About Our Practice

We offer a variety of services and treat a variety of eye diseases at our practice.

Eye Diseases Treated

• Nearsightedness
  People with nearsightedness, also known as myopia, cannot see clearly at distance. Myopia occurs when the eyeball is too long or when the cornea (the clear part on the front of the eye) is too steep.
• Farsightedness
  People with farsightedness or hyperopia have a difficult time seeing clearly at near. Hyperopia or farsightedness occurs when the eyeball is too short or when the cornea (the clear part on the front of the eye) is too flat.
• Astigmatism
  When the cornea has two curvatures causing the eye to be shaped more like an oval or football, people have astigmatism. Astigmatism causes distortion of images due to unequal bending of light rays entering the eye. This causes blurred vision for both near and distant objects. Astigmatism can exist alone or in combination with either myopia or hyperopia.
• Presbyopia
  The eyes of a young person are capable of changing their focus from far to close to see well at almost any distance assuming they do not have myopia, hyperopia, and/or astigmatism. For example, a 10-year-old with normal vision can see well far away, all the way to the end of their nose and anywhere in between. This ability to change focus from far to near (accommodation) is gradually lost with age so that around the early forties most people with normal distance vision begin having trouble seeing things close to them such as reading, sewing, computers, etc. There is new surgical means of correcting this age-related loss of accommodation in addition to several multifocal contact lens designs.
• Cataracts
  A cataract is a clouding of the lens inside the eye. Cataracts are caused by normal aging, exposure to ultraviolet light, injury, or disease. Occasionally babies are born with cataracts. The most common cause is age with cataracts developing slowly after age 55. The doctors in our practice care for our cataract patients only with Cincinnati’s most experienced and capable eye surgeons. The eye surgeons at Harper’s Point Eye Associates have been and will continue to be trusted to care for our own family members. Clearly, that means that we think that they are the best!

  A scene as it might be viewed by a person with Cataracts:
  

  

• Glaucoma
  A group of diseases characterized by increased pressure inside the eye. If left untreated, it causes blindness through permanent damage to the optic nerve. Sometimes glaucoma is called a “thief in the night” because there are often no symptoms until damage has been done. Diagnosis involves measurement of eye pressure, visual field testing, optic nerve imaging and direct observation of the optic nerve. The treatment for early glaucoma is usually eye drops, which lower eye pressure. More serious types of glaucoma may require surgery.
  Dr. Kirstein has and continues to conduct glaucoma research. He is the glaucoma research coordinator for Ziemer Ophthalmology, AG, Switzerland. Feel free to take a look at a list of Dr. Kirstein’s publications related to glaucoma.

  A scene as it might be viewed by a person with Glaucoma:

  



• Diabetes and Diabetic Retinopathy
  Diabetes often causes a weakening of the tiny blood vessels in the retina which can leak fluid into surrounding tissue causing blurred vision and severe vision loss. It tends to occur more often in individuals whose diabetes is poorly controlled. It is best prevented and controlled by early diagnosis and aggressive systemic management of the diabetes. Various surgical treatments exist and can be extremely effective in preventing serious vision loss. All diabetics should have a thorough eye examination at least once per year.

  A scene as it might be viewed by a person with diabetic retinopathy:

  

• Macular degeneration
  This is the degeneration of the central portion of the retina which is responsible for straight-on vision used in driving, reading, perceiving colors, and recognizing faces. Age related macular degeneration is the most common cause of blindness in people over 50 years of age. To better understand Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD), its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment, please see the National Eye Institute’s excellent AMD website.

  A scene as it might be viewed by a person with age-related macular degeneration:

  
  

  

• Flashes and floaters
  Flashes: Usually described as a “bright arc of light,” this condition can be indicative of a small retinal tear and requires immediate attention by an eye care professional. Floaters: Particles that float in the vitreous and cause shadows on the retina. They are usually seen as small spots, cobwebs, or spiders. A common condition unless accompanied by flashes or seen as a ‘’shower” of particles. Both of these conditions are, most often, a normal part of the aging process of the eye, but, in some cases, can be associated with a retinal tear or retinal detachment. We consider this to be an ocular emergency and, because of this risk, it is imperative that those who notice flashes or floaters contact our office immediately and have a thorough retinal exam with pupil dilation.
• Dry Eye
  What is chronic dry eye? Read more…

Services Offered

• Refractive Surgery
  Visit our Refractive Surgery section for more information.
• Fashion Eyewear Fitting
  Our optical boutique at Harper’s Point features the largest and most elegant eyewear selection in the tri-state area. We offer designs by Oliver Peoples, Prada, Dolce & Gabanna, Gold & Wood and Gucci, designs also found at the most exclusive shops on Rodeo Drive in Los Angeles and on Madison Avenue in New York. We feature the latest in sport eyewear by Oakley, Revo, and Persol. The latest in thin lens designs and invisible bifocals are always recommended to our patients as lens options. We welcome visitors at our eyewear boutique at any time without an appointment.
• Medicare Claims Filing
  The eye doctors at Harper’s Point Eye Associates are Medicare participating doctors. We will be happy to file all the Medicare claims with our office. Because we are Medicare participating, our office will adjust charges to the amount provided by Medicare. Medicare pays 80% of the approved amount provided the patient has met their $125.00 calendar year deductible. We will be happy to file your secondary claim for the remaining 20% balance.
• Referrals
  We consider it the highest compliment when our patients refer their family and friends. We welcome and encourage patient referrals.
  If you have been referred by another physician, he or she will receive a full report of our findings and recommended treatment plan. We are honored by the confidence placed in us by referring physicians and enjoy the privilege in participating in your care.
• Second Opinions
  If you are currently going to another doctor and desire a second opinion regarding your diagnosis or treatment, we will be happy to schedule a consultation for you. Additionally, we will send detailed reports regarding our findings to your other medical doctors. If you are a patient of this practice and desire another doctor’s opinion, we will supply you with a list of other specialists and give them details of your condition.
• Fees
  A schedule of fees for the most common office procedures is available upon request. We will be glad to complete insurance forms without charge to assist you in securing reimbursement from your insurance company. We recommend that you ask in advance about the fees for planned examinations or procedures.