ADMEDICO Augenzentrum AG

Philosophy

We want our patients to feel comfortable

At ADMEDICO Eye Center, we strive to offer our patients comprehensive service. We provide you with expert advice and treatment and want you to feel comfortable. We want to be an understanding and helpful partner for you. We set high standards for ourselves when it comes to providing high-quality services. That is why we only work with carefully selected partners.

Our team

Dr. Nicole Fichter FMH specialist in ophthalmic surgery, specializing in reconstructive and oculoplastic surgery

Dr. Helga Reinshagen FMH specialist in ophthalmic surgery, specializing in corneal surgery, cataract surgery, and dry eye

Dr. Antje Hersener Specialist in ophthalmology

PD Dr. med. Alexandra Anton Specialist in ophthalmic surgery, glaucoma specialist

Tabea Karrer Certified orthoptist

Barbara Peter, B.Sc. Optometrist FHNW

 

Jacqueline Iseli Certified Nurse HF

Sabina Zaugg Certified Consultation Assistant

Michelle Wagner Consultation Assistant

Karin Wihler Head of Finance and Human Resources

 

Eye diseases (keyword phrases)

Amotio retinae or retinal detachment

Ocular herpes, eye diseases

Corneal diseases, corneal inflammation

Corneal transplants, corneal bank

Astigmatism, keratoconus

Blepharitis or inflammation of the eyelid margins

Dry eye

Diabetic retinopathy – diabetes of the eye

Glaucoma

Hyperopia or farsightedness

Cataracts

Conjunctivitis or inflammation of the conjunctiva, conjunctival diseases

Myopia or nearsightedness, Botox

Presbyopia or age-related long-sightedness

Strabismus or squint

Uveitis or inflammation of the uvea

Prescription glasses

MFK eye test

Foreign body in the eye

Graves' disease, endocrine orbitopathy, hyperthyroidism, Graves, EO

Pediatric ophthalmologist, ophthalmologist for children, pediatric ophthalmologist Olten, pediatric ophthalmologist Zofingen, children and strabismus, children's eye test, my child has poor vision, my child has strabismus, ophthalmologist for children, ophthalmologist's office

Eyes Olten, Eyes Solothurn, Eyes Zofingen, Eyes Oftringen, Eyes Aarburg
 

Symptoms of Graves' disease

Graves' disease, a form of hyperthyroidism, is a systemic disease and can manifest itself with different symptoms in various organ systems. The disease can creep into the lives of those affected almost unnoticed. However, it can also lead to a sudden onset of the disease with acute symptoms. In addition to symptoms of hyperthyroidism, symptoms of the immune disorder also occur. Graves' disease can occasionally occur without symptoms of hyperthyroidism, or even with symptoms of hypothyroidism. All variants are therefore theoretically possible. Sometimes, patients become accustomed to the initially mild symptoms and attribute them to special circumstances or stress. If the disease is not recognized, hyperthyroidism can lead to a life-threatening condition with hormone poisoning (thyrotoxic crisis) due to massively elevated hormone levels in the blood. In addition to the signs of changes in hormone metabolism, symptoms may occur that are attributable to the effect of antibodies in the patient's body. After starting treatment for hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism often develops as the disease progresses. In order to recognize the symptoms of hyperthyroidism and/or hypothyroidism as early as possible and treat them accordingly, those affected should be aware of the symptoms themselves and consult a doctor if they occur.

A special feature of Graves' disease is the symptoms associated with involvement of the eyes. The cause of the eye disease (endocrine orbitopathy) is also thought to be the production of antibodies against antigens (special protein structures on the cell surface) of the eye muscles and other tissues of the eye sockets. There is a close connection to the amount of thyroid hormone in the blood. Some people with Graves' disease may also have other autoimmune diseases. It is always important to consider other autoimmune diseases when dealing with unclear and confusing symptoms of Graves' disease.

 

Further information on Graves' disease can be found at www.basedow.ch
Symptoms of hyperthyroidism
Symptoms of hormone poisoning (thyrotoxic crisis)
Symptoms of immune disorders
Symptoms of hypothyroidism
Symptoms of eye disease
Diabetes and thyroid disease

 

Corneal diseases and corneal transplantation

The cornea is the windshield of the eye and is about half a millimeter thick with a diameter of 10–11 millimeters. It essentially consists of three layers: On the surface is the outer layer, the epithelium, which is about 70 micrometers (70 hundredths of a millimeter) thick. It is bacteria- and water-resistant, constantly grows from the edge to the center of the cornea, and releases its uppermost cell layers into the tear fluid. It heals very well and is similar to skin. Together with the tear film on top of it, it forms the optical surface of the eye, which is very important for vision. Underneath is the middle layer (stroma) of the cornea (approximately 500 micrometers = half a millimeter), which is formed from specialized connective tissue cells. The stroma is a special tissue because it has no blood vessels, has high mechanical strength, and at the same time is optically perfect for transmitting the parts of light that are visible to us. It is in a dehydrated state, which is maintained only by constantly pumping out water. The inner layer, the endothelium, is responsible for pumping and thus for the transparency of the cornea. It is a single layer of cells that covers the inner membrane of the cornea (Descemet's membrane) and borders the interior of the eye with the eye fluid (aqueous humor). The endothelium and the corneal stroma are nourished by the aqueous humor of the eye.

For a variety of reasons, the cornea can experience a deterioration in its optical properties. Some of these are briefly described here.

 

Changes in the shape of the cornea

Protrusions, bulges, or distortions caused by scarring interfere with vision to such an extent that patients may have very poor visual acuity even if the cornea is otherwise clear. A special, hereditary, progressive protrusion is keratoconus, a cone-shaped tapering of the cornea. In the early stages, sufficient correction or stabilization of the protrusion can be achieved with a contact lens or by hardening the cornea through cross-linking therapy. In severe cases or if the contact lens is unstable, surgical replacement of the deformed cornea is necessary (corneal transplant). The entire cornea is transplanted centrally with a diameter of approximately 8 mm.

Opacities and deposits in the middle layer of the cornea (corneal stroma)

These can be caused by metabolic disorders, which are mostly hereditary and affect only the cornea or the entire body. Scar tissue in the cornea, which can occur, for example, after herpes infections or corneal injuries, can lead to a significant deterioration in vision that cannot be treated with medication. In this case, a corneal transplant with a complete graft can help.

 

Failure of the inner layer of the cornea (corneal endothelium)

Failure of the pumping function of the inner layer leads to chronic swelling of the cornea. In this state, the tissue is no longer clear and transparent, but milky and cloudy, with a corresponding deterioration in optical properties. Tiny water bubbles reach the uppermost cell layers of the cornea, where they cause a foreign body sensation, burst painfully, or even promote the penetration of bacteria into the cornea. With this disease, only the inner layer can be transplanted using the latest technology, i.e., a lamellar corneal transplant.

 

Dry eye

By definition, dry eye is caused by a chronic inflammatory lubrication disorder. This manifests itself in a variety of symptoms such as eye pain, burning, foreign body sensation, itching, pressure sensation, or eye fatigue. The tear film, which consists of 90% water and 5% mucus and fat, no longer lubricates the eyes continuously and sufficiently. Often, the composition of the tear film is no longer balanced and there is a lack of oil. The oil comes from the sebaceous glands of the eyelids, known as Meibomian glands. If these glands no longer function properly for various reasons, the tear film lacks oil, with the result that the watery part evaporates too quickly and the above-mentioned symptoms occur.

In addition to the use of artificial tears, dry eye often requires simple eyelid margin cleaning and temporary use of anti-inflammatory eye drops. In more severe cases, additional therapeutic measures are also used.

 

Cataract surgery

Cataract surgery is one of the most common and best standardized surgeries worldwide.
Cataracts cannot be treated with medication. The principle of the operation is based on removing the clouded lens and replacing it with an artificial lens (intraocular lens). The necessary refractive power of this artificial lens can be calculated in advance based on the length of the eyeball and the curvature of the cornea.
One eye is always operated on first. If the other eye is also affected, the second procedure can be performed a few days later.

The eye is only locally anesthetized before the operation, i.e., made insensitive with eye drops. General anesthesia is only necessary in exceptional cases. During the operation, a small incision of 1.8 to 2.5 mm is made at the edge of the cornea. A tiny piece of the anterior capsule is removed through this incision. The contents of the lens are then finely broken up using a special ultrasound device (phacoemulsification) and removed with a suction irrigation device. What remains is the wafer-thin capsule sac, which serves as a support for the artificial lens. Next, the artificial replacement lens is inserted. It is made of an elastic, transparent material that is pushed through the tiny opening and then unfolds and centers itself. The access incision is so small that it does not need to be closed with a suture, but closes like a valve.

The artificial lens remains in the eye for life, meaning that it does not need to be removed or replaced later.


There are different types of lenses:

Standard lens
The cost of the standard lens is covered by health insurance. Depending on the strength, this lens usually allows you to see clearly either at a distance or up close without glasses. You will need corrective glasses for the other distance.

Aspheric lens
This lens improves contrast vision, especially in poor lighting conditions such as twilight, nighttime, or fog.

Toric lenses for astigmatism
Astigmatism can be corrected with individually calculated and manufactured artificial lenses. This makes your perception of the environment less distorted and blurred.

Combined near and far lenses
In certain cases, this artificial lens enables largely glasses-free vision at both near and far distances. If you are interested in this option, a comprehensive preliminary examination will determine whether you are suitable for it.

 

Glaucoma surgery

Glaucoma is an eye condition in which increased intraocular pressure and/or insufficient blood flow leads to a change in the optic nerve (papilla) of the affected eye that is typical of glaucoma. The aim of treating the condition is to slow down or prevent its progression by reducing the intraocular pressure.

 

If, despite careful use of medication (drops, ointments, tablets), it is not possible to achieve a sufficient reduction in intraocular pressure, the following surgical treatment options are available, which are suitable to varying degrees depending on the type of glaucoma and the stage of the disease.

 

□ Laser coagulation of the meshwork (selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT))

After anesthetizing the cornea and placing a contact lens, selected sections of the chamber angle are treated with low-dose laser light. During the treatment, you sit with your chin resting on a so-called laser slit lamp. This procedure is suitable for low increases in intraocular pressure or in the early stages of the disease.

 

      □    Laser iridotomy

The intense light of a laser is used to make an incision in the iris, allowing the fluid inside the eye to flow directly from the rear to the front chamber of the eye. The surface of the eye is numbed with drops so that a special contact lens can be placed on the cornea without causing any pain. Through this lens, numerous individual "shots" of a precisely targeted laser beam are directed at the iris, where they selectively dissolve the affected tissue. This produces a crackling sound. Since the iris is largely insensitive to pain, iridotomy is usually painless. During the treatment, you sit with your chin resting on a so-called laser slit lamp.

 

□ Sclerotherapy of the ciliary body (cyclophotocoagulation, cryocoagulation)

This method reduces the production of intraocular fluid by destroying part of the ciliary body with cold (cryocoagulation) or heat (laser coagulation). This is done with the eyelids open by placing a cold or laser probe on various points of the conjunctiva. The cold or heat then penetrates the conjunctiva and the wall of the eye without damaging them, leading to the formation of scabs on the underlying ciliary body. As a result, less tear fluid is produced in the following period.

 

□ Filtration surgery, trabeculectomy, goniotrepanation

By cutting out a small piece of the eye wall, an additional drain is created and an iris window is created in this area. A slight bulge forms on the conjunctiva, which is called a filter pad. The aqueous humor can now drain from the eye under the conjunctiva into the eye socket.

 

□ Filtration surgery with implants (XEN, Preserflow)

The aqueous humor is drained from the anterior chamber under the conjunctiva and into the eye socket via a small implant (gelatin tube, plastic tube), thereby reducing the intraocular pressure.

 

□ Valve surgery

A thin tube is inserted from the anterior chamber of the eye through the eye wall into the tissue behind the eye. This tube drains the intraocular fluid into the eye environment.

 

□ Trabeculectomy ab interno (e.g., Trabectom, Kahook Dual Blade)

Using an instrument, the trabecular meshwork is removed from the inside over a period of time in order to reduce the drainage resistance of the natural drainage channels.

 

□          Chamber angle implants (e.g., i-Stent)

In this procedure, small implants are inserted into the trabecular meshwork in the chamber angle. This improves drainage into the Schlemm's canal behind it. These implants are often inserted during cataract surgery.

 

What are the chances of success?

The success of glaucoma surgery cannot be guaranteed with any of the various surgical procedures. However, depending on the underlying disease, glaucoma surgery usually results in a satisfactory and long-lasting reduction in pressure. Eye drops may sometimes be required in addition to reduce eye pressure. It may be necessary to repeat the operation or perform a different type of glaucoma surgery.

Surgery cannot reverse existing damage to the optic nerve and retina. The operation is only performed to preserve the remaining visual field and vision.

 

My child needs to see an ophthalmologist/pediatric ophthalmologist

Has your pediatrician recommended an eye exam?

Or have you noticed that your child has poor eyesight, concentration problems, or even squints?

 

During the examination, our orthoptist will sensitively check your child's visual acuity and examine them for any possible squinting. If your child has poor vision that requires corrective glasses, the orthoptist will first suggest an additional examination to determine the strength of the glasses (known as retinoscopy). For this purpose, pupil-dilating eye drops will be administered directly in the practice, which will allow the ophthalmologist to objectively measure the necessary corrective lenses. For children under 2 years of age or children with strabismus, it is more reliable to dilate the pupils at home before the examination. In these cases, you will be given the eye drops to take home with you, along with the appropriate instructions.

 

If your child is found to have strabismus, treatment usually involves temporarily covering one eye to train the weaker eye. As you can imagine, this requires regular check-ups at our orthoptic clinic to ensure that your child's vision develops properly. If, based on the diagnosis, squint surgery is still necessary in the longer term, the child will be gently prepared for this.

 

 

Our partners

We work closely with the following partners:

EUGOGO European Group on Graves Orbitopathy
University Eye Clinic Basel
Orbita Centrum Amsterdam
Hirslanden Clinic Aarau
Lucerne Eye Clinic
Solothurn Hospitals AG

 

Directions to the Olten Eye Center

Bus
From the train station (5 minutes): Use the Stadt exit and take bus line 2 (towards Trimbach) to the Kantonsspital stop.

Taxi
Taxi Bur: 062 205 22 22
Aare Taxi Sigrist: 062 296 26 26

On foot
From Olten train station approx. 10 min.
From Olten train station (10 minutes): Use the Stadt exit, cross the train station bridge, then turn right onto Amthausquai (along the Aare river). After 400 meters, turn left onto a short forest path to the hospital (follow the signs).

By car
Head towards Basel. At the Olten Stadt intersection, head towards Trimbach.
The cantonal hospital is approx. 200 meters away.

Parking available in front of the building.

 

Ophthalmologist's practice in Solothurn

ADMEDICO Eye Center AG

Gurzelngasse 14, 4500 Solothurn / Tel. 062 206 87 37