If you have any questions about our vision procedures or to schedule a consultation, contact us using the form below or call today.

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San Francisco

St. Mary’s Medical Center at Golden Gate Park
2250 Hayes Street, Suite 208
San Francisco, CA 94117
(415) 387-8887

California Pacific Medical Center in Pacific Heights
2300 California Street, Suite 300
San Francisco, Ca 94115
(415) 921-7555

Daly City

Seton Medical Center
1850 Sullivan Avenue, Suite 540
Daly City, CA 94015
(650) 755-6900

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General Ophthalmology

» Corneal Transplant Surgery
» Glaucoma Surgery
» Diabetic Surgery
» Eyelid Surgery
» Anterior Segment Reconstruction
» Ocular Surface Reconstruction
» Comprehensive Eye Exams for Adults and Children
» Glasses and Contact Lens Measurements and Dispensing
» Eye Care Links

Corneal Transplant Surgery

Corneal transplants are among the most common and successful organ transplant operations performed, with over 40,000 being performed in 2002 in the U.S. alone. Eye banks have existed in the U.S. since 1946. Strict guidelines have been established by the Eye Bank Association of America to ensure that only corneal tissue of the highest quality is used for corneal transplant surgery. Not only do these guidelines include structural requirements, but also an intensive evaluation for possible infections and other eye diseases.

Much like the crystal of a watch, the cornea is the clear front window of the eye. In addition to allowing light to enter the eye, the cornea is responsible for two thirds of the focusing power of the eye (the lens does the remaining one third).

Many diseases of the cornea can impair vision. These include congenital diseases, scars from infection or trauma, degenerative diseases, dystrophies, and corneal swelling from prior eye surgery. All of these diseases cause the cornea to lose its clarity. In many cases, there are no medications, glasses, or contact lenses that can improve the clarity of the cornea and provide good vision. In these cases the only option for visual rehabilitation is a corneal transplant.

The risk of organ rejection after corneal transplantation is much less than for other transplanted organs. Medications are used to suppress the body's immune system and prevent corneal transplant rejection. At any point after surgery, a patient may experience corneal transplant rejection and require medical treatment to stop the rejection. In some cases, the corneal transplant can completely reject, again reducing vision, requiring another corneal transplant surgery. Corneal transplant surgery is a very successful method of restoring eyesight. Our doctors have had extensive training in corneal transplant surgery by some of the most famous eye surgeons in the world.

Glaucoma Surgery

Glaucoma is a group of diseases that can damage the optic nerve and cause loss of peripheral vision and sometimes, blindness. Glaucoma is usually, but not always, associated with high eye pressure. Treatment of glaucoma focuses on lowering eye pressure. When treated early, the vision loss can be slowed or stopped. Treatment options for glaucoma include medications, laser surgery, traditional surgery, or a combination of these.

Treatment for glaucoma can save remaining vision, but it cannot restore vision already lost. Because glaucoma is best treated when caught early and because treatment options vary for each patient, it is important to discuss your individual situation with an experienced ophthalmologist. As with all surgeries, there are risks associated. Patients with glaucoma considering treatment should discuss their options with a qualified experienced ophthalmologist.

Diabetic Surgery

Diabetic eye disease consists of a group of eye problems, including diabetic retinopathy, cataract, and glaucoma, all of which are worsened by inadequate blood sugar control. Diabetic retinopathy is the most common and can lead to vision loss and blindness. Diabetic retinopathy in its early stages is often without symptoms, and vision changes may not occur until the disease has severely progressed. All patients with diabetes are at risk for diabetic eye disease. The risk of developing eye diseases related to diabetes increases as the years go by after the diagnosis of diabetes. High blood pressure and cholesterol can make diabetic eye disease worse, so your medical doctor should closely monitor these problems as well.

Diabetic retinopathy can be treated with laser surgery, which can significantly reduce the risk of further visual loss. Since early detection and treatment are vital to preserving a diabetic's vision, it is extremely important that diabetics undergo regular eye exams with an ophthalmologist experienced with diabetic eye diseases.

Eyelid Surgery

Eyelid surgery is used to repair many problems in which the eyelids interfere with vision. These include sagging or drooping upper eyelids, and in-turned or out-turned lower eyelids. As with most eye surgeries, eyelid surgery is an outpatient procedure and usually involves a local anesthesia. During the procedure, incisions are made in the natural creases of the eyelids so that minimal scarring results. The incision is then closed with stitches that naturally dissolve, and don’t need to be removed. For the first few weeks after surgery patients may experience mild bruising and swelling, an increase in tears, sensitivity to wind and light, and some temporary vision changes such as blurring. As with all surgeries, there are risks and possible complications associated with eyelid surgery. Anyone considering this procedure is urged to discuss their individual situation with one of our experienced ophthalmologists.

Anterior Segment Reconstruction

Anterior segment reconstruction describes a group of techniques used to repair a defective or damaged pupil or iris. This also can include simultaneous corneal transplantation and/or cataract surgery. Usually, patients that require anterior segment reconstruction have suffered from a severe eye injury, infection, or inflammation. As with all surgeries, patients considering anterior segment reconstruction should consult with one of our experienced ophthalmologists to determine if this procedure will produce the desired results.

Ocular Surface Reconstruction

A healthy eye can readily renew itself by using stem cells for regeneration. Certain conditions or diseases can cause these stem cells to malfunction or even destroy them. These include chemical burns, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, and other inflammatory diseases of the surface of the eye. If the stem cells are damaged, the eye can no longer heal its surface. Ocular surface reconstruction is a surgical method that is used to treat this condition, and includes the use of amniotic membrane and limbal stem cell transplantation. We have had special training in these surgical techniques and look forward to helping these challenging patients.

Comprehensive Eye Exams for Adults and Children

Our ophthalmologists and optometrists use many procedures and tests to evaluate the health and condition of the patient's eyes. These include testing of vision with an eye chart, measurements for glasses, and evaluation of the front and back portions of the eye with special microscopes. During our exams we evaluate all patients for the need for glasses and the presence of sight threatening eye diseases such as cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration. Regular and thorough eye exams conducted by qualified and experienced ophthalmologists and optometrists are essential for establishing and maintaining healthy eyes.

Glasses and Contact Lens Measurements and Dispensing

Our offices at Pacific Eye Specialists are staffed with experienced optometrists who can determine your visual needs, and provide eye exams and refractive and contact lens services. We are fortunate to have highly skilled optometrists who have trained at the best programs in the country to assist you with your visual needs. We also have certified opticians on staff to provide you with comfortable and attractive eyeglasses from our modern optical dispensary. Whether you're looking for new spectacle frames or contact lenses, the professionals at Pacific Eye Specialists can assist you. We carry frames to suit virtually all tastes and needs, including Silhouette and Oakley. Our lenses are custom made to our specifications at the top six labs in the country. Our lens coatings are made to last, and to provide protection from UV light and glare. We carry all types of contact lenses, including gas permeable, disposable, and fashion contact lenses.

Whether you’re looking for new spectacle frames or contact lenses, the professionals at Pacific Eye Specialists can assist you. We carry frames to suit virtually all tastes and needs, including Silhouette and Oakley. Our lenses are custom made to our specifications at the top six labs in the country. Our lens coatings are made to last, and to provide protection from UV light and glare. We carry all types of contact lenses, including gas permeable, disposable, and fashion contact lenses.

At PES, we offer advanced specialty contact lens treatment for our patients. This includes patients with Keratoconus, corneal transplants, and corneal dystrophies, as well as patients who are in need of the latest in bifocal and multi-focal contact lenses. Dr. Swift is one of the few doctors in the Bay Area certified for fitting the new Synergeyes bifocal contact lens, an exciting new option to improve the vision and comfort of bifocal wearers. For KERATOCONUS patients, new Synergeyes keratoconus designs offer patients a level of comfort never before available. See the website at Synergeyes.com.

Eye Care Links

For information about eye health and diseases, such as cataract, glaucoma, and macular degeneration, we encourage you to visit these excellent sites on the web:

www.aao.org is the site for the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Explore the patients/public section.
www.ascrs.org is the site for the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery. In the eye care info portion there is good information on cataract surgery.