Our Procedures
Visian ICL™, an Alternative to LASIK
The Visian ICL™ (Implantable Contact Lens) is a phakic intraocular lens (IOL) used at Bloomberg Eye Center for refractive surgery for corneas that are not ideal candidates for LASIK. The Visian ICL™ does not replace the eye’s natural lens as the IOL’s used during cataract surgery do. Instead, the ICL™ is placed between the iris and the natural lens during a 10-minute procedure similar to no-stich cataract surgery.
The effectiveness and safety of the Visian ICL™ implantation procedure has been proven with over 55,000 performed worldwide, as well as recent approval by the U.S. FDA. Cataract and glaucoma occur in a small fraction of cases and can usually be treated. Unlike corneal refractive surgery, implantation of the Visian ICL™ does not permanently change the eye’s structure. This is because the phakic IOL is placed in the posterior chamber of the eye where it works with the natural lens to correct vision.
Unlike in refractive lens exchange, a young patient’s eye with the ICL can focus and does not become dependent on glasses. ICLs take refractive surgery beyond the limits of LASIK.
Refractive Lens Exchange
This is a surgery that is identical to cataract surgery, except that the patient usually has a clear lens and not a cataract. The lens is removed in order that a lens implant may be placed to correct the vision. This is of benefit to those who have very high prescriptions outside the normal range for LASIK, who have thin corneas, or who are otherwise not candidates for laser vision correction. The quality of vision is generally better with lens implant procedures than with LASIK for high corrections. Clear lensectomy also offers the possibility of placing some of the newer lens implants such as Crystalens™ that allow accommodation, i.e. the ability to see close up as well as far away. At Bloomberg Eye Center, we have the versatility to offer a variety of procedures depending on our patient’s individual condition and vision requirements.
Conductive Keratoplasty: Near VisionSM CK®
If you are over 40 years old, have good vision for distance without glasses, but need reading glasses, you may be a candidate for NearVisionSM CK ®.
Approved by the FDA in 2002, conductive keratoplasty (CK®) is a new alternative to LASIK for those who suffer from presbyopia, i.e. those who need reading glasses. CK® uses a radio frequency current to apply heat directly to the collagen in the peripheral cornea. The heat shrinks the collagen, which makes the cornea steeper, thus rectifying the near vision problem. CK® is quick, requiring less than five minutes to perform. Vision improves almost immediately. It is one of the safest surgeries, since it involves no removal of tissue or corneal flaps as in LASIK. Generally one eye is treated for near vision. Most people are able to read newspaper size print at about 20 inches away. Schedule a free CK® evaluation so we can discuss this procedure in detail and see if you are a candidate.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a slowly progressing disease that can cause complete vision loss in both eyes if left untreated. This disease is the second-leading cause of blindness, affecting more than 3 million Americans each year. As a rule, increased eye pressure over a long period of time causes optic nerve damage. Glaucoma cannot be cured and optic nerve damage is permanent, but, if detected early, glaucoma can be monitored and controlled.
At Bloomberg Eye Center, we offer the latest in diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma. GDX Nerve Fiber Analyzer is one of the latest diagnostic tools to detect and monitor the progression of glaucoma. Treatments available include eye drops, laser treatments, and surgery, all intended to lower the eye pressure. Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) is the latest laser treatment available at our eye center to treat glaucoma.
More information on glaucoma: http://www.nei.nih.gov/health/glaucoma/glaucoma_facts.asp
Tetinal Diseases
Bloomberg Eye Center is the only eye care center in central Ohio (outside of Columbus) to offer complete diagnosis and treatment of vitreoretinal disorders. From diabetic eye care to retinal detachments and advanced treatments of macular degeneration, we offer medical and surgical treatment options to our patients. Examples of specialized procedures available at Bloomberg Eye Center:
- Retinal tears and detachments
- Macular hole surgery
- Submacular surgery
- Diabetic vitrectomy
- Diabetic retinal lasers
- Photodynamic therapy with Visudyne®
- Macugen treatment for macular degeneration
Newark resident Virginia Kesterson, 72, was almost blind due to the formation of a macular hole until Dr. Shahinfar performed vitreoretinal surgery, which saved her vision. Read about her experience, and learn how to check your own vision using the Amsler Grid.
More information:
- Diabetic eye disease: http://www.nei.nih.gov/health/diabetic/retinopathy.asp
- Macular degeneration: http://www.nei.nih.gov/health/maculardegen/armd_facts.asp
- Retinal detachment: http://www.nei.nih.gov/health/retinaldetach/index.asp
- Macular holes:
http://www.nei.nih.gov/health/macularhole/index.asp - Floaters and cobwebs: http://www.nei.nih.gov/health/floaters/index.asp
Macular Degeneration
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of vision loss among people age 60 and older. Both wet (bleeding) and dry (non-bleeding) forms of AMD cause the central retina, or “macula” to deteriorate, leading to severe loss of central vision. The leading cause of AMD is genetic; however, poor diet, smoking, and sunlight exposure also play a part. At Bloomberg Eye Center, we advise our patients to take multivitamins and to wear protective sunglasses to reduce their risk of developing AMD.
For patients who have developed AMD, we can perform vitreoretinal surgery to repair the damaged retinal. However, new drugs for AMD have been successful in preventing further vision loss, and in some cases can even improve vision.
Photodynamic Therapy with Visudyne®
Photodynamic therapy combines the use of Visudyne®, a photo-sensitive drug, and a “cold laser” to treat ADM. At Bloomberg Eye Center, we have been using photodynamic therapy since 2001 for the treatment of ADM, and were involved in the national clinical investigations of Visudyne® prior to its FDA approval.
MACUGEN®
MACUGEN® was the first in a new class of drugs given at our office to suppress abnormal blood vessel growth in the retina and stabilize vision.
AVASTIN®
Approved for treatment of colorectal cancer, AVASTIN® has found an off-label use in the treatment of AMD at a much lower cost than other types of treatment.
LUCENTIS™
LUCENTIS™ is the most recent breakthrough in the fight against wet AMD. Studies show that patients receiving monthly intraocular injections of LUCENTIS™ may actually gain vision and maintain that over time.
