The Cataract & Laser Institute of Pennsylvania

The Cataract & Laser Institute

• General Eye Care

  Your Eyes Are An Important Part Of Your Health. From comprehensive eye exams too early diagnosis and treatment of eye and vision problems, The Cataract & Laser Institute of Pennsylvania goal are to protect your vision throughout your lifetime. Have An Annual Comprehensive Eye Exam. You might think your vision is fine and your eyes are healthy, but visiting The Cataract & Laser Institute of Pennsylvania for a comprehensive eye exam is a way to really be sure. When it comes to common vision problems, some people don’t realize they could see better with glasses or contact lenses. In addition, many common eye diseases such as glaucoma, diabetic eye disease, and age-related macular degeneration often have no warning signs. An eye exam is the only way to detect these diseases in their early stages. The Cataract & Laser Institute of Pennsylvania is equipped with the diagnostic and examination equipment needed to allow us to provide you with the most thorough, comprehensive eye examinations available. Even if you think your eyes are “just fine,” if you have not had an eye exam in the past year, we recommend that you schedule an appointment (Link to locations) with one of our doctors today. We’ll evaluate your eye health and update your prescription if needed. Vitamins Do Your Eyes And Your Body Good. Your eyes, just like any other organ, require plenty of nutrients and minerals to function well. Vitamins A, C, E, as well as beta-carotene, zinc, and antioxidants such as omega-3 fatty acids are particularly important for proper eye health. A diet lacking these nutrients can contribute strongly to diseases such as macular degeneration and dry eyes. Reducing Risk Of Advanced Macular Degeneration The Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) is an eye nutrition study sponsored by the National Eye Institute. Results from the AREDS showed that a specific combination of antioxidants and minerals significantly reduces the risk of advanced macular degeneration and its associated vision loss. Relieving Dry Eye Symptoms Taking an omega-3 supplement can provide some relief to dry eye sufferers by providing your body the necessary nutrients for optimal tear composition and overall eye health.

  Link: General Eye Care

• Comprehensive Eye Examination

  Taking care of your eyes is an important part of maintaining your health. At The Cataract & Laser Institute of Pennsylvania, we have the vision resources you need. From routine eye exams and contact lenses to early diagnosis and treatment of eye and vision problems, our goal is to give you the healthiest eyes and best possible vision throughout your lifetime. How Often Should I Get An Eye Exam? Annual eye and vision examinations are an important part of preventive health care. Many eye and vision problems have no obvious signs or symptoms. As a result, individuals are often unaware that problems exist. Early diagnosis and treatment of eye and vision problems are important for maintaining good vision and eye health and, when possible, preventing vision loss. Why Is An Eye Exam So Important To My Overall Health? A comprehensive eye examination is the best way to identify a wide range of problems affecting vision function. At The Cataract & Laser Institute of Pennsylvania, we use the latest technology for our exams. Our staff has years of experience in diagnosing and treating a variety of eye problems and issues. We are committed to providing the highest level of care to each and every one of our patients. Who Should Get Their Eyes Examined? Eye examinations are an important part of health maintenance for everyone. Adults should have their eyes tested to keep their prescriptions current and to check for early signs of eye disease. Children’s eye exams are important to ensure normal vision development. Additionally, vision is closely linked to the learning process. Children with undetected vision problems often will have trouble with their schoolwork. Many times, children will not complain of vision problems simply because they don’t know what “normal” vision looks like. Can I Just Get A Vision Screening Instead Of A Comprehensive Eye Exam? Vision screenings are limited eye tests that help identify people who are at risk for vision problems. These are the brief vision tests performed by the school nurse, a pediatrician, other health care providers, or volunteers. The eye test that you take when you get your driver’s license renewed is an example of a vision screening. Keep in mind that a vision screening can indicate that you need to get your eyes checked, but it does not serve as a substitute for a comprehensive eye exam. A comprehensive eye examination is performed by an eye doctor and includes careful testing of all aspects of your vision. Based on the results of your exam, your eye doctor will then recommend a treatment plan for your individual needs. What Should I Bring With Me To My Eye Exam? Bring a list of any prescription and non-prescription medications you are currently taking. Include vitamins, herbs, and other remedies you may use. Include the dosages you take for each medicine or other substance, and how long you have been taking them. If you currently wear corrective lenses, bring all pairs of eyeglasses you wear routinely. If you wear contacts that were prescribed elsewhere, bring a copy of your most recent contact lens prescription. Also, be sure to bring your driver’s license and a copy of your vision insurance card and/or any other medical insurance cards you have if you are seeking insurance coverage for a portion of your fees. What Can I Expect At My Comprehensive Eye Exam? A comprehensive adult eye and vision examination may include but is not limited to, the following tests. Individual patient signs and symptoms, along with the professional judgment of the doctor, may significantly influence the testing performed. Patient History A patient history helps to determine any symptoms you are experiencing, when they began, the presence of any general health problems, medications taken, and occupational or environmental conditions that may be affecting vision. The doctor will ask about any eye or vision problems you may be having and about your overall health. The doctor will also ask about any previous eye or health conditions of you and your family members. Visual Acuity Visual acuity measurements evaluate how clearly each eye is seeing. As part of the testing, you are asked to read letters on distance and near reading charts. The results of visual acuity testing are written as a fraction such as 20/40. When testing distance vision, the top number in the fraction is the standard distance at which testing is done, 20 feet. The bottom number is the smallest letter size you were able to read. A person with 20/40 visual acuity would have to get within 20 feet of a letter that should be seen at 40 feet in order to see it clearly. Normal distance visual acuity is 20/20.

  Link: Comprehensive Eye Examination

• LASIK

  LASIK, an acronym for Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis, is a refractive procedure that reshapes the cornea to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. It is the most common type of refractive surgery. Using targeted laser beam energy, the LASIK procedure reshapes the cornea so that light rays are focused more precisely on the retina, producing clear, sharp vision. Candidates Eligible For LASIK LASIK is considered a safe procedure, yet it is not ideal for everyone. A thorough medical evaluation of the patient’s eyes must be performed to determine whether the LASIK procedure is appropriate. Good candidates for LASIK are patients who: Are over 18 years old Not pregnant or nursing In general good health Have had stable vision for at least 6 months Have healthy corneal tissue, thick enough for a flap Have refractive errors that fall within the treatable range It is also important for patients to fully understand the details and risks of the procedure, and to maintain realistic expectations for the outcome. Benefits Of LASIK One of the primary benefits of LASIK is that patients immediately experience improved vision after surgery. For many people, laser eye surgery can correct their vision sufficiently to permit them to perform all, or most, of their daily activities without eyeglasses or contact lenses. Approximately 90 percent of patients who have undergone LASIK achieve 20/20 to 20/40 vision as a result of the procedure. LASIK has the advantage of being a short procedure that results in permanent vision improvement. Most patients who choose to undergo LASIK achieve clear vision without corrective lenses while also benefiting from minimal downtime and only mild post-operative discomfort. The LASIK Procedure LASIK is performed on an outpatient basis using only numbing eye drops to reduce any potential discomfort. The entire surgery takes less than 5 minutes to perform, although patients can expect to spend a few hours at the doctor’s office. If requested, patients can receive an oral sedative prior to surgery to reduce any anxieties about the procedure. During the LASIK procedure, the patient lies down in a reclining chair as the doctor positions the laser precisely over the eye. A speculum is used to keep the eye open while the eye is cleaned and anesthetic eye drops are administered. A corneal flap is created with either a blade or a laser. The surgeon gently lifts the surface of the cornea aside, enabling the excimer laser to reshape the curvature of the cornea. The excimer laser delivers customized pulses of light energy based on each patient’s prescription. The measurements for customization are determined prior to surgery, with the precise positioning confirmed prior to the start of the procedure. The second eye is treated immediately after the first. Following the surgery, the patient is provided with a protective shield to protect the eyes from bright lights. Risks Of LASIK Any surgical procedure carries some risks, and patients should be aware that changes to the cornea made during LASIK cannot be reversed. Nonetheless, LASIK is considered safe for most eligible patients. While rare, complications may occur after the procedure, including: Undercorrection or overcorrection of vision Astigmatism Dry eyes Flap complications Postsurgical infection Increased sensitivity to light Visual problems, such as halos or night glare Fluctuating vision Only 1 percent of patients undergoing LASIK experience complications. Recovery After The LASIK Procedure After LASIK, patients rest in the ophthalmologist’s office for a short time before having someone else escort them home. Medication may be prescribed to relieve any discomfort experienced during the first 24 to 48 hours after surgery, but most patients tolerate this procedure well. The doctor will likely recommend a few hours of rest after treatment. Most patients are able to return to work and other regular activities the very next day. Patients who have undergone LASIK are instructed to avoid strenuous activities for at least a week. Typically, patients experience a significant improvement in their vision immediately after the procedure, but the full benefits of LASIK may not be apparent for several months. While patients can achieve clear vision from LASIK, this procedure does not prevent the development of presbyopia, the age-related vision changes that occur after the age of 40. Many patients will need reading glasses for this condition, but their distance vision will remain clear.

  Link: LASIK

• Cataract Surgery

  What Are Cataracts? A cataract is the clouding of the natural lens inside the eye. The lens is normally clear in our youth, but as we age the lens becomes cloudy. Once cataracts cause visual difficulty and impair your day-to-day lifestyle, it is important to discuss these visual difficulties with an ophthalmologist. What Causes Cataracts To Develop? Cataracts develop because of a natural aging process in the lens itself. Ultraviolet (UV) exposure may play a role, but otherwise, we aren’t completely certain of the cause. Some cataracts occur in younger people due to direct trauma to the eye (such as getting hit in the eye with a ball), genetic conditions, medications, or occasionally vitamin deficiencies. What Are The Symptoms Of Cataracts? Early on, cataract symptoms can be very mild. Many people first notice a distracting glare from oncoming headlights when they drive at night. It may require more and more light to comfortably read, even while wearing glasses. Some may notice that television captions become increasingly difficult to read. Can Cataracts Be Reversed Or Prevented? Generally speaking, no; however, wearing ultraviolet (UV) protecting sunglasses may help reduce the progression of cataracts. In addition, a balanced diet containing a reasonable amount of antioxidant vitamins may help slow the progression of cataracts, while supporting overall health. Do Cataracts Occur In Both Eyes At The Same Time? Generally, cataracts progress at about the same rate in both eyes; however, many people seem to notice cataract symptoms in one eye first. When Should Cataracts Be Removed, And Why? The decision for surgery is based on when vision problems begin to interfere with normal activities of daily living, like driving, reading, work, or hobbies. Poor vision due to cataracts can be a serious health risk. If you can’t see something in your path due to the cataract, you may trip or fall, leading to an injury. About Cataract Surgery Who Performs The Procedure? Dr. Benjamin Chun performs all cataract procedures. Is Cataract Surgery Performed In A Hospital Or In An Ambulatory Surgery Center? The majority of our patients have their cataract surgery performed as an outpatient procedure at UPMC Mercy South Side Outpatient Center in Pittsburgh or South Hills Surgery Center in West Mifflin. Can I Drive Myself To And From The Surgical Center On The Day Of Surgery? No. Even if you elect not to have relaxing medication administered before surgery, your vision will be blurry in the operative eye (due to dilation and anesthesia) and not suitable for driving. You must arrange for transportation to and from the hospital outpatient center or surgical center. How Long Does The Cataract Surgery Take? Cataract surgery takes about 10 minutes in the operating room. Most people are in the outpatient or ambulatory surgery center for about 90 minutes, including pre- and post-operative time. Can I Have Cataract Surgery Performed In Both Eyes At The Same Time? No, we make sure your first eye is healing correctly and you are seeing well before Dr. Chun performs surgery on your second eye. Typically, the surgeries are done 2-4 weeks apart. Is Cataract Surgery Performed Under A General Anesthesia? Cataract surgery is routinely performed with local anesthesia. Intravenous medications are usually administered to help patients fully relax. Numbing drops are also given so patients feel comfortable during surgery. A small number of patients may require general anesthesia and/or the surgery to be performed at an inpatient hospital operating room due to other medical conditions. Is Cataract Surgery Painful? Thanks to numbing drops and medications to help you relax, this procedure involves minimal discomfort. It is normal to experience some scratchiness, foreign body sensation, or a mild headache during the first 24 hours after surgery, but severe pain is rare and should be reported to Dr. Chun right away. How Is The Cataract Removed? The cataract is removed during a 10-minute procedure. A small opening (less than 1/8 inch) is made in the front of the eye (the cornea) to allow for the smooth removal of the natural lens material. An artificial Intraocular Lens (IOL) implant made of silicone or plastic is folded into itself and then inserted into a small incision made in the eye. After insertion, the lens opens and is placed in the proper position. The standard IOL can be selected to correct nearsightedness or farsightedness. Multifocal lens implants are designed to correct vision at all distances, and toric lens implants address astigmatism.

  Link: Cataract Surgery

• Diabetic Eye Disease & Retinopathy

  Diabetes is a disease that affects all areas of your body—including your eyes. Eye care is especially important for people with diabetes because they are at increased risk of developing eye complications from the disease. In fact, diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in adults age 20 to 74. Unfortunately, most people with diabetes will get some form of retinopathy, a disorder of the retina. The earlier problems are diagnosed, the more successful the treatments can be. What Is Diabetic Retinopathy? Diabetic retinopathy is a disease of the small blood vessels that nourish the retina. It is especially prevalent in Type I or insulin-dependent diabetics. In some cases, blood vessels weaken and can begin to leak fluid, fatty or protein deposits, and blood, reducing the nourishment to the retina. The longer you’ve had diabetes, the more likely you are to have retinopathy. What Are The Stages Of Diabetic Retinopathy? Mild Nonproliferative Retinopathy. At this earliest stage, microaneurysms occur. They are small areas of swelling in the retina’s tiny blood vessels. Moderate Nonproliferative Retinopathy. As the disease progresses, some blood vessels that nourish the retina are blocked. Severe Nonproliferative Retinopathy. Many more blood vessels are blocked, depriving several areas of the retina of their blood supply. These areas of the retina send signals to the body to grow new blood vessels for nourishment. Proliferative Retinopathy. At this advanced stage, the signals sent by the retina for nourishment trigger the growth of new blood vessels. This condition is called proliferative retinopathy. These new blood vessels are abnormal and fragile. They grow along the retina and along the surface of the clear, vitreous gel that fills the inside of the eye. By themselves, these blood vessels do not cause symptoms or vision loss. However, they have thin, fragile walls. If they leak blood, severe vision loss and even blindness can result. See diagram. If I Am Diabetic, What Can I Do To Help My Eyesight? People who keep their blood sugar levels closer to normal are less likely to have retinopathy or will have milder forms. What Are The Symptoms Of Diabetic Retinopathy? Your retina can be badly damaged before you notice any change in vision. Most people with nonproliferative retinopathy have no symptoms. Even with proliferative retinopathy, the more dangerous form, people sometimes have no symptoms until it is too late to treat them. For this reason, you should have your eyes examined regularly by one of the doctors at The Cataract & Laser Institute of Pittsburgh. The earliest sign of diabetic retinopathy is usually the appearance of microaneurysms on the surface of the eye, which looks like small, red dots. Although diabetic retinopathy will eventually cause vision problems, vision loss usually doesn’t appear in the early onset of diabetic retinopathy. I Have Early Diabetic Retinopathy, What Is The Treatment? If you have nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy, you may not need treatment right away. However, Dr. Chun will closely monitor your eyes to determine if and when you need treatment. It may also be helpful to work with your diabetes doctor to find out if there are any additional steps you can take to improve your diabetes management. I Have Advanced Diabetic Retinopathy, What Is The Treatment? If you have proliferative diabetic retinopathy, you may need prompt surgical treatment. Surgery often slows or stops the progression of diabetic retinopathy, but it’s not a cure. Because diabetes is a lifelong condition, future retinal damage and vision loss are possible. Even after treatment for diabetic retinopathy, you’ll need regular eye exams. At some point, additional treatment may be recommended. Depending on the specific problems with your retina, treatment options for advanced diabetic retinopathy may include: Focal Laser Treatment. This laser treatment, also known as photocoagulation, can stop or slow the leakage of blood and fluid in the eye. During the procedure, leaks from abnormal blood vessels are treated with laser burns. Scatter Laser Treatment. This laser treatment, also known as panretinal photocoagulation, can shrink the abnormal blood vessels. During the procedure, the areas of the retina away from the macula are treated with scattered laser burns. The burns cause the abnormal new blood vessels to shrink and scar. Vitrectomy. This procedure can be used to remove blood from the middle of the eye (vitreous) as well as any scar tissue that’s tugging on the retina. During the procedure, the retinal disease specialist makes a tiny incision in your eye. Scar tissue and blood in the eye are removed with delicate instruments and replaced with a salt solution, which helps maintain your eye’s normal shape. Sometimes a gas bubble must be placed in the cavity of the eye to help reattach the retina.

  Link: Diabetic Eye Disease & Retinopathy

• Glaucoma

  What Is Glaucoma? Glaucoma is a group of diseases that can damage your eye’s optic nerve. One of the reasons for glaucoma may be fluid pressure increasing. The intraocular pressure increase can be caused by a blocked or slowly draining canals within the eye. It is a leading cause of blindness in the United States. What Are The Symptoms Of Glaucoma? It depends on the type of glaucoma, but often there are no symptoms at first. Without treatment, people with glaucoma will slowly lose their peripheral, or side, vision. They seem to be looking through a tunnel. Over time, straight-ahead vision may decrease until no vision remains. What Are The Risk Factors Of Getting Glaucoma? Anyone can get glaucoma. However, there are certain people who are more at risk. They include: Older people are six times more likely to get glaucoma if they are over 60 years old. African Americans and Hispanics over 60 have a higher likelihood of glaucoma than other populations. People with a family history of glaucoma. What Types Of Glaucoma Are There? There are several types of glaucoma. The main type is open-angle, accounting for at least 90% of all glaucoma cases and affecting close to 80 million people around the world. Open-Angle Glaucoma Open-angle glaucoma is when your eye pressure increases for a variety of reasons. It often develops slowly with unnoticeable symptoms. Angle-Closure Glaucoma Angle-closure glaucoma is a much less common form of glaucoma. It is also called acute glaucoma or narrow-angle glaucoma. Unlike open-angle glaucoma, angle-closure glaucoma is a result of a closed angle between the iris and cornea. Angle-closure glaucoma is caused by blocked drainage canals, resulting in a sudden rise in intraocular pressure. It develops quickly and the symptoms are very noticeable. It is important to seek medical treatment immediately. What Testing Is Done To Diagnose Glaucoma? Various tests are used to determine the diagnosis and to monitor the progression of glaucoma. The five tests involved in a comprehensive glaucoma exam are: Tonometry: Measures the inner eye pressure Ophthalmoscopy (dilated eye exam): Exams the shape and color of the optic nerve Perimetry (visual field test): Exams the complete field of vision Gonioscopy: Measures the angle in the eye where the iris and cornea meet Pachymetry: Measures the thickness of the cornea What Is The Treatment For Glaucoma? Glaucoma can’t be cured, and damage caused by the disease can’t be reversed. Treatment can prevent vision loss in patients with early glaucoma. If vision loss has already occurred, treatment can slow or prevent further vision loss. The primary goal of glaucoma treatment is to lower pressure in the eye (intraocular pressure). Each patient’s course of treatment is different. and your eye doctor will discuss your particular needs with you. Eye Drops & Oral Medications Prescription eye drops for glaucoma help lower the pressure in your eye at a healthy level and are an important part of the treatment routine for many people. It is important to continue the glaucoma eye drops exactly as prescribed, or the optic nerve damage could get even worse. If eye drops alone don’t bring the eye pressure down to the desired level, your eye doctor may also prescribe an oral medication or other treatment. Lasers Laser procedures are a common treatment for patients with glaucoma. Laser treatment is usually quick and painless, and is a very safe form of treatment for glaucoma. The Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) lowers eye pressure by a special laser that selectively treats cells in the eye’s drainage system increasing the drainage of fluid from the eye resulting in lower eye pressure. A Laser Peripheral Iridotomy (PI) is performed on patients with angle-closure glaucoma or in patients with narrow angles. PI keeps the eye’s drainage system open and fluid easy access to the drain. If fluid is not able to properly drain from the eye, the eye pressure could rise and lead to optic nerve damage. Procedures The Trabectome® During the approximately 15-minute Trabectome® procedure, a very small probe is passed through a small incision in the front of the eye, and a small electrosurgical pulse is generated which helps remove damaged tissue from the eye canal improving the flow of fluid through the eye’s drainage channels. Trabectome Advantages Restores the eye’s natural drainage pathways Low patient risk Simpler than traditional therapies Low complication rate Easily done in combination with cataract surgery Safe and effective Canaloplasty is a procedure in which a microcatheter is used to enlarge the eye’s natural drainage system (known as Schlemm’s Canal) to allow for better fluid drainage from the eye and thus reduce the pressure inside the eye.

  Link: Glaucoma

• Macular Degeneration

  What Is Macular Degeneration? Macular degeneration is a common, painless eye condition in which the central portion of your retina deteriorates and does not function adequately. What Is Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)? Although there are many types of macular degeneration, age-related macular degeneration (AMD or ARMD) is by far the most common type. AMD is a disease associated with aging that gradually destroys sharp central vision that is needed for seeing objects clearly and for common daily tasks such as reading and driving. In some cases, AMD advances so slowly that you don’t notice the little changes in your vision. In others, the disease progresses faster and may lead to a loss of vision in both eyes. AMD is the leading cause of vision loss in Americans 60 years of age and older. AMD usually affects both of your eyes, although the degree of visual loss may vary a great deal between the two eyes. What Are The Risk Factors For Macular Degeneration? Macular degeneration may be hereditary. If someone in your family has or had the condition, you may be at higher risk for developing macular degeneration. Smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, and being Caucasian are also risk factors for macular degeneration. What Is The Difference Between “Wet” And “Dry” Age-Related Macular Degeneration? AMD occurs in two forms. “Wet” age-related macular degeneration is less common but more aggressive in its progression to severe central vision loss. “Dry” age-related macular degeneration is the more common type and is more slowly progressive in causing visual loss. Most patients with macular degeneration have the dry form of the disease. However, the dry form of macular degeneration can lead to the wet form. Although only about 10% of people with macular degeneration develop the wet form, they make up the majority of those who experience serious vision loss from the disease. Dry form. The “dry” form of macular degeneration is characterized by the presence of yellow deposits, called drusen, in the macula. A few small drusen may not cause changes in vision; however, as they grow in size and increase in number, they may lead to a dimming or distortion of vision that you will find most noticeable when you read. In more advanced stages of dry macular degeneration, there is also a thinning of the light-sensitive layer of cells in the macula leading to atrophy, or tissue death. In the atrophic form of dry macular degeneration, patients may have blind spots in the center of their vision. In the advanced stages, patients lose central vision. Wet form. The “wet” form of macular degeneration is characterized by the growth of abnormal blood vessels from the choroid underneath the macula. This is called choroidal neovascularization. These blood vessels leak blood and fluid into the retina, causing distortion of vision that makes straight lines look wavy, as well as blind spots and loss of central vision. These abnormal blood vessels eventually scar, leading to permanent loss of central vision. What Is The Treatment For Dry Macular Degeneration? There is currently no treatment available to reverse dry macular degeneration. However, dry macular degeneration is usually slowly progressive, and most patients with this condition are able to live relatively normal, productive lives. Often one eye is affected more than the other. The National Eye Institute’s Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) found that taking a specific high-dose formulation of antioxidants significantly reduces the risk of advanced dry AMD and associated vision loss. Slowing AMD’s progression from the intermediate stage to the advanced stage is helpful in reducing the progression of visual loss in many people. Cataract and Laser Institute of Pennsylvania has chosen PRN vitamins for patients who have been diagnosed with AMD. For more information on PRN eye vitamins click here. What Is The Treatment For Wet Macular Degeneration? Dr. Chun will refer you to a Retinal Specialist for treatment if you are diagnosed with wet macular degeneration.

  Link: Macular Degeneration

• Oculoplastics

  What Is Oculoplastic Surgery? Oculoplastic surgery is the cosmetic, corrective, and reconstructive surgery of the eye. It manages and repairs problems primarily related to the tissues or structures surrounding the eye, rather than the eyeball itself. Dr. Benjamin Chun’s attention to detail and his sensitive approach to patient care sets The Cataract & Laser Institute of Pennsylvania apart from other practices. From your initial consultation, through surgery and post-operative care, you will receive personal attention from Dr. Chun and every person on our staff. We will provide you with the knowledge and expertise that you deserve. My Eyes Look Tired And Droopy, What Can I Do? My eyes look tired and droopy, what can I do? An eyelid lift, called blepharoplasty, can dramatically improve a tired or upset appearance by removing the excess skin and tissue that cause droopy, baggy upper and lower eyelids. It is one of the most popular aesthetic procedures performed in the United States. Sometimes, the upper eyelids become so saggy that they impair vision. If the vision is significantly impaired, then insurance will often cover the cost of removing the excess skin in order to improve vision. Dr. Chun specializes in repairing and improving the appearance of the eyelids. The procedure can be performed on the upper and/or lower eyelids to make a patient look and feel refreshed, but not over-done.

  Link: Oculoplastics

• Retinal Laser Procedures

  Who Needs Laser Surgery? Dr. Benjamin Chun will carefully evaluate you to determine if your situation qualifies for retinal laser eye procedure. Usually he will do a dilated retinal examination, often followed by special testing including Optical coherence tomography (OCT) and Fluorescein Angiography (FA). Lasers are commonly used to treat the following eye conditions: Diabetic Retinopathy Diabetic retinopathy is a disease of the small blood vessels that nourish the retina. It is especially prevalent in Type I or insulin-dependent diabetes, but it can occur in Type II diabetes as well. In some cases, blood vessels weaken and can begin to leak fluid, fatty or protein deposits, and blood, reducing the nourishment to the retina. Focal Laser Treatment also known as photocoagulation, is used to seal off the vessel leaks from blood vessels by making laser burns. Panretinal photocoagulation, also known as scatter laser treatment, can shrink and slow the growth of abnormal blood vessels by making laser burns to stop the blood vessels from growing. Retinal Vein Occlusions The small blood vessels that nourish and drain blood from the retina (retinal veins) can sometimes become blocked as part of the aging process. This is more common in patients with high blood pressure. A retinal vein occlusion can cause the retina to swell with fluid and blood, blurring central and peripheral vision. Other times, new blood vessels may grow and cause pain with very high pressure inside the eye, such as in neovascular glaucoma and retinal artery occlusion. Laser treatment can help reduce this swelling or cause the new blood vessels to disappear. Check with Dr. Chun to see if he does this. Retinal Tear A retinal tear is when the retina begins to detach from the eye, but is not yet completely detached. Laser Treatment (Laser Retinopexy) is used to repair a retinal tear or hole. A high-energy laser is used to heat small pinpoints on the retina that then create scar tissue, which binds (or “welds”) the retina to the underlying wall of the eye. What Happens During Laser Surgery? There are no special preparations before eye laser treatment. You should eat normally and take your regularly prescribed medications before treatment. Retinal laser surgery is performed at all our locations. Eye drops will be given to dilate the pupil and numb the eye. The treatment is performed while you are seated in a chair, similar to the one used for regular eye examinations. You will remain awake and comfortable. Treatment is usually painless. The laser treatment usually takes less than 10 minutes to complete, and you can go home immediately following surgery. Arrangements for transportation should be made in advance since you may not be able to drive right away. What Are The Restrictions And Side Effects After Laser Surgery? There are virtually no restrictions following retinal laser surgery, and you should be able to resume your normal activities and work schedule the following day. Most patients notice no vision changes following their laser surgery. In addition, depending on the condition being treated, some may notice a permanent blind spot or decrease in peripheral and night vision. Will I Need More Than One Laser Treatment? It will take several weeks to months before we can tell whether the laser surgery has been successful. Many patients, however, will need more than one treatment to control their eye problem and prevent further loss of vision.

  Link: Retinal Laser Procedures

• Retina Detachment

  What Is Retinal Detachment? Retinal detachment is when the retina falls away or detaches from the rest of the eye. What Are The Symptoms Of Retinal Detachment? Symptoms of retinal detachment may include sudden increase in flashes of light, hazy vision, sudden increase in floaters, shadow/curtain covering a portion of vision and/or loss of vision in one eye. If you experience any of these symptoms you should make an appointment to be seen by us immediately. Who Is At Risk For Retinal Detachment? A retinal detachment can occur at any age, but it is more common in people over age 40. A retinal detachment is also more likely to occur in people who: Have had an eye injury Are extremely nearsighted Have had a retinal detachment in the other eye Have a family history of retinal detachment Have had cataract surgery How Is Retinal Detachment Diagnosed? Your doctor can usually see a retinal tear or detachment while examining the retina using ophthalmoscopy. This test allows the doctor to see inside the back of the eye using a magnifying instrument with a light. If a retinal tear or detachment involves blood vessels in the retina, you may have bleeding in the middle of the eye. In these cases, your doctor can view the retina using ultrasound, a test that uses sound waves to form an image of the retina on a computer screen. What Is The Treatment For Retinal Detachment? If your retina has detached, Dr. Benjamin Chun will refer you to a fellowship trained retina specialist who may use surgical procedures to repair it. Surgery doesn’t always work to reattach the retina. How well you see after surgery depends in part on whether the central part of the retina (macula) was affected by the detachment before surgery and, if it was, for how long. Your vision may take many months to improve after repair of a retinal detachment. Some people don’t recover any lost vision. The specifics of your retinal detachment will determine which approach your retina specialist takes. Treatment options for retinal detachment can include: Photocoagulation. A special laser is used to make tiny burns that seal the retina and stop vessels from growing and leaking. Hundreds of tiny spots of laser are placed in the retina to reduce the risk of vitreous hemorrhage and retinal detachment. Pneumatic retinopexy. Your doctor injects a bubble of air or gas into the vitreous space inside the eye. When the bubble is successfully placed to float against the retinal tear and the area surrounding the tear, it seals the tear. This stops further flow of fluid into the space behind the retina. Fluid that had collected under the retina is absorbed by itself, and the retina can then reattach itself to the back wall of your eye. You may need to hold your head in a certain position for up to several days to keep the bubble in place.. Scleral buckling. Your doctor sutures a piece of silicone rubber or sponge to the white of your eye (sclera) over the affected area. The silicone material indents the wall of the eye and relieves some of the force caused by the vitreous tugging on the retina. Vitrectomy. Your doctor removes the vitreous gel along with any tissue that is tugging on the retina. Air, gas, or liquids are then injected into the vitreous space to reattach the retina.

  Link: Retina Detachment

• Dry Eye Treatment

  About Dry Eye Syndrome Dry Eye Syndrome is a common problem that can affect anyone but is more common as we get older. Our eyes are considered dry when our tears are not able to keep the front surface of our eye, the cornea, wet or lubricated. To stay healthy, the cornea needs to be constantly kept wet by a healthy tear film. There are three layers to the tear film; if the film layers are not balanced or the eye does not produce enough tears, this is called Dry Eye Syndrome. People with Dry Eye Syndrome can experience and an itchy, scratchy or burning sensation to the eyes. Other symptoms include red eyes, stinging of the eyes, episodes of increased tears, decreased or blurry vision, foreign body syndrome, sensitivity to light, sharp pain, dull aching, mucous discharge and crusting in the morning. How Can We Help? Once the Doctor confirms Dry Eye Syndrome we are able to outline a treatment plan to help to provide relief. Treatment plans include the use of warm compress applications, over the counter or prescription artificial tears to lubricate the cornea, prescription eye drops to reduce inflammation, omega (fish oil) supplements. If the above treatments are not providing enough relief or are not desired by the patient, there is an additional treatment option. This option is called Intense Pulse Light Therapy (IPL). What Is Intense Pulse Light Therapy (IPL)? Dr. Chun is one the few doctors in the Pittsburgh area able to offer this treatment option. Dr. Chun uses a Palomar StarLux System to provide this “light-based therapy.” The IPL has long been used in the treatment of Rosacea (red or pink patches of broken blood vessels and small red bumps on the skin). The procedure is extremely safe. When treating dry eyes, the IPL procedure requires no anesthesia, sedation or preoperative testing. The IPL procedure takes approximately five to ten minutes. Your eyes will be covered with protective shields and a thin layer of ultrasound gel will be placed on the treatment area. The IPL will treat your lower forehead and upper cheeks on both sides of your face. The treatments work to unclog inflamed or non-working glands that produce the oil part of your tears. Once the oil begins to flow again, it mixes into and is added to the tear film that covers your cornea. The presence of the oil helps to keep your tears from drying up or evaporating quickly subsequently reducing or eliminating dry eye symptoms. Patients often feel an improvement after their first treatment; however, Dr. Chun recommends 4-5 treatments scheduled 4-6 weeks apart for maximum results. Once the treatments are completed, results typically last about a year. Patients may then need one to two treatments as maintenance to keep their oil glands open. Following the treatment patients should not experience changes to their vision, redness or discomfort to their eyes. Patients can drive and resume normal activities immediately following treatment. Patients will want to avoid direct sunlight by wearing a hat, sunscreen, and/or sunglasses when outdoors. To learn about the many advantages of this treatment option, call our office for a consult!

  Link: Dry Eye Treatment

• Eye Vitamins

  Eye Vitamins After extensive research, The Cataract & Laser Institute of Pennsylvania has chosen Physician Recommended Nutriceuticals® (PRN) portfolio of Eye Health products for their patients’ vision health. Whether relieving dry eye symptoms or improving macular health, PRN’s products are designed to be potent, pure, safe, and effective. Relieving Dry Eye Symptoms If you suffer from dry, scratchy, red, or irritated eyes, Dry Eye Omega Benefits® may help. Formulated with a high concentration of the anti-inflammatory omega-3, EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), and vitamin D3, Dry Eye Omega offers an effective, safe, and natural way to address dry eye symptoms.¹ Eye Omega Advantage® Eye Omega Advantage® is custom formulated with a blend of eye nutrients that help support healthy vision and optimal eye health.¹ Macular Vitamin Benefit The National Eye Institute’s Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) found that taking a specific high-dose formulation of antioxidants and zinc significantly reduces the risk of advanced AMD and associated vision loss. Slowing AMD’s progression from the intermediate stage to the advanced stage is helpful in reducing the progression of visual loss in many people. Also, PRN’s Macular Vitamin Benefit incorporates the natural form of Vitamin E, as well as B-complex vitamins (B6, B9, B12) shown in recent studies to reduce the risk of developing early stages of Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD).¹ How Do I Get PRN Vitamins? If you have been diagnosed with dry eye syndrome or age-related macular degeneration, Dr. Benjamin Chun may recommend that you start taking PRN vitamins to help with your eye health. During your visit, he will discuss the benefits of the vitamins and provide you with information. At checkout, you will receive a sample of the vitamins and a form to fill out that provides PRN the information they need to contact you directly about ordering the vitamins. If you don’t hear from them for one to two days, please call them directly at 1-800-900-2303. The Doctor Recommended That I Take Special Vitamins To Help My Eyesight. Can I Just Get Vitamins At The Local Drugstore? Although there are many over-the-counter vitamins to choose from, we highly recommend PRN due to the purity and clinical studies on the effectiveness of their supplements. Our doctors did a great deal of research prior to choosing PRN and feel that these vitamins are the best choice for their patients.

  Link: Eye Vitamins

• Microdermabrasion

  This is a noninvasive procedure that uses a crystal-tipped wand that exfoliates as it glides across the skin. This procedure removes the dry, dead skin cells to reveal a smooth, glowing, and healthier complexion. Skin care products are able to penetrate deeper, and your makeup glides on smoother.

  Link: Microdermabrasion

• Photofacial

  A gentle light-pulsed laser is used to improve the appearance of sun-damaged skin, irregular skin texture, and redness, and helps reduce fine lines around the eyes and mouth. This laser uses the newest technology to consistently improve the skin with little to no downtime.

  Link: Photofacial

• Scar Revision

  The Fraxel laser is the most innovative procedure in scar and stretches mark revision. This laser encourages the rebuilding of collagen with little to no downtime. This is possible because the laser is non-ablative or non-damaging to the epidermis. This allows you to return to normal activities quickly.

  Link: Scar Revision