In this video Dr. Cartwright discusses the use of the new ELLEX YAG laser for the treatment of floaters.
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The Stages of Macular Degeneration
There are three stages of Macular Degeneration:
1. Early AMD – Most people do not experience vision loss in the early stage of AMD. Early AMD is diagnosed by the presence of medium-sized DRUSEN.
2. Intermediate AMD – At this stage, there may be some vision loss, but there still may not be noticeable symptoms. A complete eye exam with specific tests will look for larger drusen and/or pigment changes in the retina.
3. Late AMD – At this stage, vision loss has become noticeable.
Felicita C.
The staff are very helpful and willing to do anything to help you when you need to see the doctor without an appointment.
– Mar 3, 2016
Floaters
Vitreous floaters (eye floaters, vitreous opacities) are little “cobwebs” or specks that float about in your field of vision. They are tiny, cloudy clumps of cells that appear in the otherwise clear fluid (vitreous) that fills the back three-fourths of the eye. People see eye floaters as small specks, cobwebs, or clouds moving in their field of vision. They move as your eyes move and seem to dart away when you try to look at them directly. They do not follow your eye movements precisely, and usually drift when your eyes stop moving.
Is Macular Degeneration (AMD) hereditary?
Macular degeneration is not a straightforward hereditary condition. The risk of developing AMD is increased if it occurs in family members. The best way to determine if one is at risk of developing vision loss from macular degeneration at this time is to have someone who is an expert at evaluating the retina perform an exam. They will determine if there are signs of an early stage of macular degeneration, specifically large yellow deposits in the center of the retina called drusen.
Is It Time For Surgery?
Lots of people have cataracts that do not cause blurred vision or interfere with the activities of daily life. These individuals should not undergo unnecessary surgery to remove their cataracts. However, if an individual has blurred vision that makes it difficult to do the things that he or she wants and needs to do, it is time to consider cataract surgery.
Ectropion
Ectropion is the weakening of the connective tissue of the eyelid (usually the lower eyelid), which causes the lid to turn out. This causes the inner surface to be exposed. In severe ectropion, the entire length of the eyelid is turned out. In less severe cases of ectropion, only one segment of the eyelid sags away from the eye.
Ectropion is caused by:
•Most commonly caused by the aging process
•Facial palsy
•Scar tissue from burns
•Long-term (chronic) conjunctivitis
•Keratitis
•Redness of the lid and white part of the eye
•Dry, painful eyes
•Excess tearing of the eye (epiphora)
•A defect that occurs before birth (in children with Down’s syndrome)
Cataract Surgery
Cataracts may remain small and may not be noticeable. They often do not seriously affect vision. And many cataracts do not need to be removed. However, some cataracts grow larger or denser over time, causing severe vision changes. Medical Eye Associates offers comprehensive Cataract Services.
What are Cataracts?
A cataract is a loss of transparency, or clouding, of the normally clear lens of the eye. As one ages, chemical changes occur in the lens that make it less transparent. The loss of transparency may be so mild vision is hardly affected or so severe that no shapes or movements are seen, only light and dark. When the lens gets cloudy enough to obstruct vision to any significant degree, it is called a cataract. There are over 1 million Cataract operations performed annually in the USA. Cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure with a very high success rate. Due to the lack of modern medical technology in the developing world, it is also the world’s leading cause of blindness. Over 16 million people are blind from cataracts.
Cataract Surgery
In cataract surgery, the cloudy natural lens is removed from the eye. In most cases, the focusing power of the natural lens is restored by replacing it with a permanent intraocular lens (IOL) implant. When to have cataract surgery often is a subjective decision, based on how well you are able to see while engaging in routine activities. You might be able to drive, watch television and work at a computer for quite a few years, even after you are first diagnosed with cataracts. However, if you have cataracts, you may eventually start to notice “ghost” images and declining visual clarity, which can’t be corrected with glasses or contacts. Colors may also begin to look faded. If your functional vision is impaired significantly and it becomes difficult for you to visually perform your normal daily activities, it may be time for cataract surgery.
To find out more about our Cataract Services, call 407-933-7800 to schedule your consultation.
Glaucoma Surgery
Glaucoma is the second leading cause of vision loss. Sometimes called the silent thief of sight, glaucoma can damage your vision so gradually you don’t notice any loss of vision until the disease is at an advanced stage.
Because most people with glaucoma have no early symptoms or pain from the increased intraocular pressure, it is important to have regular routine eye exams so that glaucoma can be diagnosed and treated before long-term visual loss occurs.
Laser Surgery
Laser surgery treatments may be effective for different types of glaucoma. The laser is usually used in one of two ways. In open-angle glaucoma, the drain itself is treated. The laser is used to enlarge the drain (trabeculoplasty) to help control eye pressure. In angle-closure glaucoma, the laser creates a hole in the iris (iridotomy) to improve the flow of aqueous fluid to the drain.
Operative surgery
When operative surgery is needed to control glaucoma, Dr. Cartwright uses miniature instruments to create a new drainage channel for the aqueous fluid to leave the eye. The new channel helps to lower the pressure. Though serious complications of modern glaucoma surgery are rare, they can occur, as with any surgery. Surgery is recommended only if your Dr. Cartwright feels that it is safer to operate than to allow optic nerve damage to continue.
News Channel 13 Jacqueline Story
This video is a heartwarming story about a pediatric ocuplastic surgery that Dr. Mont Cartwright, M.D. of Medical Eye Associates and Doctors Surgery Center performed on a local Central Florida child that suffered from a congenital birth defect. It is very important to carefully select the professionals to treat your most prized possessions, your children. Selecting the right Pediatric Oculofacial Plastic Surgeon is an important job. Please read Choosing an Oculoplastic Surgeon for important information regarding this crucial decision.