High-Tech Transformation

ilumin Eye Care Center

By Janette Calabro 

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Dr. Brandon Menke is a board-certified, comprehensive ophthalmologist who has performed more than 15,000 eye surgeries. His background includes clinical research in retinal regeneration, work that contributed to a potential therapeutic technique for blindness by demonstrating the ability to regenerate retinal tissue. Licensed in both Nebraska and Iowa, Dr. Menke provides advanced medical and surgical eye care using next-generation technology, alongside the rest of the team at ilumin Eye Care Center. The practice has earned an impressive number of glowing reviews—a milestone worth highlighting in a field built on precision, compassion, and trust.

 

A visit to ilumin begins with a comprehensive scan of the eye, from back to front, to identify conditions such as glaucoma, retinal concerns, and other abnormalities. Dr. Menke wants patients to understand that cataracts are correctable, and that modern procedures for conditions such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, and even aesthetic concerns are performed successfully every day.

 

“Historically, we had fewer tools to customize options,” Dr. Menke points out. “Aside from the scans for the optic nerve and retina, we also have HD (high definition) and 4K (ultra-high definition) video and photography to follow pathology in a three-dimensional state.” 

 

Scans like these allow for precise measurements that help doctors pick the right prescription for things like a cataract surgery lens. They also measure the amount of astigmatism (the shape of the eye). “If we get that shape wrong using older technology, the patient is not going to see as sharply as we want them to,” says Dr. Menke.

 

It should come as no surprise that many patients feel somewhat squeamish about undergoing eye surgery. Patients at ilumin can rest assured that they are in the hands of a tried-and-true surgeon and surrounded by precise technology. For the excessively anxious, pre-procedure medication can help, too. 

 

“We don’t want our patients to be completely sedated,” Dr. Menke says. For the best outcomes, “patients should be calm but able to respond during the procedure.” Their usual practice is to provide patients with drops to numb the eye and Valium to calm the nerves. 

 

Dr. Menke speaks from experience on this issue, as he has undergone LASIK surgery at the hand of his partner at ilumin. He thinks a little anxiety before surgery is normal, but the combination of a great staff, competent surgeon, and scrupulous technology usually puts everyone at ease. 

 

Eye surgery is less invasive today, less traumatic. For those who need cataract surgery, most opt for same-day cataract surgery for both eyes. This is called same-day bilateral cataract surgery. It consolidates two surgeries into one recovery period, and healing is faster than it used to be. 

 

“Most patients want to do both eyes on the same day. They’re relaxed, and they’re comfortable,” says Dr. Menke. “Most patients walk out of the OR and can see well enough to drive the next day. They’re calm walking out because they’re seeing almost right away when they’re done.”

 

In fact, most eye surgeries, including Lasik and ICL (vision correction implanting a lens), typically result in good vision within a day or two. “No matter the procedure, it’s exciting to see people literally walk out, seeing improvement within two minutes. That’s always heartwarming and exciting because you’ve changed that person’s life forever.”

 

Dr. Menke recalls one patient with a mature white cataract, which is an advanced stage of cataracts in which the eye’s natural lens becomes completely opaque, blocking nearly all light. After laser treatment, the patient walked out with 20/40 vision, legal to drive. After a few days, vision was restored to about 20/20. The cataract eye was better than the good eye!

 

Since eye exams are high-tech now, Dr. Menke points out, doctors and surgeons can learn a lot without even having to dilate the eyes. He advises getting an eye exam every year or two consistently. He also likes to recommend over-the-counter eye vitamins to lower the risk of macular degeneration and to support eye health. 

 

“We can identify pathologies and potentially fix them before they become problems,” says Dr. Menke. “Not smoking is one of the biggest ways to help prevent macular degeneration. If you have a strong family history of glaucoma, get seen early. Cataracts are not a huge invasive surgery like they used to be. In fact, there’s more risk in not getting your cataracts fixed.” 

 

If it’s been a while since you’ve had your eyes checked, make an appointment at ilumin Eye Care Center by calling 402-933-6600 or visiting ilumineyes.com. It’s time to start seeing life more clearly! ilumin is located at 16820 Frances Street, Suite 100, in Omaha.