LASIK

Over 12 million Americans have had LASIK since its inception in the mid 90s.  Since that time, the technology has progressed to a point where it is now possible to correct an extremely wide range of visual errors, removing the hassles and inconvenience of lenses and restoring clear, natural vision.

In fact, good candidates for LASIK should expect vision that is better than they could ever achieve with glasses and contacts!

LASIK solves nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism at the source.  To see clearly, light that passes through your eye needs to focus directly on the back of your retina.  You need to wear glasses to help focus this light.  LASIK corrects this problem by permanently reshaping your cornea, so the light that passes through focuses correctly, eliminating or reducing the need for glasses or contacts. Click here to read more.

Cataracts - Symptoms and Risks

Do you or someone you know suspect cataracts? Don’t worry, it’s common.  In fact, over half of all Americans will have had a cataract before they turn 80. It’s a natural part of the aging process.

Cataracts are also easily treatable. Upon diagnosis, there are several options that can improve your vision immediately, including lights and magnifying glasses. However, as cataracts progress, you will eventually reach a point where cataract surgery is necessary to restore clear vision. The good news is that modern cataract surgery is extremely safe and effective. Click here to read more.

Permanent Vision Correction Solutions for Life!

For many people, the frustration with glasses and contacts, especially reading glasses, is simply too much to bear. However, you haven’t reached a point in your life where cataracts have started to develop. If you fall into this category, then you’re probably a great candidate for one of our lens replacement procedures.

Called Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE), lens replacement surgery is identical to cataract surgery, the only difference being that the natural lens removed has yet to begin developing the cloudiness that comes with cataracts. Besides that, the procedure is identical.

With RLE surgery, your clear lens is removed, and replaced with one of our premium lifestyle lenses.  These lenses are customized for your vision needs, and provide permanent vision correction eliminate or reduce the need for glasses and contacts!

Would you like to finally ditch the reading glasses?

If you’re over 40, chances are you’ve found yourself squinting to see things close.  Maybe you’ve even purchased some dime store readers. If that’s the case, you’re experiencing the onset of presbyopia, and you’re not alone. Everyone experiences it over the age of 40, regardless of how good their prior vision was. 

Wanting to ditch the reading glasses is one of the most common reasons a person would pursue a lens replacement procedure at Victoria Eye Center, and we provide the latest in lens technology so our patients can undergo the procedure with the confidence that two things will happen:

• The reduction or elimination of the need for glasses.
  
  
• There will be no more need for cataract or refractive surgery.

Because cataracts affect the lens of the eye, lens replacement surgery preemptively takes care of the condition, so you won't develop cataracts as you age. 

Think you’re a good candidate for Refractive Lens Exchange?

The most common candidates are:

• Patients over the age of 40 who wish to eliminate or reduce the need for reading glasses.
  
  
• Patients who are experiencing the early onset of cataracts and wish to have surgery before the cataract worsens.
  
  
• People under the age of 40 who are not candidates for any other vision correction procedure, due to an extreme prescription or medical condition.

While these are the most common patients, anyone over the age of 40 who wishes to reduce or eliminate their dependence on glasses and contacts is a candidate. 
Check out all the lens options to see which one would work best for you.

If you’re tired of glasses, contacts and reading glasses, and want to learn more about Lens Replacement Surgery, Schedule your consultation today.  We’ll provide you with all the exams and answer all your questions to determine if lens replacement is the solution to your vision correction needs. 

Glaucoma and You

What is Glaucoma?
Your eyes are made up mostly of a water substance called aqueous fluid that is continuously produced from within the eye. There also exists a drainage point that allows fluid to exit at the same rate new fluid is produced. This maintains a perfect balance of pressure that actually creates the shape of your eyes.

Glaucoma exists when something impairs the drainage system of your eye, causing an increase in pressure. Your eye pressure increases because fluid is now being produced more rapidly then it is draining. This is a hazardous condition because the pressure increase can damage the sensitive optic nerves, and in turn damage your vision.

What are the Symptoms?
When a person suffers from Glaucoma, he or she will begin to lose their peripheral vision. Untreated, the disease will eventually progress to complete blindness. Glaucoma is actually called the ‘silent thief of sight,’ because there are often no symptoms until permanent damage has been done. That is why routine eye exams are essential to ensure the health of your eyes.

Am I at Risk for Glaucoma?
Glaucoma can affect anyone, and the risk increases as we age. However, there are several circumstances that can increase your odds of developing the condition.

Higher risk factor groups include:

• A Family History of Glaucoma.
• African-Americans
• People over the age of 50.
• Hispanics.
• Smokers.
• People with diabetes
• People suffering from hypertension
• People with anemia

Again, anyone who falls into one of the categories above needs to pay more attention to their eye health because they are at a higher risk of developing glaucoma, and the best way to do so is to maintain a regular eye exam schedule with your ophthalmologist.

How is Glaucoma Detected?
Thanks to new technology, doctors at Victoria Eye Center can detect glaucoma quickly, painlessly, and without dilation using the Heidelberg Retina Tomograph III (HRT). This diagnostic laser generates a precise and comprehensive analysis of the optic nerve for early detection and follow-up in a matter of seconds.

During your glaucoma evaluation, your doctor will measure your intraocular pressure (tonometry), inspect the drainage angle of your eye (gonioscopy), evaluate whether or not there is any optic nerve damage (ophthalmoscopy), and test the peripheral vision of each eye (visual field testing).

Treatment for Glaucoma
Unfortunately, glaucoma is an incurable disease. The good news is there are several treatment options that can effectively lower the pressure in your eye, and alleviate any risks of nerve damage.

Common treatments for glaucoma include:

• Prescription Medicine – these can be taken orally or topically, and can increase the drainage of fluid, slow down the production of fluid, or both.
  
  
• Laser Surgery – a simple outpatient procedure where a laser is applied to the opening to increase drainage
  
  
• Conventional Surgery – Your surgeon creates another drainage hole at the top of your eye. Often the next step after laser treatment and medication are deemed unsuccessful.
  
  
• Glaucoma Shunt – A small tube is placed within the drainage hole, keeping it open. It is extremely effective, but also the most invasive, making it the last option of treatment.

If you haven’t had an eye exam in the last year, please schedule an exam today (contact us) with Victoria Eye Center. We offer the latest in glaucoma treatment, and early detection is the best way to assure you a lifetime of clear vision.
For more information, check out these useful resources:

• The American Academy of Ophthalmology www.aao.org
• The Glaucoma Foundation www.glaucoma-foundation.org
• Research to Prevent Blindness www.rpbusa.org or call 800-621-0026

Diabetes and Your Vision

Many diabetics are not aware that high blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels in the retina. That damage is referred to as diabetic retinopathy. Although half of all American diabetics are affected by diabetic retinopathy, 90% of those people can be saved from blindness.

Early detection allows doctors to monitor the condition of the retina while patients begin more intense management of their blood sugar levels. Our doctors monitor diabetic patients and provide treatment when necessary.

How does diabetic retinopathy damage the retina?

Diabetic retinopathy occurs when diabetes damages the tiny blood vessels in the retina. Most people do not notice any changes in their vision. Another condition, macular edema, occurs when the damaged blood vessels leak fluid and lipids onto the macula, the part of the retina that lets us see detail. The fluid makes the macula swell, blurring vision.

As the disease progresses, it enters its advanced, or proliferative, stage. At that point, fragile new blood vessels grow along the retina and in the clear gel that fills the eye. Without timely treatment, these new blood vessels can bleed, cloud vision and destroy the retina.

What are the symptoms?

Diabetic retinopathy often has no early warning signs. At some point, your vision will blur from macular edema, making it hard to do things like read and drive. Your vision may fluctuate from better to worse at times.

How is it detected?

Diabetic retinopathy is detected by your doctor during an extensive eye exam that includes a visual acuity test, pupil dilation, and tonometry. If your doctor suspects that you have macular edema, he/she will perform a fluorescein angiography to locate the leaking blood vessels that need treatment.

How is it treated?

There are two treatments for diabetic retinopathy. They are both effective in reducing vision loss from this disease. Laser surgery may be performed to treat the leaking blood vessels. Your pupil is dilated and numbing drops are applied to the eye. If there is so much vitreous hemorrhage (bleeding/leaking of vessels) that laser surgery is not possible, or if the blood does not disappear on its own after a period of observation, it can be removed with an operation called a vitrectomy. The procedure is performed under anesthesia at Victoria Surgery Center. The blood-filled vitreous gel is removed and replaced with a salt solution that is compatible with the eye.

About Macular Degeneration

Victoria Eye Center performs Lucentis injections. Call us to find out more.

What Is Macular Degeneration?

Macular degeneration is a general term that describes a series of conditions that affect a specific part of your retina called the macula.

The macula is responsible for your central, or head-on vision.  Should this area become diseased or damaged, a person can experience loss of their direct vision.  This will directly affect their ability to perform normal activities such as reading or driving.  Imagine looking at a piece of art and only seeing the frame.

While macular degeneration is a condition that cannot be cured, there are several ways to slow the process and save your vision. But before we discuss treatment, let’s take some time to learn more about the condition: 

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

Age related macular degeneration is the most common form of macular degeneration, and is an unfortunate side effect of the aging process.  The tissue of the macula is extremely sensitive, and subject to deterioration as we age.  The gradual deterioration leads to a breakdown of the macula, and subsequent loss of central vision.  AMD is a common disease amongst seniors, and can be serious if not treated.  In fact, AMD is the leading cause of blindness amongst people over the age of 65. 

There are two specific types of AMD:  Dry AMD and Wet AMD. 

Dry AMD

Dry AMD is the more common form of AMD, account for 9 out of 10 cases of the disease.  Dry AMD exists when the tissue of the macula breaks down and forms debris that gradually blocks your vision.  It is a process that progresses over time, causing eventual blurriness looking forward. There is no cure for Dry AMD, but there are several treatments that can dramatically slow down the progression and protect your vision.

Wet AMD

In rare cases, the body will try to grow new blood vessels to supply blood to the damaged tissue of the macula. These vessels are usually weak and thin, and they can leak out blood into the retina. This is called Wet AMD and is a very serious condition that can result in rapid vision loss.  It should go without saying that if you experience any rapid vision loss, please contact your doctor immediately.  If Wet AMD is detected early enough it is usually treatable with surgery and medication.

Symptoms Of Macular Degeneration

Since macular degeneration affects your central vision, all symptoms will have to do with irregularities in the way you see when you look directly at an object.
Common symptoms include:

• Trouble reading
  
  
• Objects in your direct line of sight appear blurry, while peripheral objects remain clear
  
  
• A black spot or dark circle in the center of your vision
  
  
• Straight lines appear wavy 

AMD is a slow progressing disease that usually only affects one eye at a time, and it is common for someone to go years without experiencing any symptoms.  Fortunately, general eye exams can usually detect early signs of the disease, in which case preventative measures can be takes that will slow down any future vision loss.

The risk for developing AMD increases with age, and it is essential for anyone over the age of 60 to maintain a rigorous eye exam schedule to ensure early detection and prevention of vision loss. 

Macular Degeneration Treatment

There have been great advancements in the treatment of AMD, some that can even reverse the damage it causes.  Although the condition is incurable, if detected early treatment is easy and effective.

Treatment for Dry AMD

Interestingly enough, the most effective treatment for Dry AMD is an all-natural supplement of vitamins and nutrients.  Studies have shown that consuming high levels of beta-carotene, Vitamins C and E, and zinc oxide, can reduce progression by more than 25%. 

Besides vitamins, the next best treatment is to simply use special visual aids such as lights and glasses designed for AMD, and sunglasses that deflect harmful UV rays that can speed up vision loss.  

Treatment for Wet AMD can Include:

Lucentis
Lucentis is a recently FDA-approved drug that, when injected directly into the eye, stops abnormal blood vessel growth. Lucentis is an exciting development in the treatment of AMD, as studies show immediate stoppage of growth, and in some cases, even reversal of vision loss. 

Laser Therapy
In more severe Wet AMD cases, a patient will have to undergo laser therapy to cauterize the vessels and stop the bleeding to halt vision loss.  It is an effective treatment, but not permanent.  Once applied, additional remedies such as medication must be pursued. 

Corneal Care

As the eye's outermost tissue, covering the colored iris and round pupil, the cornea functions like a window focusing the entry of light into the eye. The cornea also provides a physical barrier to protect the eye from environmental material. The cornea filters some of the most damaging ultraviolet (UV) wavelengths in sunlight.

When the cornea is damaged, its smoothness and clarity may be lost. The scars, swelling or irregular shape may cause the cornea to scatter or distort light, resulting in glare or blurred vision.

Corneal Transplant

Corneal transplants may be required if functional vision cannot be returned by medications or special contact lenses. Conditions for corneal transplants include: Keratoconus, a steep curving of the cornea, corneal failure following other eye surgery, hereditary conditions, scarring after infections, injury or rejection after corneal transplant.

Pterygium

Pterygium is a raised, wedge-shaped growth of the conjunctiva. Symptoms may include irritation, redness, tearing. In many cases, the pterygium is not nourished enough to grow over the center of the cornea. If the pterygium does grow over the cornea, the vision may be affected and surgical removal is necessary.

Since the disorder is most commonly caused by sun exposure, protecting your eyes from the sun's rays is recommended. Using artificial tears liberally is also helpful. In some cases, steroid drops are prescribed to reduce inflammation.

Corneal Surgery

Corneal surgeries are performed in the Victoria Surgery Center. Dr. George Boozalis is a corneal specialist with advanced training in corneal disorders & surgery. These surgical procedures include: Cataract extraction with lens implantation, Laser Vision Correction, Corneal transplants & Excision of pterygium.

Low Vision

Low Vision is the term used to describe vision impairment or partial sight. Typically, low vision is not fully correctable with surgery or medications, so visual devices are used to maximize sight.

Low vision can range from moderate visual impairment, such as tunnel vision or blind spots, to "legal blindness," to almost total blindness. The causes are numerous, including eye injury, diseases such as macular degeneration and heredity.

The range of problems may include the inability to focus, distinguish colors, see contrasts, or spatial relationships. Low vision patients typically do not drive, can't enjoy television and computers, and can't complete basic tasks like bill-paying. Understandably, they don't feel safe with day-to-day living. This leads low vision patients to feel shut off from their community, while becoming very dependent on family and friends.

Dr. Caia Homerstad, our low vision specialist, strives to keep her patients independent and as active as possible. She uses tools like magnifiers and telescopes along with emotional support for patients and their families. Dr. Homerstad works to connect patients with the resources and devices necessary to support the low vision lifestyle. She encourages independence and self-confidence for the best possible quality of life.

Routine eye exams are an important part to your overall health. Schedule your exam today!

Family Care - Children's Care

Victoria Eye Center patients expect the best. They want a thorough eye exam performed by a team of experienced professionals and doctors. Victoria Eye Center utilizes the most advanced technology in the field, ensuring accurate measurements and comprehensive assessments. Our patients benefit from the experience of four optometrists, three ophthalmologists and a full range of ophthalmic services. VEC patients also enjoy the convenience of our complete optical center for all of their eyewear needs.

For our patients requiring surgery for cataracts, retinal disorders, corneal problems, eyelid reconstruction or laser vision correction, Victoria Surgery Center is conveniently located adjacent to Victoria Eye Center . VSC is an outpatient surgery facility with two operating suites dedicated to eye surgery and a specialty suite for laser vision correction (LASIK). As a Medicare-approved ambulatory surgery center, VSC is able to offer patients the safest, most comfortable and cost-effective surgery available. Dr. Zwaan also performs surgeries at many regional hospitals for the convenience of our patients.

Children's Care

Whether your child requires a back-to-school vision test or is suffering with a disorder, our doctors and technicians provide the relaxed, supportive environment that makes their visit comfortable.

Children suffering with crossed eyes or a wandering eye (strabismus) can find relief through a customized glasses prescription. Surgery is another option to alleviate eyestrain and double vision, while improving social interaction.

Dry Eye Syndrome

Are your eyes constantly tearing up?Do you have sensitivity to light?Do your eyes feel gritty? Tired and red?Are your eyes sensitive to air conditioning and wind?
If you're one of the 10 million Americans with dry eye symptoms, you'll be glad to know there are new treatments to relieve your discomfort. Left untreated, dry eyes can damage the delicate tissues of the eye's surface and disrupt the cornea, leading to impaired vision.

What is dry eye?

Many factors cause the inflammation of the eye and the tear-producing glands. Inflammation can decrease the eye's ability to produce normal tears that protect the surface of the eye and keep it moist and lubricated causing blurry vision and excess watering.

Common causes include hormonal changes, autoimmune disease such as arthritis and lupus, medications, and pregnancy. There are also environmental factors that stem from your lifestyle and occupation such as smoke, dust, air conditioning, contacts, and prolonged computer use.

Optical

Conveniently located inside Victoria Eye Center, our optical boutique offers personal attention from trained staff who can assist you with your eyewear. We have a wide selection of contacts and frames for men, women and children. Our optical shop also has the ability to provide tinting and UV coating to our lenses.

Our sunglass collection features designer brands such as Oakley, Maui Jim, Vera Wang, Saks Fifth Avenue , Ellen Tracy, Tura, Celine Dion, Nine West, Geoffrey Beene, Calvin Klein, Catherine Deneuve, Thalia and Tommy Hilfiger.

Bring your frames in for adjustments at no charge and take advantage of our 20/20 Club for year-round savings on optical products.

Eyewear can be purchased through our Beeville and Hallettsville optical centers as well as our Victoria location.

Schedule Your Eye Exam Today!

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