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We offer the following routine and complex services for adult and pediatric patients:
Pediatric Ophthalmology
Pediatric ophthalmologists medically and surgically manage eye conditions that usually occur during the first two decades of life. The most commonly treated conditions include crossed eyes (strabismus) or lazy eye (amblyopia), glaucoma, and inherited eye disease. We also treat problems that result from injury to the eye and eye conditions that may occur as a result of medical problems.
We offer a special program for school age children with low vision. The Children's Vision Rehabilitation Project provides access to visual devices, training for the child, family, and teachers in proper use of the devices, and continuing support and assessment of the child's progress. West Virginia children with low vision who are enrolled in grades K-12 are eligible for the program, which is provided free of charge.
Glaucoma Service
We offer complete glaucoma care, using the best diagnostic equipment available and a variety of surgical options, including viscocanalostomy. Both pediatric and adult glaucoma services are available. Judie Charlton, MD, director of the glaucoma service, is a pharmacist as well as an ophthalmologist and lectures extensively on glaucoma drugs. WVU is regularly chosen to participate in glaucoma drug studies. This means that new drugs often are available before full market release.
Cataract/Lens Implants
At WVU, cataract surgery is performed in our state-of-the-art same day surgery suite. Patients do not have to spend the night in the hospital. A sutureless technique is used to optimize rapid visual recovery. Following the 20-minute procedure, an intraocular lens implant is placed in the eye so that the eye will focus properly. The patient can return to normal activity within a few days of the procedure.
Oculoplastic, Orbital, and Lacrimal Surgery Service
Our oculoplastic and orbital surgeons combine extensive training in plastic and reconstructive surgery with all the knowledge and skills of a board-certified ophthalmologists. Common problems that require oculoplastic and orbital surgery include facial fractures and injuries, tumors, droopy eyelids, blocked tear ducts, skin cancer, birth deformities, and thyroid eye disease.
Oculoplastic surgeons perform advanced surgery to restore and improve both the appearance and function of the eyes, while maintaining normal vision. Oculoplastic surgeons also work closely with radiology, oncology, ENT, and neurosurgery specialists, to provide multispecialty care for patients who have complicated problems involving the head, brain and neck.
Cornea and External Disease
Commonly performed surgical procedures include corneal transplantation, cataract surgery in the high-risk patient, refractive surgery and trauma reconstruction.
WVU is one of just a few eye institutes in the nation to perform a new cornea transplantation procedure-ALTK, or automated lamellar therapeutic keratoplasty.
Refractive Surgery
Refractive surgery can reduce or eliminate dependence on the use of eyeglasses or contact lenses. A variety of refractive procedures based on the excimer laser are available including LASIK (for laser in site keratomileusis) LASEK and PRK. These procedures can correct or reduce moderate to high levels of myopia with astigmatism or hyperopia.
Low Vision and Vision Rehabilitation
Millions of Americans suffer from irreversible vision loss (low vision) that seriously affects their ability to work, attend school, and live independently. The Appalachian Center for Vision Rehabilitation helps people whose vision cannot be restored with surgery, medications, regular glasses, or contact lenses. Center specialists work to maximize patients' remaining vision through visual rehabilitation and the use of special optical devices.
Vision rehabilitation specialists also help patients learn to travel safely and efficiently at home and in unfamiliar environments, and to perform other activities of daily living such as reading, watching television, writing notes or checks, and playing cards.
The Center serves people of all ages with a visual impairment as well as all levels of impairment.
Retina Service
This subspecialty involves both the medical and surgical treatment of retinal and vitreoretinal disease. The types of diseases treated include manifestations of local, systemic, and genetic diseases as they affect the retina and vitreous.
WVU's state-of-the-art eye technical capabilities are particularly important for retinal disease. Diagnosis involves the use of ultrasound, fluorescein angiography, and electrophysiology. Treatment methods include laser therapy, cryotherapy, retinal detachment surgery, and vitrectomy (removal of the vitreous). More than 700 laser procedures for age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy are performed each year.
Neuro-ophthalmology
Neuro-ophthalmologists treat patients with problems that involve the relationship between the eye and the brain, how the eye sends visual messages to the brain and how the brain influences the eye. They also care for patients who have migraine headaches that involve visual symptoms and brain lesions that affect the eye.
Comprehensive Eye Exams
Patients can come to the Eye Institute for routine eye care as well as specialized care.
The information from an eye exam may lead to prescriptions or medical procedures.
