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®
Femtosecond 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
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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 agerelated 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.