Provided Services

Medical Retina

Retinal Tear

Medical Retina Mineola Retinal tears commonly occur when there is traction on the retina by the vitreous gel inside the eye. In a child’s eye, the vitreous has an egg-white consistency and is firmly attached to certain areas of the retina. Over time, the vitreous gradually becomes thinner, more liquid and separates from the retina. This is known as a posterior vitreous detachment (PVD).

PVD's are typically harmless and cause floaters in the eye; but in some cases, the traction on the retina may create a tear. Retinal tears frequently lead to detachments as fluids seep underneath the retina, causing it to separate and detach.

Retinal Detachment

Medical Retina Mineola A retinal detachment occurs when the retina’s sensory and pigment layers separate. Because it can cause devastating damage to the vision if left untreated, retinal detachment is considered an ocular emergency that requires immediate medical attention and surgery. It is a problem that occurs most frequently in the middle-aged and elderly.

There are three types of retinal detachments. The most common type occurs when there is a break in the sensory layer of the retina, and fluid seeps underneath, causing the layers of the retina to separate. Those who are very nearsighted, have undergone eye surgery, or have experienced a serious eye injury are at greater risk for this type of detachment. Nearsighted people are more susceptible because their eyes are longer than average from front to back, causing the retina to be thinner and more fragile.

Refractive Surgery

$Refractive Surgery Mineola$ Many individuals have turned to refractive surgery to eliminate the need for eyeglasses and contact lenses. Radial keratotomy is the procedure in which a knife is used to make radial spokes in the cornea surface. This procedure is only effective in individuals with low degrees of astigmatism and myopia (nearsightedness) and is therefore seldom utilized. LASIK, which is a form of laser vision correction, is now the recognized standard of care for refractive surgery in the US today.

With the advent of laser technology, vision correction has entered a new era. Today, laser vision correction is recognized as the most important development since the introduction of contact lenses over three decades ago. Correction of nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism with the excimer laser is the most technologically advanced method available to reduce your dependence on glasses and contact lenses. This exciting technology uses a cool laser beam of light to gently reshape the front surface of your eye. Over one million laser vision correction procedures have been performed, in 52 countries around the world, for more than a decade.

Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration is the physical disturbance of the center of the retina known as the macula. The macula is the part of the retina, which enables acute and detailed vision. The macula is used for reading, driving, recognizing faces, and watching television. Macular degeneration is the leading cause of legal blindness in people over age 55. Surgery to remove the scar produced by macular degeneration has been successful in younger patients, but less successful in older patients.

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Dry Eye Syndrome

Tears serve to lubricate the eye and they are produced around the clock, but when insufficient moisture is produced stinging, burning, scratchiness and other symptoms are experienced and may be referred to as Dry Eye, Keratitis Sicca, Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (KCS) or Xerophthalmia.

About 10 million Americans suffer from dry eye syndrome. Most of these cases result from normal aging of the glands in the eye, but dry eye can occur at any age. People suffering from allergies and those wearing contact lenses have a greater risk of developing dry eye.

Dry eye cannot be cured, but your eyes' sensitivity can be lessened and measures taken so your eyes remain healthy. The most frequent method of treatment is the use of artificial tears or tear substitutes. For more severe dry eye, ointment can be used, typically at bedtime. In some cases, small plugs may be inserted in the corner of the eyelids to slow drainage and loss of tears.

To keep dry eye symptoms in check, you and Dr. Bacotti need to work together. Follow instructions carefully. If you have increased dryness or redness that is not relieved by the prescribed treatment, let Dr. Bacotti know as soon as possible.

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Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic Retinopathy Treatment Mineola Long-term, uncontrolled diabetes can cause progressive damage to the eye's retina, resulting in vision loss.

In its early stages, diabetic retinopathy is painless and often produces no symptoms. If this non-proliferative or background retinopathy leads to macular edema, you may notice a gradual blurring of your vision. Reading and other close work may become more difficult.

If the abnormal blood vessels bleed, vision may become spotty, hazy, or disappear completely.

But because diabetic retinopathy often causes no symptoms, even in advanced cases, it is very important to have a yearly dilated eye exam.

The disease can be treated and vision loss prevented, if diagnosed early enough.

Dr. Bacotti can tell you if you show signs of diabetic eye disease by looking at the inside of the eye with a special instrument called an ophthalmoscope.

To better see inside the eye, we may dilate (widen) your pupil with eye drops. Your eyes will be more sensitive to light for a brief time after a dilated eye exam, so bring sunglasses to your exam or have someone drive you home.

Routine Eye Exams

Routine Eye Exams Mineola Our office is equipped with the latest technology in diagnostic and examination equipment. This allows us to provide our patients with the most thorough, comprehensive eye examinations available.

We thoroughly check the internal and external health of your eyes including tests for cataracts and glaucoma. Dr. Bacotti also checks for the presence of corneal disorders and will examine the retina to ensure proper health and continued good vision.