Hazel E.R. Widner Laser Eye Suite
Offering Specialized Eye Care
A state-of-the-art Inova facility - the Hazel E.R. Widner Laser Eye Suite -opened last fall to treat various retinal diseases and certain forms of glaucoma.
This public awareness campaign is funded by the Inova Health System Foundation
through a generous grant by Hazel
E. R. Widner. Her gifts to the Hazel E.R. Widner Retinal Eye Care Fund support
eye/vision programs by providing Inova the ability to purchase new equipment,
conduct educational research, host professional medical education seminars for
physicians and other seminars for the public, plus offer low-vision rehabilitation
and care.
The suite is named for Hazel E. R. Widner, who donated more than $150,000 to purchase three ophthalmologic-specific lasers. Mrs. Widner, who was diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), wanted to help others suffering from this debilitating disease.
Suite Offers New Treatment
The Hazel E. R. Widner Laser Eye Suite, located on Woodburn Road near Inova Fairfax Hospital, is equipped with the laser used in an exciting new therapy for treating wet AMD.
Traditional laser treatment for this condition uses heat to seal abnormal blood vessels that cause vision loss. Because heat from the lasers also destroys photoreceptors, this therapy cannot be used in patients whose abnormal blood vessels are located beneath the center of the macula.
Now, more patients can be treated with a new therapy - Photodynamic Therapy, PDT uses a cool laser that actually preserves sensitive tissue. During the procedure, the patient is given a photosensitive medication that is absorbed by the abnormal vessels.Physicians use the cool laser to activate the chemical that closes the abnormal vessel.
You Too Can Help
You can help Inova Health System continue providing medical innovations that benefit those in need. Contact the Inova Health System Foundation for information on ways your tax-deductible donations can help. For more information, call 703-289-2062.
Test for Macular Degeneration
The simple Amsler Grid, used to check for the symptoms of macular degeneration, is available now as a convenient-to -use magnet.
To receive your FREE magnet from the Inova Health System Foundation, call 703-750-8800.
Vision Checks are Crucial for Those with Diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic condition that can affect numerous areas of the body including the eyes. Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness in adults age 20 to 74. If you have diabetes, an annual retinal eye exam can save your vision by detecting the disease early when treatment can help prevent vision loss.
The Inova Diabetes Center offers services at four locations and through Inova VNA Home Health.
- Inova Alexandria Hospital - 703-504-3678
- Inova Fair Oaks Hospital - 703-391-3746 Inova Fairfax Hospital, (2832 Juniper St., Merrifield) - 703-204-3300 Inova Mount Vernon Hospital - 703-664-7063
- Inova VNA Home Health - 703-204-2121
