MyNorth News Service
(Press Release provided by McLaren Northern Michigan)
PETOSKEY: Exciting news in Northern Michigan health news, McLaren Northern Michigan in Petoskey and Cheboygan can now perform state-of-the-art cataract surgery with its new Centurion Vision System, the newest and most advanced surgery technology available, and the first of its kind to be used in Northern Michigan. “Having access to this remarkable technology in both Petoskey and Cheboygan fits perfectly with our goal of bringing first-class care to patients across northern Michigan,” says David Zechman, President & CEO of McLaren Northern Michigan.
Cataracts, or protein build-up clouding the lens, are a common vision problem, affecting more than half of all Americans age 65 and older. And while cataracts can result from genetics, injury, and other medical conditions such as diabetes, the vast majority of cataract development has to do with age. Over 1.5 million Americans have cataract surgery every year.
McLaren Northern Michigan performs state-of-the-art cataract surgery with its new Centurion Vision System, the newest and most advanced surgery technology available, and the first of its kind to be used in northern Michigan. “Having access to this remarkable technology in both Petoskey and Cheboygan fits perfectly with our goal of bringing first-class care to patients across northern Michigan,” says David Zechman, President & CEO of McLaren Northern Michigan.
During cataract surgery the cloudy lens is broken up with an ultrasound handpiece, irrigated in fluid, and removed through a vacuum process (aspiration). Centurion ultrasound allows flexibility in the directional movement of the ultrasound handpiece, offering a pulse technology to direct energy when and where it is needed, vastly increasing the speed and accuracy of the operation.
“The Centurion system is highly advanced, easy to use, and beneficial to the overall patient outcomes,” says Opthalmologist Vern Campbell, MD, of McLaren Northern Michigan. “Patient response has been overwhelmingly positive. The Centurion system is safe, accurate, and fast.”
“From a physician’s perspective, the Centurion allows for perfect pressure compensation, creating more stability during surgery,” says Jeffery Chaulk, MD, Opthalmologist at McLaren Northern Michigan – Cheboygan Campus, who has performed cataract surgery for over 27 years. “Our patients will have a safer procedure and a speedier recovery thanks to the efficiency of this system, and,” Dr. Chaulk adds, “they will notice reduced swelling and less pressure post-surgery.”
One satisfied patient is northern Michigan resident Leslee Jo Stoyke, 56, who suffered from progressive vision loss due to cataracts. Eventually, she lost side vision and needed to wear tri-focal lenses. “I couldn’t drive, I couldn’t read, and I couldn’t crochet,” she says. After having surgery on both eyes, she realized immediate improvement. “I had no pain, and I noticed the difference right away, with almost 20/20 vision,” she adds. “Little did I know how much my vision would improve.” The time from pre-op to post-op was about 2 hours. “I am still amazed,” she says.
For information about cataract surgery, ask your primary care provider or opthalmologist. Questions can also be directed to (800) 248-6777. Information about other health-related topics can be found at northernhealth.org.