Olathe, KS -- (SBWIRE) -- 10/20/2014 -- Eye care technology seems to improve each day. No one knows this better than the patients of Galbrecht Eyecare with offices in Olathe and Shawnee, Kansas. Dr. Diane Galbrecht has been a leader in bringing the latest technologies to the communities she serves and today she is utilizing the Konan CellChek Specular Microscope to assess the readiness and viability of the use of refractive surgery for patients with certain operable conditions.

A Specular Microscope captures high quality images of a patient’s corneal endothelium. The microscope provides five unique focus points for image capture at the center and four peripheral sites, allowing a more comprehensive look at a patent’s cornea. “This instrument is invaluable when determining if a patient is a good, great, or bad candidate for refractive surgery and cataract surgery,” stated Dr. Galbrecht. “Most patients do not know that you must have a healthy endothelium to undergo any type of surgery to the eye. This test gives us that information quickly and accurately.” This assessment is also particularly valuable in cases such as keratoconus, corneal transplantations, or corneal dystrophies.

Dr. Galbrecht also takes corneal thickness measurements at all five data sample sites. An endothelial cell count to verify that a patient’s cornea has an adequate endothelial cell density is a required part of patient screening and selection prior to implantation of intraocular lenses. Without an adequate endothelial cell count, surgery is contraindicated and different solutions are provided to address the patient’s condition. The same testing criterion for endothelial cell count is being implemented for refractive surgery as well. Since a successful LASIK procedure requires adequate thickness after the procedure is performed, if the cell count is decreased, the patient will have unfavorable outcomes.

In addition to surgery readiness assessments, Dr. Galbrecht uses the Specular Microscope as a means of assessing if a patient is creating damage to their eyes by prolonged contact lens wear beyond the prescribed time. "Many patients do not see the harm in sleeping in their contact lenses. This test shows the direct correlation for the amount of time spent sleeping in contact lenses and the damage it causes,” explained Dr. Galbrecht. “The education given should be a warning to the patient about how to better care for their eyes."