Comprehensive Eye Care on the Treasure Coast

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Cataracts • Glaucoma • Macular Degeneration • Blepharitis • Diabetic Retinopathy • Plus More

At East Florida Eye Institute (EFEI), your vision is our passion. Since 1989, our fellowship-trained team—led by founder Dr. Frenkel and glaucoma specialist Dr. Schacknow—has provided advanced, patient-centered care to help you see clearly and live comfortably. Below you’ll find patient-friendly explanations of common eye conditions and the modern treatments we offer right here on Florida’s Treasure Coast.

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Why Choose East Florida Eye Institute?

• Expert physicians with academic affiliations and decades of experience

• Advanced diagnostics for early detection and precise treatment planning

• Full spectrum of care—from preventive care and in-office procedures to surgical solutions

• Personalized options for your goals and lifestyle

• Compassionate support at every step, from first visit to follow-up

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Ready to get started? Call us or request an appointment—our team will guide you to the right evaluation and treatment plan.

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Cataracts

What it is: A cataract is a clouding of your eye’s natural lens that develops gradually with age or other factors (medications, prior eye surgery, trauma). Symptoms may include blurry or hazy vision, glare/halos at night, faded colors, and frequent changes in eyeglass prescriptions.

How we treat it at EFEI:

• Cataract Surgery (outpatient): We gently remove the cloudy lens and replace it with a clear intraocular lens (IOL) tailored to your vision needs.

• IOL Options:

  • Multifocal/Trifocal (e.g., PanOptix®) for distance-to-near range

  • Enhanced-depth or Extended-range (e.g., Eyehance™, Vivity™) for broader focus and fewer halos for some patients

  • Toric IOLs (e.g., AcrySof® Toric) for astigmatism correction

  • Traditional Monofocal lenses for crisp distance or near vision (with glasses for the other range)

• Posterior Capsulotomy (YAG): A quick in-office laser to restore clarity if the lens capsule becomes cloudy months or years after surgery.

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Glaucoma

What it is: Glaucoma is a group of diseases that damage the optic nerve—often associated with elevated eye pressure (IOP). It’s typically silent at first, so routine screening is crucial. Left untreated, it can lead to permanent vision loss.

How we treat it at EFEI:

• Medicated Eye Drops and sustained-release options when appropriate

• Laser Therapies:

  • SLT (Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty): Improves fluid outflow to lower IOP

  • YAG Peripheral Iridotomy: For narrow angles/angle-closure risk

• Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS):

  • OMNI® Surgical System: Targets multiple outflow points to help restore the eye’s natural drainage; can be done alone or combined with cataract surgery

• Traditional Glaucoma Surgeries: When advanced pressure control is required

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Macular Degeneration (AMD)

What it is: Age-related macular degeneration affects the macula—the part of the retina responsible for central, detailed vision.

• Dry (non-exudative) AMD: Gradual thinning/degeneration and drusen (tiny deposits).

• Wet (exudative) AMD: Fragile new blood vessels leak under the retina, causing sudden distortion or central vision loss.

How we treat it at EFEI:

• Advanced Imaging & Monitoring: OCT, wide-field imaging, and personalized risk review

• Injections for Wet AMD: Anti-VEGF medications such as Eylea®, Eylea® HD, Lucentis®, Vabysmo®, and Avastin® to control leakage and preserve vision

• Therapies for Geographic Atrophy (advanced dry AMD): Options may include FDA-approved injections such as Syfovre® (pegcetacoplan) and Izervay™ (avacincaptad) when appropriate

• Nutritional Optimization & Lifestyle Guidance: Evidence-based supplements (if indicated), UV protection, smoking cessation support

• Photobiomodulation (e.g., Valeda®) and research participation where clinically appropriate

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Blepharitis (Eyelid Inflammation)

What it is: A chronic, often recurring inflammation of the eyelid margins and oil glands (meibomian glands). It can cause burning, itching, foreign-body sensation, crusting, watery eyes, and fluctuating vision. Often linked to dry eye and meibomian gland dysfunction.

How we treat it at EFEI:

• Daily Lid Hygiene Plan: Warm compresses, lid scrubs, hypochlorous acid sprays

• In-Office Care: Professional lid debridement (e.g., BlephEx®) and meibomian gland expression

• Thermal Treatments & Light-based Therapy: Options such as thermal pulsation or IPL for oil-gland function (when appropriate)

• Medications: Targeted antibiotic/anti-inflammatory drops or ointments; oral medications if needed

• Dry Eye Optimization: Tear-film stabilization, preservative-free lubricants, and related therapies

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Diabetic Retinopathy

What it is: Diabetes can damage the retina’s blood vessels, leading to leakage, swelling (macular edema), fragile new vessel growth (proliferative disease), and vision loss. Early stages can be symptom-free—annual dilated exams are essential.

How we treat it at EFEI:

• Close Monitoring: Dilated exams, OCT imaging, and wide-field photographs

• Medications: Anti-VEGF or steroid injections for diabetic macular edema

• Laser Treatments: Focal/grid laser for leakage; panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) for proliferative disease

• Surgical Care (as needed): Coordination for vitrectomy in advanced cases

• Systemic Coordination: Communication with your primary care/endocrinology team to support glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol control

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What to Expect at Your Visit

1. Thoughtful Consultation: We listen to your symptoms, goals, and lifestyle needs.

2. Advanced Testing: Imaging and measurements to pinpoint your diagnosis and stage.

3. Personalized Plan: We’ll review all appropriate options, answer questions, and provide clear next steps.

4. Ongoing Support: Education, follow-ups, and access to our team whenever concerns arise.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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How do I know which IOL is right for me?
We measure your eye carefully and discuss your visual goals (distance, computer, reading). Together, we choose the lens that best balances clarity, range of focus, nighttime needs, and astigmatism correction.

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Can glaucoma be cured?
Glaucoma damage cannot be reversed, but pressure-lowering treatments can slow or stop progression. Early detection and consistent follow-up are key.

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Are AMD injections painful?
We numb the eye thoroughly; most patients report pressure more than pain. Treatments are quick, and you go home the same day.

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I have constant eyelid irritation—could it be blepharitis?
Possibly. A focused exam can confirm the diagnosis, assess meibomian gland function, and create a simple at-home and in-office care plan.

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If I have diabetes but see fine, do I still need an eye exam?
Yes. Diabetic retinopathy can be silent early on. Annual dilated exams help catch and treat problems before vision is affected.

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Patient Resources

• New Patients & Forms: Save time by completing forms through our patient portal or bringing printed copies to your visit.

• Insurance & Financing: Our team will help you understand coverage and options for any recommended procedures.

• Traveling Patients: Visiting the Treasure Coast? We can provide guidance on nearby airports, hotels, and amenities.

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Schedule Your Eye Evaluation

Clear, comfortable vision starts with a thorough exam. Whether you’re seeking cataract surgery, glaucoma management, AMD therapies, relief from blepharitis, or diabetic eye care, East Florida Eye Institute is here to help.

Call us or request an appointment online today.
 

East Florida Eye Institute — Your vision is our passion.

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Medical disclaimer: The information above is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Individual recommendations depend on your exam and medical history.