Exams & Procedures

Laser Vision Correction

Laser Vision Correction improves vision safely and precisely by reshaping the cornea to correct nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia) and astigmatism and in some cases, higher-order aberrations such as haze as well. Most patients enjoy 20/20 vision or better after treatment.

Allegretto Wave™

One of the most innovative features of the Allegretto Wave™ is the way it uses wavefront-optimized technology to automatically compensate for the curvature of the cornea. In earlier laser correction systems, the "optical zone" or area of correction, was centered on the front of the cornea; the result was a flattened circular area that ended with an abrupt edge, causing unwanted side effects like poor night vision, glare, and halos.

Allegretto Wave™ changes all that. Understanding that the cornea is a sphere, Allegretto Wave™ uses a proprietary treatment that is adjusted to the patient’s individual corneal curvature. The Allegretto Wave™ sends extra pulses to the peripheral cornea area in order to compensate for the angle of the laser. In this manner, the spherical shape of the cornea is preserved to a degree that older lasers simply could not achieve. This compensation, combined with the incredibly small, 1mm size of the laser, produces a smooth, effective optical zone that results in what can only be described as high performance vision.

Imagine a glass ball. If you took a flashlight and aimed it directly at the top of the ball, the light would form a circular shape on the surface of the ball. If you now aimed the flashlight towards the side of the ball, the light would form an elliptical shape and not seem as bright anymore. This is because the same amount of light is suddenly distributed over a larger area and some of the light is reflected away due to the angled surface of the glass ball.

Click here to learn more about Allegretto Wave™ or click here for the (Spanish) website.

Alcon® - http://www.alconrefractive.com/eyes/vision-problems.asp

Advanced Surface Ablation

Advanced Surface Ablation (ASA) is a relatively new laser procedure that effectively corrects nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism without the use of the blade used in the traditional LASIK procedure. Instead of a blade, the ASA procedure involves loosening and then removing the cells of epithelium with a diluted alcohol solution. The laser then corrects vision by reshaping the cornea. A bandage contact lens is then placed over the eye to facilitate proper healing.

This procedure offers patients many benefits over LASIK, including an elimination of flap complications and reduced risk of dry eye after surgery. ASA is ideal for patients with wide pupils or those whose cornea is too thin for LASIK, as well as patients who may not be LASIK candidates because of problems with eye pressure or corneal dystrophy. As with traditional LASIK, patients should also be at least 18 years old and have realistic expectations for surgery.

ASA takes about 30 minutes to perform and is done on an outpatient basis. Patients will notice an improvement to vision within the first few days after surgery, with full results gradually developing over the course of six months. Vitamin supplements may be recommended to help the eyes heal more quickly and comfortably.

Call today (512) 326-5900. Our clinics offer No Interest Financing for qualified individuals.

Advanced Cataract Surgery

A cataract is a cloudy area in the normally clear lens in the front of the eye. There is no pain associated with the condition but there are other symptoms, including:

Blurred/hazy vision
Spots in front of the eye(s)
Sensitivity to glare
A feeling of "film" over the eye(s)
A temporary improvement in near vision

Risk factors for developing cataracts include being over 55 years old, eye injury or disease, a family history of cataracts, smoking or use of certain medications.

For people who are significantly affected by cataracts, lens replacement surgery may be recommended. During cataract replacement, the most common surgical procedure in the country, the lens is removed and replaced with an artificial one called an intraocular lens or IOL.

Our Cataract Procedure

We perform a minimally invasive, small-incision, no-stitch cataract surgery called phacoemulsification ("phaco") surgery in our state-of-the-art surgical facility.. During this procedure, a tiny incision is made in the eye to make room for a small ultrasonic probe. This probe breaks up, or emulsifies, the cloudy lens into tiny pieces. The pieces are then suctioned out through the probe. Because of its small size, the incision can heal on its own and only requires a topical (eye drop) anesthesia, so there is no injections or stitching in the eye at all.


Phaco Surgery	IOL in place

Once the cloudy lens has been removed, the artificial IOL is implanted in the eye. Advanced foldable IOLs can be inserted through the same small incision that the original lens was removed from. This significantly reduces recovery times while improving safety and reducing the risk of bleeding, scarring, irritation and distortion.

Call today (512) 326-5900. Our clinics offer No Interest Financing for qualified individuals.

Multifocal Implants

Lens Replacement Surgery featuring Multifocal Intraocular Lenses (IOLs)

Artificial lenses (IOLs) are implanted in the eye to replace natural lenses for patients with cataracts, presbyopia or severe refractive errors. Until recently, IOLs were only available to correct distance vision. These monofocal lenses helped improve distance vision after cataract surgery, but patients still needed glasses or contact lenses for near vision activities like reading and playing cards. Now, advancements in technology have produced multifocal IOLs that allow patients to see clearly at all distances -- near, far and many distances in between. Multifocal IOLs such as Tecnis Multifofal and ReStor® Lens preserve distance vision and correct presbyopia so cataract surgery patients -- and patients seeking treatment for presbyopia alone -- can enjoy clear sight without relying on glasses.

The procedure to replace a patient's natural lens with a multifocal IOL is the same as that used in cataract surgery.

Tecnis Multifocal

Cataract surgery, which replaces the eye’s cloudy lens with an artificial clear lens (called an intraocular lens, or IOL), is the most common operation in the U.S. More than half of adults over age 65 have some degree of cataract development. People 65 and older are also more likely to be involved in car crashes than people in their 30s, 40s and 50s. Now an innovative night vision-enhancing IOL can help elderly drivers with cataracts avoid accidents.

Its main concern is improving safety with vision correction. It is meant to improve functional vision - the ability to see objects in varying light conditions - especially at night and twilight and in rain, snow and fog. This means improved night vision and reduction of spherical aberrations, an undesirable scattering of light that is a common side effect of cataract surgery.

ReSTOR® Lens

Using apodization, diffraction and refraction technologies, the ReSTOR® lens improves upon ordinary replacement lenses (IOLs) by providing comprehensive focusing capabilities so patients can see clearly in a range of lighting conditions and at all distances -- at noon or midnight, nearby or far away, and many distances in between. Up to 80% of patients who use the ReSTOR® lens don't need to rely on glasses or contact lenses after surgery.

Click one of the following for more information on Multifocal Implants:

Call today (512) 326-5900. Our clinics offer No Interest Financing for qualified individuals.

Diabetic Eye Exams

Patients with diabetes are at an increased risk of developing eye diseases that can cause vision loss and blindness, such as diabetic retinopathy, cataracts and glaucoma. These and other serious conditions often develop without vision loss or pain, so significant damage may be done to the eyes by the time the patient notices any symptoms. For this reason it is very important for diabetic patients to have their eyes examined once a year. Diagnosing and treating eye disease early can prevent vision loss. It is also important to maintain a steady blood-sugar level, take prescribed medications, follow a healthy diet, exercise regularly and avoid smoking.

Macular Degeneration

The macula is a part of the retina in the back of the eye that ensures that our central vision is clear and sharp. Macular degeneration causes a progressive loss of vision. It is the number-one cause of blindness in the U.S.

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.

Symptoms often associated with macular degeneration 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

Glaucoma Exams & Surgery

Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness in the U.S. It occurs when the pressure inside the eye rises, damaging the optic nerve and causing vision loss. The condition often develops over many years without causing pain or other noticeable symptoms – so you may not experience vision loss until the disease has progressed.

Symptoms that you could be developing glaucoma include blurred vision, loss of peripheral vision, halo effects around lights, and painful or reddened eyes. People at high risk include those who are over the age of 40, diabetic, near-sighted, African-American, or who have a family history of glaucoma.

To detect glaucoma, your physician will test your visual acuity and visual field as well as the pressure in your eye. Regular eye exams help to monitor the changes in your eyesight and to determine whether you may develop glaucoma.


Normal Vision	Glaucoma Vision

Once diagnosed, glaucoma can be controlled. Treatments to lower pressure in the eye include non-surgical methods such as prescription eye drops and medications, laser therapy, and surgery.

Dry Eye Treatments

Dry eye can damage the eye's tissues and impair vision. People usually begin experiencing dry eye symptoms as they age, but the condition can also result from certain medications, conditions or injuries. The eyes may become dry and irritated because the tear ducts don't produce enough tears, or because the tears themselves have a chemical imbalance.

Dry eye is not preventable, but it can be controlled before harm is done to your eyes. Non-surgical treatments include blinking exercises, increasing humidity at home or work, and use of artificial tears or moisturizing ointment. If these methods fail, small punctual 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.

Pterygium Surgery

A pterygium is a raised growth in the surface of the eye (the conjunctiva) made mostly of collagen and tiny red capillaries. They are usually caused by extended exposure to sunlight. They may remain stable after appearing, or they may grow and affect vision.

Treatments include eye drops for irritation and redness, protection from sunlight and dust to prevent the pterygium from worsening, and occasionally steroids to lessen inflammation.

If the pterygium grows into the central cornea, surgical removal is recommended. This prevents the pterygium from altering the cornea's shape and affecting vision.

Routine Eye Exams

Regular eye exams are an invaluable tool in maintaining your eyes' health by detecting and preventing disease. Some diseases develop slowly without causing pain or vision loss. Early detection of any problems can reduce the risk of further harm and allow for a choice of treatment options.

If you are interested in learning more about any of our procedures, call 512-326-5900 today to schedule an appointment.