Surgery Co-Management

Our expert eye doctors at Ensight Eyecare provide cataract and LASIK surgery co-management services to patients.  

Cataract Surgery Co-Management  

As a primary eye health care provider, we have the expertise and technology to diagnose cataracts. If cataracts have progressed to the point that surgery is required, our doctor will refer you to a trusted, respected surgeon for treatment and provide you with pre- and post-operative care.  

What are Cataracts?   

There are lenses inside your eyes that bend or refract light to help you see. Normal, healthy lenses are clear. If you develop a cataract, this means that the lens in either one eye or both eyes is cloudy, which can make your vision hazy and blurry and colors appear dull.  

What are the Risk Factors for Cataracts?   

The most common reason cataracts develop is aging. As we get older, the proteins inside our eyes break down and can form deposits on the clear lenses of our eyes, leading to the development of cataracts. Age-related cataracts develop gradually, over the span of several years.  

Other risk factors for cataracts include:    

  • A family history of cataracts. If parents, siblings, or other family members have or had cataracts, this could mean you are at higher risk.    
  • Diabetes. While cataracts are very common as you get older, people who have diabetes may develop them at a much earlier age.    
  • Smoking.    
  • Certain medications can be associated with developing cataracts, including corticosteroids, chlorpromazine, and other phenothiazine-related medications.   
  • A poor diet with nutritional deficiencies including a lack of antioxidants.    
  • Exposure to UV radiation. Studies show an increased chance of cataract formation with unprotected exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation.   

Diagnosing Cataracts   

Cataracts are diagnosed during a comprehensive eye exam. Our doctor can spot signs of cataract development in the early stages before you notice any vision changes.

Treatment for Cataracts   

The treatment for cataracts will vary depending on how advanced they are and how they impact your vision. Our doctor will suggest how frequently you should come in for eye exams to monitor the cataract’s progression and update your eyeglass prescription for optimal vision.

If your cataracts are affecting your vision and ability to perform daily tasks, we may recommend surgery. Our eye doctor at Ensight Eyecare will refer you to a trusted and respected surgeon who will remove the cloudy lens and replace it with a synthetic one which will allow you to see clearly. Cataract surgery is common and very effective; in fact, it’s one of the most common, effective surgeries in the United States.   

LASIK and Refractive Eye Surgery Co-Management 

If you’re interested in getting LASIK to reduce or eliminate the need to wear eyeglasses or contact lenses for clear vision, the first step is to ensure you are a good candidate for the surgery. While LASIK and refractive eye surgeries have benefits for patients, they aren’t right for everyone. Our eye doctor can help you determine if LASIK eye surgery is the right option for you and will provide both pre- and post-operative eye surgery care to support you through the preparation and recovery process.  

About LASIK and Refractive Eye Surgery  

LASIK is a minimally invasive outpatient surgery performed using a computer-controlled laser and a small blade to reshape the cornea. It’s used most often to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.  

LASIK is not the only laser eye correction available. Other options include keratectomy (PRK), automated lamellar keratoplasty (ALK), laser thermal keratoplasty (LTK), and more.  

A comprehensive eye exam at our eye care center is the first step to determine if LASIK or another vision correction procedure is right for you.  When scheduling your appointment, please mention your interest in laser eye surgery. Our staff will be sure to include a LASIK consultation at your exam.  

Our doctor will refer you to an experienced local surgeon if you’re found to be a good candidate for LASIK surgery. Our doctor will provide pre-op eye surgery care, offering instructions on what to do (and what not to do) before your surgery and guidance on how to improve your recovery. After surgery, our eye doctor at Ensight Eyecare will provide post-operative care services for you.