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Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) Non-surgical methods of correcting vision (glasses and contact lenses) have been a traditional method of correcting vision. Surgical techniques have been introduced for ophthalmic optical correction. Radial keratotomy (RK) was invented in the 1930s and perfected in the late 1970s. With the development of excimer lasers optical correction was possible with

Cataract surgery is a frequently performed operation during which an affected natural lens is replaced by an intraocular implant (IOL). What is an after-cataract surgery opacity? Whenever possible, the IOL is centered within the capsule that surrounded the natural lens before it was removed. If the IOL is in the capsule it is held in

Pseudoexfoliation is an ocular condition in which a fibrillar, proteinaceous substance is produced in abnormally high concentrations. The shedding of the material can make structures within the eye less resilient. Studies suggest pseudoexfoliation to be 0.6 percent in 52- to 64-year-olds rising to 5 percent in 75- to 85-year-olds. Pseudoexfoliation is routinely identified during a

With the Winter Olympics just around the corner world class athletes are preparing to compete in one of the greatest athletic events dating back thousand of years to Ancient Olympic times. Sports eye trauma is a real issue. While the Winter Olympians may need face protection (hockey, speed skating)   or outdoor ski glasses to

Cataract surgery is one of the most frequently performed eye surgery. There have been many technological advances that have helped improve outcomes. A cataract is anatomically located behind the pupil. In order to access the cataract at the time of surgery the pupil must be fully dilated. There are conditions that prevent the full dilation

A total solar eclipse will take place on Monday, August 21, 2017. A total solar eclipse results when the Moon passes between Earth and the Sun. The Moon will be totally covering the image of the Sun when viewed by an observer on Earth. Looking directly at a solar eclipse without proper eye protection can

The fact is, cataracts are relatively common.Cataract removal is widely listed as the number 1 surgical procedures performed in the United States today, with approximately 3 million Americans a year undergoing cataract surgery. Fortunately, cataract treatment has come a long way in the past 20 years. A cataract is a clouding of the lens of

Selecting the right eye surgeon can be the difference between a tolerable cataract solution and an extraordinary one. Finding the right eye doctor is not always a simple process. While cataract surgery is one of the most common eye procedures, your eye surgeon needs to earn your trust by demonstrating the appropriate level of experience.

Westchester Eye Surgeons, S.C. staff speak at the 2017 Illinois Society of Eye Physicians & Surgeons and the Chicago Ophthalmological Society (ISEPS/COS) Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT) section. Staff members of Westchester Eye Surgeons, S.C. presented topics at the COT section of ISEPS/COS on April 7, 2017. The Westchester team comprised 33% of the invited speakers. Surprises

Does Having Prior LASIK Procedure Affect Having Cataract Surgery? LASIK surgery is a cornea reshaping operation. The objective of the reshaping is to optically correct for a patient’s refractive correction. The new shape of the cornea is permanent. Because this reshaping alters the refractive properties of the eye, previous LASIK surgery makes the selection of

On Saturday March 18, 2017 Dr Spero Kinnas was one of the Guest Faculty presenting at the Northwestern University Cataract Symposium. The symposium was put together to discuss the latest techniques and technological advances for the surgical management of cataracts.     Apart from guest faculty and professors from Chicagoland universities, in attendance were experts

A cataract is a clouding of the natural lens preventing images to be focused. Thus a patient cannot see. While it is rare, a cataract can be present at birth. Cataracts are a special problem in children. Since visual pathways do not mature until approximately age 8-10. Visually impairing congenital cataracts lead to “Lazy Eye”

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that 20,000 workplace eye injuries happen each year. Ocular injuries range from simple eye strain to severe trauma that can cause permanent damage, vision loss and blindness. The single most important proactive preventive measure protecting against eye injuries is using appropriate protective eyewear. It is estimated that 90

Digital screens have become an integral part of our lives. We rely on tablets, smart phones, gaming devices and computers for the written information we use for leisure, at home and at the workplace. As the dependence on digital screens increases, so do reports of eye fatigue and discomfort (eye strain). An important physiologic change

Over the years, our patients have shared many eye-related concerns with the Westchester Eye Surgeons staff. Read on as we clarify some common misconceptions.   Reading in dim light is harmful to your eyes. True or False? False. Reading in dim light may strain your eyes but it is not harmful.   Viewing your computer

Some allergens are airborne environmental particles that sensitize the eyelids and ocular surfaces creating an allergic reaction. Allergens can be molds, animal dander, or even common household dust. If seasonal pollens come into contact with the eye the condition is called seasonal allergic conjunctivitis (hay fever).

 Dr. Spero Kinnas Appointed Program Chair for the 2017 Illinois Society of Eye Physicians & Surgeons and the Chicago Ophthalmological Society Annual Meeting. Dr. Kinnas was chosen to chair the Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT) section during the April 7, 2017 meeting of the Illinois Society of Eye Physicians & Surgeons and the Chicago Ophthalmological Society

News site HNGN lists Westchester Eye Surgeons in it’s list of the Top 5 Lasik Centers in Chicago. The results of the article are based on high satisfaction ratings given by patients. The article goes on to say… The areas of eye health include lasik surgery, lasek, PRK, correction of farsightedness, nearsightedness, astigmatism and more.” According

Age related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of permanent blindness worldwide. Age related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of severe visual loss in one or both eyes in patients over 50 in the United States. In 2010 2.1 million Americans had AMD and this number could double by 2050. There are

The white part of the eye surrounding the cornea and pupil can develop a yellow-orange elastic degradation resulting in patches of fat and protein on the eye. Depending on the location of these patches (if they are found on the white of the eye or if they extend to the clear center called the cornea)

Eyelid margin disease is a persistent inflammation of the lid margin caused by various health conditions. Sometimes eyelid margin disease never completely resolves, but with simple daily sanitary measures it can feel much better. The purpose of eyelid scrubs is to remove eyelid margins crusting and to keep the bases of the lashes clean. A

Cataract surgery is an intraocular operation that can improve degraded visual acuity. As with any operation healing after cataract surgery can depend on many associated health factors such as age, coexisting diabetes, age related retinal degeneration, ocular circulatory and other health conditions. While only a patient’s eye surgeon can advise exact instructions for post cataract

Presbyopia is derived from the Greek words “Presvis” (senior) and “Opsis” (vision). Presbyopia is the maturity onset phenomenon in which near vision acuity tasks become difficult without optical assistance. Over time the natural human lens becomes less flexible which prevents the eye from optically adjusting to perform near vision tasks. Presbyopia is a physiologic development

Glaucoma is a major cause of vision loss worldwide. More than 3 million Americans have glaucoma, nearly 50% of which do not even know they have the disease. Glaucoma is a result of pressure damage to the optic nerve. With a damaged nerve the eye cannot see. Unfortunately most forms of glaucoma present with no

NSTV (Northwestern University Sketch TV) recently visited Westchester Eye Surgeons to film their latest production of “Ophthalmologist”. The crew of Northwestern University undergraduate students required an eye examination lane and ophthalmology equipment to create their project. For approximately four hours the student actors, camera and directing crews took multiple takes to produce the short sketch. Click on

The eyeball has the shape of a soccer ball. There are three different coatings of tissue surrounding the central ocular cavity, (which is called the vitreous space). The outermost coating is the sclera which is a white collagenous structural and protective layer. The innermost is the retina which converts light images in to signals that

Retinal Photography Almost every ophthalmologist in the United States has a color retinal photography camera. Retinal photography cameras can view most of the macula, retina, and optic nerve. While this test is useful in determining the level of blood build up in the retinal vessels, it does not give details of the flow of blood.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends all persons should have a baseline ocular screening by age forty even if there are no visual issues. This includes dilation of the pupils to examine the structures inside the eye. Early maturity onset eye conditions detectable during a dilated eye exam include: Cataracts Eye pressure disease (glaucoma) Diabetic

A cataract is a natural fogging of the human lens resulting in cloudy vision. During cataract surgery the cloudy natural lens is replaced with a clear, artificial lens called an intraocular lens (IOL). Single Focus IOLs Versus Multiple Focus IOLs The most common used type of IOL is the single focus (fixed-focus) IOL. The single

An intraocular lens (IOL) is an optical lens implant with refractive (focusing) properties. The human eye has a natural lens that over time loses its clarity. A lens that has lost clarity is called a cataract.   When a cataract results in loss of clarity images appear discolored, defocused and in advance cases the eye

Femtosecond Laser (FSL) is a 21st century technology used in many aspects of eye surgery including cataract surgery. FSLs can deliver a high level of exactness to portions of cataract surgery. There are several FSL platforms available. CATALYS® Precision Laser System The CATALYS® FSL is designed with a low vacuum application module. This cataract surgery

During the month of November there is heightened awareness regarding diabetes and diabetic retinopathy. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) is a leader in the fight against diabetic disease. According to their mission statement the ADA is dedicated to “prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes” The ADA

Frequently patients ask about out of pocket costs associated with cataract surgery. Cataract surgery costs are generally categorized into 3 components. Professional fees provided by the cataract surgeon Costs for services by the surgical facility Costs for items and materials that are necessary to complete cataract surgery

Eyelid and hemifacial spasms occur from involuntary squeezing of the eyelid and facial muscles. These spasms may lead to lid closure and diminished view The exact cause of eyelid and hemifacial spasms is not well understood, but the disease generates stimulation of branches of the cranial nerve that control facial and lid position.

Blepharitis is a common and sometimes lifelong eyelid condition that is estimated to affect 30 million people worldwide. The exact underlying cause of blepharitis is not well defined or understood.

Breast cancer is a breast malignancy. While breast cancer is very rare in men it remains the second most common type of malignancy in BOTH MEN AND WOMEN! If breast cancer goes undetected it can spread (metastasize) to other areas of the body causing health issues and sometimes death. Breast cancer is also is the

The eyelids are an important part of the ocular system. They protect and lubricate the eyes. The eyelids have a skin (dermal) and protective substance producing (meibomian gland) component. As with any part of the body the eyelids can dysfunction or become infected resulting in “Lid Margin Disease”.

Astigmatism develops when the corneal focusing surface of the eye is not spherical. Instead the cornea has different curvatures of focus creating image splitting blurred vision.

A visually significant cataract develops when the natural lens becomes cloudy and prevents clear focusing of images within the otherwise health eye. When this level of vision dysfunction develops surgery is the only way to correct the problem.  As with any surgery there are risks with cataract surgery.

LASIK is an operation that alters the optical focusing properties of the cornea. When a patient that underwent previous LASIK surgery develops a clinically significant cataract, the cataract must be removed and replaced with an intraocular lens (IOL). Ophthalmic surgeons have discovered the corneal focusing modifications from LASIK lead to less precise IOL predictions using

Eyelid surgery is sometimes necessary for treating eyelid disfiguring conditions. Common disorders are ptosis (droopy eyelids), entropion (inward turning of the eyelid), ectropion (outward turning of the eyelid) and eyelid growths. Consult an eye surgeon if you are suffering from one of these ailments. 

For over 20 years Dr. Spero Kinnas has been a Chicago ophthalmologist in good standing with full medical and surgical privileges at Elmhurst Hospital.

Dry eye syndrome is one of the most common conditions treated by eye physicians. Deficient eye moistening glands around the eye result in lack of proper ocular surface hydration. Dry eye patients experience itching, burning, redness and reflex tearing. Untreated this dry eye could result in infections, scarring and poor vision.

As a person matures the skin and muscles of the upper lids can lose their tone and strength. As a result the upper lids can take a baggy, puffy appearance and sometimes even set lower than normal. This condition is called eyelid “Ptosis”.

Preparation for cataract surgery A cataract results from a degradation of the focusing properties of the natural lens. Once the patient and eye surgeon have reached the shared decision to proceed with cataract surgery preparation process begins.

The optical system of the eye is similar to a camera that uses film. Images focus through a lens projecting a clear internal image. The physiologic difference between the eye and a camera is the human lens degrades with age resulting in unfocused, decolorized and generally cloudy vision.

The cornea is the outermost surface of the human optical system. The healthy cornea not only allows a clear pathway for images to focus in the eye but is also the first protective barrier of the eye. The shape of the cornea contributes to the optical properties of the eye. Corneal topography is a computer

The Fourth of July is a time for national celebration. Unfortunately it is also a time when firework eye injuries are at an apex. Statistics predict 2,000 people in the United States will have some sort of eye related injury this Fourth of July. Such eye injuries are not only superficial burns and cuts to

For over 20 years Dr. Spero Kinnas has been an ophthalmologist in good standing with full medical and surgical privileges at Hinsdale Hospital.

The macula is the central area if the eye’s retina and is responsible for processing clear images. The macula is located behind a clear jelly like material that fills the center cavity of the eye which is called the “vitreous body”. Normally the macula is flat and when it receives focused images generates impulses that

Seasonal allergies affect more than 20 million people in the United States every year (hay fever). Airborne allergen particles like molds, house dusts, animal hairs not only affect patient with respiratory allergies when inhaled but frequently come into contact with the ocular surfaces resulting in eye allergies at any time. Ocular allergies take the form

Dr. Kinnas, a member of the surgical staff of the Elmhurst Outpatient Surgery Center (EOSC), has been elected by his peers to serve for two years as a board member.

An intraocular lens (IOL) is an optical lens implant is designed to replace the natural human lens after a cataract operation. Once a cataract is removed the eye will need the focusing power of the IOL to help the eye with postoperative vision. An IOL may be implanted either in front of or behind the

Astigmatism is an optical condition that creates different points of focus. As a consequence someone with uncorrected astigmatism will experience blurred vision. This uncorrected visual blur results when the front optical surfaces of the eye are not spherical. A spherical optical surface bends images evenly resulting in equally focused images within the eye.

Patients with retinal conditions may need diagnostic tests administered by their eye surgeon to evaluate their retinal disorders. Retinal diagnostic tests are divided into two principal categories. In the first category are tests that are designed to display images from optical devices. In the second category are tests designed to display images generated from retinal

AMERICAN ACADEMY™ OF OPHTHALMOLOGY recognizes Dr. Kinnas on the achievement of the Lifelong Education for the Ophthalmologist (LEO) Continuing Education Recognition Award.

The 3 “Os” of eye care are Ophthalmologists, Optometrists, and Opticians. All three professional groups are trained to provide eye care services. The extent of their training determines what diagnostic, therapeutic and dispensing services they can provide.

The lens of the eye is located behind the pupil. The lens sometimes becomes foggy with the passage of time. When the lens degrades in a way that affects the quality of vision, the degraded lens is called a cataract. When this happens, images do not focus clearly. Sometimes this cloudy focus is mild and

CATALYS® Femtosecond Laser (FSL) is a 21st century technology that can provide an innovative level of exactness to portions of cataract surgery. Its availability for eye surgery offers the opportunity to bring greater patient safety for during of cataract operations.

Since the 1980s our eye surgeons have had the opportunity to educate and treat patients regarding many rare eye conditions. Here are three of particular interest.

Glaucoma is the condition where the eye’s intraocular pressure (IOP) contributes to the harm of the eye’s optic nerve. Sometimes in the very early stages of glaucoma, an unusual IOP may not reveal clear cut damage to the optic nerve. The opposite can also happen when an average IOP could damage an optic nerve in

Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) is a modern optical laser surgical method that reshapes the eye allowing clearer focus to produce better vision. It is available for patients that have myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), or astigmatism (a cornea with unequal curves).

Patients suffering from diabetes mellitus fail to use and store blood sugar (glucose) suitably for proper health. The improper glucose control is detrimental to the vessels of the retina, an important structure in the back of the eye that processes visual images. Diabetic retinopathy is damage to these retinal vessels.

In many ways the eye operates similar to a camera. Light rays focus images via our natural lens on the light-sensitive retina in the back of the eye. The retina processes these images sending information to the brain creating vision. Cataract degradation of the natural decreases vision. Cataract surgery and replacement of the degraded natural

In an effort to modernize, Hinsdale Surgical Center has relocated to its new nearby facility at 10 Salt Creek Lane, Hinsdale, IL 60521, while continuing to serve the neighboring communities, including: Westmont Western Springs Lagrange Elmhurst North Riverside Hotchkins Oakbrook Oak Park Brookfield Willow Springs Darien And more Hinsdale Eye Surgery Dr. Spero Kinnas has

A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s naturally clear lens that leads to blurred vision. One of the methodologies for removing cataracts is called Phacoemulsification (Phaco). This technology has been available to eye surgeons for over 20 years and is being constantly refined. Westchester Eye Surgeons offer Phaco treatments for cataracts and many other

The cornea is the outermost clear part of the eyeball. Through its translucency, we can view the front chamber of the eye, the round pupil and the iris that gives us our eye color. While the cornea has the blinking action of the lids to protect it, injuries can still occur when rubbing the eyes

The white part of the eye surrounding the cornea and pupil can develop elastic degradation resulting in patches of fat and protein on the eye. Depending on the location of these degradations, we call them pinguecula or pterygia. What is a Pingueculum? A pingueculum appears as a yellow-orange bumpy spot on the white of the

While there are many causes of Ptosis or droopy eyelids, the most common types result from a maturity phenomenon called DERMATOCHALASIS & PTOSIS. As a result of age onset changes, eyelids start to sag and drop resulting in lid droop. An eyelid may droop minimally and not affect the patients view or it may entirely

The human body has two main groups of muscles. The skeletal (voluntary) and autonomic (involuntary) musculature. Some examples of the second group (autonomic muscles) are digestive in respiratory (partially) musculature which function without our consciousness so that life can be maintained. If you are suffering from myasthenia or think you might have symptoms, please contact

One of the most frequent causes of poor vision after age 60 is AMD (age-related macular degeneration). AMD the degradation of the MACULA a small central region in the back of the eye that allows us to view refined images clearly and perform our day to day undertakings. AMD symptoms involve loss of central vision.

Dry eye syndrome is one of the most common problems treated by eye physicians. Over ten million Americans suffer from dry eyes. It is usually caused by a problem with the quality of the tear film that lubricates the eyes. Tears are comprised of three layers. The mucus layer coats the cornea, the eye’s clear

Color blindness (color vision deficiency) is a condition in which certain colors cannot be detected. There are two types of color vision difficulties: congenital (inherited) problems that you have at birth, and problems that develop later in life.   People born with color vision problems are unaware that what they see is different from what

WHAT IS THE FEMTOSECOND LASER (FSL)? The femtosecond laser is a medical device that has been available for many purposes for over 15 years. Recently the FSL was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to perform some of the steps of eye surgery to remove a cataract or cloudy lens. Femtosecond Lasers are also

Bell’s palsy is a disorder of the facial nerve, the seventh cranial nerve. This condition causes partial paralysis on one side of the face, affecting the muscles of facial expression. Bell’s palsy usually occurs in adults and develops suddenly. Symptoms of Bell’s palsy include the inability to smile on one side or close one eyelid

La palabra “láser” es un acrónimo para “Light Amplification by Stimulated Emmission of Radiation” [Amplificación de luz por medio de la emisión estimulada de radiación]. El láser es un rayo concentrado de luz, creado cuando una corriente eléctrica pasa através de un material especial. Usado en la cirugía del ojo desde principios de la década

Birdshot retinochoroidopathy (BR) is a rare, inflammatory condition of the retina and choroid, the layer of blood vessels under the retina. BR is a chronic disease that flares up and then goes into remission. Although some people eventually lose vision, others maintain or recover good vision. The cause of BR is unknown. It usually occurs

While our practice will not be prescribing or dispensing medical cannabis (marijuana) for the treatment of eye pressure (glaucoma) we feel our patients should be informed about certain issues regarding the dispensing of cannabis for eye health purposes. Pros Medical cannabis can effectively lower eye pressure in patients with glaucoma. Cons The eye pressure lowering effects

Hemifacial spasm (HFS) is a condition that causes involuntary contractions of the muscles on one side of the face. The disorder occurs in both men and women, usually beginning in middle age. Symptoms often begin as a twitching of the eyelid and may gradually spread to involve the muscles of the lower face. The condition

Complaints of eye discomfort and fatigue are becoming more common as the use of computer screens increases. While it is true that computer screens can cause eyestrain, there is no convincing evidence that they can harm the eyes. Some people fear that computer screens emit damaging ultraviolet (UV) light or radiation. The amount of UV

  The retina is a layer of light-sensing cells lining the back of your eye. As light rays enter your eye, the retina converts the rays into signals that are sent through the optic nerve to your brain, where they are recognized as images. The macula is the small area at the center of your

La Degeneración Macular Relacionada con la Edad (DMRE) es una de las causas más comunes de mala visión después de los 60 anos de edad. DMRE es un deterioro de la mácula. La mácula es un área pequeña localizada en el centro de la retina, en la parte posterior del ojo, que nos permite ver

The thyroid gland, located in the front of the neck, produces hormones that regulate your body’s metabolism (the process by which the body transforms food into energy). In a small number of people, the thyroid gland produces either excessive hormone, inadequate hormone, or it inadequately regulates thyroid hormones. An overproduction of thyroid hormone is often

One’s first encounter with the herpes zoster virus is usually childhood chicken pox. Later in life, the virus may reactivate, causing a characteristic rash of small blisters, frequently on the chest or forehead, which form crusts and may leave scars. This second encounter with the virus is commonly known as shingles. Unlike chicken pox, shingles