Ophthalmology Services

Our team of ophthalmologists at Franciscan Physicians Hospital specializes in:

• Cataract and cataract removal
• Glaucoma detection and treatment
• Ptosis (“drooping eyelid“)

Glaucoma and cataract are disorders that can lead to blindness. Early detection and correction of these disorders can help in the prevention of blindness.

Cataract
Cataract is a degenerative eye disorder that is one of the leading causes of vision loss. A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s lens similar to a frosted window. Cataracts often cause blurred vision, light sensitivity, poor night vision, double vision in one eye, and faded colors, to name a few.

Cataract Extraction and Intraocular Lens (IOL)
Cataracts form from proteins and water that coagulate. In the early stages of cataracts, glasses and ultraviolet (UV) protective eyewear can help sufferers with their vision. However, surgery is the only way to remove cataracts. Cataract extraction is a simple outpatient procedure. As the procedure’s name implies, the clouded lens (the cataract) is removed. Once it is removed, an artificial lens called Intraocular Lens is implanted

Glaucoma
Glaucoma is the leading cause in blindness in the United States. It usually occurs when the fluid pressure inside the eye slowly rises. This pressure damages the optic nerve, which leads to vision loss. At first, there may be some loss of peripheral vision- however; people with glaucoma usually do not have any symptoms.
Trabeculectomy
There are a few options to treating glaucoma. Trabeculectomy is a common procedure that occurs on a regular basis at our facility. Although it is an invasive procedure, it has proven to be a highly effective treatment in advanced forms of glaucoma. This simple outpatient procedure drains the excess fluid from within the eye, thus relieving pressure.

Ptosis
Ptosis is also called "drooping eyelid." It is caused by weakness of the muscle responsible for raising the eyelid, damage to the nerves which control those muscles, or laxity of the skin of the upper eyelids. Ptosis can cause increased tearing and, in severe cases, may interfere with vision.

Drooping eyelid can be caused by the normal aging process, a congenital abnormality (present before birth), or the result of an injury or disease. Risk factors include aging, diabetes, stroke, a brain tumor or other cancer, which can affect nerve or muscle reactions.