Cataract surgery

The eye’s lens is responsible for helping to focus light on the retina in the back of the eye. A cataract forms when proteins within the lens begin to cluster together, causing the lens to cloud. If the lens is cloudy, it cannot properly focus the image on the retina. This makes vision blurry and colors indistinct. Learn more about cataracts.

Dr. Marks performs cataract correction under the high magnification of a Zeiss surgical microscope using specialized instruments and Alcon Ozil Microincisional Ultrasonic Technology.  Anesthetic drops are used to numb the eye, and the most up-to-date techniques mean NO stitches or patches are necessary in most cases.  Patients experience an almost immediate improvement in vision and a speedy recovery time.

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Yag Laser Capsulotomy

Cataract surgery complications are quite rare. The most common complication is called “posterior capsule opacity” (PCO). The natural lens containing the cataract is removed during surgery, but the surgeon leaves in place the clear membrane (the capsule) that had covered the back of the natural lens. This membrane supports the replacement lens implant. In a small number of patients this membrane thickens, becomes clouded, and prevents light from reaching the back of the eye. This thickening process sometimes takes place within a few months after cataract surgery, but it often happens years later. 

A YAG laser capsulotomy is a quick and painless outpatient procedure that removes the clouded portion of the membrane behind the intraocular lens implant thereby restoring the clearest possible vision.

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Chalazion

A chalazion, is a harmless peasized mass that forms around an oil gland inside the upper or lower eyelid. It may not require treatment if it remains small and not very noticeable.  Many chalazion go away on their own or after the application of a warm, moist compresses, over a period of weeks.  However, a chalazion that persists can grow large enough to affect appearance, or even cause blurred vision.  In these cases, medications are prescribed or the chalazion can be removed with minor in-office surgery, under local anesthesia. 

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Trabeculectomy

If you have glaucoma, and medication, eye drops, or Laser surgery have not been effective in lowering the pressure within your eye, a surgical procedure called “trabeculectomy” may be necessary.  This procedure helps to lower pressure by altering the eye’s drainage system.

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Laser Trabeculoplasty

If you have glaucoma, a laser trabeculoplasty  can be performed to increase drainage and lower the pressure within the eye.  This treatment can be used either with or without medication.  Laser Trabeculoplasty is a virtually pain free  in-office procedure.  While it does not cure glaucoma, this treatment often works as well as certain medications, without potential medication-related side-effects.

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Corneal transplants

The cornea is the transparent front part of the eye covering the iris and the pupil. When disease or an injury have damaged the cornea, functional vision can be impaired and it may be necessary to replace it with a graft of healthy tissue. 

A corneal transplant, including DSEK, is performed in order to restore transparency to a damaged cornea.  DSEK is a relatively new form of corneal transplantation.   The specific type of corneal disease is determined and the best surgical option can then be recommended.  

Each week, The  South Carolina Eye Bank receives many requests for corneas for transplantation.

Thanks to the generosity of organ donors, tens of thousands of corneal transplant recipients are restored to good functional vision each year. If you signed up to become an organ donor when you renewed your drivers license, THANK YOU. You have the power to donate the gift of sight!

Visit www.southcarolinaeyebank.org and www.donatelifegeorgia.org to learn more about cornea donation.

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Oculoplastic surgery

Surgery to correct drooping upper or lower eyelids is called “blepharoplasty.”  “Droopy” upper lids can be corrected surgically.  The surgeon  makes an incision along the natural fold lines of the upper eyelids to remove excess fat and skin. Sutures close and retighten the lids, resulting in unobstructed vision and a more youthful, pleasant expression  

When the upper eyelids are unable to open fully, this problem is often caused by weakness of the muscles that lift the eyelid. This condition, called “ptosis,” can make a person look older, but can also cause vision problems, whichare also correctable with surgery.

Lower eyelids that turn outward (“ectropion”) or inward (“entropion”) can also be surgically repaired and brought back to a normal position.

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Botox® Cosmetic

Injections of Botox Cosmetic temporarily reduce the appearance of fine lines around the eyes and across the forehead. Botox safely relaxes certain facial muscles without affecting normal facial expressions. The injection feels like a slight pinch, and no anesthetic is required. You can resume normal activities immediately after a Botox treatment.

Ask our doctors if you would benefit from Botox treatment.

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