Physician and opthalmologist — and president of Slocum Dickson Medical Group — discusses light adjustable optic lenses for cataract patients, thyroid eye disease and common eye issues people may face during the winter
By David L. Podos
Q: Are you offering any new modalities in treatment for your patients?
A: Yes, we have brought in a whole new technology in lens platform for cataract surgery. When we do cataract surgery we are removing the lens inside the eye that has become cloudy. So, the main goal of the surgery is to take the cloudy lens out and put a new prostatic lens in. We have a number of different models and types that we can use. Generally, they are plastic or silicone. We apply all of our expertise to get the most accurate measurements possible so we can ensure the best post-op surgery outcomes. However, in addition to our standard lens, we are now offering a new technology called light adjustable optic lens. This lens is extraordinary. Once I put it in, I can adjust and refine the lens (post op surgery), to offer even greater optimization of a patient’s vision. In comparison to our standard lens, the light adjustable lens is like buying a custom-tailored suit versus buying an off-the-rack suit.
Q:. Does the adjustment take a long time and is it painless?
A: It is a painless procedure that we do right here in the office and takes just a few minutes.
Q: How long has this technology been around and are you exclusive in offering this kind of lens to your patients?
A: The FDA approved the lens in 2017. In regard to exclusivity, I am the only medical doctor offering this in the entire Mohawk Valley.
Q: What other eye diseases are you seeing in your patients?
A: This time of year, with winter and now homes using their heating systems, we are seeing patients with dry eye. As humidity drops, tears evaporate faster, dry eye tends to get worse. We also have a number of new advancements regarding to that eye condition as well. We have all the standard drops, but now we have nasal sprays for dry eyes. It might sound odd that the administration of the medicine is done through a nasal spray. Actually, this new medicine, which has only been out for several years, has a high efficacy rate in treating dry eye conditions and many of my patients take to it very well.
Q: Are there any new emerging eye issues that you are seeing or a disease state that you have seen but now are able to offer different treatment options?
A: Yes. One that comes to mind is thyroid eye disease. Thyroid eye disease is a condition where the eyes actually push forward. It can threaten a person’s vision if severe. Traditionally, it is treated anywhere from a one, to a three-stage surgery procedure. Now there is a new chemotherapy agent that reverses this condition quite effectively, which is remarkable. The medicine is called Tepezza. We send patients to our infusion center where they will receive eight infusions across a six-month period. The treatment is highly effective and the patient can avoid up to three surgeries.
Q: How will artificial intelligence impact medicine and specifically your practice?
A: It will have broad implications across all fields of medicine, from diagnostics, to scheduling patients, to patient notes, to billing and coding and that is only a small sample. For my patients with cataracts, it will definitely have an impact on how we calculate lenses and the formulas that estimate the power of those lenses with more accuracy.
Q: Do you have any staff members that are specialists in supporting you and your patients specifically those patients you are seeing for cataracts?
A: Yes, and I am very fortunate that I do. Her name is Megan Dow and she has over 25 years’ experience in the field of ophthalmology. She is an expert in refractive education, guiding the patients through the journey of cataract surgery, educating the patient on what to expect. Additionally, she takes the time to run the calculations and measurements for the lens the patient will use and of course, she follows up, as I do, with the patient post-surgery to be sure the patient is doing well and if they have any questions and or concerns.