Refractive Procedures
LASIK
Laser assisted in-situ Keratomileusis is a procedure used to treat nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. During this procedure the patient is lightly sedated and the eye is given anesthetic drops. A flap is created on the superficial layer of the cornea with an instrument called a microkeratome. The excimer laser is then used to gently reshape the exposed surface of the eye and the flap is returned to its original position. The laser requires only a matter of seconds to sculpt the eye. Most patients notice an improvement in their vision as they exit the surgical suite.
LASEK/PRK
Laser Epithelial Keratomileusis is a treatment option for patients who are not good LASIK candidates. This is a proven alternative to LASIK, that does not require creation of a flap and affords excellent results and the same long term benefits.
CLE
Clear Lensectomy is a procedure used for patients who have a high degree of hyperopia (farsightedness) and are out of the range of laser vision correction. During this surgical procedure, the natural crystalline lens inside the eye is removed and a permanent artificial lens is implanted. Patients are sedated and given a local anesthetic but remain awake during the procedure. Each eye undergoes the procedure seperatly about a week apart. This procedure is simular to modern cataract surgery and patients undergoing CLE do not require cataract removal in the future. Bifocal or Crystalens implants are often used in these patients to eliminate any dependance on glasses permanently.
PHAKIC IOL VISIAN/VERISYSE
Implantable phakic lenses are a relatively new edition to our refractive armamentarium. These lenses are an excellant refractive surgical alternative for patients with extreme levels of nearsightedness, or those for whom laser refractive surgery is not an option.
INTACS
This technology allows the patient with Keratoconus an alternative to corneal transplantation. By positioning tiny shaped plastic inserts into the cornea, greater stability is created, which affords the patient the potential of better visual acuity and the ability to wear contact lenses.
CORNEAL COLLAGEN CROSSLINKING
Crosslinking is the newest development for the treatment of keratoconus. In this procedure, the cornea is treated with an ultraviolet wavelength light, while being bathed with a solution of riboflavin. This results in stiffening of the thin and weakened cornea in keratoconus, often improving vision and eliminating the need for more invasive surgical procedures.
A NOTE ON PRESBYOPIA
The normal process of aging causes the lens of the eye to become less able to focus, which leads to the loss of the ability to see near objects clearly while wearing a full-distance prescription. At this time, refractive surgery cannot treat this condition, which will affect everyone over the age of 40 to 45. Currently, the FDA is in the process of evaluating several procedures that will eliminate the need for reading glasses due to presbyopia.
PREMIUM INTRAOCULAR LENSES
These are intraocular implants that are available to patients undergoing cataract surgery or clear lens extraction. These implants have properties that allow a restoration of the eye's focusing ability(accomodation) or allows simultaneous uncorrected distance and near visual acuity(bifocal). There are also intraocular lenses available for the correction of high degrees of astigmatism (toric).
General Ophthalmology
Complete Eye Examinations
We offer routine examinations for vision problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. Our complete examination is both vision and health oriented and we perform diagnostic testing and evaluation for a full range of ophthalmic conditions.
Cataract Management
Cataract is a distortion or loss in transparency of the lens of the eye. Although this is a painless condition, it can interfere with the light entering the eye and cause blurred vision, as well as glare and haloes. Surgery can be preformed which replaces the patient's natural clouded lens with a clear plastic lens; restoring vision.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness. It is caused by a build-up of pressure in the eye creating slow, gradual loss of optic nerve functioning. Symptoms for glaucoma are usually absent which makes this condition even more dangerous because patients are usually unaware it is going on.
Diabetic Eye Care
As a medical doctor specializing in the eye, Dr. Kent offers solutions and treatment to patients who have diabetes in order to manage his or her condition and provide on-going evaluations.
Pediatric Care
With our Pediatric Ophthalmologist, we offer complete vision care for patients from infancy, through adulthood. This care includes diagnostic testing as well as any surgical services that may be needed.
Full Optical/ Contact Lens Service
In both our Boise and our Caldwell locations, we have a full service optical shop. Our opticians will help you choose a style that both enhances your features and provides the best fit for added comfort. We have a wide range of frames and sunglasses to chose from including Serengeti, Maui Jim, Revo, Fossil, and many more. We offer the best eye care possible with the added convenience of a great selection of glasses right here in our office. Our optical departments are managed by opticians who have been certified by the American Board of Opticianry, with over 20 years of experience in both locations.
