Routine Eye Examinations

We provide comprehensive eye care to patients of all ages. Our services include not only laser vision correction and small-incision cataract surgery but also treatments for a range of conditions such as glaucoma, the diabetic eye, dry eye and macular degeneration.

Regular eye exams are an invaluable tool in maintaining your eyes' health by detecting and preventing disease. Some diseases develop slowly without causing pain or vision loss. Early detection of any problems can reduce the risk of further harm and allow for a choice of treatment options.

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Glaucoma

Glaucoma is the term for when the pressure inside the eye rises dangerously high, damaging the optic nerve and causing vision loss. The condition often develops over many years without causing pain - so you may not experience vision loss until the disease has progressed. Glaucoma cannot be prevented, and vision lost to it cannot be restored. Left untreated, glaucoma can cause blindness. For these reasons, regular eye exams and early detection are critical.

Symptoms include blurred vision, loss of peripheral vision, halo effects around lights and painful or reddened eyes. People at the greatest risk include those who are over the age of 40, diabetic, near-sighted, African-American, or who have a family history of glaucoma.

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Cataract

A cataract is a cloudy area in the normally clear lens in the front of the eye. Cataracts are caused by a chemical change of unknown origin in the eye, and cause blurred or distorted vision.

People at risk for developing cataracts are over 55 years old, have had eye injuries or disease, have a family history of cataracts, smoke cigarettes or use certain medications. Symptoms include:

• Blurred/hazy vision
• Spots in front of the eye(s)
• Sensitivity to glare
• A feeling of "film" over the eye(s)
• A temporary improvement in near vision

Bird Eye Institute uses the AcrySof ReSTOR® lens to aid in cataract treatment, greatly reducing the patients reliance on reading glasses or bifocals. Click HERE for more information on AcrySof ReSTOR®.

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LASIK

LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) is a safe, reliable and painless way to improve vision and reduce or eliminate the need to wear glasses or contact lenses. LASIK changes the way light is bent, or refracted, as it passes through the cornea so that it focuses properly on the retina and objects can be seen clearly.

During the procedure, a device called a microkeratome cuts a thin flap in the surface of the cornea. Patients are given anesthesia so they can't feel the instruments. The flap is then lifted and an excimer laser beam reshapes the cornea's curvature (steepened for far-sighted patients, flattened for near-sighted patients) to improve vision. The flap is then closed and covered with a protective contact lens. The entire procedure takes only 15-30 minutes per eye, and patients are often ready to leave within an hour or two. The flap heals on its own within a few days with no need for stitches.

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Dry Eye Treatment

Dry eye can make a person's eyes dry, red, or irritated. In addition to being uncomfortable, it can damage the eye's tissues and impair vision. People usually begin experiencing dry eye symptoms as they age, but the condition can also result from eyelid or blinking problems, certain medications, environment, injury, and various health problems. The eyes may become dry and irritated because the tear ducts don't produce enough tears, or because the tears themselves have a chemical imbalance.

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Diabetic Eye Care

Patients with diabetes are at an increased risk of developing eye diseases that can cause vision loss and blindness, such as diabetic retinopathy, cataracts and glaucoma. These and other serious conditions often develop without vision loss or pain, so significant damage may be done to the eyes by the time the patient notices any symptoms. For this reason it is very important for diabetic patients to have their eyes examined once a year. Diagnosing and treating eye disease early can prevent vision loss. It is also important to maintain a steady blood-sugar level, take prescribed medications, follow a healthy diet, exercise regularly and avoid smoking.

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Corneal Transplantation

The cornea is the clear covering of the front of the eye which bends, or refracts, light rays as they enter the eye. For clear vision to occur, the cornea must have the correct shape and clarity to focus incoming light rays precisely on the retina at the back of the eye. When the cornea becomes cloudy or misshapen from injury, infection or disease, transplantation may be recommended to replace it.

Corneal transplants are usually performed with local anesthesia so there is no pain. During the procedure, the cornea is replaced with one from a human donor. The new cornea carries little risk of rejection and can last for many years.

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Pterygium Surgery

A pterygium is a raised growth in the conjunctiva (the surface of the eye) made mostly of collagen and tiny red capillaries. Pterygiums are usually caused by extended exposure to sunlight. They may remain stable after appearing, or they may grow and affect vision. Treatments include eye drops for irritation and redness, protection from sunlight and dust to prevent the pterygium from worsening, and occasionally steroids to lessen inflammation. If the pterygium grows into the central cornea, surgical removal is recommended. This prevents the pterygium from altering the cornea's shape and affecting vision.

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Contact Lenses

Over 30 million Americans wear contact lenses, according to the American Optometric Association. There are many different kinds of "contacts," including rigid and flexible, extended wear, disposable and planned replacement lenses, and some can be made as bifocals or in different colors. After a thorough eye exam and consultation with an experienced physician, patients who qualify for contact lenses can discuss which type is right for them. All contact lenses require special care and cleaning and regular follow-up visits to ensure that the eyes remain healthy.

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