- Pediatric CareAt Azar Eye Clinic in Lafayette, LA we specialize in providing comprehensive eye exams across all age groups. From newborns to seniors, our capable and friendly staff are equipped to manage all your eye care needs. Azar Eye Clinic doctors have completed fellowships in pediatrics, cornea, oculoplastics, anterior segment and cataracts, and refractive surgery. Our on-site optical boutique means you can take care of all your vision needs in one convenient visit.
- Primary CareDr. Cheryl is from California and is currently caring for patients in Lafayette and the surrounding area. She completed her Bachelor’s of Science degree at the University of California – San Diego and received her Doctorate of Optometry from Southern California College of Optometry at Marshall B. Ketchum University. Dr. Cheryl completed a residency at the Veteran Affairs West Los Angeles Medical Center focusing on ocular disease and primary care.
- GlaucomaThe risk of developing glaucoma increases with age. There are a few risk factors for developing glaucoma that are independent of age: family history of glaucoma, African-Amercian race, high blood pressure (hypertension), diabetes.
- OphthalmologyAzar Eye Clinic has provided quality eye care to Acadiana since 1945, when it was founded by Dr. Paul Azar Sr. When the clinic was first opened, Dr. Paul Azar Sr. specialized in eye, ears, nose and throat. The practice was later expanded with the addition of his sons, Dr. Paul Azar Jr. in 1975 and Dr. John Azar in 1981, who specialized in Ophthalmology. Azar Eye Clinic has always been on the cutting edge of eye surgery and was one of the first clinics to offer intraocular implants after cataract surgery in 1974 and was one of the first sites in Acadiana to offer refractive vision correction surgery including radial keratotomy, PRK, and LASIK.
- Macular DegenerationSome eye conditions, such as glaucoma and macular degeneration, are silent. Ensure your sight is protected with an annual eye exam.
- Laser Eye SurgeryAzar Eye clinic offers the highest quality all Laser LASIK Refractive Surgery Laser Vision Correction in Lafayette, LA and the Acadiana area.
- CataractsAs we age, the structure of the proteins that make up the lens of the eye begin to change. These structural changes in the lens of the eye are often the result of oxidative stress from sunlight exposure and antioxidant depletion. As the proteins in the lens of the eye change, it causes clouding and distortion of the lens of the eye. This clouding of the lens of the eye is referred to as a cataract, and eventually leads to a decrease in vision and increase in glare or halos (especially at nighttime). Most cataracts occur as a normal part of the aging process, but can sometimes be caused by medical conditions (diabetes), medications (steroids), injuries to the eye or face, or previous eye surgeries (retinal detachment repair). Cataracts typically begin forming in someone’s 50s and are usually slowly progressive. Cataracts often do not become a problem until you are in your 60s or 70s, but a cataract sometimes affects the vision at earlier ages in some patients
- Cataract SurgeryA cataract is a change in the natural lens of the eye that causes clouding or blurring of vision over time. Cataract surgery is the removal of this cloudy lens. Traditional cataract surgery is performed using blades to make incisions on the surface of the eye. Through these incisions, the surgeon makes a small opening in the capsule surrounding the cataract. The cataract is then broken into pieces and removed from the eye by vacuum. Lastly, a new and clear lens implant is placed into the eye.
- Eye ExamNever had an eye exam? Not sure what to expect from your visit? Are you a referring doctor and need a surgery referral packet? Please view our helpful links below for patient information and surgery referral packets.
- Diabetes Care
- Diabetic RetinopathyDuring an eye exam, your eye doctor is able to see the smallest capillaries (blood vessels) which are in the retina of the eye. This is the only part of the body where these tiny capillaries can be visualized without cutting into the body. The health of these blood vessels in your retina gives a very strong indicator for the health of the rest of your body. This is one reason your primary care doctor also recommends an annual eye exam. Diabetic retinopathy is when diabetes affects the eyes. The risk of developing diabetic retinopathy increases the longer you have had diabetes and increases if your diabetes is uncontrolled. Diabetic retinopathy ranges from mild changes in the shape of the blood vessels of the eye to severe bleeding, scar tissue formation, and vision loss. If you have diabetic retinopathy in your eyes, then there is a good chance there are similar blood vessels changes occurring in the rest of your body. If you have diabetes it is best to get your eyes checked with a dilated comprehensive eye exam yearly to monitor and manage any changes caused by diabetes. At Azar Eye Clinic, we will notify your primary care physician (PCP) of any problems we see and we will work to keep your PCP informed regarding your eye health.