1 www.theeyeclinic.net Thrive FY EYE January 2012in The Eye Clinic

JANUARY 2012

LAKE CHARLESSULPHUR

MOSS BLUFFDERIDDERJENNINGS

Larry Stewart, MDWilliam Mixon, MDAlan Lacoste, MDWilliam Iglinsky, MDJon Yokubaitis, MDDon Bravin, MDMark Crawford, MD

A. J. O’Byrne, MDVirgil Murray, III, MDMelvin Gehrig, ODJeffrey Hankin, ODChad East, ODDonavon LaFleur, OD

DOCTORS

LOCATIONS

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For many patients, the full effects of LASIK are recognized in the mornings following the surgery, when the eyes open and clearly see the numbers of the alarm clock rather than a fuzzy, glowing blur. For Garret and Lindsay Cutler, a local couple who had the procedure done within months of each other, the effects were surreal.

“When we wake up, we see everything perfectly – and with two active young children, that’s a huge deal. We kept wondering, ‘Why didn’t we do this sooner?’” says Garret. Both of the Cutlers were tired of the inconveniences brought by contacts and glasses; they wanted to be able to start their day without relying on products to correct their vision. After LASIK at the Eye Clinic’s Laser Center, those inconveniences were gone and they stepped into a new reality – one where things were much clearer.

The positive outcome experienced by the Cutlers appears to be typical of LASIK surgery results, according to a 15-year review of clinical trials on the vision-correcting procedure.

The review, which appeared in the journal Current Opinions in Opthalmology, stated that 94 percent of trial patients achieved at least 20/20 vision, with 98 percent achieving 20/25 vision or better. Almost all of the respondents said they would recommend the safe and effective procedure to a friend.

LASIK involves the use of a laser to permanently change the clear covering of the front of the eye, known as the cornea, to better focus incoming light as it reaches the surface of the retina. The board certified ophthalmologists who perform LASIK at The Eye Clinic’s Laser Center, Drs. William Iglinsky, Jon Yokubaitis and A.J. O’Byrne, say the results their patients experience support the findings of the new research.

“Our LASIK patients have consistently been very pleased with the outcomes of their procedures,” says Dr. Yokubaitis. “The procedure has become far more sophisticated over the years and offers a viable, affordable and effective alternative for people who have been wearing contacts or glasses for most of their lives. There have previously been many misconceptions about

corrective surgery, which have proven to be completely unfounded for the vast majority of LASIK patients. Although there is always the small chance of complications in any procedure, LASIK is considered safe and minimally invasive and the chances of anything less than a satisfactory result are rare.”

If you’re considering LASIK laser vision correction surgery to correct your vision, additional research presented at a recent conference of the American Academy of Ophthalmology found you can expect long-term vision benefits. Researchers followed the vision of 200 patients who had LASIK for 10 years and found that the vision of the research participants regressed only slightly over the course of 10 years. “To put this another way, these slight changes are what people would normally expect to experience as they age anyway,” explains Dr. Iglinsky. “This study provides us with additional confidence in the long-term results with LASIK.”

According to Dr. O’Byrne, patients receive ample patient education before any procedure so they have a clear idea of what to expect. The procedure itself takes only a few minutes and is performed in The Eye Clinic’s in-office laser suite. “LASIK causes very little, if any, discomfort,” explains Dr. O’Byrne. “Most patients experience improved vision immediately, with continued improvement realized over several days.”

Receiving LASIK as a graduation present nearly two years ago was a big surprise to Faren Kleckley White, one that gave her a clear new outlook to go with her new career as a registered nurse. “The entire experience was so smooth and simple. Being able to live lens-free has made a huge difference to my lifestyle. I couldn’t be happier with my results.”

Advances in technology have made LASIK an option for more people, even those who may have been told they were not candidates in the past. The procedure can now be used to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism for most people.

Attorney Peter Pohorelsky underwent LASIK at the Laser Center after struggling with allergies that adversely affected his eyes and made wearing contacts nearly impossible. Those

WAKE UP TO RESULTS YOU CAN SEE WITH LASIK

3 www.theeyeclinic.net Thrive FY EYE January 2012

problems have diminished due to his successful LASIK experience. He says he wouldn’t hesitate to recommend the procedure. “The difference is amazing. I wish I had it done sooner.”

According to the Associated Press, about 6 million Americans have sought laser vision correction over the past decade. Board-certified physicians at The Eye Clinic were the first to perform laser vision correction in Southwest Louisiana 15 years ago and have continued to bring advances such as Custom LASIK technology to their patients since that time.

For more information about LASIK, call The Eye Clinic’s Laser Center at 1-877-95-FOCUS or visit www.theeyeclinic.net. Interest-free financing is available.

Peter Pohorelsky Lindsay and Garret Cutler

Faren Kleckley White

800.826.5223 Lake Charles • Sulphur • DeRidder Jennings • Moss Bluff

13 doctors • 5 locationsEvening & Saturday appointments

THE EYE CLINIC IS PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE THAT WE ARE NOW PROVIDERS WITH THE FOLLOWING HEALTH AND VISION PLANS:

The Eye Clinic provides the region’s most comprehensive eye care, from the correction of basic vision problems to the latest treatment options for eye diseases.

For more information about our services or the plans we accept, please call the office nearest you or 1-800-826-5223.

OFFICE OF GROUP BENEFITS (State of Louisiana)

All of our doctors participate.

VSP(Vision Service Plan)

All of our doctors participate.• Signature • Select• Advantage • Choice

ALWAYS CARE VISION All of our optometrists participate.

MEDICARE GLASSES POST CATARACT SURGERY

Optics Unlimited eyewear stores are now participating in Medicare glasses after cataract surgery. We also offer a

senior citizen discount.

We’ve Got Big Plans

All the services in sighttheeyeclinic.net

JANUARY IS NATIONAL EYE CARE

MONTH

Finding appropriate and effective contact lenses has presented challenges over the years for people with severe astigmatism and other eye conditions. Although hard lenses provide clear vision, they can be irritating and uncomfortable; and although soft lenses are more comfortable, they don’t always adhere properly to the eye and may not correct all vision problems.

A solution for this obstacle has been developed through hybrid lens options. These contacts combine the clear, crisp vision of hard lenses with the comfort of soft lenses.

“The center of the lens is rigid, while the surrounding lens is soft, so wearers benefit from the best of both worlds,” said optometrist Melvin Gehrig, O.D., with The Eye Clinic. “Hybrid lenses don’t rotate on the eye as traditional soft lenses do, which means that with each blink or gaze shift, they stay in place and continue to provide clear, consistent vision.”

CONTACTS FOR HARD-TO-FIT EYES

Those with astigmatism and other eye conditions who wear soft contact lenses may experience occasional blurred vision and inconsistencies in far and near-sightedness as the lens struggles to stay in place on the cornea. Hybrid lenses are designed to correct those inconsistencies.

“The majority of those with contact lens difficulty suffer from astigmatism, but hybrid lenses are also appropriate for those with other challenges, such as keratoconus,” Dr. Gehrig said. “With the exception of patients with certain active corneal conditions, there is now a contact lens out there for just about every patient. The key is having a doctor familiar with the options and skilled in fitting these specialty lenses.”

The lenses are comfortable enough to be worn all day and into the night, according to Dr. Gehrig. The “soft skirt” of the hybrid lens not only allows for comfort and stability, it also prevents debris from slipping underneath the lens and prevents the lens from dislodging.

For more information on hybrid lenses, contact The Eye Clinic at 478-3810.4 www.theeyeclinic.net Thrive FY EYE January 2012

YOU WON’TBELIEVE YOUR EYES!Eyemaginations, our new online tool at www.theeyeclinic.net, will provide you with a virtual look at eye health and treatment options. The videos within Eyemaginations feature advanced 3-D animations covering vision problems, eye diseases, diagnostic tools, procedures, eye surgery and more. It’s just one more way The Eye Clinic can help you focus on better eye health.

We invite you to visit our website to experience Eyemaginations for yourself.

www.theeyeclinic.net

5 www.theeyeclinic.net Thrive FY EYE January 2012

More than 12 million school-age children, or one in four, have some form of vision problem. Unfortunately, nearly 80 percent of preschoolers do not receive a vision exam.

“Children learn by seeing. In fact, 80 percent of learning in a child’s first 12 years comes through the eyes. That’s why undetected vision problems can have a tremendous detrimental impact on their ability to learn,” explains Virgil Murray, MD, ophthalmologist with The Eye Clinic.

He recommends a comprehensive eye exam by an eye doctor for all children before four years of age. “Vision problems are treated more successfully during the growth and development of a child’s visual system,” he says. “By the time a child reaches school age, their visual system has completed its development, so a delayed eye exam can spell trouble.

Once a child enters school, they should have an eye exam at least every two years, or more frequently, if specific problems or risk factors exist. “And keep in mind,” says Dr. Murray, “a school vision check is not a substitution for a thorough eye exam by a qualified eye doctor.”

He says parents and teachers should be on the lookout for these warning signs of vision problems in school-age children:

• Squinting,closingorcoveringoneeye• Excessiveblinkingorrubbingoftheeyes• Dislikeand/oravoidanceofclosework• Shortattentionspan;frequentdaydreaming• Placingtheheadclosetoabookwhenreading• Turningortiltingtheheadtooneside.• Losingplacewhilereading;omitsorconfusessmallwordswhenreading• Complaintsofheadaches,nauseaanddizziness• Excessiveclumsiness• Consistentlyperformsbelowpotential

Get Focused onYour Child’s Vision

If the eyes are the window to the soul, then eyewear is the window treatment, visibly framing not only your eyes, but providing a reflection of your unique style and personality. Unlike a ring or a pair of shoes, your glasses are highly visible, and instantly noticed. Your eyewear is front and center when it comes to making a statement about who you are. It’s important to put some thought into what this statement will communicate to others.

Here are some tips from the staff of Optics Unlimited for making sure your eyewear not only helps you see clearly, but clearly showcases your eye style:

Get a L K you Love

Do...have your glasses cleaned and professionally adjusted so they don’t fall down your nose.

...wear colored frames—color will turn your eyewear into a fashion accessory.

...remember that eyewear has style; outdated glasses are as unflattering as an old outfit.

...ask for an anti-reflective coating for your lenses. This will let others see your eyes while helping you see better.

...select known products and brand names. All eyewear is not the same. Just as poor quality window glass and mirrors distort a view, so too does poor quality lenses.

...ask your eyewear consultant about polishing lens edges. Edge polishing minimizes lens thickness, and keeps you from looking “nerdy.”

...select eyewear with the assistance of a vision care professional who can help you find attractive and comfortable eyewear to fill your vision needs.

Don't...be afraid to wear glasses if you have a heavy prescription. A trained eyecare professional can recommend high-index lenses that can accommodate your prescription in a lighter, thinner lens.

...be afraid to own more than one pair. Eyewear is the accessory that is noticed the most -- the one that frames your eyes.

...wear an old-fashioned bifocal with a line. You will look out of style and out of date. Ask your eye care professional about no-line progressive lenses.

...hide your eyes. Make sure the center of your lens is untinted to let your eyes shine through. Consider cosmetically tinting the upper and lower portions of the lens to match your eye color and skin tone.

... go outside in the daytime without sunglasses with 100 percent ultraviolet (UV) protection. Cataracts have been linked to UV radiation, and squint wrinkles will age you before your time.

...buy glasses that are so large they hide your eyes plus half your face.

Optics Unlimited offers high quality eyewear for the entire family with locations adjacent to The Eye Clinic in Lake Charles, Sulphur, Moss Bluff, DeRidder and Jennings. For more information, call the location nearest you or 1-800-826-5223.

6 www.theeyeclinic.net Thrive FY EYE January 2012

Most people would agree that the eyes are the most important feature of the face. They are the key feature for expressing emotions, reflecting interest, affection, disapproval and unfortunately, the signs of aging. That’s the main reason why cosmetic eye surgery has become so popular.

Mark Crawford, MD, oculoplastic surgeon and Medical Director of the Aesthetic Center at The Eye Clinic, explains that the skin around the eye is more thin and fragile than at other parts of the body, and as a result, is usually the first area of the face to show the signs of aging. “Sagging of the upper eyelids and bagginess in the lower eyelids can result in a tired, sad, angry or aged appearance. Loose excess skin, weak muscles or a combination of both causes sagging of the upper lids,” he explains. “Every time you blink, the skin and muscles of your upper eyelids stretch a bit and, in time, the repeated stretching causes the skin and muscles of the upper eyelid to get longer. A fold may even de-velop as the skin bulges outward and hangs over the lid.”

Dr. Crawford says nearly everyone will develop bags with age, but even young people may have this problem because this tendency is inherited. “Our eyes are surrounded by a protective layer of fatty tissue encased by a membrane that holds the fatty tissue tightly in place. As we age this membrane weakens allowing the fatty tissue to slip downward. Skin and muscle are stretched by the protruding tissue, increasing the appearance of ‘bags’ under the eyes.”

Eyelid surgery, called blepharoplasty, is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to remove excess skin and fat around the eyes, giving you a brighter, more youthful appearance. This surgery is usually performed for cosmetic reasons, but Dr. Crawford says in some cases it can be considered medically necessary when the excess skin is interfering with vision. “This surgery is very effective for both women and men, and new advances in technology allow the procedure to be tailored to each person’s anatomy and gender.”

Dr. Crawford explains how the procedure works: Eyelid surgery is done on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia with mild sedation. For the upper lids, a small incision is made in the natural fold and the excess skin is removed along with appropriate amounts of fatty tissue to rejuvenate the upper eyelid appearance. The most common incision site for the lower lids is just inside the inner sur-face of the eyelid. The excess fat is removed through this tiny incision, resulting in a more restful and youthful under-eye appearance. If there is also excess skin in the lower lid that needs to be removed, the incision can be made in the natural crease immediately below the eyelashes.

Incisions in the eyelid usually heal quickly, and there is very little risk of complications. Mild swelling and discoloration is common im-mediately after the surgery. Most people are able to resume their normal activities within one week after the surgery.

“You don’t have to look older than you feel, and you don’t have to have major surgery to get the results you are looking for,” stresses Dr. Crawford. “Cosmetic eyelid surgery today is great way to redefine your eyes, achieving a younger, more refreshed appearance.”

For more information or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Crawford, call (337) 310-1070. The Aesthetic Center offers a comprehensive range of facial cosmetic surgery, treatment options and products. Information is also available at www.facehealth.net.

LOSE THE EXCESS

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Cataract surgery is the most frequently performed surgery today, and according to Mark Crawford, MD, one of the four board certified ophthalmologists who perform cataract surgery at The Eye Clinic, this is a trend that is only going to increase as Baby Boomers age. Baby Boomers will be the largest generation of Americans to fall between the ages of 40 and 65, making it likely that they will simultaneously face two distinct vision challenges: presbyopia (failing near vision that happens to everyone sometime after age 40) and clouding of vision due to cataracts (by age 60, most people have some degree of cataract formation).

Dr. Crawford explains that a cataract is a clouding of the natural lens inside the eye. “This lens, located behind the iris, works just like the lens of a camera, by focusing light images on the retina, which sends the images to the brain. Eye injury, certain diseases or even some medications can cause the clouding, but in over 90% of cases, it is caused by aging. A cataract cannot be treated with medication or a laser. The only way to treat a cataract is to remove the old, clouded lens and replace it with a new lens implant.”

Intraocular lenses, or IOLs, are the artificial lenses that replace the eye’s natural lens that is removed during cataract surgery. IOLs have been around since the mid-1960s, though the first FDA approval for one occurred in 1981. Before that, Dr. Crawford says if you had cataracts removed, you had to wear very thick glasses or special contact lenses in order to see after the surgery.

Since the first lens implant was approved, Dr. Crawford says tremendous advances have been made in IOL technology. “In the past, the IOLs we implanted during cataract surgery were able to restore vision only in limited distance ranges, which meant most patients still had to use glasses or other corrective lenses following surgery to see for clear near vision. Now, innovations in lens technology allow us to restore clear near and distance vision, very good intermediate vision, and to correct for astigmatism as well.”

Physicians at The Eye Clinic are using two types of premium multifocal IOLs to restore near, far and intermediate vision. The AcrySof ReStor lens uses apodized diffractive technology, a design that responds to how wide or

ADVANCED CATARACTSURGERY

New Advances Provide

MULTIPLE CHOICESsmall the eye’s pupil might be. Clinical studies have shown that 80 percent of people who received the lens didn’t use glasses for any activities after their cataract surgery. The ReZoom lens distributes light over five optical zones to correct vision. In a study of 215 patients, 93 percent of ReZoom recipients reported never or only occasionally needing glasses.

Ophthalmologist Jon Yokubaitis, MD, says another new premium IOL that patients are very happy with is the AcrySof Toric implant, which is designed specifically for cataract patients who also have astigmatism. He explains that about 40 percent of the population has astigmatism. Astigmatism usually occurs when the front surface of the eye, the cornea, has an irregular curvature. This abnormality may result in vision that is much like looking into a distorted, wavy mirror, and impairs both distance and near vision. “Correcting for astigmatism during cataract surgery is not something we have been able to do until recently,” says Dr. Yokubaitis. “This new implant incorporates a high-tech optical design that precisely corrects for astigmatism, restoring clear, crisp distance vision for cataract patients.”

He adds that an amazing 97% of patients who get the AcrySof Toric implant are able to achieve freedom from glasses for distance vision after surgery. “They are able to get rid of prescription eyewear, with the exception of reading glasses as needed.”

Dr. Crawford stresses that it’s important to realize that not every cataract patient is a candidate for premium lens implant options, and there is also no way to guarantee that every patient will be able to see well without eyeglasses or contact lenses after surgery. “However, we are very excited to have these new options for our patients and our patients have been very satisfied with their results.”

For more information about cataract surgery and IOL options, call The Eye Clinic at (337) 478-3810 or 1-800-826-5223. Information is also available at www.theeyeclinic.net.

with The Eye Clinic! January is Eye Care Month and The Eye Clinic and KPLC are teaming up to help you take care of your eyes. Tune into KPLC news programs for the latest news about vision and eye care, visit the

new Eyemagination section of our website and take advantage of these great offers from The Eye Clinic:

See Things Differently in 2012

FIVE CONVENIENT LOCATIONS IN SOUTHWEST LOUISIANA:Lake Charles 478-3810 • Sulphur 625-8948 • DeRidder 462-3937 • Jennings 824-0040 • Moss Bluff 310-0775

FREEEye Health Screenings

CATARACT l GLAUCOMA l VISIONAvailabe at all locations by appointment:

Lake Charles, Moss Bluff, Sulphur, DeRidder and Jennings.

Call 800-826-5223

wrinkle-smoothing cosmetic injections.INCLUDES

800.826.5223 www.theeyeclinic.net

PackagePeel & Polish

in The Eye Clinic

310-1070 • facehealth.net* Cannot be combined with any other discount

• medical grade chemical peel • post treatment home care

products • microdermabrasion

• infused facial treatment • 10% savings on first-time

purchase of full-size products

• Consultation must be scheduled in January• Procedure must be scheduled before 4/1/12

Custom LASIKSAVE 20% ON

*Cannot be combined with any other discount

CALL 1-877-95-FOCUS FOR DETAILS

SAVE 20% ON