We are a complete eye care practice, which means that we offer general ophthalmology procedures as well as laser eye surgery. Our doctors have been trained to offer high-quality care for adult and pediatric vision problems as well as sight-threatening eye diseases. We also use the most advanced techniques to make your treatment safer and more effective.
Our office is equipped with the latest technology in diagnostic and examination equipment. This allows us to provide our patients with the most thorough, comprehensive eye examinations available.
We thoroughly check the internal and external health of your eyes including tests for cataracts and glaucoma. Our doctors also check for the presence of corneal disorders and will examine the retina to ensure proper health and continued good vision.
For more information, or to schedule an appointment, please call 818.990.3623.
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Tears serve to lubricate the eye and they are produced around the clock, but when insufficient moisture is produced stinging, burning, scratchiness and other symptoms are experienced and may be referred to as Dry Eye, Keratitis Sicca, Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (KCS) or Xerophthalmia.
About 10 million Americans suffer from dry eye syndrome. Most of these cases result from normal aging of the glands in the eye, but dry eye can occur at any age. People suffering from allergies and those wearing contact lenses have greater risk of developing dry eye.
Dry eye cannot be cured, but your eyes' sensitivity can be lessened and measures taken so your eyes remain healthy. The most frequent method of treatment is the use of artificial tears or tear substitutes. For more severe dry eye, ointment can be used, typically at bedtime. In some cases, small plugs may be inserted in the corner of the eyelids to slow drainage and loss of tears.
For more information, or to schedule an appointment, please call 818.990.3623.
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Macular degeneration is the physical disturbance of the center of the retina known as the macula. The macula is the part of the retina which enables acute and detailed vision. The macula is used for reading, driving, recognizing faces, and watching television.
Macular degeneration is the leading cause of legal blindness in people over age 55. Surgery to remove the scar produced by macular degeneration has been successful in younger patients, but less successful in older patients.
For more information, or to schedule an appointment, please call 818.990.3623.
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Diabetic retinopathy is a potentially blinding complication of diabetes mellitus which causes abnormalities in the tiny blood vessels nourishing the retina. These blood vessels swell and leak blood, damaging the retina, the light-sensitive tissue which lines the back portion of the eye. Left untreated, diabetic retinopathy can result in severe loss of vision and ultimately blindness.
The causes of diabetic retinopathy are not certain, but it has been determined that the fluctuation in blood sugar levels leads to an increased risk of this disease as well as of long-term diabetes. There are two stages of diabetic retinopathy: nonproliferative, or background retinopathy, and proliferative retinopathy. In this early stage of nonproliferative retinopathy your symptoms may include blurred or changing vision from the leaking blood that obscures the light sensitive retina. Proliferative retinopathy is the more advanced stage of this disease. New blood vessels grow abnormally in the retina and this growth can lead to scarring or retinal detachment which can lead to total blindness.
The location of the disease and the degree of damage to the retina determines the type of treatment of diabetic retinopathy. There are two effective methods in reducing vision loss from this disease. One method is to treat with laser photocoagulation, a way of sealing off the leaking blood vessels and removing new growth. Another procedure is to perform conventional eye surgery, a vitrectomy, to remove blood that has leaked into the vitreous humor replacing it with a saline solution.
The best treatment for diabetic retinopathy is prevention. Early detection and management is important to prevent the development of the more sight damaging stages of the disease. Keeping your blood sugar at an even level and frequent eye examinations, as recommended by your physician, will help. With careful monitoring, treatment of diabetic retinopathy can be started before your sight is affected.
Dr. Stanley Kopelow has been in practice for over thirty years specializing in diseases and surgery of the retina and vitreous. He has had a special interest in diabetic retinopathy. Read More about Dr. Stanley Kopelow
For more information, or to schedule an appointment, please call 818.990.3623.
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Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness and visual impairment in the United States. A simple painless eye exam can detect the disease. With early detection and treatment, glaucoma can usually be controlled and blindness prevented.
Glaucoma can affect anyone from newborn infants to the elderly. It has been estimated that up to 3 million Americans have glaucoma. At least half of those people do not know they have it because glaucoma usually has no symptoms. People who are at a greater risk for glaucoma usually have the following conditions:
- At least 45 years old without regular eye exams
- A family history of glaucoma
- Abnormally high eye pressure
- African descent
- Nearsightedness
- Diabetes
- Previous eye injury
- Regular, long term use of cortisone/steroid products
To detect glaucoma, your physician will test your visual acuity, visual field, dilate your pupils and test the pressure in your eye. Regular and complete eye exams help to monitor the changes in your eyesight and will help to determine whether you may develop glaucoma. Treatment to control glaucoma include medications in the form of either eyedrops or pills, laser surgery and conventional surgery.
Dr. Kramar- San Fernando Valley native, Dr. Mark Kramar, the newest member of The Ophthalmology Associates of the Valley, specializes in glaucoma and comprehensive Ophthalmology. Read More
For more information, or to schedule an appointment, please call 818.990.3623.
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Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) is an advanced laser system that targets specific cells of the eye - those containing melanin, a natural pigment. Using a special wavelength and energy, the SLT targets these specific cells, leaving the surrounding tissue intact and improves the flow of fluid in the eye thereby lowering your eye pressure.
Your eye pressure may drop as quickly as a day or more after having the SLT procedure. You may be treated with anti-inflammatory eye drops that will be continued after the procedure. There are no incidences of allergy or sytemic side effects with SLT. The SLT treatment does not cause pain.
The SLT procedure is reimbursed by Medicare and many other insurance providers, which minimizes your out-of-pocket expenses.
For more information, or to schedule an appointment, please call 818.990.3623.
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