Surgical Services:
Cataract Surgery
Cataract surgery, which replaces the eye’s cloudy lens with an artificial, clear intraocular lens, is the most common operation in South Africa. It is a quick and minimally invasive procedure that involves numbing the eye.
Once the cloudy lens has been removed, a new artificial lens is implanted into the eye. This lens is known as an intraocular lens (IOL), and is inserted through the same incision that the old lens was removed from.
After the procedure, a patch is placed over the eye and you will be asked to rest and then go home the very same day. You will need someone to drive you home. For the next few days, you may experience itching, mild discomfort, blurry vision, and sensitivity to light and touch. Your doctor will prescribe eye drops to help the healing process and to reduce the risk of infection.
Cataract surgery can significantly increase your quality of life by allowing you to gain more independence and resume activities you may have stopped due to cataracts affecting your vision, such as driving and reading. It has been shown that having cataract surgery can reduce the risk of falls in the elderly population.
Although cataract surgery is considered safe, there are risks associated with any surgery. Some of these risks may include increase in dryness, pain, infection, increase in floaters, and corneal swelling. Most patients undergo this procedure without any complications.
Glaucoma
Treatment For Glaucoma
Once glaucoma has been diagnosed, treatment should begin as soon as possible to help minimize the risk of permanent vision loss. There is no cure for glaucoma, so treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing further damage from occurring. Most cases of glaucoma can be treated with eye drops, laser or microsurgery. The best treatment for your individual case depends on the type and severity of the disease, and can be discussed with your doctor.
Eye drops are used to reduce fluid production in the front of the eye or to help drain excess fluid, but can lead to redness, stinging, irritation or blurry vision. Patients should tell their doctor about any allergies they have to minimize the risk of side effects.
Laser surgery for glaucoma aims to increase the outflow of fluid from the eye or eliminate fluid blockages through laser trabeculoplasty, iridotomy or cyclophotocoagulation.
Microsurgery involves a surgical procedure called a trabeculectomy, which creates a new channel to drain fluid from the eye and reduce the pressure that causes glaucoma. Surgery is often performed after medication and laser procedures have failed.
Preventing Glaucoma:
While there are no surefire ways to prevent glaucoma from developing, regular screenings and early detection are the best forms of protection against the harmful damage that the disease can cause. While anyone can develop glaucoma, some people are at a higher risk for developing the disease. These people may include those who:
* Are over the age of 60
* African ethnic background is associated with a higher glaucoma risk.
* Male gender.
* Heart disease is a significant risk factor.
* Have a family history of glaucoma
* Have poor vision
* Have diabetes
Patients should have a comprehensive dilated eye exam at least once every year, especially if they have a higher risk of developing glaucoma. Older patients may be encouraged to be tested more frequently.
To learn more about glaucoma and how you can be tested for this serious condition, please contact us today to schedule an appointment with us.
Cornea
The cornea is the clear dome-shaped surface that covers the front of the eye. It plays a key role in the focusing of light rays as they pass into the eye. Common disorders of the cornea include dry eye, keratoconus, corneal infections, corneal dystrophies, and pterygiums.
Keratoconus
Keratoconus is a progressive eye disease where weakened collagen fibres within the cornea cause it to thin and protrude into a cone-like shape resulting in blurred vision. It has been linked to certain genetic factors and a history of eye rubbing, but is without a definitive cause. Treatment depends on the severity of the condition, the age of the patient and how quickly it’s progressing.
EYE CARE have helped provide keratoconus patients with innovative options and emerging treatments that help correct or even halt the progression of the disease.
Causes of Keratoconus
Although many theories have been proposed, there is no definite known cause of keratoconus. Possible causes include genetics, a collagen deficiency, overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun, or excessive eye-rubbing.
Sign and Symptoms of Keratoconus
Keratoconus often begins to develop in the teen years to the early 20s, although it can develop at any age. Changes in the shape of the cornea occur gradually, usually over several years. In most patients with keratoconus, both eyes eventually become affected.
Keratoconus can be difficult to detect because it usually develops very slowly. Signs of keratoconus may include:
* Distorted and blurred vision
* Myopia (nearsightedness)
* Astigmatism
* Double vision
* Headaches due to eye strain
* Glare
* Light sensitivity
We will measure the curvature of your cornea to determine whether these symptoms are a result of keratoconus.
Pterygium
Pterygium is a painless, non-cancerous growth of the conjunctiva, the lining that covers the white part of the eye. The pterygium may grow on the cornea, which covers the iris, the colored part of the eye. A pterygium usually begins at the nasal side of the eye and can be different colors, including red, pink, white, yellow or gray.
Patients with pterygium often first notice the condition because of the appearance of a lesion on their eye or because of dry, itchy irritation, tearing or redness. Pterygium is initially noticed when it is confined only to the conjunctiva. At this stage of development it is called a pinguecula. As it extends to the cornea it is termed a pterygium and can eventually lead to impaired vision.
In most mild cases of pterygium, artificial tears can be used to reduce dryness and irritation. For those patients with severe cases of pterygium and whose vision has been affected, different types of surgery are available. Surgery is the only way to definitively remove a pterygium, but it is not a perfect solution; it requires long-term follow-up, and there’s recurrence rate.
Dry Eye
Eyes burning, itching, stinging? Or maybe even no symptoms at all? Everyone’s eyes may feel different, but Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) could be present. MGD is a chronic progressive and obstructive condition, so maintaining healthy eyes before you become symptomatic is key.
Treatment of Dry Eye
Treatment for dry eye depends on the cause and severity of the condition, as well as the patient’s overall health and personal preference. If you are suffering from Dry Eye Disease, there are many options available at
EYE CARE that can help you to manage your symptoms and find relief. Call or request an appointment today to take the first step toward managing your dry eye symptoms.
Oculoplastics
Ophthalmic plastic surgery, or oculoplastics, is a subspecialty of ophthalmology that deals with disorders of the eyelids, orbits (bones around the eyes), eyeball and lacrimal (tear) system.
Plastic surgery of the eyelids and brow can help patients see more clearly as well as look younger and rejuvenated. By removing excess tissue and tightening the skin, cosmetic and functional eyelid surgery and browlifts can not only increase the visual field but also “turn back time” by reducing the appearance of wrinkles, lines and sagging skin that make you look angry or tired. It can also correct defects such as ptosis (droopy eyes) and dry eyes. Complications are rare.
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