This condition is most common in men and women over the age of 50, although the risk continues to increase with age. Other risk factors may include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, glaucoma and, rarely, blood clotting and inflammatory conditions.
Ophthalmology
Marion Eye Center is a comprehensive ophthalmology practice. Using state-of-the-art techniques and equipment, the skilled optometrists and ophthalmologists at all our locations provide a range of services to help you attain the clearest vision possible.
Macular Degeneration
The macula is a part of the retina in the back of the eye that ensures that our central vision is clear and sharp. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) occurs when the arteries that nourish the retina harden. Deprived of nutrients, the retinal tissues begin to weaken and die, causing vision loss. Patients may experience anything from a blurry, gray or distorted area to a blind spot in the center of vision.
Laser Eye Surgery
Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) is a unique laser vision correction procedure that uses an excimer laser to burn away a small amount (about 5 to 30 percent) of the top of the cornea in order to correct refractive errors. Instead of cutting a flap into the cornea with a blade like the LASIK procedure, this laser eye surgery method preserves the strength of the cornea and avoids the risk of perforation and other flap errors commonly associated with the blade method.
Cataracts
The surgeons of Marion Eye Centers and Optical perform over 6,000 cataract surgeries per year at our state-of-the-art surgery center located in Mt. Vernon, Illinois as well as other select local hospitals and surgery centers throughout Southern Illinois and Southeast Missouri.
Cataract Surgery
In many cases, insurance will cover the cost of cataract surgery. The cost of cataract surgery for private pay or patients with a large deductible is only $1,950.00 per eye, this price includes the surgeon and facility fees.
Eye Exam
Children should have their first eye exam at about age two, although it's never too early to test a child's vision and eye health. Comprehensive eye exams are essential in the diagnosis and treatment of vision problems, injury and disease. Early detection allows for treatment to begin before the child experiences difficulty in school due to poor vision, or before any permanent damage has been done to the eye(s). Pediatric eye exams test visual acuity, eye tracking, and focusing skills, and detect problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, amblyopia, crossed eyes, dyslexia, and color blindness, and should be performed on a yearly basis.
Epiretinal membranes often develop on their own as a part of the natural aging process. Particles that have drifted into the vitreous (the gel that fills the eye) settle onto the macula and begin to obscure vision. Membranes may also result from eye conditions or diseases such as diabetic retinopathy, retinal detachment, inflammation, injury or vascular conditions. These are called secondary epiretinal membranes, whereas spontaneously formed membranes are called idiopathic.
To learn more about eyelid surgery and brow lifts, be sure to contact us and set up a personalized appointment with one of our experienced physicians. Call 1.800.344.7058 for our Illinois location or 1.877.269.4545 for our Missouri location. Or, fill out our online contact form. We look forward to serving you!
Plastic Surgery
At Marion Eye Center and Optical, we offer a wide range of services to patients who are concerned about their eye health or vision. Our team also includes several oculoplastic surgeons who are specialized ophthalmologists who have extensive training in reconstruction and plastic surgery of the periorbital and facial tissues. These professionals have the experience... Read More
Blepharoplasty
Plastic surgery of the eyelids and the brow, can help patients see more clearly as well as look younger and rejuvenated. By removing excess tissue and tightening the skin, blepharoplasty (also known as an eyelid lift) and browlifts can not only increase the visual field but also "turn back time" by reducing the appearance of wrinkles, lines and sagging skin that make you look angry or tired. Oculoplastic surgery can also correct defects such as ptosis (droopy eyes) and dry eyes. These surgeries are typically performed as outpatient procedures with local anesthesia. Complications are rare.
As summer quickly approaches, more people are thinking about skin cancer and their personal risk for this frightening but common disease. Consumers are strolling the aisles looking for high SPF products to carry with them throughout their busy summer; they may even purchase a hat to wear on long days at the pool. But is... Read More