IN Brentwood-Baldwin-Whitehall Spring 2016 | Page 39

INDUSTRY INSIGHT

EYE CARE

SPONSORED CONTENT

Caring for
Your Vision

A

ssociates in Ophthalmology (AIO) is a premier, multi-specialty
eye care practice in the greater Pittsburgh area, specializing
in the diagnosis and treatment of cataracts, diseases of
the cornea, retina (including diabetic retinopathy, diabetic eye care,
macular degeneration, retinal detachments, flashes and floaters),
glaucoma, and other vision correction treatments and surgeries.
AIO’s surgeons, board-certified and fellowship-trained in their
respective areas of expertise, are passionate about patient care and are
dedicated to enriching each patient’s quality of life through research
and innovative methods of enhancing vision.
With seven locations in western Pennsylvania and Wheeling, W.Va.,
AIO offers patients easy access to the latest in vision care procedures
and technology. Associates Surgery Center, located in AIO’s main
facility in West Mifflin, is an accredited, state-of-the-art ambulatory
outpatient surgery center, which allows AIO’s surgeons to provide
the most comprehensive ophthalmology surgeries in a convenient,
comfortable setting.
There has been a rapid evolution in cataract treatment over the
past few years, which translates to added patient benefits, including
improved visual outcomes and faster recoveries. AIO was the first
practice in western Pennsylvania to offer the latest technological
advancement available – laser-assisted cataract surgery with the

Alcon LenSx® F emtosecond Laser. This image-guided laser allows the
surgeon to perform cataract surgery with more accuracy, precision,
and less stress to the eye than with standard surgery. Additionally, the
laser allows for better management of astigmatism, increasing the
likelihood of not needing glasses for distance after surgery.
During cataract surgery, a new artificial intraocular lens (IOL)
is implanted to replace the cloudy lens that was removed. There
is a variety of intraocular lens types available, including standard
monofocal, multifocal, accommodative, and toric. Based on patients’
lifestyle needs and findings during examination, a suitable lens
is recommended for each individual. “Lifestyle lenses,” including
ReSTOR®, Tecnis Multifocal®, and Crystalens®, unlike a standard IOL,
can treat both a person’s cataracts and presbyopia – loss of near
and intermediate vision that begins as we age. These types of lenses
provide the most spectacle independence following cataract surgery.
AIO’s cataract surgeons were among the first to implant the newest IOL
available in the United States, Trulign Toric® – an accommodating IOL
which is designed to correct astigmatism and give patients a broader
range of vision, reducing dependency on glasses.
Surgical expertise and state-of-the-art technology are also available
for patients who desire laser vision correction, such as LASIK or PRK.
AIO offers all-laser LASIK using two different lasers to complete the
procedure. AIO is the only practice in western Pennsylvania that offers
the advanced Wavelight FS 200® Femtosecond Laser.
AIO is at the forefront of innovative treatment for glaucoma. With
iStent Trabecular Micro-Bypass Stent®, patients now have access to
the first minimally-invasive glaucoma surgery available. One of the
first iStent procedures performed in this country was by our glaucoma
surgeon. iStent is designed to control eye pressure in patients
with mild to moderate open-angle glaucoma, and is performed in
conjunction with cataract surgery.
The retina specialists at AIO are highly regarded for treating
many complex retinal diseases including diabetic retinopathy and
age-related macular degeneration. They utilize the most advanced
therapies and surgical approaches, combined with unfailing attention
to detail, to provide the best treatment available. AIO was the first
practice in western Pennsylvania to offer the CONSTELLATION®
Vision System, a state-of-the-art technology for advanced sutureless
vitreoretinal surgery.
The Clinical Research Department at AIO was created to explore
high quality pre-clinical and clinical trials in vision research. Our
clinical research department extends new technologies to patients
and increases the overall standard of vision care. Studies currently
underway include exciting new therapies for prevention and treatment
of wet and dry age-related macular degeneration, new intraocular
lenses, glaucoma devices, and pharmaceutical therapies. AIO is the
only practice in the area participating in an important trial for the
experimental treatment of dry age-related macular degeneration.
To obtain additional information, or to schedule an appointment
with any of the eye specialists at AIO, please call 412.653.3080.

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