- CryotherapyIn some cases ROP will need to be treated. This is done using laser or cryotherapy-a form of “freezing” therapy. In severe cases, surgery to correct a retinal detachment can be required. In more than 90% of infants with ROP there is spontaneous regression of the disease process, with little or no residual effects or visual disability. In less than 10% of infants there is progression toward severe disease. Despite treatment some of these cases can lead to detachment of the retina, and impairment of vision. Over the course of their lifetime children with ROP are at increased risk for strabismus, amblyopia, nystagmus and refractive errors.
- Primary CareStefanie Haines, O.D. is an Optometrist & Primary Care Eye Doctor at Eye Associates & SurgiCenter serving the eyecare needs of patients throughout southern NJ and greater Philadelphia, PA. Dr. Haines received her Doctorate of Optometry & Masters in Vision Science at SUNY-College of Optometry. She serves as a staff Optometrist at the NJ Veterans Memorial Home in Vineland providing eye care to the Veterans.
- GlaucomaThe goal of glaucoma treatment is to stabilize and control your eye pressure in order to provide the best chance of preserving your vision. The three main glaucoma treatments are medical-using eye drops and sustained release medications, glaucoma laser treatment & glaucoma surgery, most often minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS).
- OphthalmologyChildren’s eye exams at Eye Associates are a routine part of our pediatric ophthalmology practice. Our Pediatric Ophthalmologist is a subspecialist who deals with problems common to or seen exclusively in the pediatric or children’s age group. Children’s eyes and vision are different than adult’s eyes and vision. The brain cells that control our vision are not fully developed, or mature, when we are born. These cells develop throughout the first decade of life. Because of the immaturity of a child’s visual system, disorders that may have little effect on an adult’s ability to see can have a profound and life-long effect on a child’s vision. Poor vision due to inadequate stimulation of these brain cells, amblyopia, is a common cause of loss of vision in this age group. Some disorders are only seen in children. Some disorders, such as certain types of tumors, may be found in both children and adults, but may have different effects when they occur in children.
- Macular DegenerationAge Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision loss in seniors in which the central portion of the retina, called the macula, is damaged as a result of the hardening of the small arteries supplying oxygen and nutrients to the retinal tissue. There are two main types of Age Related Macular Degeneration: Dry Macular Degeneration and Wet Macular Degeneration. Dry Macular Degeneration is the most common type of Age Related Macular Degeneration making up 85-90% of cases, resulting in a slow progressive loss of vision. Typically, we see small, yellow colored deposits between the retinal layers, which are called drusen. Many people 50 years of age or older have some drusen as they age and may be asked to schedule eye exams more frequently in order to monitor them as there is some possibility that Dry Macular Degeneration will progress to Wet Macular Degeneration. We need to detect Wet Macular Degeneration quickly as it has far more serious consequences for vision loss. Wet Macular Degeneration is characterized by an abnormal growth of new blood vessels under the retina, called “neovascularization,” which is prone to be leaky and can easily break and bleed. If leakage occurs, the macula may actually begin to swell, bleed and scar causing severe loss of central vision, which may be irreversible.
- Laser Eye SurgeryPRK has been performed in the United States since 1995 and as such has withstood the test of time in terms of safety, efficacy and predictability. PRK has advanced in overall patient comfort and visual recovery as compared to the PRK procedures performed in 1995. Laser technology as well the availability of newer treatment medications make PRK of today an excellent choice for many patients. The PRK procedure is somewhat similar to LASIK in that a laser is used to reshape the cornea in order to correct your vision. The key difference between PRK and LASIK is that no “flap” is created during PRK. Instead, the laser is used to produce your optical correction by reshaping the outermost surface of the cornea, rather than under a flap, as in LASIK. PRK requires the removal of a thin layer of the corneal epithelium, which may produce varying degrees of temporary discomfort for up to a few days after your treatment.
- CataractsA cataract is an opacification or clouding of the normal crystalline lens. Cataracts can occur at different ages in children. The diagnosis of a congenital cataract which is present at birth can be made on the first day of life if a red reflex is not obtained in the newborn nursery. Early diagnosis and referral are important since irreversible damage can occur if a congenital cataract is not treated in the first few months of life. Congenital cataracts can result from problems with the eye itself or from systemic disorders. Because of this a thorough ocular and systemic evaluation should be performed in any child who presents with a cataract. A genetic evaluation may be indicated in some cases as well.
- Cataract SurgeryWith Standard Cataract Surgery, the cataract is removed and a Medicare/Insurance issued Monofocal (one distance) lens is implanted. This lens does not correct for vision distorting astigmatism. This surgical option may allow you to be less dependent on glasses after surgery, but most people require glasses for seeing at distance, intermediate and near vision and should plan on wearing glasses most of the time.
- Eye ExamEye Associates recommends that most people have an eye exam every one to two years depending upon age and health. An annual eye exam is one of the most important diagnostic and preventative measures you can take to protect your vision and health. If you are in a higher-risk category for eye disease or complications, we may recommend more frequent exams. If you notice a change in your vision or injure your eye, you should contact us immediately. Usually upon your visits, you will be dilated so that the doctors can look into the back of your eyes. If you do not want dilation drops, Eye Associates offers a special camera that will allow an undilated view of your retina. We will offer you this option if you do not want the traditional dilation drops to be used. Second opinions and consultations are offered as well. We understand the importance in getting a different point of view when it comes to things such as surgery. We are here to make sure you get the best eye care possible. While this information is helpful, it should not be construed as medical advice. For more detailed explanation on any of these topics, please consult one of our doctors.
- Anxiety
- Diabetes Care
- Diabetic RetinopathyTractional Retinal Detachment may occur when fibrous or fibrovascular scar tissue has been formed on the retina as a result of an injury, inflammatory disease or the presence of neovascularization, such as in Diabetic Retinopathy. The scar tissue actually pulls the Retina free from the underlying pigment layer it is normally attached to, causing a Retinal Detachment.
- UltrasoundThe surgery is done under a microscope using tiny instruments the size of a pen tip. The eye is numbed with anesthetic drops. A very small incision is created in the cornea and highly advanced ultrasound device is used to break the cataract up and remove it in tiny pieces.
- Reconstructive SurgeryDr. Penne is certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology (ABO) and a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) and American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery (ASOPRS).
- BotoxAs the skin ages and loses elasticity it allows the underlying muscle contraction to create wrinkles. BOTOX® Cosmetic Injections can dramatically improve your facial wrinkles by gently decreasing the contraction of the underlying muscle. During the BOTOX® Injection procedure, a small amount of BOTOX® is injected directly into the individual facial muscles that are responsible for creating wrinkles in the overlying skin to temporarily weaken them and prevent the pulling on the skin which helps to minimize diminish the wrinkles. Having BOTOX® Injections take only minutes and noticeable results can usually be seen within two to eight days. Our patients are able to return to work and wear makeup immediately after treatment. BOTOX® Cosmetic has the most dramatic effect on “expression wrinkles.” These are the frown lines or furrows found between the eyebrows, the horizontal forehead lines or furrows, and the crow’s feet around the eyes. The lines will be softened, but may not completely disappear. The effect of a single treatment will usually last three to four months, at which time another BOTOX® Injection may be required to continue seeing desirable results. The best way to find out if you are a good candidate for BOTOX® Cosmetic is to schedule a thorough evaluation and consultation so that we can determine your areas of concern and if BOTOX® Cosmetic might right for you.
- Eyelid SurgeryIf you have fine lines, wrinkles or tired looking eyelids, Eye Associates can help you look your best with surgical & nonsurgical cosmetic treatments including BOTOX® Cosmetic & eyelid surgery for puffy, droopy eyelids.
- Plastic SurgeryRobert B. Penne, M.D. is an Ophthalmologist, Orbital, Reconstructive & Cosmetic Ophthalmic Plastic Surgeon at Eye Associates & SurgiCenter serving the eyecare needs of eye plastic surgery patients throughout southern NJ and greater Philadelphia, PA. Dr. Penne received his medical degree from the University of Minnesota Medical School and completed a residency in Ophthalmology and fellowships in Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and Neuro-Orbital Disease at Wills Eye Hospital where he is an Attending Surgeon & Director of Ophthalmic Plastic Surgery and Co-Director of Ocular Cicatricial Pemphigoid Clinic. He holds a faculty appointment as a Professor of Ophthalmology at Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University.
- Blepharoplasty
- Allergies