Refractive Surgery Blog

Selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) is a treatment modality for both glaucoma and ocular hypertension that has been gaining popularity in recent years. The procedure works by targeting only pigmented cells inside the drainage area (trabecular meshwork) of the eye. By treating these cells, the normal "scavenger" cells of the body kick into action and clean out the drainage meshwork. With this form of treatment there is no thermal injury to the structures inside the eye.

Advantages of this form of Glaucoma treatment are associated with fewer side effects from medications, less expense for patients and third-party payers and compliance becomes a non-issue. And, since there is no thermal injury with this type of laser (frequency-doubled Nd:YAG), it can be repeated if the effects wear off.

While in the community of ophthalmologists the positive effects of SLT treatment are well known and accepted, a recent multi-center study was performed to compare SLT treatment to the traditional pharmacological approach to controlling intraocular pressure (IOP). In that study, 72 participants (136 eyes) who were randomly assigned to receive either the SLT or medical (eye drops) treatment. After eight months of follow-up, the target intraocular pressure was reached in the majority of eyes in each group and the pressure lowering effects of SLT and medical therapy were essentially equal.

I am now offering SLT as a first-line therapy in the treatment of open-angle glaucoma. It is my hope that side effects associated with drug therapy, adherence issues and cost can be reduced for patients with this chronic disease.

Read more about the the latest technologies used in our office.

Stuart Lewis, MD

Labels: Glaucoma/Ocular Hypertension (SLT)

Presbyopic patients outside the U.S. are now being successfully treated with aspheric multifocal ablations which strongly suggests we will have that treatment here in the near future. However, before that will happen, the FDA is requiring a clinical trial of monovision LASIK to be performed. Monovision LASIK is already widely used in the U.S. and is already a standard procedure for many surgeons.

AMO-Visx is proceding with the monovision trial to prove the safety and efficacy of monovision for presbyopic patients and is leading the way for the multifocal ablation study. The six month results are encouraging. At least 80% of patients have achieved 20/20 uncorrected vision at both distance and near and 92% were 20/25 or better at distance and near simultaneously. And, 95% of patients reported being less dependent on on glasses with 97% of patients reporting they would undergo monovision correction again if given the opportunity. The downside of monovision were the visual symptoms of seeing halos (~10%) or glare (~3%).

We have been providing the monovision LASIK option for over ten years. But, before I offer monovision to patients, they must undergo a contact lens monovision trial. Interestingly, I have found women prefer this treatment as compared to men but both genders appear to do quite well when they make the the monovision choice.

Stuart Lewis, MD

Labels: Presbyopic LASIK

Channel 9 News approached me several weeks ago with interest in a story about the newest types of refractive surgery. I agreed and found about three patients wh0 agreed to be interviewed and to have their procedures taped. Last night on the 10:00 pm news, we were one of the two featured surgeons interviewed. I am grateful to the patients who agreed to go along with this idea. The reporters at 9News were very discrete and professional. If you are interested in viewing the news report, click here to see "The Eyes Have It." The report gives a very quick overview of some of the new procedures we offer.

Stuart Lewis, MD

Labels: Intralase

About The Cherry Creek Eye Physicians and Surgeons, P.C.

Welcome to my refractive surgery blog. The purpose of having this part of the cherrycreekeye.com website is to better communicate with both patients and potential patients of this practice. The emphasis of this site is to provide accurate information to you about my practice and be as much as a community resource in the area of ophthalmology as possible. In the process, you will be able to get to know about my practice, Cherry Creek Eye Physicians and Surgeons, P.C., and the way I think about and approach various medical and refractive issues.

The plan is not only to keep you updated on the latest news and technology, but also to provide answers to common questions that patients ask on a regular basis. Needless to say, in course of seeing patients interested in refractive surgery, the same topics and concerns are common to many and not uncommonly misunderstood. It is my hope to post these questions and concerns and discuss them in a less formal manner with you. Feel free to email or call us with questions and/or to give us feedback on the practice and website. I look forward to using this new method of communication to reach many of you in a meaningful way.

Stuart Lewis, MD

Labels: Welcome