Southside Eye Care

What Are Cataracts? A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye; cataract surgery is performed to improve vision by replacing the clouded lens with an artificial one. Cataracts affect millions of people in the United States each year. Most cataracts are the result of aging, though some form as a result of genetic factors, disease or injury. Cataract surgery is common, and considered safe and effective. If you have cataracts and are interested in learning more about cataract surgery in Chesapeake VA and surrounding areas, call Southside Eye Care today to schedule an appointment. Who is a Good Candidate for Cataract Surgery? Cataracts caused by aging develop gradually, and patients may not notice the early vision changes they cause. It is only when their cataracts start interfering with vision that patients may become aware of them. An ophthalmologic examination will detect cataracts, and rule out other causes for vision issues, such as glaucoma or macular degeneration. Patients who become aware of visual difficulties related to cataracts usually experience, especially at night, clouded, blurred or dim vision. Cataract Surgery Benefits Cataract surgery benefits are many, greatly enhancing the quality of life. They include the following: Improved quality of vision (sharper images, brighter colors) Less difficulty with routine tasks (particularly night driving) Decreased dependency on eyeglasses Greater independence, regardless of age or disability Greater safety Research indicates that the improved vision provided by cataract surgery reduces the risk of falls, making exercise, sports and hobbies safer. This, combined with the improved ability to read, recognize faces, and perform everyday activities with greater ease, results in improved physical health, increased sociability and longer life expectancy. How Is Cataract Surgery Performed? After the pupil is dilated, and the area in and around the eye is numbed with anesthesia, a tiny incision is made to insert an ultrasonic probe. The probe emulsifies (breaks up) the cloudy lens into tiny pieces that are then suctioned out of the eye. Once the cloudy lens has been removed, an artificial lens is implanted. The new lens, known as an intraocular lens (IOL), is often inserted through the original incision. Some varieties of IOLs serve multiple purposes, such as blocking ultraviolet light or working as bifocals. Depending on the type of IOL used, sutures may or may not be needed. Surgery is usually performed on an outpatient basis in a doctor's office, takes only 20 to 30 minutes, and is relatively painless. A very high percentage of patients demonstrate improved vision after the procedure. Frequently Asked Questions About Cataracts & Cataracts Treatment How Is A Cataract Removed? Cataract surgery is the most frequently performed surgery in the United States, with over 3 million procedures every year. A small incision is made in the front surface of the eye with a scalpel or laser. A circular hole is cut in the anterior capsule, the thin membrane that encloses the eye’s natural lens. The cataract-clouded lens is then broken up with ultrasound energy and the pieces are vacuumed away. One the entire lens is removed, it is replaced with an artificial replacement lens, called an intraocular lens (IOL). When Is Surgery Needed? Cataracts can cause blurry vision, and increase the glare from lights. In their early stages, cataracts usually are not troublesome but, as they thicken, surgery to remove them may be required. Typically, surgery is needed because cataracts are interfering with everyday activities, or the treatment of another eye problem. LEARN MORE ABOUT CATARACTS Will I Need To Have Surgery On Both Eyes? Cataracts usually develop independently. However, the factors that led to one eye developing a cataract also are likely to affect the other eye. Cataracts usually develop in both eyes, but one eye is often worse than the other. Most people will replace both lenses. What Are The Risks Of Cataract Surgery? Cataract surgery is the most successful surgery performed in the United States. It is safe and prevents eventual potential blindness. Complications are rare, and when something does occur it can usually be corrected. Your risk of complication is greater if you have another eye disease such as macular degeneration or glaucoma. Danger signs of complications after cataract surgery include increased pain in or redness of the eye, light flashes or floaters, diminished vision, nausea, vomiting or intense coughing. These are the risks with cataract surgery: Inflammation Infection Bleeding Swelling Drooping eyelid Dislocation of the IOL Retinal detachment Glaucoma Secondary cataract Loss of vision

Glaucoma is a group of related diseases that damage the optic nerve, resulting in vision loss and possible blindness. Glaucoma, a leading cause of blindness and visual impairment in the United States, can affect patients of all ages. Many people affected with glaucoma do not experience any symptoms and may not be aware that they have the disease until they have lost a significant amount of vision. With early detection and treatment, however, eyes can be protected against the serious loss of vision or blindness. Catching glaucoma at an early, treatable stage is one important reason to have thorough eye examinations regularly. If you are suffering from glaucoma in Chesapeake, VA and surrounding areas, contact Southside Eye Care today to schedule an appointment. Our top doctors are ready to leverage their experience and talents for your benefit! Types Of Glaucoma There are several types of glaucoma. The two major types are primary open-angle, in which fluid drains too slowly from the drainage channels (trabecula) of the eye, and angle-closure (narrow-angle), which occurs when the trabecula become blocked. Approximately 95 percent of patients suffer from primary open-angle glaucoma. Other types of glaucoma, which occur much more rarely, include: Low Tension Congenital Secondary Pigmentary Pseudoexfoliation Causes & Risk Factors Certain diseases or conditions can also contribute to the development of glaucoma. These include: Increased pressure within the eye Severe eye infection Injury to the eye Blocked blood vessels Inflammatory conditions of the eye Glaucoma is considered primary if its origin is unknown and secondary if it results from another medical condition. There are several factors that increase the risk of developing glaucoma, including: Being over 60 Being of particular descent, such as African-American or Asian Having a family history of glaucoma Having elevated intraocular pressure Having poor vision or other eye disorders or injuries Having certain medical conditions, like diabetes Taking certain medications, such as corticosteroids for prolonged periods Patients with risk factors for the disorder should be especially vigilant about having regular eye examinations. Symptoms of Glaucoma It is important to remember that patients with early stage glaucoma are most often asymptomatic. When symptoms occur, they vary depending on the type and can occur in one eye or both eyes. The symptoms of open-angle glaucoma include: Dim or blurred vision Gradual loss of peripheral vision Tunnel vision (at advanced stages) The symptoms of angle-closure glaucoma encompass systemic, as well as eye symptoms, including: Severe eye pain Nausea and vomiting Sudden visual disturbance Blurred vision Halos around lights Red eyes Headache Either type may be a primary or secondary disorder. Diagnosis The diagnosis of glaucoma is made after a comprehensive medical examination of the eye and a review of the patient's medical history. Tests are conducted to confirm the diagnosis. Testing may include some of the following: Tonometry Dilated eye examination Visual field test (perimetry) Retinal evaluation Pachymetry Gonioscopy Visual acuity test Once glaucoma has been diagnosed, treatment should begin as soon as possible to help minimize the risk of permanent vision loss. Glaucoma Treatment There is no cure for glaucoma, so treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing further damage. Some of the treatment methods are as follows: Medication Eye drops or oral medication may be used to either reduce fluid production in the front of the eye or to help drain excess fluid. Side effects of the medication may result in redness, stinging, irritation or blurred vision. Regular use of the medication is needed to keep the eye pressure under control. Laser Surgery Trabeculoplasty, iridotomy or cyclophotocoagulation are laser procedures that aim to increase the outflow of fluid from the eye or eliminate fluid blockages. Other Surgery A trabeculectomy may be used to create a new channel to drain fluid from the eye and reduce the pressure that causes glaucoma. Surgery is performed only after medication and laser procedures have been unsuccessful. While patients with early stage glaucoma may not experience any symptoms, prompt treatment is required to preserve their vision.

Considering the importance each of us places on how we see the world around us, it’s somewhat amazing how most of us take our eyesight for granted. We worry more about changing the oil in our cars than having our eyes examined. But a little attention can go a long way to protecting your vision for the long haul. At Southside Eye Care, we provide comprehensive eye exams at our Chesapeake, VA office along with more involved eye surgeries and treatments for problems such as glaucoma, cataracts, and floaters. What Is Tested In A Comprehensive Eye Exam? Eye exams are so much more than simply telling a person he or she has 20/20 or 20/100 vision. We take these exams very seriously and continually upgrade to the latest technology to not only allow us to check your refraction quality but more importantly, to look for the early signs of any type of eye disease. Here is a list of what we test in our comprehensive eye exams at Southside Eye Care: Refraction assessment — As light enters the front of your eyes, the rays are bent as they reach the retina in the back of the eye. If the light rays aren’t focused onto the proper spot, you have a refractive error, such as farsightedness or nearsightedness. Glasses or contact lenses correct these errors. To fine tune the amount of error and correction we use a phoropter, where alternate lenses are rotated in front of your eyes to find which correction gives you the best vision. Visual acuity test — This old standby test uses an alphabet eye chart, also called the Snellen chart. We have you cover one eye and read the letters that get progressively smaller the farther down your read. Visual field test — This determines if you have difficulty seeing in any areas of your overall field of vision. We use an automated perimetry machine where you look at a screen with blinking lights on it. You press a button each time you see a blink. Eye muscle test — You simply follow an object and we watch your eye movements to check for muscle weakness, poor control, or poor coordination between eyes. Color vision test — To test for any color vision problems, we show you several multicolored dot-pattern tests. There are numbers and shapes within the dot patterns. If you have some colorblindness, you won’t see the numbers/shapes in the dots. Slit-lamp examination — The slit lamp is a microscope that illuminates and magnifies the front of your eye. We examine your eyelids, lashes, cornea, iris, lens, and the fluid chamber in your eye. Retinal examination — Sometimes called funduscopy or ophthalmoscopy, this is the examination of the back of your eye, where the retina, optic disc, and various blood vessels are found. For this exam, we usually dilate your eyes with eyedrops. These keep the pupil from getting smaller when a light is shown on it. Glaucoma screening — Glaucoma is a disease where pressure builds inside your eyeball, intraocular pressure. This pressure damages the optic nerve and your vision. For this test, we usually use a puff of air shot onto the front of the eye. This measures the pressure in the eye. Benefits Of Getting An Eye Exam During eye exams at our Chesapeake, VA office, our eye doctors evaluate every aspect of your vision and its long-term health. What’s the benefit in that? How important is clear vision to you? Correcting refractive errors is not difficult, but many people live with an old prescription that doesn’t match their current vision quality. That’s silly — our eye exams only take around an hour — when you think of what you’re missing by not seeing the world clearly. Beyond day-to-day vision, the benefit of having eye exams on a regular basis, especially after you turn 40, is that we can spot conditions such as glaucoma before they do any damage. That’s important because most vision diseases and conditions don’t exhibit any symptoms before they have already damaged your eyesight permanently. But we can spot them during your regular exam and put you on the path of treatment to head off most, if not all, of the potential damage. For children, refractive errors can be getting in the way of their performance in school. When a child can’t see the chalkboard clearly, they’re at a huge disadvantage. The benefit of an eye exam can be better performance in school and that extends from there through the rest of their lives. Think about it. Isn’t your eyesight worth an hour every year or two? How Often Should A Person Have An Eye Exam? Many people don’t get their eyes examined if they don’t sense any drastic changes with their vision. While that’s not as risky for those in their 20s and 30s, it’s rolling the dice if you’re over 40.

Southside Eye Care in Chesapeake, VA is announcing the introduction of a new laser that performs Laser Vitreolysis; a highly effective treatment for correction of vitreous opacities - commonly referred to as floaters. Floaters are quite common, affecting as many as 70% of all people at some point during their lifetime. While floaters are only a nuisance for some, many others experience significant visual disturbances they classify as a quality of life issue. These patients complain of floaters disrupting their ability to read, drive and otherwise function normally. This minimally invasive, in-office procedure can provide a much-needed relief from the symptoms associated with floaters; which are known to bother many people as they approach middle age. Read The Brochure What Are Floaters? Floaters are bits of debris formed in the thick internal gel of the eye called the vitreous. They may look like strings, cobwebs, specks, or blobs. These floating particles cast shadows on the retina and drift across your field of vision when you move your eyes or try to focus on them. At Southside Eye Care, we utilize a specialized laser to target and vaporize the floaters, reducing the shadows cast onto the retina. What causes floaters? Most floaters are caused by changes in the vitreous of our eyes as we age. The vitreous is a thick jelly-like substance that fills our eyes. As we age, the vitreous becomes more liquid. These changes may cause microscopic collagen fibers in the vitreous to clump together, or the vitreous may separate from the retina, leaving strands that had secured the vitreous - to float freely within the vitreous. These clumps and strings of collagen cast shadows on the retina at the back of the eye, the shadows are the floaters you see. When are floaters an issue to address? Floaters are a common issue many people must deal with and many experience more floaters as they age. However, a sudden significant increase in floaters is a reason to see your eye care provider immediately. This is especially true if the increased floaters are accompanied by flashes of light or loss of peripheral vision. These sudden changes may indicate a torn retina and requires immediate attention to avoid potential vision loss. Floaters are often a minor annoyance and require no intervention at all. In fact, until recently there was no treatment for these annoying and sometimes significant visual disturbances. So if you have been struggling with what to do about your floaters – we have an answer for you. Laser Floater Treatment (LFT) is now possible, available and local. What Is Laser Treatment For Floaters? Until recently the only treatment solution for floaters was removal of the vitreous, an invasive surgical procedure known as a vitrectomy. However, with introduction of a specialized laser, a second, non-invasive option is now available for treatment of floaters. Laser Floater Treatment uses laser energy to “lyse” or break up and vaporize the clumps and strands that float in the vitreous. There are no incisions and little discomfort. How is laser floater treatment done? If Dr. Keverline establishes that you are a good candidate for Laser Floater Treatment (LFT), he will perform the procedure here at Southside Eye Care using the Ellex Ultra Q Reflex YAG laser. The laser was designed specifically for treating floaters. You will first have a mild anesthesia delivered via eye drop and a contact lens will be placed on your eye. Dr. Keverline will then use the laser to deliver a measured laser light through a specially designed microscope. During the treatment, Dr. Keverline aims the laser at the floaters in the vitreous, delivering microsecond bursts. The laser energy targets the clumps and strands of collagen, lysing and vaporizing much of the collagen. You may see small dark specs or shadows during or after treatment. These are gas bubbles which will quickly dissolve and be absorbed into the vitreous. The procedure takes 20-30 minutes.

What Is ILASIK? Many improvements have been made in LASIK eye surgery procedures. Among the newest and most advanced improvement is iLASIK, which is the exclusive combination of IntraLase and CustomVue technologies to produce the best possible vision enhancement for patients. Benefits of iLASIK Over Regular LASIK Benefits of iLASIK at Southside Eye Care in Chesapeake, VA include: Uses wavefront diagnostic technology Creates custom-designed corneal flaps Provides an accuracy for ablation What is IntraLase®? IntraLase® has redefined the world of LASIK eye surgery. Also known as blade-free LASIK vision correction, the IntraLase® all-laser procedure eliminates the need for a metal blade during surgery, helping bring clear vision to many people who feel uneasy about going "under the knife" during LASIK. The state-of-the-art IntraLase® laser technology replaces the microkeratome blade that has traditionally been used to create the corneal flap needed for the LASIK procedure. The IntraLase laser applies rapid pulses of laser energy to the top outer layers of the cornea. The IntraLase laser moves back and forth across the cornea creating microscopic bubbles at a specified depth and position just below the corneal surface. The bubbles under the cornea eventually create a perforation which is then lifted aside by the surgeon. The surgeon is then able to continue with the next step of the laser vision correction procedure. What is Advanced CustomVue? The Advanced CustomVue laser combines the technologies of the WaveScan WaveFront with the STAR S4 Excimer Laser system to provide patients with a high-definition, high-accuracy LASIK vision correction. Advanced CustomVue technology makes it possible to perform customized refractive surgeries using information gathered from the patients eyes. This allows for the correction of the very specific refractive errors so patients can enjoy the best post-operative vision quality possible. The FDA has approved both the STAR S4 Excimer Laser and the WaveScan WaveFront for the following refractive errors: Myopia - up to -11.0 diopters, with or without astigmatism, up to -3.0 diopters Hyperopia - up to 3.00 diopters, with or without astigmatism, up to 2.0 diopters Mixed astigmatism - up to 5.0 diopters Frequently Asked Questions About ILASIK What Are The Advantages of ILASIK? Because of the low risk of complications and high level of precision it provides, blade-free LASIK treatment has become the standard of care among leading LASIK surgeons and ophthalmic teaching institutions worldwide. Compared to LASIK methods that use a microkeratome blade, this minimally invasive and incredibly precise procedure decreases the occurrence of partial flaps, holes in the flap, and other traumatic flap complications. Other benefits of the iLASIK procedure in Chesapeake VA include a faster treatment time and no need to dilate the pupils. ILASIK CONSULTATION Who is a Candidate for ILASIK? A thorough medical eye examination is required to determine if you are a candidate for LASIK vision correction. Candidates must be at least 18 years old to ensure that their eyes have matured. Also, vision must have remained stable without an infection or injury for one year prior to the LASIK surgery. Patients not eligible for iLASIK in Chesapeake VA include those with the following conditions: Dry eye syndrome Autoimmune disorder such as lupus or Sjogren’s syndrome Corneal edema or lesions Glaucoma Corneal implant Keratoconus Is ILASIK In Chesapeake VA Covered By Insurance? iLASIK and all other LASIK and PRK procedures are considered to be elective procedures, so they are not covered by your medical insurance. However, you should check with your provider, as some companies do offer certain incentives for these surgeries. What Should I Expect The Day Of My LASIK Surgery? You won’t feel any pain during the 20-minute procedure, but you may feel some slight pressure on your eye when the flap is created. This feeling lasts less than a minute. After the LASIK procedure, you will experience mild to moderate pain or discomfort that may last up to 3 days. You will need someone to drive you home, as your vision will be blurry. When you return home after surgery, plan to take an extended nap as keeping your eyes closed for the first 4 or more hours after surgery will be beneficial for you. We will provide you an eye shield to use while resting that will prevent any inadvertent rubbing or bumping of your eyes while you sleep. What Happens During The ILASIK Procedure? During this LASIK procedure, the laser uses quick pulses of laser energy to create a flap in the cornea that is needed for the second step of the procedure.

Advanced surface ablation, also known as ASA, is a blade-free laser procedure that effectively corrects refractive errors including nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. For patients who are not candidates for LASIK, this procedure can be performed using several different techniques while providing comparable vision correction results. Candidates For Advanced Surface Ablation Similar to LASIK, there are specific requirements that all patients need to meet in order to undergo advanced surface ablation in Chesapeake, VA. These requirements include: Must have wide pupils Must be at least 18 years old Must have no significant health issues Must have a stable eye prescription for a minimum of one year Must be seeking to improve nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism When Is ASA Needed? Many patients choose to undergo ASA because they do not qualify for LASIK. Conditions that make a patient ineligible for LASIK may include: Corneas that are too thin Problems with eye pressure Corneal dystrophy Scarring of the cornea Previous radial keratotomy procedure Why Choose ASA Over Lasik Eye Surgery? Advanced surface ablation in Chesapeake, VA, offers patients many benefits over LASIK. Though they are very similar in a lot of ways, there are a few key differences that could make ASA the right choice for you. First and foremost, ASA can entirely eliminate the possibility of flap complications. As you may have caught earlier, ASA is a great choice for those who have thin corneas, as LASIK simply isn’t an option for them. That’s because ASA immensely reduces the risk of compromising the thickness of a patient’s corneas. Whereas the LASIK approach of cutting a flap with a blade can weaken the cornea, leaving it far thinner than it was before the procedure. Finally, and simply enough, ASA reduces the risk of experiencing uncomfortable dry eyes after the procedure is completed. And when you come to Southside Eye Care for your initial consultation for ASA in Chesapeake, VA, one of our amazing doctors—Drs. Keverline, Hallberg, or Uber—will be there to help you decide what the right step forward is for your eyes. The Advanced Surface Ablation Procedure ASA takes minutes to perform and is done on an outpatient basis using only anesthetic eye drops. During the procedure, the surgeon will gently remove the surface layer of the eye, known as the epithelium. This is done with either a laser that precisely lifts up part of the surface layer, or with a solution of diluted alcohol that gently loosens the epithelium so that it can be lifted to the side. Once the epithelium has been moved aside, the cornea is carefully reshaped with a laser to correct vision. The advanced laser used during this procedure customizes vision correction for each individual patient to ensure successful results. A contact lens bandage is placed over the eye, after the procedure, to protect the eye and promote healing. What To Expect During ASA Recovery After the ASA procedure, patients will be able to return home after a few hours with someone to drive them home. The bandage contact lens will be worn for three to four days, depending on the surgeon’s instructions. Eye drops may be prescribed to prevent infection and keep the eyes moisturized. In most cases, patients can return to work within the next few days, although strenuous exercise should be avoided for at least a week. You may also want to avoid ingesting any foods or drinks that may affect your eyes, including excessive sodium, sugar, and alcohol. Though doing so won’t harm the healing of your eyes, it can most certainly create discomfort for you while they heal. The general rule is to simply avoid as much eye strain as possible during your recovery. The Results Of Advanced Surface Ablation The results of ASA are comparable to LASIK and other laser vision correction procedures, producing results of 20/40 or better in most cases. Some patients may still require glasses or contact lenses after treatment, but their prescription will be significantly reduced. It is important to note that ASA does not correct presbyopia, the natural change in the eyes that occurs after the age of 40, so older patients will still need reading glasses after surgery. When Will I See Results? Patients will notice an improvement in vision within the first few days after surgery, with full results gradually developing over the course of six months. Glasses may need to be worn during an initial period after surgery as vision adjusts. Are There Any Risks Of Advanced Surface Ablation? As with any surgical procedure, there are certain risks associated with ASA. These risks can include the following: Infection A poor reaction to the anesthesia An uncomfortable sensitivity to light An under-correction or overcorrection

The Optical Shoppe at Southside Eye Care is conveniently located in our office in Chesapeake, VA. Our Optical Shoppe is a glasses shop that offers high-quality frames and lenses along with excellent customer service. Guided by a licensed optician, our trained staff helps you to select frames that fit your lifestyle and complement your facial appearance. Our on-site glasses shop is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM-5:00 PM. Glasses Shop In Chesapeake VA A combination of technology and style makes for a good pair of glasses. At our glasses shop, we use modern technologies and materials to ensure that our patients receive quality optical products. For our patients’ convenience, we have an on-site finishing lab reducing the waiting time on completion of orders. Vision Plans We participate with the following vision plans and others: Eyemed Davis Vision/Versant VSP Medicare - post cataract Superior Vision Premium Lenses and Coatings We showcase the following brands of premium lenses and coatings: Varilux Progressive Lenses Crizal Anti-Reflective Coatings Transition Lenses Zeiss Eyezen Glasses Frames Coming Soon!! Balenciaga Women's Frames - End of October We feature the following frame brands at our glasses shop: Gucci Cargo Silhouette Michael Kors Prada Dolce & Gabanna Coach Easy Clip Wiley X Ray-Ban Maui Jim Sunglasses Jessica McClintock Cool Clip Scott Harris Liberty Sport Marc Jacobs Spyder Steve Madden Liz Claiborne Draper James Anne Klein Liz Claiborne BCBG Steve Madden Costa Del Mar Vera Wang Safilo Penguin Joseph Abboud Cinzia Dutz Ella & Maxx McQ Takumi Brooks Brother Polo Michael Ryen BCBG Max Azria Cote D'Azur Dilli Dalli Bifocal And Multifocal Eyeglass Lenses Presbyopia, which is the visual inability of the lens of the eye to focus on objects that are close, may take years to develop. Patients usually begin to show symptoms of presbyopia in their early- to mid-40s. Bifocal or multifocal eyeglasses will provide patients with presbyopia the ability to see clearly at all distances. Bifocal and multifocal lenses allow patients to focus on both nearby and distant objects without the need to switch glasses or contact lenses. More than one prescription is combined into a single lens of the eyeglass. Types of Eyeglass Lenses Bifocal Eyeglass Lenses contain two lens powers/prescriptions - distance-viewing at the top of the lens and near-viewing at the bottom - with a sharp separation in the middle. Trifocal Eyeglass Lenses contain three lens powers. Multifocal Eyeglass Lenses contain two or more lens powers. The advantages of a bifocal or multifocal lenses are they prevent the "jump" in vision when glancing from a nearby object to one further away. Bifocal and multifocal lenses do take some time for adjustment, but once the adjustment has been made, patients never want to go back to separate regular reading and distance glasses.