At Key-Whitman Eye Center we’re always on the lookout for new eye health technology. In fact, our eye doctors and surgeons regularly participate in research and clinical trials to bring these ophthalmologic advances to market.
In honor of National Save Your Vision Month, we’d like to share a few breakthroughs that might interest you. Vision-saving and vision-enhancing technology have been emerging at breakneck speeds. In case you’ve missed any of these advances, here are some of the leading-edge technologies you can take advantage of now.
No. 1: Ellex Medical Laser To Treat Floaters
If you suffer from annoying floaters, such as specks or dots obscuring your field of vision and associated flashes of light, the Ellex Medical Laser may be a good option for you.
As Key-Whitman President and Chief Surgeon Jeffrey Whitman, M.D. explains,
“About 60 percent of people age 50 and older will develop floaters in their lifetimes. In fact, it’s the most common eye condition we see in patients of those ages.”
While floaters are not a serious issue for most people, and the condition often resolves itself, floaters and accompanying flashes can be bothersome for certain individuals.
“The Ellex Laser is a quick, painless procedure that may vaporize or eliminate many types of floaters. The best candidates for the Ellex Laser are those who have had solitary floaters that have been interfering with their vision for three months or longer,” says Dr. Whitman.
IMPORTANT: If you experience new and/or a sudden onset of floaters and flashes, what appears as a curtain obscuring your field of vision or missing areas of vision, call your eye doctor immediately. These symptoms typically occur due to a torn or detached retina. If not treated promptly, permanent vision loss may occur.
No. 2: Raindrop® Near Vision Inlay To Correct Reading Vision
Are you 40+ and tired of wearing readers? Then this innovative near vision correction procedure is definitely worth checking out. The Raindrop Near Vision Inlay is a tiny, clear, medical device an eye surgeon implants under a LASIK flap.
The inlay changes the shape of the cornea to correct near vision in qualified patients. FDA approval was granted June 29, 2016.
According to Dr. Whitman,
“Patients interested in this procedure regularly say they are sick and tired of wearing readers. If that sounds like you, come in and talk with us.
You may be a candidate for the Raindrop Near Vision Inlay procedure if you meet the following criteria: Age 40 or older, good distance vision without glasses, and healthy eyes that would take well to a LASIK flap.”
Dr. Whitman explains how the Raindrop Near Vision Inlay works and how patients have responded to the procedure.
No. 3: Lipiflow® To Alleviate Dry Eye Symptoms
Millions of Americans struggle with dry eye syndrome and the dry, itchy eyes and blurry vision that accompany the condition. While many people do find relief with artificial tears like Restasis,® topical steroid drops, serum tears or tear duct plugs, these treatments don’t work for every patient.
There are two main causes for dry eye syndrome – either oil layer deficiency or water layer deficiency in the tear film. Some people suffer from both. LipiFlow is a breakthrough treatment designed to treat patients with oil layer deficiency.
“The LipiFlow treatment warms up and massages the eyelids to unclog the oil glands in the eyelids (also known as meibomian glands) and get the oil flowing freely again. Key-Whitman has been offering LipiFlow since 2013, and most patients have been able to go a year or two or more without retreatment,” Dr. Whitman says.
Left untreated, dry eye symptoms can result in serious complications, including corneal abrasions, and in extreme cases, vision loss. If dry eye symptoms are affecting your quality of life, visit a dry eye specialist to discuss your options.
Have Uncomfortable Or Substandard Vision? – You Don’t Have To
While LASIK surgery or cataract surgery may first come to mind when you think of Key Whitman, our Dallas, Arlington, Plano and Mesquite eye doctors treat a wide range of eye diseases and conditions.
To find out if you are a good candidate for the Ellex Medical Laser, Raindrop Near Vision Inlay or LipiFlow, contact us to schedule an eye exam and consultation.
Simply give us a call at (214) 225-2577, or feel free to set up an appointment online by clicking here.
About Dr. Whitman
Jeffrey Whitman, M.D., is a nationally renowned eye surgeon, board certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology. President and Chief Surgeon of Key-Whitman Eye Centers in Dallas since 1996, Dr. Whitman is a frequent participant in clinical trials and is known as a respected researcher, innovator and leader in refractive cataract surgery, LASIK eye surgery and for his extensive experience implanting high-technology lenses. He is frequently called upon to serve on the boards of local and national medical associations and organizations. Dr. Whitman and his wife reside in Dallas and enjoy fitness, playing tennis and traveling.
Photo Source: Adobe Stock
