Glaucoma is the term for when the pressure inside the eye rises high enough to damage the optic nerve. The condition often develops over many years without causing pain - so you may not experience vision loss until the disease has progressed. Glaucoma cannot be prevented, and vision lost to it cannot be restored. Left untreated, glaucoma can cause blindness. For these reasons, regular eye exams and early detection are critical.

The high eye pressure associated with glaucoma is caused by blockages in the eye's fluid drains. No one knows yet why the blockages form.

Symptoms are occasionally present and should be taken as warning signs that glaucoma may be developing; these may include blurred vision, loss of peripheral vision, halo effects around lights and painful or red eyes. People at the greatest risk include those who are over the age of 40, diabetic, near-sighted, African-American, or who have a family history of glaucoma.

Once diagnosed, treatments can be started. Treatments modalities include use of eye drops (rx), laser and surgical procedures.

Punctal plugs are a treatment option for patients suffering from dry eye that has not been relieved by drops or ointments. Punctal plugs are placed in the opening of the tear ducts in the eyelids (called "puncta") to block tear drainage and keep the eyes moist. Implantation should reduce the need for artificial tear drops and increase the patient's overall comfort.

Punctal plugs come in a few different shapes and sizes, and may be placed in the lower or upper eyelid or both eyelids. They may be placed partially inside the tear duct.

Implantation takes only a few seconds in Dr. McLaurin's office. Generally a temporary collagen plug is placed in the tear duct to predict the effectiveness of a more permanent punctual plug.

Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that weakens the blood vessels that supply nourishment to the retina (the light-sensitive lining in the back of the eye where vision is focused). When these weak vessels leak, swell or develop thin branches, vision loss occurs. In its advanced stages, the disease can cause blurred or cloudy vision, floaters and blind spots - and, eventually, blindness. This damage is irreversible.

People with diabetes are most susceptible to developing it, but your risk is reduced if you follow your prescribed diet and medications, exercise regularly, control your blood pressure, and avoid alcohol and cigarettes. Regular eye exams are an integral part of making sure your eyes are healthy.

Although damage caused by diabetic retinopathy cannot be corrected, patients diagnosed with the condition can be treated to slow its progression and prevent further vision loss. Treatment modalities include laser and surgical procedures.

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BOTOX® Cosmetic is commonly used to reduce or eliminate the appearance of facial wrinkles. It is injected under the skin into areas surrounding the eyes, forehead and mouth to smooth crow's feet, frown and worry lines, and lines on the neck. Made from a purified protein, BOTOX® relaxes wrinkles and gives the face a rejuvenated look. BOTOX® may also be useful for migraine headaches, excessive sweating, and eye and neck muscle spasms. 

Juvéderm™ Injectable Gel is an injectable gel that gently reverses many signs of aging in the face, including fine lines and wrinkles, crow's feet, thinning lips and loosening skin. It can also "plump up" the lips, sculpt the cheeks, and restore a youthful oval shape to the face. It is made with hyaluronic acid, a natural substance found in the body that works with collagen and elastin to give volume and support to the skin. Because it is non-animal-based and highly biocompatible, no pre-treatment testing is needed. Juvéderm comes in three formulas optimized for the depth of the area being treated. Results last about 6-9 months and can be made to last even longer with a simple follow-up treatment a few weeks after the initial injection. 

Dr. Gene McLaurin announces botox & juvaderm to his practice

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