By Nancy Brumback, Contributing Writer
Westborough – There's not much related to eye care that the Keamy Eye & Laser Centre doesn's handle, from a child's first vision check to routine eye exams to cataract surgery and cosmetic surgery.
Dr. Jean E. Keamy opened the center seven years ago and has continually expanded the services available. A board-certified ophthalmologist, Keamy is also a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery.
She encourages parents to start early with eye care for their children.
“Children should have at least one exam where the eyes are dilated by age 5 so we can check the back of the eye. If a child has lazy eye, it can be corrected with early intervention, but is harder to correct once a child is 9 or 10,” she said.
Once younger adults have an eye exam that shows no problems, they should have their eyes checked every two years until they are 40, then an annual exam is suggested to begin monitoring for glaucoma. After 55, adults should be screened annually for the early traces of macular degeneration and cataracts, she noted, and after 65, adults are at increased risk for all of those eye problems.
“People should be aware that there are many diseases that can affect their eyes, including diabetes, high blood pressure and cancer, and that certain medications can also cause eye problems,” Keamy said. Patients need to tell their eye doctor about those conditions, which can often be helped with treatment.
Among the newer treatments Keamy is offering are premium multifocal lenses that are inserted in the eye during cataract surgery. These lenses can correct for both near and distance viewing, and a version can also correct for astigmatism. Conventional lenses that are inserted after cataracts are removed usually correct for either near or distance vision, with eyeglasses prescribed to cover the non-corrected function.
For laser vision correction, Keamy can now use a procedure called IntraLase in addition to more conventional LASIK procedures. The IntraLase device uses a laser beam rather than a micro-fine blade to create the flap on the cornea that gives the surgeon access to reshape the curve of the cornea. This procedure makes laser corrective vision surgery available to patients who might not have been good candidates in the past, she said.
Keamy also notes strong growth in eye-related cosmetic procedures she performs, such as eyelid lifts, Botox injections and soft tissue fillers to reduce lines and wrinkles.
“We'se been doing a lot of eyelid lifts that make people look more alert. If people think they look tired, I can help with that,” she said.
The Keamy Centre has also added a full-service optical shop right in the office to make it easy for patients to fill their eyeglasses needs. Philip Meuse is the optician there.
“We'se added new brands of frames, including Michael Kors, and also are offering more economical packages and promotions given the state of the economy,” Keamy said.
And as of early September, the Keamy Centre is moving all of its patient files to an electronic medical records system.
“This system integrates everything—all of our testing, the pictures of the back of the eye,” she said. “It allows us to communicate with other doctors” offices, including primary care physicians, more easily. No more paper.”
The Keamy Eye & Laser Centre is located at 24 Lyman Street in Westborough. The website, www.seemedrkeamy.com, features extensive information on the procedures available. For additional information or an appointment, call 1-508-836-8733.
