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Cataracts are still the leading cause of vision loss in adults over the age of 55. Cataract surgery is also one of the most frequently performed surgeries in the United States today. The latest innovation in cataract surgery promotes patient comfort and convenience. Over the past several years, advances in technology in cataract surgery have made this procedure one of the safest and most effective surgeries available.
The latest technology calls for the use of eye drops to numb the eye. No needles are used in and around the eye and no patch is necessary. This promotes patient comfort and reduces anxiety. An added benefit of using numbing drops is a rapid recovery time, allowing the patient to see better quicker and return to normal activities in a minimal amount of time.
This specialized surgery also takes advantage of the eye's natural ability to heal itself. Once the cataract is removed and the artificial lens is implanted, the eye tissue is closed over the incision and sealed naturally — no stitches. This natural seal is much stronger than stitches and reduces patient discomfort. No-stitch surgery also reduces the chances of complications, like astigmatism that sometimes occurs in traditional cataract surgery requiring stitches.
Dr. Ballitch, however, takes cataract surgery one step further by performing refractive cataract surgery to reduce astigmatism and improve your vision without glasses.
to view our cataract brochure.
Visit for information on the Acrysof® ReSTOR® Intraocular Lens.
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Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness and visual impairment in the United States. A simple painless eye exam can detect the disease. With early detection and treatment, glaucoma can usually be controlled and blindness prevented.
Glaucoma can affect anyone from newborn infants to the elderly. It has been estimated that up to 3 million Americans have glaucoma. At least half of those people do not know they have it because glaucoma usually has no symptoms. People who are at a greater risk for glaucoma usually have the following conditions:
- At Least 45 Years Old Without Regular Eye Exams
- A Family History of Glaucoma
- Abnormally High Eye Pressure
- African Descent
- Nearsightedness
- Diabetes
- Previous Eye Injury
- Regular, Long-term Use of Cortisone/Steroid Products
To detect and follow glaucoma, Dr. Ballitch utilizes the most advanced equipment available. Regular and complete eye exams help to monitor the changes in your eyesight and will help to determine whether you may develop glaucoma.
Treatment to control glaucoma includes medications in the form of either eye drops or pills, laser surgery and conventional surgery. Dr. Ballitch was one of the first surgeons in the state of Ohio to perform SLT, Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty, the most advanced treatment for glaucoma. Hundreds of patients have been treated by Dr. Ballitch and are no longer on glaucoma medication. Dr. Ballitch is also one of a few surgeons in Ohio performing the most advanced conventional glaucoma surgery.
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Blepharoplasty can rejuvenate puffy, sagging or tired-looking eyes by removing excess fat, skin and muscle from the upper and lower eyelids. It may be performed for cosmetic reasons or to improve sight by lifting droopy eyelids out of the patient's field of vision. The procedure is usually performed in an office with local anesthesia.
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Dry eye is the term for when your eyes are insufficiently moisturized, either because they do not produce enough tears or because the tears have an improper chemical composition. It often occurs during the natural aging process, but it can also form as a result of eyelid or blinking problems, certain medications (antihistamines, oral contraceptives, antidepressants), climate (low humidity, wind, dust), injury, and various health problems (arthritis, Sjogren’s syndrome).
In addition to being uncomfortable, dry eye can damage eye tissue, scar the cornea and impair vision. Dry eye is not preventable, but it can be controlled before harm is done to your eyes. Regular eye exams can detect dry eye early, even before symptoms become noticeable. Symptoms include:
- Irritated, Scratchy, Dry, Uncomfortable or Red Eyes
- A Burning Sensation or Feeling of Something Foreign In Your Eyes
- Blurred Vision
Treatment for dry eye can take many forms. Non-surgical methods include blinking exercises, increasing humidity at home or work, and use of artificial tears or moisturizing ointment. If these methods fail, small plugs may be inserted in the corners of the eyes to limit tear drainage, or the drainage tubes in the eyes may be surgically closed.
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Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that weakens the blood vessels that supply nourishment to the retina (the light-sensitive lining in the back of the eye where vision is focused). When these weak vessels leak, swell or develop thin branches, vision loss occurs. In its advanced stages, the disease can cause blurred or cloudy vision, floaters and blind spots – and, eventually, blindness. This damage is irreversible.
Fortunately, diabetic retinopathy is preventable. People with diabetes are most susceptible to developing it, but your risk is reduced if you follow your prescribed diet and medications, exercise regularly, control your blood pressure, and avoid alcohol and cigarettes. Regular eye exams are an integral part of making sure your eyes are healthy.
Although damage caused by diabetic retinopathy cannot be corrected, patients diagnosed with the condition can be treated to slow its progression and prevent further vision loss. Treatment modalities include laser and surgical procedures.
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There are many deformities that can affect the eyelids. These can be congenital, acquired or posttraumatic. Common deformities include the following:
- Ectropion - turning out of the eyelid
- Entropion - turning in of the eyelid
- Lid retraction - pulling of the lower eyelid downward or upper eyelid upward
- Ptosis - droopy eyelids
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Any growth which is growing progressively, causes loss of lashes, flakes, bleeds, changes in color or is firm or irregular should be evaluated for possible biopsy.
Sty (Hordeolum)
A sty is an abscess of an eyelid oil gland. The infection progresses rapidly, and the lid becomes red, swollen, and very tender. Fortunately, most stys are short-lived and drain spontaneously within 24-72 hours. Any swelling that persists much longer is probably not a sty.
Chalazion
A chalazion is a chronic inflammation (not infection) of an eyelid oil gland that stimulates the formation of a surrounding cyst.
Sweat gland cyst
A sweat gland cyst appears as a round, shiny, transparent lump along the edge of the eyelid, often near the tear duct. Removal is curative.
Inclusion cyst
An epithelial inclusion cyst is a white, painless enlargement on the eyelid skin. While it has no malignant potential, it may be difficult to distinguish from basal cell carcinoma on appearance alone. If so, a biopsy is indicated.
Nevus
A nevus is a flesh-colored painless growth within the lash line that may exist for many years with only slight enlargement. A nevus that darkens or begins to grow noticeably should be removed.
Keratosis
A keratosis is a build-up of tissue and keratin (a protein) that may exist in a variety of forms. Most keratoses are entirely benign, but some are considered pre-malignant because they may degenerate into basal or squamous cell carcinoma. Protein flaking off the lesion may cause eyeball itching. Removal is straightforward.
Eyelid Cancer
Skin cancers may occur anywhere on the eyelid margins, corners, eyebrow skin or adjacent areas of the face. Usually, they appear as painless elevations or nodules. Occasionally, the eyelashes are distorted or missing. There may be ulcerations of the involved area along with bleeding, crusting and/or distortion of the normal skin structures. Such findings need to be evaluated and require a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis of skin cancer.
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