Laser Surgery & Treatment
Laser Eye Surgery for Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic Retinopathy is a sight threatening complication of systemic diabetes mellitus. Background Diabetic Retinopathy (BDR) may occur at any point in time after the onset of diabetes. In general, this is the first "stage" of diabetic retinopathy and, therefore, the least concerning. Early on, this condition is often present without any visual symptoms but is characterized by the retina displaying dot and blotch hemorrhages, microaneurysms and exudates or leakage from the fine blood vessels.
Laser Eye Surgery for Age Related Macular Degeneration
Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) occurs in two primary types. Dry AMD that accounts for approximately 90% of cases and is generally the milder form of the disorder and is not amenable to treatment with any form of currently FDA approved treatment. Wet AMD, the second type is by far much more sight threatening but fortunately only accounts for approximately 10% of cases. Wet Age Related Macular Degeneration is treatable with certain types of laser eye surgery if it is diagnosed early enough.
Laser Eye Surgery for Glaucoma
Glaucoma is an eye disease that is typically associated with pressure in the eye that results in damage to the optic nerve and ultimately vision loss. Glaucoma is usually a disease in which patients have no real symptoms until its late stages. In reality glaucoma is a group of optic nerve diseases. In fact there are many types of glaucoma, some of which are particularly well treated with different types of laser eye surgery.
Laser Eye Surgery for Cataracts
Modern cataract and lens implant surgery is one of the most successful surgeries that can be performed today. Cataracts are removed using an advanced technique called phacoemulsification whereby the cataract is broken into small pieces and gently suctioned through a tiny incision. In about 20% of patients, the membrane that is left in place to help support the intraocular lens implant may become hazy or cloudy. This may cause the vision may be blurred, hazy, or can cause glare. This is not a recurrence of the cataract, as once they are removed they never return. Fortunately this hazing or cloudiness of the membrane, which is called the posterior capsule, is easily treatable with laser eye surgery and nearly always restores or improves vision. The laser eye procedure called a Yag Laser Capsulotomy or "Yag" is performed right in the Ophthalmologist's office with just a few drops to make you more comfortable. The improved visual results are virtually immediate.
