Ophthalmology

Providing personalized eye care.

At SSM Health we know every person’s eyes are different.Our doctors carefully examine your eyes and medical history to understand your unique situation and develop a care plan that’s best for you.

Why should I see an ophthalmologist?

Our ophthalmologists are pioneers in corrective eye surgery and treat all conditions that affect the eyes, including cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, corneal disorders, diabetic retinopathy and pediatric eye problems. Using the newest and most advanced techniques, we perform complex treatments including laser vision correction, cataract surgery, and corneal transplants.

We also specialize in oculoplastic surgery to help people with eyelid or tear duct problems - and provide routine eye exams, prescription contacts and eye glasses, and medical-related exams for patients with underlying conditions such as diabetes and hypertension.

Focusing completely on your individual needs, we partner with you and your referring physician to help you achieve optimal vision at every stage of life.

How SSM Health Eye Care ophthalmologist protect your vision:

We use state-of-the-art surgical techniques and treatment options to better serve your vision needs. As a result, we are able to help you achieve the best vision possible.

Our advanced treatment options include:

• Cataract surgery and treatment
  • Including small incision cataract surgery
• Corneal transplants
• Eye muscle surgery
• Laser vision correction options, including:
  • LASIK (laser in-situ keratomileusis)
  • PRK (photorefractive keratectomy)
  • LASEK (laser epithelial keratomileusis)
  • ICL (implantable collamer lenses)
  • CLE (clear lens extraction)

• Eyelid, tear ducts and orbit surgery and disease management
• Glaucoma surgery and treatment
• Intraocular surgery 
• Lens implant surgery
• Oculoplastic surgery
• Retinal and vitreous surgery and treatment
• Treatment of age-related macular degeneration
• Strabismus treatment (pediatric and adult)

Find an eye care specialist near you, and schedule an appointment today. We’ll be happy to discuss your vision needs, so you see the world more clearly through healthy eyes.

What is glaucoma?

Glaucoma is an eye disease that causes damage to the optic nerve, which carries information from the eye to the brain, and can cause gradual permanent vision loss. The majority of patients with glaucoma have increased eye pressure. This increased pressure can damage the optic nerve, and over time this damage can lead to blindness. Glaucoma is the world’s second leading cause of blindness, affecting more than 60 million people.

What are the symptoms of glaucoma?

Unfortunately, the vast majority of patients diagnosed with glaucoma have no symptoms at all. When symptoms are present, they may include:

• Blurry vision
• “Halos” or “floaters” – colored circles or lights
• Eye or head pain
• Nausea or vomiting
• Losing peripheral vision or tunnel vision

How is glaucoma diagnosed?

There are several tests conducted by your eye care provider that help to diagnose glaucoma. Two of these tests measure the eye’s pressure and corneal thickness. In addition, the optic nerve is examined and measured and the peripheral vision is tested.

How is glaucoma treated at SSM Health Eye Care?

SSM Health Eye Care is able to offer a variety of treatment options to suit each individual patient. The goal of all of these treatments is to lower the pressure in the eye. Options include: eye drops, oral medications, laser treatment and traditional surgery.

SSM Health Eye Care proudly offers the latest generation of Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) equipment – improving glaucoma treatment efficiency and accuracy. Non-invasive and non-thermal, SLT creates natural healing responses within the eye. Many times patients can reduce the use of medications and eye drops after SLT therapy.