At Eye Physicians of Elizabethtown, we are your eye care experts. We offer a variety of services to take care of all your eye care needs. We provide surgical care including LASIK, Cataract Surgery and Glaucoma Surgery. We also provide Comprehensive Eye Exams, Testing for Open-Angle Glaucoma and Age-Related Macular Degeneration, Pediatric Exams along with other eye conditions and issues. We offer Retinal consultation locally with Ophthalmology Associates. For more information about our services, or to schedule your eye exam, contact us today!
LASIK Eye Surgery
LASIK eye surgery is an outpatient surgical procedure used to treat nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. With LASIK, your eye doctor uses a laser to reshape the cornea to improve the way the eye focuses light rays onto the retina. LASIK may decrease your dependence on glasses and contacts, or in some cases, allow you to do without them entirely. LASIK is not for everyone, and as your doctor, we will advise you about certain conditions that may prevent you from being a good candidate for this procedure.
Cataract Surgery
Cataract surgery is an outpatient surgical procedure to remove cataracts. Cataracts are the leading cause of visual loss in adults 55 and over. Cataract surgery is one of the safest and most effective surgical procedures. The operation entails making a tiny incision in the eye and inserting an instrument about the size of a pen tip to break up and remove the cloudy lens. Once the cloudy lens is removed, a cataract replacement lens or “IOL” is inserted through the same tiny incision and set into its permanent position. Most people are surprised to find out just how easy and pain-free cataract surgery is. It usually takes about 20 to 30 minutes or less and most patients are back to their normal activities the very next day.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a disease of the optic nerve-the part of the eye that carries the images we see to the brain. When damage occurs to the optic nerve, blind spots develop. If the entire nerve is destroyed, blindness results. Early detection and treatment by your eye doctor will help prevent optic nerve damage and blindness. As your eye doctor, we consider many kinds of information to determine if you are at risk for developing the disease. Regular eye exams are the best way to detect glaucoma. We offer the latest medical and surgical treatments including minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS).
Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration is a disease of the macula-a small area in the retina at the back of the eye. When the macula does not work properly, your central vision can be blurry and have areas that are dark or distorted. Macular degeneration alone does not usually cause total blindness. Many people do not realize they have a macular problem until blurred vision becomes obvious. As your eye doctor, we can detect early stage of AMD during a medical eye examination. We have Retina specialists that see patients at our office weekly to provide the latest treatment options.
Diabetic Retinopathy
If you have diabetes mellitus, your body does not use and store sugar properly. High blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels in the retina, the nerve layer at the back of the eye that senses light and helps to send images to the brain. The damage to retinal vessels is referred to as diabetic retinopathy. A medical eye exam is the best way to detect changes inside your eye. We can diagnose and treat serious retinopathy before you are aware of any vision problems.
Floaters and Flashes
You may sometimes see small specks or clouds moving in your field of vision. These are called floaters. Floaters are actually tiny clumps of gel or cells inside the vitreous, the clear gel-like fluid that fills the inside of your eye. The appearance of floaters may be alarming, especially if they develop very suddenly. You should contact your eye doctor right away if you develop new floaters, especially if you are over 45 years of age.
FAQ
- What is Macular Degeneration? It is a condition that typically affects individuals over 50 years old. It is a process where a part of the eye ages more quickly than it should.
- What are symptoms of Macular Degeneration? Gradual or sudden decreased vision, a dark spot in the center of vision, or seeing wavy lines that should be straight.
- When should my child have a vision exam? Most children should have an exam by age 3 or 4 if there is not family history of childhood eye disease. If there is a family history then an exam should be performed by age 1 or 2.
- How can I protect my eyes as I get older? It is important to have a pair of glasses/ sunglasses that have UV protection. In addition, a well balanced diet including green, leafy vegetables and fish oil may be beneficial.
- What is glaucoma? Glaucoma is an asymptomatic disease that can only be detected with an eye exam. The most common form is associated with high eye pressure that again is ASYMPTOMATIC. The high eye pressure causes progressive loss of peripheral vision.