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Monday, January 30, 2012

Physician and Former Navy Officer Helps a Cadet in Need

Dr. Gago with Kyle after surgery

For most people, Friday the 13th is an unlucky day.  For most people, that is, except ROTC cadet, Kyle Kausch of Ann ArborIn preparing for a career in aviation, Kausch knew he was in need of corrective eye surgery.  With a small window of opportunity before leaving to study abroad in Brisbane, Australia, Kausch had to act fast.  


On Thursday, January 12, he called SEI Eyecare & Laser Centers in Lansing, and explained his need for surgery as soon as possible.  A stroke of good luck, and teamwork, Kausch was in the next day for surgery with Dr. Luis Gago.  As a former officer in the Navy, Dr. Gago was happy to have the opportunity to help another serviceman.  However, the teamwork didn’t end there.  Staff at SEI worked and researched diligently, and was able to coordinate Kausch’s 3 month post-surgical visit with an Ophthalmologist in Australia.  Now, two weeks after his Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK), Kausch says he “has better than 20/20 vision in both eyes, and couldn’t be happier with the experience he had with SEI.”


Specialty Eye Institute offers comprehensive eye care services in Michigan and Ohio. Treatments include diseases of the eye, cataracts, corneal disease, glaucoma, dry eye, macular degeneration, diabetic eye care and laser vision correction. For more information about Specialty Eye Institute, or to schedule an appointment, please call 1-877-852-8463 or visit www.specialtyeyeinstitute.com.

Michigan locations: Adrian, Ann Arbor, Battle Creek, Chelsea, Jackson, Kalamazoo, and Lansing. Ohio locations: Bryan and Toledo.
Founded in 1979, SEI has grown tremendously over the years.  Today, SEI has 10 locations between Michigan and Ohio, and sees about 130,000 patients a year.  With a team of 20 board-certified ophthalmologists, SEI doctors offer laser vision correction, treatment and surgery for diseases of the eye including: glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration.  

Friday, January 20, 2012

Tips to Relieve Dry Eye Symptoms this Winter

Now that the cold winter weather has arrived, low humidity increases dry eye problems for some. There are various types of dry eye syndrome and some of the symptoms can be confusing like constant watery eyes. Learn more about dry eye syndrome and some simple steps you can do to control the discomfort:


What is dry eye syndrome?
Dry eye syndrome is a lack of lubrication and moisture in the eye. Ironically, patients who have dry eyes often have excessive tearing. 


What are the symptoms of dry eye?

  • Burning eyes
  • Scratchy, gritty eyes
  • Itchy eyes
  • Dry eyes
  • Excessive tears or watery eyes
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Red eyes
  • Contact lens discomfort

What are the causes of dry eye?

  • Natural aging process - As we age, the production of tears diminishes.  At age 65, we produce about 60% fewer tears than we did at age 18.  Almost all people tend to get drier eyes as they get older.
  • Contact lenses - Wearing contact lenses is one of the leading causes of dry eye, due to the increase in tear evaporation resulting in irritation.
  • Disruption of blinking - Since blinking helps lubricate the eye by spreading tears, any disruption of blinking, which can occur with reading and computer work, may result in dry eye.
  • Medications - Antihistamines, decongestants, heart medication, birth control pills, certain blood pressure medicines and antidepressants can also cause dry eye.
  • Environmental Factors - Sun, wind, smoke and air conditioners can also cause dry eye.

Although there is no known cure for dry eye, here are some simple steps you can take to keep your eyes lubricated this winter season: 

  • Over-the-counter artificial tears and ointments can be helpful to provide moisture and lubrication for the surface of your eye (available at your local pharmacy).
  • Use a humidifier 
  • Avoid excessive air movement by decreasing the speed of ceiling and oscillating fans.
  • Remember to blink when reading, watching TV or working on the computer
  • When driving point the air vents away from your eyes
If chronic dry eye symptoms persist, prescription eye drops may help, contact Specialty Eye Institute to learn more at 877.852.8463 or www.specialtyeyeinstitute.com.

Thursday, January 12, 2012

January is Glaucoma Awareness Month - What you should know about Glaucoma

Glaucoma is known as "the silent thief of sight" since there are no symptoms and once vision is lost, it's permanent. As much as 40% of vision can be lost without a person noticing.
Glaucoma is the leading cause of preventable blindness. Over 2.2 million Americans, and over 60 million people worldwide, have glaucoma. Experts estimate that half of them don’t know they have it. 

What is Glaucoma? 
Sometimes the eye’s drainage canals can become clogged over time. This causes fluid to build up in the eye. Glaucoma is the term for a group of eye diseases that result from this fluid build up. These diseases damage the optic nerve.

Glaucoma is a very common degenerative disease that often has no symptoms. Nearly 3 million Americans suffer from glaucoma, but only about half are even aware that they have the disease. Left untreated, glaucoma can cause vision loss and even blindness.


Are There Symptoms for Glaucoma
Although treatable when caught early, glaucoma has no early warning signs. Until its advanced stages, most patients have no indication that the pressure in their eyes is elevated or that their optic nerve may be damaged.

The disease affects peripheral vision first—meaning you could have “perfect” 20/20 vision but still have glaucoma. This is why regular eye exams that include glaucoma testing performed by qualified ophthalmologists, such as the doctors at the Specialty Eye Institute, are vital.


Who is at Risk?
Although there are no overt symptoms of glaucoma, certain factors elevate a person’s risk for developing the disease. Risk factors include:
  • People with elevated intraocular pressure
  • People over the age of 60
  • Those with a family history of glaucoma
  • People of African descent and over the age of 40
  • People with diabetes
 

People in these ‘at risk’ groups won’t experience any noticeable symptoms of the disease early on, so it is important to have regular eye examinations that include a test for glaucoma.

Don’t risk your eyesight. Contact us today to schedule an eye examination.


To Learn more call Specialty Eye Institute at 877.852.8463 or visit our website www.specialtyeyeinstitute.com

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Dr. Anthony Sensoli and Sue DeMott, Executive VP visit the Lucy Ann Lance Show at WLBY 1290 AM Ann Arbor's Business Talk Radio to discuss the latest technology in cataract surgery

Dr. Anthony Sensoli and Sue DeMott, Executive VP visit the Lucy Ann Lance Show at WLBY 1290 AM Ann Arbor's Business Talk Radio to discuss the latest technology available to cataract patients is Custom Refractive Cataract Laser, designed for a safe and precise result.

To listen to the podcast: Click Here

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Specialty Eye Institute Welcomes New Doctor, RaShawn Venerable, D.O., to the Practice

Specialty Eye Institute welcomes a new doctor, RaShawn Venerable, D.O., to the Adrian, MI and Bryan, OH practices. A Board Certified Ophthalmologist, Dr. Venerable will be specializing in the following services: medical and surgical treatment of Glaucoma, Cataract, and Diabetic patients, as well as Oculoplastics (upper lid surgery).

January 3, 2012-Specialty Eye Institute is pleased to announce the addition of RaShawn Venerable, D.O., to their Adrian, MI and Bryan, OH practices. A graduate of Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Dr. Venerable served his internship at St. John Oakland Hospital.


With the addition of Dr. Venerable, the Adrian, MI and Bryan, OH practices expand their staff of experienced surgeons. Dr. Venerable specializes in the medical and surgical treatment of Glaucoma, Cataract, and Diabetic patients, as well as Oculoplastics (upper lid surgery), and Anterior Segment Surgery.
“We are thrilled to add another exceptional physician to our SEI Team,” states Vice President of Specialty Eye Institute, who added that Between Michigan and Ohio, SEI now has 19 doctors and 10 locations. “Our growth has been tremendous,” adds VP, “It will be exciting to see what 2012 has in store for us.”

Founded in 1979,Specialty Eye Institute offers comprehensive eye care services, including treatments for diseases of the eye, cataracts, corneal disease, glaucoma, dry eye, macular degeneration, diabetic eye care and laser vision correction. Our medical professionals specialize in a wide array of surgical eye procedures and deliver their services in the finest facilities in the area.

Specialty Eye Institute in Michigan include: Adrian, Ann Arbor, Battle Creek, Chelsea, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Lansing. Ohio locations: Bryan and Toledo. For more information about Specialty Eye Institute, or to schedule an appointment, please call 1-877-852-8463 or visit our website: www.specialtyeyeinstitute.com.