Overview PAGE
DEPARTMENT OF OPHTHALMOLOGY
Ophthalmology is the branch of medicine that deals with eye physiology, anatomy and diseases. A specialist in this branch of medicine is called an ophthalmologist. The Department of Ophthalmology at La Peer not only offers breakthrough eye surgeries but rather a medical program beginning with consultation, moving through diagnosis and treatment, and high quality aftercare to ensure that your eyes remain healthy and conditions do not develop or reoccur.
The ophthalmologists at La Peer offer the latest eye surgeries including cataract surgery, vitrectomy, tear duct surgery, orbital surgery, and cosmetic eye surgery.
The doctors of La Peer are extensively involved in medical research and clinical trials. Our aim is to be at the forefront of patient care and to ensure our physicians remain at the forefront of medical innovation.
La Peer Health Systems was also named one of the 100 Greatest Places To Work by Becker’s ASC Review. We take great pride in our professional and courteous staff and are honored to be included on Becker’s 2013 ASC Review.
Medical Conditions
● Age-related Macular Degeneration
● Cataracts
● Conjunctivitis
○ Allergic conjunctivitis
○ Bacterial conjunctivitis (pink eye)
● Glaucoma
○ Open-angle glaucoma (chronic)
○ Acute-angle closure (acute)
○ Secondary glaucoma
○ Congenital glaucoma
● Graves Disease
● Endophthalmitis
● Flashes and Floaters
● Macular Puckers
● Diabetic Retinopathy
● Pterygium
● Ptosis
● Retinal Detachment
● Strabismus
Medical Procedures
● Cataract surgery
● Refractive surgery
● Vitreo-retinal surgery
● Cosmetic eyelid surgery
● Ptosis repair
● Orbital Surgery
● Pterygium Excision
● Central Serous Choroidoretinopathy
● Retinal Detachment Surgery
● Intraocular Medication Injections
● Diabetic Retinopathy
● Central Serous Choroidoretinopathy
● Peritnial Retanothopy
● Indocyanine Green (ICG) Angiography
● Retinal Angiography
● Fluorescein Angiography
● Retinal Angiography
● Implantable contact lenses
● Epikeratophakia
● Limbal relaxing incisions
● Corneal transplant surgery
● Anterior vitrectomy
● Pars plana vitrectomy
● Retinal detachment repair
● Pneumatic retinopexy
● Retinal cryopexy
● Retinal cryotherapy
● Partial lamellar sclerouvectomy
● Partial lamellar sclerocyclochoroidectomy
● Partial lamellar sclerochoroidectomy
● Scleral buckle
● Laser photocoagulation
● Macular hole repair
● Posterior sclerotomy
● Canthectomy
● Canthorrhaphy
● Lateral canthotomy
● Epicanthoplasty
● Tarsorrhaphy
● Transposition / repositioning procedures
● Canthal resection
● Canthopexy
If you have an eye complaint, or believe that you need treatment for an issue pertaining to your eyes or vision then please get in touch with us. You can do this via the online contact form or via phone or email. You can also visit our Orbital Surgery Center of Excellence department website for more detailed information about our eye plastic and reconstructive surgical procedures.
La Peer Health Systems Department of Ophthalmology
(855) 360-9119
8920 Wilshire Blvd Suite 101
Beverly Hills, CA 90211
Anatomy of the Eye Page
Cornea – The cornea is the transparent film that covers the iris and pupil.
Conjunctiva – The conjunctiva is a thin membrane on the outside of the eye.
Iris – The iris is the colored portion of the eye. The iris controls the amount of light let into the pupil. When there is an increase of light, the iris contracts and the pupil gets smaller. When it is dark, the iris relaxes and lets more light in.
Pupil – The pupil is the portion of the eye that allows light in. The pupil is located in the middle of the iris and in front of the lens.
Lens – The lens is a structure in the eye that works with the cornea to refract light from the pupil to the retina. The lens is located in the front portion of the eye behind the cornea and pupil.
Vitreous – Vitreous is the fluid that fills the middle of the eye. This fluid is attached to the retina.
Macula – The macula is a small part of the retina located in the middle of the retina near the optic nerve. The macula is what allows you to make out small details, whereas the rest of the retina is your peripheral vision.
Retina – The retina is the tissue at the back of the eye. This tissue is sensitive to light and converts light into impulses for our brain to form into images.
Optic Nerve – The optic nerve is the bundle of nerves at the very back of the eye that transmits the impulses from the retina to the brain.
CONDITIONS PAGE
There are a variety of conditions that can affect the eye, both cosmetic and functional. The doctors at La Peer treat both functional eye conditions along with cosmetic eye concerns. Here is a list of the conditions treated at La Peer:
● Age-related Macular Degeneration – This condition is where the macula deteriorates as a result of the aging process. There is no cure for macular degeneration, but one can slow the progression of the disease. Certain vitamins and minerals have been shown to slow the progression of the disease. It is advisable to visit an ophthalmologist to discuss treatment.
● Cataracts – Cataract is the degeneration and clouding of the lens. Most cataracts are associated with the aging process. The progress of cataract causes vision loss and potential blindness. The symptoms of cataracts are blurry or dim vision. Some people say that objects don’t appear as bright as they once did. The treatment of cataract is to surgically remove the clouded lens and replace it with a clear, artificial one.
● Conjunctivitis – Conjunctivitis is the inflammation of the eye membrane called the conjunctiva. There are a few different types of conjunctivitis including allergic, bacterial, or viral.
○ Allergic conjunctivitis (Eye Allergies) – Allergic conjunctivitis can occur after exposure to pollen, pet dander, smoke, perfume, and sometimes food. The most common treatment for eye allergies is avoidance, eye drops, immunotherapy shots, and antihistamines. It is best to avoid the substances which cause reactions. Clean your home and bedding regularly to cut down on the contact with dust mites and other allergens.
○ Bacterial conjunctivitis (pink eye) – This is a very common condition where the inflammation is caused by bacteria. It is highly contagious and spread through direct contact. The symptoms include red, itchy eyes, or pus. This is easily treated with antibiotic eye drops.
● Diabetic Retinopathy – Diabetic retinopathy is a condition where abnormal blood vessels form on the retina which can leak fluid or close off. This condition is very common among diabetics and often shows no symptoms in the early stages. If this condition is left untreated, it can eventually cause blindness. Symptoms of proliferative retinopathy include blurred vision, spots in vision, vision changes from blurry to clear, deteriorating night vision, change in appearance of colors, or vision loss. There is no cure for this condition, but it can be managed with surgical treatments and medication. It is important to be checked for this condition if you are diabetic. If you are not diabetic, it is important to control your blood sugar regularly.
● Glaucoma – Glaucoma is a condition where the pressure on the optic nerve has increased. The increased intraocular pressure (IOP) is caused when the eye is not properly draining. There are different types of glaucoma:
○ Open-angle glaucoma (chronic) – This is the most common form of glaucoma. This form of glaucoma typically develops slowly over time.
○ Acute-angle closure (acute) – This form of glaucoma is caused by a sudden blockage in eye. The fluid cannot drain properly and builds up and places more pressure on the optic nerve. The symptoms of this are a sudden increase in pressure and pain in the eye. If you are experiencing this, it is very important to see a doctor immediately.
○ Secondary glaucoma – Secondary glaucoma is caused by injury, certain medications, or other eye diseases. If this is the cause of glaucoma, it is important to manage the other conditions to treat the glaucoma.
○ Congenital glaucoma – Congenital glaucoma is present at birth and typically caused by an eye abnormality. The doctors will typically address the problem at an early age.
● Graves Disease – Graves disease is actually a thyroid condition, but it can lead to eye complications. It can cause blurry vision, eye irritation, or push eyeballs out farther than it should. The treatment for Graves disease is medication to regulate thyroid activity or surgery. If the eyes have been extremely affected by the disease, surgery may be used to return the eye position to normal.
● Endophthalmitis- This is a serious condition that involves inflammation or swelling within the eyeball. This is usually caused by infection or bacteria. Symptoms of this include pain, decreased vision, swelling of the eyelids and redness.
● Flashes and Floaters – Floaters are small specks in one’s vision. These are caused by cells floating in the vitreous. Flashes are flashes of light. This occurs when the vitreous pulls on the retina. These are commonly experienced as we age. As we age, the vitreous shrinks and pulls away from the retina. This can cause flashes. It can also occur in those who have had YAG laser treatments on the eyes, are nearsighted, have had cataract surgery, had an eye injury, or swelling of the eye. Flashes can be a symptom of a detached retina. If you are experiencing more flashes and floaters, it is best to see an ophthalmologist to ensure the underlying cause isn’t serious.
● Macular Puckers – When the vitreous shrinks as we age, it can pull on the retina. Sometimes the retina can tear, but it can also tear a tiny bit and heal itself. Scar tissue forms around the torn retina creating a macular pucker.
● Pterygium – This is a non-cancerous, triangle shaped growth that occurs over the white of the eye. The treatment for a pterygium depends on the size. If it becomes large enough, it will have to be surgically removed so it doesn’t cover the cornea.
● Ptosis – Ptosis is when the upper eyelid droops over the eye. This condition can be mild or severe enough to block one’s sight. Ptosis can occur at birth or occur as one ages. Ptosis can be repaired through a surgery called a ptosis repair. It is important to fix ptosis in young children because it can permanently hinder the development of the child’s eyesight.
● Retinal Detachment – The retina is the tissue that converts light into impulses for the brain to decipher. As we age, the vitreous in the center of the eye can shrink and shift. For many, it simply shrinks and moves away from the retina. In others, it can actually pull on the retina so much that the retina can tear, called a macular hole. This fluid can seep behind the retina and detach it from the back of the eye. The symptoms of a detached retina are blurry vision, severe floaters, flashes, decrease in sight, and blindness. The treatment for retinal detachment is surgery.
● Strabismus – Strabismus is the condition where there is a lack of coordination between the movement of the eyes. This condition can be caused by a lack of muscle coordination or the brain is not properly telling the eyes where to move. The treatment for this condition depends on the underlying cause. If the cause is from the ocular muscles, then the muscles can be trained to work together through exercises, glasses, or surgery.
