 Konan
Specular Microscope
Screening your corneal endothelial cell
count.
Dakota Eye Care would like to take the
opportunity to introduce its newest piece of
technology, the Konan Specular Microscope. As
one of the market leaders and gold standards for
specular microscopy, Konan has created an
instrument that is simple and easy to use and
also very informational for both doctor and
patient. The procedure to evaluate the
endothelium of your cornea is non-invasive,
totally free of any discomfort, and extremely
quick. The microscope captures an image of your
endothelium and allows the doctor to analyze the
appearance of the cells. If the screening
indicates early endothelial cell damage, a more
detailed examination of the endothelium may be
indicated to provide the best possible
treatment.
Should you get screened?
Your cornea is your window to the world. It is
the clear outer layer of the eye and is the most
important focusing element of the visual system.
The corneal structure consists of several layers
and keeping these layers healthy is necessary to
maintain clear vision. Patients at risk for
endothelial cell damage include contact lens
wearers, patients about to undergo intraocular
surgery, patients with previously diagnosed eye
diseases such as glaucoma or Fuch’s Endothelial
Dystrophy, and patients with other risk factors
determined by the doctor.
What causes corneal endothelial damage?
There are many factors that can damage the cells
on the cornea. Eye injuries, certain diseases
such as diabetes and glaucoma, and eye surgeries
can produce endothelial cell damage. In
addition, external factors such as contact lens
wear can also lead to changes in the structure
and function of the endothelium.
Risk factors for corneal endothelial
damage:
Contact lens wear- Older style contact lenses do
not transmit oxygen as well as today’s modern
contact lenses. Long term wear of the older
types of lenses may produce damage to the
cornea.
Refractive surgery patients- Some patients’
corneas react more negatively to these
procedures.
Cataract surgery patients- Surgery is known to
lower cell counts. Screening before surgery and
following surgery is indicated.
Glaucoma patients- Glaucoma is known to reduce
endothelial cells.
Diabetes patients- This system disease is known
to affect many eye structures including the
corneal endothelium.
Dry eye- This prevalent condition is thought to
contribute to endothelial changes in the
presence of inflammation.
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MACUSCOPE
Measuring your risk for macular
degeneration
Dakota Eye Care Associates is pleased to
announce the introduction of the Macuscope
into our office. We are the first optometric eye
care office in the metropolitan area to offer
this groundbreaking technology.
This new technology, based on basic science and
clinical research, can predict the level of risk
associated with developing
age-related
macular degeneration (AMD). This is the
first instrument available that accurately
measures macular protective pigment density (MPPD),
in order to proactively treat the major risk
factor for macular degeneration -- decreased
macular pigment.Currently AMD affects more than 30 million
people worldwide and is rapidly becoming the
leading cause of legal blindness in the world.
If this trend continues, the number affected
will double in 20 to 30 years. According to the
National Eye Institute, "macular degeneration
will soon take on aspects of epidemic
proportion".
The macular area of the retina is the portion of
the eye where light is focused and where we have
straight-ahead central vision used for reading
and driving. There is no known cause for macular
degeneration, but the damages are life altering
and permanent.
There are two types of macular degeneration, wet
and dry. Approximately 90% of cases are dry, or
age-related. Macular degeneration typically
affects the population over the age of 55.
Physiological change, however, can now be
detected at a much earlier age. Early detection
of AMD or, more importantly, early detection of
its major risk factor and monitoring its status,
PRIOR TO SYMPTOMATOLOGY, are critical to
preserving vision. Until now this has not been
possible. With the use of the Macuscope,
protective pigment density deficiencies in the
macula, proven to be the major contributor to
AMD, are now detectable and treatable. Early
detection of risk factors is essential to
preserve long-term vision, considering that
damage to the delicate macular tissue is
cumulative and permanent.
The Macuscope test is a painless, noninvasive,
brief examination. The instrument is able to
track protective pigment density changes in the
macula. This places patients in one of two
categories: high risk or low risk for the
potential of developing AMD. For those in the
high-risk category, a treatment program, using
ocular supplements, can then be developed by the
eye care professional to re-pigment the macula.
The macular pigments, lutein, zeaxanthin and
meso-zeaxanthin, are essential for absorbing the
damaging, high-energy blue light and ultraviolet
light and, also, have the anti-oxidative
properties which eliminate harmful free
radicals.
At Dakota Eye Care Associates we feel this
groundbreaking new technology will continue to
keep us at the forefront of eye care and provide
our patients with the highest level of care
possible.
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