Evergreen Eye Center Offers Revolutionary New Option to Help Improve Visual Results for Cataract Surgery Patients

FEDERAL WAY, Wash., Aug. 22, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Evergreen Eye Center is the first clinic in Washington to use a revolutionary, new intraoperative device called OptiPlus™ utilizing the ORA System™ Intraoperative Wavefront Aberrometer that provides real-time measurements of the patient's eye during cataract surgery. Robert A. Tester, M.D., Gary W. Chung, M.D., and John S. Jarstad, M.D. of Evergreen Eye Center in Federal Way and South King County are the first surgeons in Washington to use this new groundbreaking technology.

"Nowhere is the old adage of 'measure twice, cut once' more important than during eye surgery. Utilizing the ORA System's OptiPlus test option gives me an added confirmation during surgery that we're using the exact, right, tailor-selected lens implant for that patient's eye," said Dr. Tester. 

Prior to OptiPlus, ophthalmologists were unable to assess the quality of vision during a cataract procedure, and would often have to wait weeks or months after the surgery to determine the accuracy of the procedure and the patient's visual results.  If the patient's visual results were not as accurate as expected, improvements could be made but this usually meant an additional procedure and a trip back to the operating room.

With this new technology, eye surgeons can now evaluate the optical results instantaneously during the actual cataract procedure.  Immediate modifications can then be made, if needed, to obtain the best possible visual outcome for the patient. The key is that the OptiPlus measurement occurs during the cataract procedure – not in the office or after the procedure. It provides real-time verification.

Click Here for photo of the OptiPlus.

"The immediate feedback that I get from OptiPlus is especially useful in cataract patients who are receiving one of the premium lens implants.  For example, we can now correct astigmatism with a lens implant used during cataract surgery.  With OptiPlus, I can be certain that the astigmatism has been treated before the patient leaves the operating room," said Dr. Chung.

"OptiPlus is one of the most exciting new technologies in eye surgery in the last decade.  The ability to fine tune the results of cataract surgery during the operation is a revolutionary breakthrough for eye surgeons and a huge benefit for patient outcomes - we expect more patients to be 20/20 after cataract surgery without eyeglasses than ever before," added Dr. Jarstad.

About Cataracts:

A cataract is a painless clouding of the eye's natural crystalline lens. Cataract surgery involves removing the clouded natural lens of the eye (the cataract) and replacing it with an artificial lens implant. It is the most common surgical procedure in the world with 14 million procedures performed each year.  Cataracts are the leading cause of vision loss in people over the age of 55. Modern cataract eye surgery has a high success rate.  After the removal of a cataract, patients will notice improved visual clarity and more vivid colors.   Many patients also have a decreased dependence on corrective eyewear.

How OptiPlus Works:

OptiPlus™ works by using an instrument that directs a beam of low intensity laser light into the eye during the surgical procedure. The laser light reflects off of the patient's retina, and sensors in the instrument analyze the reflected wave of light exiting the eye. This real-time analysis measures all of the eye's unique optical characteristics, and gives the surgeon an accurate measurement of the eye's focusing capabilities. OptiPlus is the first ever testing option that uses the ORA System™ Intraoperative Wavefront Aberrometer, made by WaveTec^® Vision of Aliso Viejo, CA. WaveTec is the leader in intraoperative wavefront measurement technology for refractive cataract surgeons.

Medical Firsts:

Evergreen Eye Center is no stranger to innovation and medical firsts. It was the first clinic in Washington to perform cataract surgery without stitches in 1990, to use a foldable lens implant in 1989, and to use an acrylic lens in 1995. It was one of the first clinics to perform LASIK in the United States starting in 1998.

About Evergreen Eye Center

Evergreen Eye Center was founded in 1989 by John S. Jarstad, M.D., who had a vision of a state-of-the-art surgery center serving the Pacific Northwest. He envisioned the facility as a recognized center-of-excellence, with a highly advanced surgery center and a knowledgeable and compassionate medical team that would provide a superior level of eye and patient care. Today, over 20 years later that vision has been achieved and Evergreen Eye Center is a leader in vision care with offices in Federal Way, Auburn, Burien, and Enumclaw, Washington. The team of over 80 dedicated and caring professionals and 5 board-certified Ophthalmologists, provide comprehensive eye care from routine exams to highly specialized treatment and surgery.

SOURCE Evergreen Eye Center