Ophthalmic Associates, PC

Dry Eye Treatment Dry eye can make a person’s eyes dry, red, or irritated. In addition to being uncomfortable, it can damage the eye’s tissues and impair vision. People usually begin experiencing dry eye symptoms as they age, but the condition can also result from eyelid or blinking problems, certain medications, environment, injury, and various health problems. 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. Diabetic Eye Care Patients with diabetes are at an increased risk of developing eye diseases that can cause vision loss and blindness, such as diabetic retinopathy, cataracts and glaucoma. These and other serious conditions often develop without vision loss or pain, so significant damage may be done to the eyes by the time the patient notices any symptoms. For this reason it is very important for diabetic patients to have their eyes examined once a year. Diagnosing and treating eye disease early can prevent vision loss. It is also important to maintain a steady blood-sugar level, take prescribed medications, follow a healthy diet, exercise regularly and avoid smoking. 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. Macular degeneration causes a progressive loss of vision. It is the number-one cause of blindness in the U.S. There are two kinds of macular degeneration: “wet” and “dry.” The “wet” form can be treated in its early stages. Regular eye exams are highly recommended to detect macular degeneration early and prevent permanent vision loss. Symptoms often associated with macular degeneration include: A gradual loss of ability to see objects clearly A gradual loss of color vision Distorted vision A dark or empty area appearing in the center of vision

A cataract is a cloudy area in the normally clear lens in the front of the eye. Cataracts are caused by a chemical change of unknown origin in the eye, and cause blurred or distorted vision. People at risk for developing cataracts are over 55 years old, have had eye injuries or disease, have a family history of cataracts, smoke cigarettes or use certain medications. Symptoms include: 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

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. Glaucoma can affect anyone from newborn infants to the elderly. It has been estimated that up to 3 million Americans have glaucoma. At least half of those people do not know they have it because glaucoma usually has no symptoms. p 342027 1 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 Nearsightedness Diabetes Previous eye injury Regular, long-term use of cortisone/steroid products To detect glaucoma, your physician will test your visual acuity and visual field and test the pressure in your eye. Regular and complete eye exams help to monitor the changes in your eyesight and to determine whether you may develop glaucoma. Treatment to control glaucoma include medications in the form of either eyedrops or pills, laser surgery and conventional surgery.

We provide comprehensive eye care to patients of all ages. Our services include not only laser vision correction and small-incision cataract surgery but also treatments for a range of conditions such as glaucoma, the diabetic eye, dry eye and macular degeneration. Regular 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.

There are many different kinds of “contacts,” including rigid and flexible, extended wear, disposable and planned replacement lenses, and some can be made as bifocals or in different colors. After a thorough eye exam and consultation with an experienced physician, patients who qualify for contact lenses can discuss which type is right for them.

LASIK, an acronym for Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis, is a refractive procedure that reshapes the cornea to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. It is the most common type of refractive surgery. Using targeted laser beam energy, the LASIK procedure reshapes the cornea so that light rays are focused more precisely on the retina, producing clear, sharp vision. Candidates Eligible For LASIK LASIK is considered a safe procedure, yet it is not ideal for everyone. A thorough medical evaluation of the patient’s eyes must be performed to determine whether the LASIK procedure is appropriate. Good candidates for LASIK are patients who: Are over 18 years old Not pregnant or nursing In general good health Have had stable vision for at least 6 months Have healthy corneal tissue, thick enough for a flap Have refractive errors that fall within the treatable range It is also important for patients to fully understand the details and risks of the procedure, and to maintain realistic expectations for the outcome. Benefits Of LASIK One of the primary benefits of LASIK is that patients immediately experience improved vision after surgery. For many people, laser eye surgery can correct their vision sufficiently to permit them to perform all, or most, of their daily activities without eyeglasses or contact lenses. Approximately 90 percent of patients who have undergone LASIK achieve 20/20 to 20/40 vision as a result of the procedure. LASIK has the advantage of being a short procedure that results in permanent vision improvement. Most patients who choose to undergo LASIK achieve clear vision without corrective lenses while also benefiting from minimal downtime and only mild post-operative discomfort. The LASIK Procedure LASIK is performed on an outpatient basis using only numbing eye drops to reduce any potential discomfort. The entire surgery takes less than 5 minutes to perform, although patients can expect to spend a few hours at the doctor’s office. If requested, patients can receive an oral sedative prior to surgery to reduce any anxieties about the procedure. During the LASIK procedure, the patient lies down in a reclining chair as the doctor positions the laser precisely over the eye. A speculum is used to keep the eye open while the eye is cleaned and anesthetic eye drops are administered. A corneal flap is created with either a blade or a laser. The surgeon gently lifts the surface of the cornea aside, enabling the excimer laser to reshape the curvature of the cornea. The excimer laser delivers customized pulses of light energy based on each patient’s prescription. The measurements for customization are determined prior to surgery, with the precise positioning confirmed prior to the start of the procedure. The second eye is treated immediately after the first. Following the surgery, the patient is provided with a protective shield to protect the eyes from bright lights. Risks Of LASIK Any surgical procedure carries some risks, and patients should be aware that changes to the cornea made during LASIK cannot be reversed. Nonetheless, LASIK is considered safe for most eligible patients. While rare, complications may occur after the procedure, including: Undercorrection or overcorrection of vision Astigmatism Dry eyes Flap complications Postsurgical infection Increased sensitivity to light Visual problems, such as halos or night glare Fluctuating vision Only 1 percent of patients undergoing LASIK experience complications. Recovery After The LASIK Procedure After LASIK, patients rest in the ophthalmologist’s office for a short time before having someone else escort them home. Medication may be prescribed to relieve any discomfort experienced during the first 24 to 48 hours after surgery, but most patients tolerate this procedure well. The doctor will likely recommend a few hours of rest after treatment. Most patients are able to return to work and other regular activities the very next day. Patients who have undergone LASIK are instructed to avoid strenuous activities for at least a week. Typically, patients experience a significant improvement in their vision immediately after the procedure, but the full benefits of LASIK may not be apparent for several months. While patients can achieve clear vision from LASIK, this procedure does not prevent the development of presbyopia, the age-related vision changes that occur after the age of 40. Many patients will need reading glasses for this condition, but their distance vision will remain clear.

Children should have their first eye exam at about age two, although it’s never too early to test a child’s vision and eye health. Comprehensive eye exams are essential in the diagnosis and treatment of vision problems, injury and disease. Early detection allows for treatment to begin before children experience difficulty in school due to poor vision, or before any permanent damage has been done to the visual system. A pediatric eye exam includes evaluation of the eye anatomy, along with visual function. Visual acuity, eye tracking and focusing skills, near or farsightedness, and color blindness will be assessed. We are also able to detect amblyopia or crossed eyes and begin treatment in a timely manner. We have a very friendly playroom in which to wait during your visit, but please allow a full hour for your first visit. We will use drops to dilate your child’s eyes and these can take as long as 30 minutes to work completely. We look forward to answering any and all questions you might have.