Services

SkyVision Center is the premium practice for
advanced cataract care in northeast Ohio!

Whether you choose a basic high-tech implant or one of the advanced high-tech implants, your cataract surgery will be performed by one of the premier cataract surgeons in the United States!

Did you know that our very own Dr. Darrell E. White was the first cataract surgeon to use an advanced technology focusing implant in the state of Ohio?

What is a Cataract? How do I know if I have one?

A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s naturally clear lens. The lens focuses light rays on the retina to produce a sharp image of what we see. When the lens becomes cloudy, light rays cannot pass through it easily and vision is blurred.

Cataract development is a normal process of aging. Eventually, nearly everyone will develop a cataract. Cataracts can also develop from injuries to the eye, certain medications (such as steroids), some diseases, and some genetic conditions. Once a cataract starts to form, no one can predict how quickly it will develop or grow.

There are no medicines, eye drops, exercises, or glasses that will cause cataracts to disappear or prevent them from eventually forming. Surgery is the only way to remove a cataract.

Cataract Symptoms

Your symptoms generally determine when cataract surgery is necessary. Someone with a cataract may experience some or all of the following:

• Difficulty reading
• Difficulty driving, especially at night
• Light sensitivity or glare
• Difficulty seeing in dim light
• Painless blurry or filmy vision
• Yellowing or fading of colors

When you are no longer able to do the things you like to do, cataract surgery should be considered. Sometimes, your doctor may need to suggest cataract surgery to help treat other eye problems such as glaucoma or diabetic eye disease.

The next step

If you think you may have a cataract and wish to be evaluated, you may set up an appointment by clicking on this link or by calling 440-892-3931.

Cataract surgery involves the extraction of the cataract and implantation of an intraocular lens. Due to the advancement in cataract care, patients now may have several options for the type of intraocular lens implant they may wish to have. Over one million people in the United States have cataract surgery each year. 95% to 98% of these people have dramatically improved vision after surgery.

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There are three types of intraocular lens implants for patients. After completing a thorough cataract evaluation, your Skyvision doctor will make a recommendation as to the best type of implants for achieving the best quality of vision based on your medical history and preferences.

The three categories of implants are:

1. Basic monofocal implants

2. Toric implants – correction for those with astigmatism

3. Advanced technology implants – either multifocal or EDOF (expanded depth of focusing)

The first category is an insurance based lens while the other two lens types involve additional popular technology and are considered elective options with regards to insurance. Regardless of the type of lens implant, the procedure is the same and the cataract surgery including the surgeon’s fee, facility fee and anesthesia are all covered expenses under your medical insurance.

View Video

Monofocal Lens Implant – Your Basic Implant

This is the most basic lens exchange. We remove the lens and replace it with a new implant. We can choose the power of the implant so that we can better meet your vision goals. The lens does not focus on its own, so a patient may need to wear glasses to fine tune the vision and to focus from distance to near.

Once we know your refractive measurements, we work with you to develop the best strategy for meeting your goals. Typical choices include:

Distance Vision: in which a patient desires the best possible distance vision without glasses, but does not mind wearing them for near. This is similar to typical LASIK.

Intermediate Vision: in which a patient desires the best possible vision at intermediate range. This is most helpful for people who spend a lot of time on the computer. These patients may still need glasses for distance, near, or occasionally both.

Near Vision: in which patient desires the best possible near vision without glasses, but does not mind wearing them for distance.

Blended Vision (Distance and Intermediate): in which we adjust the focus of each eye so that one eye is focused for distance, and one for intermediate vision. (Note: this is not monovision, when one eye is focused for distance and one for near. We find this difficult for most patients to adjust to, but most adjust quite well to blended vision)

Toric Lens Implant – Astigmatic Correction For Excellent Distance Vision

When you have astigmatism the cornea, the window to your eye, is shaped more like a football than a basketball; it is longer in one direction than the other. Unless something is done to correct your astigmatism you will need to wear glasses or contact lenses for ALL of your vision needs. The Toric Implant is an Advanced Technology lens that corrects for your astigmatism. Most people who choose this implant are free from the need to wear glasses for far-away vision tasks like driving or watching TV. This category of lens implants had proven to be very successful.

Multifocal and EDOF Advanced Technology Lens Implants

The multifocal and EDOF (Extended Depth of Focusing) lenses are a unique technological innovation that can provide you with quality vision throughout the entire visual spectrum – near through distance – with increased independence from reading glasses or bifocals!

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How do the advanced technology lens implants work?

As we perform daily activities such as reading, watching television or working at the computer, our eyes are constantly focusing on objects at varying distances – up close, far away and everything in-between. The ability to quickly change focus throughout this range of vision is called accommodation. Unfortunately, this ability diminishes as we grow older, causing us to become dependent on bifocals or reading glasses.

For most patients, these advanced technology lenses deliver excellent near and distance vision, and good intermediate vision without reading glasses or bifocals. In fact, with this increase in vision quality patients would be able to pass the visual acuity portion of the driver’s license exam in most states.

The advanced technology lenses deliver quality vision for various lighting situations.

“Historically multifocal lens implants have been associated with some side effects including glare at night time. The newest of these lenses have much less of this in comparison, and the symptoms that do occur tend to resolve over time in the overwhelming majority of patients”, says Dr. Darrell White.

The Cataract Surgery Process

Before Surgery
You have decided to have your cataracts evaluated and you arrive at SkyVision for your appointment. The very first part of your pre-surgical evaluation is a detailed history taken to determine how your vision is affecting your daily activities. If appropriate an attempt may be made to improve your vision by simply improving your spectacles. After this, a complete and comprehensive examination of the health of your eyes will take place. After the decision to proceed with cataract surgery has been reached it will be necessary to perform various tests to measure your eye in order to choose the appropriate implant power and type.

Whether you have chosen cataract surgery with a traditional or advanced technology implant or cataract surgery requiring additional refractive laser surgery (such as for residual astigmatism), special measurements of the surface of your eye and length of your eye are obtained by SkyVision Center technicians. If you have chosen cataract surgery requiring additional refractive laser surgery, further topographical measurements are needed. After reviewing the risks, benefits and alternatives of cataract surgery you will have an opportunity to have any questions about the procedure answered. At this point you will meet with one of our surgical counselors who will help make arrangements for the day of surgery. Our surgical counselors work very closely with the staff at the surgery centers to make sure that the scheduling process goes as smoothly as possible.

Removing the Cataract
Opening the capsule to reach the cataractInserting the Implant Cataract surgery is among the most frequently performed and safest surgical procedures in all of medicine. Cataract surgery is usually performed under local anesthesia on an outpatient basis. You come into the operating room, have the surgery done, and go home on the same day. Your surgeon will send you home with a protective shield covering your eye. Since you are awake for the surgery you may hear your doctor and the other people assisting at surgery talking while you are in the operating room. This is a very normal part of the experience.

Cataract surgery is usually performed using a procedure called phacoemulsification. A very thin instrument is inserted into the eye either through the sclera or white part of the eye or the cornea or window to the eye. This instrument breaks apart the cataract using high frequency ultrasounds. Once the cataract is emulsified it is removed using the same instrument. This allows your SkyVision Center doctor to remove the cataract through a very small incision. After the removal of the cataract is completed the lens capsule remains behind, now empty following the removal of the cataract. The intraocular lens that you and your doctor have chosen is then inserted through the same incision into the capsular bag.

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The procedure typically lasts just a few minutes and at the conclusion of the operation the cataract is gone and an intraocular lens has taken its place! The procedure is usually quick and painless.

At the conclusion of your surgery you will spend a very short time in the recovery room at the surgery center. Highly trained staff will care for you and provide you with post-operative instructions for the rest of your surgery day. We like to send our patient’s home with a shield covering the surgical eye, for peace of mind if nothing else!

When you come back to the SkyVision office the next morning, a staff member will remove your shield and check your vision. Additional detailed postoperative instructions will be given to you, and a written instruction form will be provided as well. A SkyVision doctor will then examine your eye and answer any questions you may have. You will be instructed to continue your eye drops for several weeks after your surgery.

How do I know if I have a cataract?

A developing cataract may not have any symptoms that you are aware of on a day to day basis. You may first hear about your cataract during an examination with your eye doctor. As your cataract progresses you will begin to notice various visual symptoms: A loss of clarity, a hazy nature to the vision, halos around lights at night, glare while looking toward the sun. Some people may have difficulty reading.

Will glasses help if I have a cataract?

Glasses and contact lenses may be prescribed to improve your vision while your cataract continues to progress. Glasses and contact lenses will not remove your cataract, nor will they slow its progression. However, if your vision can be improved to the point that you can perform your daily activities comfortably, you may be able to postpone cataract surgery.

What caused my cataract?

The most common cause of cataracts is simply aging. Essentially everyone who lives long enough will eventually get a cataract! Certain things can cause cataracts earlier in life: Trauma, some medications, prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light, medical diseases such as diabetes, and heredity.

Can I take eye drops to make my cataracts go away?

There is no medical treatment that will slow or stop the progression of cataracts, and no medical treatment is available to reverse cataract changes. Only the removal of your cataract with surgery will relieve you of the symptoms caused by the cataract.

How will I know when it is time to have surgery?

Cataracts are rarely harmful to the eye itself. The timing of cataract surgery is generally determined by the patient with a cataract! When you can no longer comfortably perform your daily activities, or when your vision begins to interfere with your enjoyment of your daily activities, your surgeon may suggest the possibility of removing your cataract.

Does cataract surgery hurt?

Cataract surgery is generally performed under local anesthesia in an outpatient setting. Cataract surgery is typically a short, gentle experience, and rarely involves any discomfort.

Will I need glasses after surgery?

You get to choose whether or not you will need to wear glasses after your cataract surgery! If you choose the basic high tech implant for your cataract surgery, and if you do not have any astigmatism, you will be able to choose to be mostly glasses free for either your distance vision (driving, television) or near vision (reading, computer, handy crafts). If you do have astigmatism and you choose the basic high tech implants you may have to wear glasses for all of your activities if you wish to have your very best vision.

If you wish to have your very best distance vision, mostly free of the need to wear glasses, you will need to have any astigmatism treated as part of the surgery. The advanced distance vision high tech implant will cure both your cataract and your astigmatism! Most people are independent of glasses for the majority of their distance vision needs.

You can also choose to maximize your independence from wearing glasses for ANY activities! The advanced near and far high tech implant can be chosen to maximize the number of activities you can do without wearing glasses at all.

Will my insurance cover cataract surgery?

Most insurance policies, including Medicare and Medicare managed care policies, do cover the basic costs of cataract surgery once your vision has been significantly decreased by a cataract. The additional costs associated with advanced cataract implants are not covered by any insurance plans, including Medicare.

How do I insert eye drops?

How to Insert Eye Drops
We get many questions here at SkyVision and this ranks as one of the top questions. People use eye drops for many reasons and these helpful suggestions will make you feel like a pro.

• Before using eye drops, wash your hands with soap and warm water. Dry them with a clean towel.
• If you are putting in your own eye drops, lie down or use a mirror. It may be helpful to ask someone to check that you are getting the eye drops in your eye.
• Look up to the ceiling with both eyes.
• While tilting your head back, pull the lower lid of your eye down with one hand. Hold the eye drops bottle or tube in your other hand (rest part of your hand on your forehead if necessary to keep it steady).
• Place one eye drop or a small amount of ointment inside your lower lid. The tip of the medicine bottle or tube should not touch your eye.
• Blink and dab away the excess eye drop fluid with a tissue.
• If you are prescribed both eye drops and eye ointment, use the eye drops first, otherwise the ointment may block the absorption of the eye drops.
• If you have more than one type of eye drop to put in your eyes, wait about five minutes after the first medicine before putting in the second eye drop medicine.
• Keeping the eyes closed (without continued blinking) for a few minutes may allow better penetration and effectiveness of the medication.
• Immediately after using the eye drops, wash your hands to remove any medication that may be left on them.
• If you have any questions, talk to your eye doctor or optical technician.

 
adapted from an article from WebMD

Why SkyVision Centers?

We’re a patient-centered practice, dedicated to helping people feel better. The successful diagnosis and treatment of dry eye is a cornerstone of the care we provide. Every member of our team is trained in the process of evaluating, diagnosing, and treating dry eyes, so that no one’s symptoms go undetected, and you’ll find support at every turn.

Our Medical Doctor, Dr. White, is a highly respected authority on dry eye, and routinely trains and mentors other eye doctors about this prevalent condition. Our highly experienced Optometrists and technical staff also help treat our patients. Many dry eye patients come to our Westlake center from Cleveland suburbs such as Bay Village, Avon Lake, Avon, Lakewood, North Ridgeville and North Olmsted.

I’ve seen the difference treatment can make in people’s lives. Many of them didn’t realize how uncomfortable they were until they experienced relief.” –Dr. Darrell E. White

What is dry eye?

“Dry eye” is the broad term for a number of disorders in which the eyes aren’t adequately moisturized by natural tears. To understand dry eyes, you need a basic understanding of your eye’s tear film.

Tears are composed of the mucin layer, closest to the cornea; the aqueous (salt water) layer, in the middle; and the oil or lipid layer, which is the top layer of the tear film. Dr. White explains in more detail in this video:

Click here to view more Dry Eye videos on YouTube

For the sake of simplicity, dry eye can be broken down into 2 basic (causes) or types, based on tears: “low quantity,” and “poor quality.”

Quantity – Not enough tears

• For a variety of reasons, many people do not produce enough of the watery (aqueous) component of tear fluid. This is often called aqueous dry eye.

Quality – Tears that don’t get the job done

• Many people produce plenty of tears, but they simply don’t work well enough and their eyes are left functionally dry. This is sometimes referred to as dysfunctional tear syndrome (MGD) or evaporative dry eye syndrome. This type comprises the majority of dry eye cases.

Is it really a big deal?

Yes, it is. Left untreated, dry eye can cause irreversible damage to the cornea, and can interfere with ophthalmic surgical procedures such as cataract surgery or LASIK. And since most dry eyes sufferers have an issue with the quality, not the quantity of tears, you’ll likely need more than just drugstore eye drops.

What we at SkyVision want you to know is that you don’t have to suffer; we have state-of-the-art diagnostic testing and treatment options to relieve your dry eye symptoms quickly and effectively.

Dry Eye Symptoms

You may have dry eye if you experience:

• Difficulty wearing contact lenses
• Excessively watery eyes
• Foreign body sensation
• Intermittent blurring of vision
• Dryness
• Redness
• Eye fatigue
• Burning/stinging
• Pain

How is dry eye diagnosed?

Determining what type of dry eye you have is essential to successful treatment. We use leading edge diagnostic technology, but we also use our ears. At every point of contact, we’ll ask you how your eyes feel, and that input helps guide our diagnosis and treatment.

If you or your doctor suspect dry eyes, we will begin by giving you the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire. After that, your diagnostic process will likely include:

• Tear osmolarity testing and inflammation testing – quick tests performed by a technician; results are available to your doctor immediately
• LipiView® – performed by a technician; provides detailed digital images of your tear film and measures the absolute thickness of the lipid layer
• Slit lamp testing – performed by the doctor to examine the tears, the eyelids, the blinking pattern, and tear film breakup time
• Corneal staining or corneal topography – performed by the doctor to identify damage to the cornea

Your doctor may order a blood test for Sjogren’s syndrome if the disease is suspected.

In the near future, we will offer one of the latest advancements in the diagnosis of dry eye: tear film videography. Stay tuned for more about this exciting technology!

Dry eye is a condition that is much more complex than the name implies and much more common than you might think. Statistics show that 23 million Americans have dry eye, but there are likely many more that are undiagnosed. At SkyVision Centers in suburban Cleveland, we see dry eye every day, often in people who didn’t know they had it. Because this condition has such a huge impact on our patients’ comfort, vision, and eye health, we’ve made dry eye treatment a priority at our practice.

The experienced doctors at SkyVision Centers are proud to treat both the cause and symptoms of dry eye syndrome. SkyVision was one of the first accredited TearLab Dry Eye Centers in the U.S., which means we are one of the nation’s premier practices in the treatment of dry eye symptoms. The use of the Lipiflow® treatment for the cause of dry eye syndrome has made the treatment of Dry Eye a complete process for our patients. Area doctors are actively referring their patients here for their MGD treatment when other options have not resulted in enough relief for their patients.

Request your dry eye consultation today and learn about your options for clearer, more comfortable eyes.

What are the treatment options for dry eye?

Your treatment will be symptom-driven, and our goal is the smallest amount of intervention needed to produce the greatest degree of improvement.

Prescription Eye Drops

Chronic inflammation is a very important cause of dry eye, especially for women between the ages of 35 and 60. Restasis is a totally different type of anti-inflammatory drop and a breakthrough in dry eye care. It helps increase your eyes’ ability to produce tears, and can be used over very long periods of time. It is both very safe and very effective.

There is now a new medicine available to treat this inflammation, Xiidra. It is also very effective, has very few side effects, and is very easy to use. Xiidra is FDA approved to treat the inflammation that your doctors see in the office as well as the symptoms that your dry eye disease is causing.

Acute inflammation, or an acute worsening of chronic inflammation can be treated with topical steroid eye drops. Lotemax gel is a very effective steroid drop which has the best safety profile of all topical steroids.

Inflammation in the eyelid glands that produce the oil part of the tears (meibomian glands) is a very important cause of dysfunctional tear syndrome, or the evaporative dry eye. This type of inflammation, often called Blepharitis or meibomian gland disease (MGD), can be treated with a combination of manual therapy (warm compresses, lid cleaning, or newer automated treatment like the LipiFlow® system) and topical medication. The topical antibiotic gel drop Azasite is a wonderful treatment for those people who require longer term care. Azasite is easy to apply and has such a long duration that some patients only need to use it twice a week.

We now have a new treatment for MGD and all of its symptoms called LipiFlow. Heating the meibomian glands from the inside of the lid with the LipiFlow Activator is a very effective treatment, especially when it is combined with the LipiFlow micro-massage. Most patients continue to have some relief from their symptoms a year after a single treatment.

The combination of Restasis or Xiidra with either Azasite or LipiFlow is considered by many eye doctors to be the gold standard in the treatment of dry eye symptoms.

LipiFlow®

Most people with evaporative dry eye have meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) – blockage of the tiny glands that produce the lipid component of tears. LipiFlow® treatments use heat and gentle pulsatile pressure to unclog obstructed Meibomian glands and provide remarkable relief. Using a single-use eyepiece, the LipiFlow® treatment clears all the meibomian glands, both upper and lower. Within 2 to 6 weeks, dry eye symptoms should improve dramatically as the lipid component of your tears increases. Patients compare the feeling of the gentle pulsations to having a twitchy eyelid.

Wondering if Lipiflow is right for you? Click here for more information on MGD and Dry Eye Treatment Options

View Video

As the Cleveland area’s leader in Dry Eye Treatment, SkyVision Centers has performed Lipiflow Treatments on hundreds of patients over the past 2 years.

Lipiflow is the only electronic FDA-cleared treatment for MGD, which uses a precise application of heat to the inside of the eyelids, close to the location of the meibomian glands, and massage to outside of the eyelids.
For more information contact us today!

Punctal Plugs

Sometimes the most appropriate treatment is to conserve the tears that you are producing naturally. Tears drain from your eye through tiny channels that actually empty inside your nose. With a minor tear duct procedure, we can conserve your tears and increase the amount of time that both natural and artificial tears stay in contact with your eye by closing these tear duct channels with punctal plugs. These can be temporary or permanent, and are indicated in about 15 to 20% of cases.

True Tear™

TrueTear is a non-invasive, nasal neurostimulation device that helps the body work like it should, naturally. This is done by comfortable stimulation of the Trigeminal Nerve (CN V), which activates the entire lacrimal functional unit.

TrueTear was invented by a team of experts at Stanford led by Dr. Michael Ackermann, a PhD in neurostimulation. The device was further developed in Silicone Valley, home to the world’s most innovative and disruptive technologies. This singular technology creates an entirely new treatment class in eye care representing a true paradigm shift in the treatment of dry eye. This produces true tears, containing meibum from the meibomian glands, aqueous from the lacrimal glands and mucin from goblet cell degranulation, the three components of tears. This device offers the right patients a new, innovative treatment option.

Over-the-counter Eye Drops/Artificial Tears

Most people are better served by the medical-grade products available at SkyVision Centers, but you may benefit from over-the-counter artificial tears for dry eyes. These may include saline eye drops or natural eye drops. Your SkyVision doctor will give you a list or very specific recommendations for the best types for your particular condition.

Are there at-home remedies for dry eye?

Yes! All dry eye patients would probably benefit from taking vitamins for their dry eyes such as an oral Omega-3 fatty acid supplement. The most effective supplements are fish oil that contains Omega-3 fatty acids in the triglyceride forms DHA and EPA. The most effective doses are probably as much as 2 or 3 grams of DHA or EPA per day. Ask your SkyVision Center doctor for a personal recommendation on types of fish oil supplements for Omega-3 fatty acids.

View Video

If you have eyelid margin disease such as MGD or blepharitis, you may benefit from warm compresses and special eyelid cleansers. Your doctor will make recommendations for you.

You should also use a humidifier during the dry months; protect your eyes from wind, cold, and ultraviolet light with a good pair of sunglasses; and drink lots of water. If you are experiencing dry eyes at night, you may benefit from the use of dry eye goggles while you sleep.

To make an appointment call 440-892-3931 or online HERE!

If you suffer from vitreous strands and opacities (commonly referred to as “eye floaters”), then you are already familiar with the frustrating visual disturbance caused by these cobweb and cloud-like shadows. The vitreous humor is the clear, jelly-like substance in the main chamber of the eye, located between the lens and the retina.

At a young age, the vitreous is perfectly transparent. Over time as the eye ages, this vitreous humor can degenerate, losing its form and liquefying. Without the stable vitreous humor, the collagen fibers collapse and bind together to form clumps and knots. It is these fibers, which cast shadows on the retina and appear as spots, strings, or cobwebs that are commonly referred to as “floaters”.

Floaters Videos

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OR

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In many cases as the eye ages further, the vitreous humor can peel away from the retina entirely. This is known as Posterior Vitreous Detachment (PVD). PVD is often associated with a sudden increase in the number of floaters.

If you are experiencing floaters, flashes or other vision problems, you should obtain a complete eye examination.

Treatment Options

In cases where floaters negatively affect a patient’s quality of vision, laser therapy (vitreolysis) can be performed here in our office. Other surgical procedures may be beneficial.

Vitreolysis

Vitreolysis is a non-invasive, pain-free procedure that can eliminate the visual disturbance caused by floaters. It is performed right here in the office and typically takes 20-60 minutes per treatment session. On average, patients will require two treatment sessions to achieve a satisfactory result.

The goal of vitreolysis is to achieve a “functional improvement”. That is, to allow you to return to “normal” day-to-day activities without the hindrance of floaters.

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How does vitreolysis work?

Vitreolysis involves the application of nanosecond pulses of low-energy laser light to evaporate the vitreous opacities and to sever the vitreous strands. During this process, the laser energy evaporates the collagen and hyaluronin molecules to form a gas. The end result is that the floater is removed and/or reduced to a size that no longer impedes vision.

What happens during the procedure?

Vitreolysis is performed as an outpatient procedure; you do not have to stay overnight in a hospital. Immediately prior to treatment, Dr White or a technician will administer eye drops to prepare the eye and to provide mild anesthesia. A contact lens will then be placed on your eye, with the laser light delivered through a specially designed microscope.

During treatment, you will likely observe small, dark specks/shadows – signaling that the floaters are being evaporated into small gas bubbles. These gas bubbles quickly dissolve and reabsorb into the vitreous humor.
Once the treatment is complete, Dr White may treat your eyes with anti-inflammatory drops. It is important to note that most patients will need to undergo two treatment sessions, sometimes three, in order to achieve a satisfactory result. As there is no inflammation post-treatment, these sessions can be performed on consecutive days.

What to expect after treatment?

You may observe small, dark specks in your lower field of vision immediately following treatment, but these small gas bubbles will quickly dissolve and will not impede vision.
It is also important to note that some patients may experience mild discomfort, redness or temporarily blurred vision directly following treatment.

Complications and side effects

Reported side effects and complications associated with vitreolysis are rare. Side effects may include cataract and intraocular pressure (IOP) spike. Rare occurences include possible vitreous detachment.

Who will benefit from vitreolysis?

While some floaters can be effectively treated, several floater types are difficult to treat and/or less likely to regress than others. To that end, it is necessary to first undergo an ophthalmic examination in order to determine your eligibility for vitreolysis treatment.

Generally-speaking, if you suffer from persistent moving shadows in your vision due to vitreal condensations, fibers, strands, and/or clouds, you are a good candidate for vitreolysis.

A number of factors, such as age, onset of symptoms and floater characteristics, will also determine whether vitreolysis is your best treatment option.

SkyVision Centers is one of the only providers in Ohio who has the new state of the art  YAG laser with the capability to treat eye floaters. This laser procedure is a way of getting rid of floaters with a precise beam of light through the pupil, which vaporizes the floaters that are obstructing the patient’s vision.

Have a question?  ASK US

Call 440-892-3931 or request an appointment online to start you on the path in removing the annoyance of floaters.

Take your first step toward clearer vision!

Look here for educational information on Eye Floaters and Solutions https://eyefloaterinstitute.com/

Educational Videos and Testimonials

Videos

Laser Vitreolysis
View Video

Don’t Let Eye Floaters Cloud Your Vision
Video Interview with Paul Singh, MD (USA)

If you suffer from vitreous strands and opacities (commonly referred to as “eye floaters”), then you are already familiar with the frustrating visual disturbance caused by these cobweb and cloud-like shadows. Vitreolysis is a non-invasive, pain-free procedure that can eliminate the visual disturbance caused by floaters. Watch the video interview with Dr. Paul Singh, MD, colleague of Dr, White’s to learn more.

Patient Testimonials

“I had floaters that had been pretty bad for the last year and I was getting pretty bummed out about it, pretty anxious about the whole thing and I work in hi-tech nano technology so I have to see small things. After the first treatment session, there has been a 90%-95% improvement in both eyes.” Male

“Doctors have said that there’s nothing they can do about floaters. I had this big cloud that ran across and obstructed my vision, but after laser vitreolysis, now it’s completely gone. It’s just unbelievable. It is a safe and painless procedure, and I highly recommend this procedure to anyone who has floaters.” Male

“I had this floater for over a year, I couldn’t see through it or around it. I was tired. After the laser vitreolysis procedure, I am now able to see clearly. There isn’t a black mass in my eye anymore. I can’t describe how grateful I am, and how amazing it is to be able to see clearly again.” Female

“This was the best thing that I could have done because after my incident, I had a huge floater that would go across my eye that I couldn’t see for a split second. Since the laser vitreolysis procedure, my floater’s gone. I’m so glad I did it.” Female

Are you tired of wearing contact lenses or glasses? Is there something you do, work or play, that would be easier or more fun WITHOUT WEARING GLASSES OR CONTACT LENSES? Well, if you live in Cleveland, Ohio your best option might be LASIK!

Please call today to book your FREE LASIK consultation

440-892-3931

LASIK (laser in-situ keratomileusis) is the most frequently performed surgery in Cleveland and the rest of the United States to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Our Skyvision Centers surgeon, Dr. Darrell White, has been performing LASIK since 1995 right here in Cleveland!

LASIK involves the use of a very special type of laser, the EXCIMER LASER. Its original use was developed by IBM to etch patterns on microchips!

LASIK has become the treatment of choice for many patients because they recover so quickly and typically have very few, if any, side effects or complications. In fact, most LASIK patients notice an improvement in their vision right when they sit up after the surgery!

The Laser Vision Correction Process

Before The Surgery

Who is a good lasik candidate?

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A comprehensive complimentary consultation is conducted prior to a Laser Vision Correction (LVC) procedure to determine whether or not you are a good candidate. Prior to your consultation, if you are a contact lens wearer, you will need to leave your contact lenses out and wear glasses for a time determined by contact lens type.

Along with extensive measurements, our consultation is an exhaustive effort to make sure you are comfortable with and have the answers to all of your questions whether you may be a Lasik or PRK candidate. You will have a chance to meet with your surgeon, Dr. Darrell White to discuss the results of all of the testing.

Surgery Day

Upon arriving at the laser center, you may have additional pictures of your eyes taken.

Videos about Lasik and PRK are provided here for your viewing:

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LASIK surgery is painless and the entire LASIK procedure will take about 15-20 minutes. The laser itself will actually only be used for less than a minute and before the procedure the doctor will give you anesthetic eye drops so you don’t feel the procedure.

Dr. Darrell White will greet you along with his specially trained laser technician(s) who will guide you through your experience. After your lasers (Lasik or PRK) are complete you will have a quick examination, and then our laser coordinator will give you detailed instructions on what’s next!

The most important thing to do is go home and TAKE A NAP!! Don’t forget to have someone with you to drive you home after your laser.

POST-OPerative

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Whether you have LASIK or PRK you will have medicated eye drops to take after your surgery. Immediately after the procedure a Laser Coordinator will go over your post-operative instructions and send you home with written instructions.

We see all of our patients on the day immediately following surgery for both LASIK and PRK and one of our SkyVision doctors will examine your eyes. Your personalized schedule of eyedrops will be reviewed with you by the doctors and technicians.

In general, Laser Vision Correction patients are seen for post-op visits on day one, at one to two weeks, three months, six months, and one year after surgery. PRK patients are seen a little bit more frequently, especially in the early days following laser. If you have had PRK you may continue to use some of your drops for a few months to enhance your healing.

At SkyVision we’ve found that ultraviolet light protection is very important after surgery. A good pair of sunglasses that blocks UV light should be worn at all times when you are outside whether you have had LASIK or PRK. We are particular fans of Maui Jim sunglasses for both vision quality and UV light protection. Ask your SkyVision doctor for a personal recommendation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does it hurt?

LASIK is, generally, a painless procedure. After having been well informed as to what to expect during your procedure, fear of the unknown is reduced. You do have the option of a mild sedative which helps to alleviate anxiety, and combined with the local anesthetic (eye drops) used to completely numb your eye, very little is felt during surgery. The more common complaints are a general pressure sensation on the eyelids from the instruments used to hold your eye open, AND a pressure sensation on the eye. The advantage to LASIK is that there is little, if any discomfort in the healing process as you experience a rapid return to vision.

With the PRK procedure, some discomfort is common in the first three to five days that follow surgery. Because of the difference in the treatment of the cornea, the healing process for PRK is slower, as is the visual recovery. During the initial phase of your healing, a bandage contact lens is worn to increase comfort and speed healing. This lens has no power and generally has no effect on your vision.

Can I have both eyes done at the same time?

Yes. Having bilateral LASIK is common and has many advantages. Aside from the scheduling convenience (for both your home and work), having both eyes done maintains balance.

How long do I have to keep my contact lenses out?

Prior to your consultation and surgery at SkyVision Centers, your contact lenses must remain out of your eyes for an extended period of time determined by lens type. While our time requirement may seem more extreme than that of other centers, we feel the longer you are out of your lenses, the more accurate our measurements and the better your outcome. Contact lenses of all types reshape the cornea, sometimes permanently.

Soft lenses (this includes daily, extended wear, and Toric lenses for astigmatism) are to be kept out of your eyes for one week.

Gas Permeable lenses should be kept out of your eyes a minimum of one month. Usually, gas perm wearers have worn these lenses for years. If this is true in your case, additional time without the lenses may be needed (usually one additional week for every decade of use).

Hard lenses, though extremely rare anymore, may require three to six months of non-use.

PRK is also generally done both eyes on the same day as well.

Will I ever need glasses again?

Yes. LASIK and PRK do not stop the aging process of the eyes and cannot prevent eye disorders and diseases. Aging brings about the normal process of presbyopia which creates blurred near vision. Other issues related to age like cataracts can also bring about a need for glasses until corrective surgery is deemed appropriate (LASIK and PRK do not cause cataracts)..

What can go wrong?

Laser Vision Correction is a very successful procedure, hence, its popularity. It is, however, surgery and not without risks, complications and/or negative side effects. Most common are dry eye issues, halo/glare or night vision problems, and flap complications. It is very important to discuss with your doctor and staff your expectations and the risks involved with LASIK or PRK.

How soon will I be able to see? How soon will I be able to drive? How soon will I be able to return to work?

All the answers to these questions depend upon your individual healing process and the type of surgery you have had. LASIK offers a rapid return to good vision. Most patients are able to drive themselves to their post operative visit the following day. Depending upon your work environment (not dusty or debris ridden), most patients return to work or normal routine right after their one day post operative appointment is done. PRK patients may need to arrange for a driver as long as three days out from surgery. The return to work is determined by how quickly you feel you have functional vision, usually 3 days or so after your procedure.

What is included in the fee? I’ve heard of people needing surgery again. Is this true?

Yes. Some patients may experience a regression of vision. They may slide backwards from their optimum, 20/20 for example, to 20/40 (still legal driving vision) or needing glasses again. They may fall to a functional vision, but desire an enhancement to sharpen what has occurred in the healing process. Some patients may be undercorrected, and some opt for monovision, a surgical choice to aid the presbyopic process, and change their minds. An enhancement is a second surgery. It is not usually done sooner than six months after the initial procedure, even if indicated during the initial post operative visits, to ensure your vision has stabilized. These are included in the fee at no charge for the first 12 months after the initial surgery.

The fee also includes all visits after surgery related for one year. If an enhancement is needed beyond the 12 month period a fee applies.

Does my insurance cover laser surgery? How do I pay?

Laser Vision Correction is not a covered expense under a medical insurance policy. If you have vision insurance coverage, check the details of your policy. There are a few company’s that offer a discount. Some of the more popular one’s in the Northeast Ohio area are VSP and EyeMed. Do not hesitate to contact us at 440-892-3931 for help with this or any other questions.

Our patients pay for their procedures in a variety of ways. SkyVision Centers accept most major credit cards. We also offer No-Interest financing plans through Care Credit. You can apply online via our website, or receive information from our coordinator to contact them directly. Other options may include benefits from your employer. Some companies offer an FSA “flex accounts” or “cafeteria plans” which help their employee save for a procedure by deductions from your paycheck prior to taxes. If you have one of the new HSA or Health Savings Plans you may be able to use these funds to pay for your LASIK. You may want to check with your employer regarding particular requirements and deadlines for your plan.

How long does a LASIK or PRK procedure take?

You can expect to be at the facility usually one to two hours. The total time in the surgery suite is about ten to fifteen minutes and the actual laser time is less than one minute per eye. Most of the visit is preparation and discussion.

• Pediatric Eye Care
• Diabetic Exams and Care
• Macular Degeneration Care
• Emergency Eye Care
• Glaucoma Care
• Other Medical Eye Care

Are you constantly on your phone or tablet?
Or maybe you work all day on a computer?

Digital Vision Syndrome (DVS) has become a large and growing issue in the digital age. Between computers, tablets, and smartphones, Americans average 7 hours of screen usage per day, with some people using them significantly more.

As we work more and more on digital devices, things like headaches, eyestrain, tired eyes and stiff shoulders are becoming an accepted part of our lives. We want you to know that experiencing these symptoms is NOT normal. If you suffer from any of the below symptoms, we can help. Call us today to learn more about finding relief from:

“Over the course of the last year my headaches have decreased by 90%, my neck tension is completely gone, my eye fatigue and dryness is gone, and overall my quality of life, my mood, everything has improved greatly. It is all due to the neurolenses.”
— Derek

You are not the only one suffering. SkyVision is now offering this exciting new technology, and we would love to help you discover if we can provide relief for your symptoms. Call us today at 440-892-3931 with any questions or to make an appointment.

Vision Care

The comprehensive vision care services at SkyVision Center make it easy for most everyone to meet their vision needs all under one roof. The highly experienced doctors and staff work together using the latest diagnostic tools to give your best glasses or contact lens prescriptions. The experienced opticians work with your insurance plan to give you the best choices and prices possible from an extensive selection of frame and lenses!

• Eye Glasses including popular designer brands
• Sun Wear including the popular Maui Jim’s
• Sports/Safety Wear for your favorite sport or work
• Transitions Lenses for your convenience
• Bifocals
• Computer Eye Wear
• Contact Lenses including the latest in daily, extended wear and multifocal technology

Two New Specialty Services Offered!

• Migraine Treatment / Neurolens®
• Myopia Control

Myopia Control in Children and Teens
In addition to great vision examinations and the latest vision enhancing products, the SkyVision team of doctors are committed to resolving other vision issues. The meteoric rise in the regular use of hand-held devices have been linked to not only the increase in Dry Eye but to the progression of Myopia in Children and Teens and an increase in headaches, neck pain, and decreased vision for all ages. Dr. Sara Schoeck specializes in the treatment of Myopia progression for your child/teen and all SkyVision doctors can test for eye misalignment and see if the all new Neurolens® will help decrease and possibly even eliminate your uncomfortable daily symptoms. If you are interested in more information call the office at 440-892-3931 or Make Your Appointment Today!

Not set up to order contacts online? Please contact our reception desk at 440-892-3931 and let them know you would like to be set up to order online and they will be happy to take care of it for you!