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

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

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

Ophthalmologist in Dearborn, Michigan

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Ophthalmologist in Dearborn, Michigan

Were you a former patient at the Dearborn office of Kresge Eye Institute?  The office has closed.   Are you looking for a new local ophthalmologist?  The Eye Surgery Institute has been serving the Dearborn community for over 60 years.   We accept most medical and vision insurances and have a full service optical department.  Same day urgent appointments are accepted.  Same week appointments for non urgent issues.

Dr. Alaina Kronenberg, Dr. Stanley Grandon and Dr. Cindy Wang provide the highest quality eye care in the Dearborn community.   We take the time to listen to your concerns and will address all of your eye care needs.  We strive to offer the most modern, up to date care for all of your eye care needs.

Dr. Alaina Kronenberg and Dr. Stanley Grandon are board certified ophthalmologists and Dr. Cindy Wang is a board certified optometrist.   We perform cataract surgery, glaucoma surgery and refractive eye surgery.  Dr. Cindy Wang specializes in glasses and contact lenses.  She performs complex contact lens fittings and offers low vision services.

Diseases of the EyeAre you looking for an ophthalmologist?

We offer the highest quality care for patients with all diseases of the eye.  We care for patients with all eye diseases of the eye including cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, dry eyes, allergies, diabetes and eye pain.  We also can provide all of your needs for glasses and contact lenses.

Make an Appointment!

If you were a patient at Kresge Eye Institute in Dearborn, Michigan and are looking for a new eye care provider, make an appointment at the Eye Surgery Institute!  We are happy to have you as a patient and will offer the highest quality, most up to date eye care.  Our office phone number is 313 582 8856 or you can visit our website www.eyesurgeryinstitute.com and book an appointment online.

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

Diabetic Eye Disease

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Diabetes

 Diabetes is a disease in which the body’s ability to produce or respond to the hormone insulin is impaired.  This causes in abnormal metabolism of carbohydrates and elevated levels of glucose in both the blood and urine.

More than 100 million U.S. adults are now living with diabetes or prediabetes.  Approximately 9.4% of the United States population have diabetes.  One in four adults with diabetes are not aware that they have this disease.  Your doctor can diagnose it with blood tests.

Risk factors for developing diabetes include being overweight or obese.  A lack of physical activity can contribute also. A family history can also increase your risk.

Diabetes and the EyeAlaina Kronenberg MD | Eye Surgery Institute | Diabetic Eye Disease

Dr. Stanley Grandon, Dr. Cindy Wang and I can diagnose diabetic eye disease with a comprehensive eye examination.  It is recommended that you have a comprehensive eye examination once a year.  Medical insurance will cover the office visit.  If I diagnose diabetic eye disease, I will likely recommend more frequent examinations.  I will also likely recommend we take a picture of your eye in the office to check for swelling in the center of your vision.

Diabetes can cause severe vision loss and possibly blindness.  Diabetic retinopathy is the most common cause of vision loss among people with diabetes and a leading cause of blindness among working-age adults.  The better you control your diabetes the less likely it will affect your eye as well as other organ systems.

Types of Diabetic Eye Disease

Diabetic retinopathy can cause changes to retinal blood vessels that can cause them to either bleed or leak.  I may recommend treatment for your disease if there is swelling in the center of your vision (macular edema) or blood vessels growing that are not expected to be there.  If you require treatment, the earlier it is administered, the better the chances of a good visual outcome.  If you are a diabetic make sure to make your appointment at the Eye Surgery Institute!

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

Vision As You Age

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The Aging Eye

With the aging eye, you may notice more difficulty driving especially at night and in the rain. There are many diseases of the eyes that can contribute to more difficulty driving. These changes often become more common at age 60 or older. A comprehensive eye examination by Dr. Stanley Grandon, Dr. Cindy Wang and I can help diagnosis and treat eye diseases.

It is recommended at age 60 to have a yearly dilated eye examination. If you have a family history of certain diseases of the eye such as glaucoma or macular degeneration it is important to initiate regular eye examinations at an earlier age.

Normal Changes as You Ageaging and eye health

As you age, it is normal to rely on glasses for near vision tasks. It is also normal to need more light when reading and feel it takes longer to adjust when you move from the light to dark or vice versa. You may notice changes in your contrast sensitivity. A comprehensive eye exam can ensure you are in the best pair of glasses possible.  As you age, you may need glasses that correct for both distance and near tasks.

Eye Diseases

Vision loss is not a normal part of aging. As you age, you become more likely to develop diseases such as cataracts, glaucoma and age related macular degeneration. Many diseases of the eye are easier to treat if diagnosed at an earlier stage. Some eye diseases can lead to blindness if not treated properly. If diagnosed and treated at an earlier stage, you are more likely to maintain adequate vision for the rest of your life.

If you feel you are uncomfortable with your vision especially when driving, you may have a cataract. Cataract surgery may be indicated if it is interfering with you daily tasks.

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

January is Glaucoma Awareness Month

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Glaucoma is a blinding disease | Eye Surgery InstituteJanuary is Glaucoma Awareness Month

Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness.  Your vision loss can often be prevented with early diagnosis and treatment.  There are often no symptoms in the earliest stages.  The vision loss is usually first in the periphery.  Later more advanced stages can cause total blindness.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology advises the public that the best defense against developing glaucoma-related blindness is by having routine, comprehensive eye exams.  Dr. Stanley Grandon, Dr. Cindy Wang and I test for glaucoma at the time of your examination regardless of the reason for the visit.

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is an eye disease where damage to your optic nerve causes vision loss that is not reversible.  It often happens when fluid builds up in your eye and may be related to eye pressure .  This extra fluid can damage your optic nerve and cause you to lose your vision.  You will often not notice vision loss from the earlier stages.  There is usually no pain or symptoms associated.

How is Glaucoma Diagnosed?

Dr. Stanley Grandon, Dr. Cindy Wang and I may suspect it if your intraocular pressure is elevated or if your optic nerve looks that is may have damage.  Up to half of patients with glaucoma do not have an elevated intraocular pressure when examined.  If we have a high suspicion, extra tests such as a peripheral vision test (a visual field), a picture of the optic nerve and checking the thickness of your cornea (pachymetry) may be recommended.  Depending on the level of suspicion, we may decide to observe you or opt to initiate treatment.

If My Doctor Diagnosed Glaucoma Does That Mean I am Going Blind?

No!  It can be treated by various modalities.  It is important to diagnose it at an early stage.  Dr. Stanley Grandon, Dr. Cindy Wang and I will often initially treat your glaucoma with a once daily drop at bedtime.  We are trying to lower your eye pressure.  Depending on your response to the medication and the severity of your disease, we made opt to add additional drops.

We can also treat it with laser.  This laser is often performed in the office.  It can be used in addition to your drops or sometimes instead of your drops, depending on the severity of your disease.

If your disease is not adequately controlled with drops and /or laser, you may require surgery to achieve control.  There are several surgical options that can be performed.

Alaina Kronenberg, M.D.
Cataract Specialist
Comprehensive Ophthalmologist
Dearborn, Michigan 48126