- Headaches
- ArthritisAutoimmunie Disorders: Inflammation, dry or burning eyes, or “bulging” eyes due to retraction of the eyelids can signify disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, Lupus, or Graves disease.
- CryotherapyPneumatic retinopexy can sometimes be an in-office procedure. Dr. Westrich or Dr. Metelitsina injects a gas bubble into the inside of the eyeball. The gas bubble pushes the retinal tear back into place against the wall of the eye. Then either a laser treatment (photocoagulation) or freezing treatment (cryotherapy) repairs the tear and prevents further damage to the retina. You will need to maintain a specific head position for several days to keep the gas bubble over the retinal tear as it heals.
- High Cholesterol
- Immunizations
- GlaucomaGlaucoma is known as the “silent thief of sight” because there are few to no symptoms and it causes irreversible damage before there is any noticeable vision loss.
- OphthalmologySpecialists is a state-of-the-art practice that initiated multi-specialty ophthalmology in Southeast Missouri. Ophthalmologists of our practice collaborate in the area of complex ophthalmologic conditions that warrant the expertise of physicians and subspecialists.
- Macular DegenerationMacular degeneration affects the macula, the small, sensitive area of the retina which provides our central vision. The macula allows us to see fine details and gives the “pinpoint” vision we use for tasks such as reading small print, recognizing faces, shapes, and colors, threading a needle, seeing a computer screen, and driving a car.
- Laser Eye SurgeryThe first step to determining if you are a candidate for LASIK eye surgery is a consultation. Depending on where you are in your exploration of LASIK, you may want to start by scheduling a Free Screening to determine candidacy, or proceed to the Full Dilated Exam to prepare for Surgery.
- CataractsHaving a cataract can be a good thing! A cataract develops when proteins in the lens of the eye begin to clump together forming clusters that eventually cloud your natural lens. These clusters allow less light to pass through the lens causing issues such as cloudy vision and difficulty seeing at night.
- Cataract SurgeryWhat are cataract symptoms? How long is cataract surgery recovery? How much does cataract surgery cost? What does insurance pay for cataract surgery? Can you get cataracts again? Which IOL should I choose?
- Eye ExamMore than 23 million Americans age 18 and older have never had an eye exam! Most say they don’t think they have an eye problem when, in fact, many eye diseases don’t show symptoms in their early stages.
- Pregnancy
- Internal Medicine
- NeurologyWhile all eye surgery is very intricate and considered “micro-surgery”, the vitreoretinal areas of the eye are especially delicate and require specialized training. Subspecialists are ophthalmologists who opt to “specialize” in a particular area of ophthalmology such as retinal, corneal, glaucoma, neurology, or plastic surgery. This requires an additional one to two-years of in-depth training called a fellowship.
- Anxiety
- Diabetes Care
- HypothyroidismSome risk factors for cataracts, aside from the natural aging of the eye, include: eye trauma or surgery, longterm use of certain medications, exposure to radiation, X-rays or UV light, or diseases such as diabetes, hypothyroidism, and glaucoma.
- ThyroidAutoimmune Disease: Some diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren’s syndrome, thyroid disease, and lupus, can cause the body’s immune system to mistakenly attack its own moisture-producing glands.
- Diabetic RetinopathyDiabetic Retinopathy encompasses the diabetic eye diseases affecting the retina, the thin lining at the back of the eye which allows images to transmit to the brain. These eye conditions include
- UltrasoundAs an ultrasound uses sound waves to capture images of bodily tissue, optical coherence tomography (OCT) uses light waves to take very high-resolution, cross-sectional images of the back of the eye. While your eyes are dilated, you’ll place your head on a chin rest while a light beam obtains the images. This diagnostic test allows your doctor to detect eye conditions such as glaucoma or determine the thickness of the macula and the presence of such conditions as macular edema, cystic changes, and hemorrhage or fluid leakage.
- MRIAll pertinent medical records related to your eyes or vision, if available (including ophthalmic diagnostic test results, summary letters from other eye doctors, and x-rays, MRI, or CT scans)
- X-Rays
- Computed Tomography
- OtolaryngologyBoard certification indicates that beyond his or her basic medical license, an entity recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties has certified the surgeon to practice within his or her specialty. For osteopathic physicians in ophthalmology, this entity is the American Osteopathic Board of Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology (AOBOO). The AOBOO certifies the surgeon has completed specific training and continuing education related to the specialty. Click here for more information on AOBOO qualifications for certification.
- BotoxDr. Byron Santos specializes in ocular plastics. He travels to our Cape Girardeau Doctors’ Park location from St. Louis to help satisfy the need for ocular plastics in this area. Dr. Santos performs eyelid surgery such as functional and cosmetic blepharoplasty, ptosis, and blocked tear ducts. He also offers laser resurfacing, and functional and cosmetic Botox injections …read more
- Eyelid Surgery
- Plastic SurgeryWhile ophthalmologists are trained to care for all eye problems and conditions, subspecialists obtain advanced knowledge and training in a specific area of eye care. One to two years of additional, more in-depth training, called a fellowship, in one of the main subspecialty areas such as glaucoma, retina, cornea, and plastic surgery, is required. This added training prepares specialists to take care of more complex or specific conditions in certain areas of the eye.
- BlepharoplastySpecialists is pleased to offer Dr. Byron Santos’ functional and cosmetic oculoplastics procedures such as blepharoplasty, entropion and ectropion, ptosis repair, and eyelid-lesion surgery.
- Laser Resurfacing
- Skin CancerCancer: Cancer can occur in the eyes as well as the rest of the body. Pigmentation in the eye or lumps and bumps on the eyelids can discover skin cancer or carcinoma.