Mrs. Missouri America 2010

We are so very proud that our very own Dr. Carrie T. Hruza was recently crowned Mrs. Missouri America. She will be competing for the title of Mrs. America in Tucson this September. As Mrs. Missouri, Dr. Carrie Hruza has the opportunity to meet Missourians and share with them the the importance of annual eye exams for diabetics.

We spend time taking care of our health and maintaining our independance as we age and this lens implant certainly provides a more youthful vision and a more youthful appearance for many patients. Many seniors have not slowed down, have worked hard and feel they deserve the best that technology has to offer. The idea of being able to play golf, garden, play cards, read to their grandchildren and travel without dependance on glasses to see distance and near is very appealing to many cataract patients. With interest free payment plans it has become an affordable value to cataract surgery patients who want the very best in advanced cataract care. These patients realize this is a one time decision, a permanent choice to have a revolutionary procedure that restores vision to a more youthful vision and offers a more youthful appearance. This is something we have noticed in our practice for years as we see smiling cataract surgery patients who have chosen this “bifocal” lens implant. Not only do they look younger without their bifocals or readers, they also look happy and tell us they are thrilled with their results.  It is truly a joy to see these happy patients!

 Dr. John Galanis

The US clinical trials included a three-month follow-up exam of near, intermediate and distance visual acuities. The percentage of patients who achieved 20/20 or better at all three distances with the AcrySof^(R) IQ ReSTOR^(R) +3.0 D was nearly fourfold the rate of patients who received the control lens, AcrySof^(R) IQ ReSTOR^(R) +4.0 D. The clinical studies also showed a high rate of patient satisfaction with over 95 percent of patients stating that they would have this lens implanted again.

“Advanced technology IOLs that correct for presbyopia and astigmatism are the fastest growing IOL segment of cataract surgery. The addition of this new lens meets a growing desire on the part of cataract patients for spectacle independence after cataract surgery. With the availability of the AcrySof^(R) IQ ReSTOR^(R)+3.0 D lens, surgeons can deliver true performance at all distances for their cataract patients,” said Kevin Buehler, senior vice president, global markets and chief marketing officer.

About AcrySof^(R) Intraocular Lenses

Alcon’s AcrySof^(R) intraocular lenses are the most frequently implanted lenses in the world, with more than 35 million implants since their introduction in the early 1990s. Alcon’s AcrySof^(R) IOLs offer cataract patients a variety of benefits that give cataract patients a full range of quality vision. The AcrySof^(R) IQ, AcrySof^(R) Toric and AcrySof^(R) IQ ReSTOR^(R) IOLs are part of Alcon’s AcrySof^(R) product portfolio. Since the introduction of the Acrysof^(R) ReSTOR^(R) platform, Alcon has accounted for more than half of all presbyopia correcting lenses implanted. For more information visit www.acrysofrestor.com.

About Cataract Surgery

A cataract is a “clouding” of the eye’s natural lens, which results in blurred or defocused vision. IOLs are implanted during cataract surgery to replace the patient’s natural lens that has been removed during surgery. Cataracts cannot be prevented and are the leading cause of treatable blindness worldwide. For more information visit www.cataractsurgery.com.

About Alcon

Alcon, Inc. is the world’s leading eye care company, with sales of approximately $5.6 billion in 2007. Alcon, which has been dedicated to the ophthalmic industry for 60 years, researches, develops, manufactures and markets pharmaceuticals, surgical equipment and devices, contact lens care solutions and other vision care products that treat diseases, disorders and other conditions of the eye. Alcon’s majority shareholder is Nestle, S.A., the world’s largest food company. For more information visit www.alcon.com.

Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements. This press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any forward-looking statements reflect the views of our management as of the date of this press release with respect to future events and are based on assumptions and subject to risks and uncertainties. Given these uncertainties, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Except to the extent required under the federal securities laws and the rules and regulations promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission, we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any of these forward-looking statements, whether to reflect new information or future events or circumstances or otherwise.
Source: Alcon, Inc.

We are very pleased to report that this new technology has enabled our patient to see like they haven’t seen since their twenties and thirties before needing bifocals or reading glasses. Not to mention excellent distance vision without glasses as well.

Patients report saving upwards of $450.00 in replacement costs for their bifocals each year or two following this modern day state-of-the-art cataract surgery. Some of our patients have been thrilled to report shopping for stylish modern sunglasses they have admired for years, and no longer needing a prescription! 

Many of our patients are avid readers and are very happy with their new independance from glasses. They have expressed being pleased to be able to drive, read and perform their normal everyday activities without the aid of glasses.

Dr. Galanis has performed over 20,000 procedures and is committed to using the latest technology to provide superior eye care. Dr. John Galanis, Dr. Carrie Williams, and their staff of experienced technicians work as a team providing the best of care to each and every patient at Southwest Eye Center.

If you would like more information about this life changing option that combines modern day cataract surgery using state-of-the-art bifocal lens implants please call Dr. John Galanis’ office at 314-633-8575.

We will be happy to answer any and all questions regarding this exciting technology we offer!

I’d like to welcome you to our new website and blog. I will use this blog to provide timely updates on eye care with an emphasis on new technology.

There has never been a better time to have LASIK. Custom LASIK corrects vision using wavefront guided technology providing clearer, sharper vision than ever before. At Southwest Eye Center we treat each patient individually with a treatment plan that is personalized for each patient. State-of-the-art, advanced technology and years of LASIK experience make Southwest Eye Center the clear choice for laser vision correction today. We offer free screenings to see if you are indeed a candidate and are available to answer any and all questions you may have. Come see how our patient care sets us apart!  

We offer state of the art cataract surgery with the use of revolutionary intraocular lenses

(IOL’s) called multifocal or “bifocal” lens implants. As you will only have your cataracts removed one time, it’s important for you to consider the most advanced lens implant technology for your postoperative vision.

If you are over the age of 65, Medicare will cover the cost of cataract surgery along with a conventional “monofocal” IOL. Patients electing monofocal IOL’s typically have both eyes corrected for clear distant vision, while they often have to rely on readers or bifocal glasses for near vision.

As an alternative to receiving a monofocal IOL, many patients today are choosing to upgrade to a new generation of IOL that not only provides distant vision- it can provide intermediate and near vision, too. These new “premium” IOL’s can potentially eliminate one’s dependence on glasses for most activities such as driving, working on a computer, or reading a book, rendering a more natural and youthful-like vision. The cost of upgrading to a premium IOL is not covered by Medicare and private insurance, but recent changes in Medicare law now allows you to pay out-of-pocket for the additional costs associated with these lenses. We will explain these costs and answer any questions you may have about these revolutionary IOL’s.

We have brought new technology to the office such as OCT (Ocular Coherence Tomography) for the evaluation of the retina and optic nerve and stay committed to providing the latest in technology to our patients for superior eye care.

                                                                                                John C. Galanis, M.D.