- GlaucomaGlaucoma is a disease that damages your eye’s optic nerve. It usually happens when fluid builds up in the front part of your eye. That extra fluid increases the pressure in your eye, damaging the optic nerve. It is estimated that three million Americans have glaucoma, but only about half of them know that they have glaucoma. Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness for people over the age of 60, but blindness from glaucoma can often be prevented with early treatment. When glaucoma develops, there are usually no early symptoms and the disease progresses slowly. In this way, glaucoma can steal your sight very gradually. Fortunately, early detection and treatment (with eye drops, laser procedures, surgery, or a combination) can help preserve your vision.
- OphthalmologyDr. Barry Herst is a board certified ophthalmologist. He received his medical degree from the Loyola Stritch School of Medicine and completed his ophthalmology residency at Michael Reese Hospital. Dr. Herst serves as Section Chief of Ophthalmology of St. Joseph Hospital in Chicago.
- Laser Eye SurgeryRefractive surgery is a term given to a surgical procedure that is performed to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. The most commonly performed surgeries are LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) and PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy). These procedures use a laser to reshape the cornea (clear front part of the eye) to adjust the focusing power of the eye. Both procedures are performed on an outpatient basis with topical anesthesia so the patient remains awake and comfortable.
- CataractsA cataract is the general term given to the clouding or loss of clarity of the natural lens inside your eye. A cataract can develop in one or both eyes. This can be a result of aging, trauma, or related to certain diseases or medications. Surgery is the only method to correct a cataract once it is affecting your vision.
- Cataract SurgeryShe has particular interest in cataract surgery, refractive surgery, corneal transplantation surgery including partial corneal transplants, pterygium surgery, and the treatment of dry eye or other ocular surface disorders.
- Eye ExamDiabetic eye conditions can be detected through a comprehensive eye exam. The exam involves a visual acuity test to measure vision at various distances and dilating drops to examine the structures of the eye for any signs of disease.
- Diabetic RetinopathyDiabetic retinopathy: the most common diabetic eye disease and a leading cause of blindness in adults. Diabetic retinopathy develops as a result of changes in blood sugar levels or simply the presence of long-term diabetes. Most patients don’t develop this condition until they have had diabetes for at least 10 years. If high blood sugar levels cause blood vessels in the retina to leak blood or fluid, the retina may become swollen and form deposits.
- UltrasoundCataract surgery is performed on an outpatient basis with the procedure typically over in less than an hour. It is performed in a surgical center generally under IV sedation, under what is commonly referred to as ‘twilight anesthesia’. You will not be unconscious and will only feel sleepy/comfortable during your procedure. You will be breathing on your own and are constantly monitored by an anesthesiologist. The most common method for removing a cataract is a procedure called phacoemulsification. Two very tiny incisions are made into the eye and an ultrasound probe is positioned behind your iris (the colored part of your eye). The ultrasound probe breaks up (emulsifies) your cataract into very small pieces. These small fragments are then suctioned out via the very small incisions that were made earlier. Once removed, a new intraocular lens (IOL) is put in place. You won’t be able to see or feel the IOL. In an uncomplicated procedure, the IOL will require no care and should last a lifetime.
- Eyelid Surgery
- BlepharoplastyCommon causes of ectropion include age-related weakening of the connective tissue around the eye, sun damage, tumors, burns, and the removal of too much skin during blepharoplasty. In some cases, ectropion occurs as a congenital birth defect or as a result of facial palsy.
- LesionsEyelid lesions can have a wide variety of causes. While a lid lesion is most often benign, and its removal more for cosmetic reasons, there is a small percentage that the cause of the lesion is more serious. If necessary, the excised lesion will be sent away for further analysis. After local anesthesia, an instrument is put in place and an incision is made to remove the lesion. Alternatively, your ophthalmologist will use a cauterizing instrument to excise the lesion.
- Burns