Maehara Eye Surgery and Laser began its legacy of quality eye care over 30 years ago. Today, we continue to uphold the values set by Dr. Dennis Maehara. In our Honolulu and Waipahu, HI offices, Dr. Jeffrey Maehara offers a wide variety of services that can help you protect, preserve, or correct your vision. While we may use the latest proven technologies, we remain committed to the human touch that makes our practice so special.
LASIK is known as the most common laser vision correction procedure. It is performed to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, conditions that prevent the eyes from focusing efficiently. LASIK works by reshaping an irregular cornea so that light travels through the eye in a uniform way. Traditionally, this reshaping was done using a microkeratome blade. Bladeless LASIK is performed using a femtosecond laser. While both are proven safe and effective, bladeless LASIK has a lower risk of corneal flap complications. Dr. Maehara utilizes two laser devices designed to elevate the accuracy of the LASIK procedure.
The Allegretto Wave Excimer Laser was developed to acheive a faster, more accurate LASIK procedure. This laser device represents a new generation of “High-Performance Vision Correction” refractive technology that can achieve exceptional visual results under a wide range of lighting situations throughout the day and night.
LASIK using the IntraLase FS Laser is referred to as IntraLASIK. During the IntraLASIK procedure, the doctor uses the IntraLase FS technology to focus a microscopic spot of energy on the cornea. This energy passes through the outer layers of corneal tissue without causing tissue trauma, and it lands on an exact focal point within the central layer of the cornea for optimal reshaping.
LASIK is very well-known, but it is not the first corneal procedure used for vision correction. PRK was the first. This procedure works very much like LASIK but is more appropriate for a specific subset of patients. If you have large pupils or thin corneal tissue, Dr. Maehara may recommend PRK to correct refractive errors. The difference between PRK and LASIK is that PRK involves the removal of the epithelium, the thin membrane protecting the cornea. LASIK accesses the cornea through a small flap.
Glaucoma is a common eye disease in which intraocular pressure, the pressure inside the eye, increases to dangerous levels. When there is too much pressure in the eye, the optic nerve may be damaged. Glaucoma requires quick and ongoing treatment to prevent the persistent pressure from causing irreparable damage to the optic nerve. When the optic nerve is damaged, vision loss occurs a little at a time. Glaucoma treatment may involve the use of medications or may require surgical intervention. Dr. Maehara routinely performs standard trabeculectomy as well as advanced glaucoma procedures.
Cataracts are very common, especially among people who spend a lot of time in the sun. Cataracts are areas of dense protein clusters in the eye’s natural lens. There is no cure for cataracts. To correct the clouding, blurring, and disruption that cataracts cause, the doctor removes the natural lens and replaces it with an artificial, crystal-clear intraocular lens. Cataract removal surgery is one of the most common corrective eye procedures performed today.
The artificial lenses used to replace natural lenses clouded by cataracts are called intraocular lenses, IOLs. At one time, intraocular lenses could only correct distance vision. Then, options became available to correct distance or near vision. The problem was that we lacked options for correcting both simultaneously. Not anymore. Advances in technology have made it possible to restore good vision at all distances. Premium lens implants can correct a variety of errors, including astigmatism, with little downtime. A leader in the field, Dr. Jeffrey Maehara was the first physician in Hawaii to implant the Acrysof ReStor and Acrysof Toric lenses.
The cornea sits at the front of the eye, where it directs rays of light where they need to go to create crisp, clear vision. To bend light perfectly, the cornea must have a spherical curvature. Irregularities in the shape of the cornea cause light to land in front of or behind the retina, not on it, where it belongs. Corneal transplantation is a procedure in which the exaggerated curvature of the cornea is corrected.
Many of the corneal procedures that are performed today work by correcting the entire shape of the front of this piece of tissue. This may be done through laser reshaping or by replacing the entire cornea with a transplant. DSAEK restores the integrity of the cornea by replacing individual layers of tissue. Dr. Maehara performs Descemet’s stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) to replace the inner layer of the cornea. This corneal procedure offers several benefits. One is that it preserves the structure of the eye’s surface by focusing only on the back layer of corneal tissue. As a result, the cornea retains most of its strength and resistance to injury and infection.
Around here, we spend a lot of time outdoors and at the beach. Pterygium (pronounced “tuh-RIJ-ee-uhm) is better known as “surfer’s eye.” This condition manifests as a benign, fleshy growth on the sclera, the white of the eye. A pterygium can grow to a point at which it affects vision. Until then, it is primarily a cosmetic concern. To address this problem, Dr. Maehara may prescribe corticosteroid eye drops or ointment. Medication can reduce inflammation and frustrating symptoms. Some people choose to have their pterygium surgically removed. While this can be beneficial, the growth may return over time.
Why Choose Maehara Eye Surgery & Laser?
Maehara Eye Surgery and Laser has a rich history of offering exceptional patient care. Dr. Dennis, and now Dr. Jeffrey Maehara have provided our region with a broad scope of ophthalmology services that preserve and enhance vision and, as a result, have improved people’s quality of life. Dr. Jeffrey Maehara studied under some of the most renowned LASIK and refractive surgeons and brings a high level of expertise to our friendly office. In addition to having extensive training and knowledge about complex glaucoma management, LASIK, and other ophthalmology services, Dr. Meahara also practices preventive and integrative medicine as a fellowship-trained, anti-aging regenerative medicine physician. He is an active member of the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine and is the owner and medical director of BodyLogicMD of Honolulu.
Contact Dr. Maehara For Treatment In Honolulu!
We are passionate about making a difference in our patients’ lives. Contact us today to schedule your visit in Honolulu or Waipahu.