610-628-2022 [email protected]

Saving Holly’s Sight

 

The team at Last Chance Ranch is works to save Holly’s sight.

When Mark and Paulette Moran heard about a horse that needed eye surgery to save her sight, they knew it was time to come to the rescue. After sharing the news with the staff, Moran Eye Associates donated $1,000 to Last Chance Ranch to cover the cost of Holly’s surgery.


We quickly replied to their Facebook fundraiser for Holly:
“Our office, Moran Eye Associates would like to donate the full amount of $1,000 for Holly’s surgery and care. Dr. Mark Moran and staff are happy to support your organization. We know how important sight is to all of us, and to the animals in our lives. In fact, Dr. Moran would have been happy to assist in surgery, if he wasn’t taking care of our human patients that day!”

Jackie Burke, who is the Equine Health Manager of Last Chance Ranch started a fundraiser for Holly via their Facebook page. Here is Holly’s story…

Holly is a sweet Haflinger mare who was saved from a kill pen by Last Chance Ranch. Our vet discovered an inflamed area of her eye. After consulting with New Bolton Center’s Ophthalmologist, it was determined that Holly had Squamous Cell Carcinoma in her left eye, and beginning in her right eye.

The vet is hopeful and believes that Holly has an extremely good prognosis and will probably not lose any vision! Holly is a young horse, only in her teens with a lot of life left.

 

The surgery was successfully completed on February 26th. Holly is now recovering at New Bolton Center, and will be back at Last Chance Ranch soon. The best news is that Holly has a prospective adopter, as long as everything goes well with her recovery!

We will keep you updated on Holly’s progress! For more information about the good work of this local rescue, visit their website http://www.lastchanceranch.org

Last Chance Ranch Animal Rescue, Inc. (LCR) is a public volunteer, non-profit (501c3) organization rescuing and rehabilitating horses and domestic companion animals. Last Chance Ranch Animal Rescue is dedicated to promoting and educating the public to humane and responsible treatment of horses, ponies, donkeys, and mules (equines) and other domestic companion animals. Last Chance Ranch, Inc (LCR) provides a safe and secure refuge for abused, unwanted or neglected animals. LCR rehabilitates physical and psychological issues and places them into new homes where they receive the treatment and care they deserve.

 

 

 

Eyes are the Windows to your Health

Your annual eye exam offers a look at more than just your vision.

You may have heard that the eyes are the windows to your soul, but did you know that they provide a look at your overall health as well.

Your dilated eye is an open window where blood vessels and nerves can be clearly seen. The view through the open pupil is a unique means of detecting health issues including:

Your eye doctor may be the first to alert you to developing health problems.The American Optometric Society reported that in just one year, over 250,000 patients were diagnosed with diabetes after their optometrists reported concerns. Early diagnosis and treatment are vital for the health and vision of diabetic patients.

Changes or fluctuation in your vision may also be an indicator of a larger health problem.  Report blurred vision to your eye doctor, it may be a sign of increased blood sugar levels and the need for medical treatment.

Uncontrolled diabetes can have severe consequences. Loss of vision due to diabetic retinopathy is a primary concern. Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in people under the age of 74, so a regular schedule of dilated eye exams are important for diabetic patients. If you know someone who is diabetic,or has a family history of the disease, make sure that they are getting the eye care that they need.

Our goal is to keep you healthy!

Dr. Moran and Dr. Tang not only provide excellent vision care, they are essential partners for your general health and well-being.  If you are overdue for a vision exam, don’t delay. Call us to schedule your appointment, Monday through Friday from 8 am to 4 pm.

 

For a video of a dilated eye exam, click here National Eye Institute Dilated Eye Exam

Treating Cataracts & Glaucoma Together with the iStent

The iStent Inject: This procedure may eliminate the need for daily glaucoma drops!

Size of the iStent Inject

Dr. Mark Moran is now offering Micro-Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) with the iStent Inject.  This option is currently available for glaucoma patients who are having cataract surgery.

Clinical studies have shown a significant decrease in eye pressure in mild-to-moderate glaucoma with this implant.  It is interesting to note that the iStent Inject is the smallest medical device known to be implanted in the human body. The picture to the right shows the actual iStent as a tiny speck on the face of a penny!

An Alternative to Glaucoma Drop Therapy

If using drops to control your glaucoma poses problems for you, this procedure may be a great alternative.  Ask yourself if you have these issues with your glaucoma medication:

  • Do you have problems putting drops in your eyes?
  • Do you forget to use your drops as prescribed?
  • Do you have financial concerns with the cost of prescription drops?

    iStent Inject in place

How the iStent works: During cataract surgery, Dr. Moran inserts these tiny stents to create two openings between the front part of the eye and the eye’s natural drainage pathway. This improved flow decreases the pressure in the eye.

Insertion of this FDA approved device is painless.  You won’t be able to see or feel these microscopic devices. They are so small that you won’t have to worry about going through an airport metal detector or having an MRI.

This combined cataract/stent procedure does not significantly increase the amount of time that you will spend in the operating room.  The recovery time from this procedure is the same as with cataract surgery alone.

Dr. Moran explains the results: “I’ve seen a decrease in pressure in the patients who have had the stents inserted. Many have stopped using their drops altogether. We remind patients that this stent procedure is a treatment, NOT a cure for glaucoma. You still need to follow up with regular appointments to monitor your glaucoma, and maintain the health of your eyes.”

If you have questions about glaucoma, cataracts, or any other vision concern, call to make an appointment at 610-628-2022.  Dr. Moran and Dr. Tang would be happy to review your history and discuss if this procedure is right for you.

Another Staff Certification Achievement!

The certificate has arrived, so now it is official!

 

Bobbi Spain has received her COA designation from the International Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (JCAPHO). Bobbi is our surgical coordinator, who works with LASIK and cataract patients. She was surprised to see that the package from JCAPHO also included an official COA card, pin and patch!

Official Certification

To provide the best care for our patients, the staff at Moran Eye Associates makes learning a priority.  Every member of the team takes part in monthly compliance training, as well as taking on additional programs of study in general ophthalmology, low vision, dry eye management, regulations and billing.  They also attend industry conferences each year to keep up with advances in technology and and patient care.

In 2017, Mandy, Beth and Dr. Moran attended the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) conference in New Orleans. In April of this year, Bobbi and Cindy accompanied Dr. Moran to the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ASCRS) in Washington, D.C.

Bobbi joins Mandy and Cindy, who already have their COA certificates on display.  Mandy received her COA in 2017.  Cindy has been a COA since 2004.  In order to maintain certification, a total of 18 credits in continuing education must be completed every three years. Eighteen credits is an easy to complete at Moran Eye Associates, where continuing education plays a key role in our success!

 

Office Art Gallery

Our favorite artist has created new paintings for our office collection.  They are so beautiful, we just had to share! 

You might notice that the paintings are signed Moran…but it’s not Dr. Moran’s talent on display.  All of the paintings in our office have been created by his very talented mother, Jeanne Moran. Dr. Moran said that his mother has been painting as long as he can remember.  She paints still life, landscapes as well as other nature scenes.  Her vibrant use of colors is especially stunning in person!

Purple Mountain Majesty

This colorful bird greets you in the reception area.

Side view of office

Moran Eye Associates Bergen Street View

You might recognize this painting to the right.  It is the Moran Eye Associates office, as seen from Bergen Street.  You will see this painting in our waiting room. If you park in our parking lot, it is the view of our office as you cross the street.

Vibrant colors accent a country scene

Patients often comment about the beautiful artwork that we have on display. We feel very fortunate to have her work to share with our patients. It seems appropriate to have paintings in an ophthalmologist’s office, where we help patients achieve their best vision.

We have included some of her artwork her, but to see the full collection, you’ll have to come in to our office at 1204 Delaware Avenue for an appointment!

What Does 20/20 Vision Mean?

Are you Seeing your Best?

How Vision is Measured

 

The distance vision of a normal human eye is defined at 20/20.  This number illustrates what a person with normal vision can see at twenty feet.  Your visual acuity is measured on how it relates to vision at 20 feet.

  • If your vision is 20/40, you can see at 20 feet, what a normal eye can see at 40 feet.
  • If your vision is 20/100, you can see at 20 feet, what a normal eye can see at 100 feet.
  • If your vision is 20/400, you can see at 20 feet, what a normal eye can see at 400 feet.

When you read an eye chart, chances are that person testing you is paying attention to what you say, as well as how you say it. They will know if you are seeing clearly or are struggling and making guesses. It never pays to cheat on your eye test!

Driving vision requirements

Driving requirements

How well do I need to see to drive?  

Although each state determines their specific requirements, generally 20/40 vision is needed to pass the driving test.  If you need glasses to see 20/40, it will be indicated on your driver’s license. While your distance vision is key to passing the driving test, there are other factors that are considered as well.  For complete information on what is required in Pennsylvania, click on the link.

Pennsylvania Drivers Visual Standards

After vision correction surgery, like LASIK or cataract surgery, you may be able to see well enough to have the vision correction restriction removed from your license.

What is legally blind?

If you cannot see any letters below the 20/200 line, even when wearing glasses or contacts, you are considered legally blind.  If your vision can be corrected by putting on a pair of glasses, you may have poor vision, but you are not legally blind.

I see 20/20, do I need an eye exam?

Absolutely!  Measuring your vision is an important part of your comprehensive exam, but there is so much more that we check at your visit. We will check your pupils, eye pressure and field of vision.  We will record your visual history, health history and medications. The doctor will examine the health of your eyes using a slit lamp microscope, checking for eye disease, including glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and cataracts.

Early detection of eye disease is your best defense against vision loss.  So even if you don’t need a new pair of glasses, make sure to schedule your regular check-up, so you can keep seeing your best!