Advanced Glaucoma Surgery Saves Larysa Simanenka’s Vision

Posted by Divya Sathyanarayanan

Three years ago, Larysa Simanenka noticed she had trouble with vision. It affected her daily life and made it difficult to read, watch television, or work on the computer. “My peripheral vision was also impacted, and I couldn’t see anyone passing by my side,” she remembers.

Simanenka visited couple of local eye clinics with her vision problem, but it didn’t help. After conducting research online, she read about the Southern California Eye Institute (SCEI), CHA HPMC’s state-of-the-art eye clinic, and consulted Dr. Jacob Reznik, director of ambulatory surgery at SCEI. Dr. Reznik patiently listened to her problems and diagnosed her with both cataract and glaucoma. As the second leading cause of blindness in the United States, Glaucoma affects about three million Americans.¹

After carefully studying Simanenka’s case, Dr. Reznik performed a Micro Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) combined with cataract surgery—using the same incision to enter the eye as cataract surgery. “Unlike conventional incision glaucoma surgery, we offer glaucoma procedures that don’t require much cutting onto the eye. MIGS allows patient to achieve desired eye pressure, improve vision, and causes minimal side effects,” explains Dr. Reznik.

Simanenka had visited many eye clinics with little success. At SCEI, she was amazed with the state-of-the-art facility and high quality care she received. “I could see a huge difference—the clinic is new and clean, doctors are highly skilled, staff is friendly and professional,” she says. Before entering the surgery, Simanenka was provided with information and details about the procedure. “It made me feel relaxed. I didn’t feel any pain during the surgery and am very happy with the outcome,” she says. The surgery not only improved her vision, but also reduced the eye pressure.

Simanenka is now back to enjoying her daily life. “I can once again do everything I like such as watching television and working on the computer, without any vision problems—thanks to the doctors and staff here,” she says with confidence in her eyes and a beaming smile.
 
 
 
¹Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Don’t Let Glaucoma Steal Your Sight! Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/features/glaucoma-awareness/index.html
 
 
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