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The best way to treat your cataract
is to remove the cloudy lens and replace it with a new,
clear artificial lens. Dr. Aker will remove your cataract
by a process called phacoemulsification, the safest
most advanced method of cataract removal. In most cases
no sutures are required.
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| Once the cataract is removed,
an intraocular lens is gently placed in the eye, providing
you with functional vision. |
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| Initially after cataract
surgery your vision may be cloudy for a few days depending
on the density of your cataract. Reading glasses are usually
needed following cataract surgery. |
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YAG
Laser Capsulotomy
One of the recent advances in ophthalmology has been the
use of the YAG laser to open the posterior lens capsule.
This capsule is the thin protective membrane left in the
eye following cataract surgery. If it becomes cloudy it
is safely opened by the YAG laser. |
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| Usually, an increased glare with bright
lights or a gradual decrease in vision are the first signs
of posterior capsular haze. |
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| The posterior capsulotomy is a simple,
painless procedure performed in the clinic. A laser beam
is used to create an opening in the center of the cloudy
capsule. There is no pain or chance of infection since
no incision is required. |
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| After the procedure is completed, there
are no restrictions on activities. The majority of patients
enjoy improved vision almost immediately. |
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| Macular Degeneration |
| Macular degeneration is the
leading cause of impaired reading or detailed vision.
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| Macular degeneration is most commonly
a natural result of the aging process. With time, the
retinal tissues break down and become thin. This deterioration
causes a loss of function of the macula, the central portion
of the vision. Side vision is not affected. |
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| In about 10% of cases of macular degeneration,
aging of the retina is compounded by leakage of tiny blood
vessels which nourish the retina. Growth of new, abnormal
blood vessels in the scar tissue that forms from the leaking
blood vessels is also common. Blood and leaking fluid
destroy the macula, causing vision to become distorted
and blurred. The formation of dense scar tissue blocks
out central vision to a severe degree. |
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| Glaucoma |
| Glaucoma affects nearly 2 percent of
the American population, representing more than two million
persons and is the leading preventable cause of blindness
in the United States. |
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| Typically, glaucoma is an insidious disease,
which destroys vision slowly and relentlessly over months
to years. Fundamentally, glaucoma is characterized by
fluid pressure within the eye, which is too high. This
pressure “pinches” and damages both the optic
nerve and the blood vessels which nourish the retina.
If untreated, the result is usually a slow loss of peripheral,
or side vision, and eventual blindness. |
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| Fortunately, with modern treatment techniques
most vision loss from glaucoma can be prevented. |
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Detection
of glaucoma
In a simple, painless test, your doctor measures the fluid
pressure or “firmness” of the eyeball and evaluates
the retina and optic nerve. If the pressure is unusually
high or if the optic nerve proves abnormal upon examination,
your doctor will probably suggest you schedule a “visual
field” test to determine if any peripheral or side
vision has been lost. Periodically the doctor will have
photographs taken to assess the optic nerve condition.
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| A new technology is now available to
assist in the detection of glaucoma before symptoms become
apparent to the patient. The Heidelberg Retina Tomograph
(HRT) is a highly effective test. The HRT system combines
a laser-scanning camera and specialized software that
will evaluate your optic nerve. This painless, non-invasive
exam takes only moments to perform and will provide your
doctor with beneficial information during your eye exam.
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Glaucoma
Treatment
Early detection is crucial to the successful treatment
of glaucoma. It is one reason adults past the age of 35
should visit an eye doctor every year. If glaucoma is
detected, it can be treated using medication, laser or
filter surgery. With appropriate and timely therapy the
potential for further damage to the optic nerve and resulting
loss of vision is significantly reduced. |
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Medical
Management
The first line of therapy for most patients with glaucoma
includes eye drops. Modern pharmaceutical research has
provided your physician with a spectrum of eye medications
designed specifically to reduce eye pressure with a minimum
of side effects. |
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Laser
Surgery
A new type of glaucoma surgery, Selective Laser Treatment
(SLT), approved by the FDA in March 2001 holds great promise
for the treatment of glaucoma. SLT is an advanced type
of laser treatment that selectively stimulates specific
pigmented cells to activate increased fluid drainage and
reduce your intraocular pressure. |
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| The application of laser technology to
the treatment of glaucoma has nearly revolutionized our
approach to this serious eye disease. In some instances
it eliminates your dependency on eye medications. Laser
surgery does not cure glaucoma, but offers us a very effective
method of aiding in it's control. |
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