Posted by: Georgia Eye Physicians and Surgeons in Featured Patient, Uncategorized
As a retired railroad police officer and Vietnam veteran, Alan was used to facing difficult challenges. But when his vision started deteriorating, he was hesitant to have anything done. The idea of having someone perform surgery on his eyes just left him uncomfortable. Even when he and his wife started seeing board certified ophthalmologist Dr. William Segal over eight years ago and he learned that his progressing cataracts would only get worse over time, he was still reluctant to take the plunge.
However, as an avid hunter with a passion for performing detailed woodworking, Alan’s deteriorating vision became an increasing problem. First he found himself putting off the projects he’d always enjoyed doing. Eventually it became difficult for him to even enjoy sitting down with a good book. Finally, when he could no longer even make out the features of a neighbor talking to him from across the street, he knew it was past time to do something.
“I don’t know why I waited,” remarked Alan. “I should have had this done years ago!”
Alan received intraocular lens replacement surgery on both eyes, a procedure that replaces the damaged lenses of the eyes with artificial intraocular lenses (IOL) composed of plastic, acrylic, or silicone. For this procedure, Dr. Segal uses the new LenSx® laser system, a bladeless, computer-controlled laser that allows cataract surgery to be planned and performed to exacting, individualized specifications not attainable with other surgical methods.
Not only was lens replacement surgery able to remove Alan’s cataracts, but the intraocular lenses that Alan chose also corrected his hyperopia (farsightedness), making close, detail work much easier. There are also many other types of intraocular lenses available, ranging from simple, monofocal lenses to the top of the line ReStor®premium IOLs, which are designed with apodized diffractive and refractive technology to allow for patients to have an easier time focusing at close, intermediate and far distances.
“The difference is like night and day,” Alan went on to explain. “I can see the individual leaves on the trees. I’ve been able to get back to my woodworking and have even started building a deck.”
Alan was also pleasantly surprised by the convenience of the procedure. “It was so simple and easy,” he said. “I’ve been seeing Dr. Segal for years and he’s always warned me about the cataracts, but he never pushed or pressured me. He’s got a great surgical crew working with him and the whole thing was over in about a half hour.”
When asked if he would consider going to Dr. Segal again if some other trouble were to arise, Alan was extremely enthusiastic. “Absolutely! I have already referred a few of my friends from church. There’s no reason to fear it. Dr. Segal knows what he’s doing.”
If you are interested in sharing your experience with Dr. Segal, Dr. Marc Lay, or the Georgia Eye family, or would like to schedule an appointment, please contact Georgia Eye Physicians and Surgeons, P.C. and be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ for more spotlight patient stories and tips for healthy eyes.
