|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| |
Quality Services | |
 We are pleased to inform you that during your next visit to Carkners' Family Vision Care, you will experience the benefits of the latest technology in eye exams – the Optomap™ Retinal Exam. The Optomap will produce the most comprehensive image of your retina, and allow us to perform a more thorough exam than was previously possible. The result is that we can better prevent or reduce vision loss in our patients with a simple, quick and patient-friendly new exam. Any routine eye exam should always include a careful look at the retina, which is located at the back of the eye, to screen for abnormalities or disease. The sensitive tissue that makes up the retina is susceptible to a variety of diseases that can ultimately lead to partial loss of vision or even complete blindness. Early detection of any retinal abnormality is thus crucial. Previously, this screening was done by dilating the pupils, a procedure that many patients found uncomfortable, inconvenient and time-consuming. The Optomap is made possible by using a new technology – the Panoramic200™ Retinal Imaging System. The Optomap enables us to see nearly all of your retina. Furthermore, it eliminates the discomfort and inconvenience associated with pupil dilation. As a result, you will not experience blurred vision or sensitivity to light following your eye exam. It is important to note however, that should any abnormalities be detected or if we cannot obtain an acceptable image, dilation may be necessary. The Optomap exam is simple: at the push of a button, we can generate a computer image of your retina for immediate review. Experience with this technology has already led to improved disease detection and has possibly prevented vision loss and blindness in several patients. We will be discussing this revolutionary exam with you further at your next appointment. Here at To find out more about the Optomap Exam – visit www.optomap.com |
|
LASIK General Information | |
|
A NEW HORIZON IN LASER VISION CORRECTION The Dawning of A New Era Since the late 1970's incisional refractive surgery (RK) has treated nearsightedness and astigmatism in patients all over the world, allowing them to experience a new kind of freedom. It's the kind of freedom that allows people to make lifestyle choices that were not options to them before because they were totally dependent on glasses or contact lenses. Now, refractive surgery is experiencing the dawning of a new era with the advent of the excimer laser. For nearly 25% of the population, excimer Laser in-Situ Keratomileusis, or LASIK, could represent the first step towards less dependence on corrective lenses. LASIK combines the precision of the excimer laser delivery system with the beneifts of Lamellar Keratoplasty (LK) proven to treat a wide range of refractive errors. In the United States, LASIK is considered to be an "off-label" use of the excimer laser. This classification allows physicians to perform the procedure if they feel it is in the best interest of the patient. How successful is the procedure? The vast majority of people who undergo LASIK are able to pass a drivers' license test without their glasses or contacts. Since LASIK can be used to treat very high levels of refractive error, it is sometimes neccessary to fine tune the initial procedure with additional refractive procedures to obtain the best final result. Laser in-Situ Keratomileusis Utilizing the accuracy and precision of the excimer laser, LASIK changes the shape of the cornea to improve the way light is focused or "refracted" by the eye. First, a thin layer of the cornea, or corneal cap, is lifted up as an instrument called a microkeratome glides across the cornea. Then, in less than 60 seconds, ultraviolet light and high energy pulses from the excimer laser reshape the internal cornea with accuracy up to 0.25 microns. By adjusting the pattern of the laser beam, it is possible to treat high levels of nearsightedness, and moderate amounts of farsightedness and astigmatism. After the tissue has been reshaped, the flap is replaced in its original position. Because of the cornea's extraordinary natural bonding qualities, healing is rapid and does not require stiches. In most cases LASIK is performed as an outpatient procedure in the comfort and convenience of an excimer surgical suite. The entire procedure takes less than 30 minutes. The procedure is performed using "eye drop" anesthesia. Some patients report a slight, postoperative discomfort that can usually be alleviated with medications. Many patients see a dramatic improvement in their vision within the first day. For others, vision may be blurry and fluctuate for several weeks or more. Most patients return to their normal activities within a day or two. Are you a Candidate For LASIK? The Ideal Candidate In general, the ideal candidate for LASIK is over 18 years of age and has healthy corneas. Candidates must not have had a significant increase in their prescription in the last 12 months. People with certain medical conditions or women who are pregnant may not be good candidates for LASIK. Realistic Expectations The decision to have LASIK is an important one that ultimately, only you can make. It is important that you have realistic expectations and that your decision is based on the facts, not hopes or misconceptions. The goal of LASIK is to reduce your dependence on corrective lenses. LASIK does not always create 20/20 or even 20/40 vision. It cannot correct a condition known as presbyopia, or aging of the eye which normally occurs around age 40 which may require the use of reading glasses. In fact, people over 40 who have their distance vision improved may find they need reading glasses after the procedure. Your doctor will provide you with the additional information that will allow you to make an informed decision. The First Step Finding out more about your refractive error is your first step toward visual independence. This is accomplished by calling your eye doctor and scheduling a personal consultation. Should your refractive error fall within the range of correction for LASIK, more comprehensive tests will be neccessary. |
|
Surgeons | |
|
Teplick Laser Center Pacific Cataract & Laser Institute www.pcli.com |
|
Questions and Answers | |
|
"It is our goal to properly diagnose your condition, educate you as to possible causes and solutions and then together we can construct the treatment to meet your personal needs." -Drs. Donald, David & Jeffry Carkner Q. I have an astigmatism in my left eye. Can I wear contact lenses? A. Almost certainly. In fact, with today's technology, there's rarely a reason why you couldn't wear properly prescribed contacts. But proper prescription is the key. You need to be fitted by experts like the doctors at Carkners' Family Vision Care. We carefully evaluate your current eye health - and whether or not you are a good candidate for contact lens use. Then we custom design your lenses to exactly suit your needs, astigmatism and bifocal contacts included. - Dr. Donald Carkner Q. I'm thinking about having surgery to correct my nearsightedness. But I wonder if I have any other options? A. Yes, you do. A number of our patients have had excellent success with a procedure called orthokeratology as a non-surgical alternative to radial keratotomy. Over a period of months, the patient is fitted with a series of special contact lenses designed to flatten the cornea precisely to reduce nearsightedness and/or astigmatism. - Dr. David Carkner Q. I'm very active in sports and I'm always having to deal with my glasses. Any suggestions? A. You have a number of options. One option is specialty contact lenses which are larger than normal so they stay on the eye. Another option would be specially-fitted frames designed to stay in place even during very active sports and which can provide protection for your eyes. Come in and talk with us. We can make more specific recommendations based on your eye health - and your particular sport. - Dr. Jeffry Carkner Q. My daughter is having trouble with 'pink eye' lately. What can you tell me about it? A. Pink eye, named because an irritation to the eye causes blood vessels to swell and turn the eye 'pink', can come from a variety of causes. The most common being minor trauma and eye infection or inflammation. If it is an infection, it can be passed on to other people - which is why pink eye can keep children out of school. All three of our doctors are board certified to provide you with primary medical care using therapeutic drugs for most eye infections and superficial trauma such as those which cause pink eye. - Dr. David Carkner Q. What's the difference between Carkners' Vision Care and those 'one-hour' places in the mall? A. One big difference is the quality of information our doctors have about you and your particular vision history and needs. We can follow the progress of your vision throughout the years, recognizing, correcting, and even preventing problems. You may find that your appointment at Carkners' Family Vision Care takes slightly longer than the quick exam usually associated with the one-hour places. This is because we take whatever time is necessary to answer all your questions and provide a thorough solution to your needs. We also carry out the full range of examinations - including retinal photography and computerized visual field analysis and corneal mapping. While we prefer to do dilated exams for thoroughness, upon your request, we can perform non-dilated exams. We also believe we can offer you a full range of options - not just a take it or leave it solution from one lens manufacturer. Whatever your needs, we can make it work for you. Carkners' Family Vision Care also offers special expertise in contact lenses, sports vision and children's vision, and provides specialized services such as pre- and post-operative care for eye surgery. - Dr. Donald Carkner Q. All this sounds good - but what about actually getting my glasses or contacts? I have a tight schedule... and I'm pretty particular about my appearance. A. Just as Carkners' Family Vision Care provides state-of-the-art vision care, our optical team and optical dispensary provide you with state-of-the-art fashion wear and fast service. You'll find a wide selection of frames - from designer styles, new, fashion-forward styles, no-line bifocals, lightweight lenses, and sports styles to sunglasses and more. And all lenses for contacts or glasses, even complicated bifocal and trifocal lenses, are designed right in our office. So you will get your personalized prescription lenses as soon as possible, usually within a few days. |
|
[ Home ] [ Services ][ Meet the Doctors ] [ Office Forms ][ Map & Directions ][ Contact Us ][ Eye Cyclopedia ] [ Privacy Policy ]
Site Content and Photographs ©2010 . All rights reserved.
Web Application ©2000-2010 Eyehub.com. All rights reserved.
Web Application ©2000-2010 Eyehub.com. All rights reserved.