Eye Exams, Eyeglasses, Contact Lenses, Eyelid Surgery, Cataract
Treatment, and more.

Baltimore Washington Eye Center offers patients a full range of services,
from laser vision correction to cataract extraction with lens implant. Our optometrists, ophthalmologists, and surgeons are all extensively trained
in their areas of expertise and adhere to the strictest safety standards. Collectively, our team of professionals has achieved an outstanding record
of success and has earned a reputation as one of the region’s leading eye
care practices.

Here is a comprehensive list of the services we provide:

• Complete eye exams
• Cataract treatment
• Laser vision correction
• Medical diagnosis of adult eye disorders
• Adolescent and pediatric eye care
• Evaluation of and treatment for eye injuries
• Emergency eye care
• Glaucoma diagnosis and treatment
• Macular degeneration diagnosis and treatment
• Diabetic eye care including on-site laser treatment
• Fitting contact lenses and safety checks
• Prescription eyeglasses at our on-site optical center
• Low vision rehabilitation
  

.: Our Surgical Center near Baltimore and Washington, DC

To meet the needs of our patients, Baltimore Washington Eye Center has an on-site, fully equipped ambulatory surgery center. The availability and proximity of the surgery center adds convenience for both our patients and our surgeons. We are able to provide complete eye care in one location. Our surgery center is accredited by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC) and certified by Medicare.

Our surgical center is specially designed to accommodate all of the surgical procedures our surgeons perform, including:

.: Cataract Extraction with Lens Implant

A cataract is the clouding of the eye’s crystalline lens. It is characterized by the formation of a thin film over the eye, glares or impaired night vision, and difficulty reading. Most common in older adults – a cataract is a natural degeneration – cataracts can be treated with surgery and lens implants. During cataract surgery, the cloudy lens is removed and replaced with a synthetic replica. The procedure is more than 90 percent effective, with the majority of patients reporting improved vision soon after surgery. If a patient has had previous cataract surgery, the placement of secondary intraocular lens implants is the next step. During lens implant surgery, a tiny incision is made, and the old lens is gently extracted. A new (secondary intraocular) lens is then inserted into the eye. This is an effective, safe, viable solution for adults (and sometimes, children) experiencing this recurrent problem. Here are some answers to some frequently asked questions our patients from the Baltimore and Washington, DC region have had about cataracts and cataract surgery:

What causes cataracts?

Cataracts are usually caused by the deterioration of the normal structure within the lens of the eye; this is a normal and common part of the aging process. Other causes include injuries, medications, and diseases (such as diabetes).

How quickly do cataracts grow and how are they treated in the different stages?

In the early stages, you can usually improve your vision by changing your glasses. But once the cataract advances, changing glasses frequently does not solve the problem. When you can no longer see to do the things you need to do, the cloudy cataract lens may be removed and replaced with a new, clear, artificial lens to help restore your vision.

Depending on the nature of your cataract, it may develop rapidly over a few months or slowly over several years. In many cases, your other eye will probably be affected, but usually not at the same time as the first eye. As your cataract progresses, you will notice some deterioration in your ability to see things clearly from a distance. Then you may have difficulty with glare or reading and other activities requiring clear vision. All of these are frequent symptoms of maturing cataracts.

There are no medications, eye drops, or diets that can cure or prevent cataracts. Once the cataract interferes with your activities, the only solution is surgery to remove them. Cataract surgery has a high success rate for the restoration of vision with today’s modern advances and technology.

When should I have cataract surgery?

Your ophthalmologist will determine if you need cataract surgery. The best time for removing your cataract depends on how the impairment of your vision handicaps your lifestyle. If you rely a great deal on your eyes, you may need a cataract removed much earlier than someone with less need for sharp vision. However, certain individual needs pertaining to your work and lifestyle must be considered--and the person best equipped to make the decision to have surgery is YOU. In most cases, delaying surgery will have no adverse effects on your general ocular health.

What risks are involved?

As with any operation, there is always some risk of possible complications. These are unusual with modern cataract surgery. However, you should discuss this subject thoroughly with your doctor before you make your decision. In addition, although no operation will make aged eyes young again and there is no guarantee of improved vision, statistics show that over 95 percent of patients who have surgery achieve a substantial improvement in vision.

How can I prepare for cataract surgery?

Prior to your cataract surgery, some routine tests will be done to determine your general health. Your doctor will decide the exact nature of your pre-operative schedule. Shortly before your surgery, you will probably receive medication to help you relax and some drops will be put into your eyes.

.: Corneal Transplant Surgery

Corneal transplant is a painless, outpatient procedure that replaces a patient's malfunctioning cornea with a healthy one from a donor at the eye bank. During the surgery, the eye is first anesthetized, and the original cornea is removed. If a cataract needs to be removed, it will be done during this stage of the procedure. Next, the donor cornea is gently stitched into place. Finally, after the surgery is complete, the doctor will place a protective shield over the treated eye.

.: Eyelid Surgery

The ocular plastic surgeon at our practice near Baltimore and Washington, DC is specially trained to treat the eye and surrounding tissue, making him uniquely qualified to perform eyelid surgery. Blepharoptosis, or droopy eyelids, is easily treated with frontalis sling surgery. During this procedure, an incision is first made in the drooping eyelid; the levator muscle is then carefully tightened, elevating the upper lid. The brow and forehead muscles are next used to help lift the eyelid so that it is even in height with the other lid. Finally, the incision is sutured closed and allowed to heal. To learn more about eyelid surgery, please contact our office between Baltimore and Washington, DC today.

.: Laser Surgery

Our surgery center near Baltimore and Washington, DC has the Argon laser for treatment of glaucoma and eye conditions related to diabetes and macular degeneration. Additionally, we have the YAG laser for use in cutting secondary membranes after cataract surgery.

.: Laser Vision Correction

We offer excimer laser eye surgery for patients who are nearsighted or farsighted, both with and without astigmatism. LASIK surgery is performed on-site in our nationally accredited ambulatory surgery center. Ask for our brochures, free screenings, and consent forms. For information about LASIK, please visit our LASIK page.

.: Referrals

If your insurance or HMO requires a referral to a specialist, you must bring that referral with you at the time of service. If another doctor has sent you to us, we will provide a written report to that referring doctor.

.: Emergency Calls

If you have an emergency after hours, please call the above office phone number. Our answering service will ensure that our on-call doctor contacts you.

.: Fees, Insurance, and Billing

We make every effort to keep our fees reasonable for all patients. We request that payment for office visits be made at the time of service. We accept checks, VISA, MasterCard, and Discover cards. We will file all insurance claims for you for office visits, diagnostic services, and surgery. We are participating providers with most local HMOs. Please notify our staff of your insurance coverage when you make an appointment. If a referral is required, please be sure to bring it with you for your visit. All co-pays will be collected at the time of service.

.: Eyeglass Prescriptions

If prescription eyeglasses are necessary, our doctors will prescribe them for you. The prescription can be filled accurately and in a timely manner at our on-site optical shop. The optical shop carries a complete line of designer frames, including Donna Karan, Marchon, Nautica, and Oakley, and various lenses, including bifocals, trifocals, photogray and UV blocking lenses. We believe that our eyeglasses are competitively priced, and we stand behind our frames and lenses.

To learn more about our service, procedures, surgical center, or products, please contact Baltimore Washington Eye Center today!