Eye Surgeries

Our trained professionals are proficient in these and many other procedures.  We also specialize in LASIK, explained on our LASIK page here.

Some of the conditions we treat:

PRK Photorefractive Keratectomy
Cataract Surgery
Glaucoma Surgery
Retinal Surgery
Oculoplastic Surgery
Floaters
Macular Degeneration
Diabetes Mellitus
Blepharitis

PRK Photorefractive Keratectomy

PRK (photorefractive keratectomy) does not require incisions into the cornea as does RK (radial keratotomy). Instead a laser beam reshapes the cornea for improved focusing. Within a few seconds the computer guided beam reshapes the outer layer of the cornea. PRK can be performed with Customvue and can be the means to better vision for many candidates with higher prescriptions or thinner corneas.

[ return to top ]

Cataract Surgery

A cataract is a clouding of the natural lens of the eye. Although an individual can be born with cataracts, this condition is most common in later life. Over fifty percent of people over the age of 60 suffer from some form of cataracts and almost everyone will develop some degree of cataract with advancing age. Prior to the surgery you will undergo some office tests to evaluate the health of your eye and to measure you for the appropriate lens implant. Currently, cataract surgery is performed on an out-patient basis using an ultrasound probe to dissolve the cataract at a one of the local hospitals or surgery centers in the area.

[ return to top ]

Glaucoma Surgery

Glaucoma is a serious eye disorder in which pressure inside the eye causes damage to the optic nerve at the back of the eye. There are many types of glaucoma but the most common type is called Primary Open Angle Glaucoma. This condition affects at least 1% of the population and is more common in older people, African Americans and those with diabetes or a family history of glaucoma. Treatment options include eye drops, pills, laser therapy and surgery. The right choice for you will depend on the nature of your condition.

Laser therapy can be used in-office to improve drainage of fluid from the eye, but may need to be repeated. If glaucoma remains uncontrolled surgery may be needed.

In any case, your eye pressure needs to be checked regularly, ideally every three months. There are also acute forms of glaucoma in which the eye pressure suddenly rises causing redness, pain and vision loss. Warning signs before an attack include seeing haloes or rainbows around lights. This type of glaucoma will need to be treated with medications and/or laser therapy.

[ return to top ]

Retinal Surgery

Diabetes Mellitus is a disorder of blood sugar that can have many serious effects on the eye. Poorly controlled blood sugar can cause fluctuations of vision due to changes in the focusing power of the eye. Cataracts, glaucoma and other eye disorders are more common in diabetic people.

Probably the most important complication of diabetes is retinal disease or retinopathy. This usually starts several years after the onset of diabetes so regular retinal examinations should be performed every 6 to 12 months.

Diabetes can cause decreased blood supply to the retina which results In the growth of abnormal new blood vessels or neovascularization. These vessels can rupture and bleed, leading to hemorrhage inside the eye which may then lead to scarring and other complications such as retinal detachment. Early treatment of neovascularlzatlon can reduce the risk of loss of vision.

Another retinal complication of diabetes is "macular edema" which describes fluid build up in the central part of the retina causing decreased vision. Both of these types of retinopathies can initially be treated by in office laser therapy.

Neovascularization is treated by "pan-retinal photocoagulation" in which the peripheral retina is treated with hundreds of laser applications to preserve the central retina. Macular edema is treated with "focal" laser in which a small number of low power laser spots are applied over leaking blood vessels in the center of the retina. It is important to realize that either type of treatment may not improve vision and both may reduce vision.

The goal in laser therapy is to reduce the risk of major vision loss.

The best way to control diabetic eye disease is through prevention. This means good control of your blood sugar and regular eye examinations.  Schedule your appointment with Medical Vision Group today.

[ return to top ]

Oculoplastic Surgery

There are many ways to enhance and improve the appearance of the face and eyelids. In some cases drooping eyelids and excess skin can impair the peripheral vision, making correction a medical necessity rather than a purely cosmetic procedure. Blepharoplasty and ptosis surgery can help lift eyelid to their proper height and remove excess eyelid skin and fatty tissue. Botox treatment can help reduce facial wrinkles and also treat spasm or twitching of the eyelid muscles. Skin resurfacing (laser or chemical) can help rejuvenate facial skin and restore youthful tone to the skin.

[ return to top ]

Floaters

You may have noticed a "floater" or "spider's web" in the front of your field of vision. This floater is due to movement in the jelly of your eye (Vitreous humor) and is known as a "Posterior Vitreous Detachment." This condition is very common especially in older individuals and is usually no more than a temporary nuisance. Sometimes however, the movement of the jelly can cause a tear in the retina and can lead to a retinal detachment. This happens when the moving jelly pulls on the retina at its edges where it is weakly attached. A retinal detachment can lead to permanent loss of vision. Early detection and treatment of a retinal detachment is important if eyesight is to be saved.

[ return to top ]

Macular Degeneration

Macular Degeneration is a disorder of the central retina that usually affects older individuals. It can affect one or both eyes and initially causes a distortion of central vision that can make straight lines look wavy or crooked. It can progress to the point where it reduces central vision and impairs reading ability. It is important to remember that even in very advanced cases, the peripheral vision is not affected so that the individual is never completely blind and can usually remain mobile and in dependent although driving may have to be limited. Reading vision can be improved with adequate lighting and magnifying lenses.

[ return to top ]

Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes Mellitus is a disorder of blood sugar that can have many serious effects on the eye. Poorly controlled blood sugar can cause fluctuations of vision due to changes in the focusing power of the eye. Cataracts, glaucoma and other eye disorders are more common in diabetic people.

Probably the most important complication of diabetes is retinal disease or retinopathy. This usually starts several years after the onset of diabetes so regular retinal examinations should be performed every 6 to 12 months.

Diabetes can cause decreased blood supply to the retina which results In the growth of abnormal new blood vessels or neovascularization. These vessels can rupture and bleed, leading to hemorrhage inside the eye which may then lead to scarring and other complications such as retinal detachment. Early treatment of neovascularlzatlon can reduce the risk of loss of vision.

Another retinal complication of diabetes is "macular edema" which describes fluid build up in the central part of the retina causing decreased vision. Both of these types of retinopathies can initially be treated by in office laser therapy.

Neovascularization is treated by "pan-retinal photocoagulation" in which the peripheral retina is treated with hundreds of laser applications to preserve the central retina. Macular edema is treated with "focal" laser in which a small number of low power laser spots are applied over leaking blood vessels in the center of the retina. It is important to realize that either type of treatment may not improve vision and both may reduce vision.

The goal in laser therapy is to reduce the risk of major vision loss.

The best way to control diabetic eye disease is through prevention. This means good control of your blood sugar and regular eye examinations.

[ return to top ]

Blepharitis

Blepharitis is a very common inflammatory condition of the eyelids which can lead to, or occur in conjunction with dry eye. Blepharitis is an inflammation of the many oil glands in the eyelids which have their openings near the base of the eyelashes. The openings of the glands become blocked with stagnant oil which is converted to irritant by-products by bacteria on the eyelids. Since the oil is no longer flowing into the tear film, tears evaporate quickly from the eye leading to dryness of the eyes.

The symptoms of blepharitis are irritation and redness of the eyes, especially in the mornings, with debris and crusting around the eyelids that can cause the appearance of a "film" over the eyes that varies with blinking.