Patients with diabetes are at an increased risk of developing eye diseases that can cause vision loss and blindness, such as diabetic retinopathy, cataracts and glaucoma. These and other serious conditions often develop without vision loss or pain, so significant damage maybe done to the eyes by the time the patient notices any symptoms.

For this reason, it is very important for diabetic patients to have their eyes examined once a year. Diagnosing and treating eye disease early can prevent vision loss. It is also important to maintain a steady blood-sugar level, take prescribed medications, follow a healthy diet, exercise regularly and avoid smoking.

Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness and visual impairment in the US, and can affect patients of all ages, many of who do not experience any symptoms and may not be aware that they have the disease. Glaucoma actually refers to a group of diseases that cause damage to the opticnerve as a result of increased pressure within the eye and other factors.

While there is no cure for glaucoma, treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing further damage from occurring through on going care. Most cases of glaucoma can be treated with eye drops, laser or microsurgery. The best treatment for your individual condition depends on the type and severity of the disease, and can be discussed with your doctor.

Did you have an accident involving your eye? Please call our office. We offer same day emergency visits.

Some eye problems are urgent and require immediate medical attention in order to reduce the risk of vision loss and other types of permanent damage. Such problems include eye pain, ocular trauma, flashes and floaters and sudden vision loss.

Cataract Surgery: A cataract is a common condition that causes a clouding of the eye’s natural lens, and affects millions of people each year, including more than half of all Americans over the age of 65. Cloudiness develops as a result of a buildup of protein in the lens and causes a progressive, painless loss of vision.

Patients with cataracts may begin to experience troubling symptoms such as blurred vision, poor night vision,seeing halos and frequent changes in eyeglass prescriptions, which can indicate a need for treatment. Treatment of cataracts is achieved through cataract surgery, which replaces the cloudy lens with an artificial one for clear vision. Cataract surgery is the most commonly performed surgical procedure in the US, and can be performed quickly and easily with a high success rate and minimal risk of complications.

Cataract Surgery Procedure: Cataract surgery is a minimally invasive procedure that involves numbing the eyes with anesthesia and then making a tiny incision into which an ultrasonic probe is inserted. The probe breaks up, or emulsifies, the cloudy lens into tiny pieces and then suctions them out of the eye. Once the cloudy lens has been removed, a new artificial lens is implanted into the eye. This lens is known as an intraocular lens (IOL), and can often be inserted through the same incision that the old lens was removed from.

Surgery usually takes approximately 20 minutes to perform. Patients can return home the very same day, but will need someone to drive them home. Post-operative care includes the use of antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops. Patients are examined on day one, day seven and approximately one month after surgery. Recovery from cataract surgery is usually rapid with minimal discomfort.

CATALYS Laser System: The CATALYS Laser System is an advanced laser designed to administer an extremely gentle cataract surgery that aids recovery time. And, as an advanced technology, it provides an unparalleled level of accuracy andprecision to some of the more challenging steps of cataract surgery.

How does the laser differ from traditional cataractsurgical techniques?

Traditionally, Dr. Mabry uses blades to create incisions for lens treatment and removal. With the CATALYS technique, Dr. Mabry uses computer guided imaging with over 10,000 scans to produce a highly detailed and customized image of your eye. The image is the basis for the treatment plan and laser control to produce incredibly precise incisions instead of manual incisions with blades.

Learn how Dr. Mabry can maximize your visual outcome and get you on the road to being glasses-free. Speak to our surgical staff to discus simple mentation of a treatment plan tailored to your needs with the CATALYS Precision Laser System.

Upper and Lower Blepharoplasty: Several factors such as aging, sundamage, smoking, stretching and obesity can cause the eyelids to droop and sagas the supporting tissues deteriorate. This area is often one of the first todeteriorate, as the skin of the eyelid is thinner than the rest of the face. Eyelids that droop or bulge can cause people to appear much older or fatiguedthan they actually are.

Blepharoplasty can rejuvenate puffy, sagging or tired-looking eyes by removing excess fat, skin and muscle from the upper and lower eyelids. It may be performed for cosmetic reasons or to improve sight by lifting droopy eyelids out of the patient’s field of vision. Blepharoplasty can be performed on the upper and lower eyelids, depending on each patient’s individual condition and goals for surgery.

The procedure can be performed in the office, but most people are more comfortable in the operating room where they can receive extra sedation and narcotics during the surgery. Incisions are made along the eyelid crease for the upper lids and just below the lashes on the lower lids. Dr. Mabry removes excess tissue through these incisions and then dissolvable sutures are used to close the incisions. The sutures dissolve in approximately one week. Most people experience bruising and swelling which can last for several weeks. Fortunately, the surgery is not painful and most people resume their normal activities within a few days.

We invite you to visit Premier Eyewear in Chattanooga,

Premier Eyewear is a full service optical dispensary dedicated to providing convenient, quality eyewear products and services. Our opticians are especially trained to help you choose a frame that is flattering and fits your lifestyle and expectations.

Premier Eyewear offers hundreds of stylish frames that reflect the latest fashion trends from designer lines. Looking for something more utilitarian? The Premier Eyewear optical department has a complete line of quality frames that are stylish for the budget conscious. In addition, we can prescribe eyewear that is “task specific” – glasses that can make your job or sport seem easier.

Some of the brands we carry include:

*GANT
*VERA BRADLEY
*COACH
*LINE ART
*TURA
*RAY BANS
*EASY CLIP
*GUESS
*TRES JOLIE
*TOMS
*WILEY X
*DIANE VON FURSTENBURG
*CANDIES
*& MANY MORE

Sunglasses: Premier Eyewear stocks a large selection of designer sunglasses, including sport, polarized, fashion and prescription sunglasses. We only stock high quality sunglasses with full UV protection to help protect the eyes from harmful UV light.

Lenses for Your Glasses: Premier Eyewear offers the latest technology in lens options. We pride ourselves on providing a customized pair of glasses for each patient that will address their visual needs. Some of the lenses available include:

Anti-reflective lenses – improve night vision, reduce glare from computer screens and fluorescent lights, oncoming car lights, improve visibility in fog and rain, make lenses look invisible.

Transitions lenses – automatically change into sunglasses upon exposure to the sun.

Hi-Index lenses – thinner and lighter lens design which provides better appearance and a higher optical quality of vision.

Polycarbonate – impact resistant lenses, perfect for children and safety lenses.

New technology lenses – wave-front designed progressive lenses providing crisp, clear vision at all distances for our patients needing bifocals.

Polarized Sun lenses – block scattered rays of light to increase contrast and depth perception. Ideal for driving, fishing, golf, and all outdoor activities.