Dr.Garrett has the latest technology in corneal transplantation.
Corneal transplantation, also known as corneal grafting or penetrating keratoplasty, is a surgical procedure where a damaged or diseased cornea is replaced by donated corneal tissue which has been removed from a recently deceased individual having no known diseases which might affect the viability of the donated tissue. The cornea is the clear part of eye in front of the iris and pupil.
Until recently, the most common type of corneal transplant is called “penetrating keratoplasty.” During this procedure, Dr.Garrett will remove a small round piece of your cornea. Then your surgeon will sew the donated cornea onto the opening of your eye. The stitches will be removed at a follow-up visit.
DSEK Corneal Surgery
The newest technique that Dr.Garrett employs for corneal transplantation is called DSEK, (Descemet’s Stripping Endothelial Keratoplasty) in which the diseased Descemet’s membrane is removed and replaced by a healthy donor posterior transplant.
DSEK uses only a small incision that is either self-sealing or may be closed with a few sutures. The small incision offers several benefits over traditional methods of corneal transplant such as Penetrating Keratoplasty. Because the procedure is less invasive, DSEK leaves the eye much stronger and less prone to injury than full-thickness transplants. Additionally, DSEK has a more rapid rate of visual recovery. Vision is typically restored in several weeks rather than many months.
Not all patients with diseased corneas are candidates for endothelial keratoplasty. These procedures correct corneal endothelial failure, but are not able to correct corneal scarring, thinning, or surface irregularity.
Welcome to Garrett Eye Center
John Michael Garrett M.D. graduated from Indiana University School of Medicine in 1973. After completing a 2-year Internship and Internal Medicine Residency at the University of South Florida in Tampa, Dr. Garrett completed a 3 year residency in Ophthalmology at the Medical College of Georgia, in Augusta. He followed this with a fellowship in microsurgery, including Phaco-emulsification cataract removal and corneal transplant techniques under Richard Schulze M.D., in Savannah, Georgia. Upon completion, he began an Ophthalmology practice here in Iron Mountain, opening in January 1979.
Welcome to Garrett Eye CenterCenter of Excellence For Crystalens
The Crystalens® advantage unlike standard cataract replacement lenses, Crystalens® lenses correct your cataracts and give you back your full range of vision. Crystalens® is the first and only FDA-approved accommodating intraocular lens that uses the natural focusing ability of the eye. The lens flexes like your eye's natural lens, allowing you to see better at all distances.
Crystalens3D-Eye Online
If you are interested in learning more about the procedures offered by Dr. Garrett and the staff at Garrett Eye Center, please visit our 3D-EYE ONLINE Video library. You will be able to watch animations of the procedures offered in our Iron Mountain, MI office and Ambulatory Surgical Center.
Click the link below to view our videos.
3D-Eye OnlineAmbulatory Surgical Center
Garrett Eye Center’s Ambulatory Surgical Center opened in 1987, and is the first and only ambulatory surgical center in the area. Over 1,000 surgeries are performed per year in the surgical center. We have a certified anesthesiologist on site. The surgical center offers convenient, cost effective treatment with a well-trained staff, specializing in ophthalmology.
Click the link below to learn more about our Ambulatory Surgical Center
Ambulatory Surgical CenterGlaucoma Treatments (SLT)
It is estimated that almost three million Americans have glaucoma. Half of these people are not aware that they have the disease. It is important to make an appointment with Dr. Garrett for a comprehensive eye examination to determine if you could be at risk for Glaucoma. Dr Garrett specializes in SLT laser treatment. SLT is a therapy that uses a special laser to reduce the pressure in the eye. It is usually painless, and the treatment takes a few minutes.
Glaucoma Treatments (SLT)Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetes is a condition in which the body’s ability to process and store sugar has been impaired. Diabetes is a leading cause of blindness in the United States. People with untreated diabetes are said to be 25 times more at a risk for blindness than the general population. This is why it is important to schedule an appointment with Dr. Garrett for a diabetic eye examination if you believe you may be at risk for Diabetic Retinopathy. To learn more about the symptoms and treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy click the Learn More button below.
Diabetic RetinopathyDesignated ILASIK Surgery Center
Until recently, glasses and contacts were the only options available to correct vision. With the latest advances in technology and surgical procedures there are several new options available to correct vision problems including iLASIK! The Garrett Eye Center also offers free LASIK screenings for patients! Take advantage of this opportunity to speak with Dr.Garrett or Dr. Hartwig about the entire LASIK experience.
ILASIK