Cataract Surgery and Implant Options

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Cataract Evaluation

If you have been previously diagnosed with a cataract or if you feel you are experiencing blurry vision, a comprehensive eye examination is important.  The examination can determine if the cataract is the source of your visual complaints.  If the cataract is the source of your complaints, I can complete a cataract evaluation and discuss with you the options.

Most people develop a cataract as they get older.  Surgery is recommended when the cataract is interfering with your day to day activities.  Patients may experience difficulty driving especially at night or in the rain and bright sunlight.

Examination

A comprehensive eye examination involves checking your visual acuity, refracting to see if new eyeglasses can improve your vision, a slit lamp examination and a dilated examination.   I will also take a comprehensive medical history.  This is done to assess for any conditions that would increase the risk of a problem during surgery.

If  the cataract if the cause of your visual complaints,  I will discuss with you the risks and benefits of surgery as part of the cataract evaluation.  I will take the time to discuss implant options with you.  For example, if you have astigmatism you may be a candidate for a toric implant to correct the astigmatism.  If you have a desire to be less dependent on glasses for near activities, you may be a candidate for a presbyopic implant that allows for vision not only at distance but also for near and intermediate activities.  There are various prebsbyopic implants available on the market.  Based on your visual needs, I will recommend the implant that suits your needs best.

Cataract Surgery Implants

When I first trained, monofocal intraocular implants were primarily used.  Most patients still required glasses after their surgery due to either their astigmatism and/or near vision needs.

Many patients have astigmatism and benefit from a toric intraocular implant.  I will discuss the option of this implant with all patients who have corneal astigmatism.  It reduces the dependence on glasses after surgery.

Multifocal implants can help correct vision both at distance and for near activities.  These intraocular implants can work well for patients who wish to be less dependent on glasses for both distance and near and intermediate vision.   These implants will reduce your need for glasses for many activities.  I will determine which implant is best for you, it is important to understand your visual needs.  For example, do you wish to have better intermediate or reading vision?  Are you willing to accept that you may have decreased contrast sensitivity or some halos at night?  After performing your eye examination, I will determine if you are a candidate for a multifocal or a toric implant.  Our implant technology and options are always evolving.  It is important that you understand all of your options and which options may work best for you.  Call our office for an appointment!

 

Alaina Kronenberg, M.D.
Cataract Specialist
Comprehensive Ophthalmologist
Dearborn, Michigan

Halloween and Eye Safety

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Halloween and Eye Safety

Halloween is a fun time of year! It is important to understand halloween and eye safety.

Your children (and even you!) may enjoy dressing up in fun costumes, having parties with friends and trick or treating.  Many children look forward to halloween the whole year.

Although halloween can be a fun time of year, there are many costumes that can involve colored contact lenses that can be dangerous for your eyes.  Many costumes can include masks, eye patches and goggles that can interfere with your range of vision.  This can make you more likely to trip and fall or injure your self in some other way.  Also, many costumes involve heavy facial makeup.  This makeup can get into your eyes and cause inflammation and irritation in your eyes.

The Facts

Costumes, although fun can be dangerous. There are  13,500 emergency room visits per year from contact lens injuries in children and teenagers.  Improper use of contact lenses can lead to serious eye infections and even blindness.  It is illegal to sell contact lenses over the counter without a doctor’s prescription.

How do I Safely Wear Contacts?

What do you do if you want to wear contact lenses at halloween?  Dr. Stanley Grandon, Dr. Cindy Wang and I can fit you properly in contact lenses at the Eye Surgery Institute.  It is important that you learn how to care for contacts.  You need to wash your hands before handling them, make sure you do not sleep in then and use a multipurpose disinfecting solution to clean them.  It is important that you do not sleep in the contacts and not share them with others.

Make an Appointment!

Dr. Stanley Grandon, Dr. Cindy Wang and I can perform a comprehensive eye examination to ensure the general health of your eyes.  We can fit the contact lenses and ensure they are safe on your eyes.  Contact lenses are also not just for costumes, they are a nice alternative to wearing your glasses!

Alaina Kronenberg MD
Eye Surgery Institute
15212 Michigan Ave
Dearborn, MI 48126

Resources for Seniors in Michigan

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Resources for Seniors

Navigating resources for seniors and insurance options can be both confusing and stressful. There are many different medicare options available to you when you turn 65 years old.   You want to ensure that you have the best insurance coverage possible both for medical needs and prescription drugs that you are prescribed. The best options can vary depending on your healthcare needs and medications that you take.  The doctors at Eye Surgery Institute including Dr. Stanley Grandon, Dr. Cindy Wang and Dr. Alaina Kronenberg participate in most medicare plans inclulding advantage plans.

Many aging adults are unaware of the available care options and programs that can help them maintain their independence and quality of life.  This is a free resource that provides comprehensive information on Medicare Advantage options in Michigan. The following below is a summary of some of the options available.  These were compiled by a senior advocate.  Hopefully, a better understanding of options can help reduce stress and anxiety regarding insurance options.  If you have any questions regarding your insurance and eye care our staff at Eye Surgery Institute is available to answer your questions.  Eye Surgery Institute is a comprehensive ophthalmology practice that cares for patients of all ages.  We perform comprehensive eye examinations to ensure you maintain the best vision possible during your lifetime.  Some of the diseases we care for include cataracts, diabetes, macular degeneration, dry eyes, ocular allergies, glasses, contact lenses and glaucoma  Dr. Alaina Kronenberg performs cataract and glaucoma surgery at the Dearborn Surgical Center.  Our office has a full service optical department for glasses and contact lenses.  We are accepting new patients and accept same day appointments for all emergencies.  Please cal 313 582 8856 to schedule an appointment!

Resources Available

Alaina Kronenberg MD
Eye Surgery Institute
15212 Michigan Ave
Dearborn, MI 48126

Reopening with Covid

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Reopening

Eye Surgery Institute has reopened !  We are open  to serve you for all of your ophthalmology and optical needs and see patients of all ages including children.  Dr. Stanley Grandon,  Dr. Cindy Wang and I are now available for appointments.   Eye Surgery institute is a full service ophthalmology practice caring for patients with many eye diseases.  Some of the diseases we care for include cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetes, red eye, dry eyes, irritated eyes and vision problems.  We can prescribe both glasses and contact lenses and we also have a full service optical department for you to order your glasses and contact lenses.   Cataract surgery  and glaucoma surgery is performed by Dr. Alaina Kronenberg at the Dearborn Surgical Center.  Same day emergencies are accepted even for new patients.

Safety with CovidEye Surgery Institute| Alaina Kronenberg MD

Your safety and the safety of our staff is of upmost importance!  New protocols for cleaning and disinfecting our office have been implemented.  Our office is large and this allows for proper social distancing.  All staff and patients are screened for covid symptoms.  Appointments are spaced to avoid crowding in our waiting room.  We are ensuring patients stay properly spaced and cleaning each room and the equipment between patients.

A staff member will screen you before your appointment on the phone for symptoms of Covid and check your temperature when you arrive.  A mask must be worn over your nose and mouth.  We request that only the patient comes into the office if possible.  Exceptions to this policy will be made for translation, children and some patients who require a family member due to other medical conditions such as memory problems.

Exam rooms are cleaned thoroughly between patients.  Our staff will be wearing masks and washing our hands before and after each patient encounter.

Resuming care

Many eye disease can potentially lead to blindness.  It is important that you maintain eye care to ensure all conditions are properly diagnosed and treated.  Call our office at 313 582-8856 for an appointment!

Flashes of Light

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Flashes of Light

Do you experience flashes of light in or vision?  Are they new or have they been there for a long time?  What is the cause of them?

Flashes may be described as a lightning streak or the sensation of seeing a shooting star in your vision. They usually only last a few seconds.

Causes

Most of the time, the flashes of light are from changes in the vitreous jelly.  This is the viscous gel that fills the back of your eye.  As you age, it will liquify. Flashes of light may be associated with new floaters in your vision.  Flashes of light can also be caused from trauma.  For example if you are hit in your eye you may see flashes.  Migraine headaches can also cause a patient to experience flashes either before, during, or after the migraine.  Sometimes you can have the visual symptoms of a migraine without the headache!  This is called an ocular migraine.

When Should I Worry?flashes of light | Alaina Kronenberg MD

You should worry about flashes if they are new.  If you suddenly see flashes of light in your vision, you should call our office for an appointment.  It is also important to call our office if you notice new floaters in your vision or feel like there is a curtain or portion of your vision missing.  It is also important to have an eye examination if you have sustained trauma to your eye. Dr. Stanley Grandon, Dr. Cindy Wang or I will perform a comprehensive eye examination which will include dilating your pupils.

What Could it Mean?

If you are experiencing new flashes or floaters, we need to check your retina for a possible detached or torn retina.  You should call our office to be see as an urgent patient.   All urgent issues will be seen on the same day.

Alaina Kronenberg MD
Eye Surgery Institute
15212 Michigan Ave
Dearborn, MI 48126

Coronavirus and the Eye

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Coronavirus

Coronavirus is a respiratory virus that can cause flu like symptoms such as fever, cough, fatique, myalgias, shortness of breath, loss of a sense of smell and taste.  Symptoms can range from mild to severe.  Severe cases have caused significant morbidity and mortality worldwide.  It is primarily spread by respiratory droplets and it is important to wash your hands regularly and not touch your face.

Coronavirus and the EyeCoronaviurs and the Eye | Alaina Kronenberg MD | Eye Surgery Institute

Coronavirus can present as a viral pink eye (conjunctivitis) in a small percentage of patients.   It affects the eyes in approximately 1-3% of patients and may present as a red, swollen puffy eyes with watery discharge.

Eye Surgery Institute

At the time I am writing this blog, Dr. Stanley Grandon, Dr. Cindy Wang and I have been adhering to the recommendations of the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) and the CDC.  We have closed our office to all routine appointments.  We are still available daily for emergent issues.  Please call our office to arrange an appointment if you are having an urgent issue.  I am also available for video conference appointment if the issue is one that can be addressed remotely.

If you do come into our office for an appointment, we have instituted additional safety and hygiene precautions to minimize any risk.  We are also spacing appointments so that contact with others can be minimized.  Dr. Stanley Grandon, Dr. Cindy Wang and I are available and happy to see both new and established patients for urgent issues at this time.  We hope to resume normal operations once it is safe to do so.  We have staff available during the business day to answer your phone calls at (313) 582-8856 and you can also book either a virtual appointment or an appointment in our office at www.zocdoc.com.

Alaina Kronenberg MD
Eye Surgery Institute
15212 Michigan Ave
Dearborn, MI 48126

Macular Degeneration Awareness

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What is Macular Degeneration?

February is macular degeneration awareness month.  This is when there is deterioration of the small, central portion of your retina called the macula.  You may develop deposits called drusen in your macula and sometimes bleeding. This can cause loss of your central vision. It is one of the leading causes of blindness and is more common with age.  Smoking is also a risk factor.

There are two main categories of macular degeneration, dry and wet.  Approximately 80% of cases are the dry form.  Typically the dry form is less likely to result in visual loss, although the advanced stages can cause central visual loss.  Dry macular degeneration can progress to wet macular degeneration.  This is typically more likely to cause visual loss.  Blood vessels can leak and cause scar tissue to form.

Diagnosismacular degeneration | Alaina Kronenberg MD

Macular degeneration is diagnosed with a comprehensive eye examination and usually a picture of the back of the eye called and OCT.  This images the central vision and helps determine if your macular degeneration is the dry or the wet form.  Sometimes additional testing will be required like a fluorescein angiogram.

Treatment

The treatment for macular degeneration depends on whether you have been diagnosed with the dry form or the wet form.  For the dry form Dr. Stanley Grandon, Dr. Cindy Wang and I will recommend vitamins twice a day based on the age related eye disease study (AREDS2).  We will also give you an amsler grid to monitor your vision at home.

If you have the wet form typically you will need  injections to treat this.  The injections can help maintain your current vision and sometimes will improve your vision.  The injections are typically given frequently at the beginning and then the intervals can be extended depending on the examination findings.

Alaina Kronenberg MD
Eye Surgery Institute
15212 Michigan Ave
Dearborn, MI 48126

Cataract Surgery

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What is a Cataract?

A cataract is a clouding of the lens inside your eye.  You will most likely develop a cataract as you age.  Cataracts can progress at different rates and they occur when the proteins inside the lens break down.  Most cataract develop gradually although there are some types of cataracts that can progress more rapidly.  It is the most common cause of vision loss as you age.

How do I Know if I have a Cataract?cataract | Alaina Kronenberg MD

You may have a cataract if your vision is blurry.  Other symptoms can include more difficulty seeing at night especially with driving and more light sensitivity.  Most cataracts develop gradually so you may not notice the gradual changes that occur over time.  Dr. Stanley Grandon, Dr. Cindy Wang and I can perform a comprehensive eye examination to determine the cause of your blurry vision.  We will check for all eye diseases during the examination.  If you feel the quality of your vision is limiting your daily activities especially driving you may be ready for cataract surgery.

Cataract Surgery

I perform cataract surgery at an outpatient surgical center in Dearborn, Michigan.  There typically is no pain.  At your evaluation for surgery, I will discuss the surgery in detail as well as review what to expect and the potential risks involved.  When I perform cataract surgery, I place an implant into your eye.  I will discuss the implant options at the time of your evaluation.  The options can vary depending on the health of your eye.  Some implants will correct only distance vision, others will also correct astigmatism and near vision.  I will personalize the discussion depending on your desires and the health of your eye.  I only perform surgery on one eye at a time.  You will need to come in to see me a few times the first month after the surgery for check ups.  Typically you can return to normal daily activities the next day.

Alaina Kronenberg MD
Eye Surgery Institute
15212 Michigan Ave
Dearborn, MI 48126

Looking For a New Eye Doctor?

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Are You Looking For a New Eye Doctor?

The Eye Surgery Institute has been serving the Dearborn community for over 60 years.  We are a full service eye care office offering the most up to date, quality eye care.   Our office has a full service optical department with both glasses and contact lenses.  Most medical and insurance plans are accepted.  Our eye doctors have early morning hours available and always will accept same day emergency appointments.  You can book an appointment by either calling our office at 313 582-8856 or online at www.eyesurgeryinstitute.com.  You can also book online at www.zocdoc.com.

Our Doctorseye examinations

Dr. Stanley Grandon and Dr. Alaina Kronenberg are both board certified ophthalmologists.  We perform comprehensive eye examinations and will examine you for all eye diseases as well as check you for new glasses.  We perform surgery of the eye if necessary including lasik, cataract surgery, glaucoma surgery and glaucoma lasers.

Dr. Cindy Wang is an optometrist who specializes in fitting glasses and contact lenses. Dr. Wang has much success in fitting patients who were unable to be properly fit elsewhere.  She enjoys fitting specialty fit contact lenses for patients that have particular eye conditions such as keratoconus and prior RK eye surgery.  These are difficult to fit patients.  She also provides low vision examinations for patients who require additional magnification due to vision loss.

All of our doctors will thoroughly explain everything and ensure that all of your questions are answered.  We will address all of your concerns before you leave the office.  Our practice understands that your time is valuable and we try to run on time and minimize wait times.  For your convenience, we also provide same day testing for conditions like glaucoma and macular degeneration.  Call our office for an appointment!

 

Alaina Kronenberg MD
Eye Surgery Institute
15212 Michigan Ave
Dearborn, MI 48126

Aging of the Eye

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Aging of the Eye

The risk of serious eye diseases increases with age.   One in 6 Americans age 65 and older have a serious eye condition that permanently affects their vision.  This means that the vision cannot be corrected with glasses or contact lenses.  Many older adults do not see eye care that could diagnose conditions at earlier stages.   It is important for you to have regular comprehensive eye examinations to diagnose eye conditions that become more common with the aging of the eye.

Eye Examination

A comprehensive eye examination will start with checking your vision and checking for the best pair of glasses.  As you age your near vision will deteriorate and you will require vision correction for near activities.  The vision can be corrected with glasses, contact lenses or Lasik eye surgery.

There are several options for glasses that will help with your near vision. Glasses can be made as progressive lenses which is a no line bifocal.  The advantage of these is that it provides correction for distance, intermediate distance tasks such as your computer and reading.  Another option is to have a bifocal with a line in it.  This only provides correction for distance and reading but offers no correction for intermediate tasks.  The other glasses option for near correction is to have a separate pair of glasses for distance and near.

Afterwords, Dr. Stanley Grandon, Dr. Cindy Wang or I will perform a glaucoma test, a slit lamp examination and a dilated fundus examination to determine the health of your eyes.  Common diseases we assess for are cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration.

Eye Diseases

It is important to diagnose eye diseases at early stages so treatment can be initiated.  If we have diagnosed a cataract, we will recommend cataract surgery when it is affecting your daily activities.  If you feel you are struggling to perform daily activities due to the quality of your vision, cataract surgery may be indicated.  Diseases such as glaucoma and macular degeneration can be more effectively treated if diagnosed at an early stage.  Early diagnosis and treatment can help assure you maintain good vision the rest of your life!

Alaina Kronenberg MD
Eye Surgery Institute
15212 Michigan Ave
Dearborn, MI 48126