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News & Testimonials
CAROLINA EYE IS FIRST EYE CARE PRACTICE ON THE EAST COAST TO OFFER PRECISION LASER CATARACT SURGERY WITH CATALYS™
Carolina Eye has become the first ophthalmic center on the east coast and second in the United States to offer cataract surgery with the Catalys Precision Laser System. Catalys™ combines a state-of-the-art femtosecond laser, advanced 3D Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) imaging, sophisticated software and a host of other unique features that deliver a precise, customized procedure and an exceptional experience for patients.
“We chose Catalys™ because it allows us to provide leading technology in efficacy, safety and comfort for our patients” said, Dr. Anna Fakadej. Moreover, Dr. Neil Griffin stated, “The Catalys™ laser enables us to offer the most precise visual outcomes.
A cataract is an age-related condition in which the lens of the eye becomes clouded or opaque, making vision fuzzy and normal daily living activities more difficult. Cataract surgery is the only treatment for cataracts and is one of the most common procedures performed worldwide, estimated at 19 million cases per year. In recent years, laser technology – which is used in procedures such as LASIK – has been incorporated into cataract surgery to enhance the precision, accuracy and safety of the procedure. The Catalys Precision Laser System represents the next generation of this technology and has been shown in clinical study to deliver precision that is unequaled in the industry.¹
The Catalys™ Precision Laser System enables removal of the top layer of the cataract without manual involvement, by providing custom control of size, shape and position; precise lens fragmentation, including segmentation and softening the actual cataract prior to removal by the surgeon. This allows for much less energy to be applied to the eye during cataract removal, thus reducing the chance of possible complications. This is especially true for advanced technology replacement lenses, which include presbyopia-correcting multifocal and accommodating intraocular lenses and astigmatism-correcting Toric intraocular lenses.
The Catalys™ Laser represents an exciting development in the field of cataract surgery. A more precise procedure should enable cataract surgeons to more accurately position the lens in the patient and this is key in visual outcomes.
¹Friedman, NJ, et al., “Femtosecond Laser Capsulotomy,” Journal of Cataract & Refractive Surgery, 2011 July 37(7); 1189-1198.
Carolina Eye Ribbon Cutting for New Fayetteville Location
President of Carolina Eye Associates, Gregory Mincey, MD, Diabetic Eye, Retina and Vitreous Specialist, Carolina Eye Employees, Council Member District 5, Robert Thomas Hurst, Jr., and Chamber of Commerce Members of Fayetteville attended the ribbon cutting at Carolina Eye, 1991 Fordham Drive, Fayetteville to mark the opening of Carolina Eye Fayetteville new location.
Afterwards an open house and tours were given to view the new state-of-the-art eye care facility. Ophthalmologist, Gregory Mincey stated, “It’s a great opportunity to share the latest advances in the treatment of eye diseases. The earlier a problem is identified and treatment initiated, the greater the likelihood to preserve a patient’s vision”. Carolina Eye is a multi-subspecialty eye center where board certified ophthalmologist provide a full range of diagnostic and treatment services. These services include diagnosis and treatment of cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic eye disease and corneal disease.
Carolina Eye is celebrating over 35 years of high quality medical and surgical eye care in the Carolina’s. Carolina Eye is one of the largest eye care providers in the Southeast, with eight regional centers. Today, Carolina Eye continues to be on the cutting edge of eye technology, provide comprehensive eye care, participate in research and studies for new ophthalmic surgical procedures and featured presenters for eye programs in the US and foreign countries.
Carolina Eye Associates Treats Macular Degeneration Patients with New FDA Approved Drug
Last month, the FDA approved Eylea (aflibercept) for the treatment of wet macular degeneration. Carolina Eye Associates was part of the initial drug study by Regeneraon Pharmaceuticals, Inc. The randomized, double masked, active controlled phase III studied the efficacy, safety and tolerability of repeated doses of Eylea (intravitreal VEGF trap) in subjects with neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration.
There is now additional help for patients with Wet Age Related Macular Degeneration by the FDA approving a first-in-class drug called Eylea. Eylea is called a VEGF Trap-Eye that is a protein drug that soaks up the vascular endothelial growth factor molecules that promote the unhealthy growth of new blood vessels under the Retina. According to the FDA-approved labeling for aflibercept, the drug is indicated for the treatment of patients with neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration (Wet AMD) and may be given by intravitreal injection as frequently as 2 mg every four weeks.
Dr. Gregory Mincey, President of Carolina Eye Associates is excited about the new drug being approved and now being implemented at Carolina Eye. Dr. Mincey stated, “This will mean more convenience and improved compliance for patients which will hopefully mean more patients willing to take treatment”.
Carolina Eye Associates, P.A. Presents Statewide Symposium
Carolina Eye Associates hosted over 450 optometrists and their technicians from North Carolina at the Pine Needles Lodge and Golf Club, Southern Pines, North Carolina on Saturday, February 4. Attendees heard about the newest advances in eye surgery and treatments for eye disease during The 26th Annual Robert G. Martin Ocular Disease Symposium. Dr. Robert G. Martin founded Carolina Eye Associates, P.A. in 1977. Since then, its flagship center in Pinehurst has been an investigational site for numerous studies of innovative therapies for many vision-destroying diseases.
Carolina Eye surgeons presented information about interesting cases involving the unexpected outcome in cataracts, pigment dispersion and pigmentary glaucoma, macular degeneration and ophthalmic plastic surgery. Also, presenting was guest speaker John W. French, MD, cataract and corneal specialist on unusual cases of Keratitis and Scleritis. Dr. French will be joining Carolina Eye Associates in the summer of 2012.
Cataract Surgery at 102 Years of Age
Edith Brookbank is 102 years old and last month she could no longer read. She had been told by her optometrist she had cataracts and the start of macular degeneration. Her daughter, Ann Debot, is her caregiver and was not sure if her mom was ready for cataract surgery. Several months later she escorted a friend to have cataract surgery at Carolina Eye Associates. After seeing how effective the procedure was with her friend she thought, “My mom could go through cataract surgery”.
On September 8, 2011 Edith Brookbank had cataract surgery in her left eye by Carolina Eye Associates Ophthalmologist, Anna Fakadej, MD. Before Mrs. Brookbanks surgery she could only see light out of the left eye. During her post operative visit for on October 6, 2011, Dr. Fakadej noted Mrs. Brookbank could actually read the eye chart with her left eye. Dr. Fakadej stated, “Your vision has improved” and laughed, “if you want you could even get your driver’s license”.
Edith Brookbank at 93 years old wrote a book of her memoires, “Yesterday Sublime: A Look into the Life of Edith Wright Brookbank” and taught for 37 years in Randolph County. Her daughter Ann said, “My mom loves to read and is grateful to Dr. Fakadej and the advance technology taking place with cataract surgery. This will enable my mom the ability to see more and do more”.
Carolina Eye Associates is the First Practice in NC to Place Higher Powered Intraocular Lens
Carolina Eye Associates continues to stay on the leading edge of eye care technologies. Ophthalmologist surgeons Neil Griffin, MD and Anna Fakadej, MD, are the first ophthalmologists in NC to place the higher powered AcrySof Toric Lens. The Toric IOL is designed to help cataract patients with astigmatism. This common irregularity, called corneal astigmatism, causes blurred or distorted vision.
The new Toric IOL is available and FDA approved to provide higher power in the current correction lens. The lenses are now available at powers of T6, T7, T8 and T9 which expand the astigmatic correction to 4.00. The Toric IOL gives cataract patients with astigmatism the opportunity to enjoy distance vision usually without dependency on glasses. More than 1.5 million cataract surgeries are performed in the U.S. each year. One in three mostly older Americans will have the surgery at some point in their lives.
Carolina Eye Associates is focused on providing patients the most advanced technology, finest medical and surgical care with state of the art diagnostic and treatment services. Carolina Eye is one of the largest eye care providers in the Southeast, with eight regional centers providing care to patients across the U.S. and over 20 foreign countries.
Ophthalmic Surgeon Anna Fakadej Receives Compassionate Use Exemption by FDA for Patient in Need
Anna Fakadej, MD, Carolina Eye Associates, P.A., receives compassionate use exemption for the Artisan® Aphakia Lens. The Artisan lens is not FDA approved in the United States, but after Dr. Fakadej had considered the ocular condition of her patient Jonathon Glover, she went the extra mile to obtain a compassionate use exemption from the FDA.
Jonathon Glover joined the military in 2006 and six months later was diagnosed with Marfan syndrome. Marfan syndrome is a genetic disorder of the connective tissue. People with Marfan's tend to be unusually tall, with long limbs and long, thin fingers. Marfan syndrome can also seriously affect the eyes and vision. Marfan syndrome was detected early and Jonathon noticed his vision started to decline along with severe headaches. Jonathon started wearing glasses but over the course of a year his vision just kept getting worse.
Optometrist, Barry Kavanaugh of Seven Lakes, NC referred Jonathon to Carolina Eye Associates for a surgical lens implant. Anna Fakadej, MD placed a standard lens in Jonathon’s eyes in 2008. Eventually, the stitch holding the lens in place eroded through the iris. Thus Dr. Fakadej researched her options and decided the Aphakia lens would be the best lens replacement for Jonathon. After 8 months of paper work the FDA approved the device to Dr. Fakadej as a compassionate use exemption which allows for unapproved devices to be used for treatment and research on a case-by-case basis.
Jonathon just received his follow-up visit from surgery at Carolina Eye and stated, “ I am very appreciative of Dr. Fakadej going the extra mile to get the Aphakia Lens approved through a compassionate exemption by the FDA and currently have no pain and can see clear. Marfan syndrome is treatable but early diagnosis and good medical care is key”.
MIRA Names Two Guide Dogs After Carolina Eye Associates Visionary Founder
April 15,2011: MIRA Foundation USA, the only organization in the U.S. dedicated to pairing guide dogs with children and youth between the ages of 11-16, is pleased to announce that Carolina Eye Associates P.A. has achieved the distinction of becoming MIRA’s first “Visionary Partner.” This recognition is given by MIRA to a corporate or professional entity whose level of support in one calendar year is sufficient to enable MIRA to pair at least one student with a guide dog. The commitment of Carolina Eye’s professionals to MIRA’s work in each of the last two years has created the opportunity for two students to receive guide dogs.
As a direct result of Carolina Eye’s support in 2010, MIRA was able to provide a guide dog to an outstanding eleven year old girl in the San Diego area. Almost a full year later, she and her MIRA dog are thriving and busy while she maintains a straight A average in school, plays three musical instruments, and creates power point talks about MIRA and guide dogs in an effort to educate her peers about the challenges of being blind and guide dog etiquette.
This coming summer, six students will be receiving MIRA guide dogs, including two from Moore County. Once again, Carolina Eye Associates’ support has made a significant impact. As a result, MIRA is delighted to announce that the two dogs which will be placed with Moore County students will carry the names “Gale” and “Martin” in memory of Carolina Eye’s visionary Founder, Dr. Robert Gale Martin who passed away in 2008 at the age of 65.
Dr. Martin was an internationally renowned ophthalmic surgeon who dedicated his life to his family and his work. When he invited Dr. George Tate to join him in founding Carolina Eye Associates in 1978, Dr. Martin already had served a distinguished career as an ophthalmic surgeon in the army, most notably with the 5th Special Forces Group during the Vietnam War. By the time he founded Carolina Eye Associates, Dr. Martin had also gained a distinguished reputation for his innovative surgical techniques in small-incision cataract surgery, corneal relaxing incisions, and lens replacement. He continued to be a pioneer in the field of ophthalmic medicine for the next twenty-six years until his untimely death.
Dr. Martin’s legacy endures through the over 165 publications he authored or co-authored, the ongoing work of the many fine professionals at Carolina Eye Associates on Midland Road, and now the wonderful dogs, Gale and Martin, who will soon be fulfilling the dreams of two very deserving students by providing them with a level of freedom and independence they could not otherwise ever hope to experience.
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