Other Procedures
PRK, Cataract Treatments, and Glaucoma
We offer PRK, cataract operations and glaucoma treatment to patients of our Virginia-based practice. Whatever your vision needs, our exceptional physicians possess the skill and expertise needed to help you achieve optimal visual acuity.
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PRK
Photorefractive Keratectomy, or PRK, is performed at our Virginia-based practice for patients who are not suitable candidates for LASIK. A highly effective alternative to LASIK, PRK is especially useful when resolving low degrees of myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism.
Unlike LASIK, in which a hinged flap is created on the outer layer of the cornea, the corneal epithelium, PRK completely removes the corneal epithelium before reshaping the corneal tissue. Prior to the procedure, our doctor numbs the cornea with topical anesthetic drops. Our physician then ablates the entire corneal epithelium with a cool, ultraviolet excimer laser. Next the computer-controlled excimer laser makes the appropriate adjustments needed to rectify the refractive error. After the surgery, the patient must wear a bandage or special contact lenses to assist with proper regeneration of the corneal epithelium. Our doctor will also prescribe antibiotics and/or anti-inflammatory drops that prevent infections and reduce the likelihood of any post-operative complications.
Because the procedure completely removes the outer layer of the cornea, patients who undergo PRK should expect a longer healing time. It takes between three to five days for complete regrowth of the corneal epithelium. Furthermore, improved visual acuity returns to PRK recipients slower than with LASIK. However, the long-term improvements associated with either PRK or LASIK are practically identical.
Why PRK?
There are a variety of reasons why one of our physicians may recommend PRK over other treatments for our patients. In general, PRK is preferred over other treatments when the patient has any one of the following conditions:
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Thin Cornea
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Irregular Cornea
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Scarred Cornea
One of our skilled doctors sits down with each candidate and performs a thorough pre-operative consultation. During the consultation, the ophthalmologist examines many factors, including corneal thickness and muscle balance. Based on the outcome of the examination, the doctor will determine if either LASIK or PRK is suitable for the patient.
To arrange a FREE consultation or to learn more about PRK, contact us at any of our convenient locations.
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Cataract Surgery
This operation is one of the safest and most commonly performed procedures in the United States. At our offices, our experienced physicians have performed thousands of surgeries for our patients with a high success rate.
A cataract refers to a condition in which the normally clear lens of the eyeball becomes cloudy, impairing visual acuity. As we age, our bodies undergo natural chemical changes that may affect the protein structure of the eyeball’s lens, causing the proteins to clump together. They usually appear in individuals ranging from 50 to 80 years old.
Our doctors perform two different types of treatments at a nearby accredited Virginia ambulatory surgical facility. The ophthalmologist will decide which method is most suitable for the patient’s particular situation during the routine pre-operative exam. The following is a description of both types of surgeries offered:
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Phacoemulsification: During this procedure, the doctor makes a tiny incision at the edge of the cornea and then creates an opening in the membrane surrounding the affected lens, also known as the lens capsule. The doctor inserts an ultrasonic probe through the opening, which vibrates and breaks the lens apart into small fragments. Finally, the doctor suctions out the destroyed lens and a permanent intraocular lens is implanted behind the pupil. No stitches are needed due to the small size of the incision and the natural healing abilities of the cornea. Visual acuity improves noticeably within a few days.
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Extracapsular Extraction: In its advanced stages, it may be hard to break up using the ultrasonic probe. If it cannot be effectively emulsified into smaller fragments, the doctor may opt for extracapsular extraction in which the affected lens is removed in one piece. This procedure necessitates a considerably longer incision and sutures are used to close the incision. Healing and improved visual acuity return more slowly than with the other method of operations.
During the surgery, our doctor replaces the lens with an intraocular lens (IOL), which is a permanent implant that serves to focus light onto the retina in the absence of the natural lens. Today, if technological advancements such as ReSTOR® lens are selected, the IOL not only replaces the natural lens but also attempts to restore multifocal vision. Patients can enjoy significant improvements in visual acuity with reduced dependency on spectacles or contact lenses.
If you or a loved one suffers from a problem and needs surgery, contact our offices in Virginia.
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Glaucoma Treatment
Our doctors surgically treat this problem at our convenient southeast Virginia locations. This is a slowly progressing disease that often remains undetected until its advanced stages, after permanent damage to vision has already occurred. Although there are many different types of this disease, the medical term generally refers to a group of diseases that damage the optic nerve, often resulting in loss of sight. If left untreated, this can lead to total blindness. Even though the effects of this problem cannot be reversed, the surgeons at our offices perform treatments in order to slow the progression of the disease and to attempt to prevent further damage to vision.
The distinguishing characteristic of this problem is high intraocular pressure (IOP) primarily caused by improper drainage of the fluids known as aqueous humour. The aqueous humour continuously circulates throughout the eyeball and plays a vital role in the proper functioning of the eyeball and maintaining the it’s shape.
Most sufferers do not notice significant visual impairment until the disease has reached a more advanced stage. If a patient does recognize early symptoms and seeks qualified medical care, the disease can be contained and its effects minimized. Some of the early warning signs include:
- Ocular pain
- Cloudy vision with halos
- Blurry vision
- Red eyeballs
- Small blind spots in the peripheral vision
- Headaches
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
In order to treat advanced problems, our physicians perform three different surgeries. The type of treatment used depends on the type of ailment the patient has. During the pre-operative consultation, the doctor will determine which operation is most appropriate.
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Trabeculoplasty: This procedure is used to treat the most common type of disease in the United States, primary open angle glaucoma, in which the drainage canals of the eye no longer function properly. Using a beam, the doctor creates a new drainage canal, allowing the fluids to effectively drain.
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Iridotomy: This type of treatment is utilized primarily on patients with a narrow-angle problem, in which the iris blocks normal fluid drainage. The doctor uses an instrument to create a tiny hole in the iris, effectively restoring normal drainage.
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Cyclophotocoagulation: This operation is only used on patients who have failed to respond to other treatments. The physcian uses the instrument to ablate part of the ciliary tissue, the cells responsible for the production of fluids, reducing the overall output of fluids.
To learn more about this treatment, cataract operations, PRK, or any other procedures we offer, contact one of our convenient locations in Hampton Roads. We will perform a thorough examination and discuss appropriate treatments.
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