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January 16th, 2012

January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month

We’re you aware that January is National Glaucoma Month?

We would like to share some valuable insight on this sight stealing disease. Glaucoma is typically labeled “the sneak thief of sight” because as much as 40% of vision can be lost before you even notice something is wrong. Glaucoma is the leading cause of preventable blindness and unfortunately there are no symptoms or signs and once vision is lost, it’s permanent.

Here are some interesting stats regarding Glaucoma you might not be aware of:

Glaucoma is the 2^nd leading cause of blindness in the world, and the leading cause of preventable blindness according to the World Health Organization.
There are over 60 million suspected cases of Glaucoma worldwide.
Among the African American population Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness.
Of 2.2 million Americans that have Glaucoma, only half of these individuals know they have it.
Glaucoma accounts for around 12% of all blindness, approximately 120,000 individuals in the U.S.

There is a lot of ongoing research on methods of early detection of Glaucoma. Some examples of these methods and effects are listed below.

Detection of psychophysical and structural injury in eyes with glaucomatous optic neuropathy and normal standard automated perimetry.

Bagga H, Feuer WJ, Greenfield DS.
Arch Ophthalmol. 2006 Feb; 124(2):169-76.
PMID:16476885
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Clinical variables associated with glaucomatous injury in eyes with large optic disc cupping.

Greenfield DS, Bagga H.
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging. 2005 Sep-Oct;36(5):401-9.
PMID:16238039
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Macular symmetry testing for glaucoma detection.

Bagga H, Greenfield DS, Knighton RW.
J Glaucoma. 2005 Oct;14(5):358-63.
PMID:16148583
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Quantitative assessment of atypical birefringence images using scanning laser polarimetry with variable corneal compensation.

Bagga H, Greenfield DS, Feuer WJ.
Am J Ophthalmol. 2005 Mar;139(3):437-46.
PMID:15767051
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Source of articles: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=harmohina%20bagga

At Horizon Eye Specialists, we are pleased to have Harmohina Bagga M.D., Glaucoma and Cataract Specialist, on our staff for the diagnosis and treatment of Glaucoma. We encourage every patient to visit us routinely for a yearly exam to rule out eye conditions such as Glaucoma.

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Nearsightedness – All Treatment Options At Horizon Laser Vision

October 13th, 2011

Nearsightedness is a refractive error that many of our patients suffer from, in which images of distant objects are blurry. At the same time, a person with myopia (the clinical term for nearsightedness) can see objects that are close by very clearly. This condition occurs when the eyeball becomes a little longer than normal. Hence, light rays do not fall straight on the retina, but instead fall in front of it. Myopia can be corrected by wearing glasses or contact lenses. Based on the severity of your condition, you may need to wear them continuously or only for certain activities such as reading, watching films or driving.

Many myopic patients choose to use contact lenses and eyeglasses for years, delaying finding a permanent solution for their problem such as laser vision correction surgery. Contact lenses or glasses should be adjusted to focal changes of the eyes as the individual grows older. Teenagers and children are in the most pronounced growing stages and they should be examined annually to ensure that their prescription has not changed. Sharona Optical stores in the Phoenix metro area have professional opticians with great knowledge of which glasses are most suitable to match your face and eyes.

The shape of the face and individual requirements should be taken into account when trying to fit you with eyeglasses. The opticians at Sharona Optical centers are well trained in selecting the correct frames that complement your look. The stores also offer warranty for their eyewear and work in tandem with Horizon’s ophthalmologists when necessary. Our expert opticians train patients who wear contact lenses for the first time on how to insert and remove them, how to take care of the lenses so that they last longer.

A permanent solution for nearsightedness became a viable option with the invention of laser refractive surgery. Refractive errors such as myopia can be corrected effectively and precisely. There are different types of refractive surgeries – mainly PRK, LASIK, Epi-Lasik, LASEK, and implantable contact lenses to correct myopia. In PRK (also called Photorefractive Keratotomy), the epithelial layer of the cornea is removed and the doctor corrects the corneal length. PRK is best suitable for patients with thin corneas. Epi-LASIK is a surgical procedure in which a thin epithelial corneal flap is created. Epi-LASIK is suitable for patients who cannot undergo other refractive surgeries and is similar to PRK.

In a typical bladeless LASIK surgery, the corneal flap is created by laser and then another laser reshapes the cornea and thereby corrects the refractive error. LASEK is a procedure in which a solution of alcohol is used to weaken the top layer of the cornea and it create a thinner flap of the cornea than with LASIK. Implantable contact lenses (ICL) are inserted into the eye as part of a surgery that can improve myopia as well as other conditions.

Horizon Eye Specialists and Lasik Center has four branches in Goodyear, Scottsdale, Peoria and Downtown Phoenix, Arizona. We consider the various corrective approaches and match them to the needs of each of our patients. Click here to schedule a consultation with one of our ophthalmologists.

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Monovision or Blended Vision: See Near, See Far

September 26th, 2011

Monovision is a type of surgery in which the doctor replaces a patient’s natural lens with an artificial lens to resolve presbyobia. Presbyopia usually develops at the age of 40 and above, making it difficult to read small prints and focus on nearby objects. Majority of the people choose to use bifocals or progressive lenses to correct it. Monovision is a relatively new method to correct presbyopia in which one of the eyes is fitted with a distant lens, and other one is fitted with a near vision lens, providing a combination of better eyesight.

All of us have a non-dominant eye and a dominant eye, which can be distiguished by a Quick Eye Dominance test. While looking at a distant object / landscape, we tend to mostly use the dominant eye. Even though the non-dominant eye functions along with the dominant eye, the brain is considering vision received from the dominant eye as more important when recreating the image inside your mind. In Monovision a near vision lens is transplanted to the non-dominant eye to correct the patient’s near vision ability and a distant vision contact lens is used with the dominant eye for distant vision. Patients who undergo Monovision at the Phoenix, Scottsdale, Peoria and Goodyear locations of Horizon Eye Specialists & Laser Center report there is an adjustment period, and in majority of the cases after a week or two your brain gets adjusted to monovision and can utilize input from each of the eyes to a good visual representation of anything you look at, near or far. Please note that your vision will not be perfect and therefore people expect to get the sharpest vision possible may not be the best candidates for the Monovision surgical procedure.

People who have a positive experience with Monovision contact lenses are also likely to benefit from with Monovision LASIK procedure. Monovision LASIK will mimic, in terms of results, the way the external contact lenses work for these people. It is better to try out the Monovision contact lenses prior to scheduling a surgical correction. By wearing the contact lenses you will get a pretty good idea of how you will see after surgery. At Horizon Eye Specialists & LASIK Center, your vision will be evaluated by our doctors to find whether you are eligible for Monovision or a blended vision procedure. The ophthalmologists at our centers will find out which of the eyes is dominant & non-dominant and will see compare the effectiveness of this procedure with other lens-based or corneal refractive surgeries that can improve the symptoms of presbyopia.

The optimal treatment will be recommended by your ophthalmologist based on his/her consideration of several personal factors such as your general health, eye health, life style and occupation (different needs for near/medium/far vision). Monovision LASIK surgery in Arizona will be performed only on patients in good health and depending on the current prescription of the patient, our ophthalmologist will decide on the amount of correction required for each of the eyes. With high rates of satisfaction, we encourage people who suffer from presbyopia to come in to one of our Phoenix area centers to learn more about the options available to correct their vision.

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Ever Heard of Strabismus?

September 13th, 2011

Strabismus is a condition of vision in which both eyes of an individual are not aligned properly. Strabismus is otherwise known as a squint, crossed eye, herertropia, deviating eye, or wandering eyes. Don’t be confused – this condition is different than the condition known as a lazy eye or amblyopia.
In strabismus, when the person focuses his/her eyes on a certain object, one of the eyes is not in alignment with the other. This happens since this person’s eyes cannot both focus at the same point, at same time and at same direction. The condition develops as a result of having one of your eyes turns out, up, down or inside, in comparison with the natural position of the other eye. This condition occurs due to poor control of the eye muscles or increased level of farsightedness.

The movement of each eye is controlled by six muscles. Brain signals are received by these muscles and under normal conditions, the eyes work together so that both of them point at a certain direction at the same time. Proper alignment of the eyes is necessary to avoid double vision and for the prevention of poor vision. The brain of a person who suffers from strabismus receives two signals of one object and perceives them as two dissimilar images. During the course of time, the brain adjusts itself and starts ignoring images from the turned eye. If the turning of the eye is regular and the condition is not reversed, it may lead to permanent vision reduction in the problematic eye.

Different types of strabismus are classified based on the eyes’ misalignment of direction. The major kinds are hypotropia, hypertropia, exotropia and esotropia. Hypotropia is a condition in which one of the eyes has downward deviation. Hypertropia is a disorder in which the visual axis of one eye or both of the eyes is in upward direction. Esotropia is a disorder in which both of the eyes turn inside causing crossed eyes. Exotropia is a condition in which one eye will be turning in an outward direction.

Strabismus can be diagnosed in babies. Treatment of strabismus should be performed early on, during the first six to nine months of a newborn’s life as it is tougher to treat successfully at a later age. Some of the risk factors that cause the development of strabismus are family history, refractive errors and medical conditions such as cerebral palsy and Down syndrome. Strabismus can be diagnosed only by eye examination and evaluation of the individual’s medial history, visual capability, refraction, alignment, focusing ability and overall eye health.
Strabismus can be treated using vision therapy, eyepatches, glasses, contact lenses, prism lenses, and eye muscle surgery. The doctors at Horizon Eye Specialists and Lasik Center will diagnose the type of strabismus you are affected with. As part of the optometric services we provide at out Phoenix, Scottsdale, Peoria and Goodyear offices, we will diagnose your exact condition and suggest the most suitable and effective method to treat it.

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Are You Suffering from Presbyopia?

August 30th, 2011

Presbyopia is usually found in people who are 40 years of age. People with presbyopia experience blurred vision of near objects. The exact cause of presbyopia is not known yet and this condition is considered as a natural part of our aging process. The flexibility of the natural crystalline lens deteriorates in individuals suffering from presbyopia. This condition may feel to you as if it suddenly happened, but actually the loss of lens flexibility is a gradual process that takes years to become noticeable. Presbyopia is not considered a disease and at the moment does not have a preventive treatment. The major symptoms of presbyopia include blurred vision, strains after reading for a long time and feeling tired or having a headache after reading in low-light environments.

Presbyopia cannot be cured and it is normally treated using bifocals or reading glasses. Surgery is another permanent solution for treating presbyopia. Conductive Keratoplasty, Refractive Lens Exchange and Monovision or Blended vision surgery are the three top of the line types of surgery offered for presbyopia at the Horizon Eye Specialists and LASIK Center.

Conductive Keratoplasty (CK) is a surgical procedure that uses cornea reshaping to correct presbyopia. At Horizon, CK is used to increase the corneal curvature which in turn improves the patient’s eyesight. Conductive Keratoplasty is conducted using a tiny probe. The probe delivers radiofrequency energy onto the cornea which shrinks as a result. The energy is applied to the center of the cornea in the pattern of a ring. Shrinking of the corneal center leads to a steeper curve that that helps to better refract light.

Monovision surgery, which is not performed with laser, is another good option for the correction of presbyopia. In a Monovision procedure, our Phoenix-based team of experience eye surgeons will optimize one eye’s for distance vision and the other eye will be corrected for near vision. Monovision can be performed on patients who are wearing contact lenses or those who had undergone refractive surgery in the past. This surgical procedure eliminates the need of reading glasses with different focal lengths for the eyes as the surgery enables each eye of the patient to focus on objects at different focal lengths. Monovision procedure, which is also known as Nearvision conductive keratoplasty, can be done on only one eye which is usually the non-dominant eye. The “dominant eye” is the eye which will see objects from a distance.

At Horizon Eye Specialist and LASIK Center, our surgeons may recommend you a third way to correct presbyopia, which is called Refractive Lens Exchange. In this procedure, a tiny incision is created towards the edge of the cornea. Our doctors will insert a probe through this incision and the damaged lens will be gently broken to small pieces and sucked out. In place of natural lens, our ophthalmologists will insert an advanced multifocal intraocular lens. The entire procedure will take only twenty to twenty five minutes to complete. Refractive lens exchange provides patients with quick recovery of vision.

Please contact our office to schedule a private consultation with one of our eye experts. We will be able to examine your eyes and offer you a treatment that best suits your condition.

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Cataract treatment at Horizon Lasik Center

August 17th, 2011

Cataract is manifested in changes to the opacity of the eyes’ natural lens. Greater opaqueness of the lens prevents light from passing through. Due to this reason, the image of objects will not be registered correctly on the retina. Development of cataract is a gradual process and is considered as part of the aging process. Some of the common complaints associated with cataract are difficulty in reading, performing sport activities and reading.

The natural lens of our eyes is made up of protein and water. Proteins are helpful in maintaining clarity of vision. As we age, these proteins can become denser and in some cases cloud the lens, causing cataract. In rare cases, cataract is diagnosed at birth or during early childhood due to hereditary defects in enzymes, trauma to the eyes, or intraocular inflammation. People who develop cataract in relatively early ages can usually trace back the origins of the disease to diabetes, exposure to ultraviolet rays, smoking, inhaled steroids or certain medications.

Symptoms include blurred vision, which is most common, as well as frequent changes of your eyeglass prescription, glaring, poor night vision, the need for bright light for reading, double vision and fading colors. Cataract can be detected by having a thorough examination of your eyes with the help of an ophthalmologist at the Horizon Eye Specialists and Lasik Center in Phoenix, AZ.

Removal of cataract is possible only through eye surgery. Phacoemulsification is the main procedure that is performed on cataract patients at Horizon Eye Specialists and Lasik Center. First of all, a micro-incision is made under topical local anesthesia. Then, an ultrasound vibrates and breaks the cluster of proteins into small pieces which are gently removed from the eyes with a special vacuum. The surgeon than inserts an artificial permanent lens in place of the natural lens. Some patients will improve their vision within a few hours following the surgical procedure.

The major advantage of phacoemulsification surgery is that the incision is small which results in faster healing and vision is improved quickly. Phacoemulsification has no post-operative pain. The procedure reduces surgical time and no sutures are required afterwards. At Horizon Eye Specialists & Lasik Center, patients receive a personalized custom cataract surgery. Our doctors use premium IOLs to reach optimal vision for each of our patients. These intraocular lenses are designed for minimizing the use of reading glasses, trifocals or bifocal. Learn more about our cataract surgical options here.

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iLasik vs. Traditional Lasik – Know The Differences

August 16th, 2011

Intralase Lasik procedure (also called “iLasik”) is considered among the most advanced LASIK surgical procedures in the field of ophthalmology today. Other names for this procedure are All-Laser LASIK or Bladeless LASIK. As the names suggest, the procedure is performed without using a surgical blade (microkeratome) to create the corneal flap. In a traditional LASIK procedure, microkeratome, a hand-held blade, is used to create the flap and an excimer laser is used to reshape the tissues underneath. But with an iLasik procedure, Intralase laser is used in creating the flap and then a VISX laser reshapes the tissues underneath. At Horizon Eye Specialists & Laser Center we always ensure to test and adopt the most advanced vision correction technologies for the benefit of patients in the Phoenix, AZ area.

The Intralase femtosecond laser can cut the corneal flap more precisely in comparison with a blade in traditional LASIK surgery. With the use of femtosecond laser, the chance that any distortions will occur during the creation of the corneal flap is considerably less than that of the traditional LASIK procedure. The iLasik procedure is a fully customized vision correction as it consists of two advanced technologies of LASIK that are adjusted to match the unique characteristics of each patient’s eyes. The iLasik procedure can correct a great variety of vision disorders so that more people can enjoy excellent vision without using contact lenses or eyeglasses. The use of two advanced lasers, precise measurement and 3-D mapping makes iLasik superior to the conventional LASIK procedure, both in terms of vision outcomes and overall safety.

In an IntraLase LASIK procedure, accurate measurements of the eye will be taken with help of the most advanced computer-guided technology. The VISX Wavescan Wavefront technology enables our doctors to create a three-dimensional map of each eye and use it to diagnose and understand even minute imperfections of each patient’s eye. After taking the measurement of the eyes and making preparations for surgery, the IntraLase laser is used for the creation of a corneal flap which is then folded back gently. This creation of corneal flap using the laser provides excellent results as it more frequently provides 20/20 vision or more to patients along with better night vision.

The CustomVue laser is then used to correct the vision of the patient according to the specifications obtained through the 3-D mapping. This advanced laser provides excellent precision to the procedure which results in highly accurate outcome. The iLasik procedure reduces complications like partial flaps, irregular flaps, incomplete flaps, infections and perforations. Patients who underwent this procedure report not to experience pain and felt comfortable during the short operation (for the creation of corneal flap, the Intralase laser works for less than one minute) that is often completed within ten minutes.

Recovery after an iLasik surgery is much faster, when compared with the traditional LASIK procedure. The chances of inflammation and infections in the eyes are very rare and are lower than in a traditional LASIK because the Interlase laser is more sterile than a microkeratome. If you would like to learn more about iLasik, contact our offices in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Peoria and Goodyear, or call us at 602-horizon.

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Sharona Optical Center

July 19th, 2011

Since 1983, Sharona Optical Center has been the optical department of Horizon Eye Specialist & Lasik Center. Currently in three Phoenix, Scottsdale and Glendale locations (Peoria branch will be opened soon), Sharona Optical offers a wide range of high quality, new lens frame designs. Working with the largest brands in the industry, Sharona Optical carries the newest lens technology and our opticians will be able to find products that match the budget of any customer. Sharona Optical Center accepts the three largest Vision Care Insurances for the purchase of eyeglasses and/or contact lenses.

The center also offers 20% off members of other, non-participating vision care insurance carriers. The optical center has experienced, specialized staff as opticians. All Sharona Optical opticians obtained an ABO/NCLE certification as well as Arizona State Optician’s License. The staff of Sharona Optical is required to attend various classes in order to learn new technologies and thereby improve their knowledge in the field. The opticians at Sharona Optical are highly trained in assisting you to choose a frame that will ideally fit your facial structure and prescription needs. These professionals will also help you to decide on the best material and coating for your lenses.

Sharona Optical offers a wide range of lens frames for children, men and women. The most common materials used for the frames are titanium, stainless steel, and zyl. The stores provide a variety of lens materials that suit each prescription from standard plastic to Trives, a brand which is impact resistant and light weight. High-index lenses are also available in our stores. They are especially designed to serve patients with higher prescriptions. You can also find sporty sunglasses at Sharona Optical with or without prescription. All eyewear adjustments are done by our highly skilled opticians, including complimentary fitting. Majority of the products at the center have one year warranty by the manufacturer. Minor repairs can be done at the center.

The staff can help you in selecting the right contact lens, if you are about to start wearing contact lenses or do not feel comfortable with your current ones. Online ordering option is also available at Sharon Optical for certain products. New wearers of contact lenses can ask our staff members to train them on how to wear and maintain their contact lenses.

Sharon Optical is the sales representative of Rec Specs Sport safety glasses. A Rec Specs glasses are ideal in protecting your eyes during sports or other outdoor activities. With our experienced opticians, the center maintains its high standards by ensuring that products of companies we carry have finished all quality checks according to international health standards. Even if you never visited our Phoenix offices before, you are welcome to stop by Sharona Optical for all of your optical needs.

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Our New Surgical Center

July 12th, 2011

Horizon Eye Specialist & Lasik Center surgeons have lead the effort in opening a new premier eye surgical center. Dr. Robert McCulloch and Dr. Harmohina Bagga have partners with other surgeons and with the help of our dedicated staff members built a beautiful new facility. At Eye Surgery Center at the Biltmore, we offer advanced surgical procedures such as corneal outpatient surgery and cataract technologies such as Tecnis, Crystalens, ReSTOR, and the Acrysof Toric IOL. The new surgical center of Horizontal Eye Specialists & Lasik Center is situated at the Biltmore Medical Mall on the first floor. The center uses the services of well experienced technical and nursing staff, many of which work as well is our other locations.

The medical care provided in this center is as personal and respectful as in our other locations. High-tech infrastructure helps us to provide a friendly environment to the patients. The surgical center is constructed focusing mainly on the patients – you will experience that from the moment you enter our welcoming lobby for eye patients and their family members. The lobby has a soothing atmosphere that helps you relax before and after surgery. Three operating rooms were built with the highest standards of safety and comfort in mind. The center was constructed following LEED guidelines with great indoor air quality, energy, materials, products and water efficiencies. This high performance, green method of building includes setting up adequate parking facilities for carpoolers.

Eye Surgery Center at the Biltmore has the services of an ambulance for patients who need an eye surgery and cannot arrive/leave independently. The center provides a positive environment to its patients, resulting in better operational results. As in our other locations, the center respects the privacy of all patients and will not provide the personal information of patients to other parties without their prior consent. Patients expressed their appreciation to the efficient and cost effective services provided at the new eye center. Horizontal Eye Specialists & Eye Surgery Center at the Biltmore aims to serve patients and exceed their expectations. At the same time, the center set a goal to encourage its employees’ professional growth and performance. Employees are cooperative with each other and a high level of teamwork can be seen as a specialty of this eye surgical center.

The doctors and staff of the new center are here to explain any type of surgery, its outcome and post-operative care to the patient and his/her family in detail. The doctors will also instruct you how to prepare for the surgery and in some cases suggest adopting new habits to enhance the patient’s health. Treatments are customized to each patient’s needs, based on their medical history and current condition.

We aim to offer excellence in all areas of ophthalmology. You are welcome to call (602) 279-2434 to find out more about the facility or visit the new surgical center’s website www.EyeSurgeryAZ.com where you can read FAQs and fill out online forms, allowing you to shorten the time you will spend at the center prior to surgery.

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Olympic Gold Medalist Amy Van Dyken Restores Vision with Revision Lasik Surgery At Horizon Laser Vision Center

July 7th, 2011

Amy Van Dyken is a famous American swimmer who had participated in the Olympic games. She has six gold medals from the Olympics, of which four gold medals were given to her in the Summer Olympics of 1996, making her the first American woman that reached that benchmark, after winning the 100 meter butterfly stroke, fifty meter free style, 4×100 meter freestyle relay and 4×100 meter medley relay. Actually, Van Dyken started swimming due to her doctor’s advice. She suffered asthmatic attacks throughout her childhood and adulthood. A doctor recommended her to strengthen the lungs and prevent asthma attacks by swimming. She has retired from her professional swimming career and has been hosting the 98.7 FM Phoenix, AZ show ‘Chris and Amy in the Morning’ every weekday between 5:30 to 10 AM.

Recently, she had undergone a LASIK eye procedure at the Horizon Eye Specialists & Lasik Center and is very much satisfied about the results. Some years ago, she had a LASIK eye procedure in Colorado. She later experienced some vision loss and became very irritated when the surgeons she met told her that she cannot undergo another LASIK eye procedure to correct the problem. When she met with Dr. McCulloch, he evaluated her medical history and then told her that he would be able to operate on her & restore her vision. She is content with the results of her revision LASIK eye procedure – you can read more about her experience here.

Tags: Amy Van Dyken, Dr. McCulloch, Lasik Arizona, Lasik Surgery
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