Common Procedures and Diseases

Common Procedures and Surgeries

Cataract Extraction with Intraocular Implantation

A cataract extraction with intraocular lens implantation is a procedure in which the eye surgeon removes the clouded lens (cataract) from the eye and replaces it with an artificial lens (lens implant).

Yag Laser Capsulotomy

A YAG laser capsulotomy is a procedure in which an eye surgeon makes a small opening in the capsule of your eye. The capsule is the thin, clear membrane that holds the lens in place. During a YAG laser capsulotomy, your eye surgeon uses a special laser to make a cut in the capsule. This makes a clear opening for light rays to pass through.

When is it used?

Sometimes, especially after cataract surgery, the capsule becomes cloudy. Your vision becomes blurry. This procedure can improve your vision.

Glaucoma Surgery

Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) is used to reduce or eliminate the need for glaucoma drops. The SLT laser should promote drainage of fluid from your eye. It is often used as a secondary treatment option to medication.

Trabeculectomy – we also treat glaucoma by Trabeculectomy. This procedure is performed at our outpatient surgery center, Foothill Surgery Center, located in Arcadia.

Droopy Eyelids/Ptosis Surgery

If vision is obstructed or reduced due to ptosis (the medical term for noticeable droopiness of the upper eyelids), or you wish to be rid of that “tired” look, eyelid surgery is performed at our outpatient surgery center, Foothill Surgery Center, located in Arcadia.

LASIK or (laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis) is a type of refractive surgery for correcting myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. It is performed by an ophthalmologist using a special laser. LASIK is similar to other surgical corrective procedures such as photorefractive keratectomy, PRK, (also called ASA, Advanced Surface Ablation). Lasik differs by offering faster patient recovery. Both LASIK and PRK represent advances over radial keratotomy in the surgical treatment of vision problems, and are thus viable alternatives to wearing corrective eyeglasses or contact lenses for many patients. Here is brief overview of the procedure:

Common Conditions and Diseases

Cataracts

A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye. Normally, light rays pass through a clear, colorless lens. A cataract clouds the lens and blocks light rays from the retina, interfering with normal vision. Cataracts are commonly caused by the aging process. Normal aging may cause the transparent protein fibers of the lens to harden and begin to lose transparency. Cataracts form in either one or both eyes and loss of vision is usually gradual.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness in the U.S. Two out of every hundred people over the age of 35 have their vision threatened by this disease. Glaucoma may be inherited or may be caused as a result of the aging process, following eye injuries, or be secondary to medications and systemic diseases. Fortunately, blindness can be prevented with early diagnosis and treatment.

The two most common types are:

• Open angle glaucoma – This is the most common type. It occurs in about 2% of the population, and makes up 90% of all glaucoma patients. It is associated with elevated intraocular pressure because of deterioration in the channels which drain fluid from the eye. Symptoms only occur in the advanced stage when an individual is losing vision, for that reason, eye exams are crucial to detect this type of glaucoma.
• Narrow angle glaucoma – This type of glaucoma is more common in older patients. In this type of glaucoma, the iris, or colored part of the eye, obstructs the drainage channels of the eye. This may occur very suddenly, resulting in a rapid increase in ocular pressure which may be accompanied by pain or blurred vision.

Macular Degeneration

The macula of the eye is the section of the retina that is responsible for your color vision, night vision, and sharp vision. Damage to or destruction of the macula is known as macular degeneration. When macular degeneration is fully developed, the individual may have difficulty with regular daily activities such as reading or viewing objects in the distance. There are two primary types of macular degeneration, the dry type and the wet type.

Dry-Type Macular Degeneration

In the dry type, the deterioration in the macula and in vision are slow and gradual, and may occur over a period of years. There is often a family history of macular degeneration, and frequently changes in the retina are present before the actual degeneration occurs. This is one reason why regularly seeing your ophthalmologist can be a great way to take preventative measures! There is no treatment of proven value for the dry type of macular degeneration, although nutritional supplements are used often.

Wet age-related Macular Degeneration

The wet type of macular degeneration usually begins abruptly with a change in or loss of vision associated with a hemorrhage or an abnormal blood vessel membrane developing in the macular area of the retina. Vision loss is often severe immediately. It is a chronic condition that cannot be cured, but can be managed. Without treatment, the disease will get progressively worse. Treatment options consist of both laser and injections.