Procedures & F.A.Q.'s

A. Regular eye exams are an invaluable tool in maintaining your eyes’ health by detecting and preventing disease. Some diseases, such as glaucoma, develop gradually without causing pain or vision loss – so you may not notice anything wrong until significant and irreversible damage has been done. Early detection of any problems can allow for a choice of treatment options or prevent further harm.

A. Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness in the United States. It occurs when the pressure inside the eye rises high enough to damage the optic nerve. Symptoms include blurred vision, loss of peripheral vision, halo effects around lights and painful or reddened eyes. Testing by an ophthalmologist or optometrist can detect glaucoma before symptoms appear and begin treatment to prevent vision loss.

People at greatest risk for developing glaucoma include those who are over 40, diabetic, near-sighted, African-American, or who have a family history of glaucoma.

A. Macular degeneration occurs when the center of the retina degrades, causing a progressive loss of vision. Symptoms include:

• A gradual loss of ability to see objects clearly
• A gradual loss of color vision
• Distorted vision
• A dark or empty area appearing in the center of vision

There are two kinds of macular degeneration: “wet” and “dry.” The “wet” form can be treated in its early stages. Regular eye exams are highly recommended to detect macular degeneration early and prevent permanent vision loss.

A. A cataract is a cloudy area in the normally clear lens in the front of the eye. Cataracts aren't painful, but they do cause symptoms, including:

• Blurred/hazy vision
• Spots in front of the eye(s)
• Sensitivity to glare
• A feeling of “film” over the eye(s)

People at risk for developing cataracts include those who are over 55, have had eye injuries or disease, have a family history of cataracts, smoke cigarettes or use certain medications.

A. Vision loss from cataracts can often be improved with prescription glasses and contact lenses. For people who are significantly affected by cataracts, replacement surgery may be the preferred method of treatment. Cataract replacement is the most common surgical procedure in the country. During this procedure, the cloudy lens is removed and replaced with an artificial one called an intraocular lens or IOL.

A. Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that weakens the blood vessels that nourish the retina. Vision can be lost if these weak vessels leak, swell or develop thin branches. In its advanced stages, diabetic retinopathy can cause blurred or cloudy vision, floaters and blind spots – and, eventually, blindness. This damage is irreversible. However, treatment can slow disease progression and prevent further vision loss. Treatment modalities include laser and surgical procedures.

A. Yes. People with diabetes are most susceptible to developing it, but your risk is reduced if you follow your prescribed diet and medications, exercise regularly, control your blood pressure, and avoid alcohol and cigarettes. Regular eye exams are an integral part of making sure your eyes remain healthy.

A. “Dry eye” often occurs during the natural aging process. It can also form as a result of eyelid or blinking problems, certain medications such as antihistamines and oral contraceptives, climate (low humidity, wind, dust), injury, and various health problems such as arthritis.

Symptoms include:

• Irritated, scratchy, dry, uncomfortable or red eyes
• A burning sensation or feeling of something foreign in your eyes
• Blurred vision

In addition to being uncomfortable, dry eye can damage eye tissue, scar the cornea and impair vision. Dry eye is not preventable, but it can be controlled before harm is done to your eyes.

Treatment can take many forms. Non-surgical methods include blinking exercises, increasing humidity at home or work, and use of artificial tears or moisturizing ointment. If these methods fail, small punctal plugs may be inserted in the corners of the eyes to limit tear drainage, or the drainage tubes in the eyes may be surgically closed.

A. LASIK changes the way light is bent, or refracted, as it passes through the cornea so that it focuses properly on the retina and objects can be seen clearly. A device called a microkeratome cuts a thin flap in the surface of the cornea. An excimer laser beam then reshapes the cornea's curvature to improve vision. The flap is then closed and covered with a protective contact lens.

A. The entire procedure takes only 15-30 minutes per eye, and patients are often ready to leave within an hour or two. The flap heals on its own within a few days with no need for stitches.

A. Latisse is the first and only FDA-approved treatment for hypotrichosis, or inadequate eyelash growth. Latisse is a breakthrough treatment that enhances eyelashes by increasing their length, thickness and darkness through a daily treatment applied to the base of the upper lashes. This treatment contains bimatoprost, which increases the amount of hairs and the duration of the eyelash growth process.

A. Most patients notice significant results from Latisse after just four weeks of continuous use, with full results visible after 16 weeks. Latisse is the only prescription treatment currently approved by the FDA to help stimulate the growth and thickness of the eyelashes without makeup.

A. Although rare, some patients may experience itching or redness in the eye after treatment. The skin close to the eye may also be affected by Latisse, causing skin darkening, redness, irritation and dryness. These side effects can usually be relieved by discontinuing treatment.

A. When you smile, laugh, frown, or look puzzled, you contract the muscles of your face. Over time, these contractions produce permanent furrows and deep wrinkles in the skin, especially around the eyes and mouth, between the eyebrows, and on the forehead. These lines can make you look older, sad, angry or tired. BOTOX Cosmetic treatments can not only prevent you from deepening these lines during natural facial movements, they can also erase these marks of aging, leaving you looking younger and refreshed.

BOTOX Cosmetic is the most popular cosmetic procedure in the country and one of our most requested services. Quick, safe and effective, BOTOX reduces or eliminates facial lines and wrinkles for up to six months with no downtime or surgery and little to no discomfort. Through a series of tiny injections, BOTOX gives you a rejuvenated look by smoothing crow's feet beneath the eyes, frown lines between the eyebrows, horizontal lines across the forehead, worry lines around the mouth, and lines on the neck

A. Even though BOTOX is not a surgical procedure, it is very important to choose a highly experienced and qualified physician when deciding to undergo BOTOX treatments. Doctors who are less familiar with the technique could leave you looking “frozen” or perpetually surprised. Our doctors are intimately familiar with BOTOX Cosmetic, having successfully treated hundreds of patients at our office. Not only that, we also take the time to talk with each candidate before beginning the injections to find out what he or she wants to achieve and to determine how best to correct the problem area(s) so patients can be happy again with their smoother, younger-looking faces.

A. BOTOX is made from a highly purified protein that is very safe when administered by a trained physician. The medication relaxes the muscles in the face that cause wrinkles. In this way, BOTOX smoothes the lines in the skin that make you look tired or angry.

A. Microdermabrasion reduces the appearance of mild to moderate sun damage, scarring, wrinkles and other superficial skin problems with a diamond tip that exfoliates the outer layer of skin and provide a fresh, glowing, younger appearance.

A. Microdermabrasion is a convenient procedure that safely and effectively improves the appearance of the skin with no pain and no downtime. Most patients see significant improvement to the color, tone and texture of their skin, as well as improvements to oily or dull skin, enlarged pores or mild complexion problems. In addition to its cosmetic results, microdermabrasion can also help enhance circulation and lymph flow, to keep skin as healthy on the inside as it is on the outside.

A. Microdermabrasion is safe for most patients as long as it is performed by a qualified skin care professional. Most risks associated with this procedure are related to non-sterile conditions or improper application, and may include infection, perforation, irritation and more.