SURGICAL OVERVIEW
Surgery is an extremely valuable tool in modern ophthalmology. While we support the philosophy of conservative eye care, we do recommend surgery when it is the best choice to maintain or restore the quality of your vision. In addition, contemporary technology now affords us the opportunity to improve and enhance vision in ways never before possible. Our office prides itself in offering a variety of modern technologies but also prides itself in our conservative and somewhat skeptical approach to unproven techniques, or those with inordinate drawbacks and risks. Dr. Zazulak will carefully analyze your individual situation and will formulate an honest recommendation based on that analysis and your personal needs. Please feel free to voice all of your questions and concerns directly to him.
AREAS OF SPECIAL INTEREST
— Cataracts: We utilize a “state of the art” surgical technique to treat cataracts. The latest includes tiny sutureless incisions, foldable implants, and phacoemulsification, in which ultrasound waves are used to break up the cloudy lens into small pieces. The placement of lens implant following cataract removal has eliminated the need for thick glasses. In fact, advances in lens implant technology and surgical techniques have revolutionized cataract surgery in ways previously unimaginable. We now have lens implants that can correct astigmatism and thus can often alleviate the need for glasses. Furthermore, there are premium lens implants that have the potential to rejuvenate the visual system by restoring some accommodation, the ability of the eye to focus at different ranges, as during more youthful times.
When there were three FDA approved premium lenses available in the U.S. for surgery, Dr. Zazulak was the first ophthalmologist in the Rochester or Finger Lakes area to be credentialed to implant all three. Experience has convinced him that of the three types, the Crystalens yielded the highest level of overall patient satisfaction in most patients. Because of this and because of numerous referrals from our patients, he has implanted more Crystalens implants than anyone in the Rochester community. Furthermore, he is the only ophthalmologist in the Rochester or Finger Lakes regions listed on the “Best Crystalens Surgeons in New York State” website. Even though other lenses have entered the market over the years, Dr Zazulak has found that the performance and patient satisfaction with this time tested lens justifies keeping it his favorite premium lens. He will be happy to explain his reasoning for this, and will openly and honestly answer questions about the benefits and limitations of various lenses.
— Glaucoma: Elevated fluid pressure within the eye can harm the optic nerve, and adversely impact peripheral and even central vision. This condition can be treated with medicine, laser, or surgery. Once the leading cause of blindness in adults, glaucoma now can be treated effectively without significant visual loss for most patients. We can often control this condition with just medications. Alternatively, we offer laser procedures like trabeculoplasty (SLT), iridotomy (PI), and endocyclophotocoagulation (ECP).
In addition, Dr. Zazulak is recognized as a leader in the field of glaucoma MIGS surgery. MIGS surgeries are revolutionary in that they are a group of newer technologies that are minimally invasive, allowing us to do quick and effective surgical interventions which have markedly reduced risks and side effects. Our doctor is credentialed in the use of the Istent, Hydrus stent, and XEN stent. These MIGS devices are novel but very tiny devices implanted in the eye for glaucoma. Such stents are much less invasive and more safe than are traditional glaucoma surgical procedures.
Most recently, he has pioneered the use of a major technologic advancement in microscopic glaucoma surgery, called the Omni procedure. This procedure, which typically takes 2 to 3 minutes, involves the use of a sophisticated tiny instrument that allows “cleaning and backwashing” of the filtration system in the eye, thus lowering pressure, without the use of any stents or implants. He was the first surgeon to do this procedure in western New York, and has done more of these procedures than any physician in our area. He travels to other cities and states to teach other eye surgweons how to perform and utilize these procedures and techniques.
In fact, even patients who came to our office with advanced glaucoma can be hopeful of having their condition effectively controlled and their eye sight protected. Dr. Zazulak is skilled in the use of a special biomedical device, called the Ahmed Valve, which utilizes an FDA approved pressure relief valve to control the intraocular pressure. After such surgery, many patients can eliminate the need for eyedrops. New medications and surgical procedures are continually being evaluated.
— Eyelid Surgery: The skin and muscles of the eyelids are rather thin and gradually stretch with time. Heredity and a variety of medical conditions may exacerbate this. Redundant skin in the upper lids can interfere with peripheral vision and can cause fatigue when performing visual tasks. Blepharoplasty and ptosis repair are surgical procedures which are performed by Dr. Zazulak to repair this.
In the lower lids, accumulation of fatty tissue under the skin may cause the appearance of puffiness and “bags”. Lower lid blepharoplasty can repair this problem and restore a more youthful appearance. This procedure can also help alleviate excessive watering.
— Eye Muscle Surgery: It is not uncommon for people to have problems with ocular alignment, whereby the eyes can cross, drift outwards, or stray vertically. Dr. Zazulak is experienced in strabismus surgery, a technique that can straighten the eyes, using “adjustable sutures”. The success rate of such surgery is quite high.