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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 eyes 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 patients part. Intacs can be removed at any time, which
is convenient in the event a patients 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.
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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Testimonials
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