Campbell Cunningham Laser Center, Knoxville’s first on-site laser center dedicated to LASIK vision correction, was recently voted the winner of the LASIK Surgery category by readers of the Knoxville News Sentinel as part of the newspaper’s annual Best of Knoxville readers’ choice awards. In addition, the practice of Drs. Campbell, Cunningham, Taylor and Haun was voted a favorite in the Optometrist category.
Warning Signs For Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that gradually steals sight by causing damage to the optic nerve, which carries the images we see to the brain.
It was once thought that high eye pressure was the main cause of this optic nerve damage. Although eye pressure is clearly a risk factor, we now know that other factors must also be involved because even people with “normal” IOP (intraocular pressure) can experience vision loss from glaucoma. [Read more…]
Technology Drives Premium Cataract Lens Options
During cataract surgery, the physician replaces the cloudy natural lens in the eye with an artificial one. Cataract surgery is very common and has a high success rate. And new lens technologies are helping to make outcomes better for many cataract patients.
Initially, replacement lenses, or intraocular implants (IOLs) were monofocal–they were only capable of focusing at either near or far distance. Patients would use corrective lenses to compensate. [Read more…]
Cloudy Vision Developing After Cataract Surgery? You May Need a Posterior Capsulotomy.
Cataract surgery is one of the most common surgical procedures performed in the United States, and it has one of the highest success rates of any surgery. However, there are cases after cataract surgery where the patient is still experiencing cloudy vision. This may develop weeks or even months after successful surgery.
This cloudiness is not uncommon, and it can be corrected using a procedure called Posterior Capsulotomy.
The lens of your eye has a cellophane-like outer lining called the capsule. During cataract surgery, the natural lens in the eye is removed, but great care is taken to keep the capsule in place to hold the replacement artificial (intraocular) lens.
Sometimes after surgery, the posterior capsule (located behind the implanted intraocular lens) can become cloudy, causing some loss of vision. When this happens, your ophthalmologist performs a Posterior Capsulotomy to reduce the obstruction.
The procedure is often called a YAG Laser Treatment, after the name of the instrument used to perform it. In the YAG treatment, a carefully aimed beam of light creates a tiny opening in the capsule, allowing light to enter the eye. This treatment usually results in an immediate and dramatic change in vision.
If you have cataract surgery, your physician will ask you to report any cloudiness or changes in vision that may occur afterwards. This is done because if a Posterior Capsulotomy becomes necessary later, the earlier you determine if the treatment will benefit you, the better your chances of restoring vision clarity.
And keep in mind that Posterior Capsulotomies are not uncommon; the cloudiness can be part of the body’s normal healing process.
Need to know more about cataracts and cataract surgery? Drs. Campbell, Cunningham, Taylor & Haun have performed thousands of cataract procedures, and offer the latest in premium cataract intraocular replacement lenses. To schedule an appointment, call 865-584-0905 or contact us here.
Uveitis: Affecting More Americans
Uveitis is a type of eye inflammation. It is an irritation of the uvea, or center part of the eye, which includes the iris and surrounding tissue. Uveitis can be a serious condition which can lead to permanent vision loss if not identified and properly treated. [Read more…]
Seasonal Allergies And Your Eyes
East Tennessee in the Spring and Fall is beautiful—unless you suffer from allergies. Then it can be torture. Pollen from scores of different plants can trigger allergic reactions that lead to sneezing, itching, burning eyes, and other uncomfortable symptoms.
And if you suffer from allergies—you’re not alone. It’s estimated that between one quarter and one third of all Americans are affected by allergic conjunctivitis, or allergy-inflamed eyes. [Read more…]
Itchy, Crusty Eyes? It Could Be Blepharitis
Everyone’s eyes itch from time to time. But if you find that your eyes are frequently itchy and irritated, especially if you notice any crusting around your eyelids or lashes, you might have a condition called blepharitis.
Blepharitis is a chronic inflammation of the eyelids, which can cause irritation, itching, crusting of the eyelashes and, occasionally, a red eye. Blepharitis can occur any time during your life, and it may happen once or many times.
Blepharitis is sometimes called “granulated eyelids.”
Symptoms
Symptoms include redness of the eyelid margin and crusty scales, along with itching, burning, and flaking. Loss or eyelashes or distortion of the margins of the eyelids may also occur. Blepharitis takes two forms. The first, an immune reaction to the overgrowth of bacteria, is the more common form of blepharitis. Seborrheic blepharitis, a less common form, is characterized by oily or greasy flakes or crust. It may also be in conjunction with dandruff or other skin reactions.
If left untreated, blepharitis can become severe and even lead to the ulceration or erosion of the eyelid or cornea, which can cause great discomfort.
Treatment
Hygiene is the key to combatting blepharitis, and patients need to be consistent to get blepharitis under control. When the patient wakes up, he/she should use eye scrub pads to clean the eyelid margins to remove any crusting or scales. If scrub pads aren’t available or are too expensive, another approach is to use a cotton swab and a solution of 50/50 water/baby shampoo, cleaning along the eyelid margin for at least a minute. Your eyecare professional may also prescribe an ointment to use while sleeping, and hot compresses can be useful, too.
Strict lid hygiene is very important when it comes to the treatment of blepharitis. The following regimen may be useful:
For seborrheic blepharitis, oily scalp treatments or dandruff shampoos may be used. And once blepharitis is under control, antibiotics may be used occasionally to keep it that way. For severe cases, antibiotics and steroid preparations may be prescribed.
Learn more about blepharitis here.
“Smart” Cataract Surgery Lets Physicians Fine Tune Lens Implants
Cataract surgery is one of the most common—and most successful—procedures performed in the U.S. And new technology has made cataract surgery “smart,” meaning patients have new options in lens implant performance.
The ORA System for cataract surgery available at Drs. Campbell, Cunningham, Taylor and Haun in East Tennessee gives physicians unprecedented information before, during, and after the surgical procedure. [Read more…]
The Campbell Cunningham Laser Center
LASIK vision correction is an important part of the technological advances offered by Drs. Campbell and Cunningham—so much so, in fact, that the doctors established a facility just for laser surgery.
The Campbell Cunningham Laser Center features the latest in technology for LASIK vision correction, including iLASIK, the most advanced form of laser vision correction available from Abbot Medical Optics. [Read more…]
Glaucoma: How We Can Help You Manage Your Condition
There is no cure for glaucoma. And glaucoma can rob you of your vision without warning. So we know that if you’ve been diagnosed with glaucoma, we are going to be working closely with you to monitor—and manage—the disease.
Glaucoma is a group of diseases that causes vision loss through damage to the optic nerve. Doctors used to think that glaucoma created high pressure within the eye, and that was the source of the damage. However, we now know that other factors are involved, and that even patients that don’t suffer from high intraocular pressure can still suffer sight loss from glaucoma.
Are You At Increased Risk For Glaucoma?
Anyone can get glaucoma. But you may be at greater risk if you are African-American or Hispanic. You may also have greater risk if you have a relative with glaucoma, are over 35, have diabetes or high blood pressure, or if you have vascular disease. You may also be at higher risk if you are very nearsighted.
How Do You Know If You Have Glaucoma?
You may not—that’s the problem. Glaucoma is often known as a silent thief of vision because many forms of the disease don’t have symptoms. The only real way to tell if you have glaucoma is to be tested. Routine vision examinations include a simple, painless glaucoma test. Finding out if you have glaucoma could be the first step toward saving your vision. If this test indicates there may be a problem, additional tests may help determine the severity.
It’s important to have regular vision checkups. Click here to see how often you should have your vision checked.
How is Glaucoma Treated?
As we said, there is no cure for glaucoma, but there are numerous ways to treat the condition and manage it. Drs. Campbell, Cunningham, Taylor & Haun will work closely with each glaucoma patient to determine the best treatment course and make sure that it’s implemented properly.
Treatment options include:
Medications. Eye drops and pills are often prescribed as treatment. Medications must be taken as prescribed to be effective. Your doctor will explain any side effects, and you should stay in communication with your eye doctor if you have any trouble.
Laser surgery. This is a new technique that is being used more and more. The eye is numbed with drops, and the laser applied to the trabecular meshwork, the area of the eye responsible for draining fluid. The procedure can improve drainage and eliminate or reduce the need for medication.
Filtration surgery. During this procedure, a new drainage channel is formed to allow fluid to drain from the eye.
Before any procedure is implemented, your Ophthalmologist at Drs. Campbell, Cunningham, Taylor & Haun will discuss it in detail with you.
Have more questions about glaucoma for yourself or a loved one? Or want to schedule an eye examination? Contact us here.
Click Here to watch an informative GLAUCOMA VIDEO and read more about the condition.
How Often Should You Get An Eye Exam?
Many people schedule eye exams out of necessity—when they notice their vision changing or when they run out of contact lenses and need to renew a prescription. One husband and wife that we heard about, who each had roughly the same vision, would take turns getting exams when their contact prescriptions expired, then buy enough lenses to supply them both until the next go-around.
Needless to say, that’s not ideal. And certainly not healthy. [Read more…]
Drs. Campbell, Cunningham, Taylor & Haun Unveil Updated Website.
Enhanced Site (www.ccteyes.com) Offers Better Patient Experience and Comprehensive Information Resource for the Health and Treatment of Eyes.
KNOXVILLE (September 29, 2014)—Newly-launched website for Drs. Campbell, Cunningham, Taylor & Haun demonstrates that the area’s oldest Ophthalmology practice is leading the area with the latest in technology.
The practice has redesigned its website to add more patient engagement functionality and to give viewers more information about eye conditions and treatments. The new site found at www.ccteyes.com will be dynamic—continually adding more content and functionality as the practice continues to expand its capabilities, technology, locations and more. [Read more…]
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