Eyes Wide Bay

Age-related Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration is a condition in which the macula, the central and most vital area of the retina, degenerates. It affects the central vision of older people. As little as 5 years ago, there was little in the way of treatment for macular degeneration but now there revolutionary new treatments for some forms of this disease. Recently, the Australian government has made Lucentis injections much more accessible to the public, reducing the cost of this drug from approximately $2000 to $4.90 for pensioners. At our clinic, we are able to provide the necessary investigations and Lucentis treatment for optimal care of your macular degeneration.

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Botox (Botulinum toxin) injections

Botox is used medically to provide relief in certain conditions where patients have uncontrollable twitching of their eyelids (blepharospasm and hemifacial spasm). Dr Blanc has had extensive experience in the use of Botox in this setting.

Botox can also be used cosmetically to deduce wrinkles around the eyes and forehead. We are also able to provide this service.

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Cataracts

A cataract is the clouding of the normally clear, natural crystalline lens of the eye. Cataract surgery is one of the most commonly performed operations in Australia. It is also one of the safest and most effective operations, and is successful in over 97% of cases. At Eyes Wide Bay we provide state-of-theart cataract surgery as an easy, minimally intrusive day procedure, using the excellent facilities at St Stephen's Private Day Hospital in Hervey Bay.

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Benefits of Cataract Surgery:

Cataract surgery restores quality vision for millions of patients each year. Good vision is vital to an enjoyable lifestyle. Numerous research studies show that cataract surgery restores quality-of-life functions including reading, working, moving around, hobbies, safety, self-confidence, independence, daytime and nighttime driving, community and social activities, mental health, and overall life satisfaction.

A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that older people who have cataract surgery reduce their chances of having a car accident by more than 50 percent.

In addition to greater safety, those who had cataract surgery enjoyed other benefits. People who didn't have the surgery drove much less than those who did, logging only half the number of passenger miles. This could be an indication that cataracts cause patients to limit their mobility. The study's authors note that the limitations on driving, an ability that may be needed to commute to work or an activity site, could have a significant impact on the quality of life for someone who wants to remain active.

Please contact us for more information about cataract surgery, what to expect before and after cataract surgery

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Diabetes

Diabetes can produce a number of changes which can lead to decreased vision and blindness. Diabetics should have regular checks of their eyes by an optometrist or an ophthalmologist. While the best way to prevent diabetic retinopathy is to have good control of blood sugar levels, blood pressure and to not smoke, it is sometimes necessary to have further treatment such as laser procedures or intraocular injections. We are fully equipped with the equipment necessary for proper investigation and continuing treatment of diabetic eye disease.

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Eyebrow, Eyelid, Ophthalmic plastic surgery

• The eyelids and tear ducts are a highly specialised part of the face and require highly specialised care. Dr Blanc has had extensive training in this type of surgery in both the United Kingdom and Canada.
• The most common reasons for lid surgery are due to age-related laxity in the skin, tendons and fat prolapse. And the most common surgeries performed are eyebrow lifts, upper and lower lid lifts/reductions (also referred to as blepharoplasties)
• Please contact us for more information about eyelid surgery

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Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a serious and potentially blinding disease in which the optic nerve at the back of the eye is slowly destroyed. In most people this damage is due to an increased pressure inside the eye. Over 300,000 Australians have glaucoma and it is a leading cause of blindness. Approximately 10% of the population over 70 suffer from glaucoma.

Damage progresses very slowly and destroys vision gradually, starting with the side vision. One eye covers for the other, and the person is unaware of any problem until a large part of vision has been destroyed. This damage is irreversible, progressive and usually relentless. Treatment cannot recover what has been lost but it can arrest, or at least, slow down the damage process.

That is why it is so important to detect the problem as early as possible, to be able to start treatment with as little damage to the vision as possible.

• Although anyone can get glaucoma, some people have a higher risk, those with
• a family history of glaucoma
• diabetes
• migraine
• short sightedness (myopia)
• eye injuries
• past or present use of cortisone drugs (steroids)

Glaucoma Australia recommends that people in these groups should have their first eye check no later than the age of 35. For most people, it is recommended to have an eye check for glaucoma by the age of 40.

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Pterygium

A pterygium is a pinkish, triangular-shaped tissue growth on the cornea. Some pterygia grow slowly throughout a person's life, while others stop growing after a certain point. A pterygium rarely grows so large that it begins to cover the pupil of the eye.

Pterygia are more common in sunny climates and in the 20-40 age group. Scientists do not know what causes pterygia to develop. However, since people who have pterygia usually have spent a significant time outdoors, many doctors believe ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun may be a factor. In areas where sunlight is strong, wearing protective eyeglasses, sunglasses, and/or hats with brims are suggested. While some studies report a higher prevalence of pterygia in men than in women, this may reflect different rates of exposure to UV light.

Because a pterygium is visible, many people want to have it removed for cosmetic reasons. It is usually not too noticeable unless it becomes red and swollen from dust or air pollutants. Surgery to remove a pterygium is not recommended unless it affects vision. If a pterygium is surgically removed, it may grow back, particularly if the patient is less than 40 years of age. Lubricants can reduce the redness and provide relief from the chronic irritation.

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Watering Eyes

While it is usually not vision-threatening, this can be a difficult and frustrating problem for the patient and the treating doctor. There are many possible causes and often several that contribute. We are are able to provide advice to best try to alleviate symptoms. This can vary from simple solutions such as lubricating drops and regular eyelid "hygiene" to surgical procedures which can also range from simple procedures to more complicated reconstructions. Dr Blanc participated in much tear duct surgery during his overseas training and in the right context, this is usually highly successful.

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