ENV!SION A publication of McDonald Eye Associates | Winter 2016
PAGE
PAGE
Bladeless LASIK
The latest now available at McDonald Eye Associates
1 | Envision
PAGE
The Best Frames For Your Face
Corneal Conditions What you need to know to protect your vision
CONTENTS 8
Corneal Conditions: What you need to know
10 Cosmetic Ophthalmology
for Your 12 Frames Face Shape
3
Provider Spotlight: Dr. Rebecca Moser Employee Spotlight: Tiffany, contact lens specialist
4
What Our Patients Are Saying
6
Bladeless LASIK The latest now available at McDonald Eye Associates
8
Corneal Conditions What you need to know to protect your vision
10 Cosmetic Ophthalmology Surgical eyelid lifts and BotoxÂŽ 11
What’s the First Thing You Did This Morning?
12 Best Frames for Your Face Shape 14 Eye Healthy Recipe 15 Puzzle Corner
6
LASIK: A Blade-free Experience
McDonald Eye Associates is nationally recognized as a leader in the field of vision correction. For more than 40 years we have provided the finest eye care in Northwest Arkansas, leading the way in technology and advanced procedures. Dr. Chad Betts has surrounded himself with an experienced team of eye care professionals to better serve the needs of his patients.
3318 N. North Hills Blvd 5212 W Village Parkway #6 Fayetteville, AR 72703 Rogers, AR 72758 479.521.2555 479.464.9702 www.mcdonaldeye.com
PROV ID E R S P OT L I G HT Where did you receive your education? Louisiana State University Major: Microbiology Minor: Chemistry University of Houston College of Optometry – O.D. How long have you been with MEA? Almost 2 years What’s your favorite thing about working at MEA? I enjoy practicing full-scope care which includes routine eye care, as well as the evaluation and treatment eye diseases, glaucoma, emergent eye care, and preand post-operative care.
Dr. Rebecca Moser Optometrist
Favorite quote? “What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.” —Ralph Waldo Emerson What is an interesting fact about yourself? I am a 4th generation female optometrist and have several other family members who practice optometry.
Do you specialize in any particular area? I see most post-operative cataract surgery patients, as well as those patients who need allergy testing. Tell us about your family: Husband – Frans Schimper Fur baby – Seun, age 10 What is your favorite pastime or hobby? Traveling
E MP LOYEE SP OT L I G HT How long have you been with MEA? I have been working at McDonald Eye Associates since July 2014. What’s your favorite thing about MEA? I enjoy interacting with patients and meeting new people each day. I love my team and am thankful to work for such wonderful and caring doctors. Do you specialize in any particular area? Yes. My main job at MEA is in the refractive department working with LASIK patients. I also work in the contact lens department and occasionally assist in a technician role. All of my job duties give me the opportunity to work with patients one-on-one, which I love. Where did you receive your education? I completed coursework in the healthcare field at the University of Memphis. However, I received most of my training in various subspecialty areas in ophthalmology and optometry during the last 10 years.
3 | Envision
Spouse/Kids: I have been married to my wonderful husband Marcus for five years. We have one “child” and he is our rescue dog named Belushi.
What is your favorite hobby/pastime? My husband and I are huge Razorback fans. We love to tailgate and attend games when we get a chance. I am also very active in my church. Marcus and I lead our married life group and enjoy the fellowship through that. We also really enjoy dressing up for Halloween and any other time we get the chance; we get to be kids again and create costumes that make people laugh, which we love to do. What is your favorite quote? “If you can’t fly, then run, if you can’t run, then walk, if you can’t walk, then crawl, but whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward.” —Martin Luther King Jr. What is an interesting fact about you? The first three months of my relationship with Marcus was done strictly on postit notes. We worked together at an eye clinic and only had conversations by leaving post-it notes for each other. They became such a big part of our relationship that Marcus proposed to me on a post-it note, and we have continued the tradition throughout our relationship. I have a box full of thousands of them.
McDonald Eye Associates | 3
cquire Online
What Our Patients Are Saying I had my one-year post op appointment today from my EpiLasik procedure. I cannot believe the difference it has made in my life. I wish I had done it sooner. Thank you Dr. McIver and Dr. Betts for taking such great care of me. I could not ask for a better experience. – Misty
I had LASIK with Dr. Betts and everything was great! ™
I just wanted to say THANK YOU again Dr. Waggoner for the fantastic job you've done on my eyes! I haven't seen this well in YEARS! I would recommend McDonald Eye Associates to everybody needing eye surgery! God bless all of them! – Deborah
Best staff and doctors in NWA. – Angela
I just recently had LASIK surgery at McDonald Eye Associates, and it was the best decision I’ve ever made! If you are considering LASIK, don't look anywhere else! – Rachel Dr. Waggoner and his staff are very caring, patient, helpful and informative. I feel I have received the best care possible for my recent eye surgery, and I am very glad that I was referred to McDonald Eye Associates. – Susan I had LASIK and Dr. Betts and Dr. McIver were awesome! In less than 24 hours I am already seeing nearly 20/15. I wish I would have done this years ago. HIGHLY RECOMMEND! – Andrew
Voted Best Eye Doctor in Northwest Arkansas eight Years in a Row!
10 4 | Envision
“I have four grandkids ranging from age 11 all the way down to a year and a half, and I spend a lot of time with them. It’s much easier now that I don’t have to wear glasses.” Hank Broyles, Cataract Patient
5 | Envision
Don’t let your vision slow you down.
McDonald Eye Associates is one of the only practices in NWA offering all-laser LASIK. Do you rely on glasses or contact lenses for better vision? Imagine waking up to see the world with crisp, brilliant clarity with less dependence on glasses or contact lenses. With life-changing LASIK, you’ll be able to play sports, swim and enjoy social activities with greater confidence and convenience. And, think of the money you will save by not having to purchase glasses or contacts. WHAT IS LASIK? During LASIK, a laser allows a blade-free flap creation by using short pulses of light to gently separate the layers of the cornea, creating an ultra-thin flap and smooth surface underneath. In conventional LASIK, a blade is used to make the flap. At MEA, a laser is then used to reshape the cornea. This laser is extremely accurate and can remove a quarter of a micron of tissue at a time, (A human hair is approximately 50 microns thick). After the laser is used, the flap is folded back into position and reseals itself; no sutures are needed.
6 | Envision
ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY AND RESULTS McDonald Eye Associates now offers the latest in LASIK technology with a completely bladeless surgical experience. Our highly-trained surgeons use this advanced technology to give patients expedited results. Most people don’t realize that LASIK is a relatively short procedure (10-15 minutes). Before you know it, you’re seeing better than ever. We are committed to investing in technology we believe provides the best results for our patients. That’s why our doctors proudly use the Technolas® laser system and the FEMTO LDV femtosecond laser for its unmatched visual outcomes, as well as an incredibly high level of accuracy and performance. This advanced all-laser system uses active eye-tracking technology that provides great outcomes and safety, providing the patient with ultimate peace of mind.The entire process takes approximately 10 minutes per eye. Most people get back to their normal routine quickly—even going back to work the day after surgery.
LASIK TECHNOLOGY ZIEMER® Z-LASIK FEMTO LDV Laser
We offer the Z-LASIK procedure, which is performed with the femtosecond laser FEMTO LDV. This laser makes the whole procedure completely bladeless and enables your surgeon to tailor the procedure according to the very unique characteristics of each patient. Vision improvements are noticeable within minutes of completion of the procedure. With this technology we can truly provide you with a fast, personalized, painless and safe procedure. TECHNOLAS® EXCIMER WORKSTATION
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
DOES THE SURGERY HURT? No, the actual procedure does not hurt. Anesthetic drops are administered before the surgery begins. Some patients may experience discomfort during the first 12 to 36 hours after the procedure. Some patients describe the feeling as a lash in the eye or something under a contact lens. Medications are available if you are concerned about this possibility. An oral sedative is given 30 minutes prior to the procedure to help you relax. IS LASER VISION CORRECTION COVERED BY MY INSURANCE? Most insurance companies consider laser vision correction elective in nature and do not cover the procedure, but we recommend you check with your individual insurance company. MEA has attractive financing plans available. AM I ELIGIBLE FOR LASER VISION CORRECTION? This depends on your age, your prescription and the general health of your eyes. Your prescription must have been stable for the past 12 months. We suggest you be 21 years of age or older. Some nearsighted patients whose prescriptions are too strong to be eligible for LASIK may benefit from implantable contact lenses. Our free consultations are the best way to learn if you are a good candidate for LASIK. DO I NEED AN EXAMINATION FIRST? Yes, prior to treatment you will have a LASIK consultation and a thorough eye exam with an experienced eye care professional. A detailed computer image is taken of your eye that will detail the curvature, shape, overall smoothness and regularity of the cornea.
The TECHNOLAS® Excimer workstation is one of the latest excimer laser technologies for LASIK surgery. During LASIK, an instrument is used to gently lift and fold back a thin flap of tissue across the outer layer of the eye to expose the cornea. Then, a Technolas® laser is used to reshape the cornea. With innovative features like advanced control eye-tracking technology, iris recognition, and a tissue-saving mode, the latest excimer workstation reduces procedure times and allows for more treatment for near and farsightedness and astigmatism.
I’M READY. WHAT’S THE NEXT STEP? If you’re ready to take the next step toward better vision and a better life, call us today at 479-521-2555, ext. 239 to schedule your FREE LASIK consultation. If you’ve already had your consultation, call us today to schedule your procedure.
McDonald Eye Associates | 7
Corneal Conditions What you need to know to protect your vision
The cornea is a critical part of the eye that is responsible for a large portion of our vision. When the cornea is damaged from injury or disease it can cause decreased visual acuity or sometimes even blindness.
nourishment from the tears and aqueous humor (a fluid in the anterior portion of the eye) that fills the chamber behind it. To see well, all layers of the cornea must be free of any cloudy or opaque areas.
SOME DISEASES AND DISORDERS OF THE CORNEA INCLUDE:
Keratoconus: Keratoconus is a vision disorder that occurs when the normally round cornea (the front part of the eye) becomes thin and irregularly shaped. This abnormal shape prevents the light entering the eye from being focused correctly on the retina and causes distortion of vision.
Most people know of a few ways to protect their vision and eye health: the use of sunglasses, not touching their eyes, and getting in the habit of wearing protective eyewear for certain professions or hobbies. However, there are many corneal conditions that can adversely affect the eyes. Read on to learn about some of the symptoms and warning signs. It is very important to wear protective eyewear in various activities to prevent corneal injury. Many chemicals and sharp objects can cause severe damage to the cornea. Unlike most tissues in the body, the cornea contains no blood vessels to nourish or protect it against infection. Instead, the cornea receives its
8 | Envision
In its earliest stages, keratoconus causes slight blurring and distortion of vision and increased sensitivity to glare and light. These symptoms usually appear in the late teens or early 20s. As keratoconus progresses, the cornea bulges more and vision may become more distorted. Keratoconus may progress for 10-20 years and then slow in its progression, and each eye may be affected differently. HSV Keratitis: Herpes simplex virus (HSV) keratitis is the most frequent cause of corneal blindness in the United States and the most common source of infectious blindness in the Western world. The prognosis in HSV keratitis, however, is generally favorable with aggressive treatment. Signs and symptoms include: pain, photophobia, blurred vision, tearing and redness.
There is no cure for HSV keratitis. Once the virus is in the body, you cannot get rid of it. However, if you develop HSV keratitis, there are some things you can do to help prevent recurring outbreaks: • If you have an active cold sore or blister, avoid touching your eyes. • Avoid steroid eye drops, as they cause the virus to multiply. • Stop wearing contact lenses when an outbreak occurs. Fuchs' Dystrophy: Fuchs' dystrophy is an eye disease in which the innermost layer of cells in the cornea undergoes degenerative changes. This cell layer, called the endothelium, is responsible for maintaining the proper amount of fluid in the cornea. The endothelium keeps the cornea clear for good vision by pumping out excess fluid that could cause corneal swelling. The disease usually affects both eyes and causes a gradual decline in vision due to corneal swelling and clouding. As the disorder progresses, swelling of the cornea can cause blisters on the front of the cornea known as epithelial bullae. This condition is known as bullous keratopathy. There is no known prevention for Fuchs' Dystrophy. Fuchs' Dystrophy can have a genetic cause, but in many cases, the cause is unknown. Symptoms include: glare and sensitivity to light, eye pain, foggy or blurred vision, seeing colored halos around lights, difficulty seeing at night, poor vision upon awakening that may improve later in the day, and a foreign body sensation.
Bullous Keratopathy: Bullous keratopathy is the presence of corneal epithelial bullae, resulting from corneal endothelial disease. Bullous keratopathy is caused by edema of the cornea, resulting from failure of the corneal endothelium to maintain the normally dehydrated state of the cornea. Most frequently, it is due to Fuchs’ dystrophy or corneal endothelial trauma. Another frequent cause of bullous keratopathy is corneal endothelial trauma. Treatment for this condition requires an ophthalmologist and involves dehydrating agents, intraocular pressure lowering agents, occasional short-term use of therapeutic soft contact lenses for some mild to moderate cases, and treatment of any secondary microbial infection. Corneal transplants are usually curative. Corneal Transplants Corneal transplantation is a very common procedure in the United States with about 36,000 transplants performed each year. Corneal transplants have restored sight to many people who would have been blinded permanently by corneal injury, infection, or inherited corneal disease or degeneration. Special surgical instruments are used to remove the diseased part of the cornea, and it is replaced with a clear donor cornea. Fine sutures secure the donor cornea in place, and antibiotic drops are given to prevent infection. Some patients report improved vision in two to three months, while others must wait about a year for complete healing.
Michael Waggoner, D.O.
He is the only fellowship trained corneal sub-specialist in the Northwest Arkansas region. A Northwest Arkansas native, Dr. Waggoner is a graduate of the University of North Texas Health Science Center in Fort Worth, Texas. He completed both his internship in internal medicine and his residency in ophthalmology at the University of Missouri in Columbia. Waggoner specializes in anterior segment surgery, including cataract and refractive surgery, as well as macular degeneration, corneal transplants, and diabetes-related eye disease. He is a member of the International Society of Refractive Surgery, American Academy of Ophthalmology, and American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons. Dr. Waggoner sees patient in both Fayetteville and Rogers. Outside of work, Waggoner enjoys participating in medical mission trips. Running, playing sports and traveling with his family are some of his favorite hobbies.
McDonald Eye Associates | 9
COSMETIC OPHTHALMOLOGY Equipped with the latest state-of-the-art eye surgical technology and staffed by experienced eye care professionals, McDonald Eye Associates offers the finest medical eye care in the region. At MEA, we offer surgical eyelid lifts, as well as Botox®. Droopy eyelids are a major reason why some people consider eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) to remove and tighten excess eyelid skin for improved vision or to achieve a more alert, youthful appearance. An interesting, but not well known fact is that ophthalmologists are the most experienced administrators of Botox®. For more than 20 years, Botox® has been used to treat a variety of eye conditions, including eyelid spasms and eye muscle disorders. When Botox® is injected into the eye muscles, it reduces their movement and can be very effective in aligning the eyes. When injected for eyelid spasms, it can help limit the overactive blinking. Patients treated for spasms noticed that it also helped soften wrinkles. This realization led to the cosmetic use of Botox®. Alternatively, blepharoplasty removes excess skin, muscle and sometimes fat from the upper or lower eyelids. In some cases, the patient might only need skin removed but not muscle, or they might need the procedure performed on both the upper and lower lids. However, there are two distinct differences – functional versus cosmetic procedures.
10 | Envision
Functional Blepharoplasty
A functional blepharoplasty (in contrast to a cosmetic blepharoplasty) is eyelid surgery performed for medical reasons. In most cases, a functional eye lift is performed to remove loose skin from the upper eyelid if it droops low enough to impair vision for driving or other visual tasks. Another functional problem is difficulty wearing glasses or contact lenses, whether from baggy upper or lower eyelids. Other medical conditions that may require functional eyelid surgery include: • Irritation from excess folds of eyelid skin rubbing together • Forehead discomfort from overused muscles that strain to lift sagging skin in the eyelid area • As with cosmetic blepharoplasty, functional blepharoplasty most often is performed by ophthalmologists and oculoplastic surgeons.
Cosmetic Blepharoplasty
Cosmetic eyelid surgery is a surgical procedure that is not medically necessary and is performed only to improve the patient’s appearance. Most insurance companies do not cover the costs of cosmetic blepharoplasty since it is not medically necessary. Schedule a consultation at McDonald Eye Associates to learn more about which of these procedures is best for you.
What’s The First Thing You Did This Morning?
If you answered “check my phone” or “check Facebook,” you’re part of an expanding number of people who rely on mobile Internet access more and more throughout the day. In previous generations, people did business face-to-face, and they knew the importance of a strong handshake and the ability to look someone in the eye. The next generation became more dependent on the telephone for social and business interactions, allowing people to communicate without visiting with someone in person. Today, the most modern technologies allow us to forego telephone conversation, instead opting for electronic communication in the form of text messaging, e-mails, and social media sites such as Facebook. According to a recent study, 80 percent of people check their phones within 15
minutes of waking up. On average, users check Facebook 14 times per day. If you are one of the thousands of people who checks your email or Facebook on the way back to bed after going to the bathroom in the middle of the night, then you are truly part of this new and evolving constantly-connected culture. As Internet networking becomes increasingly sophisticated, people are becoming more and more reliant on social networking sites to help them stay connected throughout the day. About 50 percent of us use mobile social media while eating, working out, and even at the movies. In short, social media is everywhere. And it’s not just on our computers. Facebook is one of the first apps that most people download when they get a new smartphone. The definition of “staying connected” has recently changed, and in
facebook.com/mcdonaldeye
a very dramatic way – we’re now always connected. At McDonald Eye Associates, we stay ahead of the curve and offer people in the communities we serve a reason to visit us on Facebook. Whether it’s news and information about what’s going on at our practice, doctor bios and videos, patient testimonials, or fun giveaways and contests, there’s always a reason to stay connected with us through Facebook. Facebook not only allows us to connect with you, it allows you to connect with us. Tell us about your LASIK experiences, about life after cataract surgery, and see what other patients like you are saying about their time with us. Talk with other patients and talk with people who might be considering a procedure you’ve had before. Our Facebook page is your Facebook page.
McDonald Eye Associates | 11
The Best Frames For Your Face An eye exam is one of the best appointments a patient can have. In what other medical setting does a patient get to shop after a check-up with the doctor? Selecting eyewear is a fun process, but how do you know which frames are best for you? There are several factors to consider when choosing eyewear: • Face shape • Lifestyle • Personality
LET’S START WITH FACE SHAPE. Heart
Square
Oval
Round
Frames that balance the width of the forehead with a narrow chin are ideal. Eyeglasses with low-set temples and bottom heavy frame lines will add dimension to the narrower part of the face. Round or square eyeglasses with curved edges will help draw attention away from a high forehead.
Eyeglasses that soften the angularity and sit high on the bridge of the nose look best on square faces. Oval or round eyeglasses will balance and add a thinner appearance to the angles of a square face.
Frames that best suit an oval face have a strong bridge, are wider than the broadest part of the face and are geometric in shape.
Eyeglass frames that are square or rectangular tend to be wider than a round face. This quality can enhance the face by making it appear slimmer and longer, adding balance to round features.
What's your lifestyle? Two of the most important things to consider are occupation and hobbies. There are a variety of frames for every lifestyle. For those who are in front of a computer screen for the majority of the day, comfortable frames with a good fit are imperative. Have an optical technician make sure frames fit securely on the bridge of the nose. Lightweight frames are always a good option. For those who are active or spend a lot of time outdoors, there are frames which can twist and bend without breaking. A variety of lens materials are also available depending on the prescription strength.
12 | Envision
Eyewear that exudes personality When shopping for new frames remember, that like any accessory, eyewear can become dated. Eyewear makes a statement, so patients should look for something to keep their look fresh and youthful. A quality fit is the most important factor in determining what frame best suits the patient. The eyeglasses must be comfortable and functional. An optical technician can ensure the frames fit well be performing a few simple measurements and trying them on the patient. We are waiting to fit you into your next pair of eye glasses.
Making the impossible...
possible.
Optical Shop
Your style. Your choice.
visionsource.com/blog/4-eye-healthy-smoothie-recipes www.driscolls.com/recipes/view/10141/Blueberry-Peach-Smoothie-with-Flaxseeds
EYE HEALTHY RECIPE Blueberries and peaches are delicious sources of Vitamins C and E—
antioxidants that help prevent the damage to our eyes that leads to AMD (age-related macular degeneration). This smoothie recipe also contains flaxseeds which is one of the very best sources of Omega 3 fatty acids. These fatty acids help regulate the fluid retention and flow in our bodies, preventing dry eye and normalizing eye pressure to reduce the risk of glaucoma.
Blueberry, Peach & Flaxseed Smoothie 3/4 cup Driscoll's Blueberries 1 small peach, roughly chopped or ½ cup frozen peaches 1/2 cup almond milk or favorite juice
1/2 cup non-fat plain Greek yogurt 1 tablespoon ground flaxseeds 2 tablespoons honey 3 ounces ice cubes (not needed if using frozen peaches)
Puzzle Corner 8 3 7 5
9 4 7 4
6 3 9 2 5
6
1 3 8
1 6 7 1
4
3 4 6
4
8
7
9 3 4 5 8 2 6
6 9 1 5
2
1
8 3 7
K Y P T U D A W V C Q S Q F R R A C I Y L F B B S I E L S J
M G R D G G H M I R O V E K R M R U A G R A Y E G L T A T E P O P U X W V P L T T N D S O A B E E L O T K O L M C C C X A L A J H B E X X X H X T C S E M A S R C B E I P F J I A P R O V T O D H M I E H E U A G A Z E A O S R V M R L K T R E
K M N J R A A A J R Z A R D C U L Z S A M E L W O T D P A R A L I O U W Z R S O L O R S N T O G F O T Z R S O T D O T I
N A K N O W L E D G A B L E P R S R N T P E Q X Q M P S A E
S H Y S S U N A D E X J Z X B O I S E S V T G Z J X Z O C N A T N V M N I E G R D B Q A F E O Y H I M V L M P Z A A N C S H O F L M D E H S V O C M N Y A N C N S T T E B B Q M A E
I P W A G G O N E R W K D D I F Q M E C N E L L E C X E G D L O S K R U D Q I V S A L B Y O K L O W M S Q I E R Z S B C U I L T R C J J S M A Y V I S I O N H R V T D E M M C G U J
K K D E T S L A H R N Z D X Z R E R Z Z P N H R A D H Q L Y ARKANSAS BETTS CATARACTS CONTACTS EXCELLENCE EXPERIENCED
15 | Envision
FAYETTEVILLE FRAMES FRIENDLY GLASSES GLAUCOMA HALSTED
KNOWLEDGABLE LASIK MCIVER MOSER OPHTHALMOLOGY OPTICAL
OPTOMETRY RAZORBACKS ROGERS VISION WAGGONER WITHERSPOON
McDonald Eye Associates | 15
Chad Betts, M.D., R.Ph. Michael Waggoner, D.O. Dusty McIver, O.D.
Jessalyn Halsted, O.D. Rebecca Moser, O.D. David Witherspoon, O.D.
3318 N. North Hills Blvd 5212 W Village Parkway #6 Fayetteville, AR 72703 Rogers, AR 72758 479.521.2555 479.464.9702 www.mcdonaldeye.com