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Refractive Procedures
·LASIK ·RK
·LASEK ·ICL
·PRK ·Intacts
·CLE ·Presbyopia
·CK  
 
Genral Ophthalmology
·Complete Eye Examinations  
·Cataract Management  
·Glaucoma  
·Diabetic Eye Care  
·Pediatric Care  
·Full Optical/Contact Lens Service  

Refractive Procedures

LASIK
Laser assisted in-situ Keratomileusis is a procedure used to treat nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. During this procedure, patients are given numbing drops and a flap is created on the superficial layer of the cornea with an instrument called a microkeratome. The excimer laser is then used to gently reshape the exposed surface of the eye and the flap is returned to its original position. The laser spends a matter of seconds sculpting the eye and many patients notice an improvement in their vision as they exit the surgical suite.

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LASEK
Laser Epithelial Keratomileusis is an alternative for patients who are not good LASIK candidates. It was developed to reduce the chance of complications that can occur when a flap is created on patients who does not have the ideal corneal thickness and diameter because the cornea is too thin or too flat. During LASEK, the epithelium, skin surface of the eye, is removed in its entirety by loosening it with an alcohol solution. The laser treatment is applied to the eye and the epithelial tissue is gently returned to its original position.

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PRK
Photorefractive Keratectomy is another alternative for patients who are not good LASIK candidates. During PRK, the surgeon does not create the epithelial flap but instead applies the laser treatment directly on the eye. During this process, the surgeon is able to gently sculpt the eye, but removes and discards the epithelial tissue completely. After the procedure, the patients wear a contact lens as a bandage until the eye has healed and the epithelial tissue has regenerated.

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CLE
Clear Lensectomy is used for patients who are not good candidates for laser surgery and have a high degree of hyperopia (farsightedness). During this surgical procedure, the natural crystalline lens inside the eye is removed and a permanent artificial lens is implanted. Patients are given a local anesthetic and remain awake during the procedure. Each eye undergoes the procedure about a week apart. Most people return to work and driving within one week after both eyes have been corrected. This procedure is identical to modern cataract surgery and patients who undergoing CLE will never need cataract surgery.

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CK
Conductive Keratoplasty changes how the eye focuses light by reshaping the cornea to treat farsightedness. During CK, the corneal tissue heats up and shrinks when radio frequency energy is applied. The cornea is steepened (reshaped) thus reducing farsightedness. Patients are given a topical anesthetic to make the procedure painless and usually can go back to work the next day.

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RK/AK
Radial Keratotomy/ Astigmatic Keratotomy was the first refractive procedure offered to myopic (nearsighted) patients. During this procedure, the surgeon would make a series of tiny incisions from the outside edge of the cornea in toward the center. The incision tends to flatten the cornea whose steepness is causing the myopic condition.

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ICL
Implantable Contact Lenses are still in the investigational phase of development as required by the FDA. It is possible that ICLs will be able to correct almost any type of refractive error. During this procedure, a thin intraocular lens will be positioned over the eye’s natural lens. It has not yet been determined if this lens will be positioned in front of or behind the iris. We view this procedure as being an excellent alternative for those who are not ideal candidates for LASIK as a result of extreme nearsightedness or farsightedness.

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INTACS
Intacs are tiny rings placed in the cornea to reshape the corneal curvature of the eye. They are so small that some believe they are less obvious than contact lenses in the eye, and cannot be felt by the patient. Even more enticing is the lack of maintenance on the patient’s part. Intacs can be removed at any time, which is convenient in the event a patient’s prescription changes, because they can be replaced.

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A NOTE ON PRESBYOPIA
The normal process of aging causes the lens of the eye to become less able to focus, which leads to the loss of the ability to see near objects clearly while wearing a full-distance prescription. At this time, refractive surgery cannot treat this condition, which will affect everyone over the age of 40 to 45. Currently, the FDA is in the process of approving a procedure that will eliminate the need for reading glasses due to presbyopia.

General Ophthalmology

Complete Eye Examinations
We offer routine examinations for vision problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. Our complete examination is both vision and health oriented and we perform diagnostic testing and evaluation for a full range of ophthalmic conditions.

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Cataract Management
Cataract is a distortion or loss in transparency of the lens of the eye. Although this is a painless condition, it can interfere with the light entering the eye and cause blurred vision, as well as glare and haloes. Surgery can be preformed which replaces the patient's natural clouded lens with a clear plastic lens; restoring vision. Dr. Kent offers a complimentary evaluation for patients who believe they may have cataracts as well as complete management, from the initial evaluation to surgery and post-operative care.

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Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness. It is caused by a build-up of pressure in the eye creating slow, gradual loss of optic nerve functioning. Symptoms for glaucoma are usually absent which makes this condition even more dangerous because patients are usually unaware it is going on. Dr. Kent provides a complimentary evaluation as well as treatment and long-term care for those with this condition.

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Diabetic Eye Care
As a medical doctor specializing in the eye, Dr. Kent offers solutions and treatment to patients who have diabetes in order to manage his or her condition and provide on-going evaluations.

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Pediatric Care
We offer care throughout the lifespan, beginning with infants. Eye care services include diagnostic testing and surgical procedures, we provide complete eye care to children of all ages.

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Full Optical/ Contact Lens Service
In both our Boise and our Caldwell locations, we have a full service optical shop. Our opticians will help you chose a style that both enhances your features and provides the best fit for added comfort. We have a wide range of frames and sunglasses to chose from including Vogue, Revo, Ray Ban, Fossil, and many more. We offer the best eye care possible with the added convenience of a great selection of glasses right here in our office. Our optical departments are managed by opticians who have been certified by the American Board of Opticianry, with 20 years of experience in both locations.

 

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