Our Services
Advanced Eye Institute offers a wide array of eye care services with everything from routine eye exams to cutting edge laser refractive and cataract procedures. Listed below are several of our highly specialized services with plenty of up to date information regrading your eye care needs.
Thibodaux
Thibodaux La, 70301
Phone: 985-446-0506
Houma
268 Corporate Drive
Houma, LA 70360
Phone: 985-879-2393
Symptoms
There are usually no symptoms in the early stages of diabetic retinopathy. Some symptoms may include:
- New Floaters (black spots in vision)
- Difficulty reading or doing work close up
- Blurry or Double vision
Causes
Everyone who has diabetes is at risk for developing diabetic retinopathy, but not everyone develops it. Changes in blood sugar levels increase the risk. Generally, diabetics don’t develop diabetic retinopathy until they’ve had diabetes for at least ten years.
Diagnosing
There are usually no symptoms in the early stages of diabetic retinopathy. Vision may not change until the disease becomes severe. An eye exam is often the only way to diagnose changes in the vessels of your eyes. This is why regular examinations for people with diabetes are very important.
Treatment
The Advanced Eye institute physicians are able to perform detailed diabetic retinopathy screenings, and we are very lucky to have Dr. Satish Arora coming to our Thibodaux office weekly if medical or surgical interventions are deemed to be necessary. Dr. Arora is a fellowship trained retina specialist who also has an office in Houma. He is Houma/Thibodaux area’s only full time retinal specialist. We feel it is important to have a fellowship trained retinal specialist involved in your care if your diabetic retinopathy has advanced to the point of needing medical, laser, or surgical treatments. We work very closely with Dr. Arora and his staff to make sure our patients are well taken care of. We also work closely with many primary care physicians and endocrinologists in the area, and are able to better coordinate care for your diabetes this way. If the diabetes is affecting the eye and retina it safe to say it is likely affecting other organ systems in the body. You may need coordinated medical care from different types of physicians as care for diabetes is often a team effort!
Medications
Glaucoma is often able to be controlled with eye drop medications and frequent monitoring. These specific drops are used daily, and can help to lower the eye pressure. Some do this by reducing the amount of clear fluid that the eye makes. Others reduce pressure by helping fluid flow better through the drainage angle. These drops reduce the risk of progression of the glaucoma, but they can be associated with some side effects. Some of the side effects may include:
- A stinging or itching sensation
- Red eyes or red skin around the eyes
- Changes in your pulse or heartrate
- Changes in your energy level
- Changes in breathing (especially if your have asthma or breathing problems)
- Dry mouth
- Blurred vision
- Eyelash growth
- Changes in your eye color, the skin around your eyes or eyelid appearance
Different medications have different side effect profiles, and just because you are having side effects does not necessarily mean you are allergic to a particular medication. Some of these drugs can have interactions with other frequently prescribed medications so it is important to give your doctor a list of your medications regularly.
Your ophthalmologist will work to find medications that you tolerate, and control your eye pressure appropriately. You should never stop taking glaucoma medications without consulting your ophthalmologist.
Glaucoma Laser Treatment Options
Glaucoma laser treatments are non incisional and are usually associated with minimal inflammation with most incurring no down time . The laser treatment options that Advanced Eye Institute offers are listed below:
Selctive Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT)
SLT laser treatment is an option geared towards patients who have open-angle glaucoma and need mild IOP reductions (similar to adding one eye drop to regimen).The surgeon uses a laser at very low levels, to make the drainage angle less obstructed resulting in better drainage of fluid through the angle. Maximal eye pressure lowering can be seen about 4-6 weeks after the laser procedure is done.
YAG peripheral iridotomy (YAG PI)
This laser procedure focuses on patients who suffer from narrow angle glaucoma and angle closure glaucomas . The ophthalmologist uses a laser to create a tiny whole in the iris. This hole or “ostomy” site will allow the Iris to move away from the drainage angle and help fluid to flow through it once again.
G6 Laser (Transcleral Photocoagulation)
The G6 Laser is a micro-pulse laser which lowers intraocular pressure by heating the tissue that makes fluid in the eye and turns the production of this fluid down. By forming less aqueous fluid patient can get greatly reduced eye pressure. This laser is performed in the operating room and does require a numbing injection. There is often some mild inflammation produced after this type of laser and it is used in more severe or refractory glaucoma cases.
Microinvasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS)
MIGS is the most recent advancement in surgical treatment for glaucoma. This procedure aims to reduce intraocular pressure. MIGS are a group of procedures with micro-incisions that cause the least amount of trauma to the surrounding scleral or conjunctival tissue. These techniques offer minimal risk of complications, especially when compared to other more invasive glaucoma procedures. There is minimal scarring, rapid recovery and low-risk of complications.
iStent inject and Xen Gel Stent are the latest in MIGS technology. Advanced Eye Institute is a forerunner of MIGS surgery in the tri-parish region. A patient, who suffers from both cataracts and glaucoma, can be treated with a MIGS device at the time of their cataract procedure. However, there are MIGS procedures that are available for treatment of glaucoma without cataract involvement.
Fortunately, the MIGS revolution has allowed us to change our approach to surgical glaucoma for many patients. The main priority of MIGS is patient safety. While no surgery is without risk, MIGS provide improved safety while usually providing mild-to-moderate IOP lowering.
While MIGS procedures will not replace or eliminate traditional glaucoma surgery, they have greatly decreased the number of patients who require these more invasive surgeries to control their IOP. Moreover, MIGS procedures have allowed us to have a lower threshold for a surgical intervention with the goal of providing better IOP control while decreasing a patient’s glaucoma medication burden.
Drainage Tube Shunt Surgery
Tube shunts are performed in patients where eye drops are unable to appropriately control eye pressures and other more minimally invasive options to reduce eye pressure have failed. At Advanced Eye Institute 2 types of shunt tubes are used for IOP lowering, The Ahmed shunt tube and Baerveldt shunt tube. These devices are implanted under the surface of the eye and a shunt tube is positioned into the front of the eye in order to create a man-made bypass for aqueous fluid to escape the eye and be reabsorbed by the veins on the surface of the eye. Your surgeon will discuss with you the risks and benefits of these types of surgical interventions as well as what type of shunting device is appropriate for you if necessary.
Medications
Glaucoma is often able to be controlled with eye drop medications and frequent monitoring. These specific drops are used daily, and can help to lower the eye pressure. Some do this by reducing the amount of clear fluid that the eye makes. Others reduce pressure by helping fluid flow better through the drainage angle. These drops reduce the risk of progression of the glaucoma, but they can be associated with some side effects. Some of the side effects may include:
- A stinging or itching sensation
- Red eyes or red skin around the eyes
- Changes in your pulse or heartrate
- Changes in your energy level
- Changes in breathing (especially if your have asthma or breathing problems)
- Dry mouth
- Blurred vision
- Eyelash growth
- Changes in your eye color, the skin around your eyes or eyelid appearance
Different medications have different side effect profiles, and just because you are having side effects does not necessarily mean you are allergic to a particular medication. Some of these drugs can have interactions with other frequently prescribed medications so it is important to give your doctor a list of your medications regularly.
Your ophthalmologist will work to find medications that you tolerate, and control your eye pressure appropriately. You should never stop taking glaucoma medications without consulting your ophthalmologist.
Glaucoma Laser Treatment Options
Glaucoma laser treatments are non incisional and are usually associated with minimal inflammation with most incurring no down time . The laser treatment options that Advanced Eye Institute offers are listed below:
Selctive Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT)
SLT laser treatment is an option geared towards patients who have open-angle glaucoma and need mild IOP reductions (similar to adding one eye drop to regimen).The surgeon uses a laser at very low levels, to make the drainage angle less obstructed resulting in better drainage of fluid through the angle. Maximal eye pressure lowering can be seen about 4-6 weeks after the laser procedure is done.
YAG peripheral iridotomy (YAG PI)
This laser procedure focuses on patients who suffer from narrow angle glaucoma and angle closure glaucomas . The ophthalmologist uses a laser to create a tiny whole in the iris. This hole or “ostomy” site will allow the Iris to move away from the drainage angle and help fluid to flow through it once again.
G6 Laser (Transcleral Photocoagulation)
The G6 Laser is a micro-pulse laser which lowers intraocular pressure by heating the tissue that makes fluid in the eye and turns the production of this fluid down. By forming less aqueous fluid patient can get greatly reduced eye pressure. This laser is performed in the operating room and does require a numbing injection. There is often some mild inflammation produced after this type of laser and it is used in more severe or refractory glaucoma cases.
Microinvasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS)
MIGS is the most recent advancement in surgical treatment for glaucoma. This procedure aims to reduce intraocular pressure. MIGS are a group of procedures with micro-incisions that cause the least amount of trauma to the surrounding scleral or conjunctival tissue. These techniques offer minimal risk of complications, especially when compared to other more invasive glaucoma procedures. There is minimal scarring, rapid recovery and low-risk of complications.
iStent inject and Xen Gel Stent are the latest in MIGS technology. Advanced Eye Institute is a forerunner of MIGS surgery in the tri-parish region. A patient, who suffers from both cataracts and glaucoma, can be treated with a MIGS device at the time of their cataract procedure. However, there are MIGS procedures that are available for treatment of glaucoma without cataract involvement.
Fortunately, the MIGS revolution has allowed us to change our approach to surgical glaucoma for many patients. The main priority of MIGS is patient safety. While no surgery is without risk, MIGS provide improved safety while usually providing mild-to-moderate IOP lowering.
While MIGS procedures will not replace or eliminate traditional glaucoma surgery, they have greatly decreased the number of patients who require these more invasive surgeries to control their IOP. Moreover, MIGS procedures have allowed us to have a lower threshold for a surgical intervention with the goal of providing better IOP control while decreasing a patient’s glaucoma medication burden.
Drainage Tube Shunt Surgery
Tube shunts are performed in patients where eye drops are unable to appropriately control eye pressures and other more minimally invasive options to reduce eye pressure have failed. At Advanced Eye Institute 2 types of shunt tubes are used for IOP lowering, The Ahmed shunt tube and Baerveldt shunt tube. These devices are implanted under the surface of the eye and a shunt tube is positioned into the front of the eye in order to create a man-made bypass for aqueous fluid to escape the eye and be reabsorbed by the veins on the surface of the eye. Your surgeon will discuss with you the risks and benefits of these types of surgical interventions as well as what type of shunting device is appropriate for you if necessary.
Medications
Glaucoma is often able to be controlled with eye drop medications and frequent monitoring. These specific drops are used daily, and can help to lower the eye pressure. Some do this by reducing the amount of clear fluid that the eye makes. Others reduce pressure by helping fluid flow better through the drainage angle. These drops reduce the risk of progression of the glaucoma, but they can be associated with some side effects. Some of the side effects may include:
- A stinging or itching sensation
- Red eyes or red skin around the eyes
- Changes in your pulse or heartrate
- Changes in your energy level
- Changes in breathing (especially if your have asthma or breathing problems)
- Dry mouth
- Blurred vision
- Eyelash growth
- Changes in your eye color, the skin around your eyes or eyelid appearance
Different medications have different side effect profiles, and just because you are having side effects does not necessarily mean you are allergic to a particular medication. Some of these drugs can have interactions with other frequently prescribed medications so it is important to give your doctor a list of your medications regularly.
Your ophthalmologist will work to find medications that you tolerate, and control your eye pressure appropriately. You should never stop taking glaucoma medications without consulting your ophthalmologist.
3 Days before your procedure
- Begin cleaning your eye twice a day (morning and night) on the eye that will be undergoing the procedure. This will help prevent infection. You can use a warm cloth with baby shampoo, or you can buy eyelid scrubs at any drugstore. (Detailed instructions below)
- Begin following your eye drop scheduled as specified at you pre-op scheduling appointment. These drops will help prevent infection and aid in the healing process.
The night before the procedure
- To help prevent nausea and vomiting, DO NOT eat or drink anything after midnight. Please do not smoke after midnight as well.
The morning of the procedure
- Use eye drops as instructed.
- Take morning medications with a sip of water. If you are an insulin/pill dependent DIABETIC, PLEASE DO NOT TAKE DIABETIC MEDICINE.
- Please wear a short-sleeved shirt that buttons down the front and wear comfortable slacks or skirt. Men, please do not wear an undershirt, and ladies please do not wear a whole slip or camisole. Due to post anesthesia effects, a closed, supportive shoe is preferred.
- Please do not wear any jewelry, makeup, perfume or cologne.
- Please make sure an adult driver is available to stay with you during the procedure, take you home following the procedure and will be available to stay with you once you are home for several hours.
The day of your surgery, please bring the following items to Thibodaux Laser and Surgery Center
- A LIST of all medications you are currently taking including the name. (Name, milligrams and how many times a day you take them). DO NOT BRING MEDICATIONS.
- A list of your allergies and any reactions that occur with them.
- ALL EYE DROP Medications
- History and Physical form and any tests including x-ray reports or any other information of medical importance.
- Your medical ID cards.
- Please only have ONE person accompany you on the day or surgery.
- Check in at Thibodaux Laser and Surgery Center, located in Thibodaux at your scheduled time.
- If you have any questions prior to surgery please call (985) 447-7246
You will see your physician or regular eye care professional the next day for your post-operative appointment.
SAFETY: Due to oral anesthesia, patient may be sleepy, forgetful, and possibly unsteady for several hours after the procedure. A responsible adult should remain with the patient throughout the remainder of the day.
Pre Operative Lid Hygiene
The goal of lid hygiene is to rid the eyelids of debris and bacteria prior to your eye surgery.
Instructions:
- Begin by holding a clean wash cloth under warm/hot tap water. (The cloth should be hot, but not hot enough to burn you.) Wrap the cloth around your index finger, close your eyes and hold the cloth on you eyelids for 20 seconds. Repeat 3 times.
- The next step can be done with either pre-moistened lid scrubs or baby shampoo and a clean wash cloth. Close your eye and gently scrub along lash margins to remove any crusting or debris. Thoroughly rinse your eyelids with warm water.
REPEAT THESE STEPS DAILY BEGINNING 3DAYS PRIOR TO YOUR SURGERY
985-446-0506
