Cornerstone Eye Associates

LASIK, or laser vision correction including PRK, is a procedure that corrects nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism by reshaping the cornea using the precision of excimer laser technology. It has become one of the most popular forms of vision correction due to its accuracy, safety, quick recovery time, wide range of correction, and minimal discomfort. Often times LASIK provides vision clearer and crisper than what glasses and contacts may provide, especially for those with astigmatism. At Cornerstone, Dr. Hanuch treats both eyes the same day, and the entire procedure only takes a short time. Following the procedure, you will head home to rest your eyes, nap and we will see you the next day for a short visit to check on your vision. Most of our patients are actually seeing 20/20 or better the very next day! Correction Options for Reading Vision As we age, our eyes start to lose the ability to focus up close. Typically at some point in our 40s we start to reach for reading glasses for help. Although standard LASIK cannot correct both distance and near vision, Cornerstone Eye Associates is proud to offer options for those who want independence from glasses both near and far. Clear Lens Exchange Clear Lens Exchange (CLE) has grown increasingly popular for patients over the age of 50, and who are experiencing presbyopia and nearsightedness or farsightedness. Clear Lens Exchange works by replacing your eye’s natural lens with an advanced intraocular lens (IOL) designed to eliminate your dependence on glasses. This procedure provides permanent improved vision, and because it removes your natural lens, you will never develop cataracts in the future. MonoVision LASIK MonoVision LASIK is another option for those patients wanting improved vision for distance and up close. During this procedure, Dr. Hanuch corrects one eye for distance clarity and the other eye focused at near. This approach works best for patients who have been successful MonoVision contact lens wearers in the past. However, many patients have chosen this option after a MonoVision contact lens trial for one-two weeks. Advanced Technology for Optimal Results At Cornerstone, we are committed to investing in the most advanced vision correction technology. Not only does the technology we house at our permanent, on-site laser suite in Gates correct astigmatism, nearsightedness and farsightedness but also our laser technology has features that allows Dr. Hanuch to treat corneal irregularities, like irregular astigmatism, that other platforms cannot. Not only does our technology allow for a fully personalized, custom LASIK treatment, but we also incorporate laser technology for blade-free LASIK. With the accuracy of a computer-controlled, cool beam laser, all-laser LASIK offers a safer and more predictable approach to laser vision correction in Rochester, NY. FAQs about LASIK & PRK How will I know if I am a good candidate? You may be a good candidate if you have healthy eyes free of scars and disease, are in good general health, are over the age of 18 and have had stable vision for at least a year. However, we can only tell for certain if you are a candidate once we have evaluated your vision and eye health at your complimentary LASIK consultation. Does LASIK hurt? What is recovery after LASIK like? What is PRK? LASIK Cost and Affordability LASIK Value We are committed to providing you with the highest quality LASIK vision correction at the best value in the region considering our technology and quality of care. We have only one global fee for any level of correction that includes all pre and postoperative care, follow-up visits and only our best technology. Our patients never have to choose between the best technology or care for a lesser price. The Cornerstone Eye Associates Difference Experience For many, having LASIK can be a wonderful, life-changing experience. However, your quest to find the right LASIK center should not be taken lightly. The perfect combination of surgeon and technology will lead to excellent results. While some centers may come and go, Cornerstone Eye Associates has been an established comprehensive eye care practice in our community for over 50 years.

Cataract surgery, or lens replacement, is the most frequently performed surgery in the United States. During this procedure your natural lens, that has become clouded, is removed and replaced with an intraocular lens (IOL). Today’s cataract surgery is even more advanced and safer than the days of your parents and grandparents. In fact, Cornerstone Eye Associates is on the forefront of technology that offers numerous benefits to our patients. Patients can expect the best results from our state-of-the-art cataract treatments. Outpatient procedure No stitches Safe Lens options for clear vision at all distances Now performed in our brand new, state-of-the-art surgery center exclusively for ophthalmology. The only one in the area! Learn More How Cataract Surgery is Performed During cataract surgery a small ultrasonic probe is inserted into the eye that breaks up, or emulsifies, the cloudy lens into tiny pieces and gently vacuums, or aspirates, those pieces out of the eye. Phaco surgery requires a small incision of only 2.8 mm or less. A combination of local anesthesia and IV sedation is used to make the procedure painless. With the advancement of IOLs, artificial lenses are implanted through the same small incision that is created in the phaco procedure. These IOLs are made of a flexible material, allowing them to be folded for implantation. Once inside the eye, the lens unfolds and returns to its original shape. Advanced Lens Options in Cataract Surgery We offer Lifestyle Intraocular Lenses including toric implants for astigmatism correction and multifocal (MF) or extended depth of focus lenses (EDOF) for those who want to reduce their dependency on glasses after cataract surgery. FAQs Are there other options besides surgery? In some cases, new glasses may temporarily improve vision, but there are no medications or exercises that will help cataracts disappear. Which lens option is best for me When should I have cataract surgery? How much does cataract surgery cost? What should I expect at my cataract consultation?

Understanding Your Lens Options Traditional cataract surgery uses a Monofocal IOL to improve overall vision but glasses will still be needed. Advancements in technology now not only eliminates your cataracts but can also improve your vision allowing you to decrease your dependence on glasses after cataract surgery. There are various options to fit your personal visual needs to renew your vision and regain your lifestyle. Advanced Lenses For More Independence Our vision is central not just to reading or driving—it’s central to how you live: how you enjoy hobbies, embrace travel, use digital devices, and share moments with loved ones. With traditional cataract surgery using a standard monofocal IOL, you’ll often still need glasses for all daily tasks—even though the cataract is removed. With an advanced “lifestyle” intraocular lenses (IOLs), we’re aiming higher: to reduce your dependence on glasses, broaden your focus from near through far, and align your lens choice with your life. Standard IOL A standard monofocal lens is the basic option used in cataract surgery. It removes the cloudy cataract and can clear vision at one focal point—usually distance. However, because it does not correct presbyopia, astigmatism or provide a full range of vision, most patients will still need glasses for everyday tasks such as reading, computer work, and sometimes even distance activities. While it clears the cataract and improves overall clarity, it typically does not reduce your dependence on glasses. Toric IOL For patients with moderate to significant astigmatism, a toric lens can be a wonderful option. It not only removes the cloudy cataract, but also helps correct the astigmatism that has been blurring your vision for years. Many people who choose a toric lens enjoy clearer, sharper sight with freedom from glasses for distance activities. For some it will be for the first time in decades! It’s a simple upgrade that can make a meaningful difference in how you see and live every day. These patients will need to wear reading glasses for up close tasks. Advanced Lifestyle Vision IOL An Advanced Lifestyle Vision lens is designed to give you greater visual freedom after cataract surgery. By providing clear vision at multiple distances—near, intermediate, and far—it can significantly reduce your need for glasses in daily life. Many patients love the convenience of being able to read, use their phone, and see clearly across the room without constantly reaching for eyewear. It’s a great option if you’re looking for a fuller range of vision and a more seamless, less-glasses dependence lifestyle. Is a Lifestyle IOL Right for You? Choosing the “right lens” isn’t simply about which lens is best—it’s about which lens is best for you. Before recommending a lifestyle IOL, we’ll consider: Your visual health: cornea, macula, optic nerve, any existing ocular conditions. Your vision goals: Are you reading fine print frequently? Do you do lots of screen work? Drive at night? Travel? Want to be less dependent on glasses for most daily tasks? Your tolerance for visual phenomena: Some advanced IOLs may introduce halos/glare under certain conditions. Your lifestyle: Are you an active person, do you engage in hobbies, do you need crisp vision from near to far often? Your expectations: Clear understanding of what “less glasses” means and that no lens is absolutely perfect. Your surgeon will guide you through all of this and help simulate what your vision might look like with different lens types—so you can make an informed choice. Clareon® Vivity® The Clareon Vivity® Extended Vision IOL, creates an elongated focal point allowing you to see clearly at far and intermediate distances with functional near vision providing freedom from glasses during most of your daily activities. Tecnis® Toric PanOptix® Which Lens is Best For Me? During your visit, your doctor will consider all aspects of your visual health, as well as your lifestyle, personality, and expectations, and recommend the lens that is best for you.

Implantable Contact Lenses to Correct Myopia & Astigmatism The EVO Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) may be a great option for patients looking at procedures like LASIK to break free from contact lenses and glasses. What is the EVO ICL? Visian ICL was FDA approved in 2005, and EVO ICL was FDA approved in 2022. The ICL is approved for treatment of nearsightedness (myopia) and astigmatism. Made of a type of collagen material designed to work in harmony with your natural eye, the EVO ICL is soft and flexible and visually undetectable. This lens is implanted during a short procedure at the Cornerstone Surgery Center, through a small incision using IV sedation and eye drop anesthetic. Unlike lens replacement surgery (cataract or Clear Lens Exchange) where your natural lens is removed, the ICL is implanted between your iris and natural lens. While meant to be a permanent vision correction, if over- or under correction or complications develop, or if your vision changes with time, the EVO ICL can be removed or exchanged. Benefits of EVO ICL For those with larger prescriptions, glasses can be heavy and are not able to provide clear vision in the peripheral. Fortunately, the EVO ICL is ideal for a prescription range between -3 to -20, beyond what can be corrected with LASIK or PRK. FAQs How long does it last? The ICL is designed to be a permanent correction for nearsightedness. However, a benefit of the ICL lens is that it can be removed if the need ever arises or if your vision changes, additional correction may be performed through laser vision correction (candidacy required). Is it safe? What is the difference between ICL vs. LASIK? To discover if the EVO ICL at Cornerstone Eye Associates in Gates, Brighton, Irondequoit or Victor, is the best option for you, call 585-328-0153 to schedule an appointment.

Corneal transplantation, or keratoplasty, replaces the damaged cornea with a healthy one from a donor. During a corneal transplant, a circular incision is made in the cornea. A disc of tissue is removed and replaced with healthy tissue. Local and/or general anesthesia may be used. The entire procedure lasts between 30-90 minutes. It is a low-risk procedure and is the most common type of transplant surgery that has the highest success rate. Corneal transplantation is an alternative treatment to INTACS prescription inserts and rigid gas-permeable contact lenses for patients with keratoconus. About DSAEK DSAEK 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. During the procedure, the surgeon makes a mark on 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. The donor cornea is folded into a taco shape and placed on the eye. Only a single stitch is needed to close this 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. 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 asked to return the next day for a follow-up appointment.

Glaucoma is an eye disease in which pressure inside the eye (intraocular pressure) rises to a dangerous level, damaging the optic nerve and causing vision loss. In a healthy eye, fluid is produced in the ciliary body, enters the eye, and then drains through tiny passages called the trabecular meshwork. In people with glaucoma, these passages become blocked and intraocular pressure rises. Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness in the U.S. The condition often develops over many years without causing pain or other noticeable symptoms, so you may not experience vision loss until the disease has progressed. Symptoms that could indicate the development of glaucoma include blurred vision, loss of peripheral vision, halo effects around lights, and painful or reddened eyes. People at high risk include those who are over the age of 40, diabetic, near-sighted, African-American, or who have a family history of glaucoma. Glaucoma Detection & Treatment To detect glaucoma, your physician will test your visual acuity and visual field as well as the pressure in your eye. Regular eye exams help to monitor the changes in your eyesight and to determine whether you may develop glaucoma. Once diagnosed, glaucoma can be controlled. Treatments to lower pressure in the eye include non-surgical methods such as prescription eye drops and medications, laser therapy, and surgery. Glaucoma Surgery Options 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) Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) YAG Laser Cyclophotocoagulation (YAG CP) Filtering Microsurgery (Trabeculectomy) Tube Shunt Surgery Leading the way in Glaucoma treatment with MIGS MIGS is a state-of-the-art minimally invasive procedure that uses microscopic instruments to facilitate small incision surgery. It is an alternative option to traditional glaucoma surgery for mild to moderate glaucoma, with fewer risks, higher success rates and faster recovery time. The goal of MIGS procedures is to improve fluid drainage out of the eye in patients with mild to moderate glaucoma, reducing elevated eye pressure that damages the optic nerve. Clinical trials have shown that MIGS procedures achieve a significant decrease in eye pressure over periods up to 24 months, along with a decrease in prescription eye drop usage. Most exciting is that the MIGS procedure is frequently, conveniently performed in combination with cataract surgery for the appropriate candidates. MIGS performed at Cornerstone Eye Associates in Rochester, NY include OMNI® & Hydrus™ Microstent. Our glaucoma experts are always happy to answer any questions you may have.

Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) is a plastic surgery procedure for correcting sagging or drooping eyelids. The skin is much thinner on the eyelid than that in other parts of the face, and therefore is often one of the first facial areas to exhibit signs of aging. Eyelids that sag or droop can affect peripheral vision, making daily activities such as driving more difficult. Blepharoplasty may become necessary when various factors, which include aging, sun damage, smoking and obesity, cause the muscles and tissue that support the eyelids to weaken. Reasons For Eyelid Surgery Blepharoplasty tightens the eyelid muscles and tissue, and removes excess fat and skin. Blepharoplasty eliminates the drooping of skin into the visual field, greatly improving peripheral vision. It is also performed for strictly cosmetic reasons. It is important for a patient to have realistic expectations before undergoing cosmetic blepharoplasty. Although the procedure can enhance appearance and improve self-confidence, it does not radically alter the face. Types of Blepharoplasty What to Expect Aftercare & Recovery Functional Blepharoplasty If the eyelids begin sagging into the field of vision, a functional blepharoplasty may be required. The procedure may be covered by medical insurance if it is deemed medically necessary. A determination of how much vision is affected is done by checking the peripheral visual field with an instrument called the Humphrey Visual Field (HVF) Analyzer. Cosmetic Blepharoplasty Blepharoplasty can be performed on either the upper or lower eyelid, or on both, for cosmetic purposes. For a lower eyelid that needs fat rather than skin removed, a transconjunctival blepharoplasty is performed. During transconjunctival blepharoplasty, an incision is made inside the lower eyelid, so there are no visible scars, and the fat is removed. This procedure has no effect on vision, but results in a person looking younger and more refreshed. Eye Ptosis Ptosis is the drooping of the upper eyelid caused by weakening of the muscles. While ptosis is usually the result of aging, some people develop ptosis after eye surgery or an injury, and the condition can be congenital. While ptosis may be present due to serious causes, treatment may not always be necessary. Patients should be evaluated by a medical professional. Ptosis Causes Damage to the nerves Diabetes Migraine headache Stroke Growth in the eyelid, such as a stye Myasthenia gravis Horner syndrome Bell’s palsy Benign or malignant tumor In rare instances, ptosis can occur due to a brain tumor or other malignancy that affects the reactions of muscles or nerves. Ptosis Symptoms Ptosis Diagnosis Ptosis Treatment Ptosis Symptoms Ptosis presents as the drooping of one or both eyelids and perhaps one or more of the following symptoms: Increased tear production Difficulty blinking or closing the eye Reduced vision (with severe drooping) Since ptosis caused by aging is usually gradual, a sudden onset of symptoms is a greater cause for concern. To learn more about our eyelid rejuvenation procedures, please contact us today at 585-328-0153

Cornerstone Eye Associates offers an off-label treatment options for patients with mild to moderate keratoconus or post-surgical ectasia. Collagen Corneal Cross Linking has been used around the world since 2002, and is presently the only available non-invasive procedure to stop the progression of keratoconus or post-surgical ectasia. Corneal Cross Linking works by using Vitamin B2 eye drops in combination with UV-A radiation to strengthen the chemical bonds in the cornea, with the goal of stopping or slowing the disease.

Vision needs vary from one person to another. Our licensed Opticians at Cornerstone Eye Associates can advise you which lenses are right for you. Our optical studios are located near the doctors’ exam rooms as a convenience to both the patient and the doctors. This allows us to have direct communication regarding your prescription needs. Our optical studios feature the latest in lens technology as well as frame selection. Lens Design Benefits We have several lens designs to offer our patients: State-of-the-art progressive (no-line) bifocals – Varilux® & HOYA Thinner, lighter weight high index lenses Specialized computer lenses Polarized & Transition lenses Superior anti-reflective treatments Two-sided scratch-resistant lenses Lenses and lens goggles for sports The Optical Studios at Cornerstone Eye Associates offers the most up-to-date frame fashions (well-known designers and several more unique designers) that will help you stand apart from the rest! Our Optical Studios also offer affordable frame and lens packages for kids and adults. Optical Appointments Appointments are now required for all your eyewear and contact lens needs, including dispensing, repairs and new purchases. This allows us to better provide our patients with the expert attention and care they deserve. Please choose the optical department at your location below and contact them directly to schedule a time that works well for you. If this is an emergency, we will do everything we can to accommodate you immediately. Optical Locations & Hours Our Licensed Opticians offer their patients several years of experience and commitment to their profession. Continued educational studies allow them to offer the best possible products required to meet the visual needs of their patients. You will receive a one-on-one fitting and consultation focusing on product knowledge, lifestyle, pricing, and personal visual needs.