Area Cataract and LASIK Specialist Jonathan M. Frantz, MD, FACS, is pleased to announce that he is the first and only eye surgeon in southwest Florida to offer cataract surgery with Alcon’s LenSx, a bladeless, computer-controlled laser that ensures the highest-precision surgical incisions. This is the greatest advancement in cataract surgery in 20 years. Dr. Frantz plans to perform the first bladeless laser cataract surgery procedures within two weeks at Suncoast Surgery Center, his outpatient surgery center located adjacent to the Frantz Cataract Center at Florida Eye Health in Fort Myers.

“We are proud to offer the most advanced eye care treatment for our cataract patients in southwest Florida,” said Dr. Frantz. Leading eye surgeons throughout the world consider bladeless cataract surgery the wave of the future. “In five to ten years, it is expected that all cataract surgery will be performed with a laser; however as a surgeon who has often introduced new technology to our area, I am thrilled about bringing the future of cataract surgery to our area now,” said Dr. Frantz. “The real beneficiary of this new technology is our patients,” added Dr. Frantz.

By adding computer control to the three key steps of cataract surgery, the LenSx laser ensures the highest-precision surgical incisions. “The LenSx is unquestionably the most technologically advanced option for cataract patients,” added Dr. Frantz.

LenSx utilizes a femtosecond laser, which has been used to perform LASIK surgery since FDA approval in 2001, and offers an alternative to the mechanical cuts used in traditional LASIK.  This technology brought both safety and precision to the surgeon and the patient.  Dr. Frantz was the first surgeon in southwest Florida to add the IntraLase femtosecond laser to provide the 100 percent bladeless iLASIK experience for his patients.  This same innovation used for all-laser LASIK is now revolutionizing cataract surgery.

The three key patient benefits of the bladeless laser cataract surgery versus traditional manual cataract surgery are:
1) The laser provides a more precise circular incision around the cataract, improves the accuracy during placement of the intraocular lens implant, and leads to a greater likelihood of clearer vision.  The main corneal incision is created through multiple planes to prevent potential wound leakage.  A real time computerized laser imaging system guides the laser beam to the correct target during the surgery.
2) The laser pre-softens the cataract, allowing surgeons to minimize the use of ultrasound energy to remove the cataract lens.  Decreased usage of ultrasound energy reduces the chances of thermal injury to tissues inside the eye, which lessens recovery time.
3) Astigmatism correction can be done on the same setting with cataract surgery using this laser as opposed to a manual incision.  Astigmatism requires patients to wear glasses after cataract surgery.  Correcting this at the time of cataract surgery lessens the needs for glasses subsequently.

“With the LenSx laser, I am able to perform my patients’ surgeries to more exacting, individualized specifications not attainable with other surgical methods.  More importantly, I anticipate that my patients who have bladeless laser cataract surgery will recover more quickly and have greater satisfaction in their outcome,” said Dr. Frantz.

Patients will have the choice of having traditional cataract surgery or the LenSx bladeless laser cataract surgery, which is considered a premium enhanced procedure that requires an out-of-pocket fee from the patient.  “Standard cataract surgery is covered by insurance, but those patients should expect to wear glasses since the refractive component is not covered.  We will offer the bladeless laser cataract surgery as part of our Refractive Premium Package. Patients who want to minimize their need for glasses desire not just standard cataract surgery, but a refractive component as well. This includes patients wanting refractive cataract surgery with a monofocal lens with astigmatic refractive surgery, patients desiring a ReSTOR CustomLens with or without astigmatic refractive surgery, or patients wanting a Toric intraocular lens for astigmatism,” said Dr. Frantz.

To set up a consultation to learn more about cataract surgery and the new LenSx bladeless laser cataract surgery, schedule an appointment now online or call 239.418.0999.

About Alcon

Building on its heritage of more than 65 years, Alcon, the global leader in eye care, is the second largest division of the Novartis Group with combined pro forma sales of more than USD 9.4 billion in 2010. Alcon has more than 22,000 employees with headquarters in Fort Worth, Texas, USA. Alcon’s three businesses – Surgical, Pharmaceutical and Vision Care – meet the diverse needs of eye care professionals and patients offering the widest spectrum of eye care products with operations in 75 countries and products available in 180 markets. For more information, visit www.alcon.com.

]]> http://bettervision.net/dr-jonathan-frantz-first-surgeon-in-southwest-florida-to-offer-cataract-eye-surgery-with-alcons-lensx-laser/feed/ 0 http://bettervision.net/laser-vision-center-receives-2012-best-of-fort-myers-award/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=laser-vision-center-receives-2012-best-of-fort-myers-award http://bettervision.net/laser-vision-center-receives-2012-best-of-fort-myers-award/#comments Tue, 10 Apr 2012 14:58:48 +0000 beckie http://bettervision.net/?p=1894 Area Cataract and LASIK Specialist Jonathan M. Frantz, MD, FACS, medical director of Florida Eye Health, is pleased to announce that for the fifth consecutive year The Center for Laser Vision Correction has been selected for the Best of Fort Myers Award in the Physicians & Surgeons category by the U.S. Commerce Association (USCA). This is the first year that a business has qualified as a Five-Time Award Winner.

The USCA “Best of Local Business” Award Program recognizes outstanding local businesses throughout the country. Each year, the USCA identifies companies that they believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and community.

Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2012 USCA Award Program focuses on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the USCA and data provided by third parties.

Dr. Frantz has been providing laser vision correction in Southwest Florida since 1996. In May 2008 Dr. Frantz became the first and only eye surgeon in Southwest Florida to offer iLASIK, a 100% blade-free LASIK technology. According to Dr. Frantz, “The iLASIK procedure includes the Advanced CustomVue laser vision correction procedure with the IntraLase FS (femtosecond) laser, and WaveScan three-dimensional mapping, which offers precise measurement and state-of-the art technologies that differentiate the iLASIK procedure from all others.”

Dr. Frantz is currently offering a $1,000 savings on iLASIK now through May 31, 2012.

For a complimentary LASIK screening visit http://bettervision.net/contact-us/schedule-an-appointment/ or call The Center for Laser Vision Correction at Florida Eye Health at (239) 791-2020.

iLASIK corrects nearsightedness, farsightedness, and/or astigmatism. Dr. Frantz has been providing laser vision correction in Southwest Florida since 1996. What’s different about iLASIK is that it utilizes IntraLase, where a beam of laser light is used to create the corneal flap, the critical first step in the iLASIK procedure.  iLASIK is 100 percent tailor-made for each patient, their vision and the unique characteristics of their eyes.

Make your appointment for your complimentary iLASIK screening online now or call The Center for Laser Vision Correction at Florida Eye Health at 239-791-2020.

Julia Burley, Naples Office Manager

Burley has worked in healthcare since 1993 and in the field of ophthalmology since 1998. She was Director of Patient Care Services for 11 years at another eye care practice in southwest Florida where she supervised the front office staff, resolved patient concerns, worked with various vendors and implemented new software programs.

As the manager of Florida Eye Health’s Naples office, Burley will oversee the day-to-day operations of the largest of the practice’s four satellite offices. She will work closely with the management team from the main office in Fort Myers to ensure a smooth working environment between her Naples team and the traveling medical teams that visit the Naples office each week.

Originally from Dayton, OH, Burley has lived in Fort Myers for 45 years. She graduated from Fort Myers High School and over the years attended numerous continuing education programs to enhance her management and customer service skills. She and her husband Richard Burley have two grown sons and two grandsons.

Jonathan M. Frantz, MD, FACS

Ophthalmologist Jonathan M. Frantz, MD, FACS, has been selected for the 2011 Best of Punta Gorda Award in the Ophthalmology Physicians category by the U.S. Commerce Association (USCA).

The USCA “Best of Local Business” Award Program recognizes outstanding local businesses throughout the country. Each year, the USCA identifies companies that they believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and community.

Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2011 USCA Award Program focuses on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the USCA and data provided by third parties.

Dr. Frantz, medical director of Florida Eye Health, is one of southwest Florida’s leading cataract and LASIK surgeons.  Dr. Frantz and his team of ophthalmologists and optometrists offer a broad spectrum of patient-focused comprehensive care from eye exams and eyewear to cataract removal, treatment of eye diseases, 100% blade-free iLASIK laser vision correction, hearing services, and eyelid surgery.

The Punta Gorda office is one of Florida Eye Health’s five locations. Aaron Judd, OD, is the board-certified optometrist who provides routine eye care at the Punta Gorda office.

Karen Gotkiewicz, Senior Clinical Director

Jonathan M. Frantz, MD, FACS, medical director of Florida Eye Health, is pleased to announce that Karen Gotkiewicz has joined his management team as Senior Clinical Director.

A newcomer to Southwest Florida, Gotkiewicz has worked in the eye care business in West Virginia and Virginia since 1981 in various capacities. She most recently worked for three years at Vistar Eye Center in Roanoke, VA, and had previously worked for seven years as Clinical Director for a 16-physician practice with seven locations in Salem, VA. In her previous positions, Gotkiewicz assisted physicians in all aspects of patient care, trained technicians, was a certified VISX and IntraLase operator, and trained staff on electronic medical records.

As Senior Clinical Manager at Florida Eye Health, Gotkiewicz will be working with the entire medical team in every aspect of the practice. A Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT), Gotkiewicz appreciates the value of certification and looks forward to assisting any non-certified clinical team members in achieving their COA or COT status. “Training has always been a key part of my work,” said Gotkiewicz.  “I think it’s important for the staff to have the proper training whether it’s learning how to operate a new piece of equipment or having a better understanding of all the eye diseases that we treat,” she added.

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Jeffrey L. Willig, MD

Dr. Willig is a medical ophthalmologist and Uveitis Specialist.  Uveitis is a swelling and irritation of the uvea, the middle layer of the eye, which provides most of the blood supply to the retina. Uveitis can be caused by autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, infection, or exposure to toxins.

After receiving his Doctor of Medicine from Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Dr. Willig performed his Medicine Internship at Manhattan Veterans Medical Center and Ophthalmology Residency at Lenox Hill Hospital. He completed an Ocular Immunology and Uveitis Fellowship at Emory University School of Medicine.  He is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

Dr. Willig will see patients in the Fort Myers and Naples offices of Florida Eye Health For more information or to schedule an appointment, call the Fort Myers office at 239-418-0999 or the Naples office at 239-430-3939 or request an appointment online at http://bettervision.net/contact-us/schedule-an-appointment/

Diabetic Retinopathy, a condition occurring in people with diabetes, causes progressive damage to the retina, the light sensitive lining at the back of your eye. It is a serious sight-threatening complication of diabetes.

Local Ophthalmologist Jonathan M. Frantz, MD, FACS, joins the American Academy of Ophthalmology in reminding those who have diabetes or are at risk for the disease—especially people with black, Latino, Native American or Pacific Islander heritage — that having an annual dilated eye exam is an important step toward protecting their eyes and vision, along with proper medical care, careful glycemic (blood sugar) control, and other lifestyle choices that reduce the health impacts of diabetes.

According to Dr. Frantz, medical director of Florida Eye Health, “The earlier diabetes is caught and appropriate lifestyle changes and treatment begin, the better the chance of avoiding vision loss and other health consequences.”

Symptoms of diabetic retinopathy include:

•    Seeing spots or floaters in your field of vision

•    Blurred vision

•    Having a dark or empty spot in the center of your vision

•    Difficulty seeing well at night

Dr. Robert Sherman, a retina specialist who recently joined Florida Eye Health’s medical team, will work closely with the other doctors at Dr. Frantz’s practice and area primary care doctors to provide quality, patient-focused eye care that is so important to patients with diabetes. Dr. Frantz explained that prolonged periods of high blood sugar may lead to the accumulation of fluid in the lens inside the eye that controls eye focusing. This changes the curvature of the lens and results in the development of symptoms of blurred vision. The blurring of distance vision as a result of lens swelling will subside once the blood sugar levels are brought under control. Better control of blood sugar levels in patients with diabetes also slows the onset and progression of diabetic retinopathy.

An eye doctor is an important member of the diabetes health care team. Often there are no visual symptoms in the early stages of diabetic retinopathy. Part of living with diabetes and successful eye care is having a comprehensive dilated eye examination on at least an annual basis – more often for people with existing eye issues or more serious retinopathy. Early detection and treatment can limit the potential for significant vision loss from diabetic retinopathy.

Dr. Frantz and his medical team offer a broad spectrum of eye care from eye exams and eyewear to cataract removal, management of eye diseases, state of the art blade-free iLASIK laser vision correction, eyelid surgery, and hearing services at five office locations throughout Southwest Florida including Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Punta Gorda, Lehigh Acres and Naples.  For more information, call the main office of Florida Eye Health at (239) 418-0999.

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Dr. Robert Sherman

Florida Eye Health Medical Director Dr.  Jonathan M. Frantz  has announced that Robert M. Sherman, MD, FACS, a board-certified  ophthalmologist and retina specialist, has joined the medical staff at Florida Eye Health.

“We are very fortunate to have Dr. Sherman as part of our team at Florida Eye Health,” said Dr. Frantz.  “I think our patients who are at risk for or have been diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy or other abnormal growth of blood vessels in the back of the eye, will truly appreciate being able to receive specialized treatment at our practice.”  As part of his treatment plan for these patients, Dr. Sherman provides Lucentis and Avastin injections and performs retinal laser procedures.

Dr. Sherman received his Bachelor’s Degree and Doctor of Medicine from New York University; performed his Internship and Residency at New York Medical College, Long Island Jewish Hospital, and Queens General Hospital; and completed his Retina Fellowship at New York Medical College and Flower Fifth Avenue Hospital.  He also served as a Major and Chief of Ophthalmology in the U. S. Army at Fort McClelland, Alabama.

Dr. Sherman is a Fellow in the American College of Surgeons and the American Academy of Ophthalmology and is a member of the American Medical Association and the Miami Ophthalmology Society.

He will see retina patients in the main office of Florida Eye Health at 12731 New Brittany Blvd., Fort Myers.   For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 239-418-0999, toll free 800-581-0999, or request an appointment online now .

Halloween is a popular time for people to use decorative contact lenses or the latest fad, circle lenses, to enhance their costumes. However, given how easy it is to obtain theses products, it’s becoming increasingly popular for people to purchase these novelty lenses all year-round; but few know the risks associated with these lenses. “Most people believe that decorative lenses do not require the same level of care or consideration as a standard contact lens because they can be purchased over-the-counter or on the Internet,” says Dr. Frantz, medical director of Florida Eye Health. “This is far from the truth.”

There is no such thing as a “one size fits all” contact lens. Lenses that are not properly fitted may scratch the eye or cause blood vessels to grow into the cornea. “The lenses may even cause an infection that could leave you with a corneal abrasion,” added Dr. Frantz.  Many of the lenses found online or in beauty salons, novelty shops or in pop-up Halloween stores are not FDA-approved and are being sold illegally. Websites often advertise decorative contacts as if they were cosmetics, fashion accessories or toys. With whimsical, playful packaging, their targets are often teens and young adults. But the increasingly popular circle lenses, which are especially liked by teenage girls, are not FDA-approved.

“All contact lens are medical devices that require a prescription and proper fitting by an eye-care professional,” said Dr. Frantz. To protect the eyes, an eye-care professional measures each eye in order to properly fit contacts for the patient. Additionally, the eye-care professional instructs the patient on appropriate contact lens care. Lenses that are not cleaned and disinfected increase the risk of eye infection. Even if you have perfect vision, you need to get an eye exam and a prescription from an eye-care professional in order to wear any kind of contact lens.

Dr. Frantz says that not all patients are good candidates for contacts (prescription or decorative lenses). Patients who have frequent eye infections, severe allergies, dry eye that is resistant to treatment, a very dusty work environment or an inability to handle and care for the lenses may not be suitable candidates for contacts. An eye-care professional can help you make a decision that is right for you and your eyes.

Under a 2005 federal law, distribution of all contact lenses is restricted to licensed eye-care professionals. Illegal sale of contacts can result in civil penalties of up to $11,000 per violation. Consumers should only buy decorative contact lenses from an eye-care professional or a seller who asks for a prescription.

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Note:  You Tube link to “Halloween Contact Lenses Can Be Scary”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e0D_vTtVFXk&feature=player_embedded