A cataract
is a clouding of the normally clear lens of the eye. It can be
compared to a window that has been frosted.
Causes of cataracts can vary but the most common is aging of the
eye. Other causes include: family history; medical problems such as
diabetes; injuries; medications, especially steroids; radiation;
previous eye surgery, and sometimes unknown factors.
Treatment for cataract is dependent on how bad they are bothering
the patient. Examples can be hard time focusing; “everything is
hazy”; reading may be more difficult; and often there are complaints
of night glare; which might make night driving unsafe. Sometimes
just a change in the eyeglass prescription may be helpful; otherwise
surgery is required to remove the cataract.
Today surgery methods are safe and usually have a speedy recovery.
The techniques used today by Dr. Anthony Novak, M.D. are the best
in the world. He has many years of experience and keeps up with all
the new technology that is constantly evolving and improving. He
attends multiple meetings throughout the year including
ASCRS &
AAO. Some of the new technology
that is emerging is bifocal implants such as Restore®, Resume &
Crystalline lens. Other implants include Tecnis® IOC by Advanced
Medical Optics
(AMO).
With this lens; which the FDA (Food & Drug Administration) has
approved; has some of the best optics available and has been
designated to help reduce spherical aberrations compared to standard
spherical optics and improved night driving performance.
Dr. Novak performs cataract surgery at the
new Hudson Hospital conveniently located right down the road from
his clinic. Right off Interstate 94 and Charmicheal Rd. Surgeries
are performed on an outpatient basis and there are no
needles, no stitches or patches with today’s modern
technology.
Glaucoma is a disease of the optic nerve, the part of the eye that
carries the images we see to the brain. It is a leading cause of
blindness in the United States.
Regular eye examinations by an eye doctor are the best ways to
detect glaucoma. The only sure way to detect glaucoma is to have a
complete eye examination; not just a “pressure check”, but a
complete dilated eye exam.
Sometimes special testing may be done to evaluate any changes to the
optic nerve. They include visual field testing,
pachymetry, and one
of the most updated technology: the
OTC, which can
pick up some of the earliest changes of glaucoma.
Risk Factors of glaucoma include age; elevated eye pressure; family
history of glaucoma; African or Spanish ancestry; farsightedness or
nearsightedness; past eye injuries; and systemic health problems
including diabetes. Patients with narrow angles or diagnosed with
narrow angle glaucoma also may need laser treatment.
People with
narrow angles can be at risk for angle-closure. Symptoms for
angle-closure include: blurred vision, severe eye pain, and
headache, rainbow-halos around lights, and nausea /vomiting. THIS
IS A TRUE EMERGENCY! If these symptoms are present call an
ophthalmologist immediately. Unless this is treated quickly,
blindness can result.
Treatments for glaucoma include medications (eye drops);
on-site laser surgery. Surgery sometimes
can be combined with cataract surgery if the patient has cataracts.
This could save a patient from having another surgery later. >>
Additional Glaucoma information...
Diabetic Retinopathy
A common complication of diabetes in which high levels of blood
sugars damage the blood vessels in the retina is called diabetic
retinopathy. This is a serious and vision threatening condition.
Patients who control their diabetes may reduce the chances of
diabetic retinopathy.
If you are diabetic, even before you are aware of any vision
problems; a medical eye examination is the best way to detect
changes inside your eye. If diabetic retinopathy is detected Dr.
Novak may order digital color fundus (back part of the eye) photos
or Digital Fluorescein Angiography to find out if treatment is
needed. These tests are usually available
the same day as the initial visit.
Some cases of diabetic retinopathy may need laser treatment to help
seal the blood vessels/decrease fluid leakage. Multiple laser
treatments over time are sometimes necessary. This laser is also
ON-SITE making it more convenient for the patient.
Advanced changes may require surgical intervention. Early detection
of diabetic retinopathy is the best protection against vision loss.
With improved methods of testing, diagnosing and treatment fewer
people who develop retinopathy have serious vision problems.
LASIK
LASIK surgery is a surgical procedure to treat myopia
(nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism. The
surgery is performed by Dr. Novak using the
Visx Laser the first and
most reliable laser in the United States; along with the precise Intralase Laser which creates the corneal flap. This technique makes
this procedure all laser, no metal blades or keratome (surgical
instrument to cut flap). Although Dr. Novak still performs standard
LASIK with the Keratome based on patient decisions, he feels this
new technology significantly reduces the risk of complications
surgery can carry.
Intralase, an advanced laser technology, also has
shown improved visual results, and lessons dry eye conditions that
sometimes follow surgery.
LASIK offers a number of benefits over other forms of laser vision
correction because it is performed under a protective layer of
corneal tissue. As a result, there is less surface area to heal,
less risk of scarring, less risk of corneal haze, less postoperative
discomfort, less postoperative need for medications, and vision
returns more rapidly, often within a day or so.
LASIK can also treat a higher range of vision errors. Although
postoperative results vary, most patients are able to pass a drivers
license test without their glasses or contact lenses!
Discover the benefits of LASIK for yourself! Wake up and see.
Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration is a leading cause of poor vision among seniors
caused by deterioration of the macula; the center part of the
retina. Macular degeneration affects your ability to see clearly in
the middle part of your vision.
While there is no cure for macular degeneration, there are multiple
medical/laser treatments available that may slow the impact of the
degeneration.
Treatments can include anything from vitamins, laser surgery (onsite
laser), PDT (Photodynamic Therapy (cold laser)), and intraocular
injections; that show some degree of reduction of growth of abnormal
blood vessels and slows their leakage.
These procedures may help preserve more sight overall, but they are
not cures that can restore vision back to normal.
Eye Lid / Tear Duct conditions
Ptosis is the drooping of the upper eye lid. This can limit vision,
cause discomfort and affect appearance. Surgical intervention that
helps open the eye lids will often lead to better vision and
improved appearance. Dr. Novak offers both
functional and cosmetic eyelid surgery. This surgery is called blepharoplasty and it is done
on an out patient basis using local anesthesia.
Other eye lid disorders such as blepharitis (eye lid inflammation)
chalazion (Greek word meaning “small lump”) and blepharospasm (eye
lid spasm) can be detected by Dr. Novak. For treatment of
blephorospasm Dr. Novak has extensive experience with BOTOX and usually can be done right in the clinical setting without
another appointment. Dr. Novak also treats tear duct disorders
either clinically or by conducting tear duct surgery for other cases
on an out patient basis.
Ambylopia
is a condition that usually occurs in a child’s first few years. It
usually causes poor vision in one or sometimes both eyes. It is a
condition in which the eyes are not aligned and can cause double
vision. Early detection and treatment are very key to the success in
treating this condition.
Treatment includes several methods- eye muscle exercises, eyeglasses
with prisms; BOTOX injections or eye muscle surgery.
Surgical intervention is the most common treatment for strabismus.
Dr. Novak does perform strabismus surgery for “crossed eyes” for
both children and adults.
in the world. He has many years of experience and keeps up with all
the new technology that is constantly evolving and improving. He
attends multiple meetings throughout the year including
