JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA, June 12, 2023-Donald Downer, M.D. was recently the first physician in North Florida to perform a successful IC-8 Apthera Lens Implant. This lens is the first of its kind. 

Dr. Downer states, “I’m always excited to be on the cutting edge of ophthalmology advancements for cataract surgery, and the Apthera IC-8 IOL is the first of its kind. As the first physician in North FL to use the IC-8 Intraocular Lens for cataract surgery, I liken this lens to a camera.  With the Apthera IOL, light is naturally focused as it enters the eye and seamlessly expands patients range of vision, so they can see objects, people and signage from varying distances. 

 The IC-8 lens provides a solution for patients who have monovision, where one eye is used for distance vision and the other for near vision. With this lens, the near eye can now see both near and far distances. This is a significant improvement from traditional monovision, as it allows for better visual acuity at all distances. Patients who previously could not tolerate monovision due to changes in their distance vision can now benefit from this type of vision correction. This is because the IC-8 lens maintains distance vision, which was previously compromised with traditional monovision. Overall, the IC-8 lens provides a promising option for patients who are seeking improved vision correction and quality of life.

Prior to surgery, we educate patients on the benefits of each lens choice that we offer, so they can make an informed decision that is best for their visual and lifestyle needs.  We strive to provide patients with as much visual freedom as possible, and the IC-8 increases the opportunities for doing so.”

Clay Eye Physicians and Surgeons offers comprehensive eye care in the following specialties: Glaucoma Surgery, Cornea Surgery, Diabetic Eye Disease and Macular Degeneration, Cataract Surgery, Laser Floater Lysis, Medical Retina, Retinal Surgery, LASIK Surgery and Cosmetic Eye Procedures.  In addition, they offer Routine Eye Exams, Contact Lenses, and Boutique Eyewear for the entire family.

Clay Eye Physicians & Surgeons was established in 1977 and is now a seventeen physician group.  They currently have offices in Orange Park, Fleming Island, Mandarin, Riverside and Middleburg.  If you would like more information about Clay Eye, please contact (904) 272-2020, or visit their website at www.clayeye.com

Most people just know the term “eye doctor”, but in reality, there are several different kinds of “eye doctors”.

What’s the difference between an MD and DO?

For patients, there is virtually no difference between the treatment by an MD or DO. They are both similarly educated and certified, attending 4 years of medical school, plus an additional residency program ranging from 3-7 years.

While they are similarly educated, there are differences in their training and philosophy of patient care. Both an MD and DO learn in medical school the scientific foundations needed to be licensed physicians, but they take different approaches to diagnosis and treatment.

MD stands for Medical Doctor or Doctor of Medicine (Allopathic doctor)

• MD’s are the most common type of physician currently practicing in the United States.
• MD’s focus on the diagnosis and treatment of human diseases.
• MD’s use treatments that affect someone who’s ill differently than someone who’s healthy.

DO stands for or Doctor of Osteopathy or Osteopathic Doctor

• A DO is a physician whose medical school training included a focus on the muscular and skeletal systems to treat problems throughout the body.
• DO’s are trained to consider a patient’s environment, nutrition, and body system as a whole when diagnosing and treating medical conditions.
• DO’s take on a more holistic approach and focus heavily on prevention. DO’s are known for seeing the patient as a “whole person” to reach a diagnosis, rather than treating the symptoms alone.

To sum it up, both MD’s and DO’s are highly educated, qualified doctors with the ability to take care of your healthcare needs. Choosing an eye doctor is a personal choice and you need to decipher what style and qualities are important to you with regard to your care. You should focus on experience, bedside manner, reputation, communication skills, and most importantly, their ability to relate to you and perform procedures that you need.

Clay Eye Physicians and Surgeons offers comprehensive eye care in the following specialties: Glaucoma Surgery, Cornea Surgery, Diabetic Eye Disease and Macular Degeneration, Cataract Surgery, Laser Floater Lysis, Medical Retina, Retinal Surgery, LASIK Surgery and Cosmetic Eye Procedures.  In addition, they offer Routine Eye Exams, Contact Lenses, and Boutique Eyewear for the entire family.

Do you block your eyes from bright light…do you turn off bright lights…do you squint…do you turn down the brightness of your screen/monitor? If you answered YES to any of these questions, Acuvue Oasys with Transitions contact lenses might be the solution for you.

Did you know…

• 64% of consumers are bothered by bright light daily.
• 94% of consumers bothered by light used compensating behaviors (squinting, blocking the sun, etc.)

How will the lenses look on my eyes?

Acuvue Oasys with Transitions is specially designed to provide benefits to patients while minimizing the change to the eye’s appearance.

Can I wear these lenses while I’m driving?

Yes, they can be worn while driving, during the day or at night.

Do I still need to wear sunglasses when I wear Acuvue Oasys with Transitions?

Yes. While these lenses do provide UV protection to the areas they cover, other parts of the eye and surrounding areas are still exposed to UV light. These lenses are not intended as a replacement for sunglasses. The lenses can be worn with non-prescription sunglasses.

Do the lenses work indoors?

Yes. Acuvue Oasys with Transitions is always on, whether indoors or outdoors. The lenses are designed to adapt automatically—becoming lighter or darker in response to changing light.

How long does it take the lenses to activate, and then deactivate?

Acuvue Oasys Transition Lenses activate in less than a minute, and quickly fades from dark to clear, within 90 seconds when transitioning back from outdoors to indoors.

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“Light sensitivity can be a problem for many of my patients. These transition contact lenses are not only very comfortable, but they provide 100% UV protection, and the added benefit of relief from bright lights & glare. Patients love them!”
– Dr. Melanie Javier

If you are interested in finding out more information regarding these new, first-of-its-kind light-adaptive contact lenses, contact Clay Eye Physicians & Surgeons at 904-272-2020 to set up an appointment.