|
Adult & Pediatric Eye Care
Comprehensive eye evaluations at Total
Eye Care Centers consist of:
- Past
& present medical, surgical, and allergic history
- Visual
acuity testing
- Computerized
vision/prescription analysis
- Refractometry
(determination of eyeglass prescription)
- Glaucoma
testing
- External
eye examination
- Eye
movement analysis
- Pupillary
and neuro-ophthalmological functions
- Biomicroscopic
exam
- Retinal
and vitreous exam
-
Other tests as indicated - these may be done at the time of
or at a future appointment and may include:
- Tear
production testing for dry eyes
- Computerized
visual field testing for glaucoma & neurological disease
- Color
and depth perception testing
- Fluorescein
angiography to detect retinal & diabetic changes
- A/B
scan ultrasonography for diagnosis and accurate implant
measurement
Judith
B. Lavrich, M.D., is our Wills Eye Hospital fellowship-trained
pediatric ophthalmologist. Her primary focus in caring for our
pediatric patients is on the therapeutic and surgical treatment
of conditions such as amblyopia (lazy eye) and strabismus (wandering
eye). Her expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of ocular conditions
encompass nasolacrimal duct (tear duct) obstructions through evaluation
and detection of ocular tumors.
Back
to Top ^
Cataract
A cataract develops when the natural lens
of the eye becomes cloudy, and is mostly due to exposure of the
eye to ultraviolet radiation throughout life. There are many different
varieties of cataracts.
Nuclear Sclerosis
is the primary form of cataract; it is the gradual yellowing of
the once clear natural lens caused by the aging process.
Posterior Subcapsular
is a type of fast-growing cataract usually due to certain medications
, like steroids.
Anterior Cortical
is a type of cataract usually caused by trauma or injury to the
eye.
Typically, cataracts affect people over
the age of 50. However, a cataract can occur at any age, and can
also be inherited (genetic). A congenital
cataract occurs when a baby is born
with a cataract because of an inherited defect or infection within
the womb.
Cataract surgery is performed when eyesight
is impaired to the point where the patient has some difficulty
doing daily tasks, like driving. In children, it is important
that surgery is performed as soon as possible to prevent amblyopia.
Amblyopia is a decrease in vision due to the visual system being
unable to develop normally because of a lack of proper stimulation.
A special type of ultrasound known as phacoemulsification is used
to break up the cataract into smaller pieces that are easily removed.
The cataract is replaced with an artificial intraocular
lens (IOL) implant made out of silicone
or acrylic.
The entire cataract and implant procedure
is done through a small incision in the outer surface of the eye
within minutes, often without the need for sutures. The patient
is usually awake during the surgery and it only takes a few anesthetic
drops to numb the eye. The surgery is painless and the eye does
not have to be patched after the procedure. It is best to perform
the surgery before the cataract is too dense, or "ripe",
as this makes the ultrasound procedure more difficult and lengthy.
If the other eye has a cataract, then it will have the surgery
about one month after the procedure for the first eye.
In addition to the benefit of improved
vision, the patient will also be less dependent on their glasses
following cataract surgery. The intraocular implant lens is calculated
prior to the procedure, therefore reducing the need for a distance
vision prescription in the new glasses. Most postoperative patients
rely on their new glasses mostly for near reading vision. For
patients with astigmatism (irregular curvature of the corneal
surface) the surgeon can correct this at the time of the procedure
with a LRI (Limbal Relaxing Incision) or Toric intraocular implant
lens.
Cataract surgery has undergone many advances
over the last 20 years. It is a much faster and safer procedure
than it was before, and visual recovery is rapid. Most patients
see an improvement in their eyesight within a few hours after
surgery. Eye drops that reduce inflammation and prevent infection
are prescribed to be taken a few time a day for 4-5 weeks postoperatively.
The new, clear artificial implant lens is permanent, and will
never turn into a cataract. In about 80% of all cataract postoperative
patients a simple laser procedure is required if a scar tissue
film develops behind the implant lens months to years after the
original surgery (also known as a "secondary cataract").
The buildup of this scar tissue is part of the normal healing
response of the eye, and once cleared away with the laser, it
will never return.
Back
to Top ^
 |
 |
|
Normal Optical Nerve
|
Abnormal
Optical Nerve
|
|
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a disease of the eye characterized
by damage to the optic nerve due to an elevated intraocular pressure.
It is traditionally diagnosed by the combination of three major
tests: intraocular pressure measurement (tonometry), evaluation
of the appearance of the optic nerve during the dilated eye exam,
and visual field testing (perimetry). In the primary form of glaucoma,
open angle glaucoma, there is a higher than normal intraocular
pressure, usually greater than 22 mm of Hg (normal intraocular
pressure ranges from 10-22 mm of Hg). This elevation leads to
damage of the nerve fiber layer of the retina that collects to
form the optic nerve. An optic nerve affected by glaucoma will
show "cupping" or extreme loss of nerve fiber tissue.
A visual field test would then reveal some loss of peripheral
or side vision. Fortunately, there are several medical and surgical
therapies for glaucoma that successfully lower intraocular pressure
and ultimately save vision in affected patients.
Recently, a new test is available to aid in the
diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma . . . the GDx® Nerve
Fiber Layer Analyzer.
A visual field test does not detect a loss
of peripheral vision until almost 50% of the nerve fiber layer
is damaged. The GDx® unit measures the thickness of the
nerve fiber layer and compares the patient's results to those
of patients known not to have glaucoma, therefore revealing any
early change in the nerve fiber layer. This new technology allows
for earlier detection and treatment of glaucoma, particularly
in those patients with borderline results on the other glaucoma
tests, or those with a family history of glaucoma. It is also
very useful in monitoring the progression of the disease in patients
who have already been diagnosed as having glaucoma.
The GDx® Nerve Fiber Layer Analyzer
has proven itself to be a very valuable new technology for the
diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma here at Total Eye Care Centers.
Be assured that we are constantly at the forefront of the latest
in diagnostic technology.
Back
to Top ^
Retina
Vincent
F. Sardi, M.D, FACS is the Director of Retina Services providing
both medical and surgical retina and vitreous care here at Total
Eye Care Centers. He treats those who suffer from diabetic eye
disease, macular degeneration to more severe problems resulting
in retinal detachment. The latest in therapy is available including:
- Argon Laser Photocoagulation
for diabetic retinopathy and macular edema
- Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) for
certain forms of macular degeneration which helps to safely
shrink and seal abnormal retinal vessels
- Pneumatic Retinopexy an in-office
procedure for repair of retinal detachments by injection of
an intraocular gas, avoiding hospitalization
- Fluorescein Angiography an in-office
diagnostic procedure using intravenous dye to visualize retinal
disorders
Back
to Top ^
Woodbourne Optik
According to Consumer
Reports (July 1997), patients are more satisfied and receive
better pricing from private eye practitioners than from optical
chain stores!
Established as a part of Total Eye Care
Centers in 1981, Woodbourne Optik continues to provide distinctive
eyewear and the latest in contact lens technology to our community.
Our opticians are known for their skill
and selection of appropriate corrective eyewear, with an edge
toward fashion. The optical shop carries an inventory of over
a thousand frames to select from from traditional to designer
eyewear including Calvin Klein™, DKNY™, Kenneth Cole™,
Fendi™, Brooks Brothers™, Esprit™, Bebe™,
Guess™, Eddie Bauer™ and many, many more. Woodbourne
Optik is also known for the largest selection of children's eyewear
in the area including Fisher Price™, Paddington Bear™,
Mickey & Co™, Stride Rite™, Flexon™ and FAO
Schwartz™.
Paul
G. Pascarella, O.D., specializes in the latest contact lens
technology, including bifocal, astigmatic, and hard-to-fit contact
lenses. Professional fittings and follow-up care are a hallmark
of his services.
Nadine Stein, Optical Design Consultant
with young patient.
A true asset to our staff at Woodbourne
Optik is Nadine Stein. As our Optical Design Consultant she brings
her extensive background in fashion design, lifestyle and purchasing
from her many years with the fashion industry in New York. Nadine's
intuitive selection of the latest in frame form & function
has brought truly distinctive eyewear to our local community.
She travels monthly to New York and Philadelphia to keep in step
with the newest lens and frame releases from the optical manufacturers
from around the world.
At Woodbourne Optik we're focused on quality
eye care . . . helping people to see better.
Back
to Top ^
LASIK
›
|
