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Posted on May 1, 2012 in Latest News
Choosing the Right LASIK Surgeon is Essential Says Washington DC LASIK Surgery Practice
Washington, DC — According to the latest statistics from the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), over 150 million people in the United States rely on refractive eyewear to improve their vision, spending $15 billion annually on glasses and contact lenses. While glasses and contact lenses can provide clarity and function to a person’s life, the vision correction surgeons at Eye Doctors of Washington, a center for LASIK surgery in Tyson’s Corner, Northern Virginia, and Washington, DC, say patients do not have to depend on the inconvenience and discomfort of eyewear thanks to the number of recent developments in refractive procedures. However, the Tyson’s Corner laser vision correction practice says choosing the right surgeon to perform one’s procedure is an essential factor in ensuring patients receive the proper care and results.
The AAO statistics show that 800,000 refractive surgical procedures were performed in 2010, a number Eye Doctors of Washington says has been increasing over the past few years as the economy rebounds and more patients become aware of new advancements in techniques and technology. Northern Virginia LASIK surgeons Dr. Thomas Clinch and Dr. Paul Kang confirm this rise in demand and say patients now have an even greater duty to conduct extensive research into their practice. Because of the intricacies of the procedure and the importance of the eyes to everyday life, they say patients should look for several crucial indicators of excellence and proficiency in a practice before undergoing LASIK in Northern Virginia.
As with any medical procedure, Dr. Clinch and Dr. Kang say selecting a surgeon with the proper certification, experience, and credentials can determine the success and safety of one’s treatment. Dr. Clinch recommends checking a practice’s background and experience in performing the type of procedure one is considering to ensure they are proficient in their techniques and precision. He also says board-certification in ophthalmology signifies a dedication to patient safety and quality results, and adds that he believes fellowship training in cornea treatment, an additional year of clinical work, is also beneficial for better understanding the effects of laser surgery on the healing eye. Dr. Clinch adds that another beneficial way to determine if a practice is the right fit is to talk with patients who have already undergone a similar procedure under that doctor to gain a firsthand account of their experience. However, Drs. Clinch and Kang say each patient has individual needs and goals, so anyone considering a procedure should take time to evaluate their own before making conclusions.
Whether patients are considering LASIK or another refractive eye procedure such as cataract surgery, the Eye Doctors of Washington urge patients to weigh all options before settling on a vision correction practice or eye doctor. Through the skilled hands of a dedicated and personable eye surgeon, Dr. Kang says patients can achieve better vision and a higher quality of life: “Having a successful outcome from surgery is not just a numbers game. It is making sure the results meet patient expectations. For that reason, as a surgeon, getting to know my patients, their job, hobbies, and reasons for wanting surgery are crucial to the process. There is no question that patients should look for doctors who are qualified and have successfully performed many surgeries. In addition, a relationship or partnership with the surgeon will help ensure that expectations are met regardless of whether a patient is a 24 year old applying to be a fighter pilot in the Air Force, or an established 50 year old attorney. At the Eye Doctors of Washington we work hard to provide the best results in a personalized environment.”
About Thomas E. Clinch, MD
A Phi Beta Kappa graduate from Cornell University, Dr. Thomas Clinch earned his medical degree from Jefferson Medical College, where he also graduated with high honors. He completed his residency in ophthalmology at the prestigious Wills Eye Hospital as well as a Fellowship in Cornea and Refractive Surgery at the Louisiana State University Eye Center. Dr. Clinch has served in the U.S. Navy as the Head of the Department of Ophthalmology, Naval Hospital, Camp Lejeune, and as an Associate Professor in the Department of Ophthalmology at the University of Utah as Director of the Cornea and Refractive Surgery Services. He was a clinical investigator in FDA trials to approve LASIK surgery.
Presently, he is the managing partner of Eye Doctors of Washington and has completed over 30,000 eye surgeries. Dr. Clinch is a true innovator in ophthalmology and was the first surgeon in the Washington DC region to perform LenSX -laser assisted cataract surgery, multifocal intraocular implants, phakic intraocular lenses, intraoperative miniature telescopes for macular degeneration, and Intacs for keratoconus.
He is board-certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology. He has served as a past president of the Washington Metropolitan Ophthalmology Society and has been voted one of the Best Doctors and Top Ophthalmologists in America, and well as to Top Doctors by Washingtonian Magazine, and Super Doctors by the Washington Post.
About Paul C. Kang, MD
Dr. Paul Kang graduated cum laude from Harvard University and received his medical degree from Indiana University. He completed his ophthalmology residency at the Duke University Eye Center, in addition to completing a fellowship in cornea, external disease, and refractive surgery at the John Moran Eye Center at the University of Utah. Dr Kang has been selected as a Top Doctor from Washingtonian Magazine and a Super Doctor from the Washington Post. Dr. Kang serves as a scientific reviewer for the Journal of Cataract and Refractive Surgery and is the past President of the Washington DC Metropolitan Ophthalmological Society. He is on the Visual Sciences Committee at the National Institute of Health and serves as an Assistant Clinical Professor at the Department of Ophthalmology at Georgetown University and the Washington Hospital Center.
About the Eye Doctors of Washington
The Eye Doctors of Washington has been serving the metropolitan DC area for over 40 years. Founded by a group of professors from the Center for Sight at Georgetown University, doctors with the practice are all board-certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and fellowship-trained in subspecialties that include corneal and refractive surgery, glaucoma, pediatrics, or strabismus. The Eye Doctors of Washington is also the first practice in Washington, DC to offer the LenSx® laser refractive cataract surgery procedure. It is also the official eye doctors of the Washington Capitals and the Washington Wizards.
EDOW has three locations: 2 Wisconsin Circle Suites 200 and 230 in Chevy Chase, MD, reachable at (301) 215-7100; 1016 16th Street NW Lower Level 100 in Washington, DC, reachable at (202) 659-2050; and 8230 Boone Blvd Suite # 125 in Vienna, VA, reachable at (703) 962-7104. It can also be contacted online via the website edow.com or the Eye Doctors of Washington Facebook page.
Contact:
Rosemont Media
Stephen Lintner
stephen@rosemontmedia.com
(858) 200-0044
www.rosemontmedia.com
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Posted on April 24, 2012 in Latest News
Washington DC LASIK Surgeons Discuss Facial Aesthetics and Eye Structure
Washington, DC — According to the latest statistics from the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), approximately 800,000 refractive surgical procedures were performed in 2010. At Eye Doctors of Washington, a center for vision correction, facial aesthetics, and LASIK in Tyson’s Corner and Washington, DC, Drs. Thomas Clinch and Paul Kang say this number will continue to grow as the baby boomer generation reaches later stages in life and more patients are suffering from age-related vision loss.
According to Dr. Mary Catherine Fischer, the practice’s aesthetic specialist, as one’s eyesight deteriorates, the body also begins to exhibit similar signs of the natural wear and tear of daily life, particularly in sensitive areas of skin on the face and neck. She says facial structure starts to appear droopy and less vibrant, a condition that has led many patients to seek cosmetic rejuvenation of the eyelids and face to complement their refractive procedure. She says the growing popularity of aesthetic procedures like BOTOX® Cosmetic and eyelid surgery at her practice has spread to nearly every age group, as different demographics seek to enhance their appearance and their eyesight.
While eyelid surgery can be performed for both cosmetic and functional reasons, Dr. Fischer says a majority of the patients at her practice in their forties and fifties have been taking advantage of the procedure to help combat the signs of aging and reduce the appearance of tired eyes. As the second most popular facial cosmetic surgery performed in 2011 according to the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS), she says eyelid surgery can help alleviate baggy eyelids and tighten the skin around one’s eyes for a more refreshed appearance.
Dr. Fischer says most of her patients in their later stages in life are ready to try whatever they need to do in order to keep their skin looking healthy and full of life. Above the age of fifty, she says most of her patients have perhaps already had cosmetic surgery and are looking for dermal fillers such as Restylane® or Juvederm in Washington, DC to treat moderate facial wrinkles and lines.
For her younger patients in their twenties, Dr. Fischer says she has noticed most are looking simply for preventative measures through non-surgical treatments like BOTOX in Washington, DC. Originally used by ophthalmologists to suppress uncontrollable facial muscle and eyelid spasms, BOTOX® Cosmetic has now been adapted by many eye doctors as an aesthetic treatment. Dr. Fischer says eye doctors and oculo-plastic surgeons have a unique knowledge of the fragile skin and muscles surrounding the eyes, equipping them to perform delicate procedures such as dermal fillers and BOTOX® Cosmetic in ways other surgeons cannot.
Because many of the physical signs of aging begin to appear during one’s thirties, Dr. Fischer says this stage of life encourages many patients to take a more aggressive stance on their facial appearance. She says many patients are looking to gain a competitive edge in the professional world by considering both BOTOX® Cosmetic and fillers, as well as eyelid surgery for some patients who have particularly noticeable or problematic areas of sagging skin under their eyes.
Dr. Fischer says around half of the patients that come into the Eye Doctors of Washington practice know exactly what they want for their aesthetic procedure, while the other half have narrowed down what features they do not like about themselves and are looking for some professional guidance. She says the consultation with an experienced and qualified practitioner is an essential part of discovery for patients and she encourages anyone considering treatment to research their practice extensively before undergoing a procedure. Dr. Fischer adds that she hopes patients take their decision to have any medical operation seriously and urges them to discuss all options with a dedicated, personable practice.
About Mary Catherine Fischer, MD
Dr. Mary Catherine Fischer earned her medical degree from George Washington University Medical School and completed her ophthalmology residency at the Brooke Army Medical Center, during her 13 years of service in the military. She is a board-certified comprehensive ophthalmologist and a Fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Dr. Fischer has extensive experience in eyelid plastic surgery as well as aesthetic facial rejuvenation through BOTOX® Cosmetic and dermal fillers.
About the Eye Doctors of Washington
With over 40 years of experience performing vision correction procedures such as LASIK and cataract surgery in the Washington, DC metropolitan area, the Eye Doctors of Washington was founded by a group of professors from Georgetown University. All ophthalmologists with the practice are board-certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and have been fellowship trained in their subspecialty. The Eye Doctors of Washington ophthalmologists and optometrists have all received scientific and medical awards, in addition to serving on numerous scientific advisory boards and academic research teams.
The Eye Doctors of Washington has three locations: 2 Wisconsin Circle Suites 200 and 230 in Chevy Chase, MD, reachable at (301) 215-7100; 1016 16th Street NW Lower Level 100 in Washington, DC, reachable at (202) 659-2050; and 8230 Boone Blvd Sutie 125 in Vienna, VA, reachable at (703) 962-7104. It can also be contacted online via the website edow.com or facebook.com/edow.
Contact:
Rosemont Media
Stephen Lintner
stephen@rosemontmedia.com
(858) 200-0044
www.rosemontmedia.com
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Posted on November 20, 2011 in EDOWs' Blog, Latest News
By now you’ve probably heard of all-laser LASIK which dramatically improved the precision and safety we could offer our patients who wanted vision correct surgery. But have you heard about bladeless cataract surgery? The exciting all-laser technology used to correct the vision of our LASIK patients is now being used to increase the precision and safety of cataract removal. In the past, our skilled cataract surgeons manually made a small incision in the eye to remove the cataract, the lens inside of the eye that had become cloudy over time. Eye Doctors of Washington is the first practice in Washington, DC to offer all-laser cataract surgery to our patients using Alcon’s femtosecond LenSX platform!
“Having a LASIK practice, we have seen the benefit of the advances in laser technology through the years. The transition from using mechanical cuts to all-laser LASIK brought both safety and precision to the procedure. Our expectation is that LenSx laser will similarly bring increased accuracy and precision to cataract surgery, which is already a safe and successful procedure.” Said Dr. Kang.
The femtosecond laser makes this possible by creating a more precise, and therefore safer, incision that is reproducible. In one study presented at the American Academy of Ophthalmology, femtosecond laser incisions achieved incision accuracy in 100% of cases, while only 10% of surgeons’ manual cuts were within the acceptable range. It gives our surgeons greater control and flexibility while in surgery. The incisions created by the femtosecond laser are so small that they heal faster than the incisions manually made by our surgeons, further reducing the risk of infection.
“The addition of the LenSx laser is exciting because it allows us the ability to provide our patients with the precision of computer controlled surgical incisions and a gentler method to remove the lens. There is no question that it will revolutionize the way we do cataract surgery,” said Dr. Clinch.
Posted on November 9, 2011 in Latest News
First Custom Cataract Surgery with LenSx Performed in Washington DC by Eye Doctors of Washington
The same innovation used for all-laser LASIK is now revolutionizing cataract surgery
Drs. Thomas E. Clinch, MD and Paul C. Kang, MD are the first eye surgeons in Washington, DC to perform cataract surgery with Alcon’s LenSx®, a bladeless, computer-controlled laser that ensures the highest-precision surgical incisions. The laser was launched this week at Palisades Eye Surgery Center, in Bethesda, MD where 16 customized laser cataract surgery procedures were performed on November 1st and 2nd by Drs. Clinch and Kang. “The addition of the LenSx laser is exciting because it allows us the ability to provide our patients with the precision of computer controlled surgical incisions and a gentler method to remove the lens. There is no question that it will revolutionize the way we do cataract surgery” said Dr. Clinch.
The LenSx® Femtosecond Laser is one of the most important technological advances in the field of cataract surgery to come along in some time. This computer-guided, surgeon-controlled laser has a number of advantages when compared to traditional cataract surgery, that include:
- Allows for greater surgical precision
- Involves no surgical blades for corneal incisions and anterior capsulotomies
- Custom-guided laser is programmed for the most precise treatment on each unique individual
- Automates what are typically very challenging steps in traditional cataract surgery
- Corrects for Astigmatism via laser rather than a manual incision, during the time of cataract surgery. This lessens the need for glasses post-operatively.
- Decreases some risks associated with traditional cataract surgery
LenSx utilizes a femtosecond laser, which has been used to perform LASIK surgery since FDA approval in 2001, and offers an alternative to the mechanical cuts used in traditional LASIK.
“Having a LASIK practice, we have seen the benefit of the advances in laser technology through the years. The transition from using mechanical cuts to all-laser LASIK brought both safety and precision to the procedure. Our expectation is that LenSx laser will similarly bring increased accuracy and precision to cataract surgery, which is already a safe and successful procedure.” Said Dr. Kang.
About Thomas E. Clinch, MD
Dr. Thomas Clinch graduated from Cornell University and earned his medical degree with high honors from Jefferson Medical College. He then completed his ophthalmology residency at the prestigious Wills Eye Hospital, as well as a fellowship in cornea and refractive surgery at the Louisiana State University Eye Center. Dr. Clinch is a prolific author, having published more than 100 scientific articles and presentations. He has truly been a pioneering ophthalmic surgeon and was the first in our region to implant the Intraoperative miniature telescope for macular degeneration, phakic intraocular lenses for highly nearsighted patients, Intracorneal inlays for farsighted patients, multifocal intraocular lenses and LenSx for cataract surgery, and was involved in FDA trials for the approval of LASK. He has served as a present of the Washington Metropolitan Ophthalmology Society and was honored with an Achievement Award by the American Academy of Ophthalmology. He has been named to “Top Doctors” by Washingtonian Magazine, Super Doctors by the Washington Post, as well as received many other honors.
About Paul C. Kang, MD
Dr. Paul Kang graduated from Harvard University, cum laude and received his medical degree at Indiana University. Dr. Kang finished his ophthalmology residency at the Duke University Eye Center, and completed a prestigious fellowship in cornea, external disease, and refractive surgery at the John Moran Eye Center at the University of Utah. He has been selected to Washingtonian Magazine Top Doctors, and Washington Post SuperDoctors. Dr Kang served as the president of the Washington DC Metropolitan Ophthalmological Society. He and Dr Clinch are the team eye doctors for the Washington Capitals and Washington Wizards.
The Eye Doctors of Washington has three locations in the Washington DC area: Chevy Chase Metro Building at 2 Wisconsin Circle Suites 200 and 230 Chevy Chase, MD 20815, which can be reached at (301) 215-7100; Washington DC office at 1016 16th St. NW, Lower Level 100 Washington, DC 20036, which can be reached at (202) 659-2050; and Tyson’s Corner 8230 Boone Blvd. Suite #125 Vienna, VA 22182, which can be reached at (703) 962-7104. EDOW can also be found online at edow.com or facebook.com/edowdc.
[1] Vision Problems in the U.S. report, developed by the National Eye Institute and Prevent Blindness America, 2002. Retrieved on 9/27/2011 from aao.org/newsroom/press_kit/upload/Eye_Stats_3-5-07.
Posted on October 26, 2011 in EDOWs' Blog, Latest News
The Washington Capitals are back and so is your chance to win free LASIK! If the CAPS score a goal during the last 2 minutes of the 2nd period, a randomly chosen Caps fan will win free LASIK from Eye Doctors of Washington. So far this season, two lucky fans have won free LASIK. Congratulations, Brian Sipes and Caitlyn Kochanski! We look forward to seeing you at your appointments.
To be a part of this contest, be sure to sign up at http://www.edow.com/two-minutes-to-20-20/
Posted on in EDOWs' Blog, Latest News
It’s open enrollment for most of us right now, and it’s more important now than ever to max out those Health Savings Accounts (also known as Flex Spending Accounts and Health Reimbursement Accounts). This coming year, 2012, will be the last year that you can put the maximum of $5,000 in your HSA. The tax laws have changed and, starting in 2013, the maximum amount allowed in any HSA will be $2,500. What does this mean for you? If you’re interested in laser eye surgery like LASIK, this is the last year that you can use your HSA to cover the entire cost of your surgery with pre-tax dollars. To schedule a consultation to see if you’re a good candidate or if you have any questions about this change in HSAs, call us at 240-482-1220.
Posted on September 14, 2011 in Latest News
Eye Doctors of Washington Perform 30,000th LASIK Procedure at Tyson's Corner Location
The Eye Doctors of Washington (EDOW) is announcing the successful completion of their 30,000th LASIK eye surgery procedure, which was performed at their new Tyson’s Corner location in Northern Virginia. With more than 40 years of vision correction and ophthalmology services in the area, the eye care specialists at EDOW says they are proud to announce this latest milestone because it speaks to their continued commitment to providing their patients with the highest-quality eye care available, whether performing vision correction procedures, or cataract surgery.
The Eye Doctors of Washington (EDOW) have been serving the vision correction and ophthalmic needs of Northern Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D. C. for more than 40 years. Following the recent opening of a new location to provide LASIK at Tyson’s Corner, the practice is announcing the completion of the 30,000th vision correction procedure.
Dr. Thomas Clinch is an ophthalmologist at EDOW, and says this momentous achievement speaks volumes to the practice’s commitment to high quality eye care supported by the latest technology available. He adds that the continued support of the EDOW staff and loyal patients is essential to the lasting success of the practice.
As EDOW celebrates this latest milestone, refractive surgeon Dr. Paul Kang says the success of the new Tyson’s Corner location is a testament to the practice’s dedication to meeting patient demand and providing safe and effective eye care throughout the Washington, D. C. area. “Dr. Clinch and I are very proud to have had the opportunity to help so many people. It is a great privilege to serve the people in the Washington area, and it has been fun to watch our family of happy patients continually grow.”
About Eye Doctors of Washington
The Eye Doctors of Washington practice was originally founded by a group of professors from the Center for Sight at Georgetown University. All ophthalmologists are certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and fellowship trained in subspecialties ranging from cornea and refractive surgery, glaucoma, pediatrics, and strabismus. Additionally, all of the doctors have been directors of fellowship training programs, and have received numerous awards and honors from organizations such as the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
EDOW has three eye care locations: 2 Wisconsin Circle, Suites 200 and 230 in Chevy Chase, MD 20815, which can be reached at 301-215-7100; 1016 16th St. NW, Level 100 in Washington D. C., 20036, which can be reached at 202-659-2050; and Tyson’s Corner at 8230 Boone Blvd. Ste. 125 in Vienna, VA 22182, which can be reached at 703-962-7104. All locations can be reached toll-free at 877-SEE-WITH-LASIK, or found online at edow.com or the Eye Doctors of Washington Facebook page.
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Posted on August 31, 2011 in EDOWs' Blog, Latest News
By Hylton Mayer, MD
Glaucoma, a condition related to high pressure inside the eyes, can cause damage to the optic nerve, the nerve that connects the eye to the brain. When the optic nerve is damaged, a person can lose vision, typically side (or peripheral) vision first, but a person could ultimately lose all vision in the affected eye or eyes.
Glaucoma affects more than 2 million people in the United States. It is more common as people age, and as the general U.S. population ages, glaucoma diagnoses are expected to increase. Besides age, there are other risk factors associated with glaucoma, including a family history of glaucoma, nearsightedness, and being of non-Caucasian descent.
A recent study published in the journal Ophthalmology has clarified some other risk factors associated with glaucoma. The research involved a review of medical billing records for over 2 million people aged 40 and older who had visited with an eye doctor between 2001 and 2007. The study found that people with diabetes had a 35 percent increase in their risk for developing glaucoma; people with high blood pressure had a 17 percent increased risk; and, people with both diabetes and hypertension had a 48 percent increased risk of developing glaucoma compared with the average population.
Having diabetes and/or hypertension increases the risk for other eye problems such as cataracts or retina damage, too. This study supports the importance of regular eye exams for patients with risk factors for the development of ocular disease, including diabetes and hypertension.
Citation: The Relationship Between Components of Metabolic Syndrome and Open-Angle Glaucoma. Ophthalmology, 2011 July.
Posted on July 8, 2011 in Screen Feed
Juvederm is a permanent facial filler that is used to plump up specific areas of the face?
Posted on in Screen Feed
Approximately 80% of the UV ray our eyes will be exposed to occurs before the age of 18?
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