Solinsky EyeCare LLC

Products And Services

• Comprehensive Eye Exams

  A standard Hartford Eye Exam includes the following: Visual Acuity Tests Measures sharpness of your vision Uses a projected eye chart to measure your distance visual acuity A small hand-held acuity chart measures your near vision Color Blindness Test Checks your color vision to rule out color blindess Can detect hereditary color vision deficiencies Alert your eye doctor to possible eye health problems that may affect your color vision Cover Test Checks eye alignment Your eye doctor will have you focus on a small object across the room and then he or she will cover each of your eyes alternately while you stare at the target Can detect strabismus or a more subtle binocular vision problem that can could eye strain Refraction Determines your exact eyeglass prescription Your doctor will put an instrument called a phoropter in front of your eyes and shows you a series of lens choices, then asks which of the two lenses in each choice looks clearer The refraction determines your level of hyperopia (farsightedness), myopia (nearsightedness), astigmatism and presbyopia Autorefractors and Aberrometers Your eye doctor also may use an autorefractor or aberrometer to automatically determine your prescription An autorefractor, like a manual refraction, determines the lens power required to accurately focus light on your retina Useful in certain cases such as evaluating young children who may not sit still, pay attention or interact with the eye doctor adequately for an accurate manual refraction Slit-Lamp Examination The slit lamp is an instrument that the eye doctor uses to examine the health of your eyes Your doctor will place your chin on the chin rest of the slit lamp and will look through a set of oculars to examine each part of your eye Allows your eye doctor to get a highly magnified view of the structures of your eye to thoroughly evaluate your eye health and detect any signs of infection or disease The Glaucoma Test Glaucoma tests have several variations, all designed to measure the pressure inside your eyes In one type of Glaucoma test, your eye doctor will put yellow eye drops in your eye to numb it then have you stare straight ahead into the slit lamp to measure your pressure Routine eye exams that include tonometry are essential to rule out early signs of glaucoma and protect your eyesight To obtain a better view of the eye’s internal structures, your eye doctor instills dilating drops to enlarge your pupils Once the drops have taken effect, your eye doctor will use various instruments to look inside your eyes Pupil dilation is very important for people with risk factors for eye disease, because it allows for the most thorough evaluation of the health of the inside of your eyes Our offices are available for all inquiries. Call today and schedule an appointment!

  Link: Comprehensive Eye Exams

• Glaucoma Treatment & Surgery

  Known as the “sneaky thief of sight” for its lack of symptoms, Glaucoma is second leading cause of blindness in the world, according to the World Health Organization. It is a disease of the optic nerve -the part of the eye that carries the images we see to the brain. The optic nerve is made up of many nerve fibers, like an electric cable containing numerous wires. When damage to the optic nerve fibers occurs, blind spots develop. These blind spots usually go undetected until the optic nerve is significantly damaged. If the entire nerve is destroyed, blindness results. Early detection and treatment by your eye doctor is the key to preventing blindness. What Causes Glaucoma? Inside your eye, a clear liquid called the aqueous humor circulates inside the front portion. To maintain a healthy level of pressure, a small amount of this fluid is produced constantly while an equal amount flows out of the eye through its own drainage system. Similar to a sink backing up, if this drain is blocked, the excess fluid cannot flow out of the eye and will push against the optic nerve thereby causing permanent damage. Who is at Risk for Glaucoma in Hartford? The most important risk factors include: elevated eye pressure family history of glaucoma age African or Hispanic ancestry farsightedness or nearsightedness pre-existing thinning of the optic nerve thinner central corneal thickness past eye injuries systemic health problems, including diabetes, migraine headaches, and poor circulation uveitis How is Glaucoma Detected? Regular eye exams at Solinsky EyeCare in Hartford are the best way to detect glaucoma. Here are some of the test that are performed at a glaucoma evaluation:: tonometry to measure your intraocular pressure gonioscopy to inspect the drainage angle of your eye ophthalmoscopy to evaluate whether or not there is any optic nerve damage visual field testing to test the peripheral vision of each eye photography of the optic nerve scanning of the retinal nerve fiber layer corneal hysteresis to measure the tensile strength of each eye How is Glaucoma Treated? Damage caused by glaucoma cannot be reversed. Eyedrops, laser surgery and surgery in the operating room are all forms of treatment to lower the intraocular pressure to help prevent further damage to the optic nerve. Since glaucoma can progress without your knowledge, it is very important to keep all of your appointments with your eye doctors at Solinsky EyeCare.

  Link: Glaucoma Treatment & Surgery

• Cataract Surgery

  Let’s talk about cataracts and what they are What are cataracts exactly and how do you know if you have one? Behind the iris or colored portion of your eye is a structure called the lens. The lens will take the light coming in to the eye and bend it so that it forms an image on the retina. It is in the lens of the eye where cataracts will occur. Signs & Symptoms of Cataracts Blurred vision (especially at distance) sensitivity to light trouble with glare finding that colors are not as bright as they once were frequent changes in eyeglass prescriptions increase in glare while drive at night from oncoming headlights Most cataracts associated with aging develop slowly; many Solinsky EyeCare patients do not notice a loss of vision until it has become severe. Patients have described seeing through a cataract is like looking through a cloudy or dirty piece of glass. Some cataracts remain small and never need treatment; others grow more quickly and progressively larger. Only when a cataract seriously interferes with normal activities is it time to consider surgery. If you have been diagnosed with cataract, extra light can aid in reading. Since the cataract blocks light, the extra light will make it easier to read. Make sure that the light is coming from behind you as opposed to from the front. Light coming from in front of you can reflect off of your reading material and cause glare. It is helpful to have a lamp with a goose neck so that you can adjust the light to see the best. Light Adjustment Lens Information Video Why do we get Cataracts? No one knows exactly why the eye’s lens changes as we age, forming cataracts. Researchers are slowly starting to identify factors that may cause cataracts — and information that may help to prevent them. Many studies suggest that exposure to ultraviolet light is associated with cataract development, so eyecare practitioners recommend wearing sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat to decrease your exposure. The same goes for users of steroids, diuretics and major tranquilizers, but more studies are needed to distinguish the effect of the disease from the consequences of the drugs themselves. Preventing Cataracts How can you protect yourself from making your cataracts visually significant? Some eyecare practitioners believe that a diet high in antioxidants, such as beta-carotene (vitamin A), selenium and vitamins C and E, may stall cataract development. While eating a lot of salt may increase your risk. Other risk factors include cigarette smoke, air pollution and heavy alcohol consumption. If you feel that your vision is not as clear as it once was, then you should call the office to make an appointment.

  Link: Cataract Surgery

• Retina Disease Treatment & Surgery

  What is the Retina? The retina is the sensory membrane that lines the inner surface of the back of the eyeball. It’s composed of several layers, including one that contains specialized cells called photoreceptors. There are two types of photoreceptor cells in the human eye— rods and cones. Rod photoreceptors detect motion and peripheral vision providing black-and-white vision in addition to functioning well in low light or at night time. Cones are responsible for central vision along with color vision and perform best in medium and bright light. Retinal Diseases There are a wide variety of retina problems, conditions and diseases. Here is a short list of the more common retina problems: Flashes and Floaters: Flashes Flashes describe an occasional flash of light in the eye, and it is normal for people to see them from time to time. Flashes are caused by the vitreous, jelly-like fluid in the eye pulling on the retina at the back of the eye. When this pulling occurs, the person sees a flash. People who are aging or who have nearsightedness are more likely to see flashes than others. Flashes can also be signs of other conditions within the eye that need further care. Floaters Floaters occur when people see dark pieces or threads floating in their eye. Floaters are generally harmless, and most people see them occasionally. Floaters are more common in older people. They can also be caused by eye surgery, or they can be a sign of other eye conditions that need treatment. People should get an exam with an eye doctor if: they suddenly begin seeing many flashes or floaters, the flashes or floaters look different they used to look, or flashes or floaters make the person’s normal activities difficult. Regular eye exams can help people monitor flashes and floaters and keep their eyesight strong. Macular Degeneration: Macular degeneration is a disease that damages the macula, which controls detailed vision. The disease mostly affects adults over the age of 50, and early detection is the key to treating macular degeneration. Macular degeneration can be classified as either “wet” or “dry.” In the more common dry macular degeneration, vision changes may be difficult to notice in the disease’s early stages. Central vision worsens, wavy lines and black spots may appear in the middle of a person’s vision, and colors may look dimmer than normal. If someone loses vision from dry macular degeneration, that vision will not be able to be restored. Monitoring macular degeneration can help stop the disease from progressing to the more serious but less common wet macular degeneration. Wet macular degeneration can cause rapid vision loss, and patients may see dark or blank spots, wavy lines, and dim colors centrally in their vision. If diagnosed early enough, laser treatment can be used to slow further loss of vision. Macular degeneration does not cause complete vision loss. Regular appointments with an eye doctor are important for diagnosing and monitoring the disease. People can also monitor their vision using an Amsler grid, as directed by their eye doctor. Diabetic Retinopathy: When the blood sugar in a person’s eyes gets too high, it can cause damage to the eye’s blood vessels. These damaged vessels can leak fluid or blood, causing the retina to swell and form deposits called exudates. Diabetic Retinopathy can take a couple of forms. Non-proliferative or background retinopathy describes an early form of the disease, and it may not produce any change in vision. In proliferative retinopathy, other diseases of the eye can develop, such as macular edema, neovascularization, and retinal detachment. Symptoms of diabetic retinopathy can include gradually blurred, spotty, or hazy vision or no vision, but many times, patients do not experience any symptoms. Regular dilated eye exams with an optometrist or an ophthalmologist can diagnose diabetic retinopathy, and the doctor can provide care to treat and possibly prevent vision loss if caught early enough. Retinal Detachment: Retinal detachment occurs when the inner lining of the eye, called the retina, begins to peel away from its wall. Detachment can occur when the jelly-like substance inside the eye begins to liquify at the top, which can then cause debris to collect at the place where the solid and liquid join. When this occurs, people see cobweb-like floaters in their eyes. The liquid can also begin to pull on the retina, which can cause you to see flashes of light. This fluid sometimes causes a hole to develop in the retina, which allows the liquid to seep through and peel the retina away from the wall. If holes in the retina are found early, they can be closed with laser treatment. If detachment has begun, more serious treatments may be necessary.

  Link: Retina Disease Treatment & Surgery

• Medically Necessary Contacts

  What Are Medically Necessary Contact Lenses? Medically necessary contact lenses are non-elective contact lenses prescribed when certain medical conditions hinder vision correction through regular eyeglasses and so contact lenses are the accepted standard of treatment. With some medical conditions, patients are unable to achieve a specified level of visual acuity or performance through regular eyeglasses. This results in the need for “medically necessary contact lenses.” Such medical conditions include: Aphakia – the removal or absence of the natural lens of the eye(s) due to surgery, injury, or abnormality. Anisometropia – a refractive condition where the eyes have unequal focus or optical power. Keratoconus – an eye disease that causes structural damage to the eye’s cornea, changing from the normal, round shape to a bulging, cone shape. Corneal Ectasia – a result of the weakening of the inner layers of the cornea. Due to this weakened cornea, the shape of the cornea changes significantly in addition to protruding forward and lending a distorted version. In some sporadic cases, it can also be attributed to a complication of a Lasik procedure. Types of Medically Necessary Contact Lenses Medically necessary contact lenses can be: Soft Lenses – disposable or extended wear. Hard Lenses – small diameter rigid gas permeable, commonly called RGPs. Hybrid Lenses – rigid gas permeable with a soft lens skirt. Scleral Lenses – large diameter rigid gas permeable that covers part of the sclera (white area) surrounding the iris. What Is a Contact Lens Fitting? Each contact lens fitting includes: Initial consultation and measurements. Assessment of the cornea, conjunctiva and eyelids to judge impact of contact lenses on ocular health. Confirmation of the appropriate prescription to achieve the best visual outcome. Thorough evaluation of centration, rotation, movement, and material of contact lenses. 90 days of follow-up contact lens care for existing wearers. Complimentary starter supply of contact lens solution. Contact lens Instruction session on insertion, removal, handling, and care is required for brand new lens wearers. Health Plan Coverage Not all major medical health plans cover medically necessary contact lenses and/or fitting. And some only cover for specific diagnoses like Keratoconus. Medicaid will cover medically necessary contact lenses and/or the fitting but they require prior authorization before dispensing any lenses, and they have specific guidelines to follow. Vision Plan Coverage We are participating providers for the following vision plans that offer coverage for medically necessary contact lenses and fitting for specific medical conditions: Avesis EyeMed Humana Vision Superior Vision VSP – No vision plan from your employer? You can visit VSPdirect.com to sign up for an individual VSP plan to help with your contact lenses and eyeglasses. Forms of Payment In the event your medical or vision plan doesn’t cover medically necessary contact lenses, we offer a courtesy discount on the lenses and we accept the following forms of payment: Cash Check MasterCard, Visa, or Discover and Care Credit – Visit CareCredit.com to apply for a Medical Credit Card. Patient Responsibility The cost for fitting of medically necessary contact lenses is considered separate from your eye exam that is covered by your medical or routine vision plan. While we will do our very best to verify your benefit coverage, it is not the responsibility of Solinsky EyeCare to know your particular medical or routine vision plan’s coverage, restrictions and/or to guarantee payment in regard to medically necessary contact lens fitting and/or contact lenses. How To Achieve Medically Necessary Contact Lens Success The success of wearing contact lenses requires more than just the initial fitting. Contact lenses are a medical device that can only be dispensed by prescription. Therefore, they must be regarded with the same caution that would be used for a prescription drug. It is for this very reason that the FDA mandates that contact lenses be reevaluated on an annual basis by the prescribing physician. It is the policy of our office that each year one of our doctors needs to evaluate your lenses to ensure that they are fitting properly, prior to renewing a prescription. A poor fitting lens can affect the health of your eyes by promoting infection, decreasing the amount of oxygen getting to the cornea, and/or setting the stage for other permanent complications. The health of your eyes is very important to us, and we aim to keep them in prime condition.

  Link: Medically Necessary Contacts

• Hearing Center & Treatment

  Solinsky Hearing Center, Inc. will provide you with all of the professionalism, integrity, quality, thoroughness and attention to detail that you deserve. We pride ourselves on developing long-term relationships with our patients. We help people of all ages with their hearing health by providing comprehensive services to manage hearing loss, tinnitus, and other hearing disorders through the use of hearing aids. Reasons to use our Hearing Center’s services: Diagnostic Hearing Testing Services offered First rate clinical staff Large selection of the finest, most advanced, state-of-the-art digital, programmable hearing aids available on the market today at the most affordable prices in the greater Hartford area! Satisfaction guaranteed! Whether you already wear hearing aids or have never tried them, we offer live demonstrations while you are visiting with us. Convenient payment options including 6 or 12 month no-interest financing. One stop eye and ear care! Why are we offering Hearing Services at Solinsky EyeCare? It’s the perfect fit! Here are some of the reasons why: There is a very high correlation between vision loss and hearing loss in our older patients, and it’s a double negative when two sensory deficits occur at the same time. Our patients have asked for these services (“Now that you have helped me to see more clearly, can you help me to hear more clearly too?”). Hearing loss is the most common and most frequently undiagnosed, untreated medical condition in our patient population here at Solinsky Eye Care. People with hearing loss put off a decision to get hearing help because they are either in denial or unaware of the fact that receiving treatment for hearing loss has the potential to literally transform their lives. “If I had a hearing loss, my family doctor would have told me.” Not necessarily! Studies indicate that only 14% of doctors routinely screen for hearing loss during a physical. Since most people with hearing loss hear pretty well in a quiet room (like a doctor’s office), it can be difficult, if not impossible for your doctor to notice the problem. 90% of all cases can be diagnosed and treated right here at Solinsky Hearing Center Inc.

  Link: Hearing Center & Treatment

• Low Vision Treatment

  Low vision is defined as partial vision loss that is unable to be corrected eye surgery and impairs vision. Many Hartford eye care patients with low vision can have severe visual acuity loss, reduced contrast sensitivity, or a significantly obstructed field of vision. When glasses can no longer help and surgery will not improve vision, then the only other option for patients is a low vision device. They come in a large range of strengths and designs, from hand-held to electronic devices. Our offices are available for all inquiries, call today and schedule an appointment!

  Link: Low Vision Treatment

• LenSx Femtosecond Bladeless Cataract Surgery

  Yes, it is NOW POSSIBLE to perform cataract surgery with a LASER. Precise, computer-customized bladeless cataract surgery provide safe, customized precision techniques. Alan Solinsky, MD, David Jeng, MD and Jeremy Hwang, MD have been selected to be among the first surgeons to perform bladeless cataract surgery in Connecticut and all of New England.The state of the art LenSx Laser is located at the Hartford Hospital Eye Surgery Center in Newington, CT.In 5 to 10 years, it is expected that most, if not all, cataract surgeries will be performed with a laser, but Dr. Solinsky, Dr. Jeng and Dr. Hwang have brought the future of cataract surgery to Connecticut and New England NOW. Leading eye surgeons consider bladeless laser cataract surgery to be the wave of the future. The FDA-approved LenSx laser system is based on the same femtosecond technology used during bladeless LASIK surgery. It gives the surgeon unprecedented image-guided control and the ability to plan and customize every procedure to the unique characteristics of each patient’s eye. The laser’s increased precision and accuracy translate into better visual outcomes and may increase the likelihood of seeing well without glasses following cataract surgery. The laser replaces the traditional hand-held blade to optimize all incisions for enhanced, reproducible surgical performance. The LenSx laser platform also integrates optical coherence tomography (OCT) to capture high-resolution images of your eyes. Its proprietary software control system analyzes these images of your eye; helps the surgeon to design a customized procedure; and then, visualizes and performs the procedure on command from the surgeon! For enhanced accuracy and safety, a patient interface connects your eye to the image-guided surgical unit, so that the surgeon has precise control of your eye throughout the procedure. While we will continue to offer cataract surgery using traditional techniques, blade-free femtosecond laser assisted cataract surgery offers significant advantages for many patients. Precision – the LenSx computer-guided laser offers a higher level of precision to cataract surgery. Scanning technology is used to carefully map and measure the eye. The laser makes precise micro-incisions to access the cataract and correct astigmatism. The laser creates a perfect circular opening in the cataract, which helps to optimize visual outcomes. Safety – the incisions are more secure and exact and the softened cataract can be removed with less ultrasonic power. During your office visit, we will discuss the femtosecond laser surgery option with you and help you make your decision. Solinsky Eyecare now uses the VERION™ Image Guided System. The VERION™ Image Guided System helps minimize potential sources of error during each step of the surgical process. The system helps us to be more efficient and accurate so we can provide you with the best vision possible. Learn more about this innovative new technology» Now using VerifEye! The Optiwave Refractive Analysis System helps us deliver improved outcomes and lasik-like results to cataract patients. Our offices are available for all inquires, call today and schedule an appointment or speak to our knowledgeable staff. Solinsky EyeCare has 10 Convenient Locations Throughout the Hartford Area

  Link: LenSx Femtosecond Bladeless Cataract Surgery

• Eyeglass Center & Optical Services

  Solinsky EyeCare is proud to offer you state-of-the-art optical services in our 10 convenient offices located throughout the Hartford area. Our full selection of eyewear is available at competitive prices, and we take pride in providing our patients with the latest eyeglass frame styles, sunglasses, and personalized custom lens options. Our experienced Opticians will assist you with your visual needs while using the most advanced lens designs and treatments available. We participate with many eyeglass vision plans, including VSP and EyeMed. Feel free to inquire about participation with your specific vision plan. Solinsky EyeCare guarantees the lowest prices and your complete satisfaction. Visa, Mastercard, and Discover credit cards are always welcome. We also accept Medicare assignment for your first pair of prescription eyeglasses following cataract surgery for eligible participants Stop in today to see our exceptional eyewear selection including top brands: Tom Ford, Lafont, Prada, Kate Spade, Morel, Emporio Armani, RayBan, Tiffany, Nike, Ted Baker, Michael Kors, and Maui Jim. For Husky patients, you can also check out our complete line of plan-approved eyewear. Lens Technologies Available to Our Patients: Crizal® No Glare Treatment – virtually eliminate glare and great for night time driving by eliminating headlight glare. Varilux® Progressive Lenses – (no line multifocal) – are the nearest to natural vision. They can create a sense of constant clarity at all viewing distances. They are ideal for all first time multi-focal lens wearers. Transition® Lenses – automatically darken in sunlight and lighten indoors, allowing the wearer the convenience of one pair of glasses for indoors and out. Xperio® Polarized Lenses – eliminate all indirect reflection such as from water or snow, allowing greater depth perception and visual acuity. Excellent for many sports including boating and skiing. DriveWear® – the first changeable polarized outdoor lens. It darkens outside as well as behind the windshield. This lens reacts to all different outdoor weather and light conditions. High Index (Thin Lenses) – are considerably thinner and lighter lenses. They weigh less and are much more comfortable to wear. U.V. Filter – is highly recommended for its ability to protect the retina from the harmful effects of ultraviolet light, and for this reason is also required for all post-operative cataract patients. Polycarbonate Lenses – are the most impact resistant lenses. They too are made of a thinner, lighter material. The use is mandated for children under the age of 14 because of the superior safety features. Bifocal Lenses – in the past this has been the most common style of multi-focal lens. It allows the patient to see in the distance and close up with the same pair of glasses. Computer Lenses – if you’re viewing a computer video display terminal (VDT) you may need variable focus lenses. These help correct vision for the computer screen and the immediate vicinity. Eyezen+ SV Adaptive Lenses – reduce strain from viewing digital devices so your eyes don’t feel so tired and irritated at the end of the day. Learn More About Our Optical Services Please contact us today to schedule an appointment for a comprehensive eye exam with our knowledgeable Hartford area Optometrists and Ophthalmologists. Solinsky EyeCare provides high-quality vision care and hearing services to ensure that our patients receive the superior standard of care that they deserve.

  Link: Eyeglass Center & Optical Services

• LASIK

  If you are tired of relying on glasses or contact lenses to see clearly, Solinsky EyeCare is proud to offer you an attractive alternative to vision correction. Laser in situ keratomileusis, more commonly referred to as LASIK, treats refractive errors by permanently changing the shape of the eye. The surgical modifications made during LASIK can provide you with exceptional vision and freedom from corrective eyewear. At Solinsky EyeCare, we entrust our LASIK cases to the highly capable hands of Dr. David Jeng. Our Harvard and Yale-educated LASIK surgeon trained under the guidance of some of the world’s leading authorities. His skill set and technical expertise allow us to help many patients seeking LASIK vision correction in and around Hartford. What Does LASIK Treat? LASIK is specifically designed to treat nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. These refractive errors occur when the cornea, or clear outer covering of the eye, is abnormally shaped. The irregularities prevent light from properly traveling through the eye and focusing correctly on the retina. LASIK removes microscopic bits of corneal tissue to reshape the cornea. Doing so changes the way light travels through the eye to the retina and improves focusing power. The result is clearer, crisper vision with little to no need for corrective eyewear. Candidates for LASIK Every prospective candidate for LASIK meets with our team for a complete evaluation and consultation. You may be a suitable candidate for LASIK if you are at least 18 years old, in good general health and your eyes are free from any active infections or diseases. For the best results with LASIK, it is important that your vision prescription has been stable for at least six months at the time of your surgery. As we evaluate you for LASIK, we will also check your corneas to ensure they have sufficient thickness to withstand the modifications made during surgery. Treatment Details LASIK Eye Surgery in Hartford, CT LASIK is performed on an outpatient basis, so you can return home shortly after your procedure to recover. Your eyes will be numbed with drops to prevent you from feeling any pain or discomfort. On average, the procedure takes about 5 to 15 minutes. To begin the LASIK procedure, Dr. Jeng will create a flap in the outer layer of your corneal tissue. He will gently fold the flap back and use an excimer laser to reshape the underlying corneal tissue. After applying the laser treatment, Dr. Jeng will restore the flap to its original position over your eye, where it will heal on its own. What Sets Our LASIK Technique Apart With traditional LASIK, the first step of the procedure — the creation of the corneal flap — is performed using a surgical blade called a microkeratome. But at Solinsky EyeCare, we exclusively offer all-laser, or “bladeless,” LASIK, meaning we use lasers to perform both critical steps of the procedure. We believe all-laser LASIK allows for more precise and predictable treatment and decreases the risk of some of the possible post-operative complications. Recovering From LASIK Significant pain is uncommon after LASIK. Your eyes may feel mildly irritated or scratchy for the rest of the day of your surgery. You will need to use special eyedrops to prevent infection and inflammation, and wear a shield for a few days when sleeping to avoid accidentally rubbing your eyes. You can expect to see initial visual improvements as soon as the next day. Your results will continue to improve in the days following surgery. For more information about undergoing LASIK at Solinsky EyeCare, please contact our practice today.

  Link: LASIK