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OptiVision Surgeon Stephen Dudley, MD featured in Maturity Times
April 6, 2009 by OptiVisionTags: cataract surgery, LASIK Cost, LASIK Laser Vision Correction, panasee, vision correction | Comments (0)
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NEW North B2B feature on Stephen Dudley, MD-Oshkosh, Neenah, Appleton, Milwaukee, Green Bay Wisconsin Eye Surgery
by OptiVision
Click to see article full sizeTags: Cataract Surgery Wisconsin, Eye Care, Eye Surgery Wisconsin, LASIK Appleton, LASIK Green Bay, LASIK Milwaukee, LASIK Neenah, LASIK Oshkosh, LASIK Wisconsin, Ophthalmology | Comments (0)
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Local Ophthalmologist publishes study results at International Conference
March 29, 2009 by OptiVisionFor immediate release-OptiVision March 29, 2009
Gerald Clarke, MD, (click for bio) an ophthalmologist with OptiVision in Milwaukee, Fond du Lac, Berlin, Oshkosh, Neenah, Appleton and Green Bay Wisconsin is headed to San Francisco to present the results of a study related to the way people’s brains adjust to mulitfocal lens implants used in cataract surgery. According to Clarke, “It is critical to understand how individuals brains “neuro-adapt” to technologies allowing them to see again for the first time. In particular, multifocal lens impants not only correct the cloudy lens that is typical with cataract formation, but allow potential ranges of vision these individuals may not have experienced for many years.”The abstract from Clarke’s study to be presented at the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery 2009 conference in early April are below:Studies of Neural Adaptation After Multifocal IOL Implantation: Part 1
G. P. ClarkeTo ascertain if neural adaptation does indeed occur after multifocal IOL implantation, and if so what is the psyhophysical nature of this adaption and its time course.
Contrast discrimination thresholds of alphabet letters presented without background noise and with background noise were obtained in normal individuals, in individuals receiving monofocal implants, before surgery and at intervals in the post operative period, and in individuals receiving multifocal implants, before surgery and at intervals in the post operative period.
1. There is some variability in normal individuals abilities to suppress background noise.
2. Other results are pending (should be available by January).Studies of Neural Adaptation After Multifocal IOL Implantation: Part 2
G. P. ClarkeTo describe contrast sensitivity testing techniques that may assist in predicting successful outcomes after multifocal lens implantation.
Contrast discrimination thresholds of alphabet letters presented without background noise and with background noise were obtained in normal individuals, in individuals receiving monofocal implants, before surgery and at intervals in the post operative period, and in individuals receiving multifocal implants, before surgery and at intervals in the post operative period. The ReSTOR diffractive/refractive IOL and the ReZOOM refractive IOL were both tested. In addition, some patients who were dissatisfied with their lens implantation were tested. All patients received correction of their lower order (spectacle) aberrations, and correlation with higher order aberrations (spherical aberrations and coma).
Pending final review in January, 2009.
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OptiVision Surgeon–Stephen Dudley, MD–Pioneer in Eye Surgery
by OptiVisionDr. Stephen Dudley: A pioneer in eye surgery
Eileen Kuester sat forward in her chair watching intently on a large screen TV as Dr. Stephen Dudley (click for bio) performed laser eye surgery on her husband Joe in a nearby operating room.
She never blinked.
“Oh, this isn’t a big deal,” she said. “My son and I watch the Discovery Channel on TV all the time. I’m just glad he’s doing it. He’s a great dad and often puts off the things he wants.”
Joe Kuester, 46, a marketing manager at Kimberly-Clark, reclined in a comfortable chair and waited for the brief procedure to begin. Dr. Dudley offered him a stuffed animal to hold, but not because he was afraid Kuester would bolt without the moral support.
“It gives them something to do with their hands,” Dudley said.
Just before he went in Kuester admitted he was just a little nervous about the laser vision correction surgery, which would use a cool beam of light not only to change the shape of his cornea to correct his nearsightedness, but to change his life. After 30 years of wearing glasses or contact lenses Kuester was more than ready to get on with life without them. As an active man and father of three children, aged 19, 17 and 11, there are things he wants to do and glasses get in the way.
“Trying to play basketball with glasses is virtually impossible,” Kuester said.
He’d been thinking about having the procedure for years. Everyone he knows who’s had it done sings its praises, he said. The only thing that stood in the way was the cost – between $1,700 and $1,900 per eye, which most insurance plans, including Kuester’s, don’t cover. The Kuesters put money into a medical savings plan through work that allowed them to pay for the procedure with untaxed income.
“We’re between braces for the kids so this is my year,” Kuester said.
Dudley, who is credited with performing the first laser vision correction surgery in the state, came to Oshkosh in 1976 and opened his solo ophthalmology practice with a staff of four. He’s seen many changes in the eye care industry, especially in laser technology.
“There’s always something new and different,” he said.
Dudley purchased an Excimer laser and brought it to the Fox Valley in 1989. Today his OptiVision practice has nearly 70 employees in three laser vision corrections in Appleton, Green Bay and Milwaukee where refractive procedures are performed, and six eye care facilities in Oshkosh, Neenah, Fond du Lac, Appleton and Berlin. OptiVision ophthalmologists include Dudley, his partner Dr. Gerald Clarke and staff ophthalmologist Dr. Elizabeth Holland. OptiVision optometrists include Dr. Ruth Weber, Dr. Garry Brown, Dr. Chris Smith and Dr. Mark Veth.
Sophisticated equipment used at the OptiVision Laser Centers identifies and measures eye imperfections to the most precise detail and allows the doctors to develop a plan for vision correction unique to each patient. Procedures are done for a variety of abnormalities but the most common laser vision correction procedure performed is LASIK, which reshapes the cornea to enhance and correct vision, according to Cherri Vierthaler, marketing manager for OptiVision.
Dudley has long been considered a pioneer in the eye care industry is Oshkosh, said Dr. Jeff Marsh, an optometrist in Oshkosh for 23 years. Marsh provides everything but surgery to his patients. When his patients require surgery he recommends Dudley.
“Without question he is the most gifted surgeon I have ever worked with – very cutting edge. Any new techniques, he’s right there,” Marsh said.
Throughout the last quarter century Dudley has established a large and diversified ophthalmology practice. Despite declining reimbursement and market pressures to consolidate with various hospital and physician management groups, Dudley has been able to maintain independence by expanding his business into new markets. For example, instead of performing cataract surgery in a hospital setting, Dudley lobbied the state to develop Wisconsin’s first ambulatory cataract surgery on an outpatient basis.
Steve Ploetz, 68, of Oshkosh, was his patient one day in early February. He came for cataract surgery to clear up his cloudy vision. Dudley removed the cloudy lens and implanted a new lens in his eye.
Ploetz has a long history with Dudley. It was nearly 30 years ago that Ploetz suffered an eye injury while building his house. He hit a nail and it flew up and into his eye, cutting it severely. Dudley was on duty when Ploetz came to the hospital. He treated him then and again in 1991 to remove scar tissue in the eye using a laser. His vision went from 20/80 to 20/25. The most recent procedure for the cataract was on his other eye.
When the 13-minute procedure was done, Ploetz said it was easier than going to the dentist.
“These procedures are as safe as you can get. Dr. Dudley is always leading edge with the latest thing available. Any new thing out there, Dr. Dudley is investigating it,” Ploetz said.
Dudley received his medical degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and completed his internship at Buffalo General Hospital in New York. He served as General Medical Officer in the U.S. Air Force for two years.
Tags: Cataract Surgery Oshkosh, Eye Doctor Fox Valley, Eye Surgeon Fox Cities, Green Bay LASIK, Laser Eye Surgery, LASIK Appleton, LASIK Cost, LASIK Oshkosh, LASIK Wisconsin, Milwaukee LASIK, Neenah Cataract Surgery | Comments (0)
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Appleton Post Crescent LASIK interview with Dr. Elizabeth Holland of OptiVision Laser Centers
by OptiVisionNew technology has improved LASIK eye surgery results-Seeing clearlyBy Gina Mangan For The Post-Crescent
The phrase, “I couldn’t believe my eyes,” takes on a whole new meaning for the vast majority of the 7.6 million Americans whose vision has been improved by the touch of a laser and a few minutes in a surgeon’s chair.
LASIK eye surgery doesn’t just make life more convenient,
it’s literally life changing, says ophthalmologist Dr. Elizabeth Holland (click for bio), one of a three person team of doctors who performs refractive surgeries at OptiVision Laser Centers.“In the 10 to 15 minutes it takes to do both eyes, you can alter someone’s life significantly, liberating them from their glasses and contact lenses,” she said. “It really is amazing that you can do this in such a short period of time.”
Not only that, but it’s relatively painless and most patients are able to see well enough the next day to drive themselves to their post-operative appointments, Holland said.
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KFIZ Interview with Michelle Hennell, ABOC of OptiVision Eye Care Fond du Lac WI
March 15, 2009 by OptiVisionTags: cataract surgery, contact lenses, Eye Doctor, eye glasses, Fond du Lac eye care, LASIK, OptiVision Eye Care, sunglasses | Comments (0)
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Mark Veth, OD OptiVision Eye Care Appleton, Green Bay, Milwaukee, Neenah, Fond du Lac, Oshkosh LASIK Cataract Surgery Glaucoma Eye Care Eye Glasses Contact Lenses Interview on KFIZ Fond du Lac February 4, 2009 part 1
February 5, 2009 by OptiVisionTags: Appleton, Eye Doctor, Eye Surgeon, Fond du Lac, Green Bay Milwaukee LASIK Laser Vision Correction, IntraLASE, LASIK, LASIK Cost, Ophthalmologist, Optometrist, Oshkosh, Wisconsin | Comments (0)
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Mark Veth, OD OptiVision Eye Care Appleton, Green Bay, Milwaukee, Neenah, Fond du Lac, Oshkosh LASIK Cataract Surgery Glaucoma Eye Care Eye Glasses Contact Lenses Interview on KFIZ Fond du Lac February 4, 2009 part 2
by OptiVisionTags: Appleton, Eye Doctor, Eye Surgeon, Fond du Lac, Green Bay Milwaukee LASIK Laser Vision Correction, IntraLASE, LASIK, LASIK Cost, Ophthalmologist, Optometrist, Oshkosh, Wisconsin | Comments (0)
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FDA Recomendations on LASIK Eye Surgery-OptiVision
by OptiVisionLink provided by OptiVision. Information copied from http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/lasik/risks.htm in an effort to provide real, unbiased niformation on the risks of LASIK Laser Vision Correction in Appleton, Green Bay and Milwaukee Wisconsin.
What are the risks and how can I find the right doctor for me?
Most patients are very pleased with the results of their refractive surgery. However, like any other medical procedure, there are risks involved. That’s why it is important for you to understand the limitations and possible complications of refractive surgery.
Before undergoing a refractive procedure, you should carefully weigh the risks and benefits based on your own personal value system, and try to avoid being influenced by friends that have had the procedure or doctors encouraging you to do so.
- Some patients lose vision. Some patients lose lines of vision on the vision chart that cannot be corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or surgery as a result of treatment.
- Some patients develop debilitating visual symptoms. Some patients develop glare, halos, and/or double vision that can seriously affect nighttime vision. Even with good vision on the vision chart, some patients do not see as well in situations of low contrast, such as at night or in fog, after treatment as compared to before treatment.
- You may be under treated or over treated. Only a certain percent of patients achieve 20/20 vision without glasses or contacts. You may require additional treatment, but additional treatment may not be possible. You may still need glasses or contact lenses after surgery. This may be true even if you only required a very weak prescription before surgery. If you used reading glasses before surgery, you may still need reading glasses after surgery.
- Some patients may develop severe dry eye syndrome. As a result of surgery, your eye may not be able to produce enough tears to keep the eye moist and comfortable. Dry eye not only causes discomfort, but can reduce visual quality due to intermittent blurring and other visual symptoms. This condition may be permanent. Intensive drop therapy and use of plugs or other procedures may be required.
- Results are generally not as good in patients with very large refractive errors of any type. You should discuss your expectations with your doctor and realize that you may still require glasses or contacts after the surgery.
- For some farsighted patients, results may diminish with age. If you are farsighted, the level of improved vision you experience after surgery may decrease with age. This can occur if your manifest refraction (a vision exam with lenses before dilating drops) is very different from your cycloplegic refraction (a vision exam with lenses after dilating drops).
- Long-term data are not available. LASIK is a relatively new technology. The first laser was approved for LASIK eye surgery in 1998. Therefore, the long-term safety and effectiveness of LASIK surgery is not known.
Additional Risks if you are Considering the Following:
- Monovision
Monovision is one clinical technique used to deal with the correction of presbyopia, the gradual loss of the ability of the eye to change focus for close-up tasks that progresses with age. The intent of monovision is for the presbyopic patient to use one eye for distance viewing and one eye for near viewing. This practice was first applied to fit contact lens wearers and more recently to LASIK and other refractive surgeries. With contact lenses, a presbyopic patient has one eye fit with a contact lens to correct distance vision, and the other eye fit with a contact lens to correct near vision. In the same way, with LASIK, a presbyopic patient has one eye operated on to correct the distance vision, and the other operated on to correct the near vision. In other words, the goal of the surgery is for one eye to have vision worse than 20/20, the commonly referred to goal for LASIK surgical correction of distance vision. Since one eye is corrected for distance viewing and the other eye is corrected for near viewing, the two eyes no longer work together. This results in poorer quality vision and a decrease in depth perception. These effects of monovision are most noticeable in low lighting conditions and when performing tasks requiring very sharp vision. Therefore, you may need to wear glasses or contact lenses to fully correct both eyes for distance or near when performing visually demanding tasks, such as driving at night, operating dangerous equipment, or performing occupational tasks requiring very sharp close vision (e.g., reading small print for long periods of time).
Many patients cannot get used to having one eye blurred at all times. Therefore, if you are considering monovision with LASIK, make sure you go through a trial period with contact lenses to see if you can tolerate monovision, before having the surgery performed on your eyes. Find out if you pass your state’s driver’s license requirements with monovision.
In addition, you should consider how much your presbyopia is expected to increase in the future. Ask your doctor when you should expect the results of your monovision surgery to no longer be enough for you to see near-by objects clearly without the aid of glasses or contacts, or when a second surgery might be required to further correct your near vision.
- Bilateral Simultaneous Treatment
You may choose to have LASIK surgery on both eyes at the same time or to have surgery on one eye at a time. Although the convenience of having surgery on both eyes on the same day is attractive, this practice is riskier than having two separate surgeries.
If you decide to have one eye done at a time, you and your doctor will decide how long to wait before having surgery on the other eye. If both eyes are treated at the same time or before one eye has a chance to fully heal, you and your doctor do not have the advantage of being able to see how the first eye responds to surgery before the second eye is treated.
Another disadvantage to having surgery on both eyes at the same time is that the vision in both eyes may be blurred after surgery until the initial healing process is over, rather than being able to rely on clear vision in at least one eye at all times.
Finding the Right Doctor
If you are considering refractive surgery, make sure you:- Compare. The levels of risk and benefit vary slightly not only from procedure to procedure, but from device to device depending on the manufacturer, and from surgeon to surgeon depending on their level of experience with a particular procedure.
- Don’t base your decision simply on cost and don’t settle for the first eye center, doctor, or procedure you investigate. Remember that the decisions you make about your eyes and refractive surgery will affect you for the rest of your life.
- Be wary of eye centers that advertise, “20/20 vision or your money back” or “package deals.” There are never any guarantees in medicine.
- Read. It is important for you to read the patient handbook provided to your doctor by the manufacturer of the device used to perform the refractive procedure. Your doctor should provide you with this handbook and be willing to discuss his/her outcomes (successes as well as complications) compared to the results of studies outlined in the handbook.
Even the best screened patients under the care of most skilled surgeons can experience serious complications.
- During surgery. Malfunction of a device or other error, such as cutting a flap of cornea through and through instead of making a hinge during LASIK surgery, may lead to discontinuation of the procedure or irreversible damage to the eye.
- After surgery. Some complications, such as migration of the flap, inflammation or infection, may require another procedure and/or intensive treatment with drops. Even with aggressive therapy, such complications may lead to temporary loss of vision or even irreversible blindness.
Under the care of an experienced doctor, carefully screened candidates with reasonable expectations and a clear understanding of the risks and alternatives are likely to be happy with the results of their refractive procedure.
Advertising
Be cautious about “slick” advertising and/or deals that sound “too good to be true.” Remember, they usually are. There is a lot of competition resulting in a great deal of advertising and bidding for your business. Do your homework.Updated July 12, 2007
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US FDA/CDRH: LASIK - Learning About LASIK
September 4, 2008 by OptiVisionLearning About LASIK
• View movie of the LASIK procedure.
(Requires Flash Player - Download now)• Read text descriptions of the LASIK movie LASIK is a surgical procedure intended to reduce a person’s dependency on glasses or contact lenses. The goal of this Web site is to provide objective information to the public about LASIK surgery. See other sections of this site to learn about what you should know before surgery, what will happen during the surgery, and what you should expect after surgery. There is a glossary of terms and a checklist of issues for you to consider, practices to follow, and questions to ask your doctor before undergoing LASIK surgery.
LASIK stands for Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis and is a procedure that permanently changes the shape of the cornea, the clear covering of the front of the eye, using an excimer laser. A mechanical microkeratome (a blade device) or a laser keratome (a laser device) is used to cut a flap in the cornea. A hinge is left at one end of this flap. The flap is folded back revealing the stroma, the middlesection of the cornea. Pulses from a computer-controlled laser vaporize a portion of the stroma and the flap is replaced. There are other techniques and many new terms related to LASIK that you may hear about.
Updated March 6, 2008
