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INFORMATION REQUEST

Implantable Miniature Telescope (IMT)

Until now, there have been a limited number of options available to help patients with end stage macular degeneration. These options have included magnifiers, increased power reading glasses, or magnifying closed circuit televisions. Recently, a new option has become available for these people, the Implantable Miniature Telescope or IMT device. This device has the advantage of a telescope because it is able to magnify an image using a larger area of vision to help people see.

The IMT process is a multi-disciplinary approach, requiring a medical team of practitioners to assist the patient on their journey to better vision. The team includes a retina specialist, a specially trained cataract surgeon, a low vision optometrist, and a low vision occupational therapist. MCOA participated in the Clinical Trials and is proud to be a part of this, then and now. In the clinical trails, there was a dramatic improvement in the quality of life for these patients. This device is the first of its kind and Medical Center Ophthalmology Associates, in cooperation with Santa Rosa Low Vision and Lions Eye Foundation, is very excited to be able to offer this procedure to patients in San Antonio and the surrounding areas. For more information, you can also visit Centra Sight.

www.centrasight.com

Specialized Diagnostic Services

Diagnostic services and laser treatment are provided for patients. The retina is the transparent tissue that lines the back inside wall of the eye. Early detection and treatment of retinal problems can often prevent further deterioration or loss of vision.

Specialized Retina Care

The retina has two parts: the peripheral retina and the macula. If you imagine the retina as a circle with a bull's-eye, the macula is like the bull's eye, it is very small. The large area of the retina that surrounds the macula and makes up 95% of the retina is called the peripheral retina. In order to see fine detail, you must look straight ahead, using the macula. Even though the macula makes up only a small part of the retina, it is one hundred times more sensitive to detail than the peripheral retina.

We have two retina specialists to care for any retina problems that you or your family may have. For more information about either of these doctors, please click on their name below.

Michael A. Singer, MD

Darren J. Bell, MD

Macular Degeneration

Age-Related Macular Degeneration: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a disease that affects your central vision. It is a common cause of vision loss among people over age of 60. Because only the center of your vision is usually affected, people rarely go blind from the disease. However, AMD can sometimes make it difficult to read, drive, or perform other daily activities that require fine, central vision.

Types of Macular Degeneration

Diagnosis of Macular Degeneration

Macular Degeneration Vision Loss

Glossary of Terms

Specialty Eye Surgery

Medical and surgical management is available for patients. This care includes the cornea or clear window of the eye, the conjunctiva or lining inside the eyelids, and the sclera or white covering of the eye.

Cataract Surgery

A cataract is a cloudiness that develops in the normally clear lens of the eye. The lens, about the size of an aspirin, is the transparent fine focusing part of the eye located behind the pupil. It is comprised of a strong, transparent outer covering or capsule filled with a clear gel material. When the gel becomes cloudy, the incoming light rays are distorted or blocked before reaching the retina at the back of the eye. As the cataract develops, vision is increasingly reduced. Your family optometrist will usually discover developing cataracts in the course of routine eye exams. If you have cataracts that are causing visual difficulties, your doctor will usually recommend surgery, the only known cure for cataracts.

Laser Vision Correction

The eximer laser was FDA approved in 1995 and has since then treated millions of people to eliminate or reduce their dependence on glasses and contact lenses. Whether you suffer from nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism, we may be able to provide you with the potential to experience better vision than is possible with glasses or contact lenses.

NASA Approves Advanced LASIK For Use On Astronauts:
http://mcoaicare.com/documents/NASAapprovesAdvancedLASIK.pdf

LASIK FAQs

Glaucoma Care

Complete diagnostic, medical and surgical care is available for glaucoma patients. This specialty treats the condition of increased fluid pressure within the eye. If untreated, abnormally high eye pressure can damage the optic nerve leading to permanent loss of vision.

Family Eye Care

MCOA’s many physicians and staff are here for you and your family to assist with all your vision needs and emergencies.

Diabetic Eye Care

Diabetes affects over 14 million Americans. More than 8,000 Americans will become blind from diabetic retinopathy. Visual loss is a late symptom of diabetic retinopathy. There's a lot you can do to take charge and prevent such problems. A recent study shows that keeping your blood glucose closer to normal can prevent or delay diabetic retinopathy.

Dry Eye

Dry eye disease is a common problem with many people and there are treatment options available.

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