By: Jeffrey B. Minkovitz, M.D.

The field of Ophthalmology over time has provided wonderful opportunities to improve patients’ health and well being.

The confluence of medicine and technology in our era has spawned numerous innovations which have revolutionized eye care.  These advancements have dramatically improved outcomes for patients, at a pace never before experienced.  While previous standards strived for visual rehabilitation, now vision enhancement, comfort, and rapid recovery are the new benchmarks.

Technology has played a key role in the progress of all of medicine, but in few areas are these advances as dramatic as they are in ophthalmology.  Several key areas are noteworthy: cataract and corneal surgery, refractive surgery, diagnostic testing, and medical therapies for glaucoma and macular degeneration.

Cataract surgery dates to the 5th century BC when early practitioners pushed cloudy lenses aside.  It wasn’t until the 1700s that cataracts were actually removed, and not until the 1940s that intra-ocular lenses were first implanted.  Now, high quality implants improve vision to levels often better than ever, and may correct astigmatism and improve reading and distance vision, reducing the need for glasses.  Newer, safer machines aid in the removal of cataracts, and now laser cataract surgery is on the horizon.

Corneal transplantation has been successfully performed since the 1950s, but recent developments in the last decade have made tremendous improvements both in visual success and transplant survival.  DSAEK and DALK are two very new, less invasive procedures, which are now available in Delaware.

Refractive surgery, and in particular laser vision correction, is perhaps one of the most “high profile” advancements in ophthalmology.  Combining laser precision, rapid recovery, and desirable results, laser vision correction has allowed millions of patients to reduce their need for glasses.  Available since FDA approval in 1995, the procedure has evolved and become safer and more accurate and effective.

Finally, new diagnostic instruments, incorporating the latest technology in high resolution scanning and computer analysis have allowed better monitoring and
treatment of diseases.  New medications have allowed ophthalmologists to arrest the progression of vision stealing glaucoma and macular degeneration, two devastating diseases which are the leading causes of blindness in the United States.

This is truly an exciting time to practice medicine, and Ophthalmology, in particular.  Patients can now look forward to preserving, and even enhancing, their vision, where previously there may have been limited success.

Jeffrey B. Minkovitz, M.D., is with Eye Physicians and Surgeons, P.A., 1207 North Scott Street, Wilmington, DE 19806. Dr. Minkovitz is affiliated with Christiana Care, Wilmington, DE and The Center for Advanced Surgical Arts, Wilmington, DE.  Dr. Minkovitz served as an Assistant Professor with Johns Hopkins University from 1998-2004.  He received his M.D. in 1990, University of Massachusetts Medical School; and his B.A., Magna Cum Laude, Harvard University in 1986.  Dr. Minkovitz received his certification in 1996 with the American Board of Ophthalmology and in 1991 received certification with the National Board of Medical Examiners.  For six consecutive years, Dr. Minkovitz was awarded the distinction of “Top Doc” for excellence in the field of Ophthalmology in a survey of his peers.  Dr. Minkovitz is a highly accomplished surgeon with over 13 years experience. Dr. Minkovitz is fellowship trained in cornea, cataract, and refractive surgery.  As one of Delaware’s leading cataract surgeons, Dr. Minkovitz offers both ReStor™ and Crystalens® to his patients.

CK® Testimonial…
It finally occurred to me what has been missing during the last 2 days. Since Richard’s surgery, he isn’t complaining about his inability to read something on the fly without searching for his glasses. He wired 6 recessed lights (NO GLASSES), he read the Sunday paper sections A & B and menus (NO GLASSES), and is using the computer
(NO GLASSES). I suppose for Richard, needing
to look for glasses when he wanted to see something, has been the hardest adjustment of becoming older. His dependence was so gradual that I never related to why he would get so angry over needing them. My house has been quieter. I now have 2 less things to do everyday: find the glasses and make sure they were clean!

For further information or to schedule an appointment please call 302-656-2020 extension 1.