- GlaucomaThe sector of glaucoma surgical intervention is rapidly evolving, and there are several novel techniques that are less invasive than traditional glaucoma surgery. Although these techniques are less definitive in terms of their efficacy, they offer a viable stepping stone to attempt to safely delay, or in some cases even prevent traditional incisional surgeries like trabeculectomies and glaucoma drainage device implants.
- OphthalmologyDr Rand Siekert joined Tucson Eye Care in January 2020. Prior to this, he was at the Department of Ophthalmology at the University of Arizona for 23 1/2 years as an assistant clinical professor of Ophthalmology. He was involved with patient care, resident teaching and research. From 1991 to 1996 Dr Siekert was clinical faculty in the Department of Ophthalmology at California Pacific Medical Center in San Francisco.
- Macular DegenerationGabriel Zelaya, O.D. received his Doctor of Optometry from Pacific University in 2021 and earned his Bachelor of Science in Physiology, with a double minor in biochemistry and psychology, from the University of Arizona. Dr. Zelaya received extensive training at the Lexington VA Medical Center specializing in treating and managing various ocular diseases, including macular degeneration and glaucoma.
- Laser Eye SurgeryAs part of the Tucson Eye Care team, Dr. Siekert is involved with the diagnosis and management of a range of ocular conditions including diabetes, cataracts, and glaucoma. He assists the surgeons in the pre- and post-operative care of patient’s eye surgery.
- CataractsThe PanOptix® Trifocal Lens is a type of multifocal IOL used to focus images clearly onto the back of your eye to allow clear vision after the cataract removal. In addition, the center of the PanOptix® Trifocal Lens allows for better near (reading) vision and intermediate (computer work) vision versus what a monofocal lens would provide.
- Cataract SurgeryDr. Robert Snyder joined Tucson Eye Care in 2015. He is a board-certified ophthalmologist and fellowship-trained eye surgeon with expertise in modern cataract surgery. Since 1998, Dr. Snyder has been recognized as one of the “Best Doctors in America” and as one of the “Best Docs” in Tucson, AZ. For his work he has received numerous awards for the prevention of eye diseases. Including the Lions distinguished “Humanitarian of the Year” award from the state of Arizona.
- Eye ExamGlaucoma causes no symptoms early in its course; you will not experience pain or vision changes while it is developing. The best way to protect yourself and your family members against vision loss from glaucoma is by being aware of your higher risk of developing this disease and by having regular eye examinations for glaucoma at appropriate intervals. If you are diagnosed with glaucoma, please make sure to tell your family members and urge them to have an eye exam for glaucoma.
- Diabetes Care
- Diabetic RetinopathyNeovascular Glaucoma Neovascular glaucoma is a particularly aggressive and difficult to treat kind of glaucoma. It is caused by new, small blood vessels growing in the front part of the eye. These new, tiny, and fragile vessels (called ‘neovascularization’) grow on the surface of the iris (the colored part of the eye) and over the drainage channel, blocking the flow of fluid from the eye, creating a plumbing issue within the eye. This causes a rapid and painful rise in pressure within the eye. This type of glaucoma often does not respond well to medical treatment, and the high intraocular pressure can lead to a rapid loss of vision. The root cause of neovascularization is poor blood and oxygen supply to the retina. The three most common causes of neovascular glaucoma include diabetic retinopathy, retinal vein and artery occlusions, and carotid artery disease. There are other less common causes of this type of glaucoma. The prognosis for neovascular glaucoma is very guarded. The root cause of poorly controlled blood glucose, poorly controlled blood pressure, or occlusive carotid disease must be addressed with the patient’s co-managing physicians to mitigate disease. The neovascularization can be mitigated with retinal laser treatment called panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) or anti-VEGF injections into the vitreous cavity. If the high eye pressure persists, treatment can include medication or surgery. Because of the risk of scarring with a trabeculectomy, tube shunt surgery is often recommended. The goal in treating neovascular glaucoma is to lower the intraocular pressure, preserve vision, and maintain a comfortable eye.
- Reconstructive SurgeryDr. Neems is a board certified oculoplastic surgeon and a fellow of the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ASOPRS). She received her medical degree from Washington University in St. Louis and then completed her ophthalmology residency at Northwestern University. Following residency, she completed a two year fellowship in oculofacial plastic and reconstructive surgery at the University of Colorado. She then remained in Denver as an Oculoplastic Surgeon with Kaiser Permanente prior to moving to Tucson.
- Eyelid SurgeryAs an oculoplastic surgeon, Dr. Neems focuses on surgical treatment of the eyebrows, eyelids, orbit, lacrimal system, and midface. She has a special interest in cosmetic and functional eyelid surgery as well as reconstructive surgery following both trauma and skin cancer removal. Dr. Neems was drawn to her specialty because of the wide breadth of pathology she encounters daily. She enjoys establishing a meaningful relationship with her patients and working as a team to come up with a customized treatment plan.
- Skin Cancer