- Listing of our Services
- Financing Your Procedure
- Incisional Procedures (RK, AK)
- PRK
- LASIK
- Intacs
- Implantable Contact Lens
- Clear Lens Extraction (CLE)
- Multifocal Lens Implants
- Presbyopia Correction
- Cataracts
- Blepharoplasty
- Brow Lift
- Glaucoma
- What to ask about a LASIK surgeon
Listing of our Services
RK/AK
PRK
LASIK
Intacs
Implantable Contact Lens
Clear Lens Extraction
Multifocal Lens Implants
Presbyopia Surgery
Cataract Surgery
Glaucoma
Diabetic Eye Exams
Routine Eye Exams
Macular Degeneration
What to ask about a LASIK surgeon
Financing Your Procedure
At Temas Eye Center, we want to make it possible for you to afford your procedure and fit it into your budget. We offer several different types of payment plans through Care Credit and My Medical Loan.
We have 3, 6, 12 and now 24 months interest free payment plans. We also have traditional payment plans that can extend your payments out to 60 months and for as low as $50 per month.
You can apply on-line from the links provided below:
Click here to go to CareCredit.com
https://www.mymedicalloan.com/loan-application.cfm?PROVIDERID=3393
If you need further assistance, please call our office.
Incisional Procedures (RK, AK)
Radial Keratotomy (RK)
RK is effective for low levels of nearsightedness. It was first attempted in the 1890's, but improved in the 1970's by a Russian physician, Dr. Fyodorov. He discovered that placing numerous spoke-like incisions in a "radial" pattern around the center of the cornea reduced or eliminated nearsightedness. RK has been performed successfully on millions of patients, but is rarely performed today.
Astigmatic Keratotomy (AK)
AK is performed on patients who have astigmatism. To reduce astigmatism, the cornea must be made less oval. This is accomlished by making curved incisions in the cornea, causing it to relax and become more round. AK has virtually been replaced by laser and lens implant procedures, which are more predictable.
PRK
PRK being performed
PRK
PRK or "Photo-Refractive Keratectomy" treats low amounts of nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism by reshaping the surface layers of the cornea. The procedure is virtually painless since only drops are needed to numb the eye. The eyelids are gently kept open with an instrument, and the surgeon carefully removes the thin surface layer of the cornea. As the patient looks at a target light, the laser painlessly reshapes the cornea in just a few seconds. The cornea is made flatter to treat nearsightedness, steeper to treat farsightedness and/or more spherical to treat astigmatism.
After the treatment, a "bandage" contact lens is placed on the cornea to promote healing. Patients may experience blurred or hazy vision for one to five days, and variable discomfort until the epithelium re-covers the treated area. Eye drops and pain medication are used to minimizing any significant discomfort. Final visual results are achieved around several days to a few months depending on healing tendencies. PRK is most often used on patients who are not candidates for LASIK.
LASIK
Steps of LASIK surgery
LASIK
LASIK or "Laser in-Situ Keratomileusis" differs from PRK in that it corrects vision by reshaping the corneal tissue beneath the surface of the cornea rather than on the surface. LASIK combines the accuracy of the Excimer laser with the healing benefits of a surgical procedure called Lamellar Keratoplasty, performed since 1949. LASIK allows faster and more predictable correction of nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism than PRK.
Technique: After the eye has been numbed with drops, an eyelid holder is placed between the lids to prevent blinking. A microkeratome then creates a corneal "flap". During this process you may feel a little pressure, but usually no significant discomfort. The "flap" is then gently lifted and folded over to the side. As you look at a target light, the laser painlessly reshapes the cornea. Just like in PRK, the cornea is made flatter to correct nearsightedness, steeper to correct farsightedness and rounder to treat astigmatism. The protective flap is then placed back over the treated area where it bonds with the reshaped cornea, eliminating the need for 'bandage' contact lenses or stitches.
Because LASIK is performed under a protective layer of tissue, there is less surface area to heal, less risk of corneal haze, less postoperative discomfort, less need for postoperative medication, and vision returns more rapidly.
Note:
Not every laser is equal. The Temas Eye Center (TEC) uses the VISX laser which is the only 3-dimensional tracking laser approved by the FDA.
http://www.visx.com/professionals/
visx_technology/s4_laser_overview.php
Not every surgeon is equal - at the Temas Eye Center you will receive care unmatched by any other surgical group in the area. When researching surgery, remember: you wouldn't want a discount surgeon performing your brain surgery, so don't choose a discount operation to fix one of your most important senses - your sight. Bad surgery is no bargain at any price!
Always ask the center these questions about the surgeon:
How many years has the doctor been performing refractive surgery? (over 18 years with TEC)
What is the surgeon's re-operation rate? (less than 1.5% at TEC - multiple surgeries leads to permanently reduced vision)
What is the infection rate at the center? (O% at Temas Eye Center since starting refractive surgery in 1991)
Does the surgeon live in the area or just "show-up" on the surgery day? (TEC doctors live in the area)
Call us today to learn more about refractive surgery and to schedule a FREE screening!
336-659-8180 or 800-772-6564
Intacs
Intacs Rings
What are Intacs?
Intacs are two tiny plastic half-rings designed to permanently correct nearsigtedness when placed within the middle layers of the cornea. Intacs segments are also used to treat keratoconus. Intacs gently changes the shape of your cornea to improve your vision, but unlike laser surgery, the central cornea is untouched. The special biocompatible plastic has been safely used in contact lenses and cataract surgery for over 50 years. Intacs are practically invisible and usually cannot be felt.
Benefits of Intacs
Non-laser procedure
Excellent visual results
Tissue is not removed from your cornea
Greater flexibility, because Intacs can be
removed or replaced as your needs change.
Who Qualifies for Intacs?
To be a candidate, you must at least 21 years of age, be in good general health, and have healthy eyes. Your glasses or contacts prescription can be between -1.00 to -3.00 diopters, with no more than 0.75 diopter of astigmatism.
The Procedure
The procedure for Intacs placement is quite easy when performed by an experienced refractive surgeon. After using drops to numb the eye, a tiny incision is made in the cornea. Intacs are then placed between the layers of the cornea, in the outer edge, away from the center.
Visual improvement is apparent soon after Intacs are inserted. On average, most people resume normal activities with two to three days of the procedure.
What are the Risks?
With any surgical procedure, there are risks. Clinical studies in the U.S. showed that infection, which is a risk with any surgical procedure, occurred only 0.2% of the time with Intacs. Some patients experienced difficulty with night vision, glares, halos, blurry, or double vision and fluctuating distance vision. The benefits of Intacs is that if the patient is not happy with the results of the procedure, the Rings can be removed or replaced.
Implantable Contact Lens
Verisyse Lens
Implantable Contact Lens (ICL)
The phakic IOL or Implantable Contact Lens is the newest and safest technology on the market to correct mild, moderate and high amounts of nearsightedness. The ICL is for people who have been told that they were not a good candidate for PRK or LASIK.
Benefits
Treats greater range of nearsightedness than PRK or
LASIK (-3.00 to -20.00 diopters)
FAST recovery
NO dry eye problems
NO corneal tissue removed
Provides High-Definition vision
Removeable - can take advantage of future technology
The procedure
One to two weeks prior to insertion of the lens, Dr. Temas will use a YAG laser to make one or two small openings near the outer edge of the iris. These openings serve as outlets that will allow the fluid in your eye to circulate around the ICL.
The insertion of the lens is done in less than ten minutes in an outpatient surgical facility. Eye drops are given to numb the eye. You may or may not be given a mild sedative. A small incision is made in the cornea for the lens to be inserted. The lens is placed either behind the iris (the colored part of the eye), or on top of the iris, depending on your prescription, and is centered on the pupil. Special marks on the lens ensure proper positioning.That's it!
There are two different lenses available - the Verisyse and the Visian. The Temas Eye Center is the first and only practice in Winston-Salem certified to perform the ICL procedure and to offer both lenses.
We expect ICL's will eventually replace PRK and LASIK for nearsightedness between -3.00 and -20.00 diopter. Call us for more information about this revolutionary procedure and to schedule a FREE screening!
http://www.visioninfocus.com/424.asp Verisyse
http://www.visianinfo.com Visian
Clear Lens Extraction (CLE)
Clear Lens Extraction (CLE)
Clear Lens Extraction is an outpatient procedure where the natural lens of the eye is removed before it becomes cataractous. CLE is designed for patients not eligible for Laser or Implantable Contact Lens surgery. The procedure involes "washing" out the natural lens and replacing it with a permanent clear implant. CLE takes less than 5 minutes to perform and visual recovery takes only a few days. This is the same advanced procedure Dr. Temas uses for cataracts.
Consider Clear Lens Extraction if you:
- are not a candidate for PRK, LASIK or Implantable Contact
Lenses,
-are over 40 years old and need glasses to read
-want permanent correction of your prescription error
Multifocal Lens Implants
Multifocal Lens Implants
After lens replacement or cataract surgery, a new lens implant is placed back into the eye. Conventional single-vision lenses only provide good distance vision, so patients still require glasses for intermediate and near vision. Unlike conventional single-vision lens implants, Multifocal lenses have multiple focus zones that provide a full range of vision from distance to near. .
There are two types of Multifocal Lens Implants on the market, the ReZoom and ReSTOR. Both lenses are clear, foldable, and made from an acrylic material.
The ReZoom lens provides excellent distance and intermediate vision.
The ReSTOR lens is designed to help you see distance near and everything in between. This lens has shown promise for patients with mild macular degeneration that require a hand magnifier to help read.
The doctors at Temas Eye Center will choose the best lens that fits you and your lifestyle.
You do not have to have cataracts to have this lens implanted, so patients over 40 years old using magnifiers or bifocals to read small print should consider Clear Lens Extraction with a Multifocal Lens Implant.
http://www.rezoomiol.com
http://www.acrysofrestor.com
http://www.cataractsurgery.com/us/professional/acrysofiq/default.asp
http://http://www.rezoomiol.com/garyplayer.htm
Presbyopia Correction
Presbyopia Correction
Most people over 40 years old need to use reading glasses or bifocals to read small print. This is due to the natural aging changes of the eye where the lens becomes less flexible or "stiffer". This is termed Presbyopia. Although the aging process cannot be reversed, we can remove the natural lens (Clear Lens Extraction) and replace it with a Multifocal Lens Implant. The ReZoom or ReSTOR implants can return that "20 to 30-something" vision safely and permanently.
Please refer to the Clear Lens Extraction and Multifocal Lens Implant sections for more information.
Cataracts
Human lens yellows with time
Cataract
Cataracts are the leading cause of poor vision in adults. Cataracts can occur at any age. They may be present at birth or may develop as a result of injury, disease or the normal aging of the eye.
What is a cataract?
A cataract is a clouding of the normally clear lens of the eye, which is located behind the pupil. The clouding blocks the passage of light through the eye to the retina. As a result, the retina receives a blurred image, which it transfers to the vision center.
What are the symptoms of a cataract?
People with cataracts often describe their vision as being blurred, distorted, or hazy. Following are some other common symptoms:
Halos or glare around lights
Double vision
Frequent changes in glasses prescription
Difficulty driving at night
Decreased color preception
Difficulty reading small print
How are cataracts diagnosed?
A cataract can be diagnosed during a regular eye exam. Using special instruments, the doctor can determine the size, type and location of the cataract. Other tests may be done that measure sensitivty to glare, color vision and contrast sensitivity. This type of exam can be done by an Optometrist or an Ophthalmologist.
How are cataracts treated?
A cataract cannot be treated by eye drops, herbs, medication, or a change in diet. Once cataracts form, the only way to restore clear vision is to surgically remove the cataract and insert a replacement lens.
When should cataract surgery be performed?
A cataract often takes months or years to develop. When loss of vision begins to interfere with your daily activities and your quality of life, you should discuss cataract surgery with your eye doctor.
How safe is cataract surgery?
The doctors at the Temas Eye Center introduced numerous advanced cataract and implant surgeries to the triad area. Their modern techniques have reduced the complication rate from over 50% in the 1980's to less than 5% today.
Cataract Surgery
Modern cataract surgery is performed on an outpatient basis, and takes only a few minutes. At the Temas Eye Center, the doctors use a procedure called "Clear Cornea" cataract surgery. A few of the benefits of this advanced procedure are:
No injection - anesthetic drops are used instead of painful shots. This eliminates the risk of eye damage, and bleeding.
No stitches - a less than 1/8th inch, self-sealing incision is made in the cornea, requiring no stitches, which allows rapid return to normal activities.
No patch- you will not be "blind" for the day
Short surgery time- takes only 5 to 7 minutes.
Recovery- most people can return to normal activities with in a day or two. The American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons reports that 98% of cataract patients had improved vision after surgery.
At the Temas Eye Center, we specialize in cataract surgery. If you, or someone you know, have concerns about cataracts or cataract surgery, and are unsure if surgery is the right answer, call us, we will gladly provide you an honest second opinion.
Blepharoplasty
Blepharoplasty is a type of plastic surgery performed on the upper and lower eyelids to remove excess skin and fat from around the eyes. Sometimes a Brow Lift is done in conjunction with the blepharoplasty to receive optimum results. A blepharoplasty is done to improve visual function and/or cosmetic appearance.
When excessive upper eyelid tissue hangs blocking a person's vision, a blepharoplasty may be the best option to restore that functional vision. The excessive eyelid tissue can cause a brow ache and fatigue. You may be able to determine if you have this problem by lifting the upper eyelids with your fingers and if your visual field improves then you may need more tests done. There are additional tests that can be done in our office that can determine your candidacy.
Excessive wrinkled skin above the eyes can produce a sagging tired look which can detract from one's general appearance. In this situation, blepharoplasty may be considered for cosmetic reasons even if your vision is not affected.
The procedure is begun by deciding the amount of tissue to be removed. Then the excess skin and fat are removed with incisions along the creases of the eyelids so that scars are almost invisible. The surgery is done under local or general anesthesia depending on the individual preference and health factors.
Brow Lift
Aging is inevitable and often the brow and forehead area will show the first signs. Wrinkling across the forehead and an increased heaviness across the brow are effects of aging. This may affect people as early in life as their thirties, but typically is seen in patients between forty and sixty five years of age. A tired, angry, or sad expression may not reflect how you actually feel. This is when a brow lift is an ideal solution.
A brow lift can be performed by using incisions along the hairline or along a forehead crease. The muscles are tightened and the excess skin is removed. Your surgeon can help you decide on the technique that suites your situation best.
To see what a brow lift can do for your face, put your hands above your brows and outside the edges of your eyes and gently raise the skin upwards. If by doing this you see an improvement, a brow lift could be right for you. A consultation is needed to verify your surgical options. Your surgeon will examine your facial structure carefully, and take a thorough medical history so that any risks can be avoided. Brow lifts can be done by themselves or in conjunction with a blepharoplasty. Often when a blepharoplasty is performed a brow lift is also needed to achieve optimum results.
Glaucoma
Acute Glaucoma
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness in adults. It is estimated that 1 in 50 adults over the age 35 has glaucoma. Glaucoma is a hereditary disease and is more likely to develop in people who are severely nearsighted, have diabetes, and/or are of African decent. Early symptoms of glaucoma are hard to detect, but with proper treatment visual damage can be prevented.
What is glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a group of diseases that cause damage to the optic nerve. The optic nerve is responsible for transmitting the image projected onto the retina, to the visual center of the brain. Glaucoma, can cause blind spots in the peripheral (side) field of vision.
What causes glaucoma?
The eye contains a watery fluid called the aqueous, which normally circulates through the eye, leaves through a drainage system and returns to the blood stream. In glaucoma, the drainage system becomes blocked, or there is an overproduction of fluid, which causes the pressure in the eye to increase. The increased pressure can damage the optic nerve, which can lead to vision loss. Poor blood flow to the optic nerve, herbs, medications, diabetes, and other diseases can also cause glaucoma-like vision loss. It is not known what causes the malfunction of the fluid system. There is much research being done to further understand glaucoma.
What can be done?
A thorough eye exam can detect whether you have glaucoma. Specialized tests such as visual field testing and optic nerve photography are essential in determining your risk of vision loss. If you are found to have glaucoma, treatment with medication, lasers or advanced surgeries can effectively control the condition.
What to ask about a LASIK surgeon
Not every laser is equal - The Temas Eye Center (TEC) uses the VISX laser which is the only 3-dimensional tracking laser approved by the FDA.
Not every surgeon is equal - At the Temas Eye Center you will receive care unmatched by any other surgical group in the area. When researching surgery, remember: you wouldn't want a discount surgeon performing your brain surgery, so don't choose a discount operation to fix one of your most important senses - your sight. Bad surgery is no bargain at any price!
Always ask the center these questions about the surgeon:
How many years has the doctor been performing refractive surgery?
- over 18 years with TEC
What is the surgeon's re-operation rate?
- less than 1.5% at TEC - multiple surgeries leads to permanently reduced vision
What is the infection rate at the center?
- 0% at Temas Eye Center since starting refractive surgery in 1991
Does the surgeon live in the area or just "show-up" on the surgery day?
- TEC doctors live in the area
Call us today to learn more about refractive surgery and to schedule a FREE screening!
336-659-8180 or 800-772-6564