Case Studies

Dr. Suzanne Everhart has successfully treated many patients during 20 years of practice as an eye physician and surgeon. Always, her goal is to improve sight, comfort and individual lives. Doing this requires diagnostic, medical and surgical skills, and the ability to expect the unexpected. Dr. Everhart knows well that no two cases are alike, and each patient arrives with unique needs that require unique solutions. The three examples below – selected from thousands of possibilities – demonstrate Dr. Everhart’s knowledge and ability, and the wide range of medical case she handles regularly. Note: Patients’ real names have not been used.

CASE 1 – Aneurysm

Bill, age 70, called Everhart Eye Associates one New Year’s Eve, concerned that his vision was blurred. He’d visited an emergency room the previous day. Physicians there attributed his problem to the lingering effect of a numbing agent he received during a recent dentist’s visit. However, Bill remained uneasy. The problem persisted, despite assurances it would soon disappear. Even though the New Year’s holiday was about to start, Bill came to Everhart Eye Associates for an examination. Dr. Everhart immediately noticed that Bill’s pupils were not reacting to light. Normally, pupils expand in darkness and contract in light. Bill’s did nothing. This was troubling. It indicated that Bill might be poised to have an aneurysm. This is an abnormal widening or ballooning of a portion of an artery due to weakness in the wall of the blood vessel. If untreated, an aneurysm can rupture, possibly causing blindness or death. Dr. Everhart sent Bill straight to the hospital and directed health care professionals there to conduct emergency tests. The results showed Bill was at risk for an arterial rupture. Neurosurgery was done that night. The surgery addressed the potential aneurysm, and Bill recovered swiftly and fully.

CASE 2 – Cataract Surgery

Joan, age 60, had failed her vision test for her driver’s license. All her life, she had suffered from extreme near-sightedness. In fact, without her glasses she was legally blind. When she was denied a license renewal, Joan came to Dr. Everhart for help. During an examination, it became clear that Joan had cataracts in both eyes. A cataract is a clouding of the lens in the eye, which reduces vision. The lens is inside the eye and focuses light onto the retina at the back of the eye, where an image is recorded. The lens also adjusts the eye's focus. The lens is made of mostly water and protein. The latter is arranged so the lens stays clear and lets light pass through it. Yet, with age, the protein may form clumps that cloud the lens. This is a cataract. The best solution to Joan’s situation was surgery that removed the cataracts and implanted tiny artificial lens within the eye. Dr. Everhart conducted this procedure. Today, for the first time in her life, Joan enjoys 20-20 vision – without glasses.

CASE 3 – Emergency Care

Lisa, age 60, is a school bus driver. So, good sight is important for her livelihood. To keep her vision clear, Dr. Everhart performed a surgical procedure that improved Lisa’s vision by removing cataracts and addressing high pressure in her eye. The latter operation is known as a trabeculectomy.

After surgery, Lisa used eye drops to prevent infection. She got a friend to help her. Unfortunately, the friend accidently struck Lisa’s eye with the tip of the bottle. This caused severe bleeding in the eye. This was an emergency that could result in blindness. Lisa immediately came to Dr. Everhart who diagnosed the problem and took the appropriate medical action. As a result, tragedy was averted. Today, Lisa enjoys 20-20 sight without glasses. Her eye pressure is under control without the aid of medications. And, Lisa is still driving a school bus, safely carrying children from home to school – and back.

Testimonials

“I’ve had bad eyesight for years. In fact, at one time, I couldn’t read the largest “E” on the eye chart even with my glasses, which were very powerful. I went to many other doctors. They all said they couldn’t do anything for me and just blocked off one side of my glasses. Dr. Everhart thought differently. She suggested we try surgery. The results were a miracle! My vision is better now than it has been my entire life. I have 20/40 vision without my glasses. That’s a big leap from where I was. I am eternally grateful for her skill and care.”
–Sophie Stidham

“I have lived behind ‘coke bottle’ glasses for 61 years. After cataract surgery, I now can see vivid details, especially when I walk outside and enjoy nature. It’s so much easier to use binoculars on bird-watching trips without the pressure of glasses against my face. One of the nicest and most unexpected parts of having cataract surgery has come from friends. They keep saying that they‘ve never been able to see how pretty my eyes were before! The cataract surgery was painless and has given me a new freedom and confidence.”
–Mary Raymond, Toric Lens

“Before cataract surgery, I wore glasses since the 6th grade. One eye was very blurry; the other was not as bad. There was a huge discrepancy in my vision.  After surgery, I was able to return to work immediately. And, I do not have that ‘seasick’ sensation of mismatched eyes.”
–Linda Gibson, Restor lens

"I was absolutely overwhelmed with my experience in Dr. Everhart's care. She and her staff have given my life a new meaning. I can see again! I am so very fortunate to have been treated by her. Thank you so much!" -04/01/2012

"Dr. Everhart has earned my trust and thus I trust her treatment plan." -9/26/2012

"Dr.Everhart and her staff are very competent, courteous and caring. Could have not had a better experience with all contacts with Dr. Everhart ! Thank you!" - 11/1/2012

Audio/Visual

Specialty Lenses

Click on an image below to view the testimonial video.

PanOptix IOL Patient Testimonial – Cheryl

Vivity IOL Patient Testimonial – Cory

AcrySof Toric IOL – Astigmatism Correcting Lens