Ophthalmology in Colorado Springs

When a patient has been diagnosed with cataracts, it means that the lens of the eye has become cloudy, impairing vision. While cataracts can be managed with glasses or contacts for a while, it comes to a point where surgery may be the only option.

During cataract surgery, the ophthalmologist removes the clouded lens and replaces it with a synthetic intraocular lens (IOL) inside the eye. Cataract surgery is a common procedure, recovery time is relatively quick, and is done on an out-patient basis.

Depending on the type of glaucoma a patient has and the severity level, there are different surgical procedures an ophthalmologist will perform. From inserting eye stents to using lasers to relieve intraocular pressure, an ophthalmologist can help slow the progression of glaucoma in many ways.

If a person has been diagnosed with diabetes, they may develop diabetic retinopathy, damage to the retinal blood vessels due to high levels of blood glucose.

In its early stages, an ophthalmologist may perform laser surgery to stop the hemorrhaging of the vessels. If the hemorrhaging is more severe, a surgical procedure called a vitrectomy may be performed.

This degenerative eye disease affects a person’s macula (responsible for central vision), and if left untreated, can lead to central vision loss. Patients with macular degeneration are monitored closely by our ophthalmologists and often use a combination of laser treatments and medicinal injections to slow disease progression.

Corneal crosslinking is a procedure designed to help patients with keratoconus and other corneal abnormalities. It is typically an outpatient process that involves using medicated eye drops and ultraviolet light to create new links between collagen fibers and the cornea itself. At Bettner Vision, we help you with all pre and post care, but refer our patients to Dr. Jeffrey Jones for the procedure itself.