, lens implantation, corneal surgery, and eye plastic surgery Newest and most advanced laser and phacoemulsification equipment for cataract surgery Lasers used in the treatment of glaucoma and other vision disorders Specialized nurses and experienced ophthalmic surgical assistants Comfortable pre-operative and recovery suite Spacious waiting area for patients and relatives Adjacent free parking

Our team of board certified surgeons have years of experience in providing the latest technology for treatment and removal of cataracts. A cataract is the clouding of the natural lens inside the eye. If it is significantly impairing your vision, cataract removal and replacement with an intraocular lens, (IOL) is considered to improve your vision. Symptoms include: Glare and halos around bright lights Blurry or double vision Difficulty distinguishing colors Difficulty seeing or driving at night Frequent prescription changes for glasses Laser Assisted Cataract Surgery Custom, blade-free, laser assisted cataract removal allows the surgeons to plan and perform cataract surgeries to exacting, individualized specifications unattainable with standard cataract surgery. For patients with astigmatism and for patients who wish to reduce or eliminate their need for glasses, Laser Assisted Cataract Surgery offers some distinct advantages over traditional cataract surgery. It uses a femtosecond laser to accomplish many of the more challenging surgical steps traditionally performed by hand. The precise, reproducible steps performed by the laser mean better lens positioning, less trauma to the eye, and more predictable visual results, which are especially important with advanced IOL's. Lens Implant Options We offer a full menu of lens implant options to match your lifestyle. Intraocular lenses (IOL) are available with optics that provides patients with a wide range of visual clarity and focusing capabilities. Standard Monofocal Lens Monofocal implants provide a single zone of clear focus and are usually targeted to provide clear distance vision. If you wore corrective lenses (glasses/contacts) before cataract surgery, you will most likely need to wear them after surgery. ArcSof Restor Multifocal Lens Implants for Patients with or without Presbyopia These implants enable patients to see at near, far and intermediate distances after surgery. AcrySof ReSTOR is a breakthrough lens that uses apodized diffractive technology to give patients a full range of vision - near through distance - and greatly reduces their reliance on reading glasses or bifocals. The AcrySof ReSTOR intraocular lens (IOL) is an artificial lens used in cataract surgery for patients with or without presbyopia. The unique patented optic design results in highly predictable visual acuity results, meaning patients can read the text on items such as prescription bottles, magazines, newspapers and computer screens, while also providing the ability to see items at a distance independent of reading glasses or bifocals. In fact, clinical trials have demonstrated that four out of five patients reported never wearing glasses or bifocals following bilateral cataract surgery. For more information visit http://www.acrysofrestor.com Toric Toric Implants for Patients with Astigmatism The AcrySof Toric Intraocular Lens (IOL) is an advanced technology that now makes it possible to correct the cataracts clouding your vision - AND the corneal astigmatism distorting your vision - all at the same time. The technology behind the AcrySof Toric IOL offers precise astigmatic correction that reduces or eliminates corneal astigmatism and delivers significantly improved distance-vision without glasses or contacts for cataract patients with pre-existing astigmatism. With the AcrySof Toric lens, your distance vision can be clear and vibrant, all in just one step! For more information visit http://www.acrysofiqtoric.com

Dr. Christina Weeks is a board certified pediatric ophthalmologist and surgeon. Along with her orthoptist and pediatric technicians, she has years of experience in providing specialized eye care for children. You will find Dr. Weeks and her team provides up-to-date treatment, in a caring setting that you and your child will appreciate. She specializes in the detection and treatment of strabismus (misalignment of the eyes), amblyopia (sometimes referred to as "lazy eye"), common vision problems (nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism), blocked tear ducts, retinopathy of prematurity, anisometropia and other pediatric eye problems. Dr. Christina Weeks also specializes in the detection, treatment and surgery of adult strabismus and adult eyelid conditions such as droopy eyelids that affect vision. Good vision is key to a child's physical development, success in school and overall well-being. The vision system is not fully formed in babies and young children, and equal input from both eyes is necessary for the brain's vision centers to develop normally. If a young child's eyes cannot send clear images to the brain, his or her vision may become limited in ways that cannot be corrected later in life. But if problems are detected early, it is usually possible to treat them effectively. We recommend a comprehensive exam for newborns that are premature or at high risk for medical problems for other reasons, have signs of abnormalities, or have a family history or serious vision disorders in childhood. Many times your pediatrician or family doctor will recommend an exam by a pediatric ophthalmologist when problems are suspected. We recommend that all children have a comprehensive eye exam between 3 to 4 years of age. Eye alignment and visual acuity will be assessed to determine whether the child can focus normally at far, middle and near distances. Many children are somewhat farsighted (hyperopic) but can also see clearly at other distances. If misaligned eyes (strabismus), "lazy eye" (amblyopia), refractive errors (myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism) or another focusing problem are suspected during the exam, it is important to begin treatment as soon as possible to ensure successful vision correction and life-long benefits. Strabismus Amblyopia Common Vision Problems Blocked Tear Ducts Adapted with permission from the American Academy of Ophthalmology's EyeSmart Campaign, www.geteyesmart.org Family Eyecare Family Eyecare The doctors at Eye Physicians & Surgeons provide eye care for all ages. Drs. Laura Bealer, Ajeet Dhingra, Peter Gordon, Charles McDowell, Jr., Paul McManus, Indira Menon, and and Shalin Shah are board certified eye surgeons who specialize in comprehensive eye care including but not limited to routine vision problems, cataract surgery, vision correction surgery, treatment for glaucoma, AMD, diabetes, cornea disease and other vision problems. Dr. Christina Weeks specializes in treating our pediatric patients and adult eye muscle and eyelid problems. Dr. John Thomas specializes in treating patients with retina diseases such as diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration. Eye and vision development are complete by the time people reach their early 20's and normally remain steady for several decades afterward. Whenever a problem is suspected, you should have a comprehensive eye exam. If you have common vision problems such as near or farsightedness or astigmatism you should have an exam at least every two years. Early signs of age-related eye diseases, including cataract, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration can begin in midlife but often do not noticeably affect the vision until later. So it is important to get a baseline comprehensive eye exam at age 40, even for people who have no symptoms or known risk factors. We will recommend follow-up exams based on your family history and the results of the baseline exam. By age 65, one in three Americans will have a vision-impairing eye disease. The earlier these are discovered and treatment begins, the better the chance of preserving good vision. People who are diabetic or pre-diabetic need to have annual eye exams. "Eye Disease Screening at Age 40" - Click Here to Watch Video "Protecting your Vision from Diabetes- An Annual Exam Needed" - Click Here to Watch Video Adapted with permission from the American Academy of Ophthalmology's EyeSmart Campaign, www.geteyesmart.org

Glaucoma remains a leading cause of preventable blindness. It affects more than 2.3 million Americans age 40 and older. Another 2 million do not know they have the disease. Glaucoma can quietly damage the eye and optic nerve even before a person notices vision problems. Such damage cannot be reversed once it occurs. However, when we catch glaucoma early and closely monitor and treat people, we can significantly slow its progression and minimize vision loss. Dr. Paul McManus and Dr. Shalin Shah are board certified and specialize in the treatment of glaucoma. Dr. McManus, Dr.Shah and our entire team of doctors and staff are dedicated to providing the latest in treatment and care for our glaucoma patients. Treatment can involve medication, lasers such as SLT (selective laser trabeculoplasty) and glaucoma surgery (trabeculectomy). Eye drops with medication aimed at lowering intra ocular pressure (IOP) are usually tried first to control glaucoma. Adapted with permission from the American Academy of Ophthalmology's EyeSmart Campaign, www.geteyesmart.org Retina & Vitreous Disease Dr. John Thomas is board certified and specializes in treating diseases of the retina & vitreous. Common problems associated with the retina are: Diabetic Eye Disease - Diabetic Retinopathy Flashes & Floaters Detached & Torn Retina Macular Degeneration Diabetes is a disease that affects the body's ability to produce and/or use insulin in amounts sufficient to control blood sugar levels. People with any type of diabetes can develop hyperglycemia, which is an excess of blood sugar, or serum glucose. Although glucose is a vital source of energy for the body�s cells, a chronic elevation of serum glucose causes damage throughout the body, including the small blood vessels in the eyes. As a result, if you have diabetes your run the risk of developing diabetic retinopathy, in which damage occurs to the delicate blood vessels inside the retina at the back of the eye. You are also at increased risk for developing cataracts or glaucoma. If you have diabetes, it is important to have an annual exam by an ophthalmologist. To see a video about Diabetic Retinopathy click here Flashes & Floaters & Detached Retina To learn more about Floaters, Flashes & Detached Retina, click here Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) AMD is a leading cause of severe vision loss in people ages 65 and over. Knowing your risk factors, being aware of your family history and keeping regular appointments with your ophthalmologist can help reduce your risks for vision loss from macular degeneration. In its most severe form, known as wet AMD, the disease can lead to permanent loss of central vision, which is essential for driving, reading and recognizing faces. Top Five Risk Factors for AMD Being over the age of 60 Having a family history of AMD Cigarette smoking Obesity Hypertension If you have any two of these risk factors, you should schedule an appointment with your ophthalmologist for a complete evaluation. Earlier detection of wet AMD gives a better chance of successful treatment. Click here for a video about "Age-Related Macular Degeneration" Adapted with permission from the American Academy of Ophthalmology's EyeSmart Campaign, www.geteyesmart.org Cornea Information Many conditions can affect the cornea. Trauma or injury to the cornea can cause scarring, as can infections (especially herpes keratitis), allergies, and dry eyes. Keratoconus causes a steep curving of the cornea. The cornea is the normally clear, front window of the eye that covers the colored iris and round, dark pupil. Light is focused while passing through the cornea allowing us to see. In a healthy eye, the cornea bends or refracts light rays so they focus precisely on the retina in the back of the eye. All the doctors at Eye Physicians & Surgeons provide excellent care and treatment for common corneal conditions. Dr. Laura Bealer, our board certified cornea specialist, specializes in treating corneal dystrophies, keratoconus, pterygium, dry eye syndrome and other corneal conditions. When vision cannot be corrected satisfactorily, or painful swelling cannot be relieved by medication or special contact lenses, a corneal transplant may be recommended. Dr. Bealer has the experience and training in the latest transplant technique, Descemet's Stripping Endothelial Keratoplasty known as DSEK as well as traditional transplant techniques such as penetrating keratoplasty (PK). To learn more about Dry Eyes click here Adapted with permission from the American Academy of Ophthalmology's EyeSmart Campaign, www.geteyesmart.org

We offer the IntraLase Method (100% blade-free approach) and Blade-Free PRK for individualized laser vision correction. At Eye Physicians & Surgeons, PC, we pride ourselves in the quality of our patient education, and we understand that the best way for you to learn more about vision correction is to talk to our LASIK specialists during a free consultation. At your initial consultation, you will have an opportunity to: Meet the doctor and team Learn about vision correction and see the technology first-hand Have all of your questions answered Call now at (404) 292-2500 or contact us by Email. Vision correction procedures are prescription only. Statements about the potential benefits of the procedures are based on clinical trial results. Your results may vary. Intralase Blade-Free IntraLase Method We know the decision to have LASIK surgery is a big one, so we take great care to determine what is best for you as our patient. That is why we offer IntraLase as step one in your LASIK treatment. With IntraLase, a beam of laser light is used to create your corneal flap, which is then lifted so the second step of LASIK - the reshaping of your cornea - can be performed. When your LASIK treatment is over, the flap is securely repositioned into place. This bladeless, computer-guided technology is 100% more accurate than most of the mechanical microkeratomes (hand-held device with a thin metal blade) that surgeons may also use to create a corneal flap. *Because of the superior accuracy of IntraLase, certain patients who were ineligible for LASIK may now be able to have treatment. Ask your doctor today if you are a candidate. IntraLase Assurance and Comfort IntraLase has been used successfully on hundreds of thousands of eyes and we trust this advanced technology to deliver exceptional results. Our commitment is to provide you with the ultimate in comfort, safety, and outstanding vision. LASIK with IntraLase can help you achieve all of this while it delivers the added assurance of knowing you are being treated with the most advanced technology there is. How IntraLase Works Unlike mechanical instruments, IntraLase technology is uniquely able to program the dimensions of your flap based on what is best for your eye. Then the IntraLase laser creates your flap from below the surface of the cornea-without ever cutting it. How? 1. IntraLase uses ultrafast pulses of laser light to position microscopic bubbles at a precise depth determined by your doctor. 2. The laser light passes through your cornea. Then the laser creating rows of these bubbles just beneath your corneal surface as it moves back and forth across your eye in a uniform plane. 3. Next, the IntraLase laser stacks bubbles around your corneal diameter to create the edges of your flap. These bubbles are stacked at an angle that is determined by your doctor and is individualized to the way your eye is shaped. 4. The process takes only about 30 seconds from start to finish - it's quiet and it's comfortable. 5. Your doctor then gently lifts the flap to allow for the second step of your LASIK treatment. When treatment is complete, the flap easily "locks" back into position and rapidly begins to heal. For more information about the IntraLase Method, please talk to your doctor and visit www.intralasefacts.com Contraindications may include corneal edema, glaucoma, and keratoconus. Risks and complications may include corneal pain, flap tearing, and epithelial ingrowth. Patients are requested to consult with their eye care professional for a complete listing of contraindications and risks. U.S. Federal law restricts this devise to sale, distribution, and use by or on the order of a physician or other licensed eye care practitioner. Adapted from 2010 Abbott Medical Optics Inc. For a Blade-Free LASIK Experience, iFS, IntraLase and the IntraLase Method are trademarks owned by or licensed to Abbott Laboratories, its subsidiaries or affiliates.2008.02.25-IL291 Rev. A *Wang M. Femtosecond technology: is now the time to buy? Refractive Eyecare for Ophthalmologists. May 2003;5:7. IntraLase is a registered trademark of IntraLase Corp. Blade-Free PRK Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) uses the excimer laser the same way as LASIK with similar vision correction results. The main difference between PRK and LASIK is that PRK is a blade free approach. When there is a concern about potential flap complications, your doctor may recommend PRK instead of LASIK. If your cornea is too thin to meet the LASIK standards, if you had LASIK previously, or if other eye health factors are involved, your doctor may decide that PRK is a better choice. As with Custom LASIK, PRK uses a device called a wavefront analyzer, WaveScan, to measure the way light travels through your eye and compares it to the way light travels through an eye with perfect vision.