The effects of aging are commonly noticed around the eyes. As we age, we begin to notice that our upper and lower eyelids start to sag. This sagging usually occurs because eyelid skin thins out, loses tone, and becomes more susceptible to the unyielding force of gravity. In some persons, sagging and excess skin surrounding the eyes can be so extensive that it limits the range of vision. If your range of vision is compromised, you may notice feeling more tired after you read or at the end of a long due to constantly working to raise your eyelids.

Blepharoplasty will not remove crow's feet or other wrinkles, eliminate dark circles under your eyes, or lift sagging eyebrows.

Cataracts are the term used to describe the natural lens inside the eye when it develops opacity. Everybody, if they live long enough, will develop cataracts at some point in their lifetime, and we presently do not know how to prevent their formation. Cataracts block the light as it passes from the front of the eye to the back of the eye. Cataracts in their most extreme form will almost totally block the light and significantly decrease vision. Most patients in the United States will have cataract surgery when their vision decreases to the point that it interferes with their activities. It is important to realize that cataracts by themselves do not harm the rest of the eye. They only decrease vision by blocking the transmission of light. Also some cataracts are caused by trauma, previous eye surgery, certain congenital conditions, and certain medications.

If your doctor recommends cataract surgery to improve your vision, you need to be aware of several optional procedures that are now available to enhance the refractive outcome of the surgery. Traditionally, cataract surgery was considered as mainly a way to restore the clarity of the optical media, and the elimination of refractive error was a secondary goal. However, as techniques and technology have progressed, the refractive component of cataract surgery has become increasingly important.

The refractive component of cataract surgery involves the ability of the surgeon to correct pre-existing refractive errors at the time of cataract surgery. Refractive errors are the problems in vision that can be corrected by wearing glasses or contract lenses. There are four basic types of refractive error: myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, and presbyopia (link these terms). Myopia, or nearsightedness, refers to eyes that see better at near than distance. Hyperopia or farsightedness, refers to eye that see better at distance than at near. Astigmatism refers to eyes that have irregular shapes to their cornea cause distortion in images whether they are at near or at distance. Presbyopia refers to the loss of the ability to change focus of the eyes with age. Usually, presbyopia starts in the forties and requires people to wear reading glasses or add bifocals to their glasses.

In cataract surgery, as the cataract (the opacified natural lens) is removed from the eye, a clear artificial lens is placed into the eye to replace the natural lens. The power of this lens is calculated by the surgeon to provide a certain refractive outcome and in contemporary cataract surgery, many patients with significant refractive error can expect to see better without glasses than they ever have in their life. Frequently, patients will become somewhat spectacle-free as they can do most tasks such as driving or reading the newspaper without glasses. However, all patients, to see their best at distance and at near would need glasses with some type of bifocal or contact lenses with reading glasses. Patient with pre-existing astigmatism will still need to have their astigmatism corrected with glasses or contact lenses. It is also important to realize that there are limitations and that by calculating the lens power even with the most sophisticated of methods, there is still a margin of error that cannot be overcome with current technology.

Currently we have 4 different ways to enhance the refractive outcome of cataract surgery on top of the method described above. The simplest and most common method is termed monovision or blended vision. This technique involves selecting intraocular lenses that will leave one eye that is naturally focused for reading and one eye that is naturally focused for distance. This allows one to be spectacle free for most tasks. This approach is best used on patients who have done this with contact lenses and know its limitations.

The second technique is for patients with small to moderate amounts of pre-existing astigmatism. Astigmatism is irregular curvature in the cornea. At the time of cataract surgery, the surgeon can make extra incisions in the cornea to decrease the amount of astigmatism. This technique is simple and generally decreases astigmatism to very small amounts depending on the pre-existing astigmatism. This technique is called astigmatic keratectomy or limbal relaxing incisions.

A third technique involves the use of laser refractive surgery after cataract surgery to fine tune any residual refractive error after cataract surgery. This technique works very well, but does represent a separate laser procedure that is usually done about six weeks after the cataract surgery.

A final technique involves the use of new technology lenses designed to correct presbyopia. These lenses are considered multifocal lenses or accommodating lenses. They are designed to allow the patient the ability to see well at distance and near. These lenses are an advance over the traditional monofocal lenses, but some patients’ notice an increase in visuals symptoms such as glare and halos at night.

In summary, cataract surgery has progressed to the point where outcomes are better than ever with the vast majority of patients very pleased with the results. Today there are also more options that should be considered prior to cataract surgery and we want our patients to be the best educated patients who can make the best informed decisions regarding these options. The doctors and staff of MECA look forward to seeing you and will be ready to answer any questions you might have.

The lens of the eye is a transparent structure behind the pupil that focuses light rays coming into the eye. this structure generally becomes clouded as one ages, resulting in a gradual loss of vision.

The clouded lens is known as a cataract and is the leading cause of vision loss in the United States today., While it is difficult to prevent the development of cataracts, removing cataracts surgically is a relatively simple procedure.

The eye may appear red and irritated for a few days after surgery, but the patient should not experience severe pain. Patients will come in for a follow up visit the morning after surgery to make surgery that the eye is healing properly and to discuss any concerns the patients may have. Vision may be blurred for the first few days after surgery, but will gradually improve and most patients find that they are able to see without glasses better than they ever could before. However, cataract surgery may not completely correct vision, and the sue of reading glasses or bifocals my be prescribed by your doctor.

Exams may include a:

• visual acuity or refraction test to determine the degree to which you may be nearsighted, farsighted or have astigmatism.
• muscle function test to check the movement of your eyes in each direction and at specified angles. This test will identify any muscle weakness or involuntary eye movement.
• binocular vision skills assessment to ensure that your eyes work together properly as a team. This is important for proper depth perception, eye muscle coordination and the ability to change focus from near to far objects.
• visual field test to measure your peripheral vision, the width of the area you can see when you are looking straight ahead. This test may also detect diseases of the eyes or neurological disorders and eye pressure test. Your doctor may administer one or more tests to evaluate your intra-ocular pressure. High intra-ocular pressure may be a sign of glaucoma.
• color vision screening to see if you perceive colors properly.

Glaucoma is a progressive condition where the internal pressure in the eye increases, causing damage to the optic nerve fibers that can result in permanent loss of vision. Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness and visual impairment in the United States today, affecting over two percent of the population over the age of 35. Individuals who are especially at high risk for glaucoma include: individuals with a family history of glaucoma; African Americans; diabetics and individuals who are very nearsighted or have had a previous eye injury.

In patients with glaucoma, the intraocular pressure which represents the pressure inside the eye becomes abnormally high. In a normal eye, fluid flows constantly in and out of the anterior chamber, keeping the intraocular pressure at a normal level. In an eye with glaucoma, the passages that normally allow the fluid to drain become blocked. No one is sure why this happens, but unless the pressure is controlled, permanent vision loss occurs.

NARROW ANGLE GLAUCOMA

This is the most common type of glaucoma. It develops gradually and there are no symptoms. That is why eye physicians refer to this condition as "The Silent Thief of Sight". Most people are not aware that they have the disease.

Early detection of the disease is essential. It can only be achieved through comprehensive annual eye examinations. Several painless tests are performed to measure the pressure of the eye, and evaluate the health of the optic nerve. If the optic nerve is found to be damaged and the pressure inside the eye is found to be elevated, glaucoma is then suspected and additional tests are performed to confirm the diagnosis. A Visual Field Test will assess any changes in the central and side vision. Without treatment, glaucoma will continue to progress affecting first the side vision then the central vision and eventually cause blindness. However, an appropriate treatment can lower the pressure inside the eye, control the glaucoma and prevent any loss of vision. For most people, the treatment will consist of special eye drops used on a daily basis. Regular follow-up visits will insure that the pressure of the eye is under control and no additional damage to the optic nerve has occurred.

Laser trabeculoplasty uses a special laser beam to selectively open the drainage passageways within the trabecular meshwork (the area responsible for draining the fluid from the eye). In more advanced cases, surgery might be necessary to create a new drain to filter the excess fluid out of the eye.

The eye physicians at MECA routinely check the health of the optic nerve and the intraocular pressure to detect any abnormal changes. If glaucoma is suspected, visual fields will be performed and medical treatment will be started. If the intraocular pressure can not be controlled with eye drops or if the damage is extensive, our ophthalmic surgeons will use the laser to control the intraocular pressure and avoid progression of the glaucoma.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is a common eye disease that affects a tiny area in the center of the retina known as the macula. The macula is made up of millions of light-sensing cells that produce the sharp central vision. AMD breaks down these cells gradually destroying central vision.

It is estimated that over 13 million Americans over the age of 40 show early signs of AMD, and it is the leading cause of legal blindness and vision impairment in the senior population. Smokers, people with light colored eyes, and individuals with a family history of AMD are more at risk for developing this condition.

AMD is detected during a comprehensive eye examination during which your eye doctor will examine the health of your retina. Once detected, your doctor may recommend additional testing. The most common test is called “Fluorescein Angiography”, also known as the Dye test. A special dye is injected into the vein and pictures are taken from the retina, in the back of the eye. This test is used to assess the type of the disease, monitor progression and determine treatment. The newest technology for AMD at MECA is the OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) Imaging, which gives us a cross-sectional image of the retina and macula. This allows us to even better assess any potential macular or retinal disease.

With AMD, the central vision decreases. The side vision is almost never affected. In other words, macular degeneration carries good news and bad news. The good news is that people diagnosed with this disease almost never go completely blind. The bad news is that when the central vision is severely affected, the driving vision and more importantly the reading vision become limited.

Macular degeneration occurs in two forms: Dry and Wet:

DRY AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION

Ninety percent (90%) of individuals diagnosed with AMD have the dry form. The light sensitive cells in the macula slowly break down affecting central vision over time. Dry AMD often occurs in just one eye at first, and slowly progresses with time to involve the second eye.

The most common symptom of dry AMD is slightly blurred vision. Dry AMD develops very slowly over many years and most people are able to lead normal, active lives, especially if the disease affects only one eye. As the disease progresses, a blurred spot forms in the center of the vision, gradually becoming larger and darker reducing central vision.

Currently, there is no treatment for dry AMD. Recent studies have revealed that vitamins rich in anti-oxidants, such as Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Zinc and Lutein, decrease the incidence of dry AMD and can limit its progression. These vitamins can be safely taken in addition to the regular daily multivitamin therapy.

There are a number of common health risks that are closely linked with macular degeneration. These risks can be avoided by stopping smoking, controlling cholesterol and blood pressure, protecting the eyes from ultraviolet (UV) rays, and making sure that the diet is high in fruits and green, leafy vegetables.

Although only ten percent (10%) of all people with AMD have this type, it accounts for 90 percent of all blindness. New blood vessels behind the retina begin to grow toward the macula. These vessels are very fragile and often leak blood and fluid under the macula rapidly causing the damage that leads to loss of central vision.

All patients with AMD should monitor their vision with an Amsler grid which can help detect the early signs of AMD. In wet AMD, straight lines can take on a "curved" or "wavy" appearance and the Amsler grid helps detect this change.

Now, more than ever before, early detection of the conversion of dry AMD into wet AMD is important as the treatment for wet AMD has improved greatly in recent years. The new treatments for AMD consist of intraocular injections to inhibit and cause regression of AMD.

The eye physicians at MECA routinely check the retina looking for the slightest signs of Age-related Macular Degeneration. If it is suspected, thorough testing will be performed to evaluate the extent of the damage and establish a course of action. Our eye surgeons are highly experienced in medical and laser treatment of the retina.

A healthy eye can readily renew itself by using stem cells for regeneration. Ocular surface reconstruction is a surgical method that is used to treat this condition, and includes the use of amniotic membrane and limbal stem cell transplantation. MECA surgeons have had special training in using a wide array of techniques and treatments such as medication, surgery, and transplantation, to rebuild or restore the eye’s surface.

We look forward to helping these challenging patients improve their vision and restore both the function and appearance of the surface of the eye.

First, a thin layer of the cornea, or corneal cap, is raised with an instrument called a microkeratome, to expose the layer of the cornea called the stroma. This portion of the procedure is called "lamellar keratoplasty" or keratomileusis.

Then, in less than 60 seconds, ultraviolet light and high energy pulses from the excimer laser reshaping the internal cornea (the stroma) with accuracy up to 0.25 microns.

After the tissue has been reshaped, the raised corneal flap is replaced in its original position. Because of the cornea's extraordinary natural bonding qualities, healing is rapid and does not require stitches. The entire procedure takes less than 30 minutes.

Four times as many people were very satisfied with their night vision after the VISX™ CustomVue™ procedure, compared to their night vision before with glasses or contact lenses.

One year after the VISX™ CustomVue™ procedure:

• 100 percent of people could pass a driving test without glasses or contact lenses
• 98 percent of people could see 20/20 or better without glasses or contact lenses
• 70 percent of people could see better than 20/20 without glasses or contact lenses

WaveScan Technology

WaveScan technology was originally developed for use in high-powered telescopes to reduce distortions when viewing distant objects in space. This technology has now been applied to laser vision correction, measuring imperfections in the eye never measured before by standard methods used for glasses and contact lenses. WaveScan technology measures and captures unique imperfections in each individual's vision producing a detailed map of the eye - much like a fingerprint, no two are alike. This new level of measurement provides 25 times more precision than standard measurements.

The CustomVue™ procedure tailors a distinct correction for each individual - in fact each treatment is "designed" by the unique characteristics of the individual's eyes.

MECA NOW OFFERS FDA-APPROVED VISX^™ IRIS REGISTRATION TECHNOLOGY –

MECA offers FDA-approved Iris Registration Technology as a part of the VISX CustomVue wavefront-guided laser vision correction procedure. VISX Iris Registration Technology is a non-contact method of aligning the treatment to the cornea that provides greater laser alignment accuracy. 

Accurate alignment is essential to optimizing customized wavefront-guided ablations.  VISX Iris Registration Technology makes accurate alignment easer than ever with a fully automated method. The new technology replaces previous methods of attaining alignment, which required the physician to manually place ink marks on the white part of the eye called the sclera.

How VISX^™ Iris Registration Technology Works:

It’s normal for the pupil to shift position from the point of wavefront measurement to the point of treatment. When the CustomVue^™ procedure is performed, Iris Registration Technology centers the treatment correctly, independent of changes in the pupil center from measurement to the treatment. One set of measurements are taken with the patient seated at the WaveScan^™ System, and another set taken with the patient lying down on the laser bed. Then, the technology employs the iris registration process to ensure accurate treatment placement. 

Added Benefits For More Patients

Iris Registration Technology is the latest advancement in the VISX CustomVue^™ procedure that tailors a distinct correction for each individual based on the unique characteristics of their vision – potentially resulting in the best possible vision for their eyes or what we call Personal Best Vision.  Recently, the FDA has approved the CustomVue procedure as the first wavefront-guided treatment for myopia, hyperopia, and mixed astigmatism. The continued expansion of labeling for the CustomVue procedure allows physicians to provide the CustomVue treatment’s added benefits to more patients.

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Patient Information Sheet

MECA Offers the Ultimate in Laser Vision Correction: Blade-Free LASIK

Better Vision:  Patients achieve statistically better vision with IntraLase-initiated LASIK.

Improved Safety:  Virtually eliminates the severest LASIK complications.

Fewer Retreatments:  The number of LASIK retreatments (enhancements) required to perfect the visual outcome is significantly lower.

Reduced Dry Eye Symptoms:  In clinical studies, standard tests performed to diagnose dry eye show a reduction in symptoms by as much as 72 percent.

Highest Degree of Predictability and Precision:  Preserves corneal tissue with reproducible flap thickness within ± 10 microns, compared to reported variability of up to ± 40 microns with microkeratomes.

Thinner Flaps:  Patients previously contraindicated for LASIK due to thin corneas may now be candidates.

Technology of Choice: The IntraLase laser has become the technology of choice among the nation’s leading LASIK surgeons and ophthalmic teaching institutions.

The ultra-fast IntraLase FS30 laser uses an infrared light beam, generating 30,000 pulses per second, to prepare the intracorneal bed and create the corneal flap in the first step of LASIK.

·         Using an “inside-out” process, the laser beam is precisely focused to a point within the cornea. 

·         The laser pulses then create thousands of microscopic bubbles which define the precise architecture* of the intracorneal surface, as well as the distinct beveled edge of the resulting flap.

·         Along the edge bubbles are then stacked up to the corneal surface to complete step one. 

·         From start to finish, the IntraLase process takes approximately 30 seconds.

·         The physician then exposes the prepared corneal bed for excimer laser treatment (the second step of LASIK) by lifting the flap.

·         The LASIK procedure is complete when the flap is securely repositioned on its beveled edge.

*With the IntraLase laser, the surgeon can precisely control the critical first step of LASIK.  Physician-programmed laser specifications include flap diameter, depth, hinge location and width, and side-cut architecture – factors which can be varied to meet patients’ needs.  The IntraLase laser creates a distinctive beveled edge flap, which allows for precise repositioning, alignment and seating after LASIK is completed.  This feature reduces the risk of flap displacement, a complication seen with microkeratome flaps.

·         The IntraLase laser drives superior visual outcomes by optimizing the intra-corneal surface for refractive procedures like LASIK.  Computer-guided technology provides for the highest-precision surgical control.

·         The IntraLase laser is the only laser technology available today for use in the first step of the LASIK procedure.  It delivers micron-level accuracy more than 100 times greater than a microkeratome.

·         The IntraLase laser makes LASIK safer by replacing the hand-held microkeratome blade with the silent computer-guided precision of a laser, virtually eliminating severe sight-threatening blade-related LASIK complications as a result.

·         Data confirm that the IntraLase laser is dramatically less likely to produce seriously thin flaps or extremely thick flaps, events that could lead to devastating complications. (Wang) (17,18)

·         The use of the IntraLase laser improves the overall safety profile and visual results of LASIK, be it Custom or standard.

·         When given a choice, 78 percent of patients choose IntraLase-initiated LASIK rather than the blade.

·         Microkeratome complications occur in up to 10 percent of all LASIK procedures, including the most serious complications that may affect the visual outcome of a LASIK procedure.  The most common complications include buttonhole cuts, partial or improperly formed flaps, free caps, invasive corneal incisions, corneal abrasions, and subsequently blurred vision.

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After PRK, patients may experience mild, hazy vision for one to five days until the epithelium heals and covers the treated area. Eye drops, pain medication, and a protective contact lens are effective in minimizing any post-operative discomfort. Final visual results may be fully realized as the surface heals in accordance to each individual's healing tendencies. PRK is most often used to treat low to moderate amounts of nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.

This minimally invasive surgical procedure has already helped thousands of patients who have moderate to severe myopia, or nearsightedness.

Similar to a contact lens, it is manufactured to the specifications of the patient's visional needs and works with their natural eye to focus. It is implanted inside the eye, just behind the iris (the colored part of the eye). This placement ensures that the lens remains virtually undetectable by the patient or an observer. The lens does not move once it is in place and it cannot be felt by the patient.

An ICL implantation does not remove or thin the cornea (or any other part of the eye) to achieve its optical effect. Rather, a biocompatible synthetic lens (much the same size and shape as a soft contact) is surgically inserted under high magnification just behind the pupil and on top of the natural lens. This synthetic lens is designed for the patient's specific optical prescription.

The material used in the ICL is composed of pure collagen and a hydrophilic copolymer with a UV absorbent chromophore. These materials are biocompatible with the body, which means they are gentle on the eyes, very stable and do not cause any reaction inside the eye.

The ICL can be undone or removed and even replaced with a new power ICL if there is ever a change in prescription years later. The ICL can also be used in cases of thin corneas and high, even extreme nearsightedness where LASIK would remove too much corneal tissue to be compatible with long-term structural integrity of the eye.

Diabetics should pay careful attention to their eyes as they are likely to experience a condition called diabetic retinopathy and are twice as likely to experience cataracts or glaucoma. The longer someone has diabetes, the more likely they will develop diabetic retinopathy.

Diabetic retinopathy occurs when diabetes damages the tiny blood vessels in the retina. At this point, most people do not notice any changes in their vision since the early stages of the disease are usually painless and do not affect vision.

Some people with diabetic retinopathy develop a condition called macular edema. It occurs when the damaged blood vessels leak fluid and lipids onto the macula - the part of the retina that lets one see detail. The fluid makes the macula swell, blurring vision. If new blood vessels have grown on the surface of the retina, they can bleed into the eye, blocking vision.

Although diabetic retinopathy cannot be cured, laser surgery is usually effective at preventing vision loss if treatment is done before the retina is severely damaged. Laser surgery cannot restore vision that has already been lost to retinopathy, but it has been proven to reduce the risk of severe vision loss.

Since early detection and treatment are vital to preserving a diabetic's vision, it is extremely important that diabetics undergo regular eye exams with an ophthalmologist experienced with diabetic eye diseases.

901-767-3993

Whether you need spectacle frames or just a consultation on your optical lifestyle selection, our certified opticians will be happy to guide you through our selection of frames so you will be provided with comfortable and attractive eyeglasses.

MECA Optical offers frames to suit virtually all tastes and needs. We offer top-of-the line frame styles such as Silhouette and Judith Leiber. And for the budget-minded we have a special value selection so you can get complete eyeglasses starting at $99.00

Some of the other frames we carry include:

• Lindberg
• LaFont
• Cazal / Caviar
• Christian Dior
• Tura
• Kata
• Tres-Jolie
• Marchon
• Kate Spade
• Charmont
• Modo
• Candies

• Guess
• Polo
• Safilo
• New York Eye
• Viva
• Women's Day
• National
• Joan Collins
• FlexFactor
• St. Moritz
• Woolrich
• Savvy

We also carry sunglasses:

• Sun Readers

• Maui Jim

• Tag Heuer

• Oakley

• Elle

• Guess

• Fossil

• Gucci

• Panoptix

• Carrerra

• L'amy

• Julo (for kids)

• Columbia

• Regular Plastic (CR39)
• Transition
• Polycarbonate Impact Resistant
• Trivex Material

For lens designs we have:

• Single Vision
• Bifocals (lined)
• Progressive (no-line)
• Specialty Lenses

Lens treatments:

• Anti-Reflective Coating (ARC)
• UV Protection
• Scratch Protection Coating (SRC)
• Tinted Lenses