- GlaucomaGlaucoma is a leading cause of blindness in the United States, especially for older people. But loss of sight from glaucoma is preventable, if you get treatment early enough. Glaucoma is a disease of the optic nerve. The optic nerve carries the images we see to the brain.
- OphthalmologyAfter graduating Magna Cum Laude from Tufts University, Boston, Massachusetts, I completed medical school at Northwestern University in Chicago. I completed my residency in Diseases and Surgery of the Eye at the Mason Institute of Ophthalmology, University of Missouri in Columbia.
- Macular DegenerationMacular degeneration is damage or breakdown of the macula of the eye. The macula is a small area of the retina at the back of the eye that allows us to see fine details clearly. When the macula doesn't function correctly, we experience blurring or darkness in the center of our vision.
- Laser Eye SurgeryOver the past ten years, there has been a very exciting revolution in refractive eye surgery. Today's laser vision correction gives the possibility of freedom from glasses and contacts that can affect every aspect of your daily life. You can see the alarm clock upon waking, work all day and pursue your activities without the hassle of glasses or contacts. Dr. Yohai has seen this become a reality for many of his patients.
- CataractsA cataract is a clouding of the normally clear lens of the eye. It can be compared to a window that is frosted or "fogged" with steam. There are many misconceptions about cataract.
- Cataract SurgeryThere are basically two types of lens implants used in cataract surgery: monofocal and multifocal. Monofocal lenses provide real vision at one distance, usually far away. Glasses are then used for reading.
- Eye ExamBecause you need to know if your retina is torn, call your Ophthalmologist if a new floater appears suddenly. Floaters can get in the way of clear vision, which may be quite annoying, especially if you are trying to read. You can try moving your eyes, looking up and then down to move the floaters out of the way. While some floaters may remain in your vision, many of them will fade over time and become less bothersome. Even if you have had some floaters for years, you should have an eye examination immediately if you notice new ones.
- Pregnancy
- Kidney Stones
- Lung CancerThe nutrients studied in the "Age Related Eye Disease Study," (AREDS) were vitamin C 500mg, vitamin E 400 IU, zinc 80 mg., 2mg copper and 15mg beta carotene. Beta carotene is controversial, as studies indicate that it may increase risk of lung cancer in smokers. Recent studies indicate that Lutein and Zeaxanthine 10 -20 mg. per day and omega 3 fatty acids are also helpful. Despite these advances, dry AMD may still worsen. Treatment of advanced AMD still focuses on helping a person find ways to cope with visual impairment.
- Diabetes Care
- Thyroid
- Diabetic RetinopathyIf you have diabetes mellitus, your body does not use and store sugar properly. High blood-sugar levels can damage blood vessels in the retina, the nerve layer at the back of the eye that senses light and helps to send messages to the brain. The damage to retinal vessels is referred to as diabetic retinopathy.
- Reconstructive SurgeryDr. Yohai is one of an elite rank of 500 surgeons nationally who are trained in the reconstruction and beautification of eyelids. Having a strong interest in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, he was accepted to one of only 30 Oculoplastic Surgery Fellowships in the entire country, which he completed in 1992.
- BotoxOften, we develop wrinkles on the brow, forehead and at the corners of the eyes that are caused by the repeated contraction of facial muscles.
- Brow Lift
- Eyelid SurgeryBecause of individual factors, not everyone will achieve the same results from eyelid surgery. Dr. Yohai will recommend the surgical technique that he feels will attain the best outcome for you.
- Plastic SurgeryFortunately, a highly skilled plastic surgeon can "remold" the eyelid area, thus making a patient look and feel younger. Dr. Robert Yohai, a board certified Ophthalmologist, is one of only 500 surgeons nationwide with advanced training in ocular plastic surgery. He specializes in rejuvenation of the eyes, the most delicate and expressive part of our faces. Dr. Yohai has been in practice in Sonoma County since 1992, and has performed thousands of these operations, achieving a high degree of patient satisfaction.
- Face Lift
- BlepharoplastyNew procedures that provide the greatest benefits are upper and lower blepharoplasty, forehead lifting (endoscopic and coronal) and laser resurfacing (periocular, perioral and full face).
- Laser ResurfacingIn some cases, the best approach for removing excess fat may be through an incision that is placed through the inside of the eyelid. This completely avoids the need for an external incision and patients often return to work in just a few days. If a small to moderate amount of excess skin is present, laser resurfacing may be used in conjunction with this method to tighten lower eyelid skin, without any visible incision.
- Cosmetic SurgeryCosmetic surgery of the eye can make a tremendous difference in a patient's physical appearance and mental outlook, but such surgery is a result of good rapport between patient and surgeon, trust based on realistic expectations and exacting medical expertise.
- Facial ImplantsCircles beneath the eyes caused by dark pigmentation may be treated with a bleaching solution, or may be treated surgically with redistribution of the fat under the eyelids or with facial implants.
- Forehead LiftThese forehead and brow abnormalities may give you a tired, angry or sad expression that may not reflect how you actually feel. If this is the case, then a Forehead Lift may be the best solution.
- Skin CancerEctropion. This is when the lower eyelid turns outward. It exposes the inner layer of the eyelid called conjunctiva. The conjunctiva is designed to stay moist. When it is out in the air, it often becomes beefy red and inflamed. Lower eyelid ectropion can be caused by a combination of factors. Most commonly the tendon holding the eyelid to the bone becomes loose. Tightening the lower eyelid will often improve the ectropion. Sometimes, however, the skin becomes tight, or it is removed for a skin cancer causing a tightness of the skin which pulls the eyelid down. In this case, the repair can be performed by grafting skin from another portion of the body. Alternatively, by lifting the mid face, we can recruit skin from the cheek and bring it into the eyelid. Sometimes these techniques are combined. Ectropion can also cause tearing in the eyes because the tear drain in the lower eyelid is turned away from the tears. The tears then pool in the space between the lower eyelid and the eye and will often run out when a person leans over. Ectropion can also cause irritation, although, often the symptoms are less pronounced than one would expect from the appearance of the eye.
- Acne Treatment
- Allergies