Posts Tagged ‘technology’

Oculoplastics Now Available at the Emory Eye Center Perimeter Location

February 4th, 2011 By Dr. Joseph Walrath

Joseph Walrath, MDAs an oculoplastic surgeon, I specialize in the evaluation and treatment of the eye, from cosmetic conditions to functional abnormalities. This means that I help both patients who want to look better and patients who want to see AND FEEL better.

Many aesthetic surgeons perform eyelid surgery, mid face, full face, and forehead lifting, but for most, this is just a portion of their practice. As an oculoplastic surgeon, I devote 100% of my clinical practice to the eyes – my area of expertise is centered on the eyelids and visual function. This means that the Emory Eye Center’s oculoplastics patients get a level of specialization that’s not available just anywhere.

I’m excited to be bringing oculoplastics to Emory Eye Center’s Perimeter location this February, in addition to our services at Emory Eye Center’s main location on Clifton Road. I generally see two kinds of patients—those who want cosmetic enhancements, both surgical and nonsurgical, around the eyes, and those who have functional issues (problems that either lead to decreased vision, discomfort, or tearing) that need to be fixed. Many of my patients have vision-impairing drooping eyelids or excessively lax lids. Some have had cosmetic procedures performed elsewhere and need surgical refinement or treatment for vision-threatening complications. I also treat the full spectrum of medical and surgical eye socket disease, including:

  • Thyroid eye disease, with its attendant visual and cosmetic problems
  • Other eye socket infections and inflammations
  • Tumors in the eyelid that require diagnosis, resection, and reconstruction
  • Tumors in the eye socket
  • Tearing and tear duct abnormalities
  • Abnormal eyelid movements such as blepharospasm
  • Eye socket trauma

Whether you want to improve the appearance of your eyes and upper face or you have a medical or surgical condition involving the upper face, eyelids, eye sockets, or tear drains that impacts your vision or health, oculoplastics at the Emory Eye Center’s Perimeter location is now a convenient option.

Have you had or are you considering an oculoplastics evaluation or treatment? Do you have an experience you’d like to share? We welcome your questions and feedback in the comments section below.

About Joseph Walrath, MD:
Joseph Walrath, MD, specializes in ophthalmic plastic and reconstructive surgery and is Board Certified in Ophthalmology. He devotes his clinical practice solely to ophthalmic plastic and reconstructive surgery. Dr. Walrath has practiced at Emory since 2008.

Share|

Read More | (3)

Five Things You May Not Know About LASIK

April 7th, 2010 By Rhonda Brown, Certified Ophthalmic Technician at Emory

If you’re considering LASIK, you’ve likely heard that the vast majority of patients are extremely satisfied with their new, improved vision. For many, the results are life changing. Knowing as much as possible about the procedure will help you to have realistic expectations, which is why I’m devoting this post to ‘Five Things You May Not Know About LASIK’:

  1. The definition of an “ideal candidate” for LASIK can vary from practice to practice. Emory Vision devotes 2 ½ hours to determining whether you’re a candidate. Some centers take as little as a half-hour. Why the difference? We look at 10 factors when we meet with patients. A decade ago, looking at curvature of the eye and prescription was sufficient. Now physicians are able to tell which candidates will receive the best results.
  2. As you evaluate where you’d like to have your LASIK procedure performed, it’s important to know how the surgeon defines a “successful outcome.” At Emory Vision, our benchmark is 20/20 vision, which is the final result for the vast majority of our patients.
  3. LASIK doesn’t cause cataracts. Some patients mistakenly believe that over time their surgery is wearing off, when in reality they’re developing cataracts. LASIK doesn’t increase the chance of cataracts; birthdays do. Just as we get gray hair, we develop cataracts, typically in our mid 60s. You’ll know cataracts are the source of your poor vision if your condition doesn’t improve with glasses. For patients who have had LASIK, it’s important to know the curvature of your eye prior to having  cataract surgery.
  4. The type of laser used by a LASIK practice is extremely important. At Emory Vision, we use the most advanced technology available—the Allegretto Wave® Eye-Q with Perfect Pulse Technology™. Clinical studies involving patients who have had surgery with the Allegretto show that 87% of patients have 20/20 vision or better one year after the procedure, and 99% have 20/40 or better, which is the standard for driving without glasses in most states. While it is possible to experience good results from an older laser, advanced lasers allow physicians to customize your treatment. Newer lasers, coupled with a thorough patient evaluation minimize complications such as halos and starbursts.
  5. The chances of you losing your vision due to LASIK surgery are truly minuscule. To put it in perspective for you, there is less than a 1 in 5 million chance of vision loss with the procedure. In fact, you have a greater chance of losing your eyesight from wearing contact lenses than from having LASIK. Patients rarely experience complications after LASIK surgery; however, approximately 3-5% may encounter minor difficulties, such as dry eyes and nighttime glare. For more information, visit the Frequently Asked Questions section of emoryvision.org.

And now I’d like to turn the conversation over to you—I know that many of you are curious about LASIK, and you may have questions beyond what I’ve covered here. Fire away!

Share|

Read More | (0)