Cataracts
Cataracts occur when the lens, which is located behind the pupil, becomes cloudy.
When a cataract forms, it becomes difficult to focus light on the retina which causes
glare and blurry vision. Most cataracts develop slowly over time as part of the aging
process. Cataracts are surgically removed through a small incision. The eye's natural
lens is replaced with an intraocular lens implant, which lets light easily pass through to
the retina to focus images sharply.
Diabetic Retinopathy
The retina is the nerve layer at the back of the eye that senses light and helps to send
images to the brain. If you have diabetes mellitus, your body does not use and store
sugar properly. High blood-sugar levels can damage blood vessels in the retina. Through a
dilated examination, your ophthalmologist can diagnose any diabetic retinopathy and
determine if further testing or treatment is needed. Maintaining normal blood sugar
levels is key to preventing further damage to your retina. More complex cases may
require a consultation with Dr. Kent Crews, our board certified, fellowship trained retina
specialist.
Macular Degeneration
The macula is a small area in the retina at the back of the eye that allows you to see
fine details clearly and perform activities such as reading and driving. Macular
degeneration is the deterioration or breakdown of the macula. It reduces vision in the
central part of the retina, however, does not affect the eye's side or peripheral
vision.
Patients with wet macular degeneration often require consultation with a retina
specialist.
Detached and Torn Retina
A retinal detachment is a very serious problem that almost always causes blindness
if left untreated. A retinal detachment occurs when the retina is pulled away from
its normal position. Early symptoms that may indicate the presence of retinal
detachment include: flashing lights, new floaters, and/or a gray curtain moving across
your field of vision. These symptoms do not always mean a retinal detachment is
present; however, you should see your ophthalmologist as soon as possible. Retinal
detachment surgery can be performed at our out patient surgery center by our retinal
specialist.
Corneal Transplants
Corneal transplant candidates are patients who have diseased or injured corneas that
cause poor vision or eye pain that cannot be resolved through other treatment. During
transplant surgery, the damaged cornea is removed and replaced with a clear donor cornea.
Your ophthalmologist will follow you closely during the healing process. Dr. Matthew
Robinson is our board certified fellowship trained corneal specialist.
Blepharoplasty
Blepharoplasty is the removal of excess skin, muscle and fat from both the upper and lower
eye lids. Lid surgeries are performed to improve vision and also for cosmetic
purposes. The Eye Center of Northern Colorado has a board certified, fellowship trained
ophthalmic plastic surgeon, Dr. Mark Alford, to meet your cosmetic and medical
reconstructive eye surgery needs.
Botox®
This highly effective non-surgical procedure can reduce wrinkles in men and women
ages 18 to 65. Botox® relaxes the overactive muscles so that you can frown, smile or look
surprised with fewer creases or wrinkles. Botox injections take about ten minutes and last
up to four months. With just one treatment, Dr. Mark Alford our ophthalmic plastic
surgeon can soften your toughest wrinkles.
Call (970) 221-2343 to schedule your free Botox® consultation.
Pediatric Eye Care
The Eye Center of Northern Colorado has a fellowship trained pediatric ophthalmologist,
Dr. Patrick Arnold, to meet your child's eye care needs. Development of the visual system
occurs from birth through the first decade of life. Several conditions such as
misalignment of the eyes (strabismus), significant refractive errors, and cataracts can
interfere with visual development. Some conditions have no symptoms and can only be
detected through a complete eye examination. Treatment of childhood eye diseases is
most successful at early ages and may include glasses, patching, eye drops, or even
surgery. An examination can be performed at any age if a problem is suspected.
Routine evaluation is ideally performed around three and one-half years of age. At
the Eye Center of Northern Colorado your child will undergo a complete examination in
order to detect and treat any potential problems.
|
