Semel Vision Care and Aesthetics

Products And Services

• Eye Exams

  Regular eye exams are an invaluable tool in maintaining eye health by detecting and preventing disease. Some diseases, such as glaucoma, develop gradually without causing pain or vision loss, so patients may not notice that anything is wrong until significant and irreversible damage has been done. Early detection of eye diseases can allow for a choice of treatment options and reduced risk of permanent damage. Who Should Get An Eye Exam? Patients should see their doctor for a comprehensive eye exam every one to three years, depending on their age, risk of disease and overall physical condition. Children should have regular tests to ensure the proper development of their vision and prevent any interference with their academic achievements. Older adults are often at a higher risk for eye conditions such as glaucoma, macular degeneration and cataracts. Even if your eyes are healthy, you should still have a regular eye exam to detect any problems as soon as possible and begin necessary treatment. What Happens During An Eye Exam? An eye exam is different from a vision screening, which only tests vision and is commonly performed by a school nurse, pediatrician or other health care provider. Only your eye doctor can perform a comprehensive eye exam to evaluate the overall health of the eye and detect any changes that may indicate a vision disorder. During a routine eye exam, your doctor will evaluate your eyes for refractive errors, as well as common conditions such as: Amblyopia Glaucoma Diabetic eye disease Presbyopia Strabismus This is done through a series of eye tests that examine all aspects of the eye, including a visual field test, dilation, glaucoma test, slit-lamp examination, cover test, retinoscopy and refraction. These tests can all be performed in your doctor’s office and are safe for all patients. After completing the comprehensive exam and coming to an accurate diagnosis, your doctor will develop a treatment plan based on the findings of the exam. This treatment plan usually includes a prescription for eyeglasses or contact lenses, medication, vision therapy, eye vitamins, vision supplements or surgery for serious conditions. Common Eye Conditions The most common eye conditions diagnosed during a comprehensive eye exam involve refractive errors that cause blurry vision for patients. These conditions affect millions of people in the US and often get progressively worse as patients age. Fortunately, refractive errors can be easily treated to let patients enjoy clear vision at all distances. Nearsightedness (Myopia) Nearsightedness, or myopia, is a vision condition in which nearby objects are clear and distant objects appear blurry. This may be caused by excess corneal curvature or an oblong rather than a spherical shape to the eye, both of which affect the way light is bent upon entering the eye and whether or not it focuses properly on the retina. Myopia affects nearly one-third of all people in the US to some degree, with symptoms usually appearing before the age of 20. Patients with myopia have difficulty focusing on objects in the distance, such as a chalkboard or TV. Farsightedness (Hyperopia) Farsightedness, or hyperopia, is a condition in which the eye focuses on distant objects better than on objects closer to the eye, so nearby objects appear blurry. This happens when light rays refract, or bend, incorrectly in the eye. The eye is designed to focus images directly on the surface of the retina, but when the cornea is incorrectly curved light rays focus behind the surface, producing a blurry image. Astigmatism Astigmatism occurs when the cornea is curved slightly in one direction, causing blurred vision. While the cornea usually refracts to focus light on the retina, some of the light focuses in front of or behind the retina in patients with astigmatism. In addition to blurry vision, patients with astigmatism may also experience headaches, eye strain and fatigue. The severity of symptoms depends on the degree of astigmatism in the eyes. All of these vision conditions can be effectively corrected through eyeglasses and contact lenses. Eyewear may be used during certain activities, such as watching television or driving, or at all times. At our practice, we offer patients a wide selection of eyeglass frames, lenses and contact lenses in our Optical Shop. We also have a full service lab to prepare the lenses for patients while they wait.

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• Refractive Surgery

  LASIK LASIK improves vision safely and precisely by reshaping the cornea to correct nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia) and astigmatism. Vision improves within minutes, and most patients eventually enjoy 20/20 vision or better after treatment. Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) PRK or photorefractive keratectomy is one of the safest and most time-tested laser vision correction procedures available. Before LASIK, PRK was the most common refractive surgery procedure. Like LASIK, it reshapes the cornea to improve vision. PRK is now used mainly for patients with large pupils or thin corneas.

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• Laser 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. Cataracts cause a progressive, painless loss of vision. The lens clouds naturally as we age, causing people over the age of 65 to see a gradual reduction of vision. However, cataracts are not considered part of the natural aging process and are a serious condition that requires prompt medical attention. The exact cause of cataracts is unknown, although it may be a result of injury, certain medications, illnesses (such as diabetes), prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light and smoking. Diagnosing Cataracts Your doctor may perform a series of tests in order to diagnose a cataract. A dilated eye exam will be performed to test the vision and to examine the condition of the lens and other parts of the eye. Your doctor may also perform tonometry, a procedure that measures the pressure in the eye. Symptoms Of Cataracts Patients with cataracts often do not experience any symptoms when the condition first develops. Cataracts will continue to progress with no apparent pain, although patients may experience: Blurred or hazy vision Double vision Poor vision in bright light Seeing halos around lights Poor vision at night Yellowish tinged vision Frequent changes in eyeglasses or contact lens prescription Treatment Of Cataracts If visual impairment begins to interfere with your ability to read, work or do the things you enjoy, you may want to consider cataract surgery to restore your vision. Cataract surgery is the most commonly performed surgical procedure in the US, and can be performed quickly and easily with a success rate of over 90 percent and a minimal risk of complications. After the cloudy lens has been removed, a new artificial lens, or IOL, is implanted in the eye. We utilize state of the art techniques to remove cataracts, and offer several choices in modern intraocular lens implant technology. Dr Semel will recommend the best implant and procedure for you based on your lifestyle preferences. Catalys Precision Laser System Dr Semel uses the Catalys Precision Laser System to remove cataracts more safely and to improve vision without glasses after cataract surgery. While traditional methods to remove cataracts are safe and highly successful, the laser adds additional precision and refinement to the procedure. With the laser approach to cataract surgery, the surgeon creates a precise surgical plan with a sophisticated 3-D image of the eye called an OCT (optical coherence tomography). Laser can optimize the cataract incision to a specific location, depth and length in all planes, minimizing wound complications. Laser can also optimize capsulotomy, where the front portion of the lens capsule, a very thin and very clear tissue surrounding the natural lens, is removed to gain access to the lens for its gentle removal. The laser, by softening the cataract and breaking it up into smaller segments, uses less energy making the procedure safer and reducing complications. Finally the laser can reshape the cornea to correct for astigmatism resulting in improved and customized vision after the procedure. Multifocal Lens Implants We offer the choice of several different FDA approved lens implant options to reduce your dependency on spectacles. If you are a candidate, Dr Semel can discuss with you the pros and cons of the Tecnis Symfony and Tecnis Multifocal lenses, each of which can be tailored to your lifestyle preference to enhance your functionality.

  Link: Laser Cataract Surgery

• Glaucoma

  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 optic nerve as a result of increased pressure within the eye, but can also be caused by a severe eye infection, injury, blocked blood vessels or inflammatory conditions of the eye. There are two main types of glaucoma, open-angle and angle-closure. Open-angle glaucoma is the most common type of glaucoma and involves fluid in the eye not draining properly through the trabecular meshwork. Angle-closure glaucoma involves a sudden buildup of pressure in the eye and poor drainage because the angle between the iris and the cornea is too narrow. Many patients do not experience any symptoms during the early stages of glaucoma, including no pain and no vision loss. This makes it difficult for many patients to know if they have the disease. But as glaucoma progresses, patients may experience a loss of peripheral or side vision, along with sudden eye pain, headache, blurred vision or the appearance of halos around lights. Diagnosing Glaucoma While some patients may experience symptoms from glaucoma as the disease progresses, others do not learn they have the condition until they undergo a routine eye exam. There are several different exams performed to diagnose glaucoma, including a visual field and visual acuity test. These tests measure peripheral vision and how well patients can see at various distances. Other tests may also be performed, such as tonometry to measure the pressure inside the eye and pachymetry to measure the thickness of the cornea. Treatment For Glaucoma Once glaucoma has been diagnosed, treatment should begin as soon as possible to help minimize the risk of permanent vision loss. There is no cure for glaucoma, so treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing further damage from occurring. Most cases of glaucoma can be treated with eye drops, laser surgery or microsurgery. The best treatment for your individual case depends on the type and severity of the disease, and can be discussed with your doctor. While some cases of glaucoma can be treated with medications, others require laser or traditional surgery to lower eye pressure. Common surgeries include: Laser Peripheral Iridotomy (LPI) For patients with narrow-angle glaucoma. A small hole is made in the iris to increase the angle between the iris and cornea and encourage fluid drainage. Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) For patients with primary open angle glaucoma (POAG). The trabecular passages are opened to increase fluid drainage. SLT is effective in about 85% of patients, and may be repeated. Filtering Microsurgery (Trabeculectomy) For patients who have not been helped with laser surgery or medications. A new drainage passage is created by cutting a small hole in the sclera (the white part of the eye) and creating a collection pouch between the sclera and conjunctiva (the outer covering of the eye). Tube Shunt Surgery May be recommended for patients with neovascular glaucoma, failed trabeculectomy, or susceptibility to developing scar tissue. A thin, flexible tube (a shunt) with a silicone pouch is inserted in the eye to facilitate drainage.

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• Common Eye Conditions

  Macular Degeneration Macular degeneration is the number-one cause of blindness in the United States. It occurs when the macula — a part of the retina in the back of the eye that ensures that our vision is clear and sharp — degrades or “degenerates”, causing a progressive loss of vision. While there is no cure for macular degeneration, there are many treatment options available to help preserve vision, as well as several ongoing investigations to develop more effective techniques. Treatment for dry macular degeneration may include anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory treatment and control of dyslipidemias, while wet macular degeneration can be maintained through similar techniques as well as intraocular injections of certain medications known as VEGF inhibitors. Because vision lost to the disease is irrecoverable, regular eye exams are highly recommended. Certain vitamins and minerals may also aid in slowing or preventing vision loss. Symptoms often associated with macular degeneration include: A gradual loss of ability to see objects clearly A gradual loss of color vision Distorted vision A dark or empty area appearing in the center of vision Retinal Detachment The retina is the place in the back of the eye where light rays are focused and transmitted to the brain. It consists of layers of nerve fibers. If these layers separate, or detach, significant and swift vision loss can occur. Retinal detachment therefore requires immediate medical treatment. The exact procedure used varies depending on the patient’s condition and the type of detachment suffered. The most common form of retinal detachment occurs when fluid seeps through leaks in the retina’s sensory layer. This is often caused by injury, eye surgery, or nearsightedness. More rarely, disease-related swelling or bleeding causes fluid to seep beneath all layers and push the entire retina away from the eye wall. Retinal detachment may also result from friction against vitreous or scar tissue, which occurs most frequently in patients with diabetes. Signs of retinal detachment include light flashes and floaters, wavy or watery vision, the appearance of a veil or curtain obstructing vision, or a sudden drop in vision quality. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately. Early treatment is essential to maintain and restore vision quality. Dry Eye Dry eye is the term for when your eyes are insufficiently moisturized, either because they do not produce enough tears or because the tears have an improper chemical composition. It often occurs during the natural aging process, but it can also form as a result of eyelid or blinking problems, certain medications (antihistamines, oral contraceptives, antidepressants), climate (low humidity, wind, dust), injury, and various health problems (arthritis, Sjogren’s syndrome). In addition to being uncomfortable, dry eye can damage eye tissue, scar the cornea and impair vision. Dry eye is not preventable, but it can be controlled before harm is done to your eyes. Regular eye exams can detect dry eye early, even before symptoms become noticeable. Symptoms include: Irritated, scratchy, dry, uncomfortable or red eyes A burning sensation or feeling of something foreign in your eyes Blurred vision Treatment for dry eye can take many forms, depending on the cause of the condition.. Non-surgical methods include blinking exercises, increasing humidity at home or work, and use of artificial tears or moisturizing ointment. Prescription eye drops called Restasis® are also available from Dr. Semel to increase tear production and more sufficiently moisturize the eyes, while certain nutritional supplements, such as omega-3 fatty acids, may help to relieve dry eye symptoms. If these methods fail, small plugs may be inserted in the corners of the eyes to limit tear drainage, or the drainage tubes in the eyes may be surgically closed. Diabetic Eye Diseases 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 may be done to the eyes by the time the patient notices any symptoms. For this reason it is very important for diabetic patients to have a dilated eye exam 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.

  Link: Common Eye Conditions

• Cosmetic Treatments

  Janae Brand, President of SkinSultant Management, has a reputation for being an innovator in the medspa and beauty industry. Her ongoing successful endeavors in this burgeoning field for the past 20 years demonstrate not only her in-depth knowledge of the cosmeceutical industry, but also her ability to perceive an emerging trend and to act on it before others. BOTOX® Cosmetic & Fillers When you smile, laugh, frown, or look puzzled, you contract the muscles of your face. Over time, these contractions produce permanent furrows and deep wrinkles in the skin, especially around the eyes and mouth, between the eyebrows, and on the forehead. Skin Care Treatments Laser Skin Rejuvenation » Cosmetic Skin Care »

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• Optical Shop

  In addition to the comprehensive ophthalmology services provided at Semel Vision Care & Aesthetics, our practice also features an optical shop with a wide array of eyeglass frames and contact lenses to suit every budget. We offer patients frames from many elite designers, as well as stylish yet affordable alternatives. We also carry a full line of frames for children and teens. Our convenient onsite location also eliminates the hassle of having to take your prescription to another location in order to fill your vision correction needs. In addition to eyeglasses and contact lenses, we also provide sunglasses, sports glasses, goggles and other forms of safety and athletic eyewear. When visiting our optical shop, patients will be seen by one of our experienced optometrists, who will help you decide which type of glasses or contacts are best for you. Once you make your decision, the optometrist will fit you for your chosen frames or contacts to ensure that you receive the best possible results from your vision correction from a practice you trust. To learn more about our optical shop, call us today at 310.641.1700 or stop in to see the wide array of products we currently offer. Contact Lens Fitting Thanks to advances in optical technology, almost everyone can now wear contact lenses, regardless of the type or extent of their vision problems. Unlike glasses, contact lenses move with your eyes so you can enjoy a larger field of vision with fewer distortions. You also don’t have to deal with frames hovering in your peripheral vision or external lenses that fog up on cold days or get wet in the rain. There are many different kinds of contacts, including rigid and flexible, extended wear, disposable and planned replacement lenses. Some can be made as bifocals or in different colors. After a thorough eye exam and consultation with an experienced physician, patients who qualify for contact lenses can discuss which type is right for them. Once the most appropriate type of lenses have been chosen, additional customization is required through our lens fitting services. As each person’s eye is a different size and shape, so are the contact lenses that cover it. In order to achieve optimal levels of vision correction and comfort, patients must be fitted for contact lenses so that your doctor can prescribe the right kind for your individual eyes. Contact lens fitting is done by measuring the corneal diameter and curvature to ensure centered and stable vision. This is done with an instrument called a keratometer, which is a machine like a digital camera that measures the curvature of the cornea and produces K-readings. Additional measurements, known as corneal topography, are also taken to create a map of the eye and determine the best fit. Bifocal Contact Lenses Bifocal contact lenses are an advanced type of lenses ideal for patients suffering from nearsightedness as well as presbyopia, a natural change to the eyes that occurs around the age of 40 and affects near vision. They provide clear, customized vision at all distances, eliminating the need for glasses without surgery. These lenses are available in soft materials, rigid gas permeable, or a new silicone hydrogel material, which allows more oxygen to reach the cornea. There are also several vision correction options for these lenses, which may include alternating lenses (similar to bifocal glasses), concentric lenses (alternating circles of near and distance correction), or aspheric lenses (blended vision correction similar to progressive eyeglasses). The best type of lenses can vary depending on the preference and specific needs of the patient.

  Link: Optical Shop