Cataract

Your eye has a clear lens through which light passes, allowing you to see. When the lens loses its transparency, the cloudy tissue that develops is known as a cataract.

Cataracts cause progressive, painless loss of vision. The lens clouds naturally as we age, so people over the age of 65 usually see a gradual reduction of vision. No one is exactly sure what causes cataracts. In younger people they can result from an injury, certain medications, or illnesses such as diabetes. Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light and smoking may also play a role in the formation of cataracts.

Example of cloudy vision

Although cataracts usually develop without apparent pain, some indications that a cataract may be forming are:

• Blurred or hazy vision
• Double vision
• Poor vision in bright light
• Seeing halos around lights
• Yellowish tinged vision
• Night vision difficulty

If visual impairment interferes with your ability to read, work, or do the things you enjoy then you will want to consider cataract surgery. Surgery is the only proven means of effectively treating cataracts. Cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure done under local anesthesia. It has a very high success rate and is the most common surgical procedure done in the U.S. At Eye Physicians and Surgeons, PC we utilize small incision, no stitch techniques that allow for faster recuperation.

ReSTOR® IOLs

ReSTOR® IOL

For years, patients who underwent cataract surgery had to wear glasses or contact lenses afterwards to see clearly. The newly developed ReSTOR® lens has overcome this problem, allowing patients to see better than ever before -- without the help of corrective eyewear. The ReSTOR lens improves upon ordinary cataract replacement lenses (IOLs) by providing comprehensive focusing capabilities so patients can see clearly in a range of lighting conditions and at all distances -- at noon or midnight, nearby or far away, and anywhere in between.  According to studies by ALCON, up to 80% of patients who use the ReSTOR® lens don't need to rely on glasses or contact lenses after surgery.

Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness and visual impairment in the United States. A simple, painless eye exam can detect the disease. With early detection and treatment, glaucoma can usually be controlled and blindness prevented. Glaucoma can affect anyone from newborn infants to the elderly. It has been estimated that up to 3 million Americans have glaucoma. At least half of those people do not know they have it because glaucoma usually has no symptoms. People who are at a greater risk for glaucoma usually have the following conditions:

To detect glaucoma, your physician will test your visual acuity and visual field and test the pressure in your eye. Regular and complete eye exams help to monitor the changes in your eyesight and to determine whether you may develop glaucoma. Treatment to control glaucoma include medications in the form of either eyedrops or pills, laser surgery and conventional surgery.

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Blepharoplasty

Blepharoplasty can rejuvenate puffy, sagging or tired-looking eyes by removing excess fat, skin and muscle from the upper and lower eyelids. Dr. Philip Silverstone performs blepharoplasty for cosmetic reasons or to improve sight by lifting droopy eyelids
out of the patient's field of vision. The procedure is usually performed with local anesthesia in as little as 45 minutes.

Blepharoplasty can be combined with BOTOX®, Restylane®, or Juvederm® treatments to try to raise the eyebrows or reduce the appearance of wrinkles or crow's feet.

Detached Retina

It is highly recommended that patients have regular eye exams to detect these problems early and begin treatment to avoid visual loss. Dr. Benevento utilizes the most advanced treatments inlcluding Avastin, Macugen, and Lucentis for the treatment of macular degeneration.

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Dr. Darron Bacal, our pediatric ophthalmologist and strabismus specialist, states that it is never too early to test a child’s vision and eye health. Certain problems like amblyopia ('lazy eye') and strabismus ('eye turn') are best treated at an early age. Early detection and treatment prevents long-term vision problems.

Many diseases and systemic conditions have ocular findings which may be clinically important and so often a comprehensive eye examiantion is indicated for these conditions. Dr. Bacal tests visual acuity, motility, and focusing skills to detect problems that may contribute to difficulties in school.

Strabismus

Strabismus is the term that refers to the condition when the eyes are constantly or intermittently misaligned. The condition occurs in about 5% of children, and adults may suffer from it as well. Strabismus can be congenital (present from birth) or acquired from vision disorders, eye injury, diabetes, stroke and other conditions.

Strabismus may manifest at first as double vision. If left untreated, it can lead to visual impairment, loss of binocular vision, and decreased vision in the weaker eye. For children, early treatment is best. Older patients can be helped as well; it's never too late to seek treatment. Dr. Bacal specializes in the medical and surgical treatment of strabismus and diplopia (double vision).

Pterygium

Dr. Seth Meskin specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders that can affect the cornea and lead to pain or loss of vision.   Disease, infection or injury can cause the cornea to swell (called "edema") or degrade (become cloudy and reduce vision).

Corneal Transplant

Common diseases and disorders that affect the cornea include:

Treatment for corneal disease can take many forms, depending on the underlying problem as well as the patient's preferences. Some conditions resolve on their own and many can be treated with medication. If the cornea is severely damaged or if there is a risk of blindness, a corneal transplant may be recommended to preserve vision.

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Low Vision

Low vision is generally considered to be vision poor enough to keep someone from being able to read their mail or a newspaper while wearing their regular glasses. It is often a loss of sharpness or acuity but may present as a loss of field of vision, light sensitivity, distorted vision or loss of contrast. Low vision often may occur as a result of birth defects, injury, the aging process or as a complication of disease.

Dr. Erin Anderson, a trained low vision specialist, conducts low vision testing in our offices.  Low vision testing is significantly more involved than basic eye health exams and consists of evaluating the patient's visual fields and determining which devices will work best to improve their vision.

Optical Services

Optical Shop

Our excellent team of experienced opticians will help you select from our large array of glasses, sunglasses, contact lenses, and low vision aids. We offer full services including glasses and contact lens prescriptions, fittings, and repairs. Specialties include progressive, transitional, and polarized lenses, antireflective coatings or tints, and eye wear protection such as polycarbonate, shatter proof lenses. Brands such as Prada, Maui Jims, Gucci, and many more are readily available.

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