Dr. Kerry Solomon
July 18, 2011
The first laser in the Southeast, and one of the first in the country, to correct cataracts recently arrived here in the Lowcountry. Local ophthalmologist Dr. Kerry Solomon was chosen to be one of the first to use the brand new laser technology for cataract correction – the most commonly performed surgical procedure in the United States.
Because of Dr. Solomon’s leadership in the ophthalmology profession, he has been involved in the development of the technology and was asked to use it and offer feedback. The femtosecond laser is developed by LenSx and is the same technology used to perform LASIK procedures. By using a laser for cataract correction, ophthalmologists are able to plan and customize each procedure based on patient anatomy as well as create more precise and consistent incisions.
Dr. Solomon has been performing cataract correction surgery since 1990 and has been named one of the Top 50 Opinion Leaders in the Fields of Cataract and Refractive Surgery worldwide. Dr. Solomon also is a leader in the field of LASIK vision correction, having performed the first LASIK procedure in South Carolina. He regularly travels the world speaking about LASIK and cataract procedures.
LowcountryBizSC:
What is a cataract?
Dr. Kerry Solomon:
Light entering the eye passes through its lens. The lens focuses that light on the retina at the back of the eye. A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s lens. A clouded lens interferes with how light passes through it, in much the same way that fingerprints or smears on a window interfere with your view of what is on the other side of the glass. Cataracts affect more than 22 million Americans age 40 and older with more than 30 million expected to have cataracts by 2020.
LowcountryBizSC:
How widespread are cataracts?
Dr. Kerry Solomon:
Cataract surgery is the most commonly performed surgical procedure in the United States, with more than 3 million surgeries each year. Cataracts affect more than 22 million Americans age 40 and older. And with 78 million baby boomers tuning 65 this year, we’ll continue to see a need for cataract correction. Boomers are living longer and most active lifestyles so they want to enjoy life – without glasses.
LowcountryBizSC:
How is the femtosecond laser different?
Dr. Kerry Solomon:
In the early days of cataract surgery, patients would have to limit their activity for four to eight weeks and they still needed glasses. About 20 years ago, ultrasound technology was introduced and cataract procedures became much more efficient and safer. Plus, the recovery time was shortened to just a few days.
Now, we have the first major advancement in cataract correction in 20 years. FDA-approved technology, the femtosecond laser provides more precise and consistent incisions via image-guided surgeon control. Patients like it because there’s no cutting on the eye and the outcomes should be better, meaning we increase the likelihood patients will see better without glasses.
One large advantage of this technology is the ability to customize each procedure to each patient. Laser technology is more precise and infinitely more flexible than manual techniques. For example, designer incisions such as trapezoid incisions that may self seal better and induce less astigmatism are now possible with the LenSx laser technology. This technology should expand our horizons and provide a custom procedure for cataract patients in much the same fashion as we do for our LASIK patients of today.
This is the wave of the future. In five to 10 years, all surgeries will be done with the laser.
LowcountryBizSC:
What does it mean for the Lowcountry and the state to be on the forefront of this new technology?
Dr. Kerry Solomon:
I believe this technology will introduce patients, physicians and health care providers from outside the area – and the state of South Carolina – to Charleston. I expect patients to be drive or fly from surrounding geographic areas of the country to Charleston to have this procedure performed. Doctors are already scheduling trips to learn about the technology and see how it works. Research dollars are also now finding their way here as a result of this technology being located in Charleston. Other innovative companies are now also placing Charleston on their radar as we establish ourselves as a leader in the field.
About Dr. Kerry Solomon
Board certified in ophthalmology, Dr. Solomon is a graduate of the University of Vermont College of Medicine. He completed his internship at Yale University and his residency training in ophthalmology at the University of Kentucky Medical Center. Dr. Solomon did a fellowship in ophthalmic pathology at University of Utah Health Sciences Center and a fellowship in cataract and refractive surgery and corneal transplantation at Johns Hopkins Hospital. He is associate editor of EyeWorld Magazine and on the editorial boards of Premier Surgeon and Ocular Surgery News. Dr. Solomon has been performing cataract correction surgery since 1990 and has been named one of the Top 50 Opinion Leaders in the Fields of Cataract and Refractive Surgery worldwide.
The laser is located at Physicians Eye Surgery Center in Charleston. Dr. Solomon is affiliated with Carolina Eyecare Physicians, which has offices in Charleston, Mt. Pleasant, North Charleston, Summerville, Moncks Corner and Walterboro. The practice and its physicians are committed to new technology and bringing the latest eye care solutions to their patients.
