CONTRIBUTED

Dr. Anna Fakadej, cataract and aesthetic-laser specialist with Carolina Eye Associates, recently spoke to a large group of residents at Penick Village in Southern Pines on the new options in cataract surgery and the treatment LipiFlow for evaporative dry eye disease.

Fakadej educated the residents on the leading-edge technology of the Catalys Precision Laser System. The system combines state-of-the-art femtosecond laser, advanced 3-D optical coherence tomography imaging, sophisticated software, and a host of other unique features that deliver a precise, customized and exceptional experience for patients, a news release said.

Using the Catalys system Carolina Eye ophthalmic surgeons are able to create patterned incisions that soften and segment the cataract-affected lens, enabling easier and more gentle lens break-up removal, the release said. This new laser-enabled process may bring added safety benefits to patients, as it has been shown to reduce the amount of ultrasound energy needed during this step by 40 percent.

Fakadej shared the latest advances with the Optiwave Refractive Anaysis (ORA), also known as Optiplus. This new option is used during cataract surgery procedure to optimize postoperative visual outcomes, the release said.

She talked about the latest procedure for patients who suffer from evaporative dry eye disease.

"Carolina Eye is the first in the Moore County community to introduce a new, advanced in-office treatment called LipiFlow," Fakaddej said. "Over 65 percent of patients with dry eye symptoms suffer from evaporative dry eye disease. This disease stems from a deficiency in the oily lipid layer of the eye's natural tear film. The oily lipids serve as protective layer so that the aqueous (water) layer of the eye's tear film does not evaporate.

"If your doctor determines that blocked meibomian glands are at the root of your dry eye condition and you are a candidate, you can now be treated with the innovative LipiFlow Thermal Pulsation System."

LipiFlow works by applying directed energy to the eyelid near the affected glands' precisely targeted warmth from the back of the eyelid, and slight pressure from the front. This clinically proven procedure can now be performed in the Southern Pines office of Carolina Eye Associates.

Anyone needing more information on advances in cataract surgery or dry eye disease can visit www.carolinaeye.com or call (910) 295-1501.