Eye Surgery
Dr. Sam Cohlmia is a caring Wichita ophthalmologist who performs eye surgery to treat and correct a variety of conditions. For more than 20 years, Dr. Cohlmia has been providing expert surgical care for cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, strabismus, eye injuries and more. Cohlmia Eye Center’s surgery services include:
Cataract Surgery
The only treatment option for cataracts is removal. Fortunately, it’s a fast procedure that only takes a few minutes and leaves patients with clear vision within a day or two. During cataract surgery, the cloudy natural lens is removed from the eye and replaced with a synthetic intraocular lens implant (IOL). This lens corrects vision and typically prevents cataracts from reforming. Dr. Cohlmia’s cataract surgeries have minimal complications and are 99% successful.
Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE)
Some patients for whom LASIK is not an option for vision correction may be candidates for refractive lens exchange (RLE). This surgery is similar to cataract surgery, where the natural lens of the eye is replaced with an IOL, except the lens being replaced is cataract-free.
Selective Laser Trabeuloplasty (SLT)
For patients with open-angle glaucoma, selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) may be a good treatment option. This fast, non-invasive laser surgery reduces pressure in the eye for as much as five years.
Trabeculectomy
This glaucoma surgery consists of creating a new path to allow excess aqueous humor to filter or drain from the eye. During a trabeculectomy, a bubble or pocket, called the filtration bleb, is created underneath the upper eyelid. Aqueous humor collects in the bleb and is then absorbed by the tissues around it.
Glaucoma Valve Procedure
Another surgical option for glaucoma treatment, the glaucoma valve procedure involves implanting a shunt or valve that acts as a drainage tube. A small reservoir is also created in the eye area. The fluid is collected there and then absorbed by surrounding tissues. This surgery can be a primary treatment in some cases; more often, it’s used when filtering surgery or medication has not been successful.
Vitrectomy
In cases of advanced proliferative diabetic retinopathy, an ophthalmologist may remove excess vitreous gel and blood from the back of the eye, in a surgery called vitrectomy.
Strabismus (Crossed Eyes) Surgery
In some cases, eye muscle surgery is required to correct strabismus, or crossed eyes. During this process, the muscles around the eye are repositioned to straighten the eyes. Vision therapy may be required after strabismus surgery to prevent the eyes from becoming misaligned again and to gain better eye coordination.
Eyelid Lift Surgery
Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, is a procedure in which excess skin and fatty tissue are removed from the upper eyelid. Eyelid surgery can be considered cosmetic, but if droopy eyelids are limiting the vision, it may be medically necessary.
Oculoplastic Surgery
As an oculoplastic surgeon, Dr. Cohlmia performs plastic and reconstructive surgery on the areas of the face surrounding the eyes. This includes periorbital and facial tissues such as the eyebrows, eyelids, cheeks, forehead, the tear (lacrimal) system, and the orbital or bony area around the eyes.
Questions about eye surgery? Call Cohlmia Eye Center in Wichita at 316-294-8932 and we’ll be happy to help.
