Glaucoma, Cataracts, and More
In addition to LASIK and CK®, our doctors offer various other services, including comprehensive eye care and treatment for conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, and dry eyes. Other services include our optical shop and contact lenses dispensary.
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Cataracts – Treatment and Testing
Cataracts cloud the eye’s natural lens, causing vision to become blurry. Cataracts can also result in glare, loss of depth perception, halos around lights at night, and difficulty reading or driving. Cataracts, which can affect one eye or both eyes, can cause blindness if left untreated. If you suspect that you may be suffering from cataracts, please contact Century City Eye. The rate of progression for cataracts is unpredictable, so it is important that you contact us immediately.
What Causes Cataracts?
There is no known cause of cataracts; however, there are several risk factors that are associated with cataracts, including age, medical conditions such as diabetes and glaucoma, long-term exposure to sunlight, smoking, and certain medications.
If you are at high risk for cataracts, it is important to schedule routine eye exams at Century City Eye, located between Beverly Hills and West Los Angeles.
Treatment for Cataracts
Cataracts are the most common - and most treatable - cause of impaired vision. There are various treatments for cataracts, ranging from visual aids to surgery.
When symptoms of cataracts first begin to appear, vision may be improved with a stronger eyeglass prescription. Cataracts are usually surgically removed when they begin to interfere with your everyday activities.
Cataract surgery is one of the safest and most successful procedures available. In fact, the vast majority of patients who have cataract surgery - about 98 percent - regain very good vision after their cataracts are surgically removed (Eye Surgery Education Council).
The most common and state-of-the-art surgical procedure to remove cataracts is phacoemulsification, or phaco. During phaco surgery, performed on an out-patient basis, a small incision is made at the edge of the cornea to create an opening to remove the lens. Next, a small ultrasonic probe is used to break up and suction out the clouded lens. A clear plastic intraocular lens (IOL) is implanted. The phaco technique usually requires no stitches, so there is a faster recovery of vision and less discomfort than with other surgical methods.
A less common surgical method of removing cataracts is extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE). ECCE is performed when it is too difficult to break up the cataracts using the phaco technique. This procedure requires a larger incision and stitches, so the recovery time can be longer.
Surgical removal of cataracts can do more than improve your vision - it can improve your life as well. If you are suffering from, or are seeking treatment for cataracts and live in the Beverly Hills or West Los Angeles area, contact our practice today for a consultation.
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Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a common eye disease that is caused by high levels of pressure that can cause damage to the optic nerve. There are numerous forms of glaucoma, but the two most common types are primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and angle-closure glaucoma.
Primary Open Angle Glaucoma (POAG) is the most common form of glaucoma. With POAG, fluid cannot drain as quickly as it is produced, even though the drainage canals within the eyes remain open. This causes the pressure inside the eye to increase. In most cases, POAG has no symptoms, but it does respond well to treatment when diagnosed early.
With Angle-Closure Glaucoma, pressure in the eye builds rapidly, often causing a painful attack of glaucoma, with rapid damage to the optic nerve. Angle-closure glaucoma, also called acute glaucoma, is considered a medical emergency that requires immediate attention.
According to the Glaucoma Research Foundation, glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in the U.S. and the first leading cause of preventable blindness. If you believe you may be suffering from glaucoma, contact Century City Eye, located near Beverly Hills and West Los Angeles, to schedule a comprehensive eye exam.
What Are the Symptoms of Glaucoma?
One of the most alarming things about glaucoma is that it usually presents no symptoms in its early stages, earning it the nickname "the silent thief of sight." In fact, according to the Glaucoma Research Foundation, it is estimated that more than 3 million Americans have glaucoma, and only half of those know they have it!
Symptoms of glaucoma may include:
- Headache or blurred vision
- Halos or colored rings around lights
- Difficulty focusing on close work or adjusting your vision in dark rooms
- Frequent need to change eyeglass prescriptions
Risk factors of glaucoma include age, family history, high intraocular pressure, ethnicity, medical conditions, and previous injury to the eye.
Glaucoma Treatments
Patients with a suspicion of glaucoma are followed closely with frequent measurements of ocular pressure and periodic testing of the visual fields. Sophisticated examination of the optic nerve is also used to detect early glaucoma and progression of damage.
There are several different treatment methods for glaucoma, including medications, lasers, and traditional surgery. If you are suffering from POAG, you may be given eye drops to decrease the pressure in your eyes. With angle-closure glaucoma, the pressure must be reduced quickly, so you may have to have the fluid drained intravenously.
Another treatment option for glaucoma is laser surgery. With this method, a laser is used to open the drainage canal so the fluid can safely drain. If these treatments are unsuccessful, traditional surgery may be required.
Visual loss that results from glaucoma is irreversible and permanent. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, contact Century City Eye, located between Beverly Hills and West Los Angeles, right away to schedule a comprehensive eye exam.
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Conductive Keratoplasty (CK®)
Are you over the age of 40 and suffering from presbyopia or hyperopia (farsightedness)? Do you long for the days when you could see the world clearly without the need for glasses or contact lenses? Do you want to improve your vision but are afraid of undergoing laser eye surgery? If you answered yes to these questions, conductive keratoplasty (CK®) may be perfect for you.
CK® is a minimally invasive procedure that uses radio frequency energy to reshape the cornea, thereby restoring focus and clarity. Safe, fast, and effective, CK® is usually performed on patients over the age of 40 who are suffering from presbyopia or hyperopia (CK® is not intended for people with myopia, or nearsightedness).
During the first 24 to 48 hours after CK®, you may experience some mild discomfort, tearing, and scratchiness, but you should be able to return to your normal activities the day after your procedure.
If you would like to learn more about CK®, contact Century City Eye, located near Beverly Hills and West Los Angeles, today.
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Dry Eye Syndrome
Everyone experiences dry eyes from time to time, usually as a result of exposure to the elements. However, for people who suffer from dry eye syndrome, the problem can be pervasive and painful. Dry eyes can be caused by many factors, including rheumatoid arthritis, aging, use of antidepressants or antihistamines, and environmental irritants.
Tears form a protective film between the cornea and the eyelid, shielding the eye from irritants and dirt. When the tear film evaporates too quickly, resulting irritation can cause lasting or even permanent damage to the eyes. If you have dry eyes, it is important that you get the condition treated promptly.
At Century City Eye, one of our doctors will evaluate your specific situation and prescribe a treatment that addresses your needs. Dry eye solutions can range from artificial tears to tiny tear duct plugs that help to conserve your natural tears. You do not have to live your life with painful, irritated eyes. Contact Century City Eye today for a dry eye evaluation.
Comprehensive Eye Care - For your complete eye health!
Good eye care is essential to maintaining optimal vision and eye health. That is why we offer comprehensive eye care at our Century City office, convenient to Beverly Hills and West Los Angeles. Our services include dry eye treatments, comprehensive eye exams, and diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases, including cataracts and glaucoma. In addition, we have our own optical shop for general ophthalmology, glasses, and contacts lenses.
If you would like to schedule an appointment, contact Century City Eye today!
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