Dr. Stanciu is proud to offer her patients the following services:

• Advanced Cataract Surgery
• Multi-focal IOL Implants
• Retinal disease specialist
• Macular Degeneration evaluation & treatment
• Diabetic eye care
• Glaucoma Diagnosis and Treatment
• Blepharoplasty eyelid surgery
• Cosmetic Procedures
  • Rejuvenation Treatments: Botox, Restylane, Juvederm
  • 30 Minute Mini-Facelift
• LASIK
• Expert eyewear fitting & selection
• Comprehensive eye exams for the family
  
• Dry Eye Treatment
• Lid Lesions

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  Glaucoma

  
  Glaucoma, one of the leading causes of blindness in the Unites States, involves progressive and irreversible damage to the optic nerve. Glaucoma is a disease caused by the increased intraocular pressure (IOP) resulting either from a malformation or malfunction of the eye’s drainage structures. Left untreated, an elevated IOP causes irreversible damage to the optic nerve and retinal fibers resulting in a progressive, permanent loss of vision. Most forms of glaucoma do not produce symptoms until vision is severely damaged. But if diagnosed early, the disease can be controlled and permanent vision loss can be prevented.

  There are two basic types of glaucoma. They include:

  Open angle-glaucoma, the most common type that occurs in approximately 90 percent of those who suffer from the disease. This condition can develop gradually and undetected for years, slowly damaging vision. In early stages of open-angle glaucoma, medicated eye drops are usually prescribed to lower the eye’s pressure. If the condition worsens, a laser procedure called a trabecuoplasty is performed to lower the pressure further.

  Angle-closure glaucoma, which is much more rapid in onset, affects less than 10 percent of glaucoma patients. Symptoms occur suddenly and are much more severe, but vision can be preserved with prompt, effective treatment. The treatment for angle-closure glaucoma, or narrow-angle glaucoma, is generally initiated with laser iridotomy to open the drainage channels of the eye.

  What are the risks factors for glaucoma?

  Although glaucoma is most common in adults over the age of 40, susceptibility is not determined by age alone. There is a genetic component, and those with a family history of the disease, as well as African-Americans, are at increased risk. Those with hypertension, diabetes and other systemic diseases are also at risk. Studies have shown individuals at greater risk for glaucoma may fit one or more of the following criteria:

  

  • Are over the age of 60
  • Have a family history of the disease, elevated intraocular pressure
  • Are African-American over the age of 40
  • Have diabetes or hypertension
  • Are nearsighted
  • Some Medications such as Prednisone
    

  How is Glaucoma diagnosed and treated?

  
  Because Glaucoma does not produce symptoms in the early stages, those who are 40 or o ver should have an annual eye exam including a measurement of the intraocular pressure. Patients who are glaucoma suspects may need additional testing.
  
  

  

  The glaucoma evaluation has several components. In addition to measuring the intraocular pressure, the doctor will also evaluate the heath of the optic nerve (ophthalmoscopy), test the peripheral vision (visual field test), and examine the structures in the front of the eye with a special lens (gonioscopy) before making a diagnosis.
  
  Dr. Stanciu evaluates the optic nerve and grades its health by noting the cup to disc ratio. This is simply a comparison of the cup (the depressed area in the center of the nerve) to the entire diameter of the optic nerve. As glaucoma progresses, the area of cupping, or depression increases. Therefore, a patient with a higher ratio has more damage.    
     
  The progression of glaucoma is monitored with a visual field test. This test maps the peripheral vision, allowing the doctor to determine the extent of vision loss from glaucoma and a measure of the effectiveness of the treatment. The visual field test is periodically repeated to verify that the intraocular pressure is being adequately controlled.
  
  

  

  Most patients with glaucoma require only medication to control the eye pressure. Sometimes, several medications that complement each other are necessary to reduce the pressure adequately. Surgery is indicated when medical

  treatment fails to lower the pressure satisfactorily. The objective of any glaucoma operation is to allow fluid to drain from the eye more

  

  efficiently. Patients diagnosed with glaucoma will need to be followed up on every three to four months to make sure that the pressure is under control.
  

  
  ALT (Argon Laser Trabeculoplasty) and SLT (Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty) are clinically proven to treat glaucoma by safely and effectively reducing intraocular pressure in a single office procedure. ALT & SLT can be an effective adjunct to medication therapy or used as a primary treatment to reduce or eliminate the need for topical glaucoma medications, along with their common systemic side effects. The SLT is the newest technology available to control the pressure in the eye. It can be repeated with no harm to the eye, is painless, and is done as an office procedure which is covered by health insurance. If you would like more information on this procedure please call 239-949-2020 to set up a consultation.
  
  

  Will the laser treatment cure my glaucoma?

  No. Any vision that is already lost prior to the laser treatment, in general, will not return. The laser procedure only lowers your eye pressure. By lowering the eye pressure, the goal is to either stop or slow down your loss of vision. Sometimes this goal is not possible.

  Can I stop my glaucoma eye drops after the laser?

  
  Since it takes a few weeks to determine the full effect of the laser treatment, you will need to be on the same glaucoma eye drops in the immediate period after the laser treatment. Sometimes it is possible to decrease the number of glaucoma eye drops that you are on. Even if you are on the same glaucoma medications after the laser treatment, the laser is still successful if your pressure is lower. The need for eye drops long-term varies greatly and is determined by your type of glaucoma and the rate it is progressing.
  
  

  If you suffer from glaucoma or have a family history of glaucoma contact our office for a consultation at 239-949-2020.

  
  

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  LASIK      
  

  
  

  What is LASIK?

  LASIK surgery is a procedure used to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and/or astigmatism. A complete eye exam will determine if you are a candidate for LASIK. LASIK is an outpatient procedure and takes only about 5-7 minutes per eye. It’s done under topical anesthetic drops to eliminate pain.
  

  
  
  
  

  Are you a candidate for LASIK?

  Some eye conditions that can make LASIK unsuitable for certain patients include:

  • Diabetes
  • Cataracts
  • Herpes infection of the eye
  • Rheumatoid arthritis

How is LASIK performed?


A microkeratome is used to lift a thin layer of the cornea and using a laser to remove a precise amount of corneal tissue to reshape the cornea. After the laser treatment, the flap is laid in position and kept in place by natural suction. Eye drops are used to moisturize and lubricate the eye. Most patients see great improvement in their vision within the first few days after a LASIK operation. You may wish to arrange to have someone drive you home after the procedure as vision may be slightly blurry and sensitive to light, immediately following the procedure.

Recovery

The first couple of hours after surgery, the eye feels somewhat irritated, with a burning sensation and some tearing. Vision is typically blurry at this time. It takes 1-2 days for the flap to stick securely to the cornea. During that time do not rub the eye. Antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops are given as well as eye drops to moisturize and lubricate the eye. Additional tips to help with recovery include:

• Rest as much as possible
• Avoid activities that may strain your eyes, such as watching TV for long periods of time
• Avoid getting water or shampoo in your eyes
• Refrain from swimming or using a hot tub
• Avoid activities that expose your eyes to smoke, dirt, or dust
• Refrain from wearing make-up
• Use caution when driving

What is the cost of LASIK?


The cost of LASIK can vary depending on the level of customization needed. LASIK is not covered by health insurance and is considered an elective refractive procedure. We also offer financing. Call for more information.



If you are thinking about having LASIK or for more information call our office today at 239-949-2020 for a FREE Evaluation.