Medical services

Cataract evaluation and cataract surgery

Dr. Itharat specializes in small incision cataract surgery.  He incorporates the latest cataract surgery advancements, including laser assisted (femtosecond laser) technology and advanced lens implant technology to decrease your need for eyeglasses and contact lens.  Each treatment is customized to your needs and eye health, and Dr. Itharat will offer his recommendations during your pre-operative consultation.

Comprehensive and Routine Eye Exams

Our office provides comprehensive eye examinations to screen for eye conditions and diseases.  In many cases, these conditions can be diagnosed and treated before any vision loss occurs.  We also perform eye exams for eyeglasses.   However, we no longer provide contact lens exams.

Diabetic Eye Exams

An annual eye examination is recommended for all diabetic patients.  Diabetes, over time, can damage the blood vessels in the back of the eye, causing vision loss.  Because we believe communication is crucial, we will send a copy of your diabetic eye report to your primary care provider on the same day of your exam.

Dry Eye Screening and Treatment

Dry eyes is very common with aging and can manifest in different ways.  We offer a wide variety of treatment from prescription eye drops, lifestyle changes, and punctal plug placement.

Emergency Eye Exams

We receive numerous referrals from urgent care centers and emergency rooms for emergency-related eye injuries or concerns.  Rest assured, whether you are having severe pain, redness, or vision loss, we will try best to see you the same day.

Floaters Evaluation

If you experience a sudden onset of floaters, flashing lights, or veil in your vision, you should be seen within 24-48 hours to be evaluated for a retinal tear or detachment.  We can offer a prompt diagnosis and, if we cannot laser the tear or detachment, refer you immediately to excellent retinal surgeons in the Lowcountry.

Glaucoma Screening and Treatment

Glaucoma is an insidious cause of painless loss of vision.  In the United States, 50% of people do not realize they have glaucoma.  Fortunately, over 90% of vision loss from glaucoma can be treated.  We offer a wide range of treatment from medical intervention with eye drops, laser treatment to lower eye pressures, and surgical options with the iStent placement.

Ocular Allergy Exams and Treatment

Living in South Carolina can expose you to many allergens. We can discuss the best course of action for minimizing and treating your allergic eye condition.

Ocular Foreign Body Removal

We are well versed in removing foreign bodies from the eye.  In the great majority of cases, the foreign body is located on the cornea or front covering of the eye.  Removal can be done in the office, providing immediate  pain relief.

Retinal Tears or Detachment Exams

If you experience a sudden onset of floaters, flashing lights, or veil in your vision, you should be seen within 24-48 hours to be evaluated for a retinal tear or detachment.  We can offer a prompt diagnosis and, if we cannot laser the tear or detachment, refer you immediately to excellent retinal surgeons in the Lowcountry.

Plaquenil Eye Screening Exams

If you are taking plaquenil or hydroxychloroquine, you should have an annual screening examination to ensure there is no ocular medication toxicity.  Our office is equipped with the technology needed to diagnose and screen for early damage.

Shingles Evaluation and Treatment

Shingles can potentially cause blindness.  If you have shingles around your forehead or eyes, you should have a full ophthalmic evaluation.

Vision Loss Evaluation and Treatment

Most people rate sight as their most precious sense.  It can be quite upsetting when you lose vision.   We can diagnose and treat many causes of vision loss.

 

Surgical Services

Advanced Technology Cataract Surgery

Dr. Itharat performs the latest advances in cataract surgery, including the use of the Catalys (femtosecond) laser system and ORA.  He also offers the highest quality lens implants to decrease or minimize your need for eyeglasses.  These premium lens include the Toric lens, multifocal lens, trifocal lens, and extended depth of focus lens.  We provide a detailed and informative cataract brochure to our patients.  Dr. Itharat will personally review the best options to you, given your lifestyle and expected visual outcomes.

Cataract Surgery – Traditional

Dr. Itharat also specializes in small incision traditional cataract surgery.  This is a good option to maximize your vision, although you may still be dependent on glasses or contact lens after the surgery.

Glaucoma Treatment

We have in-office laser treatment, SLT, or selective laser trabeculoplasty.  This is a low-risk laser treatment for glaucoma patients to decrease their eye pressures.  Surgical options include iStent placement at the time of cataract surgery.

Ocular Foreign Body Removal

We are well versed in removing foreign bodies from the eyes.  In the great majority of cases, the foreign body is located on the cornea or front covering of the eye.  Removal can be done in the office, relieving your irritation and pain.

Posterior Capsular Opacity / Secondary Cataract Removal

Posterior capsular opacities or secondary cataracts are very common after undergoing cataract surgery.  Over time, you can develop a scar behind the lens implant.  If you have this scar or  secondary cataract, you may experience similar symptoms to your initial cataracts, such as poor vision and glare.  Our office is the only one (to our knowledge) in the Charleston area to own a YAG laser to remove these opacities.  This saves you time and money.  Due to insurance and schedule concerns, we often schedule these lasers on your second office visit.

Punctal Plugs

Punctal plugs are small silicone or collagen plugs placed into your tear duct.  Plugs help to maintain your natural tears and alleviate dry eye symptoms.