For decades, people with poor eyesight had to settle for improved vision with the assistance of glasses or contacts. But in the last decade, technology advancements in eye care have opened an incredible new world of options for people of every age with eye issues.
According to Dr. Joshua Frenkel of Evergreen Eye Care Center, “Advancements in lens technology have allowed us to provide high-quality vision that we can really fit to a patient’s lifestyle. One recent jump in technology is the Light Adjustable Lens (LAL), which has been a game changer.” Previously, surgeons had to rely on formulas that were an estimate of the power needed to correct vision. Since every person heals differently, the outcome can be somewhat unpredictable. LAL’s allow surgeons to change the prescription in your new lens after the surgery through a special light delivery device, effectively customizing it for each individual patient’s needs and wants.
People ages 20-40 with eye issues, whether nearsighted, farsighted or astigmatism, have treatment options.
Many are candidates for LASIK, and most of those who aren’t good candidates for LASIK are candidates for an Implantable Contact Lens (ICL). “I am so passionate about the new technologies,” said Frenkel, selected as a 2022 Castle Connelly “Rising Star” award winner. “At Evergreen we continue to add the newest advancements in our clinics.”
A benefit for patients ages 40-60 who select Refractive Lens Exchange, RLE, is they will never develop a cataract. This is the only procedure that will prevent cataracts from forming. Doctors remove your natural lens before it becomes a cataract. “The technology is really improving in RLE making it a great option for this age group,” said Frenkel.
Older patients may already be suffering from cataract symptoms, a condition related to changes in your natural lens that often begin to surface after the age of 50. These patients can now also select from new artificial lens technologies.
Evergreen Eye Center has locations in Tacoma, Auburn, Federal Way, Burien, and Seattle.
For Additional Information
Evergreen Eye Center
evergreeneye.org
BY LYNN CASTLE