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Eye Doctor and Cataract Surgeon Serving Tampa, FL
Tampa patients cross the bay to St. Michael’s Eye & Laser Institute in Largo, and they do it for a specific reason: they want one surgeon and one building rather than a chain with a different face at every visit.
Tampa has no shortage of eye care. What it has less of is an independent, family-owned practice with its own AAAHC-accredited surgery center attached to the clinic. We have been in the same community since 1961. Your consult, your procedure and your follow-up visits all happen at 1030 W Bay Drive, with the surgeon you met at the start.
Patients make the drive most often for cataract surgery with premium lens options, for LASIK and refractive lens exchange, for retina care, and for second opinions when a plan they were given somewhere else did not sit right.
Our services include cataract surgery and lens implants, LASIK and PRK, refractive lens exchange, glaucoma care including laser and minimally invasive procedures, retina care, cornea care including keratoconus and pterygium, dry eye treatment, eyelid surgery, comprehensive 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 (Laser Eye Surgery)
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 Tampa’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 Tampa patients
Is the drive from Tampa worth it?
That is your call, but patients who make it usually cite the same reasons: one surgeon throughout, an accredited surgery center in the same building, and an independent practice rather than a chain.
How many trips will cataract surgery take?
Plan on an evaluation with measurements, the procedure, a next-day check and a few follow-ups, per eye. We group visits where we can for out-of-county patients.
Can I get a second opinion here?
Yes. Bring your records and imaging if you have them, and we will tell you what we see rather than repeat what you were told.
Which insurance do you take?
Medicare and most major medical and vision plans. We verify your benefits before scheduling.
Book an appointment online or call (727) 202-2020.
