  |
|
|
|
|
| At the Southwest Eye Institute, we perform several types of eye surgeries and lasers. Minor surgical procedures can be performed in our specialized surgical suite in our office. Other surgical procedures are usually performed at the Vista Surgery Center, which is adjacent to our office. For more information on these procedures and other eye issues, visit our education page by CLICKING HERE. |
| |
| |
| Cataract Surgery |
| Is your vision blurry? Do you have difficulty with such tasks as driving or reading? If so, you may have cataracts. A cataract forms when the lens inside the eye becomes cloudy, which often occurs with aging, but can also occur because of trauma, certain medications, and for other reasons. Cataract surgery is the most common surgery we perform at the Southwest Eye Institute. While every surgery has potential complications, most cataract surgeries are very successful and patients gain a huge improvement in vision. Our surgeon uses the latest techniques to remove cataracts usually with minimal anesthesia and no sutures in less than ten minutes. Our team will guide you through every step of the process. If you have been diagnosed with cataracts, or are having difficulty with your vision, call us today at 595-4375 for an appointment. |
| |
|
No discussion of cataract surgery is complete without mentioning the array of choices available to patients today. At the time of your cataract surgery, your surgeon will likely place an intraocular lens, which is a permanent lens inside the eye that will help you see. There are now several options on types of specialty intraocular lenses that can be placed to correct different eye problems. All of the lenses have benefits and drawbacks, so be sure to discuss them with your doctor. Here are two eye problems that can now be corrected with special intraocular lenses:
Astigmatism: Astigmatism refers to an abnormal shape of the cornea, the front structure of the eye. With traditional intraocular lenses, most patients still need glasses or contact lenses to correct for corneal astigmatism. One excellent option for treating astigmatism at the time of cataract surgery is the placement of a TORIC intraocular lens. The surgery is performed essentially the same, but a special lens is used to counteract the corneal astigmatism. This often helps to improve quality of vision and reduce the need for eyeglasses for distance.
Presbyopia: Many patients after cataract surgery can see well at distance without glasses, but still need glasses to read. There are several options for correcting this at the time of cataract surgery. One of the more popular is the placement of the ReSTOR multifocal intraocular lens, a special lens that focuses at both distance and near. Another option is monovision, where one eye is focused for distance and the other for near. While none of these methods guarantee a reduction in eyeglass use, they often help to reduce the dependency on glasses after cataract surgery.
For more information on cataract surgery, we recommend you visit www.CataractSurgery.com. |
| |
 |
| |
| Pterygium surgery |
| A pterygium is a whitish growth on the eye that usually starts in the corner and then grows toward the front of the eye. A pterygium can grow right into the visual axis of the eye, causing vision problems as well as significant irritation. There are several methods for removing pterygia. Most are approximately 15 minutes in length and use minimal anesthesia. Dr. Ellman is one of the few surgeons in El Paso to offer pterygium excision with placement of an amniotic membrane graft. This surgical option usually requires no stitches and often heals quickly. |
|
| |
| Eyelid bumps |
| At the Southwest Eye Institute, we can often remove eyelid lesions in our office. Whether for medical or cosmetic purposes, let us discuss your surgical options with you. |
|
| |
| Droopy Eyelids |
Do you suffer from droopy eyelids that block your vision or cause significant irritation? If so, you may qualify for a blepharoplasty. In this surgery, your surgeon will remove the excess skin that is causing your problems. Please note that we do not currently offer blepharoplasties for cosmetic purposes, but only if you have a medical reason to have the excess skin removed. Also, our surgeon only operates on the upper eyelids, not the lower. |
|
| |
| Diabetic Lasers |
| If you have diabetes, it is important that you get a comprehensive eye examination at least once a year, or more frequently if recommended by your doctor. Diabetes can cause changes in your eyes that you don’t even know are occurring. At the Southwest Eye Institute, we have the latest technology to diagnose and treat many diabetic eye problems. |
|
| |
| Glaucoma Lasers |
| While glaucoma is usually treated with eye drops, in some cases, a laser treatment is recommended. Dr. Ellman performs several types of glaucoma lasers. |
|
| |
| Laser Vision Correction (LASIK / PRK) |
| Laser vision correction is a wonderful procedure that can reduce or sometimes eliminate your need for glasses or contact lenses. However, there are risks with all procedures and so it is important that you understand that prior to undergoing any procedure including laser vision correction. We do not currently offer laser vision correction, but Dr. Storment, our newest doctor, has experience in managing over 1,000 refractive cases and can assist you throughout the process. |
|
| |
| Other Procedures |
| This list is just a sampling of the procedures we offer at the Southwest Eye Institute. We look forward to caring for you. |
|
| |
|
