Top Eye Associates: Reviews & Information

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Eye Associates...

Finding the right eye associate to handle your eye surgery can be a daunting task.  There are few things more frustrating than having difficulty with your vision so you want to make sure that you make the right choice. The health of your eyes can affect every aspect of your life, both at work and at home.

This page was created to help you get the eye surgery information to make an informed decision and find an eye associate to help you keep your eyes healthy for years to come.
 
     
 

 
Common Eye Surgery Procedures

Eye surgery for cataracts is the most common non-elective surgery in the United States. Cataracts occur when the natural lens of the eye becomes cloudy. When a person has cataract eye surgery, the cloudy lens is typically replaced with a permanent intraocular lens implant.

This replaces the natural lens and restores the focusing power of the eye.

Signs that you may need eye surgery for cataracts include a decline in your normal visual clarity, noticing 'ghost' images and/or noticing that colors look faded. If you notice these symptoms it may be time to consider cataract eye surgery.

Another eye surgery that is performed routinely is cornea transplant surgery (also known as a corneal graft or keratoplasty). Cornea transplant surgery is performed in cases where the central corneal tissue has been damaged by injury or disease distorting the light coming into the eye and causing blurred vision or glare.

Eye surgery for glaucoma is required when it is not possible by other means to stabilize the intraocular pressure of the eye. This can be accomplished by decreasing the production of fluid or increasing the outflow of fluid or both.

Glaucoma may be the result of genetic factors and age. New laser eye surgery procedures include laser trabeculoplasty which opens drainage channels for the aqueous humer fluid and an iridotomy in which a hole is made in the iris to increase drainage in passages that are being blocked by part of the iris.

In situations where keratoconus has occurred corneal inserts may be surgically implanted to correct the bulging created by the thinning of the front surface area of the eye. Intacts corneal inserts may be used in cases of myopia and astigmatism where functional vision cannot be accomplished by the use of eyeglasses or contact lenses.

This eye procedure is can be accomplished fairly quickly on an outpatient basis. The surgeon tunnels between layers of corneal stroma, chooses the proper ring thickness and implants one or two inserts which completes the procedure.

Strabismus eye surgery is called for when one of the muscles controlling the eye is too strong or too weak relative to the other muscles. This problem can cause the eye to rotate to far in one direction or be misaligned.

In strabismus surgery the affected muscle may be detached from the eye and reattached further back on the eye in order to reduce the muscle strength or detach the muscle and reattach it further forward in order to strengthen the muscle. In some cases the surgeon may use a recession procedure on an opposing muscle in order to create greater balance between the eye muscles.

Vitreoretinal eye surgery (vitrectomy) is often used in cases of macular degeneration, macular hole, diabetic retinopathy or vitreous hemorrhage, detached retina, CMV retinitis or opiretinal membrane.

In vitreoretinal eye surgery three tiny incisions are med in the eye for the insertion of instruments to remove vitreious gel and replace the fluid with saline solution to maintain the proper pressure inside the eye. Although some complications can occur, the success rate is very high for vitreoretinal eye surgery.

 
 
 
 
Eye Associates That Help Care for Your Eyes

There are various eye associates that are trained to help you take care of your vision. The gift of sight is something that should not be taken for granted. By using proper eye care and consulting with eye associates when necessary you will have a much better chance of having good vision all your life.


Eye Associates: What do they do and how can they help you take care of your vision. Here is a brief description of the various eye associates that provide eye care services and how they can help you.

Ophthalmologists - An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases or injuries of the eye. They work with the body’s whole visual system and have normally passed examinations and other licensing requirements in order to be in practice. Ophthalmologists also have special training for providing the full spectrum of eye care, from prescribing glasses and contact lenses to performing complex and delicate eye surgery.

Optometrists - The eye associate that most people are familiar with is the optometrist. Optometrists are not medical doctors like ophthalmologists but they do have a degree in optometry. A doctor of optometry (OD) has completed four years of postgraduate education They are qualified to diagnose and treat certain eye problems, to determine visual acuity and recognize other eye problems and to prescribe corrective lenses. Optometrists can also prescribe medications, exercises, therapy and other aids for the treatment of certain eye problems. They also may participate in your pre- and postoperative care if you have eye surgery.

Optician - An optician is another familiar eye care associate. Opticians work together with ophthalmologists and optometrists to provide eye care services for their patients. Opticians are trained by completing a two year technical course in which they learn how to dispense corrective lenses and contact lenses based on prescriptions provided by ophthalmologists and optometrists. They are also trained to repair and adjust frames and provide other common services. In some areas they must complete training and be licensed. And in some areas they can become certified, once they have completed special training. Opticians work in a variety of settings such as independent practices, joint practice, medical centers, hospitals, eye care centers or retail stores.

Occupational Therapist — An occupational therapist is trained to help individuals achieve greater independence. They provide treatment based on a prescription from a medical doctor or doctor of optometry. Occupational therapists that specialize in low vision rehabilitation train clients to use optical and non-optical devices and adaptive techniques.

Orientation and Mobility Specialists — These specialists help train people with low vision to be able to move around safely in their home as well as how to travel by themselves.

Vision Rehabilitation Teacher — Much like an occupational therapist, a vision rehabilitation teacher trains clients with low vision to use optical and non-optical devices, adaptive techniques, and community resources.

Together, these eye associates provide a complete menu of services to satisfy the needs of most any person.
 
     
 
 

 
     
 
 
Finding The Best Eye Associate For Your Needs

There are a lot of reasons you may need to find eye associates to provide eye care. Maybe you have recently moved, or your previous eye associate is planning on retirement or maybe you have only recently had trouble with your vision. Whatever the reason there are many things that you can do to find the best eye care associates for your needs.

First, let’s discuss the different types of eye associates. The main types of eye associates include Ophthalmologists, Optometrists and Opticians.

Ophthalmologists are medical doctors that specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases or injuries of the eye. They have special training for providing the complete spectrum of eye care, from prescribing glasses to performing eye surgery.

Optometrists complete a four year post-graduate degree in optometry and they are qualified to diagnose and treat many common eye problems and can prescribe corrective lenses, medications and other treatments to solve most vision problems.

An optician works with other eye associates such as ophthalmologists and optometrists to provide prescribed services for patients and repair and adjust eyeglass frames and provide fittings other common services.

Once you know what type of eye associates will best suit your needs ask your friends and family for suggestions and information on the eye associates they use.

Ask if they know any good associates?
Would they recommend them?
What they liked about them?
How long it normally takes to get an appointment?

You may also want to ask any other health care professionals you know or talk with. You may also be able to get a general list of eye care professionals from your insurance provider and by simply checking online.

Once you have compiled a list of at least two or three associates that seem best for your needs call their offices and find out if they are taking new patients. If they are then get information from their staff about their education and training, their experience treating the types of eye problems you are experiencing, office and payment policies, insurance requirements and availability.

Once you have this information you are in a better position to choose an eye care associate. You will then want to schedule an appointment to meet with them and get to know them. At your first appointment you will usually be required to fill out new-patient information forms so be sure to take all of the pertinent information with you about your eye care needs and other medical information.

It's also a good idea to make a list of questions you want to ask at your appointment so that you don't forget to ask something while you have the chance. Take time during your first appointment to ask these questions and to address any concerns you may have.

Once you have completed your first appointment think about whether you felt comfortable with them and confident that they understood your needs and had the ability to provide the kind of eye care treatment you need. Were your questions considered thoughtfully and answered clearly? Did they take the time to answer all of your questions and provide the information you needed?

If you did not feel comfortable with this particular provider, schedule an appointment with one of the other eye care associates on your list. Once you have found the professional that fits your needs make sure you provide all the information necessary for their records and keep the lines of communication open with your provider and their staff so that you have a good ongoing relationship.

 
 
 
 
Preparing For Eye Surgery

In preparing for laser eye surgery it is helpful to know what to expect before, during and after they eye surgery so that you can prepare yourself and feel more comfortable in having the procedure done.

Although many of the details will be the same it is important to talk with your eye surgeon and find out as
much about their various procedures as you can.

Once you have decided to move ahead toward the eye surgery you will want to make sure you are a good candidate for the surgery by having an examination to get a baseline evaluation from your eye doctor.

If you have been wearing contact lenses you will want to stop wearing them and switch to eyeglasses in preparation for this evaluation since contact lenses change the shape of your cornea for several weeks after you discontinue wearing them. This can mean that your evaluation will produce inaccurate measurements prior to your eye surgery and may result in poor results from the surgery itself.

If you have been wearing soft lenses, stop wearing them at least 2 weeks prior to your evaluation. For gas permeable lenses stop 3 weeks prior and for hard lenses stop at least 4 weeks prior to your evaluation.

During the pre-surgery evaluation make sure to tell your eye surgeon about your previous and present eye and medical conditions, any medications you are taking and any allergies.

During the evaluation your eye doctor should perform a thorough exam and be able to tell you if you are a good candidate for eye surgery, what risks and benefits you should be aware of, any alternative their are to surgery, and what you will need to do and what you can expect before, during and after the eye surgery.

Your eye surgeon should give you chance to ask any questions you have at the time and any that you come up with after you have had a chance to think about the information you have received and review any literature that is available. Make sure you are not being pressured by anyone to make the decision and that you have the opportunity to fully consider your options.

The day prior to your eye surgery stop using any cosmetics, lotions or perfumes and make sure your eyelashes are free from any debris that may cause infection after your surgery. Arrange for transportation to and from your surgery and your first follow up visit.

Laser eye surgery normally takes less than 30 minutes to perform. You will normally lie on a reclined chair, have your eyes numbed with drops and have the area around your eyes cleaned. Then an instrument to hold your eyelids open will be put in place.

Depending on the procedure you may feel some pressure and discomfort as well as dimming of your vision while the eye surgery is performed. You may be required to stare at a fixed object for at least a minute. You may hear various sounds and smell something similar to burning hair. Talk to your eye surgeon to get the full details of what you may expect.

After your eye surgery your eye may have a burning sensation or may itch or feel like something is in it. Avoid rubbing your eyes as this could cause damage. You may experience some discomfort or mild pain or eye watering. You will probably experience hazy or blurry vision for a while and possibly some light sensitivity or glare. These symptoms should improve within the first couple of days after your eye surgery so be prepared to take a little time off. If you experience severe pain or your vision gets worse or other symptoms get worse after the eye surgery contact your eye doctor immediately.