DGMC's Ophthalmology Clinic, part of the Warfighter Refractive Surgery Center has two board certified ophthalmologists and an indispensible team of nationally certified ophthalmic technicians ready to assist you with all of your eye care needs. Patient 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.
Both active duty Air Force ophthalmologists are fellowship trained and offer the latest treatments in their respective fields of expertise (Dr. Harris, Vitreo-Retinal Surgeon and Dr. Kurz, Cornea and Refractive Surgeon).
We are also proud to announce the introduction of Oculofacial plastic and reconstructive services at the Air Force's flagship medical center with the recent arrival of Maj. (Dr.) Kevin Kalwerisky, a fellowship-trained, board-certified physician. In addition to performing reconstructive procedures of the periocular structures such as eyebrows, eyelids, eye socket and tear ducts, Dr. Kalwerisky offers a comprehensive range of cosmetic periocular rejuvenation procedures including minimally invasive brow lifts, eyelid lifts, skin resurfacing such as chemical peels and laser treatments, as well as cheek lifts, facelifts and injectable fillers.
In addition to conditions treated by general ophthalmologists, DGMC's Warfighter Refractive Surgery Center can provide the latest in LASIK and PRK to active duty personnel. Corneal transplantation, retinal detachment repair, as well treatments for "wet" macular degeneration are also done here.
If you think you need a referral to have your eyes examined, contact your primary care provider.
We are located on Level 4 ("Sierra") of the facility in our brand new location near the
Maternal Child Flight (Labor and Delivery/Mother-Baby Unit).
Below are some frequently asked questions along with links to additional information on some common eye conditions and concerns:
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 personnel.
Cataracts:
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.
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 (OSD). 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.
Floaters and Flashes:
Q: I have had the same floater in my field of vision for many years, should I still get it checked?
A: If a floater 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 floaters and/or flashes of light, you should be seen as soon as possible.
Glaucoma:
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.
Macular Degeneration:
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.
Diabetic Retinopathy:
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.
Additional resources:
Feature story: Eye center puts mission in perspective
Travis Tailwind,
March 7, 2013 (page 4)