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Eye Doctor and Cataract Surgeon Serving Clearwater, FL
Clearwater patients have been coming to St. Michael’s Eye & Laser Institute since 1961, and the drive is a short one: our office and surgery center sit together at 1030 W Bay Drive in Largo, minutes south of Clearwater on Belcher or Keene.
Two things bring Clearwater patients here most often. The first is cataracts, and the glare that comes with them. The second is sun. Decades of Gulf reflection off the water and the sand show up as earlier cataracts, as pterygium growing across the surface of the eye, and as dry, irritated eyes that never quite settle down.
We are independent and family owned, not part of a chain, which shapes how a visit goes. The surgeon who evaluates you is the surgeon who operates and the one who sees you at follow-up, and surgery happens in our AAAHC-accredited center in the same building as your exam room, so nothing about your care sends you across the county.
For Clearwater patients we handle cataract surgery and lens implants, LASIK and PRK, refractive lens exchange, glaucoma care including laser treatment, retina care for macular degeneration and diabetic eye disease, cornea conditions including keratoconus and pterygium, dry eye treatment, eyelid surgery, and routine eye exams and contact lenses.
Book Your Appointment Online
Cataract Surgery
Cataracts are proteins that amass on the lens of the eye, causing a growing cloudiness that makes it difficult to see. The most reliable way to restore clear vision is with cataract surgery, which removes the hazy natural lens and replaces it with an artificial lens. The procedure is quick and effective, allowing most patients to see better almost immediately. Because cataracts cannot form again on an artificial lens, patients do not need to worry about cataracts returning.
Clear Lens Exchange/RLE
Patients who do not wish to constantly wear eyeglasses or contacts to address refractive errors like astigmatism, myopia and hyperopia may choose to replace their natural lens with an intraocular lens (IOL). Clear lens exchange (or refractive lens exchange) is a procedure that permanently implants a clear, artificial lens that corrects vision automatically. St. Michael’s has toric, multifocal, monofocal accommodating and phakic lenses to cater to a wide range of patients.
LASIK
While most people need to wear eyeglasses or contacts to overcome astigmatism, nearsightedness and farsightedness, not everyone wants the hassle of wearing prescription lenses. Our surgeons use a laser to efficiently and gently reshape the cornea to correct any refractive errors. Nearly every patient has 20/40 vision or better after surgery, thereby lowering dependence on eyewear. With epi-LASIK, our surgeons can create a tinier flap on the cornea, which makes recovery quicker and easier. For most patients, the results from LASIK are permanent.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a buildup of pressure in the eye, which goes on to damage the optic nerve. It is one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide. Vision lost through glaucoma cannot return, so it is critical to diagnose and treat the condition early to preserve as much sight as possible. Our doctors may suggest medicated eye drops and/or laser treatment to drain fluids from the eyes and relieve the pressure.
Dry Eye
People with chronic dry experience an itching or burning sensation in their eyes due to inadequate lubrication. Age, use of contact lenses, the environment and eye disease can contribute to this condition. Not only is dry eye irritating, but it also can cause lasting damage if untreated. The doctors at St. Michael’s have multiple treatment options including medicated eye drops to relieve discomfort associated with dry eye, as well as tips for keeping the eyes moist.
Corneal Transplant
The cornea is the clear dome on the surface on the eye through which light passes to enable sight. In some circumstances, surgery may be the best treatment option for ailments like a torn or injured cornea, corneal ulcers or keratoconus. Corneal transplant can improve eye health by surgically replacing part of the cornea with tissue from a donor cornea. Successful surgery can help to restore and preserve vision.
Keratoconus
Patients with keratoconus notice a gradual bulging of the cornea, beginning between the ages of 15 and 25. As the cornea becomes more cone-shaped, the quality of vision declines to the point where even prescription lenses may not be effective. Depending on the severity of the condition, our doctors may recommend a scleral lens or a rigid gas-permeable contact lens custom fit to the shape of the cornea. In extreme cases, a corneal transplant may be warranted.
Diabetic Retinopathy
Patients with diabetes are strongly encouraged to undergo regular eye exams. Having irregular blood sugar levels can cause blood vessels in the retina to leak and damage the optic nerve. To preserve the vision of patients with diabetic retinopathy, our doctors perform a laser treatment (pan retinal photocoagulation) that seals the leaky bloody vessels. If too much blood has already leaked into the vitreous gel, vitrectomy surgery can drain the fluid and replace it with a saline solution to restore vision.
Macular Degeneration
Age-related macular degeneration is a condition characterized by a gradual loss of central vision, which makes it difficult to make out text and details. While experts have not found a cure for AMD, treatments can help slow the progression to preserve eyesight for as long as possible. Medicated injections or laser therapy can stop the formation of blood vessels. A diet (or supplements) rich in vitamins C and E and omega-3 fatty acids are also beneficial.
Make An Appointment
The lauded team of doctors at St. Michael’s Eye & Laser Institute treat a variety of eye conditions, in addition to conducting comprehensive eye exams and offering Clearwater’s best selection of frames at our optical store. To make an appointment with us, please call (727) 202-2020 or book directly online.
Common questions from Clearwater patients
How long is the drive from Clearwater?
Most Clearwater patients reach us in about 10 to 20 minutes depending on where you start. We are at 1030 W Bay Drive, Suite 200, in Largo, with parking at the door.
Is surgery done at a hospital or here?
Here. Our surgery center is AAAHC accredited and located in the same building as our exam rooms, so your consult, procedure and follow-up all happen at one address.
Do you take my insurance?
We accept Medicare and most major medical and vision plans. Our insurance page lists them, and our team verifies your specific benefits before you schedule.
I spend a lot of time on the water. Does that matter?
It does. Years of Gulf sun raise the risk of cataracts, pterygium and surface dryness, and it is worth mentioning at your exam so we know what to look for.
Book an appointment online or call (727) 202-2020.
