DGMC opens new eye care center

  • Published
  • By Dr. (Maj.) Chris Kurz
  • 60th SURGICAL OPERATIONS SQUADRON
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  An open house for the new Ophthalmology Clinic and Laser Refractive Surgery Center was held Jan. 21 from 2 to 4 p.m. at its new location within the David Grant USAF Medical Center.

The new clinic opened its doors Nov. 23, 2010 at the new location on the fourth floor near the Labor and Delivery Center. All are welcome to attend the open house to see the latest in eye care technology and services provided by DGMC.

"The new location was designed to help us meet all of the ophthalmic needs of our patients, but is as beautiful as it is functional," stated Dr. (Col.) Dianne Y. Harris, 60th Surgical Operations Squadron Vitreo-Retinal surgeon. "Our new location houses both the Ophthalmology cCinic and the Laser Refractive Surgery Center with a total of nine exam lanes, five diagnostic rooms, two dedicated laser treatment rooms as well as a minor procedure room complete with a state-of-the-art operating microscope."

According to Dr. Harris, DGMC's Ophthalmology Clinic has two board certified ophthalmologists and an indispensible team of nationally certified ophthalmic and refractive surgery technicians. Patient eye care utilizes evidence-based practice -- research proven interventions to monitor, treat and cure a wide range of eye problems ranging from macular degeneration and glaucoma to dry eyes and cataracts.

A lot of people seem to have confusion when they try to define the differences between ophthalmology and optometry. Ophthalmologists and optometrists are both highly trained professionals who provide eye care. Either can conduct complete eye exams that include testing your eyes for visual problems like nearsightedness and color blindness. Both are also capable of diagnosing serious eye diseases, such as glaucoma and macular degeneration.

An ophthalmologist first trains as a medical doctor or osteopathic doctor. After four years of medical school, they serve an additional year of internship and complete at least three years of specialized training as a resident in ophthalmology. An optometrist attends optometry school for four years after completing a college degree, ultimately earning a doctor of optometry degree. Additionally, they must meet licensing requirements for the state where they plan to practice.

At DGMC, both active duty Air Force ophthalmologists are fellowship trained and offer the latest surgical and medical treatments in their respective fields of expertise. In addition to conditions treated by general ophthalmologists, DGMC's Laser Refractive Center can provide the latest in LASIK and PRK for active duty personnel. Corneal transplantation, retinal detachment repair, as well as treatments for "wet" macular degeneration are available in the Ophthalmology clinic.

"If you think you need a referral to have your eyes examined, contact your primary care provider," stated Dr. Harris. "We're ready to assist you with your medical and surgical eye care needs."


Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: Are dependents eligible for laser vision correction (LASIK or PRK)?

A: Unfortunately, at this time, laser vision correction is approved only for active duty members. For more information, visit the Air Force Medical Service public website at http://airforcemedicine.afms.mil/idc/groups/public/documents/webcontent/knowledgejunction.hcst?functionalarea=RS_USAF&doctype=subpage&docname=CTB_070655

Q: If my vision is blurry sometimes, but not others, could that be due to a cataract?

A: The changes in vision caused by a cataract are constant and do not fluctuate. Blurry vision that comes and goes is usually attributed to an unstable tear film which can be caused by dryness on the surface of the eye. For more information on cataracts, please visit http://www.geteyesmart.org/eyesmart/diseases/cataracts.cfm

Q: My eyes constantly water, how could they possibly be dry?

A: Unfortunately the term "dry eye" is exceedingly common, but not very accurate. A better term is ocular surface disease. Irritation or inflammation on the surface of the eye can cause your eye to make too many tears leading to watering. Alternatively, sometimes the oil glands that line both the upper and lower eyelids do not functioning properly. Without an appropriate amount of oil getting to the surface of the eye, the tear film becomes unstable which can be another cause of excess tearing. For more information on OSD, please visit http://www.geteyesmart.org/eyesmart/diseases/dry-eye.cfm

Q: I have had the same spot in my field of vision for many years, should I still get it checked?

A: If a spot has been there for a long time and is very stable, it is not imperative to get it checked. However, anytime you see a big change in either the number or size of spots and/or flashes of light, you should be seen as soon as possible. For more information on spots and flashes, please visit http://www.geteyesmart.org/eyesmart/diseases/floaters-flashes.cfm

Q: My eyes feel fine and I am seeing very well, how could I have glaucoma?

A: The most common form of glaucoma in the United States is open-angle glaucoma and does not cause any pain. In fact, glaucoma is a lot like high blood pressure in that patient's often don't even know they have it. Glaucoma affects peripheral vision initially and it decreases so slowly that patient's don't even know they are losing vision until it is very, very late in process. As such, it is important to identify and treat glaucoma early. For more information, please visit http://www.geteyesmart.org/eyesmart/diseases/glaucoma.cfm

Q: No one in my family has a history of macular degeneration, could I still get it?

A: A family history of macular degeneration is just one risk factor for having the condition. Even if no one in your family has macular degeneration, there still is a chance that you could have it. An annual eye exam is always a good idea and a sudden change in your vision certainly warrants being seen as soon as possible to rule out macular degeneration as a possible cause. For more information, visit http://www.geteyesmart.org/eyesmart/diseases/amd.cfm


Q: My diabetes is controlled with diet and exercise; do I still need to get an annual eye exam to check for diabetic eye disease?

A: Yes! Even though your diabetes if well controlled (with or without medicines), all diabetics should have their eyes examined at least once a year as sometimes diabetic eye disease can present even in the setting of good blood sugar control. For more information, please visit http://www.geteyesmart.org/eyesmart/diseases/dr.cfm