Posted on

Common Questions from Southern Ontario Residents Exploring Cataract Surgery in Buffalo

Cataracts can significantly impact your vision, affecting daily activities and overall quality of life. For Southern Ontario residents considering cataract surgery, Buffalo, New York, offers a viable option for high-quality eye care. However, numerous questions may arise regarding the process, procedures, and post-operative care. Board-certified, highly experienced cataract surgeons in Buffalo offer Canadians and private pay patients options for the best care in the region.

This article will address some common queries that Southern Ontario residents may have when exploring private cataract surgery in Buffalo.

Cataract Surgery in Buffalo: What Southern Ontario Residents Should Expect

Buffalo, with its proximity to Southern Ontario, has become a popular destination for cataract surgery for many Canadians. The city boasts reputable eye care centers, including the renowned Eye Care & Vision Associates (ECVA), where experienced ophthalmologists specialize in cataract procedures. Residents from Southern Ontario can expect personalized and comprehensive care from some of the best cataract surgeons in the region. Don’t trust your eyes to anyone else!

How Long Does Cataract Surgery Take in Buffalo?

Cataract surgery is relatively quick, typically lasting around 15 to 20 minutes per eye. The surgery involves removing and replacing the cloudy lens with a clear intraocular lens (IOL). While the surgery is brief, patients should anticipate additional time at the surgical center for pre-operative preparations and post-operative monitoring.

Are You Awake During Cataract Surgery in Buffalo?

Private cataract surgery in Buffalo for Canadian patients is fast, painless, and highly effective at restoring lost vision. Cataract surgery in Buffalo is usually performed under local anesthesia. Patients remain awake during the procedure, but the eye surgeon may provide mild sedation to keep you comfortable and relaxed. The surgeon ensures that patients do not experience pain and many report minimal discomfort throughout the surgery.

Can You Get Cataract Surgery after LASIK?

One common concern is whether individuals who have previously undergone LASIK surgery can still have cataract surgery. The answer is yes. Having LASIK in the past does not prevent individuals from getting cataract surgery later on. However, the surgeon must consider the previous refractive surgery when calculating the appropriate intraocular lens power for the cataract surgery.

How Much Does Cataract Cost in the US?

The cost of cataract surgery in the United States varies, depending on factors such as the choice of IOL, the surgical facility, and any additional testing or procedures required. Southern Ontario residents should inquire about pricing during the consultation with their chosen eye care provider. Additionally, patients should check with their insurance providers to understand coverage options for cataract surgery.

How Long Does It Take to Recover from Cataract Surgery in Buffalo?

Cataract surgery recovery is generally swift, with many patients experiencing improved vision within a day. However, complete recovery and stabilization of vision may take a few weeks. Patients are advised to avoid strenuous activities, such as rubbing the eyes or exposing them to irritants during the initial recovery period. Detailed post-operative instructions are provided to ensure a smooth healing process.

What is the Follow-Up and Post-Op Care for Cataract Surgery in Buffalo?

Following cataract surgery, patients are scheduled for follow-up appointments to monitor their healing progress. Eye care professionals at centers like ECVA offer comprehensive post-operative care to address any concerns and ensure optimal results. It is crucial for patients to attend all scheduled follow-up appointments and adhere to the prescribed post-operative care instructions.

Canadian Residents Can Schedule a Consultation for Private Cataract Surgery in Buffalo with ECVA

There are many benefits of cataract surgery for Canadian and private pay patients. For Southern Ontario residents seeking private cataract surgery in Buffalo, scheduling a consultation with ECVA is a convenient option. The experienced team at ECVA can provide detailed information about the procedure, address specific concerns, and guide patients through the entire process. Choosing a reputable eye care center ensures that individuals receive high-quality care and achieve optimal outcomes from their cataract surgery. With reputable eye care centers like ECVA, individuals can undergo cataract surgery with confidence and achieve improved vision and overall well-being. Ready to explore your options? Contact our offices today.

Posted on

How is Lazy Eye Treated in Adults

Amblyopia, which is also colloquially referred to as lazy eye, is a condition that can impact people of all ages. While it’s more common in children, adults can develop it later in life for various reasons. Additionally, some people may have had lazy eye for most of their lives but weren’t in a position to receive treatment until they reached adulthood.  

Fortunately, there are effective amblyopia treatment options that work well in adults. Here’s a quick overview of what lazy eye involves, as well as an overview of how amblyopia in adults is typically treated.  

What Is Amblyopia?  

Amblyopia is an eye condition primarily characterized by poor eye teaming, meaning a person’s eyes aren’t working well together and won’t always point in the same direction. When the eyes are misaligned with one another, one or both eyes may struggle to see clearly.  

However, lazy eye isn’t solely characterized by a physical misalignment. Instead, the condition can cause vision loss due to the brain not fully acknowledging visual stimuli from both eyes. Essentially, it favors visual information from one eye over the other, causing it to functionally ignore stimuli that are primarily received through the weaker eye.   

Since how the brain processes visual information may be limited in individuals with amblyopia, glasses or other corrective lenses aren’t always sufficient to ensure good vision. Instead, other treatment approaches may be necessary.  

How Lazy Eye Is Treated in Adults  

Since amblyopia involves the brain not properly processing visual stimuli, treatment beyond corrective lenses is often necessary. Even in adults, it’s possible to functionally retrain the brain to interpret the visual signals correctly, leading to improved visual acuity. Additionally, physical alignment issues are often correctable, including in adults. Again, that allows treatment to improve a patient’s vision.  

In many cases, vision therapy is beneficial for treating amblyopia. Typically, it involves a series of activities or exercises designed to develop a person’s eye teaming or binocular vision.  

For some, eye patching is a potential course of action. By fogging or blocking the favored eye, it’s possible to force the weaker eye to carry more visual load, effectively teaching the brain to rely on it more for vision.  

Getting the Amblyopia Treatment You Need  

While there is plenty of information online that discusses patching techniques or exercises to correct lazy eye, relying on them is risky. Every patient’s condition is unique, and an approach that works well for some may cause harm to others.  

As a result, the best strategy is to work with your eye care provider to determine which treatment options are best for your amblyopia. Your eye care provider can select exercises or patching approaches that specifically address your unique situation, leading to better results while reducing risk dramatically.  

Find an Ophthalmologist in WNY 

At ECVA, safeguarding the well-being of your eyes is our unwavering commitment. If you’re navigating the challenges of amblyopia or if it’s been a while since your last eye checkup, our dedicated team is ready to guide you on the path to optimal eye health. Don’t let uncertainty linger – take charge and schedule an appointment at your nearest ECVA clinic today. Your vision deserves the best care, right here in Buffalo. 

Family looking at eyeglasses
Posted on

Macular Degeneration Treatment Options in Western New York

Macular degeneration is an eye condition that leads to visual distortions and potentially permanent central vision loss. Often, it’s a devastating diagnosis initially, but there are treatments available that can help preserve vision and slow further degeneration.  

The exact treatment options available depend on the kind of AMD present. Here’s a brief overview of macular degeneration, including a look at the two primary types and some treatment options.  

What Is Macular Degeneration?  

Age-related macular degeneration – which some simply refer to as macular degeneration – is an eye condition impacting the retina that leads to central vision loss. The loss of visual acuity in AMD patients classically worsens over time, and it can be severe. Overall, AMD is a leading cause of vision loss in individuals aged 50 and older. There are two primary forms of AMD: wet and dry.  

Dry macular degeneration occurs when drusen collects in the macula, leading to visual distortions and damage to the macula. Wet AMD involves abnormal blood vessel activity under the macular, causing visual distortions and scarring that can lead to central vision loss.  

Treatment Options for Wet AMD  

There are several treatment options for wet AMD. Anti-VEGF medications can reduce abnormal vessels in the retina, as well as slow leakage. These treatments are delivered via an injection and administered by a suitably credentialed eye care provider. Generally, the medication is administered on a regular schedule, typically every one to three months. For many people, this approach may dramatically slow or halt vision loss, and some patients may even experience vision improvements.  

For some patients with wet AMD, laser surgery is potentially beneficial, particularly if the medication-based approach isn’t yielding positive results. The laser procedures allow an eye care provider to reduce the number of vessels present or stem any leaking, which can slow the progression of AMD.  

Treatment Options for Dry AMD  

Currently, treatments are available for patients with dry AMD with geographic atrophy. There are prescription medications available that an eye care specialist can administer by injection.  

Specific nutritional supplements are also potentially beneficial. Taking copper, vitamin C, vitamin E, lutein, zeaxanthin, and zinc daily may make a difference, though it’s wise to consult with your eye care provider before incorporating any supplements into your diet.  

Finally, some patients with advanced dry AMD in both eyes may benefit from telescopic lens implantation. Once in place, the lenses magnify a person’s field of vision, though they offer a relatively narrow field of view.  

Finding the Right Macular Degeneration Treatment Option for You  

Determining which macular degeneration treatment options are best for you requires expertise. By scheduling an appointment with your eye care provider, you can find out more information about your condition and receive details about treatments that may benefit you.  

Get The Best Macular Degeneration Treatment in Buffalo, NY 

Take the proactive step towards preserving your vision – schedule a consultation with ECVA today at one of our 4 WNY locations. Don’t let macular degeneration define your vision, act now to see a clearer tomorrow.