Updating Your Phone Numbers, E-mail and Addresses
Did you know that you can call us or visit our web site to make any changes in your address or phone numbers? This will assist us in maintaining your most accurate information for our records. Please call us at 504-455-9825, ext. 157 or click here for our online Update Patient Information form. Include your full name, date of birth, complete address with apt. number, zip code and any other info you wish to update such as your cell number and e-mail. Remember to let us know about any additional family members that are patients. We will update their information as well.
Should You Be Worried About Macular Degeneration?
Macular Degeneration is the leading cause of severe vision loss in people fifty years of age or older. Age related macular degeneration (AMD) is a chronic eye disease that occurs when tissue in the macula, the part of your retina that is responsible for central, detailed vision, deteriorates. Central vision becomes limited; however, side vision remains clear. There are two types of Macular Degeneration, “dry” and “wet”.
Dry is the most common type of Macular Degeneration. In the early stages, changes in vision may be hard to notice. Over time, your central vision slowly worsens. You may notice wavy lines and blank spots in the center of your vision. Colors may look dim. There is no way to restore vision lost from dry macular degeneration; however, it should be monitored closely because it can turn into wet macular degeneration.
Wet macular degeneration is less common but more serious. Vision loss is quick and severe. You may suddenly notice dark spots, blank spots, wavy lines and dim colors in the center of your vision. If wet macular is caught early, laser treatment may help slow further vision loss.
A healthy macula is necessary for normal central vision acuity. Early detection and treatment may help reduce the severity of vision loss; therefore, every person over the age of fifty should have an annual eye examination, especially those who have a family history of macular degeneration.
From the Front Desk
Please assist us in expediting your office visit! When calling to make your appointment, be sure and have your new or updated medical insurance information readily available. You should also call our appointment staff in the event that you have changes after your appointment has been scheduled. By providing us with your updated information, insurance verification can be made prior to your visit. This eliminates the need for delays while the front desk updates and verifies your coverage.
Cataract Surgery – Clarity in the Blink of an Eye
Cataract removal is one of the safest and most effective surgical procedures in the world. In fact, more than three million cataract surgeries are performed each year in the United States. Most patients have improved vision soon after surgery, and their vision may continue to improve for several days or weeks. Recent advances have been so significant that new-generation lenses may allow patients to see well at all distances without the help of glasses, bifocals or reading glasses.
ReStor and ReZoom IOLs are multifocal lenses that allow you to see near, far and everywhere in between. These lenses are designed to correct cataracts and allow patients to see it all, from the big picture, down to the smallest, most precious details. Most patients find that they are able to read a book, work on the computer and drive a car day or night with increased freedom from glasses.
Astigmatism-correcting lenses such as the TORIC IOL are for patients with existing corneal astigmatism. Current technology makes it possible to correct the cataracts that may be clouding your vision and the astigmatism that has been distorting your vision all at the same time. The TORIC intraocular lens has the ability to reduce or eliminate corneal astigmatism at the same time it corrects cataracts.
Cataracts can dramatically affect everything you see and do. But they don’t have to. With a simple procedure, you can lift the fog and get back to seeing what you love. Colors can appear rich and vibrant, and everything you look at can be in clear focus. If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, call our office today and make an appointment with your doctor. The correct lens for you will depend on your eyes and your desire to be glasses-free. Your doctor will review your options and explain what you can expect from each one.