Ophthalmology

A cataract is a haziness that develops within the lens of the eye. Just as a smudge on a camera lens blurs an image, vision becomes blurrier as the cataract worsens.

Surgery to remove the cataract is the only treatment available. Surgical removal is considered only when the cataract begins to interfere with a person's daily activities-driving, reading, watching TV and recognizing faces.

Cataract surgery is a quick outpatient surgical procedure. An ultrasound device is inserted through a very small opening in the eye to break the cataract into small pieces, which are removed from the eye. An artificial intraocular lens is then inserted. This lens is permanent and allows the vision to be restored.

Our results with toric intraocular lenses have been outstanding. This type of lens is inserted at the time of cataract surgery and, in addition to correcting the cataract, can reduce any pre-existing astigmatism that the patient may have. This treatment option allows for the highest-quality vision and the best chance of functioning without glasses. Following the surgery, many patients say that they can see better than they have ever seen before.

Generally, except in the most severe cases, patients with dry eyes can wear contact lenses. A variety of new lens materials and eyedrops—both prescription and over-the-counter—are available, allowing most patients to wear contacts.

Red eyes can be due to many treatable causes, including dry eyes, allergies and blepharitis (a problem originating in the oil-producing glands of the eyelids). In addition to oral anti-allergy medications, eyedrops are helpful in reducing the symptoms of allergy. Although blepharitis tends to be a long-term problem, there are many treatments available that can help with the symptoms it causes, including over-the-counter eyelid cleansers as well as topical and oral medicine.

Periodic examination, early detection and timely treatment can help prevent blindness due to glaucoma, a condition most often caused by increased pressure in the eye that can damage the optic nerve. Many treatments (e.g., eyedrops, laser and surgical procedures, and others) are available for glaucoma that are very effective in controlling the disease.

Usually, floaters are not a sign of a serious problem and don't require treatment. Floaters are actually cellular debris that people can sometimes see as specks that drift in front of their eyes. However, they also can be seen by patients who are developing a retinal tear or retinal detachment. It is very important for patients with new or worsening floaters, as well as new flashing lights- sudden bursts of light in one or both eyes-to have a thorough examination of the retina. That is the only way to distinguish "ordinary" floaters from a more serious problem.

Yes. A thorough eye examination, including evaluation by a neuroophthalmologist, can help detect these problems. With many diseases affecting the eyes, it is important to have regular eye exams to detect and treat changes early-especially.

Until recently, there were no good treatments available for this serious eye condition. However, there are now treatments available for both the "dry" and "wet" forms of age-related macular degeneration-damage to the retina that causes loss of vision in the center of the visual field. In the dry form, a specific combination of vitamins has been shown to be effective in preventing conversion to a more severe disease. In the wet form, medications can be injected to stop the growth of the abnormal blood vessels in the retina.