Port Huron Ophthalmology

Many people who are tired of wearing glasses or contact lenses seek the help of refractive surgeons. Refractive surgery improves vision by correcting refractive errors such as nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia) and astigmatism. A high percentage of patients enjoy 20/20 vision or better after their procedure. Lasik or Laser In-Situ Keratomileusis reshapes the cornea by removing tissue beneath the surface of the cornea. LASIK combines the accuracy of the Excimer Laser with the benefits of Lamellar Keratoplasty (LK). First, a device called a microkeratome lifts a thin layer of the cornea. This instrument creates a precise layer by working very much like a carpenter's plane. This layer, or flap, is then folded back. Next, a cool beam of light gently reshapes the outer surface of the cornea. The laser treatment typically takes less than one minute, and the flap is replaced in its original position. LASIK | Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) Surgery | Port HuronLASIK is performed on an outpatient basis and takes less than 30 minutes. You will lie in a reclining chair in our laser suite. A numbing drop will then be placed in your eye, the area around your eye will be cleaned and an instrument called a lid speculum will be used to hold your eyelids open. A ring will be placed on your eye and pressure will be applied to create a suction to the cornea. Your vision will dim while the suction ring is on and you may feel some slight discomfort. This will last approximately 15 seconds. The microkeratome, a cutting instrument, will be attached to the ring to cut the flap in your cornea. The instruments will then be removed. The doctor will lift the flap, exposing the tissue and the laser will be positioned over the eye. The laser will then begin to vaporize the corneal tissue according to the amount of correction you need. The flap will then be laid back into position and the natural healing process will begin. Some of the advantages of LASIK are little or no postoperative discomfort, waking with good vision the following morning, being back at work quickly, and eye drops are used for less than a week. Dr. Favero seek the very best outcomes from excellent candidates only, and at least 30% of patients will be advised that they should not have laser vision correction. When you meet with us for your consultation, after a thorough examination and discussion, we will be able to tell you if you are suitable to proceed. You will then have the opportunity to ask questions about the procedure and make an informed decision.

A cataract is a cloudy area in the lens of the eye. A normal lens is clear and lets light pass to the back of the eye. Cataracts block some of that light and as they develop, it becomes increasingly difficult for the person to see. Cataracts are a normal part of aging. Cataracts can be corrected with surgery. Many people with cataracts may experience symptoms such as: Cloudy, fuzzy, foggy vision Difficulty in seeing to drive, especially at night Trouble seeing to do close work Double vision Poor vision in bright light Seeing halos around lights Frequent changes and a stronger glasses prescription Cataract surgery is performed on an outpatient basis. Your visit at the surgery center will last approximately 2- 2 ½ hours and most are able to go home using the eye that just had surgery. Your vision, although improved, will take several days to settle. You will be able to resume most normal activities the day following your surgery, being careful not to rub or bump the eye. It will take a few months for the eye to completely heal from cataract surgery. Premium Intraocular Lens Implants (IOLs) Cataract Surgery | Intraocular Lens Implants (IOLs) | Port HuronDuring cataract surgery, artificial lenses are implanted in the eye to replace the cloudy natural lenses. These artificial lenses, known as intraocular lenses (IOLs), were once only able to correct distance vision, leaving patients dependent on eyeglasses or contact lenses for near vision. Many cataract patients, in addition to suffering from either nearsightedness or farsightedness, also suffer from presbyopia, natural changes to the eyes that occur as we age. Before premium lenses, patients were unable to see clearly at both near and far distances without the use of eyeglasses or contact lenses. Early lens implants were monofocal, meaning that they had only one focal point and could not adjust to varying distances. New advances in technology have allowed for the development of multifocal IOLs, which let patients see clearly at all distances, and can even correct astigmatism as well. Premium lens implants are ideal for cataract patients who are also suffering from presbyopia and want a replacement lens that provides a full range of clear vision. There are several different types of premium lens implants available for cataract patients. Dr. Favero will work with you to decide which lens is best for your individual eyes to help you enjoy long-lasting, clear vision at near, intermediate and far distances.

We provide comprehensive eye care to patients of all ages. Dr. Favero is fully trained and experienced to diagnose, treat and prevent conditions from myopia and hyperopia to glaucoma, cataracts and everything in between. We strive to provide our patients with safe, minimally invasive treatments to effectively relieve symptoms and preserve vision and overall eye health. As a comprehensive ophthalmology practice, our services include not only laser vision correction and small-incision cataract surgery but also treatments for a range of conditions such as glaucoma, dry eye and macular degeneration. Regular Eye Exams Eye Exams | Dry Eye Treatment | Enucleation Surgery | Port HuronRegular eye exams are an invaluable tool in maintaining your eyes' health by detecting and preventing disease. Some diseases develop slowly without causing pain or vision loss. Early detection of any problems can reduce the risk of further harm and allow for a choice of treatment options. We regularly screen for diseases such as glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy, which can develop without any noticeable symptoms. Patients should have a comprehensive eye exam every one to three years, depending on their age, risk of disease and overall physical condition. Children should have regular tests to ensure the proper development of their vision and prevent any interference with their academic achievements. Older adults are often at a higher risk for eye conditions such as glaucoma, macular degeneration and cataracts. Even if your eyes are healthy, you should still have a regular eye exam to detect any problems as soon as possible and begin necessary treatment.

Disease, trauma, blindness and eye pain may necessitate the removal of an eye, also called enucleation. Most patients who undergo the procedure are able to replace the enucleated eye with an orbital implant and a prosthesis (artificial eye). Orbital implants are attached to muscles and other structures in the eye socket, so they feel secure and patients retain the ability to move the artificial eye. The prosthesis is designed and placed about six weeks after orbital implantation. Prostheses are often made of porcelain, and look natural as they are custom-fit and colored to match the patient's other eye.

Dry eye occurs when the eyes aren't sufficiently moisturized, leading to itching, redness and pain from dry spots on the surface of the eye. The eyes may become dry and irritated because the tear ducts don't produce enough tears, or because the tears themselves have a chemical imbalance. People usually begin experiencing dry eye symptoms as they age, but the condition can also result from certain medications, conditions or injuries. Dry eye is not only painful, it can also damage the eye's tissues and impair vision. Fortunately, many treatment options are available. Non-surgical treatments for dry eye include blinking exercises, increasing humidity at home or work, and use of artificial tears or moisturizing ointment. If these methods fail, small punctal plugs may be inserted in the corners of the eyes to limit tear drainage, or the drainage tubes in the eyes may be surgically closed. Eyelid surgery is also a solution if an eyelid condition is causing your dry eyes.

Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that weakens the blood vessels that supply nourishment to the retina (the light-sensitive lining in the back of the eye where vision is focused). These weak vessels can leak, swell or develop thin branches, causing a loss of vision. Changes to your vision may not be noticeable at first. But in its advanced stages, the disease can cause blurred or cloudy vision, floaters and blind spots – and, eventually, blindness. This damage is irreversible. Diabetic retinopathy is the most common diabetic eye complication and a leading cause of blindness in American adults. Macular edema, which is leaking fluid that causes blurred vision, often occurs with diabetic retinopathy. Fortunately, diabetic retinopathy is preventable. People with diabetes are most susceptible to developing it, but your risk is reduced if you follow your prescribed diet and medications, exercise regularly, control your blood pressure, and avoid alcohol and cigarettes. Regular eye exams are an integral part of making sure your eyes are healthy. Diabetic retinopathy can be detected through a visual acuity test, a dilated eye exam or tonometry. Although damage caused by diabetic retinopathy cannot be corrected, patients diagnosed with the condition can be treated to slow its progression and prevent further vision loss. Treatment modalities include laser and surgical procedures.

Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness and visual impairment in the United States. A simple painless eye exam can detect the disease. With early detection and treatment, glaucoma can usually be controlled and blindness prevented. There are two main types of glaucoma, open-angle and angle-closure. Open-angle glaucoma is the most common type of glaucoma and involves fluid in the eye not draining properly through the trabecular meshwork. Angle-closure glaucoma involves a sudden buildup of pressure in the eye and poor drainage because the angle between the iris and the cornea is too narrow. Many patients do not experience any symptoms during the early stages of glaucoma, including no pain and no vision loss. This makes it difficult for many patients to know if they have the disease. But as glaucoma progresses, patients may experience a loss of peripheral or side vision, along with sudden eye pain, headache, blurred vision or the appearance of halos around lights. Glaucoma can affect anyone from newborn infants to the elderly. It has been estimated that up to 3 million Americans have glaucoma. People who are at a greater risk for glaucoma usually have the following conditions: At least 45 years old without regular eye exams A family history of glaucoma Abnormally high eye pressure African descent A family history of glaucoma Previous eye injury Regular, long-term use of cortisone/steroid products Glaucoma Surgery Port HuronTo detect glaucoma, we test your visual acuity, visual field, dilate your pupils and test the pressure in your eye. Regular and complete eye exams help to monitor the changes in your eyesight and will help to determine whether you may develop glaucoma. Treatment to control glaucoma include medications in the form of either eye drops or pills, laser surgery and conventional surgery. Glaucoma Surgery When eye drops do not adequately lower eye pressure enough to control a patient’s glaucoma, laser surgery or other glaucoma surgery may be recommended. Patients with a special condition called narrow angles can have angle closure glaucoma attacks, which can be prevented or treated with laser surgery to the iris. Common surgeries include: Glaucoma Surgery Port Huron Glaucoma Surgery Port Huron Laser Peripheral Iridotomy (LPI) – For patients with narrow-angle glaucoma. A small hole is made in the iris to increase the angle between the iris and cornea and encourage fluid drainage. Argon Laser Trabeculoplasty (ALT) – For patients with primary open angle glaucoma (POAG). The trabecular passages are opened to increase fluid drainage. ALT is effective in about 75% of patients, and treatment may be repeated. Nd: YAG Laser Cyclophotocoagulation (YAG CP) – For patients with severe glaucoma damage who have not been helped with other surgeries. The ciliary body that produces intraocular fluid is destroyed. Filtering Microsurgery (Trabeculectomy) – For patients who have not been helped with laser surgery or medications. A new drainage passage is created by cutting a small hole in the sclera (the white part of the eye) and creating a collection pouch between the sclera and conjunctiva (the outer covering of the eye).

The cornea is the clear front of the eye that covers the colored iris and the round pupil. Light is focused while passing through the cornea so we can see. To stay clear the cornea must be healthy. If the cornea is damaged it may become swollen or scarred. In either case, its smoothness and clarity may be lost. The scars, swelling or an irregular shape cause the cornea to scatter or distort light, resulting in glare or blurred vision. A corneal transplant may be necessary under the following conditions: Corneal failure after other eye surgery, such as cataract surgery Scarring after infections or injury Hereditary corneal failure, such as Fuchs' dystrophy DSAEK DSAEK | Corneal Transplants | Port HuronDSAEK is the latest technique in corneal transplantation. Short for Descemet-stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty, DSAEK offers clear post-operative vision and short recovery time to patients in need of new corneas. Patients are given topical anesthesia so they can't feel anything during the DSAEK procedure. First, the surgeon cuts and prepares the donor cornea. Next, he or she makes a mark in the surface of the patient's cornea with a trephine (an instrument used to cut circular sections of tissue). That mark serves two purposes: it helps the surgeon determine what size the transplant should be, and it outlines the area of the patient's cornea that needs to be peeled away. Next, the surgeon scores the damaged section of the cornea and strips the membrane away from the eye using a microkeratome blade – the same instrument used in LASIK surgery. Then the donor cornea is folded into a "taco" shape and placed on the eye. A single stitch closes the incision. Sometimes the new cornea unfolds on its own; other times, the surgeon unfolds it him/herself. When it is unfolded, a second stitch is made to close the wound and anchor the new cornea in place. The surgeon then injects an air bubble underneath the cornea, making sure it is centered on the eye, and dilates the pupil with eye drops. Patients are sent to the recovery room for about one hour, after which they are examined at the slit lamp with the doctor. He or she gently presses on the cornea until most of the air bubble is released. Patients are then given antibiotics and steroid eye drops and will return the next day for a follow-up appointment. About 10% of patients need a second bubble injection to re-center the cornea.

Macular degeneration, also known as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common condition in older adults and the leading cause of vision loss and blindness in people over the age of 65. Macular degeneration affects the macula, the part of the retina responsible for the crisp, detailed vision needed for reading or driving. As we age, the tissue in the eye responsible for central vision slowly begins to deteriorate which can significantly affect a patient's quality of life. Patients can minimize their risk of macular degeneration by practicing a healthy, active life and getting regular eye exams. It is important for all patients to exercise regularly, avoid smoking, and eat a balanced diet that includes foods known to preserve vision and prevent eye diseases. Symptoms Patients with macular degeneration may notice gradual changes to their vision, including shadowy areas in the central vision, or fuzzy and distorted vision. These areas grow larger as the disease progresses, and can eventually turn into blind spots. Patients may also have difficulty seeing color and fine details. If the disease progresses to the wet form, patients may also see straight lines as wavy. With wet macular degeneration, central vision loss can occur rapidly, sometimes in as little as a few days or weeks. Dr. Favero may be able to detect early signs of macular degeneration, before any symptoms occur, through a regular eye exam. Any signs of this condition can be further confirmed by testing your central vision with an Amsler grid test. Regular eye exams are important in detecting macular degeneration and other serious eye conditions as early as possible, so that permanent side effects can be avoided. Treatment Macular Degeneration Treatment Port HuronWhile there is no cure for macular degeneration, there are several treatment options available to help patients manage this condition and preserve their vision. The best treatment option for each patient depends on the severity and type of the condition, as well as how much, if any, permanent vision loss has occurred. Intraocular injections of Avastin, Lucentis and Macugen are often successful in stopping abnormal blood vessel growth in wet macular degeneration. These FDA-approved medications are injected into the vitreous of the eye on a monthly basis to control the damaging effects of wet macular degeneration. Photodynamic therapy is also effective in removing newly developing abnormal blood vessels that are characteristic of wet macular degeneration. Many patients also benefit from vitamin and mineral supplements, which can clear out toxic substances that may build up in advanced cases of this condition. It is essential for patients with macular degeneration, wet or dry, to seek continuous medical treatment to manage their condition and prevent permanent vision loss from occurring. Our doctors have extensive experience in the treatment of these conditions, and can offer patients the latest, most advanced treatments to help preserve your vision and your overall quality of life.

Many people who are tired of wearing glasses or contact lenses seek the help of refractive surgeons. Refractive surgery improves vision by correcting refractive errors such as nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia) and astigmatism. A high percentage of patients enjoy 20/20 vision or better after their procedure. Lasik or Laser In-Situ Keratomileusis reshapes the cornea by removing tissue beneath the surface of the cornea. LASIK combines the accuracy of the Excimer Laser with the benefits of Lamellar Keratoplasty (LK). First, a device called a microkeratome lifts a thin layer of the cornea. This instrument creates a precise layer by working very much like a carpenter's plane. This layer, or flap, is then folded back. Next, a cool beam of light gently reshapes the outer surface of the cornea. The laser treatment typically takes less than one minute, and the flap is replaced in its original position. LASIK | Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) Surgery | Port HuronLASIK is performed on an outpatient basis and takes less than 30 minutes. You will lie in a reclining chair in our laser suite. A numbing drop will then be placed in your eye, the area around your eye will be cleaned and an instrument called a lid speculum will be used to hold your eyelids open. A ring will be placed on your eye and pressure will be applied to create a suction to the cornea. Your vision will dim while the suction ring is on and you may feel some slight discomfort. This will last approximately 15 seconds. The microkeratome, a cutting instrument, will be attached to the ring to cut the flap in your cornea. The instruments will then be removed. The doctor will lift the flap, exposing the tissue and the laser will be positioned over the eye. The laser will then begin to vaporize the corneal tissue according to the amount of correction you need. The flap will then be laid back into position and the natural healing process will begin. Some of the advantages of LASIK are little or no postoperative discomfort, waking with good vision the following morning, being back at work quickly, and eye drops are used for less than a week. Dr. Favero seek the very best outcomes from excellent candidates only, and at least 30% of patients will be advised that they should not have laser vision correction. When you meet with us for your consultation, after a thorough examination and discussion, we will be able to tell you if you are suitable to proceed. You will then have the opportunity to ask questions about the procedure and make an informed decision. Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) Surgery | Port HuronPhotorefractive Keratectomy, or PRK, is also performed with an excimer laser. As in LASIK the ophthalmologist precisely vaporizes a thin layer of the cornea with the laser beam. However, in PRK, the surface of the cornea, the epithelium, is gently removed rather than creating a flap. Like LASIK, the procedure is preformed under a local anesthetic. Conductive Keratoplasty Conductive Keratoplasty Port HuronDid you have excellent vision until you needed distance glasses at 30? Did you turn 40 and find that you needed bifocals? If so, you may be among the millions of Americans who have presbyopia or hyperopia (farsightedness). Presbyopia is a natural change in our eyes’ ability to focus. It occurs when the crystalline lens of the eye loses its flexibility, causing objects to appear blurry. Conductive Keratoplasty or CK is a safe, non-laser, non-cutting technique approved by the FDA to reduce or eliminate presbyopia or hyperopia for patients over 40. Instead of a scalpel or a laser, CK releases radiofrequency (RF) energy through a probe as thin as a strand of human hair, treating your vision condition without cutting or removing tissue. The controlled release of RF energy in a circular pattern shrinks connective tissue in the cornea to reshape it, improving the way the eye focuses light. CK was the first FDA-approved method for treating hyperopia. It is safer and less invasive than the LASIK procedure and avoids the complications associated with LASIK treatment such as dry eyes, hazy vision, light sensitivity or poor quality of vision. It takes less than five minutes per eye and uses only a topical anesthetic. Post-operative discomfort is minimal and vision improves almost immediately.

In addition to the comprehensive ophthalmology services provided at Port Huron Ophthalmology, our practice also features an optical shop with a wide array of eyeglass frames and contact lenses to suit every and budget. We offer patients frames from many elite designers, as well as stylish yet affordable alternatives. We also carry a full line of frames for children and teens.