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What Is A Cataract?

Cataracts are protein buildups in the natural crystalline lens of the eye. These proteins clump together, causing clouding on the lens that make it more difficult for light to pass through. This results in blurry or cloudy vision. Other symptoms include distorted color vision, double vision, problems with depth perception, difficulty seeing in the dark, and the development of white spots on the eyes.

It is not yet known why cataracts develop in the eyes. However, some factors are believed to play an important role in the formation of cataracts. Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes and Glaucoma, have been associated with the development of cataracts. Some medications are known to promote cataracts, including steroids, tamoxifen, aspirin, amiodarone, and allopurinol. In addition, any form of eye trauma, including burns, punctures, and cuts can lead to the formation of cataracts. Some scientists believe that ultraviolet radiation may lead to the development of cataracts because it can alter the pigment of the eyes. Recent studies also point out that smoking and drinking may play a role in the formation of cataracts, as alcohol and nicotine can block essential nutrients from being absorbed.

Types Of Cataracts

There are three types of cataracts, and it is possible to have multiple kinds of cataracts at the same time. Nuclear cataracts are the most common type, and they form on the nucleus of the lens. Cortical cataracts form on the lens cortex, or the outer rim, and gradually move to the lens center. Subcapsular cataracts are the fastest progressing of the three, and typically form at the back of the lens. The ophthalmologists at our practice can determine which kind of cataracts you have and help you choose the best treatment option for your needs during a consultation. Please Contact The Eye Clinic Of North Dakota today to schedule an appointment.

Understanding Cataract Surgery

Our ophthalmologists offer cataract surgery using the latest intraocular lens (IOL) technologies available today to help restore clear vision for our patients. They have extensive training in both extracapsular and intracapsular cataract surgery methods.

During the cataract surgery procedure, anesthetic eye drops are placed in the eyes and an incision is made near the edge of the cornea. During extracapsular cataract surgery, the clouded lens is broken up and removed through a process called phacoemulsification, and a folded IOL is inserted to replace it. The capsule surrounding the lens is preserved to support the IOL. In intracapsular cataract surgery, however, the entire clouded lens and the capsule surrounding it are removed and replaced with a folded IOL.

Once the IOL is inserted, it unfolds on its own into its new, permanent position. The incision then heals on its own without the need for stitches. The entire process takes approximately one hour.

INTRAOCULAR LENS TECHNOLOGY

We offer the most modern monofocal, multifocal, and accommodation IOL technologies available to help restore our patients’ vision, including Tecnis® Symfony, Tecnis® Symfony Toric and Crystalens® IOLs. Monofocal IOLs can help patients see clearer through one focal distance, whether it is up close or far away. These are typically used in treatment for individuals suffering from presbyopia or aging of the eyes.

Unlike monofocal IOLs, multifocal and accommodative lens implants automatically adjust to the patient’s vision needs, allowing him or her to maintain clear vision at a variety of near, intermediate, and far focal points. Patients experience improved vision at all distances, which reduces the need for them to wear corrective eyewear after surgery.

Each type of IOL has its own advantages, and our ophthalmologists can help determine which one is best for your particular vision correction needs during your initial consultation at our practice.

Symfony Lens Educational Video

Types Of Glaucoma
There are three common types of glaucoma: open-angle glaucoma, closed-angle glaucoma, and normal-tension glaucoma.

Open-angle glaucoma, which affects more than thirty million people in America, is the most common type. Individuals with open-angle glaucoma experience very slow draining of natural eye fluids between the cornea and iris. Open-angle glaucoma usually affects both eyes.

Closed-angle glaucoma can develop if the opening between the cornea and iris is too small, which can make it very difficult for fluid drainage to take place properly.

Normal-tension glaucoma is characterized by damage to the optic nerve. However, individuals with normal-tension glaucoma experience a normal IOP, in contrast to the elevated levels associated with open- and closed-angle glaucoma.

Glaucoma Treatment Options
Glaucoma is primarily treated with oral medications and topical eye drops, which are intended to reduce the pressure of the eye. If these medications fail to work, several laser-assisted surgical treatments can slow down or even halt its spread. These treatments include trabeculoplasty, iridotomy, and cyclophotocoagulation.

Trabeculoplasty is a great treatment alternative for patients with open-angle glaucoma. The procedure involves using a laser to treat tissue around the eye, which improves the eye’s drainage system. This allows fluid to flow easier, decreasing IOP by 60 to 70 percent.

Iridotomy is a procedure intended for patients with closed-angle glaucoma. During iridotomy, a laser creates a small hole in the iris to clear the blockage in the fluid channel so fluid can drain normally.

Cyclophotocoagulation is used when both medical and surgical treatments have failed. Similar to trabeculoplasty, cyclophotocoagulation involves the destruction removal of fluid producing tissue inside the eye to decrease fluid production in the eye.

Trabeculectomy, or conventional glaucoma surgery, is an option if other treatment methods have failed. The procedure involves removing a small amount of eye tissue to create a new drainage pathway for improved flow.

Our ophthalmologists can determine which method of treatment is most suited for your specific needs during your initial consultation.

For Glaucoma Treatment, Contact The Eye Clinic Of North Dakota
If you would like to learn more about the glaucoma treatments we offer or would like to schedule a consultation with our experienced surgeons, please Contact Our Practice today. We offer a variety of convenient Financing Options to help make treatment more affordable.

What Is Age-Related Macular Degeneration?
Age-related macular degeneration is a disease that affects an individual’s central vision. The condition is characterized by a breakdown of the macula, or the center of the retina, which causes central vision to deteriorate. Because of this, straight lines may appear crooked, or dark or blind areas may show up in the central field of vision, making it very difficult to see an entire image. If it is left untreated, it can result in complete vision loss. Macular degeneration typically occurs as part of the natural aging process. However, those who smoke, are obese, or have a family history of macular degeneration are at a higher risk for the disease.

Macular degeneration can be diagnosed using the Amsler Grid test. The Amsler Grid looks like a normal, straight-line grid to individuals without macular degeneration. However, for those who suffer from the disease, the lines may appear distorted and curved, as seen below.

Types Of Macular Degeneration
There are two forms of macular degeneration: wet (neovascular) and dry (non-neovascular). Both forms have similar causes and symptoms; however, dry macular degeneration is more common as it appears in 90 percent of all cases. Dry macular degeneration is an early and less severe stage of the condition. No one knows for sure what causes it, but it is believed that it occurs when the macular tissue begins to thin due to age and the waste from the macula cells become deposited below the retina, which blocks nutrients from reaching those cells and leads to further deterioration.

Wet macular degeneration is a less common, more advanced form of the disease. Wet macular degeneration appears in 10 percent of all cases and develops over a shorter period of time. The condition is characterized by the formation of new, abnormal blood vessels in the eye as the body responds to the deterioration. These vessels leak blood and other fluid underneath the macula. This in turn causes permanent damage to the light-sensitive macula cells, leading to severe vision loss.

Macular Degeneration Treatment Options
While there is no cure for age-related macular degeneration, the progression of the disease can be slowed with surgical treatments, lifestyle changes, and medications. If wet macular degeneration is detected early, laser eye surgery or photodynamic therapy can be used to stop the formation of abnormal blood vessels. However, these procedures are not effective at reversing any damage that has already occurred. Using modalities such as magnifying devices, closed circuit TV, and large print materials can help patients with both dry and wet macular degeneration see better. Patients with dry macular degeneration are also advised to take antioxidants or other nutritional supplements, which are believed to slow progression of the disease.

Learn More About Treating Macular Degeneration
At The Eye Clinic of North Dakota, our ophthalmologists are committed to helping patients see more clearly. If you are interested in learning more about the treatment options for macular degeneration, please Contact Us today. We offer a variety of Financing Options to help you get the treatment you need.

Personalized Vision Correction Through Custom LASIK
Custom LASIK is an amazing, leading-edge procedure that delivers a completely customized laser vision correction experience for individuals suffering from nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. The procedure uses a computerized laser guided by a map of the patient’s eye to reshape the cornea and correct unique aberrations for a superior vision correction outcome. With Custom LASIK, our surgeon can correct both higher- and lower-order aberrations for crisp, clear vision. The procedure is custom-tailored to address the specific prescription requirements of each patient for optimal results.

Wavefront Technology
Custom LASIK uses state-of-the-art wavefront analyzer technology to provide each patient with the best possible treatment available, completely suited to his or her specific vision correction needs. Used during pre-operation evaluation, wavefront technology creates a three-dimensional map of the entire optical pathway called a WavePrint®. The WavePrint® is extremely accurate; it is 25 times more precise than an eye prescription obtained through conventional diagnostic technology. Since no two eyes are alike, each WavePrint® represents a unique fingerprint that illustrates the irregularities of the eye. This data is transferred to a computerized laser during the vision correction procedure for highly-personalized and precise results.

The Custom LASIK Procedure
Before the Custom LASIK procedure begins, a wavefront imaging system creates a three-dimensional map of the contours of the patient’s eye, which allows our surgeon to determine the best possible vision correction treatment plan. During this step, patients are asked to stare at a fixed point while a light is shined into their eye. The light enters the eye and reflects back out to the front, where it is read by a wavefront sensor. Since the light becomes distorted in eyes that have irregularities, it enables our surgeon to create a detailed, three-dimensional map of the eye. This information is used as a guide for customized treatment.

During Custom LASIK surgery, the surgeon creates a corneal flap. The flap is then pulled back, and a computer-guided excimer laser uses the information provided in the wavefront map to reshape the cornea so that light refracts on the retina more accurately. Once the cornea is reshaped, the flap is put back into place where it quickly adheres to the surface. Vision is improved dramatically almost immediately after surgery.

Customize Your LASIK Experience At The Eye Clinic Of North Dakota
If you are interested in learning more about the state-of-the-art Custom LASIK procedure, or would like to schedule an initial consultation with our ophthalmologists, please Contact Our Practice today. Ask about our Convenient Financing Options to help make your treatment more affordable.