Our Practice and Patient Services

General Ophthalmology

Eye Physicians of Austin is equipped with the latest technology in diagnostic and examination equipment. This allows us to provide our patients with the most thorough, comprehensive eye examinations available.

We thoroughly check the internal and external health of your eyes including tests for cataracts and glaucoma. Our physicians also check for the presence of corneal disorders and will examine the retina to ensure proper health and continued good vision.

Eye Physicians of Austin offers an array of services in a comfortable, relaxed atmosphere. Our skilled doctors and friendly staff provide the highest quality care using the most sophisticated technology available and are dedicated to helping every patient enjoy the best possible vision.

Cataract Surgery

A cataract is a loss of transparency, or clouding, of the normally clear lens of the eye. As one ages, chemical changes occur in the lens that make it less transparent. The loss of transparency may be so mild vision is hardly affected or so severe that no shapes or movements are seen, only light and dark. When the lens gets cloudy enough to obstruct vision to any significant degree, it is called a cataract. Glasses or contact lenses cannot sharpen your vision if a cataract is present.

People at risk for developing cataracts are over 55 years old, have had eye injuries or disease, have a family history of cataracts, smoke cigarettes or use certain medications. There is no pain associated with the condition, but there are several symptoms that indicate failing vision due to cataracts. These include:

• Blurred/hazy vision
• Spots in front of the eye(s)
• Sensitivity to glare
• A feeling of "film" over the eye(s)
• A temporary improvement in near vision

Reducing the amount of ultraviolet light exposure by wearing a wide-brim hat and sunglasses may reduce your risk for developing a cataract but once developed there is no cure except to have the cataract surgically removed. Outpatient surgical procedures can remove the cataract. The time to have the surgical procedure is when your vision is bad enough that it interferes with your lifestyle.

Cataract surgery is a very successful operation. One and a half million people have this procedure every year and 95% have a successful result. As with any surgical procedure, complications can occur during or after surgery and some are severe enough to limit vision. But in most cases, vision, as well as quality of life, improves.

Cosmetic Surgery

Cosmetic surgery of the face can "turn back time" by reducing the appearance of wrinkles and lines, sun damage and sagging skin that can make your eyes look angry, sad or tired. Listed below are some of the procedures we offer to help you look as young and energetic as you feel.

BOTOX®

BOTOX® injections are the fastest-growing cosmetic procedure in the industry, according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS). In 2001, more than 1.6 million people received injections, an increase of 46 percent over the previous year. More popular than breast enhancement surgery and a potential blockbuster, Botox is regarded by some as the ultimate fountain of youth.

Blepharoplasty

Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) can correct drooping upper lids, puffy bags above and below your eyes, redundant upper eyelid skin, and hanging lower lid skin, all features that can give you the appearance of being older and more tired than you feel, and may even interfere with your vision.

Nutrition

We now know that many conditions of the eye are prevented by good nutrition and by the addition of vitamins and supplements. It has been shown that a good quality multivitamin can reduce the incidence of cataract by 25 percent. Another study involving 88,000 nurses nation-wide showed that an intake of at least 350 mg of vitamin C reduces that advance of cataract by 70%. This was an amazing finding that was not expected. You would have to eat way too many oranges daily to obtain this level, with the ingestion of way too much sugar. It takes supplementation with a pill to reach this level.

A study on macular degeneration called the AREDS study showed that a multivitamin containing beta carotene, vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc and copper slowed the progression of this disease by 25%. This was wonderful news for those of us who have felt from their clinical experience that multivitamins seemed to stabilize patients with this disease. Lutein is a yellow carotenoid that is heavily concentrated in normal maculae. We know that lutein is absent in retinas with macular degeneration. It was not available commercially when the AREDS study was undertaken. Lutein is something we recommend for patients with incipient macular degeneration for this reason.

Dry eye is perhaps the most common condition ophthalmologists' treat. A recent discovery is that dry eye condition has an inflammatory component. Increasing omega 3 fatty acids in our diet will positively influence this condition. Sources of omega 3 fatty acids are cold-water fish such as salmon, tuna, haddock, cod and sardines. The supplemental source Dr. McNabb recommends is fish oil.

Instead of treating eye diseases, we would much rather prevent them. We recommend a basic multivitamin with extra C,E, calcium, magnesium, and omega 3 fatty acids. We would be happy to give you more information for your specific needs.

Dry Eye Treatment

"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.

Optical Services

Over 140 million people in the U.S. wear eyeglasses, and over 30 million wear contact lenses. Glasses and contact lenses improve vision by adjusting the way the eyes bend and focus light. Ideally, light rays are refracted (bent) as they pass through the cornea so that they focus on the retina in the back of the eye. In a healthy eye, this means that objects can be seen clearly. However, many people's corneas have a shallow or steep curvature which causes light rays to focus in front of or behind the retina. Objects may then appear blurry at certain distances or at all distances.

Patients with myopia, or nearsightedness, have steep curvature in one or both corneas; they can focus on nearby objects, but distant objects appear blurry. For hyperopic or farsighted patients, shallow corneal curvature causes nearby objects to appear blurry while objects in the distance are clear. Astigmatism causes objects that are close or at a distance to appear blurry or doubled. Most people have some degree of astigmatism, which often occurs in combination with myopia or hyperopia.

Glasses and contact lenses correct these refractive errors. Prescriptions are measured for each eye so patients can enjoy optimal vision clarity, usually 20/20. Eyewear may be used for certain activities, such as reading for hyperopic patients and driving or watching television for myopic patients, or may be worn at all times.

Regular eye exams test for the development and progression of refractive errors and help your optometrist provide a proper prescription if eyeglasses or contact lenses are needed. Exams are also an invaluable tool in the early detection of eye disease.