Press Release

For more information, please contact
Elaine Kruse @ 706-651-2020

Eye Physicians & Surgeons of Augusta, P.C. Among First in Nation to Offer New Cataract Removal Treatment

Eye Physicians & Surgeons of Augusta, P.C. is one of the first sites in the United States to begin using Alcon's Infiniti™ Vision System with OZil™ torsional ultrasound. This revolutionary technology uses oscillating ultrasound energy that makes cataract surgery safer and more efficient. A cataract is a clouding of the eye's natural lens that can cause vision problems. Cataract surgery involves removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with an artificial lens.

The Infiniti™ Vision System with OZil™ torsional handpieces is the world's first tri-model lens removal surgical instrument. With this single instrument, surgeons now have a choice of many different methods to remove a cataract:
* A completely new lens removal method, called the AquaLase® Liquefaction Device, uses pulsed surgical solution to safely break up and remove the natural lens material. This method represents the first departure from the industry standard for almost 20 years, and is only available with the Alcon Infiniti™ Vision System. It breaks up the clouded lens with pulses of warm, naturally balanced solution to "wash away" the lens. The new technology may reduce the risk of thermal burns and other potential complications.
* The industry standard, advanced ultrasound phacoemulsification, is also an option with the Infiniti™ Vision System. With this method, a metal probe, vibrating at ultrasound frequency, is used to soften and break up the lens. The Infiniti™ Vision System features an improved ultrasound handpiece that is safer and more efficient, leading to faster visual recovery.

In a normal eye, light passes through the lens and gets focused on the retina. To help produce a sharp image, the lens must remain clear. In it's early stages, a cataract may not cause a vision problem and cloudiness may affect only a small part of the lens. Over time, the cataract may grow larger and cloud more of the lens, making it harder to see and oftentimes requiring surgery.

Scientists think there may be several reasons for the development of cataracts, including aging, smoking, diabetes and excessive exposure to sunlight. Cataracts can also develop soon after an eye injury, or even years later. The most common type of cataract is related to aging and more than half of all Americans age 65 and older have a cataract. Cataracts affect men and women equally, as well as all races and ethnic groups.

"This new lens removal system is by far the most efficient and flexible system ever developed for cataract removal," explains Dr. Bruce Brown of Eye Physicians and Surgeons of Augusta, P.C.

"Everyone at Eye Physicians & Surgeons of Augusta is excited about this new cataract removal system," says Dr. Wallace McLeod, another one of the Eye Guys. "We are committed to providing our patients with the best care available and believe this system will enhance our ability to do that."

"The Infiniti™ Vision System with OZil™ torsional ultrasound is being adopted by many ophthalmic practices across the United States," states Cary Rayment, Senior Vice President, Alcon United States. "We believe surgeons are eager to use this entirely new surgical platform and their enthusiasm will make a difference for countless patients with cataracts."

The physicians at Eye Physicians and Surgeons of Augusta, P.C. performed over 3000 cataract surgeries last year at their in-house surgical facility, Eye Surgery Center of Augusta, LLC. In addition, they have been performing LASIK since 1997, with more than 4850 treated eyes. The Eye Guys offer a full-service ophthalmic center, including the only VISX Star S4™ Excimer Laser System with Iris Registration in the Augusta area.

For more information, please call us at 706-651-2020, or call us toll free at 800-521-6049.

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