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Glaucoma, second leading cause of blindness, can be treated
Posted: September 1, 2010
Dr. Misha Syed said, "Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in the U.S., which underscores the importance of regular eye screenings for those with special risk factors and for all adults over age 40." Dr. Gianmarco Vizzeri said that one of the most common questions he hears from patients with glaucoma is "Will I go blind from glaucoma?" He reassures them that with today’s advanced diagnostics and treatments, further vision loss can be prevented. "Currently, there is no cure for glaucoma. However, appropriate treatment is able to slow the disease's progression and preserve vision-related quality of life. Early intervention is the key to prevent further vision loss from glaucoma," Vizzeri said. Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, gradually stealing sight without warning. In the early stages of the disease, there may be no symptoms. Comprehensive eye exams to detect glaucoma include careful evaluation of the optic nerve and measurement of eye pressure. "At UTMB we have the latest imaging technology available, designed to detect very early changes in the optic nerve," Dr. Syed said. "These changes generally occur before any noticeable change in vision to our patients so we have a big advantage in diagnosing glaucoma very early in its course. This translates to a much better chance of preserving our patients' vision for their lifetimes."
"The Trabectome procedure is designed to have fewer potential complications and a quicker recovery for glaucoma patients who may need surgery," he said. Many people with glaucoma are unaware they have it until there is a large amount of irreversible vision loss. While anyone can develop glaucoma, some people are at a higher risk. They include the following: An annual exam is recommended to screen for glaucoma. Our glaucoma specialists also evaluate and treat patients already diagnosed with glaucoma without a physician referral. UTMB eye specialists serve the greater Galveston County area and beyond, including Galveston, Texas City, La Marque, Santa Fe, League City, Kemah, Friendswood, Pearland, Houston and Beaumont. Call the UTMB University Eye Center nearest you to schedule an appointment: Galveston location: 409-747-5800
Posted: July 14, 2010
Just as exposure to bright sunlight can damage your skin, it also may increase your risk of developing cataracts, age-related macular degeneration and growths on the eye, including cancer. When outside during the day, the first line of defense is to wear a broad-brimmed hat and sunglasses that block harmful UV rays. Excessive exposure to UV light reflected off sand, snow, water or pavement can damage the front surface of your eye. Like your skin, your eyes never recover from UV exposure. Read more at www.geteyesmart.org Eye protection also is important when it comes to household projects. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology almost half of all eye injuries occur at home. For most repair projects and activities around the home, standard ANSI-approved protective eyewear, available at most hardware stores, will be sufficient. Wear protection any time there is a risk of chemicals or flying debris coming in contact with your eyes. If an injury occurs see an ophthalmologist right away.
Posted: December 21, 2009 GALVESTON, Texas - Eye doctors may soon administer drugs into patients' eyes using pulsing light instead of needles. Groundbreaking research at The University of Texas Medical Branch department of ophthalmology and visual sciences has yielded promising results in laboratory tests, according to Dr. Bernard Godley, lead researcher and department chair. A recently awarded $50,000 Texas Ignition Fund grant will help advance the unique research, said Godley, also a retinal specialist. The University of Texas System Board of Regents grant program is meant to accelerate the commercial application of products developed through research at UT campuses. Millions of eye patients in the U.S. could benefit from the non-invasive method rather than receive shots in their eyes for treatment of infections, age-related macular degeneration and other problems, Godley said. The method also would be safer and more comfortable for eye patients, some of whom must receive monthly injections. Godley described the procedure: "Drug molecules in a gelatin disk similar to a soft contact are activated using pulsing light. The molecules begin to flutter like a butterfly and move through the eye wall into the eye." "It would be a breakthrough in the treatment of eye diseases," Godley said, adding that the grant comes at a critical time to advance funding and research discoveries for the project, titled "Photokinetic Ocular Drug Delivery." The UTMB department of ophthalmology and visual sciences includes multi-specialty eye centers in Galveston and Friendswood, as well as the UTMB Age-related Macular Degeneration Center and the Ophthalmology Clinical Research Center, both located in Galveston.
UTMB Ophthalmology Chair Bernard Godley appointed to national eye council Posted: October 21, 2009 Bernard F. Godley, MD, PhD, professor and chair of the UTMB Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, has been asked by Kathleen Sebelius, U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, to serve on the National Advisory Eye Council. Dr. Godley is one of 12 individuals appointed by Secretary Sebelius. The council's role is to advise, assist, consult with and make recommendations to the Secretary of Health and Human Serves and the director of the National Eye Institute on matters related to the institute’s policies and activities. Godley said that the appointment provides an opportunity to advance the department's mission: To be a leading international ophthalmology center providing excellence in patient service, education, research, and leadership based on core values of compassion, professional integrity, competence and teamwork. Garland D. Anderson, MD, dean of the School of Medicine at The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, said, "This four-year appointment is a reflection of Dr. Godley's achievements in the field of ophthalmology, particularly for his ongoing research in the area of molecular mechanisms of age-related macular degeneration and the effects of antioxidants on retinal pigment epithelial cells." Anderson added, "Under Dr. Godley's leadership, the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences has expanded vision research and patient services at its Galveston location and opened a new University Eye Clinic in Friendswood. In addition, the UTMB Ophthalmology clinics consistently rate in the top percentiles in the Press Ganey patient satisfaction survey." Dr. Godley joined UTMB in 1996 as associate professor and was the inaugural holder of the David Weeks Distinguished Professorship in Ophthalmology. He has been recognized as the Paul Beeson Physician Faculty Scholar and received the Kaiser Family Foundation Merit Award. He also holds the Roberston-Poth Distinguished Chair in Ophthalmology.
Patients give UTMB University Eye Centers high marks Posted: July 27, 2009 How satisfied are patients with their experience at UTMB University Eye Centers in Friendswood and Galveston? Very satisfied, according to recent survey results. The Friendswood eye center earned a 99 percent patient satisfaction score among patients surveyed in April and June, making it the top-rated clinic among the 25 clinics of the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston that were surveyed. The Galveston eye center ranked fifth with 89 percent. These scores are more than twice as high as the average ranking among the thousands of clinics whose patients are surveyed by the national survey firm, Press Ganey Associates. The eye centers, which provide a full range of ophthalmology services, have raised patient satisfaction scores through a concerted effort that includes leadership training, culture change and a focus on excellence. Dr. Bernard Godley, chairman for the UTMB department of ophthalmology and visual sciences, said, "Excellent customer service and patient care are our top priorities. For more than three years we have had a focus on excellence and have seen steady gains in patient satisfaction scores." Godley said the eye clinic doctors and staff work as a team to implement practices that are proven to increase patient satisfaction. For example, before entering an exam room, a doctor will knock on the door. Doctors and staff introduce themselves and briefly describe what to expect during treatments. When meeting a new patient, they also give a brief summary of their background and training. "We connect with them to make them feel comfortable and confident that we will deliver on their expectations for the visit," Godley said. "At the end of the visit, we thank them for the opportunity to take care of them." Godley added that the staff also plays an integral role, beginning with that first verbal handshake over the phone. He said the staff sets the stage for excellence based on that initial contact. "When they come to either of our eye centers, we have convenient free parking, a modern facility and pictures and bios of our care providers. Patients can see who is going go to take care of them and learn about their backgrounds." The eye center team also understands that reducing patient wait times has been a key to customer satisfaction. By tracking the length of patient visits and educating doctors and staff about their roles, the average length of patient visits has been cut in half to less than 90 minutes. Dr. Erik van Kuijk, vice chairman and medical director of the ophthalmology and visual sciences, worked closely with eye center manager Sammye Hesser to align the entire eye center team around consistent best practices and common goals. "We are in the business of caring for people. We want to ensure that they have a great experience when they come to one of our eye centers. And if they do, they will be more likely to refer their friends and family," van Kuijk said.
Godley shares best practices with Chinese eye specialists Posted: July 27, 2009
Godley spoke to approximately 100 ophthalmologists, ophthalmologists in training and faculty at the Department of Ophthalmology, First Affiliated Hospital, Jilin University. The university is in Changchun, capital of Jilin Province in Northeastern China. "I was invited to lecture on how we train eye specialists in the American health care system. I talked about our approach to customer service and our residency training program." UTMB eye centers in Friendswood and Galveston, which provide a full range of ophthalmology services, have raised and maintained high patient satisfaction scores through a concerted effort that includes leadership training, culture change and a focus on excellence. By revitalizing and strengthening the OVS residency training program, the department has drawn top candidates from around the globe. Click here to read more. Godley, who has developed collaborative relationships with the Jilin University hospital and three other eye departments across China, said there are a number of mutual benefits. "We all benefit from building durable, long-term relationships to share training and research opportunities," he said, adding that two visiting Chinese scientists participated in research at OVS.
UTMB University Eye Center reopens Galveston location Posted: October 24, 2008 GALVESTON, Texas - The department of ophthalmology and visual sciences at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston has reopened its Galveston offices to provide a full range of ophthalmology and optical services. The UTMB University Optical Center, featuring a certified optometrist and a full selection of eyewear, is located at the UTMB University Eye Center, Galveston, 700 University Blvd. The optical center also is taking walk-ins, although an appointment is recommended for eye exams and contact lens fittings. Dr. Bernard F. Godley, MD, PhD, FACS, chairman of the UTMB department of ophthalmology and visual sciences, said, "Our team of caring professionals appreciates everyone's patience as we worked to fully restore services. Fortunately, we did not sustain any damage to our building or equipment during Hurricane Ike." The UTMB University Eye Center, Friendswood, which reopened shortly after Hurricane Ike, remains open at 400 W. Parkwood, Suite 120. The Friendswood and Galveston locations provide care by a team of specialists for a full range of eye conditions and services including:
For more information, visit www.UTMBeyecenter.com.
UTMB University Eye Center serving patients in Friendswood Posted: October 20, 2008 Physicians and staff at the University Eye Center, 400 W. Parkwood Ave. in Friendswood, are ready to help patients with a wide range of eye conditions and services. In the photo below, taken during a recent ribbon cutting hosted by the Friendswood Chamber of Commerce, are (left to right) Sammye Hesser, Dr. Garvin Davis, Dr. Praveena Gupta, Dr. John Davis, Dr. Eric van Kuijk, Gibran Khursid, Dr. Manuj Kapur, departmental chairman Dr. Bernard Godley, Dr. Brian Wong, and Dr. Oday Alsheikh.
The eye center has specialists in a range of eye conditions and services including:
While the Galveston location did not sustain serious storm damage and will reopen soon, patients who have an appointment or surgery scheduled, or who need post-surgery follow-up, are encouraged to call the Friendswood center. The University Eye Center is also welcoming new patients. For more information, call (281) 996-7564, or visit www.UTMBeyecenter.com. |
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Glaucoma, the second leading cause of blindness, can not be
cured, but vision loss can be prevented with early detection and treatment, according to glaucoma specialists at the UTMB University Eye Center.
Dr. Vizzeri added that a new, state-of-the art surgical
technology called Trabectome is available to UTMB patients with open-angle glaucoma.
Summer months are filled with fun outdoor activities.
Whether you are at play or working around the house, it's important to protect your eyes. Dr. Janice Contreras, an eye care specialist with the UTMB University Eye Center, recommends
some easy steps to protect your eyes from sun damage and injury.
Dr. Bernard Godley, chairman of the UTMB Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences (OVS),
traveled to China recently to share best practices related to quality patient service and residency programs.
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