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DOCTOR REFERRAL

New Ophthalmology Technology for Glaucoma Treatment

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The expert ophthalmologists at The Eye Center, the #1 Columbia eye care center, announces the use of a new technological advancement with a procedure called goniotomy, which utilizes the Kahook Dual Blade (KDB) to treat glaucoma. This procedure can easily be done alongside cataract surgery, but Dr. Matthew Clary and his dedicated team can also perform this as a stand-alone procedure. These procedures are usually reserved for pseudophakic or phakic patients.
Congenital glaucoma affects one in 10,000 infants, while boys are affected twice as much as girls. Usually both eyes are affected in 75% of patients, and glaucoma is also differentiated and can develop as a result of other medical conditions. These can include juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRS), diabetes, Marfan’s syndrome, or tumors.
Glaucoma was first studied in 1938 with reports of developmental problems in the anterior segment of the eye, including the iris and ciliary body. These components are necessary in maintaining the health and fluidity of the eye, but do not develop normally in a patient with glaucoma.
Goniotomy works by removing diseased tissue to allow for more fluidity in the eye. With the development of advanced medical instruments like the KDB, ophthalmologists have been able to improve recovery time and reduce possible risks during the procedure. Goniotomy is a painless outpatient procedure to treat glaucoma.
During the procedure, the Kahook Dual Blade (KDB) releases intraocular pressure (IOP) using targeted incisions. Using this groundbreaking, micro-engineered technology, patients can expect fast post-op results at The Eye Center. The KDB utilizes several technologies including:

  • Surgical-grade stainless steel along with a sharp tip for a painless procedure
  • Narrow shaft to carefully access the anterior chamber of the eye to remove diseased tissue
  • Dual blades for simultaneous action and incision
  • Smooth foot plate to facilitate motion and prevent damage to the walls of the eye

Contact Dr. Matthew Clary or one of his partners for more information on glaucoma treatment in Columbia.

About The Eye Center
The Eye Center is the leading refractive practice in South Carolina, providing full service eye care and specializing in Refractive Surgery – Lasik, AST, PRK, PRELEX, as well as Corneal Transplant and Cataract Surgery.

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90-Year-Old Eye Center Employee Retires After 34 Years

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Columbia, S.C. — After 34 years as a valued member of The Eye Center team, Ms. Betty Gailey, the friendly voice reminding patients of their appointments, entered her retirement. In the same week, she celebrated her 90th birthday.

Gailey’s dedication to our staff, our practice and most importantly, our patients will never be taken for granted. “Ms. Betty has been and still is such a blessing to everyone she meets. We are so thankful for her grace, charm and charisma,” said Matthew Clary, MD.

The sentiment is shared by many friends and patients.

“Ms. Betty! What a beautiful soul and ray of sunshine! I will miss seeing her on my visits but am excited for her and the new chapter she is writing.” – Tia V.

“Oh my, her sweet voice will be missed and her genuine, kind concern for all your clients! Congratulations, Ms. Betty!” – Fredna W.

“Congratulations to this wonderful example of a Godly woman!” – Becky C.

“Such a sweet lady. I enjoyed working with her.” – Cecilia K.

“So caring and efficient. Always available  to help answer questions. Will be missed.” – Emily L.

“Congratulations to a very sweet lady, on her birthday and retirement. Hate to see her go.” – Ed and Sandra S.

The entire team of doctors and staff at The Eye Center wish Ms. Betty the very best in her retirement.  

About The Eye Center, P.A.
The Eye Center is the leading refractive practice in South Carolina, providing full service eye care and specializing in Refractive Surgery – Lasik, AST, PRK, PRELEX, as well as Corneal Transplant and Cataract Surgery.

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Have Questions? Feel free to contact us and our team will get back to you as soon as possible.

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Cataract Rescue: How to Have Clear Vision Again

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The experts of The Eye Center deliver the best results with the latest technology
Columbia, S.C. — Cataracts are a common ailment for people over age 60. The process of cataract growth varies from patient to patient, ultimately leading to cataract removal surgery. Cataracts happen when proteins in the eye clump together causing one’s vision to become blurry or hazy. While most people suffering from cataracts do not want to experience surgery, the experts of The Eye Center are here to make cataract surgery quick and painless.
 
There are no answers to why cataracts happen, but they can become a thorn in one’s side. Cataracts are the cause of loss of vision, ultimately making life less fulfilling. Common symptoms of cataracts include:
 

  • Hazy or blurred vision
  • Sensitivity to light, including sunlight
  • Difficulty seeing at night or in dimly lit areas
  • Experiencing rays or streaks of light coming from headlights, stop lights, etc.

The Eye Center experts have the answer to all these symptoms. Providing the latest technology to patients suffering from cataracts is part of their treatment plan. Doctors at The Eye Center offer laser cataract surgery to all patients who meet the qualifications.
 
Laser cataract surgery allows doctors at The Eye Center to deliver results with as little as one to two days of recovery time. The use of a laser allows them to make accurate, precise incisions without the need for stitches. No stitches allow patients to experience less discomfort and return to normal routines quicker.
 
Cataracts do not have to take away freedom or happiness. The experts at The Eye Center have the knowledge and expertise in technology that will change lives forever. To find out more about laser cataract surgery, contact the office of The Eye Doctors to make an appointment today.
 
About The Eye Center, P.A.
The Eye Center is the leading refractive practice in South Carolina, providing full service eye care and specializing in Refractive Surgery – Lasik, AST, PRK, PRELEX, as well as Corneal Transplant and Cataract Surgery.
 

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A True Tear in Every Eye

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The Eye Center Offers a New Device to Prevent Dry Eyes

Columbia, S.C. — Exciting news! The Eye Center is the 1st practice in Columbia to offer the new dry eye device TrueTear®. By using the TrueTear® device, a person can stimulate natural tear production for dry eyes anytime they need it. This will reduce the need for hospitals or appointments when treating dry eyes, and unlike other eye drops or gels, TrueTear® uses neurostimulation through a patient’s nose to produce natural tears.

The process of neurostimulation works by using pulses of energy to activate a nerve in the eye through nerves in the bridge of the nose, which sends signals up to the brain. The brain then reacts and sends a signal to the tear glands to activate them, after which the eyes begin to produce tears naturally. This often produces a tingling or almost ticklish sensation in the nose with its ferocity based on the strength of the device.

TrueTear® is a rechargeable handheld device that can be set to different strengths, and the only thing that will need to be replaced every few days is the disposable tip. The TrueTear® device can also be monitored and controlled through a smart device, making it perfect for users who like to know exactly when the device will be fully charged. 

The possible side effects of TrueTear® include discomfort, pain, and burning in the nose, although most of these were short-lived. However, discussing the side effects with a doctor is recommended if they get worse or persist after continued use of the device.

A prescription from and a discussion with an ophthalmologist at The Eye Center is needed before the device can be purchased, but once it is purchased the patient will have complete freedom to treat their dry eyes from the comfort of their own home without reliance on anything other than a battery. That’s exciting news! The Eye Center is the 1st practice in Columbia to offer this fantastic device, so call to schedule an appointment and get relief from dry eyes today.

About The Eye Center
The Eye Center is the leading refractive practice in South Carolina, providing full service eye care and specializing in Refractive Surgery – Lasik, AST, PRK, PRELEX, as well as Corneal Transplant and Cataract Surgery.

Get In Touch With Us
Have Questions? Feel free to contact us and our team will get back to you as soon as possible.

803.256.0641
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Cataract surgery; once was risky, now is safe

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 The doctors at The Eye Center talk about how this risk-free surgery can help improve the quality of life for millions of Americans.

Columbia, S.C. — According to a recent study, cataract surgery has become one of the most commonly performed surgeries in the United States. The reason being, there are more than 24.4 million Americans age 40 and above. The number is expected to grow even further. 

Cataract surgeries were once considered to be risky and complicated. The surgery was a highly involved procedure that required stitches, hospitalization and lots of time to recover.  That is all in the past thanks to new cataract surgery procedures that speed up the process, aid in fast recovery and remove the need for hospitalization. Patients, however, don’t always realize just how fast, painless and ultimately simple cataract surgery is these days.

All told, today’s cataract surgery takes about 15 to 20 minutes and results in crisper, clearer vision within a day or two following the operation. Rather than require hospitalization, cataract surgery is now done on an outpatient basis using lasers.

Cataracts are a common occurrence as people age. Other aspects that increase the risks of developing cataracts can be due to exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun’s rays, family history, blood pressure, diabetes and obesity.

“When the eye’s lens begins to cloud over, impacting vision, there is a fast, simple solution that can restore vision without dramatically impacting life in the process.” say the doctors at The Eye Center. “If surgery is recommended, the decision should be made between the patient and their eye doctor.” If it is indicated, today’s patients will find advanced procedures make removal as hassle-free as possible while delivering better sight in the process.

About The Eye Center
The Eye Center is the leading refractive practice in South Carolina, providing full service eye care and specializing in Refractive Surgery – Lasik, AST, PRK, PRELEX, as well as Corneal Transplant and Cataract Surgery.

Get In Touch With Us
Have Questions? Feel free to contact us and our team will get back to you as soon as possible.

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Eye Surgery Patients Rejected for LASIK Offered Successful AST Option

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Advanced vision correction procedure at The Eye Center successful for most refractive eye surgery patients

Columbia, S.C. — Patients who are rejected for Laser-assisted in situ Keratomileusis (LASIK) discover new hope with an advanced vision correction procedure at The Eye Center called Advanced Surface Treatment (AST).

“Many patients who were told in the past that they were not ideal candidates for Lasik can achieve fantastic results with AST,” says Dr. Matthew T. Clary, refractive surgery specialist at The Eye Center. “Without making a flap, the cornea is reshaped by removing a microscopic layer of tissue. This reshaping allows light rays to focus perfectly on the retina, dramatically improving vision,” Clary adds.

For patients with a high prescription, dry eye syndrome or thin corneas, AST is an excellent procedure that can be completed with no discomfort or pain in a half hour or less. AST is used for patients suffering myopia (nearsightedness) with or without astigmatism or hyperopia (farsightedness) with or without astigmatism. AST is also an excellent choice for patients who are over- or under-corrected after other refractive or cataract surgeries.

“The surgeons at The Eye Center have selected the Visx Star S4 Excimer Laser with Iris Recognition and Customvue Technology for its first class safety profile and exceptional results,” says Dr. Clary. “Customvue takes a precise picture of every detail of your eye’s shape, and thus our surgeons are able to provide an outcome that is truly customized to your specific visual needs.”

After the surgery, patients may experience some blurry vision for up to five days and a bit of discomfort as the eye heals. However, the protective contact lens placed on the eye after surgery, medication and eye drops help relieve this discomfort. Final results are realized from several days to months post-surgery.

About The Eye Center
The Eye Center is the leading refractive practice in South Carolina, providing full service eye care and specializing in Refractive Surgery – Lasik, AST, PRK, PRELEX, as well as Corneal Transplant and Cataract Surgery.

Get In Touch With Us
Have Questions? Feel free to contact us and our team will get back to you as soon as possible.

803.256.0641
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Maximum Precision of Wavefront LASIK Technology Makes for Precise Vision in Patients Post-Surgery

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 The Eye Center, an Advanced Columbia Lasik Eye Surgery Center, uses the STAR S4 IR® Excimer Laser to offer more benefits to the most patients

Columbia, S.C. — Wavefront LASIK mapping of the eye prior to the reshaping of the cornea provides the most accurate LASIK procedure with the least number of side effects for the most number of patients, as compared to conventional LASIK.

“Using the STAR S4 IR® Excimer Laser System, surgeons can deliver the broadest range of wavefront-guided laser vision correction treatments to patients,” says Advanced Columbia LASIK Eye Surgery Center Surgeon Beau T. Brian. “In fact, more than 94 percent of eligible candidates in the U.S., and more than 99.75 percent outside the U.S., may potentially benefit from the…procedure.”
 
Wavefront LASIK captures a waveprint of the whole optical system of the eye by taking hundreds of data points comprehensively. After this measurement, a map of the eye is made for the procedure itself to maximize the surgeon’s precision. During the surgery, the wavescan device monitors and records all corrections as they occur. The wavescan prevents unnecessary changes from taking place. This monitoring while undergoing the procedure is not a possibility with conventional LASIK.
 
“The Eye Center​ performs LASIK and PRK with the Visx STAR S4 Excimer Laser, which represents the most advanced state-of-the-art technology available anywhere in the United States,” says Dr. Brian. “Two lasers have been ergonomically combined and optimized into the Visx STAR S4 Excimer Laser to give the patient exceptional comfort and the doctor efficiency in performing vision correction procedures. Advancements in laser vision correction have included the development of faster excimer lasers and the use of femtosecond lasers to create more precise lamellar flaps.”
 
Wavefront’s maximum precision reduces some negative side effects previously reported during conventional LASIK, such as the halo effect and night vision problems.
 
About The Eye Center
The Eye Center is the leading refractive practice in South Carolina, providing full service eye care and specializing in Refractive Surgery – Lasik, AST, PRK, PRELEX, as well as Corneal Transplant and Cataract Surgery.

Get In Touch With Us
Have Questions? Feel free to contact us and our team will get back to you as soon as possible.

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Clearly Seeing is Believing: Cataract Lens Implants Advanced Technology Clears Up Vision for Presbyo

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The new Tecnis Symfony IOL® first and only to correct presbyopia, difficulty focusing on close objects

Columbia, S.C. — Over 20 percent of Americans will suffer partial blindness from cataracts, a condition by which the natural lens of the eye becomes clouded, by the time they turn 65 years old, according to the National Eye Institute. Intraocular Lens (IOL) implants, the modern medical miracle in cataract surgery, are 2 million strong each year across the country. The TECNIS® Family of IOLs offers the first and only extended range of vision lens, the Tecnis Symfony IOL®, to correct presbyopia (trouble focusing clearly on close objects).

“One of the greatest medical miracles in modern cataract surgery. This surgery that was once fraught with risks and at best a lifetime of thick, unsightly glasses is now being used to safely improve the quality of life for millions of Americans every year,” says R. Brian Huff, M.D.

Dr. Huff, who has performed more than 15,000 cataract surgeries, offers his ability to combine multiple technologies to optimize a patient’s options.

The Tecnis Symphony IOL® extends a patient’s depth of focus, thus improving vision at any distance, with no intermittent drop-offs. This is an improvement over the monofocal IOLs, which generally correct far-distance vision at the expense of near-distance vision. This new technology also provides near-flawless day-to-night vision, while reducing the halo effect and glare around lights.

Lens implants, made to last a lifetime, are inserted through tiny incisions in the eye in less than 20 minutes. After the surgery, the cataract surgery patient’s sight improves within 1 to 3 days.

William Phillips, one of Dr. Matthew T. Clary’s cataract surgery patients, says, “The reason I chose The Eye Center was the reputation it had among church members and family and friends. About two years ago, I started suffering from cataracts, and my vision was really impaired. But after two simple procedures, I have 20/20 vision, and I don’t wear glasses. … I think a great deal of Dr. Clary. He’s very personable, and he cares a great deal about his patients.”

For more information, contact The Eye Center at 803.256.0641 or visit the website at The Eye Center.

About The Eye Center
The Eye Center is the leading refractive practice in South Carolina, providing full service eye care and specializing in Refractive Surgery – Lasik, AST, PRK, PRELEX, as well as Corneal Transplant and Cataract Surgery.

Get In Touch With Us
Have Questions? Feel free to contact us and our team will get back to you as soon as possible.

803.256.0641
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Eye Center Offers Exciting Procedure to Eliminate Reading Glasses

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Columbia, S.C. — The Eye Center, P.A. of Columbia gives its patients a new lease on life, allowing them to eliminate their glasses for good. The Columbia Eye Center staff is pleased to now offer the TECNIS® Symfony IOL, a cutting edge, surgical implanted device that can reverse the effects of presbyopia, a condition characterized by the need for reading glasses.
 
What is presbyopia?
People over the age of forty may begin to notice that focusing on nearby objects becomes more difficult. That’s because a structure in the eye called the lens starts to stiffen as one ages. The lens, along with the cornea, refracts light onto the retina at the back of the eye, and then the retina sends a message to the brain.
 
When the lens loses flexibility, it also loses the capacity to focus on things that are nearby. The stiffening of the lens is called presbyopia and it’s a natural process that occurs with aging.
 
Although presbyopia presents challenges, most people are able to continue living an active life with the aid of glasses or contacts. Presbyopia usually doesn’t mean missing work or saying no to the things one enjoys.
 
But for some sufferers, glasses or contacts may not be an option due to other eye conditions. And some people simply cannot afford to be hampered by glasses. For those interested in surgical options for reversing presbyopia, the Symfony IOL may be an option.
 
What is an IOL?
 An IOL, or intraocular lens, is a surgically implanted device that is meant to substitute the eye’s natural lens. IOLs are usually prescribed to patients after cataract surgery because the procedure involves removing and replacing the eye’s natural lens. IOLs are also used to treat myopia or nearsightedness. The TECNIS® Symfony IOL is the first lens to be approved to remedy presbyopia.
 
What makes the the TECNIS® Symfony IOL different?
Normally IOLs are monofocal and aim to improve vision either up-close or at a distance. The Symfony IOL is multifocal and allows patients to experience continuous vision, meaning clearer vision in the background and the foreground at the same time.
 
To find out more about laser eye surgery or to schedule an appointment, reach out to the doctors at The Eye Center or visit the practice online at TheEyeCenterSC.com.

About Author
The Eye Center is the leading refractive practice in South Carolina, providing full service eye care and specializing in Refractive Surgery – Lasik, AST, PRK, PRELEX, as well as Corneal Transplant and Cataract Surgery.

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Have Questions? Feel free to contact us and our team will get back to you as soon as possible.

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Tackling Diabetic Retinopathy

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Eye specialists providing hope and clearer vision for those with diabetes related eye conditions.

Columbia, S.C. — There are over 20 million diagnosed cases of diabetes in the United States alone; a condition that impacts the body in a variety of ways. Diabetes – a condition by which the blood sugar levels in the body are dangerously high – can cause a variety of symptoms including fatigue, pronounced hunger and thirst, frequent urination, and more. If left untreated, diabetes can result in loss of muscle, nerve damage, and even death. What most people don’t associate with diabetes is vision loss. However, eye disease resulting from diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in those ages 20-64.
 
“We see diabetic retinopathy, eye disease caused by diabetes, in approximately 25 percent of diabetics,” say the doctors at The Eye Center. “This makes early detection so important for those with diabetes. Early detection is the only way we can successfully step in to reduce the risk of impaired vision and blindness.”
 
Preventing and Slowing Diabetic Retinopathy
When the blood vessels in the back of the eye weaken they can begin to leak fluid or allow abnormal vessels to grow on the surface of the eye’s retina; vessels that are prone to hemorrhage. This weakening of the blood vessels is considered diabetic retinopathy.

Some of the ways that patients with diabetes can slow or prevent diabetic retinopathy include:
 

  • Get regular eye exams. It is vital to set up regular eye exams to ensure that eyes are healthy. If diabetic retinopathy is discovered, surgery may be advisable during which lasers are used to shrink the blood vessels on the surface of the eye.
  • Maintain a healthy weight. Anything we can do to maintain a healthy blood sugar level in our body is beneficial to our eyes and our health overall. That includes eating a healthy diet and exercising.
  • Keep blood pressure and cholesterol in check through healthy living, regular checkups, and medication when necessary.

About The Eye Center
The Eye Center is the leading refractive practice in South Carolina, providing full service eye care and specializing in Refractive Surgery – Lasik, AST, PRK, PRELEX, as well as Corneal Transplant and Cataract Surgery. To find out more about diabetic eye care or to schedule an appointment, reach out to the doctors at The Eye Center or visit the practice online at TheEyeCenterSC.com.

Get In Touch With Us
Have Questions? Feel free to contact us and our team will get back to you as soon as possible.

803.256.0641
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