Rochester Eye And Laser Center

Products And Services

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  The LASIK Experience

  The first step toward a successful outcome is to make sure you are a good LASIK candidate. LASIK is a medical procedure that requires specific physical and medical conditions to be met before it can be considered appropriate for any patient. Age, general health, eye health, and thickness of the cornea are all evaluated. Our thorough two hour LASIK screening exam includes multiple scans of your eyes to map exact vision characteristics. This evaluation exam is one of the most thorough and comfortable screening processes in the region Our goal is to precisely understand your eyes and vision challenges, learn more about your concerns, and answer your questions. We want to ensure you fully understand what happens during the procedure and what LASIK can do for you. We reject about 2% of candidates because of physical or medical factors. However, in that case, we can recommend alternative vision correction options that are right for you. The Best LASIK Technology and the Best LASIK Surgeon. At your first appointment, you’ll meet your surgeon, Dr. Lindahl. He will examine your eyes to diagnose the best treatment for your vision goals. Dr. Lindahl M.D Dr. Kenneth Lindahl trained at the University of Rochester and has more than 25 years’ experience with cataract, laser, and corneal and refractive surgery. Dr. Lindahl has personally had bilateral LASIK surgery.

  Link: The LASIK Experience

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  Cataract Removal

  Cataracts result from a naturally occurring protein build-up which clouds the lens and degrades vision as we age. Turn to Rochester Eye and Laser Center to re-gain crisp, clear, and stable eyesight. Blade-Free Cataract Technology-Better Results with Laser Cataract Surgery Laser cataract surgery offers many benefits over traditional surgery. The procedure is not only faster but also more controlled and precise. Eye measurements taken prior to surgery assist Dr. Lindahl in treating the unique characteristics of your eyes for a completely customized treatment that gives you outstanding vision results. With our LenSx® femtosecond laser system, Dr. Lindahl has the advantage of having real-time video imaging and 3-dimensional visualization during the procedure. Such precision avoids any possibility of human error. Additionally, with the less-invasive laser technique, your recovery and healing may be faster. With our LenSx® femtosecond Laser System Traditional cataract surgery has been performed for years by making a micro incision at or near the cornea and gently removing the cloudy lens using high-energy sound waves. While this method is still quite effective, Rochester Eye & Laser Center is proud to offer another method -- the most advanced technology for cataract surgery using lasers. Laser cataract surgery (also called blade-free cataract surgery) incorporates the use of the revolutionary LenSx® femtosecond laser system. This laser makes computer-controlled corneal incisions and then gently breaks up the cloudy cataractous lens, based on a detailed real-time 3-dimensional image of the eye. The LenSx® option allows Dr. Lindahl to accomplish even greater vision outcomes and astigmatism control due to the precision and customization that comes with computerized treatment. The placement of the new Intraocular Lens (IOL) remains the same as in traditional cataract surgery. You still have the option to choose either standard IOLs or advanced multifocal, accommodating, or toric lenses, depending on your vision goals and lifestyle. We will offer knowledgeable consultation to you regarding the best lens choice for your needs.

  Link: Cataract Removal

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  Advanced Intraocular Lenses (IOLs)

  Medicare and most health insurance plans usually cover most of the cataract surgery and a standard IOL, which will give you the clear vision that cataracts have obstructed. But if you needed glasses for distance or reading before cataract surgery, it is likely that you will still need them afterwards. That is because some vision disorders are not related to the lens – they are the result of irregularities of the cornea. In our evaluation consultation, we may recommend LASIK vision correction along with cataract surgery to correct refractive error such as nearsightedness or farsightedness resulting from the shape of the cornea. Advanced IOLs for Distance and Close Up Vision If your goal after cataract surgery is excellent vision without glasses or contacts, Rochester Eye and Laser Center offers Advanced Multifocal or Accommodating IOLs for a continuous range of vision correction well into your future. These Advanced IOLs provide correction for both near and distance vision and everything in between. It is important to precisely measure the focusing power of the new lens for your vision goals, so Dr. Lindahl will work closely with you to determine the best Advanced IOL option for you. Advanced lenses are not covered by Medicare and are available for an additional charge, up to $2,500 per eye. Discuss costs and payment options with our staff when you have your evaluation. We use the following brands of IOLs to help our patients see more clearly: Tecnis® The Tecnis lens is a foldable multifocal lens made of acrylic, with a unique optic design that provides excellent distance and near vision and good intermediate vision in any lighting condition. The lens features a series of rings that work together to focus light at far, near, and in between distances. Because of this unique design, the Tecnis multifocal provides high quality vision even in low illumination situations, like dimly lit restaurants. Some patients may need assistance for certain intermediate vision tasks, such as computer work, easily addressed with part-time reading glasses or simply moving the monitor closer. AcrySof® IQ ReSTOR® Similar to the Tecnis, the ReSTOR is a multifocal lens that provides excellent far and near vision, and good vision for intermediate distances. The center zone of the ReSTOR lens features a series of tiny steps that work together to focus light for near through distance vision. In addition to this central region, a surrounding outer ring is dedicated to focusing light for distance. As with the Tecnis, some patients may require part time glasses for intermediate vision tasks, such as computer work. Crystalens®AO An accommodative IOL, the Crystalens AO’s hinged design allows the lens to move forward when the eye attempts to focus on near objects, restoring some of the accommodative function for farsighted patients. The Crystalens AO works most like the eye’s natural lens, where the optic, or part of the IOL that you see through, moves back and forth with the changing focus on images around you, near and far. The Crystalens AO provides excellent distance vision, and its clear advantage is middle vision making this lens a good choice for those who often work on a computer. Most Crystalens AO patients will likely require glasses for small print reading. With all IOLs, some patients may experience a “halo sensation” immediately after the procedure, but this effect diminishes quite soon.

  Link: Advanced Intraocular Lenses (IOLs)

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  Complete Eye Care Services

  From eye exams, glasses and contacts, to LASIK vision correction and cataract removal- Opticians, Optometrists, and Opthalmologists in one clearly better Rochester East End location. Comprehensive medical eye care can involve a number of different specialists, often requiring multiple appointments to address everything from common eye and vision concerns to more complex conditions. We provide eye care services for the entire family, from babies, children, teens, and adults, to seniors. Choose Rochester Eye and Laser Center to get the best treatment from a team of respected eye care professionals – without going all over town. Corneal disease management and surgery Glaucoma Diabetes of the eyes Macular degeneration Medical laser treatments Advanced Dry Eye management and treatment Strabismus/Amblyopia Eyelid surgery

  Link: Complete Eye Care Services

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  Glaucoma

  A Leading Cause of Blindness Glaucoma is a series of diseases which damage the optic nerve, causing blind spots in the field of vision. Estimates are that glaucoma affects 1 in every 50 adults. The risk of developing glaucoma increases after age 35, though it can occur at any age. When overproduction of eye fluids occurs, or when the eye’s drainage system becomes blocked, the increase in pressure in the eye can cause damage to the optic nerve, resulting in glaucoma and permanent loss of vision. In the most common type of glaucoma, early symptoms are often unnoticeable, with no discomfort or pain. Consequently, most people do not detect a problem until there has been a significant loss of vision. At later stages, central vision becomes affected, and can be accompanied by mild headaches and night vision difficulties. Some forms of the disease may include more noticeable symptoms such as blurred vision, severe pain, nausea, and halos around lights. Glaucoma is generally detected in routine eye examinations where special instruments measure fluid pressure in the eye, and drainage channels are examined for proper fluid outflow. Left untreated, glaucoma causes total blindness. Glaucoma cannot be cured, and lost vision cannot be restored. But early detection and treatment can usually control the disease and preserve vision. That’s why regular eye exams are crucial for those over age 35 or in other high risk groups. Treatment options available in our office for glaucoma include laser procedures.

  Link: Glaucoma

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  Corneal disease management and surgery

  Healthy Corneas -Good Vision Starts Here! Good vision starts with the health of the corneas, the strong and durable transparent outer layer of the eyes. Corneal problems can affect the ability to see clearly, even with prescription glasses or contact lenses, negatively affecting everyday life. This ultra-thin group of cells and proteins is comprised of five layers: *Epithelium – the outermost layer protects the eye from debris and absorbs oxygen and nutrients from tears *Bowman’s Layer – a layer of strong collagen tissue *Stoma – this layer comprises 90% of the cornea, mostly water and collagen *Descemet’s Membrane – a strong, thin layer of tissue that protest against injuries and infection *Endothelium – the innermost layer designed to keep the cornea clear If there are any diseases, injuries, or disorders that affect the cornea, clear vision will be impacted. Minor injuries and infections are often repaired quickly; however some eye conditions require medical attention. As the outermost, protective layer of the eye, corneas are vulnerable to damage: *Eye disease *Trauma / injury *Infection *Corneal scarring *Extreme corneal bulging (Keratoconus) *Corneal ulcers These conditions can cause vision loss, pain and an unsightly appearance. If they cannot be resolved through other treatment options, cornea transplant surgery becomes necessary. Corneal Disease Treatments Corneas can also become diseased. Common conditions that we manage and treat include (but are not limited to: *Anterior Basement Membrane Dystrophy *Fuchs’ Dystrophy *Recurrent Erosion Syndrome *Band Keratopathy *Herpetic Eye Disease *Corneal Scarring *Corneal Transplants and other Procedures Occasionally, the only treatment for some corneal conditions is surgery – corneal transplants or other procedures. According to the Eye Bank Association of America member eye banks provided more than 72,000 corneas for transplant in 2014. A corneal transplant involves the removal of all or part of a damaged cornea and replacement with healthy cornea tissue from a donor. Different areas of the cornea can be replaced as well as different layers of the cornea, depending on the severity of your vision problems and the needs of your eyes. Depending on the condition of your corneas, Rochester Eye and Laser also performs other procedures and surgeries to correct conditions and restore corneal health: *Superficial Keratectomy *Anterior Stromal Puncture *Phototherapeutic Keratectomy *Corneal Transplant (PKP, DALK, DSAEK)

  Link: Corneal disease management and surgery

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  Diabetic Eye Disease

  Diabetic retinopathy, is the leading cause of blindness among adults. A disease that causes many health problems, diabetes is especially hard on the eyes and can lead to blindness.diabetic-eye Diabetes of the eye, known as diabetic retinopathy, is the leading cause of blindness among adults. The risk of developing it corresponds with age and duration of the disease. Nearly 25% of diabetics have some form of diabetic retinopathy, and 90% of diabetics experience some form during their lives. However, only a small percentage of those affected will have serious vision problems or become blind. A complication of diabetes mellitus, diabetic retinopathy causes abnormalities in the tiny blood vessels nourishing the retina. As these vessels weaken, they leak fluid and blood, failing to provide necessary nutrients for retinal health. Untreated, diabetes of the eye can result in severe visual loss, including blindness. The disease can be detected in a complete eye examination using special instruments and diagnostic tests to determine the extent of damage. Treatments are available in our office, including the use of lasers to seal leaking blood vessels and other procedures. If you or someone close to you is diabetic, regular complete eye examinations are the best protection for eye health and vision.

  Link: Diabetic Eye Disease

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  Macular Degeneration

  Macular degeneration is the leading cause of impaired reading and detail vision. Retinal Breakdown Caused by the breakdown of the central portion of the retina, macular degeneration is the leading cause of impaired reading and detail vision. Though peripheral or side vision is not affected, macular degeneration does cause distortion of central and color vision. Macular degeneration is often a natural result of aging when over time, retinal tissues deteriorate and thin. In about 10% of cases, aging of the retina is worsened by leaking of tiny blood vessels which nourish the retina. Blurry or distorted central vision is the most noticeable symptom of macular degeneration. With macular degeneration, a person may have difficult reading because of blurry words on the page, see distortion of lines or the center of a scene, or experience a dark or empty area in the central visual field. Laser treatment may slow progression of the disease, but there is no cure for macular degeneration. Early treatment is the only effective strategy to prevent further vision loss, and regular eye examinations are the only sure way to detect it.

  Link: Macular Degeneration

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  Dry Eye

  There are two forms of dry eye – evaporative and aqueous. Nearly 90% of those with dry eye have the evaporative form, or MGD. Dr. Lindahl will evaluate your eyes in a series of tests to assess your tear film and the quantity and quality of the oils produced by your glands. These simple exams will determine if you have evaporative dry eye. If so, LipiFlow®, a virtually painless procedure, can treat the cause directly. MGD occurs when there are blockages or structural damage that inhibits the natural production of protective oils from the meibomian glands located in our eyelids. This oil protects the watery layer in our tear film, but when these oils are not present, it causes your tears to rapidly evaporate and lose their consistency. Without these oils our eyes become more susceptible to the negative effects that d-y climates, air conditioning, computer use, reading and other daily activities can have on the long-term health of our eyes. “So many people experience unnecessary discomfort with dry eye. It may start with mild symptoms that are easy to ignore. But the condition usually worsens over time and impacts daily life. There’s a simple, painless solution to regain eye health and comfort -- Lipiflow®. Come in and see us for an evaluation and learn more about treating your dry eyes. I use Lipiflow® myself for my dry eyes.” Kenneth Lindahl, MD

  Link: Dry Eye

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  Amblyopia

  “Lazy Eye” and Poor Vision Amblyopia, when one eye develops normal vision while the other does not, is a common condition occurring in 2amblyopia – 3% of the population. Usually, only one eye is affected. The eye with poor vision is called amblyopic. The best time to detect and treat amblyopia is in infancy or early childhood. If there is a family history of eye conditions such as misaligned eyes, childhood cataracts, or serious eye disease, an ophthalmologist can check vision even earlier than age three. All children should have their vision checked by their pediatrician, family physician, or ophthalmologist at or before their fourth birthday. Treating Amblyopia While glasses may be prescribed to correct errors in focusing, that may not improve vision. Effective treatment may require using the weak eye to strengthen it, usually accomplished by patching or covering the strong eye, often for weeks of months. Part-time patching may be required over a period of years to maintain improvement. Another treatment involves blurring the vision in the good eye with special drops or lenses to force using and strengthening the weaker eye. Such approaches are used before considering surgery, such as implanting an intraocular lens (IOL) to correct the problem. After surgery, glasses restore focusing, while patching improves vision. Other factors involved in treating amblyopia include the severity of the case and the age of the child when treatment is initiated. If the condition is first discovered after early childhood, treatment may not be successful. Amblyopia caused by strabismus or unequal refractive errors may be successfully treated at an older age than amblyopia caused by cloudiness in eye tissue. Detected and treated early, amblyopia can improve for most children, though part-time treatment may be required until the age of nine. After that age, amblyopia usually does not recur.

  Link: Amblyopia

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  Eyelid Surgery Options

  Total eye health depends on the health of the eyelid, too. Eyelid Surgery Options Healthy Lids for Healthy Eyes Total eye health depends on the health of the eyelid, too. Eyelid position, excess eyelid skin, droopy eyelids, or eyelid-surgeryeyelids that turn inward or outward are common problems that can affect appearance, cause discomfort, or limit vision. Eyelid surgery can correct such conditions. Ptosis: Upper eyelid drooping Ptosis ("toe-sis") is apparent at birth (congenital) or develops with age (involutional). Ptosis is a condition where the upper eyelid droops over the eye. After surgery, the upper eyelid is restored to its normal position. While congenital ptosis may not lead to poor vision, a child may be forced to manage it by tilting the head back in order to see. Children with congenital ptosis should be examined by an ophthalmologist to evaluate if there are associated eye problems. To make it easier for children to see, and to improve appearance, surgery to correct congential ptosis may be recommended in the preschool years. The type of surgery depends on how much the eyelids droop. Involutional ptosis, which develops with age, may worsen after other eye surgery or eyelid swelling and may limit peripheral vision and impact appearance. Surgery shortens the muscle that opens the lid, correcting the problem. Excess eyelid skin Eyelid skin, the thinnest of the body, stretches easily. Consequently, as we age, we may develop excess eyelid skin. Stretched skin in the upper eyelid may limit peripheral vision and produce a feeling of heaviness and a tired appearance. In the lower eyelid, "bags" may form. Excess eyelid skin or fatty tissue may be removed by blepharoplasty, a surgical procedure that can improve peripheral vision and other symptoms while improving appearance at the same time. Ectropion: Outward turning of the lower lid The lower eyelid may stretch with age, allowing the eyelid to droop downward and turn outward, a problem which may also be caused by eyelid burns or skin disease. Ectropion can cause dryness of the eyes, excessive tearing, redness and sensitivity to light and wind. The goal of eyelid surgery in this case is to improve such symptoms by restoring the normal position of the eyelid. Entropion: Inward turning of the lower eyelid. Another condition that occurs with age is entropion, the inward turning of the lower eyelid, which may also be caused by inner lid scarring and Infection. With entropion, eyelashes and skin can rub against the eye, making it red, irritated and sensitive to light and wind. Left untreated, entropion can cause an infection and ulcer to develop on the cornea. With surgery, the eyelid is turned outward toward its normal position, protecting the eye and improving such symptoms. Plastic Surgery for Eyelids Eyelid plastic surgery is generally performed on an outpatient basis using local anesthesia. Before such surgery, your ophthalmologist will perform an eye examination and make recommendations. Insurance companies often require photographs and visual field testing before blepharoplasty and ptosis surgery. If you are a candidate for eyelid surgery, inform your ophthalmologist if you are taking aspirin or aspirin-containing drugs, blood thinners, or have a bleeding problem. This surgery is generally safe; however, as with any surgery, there are certain risks: While your ophthalmic surgeon will attempt to make both lids look similar, differences in healing each eye may cause some unevenness in appearance. A "black eye" following surgery is common but will quickly disappear. As it may be difficult to close the eyes completely after surgery, the eyes may feel dry. As the surgery heals, such irritation generally disappears.

  Link: Eyelid Surgery Options

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  Rochester Eye & Laser Center Optical Shop

  Style, Quality, Luxury Overwhelmed by a huge selection of frames to consider? What’s best for you? We carry a full selection of the most recognized brands. Get a personal style consultation with our optical team, have fun doing it, and then look great in your new glasses! Update Your Look Make a personal statement with quality high fashion eyewear from our Optical Shop. Whether you’re looking for something classic, luxurious, vintage, or totally fashion-forward, we’ll help you find the right frames for your style and budget. Get the Style Help you Need Our optical specialists, Sherry Cassano and the team, are also artists and fashionistas – along with being New York State Licensed Opticians. You’ll enjoy your custom eyewear fittings with a knowledgeable and savvy professional – and get lots of compliments on your choice, too!

  Link: Rochester Eye & Laser Center Optical Shop

• Don't Let Dry Eyes Hold You Back. Get Relief with LipiFlow.

  Lipiflow® Clears Blocked Glands Quickly and Painlessly. Treat the Root Cause of Evaporative Dry Eye. If you suffer from evaporative dry eye, Lipiflow® is a gentle and painless procedure that opens and clears blocked glands. Then your eyes can start naturally producing the complex oils that create a healthy tear film. This in-office treatment may even be scheduled on the day of your evaluation.