Page 12 | Volusia Health Care News | Fall 2011 | East Volusia County Edition Eye Surgery Correcting Astigmatism During Cataract Surgery Patients already undergoing cataract surgery to remove cataracts have the option to have toric lens implants placed into the eyes to treat astigmatism and improve vision. ot too long ago, Esperanza Quincy could barely see her surroundings. The 67-year-old Nretiree discovered she had cataracts dur- ing an appointment with her eye doctor. Once employed at a company that made business signs, Esperanza now found her- self unable to even see road signs. “My vision was getting worse,” shares Esperanza. “It was very difficult to see, especially at night. Even while wearing my glasses, it was never good.”

Q. Jocelyn Ge, MD, PhD implant can often be used as a treatment.” minutes, and there was no pain,” she says. That’s why our patients are happy.” Esperanza’s optometrist informed her The procedure to place the toric lens Esperanza noticed results immedi- Esperanza can’t agree more. that she would need surgery if the cata- implant is not significantly longer than ately after her surgery. “Dr. Ge is an excellent ophthalmolo- racts became severe. regular cataract surgery. Before surgery, the “It’s unbelievable!” she raves. “I can gist and shows concern for her patients,” “The last time I went to see him was in exact location of the patient’s astigmatism read and it’s wonderful! I love to spend she says. “I would recommend Premier January, and he told me my cataracts were is pinpointed, mapped, and measured. time on my computer, and I can now see Eye Clinic to everyone. The whole staff is more advanced,” says Esperanza. “I was “Accurate measurements are important things without my glasses.” very friendly and they take extra time to given a recommendation to go see Dr. Ge.” to implant the lens correctly and to treat the answer all my questions.” Q. Jocelyn Ge, MD, PhD, a targeted astigmatism,” emphasizes Dr. Ge. FHCN – Jennifer L. Moore board-certified ophthalmologist, is the At the time of the surgery, precise “It was a procedure medical director of Premier Eye Clinic in markings on the patient’s eye are made Port Orange, a full-service, patient-oriented to correspond to these measurements. that took just a few The Facts: facility that combines compassionate and After cataract removal, the toric lens is Toric Lens Implants personalized care with advanced technology. then placed inside the eye and aligned minutes, and there precisely with the markings. “Esperanza has been wearing glasses • One of several varieties of for many years for a significant amount Improved technology was no pain.” Intraocular Lens Implants of astigmatism,” Dr. Ge reports. “Her (IOLs) Different types of toric lens implants vision was also getting worse from cata- • Typically made of acrylic or racts. It was especially troublesome for her are available in the US with a variety of About one month after her right eye silicone power levels. surgery, Esperanza received her wish to to drive at night because of the glare and • FDA approved for cataract halo effect caused by cataracts.” “Astigmatism can be mild, moderate, or have the left eye done, also with a toric surgery severe,” she says. “Previously, some patients lens implant. It was evident that Esperanza needed • Has two focus points cataract surgery, and Dr. Ge felt she was with very severe astigmatism did not have Dr. Ge agrees that Esperanza’s treat- (monofocal lenses have one a good candidate for toric lens implants, toric lenses available to them. These patients ment was successful. focus point) which correct astigmatism. would need an additional surgical procedure “Before the surgery, she depended on • Must be properly positioned “Astigmatism is an optical error, usu- called Limbal Relaxing Incision, also per- prescription eyeglasses, mostly for signifi- by eye surgeon ally caused by either the cornea or natural formed at the time of the cataract surgery, cant astigmatism,” says Dr. Ge. “Now, she • Benefit of lens placement lens of the eye,” explains Dr. Ge. “Simply to completely treat their astigmatism. With sees very well for distance in both eyes, and during cataract surgery put, astigmatism causes blurriness by recent availability of more power levels, only needs over-the-counter reading glasses.” • Corrects astigmatism much making the round point of incoming light most patients will only need the toric lens Dr. Ge enjoys helping patients like like eyeglasses oval shaped as it passes through the eye. implants for correcting the astigmatism at Esperanza achieve their optimal vision. • Will not correct vision for Regualr astigmatism can be corrected with the time of cataract surgery.” “Seeing patients so happy with their reading (presbyopia) unless glasses or contact lenses.” Dr. Ge can attest to the continued new vision is very gratifying,” says Dr. Ge. set for monovision focus When a patient is diagnosed with improvement of the optical technology. “At our clinic, we really take quality to heart, • Patients with macular cataracts and is planning for cataract sur- “The toric lens implant is a nice con- and we take care of each patient individually. degeneration, glaucoma, and gery and insertion of a lens implant, this tribution to patients with cataracts and diabetic retinopathy are also condition can actually be corrected during astigmatism,” observes Dr. Ge. “It’s also a How Are Cataracts candidates for this type of IOL the surgical procedure. reliable option.” “For example, if the cause of the astig- Patients with cataracts and astigmatism Removed? matism is in the cataract, or the clouded should consult an ophthalmologist to see Cataract surgery is performed on an natural lens, then it is removed along with if they are candidates for this technology. outpatient basis and usually requires several hours of time at the facility Committed to the cataract,” explains Dr. Ge. “When the Esperanza’s cataract surgery at Premier Eye Clinic went smoothly. from start to finish. The procedure itself cause of the astigmatism is at the cornea, usually takes minutes with Dr. Ge. The the front-most part of the eye, a toric lens “It was a procedure that took just a few eye is treated with anesthetic eye drops Your and ointments prior to the procedure to Q. Jocelyn Ge, MD, PhD, received her medical degree from the Vanderbilt prevent discomfort. Vision University School of Medicine and her PhD from the University of California. First, a tiny incision is made in the eye, She completed her internship at the University of Tennessee Medical Center allowing Dr. Ge to use a small instrument Dr. Ge and the staff of Premier and her Ophthalmology residency at the Tulane University Hospital and (about the size of a pen tip) to break up Eye Clinic look forward to Clinics in New Orleans. In 2005, Dr. Ge was one of the ten ophthalmologists and wash away the cloudy cataract. in the US who received the prestigious American Society of Cataract and meeting readers of Volusia Once the cataract is removed, the lens Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) Foundation research grant. She is active in research Health Care News. The office and has presented her results at major national conferences, including the implant is inserted through the same Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO), ASCRS, and the American Academy of tiny incision and set into its permanent is located at 3641 South Ophthalmology. Most recently, she received the American Medical Association’s Physician Recognition position. Clyde Morris Blvd, Suite Award with Commendation. She is certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology. 500, in Port Orange, phone Visit Premier Eye Clinic on the web at www.PremierEyeClinic.com. (386) 788-6198.