Cataract Surgery
If you are a cataract patient, the exciting news is that there are many different options to suit your specific needs and lifestyle.
Nearly 3 million cataract surgeries are performed annually, making it one of the most common surgical procedures in the United States. Through the amazing advancements in cataract surgery, patients who have experienced dull or blurred vision before surgery are able to see sharper, brighter images following surgery. And with today’s technology many can do so without dependence on glasses. There are even options for patients who have both cataracts and corneal astigmatism.
Dr. R. Douglas Cullom has performed over 10,000 cataract surgeries in his career, utilizing the most advanced surgical and lens technology. The American Academy of Ophthalmology has determined that there is volume to outcomes relationship for cataract surgery*, meaning that high-volume cataract surgeons experience fewer adverse surgical outcomes. At Cullom Eye & Laser Center, we’re here to provide you with the information that will allow you to make an informed decision about your cataracts. During your examination, we can discuss which option is best for you and we will do our best to design a vision plan that is right for you.
*Ophthalmology 2007;114:405–410 © 2007 by the American Academy of Ophthalmology..
Macular Degeneration
What is Macular Degeneration?
Macular degeneration is a disease that affects your macula, which is located in the center of your retina at the back of the eye and allows you to see fine details. When the macula deteriorates, your central vision becomes blurred, hindering your ability to read or drive. This disease is not painful and may people who are diagnosed, especially in the early stages, are able to lead productive lives.
What causes it?
Macular degeneration primarily results from the natural aging process and genetics. Smoking, obesity and gender may also contribute to the disease. It is the leading cause of vision loss in Americans over 60 years of age. (*)
There are two different forms of Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD): Dry AMD or Wet AMD. Dry AMD, which is more common, is much more difficult to detect, as vision loss is often gradual and initially may only affect one eye. This form of AMD is often a result of thinning tissue in the macula.
Wet AMD is more serious and accounts for approximately 10% of all AMD cases. (**) When abnormal blood vessels form under the retina, they leak blood or fluid resulting in blurred central vision. Vision loss may occur quickly. Straight lines that appear wavy may be an early indication of Wet AMD. If you notice this change in your vision or any other change, you should contact your Ophthalmologist immediately.
Can it be treated?
If you’ve been diagnosed with macular degeneration, the good news is that there are now medications available to help slow down your vision loss and allow you to maintain an active lifestyle. Since macular degeneration may not be noticed in its early stages, it is very important to maintain regular eye exams, so that we can detect any changes in your vision. We treat this disease every day and have successfully helped many people maintain their vision.
Call us today to schedule your eye exam at (757) 345-3001.
References:
* U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health, National Eye Institute, NIH Publication No: 03-2294, Age-Related Macular Degeneration, What you should know, © 2003.
**American Academy of Ophthalmology, Macular Degeneration, A Closer Look, © 2006.
Upgraded Lens Implants
Until recently, most cataract surgeries used monovision lenses which corrected distance vision but typically required patients to wear reading glasses or bifocals for near vision following surgery. Today, technological advances offer several multifocal lenses that greatly improve patients’ range of quality vision allowing them to see near, intermediate and distance often without relying on glasses. In clinical trials, 80 percent of patients reported never wearing reading glasses or bifocals following bilateral cataract surgery with multifocal lenses. Whereas a cataract patient may have experienced dulled or blurred vision before surgery, the advanced multifocal intraocular lens enables them to see sharper, brighter images. In addition to seeing distance objects, reading a newspaper, prescription bottle or computer screen becomes possible as well as seeing objects at a distance. Dr. Cullom is proud to offer his patients a variety of technologically advanced multifocal lens options; including, Crystalens®, AcrySof® IQ ReSTOR®, AcrySof® IQ Toric, and Tecnis®.
Let the Cullom Eye & Laser Center team design a vision plan that is right for you!
Conveniently located in Williamsburg, VA, Cullom Eye & Laser Center is a leading ophthalmology practice offering vision care services customized to meet your specific needs. Our team of expertly trained physicians provides patients with the most up to date technology and surgical techniques with a personal touch. At Cullom Eye & Laser Center, our Physicians and staff will provide you with a customized eye-care plan that is tailored to meet your specific needs!
For instance, our cataract patients now have the option of choosing multifocal lenses that give them near, mid and distance vision. Our laser vision correction (LASIK) patients enjoy a 100% blade-free experience, which has been proven in clinical studies to take more patients to 20/20 vision (and beyond!) through the use of IntraLase and CustomVue technology.
Dr. R. Douglas Cullom is the Medical Director of Cullom Eye & Laser Center. He is considered one of the area’s finest and most skilled surgeons. Dr. Cullom served as the primary refractive surgeon in the Department of Ophthalmology at the Naval Medical Center in Portsmouth, Virginia; a role where he provided laser refractive surgery to the elite Navy SEAL units. As one of the first eye surgeons in the country to have his own vision corrected through LASIK, Dr. Cullom has a unique understanding and appreciation for laser vision correction and the life changing effect it has for his patients.
At Cullom Eye & Laser Center, patients also receive a comprehensive array of eye-care services, to include the most advanced treatments for Glaucoma, Macular Degeneration, Diabetic Retinopathy, Pediatric Ophthalmology, Neuro-Ophthalmology and Retina related disorders.
Cullom Eye & Laser Center – Vision Specialists proudly serving Newport News, Hampton, Hampton Roads, Richmond, Norfolk, and Virginia Beach.
Please contact us for any of your eye-care needs!
