"Mini-Incision" Cataract Surgery: The Latest Advancement in the Treatment of Cataracts
by Daniel I. Caplan, M.D.

Last year, more than one million persons underwent cataract surgery in the United States. Cataracts continue to be the leading cause of vision loss among adults.

What are Cataracts?
In the same way that the lens of a camera focuses light on the film inside of the camera, the eye's natural lens works to focus light on the retina in the back of the eye. When the normally clear natural lens of the eye becomes cloudy, then light and images cannot pass clearly to the retina. The vision is blurred. This cloudy lens in the eye is called a cataract.

How Do You Know If You Have Cataracts?
Cataracts can affect the vision in many ways. The common signs of cataracts are:
  • Vision is blurry or hazy
  • Eyes are sensitive to light and glare
  • Reading is more difficult
  • Colors appear faded or dull
  • Night driving is more difficult
  • Breakthrough in Technology
In the constantly changing area of eye care, Mini-Incision Cataract Surgery is the latest advancement in the treatment of cataracts. Using advanced ultrasonic technology, the cataract is shattered with ultra-sound vibrations and then removed. The wonder of this new technology is that it is performed through a tiny incision measuring about three millimeters (less than 1/8 inch). This is about one fourth the size of the incision required in the traditional method for removing cataracts. A new foldable lens implant can then be inserted through the tiny incision.

Advantages of Mini-Incision Cataract Surgery
Because the incision is so much smaller with the Mini-Incision technique, there are significant safety benefits to the patient, including less risk of infections and hemorrhage. Furthermore, patients usually may resume normal activities the following day. Quicker recovery of vision, often without the need for glasses, is another important benefit of Mini-Incision Cataract Surgery over the older methods.

Thus, for the more than one million patients who will need cataract surgery this year, a proven new technique is now available. Mini-Incision Cataract Surgery can restore sight safer and quicker than the older methods.

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For our patients' convenience, Delta Optical, located in the Clinic, is a full-service optical shop offering invisible (no-line) bifocals, thin lenses, and the latest in frames for men, women, and children. Stop in after your appointment or when shopping for new glasses.


Did You Know...

Eye Injuries:
Keeping a close eye on the ball can lead to eye injuries, especially if athletes have more drive than ability.

Most baseball injuries occur when the ball hits the eye. Players younger than 15 are most likely to be hit by a pitched ball, largely because they may not have developed physically to the level needed for competition.

The opposite may be true in racket sports, which include racquetball and tennis. A well-hit ball can move at up to 140 mph. A Canadian researcher found that experienced players are more likely than less experienced ones to get hurt.

Most eye injuries are minor, although some are severe enough to cause blindness.

Up to 90 percent of eye injuries can be prevented with proper eye protectors, which absorb impact force before it can damage the eye.

The best eye protectors are made of a plastic called polycarbonate, which is stronger than glass or ordinary plastic. Look in the equipment for certification that it was designed to standards set by such groups as the American Society for Testing and Materials.

Delta Optical Shop at our Clinic carries a variety of protective eye-wear for all of your sports needs. (504) 888-3900 for information.

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Macular Degeneration

Macular Degeneration is the leading cause of vision loss among people over the age of sixty-five. This disease affects the macula, a portion of the retina of the eye which is responsible for sharp central vision. Macular Degeneration is the result of the aging process in the macula which usually occurs in both eyes. The vision loss is most often a gradual process which usually spares the peripheral, or side vision.

Macular Degeneration is often classified as either a "dry" form or "wet" form, depending on the presence of fluid or edema in the macular. Initially, the patient may notice a slight blurring of vision or a dark spot in the center of vision. Increased difficulty reading small print is a common early complaint. Straight lines and objects may begin to appear "wavy."

There are several things the patient may do to protect his or her eyesight. First, it is important to protect the eyes from exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun as this appears to increase the risk of macular degeneration. Regular eye examinations by an ophthalmologist can detect early cases of macular degeneration. Mineral supplements may be prescribed. Patients who have a family history of macular degeneration are at a greater risk for this disease and should be checked annually.

Treatment for macular degeneration is limited. Some forms may be amenable to laser therapy; but laser is usually not helpful in the early (or "dry") stages of the disease. There are several new surgical procedures being developed for the treatment of macular degeneration, but they are currently experimental and not advisable for most patients.

If you have any questions about macular degeneration or would like to set up an appointment to be checked for this disease, please call Caplan Eye Clinic at (504) 888-2600 or (985) 845-3400.

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Glaucoma
by Stephen M. Welckler, O.D.

Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness in the United States and the single most common cause of blindness in African-Americans. Glaucoma could also be referred to as "the silent thief of sight" since most people with the disease are unaware that they have it until it becomes too late, meaning permanent vision loss has already occurred. Since the damage caused by glaucoma is irreversible, early detection is extremely important.

Glaucoma occurs when pressure within the eye is elevated enough to cause progressive damage to the optic nerve. This first results in loss of peripheral vision and then, in the latter stages, loss of central vision.

There are several risk factors that increase a person's chance of developing glaucoma. They include increasing age, African-American heritage, family history of the disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, long-term steroid treatment, nearsightedness, and eye injuries.

A comprehensive eye examination is the first step in detecting glaucoma. During this exam, the doctor will perform several tests that will provide clues as to whether or not a person is a "suspect" for the disease. One such test is tonometry, better known as "the eye pressure test." Elevated intraocular pressure is one of the first signs of glaucoma. However, sometimes patients may have normal eye pressure and still have glaucoma. That is why it is important for the doctor to perform a dilated retinal exam, which allows an evaluation of the optic nerve. The appearance of the optic nerve is another key factor in diagnosing glaucoma. Once the doctor deems the patient a "glaucoma suspect," a visual field test is ordered. This test is a very sensitive way of evaluating peripheral vision and, hence, detecting glaucoma. The earlier the disease is detected, the better chance a person has for preserving his vision.

The goal in glaucoma treatment is to prevent further optic nerve damage and visual field loss by lowering intraocular pressure. This is achieved either by medication (usually in the form of eye drops) or by surgery (primarily in the form of laser). Drops are the first type of therapy instituted in most cases.

Once target intraocular pressure has been reached, it will usually be monitored every 3-4 months. A dilated retinal exam and a visual field test will need to be performed yearly to monitor any disease progression. These follow-up appointments are very important in the proper management of glaucoma.

For more information about glaucoma, or to schedule an eye examination, call Caplan Eye Clinic at (504)-888-2600 (Metairie) or (985)-845-3400 (Mandeville).

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