From the time we open them in the morning until we close them at bedtime, our eyes play a very important role in our lives and well-being. So when age-related or genetic issues affect our vision, an experienced, skilled physician like Dr. Rajesh Khanna of Khanna Vision Institute in Westlake Village is essential to restoring your eyes to health.
With over 25 years of experience as a specialist performing thousands of successful eye surgeries, Dr. Khanna provides each patient with individualized care, giving his complete attention to developing a treatment plan that addresses their specific conditions and ensures their best vision.
“Many people can be helped, even if they’ve been told by another doctor that nothing can be done,” says Dr. Khanna, an award-winning doctor whose extensive experience and skills enable him to offer a variety of treatment options to his patients, including advanced cutting-edge procedures and techniques.
When it comes to rejuvenating aging, vision-impaired eyes, Dr. Khanna says not all options yield the same outcome. Whereas Lasik surgery may be an appropriate treatment option for repairing vision in younger patients, superior procedures exist for those over 50 years of age.
“Static Lasik may be used to cure myopia and to correct far-sightedness in young people, but Lasik cannot help older people over 50,” explains Dr. Khanna, one of a small subset of doctors who are well-versed in the latest technologies and treatments.
PIE
Pie is an acronym: Presbyopia Implant in Eye. PIE surgery offers solutions for those who can’t be helped by Lasik or other treatment options. Appropriate for people above 45 years of age who want to see better at all distances without the use of contacts or glasses, PIE can also help those who are currently suffering from cataracts, have had previous Lasik, Radial Keratotomy (RK) or other eye surgery, or who have been turned down for Lasik.
Presbyopic implants are groundbreaking lenses developed by optical engineers utilizing the latest techniques of Nano engineering that can be implanted during the PIE procedure. Presbyopia is a natural change that occurs over time and affects one’s ability to see near objects. Generally, around age 45, individuals begin to experience this condition and it continues to progress with age. To correct this condition, most people begin to wear reading glasses, explains Dr. Khanna.
“Even people who have undergone Lasik earlier in life feel the need to reach for reading glasses. People who already were wearing glasses would graduate to more cumbersome bifocals or progressives,” says Dr. Khanna, noting, “This condition makes it increasingly difficult to focus on objects near, middle and far.”
The PIE procedure is a dynamic procedure unlike static Lasik. It involves opening the dysfunctional eye lens and replacing its degenerated contents with a newer synthetic biocompatible Presbyopic Implant, which allows the eye to see near, middle and far in each eye. PIE procedure can eliminate dependency on glasses or contact lens.
While PIE has been used to treat vision ailments for many years, new technologies and advances have evolved over the years to produce incredible results.
“Part of the reason not many people know about it is because only a few people have the skills and necessary technology to perform the procedure,” says Dr. Khanna, who has authored a book on the subject, called PIE Pi in Eye (available on Amazon and Kindle).
“Advances in lasers and technology have yielded a 99.9% success rate today,” says Dr. Khanna, who is committed to staying abreast of the latest advances in the field. “Only a handful of people have access to the new technology, and technology will keep advancing,” he adds, noting because of his partnership with others, “I’ll be able to access the new technology, lasers and lenses—tomorrow something new will come, and we’ll be ready to offer it to patients.”
Patient-Focused
Understanding each patient’s needs is the first step to determining the best technology to solve their vision ailments. Dedicated to his patients, Dr. Khanna makes it a priority to consult with each person and really listen to their concerns before performing an eye exam and offering specific treatment options.
Having treated patients of all ages, from near and far—many travel from throughout the United States and even abroad to see Dr. Khanna, an expert in his field.
“Once you understand the patient’s needs, you can apply the best technology to solve the problem,” he adds, noting that PIE, ICL and Lasik can even help with genetic issues, such as “lazy eye.”
Often a hereditary condition, lazy eye can be improved and even cured with proper treatment.
“The sooner we fix the problem, the better the chances to gain vision with the lazy eye,” says Dr. Khanna, who recently helped a 13-year-old girl with her lazy eye condition.
“It’s okay to use these procedures in young people when appropriate,” he says, noting that fixing the problem, rather than treating the symptoms is his goal.
“Just like with a fracture, if you fix the problem, it will heal; if you just treat the symptoms (i.e., pain), the likelihood of the problem going away is small,” he says. Building trust with patients is also an important element of Dr. Khanna’s practice.
“They have to have a lot of trust in me to allow me to work on their eyes,” he notes, adding that he makes it a point to develop trust with his patients. His caring demeanor and supportive, knowledgeable and warm staff ensure each patient’s comfort by addressing their concerns before beginning treatment.
“I’ve performed surgery on my own mother, neighbors, physicians, children and adults of all ages,” says Dr. Khanna. Many patients are referred to him by people he’s helped. He encourages those with eye issues to schedule a consultation with his office.
“A skilled surgeon, with a good bedside manner, who utilizes the latest technology and is supported by a warm and caring staff can help ease any fears about eye surgery,” he adds. Addressing your eye ailments not only improves vision, but often changes one’s psychological persona, eliminates headaches and enables one to have a better quality of life.
Regarding payment options, Dr. Khanna says insurance plans often contribute to Lasik and PIE procedures when they can help improve one’s disability. His office also offers affordable no-interest monthly payment plans to help make the technology accessible to everyone who needs it.
To learn more about treatment options for eye ailments, schedule a consultation with Dr. Khanna at 805.230.2126.
Khanna Vision Institute is located at 31824 Village Center Road F, in Westlake Village. Learn more at KhannaInstitute.com.