A cataract is a clouding of the normally clear lens of the eye.  It is often compared to looking through a frosty window.  Cataracts are a common problem and are usually a result of the aging process.  Many patients, however, can develop cataracts at an early age, often related to their genetic history, certain illnesses, or even medications.  Therefore any  change in your vision should be reviewed for the possibility of a cataract.  Surgery is the only way a cataract can be removed.  Cataract surgery is one of the most successful operations in all of medicine.  During cataract surgery, which is usually preformed under a local of topical anesthesia as an out patient procedure, the cloudy lens is removed by replacing it with a permanent intra ocular lens implant.  this procedure is performed on an outpatient basis at the Oregon Trail Eye Surgery Center, located at 329 West 49th Street, Scottsbluff, NE  67361.

Glaucoma is a disease of the optic nerve, which is the part of the eye that carries the images we see to the brain.  The optic nerve is made up of many nerve fibers.  When pressure inside the eye increases, damage to the optic nerve fibers may occur, causing blind spots to develop.  Glaucoma is caused when the fluid within the eye does not drain adequately.  The result maybe a gradual or sudden build-up of fluid pressure within the eye, causing damage to the optic nerve and loss of sight.  Treatment for glaucoma may be medical or surgical, as fluid pressure may be controlled with medications in some patients, but may require surgery.  Although glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness, with prompt diagnosis, careful monitoring and treatment, vision loss due to glaucoma is largely preventable.

The cornea is the front window of your eye.  Light passes through the clear cornea on it's way through the lens to the retina.  It helps focus light to create the images we see.  Like any window, if the cornea is not smooth and clear, the image you see through it suffers.  The cornea can be damaged by scarring, by injury, by infection, or can be damaged in the course of eye surgery.   Irregular corneas can also be genetic.  Serious corneal conditions that cannot be relieved by medical treatment or speciality contact lenses may require a corneal transplant.  In this procedure the damaged cornea is carefully removed and a donor cornea is sewn into place.  Corneal transplants are the most successful  of all organ transplants.  This surgery is typically done on an outpatient basis under local or general anesthesia.

Strabismus is a misalignment of the eyes that prevents the eyes from focussing simultaneously on a single point.  This condition is often the result of eye muscle problems and can cause symptoms such as headaches, blurred vision, eye strain, and difficulties with concentration.  Many people do not realize that these symptoms could be caused by problems with their eye muscles and can be treated if diagnosed properly.  If you suspect any of these symptoms, please ask our doctors for diagnoses and eye treatment options including muscle surgery.

The retina of the eye is comparable to the film of a camera.  The image on it by the lens is the image you will see.  A variety of retinal disorders can cause the picture to suffer or be lost.  Dr. Martin of our staff specializes in Retinal and Vitreous Surgery.  Retinal tears and detachments, if not treated properly, only lead to permanent impairment or loss of vision.  Chances of retinal tearing and detachment are increased by nearsightedness, glaucoma, cataract surgery, and prior injuries to the retina.  Genetics can influence this situation as well.  Retinal tears without detachment can usually be treated in our offices without surgery.  Some tears may require observation only.  Detachments are more serious  and generally must be repaired surgically.  There are various surgical procedures available and an ophthalmic consultation is required to determine the most appropriate course of treatment.

If you have diabetes, your body does not use and store sugar properly.  High blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels in the retina.  The damage to retinal vessels is referred to as diabetic retinopathy.  With early diagnosis and treatment, most people with  this condition can be successfully treated and avoid serious vision problems.  Laser surgery is often recommended to seal leaking  vessels and to prevent or slow the growth of new ones.  People with diabetes should schedule eye examinations at least once a year.

The macula is the small area in the retina at the back of the eye that allows you to see fine details and is responsible for central vision and color.  Macular degeneration is the breakdown of the macula and is the lead cause of vision loss among people over the age of 65.  There are different kinds of macular problems but the most common is age-related macular degeneration.  Exactly why it develops is not known and no treatment has been uniformly effective.  In some cases, that are diagnoses early, laser treatment may be effective.  In other instances drugs and nutritional supplements me be helpful.

Good eye health includes healthy eyes and healthy eyelids.  Common eyelid problems include droopy eyelids, eyelids that turn inward or outward, or excess eyelid skin.  These problems can effect appearance, limit vision, and cause eye discomfort.  These conditions are normally a result of the aging process of injury.  Fortunately these problems can be corrected with surgery.

A laser is used to precisely coagulate, cut or dissolve certain eye tissue, by emitting a narrow uniform beam of light projected through a microscope.  Because of its many advantages including precision, safety and lower costs, laser surgery is often used to treat various eye diseases such as: macular degeneration, glaucoma, retinal tears and diabetic retinopathy.