Cataract Surgery

The term ‘cataract’ refers to any clouding or opacification of the intraocular lens of the eye.  During cataract surgery, the cloudy intraocular lens is removed, and replaced with a clear implant lens. At the Dixie Ophthalmic Specialists & Laser Eye Center, our surgeons use the most advanced, ‘no-stitch’ techniques and equipment to safely and comfortably remove your cataracts. Cataract surgery is the most common and most successful surgical procedure performed in the United States. 

For more information on cataracts, please click here.

Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) refers to the technique by which a patient’s natural lens is removed prior to the development of cataracts, and replaced with an implant lens. This procedure can be done to correct presbyopia— the need for reading glasses (see Crystalens and Restor lens) or in cases where the patient is not a good candidate for laser vision correction surgery. The technique is essentially the same as cataract surgery.

For more detailed information about presbyopia, please click here.

Recently, there have been great advances in artificial lens technology. The ACRYSOF IQ Intraocular Lens (IOL) is an example. All currently available artificial lenses filter ultraviolet (UV) light, which is harmful to the retina in the eye. The ACRYSOF IQ IOL filters both UV light and high-energy blue light. Clinical studies have shown that high-energy blue light causes oxidative damage to the retina and may be a risk factor for developing macular degeneration. The ACRYSOF IQ lens incorporates a patented chromophore that blocks harmful blue light and UV light in much the same way as our natural lens does prior to developing cataracts. The FDA clinical studies showed no adverse side effects on color vision or quality of vision. The ACRYSOF IQ IOL inserts through a micro-incision that requires no stitches, and it is designed to conform to the natural shape of the lens capsule. This helps it stay stable and centered in the eye. But what makes the ACRYSOF IQ IOL unique is its ability to filter blue light. The ACRYSOF IQ (Blue-Blocker) IOL enhances the benefits of advanced cataract surgery by filtering out harmful blue light and, thus providing a replacement lens that protects the retina more like your natural lens. 

For more information, please click here.

Dr. Ahee is the first surgeon in Utah to earn certification and successfully implant the Crystalens. The Crystalens is a revolutionary new intraocular implant lens that accommodates like your natural lens allowing you to focus at distance, near, and everywhere in between. The Crystalens is implanted inside the eye during cataract surgery or refractive lens exchange surgery and does not alter the natural shape or health of the cornea. Unlike laser vision correction surgery, which only corrects distance or near vision, but not both, the Crystalens corrects your vision at all distances making it an excellent procedure for patients who are presbyopic (need reading glasses or bifocals) and want to reduce or eliminate their need for corrective lenses. Previous attempts at multifocal lenses (such as the Array lens) divided the light coming into the eye between multiple, separate focal points. This causes decreased contrast sensitivity along with annoying glare and halos around images.  With the Crystalens, all of the incoming light is focused at whatever point the patient desires providing the best possible vision. In the US Clinical Trials, 98.4% of the patients were able to see well enough to not wear glasses or contacts. 

For more information, please click here.

Restor Lens

Dr. Ahee is the first surgeon in southern Utah to be certified to implant the Acrysof Restor lens. The Acrysof Restor is a pseudo-accomodative lens that utilizes apodized diffractive technology to allow patients to see clearly at both distance and near without glasses. This lens can be implanted inside of the eye during cataract surgery or refractive lens exchange surgery. In the FDA clinical studies, 80% of patients implanted with this lens did not have to wear glasses or contacts for anything. For more information please visit http://www.acrysofrestor.com/

Implantable Contact Lens (ICL)

The ICL is a new intraocular lens that can be implanted into the eye without removing the natural lens. This lens is an excellent choice for younger patients (ideally between ages 21-45) who are not presbyopic (i.e. do not need reading glasses) and need or desire an alternative to laser vision correction surgery. The ICL is implanted through a microscopic incision that requires no stitches and does not alter the natural shape or health of the cornea. It can remain inside the eye indefinitely. If the patient is unhappy with their vision, or if the vision changes significantly, the lens can be removed. 

For more information on this exciting new technology, visit www.staar.com and click on "Visian ICL".

Limbal Relaxing Incisions for Correction of Astigmatism

Astigmatism refers to corneal curvature that is elongated or flatter in one direction, and shortened or steeper in another direction. This causes distortion and blurring of images.  Astigmatism can be reduced or eliminated during cataract surgery by creating a relaxing incision at the limbus (the edge of the cornea) in the axis of steepest curvature of the cornea. This helps the patients to see more clearly after cataract surgery and can reduce or eliminate the need for distance glasses. The procedure is virtually painless and can be easily incorporated into the state-of-the-art techniques our surgeons use for cataract surgery and refractive lens exchange surgery. 

For additional information about astigmatism, please click here.

Epi-LASIK ("no-cut" LASIK)

Dr. Ahee is one of the first surgeons in the country and the only surgeon is Southern Utah certified to perform Epi-LASIK.  Epi-LASIK, or ‘no-cut’ LASIK, refers to a revolutionary new method of laser vision correction surgery. Most of the complications that occur during conventional LASIK surgery involve cutting into the cornea and making a corneal flap. This can be done with a blade or laser; but with the development of Epi-LASIK, no cutting is needed.  The outer surface layer of the cornea (the epithelium) can be gently removed with a special instrument called an epithelial separator, and the underlying tissue can then be sculpted with the excimer laser to correct vision.  This eliminates flap complications and improves long term visual outcomes.  Because of the unparalleled smoothness of the corneal tissue after the epithelium is removed, it is also perfect for use in combination with our Wave-Front Guided Custom Ablation system.  Epi-LASIK is the safest form of laser vision correction surgery available today.  

For general information on Epi-LASIK please call our office or visit Moria-Surgical.com.

Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty for Glaucoma

Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) is a revolutionary new laser treatment for glaucoma. The Dixie Ophthalmic Specialists & Laser Eye Center is the first and only office in Southern Utah to have an in-house SLT laser for glaucoma. Unlike previous laser treatments for glaucoma, such as argon laser trabeculoplasty (ALT), the SLT laser does not cause scaring or damage to the drainage structures inside the eye. Clinical studies have shown SLT to be extremely safe, comfortable, and effective for lowering eye pressure associated with glaucoma. Many patients are able to decrease or eliminate the need for glaucoma eye drops after having SLT. The procedure only takes a few minutes to perform in the office and one laser treatment can remain effective for 3-5 years. Because there is no scaring, the treatment can be repeated as necessary.

For additional information, please click here.

YAG Laser Capsulotomy

During cataract surgery, the intraocular lens, which has become cloudy, is permanently removed and replaced with an implant lens. Once removed, the cataract can never come back. However, the thin membrane that holds the implant lens in place can eventually become hazy and cause blurry vision. If this occurs, our surgeons can perform a YAG laser capsulotomy to restore your clear vision. The procedure is painless and takes only a few minutes to perform in the office. It involves using a laser to create a small opening in the thin membrane while leaving the implant lens untouched.

For more information, please click here. 

Retinal Treatment for Macular Degeneration

Our retina specialists are fellowship trained, board-certified surgeons that are constantly on the forefront of the newest technologies and research for macular degeneration.  We offer convenient in-office special laser treatments, such as PDT laser for wet-macular degeneration.  Also, we perform in-office retinal angiography and state-of-the-art ocular coherence tomography (OCT) for the most accurate and efficient diagnosis.  For maximum safety and comfort, our retina specialists perform the newest intra-vitreal injections (Lucentis, Avastin, Macugen) for wet-macular degeneration in our in-house surgery center. 

For our patients with dry-macular degeneration, we are one of the first offices in the country, and the only office in southern Utah to provide Preferential Hyperacuity Perimetry (PHP) testing.  PHP testing is the most advanced technology available to detect the conversion from dry to wet-macular degeneration.  Studies have shown that earlier detection of this conversion leads to more effective treatment and significantly improved visual outcomes.

To view a video on macular degeneration click here, or go to our "medical eye info" page and click on one of the links.

Retinal Treatment for Diabetic Retinopathy

Our retina specialists are fellowship trained, board certified surgeons that are constantly on the forefront of the newest technologies and research for diabetic retinopathy.  We offer convenient in-office laser treatments, and are involved in several clinical research trials for new treatments.

For more information on diabetic retinopathy click here, or go to our "medical eye info" page and click on one of the links.

Vitreo-Retinal Surgery

Vitrectomy surgery involves the removal of the vitreous gel inside of the eye and replacement with special fluid.  This is a highly delicate surgery, typically reserved for sight threatening conditions, such as retinal detachments, tractional retinal membranes, macular holes, vitreous hemorrhages, or advanced retinopathies.  Our experienced retina specialists will discuss your surgical options with you and develop the best surgical plan to preserve your vision.

Eyelid Surgery and Orbital Reconstruction Surgery

Eyelid surgeries and reconstructive surgeries are routinely performed in our state-of-the-art, in-house surgery center by our highly trained and board-certified oculoplastics specialist.  From simple cosmetic procedures to extensive reconstruction, our oculoplastic surgeon can impove the function and appearance of your eyelids.

Pterygium Removal

A pterygium is a small growth on the white part of the eye that extends onto the cornea and grows in a triangular shape towards the pupil.  They typically occur on the nasal side of the eye.  These lesions are benign and grow very slowly.  If they cause chronic irritation and redness, or interfere with your vision, then they can be surgically removed.