Specialty Eye Institute Physician Celebrates 10 Years of Excellence

The subspecialty of retina is unique in the sense that patients with retina problems are in danger of losing their precious gift of sight, if left untreated. By possessing the ability to recognize and treat these patients, Dr. Gordon feels she is making a difference in the lives of her patients. It is important that patients receive the best possible care to correct or restore their vision, along with a doctor who understands their concerns and who always puts their needs first.  This is the kind of care you can expect from Dr. Gordon and her staff.

Specialty Eye Institute would like to congratulate Dr. Carmelina Gordon on 10 years of excellence.   Dr. Gordon, a Vitreoretinal Specialist, has been proudly serving patients at the Lansing and Jackson SEI offices.

Because retinal care is vital to a patient’s health and quality of life, Dr. Gordon maintains a strong focus on the latest technology, to assure that her patients are given the best treatment options to preserve their vision.  Her dedication to research and clinical studies for Macular Degeneration has earned her a prestigious reputation in the medical field.     


When asked why she became an Ophthalmologist, Gordon replied, “I chose ophthalmology as I think the gift of sight is one of the most precious gifts that we have.”  SEI’s Vice President adds, “Dr. Gordon is a great asset to our team.  We are grateful to her for providing such excellent care to our patients.”    

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, Lansing. Ohio locations: Bryan and Toledo.

Winner of Free Lasik Has New Outlook on Life

Sara Ward, Western Michigan University student and Portage resident, has a new outlook on life since visiting Specialty Eye Institute’s Open House in Portage. Ward’s name was drawn at the event, and she was the lucky recipient of a Free Lasik procedure. Ward attended the Open House to learn more about SEI and their eye care services, never thinking she would actually walk away a winner.


The actual patient experience was a collaborative effort between Ward’s Optometrist, Dr. Patrick Holser, and SEI’s Ophthalmologist, Dr. Paul Ernest, to provide seamless care. Dr. Holser determined Ward’s candidacy for the surgery, while the actual procedure was performed by Dr. Ernest. Post-surgical follow-ups were provided by both physicians.

Just one day after surgery, Ward was ecstatic about her results, posting on SEI’s Facebook page, “Thank you SEI for showing me a whole new world! When I woke up the day after my LASIK and was actually able to read the numbers on the clock instead of seeing a big red blur it made me cry! Everyone at the Portage location was great and I will be recommending you to all of my friends!” After her one-week follow-up, Ward reported that her eyes were healing well and she was thrilled to realize her dream of 20/20 vision without glasses.

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. Michigan locations: Adrian, Ann Arbor, Battle Creek, Chelsea, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Lansing, Saline, Southfield & West Bloomfield. Ohio locations: Bellevue, Bryan, Sandusky and Toledo.

View more patient testimonials on Specialty Eye Institute’s Facebook page. To learn more about SEI, please call 1-877-852-8463 or visit www.specialtyeyeinstitute.com.

February is AMD Awareness Month (age-related macular degeneration) - Facts you should know about AMD

Macular degeneration occurs when the center of the retina, known as the macula, is damaged. Macular degeneration is the leading cause of legal blindness in people over the age of 55. The cause of macular degeneration is unknown.

Although the macula is very small, it is responsible for acute vision. Normal everyday activities such as reading, driving, watching television, recognizing faces, and detailed work such as needlepoint or drawing are dependent upon a healthy macula.

Macular degeneration affects central vision only. Peripheral vision and color vision usually remain normal. This loss of central vision usually occurs gradually. Macular degeneration typically affects both eyes, although not necessarily at the same time. Additionally, each eye’s vision may decline at different rates.

     Video simulation of what someone with macular degeneration sees

How is Macular Degeneration Detected?

Although the cause of macular degeneration is unknown, there are signs that the disease is present in the eye.


Patients experiencing any of the following symptoms should see an ophthalmologist immediately: 

• Straight lines appear wavy
• The center of vision appears distorted but the other areas of vision remain clear
• The center of vision appears dark, white or blurry
• The ability to perceive colors changes or diminishes 

A qualified ophthalmologist can detect signs of macular degeneration during a routine eye examination. Declining vision or a change in the eye’s blood vessels are often indications that macular degeneration is occurring.

Common eye ailments that are not thought to be linked to macular degeneration include cataracts and cataract surgery, dry eye syndrome, and floaters (moving spots in the field of vision).

Although there is no cure for macular degeneration, early detection is important. Once the disease is identified, treatments are available. Further, there is extensive research being done in this field and advanced treatments are being developed. The sooner patients with macular degeneration are diagnosed, the earlier they can receive these advanced treatments.

Specialty Eye Institute offers sophisticated eye exams that are capable of detecting macular degeneration early, before you develop noticeable symptoms. We offer the most advanced macular degeneration treatment options available.

Preserving and protecting your vision from macular degeneration depends upon routine eye exams. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

Video Credit: National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health

Physician and Former Navy Officer Helps a Cadet in Need

Dr. Gago with Kyle after surgery

For most people, Friday the 13^th is an unlucky day.  For most people, that is, except ROTC cadet, Kyle Kausch of Ann Arbor. In 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.  

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.

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. 

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