Wolfe Eye Clinic News Releases

Wolfe Eye Clinic Surgeon Travels to Romania on Medical Mission

Mon, 22 Oct 2007 12:00:00 -0500

Wolfe Eye Clinic Surgeon Travels to Romania on Medical Mission

A childhood dream continues to become reality for Dr. Donny W. Suh, a Pediatric Ophthalmologist with Wolfe Eye Clinic, who recently returned from Botosani, Romania, where he took part in a 10-day medical mission provided by the Medical Mission Foundation (MMF). MMF, an organization based out of Kansas City, Kansas, was originally formed by few volunteers, but has expanded to include medical professionals from a wide array of specialties including ophthalmology, ENT, plastic and reconstructive surgery, podiatry, anesthesiology, family medicine and more.

Through MMF and other mission programs, he’s traveled to places like India, Peru, China and the Philippines. “Traveling and helping people is something I’ve always wanted to do,” says Suh. “That was part of why I chose the medical field. These trips allow me to also interact with other volunteer doctors, nurses and technicians from all over the world with the same common goal of helping people.”

Botosani, a city in northeastern Romania, has a population of approximately 400,000 with many more living in rural surrounding areas. As in most developing countries, there is a wide gap in wealth, with a large number of people living in poverty. There is no pediatric eye surgery performed in Botosani, and patients are referred to Iasi or Bucharest, which are large cities in central Romania. Not only would the trek take many days by foot or bus, but the impoverished citizens are often unable to pay the fee for services.

“During my time in Botosani, we were able to examine over 200 patients and perform 30 surgeries,” says Suh.

Providing greater access to services and breaking down financial barriers allowed for amazing results. One patient that really stuck in my mind was a woman in her 20’s who presented with severely crossed eyes. She also had no hair and no sense of hope and was full of despair. To make things worse, she was legally blind from a congenital birth defect. As her story unfolded, she told us that an abusive spouse had ripped her hair out, and that her children had been taken away by the state during her divorce because of her inability to provide for them financially. She wanted to get her eyes straightened so that she could talk to people eye to eye, as she felt this, along with her low-sight issues were preventing her from getting a job and ultimately getting her children back. She was alone and scared with no income. MMF staff, nurses and volunteers came together to help this woman. She received surgical treatment for her crossed eye condition and we even found a wig amongst our supplies. The next day, she came in tearful, yet with an incredible smile on her face. Her eyes were straighter and her peripheral vision improved. She felt that she had friends who loved her. I truly believe that this was something she had never experienced before. She was a completely different person, ready to take on the world and get her children back. From this experience, I learned that if we work together towards a common goal, there aren’t too many things that we can’t conquer. I have never felt more proud to be an American at that moment, working side by side with other volunteers with tremendous talents and heart.”

According to the World Health Organization, there are an estimated 40 million people affected by blindness worldwide. About 90 percent of the world’s blind live in developing countries, and almost 80 percent of those cases may have been avoidable, preventable or treatable with available intervention reaching those who were afflicted. Many of those suffering live where doctors lack the necessary training or equipment to restore sight.

Wolfe Eye Clinic Surgeons Successfully Correct 25,000 Eyes With LASIK

Mon, 01 Oct 2007 12:00:00 -0500

Wolfe Eye Clinic Surgeons Successfully Correct 25,000 Eyes With LASIK

Wolfe Eye Clinic, the largest and most advanced eye care provider in Iowa, celebrates the successful correction of 25,000 eyes with LASIK surgery; the only clinic in Iowa with this distinction. Technology advancements have dramatically changed laser vision correction over the years, but the clinic’s dedication to offering the highest quality patient care remains the same.

“I feel very fortunate to be able to provide LASIK surgery to the patients of Wolfe Eye Clinic,” says Wolfe Eye Clinic surgeon Steven C. Johnson, MD. “This milestone of 25,000 eyes having had laser vision correction demonstrates Wolfe Eye Clinic’s commitment to our patients. The clinic has made a commitment to investing in educated staff, advanced technology, state-of-the-art facilities, as well as a personalized commitment to have the physicians provide care throughout the entire evaluation and surgical process.”

In 1994, Wolfe Eye Clinic was the first clinic in Iowa to offer laser vision correction. Two years later, they expanded those services to include LASIK surgery. By 2000, Wolfe Eye Clinic was the first to obtain and use the IntraLase laser for LASIK procedures, offering a bladeless, all-laser procedure to Iowans- the most advanced technology available for LASIK.

LASIK patient Heather Warren of Des Moines, who had surgery in January of 2007, says physician experience, patient care and trust definitely played a factor in her decision to go to Wolfe Eye Clinic.

“I chose Wolfe Eye Clinic because of their great track record and reputation,” says Warren. “The doctors and staff at Wolfe Eye Clinic are so knowledgeable and helpful. I appreciated being able to go through the entire process with Dr. Johnson, from meeting with him during my evaluation to discuss the procedure and have all my questions answered, all the way up to and following the day of the actual surgery.”

“Wolfe Eye Clinic takes pride in its’ 85+ year history in which many medical and surgical milestones were achieved,” says Johnson. “This milestone of 25,000 eyes treated with LASIK surgery reminds each of the Wolfe Eye Clinic physicians that many Iowans trust their eye care to us, and therefore, we are encouraged to continue our commitment to them.”

Spectacles Alone May Benefit Children

Thu, 03 Aug 2006 12:00:00 -0500

Spectacles Alone May Benefit Children

Surprising results from a recent clinical trial show that many children with anisometropic amblyopia, or lazy eye induced by a difference in refractive error between the two eyes, can benefit from the treatment of spectacle correction alone.

Prior to this research, many eye care professionals believed that treating amblyopia with spectacle correction alone was not effective and patching or pharmacological treatment was necessary as well. This study was funded by the National Institute of Health and conducted by the Pediatric Eye Disease Investigator Group at thirty-four clinical sites throughout North America, including Wolfe Eye Clinic in Des Moines under the direction of Donny W. Suh, pediatric ophthalmologist.

Eighty-four children ranging from 3 to 6 years of age, with formerly untreated anisometropic amblyopia participated. Optimal refractive correction, or spectacle prescription was provided, and visual acuity was measured at 5-week intervals until it stabilized or the amblyopia resolved. The study found that 77% of patients were able to improve 2 of more lines of visual acuity and the amblyopia resolved completely in 27% of patients.

What is amblyopia? Amblyopia, also known as lazy eye is the medical term used when vision in one of the eyes is reduced because the eye and the brain are not working together properly. The eye affected by amblyopia will appear normal, but will not function properly because the brain is favoring the other eye. It is estimated that as many as four percent of children in the U.S. have some degree of vision impairment due to amblyopia.

Dr. Suh says the condition can stem from several underlying vision impairments. Misalignment of a child's eyes, such as crossed eyes, or a difference in image quality due to the refractive error between the two eyes are common causes of amblyopia. In both situations, one eye becomes stronger, suppressing the image of the other eye.

"Without treatment, the weaker eye may become nonfunctional," said Suh. "Patching, or covering the better-seeing eye in an effort to force the lazy eye to work harder, thereby strengthening its vision, is currently the most common treatment for amblyopia. This method may take weeks, months or even years to resolve the condition. And, it can often cause anxiety and embarrassment for children."

According to Dr. Suh, Many children would much prefer simply wearing common spectacles instead of a patch, which they feel is a nuisance and stands out to others. The results of this clinical study offer a potentially less stressful experience for the patient and everyone involved.

In medical practice since 1919, Wolfe Eye Clinic is a recognized regional diagnostic and surgical center offering the broadest range of professional care in the specialties of ophthalmology and otolaryngology. With 37 locations throughout Iowa, including Marshalltown, Ames, Fort Dodge, West Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Waterloo and Cedar Falls, Wolfe Eye Clinic provides expert eye care and convenience to all Iowans.

For more information on the treatment of pediatric eye conditions, glaucoma, cataracts, diabetic eye disease, laser vision correction, and other ocular diseases, please call 1-800-542-7956.

Latest Vision Correction Procedure Performed in Iowa

Mon, 03 Jul 2006 12:00:00 -0500

Latest Vision Correction Procedure Performed in Iowa

Iowans seeking vision correction now have an exciting new option: Visian ICL, an implantable contact lens.

The Visian ICL is the first foldable lens of its kind to receive FDA approval in the United States. "The new lens is a possible option for anyone seeking vision correction, but it is especially useful for patients with extreme refractive error, thin corneas, or excessively dry eyes, who otherwise would not qualify for traditional LASIK surgery," according to Daniel J. Vos, M.D. a surgeon at Wolfe Eye Clinic in Ames.

This month, Dr. Vos was the first surgeon in Iowa to implant the new lenses, offering patients the possibility of a life free of glasses and contacts where none may have existed before.

The Visian ICL is an implantable contact lens that works with the eye to correct vision. Unlike traditional contact lenses that are placed on the surface of the eye, Visian ICL is surgically placed inside the eye where it may provide exceptional quality of vision for a wide range of correction needs. The simple implantation procedure is performed on an outpatient basis by ophthalmologists who are certified in the Visian ICL procedure.

According to Dr. Vos, "It's very similar to the procedure that I have performed on cataract patients for years, so it's quite familiar to me."

The surgeon makes a small incision where the cornea meets the white part of the eye and inserts the foldable lens, which unfolds into place. The procedure takes 20 to 30 minutes and is done using topical anesthesia. Typically, patients can see very clearly within a few hours after the procedure.

Visian ICL is cosmetically pleasing, as well. The lens is placed in the posterior chamber, behind the iris and in front of the eye's natural crystalline lens. The placement makes it invisible to patients and others. Further, the lens avoids contact with any fragile eye structures, providing safety, stability and comfort.

Once in place, the lens stays there indefinitely and should require no maintenance. "Except for outstanding vision and an annual checkup, the patient may forget the lens is even there," according to Dr. Vos.

Visian ICL is made of an advanced lens material called CollamerÃ that practically eliminates reflectance of light that can cause glare, halos and compromised night vision. This highly biocompatible lens material also minimizes the occurrence of inflammation and other complications.

More than 55,000 patients worldwide have had the Visian ICL procedure. The lens has been subjected to numerous scientific studies and continuing refinement over time. In the recent US clinical trial, the satisfaction rate among patients was impressive with 99.4% of patients reporting satisfaction three years after the procedure.

If you are considering vision correction options, you are encouraged to schedule an evaluation at any Wolfe Eye Clinic office by calling 1-800-237-5393.

"We are very excited to be able to offer this option to our patients," says Dr. Vos. "It allows us to continue to provide our patients with the safest and most advanced treatments available, helping them achieve their best possible vision."

New Treatment for Macular Degeneration

Fri, 30 Jun 2006 12:00:00 -0500

New Treatment for Macular Degeneration

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced today the approval of a new drug called LUCENTIS for the treatment of wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD). AMD is a major cause of central vision loss and is a leading cause of blindness in people over 55.

"The impact of wet AMD can be devastating, affecting a person's ability to interact with family and friends, conduct daily activities and maintain overall independence," says Wolfe Eye Clinic surgeon and retina specialist Charles A. Barnes, MD. "Fortunately, research advancements have yielded treatment options like LUCENTIS to assist patients in maintaining the vision they currently possess while possibly even improving vision for some patients."

AMD occurs in two forms: dry and wet. The dry form is associated with atrophic cell death in the central retina or macula, which is required for fine vision used for activities such as reading, driving or recognizing faces. Although dry AMD accounts for 90% of cases, it is generally much less severe than wet AMD and only accounts for about 10% of severe vision loss.

The wet form of AMD is caused by growth of abnormal blood vessels under the macula. These vessels leak fluid and blood and cause scar tissue that destroys the central retina. This process results in a deterioration of sight over a period of months to years. The wet form accounts for only 10% of cases, but is responsible for 90% of severe vision loss.

LUCENTIS was specifically developed for intraocular use in the eye to treat the underlying cause of wet AMD by targeting the molecular pathway that controls the formation of new blood vessels. LUCENTIS is designed to bind and inhibit VEGF-A, a protein that is believed to play a critical role in the formation of these new blood vessels.

In previous years, the drugs Macugen and Avastin were available to wet AMD patients. While Macugen and Avastin are similar to LUCENTIS in that they are also VEGF-A inhibitors, the effectiveness appears to continue to improve with further development.

The FDA approval of LUCENTIS is based on data from two large Phase III clinical trials (MARINA and ANCHOR). In these studies: · Nearly all patients (approximately 95 percent) treated with LUCENTIS maintained visual acuity (as defined as the loss of less than 15 letters in visual acuity) and up to 40 percent improved visual acuity (as defined as the gain of 15 letters or more in visual acuity) at one year, as measured on the Early Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy (ETDRS) eye chart. · On average, patients treated with LUCENTIS in the MARINA study experienced an improvement from baseline of 6.6 letters at two years compared to a loss of 14.9 letters in the control group. In the ANCHOR study, patients treated with LUCENTIS, on average, experienced an 11.3 letter gain from baseline at one year compared to a loss of 9.5 letters in the photodynamic therapy control group.

"According to the National Eye Institute, there are 1.7 million people living with the advanced form of AMD in the United States alone and this prevalence will grow to 2.95 million by 2020," says Dr. Barnes. "LUCENTIS provides new hope for patients with wet AMD because it is the first therapy that may provide a benefit in vision for a number of patients, offering the possibility of a higher quality of life."

New Choices for Cataract Patients

Mon, 12 Jun 2006 12:00:00 -0500

New Choices for Cataract Patients

Vision is considered by many to be the most important of all the senses. Today however, many Iowans face the possibility of reduced vision due to cataracts, a common vision problem for older adults. According to a recent article published in the Archives of Ophthalmology, more than 20 million adults in the U.S. have developed cataracts making it the number one cause of poor vision in the United States. Cataracts cannot be prevented and are the leading cause of treatable blindness worldwide.

The development of a cataract is a normal part of the aging process that usually begins around midlife. A cataract develops after the clear lens of the eye starts to become cloudy and interferes with light passing through the eye. Some cataracts cloud the natural lens faster than others, but the process is generally gradual, and people may not realize what is happening until they have an eye exam. Changes in prescription glasses can compensate for early cataract, but surgery is generally recommended when vision becomes reduced enough to hinder quality of life. During cataract surgery, the affected natural lens is removed and replaced with a new artificial lens known as an intraocular lens (IOL). “Many Iowans are affected by maturing cataracts, making it difficult for them to engage in normal daily activities such as reading and driving,” says Wolfe Eye Clinic surgeon Norman F. Woodlief, M.D. “Fortunately, medical advances in intraocular lens technology create more individualized options. These options provide patients a potentially higher quality of vision, often to a level they may never have enjoyed.”

The first intraocular lens was implanted by Sir Harold Ridley, M.D. on November 29th, 1949 in London, England amongst widespread criticism from his peers. At the time, the idea of replacing the eye’s natural lens with an artificial lens was considered radical and unacceptable. Early IOL’s often became displaced, various lens materials were tested, it was difficult to determine the appropriate lens power, and complications were common. In time however, the medical profession finally began to embrace Ridley’s idea. “The first IOL’s were rudimentary, but overtime, continual development and innovation has brought corresponding improvement,” says Dr. Woodlief. He adds, “In 1975, Wolfe Eye Clinic surgeons were the first in Iowa to implant an IOL, and still today, Wolfe Eye Clinic surgeons perform more cataract surgeries annually than any other group of surgeons in Iowa.” According to the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, millions of IOL’s have been implanted since the first in 1949, with a record 2.3 million procedures forecasted in the United States in 2006. Most cataract surgery patients receive a monofocal IOL as a replacement for the clouded natural lens. This lens will potentially restore distance vision, however many patients still need glasses due to astigmatism or for their near vision needs. New innovative lenses give cataract patients alternatives that may decrease dependence on glasses after surgery. “These are exciting alternatives that can improve the patients’ quality of life following cataract surgery,” says Dr. Woodlief. One new choice for cataract patients is a Toric IOL. Previously, most patients with astigmatism had to continue to wear corrective lenses for distance vision after cataract surgery because their astigmatism was not corrected. Astigmatism is the result of an oval shaped cornea, which scatters the light rays as they enter the eye. This results in no single focal point for light, and vision is blurred both near and far. Toric IOL’s can correct many cases of astigmatism. “A major benefit of this lens is that it can eliminate the need for bifocals and offer a decreased dependence on corrective lenses,” according to Dr. Woodlief. “In most cases, only reading glasses are necessary.” Dr. Woodlief further adds, “In April 2006, Wolfe Eye Clinic surgeons were the first in Iowa to implant the new AcrySof® Toric IOL.” Another alternative for Iowans is the bifocal IOL. These IOL’s provide vision over a range of distances through the provision of two primary lens powers which aide both near and far vision. Over the last 10-15 years, several bifocal IOL’s have been developed with varying success in their improvement of a patient’s vision. In 2005 the latest advancements in bifocal IOL’s were released. “Wolfe Eye Clinic was the only clinic in Iowa that participated in an FDA study to approve this new lens technology,” explains Dr. Woodlief. “This bifocal IOL is performing with good results in Wolfe Eye Clinic patients today. ” With the new bifocal IOL, 80% of patients in the study reported being spectacle free following surgery.

The choice between a traditional monofocal IOL, and the new Toric and bifocal IOL is a personal one based on individual circumstances. “With so many choices, it is even more important today to discuss the various options available for your specific situation with your eye care professional to select the best possible choice for you,” encourages Dr. Woodlief. He adds, “Our commitment to our patients is the same today as it was in 1975 when we first began implanting IOL’s, we continue to constantly strive to provide our patients with the safest and most advanced treatments available, helping them achieve their best possible vision.”

In medical practice since 1919, Wolfe Eye Clinic is a recognized regional diagnostic and surgical center offering a very broad range of professional care services in the specialties of ophthalmology and otolaryngology. With 38 locations throughout Iowa, including Marshalltown, West Des Moines, Ames, Fort Dodge, Waterloo, Cedar Falls and Cedar Rapids, Wolfe Eye Clinic provides expert eye care and convenience to all Iowans. For more information on the treatment of cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic eye disease, macular degeneration, pediatric eye conditions, laser vision correction and other ocular diseases, please call 1-800-542-7956. Visit Wolfe Eye Clinic online at www.wolfeeyeclinic.com.

Wolfe Clinic Doctor Founds Clinic in the Philippines

Wed, 08 Mar 2006 12:00:00 -0600

Wolfe Clinic Doctor Founds Clinic in the Philippines

Dr. Eric Bligard, an ophthalmologist at Wolfe Eye Clinic in Fort Dodge went on a gift giving mission of his own this Christmas. While Santa was busy flying around the world on Christmas Eve, so too was Dr. Bligard as he made his way to the Albay Province in the Philippines. His goal: restore sight to Filipinos blinded by advance cataracts who could not afford the necessary medical care. Poverty and the lack of either governmental health care programs or health insurance has led to a large population of patients with untreated cataracts. “There are a huge number of individuals who are unable to obtain surgery because they don’t have the money for it,” Bligard said. The results, people are going blind. Bligard explained that in the United States, it is rare for people to become blind as a result of cataracts because they get treatment once vision becomes blurry. In areas where poverty is widespread, and low-cost care is unavailable, many cataract sufferers are not so lucky. “These were people led in by the hand,” Bligard said, “I mean, these were not people walking in with blurred vision.” Dr. Bligards clinic provided the needed surgery at no cost. “This is 100 percent free for the patients receiving service, “ Bligard stressed. As a result of the mission, 34 Filipinos who were blind can now see. Dr. Bligard has been part of medical missions for two decades, but the project in the Philippines was a special undertaking. The Mata Project came about because of Bligard’s friendship with Manny Flores, a Fort Dodge physical therapist. With the help of his good friend, Bligard established a permanent clinic to which he plans to return each year. Flores, a native Filipino, arrived in Fort Dodge from his homeland almost nine years ago. With the assistance of his father and mother- a retired judge and an attorney, now both in private practice in the Albay Province region, Flores and his family opened many doors for Bligard and were critical to the success of the project. Together, the Flores family arranged for sponsors, handled all the approvals from the Philippine Regulatory Commission and the Philippine Medical Association and took charge of the materials shipped in advance of the mission. “This would have been impossible without Manny. It would have been absolutely impossible without him and by extension his entire family doing the work on the Philippines side.” Additionally, the family located a local ophthalmologist and other staff members to work with Bligard while he was in the Philippines and provide aftercare for the patients once he returned to the United States. While Dr. Bligard praised all the local health care professionals he worked with, he did point out that the country is experiencing a worsening shortage of trained physicians because low incomes have led many of its doctors to seek work overseas. Manny Flores echoed the concerns and stated that the health care system in his home country is on the verge of collapse because so many of its doctors and nurses have sought better-paying jobs abroad. Bligard plans to visit the newly established clinic in the Albay Province region every year. Flores, who accompanied Bligard on this first mission to the Philippines said he expects to be a part of the entourage in future years as well. In practice since 1919, Wolfe Clinic is a recognized regional diagnostic and surgical center offering a broad range of professional specialties of ophthalmology and otolaryngology. Dr. Bligard is available for consultations in Fort Dodge, Emmetsburg, Estherville and Lake City.

Wolfe Clinic Surgeon Travels to China on Medical Mission

Mon, 27 Feb 2006 12:00:00 -0600

Wolfe Clinic Surgeon Travels to China on Medical Mission

A childhood dream continues to become reality for Dr. Donny W. Suh, a pediatric ophthalmologist with Wolfe Eye Clinic who recently returned from Dali, China where he took part in an 11-day medical mission provided by the ORBIS program. This international nonprofit organization, which draws its name from the eyeball, or orbit, is dedicated to saving sight and eliminating avoidable blindness. “ORBIS gives physicians the opportunity to share their skills, but we receive the benefit of helping others with visual impairments,” Suh said. A native of Seoul, South Korea, Suh came to America at age 13. Through ORBIS, he’s traveled to places like India, Peru and the Philippines. “ Traveling and helping people is something I’ve always wanted to do. That was part of why I chose the medical field, “ said Suh. “ORBIS allows me to also interact with other volunteer doctors, nurses and technicians from all over the world with the same common goal of helping people.” After long flights on four different airlines, Dr. Suh was welcomed in Dali by lines of patients awaiting an exam. While visiting, he was able to screen patients, perform surgeries and train regional eye care professionals. In fact, Dr. Suh brought Chinese doctors their first demonstration of a surgery to correct droopy eyelids as well as their first observation of a special instrument used in tear duct operations. Dr. Suh also trained local surgeons and doctors at the Affiliated Hospital of Dali Medical College in battling childhood strabismus, a condition where the eyes do not point in the same direction that can lead to the development of lazy eye in children. “Local doctors were very curious of the American culture and how we live,” he said. “And I achieved my goals of learning different techniques and sharing knowledge. It was extremely rewarding and very satisfying.” At night, ORBIS staff from Shanghai treated Dr. Suh to a variety of ethnic food from Dali’s Yunnan province in southwest China. “I was able to see a part of many different ethnic backgrounds. There were Buddhists, Muslims, Christians- people from all different religious and ethnic backgrounds,” Suh said. Dali is a former regional capital and mountainous home to about 500,000 diverse Chinese. Suh’s return brought with it a deeper appreciation for his staff and American freedoms as well as a new respect for the cultures he experience. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there are an estimated 40 million people affected by blindness worldwide. About 90 percent of the world’s blind live in developing countries, and almost 80 percent of those cases may have been avoidable, preventable or treatable with available interventions reaching those who were afflicted. Many of those suffering live where doctors lack the necessary training or equipment to restore sight. In practice since 1919, Wolfe Clinic is a recognized regional diagnostic and surgical center offering a broad range of professional specialties of ophthalmology and otolaryngology. Dr. Suh is available for consultations in West Des Moines, Marshalltown and Ames. For more information visit Wolfe Eye Clinic online at www.wolfeclinic.com.

Glaucoma’s Lack of Symptoms Presents Challenge to Iowans

Sun, 01 Jan 2006 12:00:00 -0600

Glaucoma’s Lack of Symptoms Presents Challenge to Iowans

Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of preventable blindness in the United States and affects about three million Americans, more than 20,000 in Iowa alone. An irreversible eye disease that begins with loss of peripheral (side) vision, glaucoma cannot be cured or reversed, but it can be controlled if detected early.

Marshalltown, Iowa – Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of preventable blindness in the United States and affects about three million Americans, more than 20,000 in Iowa alone. An irreversible eye disease that begins with loss of peripheral (side) vision, glaucoma cannot be cured or reversed, but it can be controlled if detected early. As a part of Glaucoma Awareness Month in January, Wolfe Clinic encourages the public to get regular dilated eye exams.

“Dilated eye exams should be made a routine part of health maintenance,” says Dr. John R. Trible, Wolfe Clinic glaucoma specialist. Glaucoma is often called the “sneak thief of sight” because it has no early warning signs or pain. By the time people realize they are losing vision, the sight they have is gone forever. That’s why regular eye exams are essential to detect the disease in its early, treatable stages.”

A dilated eye exam, in which drops are placed in the eye to dilate the pupils, is the best way to detect glaucoma. “It allows the eye care professional to get a better view of the eye’s optic nerve where for early signs of glaucoma often occur,” Trible says. With new technology offered at Wolfe Clinic, it is now possible to detect glaucoma at an earlier stage than ever before. Wolfe Clinic has been offering its patients retinal nerve fiber analysis with the GDx Nerve Fiber Analyzer since January 2001.

In many people, glaucoma results from damage to the optic nerve caused when the normal fluid pressure inside the eye progressively increases. As pressure builds and the disease worsens, the field of vision gradually narrows and blindness may result. “Up to one-half of those affected by glaucoma may be unaware they have the disease,” says Dr. Trible. “High risk groups include anyone over the age of 60, African-Americans over the age of 40, people who have a family history of glaucoma, extreme nearsightedness, past eye injuries and persons with diabetes. These people need to receive a dilated eye exam at least every two years.”

Those diagnosed with glaucoma can stabilize the disease process with careful monitoring and consistent treatment by visiting their ophthalmologist regularly for follow-up appointments and by using ocular medications as prescribed.

Beginning in 1919, Wolfe Clinic is a recognized regional diagnostic and surgical center offering the broadest range of professional care in the specialties of ophthalmology and otolaryngology. With over 32 locations throughout Iowa, including Marshalltown, Ames, Fort Dodge, West Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Waterloo and Cedar Falls, Wolfe Clinic provides expert eye care and convenience to all Iowans. For more information on the treatment of glaucoma, cataracts, diabetic eye disease, laser vision correction, and other ocular diseases, please call 1-800-542-7956. Visit Wolfe Clinic online at www.wolfeclinic.com.

Editor’s Note:

Dr. John R. Trible received his medical degree from Georgetown University School of Medicine in Washington, D.C. Following an ophthalmology residency at Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia, Penn.; he completed a glaucoma fellowship at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute in Miami, Fla. A fellowship trained glaucoma specialist, Dr. Trible is certified by the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Glaucoma Society. His research focuses on glaucoma and he has written and lectured widely on the subject.

ReSTOR® Intraocular Lens Gives Patients Full Range of Vision

Mon, 09 May 2005 12:00:00 -0500

ReSTOR® Intraocular Lens Gives Patients Full Range of Vision

Unique technology provided 80% of cataract patients freedom from glasses for all activities

DES MOINES, IOWA (May 9, 2005) – U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted approval of the AcrySof® ReSTOR® intraocular lens (IOL) for cataract patients with and without presbyopia on March 21, 2005. This innovative lens uses a revolutionary apodized diffractive technology to give patients a full range of quality vision (near, intermediate and distance) that greatly decreases their dependence on glasses after surgery.

Wolfe Eye Clinic was part of the FDA study initiated March 8, 2002 with implantations ending October 1, 2003. The Clinic was one of 16 sites, which studied 465 patients. The ReSTOR IOL has performed in spectacular fashion in Wolfe Eye Clinic patients just as it has for all the investigators throughout the country. Dr. Davison has been involved in the ReSTOR introduction and training of international surgeons in Paris, Munich, Puerto Rico, Chile, as well as in courses and training via satellite broadcasts to US surgeons throughout the country.

The first ReSTOR implantation in the US after FDA approval was granted in a live surgery demonstration at the ASCRS meeting in Washington DC on April 16, 2005. Dr. Davison performed the second implantation in the country on a local neonatologist. The patient is very happy and has 20/20 uncorrected distance and J2 uncorrected near vision. Near visual acuity of 20/32, or J2, means patients can read the very small stock quotes in the newspaper.

The clinical studies supporting the approval showed that 80 percent of patients who received the AcrySof® ReSTOR® lens did not use glasses for any activities after cataract surgery. The clinical results also showed that 84 percent of patients who received the AcrySof® ReSTOR® lens in both eyes achieved distance visual acuity of 20/25 or better and near visual acuity of 20/32 or better without correction by contacts or glasses while only 23 percent of the conventional or monofocal control group achieved this level. Patient satisfaction was very high with nearly 94 percent of patients reporting that they would have the procedure again.

The ReSTOR lens is currently available, for an additional out-of-pocket charge, to patients with cataracts covered by private insurance. As of May 10, 2005, it has become available as a non-covered upgrade for Medicare patients who have cataracts. The ReSTOR lens is also available for a refractive lens exchange in patients without cataracts.

State-of-the-art Eye Care Center Opens in West Des Moines

Mon, 27 Sep 2004 12:00:00 -0500

State-of-the-art Eye Care Center Opens in West Des Moines

Wolfe Eye Clinic, celebrating its 85th year of serving Iowans, announces the opening of their new state-of-the-art eye care center in West Des Moines, IA.

Wolfe Eye Clinic Investing In Iowa

By Dr. James A. Davison, President of Wolfe Eye Clinic

For over 85 years, the Wolfe Eye Clinic has been committed to helping Iowans. We invest in the latest and best technologies, and strive to be the first to offer the newest and safest surgical procedures available in eyecare.

As part of our investment in Iowa, we have just completed our new state-of-the-art, 38,000 square foot building in West Des Moines, Iowa, so that we can offer an even better experience when you visit this location. This new building has been created to allow us to better organize our medical eye service and our subspecialty services. This organization will facilitate even better delivery of patient care and surgery in a more generous and comfortable setting in the Des Moines area while we continue to maintain offices throughout Iowa.

The Wolfe Eye Clinic physicians are experienced leaders. Our medical specialists form a team of experts, which is one of the most qualified in the Midwest. We have sub-specialists in cataract and refractive surgery, corneal and external disease, retina and vitreous surgery, glaucoma, pediatric ophthalmology and adult strabismus, as well as in plastic and reconstructive surgery and audiology. In addition to patient care and research we also have been involved in compassionate mission trips to other parts of the world including; the Philippines, Nicaragua, Thailand, Kenya, India, China, Mexico and Peru.

Thanks for letting us be a part of your community. We look forward to spending another 85 years providing “Better vision for a better life” for all our patients.

What is an Ophthalmology Subspecialist?

Tue, 21 Sep 2004 12:00:00 -0500

What is an Ophthalmology Subspecialist?

Because Wolfe Eye Clinic offers a broad range of subspecialty trained physicians, patients can make an appointment with specialist who best fits their eyecare needs.

An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who specializes in medical and surgical eye care. In addition to four years of medical school and one year of internship, every ophthalmologist spends a minimum of three years of residency (hospital-based training) in ophthalmology. During residency, ophthalmologists receive special training in all aspects of eye care, including prevention, diagnosis and medical and surgical treatment of eye conditions and diseases.

During residency or later in their career, some ophthalmologists find a more narrow but in-depth focus of practice. These ophthalmologists spend an additional one to two years training in a subspecialty. A subspecialty is a very specific area of eye care like glaucoma or pediatric ophthalmology.

Wolfe Eye Clinic surgeons make up the only private multi-subspecialty group in Iowa that includes subspecialists in Pediatric & Adult Strabismus, Glaucoma, Retina, Cornea & Refractive, Cataract and Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery. Because Wolfe Eye Clinic offers a broad range of subspecialty trained physicians, patients can make an appointment with specialist who best fits their eyecare needs. Each subspecialist sees patients almost exclusively within their disease specialty area, allowing them to be very focused and deliver the best possible care specific to that patient’s needs. Subspecialists will often work as a team on very complex eye conditions.

Subspecialties offered at Wolfe Eye Clinic include:

Cornea and External Disease: This subspecialty involves the diagnosis and management of diseases of external surfaces of the eye including the cornea, sclera, conjunctiva and eyelids. Procedures include corneal transplants and surgery such as LASIK to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.

Cataract and Refractive Surgery: This specialized area involves the diagnosis and management of conditions of the anterior (front) structures of the eye including the cornea and lens. Procedures include cataract surgery and surgery such as LASIK to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.

Glaucoma: This subspecialty includes the treatment of glaucoma and other disorders that may cause optic nerve damage due to increasing intraocular pressure.

Plastic Surgery: The practice of ophthalmic plastic surgery includes orbital surgery, lid and upper facial reconstructive procedures and cosmetic lid surgery.

Pediatric Ophthalmology: Most of the pediatric ophthalmic practice involves the medical and surgical management of strabismus, amblyopia, genetic and developmental problems occurring in the first two decades of life. This subspecialty also treats adult strabismus.

Vitreoretinal Diseases: This subspecialty involves both the medical and surgical treatment of retinal and vitreoretinal disease. The types of diseases treated include age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy.

Back-to-School Physicals Should Include Visit to Eye Doctor

Thu, 29 Jul 2004 12:00:00 -0500

Back-to-School Physicals Should Include Visit to Eye Doctor

Parents can help children retain good vision for life

Des Moines, Iowa – It’s a Friday night at the local discount store. Parents cross items off a long list as kids toss everything from notebooks, pencils, crayons, lunch boxes and glue into the shopping cart. It’s back to school this month for kids, and while most families spend ample time making sure the kids have all the supplies they need, many Iowa children do not get the proper checkups before heading back to school

“The majority of preschool-age children never get an eye exam,” said Dr. Donny Suh, a pediatric ophthalmologist specialist with Wolfe Clinic. Many parents overlook taking their child to the eye doctor while doing the traditional kindergarten physicals and immunizations.

“The best way to protect a child’s eyes is through professional eye exams, beginning shortly after birth, at 6 months old, before entering school (age 4 or 5) and periodically throughout the school years,” Dr. Suh said.

Vision screening of children is critically important. More than 1.2 million school-age children, or one in four, have some form of vision problem. And it is possible for a child to have a serious vision problem without his or her parents being aware of it.

Some common children’s eye problems include:

Amblyopia or “Lazy Eye” is reduced vision in an eye that has not received adequate use during early childhood. This condition results from either a misalignment of a child’s eyes, such as crossed eyes or a difference in image quality between the two eyes (one eye focusing better than the other). With early detection and treatment, the chance for restoring vision is excellent. If detected after age 9 or 10, the chance for restoring vision is limited. About 2 to 4 percent of children suffer from amblyopia.

Strabismus or “Squint” exists when one eye does not aim directly at an object of interest to which the other eye is aimed. The eye may turn always or occasionally, and the turn may be inward, or outward. Untreated, this condition can lead to amblyopia.

Color Deficiency or Color Blindness is most common in boys, affecting one in 12 boys, and is almost always hereditary. Children with so-called “color blindness” are not blind to color but have a difficulty distinguishing between certain colors.
In addition to these eye problems, children can develop myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness) or astigmatism, and parents may be unaware of the problem if their child has not received a professional eye exam.

Untreated eye conditions can worsen, as children grow older and lead to other serious problems, including affecting learning ability, athletic performance and self-esteem.

Dr. Suh will host a free pediatric seminar for the public at 6 p.m. Aug. 7 at the Ames Wolfe Clinic. Dr. Suh will cover common childhood eye disorders, the warning signs of such conditions and treatment options.

In business since 1919, Wolfe Clinic is a recognized regional diagnostic and surgical center offering the broadest range of professional care in the specialties of ophthalmology and otolaryngology. With over 32 locations throughout Iowa, including Marshalltown, Ames, Fort Dodge, West Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Waterloo and Cedar Falls, Wolfe Clinic provides expert eye care and convenience to all Iowans. For more information on the treatment of glaucoma, cataracts, diabetic eye disease, laser vision correction, and other ocular diseases, please call 1-800-542-7956. Visit Wolfe Clinic online at www.wolfeclinic.com.

# # #

Editor’s Note:

Dr. Donny W. Suh came to Wolfe Clinic from Baltimore, Md., where he completed his pediatric ophthalmology and strabismus fellowship at The Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. He completed his ophthalmology residency at The Eye Institute, Medical College of Wisconsin, and received his medical doctorate from Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. He earned his bachelor of arts degree in biochemistry from Rice University in Houston. During his residency, as a Paul Kayser Scholar through the Pan-American Academy of Ophthalmology, Suh traveled to South America to work with pediatric ophthalmologists in treating disadvantaged children.

Dr. Suh is currently a member of Surgical Eye Expedition International and travels to South America to provide free medical and surgical services. He has had numerous articles published and is actively involved with the Pediatric Eye Disease Investigation Group. He presented the results of his research on a surgical technique for treating specific types of strabismus at the American Academy of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus. Dr. Suh is an adjunct professor at the University of Nebraska, Omaha.

He and his wife have three children. He enjoys spending time with his family, table tennis, golf, jogging, and trying new cuisine.

Des Moines Eye Surgeon Joins Orbis International Team to Prevent Blindness in the Philippines

Fri, 09 Jan 2004 12:00:00 -0600

Des Moines Eye Surgeon Joins Orbis International Team to Prevent Blindness in the Philippines

Des Moines’ very own Dr. Donny W. Suh has joined an elite team of international eye care professionals who work aboard the world’s only flying eye hospital—the ORBIS DC-10, a converted DC-10-10 jet aircraft that flies to developing countries on its mission to end avoidable blindness worldwide.

Dr. Suh will lead a one-week pediatric ophthalmology eye program in Angeles City, the Philippines, on how to manage and surgically treat blinding eye conditions in children. “Eye misalignment occurs in a large percentage of children, and we don’t know why. The problem is generally treatable through surgery and can alleviate a great deal of psychosocial complications. Statistically, people with strabismus or crossed eyes have a more difficult time adapting to the world than other people. I hope not only to help the ophthalmologists in the Philippines develop their knowledge of how to treat children with strabismus, but to encourage the local medical community to place more emphasis on treatment of children,” notes Dr. Suh on his third ORBIS program.

The goal of the three-week ORBIS program in Angeles City is to strengthen the abilities of eye care workers to diagnose, manage and treat eye diseases. Medical training programs will be held both on and off the ORBIS aircraft, providing hands-on training to doctors, nurses, biomedical engineers, and healthcare workers. The flying eye hospital, which has visited the Philippines eight times since 1982, has a complete on-board operating room, laser/exam room, sterile room, recovery room, technical training center, and a 48-seat classroom equipped with an interactive audio-visual system. While surgery is taking place in the operating room, doctors and nurses sit in the classroom and watch the procedure live.

When the ORBIS plane and Dr. Suh depart the Philippines, training will continue through hospital-based programs, fellowships, internet-based telemedicine, and the creation and dissemination of education materials, allowing eye care specialists to strengthen their skills, and in turn, train others to treat and manage eye diseases.

About ORBIS

Since 1982, ORBIS – a non-profit, humanitarian organization – has been dedicated to saving sight and eliminating avoidable blindness worldwide. ORBIS responds to the needs of developing nations – where 90% of blind people live – with hands-on training for eye care professionals, public education about blindness and technical assistance to improve access to quality ophthalmic services. Since 1982, ORBIS has conducted more than 500 training programs in 82 countries, teaching sight-saving skills to more than 63,000 healthcare professionals, who in turn have treated an estimated 17.5 million people.

Wolfe Clinic Introduces a Revolutionary Cataract Removal System

Tue, 25 Nov 2003 12:00:00 -0600

Wolfe Clinic Introduces a Revolutionary Cataract Removal System

The newest technology in cataract removal devices recently debuted in Iowa at the Marshalltown Medical & Surgical Center, with Wolfe Clinic performing cataract surgery using the new device.

The newest technology in cataract removal devices recently debuted in Iowa at the Marshalltown Medical & Surgical Center, with Wolfe Clinic performing cataract surgery using the new device. The new Infinitiâ�¢ Vision System is the worldâ��s first tri-modal cataract removal surgical instrument and the sixth generation of cataract phacoemulsification technology at MMSC. With this single instrument, surgeons now have a choice of three different methods to remove a cataract:

advanced ultrasound phacoemulsification alone,
the combination of ultrasound and oscillation provided by the NeoSoniXÂ® handpiece, or
the entirely new AquaLaseÂ® liquefaction device that generates pulses of surgical water solution to safely break up and remove the natural lens material.
â��The Infinityâ�¢ Vision System represents a dramatic breakthrough in cataract surgical technology that delivers on our commitment to provide patients in central Iowa with the most innovative treatment available to help them achieve their best possible vision,â�� said John Graether, MD of Wolfe Clinic â��The Infinityâ�¢ system is an entirely new surgical platform that will allow surgeons to customize their approach to cataract surgery to accommodate each patientâ��s individual needs.â��

â��The new system offers a combination of technologies that is absolutely unique. It is by far the most efficient and flexible system ever developed for cataract removal, â�� said Chris Boggs, Director of Surgical Services for Marshalltown Medical & Surgical Center. â��This is another example of MMSCâ��s commitment to provide the best technology possible for our patients. â��

With more than 1.5 million people having cataract surgery each year it has become one of the most performed operations in the United States. Eye surgeons at Wolfe Clinic perform more than 8,000 cataract surgeries annually. In addition, cataract surgery is one of the most successful procedures that can be performed, with nearly 90 percent of patients reporting improvement in vision after surgery.

â��Cataracts are very easy to detect and treat,â�� said Graether. â��We are fortunate that we live in a time when the loss of vision due to cataracts can be treated successfully in almost all cases.â��

A cataract occurs when the normally clear lens of the eye becomes cloudy and interferes with light passing through the eye. Most cataracts are due to the normal aging process of the eye. Treatment for cataracts consists of the surgical removal of the cloudy lens, which is replaced with a prosthetic lens (intraocular lens or IOL). New technologies such as multiple optic (multifocal) IOLs and blue-light filtering IOLs are now available and add additional vision capabilities after surgery. Wolfe Clinic surgeons are actively involved in national studies to determine the effectiveness of new lens technologies.

Custom Wavefront Technology

Wed, 01 Oct 2003 12:00:00 -0500

Custom Wavefront Technology

With wavefront technology we treat you, not just your glasses prescription.

Custom wavefront treatment works by creating an individualized map of each patient’s visual system, similar in detail and uniqueness to your fingerprint. This map of the visual system is then processed by the laser system and a custom treatment profile is created to treat the nearsightedness and astigmatism along with higher order corneal aberrations.

Aberrations describe the defects in the eye that prevent light from focusing to a precise point on the retina. Lower order aberrations include nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. Higher order aberrations are usually present in addition to lower order aberrations and are often responsible for symptoms such as glare or halos in low light conditions. Higher order aberrations can not be corrected with glasses, contacts or traditional laser vision correction.

One advantage of wavefront technology is the ability to measure and treat pre-existing, higher order aberrations in the visual system. Another advantage of wavefront is to help avoid inducing new higher order aberrations. Traditional LASIK surgery typically produces some increase in higher order aberrations. In addition, custom wavefronttreatment offers the possibility of providing improved quality of vision as well as nighttime driving vision. Now that we have a more accurate way to measure each individual’s visual system, we want to use the most precise technology available for every step of the procedure. That’s why we use IntraLASE to create the corneal flap needed for the LASIK procedure. Recent studies have shown flaps created with IntraLASE provide consistent flap quality, which allows us to take full advantage of the accuracy of wavefront treatments. More accurate flaps plus individualized wavefront treatment provides you with excellent visual results!

The combination of custom wavefront and IntraLASE technology makes your experience uniquely precise, uniquely safe and it's uniquely available in Iowa through Wolfe Clinic.

Children's Eye Health Depends on Early Detection

Thu, 07 Aug 2003 12:00:00 -0500

Children's Eye Health Depends on Early Detection

Early detection of vision problems is an important first step in retaining good vision health for a lifetime.

MARSHALLTOWN, Iowa (August 1, 2003) — Good vision is an important component of a child’s mental and social development. The first few years of life are crucial to the development of eyesight, making early detection of vision problems is an important first step in retaining good vision health for a lifetime. With proper detection and treatment, many childhood vision impairments such as amblyopia can be prevented or reversed.

What is amblyopia?

Amblyopia, also known as “lazy eye,” is the medical term used when vision in one of the eyes is reduced because the eye and the brain are not working together properly. The eye affected by amblyopia will appear normal, but will not function properly because the brain is favoring the other eye. In the United States, amblyopia occurs in approximately 4 percent of children. Amblyopia results in reduced vision in an eye that has not received adequate use during early childhood and can stem from several underlying vision impairments. Misalignment of a child’s eyes, such as crossed eyes, or a difference in image quality between the two eyes is common causes of amblyopia. In both situations, one eye becomes stronger, suppressing the image of the other eye. Without treatment, the weaker eye may become useless.

Strabismus or “squint” can also lead to amblyopia and is characterized by one eye that does not aim directly at an object of interest to which the other eye is aimed. This condition is also treatable when detected early in a child’s life.

Detection of vision impairments

All newborns should receive a red reflex test in the hospital nursery. This test should be administered by a pediatrician, family physician, nurse practitioner or physician’s assistant. Any children found to be at high-risk for vision problems should be examined by an eye care specialist or pediatric ophthalmologist. Follow-up exams including a red reflex test should happen again when a child is 6 months to one year of age.

As the child reaches the age of 3 to 4 years, it is important to test vision and alignment with emphasis placed on vision acuity. This examination can be performed by eye care specialists, school nurses who are trained in vision testing, pediatrician, family physician, nurse practitioner or physician’s assistant. Many problems are detected by these types of tests, making it possible to minimize permanent vision loss.

What can doctors do to treat amblyopia?

Early treatment of amblyopia may include patching or covering one eye for a period of time. The stronger eye is patched, forcing the “lazy” eye to work and strengthen its vision. Medication is another option for children with amblyopia and is administered through eye drops. The drops are used in much the same way as a patch, blurring the vision of the strong eye in order to strengthen the weak one. In some cases, the two treatments can be used in tandem to treat amblyopia.

Dr. Suh says the majority of vision loss from amblyopia is preventable or reversible with the right kind of intervention. The success of the recovery depends greatly on the maturity of the visual connections in the eye and when the treatment is begun. He also stresses that ruling out other vision diseases is important to ensure proper treatment of all vision impairments.

In medical practice since 1919, Wolfe Clinic is a recognized regional diagnostic and surgical center offering the broadest range of professional care in the specialties of ophthalmology and otolaryngology. With over 32 locations throughout Iowa, including Marshalltown, Ames, Fort Dodge, West Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Waterloo and Cedar Falls, Wolfe Clinic provides expert eye care and convenience to all Iowans.

Wolfe Clinic Surgeon Travels to India on Medical and Teaching Mission

Thu, 26 Jun 2003 12:00:00 -0500

Wolfe Clinic Surgeon Travels to India on Medical and Teaching Mission

Donny W. Suh, M.D. shares advanced surgical techniques and Iowa culture with ophthalmologists in Nagpur, India

Dr. Donny W. Suh, a pediatric ophthalmologist with Wolfe Clinic, recently returned from a medical mission to Nagpur, India. The global humanitarian organization, ORBIS, sponsored the week-long program.

The city of Nagpur has a population of four million people with four ophthalmology training programs. Suh was invited to all four programs and presented the latest surgical techniques and clinical updates in pediatric ophthalmology and adult strabismus. Practicing ophthalmologists, residents in training and fellows attended 15 didactic and 13 surgical training sessions led by Suh throughout the week.

“The main objective of this mission was to share knowledge with surgeons, residents, nurses and other healthcare professionals who may not otherwise have the opportunity to receive advanced ongoing training, “ said Suh. “I was impressed with the local medical facilities, especially the modern computer systems. The people I met were very kind and hospitable during my stay. In addition to sharing medical knowledge, I was able to share some of the Iowa culture with many who knew little about the United States and had never even heard of Iowa.”

Since 1982, ORBIS has completed more than 440 programs in 80 countries. It has trained over 50,000 ophthalmologists, nurses and other healthcare workers to provide treatment and training in their own countries throughout the world.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 180 million people worldwide are visually disabled and 40 million to 45 million of them are blind. About 90 percent of the world's blind live in developing countries, and almost 80 percent of the world's blindness is avoidable, preventable or treatable with available interventions. Nine in ten of those suffering from blindness live where doctors lack the necessary training or equipment to restore sight.

In practice since 1919, Wolfe Clinic is a recognized regional diagnostic and surgical center offering the broadest range of professional care in the specialties of ophthalmology and otolaryngology. For more information visit Wolfe Clinic online at www.wolfeclinic.com.

Editor’s Note:
Donny W. Suh, M.D. came to Wolfe Clinic from Baltimore, MD, where he completed his pediatric ophthalmology and strabismus fellowship at The Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. He completed his ophthalmology residency at The Eye Institute, Medical College of Wisconsin, and received his medical doctorate from Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. He earned his bachelor of arts degree in biochemistry from Rice University in Houston. During his residency, as a Paul Kayser Scholar through the Pan-American Academy of Ophthalmology, Suh traveled to South America to work with pediatric ophthalmologists in treating disadvantaged children.

Dr. Suh is currently a member of ORBIS and Surgical Eye Expedition (S.E.E.) and travels to various countries to provide free medical and surgical services. He has had numerous articles published and is actively involved with researches through Pediatric Eye Disease Investigation Group. He presented the results of his research on a surgical technique for treating specific types of strabismus at the American Academy of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus. Dr. Suh is an adjunct professor at the University of Nebraska, Omaha. He and his wife have three children. He enjoys spending time with his family, table tennis, golf, jogging, and trying new cuisine.

Wolfe Clinic Ophthalmologist First in Iowa to Use New Surgical Technique

Fri, 13 Dec 2002 12:00:00 -0600

Wolfe Clinic Ophthalmologist First in Iowa to Use New Surgical Technique

Retina patients benefit from small-incision surgery, no sutures, less pain, shorter recovery time

Cedar Rapids, Iowa – Dr. Charles Barnes, an ophthalmologist with Wolfe Clinic, performed the first small-incision, no-stitch vitrectomy surgeries in Iowa on November 13, 2002. This is the first major advancement in surgical retina technique in more than 12 years.

A vitrectomy is performed to remove the vitreous, the jelly-like substance in the back of the eye and to perform any necessary treatments or surgeries inside the eye. The vitreous is replaced with clear fluid, which is naturally replaced by the body over time.

“Traditional surgical techniques have been successful, but this advanced procedure minimizes trauma to the eye and is more comfortable for the patient,” Barnes said. “With traditional techniques, patients had multiple sutures and experienced pain for several weeks after the surgery. Now, the smaller incisions allow the eye to heal without sutures, and patients have much less post-operative pain,” Barnes said.

“Retina diseases are some of the most devastating of eye disorders,” Barnes said. “Seeing my patients have a new outlook on life as a result of having surgery is rewarding.”

Traditional vitreoretinal techniques require the dissection of the conjunctiva (white portion of the eye) and the creation of incisions through which surgical instruments are passed. The instruments are observed through the pupil using a microscope while delicate retinal tissues in the eye are manipulated and dissected. The incisions must be large enough to accommodate the required instruments typically 1 mm in diameter. At the completion of the surgery, the conjunctiva is reattached using sutures.

Using a new technique and smaller instruments (0.5 mm diameter) developed by Bausch & Lomb, surgeons can now perform the same procedure with fewer steps and smaller incisions. To gain access the posterior chamber of the eye, the surgeon inserts three small cannulas (tubes) through which the instruments are inserted. With smaller instrumentation and the new technique, the normal eye anatomy is preserved, post-op inflammation is decreased and most patients do not require sutures and experience less pain after the procedure.

Some of the first and newest advanced techniques in vitreoretinal surgery have been performed by Wolfe Clinic surgeons. In 1968, Wolfe Clinic doctors began using the Xenon arc laser to treat previously untreatable retinal diseases. Today, advanced procedures such as pneumatic retinopexy (placing an air bubble in the eye to hold the retina in place) are reducing the need for traditional surgery and making the restoration of vision for patients with retinal disease more successful than ever before.

Editor’s Note:

Charles H. Barnes, M.D., earned his Bachelor of Science degree and graduated cum laude in biology, chemistry and German at Graceland College in Lamoni, Iowa. He received his doctor of medicine degree in 1988, as well as the History of Medicine Award from the University of Iowa College of Medicine in Iowa City, Iowa. Dr. Barnes has been with Wolfe Clinic since 1997.

Dr. Barnes spent his internship at Broadlawns Medical Center in Des Moines, Iowa, from 1988 to 1989. His departmental ophthalmology and visual science residency was carried out at Texas Tech University Health and Science Center in Lubbock, Texas, from 1989 to 1992. His fellowship in retinal medicine and surgery was performed at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska, from 1992 to 1993.

Next-Generation Laser Eye Surgery Debuts In Iowa

Thu, 21 Nov 2002 12:00:00 -0600

Next-Generation Laser Eye Surgery Debuts In Iowa

Iowans considering LASIK surgery now have a safer alternative.

Wolfe Clinic, Iowa’s leading diagnostic and surgical eye care center, today announces the availability of a new, all-laser vision correction procedure — IntraLASIK. Whereas the first step in traditional LASIK surgery is performed with a hand-held mechanical device, IntraLASIK replaces this mechanism with a laser, making this step more accurate and precise than in traditional LASIK.

The laser technology required to perform the procedure, called INTRALASE, is exclusive to Wolfe Clinic in Iowa. Of the 30 INTRALASE™ FS lasers installed in the United States, Wolfe Clinic now has two of these units right here in Iowa. More than 20,000 IntraLASIK procedures have been performed in the United States to date.

With the introduction of IntraLASIK, Wolfe Clinic is now able to offer patients in Iowa a more precise procedure. Because IntraLASIK reduces the risk of surgical complications associated with the first step of the surgery, Wolfe Clinic patients are more confident going into the procedure.

Precision and accuracy characterize IntraLASIK. The INTRALASE FS laser gives surgeons exceptional control over the first step of laser eye surgery — creating a corneal flap. Folding the flap away from the eye allows the surgeon access to the inner layers of the cornea so the excimer laser can be used to reduce the need for glasses or contact lenses. With traditional LASIK, a hand-held mechanical blade is used to create the flap, which can cause complications, such as puncturing or scratching of the eye.

IntraLASIK uses a rapidly fired laser instead of a blade to create the flap, significantly reducing the risk of flap complications for laser surgery patients at Wolfe Clinic.

“I researched laser eye surgery for nearly three years before I decided to go ahead with the procedure,” said Chad Bower, a veterinarian from Las Vegas who underwent IntraLASIK surgery at Wolfe Clinic on Saturday, Nov. 16. “As a doctor, I was attracted to the fact that the physicians at Wolfe Clinic had made the investment IntraLASIK — the best technology available. They take the extra step to provide the best for their patients and remove as many risks as possible.”

Iowans considering laser vision correction can find out more about IntraLASIK surgery at Wolfe Clinic's educational seminars. The seminars allow attendees the chance to interact with physicians and view an IntraLASIK procedure. People interested in attending a seminar should visit www.wolfeclinic.com/seminars.asp for a schedule of dates and times.

In business since 1919, Wolfe Clinic is a recognized regional diagnostic and surgical center offering the broadest range of professional care in the specialties of ophthalmology and otolaryngology. With over 32 locations throughout Iowa, including Marshalltown, Ames, Fort Dodge, West Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Waterloo and Cedar Falls, Wolfe Clinic provides expert eye care and convenience to all Iowans. For more information on the treatment of glaucoma, cataracts, diabetic eye disease, laser vision correction, and other ocular diseases, please call 800-542-7956. Visit Wolfe Clinic online at www.wolfeclinic.com.

Wolfe Foundation Lecture Brings World-Class Instructors to Iowa

Mon, 22 Apr 2002 12:00:00 -0500

Wolfe Foundation Lecture Brings World-Class Instructors to Iowa

Permanent Endowment for Annual Lecture Established

Dr. Davis Chang, professor of ophthalmology at the University of California, San Francisco, was the keynote Wolfe Lecturer at the 31st annual Wolfe Foundation Lecture. This yearâ��s conference, attended by ophthalmologists from throughout Iowa, was held April 19 and 20 at the Des Moines Marriott.

Since 1969 the Wolfe Foundation Lecture has been a part of the University of Iowa Department of Ophthalmology Annual Clinical Conference. This year's event was organized in conjunction with the Iowa Medical Society and the Iowa Academy of Ophthalmology.

"For more than 30 years the Wolfe Lecture has attracted outstanding ophthalmologists to Iowa from throughout North America and Europe," said Dr. Russell Watt, president of the Wolfe Foundation. "In this manner, Iowa ophthalmologists, both practicing and academic, have an opportunity to learn about the latest advances in medical and surgical diagnosis and treatment from the leaders in the profession. In return, the speakers have an opportunity to observe the high quality of eye care currently available to Iowans."

The Wolfe Clinic is a private association of ophthalmologists and otolaryngologists founded by Dr. Otis R. Wolfe in Marshalltown, Iowa, in 1919. Dr. Wolfe established the Wolfe Foundation in 1936 for two purposes: to provide charitable eye care to the needy and to support ophthalmic research and education.

To help fulfill the second purpose, Otis D. Wolfe (the son of Otis R. Wolfe) instituted the Wolfe Lectures in 1969. Funds provided by the Wolfe Foundation are used to invite distinguished ophthalmologists and scientists from around the world to participate in the teaching program of the University of Iowa Department of Ophthalmology. This year, a permanent endowment was established to ensure availability of funds for future lectures.

Otis D. Wolfe retired from active practice in 1993. Dr. Russell H. Watt, of the Wolfe Clinic now directs the Wolfe Foundation. To fulfill the vision established by Otis R. Wolfe, the Foundation continues to support programs including:

Donating physician surgical time and paying medical expenses for Iowans in need.
Purchasing and donating surgical equipment to hospitals throughout Iowa.
Supporting medical mission trips to under-developed regions of the world
Supporting the programs of other sight-saving non-profit organizations
Sponsoring public education programs to increase awareness of sight-threatening diseases.
In business since 1919, Wolfe Clinic is a recognized regional diagnostic and surgical center offering the broadest range of professional care in the specialties of ophthalmology and otolaryngology. With over 32 locations throughout Iowa, including Marshalltown, Ames, Fort Dodge, West Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Waterloo, and Cedar Falls, Wolfe Clinic provides expert eye care and convenience to all Iowans.

For more information on the treatment of glaucoma, cataracts, diabetic eye disease, laser vision correction, and other ocular diseases, please call 1-800-542-7956. Visit Wolfe Clinic online at www.wolfeclinic.com.

Editor's Note:

Dr. Chang graduated Summa cum Laude from Harvard College and received his M.D. from Harvard Medical School. He completed his ophthalmology residency at the University of California, San Francisco in 1984, where he is now a clinical professor of ophthalmology. Dr. Chang is serving his fifth year as a cataract subspecialist on the annual meeting program committee for the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO). He is the Cataract-IOL editor for the Ocular Surgery News online cyber text. Dr. Chang was voted cataract speaker of the day at the 2001 and 2002 Royal Hawaiian Eye Meetings. Of 450 instruction courses, his phaco chop course had the highest attendance at the last annual meeting of the AAO; his complication course was the third most attended course. Dr. Chang will be the program co-chairman for the Spotlight on Cataracts program at the 2002 annual meeting for the AAO.

Dr. Russell H. Watt, received his medical degree from Northwestern University Medical School in Chicago in 1953. He completed his ophthalmology residency at Hines Veterans Administration Hospital in 1958. Before joining the Wolfe Clinic in 1959, he served as a medical officer in the United States Air Force. Dr. Watt retired from Wolfe Clinic in 2000, after serving the eye care needs of Iowans for more than 40 years.