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LASIK |
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LASIK is the most commonly performed refractive surgical procedure. LASIK’s popularity stems from its advantages over other procedures, including a quick recovery time, and the fact that good vision is usually achieved by the next day. During LASIK, a thin, circular flap in the cornea is created using a laser (IntraLase®). The surgeon then re-shapes corneal tissue using an excimer laser. The reshaping of the cornea allows it to correctly focus light onto the retina, providing clearer vision than before. The flap is then re-positioned, covering the area where the corneal tissue was removed. |
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Photo-Refractive Keratectomy (PRK) |
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PRK (Photo-Refractive Keratectomy) has a history of being the most common refractive surgery procedure performed prior to LASIK. Many surgeons prefer PRK for patients with larger pupils or thin corneas. Both nearsighted and farsighted patients can benefit from PRK. PRK is performed using an excimer laser, which is a cool ultraviolet light beam that precisely removes tissue from the surface of the cornea, in order to reshape it.
Your physician uses a computer to adjust the laser to your prescription. In nearsighted patients, the goal is to flatten the cornea; in farsighted patients, a steeper cornea is desired. PRK can also correct astigmatism by smoothing an irregular cornea into a more normal shape. |
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Conductive Keratoplasty (CK) |
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Conductive Keratoplasty (CK) is a
relatively new type of refractive surgery that is ideal
for patients with presbyopia (gradual loss of near vision).
The procedure involves using mild heat from radio waves
to shrink corneal tissue. The procedure reshapes the cornea,
improving vision for patients diagnosed with presbyopia
and/or farsightedness. A primary advantage of CK for near
vision is that it is less likely to blur distance vision
than contact lenses or laser vision correction. The procedure
is also non-invasive, which means it does not involve cutting
into ocular tissue. |
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Clear Lens Exchange (CLE
or Prelex) |
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Clear Lens Exchange (CLE) or Presbyopic Lens Exchange
(PRELEX) is a procedure used to correct
near and distance vision for patients who want to reduce
their dependence on glasses. Using the same procedure that
has been used for millions of patients undergoing cataract
surgery, this procedure involves removing the eye’s natural
lens and replacing it with an artificial lens implant.
Multifocal lens implants allow the eyes to focus from distant
to near points without glasses. Although the CLE and cataract
procedures are the same, the reasons for performing the
surgery differ. While cataract surgery is done to remove
a patient’s cloudy lens, CLE is used to correct presbyopia
and distance vision, thereby reducing dependence on glasses
or contact lenses. For more information on intraocular
lenses, ask your physician or find more in the cataract
insert available in the lobby. |
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Glaucoma |
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Glaucoma affects an estimated 3 million
Americans. If your family has a history of glaucoma, you
are at a higher risk of developing the disease. Persons
of African, Hispanic or Scandinavian descent are also
at a higher risk for certain types of glaucoma, the most
common type being chronic glaucoma. It is often called
the “silent thief of sight” because there are no early
warning signs. Acute glaucoma, which is rare, produces
sudden symptoms such as eye pain, headaches, halos around
lights, loss of vision, nausea, and vomiting. These symptoms
may last for a few hours, subside and then return again.
Chronic glaucoma causes progressive loss of the peripheral (side) vision. A loss
of central vision may occur late in the course of the disease. Glaucoma is caused
by an increase in pressure within the eye which damages the optic nerve. The
increase in pressure may be the result of an obstruction of the normal outflow
of fluid from the eye or increased production of fluid. Fluid within the eye
is normally drained from the “angle” in the front part of the eye. Fluid build-up
can cause pressure to rise, damaging the optic nerve.
If you have chronic glaucoma, you will need to see your ophthalmologist every
few months to have your eye pressure checked and to examine the optic nerve to
detect early damage. Additional tests, such as visual field testing or corneal
thickness measurement may also be ordered.
If you have been diagnosed with high eye pressure (ocular hypertension - a risk
factor for glaucoma) or glaucoma, your doctor may start treatment to lower the eye pressure. If the disease progresses, surgical intervention may be indicated. |
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Cataracts |
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A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s
natural lens, which lies behind the plane of the iris and
pupil. The lens is mostly made of water and protein; as
we age, some of the protein may clump together and cloud
the lens.
The typical symptom of cataract formation is a slowly progressive, painless decrease
in vision. Other changes include glare, problems with night driving, frequent
change in eyeglass prescription, decrease in color intensity, yellowing of images
and in rare cases, double or multiple images.
Examination by an eye care professional is the only way to determine if you have
a cataract. At Bluegrass Eye Center, we will discuss how the cataract is affecting
your vision prior to determining a method of treatment. When symptoms first appear,
we may be able to improve your vision using new glasses. When your cataract has
progressed enough to impair your vision and impact your life, cataract removal
is indicated.
In cataract surgery, the clouded lens is removed and replaced with a synthetic
intraocular lens. There are several options when choosing an intraocular lens.
The Rezoom and Restor® are two of the latest intraocular lenses available. Both
of these intraocular lenses allow you to focus from distant to near points, without
the use of glasses in most cases. The surgeons at Bluegrass Eye Center are trained
and experienced in the latest intraocular lenses and surgical techniques, including
no-stitch, no-patch cataract procedures. |
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Diabetic Eye Care |
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Diabetes is a common disorder that
leads to elevated blood sugar levels. A number of different
problems can arise in the eye as a result of undiagnosed
diabetes, including a change in eyeglass prescription (refractive
shift) and more seriously, blockage of, or leakage from,
blood vessels in the eye (diabetic retinopathy). Blurred
vision may occur with a sudden increase in the blood glucose
level of a diabetic. Vision will return to normal after
the blood glucose level has been controlled.
Diabetic retinopathy usually occurs in patients who have had diabetes for many
years. Patients who are insulin dependent and those who have had poor control
of their blood sugar are more likely to develop blood vessel changes. Unfortunately,
if diabetic retinopathy is not monitored, it can progress to the more severe
form called proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). In PDR, fragile new blood
vessels grow in the retina and these bleed easily causing hemorrhages in the
eye. People with PDR may not have symptoms until late in the disease process.
If you have any form of diabetes, you should have your eyes examined regularly
by an ophthalmologist.
Another manifestation of diabetic retinopathy is swelling in the central part
of the retina (macula). This is known as diabetic macular edema. This can lead
to blurred vision and permanent loss of vision if it is not treated. Early detection
and treatment of macular edema from diabetes can often prevent the loss of vision
associated with this disorder. |
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Dry Eye Syndrome |
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Dry eye syndrome is caused by insufficient
moisture in the eye. Persistent dryness, scratching and
burning sensations, intermittent blurred vision and problems
reading are common symptoms of dry eye syndrome. Watery
eyes can also be the result of dry eye syndrome, as excessive
dryness causes overproduction of your tears (reflex tearing).
Dry eye syndrome has several causes: it occurs as part of the natural aging process,
especially during menopause; it may be a side effect of medications; it is associated
with living and working in dry, dusty or windy conditions; insufficient blinking,
such as may occur when staring at a computer screen all day, watching TV or
reading.
Dry eye syndrome is an ongoing condition that may not always be cured (depending
on the cause), but the accompanying symptoms can be managed. Treatment options
include the use of artificial tears and ointment, prescription drops (Restasis),
and punctual plugs (these block the drainage of tears away from the eye and prolong
contact of natural or artificial tears with the ocular surface). The work or
home environment may also be adapted to decrease symptoms from dry eye syndrome. |
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Optical Services |
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Who should examine my eyes?
Ophthalmologists are medical doctors who
specialize in eye care. In addition to prescribing eyeglasses
and contacts, they diagnose and treat medical conditions
of the eye and perform eye surgery. As medical doctors,
they can also prescribe medications.
Optometrists are eye care professionals who
can prescribe glasses and contacts and treat conditions of
the eye with eye drops or other medicines.
Opticians are not doctors, but eye care
professionals who adjust, repair, grind and assemble glasses
and instruct patients in contact lens care.
How often should I have my eyes examined?
When a doctor examines your eyes, he or she is doing more than checking to see
if you need glasses; the physician is also looking for common diseases, assessing
how your eyes work together as a team and evaluating your eyes as an indicator
of your health. Eye care experts recommend that adults have a complete eye exam
every one to three years, depending on age, risk factors and physical condition.
Children who are at low risk for eye problems should have their eyes screened
by the start of school. If you are over 40, it’s a good idea to have your eyes
examined every one to two years to check for common age-related eye problems
such as presbyopia, glaucoma, cataracts and macular degeneration.
Designer Frames
When picking out a pair of frames, you will find our optical shop offers high-quality, designer frames at affordable prices. Eyeglass frames come in many shapes
and sizes, so it’s important to take into consideration your facial features,
age, activities and personal style.
Contact Lenses
Contact lenses are thin, clear discs that float on the tear film that coats the
cornea. Contacts correct the same refractive conditions that eyeglasses correct:
nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism and presbyopia. If you are interested
in receiving a contact lens prescription, please tell us in advance, as different
measurements will need to be taken in addition to your normal eye exam. |
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