SERVICES
Please click on a service to read a brief description and watch an informative video.
Advanced Cataract Care
Advanced Cataract Care
Cataracts are the leading cause of poor vision for adults over 60 years of age. Although cataract surgery has been practiced for over 2000 years, there have been two critical technological innovations in the last 50 years that have made cataract surgery the safe and effective procedure it is today.
The first breakthrough was the intraocular lens implant, first used in 1948, to replace the natural lens of the eye. Over fifty years of development have provided us with intraocular lenses well suited to today’s modern surgical techniques.
The second major development was the widespread adoption of ultrasonic cataract removal in the late 1980s. Ultrasonic cataract removal uses a tiny titanium probe vibrating 40,000 times per second to generate sound waves which dissolve the cataract and allow it to be suctioned away. Modern ultrasonic units make this possible through an incision only 1/8 of an inch in size!
Along with these developments have come new surgical techniques. At Visionary Eyecare & Surgery, Dr. Bias and Dr. Stock perform state of the art NO SHOT, NO STITCH, NO PATCH cataract removal. ‘No shot’ refers to the anesthesia technique. Previously, a long needle was used to inject anesthesia directly around the eye. Now, new surgical techniques along with the speed in which your surgeon performs the procedure allow the vast majority of patients to have cataract surgery with only anesthetic drops applied to the surface of the eye.
‘No Stitch’ refers to the fact that such a tiny incision is created that no sutures are necessary. Older techniques required several stitches. The presence of these sutures often created high degrees of astigmatism in patients after surgery, as well as many post-operative visits for suture removal. Patients often found their vision took months to stabilize. Now, with the ‘No Stitch’ procedure, astigmatism created by the surgery is rare, and most patients have stable vision and can receive their new glasses in a few weeks.
‘No Patch’ refers to after the surgery and the fact that the patient can go home without their eye being patched. The reason for this is that since there is ‘No Shot’, the patient is able to control their eyelid and blink normally after surgery, making the patch unnecessary.
If you think your vision is affected by cataracts, give our office a call to schedule a comprehensive evaluation. We will be happy to explain more about these groundbreaking advancements in cataract care, and determine if cataract removal is right for you.
View Advanced Cataract Care Video
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is a cataract?
A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye, which is normally clear and transparent. When a cataract develops, the lens becomes foggy like a frosted window. There are many misconceptions about cataracts. They are not tumors, or a new growth of skin or tissue over the eye. They don’t spread from eye to eye, and they’re not caused by using your eyes too much. In fact, no one knows what causes cataracts, or how to prevent them. They usually develop gradually over a period of years, and are considered a normal part of the aging process. Most of us, if we live long enough, will develop cataracts.
How can I tell if I have a cataract?
Some of the more common symptoms include blurred or fuzzy vision, double vision, problems driving at night, sensitivity to light and glare, and the feeling of a ‘film’ over your eye. However, cataracts can be diagnosed only by an ophthalmologist or an optometrist, using special instruments to look into the eye as part of the painless examination process.
When should my cataracts be removed?
This is something you and your surgeon should decide together. Usually, cataracts are removed when they have progressed to the point where they interfere with your normal, daily activities.
How much does cataract removal cost?
The cost of cataract surgery is covered by Medicare and other insurance plans. Dr. Bias and Dr. Stock are participating physicians in the Medicare reimbursement program. Our office staff is well-trained in Medicare reimbursement regulations and will fill out your paperwork so you will receive the maximum reimbursement possible. You are responsible for any co-pays required by your insurance carrier.
What about my astigmatism?
While modern state of the art cataract removal performed by Dr. Bias and Dr. Stock rarely causes any astigmatism, many patients suffer from some degree of astigmatism prior to their cataract removal. Astigmatism occurs when the cornea has an oval shape like a football, as opposed to being round like a basketball. This causes light rays entering the eye to be focused at more than one point on the retina, causing a reduction in vision. Symptoms of astigmatism include: image distortion and shadows, double vision, tilted images, light sensitivity, glare, and tired eyes.
Fortunately, Dr. Bias and Dr. Stock specialize in treating astigmatism at the time of cataract removal, with limbal relaxing incisions. These micro incisions performed in conjunction with the cataract procedure usually reduce or eliminate existing astigmatism, allowing for sharper vision after cataract surgery.
For more information, click here or ask for our brochure on astigmatism at your next visit.
Advanced Cataract Care-Astigmatism Service
About Astigmatism
The human eye is best able to focus if the cornea (the front clear window of the eye) is round like a basketball. Astigmatism occurs when the cornea has an oval shape like a football. This causes light rays entering the eye to be focused at more than one point on the retina, causing a reduction in vision. Many patients suffer some degree of astigmatism and never experience truly clear vision, not knowing what they are missing. Symptoms of astigmatism include: image distortion and shadows, double vision, tilted images, light sensitivity, glare, and tired eyes.
What can be done?
Fortunately, advances in eye surgery have led to techniques that can reduce or eliminate your astigmatism. After careful, detailed measurements of your cornea, micro incisions can be made along the more highly curved, or “steep” portions of the cornea. This allows those areas to flatten out, giving the cornea a more desirable round shape and better vision.
But my doctor recommends I undergo cataract surgery…
Cataract surgery is the ideal time to correct any astigmatism. The painless micro incisions to treat the astigmatism can be performed at the completion of your cataract procedure. Patients enjoy the convenience of having both procedures simultaneously, and give themselves the best chance of clear vision after surgery.
Cataract surgery alone can correct only nearsightedness or farsightedness, but not astigmatism. Thus patients may not truly experience their full visual potential if the astigmatism is not also corrected.
What benefits could I experience?
First and foremost, by reducing or eliminating your astigmatism at the time of cataract surgery, you improve your chances of not needing any glasses for distance vision after surgery. If you do need glasses, they will be lighter and thinner than before surgery, and often less expensive. You also may experience greater visual comfort, as glare, image distortion, and eye strain are reduced. While no procedure is perfect, Dr. Bias has years of experience in successfully treating astigmatism at the time of cataract removal. Patients should remember they will typically still need reading glasses after their cataract removal, whether or not the astigmatism was treated.
Is this service covered by my insurance?
Unfortunately, Medicare and most other major insurance carriers do not cover “refractive” services. This is why you must make a separate payment for your glasses check at the time of your examination. Keeping with this policy, astigmatism treatment at the time of cataract surgery is also typically not covered.
However, as the leader in cataract care in the St. Louis area, Visionary Eyecare & Surgery is pleased to offer this valuable service for a small additional fee. Because the measurements can be obtained during your pre-operative evaluation, and the procedure is carried out in conjunction with your cataract surgery, we are able to pass these savings on to you. And all for a fraction of the cost of traditional laser vision correction procedures.
The Value of Better Vision
Better vision at distance without glasses, save money on glasses after surgery, and an improved quality of life – all with a painless, low risk, economical procedure – but only at the time of your cataract surgery!
Bladeless Cataract Surgery
Bladeless Cataract Surgery
Mason F. Bias, M.D., F.A.C.S. and Michael V. Stock, M.D. are now performing Bladeless Cataract Surgery !!
Our Surgeons are now pleased to offer Bladeless Cataract Surgery to our patients at Visionary Eyecare & Surgery. The LenSx® Femtosecond Laser allows them to plan and perform a procedure that’s completely customized for each of your eyes. For more than a decade, femtosecond lasers have helped surgeons perform LASIK with unparalleled precision and accuracy. Now the LenSx® Laser brings advanced accuracy and reproducibility to cataract surgery.
Advancing cataract surgery The LenSx® Laser is breakthrough technology because it’s designed to offer:
- A bladeless procedure that’s personalized to your eyes
- Precise, reproducible performance
- Enhanced control and efficiency
- A customized procedure planned and performed for you by your surgeon.
Before your procedure:
The technology behind the LenSx® Laser captures high-resolution images of your eyes. These images yield precise measurements and data that help your surgeon plan and perform a procedure to exacting specifications.
During your procedure:
The LenSx® Laser system’s advanced imaging helps your surgeon automate and execute the most challenging steps of traditional cataract surgery with much greater precision than can be done manually. And all incisions are made with the laser instead of a blade!
After your procedure:
The LenSx® Laser is designed to increase the precision of cataract surgery. Many patients experience improved vision much sooner than after traditional cataract surgery, and the laser reduces the amount of energy required to remove the cataract, leading to less inflammation and potential damage to structures inside the eye.
So if you are in need of cataract surgery, schedule your consultation with Visionary Eyecare & Surgery today and ask Dr. Bias or Dr. Stock if this exciting new technology may be right for you. Click here to learn more about this revolutionary new advancement in cataract care.
Premium Lens Implants
Premium Lens Implants
Over the past decade, the emergence of Premium Lens Implants has revolutionized the art of cataract surgery. Not only can we dramatically improve patients’ vision, we can significantly reduce or eliminate the need for eyeglasses after surgery.
At Visionary Eyecare & Surgery, Dr. Bias and Dr. Stock utilize all currently FDA approved Premium Lens Implants to maximize your vision after surgery. The choice of lens implant depends on many factors, including eye health and lifestyle demands. As part of your consultation, your surgeon will spend all the time necessary with you reviewing the appropriate options and helping you with your decision.
Below is a summary of available Premium Lens Implants for your review, as well as video presentations and links to the manufacturers’ website. Please remember that the surgical healing process carries with it individual variability, and that no surgeon or product can guarantee complete glasses independence for all patients.
Multifocal Lens Implants
A multifocal lens implant seeks to provide a full range of uncorrected vision and maximize a patient’s independence from glasses. These implants work much like a progressive, or “no-line” bifocal pair of glasses, providing vision at distance, intermediate, and near. And like progressive glasses, these lens implants typically provide very good, but not perfect, vision at these distances. Unique to these lenses, patients may experience some rings or fuzz around lights at night.
There are two multifocal lens implants predominantly used today, the AMO Tecnis Multifocal and the Alcon ReSTOR 3D. As part of your consultation, your surgeon can discuss if one of these lenses is right for you. To learn more about multifocal lens technology, take a moment to review this video.
Crystalens Accommodating Implant
The Crystalens accommodating implant works much the same way your natural lens worked when you were younger. Special hinges on the lens implant allow it to flex as your eye muscles focus to provide an enhanced rage of vision over the standard lens implant. Typically, the Crystalens can provide excellent quality of vision at distance and intermediate ranges, as well as at night. Patients may need a mild pair of reading glasses for close work. The Crystalens is an excellent choice for those with a more active lifestyle. And for patients with astigmatism, the Crystalens Trulign Toric implant can provide the same qualities of vision. Watch how this lens implant can help you enjoy a more active lifestyle without glasses.
Toric Lens Implants for Astigmatism
Astigmatism occurs when a patients’ cornea is not round like a basketball, but rather oval more like a football. This causes images to be blurry at all distances. Fortunately, new Toric Lens Implant technology can offset a patients’ astigmatism, 
resulting in clearer and sharper vision. These lenses typically provide excellent distance vision and patients will rely on reading glasses for near work. For patients with a history of monovision contact lens wear, these Toric lens implants can also be used to focus up close as well.
Dr. Bias and Dr. Stock use both the AMO Tecnis Toric implant and the Alcon Acrysof IQ Toric lens to correct astigmatism.During your evaluation, your surgeon will discuss which choice may be best for you. Learn more about how a Toric Lens Implant can sharpen your vision.
Monovision
For patients with a history of monovision contact lens wear (one eye for distance and one eye for near), your surgeon can provide the same result with your cataract surgery. Depending on your eye health, he may use either a standard implant or the specialized Toric lens.
This video describes the monovision process in more detail. Typically Dr. Bias and Dr. Stock reserve this approach only for those patients with a successful history in monovision.
Custom LASIK
CustomVue (TM) Laser Vision Correction (LASIK) by VISX
By now, almost everyone is aware that treatments exist to correct your nearsightedness or farsightedness, and reduce or eliminate your need for glasses to see in the distance. Chances are, several of your friends or family members are experiencing the joys of living without glasses or contact lenses as a result of laser vision correction. You’ve heard the excitement in their voices, noticed the boost in their confidence levels, and watched the quality of their lives improved with newfound freedoms.
Millions of Americans are enjoying these life-enhancing benefits, and millions more, just like you, are exploring the procedure that could free them from the worries of glasses and contact lenses. Thanks to a revolutionary breakthrough in technology, now is the time for you to join millions of other happy patients making the dream of clear vision become a reality.
Until now, your treatment was based on diagnostic technology similar to that used for the prescription of eye glasses or contact lenses. However, with Visionary Eyecare & Surgery’s addition of the CustomVue WaveScan (TM) System by VISX, we can produce a precise and more detailed analysis of your vision, and provide you with a more personalized approach to laser vision correction.
With the diagnostic and treatment technologies of the WaveScan System, your surgeon can develop a personalized laser vision correction plan that addresses your individual needs.
There are two parts to the VISX WaveScan System. First, it includes a diagnostic device that maps the entire optical path of your eye. This WavePrint (TM) Map, called the “fingerprint of your vision,” provides the surgeon with precise and detailed information about your vision.
Secondly, the WaveScan System incorporates the STAR S4 (TM) laser from VISX with two exclusive features: Variable Spot Scanning (TM) and 3D ActiveTrak (TM) technology. Variable Spot Scanning (VSS (TM)) allows for a larger treatment area and offers the physician greater flexibility in developing a more personalized laser vision procedure, when pupil size may be a consideration.
3D ActiveTrak automatically and instantaneously tracks the minute movements of your eye in all three dimensions during the laser treatment. This unique feature means you no longer have to hold your eye perfectly still, but can relax, knowing your treatment is precisely centered on your eye. The doctor uses these exclusive technologies along with the WavePrint Map to provide laser vision correction care based on your personal vision needs.
We’d love to discuss these new advances in customized laser vision correction with you at your convenience. Call Visionary Eyecare & Surgery today for your personal consultation, the first step to a clearer tomorrow!
To learn more about the VISX WaveScan CustomVue system, visit visx.com or personalbestvision.com
Frequently Asked Questions:
I am confused by all the terminology. What do the different names mean?
Laser Vision Correction (LVC) is the “generic” term used to describe any procedure using the excimer laser to correct distance vision. The excimer laser uses a cool beam of light to precisely reshape the cornea (the front clear surface of the eye), allowing distant objects to come into focus more clearly without glasses. There are numerous different companies that produce excimer lasers for this procedure, however VISX is the dominant market leader, accounting for approximately 75% of all LVC procedures performed in this country each year.
Electron micrograph of a human hair
sculpted by the excimer laser,
showing the extreme precision
of this technology
In addition to different laser manufacturers, there are also several different ways to perform the LVC procedure itself. The three most popular surgical techniques are called LASIK, PRK (surface ablation), and LASEK (see detailed explanations below). The differences have to do with how the cornea is prepared prior to laser delivery. All three options have their benefits, and in certain situations one treatment may be preferred over the others. That is why it’s important that your LVC surgeon is skilled and experienced in all three treatment techniques. At Visionary Eyecare & Surgery, Dr. Bias has been performing LVC since 1998, and can discuss with you which treatment mode is best for your situation.
It is important to realize that once the cornea is prepared for laser delivery by one of these methods, the laser treatment itself is exactly the same regardless of which procedure you choose. That is why numerous scientific studies have shown that there is no difference in visual outcomes between LASIK, PRK, and LASEK.
What is PRK?
Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) or “Surface Ablation”
PRK was the first surgical procedure developed to reshape the cornea using the excimer laser. Granted FDA approval in 1995 after years of research and clinical trials, the excimer laser uses a cool beam of light to sculpt the cornea to enhance uncorrected vision. In PRK, the front surface of the cornea, the epithelium, is gently removed with a smooth brush prior to laser delivery. PRK works best for patients with low to moderate nearsightedness and farsightedness, with or without astigmatism. Having been largely supplanted by LASIK over the past several years, PRK is making a resurgence, owing to its excellent safety profile and compatibility with new wavefront laser technology.
It is important not to confuse PRK with RK, which stands for radial keratotomy. RK was the precursor to excimer laser vision correction, where small incisions were made into the cornea with a blade to change its shape and thus alter your vision. RK is no longer performed in this country, having been supplanted years ago by the precise accuracy of the excimer laser and the PRK technique.
What is LASIK?
Laser Assisted In-situ Keratomileusis (LASIK)
Laser AssistedAfter years of off label use, LASIK was FDA approved in 1999. In LASIK, a thin wafer of corneal tissue is sculpted with a microkeratome. This flap is lifted back, and the excimer laser reshapes the underlying corneal tissue. The flap is then replaced, allowing for a remarkably rapid improvement in vision with little or no discomfort. Patients often achieve 20/20 vision the very next day, and these dramatic results have led LASIK to become the refractive procedure of choice worldwide. LASIK is indicated for almost all levels of nearsightedness, as well as for farsightedness and astigmatism.In-situ Keratomileusis (LASIK)
What is LASEK?
Laser-assisted subepithelial keratectomy (LASEK)
LASEK, the newest development in laser vision correction, combines the best attributes from the LASIK and PRK procedures. Instead of using a microkeratome to create the flap, an epithelial flap is gently fashioned without a blade, and the excimer laser reshapes the cornea underneath. The epithelium is then repositioned to complete the procedure. While visual recovery is not typically as rapid as with LASIK, patients usually experience less discomfort postoperatively compared to PRK.
Who is a candidate for LASIK?
The patient must meet the following conditions:
- Must undergo a complete eye examination and refractive surgery workup
- Must have no active eye disease
- Must have realistic expectations concerning the procedure
- Cannot have systemic disease that could affect the wound healing process
- Must be 18 years of age or older
What about my contact lenses?
Patients with soft contact lenses must discontinue wear at least two weeks prior to their workup and then through the time leading up to their surgery. Patients with hard or gas-permeable lenses must discontinue wear at least three to four weeks prior to their workup, and again up until their surgery. Failure to do so may cause an inaccurate result.
Is LASIK painful?
There is very little discomfort during the surgery. The eye is numbed using anesthetic eye drops. After the surgery, there can be mild discomfort, which is usually gone within 24 hours.
Can I have laser vision correction on both eyes at the same time?
Yes, most patients have both eyes done on the same day.
How long does the procedure take?
The actual procedure itself takes about 15 minutes. However, your total time at our facility will be approximately 1 1/2 hours due to preparation prior to the procedure and observation following it.
Will I need glasses after I have this procedure performed?
While the results with this procedure are highly predictable, a few people will need glasses to get their best possible visual acuity. Generally, this is less than 10% of the patients. If you are over 40, you’ll likely need glasses for reading.
What LASIK payment options are available?
Payment for LASIK can be made with cash, check, Mastercard, Visa, or American Express. Additionally, Visionary Eyecare & Surgery is happy to provide affordable financing options that can allow you to enjoy your “Personal Best Vision” for small monthly payments.
How does a laser know what to correct in my eyes?
Laser Vision Correction is based on precise measurements of the imperfections in your vision. These measurements are taken with a powerful scanning measurement tool used in the WaveScan procedure. The scan information is transferred to the laser to guide the treatment.
What is the WavePrint Map I’ve heard about and how is it made?
What is the WavePrint Map I’ve heard WavePrint scanning technology provides a measurement and a visual representation of your vision based on the behavior of light waves. It compares light passing through your eye to the same light pattern from an eye that needs no vision correction. The ‘map’ is the output of this scanning and it captures the unique imperfections of a person’s visual pathway.bout and how is it made?
How accurate is WaveScan technology?
WaveScan technology identifies and measures imperfections in an individual’s vision 25 times more precisely than standard methods used for glasses and contact lenses.
Does the WaveScan scanning process hurt?
No, the WaveScan is a measurement device that you simply gaze into while it measures the vision imperfections in your eye.
How does the WaveScan work?
First, the WaveScan technology measures the imperfections in the eyes and produces a WavePrint map. Much like a fingerprint, no two WavePrint maps are alike. Then, the treatment information is transferred to the VISX STAR S4 (TM) laser. The doctor then uses that information to fine-tune the procedure thereby providing a new level of precision and accuracy.
What do you mean by ‘Personal Best’ vision?
Personal Best Vision refers to the new level of laser vision correction that can be achieved with the WaveScan procedure. Since WaveScan technology can measure and correct imperfections that are unique to each person’s vision with 25 times more precision than standard measurements for glasses and contact lenses, individuals can potentially achieve the best possible vision for their eyes.
What can WaveScan technology do for me?
As shown in the clinical study, WaveScan has the potential to produce better vision than is possible with glasses and contact lenses. It tailors a distinct correction for each individual; in fact each treatment is “designed” by the unique characteristics of your individual eye.
Is the WaveScan procedure FDA approved?
Based on numerous clinical studies, the U.S. FDA has approved the VISX WaveScan CustomVue laser vision correction procedure as safe and effective for treating nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
What are some of the results of WaveScan procedure to date?
In the FDA study, one year after In the FDA study, one year after the VISX CustomVue (TM) procedure:
- 100% of participants could pass a driving test without glasses or contact lenses
- 98% of participants could see 20/20 or better without glasses or contact lenses
- 70% of participants could see better than 20/20 without glasses or contact lenses
In addition, many participants reported that they had clearer, better vision both during the day and at night, compared to their vision with glasses or contact lenses before the procedure.?
Glaucoma Detection & Treatment
Glaucoma
Glaucoma, one of the leading causes of blindness, is estimated to affect 1 of every 50 adults. Although glaucoma can occur at any age, the risk of developing the disease increases dramatically after the age of 35. Glaucoma is also more likely to develop in persons who are severely nearsighted, persons with a family history of the condition, diabetics and blacks. Because the symptoms of early glaucoma are so slight, the disease often goes unnoticed until permanent vision loss has occurred. However, with early diagnosis and careful treatment, visual damage from glaucoma can be prevented.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Glaucoma?
When light enters the eye, an image is focused onto the retina, the delicate nerve layer lining the inside back wall of the eye. The retina then transforms the light images into electrical impulses which are carried to the brain by the optic nerve. Glaucoma is a disease which damages the optic nerve. Damage to the optic nerve and retina cause blind spots in the field of vision. If the entire nerve is destroyed, blindness will occur.
What causes Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is usually caused by an increase in the fluid pressure inside the eye. The front part of the eye contains a clear, nourishing fluid called aqueous which constantly circulates through the eye. Normally, this fluid leaves the eye through a drainage system and returns to the blood stream.
Glaucoma can occur from an overproduction of fluid, or when the drainage system becomes blocked, causing fluid pressure to increase. The high pressure causes damage to the optic nerve, resulting in permanent vision loss. The exact reason the fluid system in the eye stops functioning properly is not completely understood. Much research is being done in this area to further our understanding of glaucoma.
Some of the risk factors for developing glaucoma include:
- High Eye Pressure
- Increasing Age
- African-American Heritage
- Family History
- Diabetes
- Nearsightedness
- Long-Term Steroid Treatment
- Injury or Trauma to the Eye
What are the symptoms of Glaucoma?
The early symptoms associated with chronic open angle glaucoma, the most common type, are usually unnoticeable. At first, in most cases, the build up of pressure is gradual without any discomfort or pain. Most people do not detect a change in their vision until substantial vision loss has occurred. Certain parts of peripheral (side) vision are affected first, with the top, sides, and bottom of the field of vision becoming decreased. Later in the course of the disease, central vision becomes affected, and difficulty with night vision might be experienced. And, if left untreated, total blindness will result.
How is Glaucoma diagnosed?
In many cases, glaucoma can be detected in a routine eye examination before the patient experiences any vision problems. At Visionary Eyecare & Surgery, patients undergo a comprehensive dilated eye examination by a physician experienced in glaucoma treatment, along with measurements of the intraocular pressure and state of the art glaucoma diagnostic testing, to include computerized visual fields.
An HRT study showing
optic nerve damage
from glaucoma.
Plus, we are pleased to offer our patients the Heidelberg Retinal Tomograph (HRT), which is the most advanced glaucoma diagnostic device on the market today. The HRT is a diagnostic imaging device that takes direct cross sectional images of the optic disc and retinal nerve fiber layer to aid in the detection of glaucoma. This allows our patients the best chance at early detection and initiation of treatment as needed for their glaucoma.
Is there any treatment for Glaucoma?
Glaucoma can be treated through the use of eye drops, laser surgery, and glaucoma filtration surgery. The treatment of glaucoma is usually a lifelong process, requiring frequent monitoring and constant therapy. Typically, patients with glaucoma should be examined every four to six months for the rest of their lives. If you are concerned that you or a loved one may be at risk for this disease, please contact us for a consultation.
Retinal Disease
Retinal Disease: Diabetic Retinopathy and Macular Degeneration
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic Retinopathy is a leading cause of blindness among adults. Approximately 25 percent of current diabetics have some form of the disease, and 90 percent of diabetics may experience retinopathy over the course of their life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Diabetic Retinopathy?
Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes mellitus which causes abnormalities in the tiny blood vessels nourishing the retina. Damage to these vessels causes them to leak fluid and blood, which ultimately damages the retina. Left untreated, diabetic retinopathy can result in severe visual loss, including blindness.
What are the symptoms?
Because vision is often unaffected early in the disease and there are no other symptoms of diabetic retinopathy, these changes in the retina can go unnoticed unless detected by an eye examination. A comprehensive dilated evaluation is the best protection against the development and progression of diabetic retinopathy.
Is there any treatment?
Prevention is the best form of treatment. Studies have shown that patients who are successful at achieving “tight glucose control”, have a much lower rate of visual loss from diabetic retinopathy compared to those with poorly controlled glucose levels. As part of a comprehensive diabetes eye exam, Dr. Bias and Dr. Stock counsel all patients regarding their glucose control, and will communicate with the physician in charge of the diabetes management, to assure optimum care for the patient.
When diabetic retinopathy progresses and begins to decrease vision, then laser treatment is usually required. Lasers are typically used to seal blood vessels that are leaking, as well as to prevent the development of new abnormal blood vessels. Visionary Eyecare & Surgery offers the latest technology in diabetic laser eye care, and treatments are performed on an outpatient basis in our clinic.
Early detection and management of diabetic retinopathy is important to slow down or stop the damage to the retina. Even without any visual symptoms, all diabetics should receive a dilated eye examination at least once a year, and more often as determined by their physician if retinopathy is present.
Macular Degeneration
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Macula?
The macula is a very small area of the retina which is responsible for central and color vision. The macula allows us to read, drive, and perform detailed work. Surrounding the macula is the peripheral retina which is responsible for side and night vision.
The retina is a thin layer of light sensitive tissue which lines the back of the eye. When light enters the eye, it is focused by the cornea and the lens onto the retina. The retina then transforms the light images into electrical impulses which are sent to the brain through the optic nerve.
What is Macular Degeneration?
Macular Degeneration is the leading cause of impaired reading or detailed vision. It is caused by the breakdown of the macula, the central portion of the retina. Although macular degeneration causes distortion of central and color vision, side vision is not affected. There are two forms of Macular Degeneration, “dry” and “wet”.
“Dry” Macular Degeneration is most commonly a result of the natural aging process. With time, the retinal tissues break down and become thin. This deterioration causes a loss of function of the macula.
Simulated vision loss
from Macular Degeneration
In about 10% of cases of macular degeneration, aging of the retina is compounded by leakage of new, abnormal blood vessels which have grown into the macula. This is known as “Wet” Macular Degeneration. Blood and leaking fluid from these abnormal vessels destroy the macula, causing vision to become distorted and blurred. The formation of dense scar tissue may block out central vision to a severe degree.
How is Macular Degeneration diagnosed?
A lighted instrument called an ophthalmoscope is used to examine the retina. With this instrument your ophthalmologist can see areas of the retina that might be affected. In addition, some special tests may be administered. Fluorescein angiography is used to detect leakage from new, abnormal blood vessels. Fluorescein dye is injected into the patient’s vein, and photos of the retina are then taken. These images will detect any abnormal leakage, and can help direct treatment.
The retina is a thin layer of light sensitive tissue which lines the back of the eye. When light enters the eye, it is focused by the cornea and the lens onto the retina. The retina then transforms the light images into electrical impulses which are sent to the brain through the optic nerve.
How is Macular Degeneration treated?
While there is no cure for Macular Degeneration, the “Dry” form can be treated with a special formulation of vitamin supplements. Dr. Bias and Dr. Stock have extensive experience in which supplements provide the best treatment, and guides his patients to the correct choice as part of their evaluation. Additionally, patients are instructed in the use of an Amsler Grid, which can help them to monitor their macular health on a daily basis.
For “Wet” Macular Degeneration there are two methods of treatment using a laser that can dramatically slow the progress of the disease, laser photocoagulation and photodynamic therapy.
Laser Photocoagulation involves using a hot laser to concentrate a beam of high-energy light to destroy abnormal blood vessels. Unfortunately, this also creates a permanent blind spot in the field of vision. The loss of vision, however, is usually less severe than the eventual loss of vision associated with the disease itself.
Photodynamic therapy uses a ‘light-activated’ drug, Visudyne, to slow abnormal vessel growth. The Visudyne drug is injected into the patient’s arm, followed by the application of a non-heat producing laser. The drug is activated by the light of the laser and begins closing these abnormal vessels and thereby slowing the progress of vision loss.
Regular eye examinations are important in detecting Macular Degeneration, as the symptoms of the disease often go unnoticed early on. Prompt detection may help to prevent further vision loss, so if you are experiencing central or color vision problems, please schedule an appointment with Visionary Eyecare & Surgery today to see if you may be at risk for losing vision from Macular Degeneration.