Cataracts
A cataract is a clouding of the natural lens of the eye. With age, the proteins of the lens clump together and block light making vision blurry or hazy. This gradually progresses to cause symptoms such as glare, halos around lights, double vision in one eye, decreased night vision and fading of colors affecting such activities as driving, reading, watching television, golfing, painting, and more. The most common cause of cataract formation is aging, however, other risk factors include: family history, the sun’s uv rays, smoking, medications like steroids, trauma and systemic diseases such as diabetes.
The time to have your cataract removed is when you believe the quality of your life would be improved if you could see better. The procedure is a very common and successful operation, improving the vision of over 3 million people a year. Our surgeons at the American Eye Institute, have performed thousands of cataract extractions with a combined experience of over 50 years. We employ the most advanced techniques including the no-stitch, no-needle technique using topical anesthesia (numbing drops). The procedure lasts around 10-15 minutes and most people notice improved vision within days after the operation. We take pride in tailoring your cataract surgery to your lifestyle and visual needs and therefore, in addition to implanting standard intraocular lenses (IOL’s), we offer premium iol’s such as multifocal IOL’s to correct distance and near vision as well as toric IOL’s for astigmatism to decrease your need for glasses after surgery.
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness among adults. Approximately 25% of diabetics have some form of the disease. The risk of developing diabetic retinopathy increases with the duration of the disease and it is estimated that 90% of diabetics may have some form of diabetic retinopathy over the course of their life. However, only a small percentage of those developing diabetic retinopathy have serious vision problems and even a smaller percentage become blind.
Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes which causes the blood vessels of the retina to become abnormal. The vessels weaken, leak fluid and blood, which can accumulate in the surrounding retinal tissue. This form of diabetic retinopathy is called non-proliferative or background diabetic retinopathy. If the leakage occurs in the area responsible for central vision, the macula, swelling can ensue resulting in diminished vision. This is called “clinically significant macular edema” and frequently requires laser treatment to prevent vision loss. Lasers are used to seal the leaking blood vessels to reduce the chance of further vision loss.
Proliferative diabetic retinopathy is the more advanced stage of the disease. New, fragile, abnormal blood vessels grow over the retina and may bleed into the vitreous blocking light from reaching the retina causing vision to be cloudy. If clouding persists, a vitrectomy, a surgical removal of the vitreous humor, may be necessary. Proliferative retinopathy affects approximately 5% of all diabetics and if left untreated can lead to blindness.
Controlling blood sugar is the single most important thing a person with diabetes can do to prevent or reduce the complications of diabetes and diabetic retinopathy. Early detection and management of diabetic retinopathy is important to arrest or slow the development of the more sight damaging stages of the disease. The professionals at the American Eye Institute therefore recommend annual dilated retinal examinations in all people with diabetes and more frequent exams in those who show signs of diabetic eye disease.
Macular Degeneration
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a disease associated with aging that gradually destroys sharp, central vision. Central vision is needed for seeing objects clearly and for common daily tasks such as reading and driving.
AMD affects the macula, the part of the eye that allows you to see fine detail. AMD causes no pain.
In some cases, AMD advances so slowly that people notice little change in their vision. In others, the disease progresses faster and may lead to a loss of vision in both eyes. AMD is a leading cause of vision loss in Americans 60 years of age and older.
Factors that may increase your risk of AMD include: Increasing age, family history, smoking cigarettes, being obese, eating few fruits and vegetables, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and factors such as being Caucasian or female.
The two most common types of AMD are “dry” (atrophic) and “wet” (exudative).
Most people have the “dry” form of AMD. It is caused by aging and thinning of the tissues of the macula. Vision loss is usually gradual.
The “wet” form of macular degeneration accounts for about 10% of all AMD cases.
It results when abnormal blood vessels form underneath the retina at the back of the eye. These new blood vessels leak fluid or blood and blur central vision. Vision loss may be rapid and severe.
Symptoms include: Words on a page looking blurred, a dark or empty area appearing in the center of vision, or straight lines looking distorted.
The medical doctors at the American Eye Institute are trained to detect and treat AMD with the latest diagnostic techniques and equipment including fluorescein angiogram and preferential hyperacuity perimeter.
Treatment may include taking a specific high-dose formulation of antioxidants that reduces the risk of advanced AMD and its associated vision loss.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is an eye condition that develops when too much fluid pressure builds up inside of the eye. The increased pressure, called intraocular pressure, can damage the optic nerve, which transmits images to the brain. If damage to the optic nerve from high pressure continues, glaucoma will cause loss of vision and eventual blindness. Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness in the United States, especially for older people. But loss of sight from glaucoma can often be prevented with early treatment.
Risk Factors include:
- African-American, Russian, Irish, Japanese, Hispanic, Inuit, or Scandinavian descent
- Age over 40
- Family History of glaucoma
- Systemic health problems, such as diabetes, migraine headaches, and poor circulation
- Nearsightedness or farsightedness
- Thin central corneal thickness
- Past eye injuries
The medical doctors at the American Eye Institute employ the latest diagnostic testing which includes visual fields, Heidelberg Retinal Tomography, digital fundus photography, ultrasound corneal thickness and gonioscopy.
Treatment includes eye drops, in office laser treatment and surgery in the operating room.
Other Procedures
American Eye Institute offers the following procedures:
- Cataract Surgery
- Bifocal Implants
(More Information: http://acrysofrestor.com/) - Toric Implants
(More Information: http://www.reclaimyourvision.com/acrysof-iq-toric-iols.aspx) - Glaucoma Surgery and Treatment
- Diabetic Eye Care
Services/Optical Shop
The American Eye Institute offers the following services:
- Contact Lenses
- Medical Eye Exams
- Refractions
- Care and Treatment of all Ages
Full Service Optical Shop:
American Eye Institute offers a large selection of fashionable eyewear in many price ranges to fit your budget. We carry designer frames from Luxotica, Gucci, Coach, Nautica, Juicy, Revo and Ray Ban as well as many others.
American Eye Institute participates with VSP, EYEMED, Blue Cross Vision and many other providers.
