Howerton Eye Clinic Blog

REFRACTIVE LENS EXCHANGE - PREMIUM LENS IMPLANTS

2010-03-11T14:26:00.000-08:00

The latest and greatest for people over 50 and people over 60 experiencing blurry vision due to cataracts are the Premium Lens Implants. Depending on the technological features of these IOLs, they may be described as "Accommodating IOLs", Appdizeddiffractive IOLs", or "Multifocal IOLs." Each of these lenses has some advantages and disadvantages. The one best for you depends on the unique characteristics of your eye as well as your lifestyle needs. You and your doctor will decide together which lens is more advantageous for you. When experiencing cataracts or presbyopia don't think glasses and contacts are your final option. Consider the Premium Lens Implants...they are a wonderful option for increasing your quality of life.

Successful PRK Monovision Surgery Austin

2010-03-10T07:36:00.000-08:00

testimonial : I had previously had RK surgery in 1991. This procedure did not use lasers and the cornea was actually cut like a pie. My eyesight remained quite good until I started needing reading glasses about 12 years later. I decided to let Dr. Rhodes do a PRK eye surgery to produce a monovision effect, which is one eye can see close up to read the other for distance. It did take a while for my brain to get used to this arrangement but it has worked out very well (it's been 8 months). One other benefit has been that the "halo" effect from the first 1991 surgery seemed to be diminished and bright lights driving at night do not bother me as much since the PRK. It has been somewhat scary to have another eye surgery but I don't have to wear glasses and my ability to read and see distance is very good. The support I've gotten from both Dr Rhodes and Theresa has been excellent. They have always been there for me when I had a question or problem.

Date Submitted: 2/26/2010 3:03:46 PM (Mountain Time)
First Name: Ron
Last Name: Graves

Austin LASIK Surgery Video

2010-03-08T13:45:00.000-08:00

View LASIK informational video from Howerton Eye Clinic,pllc Austin TX. Austin LASIK Surgery Howerton Eye Clinic, pllc provides informational LASIK video.

Austin LASIK

2010-03-08T13:09:00.000-08:00

"What a LIFE CHANGING experience!!!" I have heard so many people say those exact words at their LASIK post-op visits. My office is next door to our LASIK procedure room and it is wonderful to see each person walk out of just having the procedure and saying to their family members "I can see you!" I know some people are nervous about the procedure or think it is too costly, but in reality, it is a very safe procedure. The important things are recovery period and the post-op visits. Most important is to rest, rest, rest, immediately after the procedure...Keep your eyes closed and relaxed that evening and the next day come in for your first post-op to visit the Doc. If you follow the basic recovery instructions all should be perfectly fine. Regarding the cost - it is $3200 for both eyes. We may sometimes be running a special. With financing it could be as little as $81 per month. That's less than $3 a day!!! We are not selling LASIK, we are providing a better lifestyle. If dependence on glasses or contacts is holding you back from an active lifestyle consider LASIK. Watch our video to provide more information on the procedure or contact us for a FREE CONSULTATION.

Austin Multifocal Lens

2010-03-08T11:52:00.000-08:00

With today's modern technology and advanced intraocular lenses it is possible for people with cataracts and presbyopia to regain the vision they had in their 20s - or better. It is absolutely amazing to see the dramatic results people experience with these lenses. Although most people over the age of 60 experience some level of blurry vision due to cataracts, and almost everyone over 40 loses their ability to read comfortably without glasses, the New Advanced Multifocal Lenses now make it possible to regain the vision more like that of younger eyes. Multifocal Lenses provide high-quality vision at all distances...near, intermediate, and far, and in almost every lighting condition. For people who have cataracts, these implantable multifocal lenses can replace the clouded natural lens of the eye. For presbyopic patients, the natural lens of the eye can be exchanged for an implantable multifocal lens. If you enjoy an active lifestyle and are tired of being dependant on glasses and contact lenses it is time to consult with your ophthalmologist about treatment options. Contact Dr. Berkowitz for a consultation. Dr. Berkowitz has over 26 years of experience and has performed over 17,000 cataract, corneal, and refractive surgical procedures. He is dedicated to Ophthalmology and committed to patient care.

Howerton Eye Clinic In Kyle TX

2010-03-08T10:00:00.000-08:00

We are so happy to be providing health care to our friends in Kyle!!! At Seton Family of Doctors at Hays we are working with other Specialty Medical Services including Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Obstetrics/Gynocology, and Hematology/Oncology in order to care for our neighbors in Kyle, TX. Currently Dr. Berkowitz is visiting with patients twice a week at the Kyle location. We are providing all eye care services for residents in Kyle and surrounding areas. Dr. Berkowitz has over 26 years of experience and has performed over 17,000 cataract, corneal, and refractive surgical procedures. If anyone would like to visit our Kyle location please make an appointment by contacting our Austin Office at 512-443-9715. Kyle location is located across the expressway from Seton Hospital and next door to Jack in the Box. 5103 Kyle Center Dr. Kyle, TX/

Austin Refractive Lens Exchange

2010-03-04T14:46:00.000-08:00

Refractive Lens Exchange corrects nearsightedness and farsightedness, using an inrtaocular lens implant. Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) may be the procedure of choice for patients who are too nearsighted, too farsighted, or have corneas that are too thin for laser vision correction. It is also an alternative for those over the age of 40 and may be showing signs of developing cataracts. Millions of eyes have received intraocular lens implants when undergoing cataract surgery. The primary difference between cataract surgery and RLE is that cataract surgery is performed to remove a patient's cloudy lens, and Refractive Lens Exchange is performed to reduce one's dependence on glasses or contact lenses.
Performed as an outpatient procedure, the natural lens is removed using ultrasonic vibrations through a very small microincision and replaced through that same incision with an intraocular lens. The patient remains comfortable as the eye is completely anesthetized. Everyone heals differently, but many patients report improvement in their vision almost immediately, and most resume their normal activities within a day or two. One eye is done at a time, and the second eye is usually done in a week or two.
This great technology is helping millions of people improve their quality of life. Austin Refractive Lens Exchange procedures are increasing and Dr. Berkowitz is providing Austinites with these unique implantable multifocal lenses proven to provide excellent vision at all distances and helping people gain independence from glasses for the first time. Dr. Berkowitz has performed over 17,000 cataract, corneal, and refractive surgical procedures. He has been using multifocal intraocular lenses for over 10 years and in the Rio Grande Valley was one of the first surgeons to perform topical anesthesia, no stitch cataract surgery, multifocal intraocular lens implants, and refractive surgery.
If cataracts and presbyopia are affecting your quality of life, now is the time to contact Dr. Berkowitz about treatment options.

Diabetic Eye Disease

2010-02-22T12:14:00.000-08:00

We care for so many patients with Diabetic Eye Disease. If you or someone you know is diabetic it is important to get your eyes checked on a regular basis. Diabetis is a very serious disease that can cause blindness, heart disease, kidney failure, and amputations. Diabetic Eye Disease refers to a group of eye problems that people with diabetes may face as a complication of this diseases. All can cause severe vision loss or even blindness. Diabetic Eye Disease may include: Diabetic Retinopathy - damage to the blood vessels in the retina. Cataract - clouding of the eye's lens. Glaucoma - increase in fluid pressure inside the eye that leads to optic nerve damage. The most common eye disease is Diabetic Retinopathy. The disease is a leading cause of blindness in American adults. It is caused by changes in the blood vessels of the retina. In som people with diabetic retinopathy, retinal blood vessels may swell and leak fluid. In other people, abnormal new blood vessels grow on the surface of the retina. These changes may result in vision loss or blindness. Often there are no symptoms in the early stages of the disease. Vision may not change until the disease becomes severe. Nor is there any pain. This is why it is important to schedule a routine yearly visit with your ophthalmologist. Diabetic Retinopathy can be treated usually with laser surgery. It is not totally preventable, but your risk can be greatly reduced with early detection.

LASIK PATIENT REVIEW

2010-02-08T07:29:00.000-08:00

Hello, I wanted to comment on my experience I had with your office. I had LASIK done on Jan 7th and cannot tell you in words how awesome the entire experience has been for me. I met Melissa at a healthfair in Oct (we were both vendors there). She was a great help in explaning uncertainties I had. About a month later I came in for my consult and Theresa took me every step as if I had known her forever. We clicked immediately! She was absolutely awesome in explaining everything step by step and answered ALL questions I had. I then met Dr Rhodes and also had a great experience with him. When I came in for my surgery, I was very impressed at the level of professionalism every one had. Diane got me ready, and I remember Amber (?) (or Angela?) said her only job was to hold my hand! It was so comforting. When I went in for the surgery I was so impressed that as Dr Rhodes was performing each step, Theresa was telling me what was happening! I sat up and could see! How life changing it was! I did end up having some complications that night and we didn't get back to see Dr Rhodes until the next day. When we arrived that morning, Rachel took great care of me quickly and earlier than the office even opened I think! She was very gentle and got me comfortable! Exactly what I needed. After I saw Dr Rhodes and he had to "fix me up" he said he wanted to see me on Saturday. When we arrived on Saturday, I was so surprised to realize the office was not normally open seeing patients. He and Theresa came in just for me! I thought I was impressed already, but that took the cake! I am a District Manager for 6 Castle Dental offices and all the specialists that work for us and we train extensively around G3! Greeting, Guiding, and Gratitude. I can say that my G3 experience at your office was beyond par and exceeded all expectations I had. I have told everyone I know and some that I don't know that they needed to go to your office and see Dr Rhodes and his staff! I truly appreciate the experience and hope you realize how you really are changing lives! You've changed mine!

Please share this message with the team and please tell all of them they did a FANTASTIC job!

Regards,
Becky Evans

LASIK: Its Second Decade

2010-02-04T11:32:00.000-08:00

Laser Vision Correction is in its second decade of helping patients reduce or eliminate their dependence on glasses and contact lenses. Today, the goal of laser vision correction is not only to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism, but also to improve the quality or crispness of one's vision to a level that is better than possible with glasses or contact lenses. It is a comfortable, safe and effective outpatient procedure. There's typically little or no post-operative discomfort. Recovery is fast and complications are rare. Your vision returns quickly, usually without the need for glasses or contacts. Most patients will experience significantly improved vision immediately after surgery. Protective glasses are often provided for patients to wear during sleep for a short period of time. If Laser Vision Correction is something you are considering, Free LASIK Evaluations are available at our office to find out whether you are a LASIK candidate. You can also view an informative LASIK Video to learn more about the technology and options available for better vision.

New Office in Kyle Texas

2010-02-04T11:10:00.001-08:00

We are pleased to announce the opening of our new office location in Kyle, Texas. We will be caring for patients at the new Seton Family of Doctors at Hays, located at 5103 Kyle Center Drive. Dr. Richard Berkowitz will begin seeing patients next week 2/9/2010! It is so wonderful to be able to provide a service to so many people who are currently without Ophthalmic care in Kyle and surrounding areas. We look forward to providing quality eye care for our new patients.

Health Fairs

2009-11-18T13:13:00.000-08:00

We visit a lot of companies participating in Health Fairs throughout Austin and surrounding areas. Everyone is always so welcoming and it is an amazing feeling to be able to provide a much needed service to the community. Vision is so important and while performing vision screenings at these Health Fairs you quickly realize that vision is something that we definitely take for granted. Remember everyone...after 30 as a preventative measure have a comprehensive eye exam at least once every 2 years and at least once a year after 40. Thanks everyone for allowing us to participate in your company and community Health Fairs! See you at the next one.

2009-11-18T13:07:00.000-08:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Multifocal Lens for Cataract Patients

2009-10-01T13:49:00.000-07:00

Most people over 60 experience some level of blurry vision due to cataracts, and almost everyone over 50 loses their ability to read comfortably without glasses due to presbyopia. Now the Intraocular Lens makes it possible to regain the performance of youthful eyes.

Today, for people who have cataracts there is a procedure to remove the clouded natural lens of the eye and replace it with an advanced, artificial TECNIS Multifocal Lens. This unique implantable lens is proven to provide excellent vision at all distances, under all lighting conditions - day and night. Even better, the new TECNIS Multifocal Lens has helped thousands of people gain independence from glasses for the first time.

Contact Howerton Eye Center at 512-444-0701 to see if the new Multifocal Lens can help you!

BOTOX!

2009-05-27T15:10:00.001-07:00

Theresa- Refractive Coordinator:

Here at Howerton Eye Clinic we are offering Botox to our patients. As you know Botox is a temporary treatment of frown lines and brow furrows. Cosmetic (Botulinum Toxin Type A) injections are FDA-approved. A large number of people are having Botox injections to regain a more youthful appearance. In fact, we will be hosting Botox days -- where we hope that women and men (yes, men) will come together (bring a friend or two) and have wrinkle-banishing injections.

Jane Howerton Retires

2009-04-29T10:36:00.000-07:00

JANE'S FINAL BLOG:

I am writing my last blog. Dr. Howerton and I were presented with an marvelous opportunity and the practice was purchased by Dr. Berkowitz. He is an exceptional person and we feel blessed that our lifework is being left in excellent hands.

Dr. Kyle Rhodes has joined the practice. He seems wonderful. He is a glaucoma fellow so he is an excellent addition to the practice.

It has been a joy to be part of such a truly talented team and I will miss all of my friends. My last day will be May 1st and Dr. Howerton will be leaving July 1st.

It has been much harder than I imagined saying good bye to all the patients that I have become close with. Some of these wonderful folks have been patients for over 25 years. It has been a blast to learn about travels, family, personal high and lows. It was an honor to share many personal adventures.

I wish everyone all the best. I will truly miss you all.

2009-04-15T09:32:00.000-07:00

Hello Austin,

And I thank all of you that have welcomed me back to this wonderful city. I am extremely excited about my return to Austin. I completed my college degree here at the University of Texas at Austin in 1999. Houston was my next stop, where I attended medical school at Baylor College of Medicine. I then moved to the West Coast, and completed my internship and residency at California Pacific Medical Center. My time in San Francisco provided me with an excellent education as an ophthalmologist and as a human being. The diversity and differences represented in the Bay Area taught me how to truly respect and accept the impact of cultural beliefs as they relate to eye disease. I then returned to Texas, and finished a glaucoma fellowship at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas. Now I have finally returned to Austin after 10 years, and I plan to spend the remainder of my career caring for the vision of Austinites.

My interests in ophthalmology are diverse. As mentioned previously, I am a glaucoma specialist, and I offer numerous glaucoma treatments: selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT), trabeculectomy with or without antimetabolites, and glaucoma drainage devices (aka tube shunts or Ahmed and Baerveldt Implants). I am also a comprehensive ophthalmologist that performs cataract surgery, and I offer multiple lens implant options. Lastly, I have an interest in refractive eye surgery, and offer both LASIK and PRK (LASEK).

Thank you for visiting our webpage, and I look forward to taking care of all of you!

Kyle Rhodes, MD

Klye Rhodes, MD - Glaucoma Specialist Joins Practice

2009-04-09T15:16:00.000-07:00

Kyle M. Rhodes, M.D. joins the staff of the Howerton Eye Clinic in April 2009. A native of Texas, he graduated from The University of Texas at Austin. Dr Rhodes recently completed a Glaucoma Fellowship at The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas.

Dr. Rhodes will be seeing Glaucoma patients in our Austin, Texas office. He will also be performing Cataract Surgery, LASIK and other surgical prodecures.

Please join the entire Howerton Eye Clinic staff in welcoming Dr. Rhodes to our practice. He will bring with him exceptional knowledge and unique experience. Please call our office at 512-443-9715 to schedule an appointment with Dr Rhodes.

September Blog

2008-09-03T18:58:00.001-07:00

Hard to believe summer is almost over. September will be busy here at the Howerton Eye Center . Cathy has a birthday this month on the 16th. Diane and her husband will be celebrating their 6th wedding anniversary and celebrating at Yellowstone . How lucky are they!!!

Word is the Nidek is waiting for final approval from the FDA for the first USA cornea guided custom LASIK. Dr. Howerton is really excited about the opportunity this new platform will offer his patients. For more information of Nidek Catz FDA data visit: http://www.nidek-intl.com/n-express_3.pdf

We are all looking forward to the fall and some cooler weather.

2008-09-02T07:27:00.000-07:00

Contacts vs. LASIK: Making a Decision

If you wear contact lenses, the chances are you have considered getting LASIK laser vision correction so you can finally put the lenses away forever and just see crystal clear all the time. LASIK does have a number of advantages over contact lenses:

Less risk of infection
Less risk of corneal abrasion and scratches
No lens to break or lose
No prescriptions to renew

Essentially, because you will not be touching your eye on a regular basis or putting a lens in direct contact with your eye, there is less likelihood that your eye will suffer damage. With LASIK you are not depending on a prosthesis, so there's no danger that you will break or lose it--a potentially crippling event. And because you don't have to buy new lenses or new cleaning fluids, you will never find yourself in a situation where you've run out of cleaner or lenses and have to rush out to get more.

On the other hand, there are some risks to the LASIK procedure that might make contact lenses a better choice for some people.

Glare, halos, and poor night vision, although rare, can occur
Dry eyes can be a nuisance for some people who get LASIK, requiring eye drops
In certain situations, the flap created during LASIK can become detached, even years after the procedure

Because of these complications, there are some people who might want to think hard before deciding on LASIK laser vision correction. If you do a lot of driving at night, if you suffer from dry eyes, and if you engage in contact sports or other activities where there is a significant risk of trauma to the eye, LASIK may not be for you. And, of course, although the procedure is being made available to more people than ever, not everyone is a good LASIK candidate.

At the Howerton Eye Clinic, we are committed to finding the right vision solution for every patient. With our partners at LensShopper.com, we help people find their way to clear eyesight that fits their lifestyle and personal needs. To learn more, contact us today to set up a consultation.

2008-08-06T06:04:00.000-07:00

What a good way to start August – August 1st is Shawn’s birthday. The month ends great with Judy’s birthday on the 23rd. Happy Birthday to all our great August patients, also.

Dr. Berkowitz starts August 11th and will be at the office on Tuesday mornings and Wednesday. Information on Dr. Berkowitz should be on the web page soon. Dr. Nicolau is on his way home to Corpus Christi . We wish him the best.

Everyone needs to get geared up for their flex plans. This is a great time to tell your family, friends and co workers to come in for a free consultation to see if they are a refractive candidate. They can then sign up for their flex plan. This is a great way to finance your surgery.

Hope all the summer plans go on without a hitch.

Eye Problems?

2008-07-25T10:13:00.000-07:00

Not seeing as clearly as you used to?
There's one thing you should really do.
Call Howerton Eye Center for any eye need. Satisfaction is all but guaranteed.

Cataracts, Glaucoma, Eye Exams or other, they're committed to help with no bother.
With concern, friendly smiles and lots of TLC they'll help you to be able to clearly see.

So, call them, do it today!

It may be critical, so don't delay.
Their number is 512-443-9715, and you'll be surprised how much better you'll see to drive!

Elizabeth Ann Keyes
4/10/08
A satisfied customer!

July Blog

2008-07-07T06:36:00.000-07:00

Hope everyone’s summer is going well, hard to believe July already. Big #1 birthday for Shawn’s daughter, Malaney. She is so cute and already walking and already 1. Time flies. Also, Judy’s granddaughter, Julyasa, is celebrating her #4. She and Malaney share the same birthday, a very special day in all our hearts.

Protect your eyes during the summer. Be sure to wear sunglasses with protective coating and always wear protective eye wear when working in the yard or doing house projects. Unfortunately, we see way to many preventable eye accidents.

Dr. Richard Berkowitz will be starting to see patients in our office one to two days a week beginning late July. Dr. Berkowitz had a very large practice in the valley and moved to Austin to be close to his college children. We are happy to have him on staff.

Dr. Nicolau will be leaving the end of July. We wish him the very best on his new endeavors.

Also, new to the practice is a recall and information system called Smile Reminders. Some of you may have already gotten a reminder. Sorry if anyone was inconvenienced. Once we become more familiar we will share all its great properties.

Have a great and safe summer.

Vacation Time

2008-06-14T10:08:00.001-07:00

Vacation time at the Howerton Eye Center! Judy and her sisters have spent some beach time down in the Corpus area. Shawn and her family are going to be cruising the Caribbean. Her 11 month old is walking!!! No walking the plank little one. Dr. Howerton and Jane will be going to Country Jam up north. Diane and her family are planning a D.C. adventure. Sounds like fun for all.