MUNCY - A new Eye Center of Central Pa. location on Lycoming Mall Drive is making quality eye care more convenient for those living in and around Williasmport and Muncy.
The local office, which opened in November, was built specifically for performing Lasik eye surgery according to Optometric Refractive Manager Amy Hamm. The laser eye surgery is intended to reduce a person's dependency on glasses or contact lenses.
Glaucoma, cataracts and other type of eye surgeries are also done in the modern building.
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ANNA TELATOVICH/Sun-Gazette
Amy Hamm of The Eye Center of Central Pa., examines a machine used for performing Lasik eye surgery. The center which opened in November was built specifically for performing the surgery.
She added that many optometrist in the area will refer to the Eye Center for special surgeries.
Lasik eye surgery has been a practice for about 10 years, she said.
When eye surgery patients enter the center, they are led to a comfortable sitting area where they watch educational videos about their upcoming procedures and relax.
"We like to think we're the boutique of laser surgery," Hamm said.
Surgeries are done are Friday afternoons so patients can recover over the weekend before returning to work.
The surgeon also sees the patient on Saturday morning to check on their progress.
Although a patient's vision may be "watery" immediately after surgery, Hamm said patients notice a difference in their vision immediately.
"By the next day, patients are usually good to drive," she said.
The flat cost of surgery includes pre-operation consultations, follow up care and the surgery.
Another surgery performed at the center is a new cataract surgery which can restore different levels of vision not just distance, Hamm said. "The Eye Center is very excited," she said.
In addition to surgeons, who "see patients for anything medical related to the eye," optometrist and opticians are on staff to treat common eye conditions.
Opticians in the facility's optical shop help patients choose the right glasses and a special room for trying on contacts helps patients feel comfortable.
"We have a very broad spectrum," Hamm said of the center's patients. "From very young children to the elderly." Newborns can even receive treatment, she said.
"All children should have an exam in the first few years of life," because children are often unaware that their eyes are not working properly. Parents can look for signals however, like if a child is sitting closer to the television or pulling things closer to their eyes to see.
Glaucoma is a common eye problem that requires surgery, Hamm said.
When the system that controls pressure in the eye begins to allow pressure to build up, nerve damage can occur and affect peripheral vision.
Because there are no symptoms before the problem, Hamm said regular eye appointments will test for the disease.
While some people can be nervous to visit the eye doctor's office, Hamm said a regular vision check is recommended.
