Ophthalmologist Near Potomac, Maryland

The Light Adjustable Lens (LAL) is the only FDA-approved intraocular lens that can be customized after cataract surgery. For Potomac patients who want a highly customized visual outcome, the LAL offers a level of personalization that traditional premium lenses cannot match.

How the Light Adjustable Lens Works

Unlike standard IOLs that are permanently set at the time of implantation, the LAL uses a photosensitive material that responds to UV light. After your eye heals from surgery, Dr. Summerfield uses non-invasive UV light treatments at our Rockville office to reshape the lens and fine-tune your prescription. This means your final result is based on how your eye actually performs after healing, not solely on pre-operative measurements.

Who Benefits Most from the LAL

• Patients with a strong preference for reduced dependence on glasses after surgery
• Individuals who have had prior refractive surgery such as LASIK or PRK, where pre-operative lens calculations can be less predictable
• Patients with higher degrees of astigmatism who want post-surgical fine-tuning
• Anyone who values the ability to "test drive" their vision before the prescription is permanently locked in

What to Expect During the Adjustment Process

After surgery, you will attend two to four brief UV light treatment sessions at our Rockville office over a period of approximately three weeks. Each session takes only a few minutes. During the adjustment period, you will wear special UV-protective glasses during all waking hours, both indoors and outdoors, to prevent unintended UV exposure from sources such as fluorescent lighting, screens, and sunlight through windows. Once your desired prescription is achieved, a final lock-in treatment permanently sets the lens.

How the LAL Compares to Other Premium Lenses

• Trifocal IOL: Provides set focal points for near, intermediate, and distance vision but cannot be modified after implantation
• Extended depth of focus IOL: Offers a broader range of vision with fewer visual disturbances but is also fixed once placed
• Apthera IC-8: Uses a small-aperture design for extended depth of focus; ideal for specific visual profiles but not adjustable post-surgery
• Toric lenses: Correct astigmatism at the time of surgery but do not allow refinement afterward

During your cataract consultation at our Rockville location, our team will review your eye measurements, lifestyle needs, and visual goals to determine whether the LAL or another premium lens is the right fit for you.

Dry eye is one of the most common conditions we treat in Potomac-area patients. The Washington, DC metro region's seasonal allergens, low winter humidity, and high screen-time work environments all contribute to a higher prevalence of chronic dry eye symptoms.

Common Causes of Dry Eye

• Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD): The oil-producing glands along the eyelid margins become clogged or atrophied, leading to rapid tear evaporation. This is the leading cause of dry eye in adults.
• Aqueous deficiency: The lacrimal glands produce insufficient tear volume, often associated with aging, autoimmune conditions such as Sjogren's syndrome, or certain medications
• Environmental triggers: Extended screen use (reduced blink rate), air conditioning, forced-air heating, seasonal allergies, and the low-humidity winters common in the Potomac and Rockville area
• Contact lens wear: Long-term contact lens use can reduce corneal sensitivity and disrupt the tear film
• Hormonal changes: Menopause and hormonal shifts are strongly associated with the onset or worsening of dry eye symptoms

How We Diagnose Dry Eye

Our Rockville team performs a thorough evaluation that goes beyond a standard eye exam. Diagnostic testing may include tear break-up time measurement, meibomian gland imaging, tear osmolarity testing, and ocular surface staining to identify the specific type and severity of your dry eye.

Treatment Options Available at Our Rockville Office

• Prescription eye drops: Anti-inflammatory drops and tear-stimulating medications to address underlying inflammation or low tear production
• IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) therapy: Targets meibomian gland dysfunction by reducing eyelid inflammation and helping improve oil flow into the tear film
• Lid hygiene and warm compress therapy: At-home regimens combined with in-office debridement to clear blocked glands
• Punctal plugs: Tiny biocompatible inserts placed in the tear drainage ducts to help tears remain on the eye surface longer
• Specialty contact lenses: Scleral lenses that vault over the cornea and hold a reservoir of moisture, providing relief for patients with severe dry eye

Because dry eye has multiple possible causes, our approach focuses on identifying your specific triggers first, then building a treatment plan that addresses the root problem rather than simply masking symptoms.

Cataract surgery is one of the most commonly performed procedures in the United States, and most Potomac patients return to their daily routines quickly. Understanding the recovery timeline helps you plan ahead and know what to expect at each stage.

The First 24 to 48 Hours

• You will need a family member or friend to drive you home from the surgery center
• Mild discomfort, light sensitivity, and watery eyes are normal and typically resolve within a day or two
• A protective eye shield is worn while sleeping for the first several nights
• Avoid rubbing or pressing on the eye

The First Week

• Most patients notice meaningfully improved vision within two to three days
• Reading, watching television, and light computer work are generally comfortable by the end of the first week
• You will use prescribed antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops on a set schedule
• Avoid heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, swimming, and dusty environments

Weeks Two Through Six

• Vision continues to sharpen and stabilize as the eye heals
• Follow-up visits at our Rockville office allow your surgeon to monitor healing and address any concerns
• Most activity restrictions are lifted by the end of the second or third week
• A new glasses prescription, if needed, is typically finalized around six weeks post-surgery

Additional Recovery Considerations for LAL Patients

If you choose the Light Adjustable Lens, your recovery timeline includes the UV adjustment sessions described above. During this window, it is essential to wear the provided UV-protective glasses during all waking hours, both indoors and outdoors, to prevent any unintended light exposure from altering the lens before your adjustments are complete. The adjustment and lock-in process adds approximately two to three weeks to the timeline before your final vision is set, but does not require additional downtime from work or daily activities.

Our surgical team provides each Potomac patient with a detailed take-home recovery guide and is available by phone if questions arise between scheduled visits.

Yes. Our Rockville office provides same-day urgent eye care for Potomac residents, offering a faster and more specialized alternative to a hospital emergency room for most eye emergencies.

When to Seek Emergency Eye Care

Contact our office immediately or come in right away if you experience any of the following:

• Sudden onset of flashes of light or a significant increase in floaters
• A shadow, curtain, or dark area appearing in your peripheral or central vision
• Sudden, significant loss of vision in one or both eyes
• Trauma or a blow to the eye or surrounding area
• A chemical splash or foreign object lodged in the eye
• Severe eye pain, especially if accompanied by redness, swelling, or discharge
• A red, painful eye after recent eye surgery

Why an Eye Specialist Matters in an Emergency

Hospital emergency rooms are equipped for general medical emergencies but often lack the specialized diagnostic instruments needed for a thorough eye evaluation. At Washington Eye Institute, our Rockville team has slit-lamp microscopes, tonometry, OCT imaging, and the clinical expertise to accurately diagnose and initiate treatment for conditions such as retinal detachments, acute angle-closure glaucoma, corneal ulcers, and orbital injuries.

What to Do Before You Arrive

• Call our office first so we can prepare for your visit and provide guidance while you are en route
• If a chemical has entered your eye, begin flushing with clean water immediately and continue for at least 15 minutes
• Do not rub or apply pressure to an injured eye
• If a foreign object is embedded in the eye, do not attempt to remove it yourself
• Bring your current medications list and any relevant medical history

Our Rockville location is a short drive from Potomac via Falls Road or Interstate 270, and we prioritize emergency cases during regular office hours to minimize wait times.

Glaucoma is often called "the silent thief of sight" because it can cause irreversible vision loss without noticeable symptoms in its early stages. For Potomac residents, routine screening at our Rockville office is the most reliable way to catch it early and protect your vision.

Recommended Screening Ages

• Age 40: The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends a baseline comprehensive eye exam for all adults, including glaucoma screening with eye pressure measurement and optic nerve evaluation
• Age 55 to 64: Screening every one to three years for average-risk adults, or more frequently if risk factors are present
• Age 65 and older: Screening every one to two years, or as directed by your eye doctor based on your individual risk profile
• Earlier and more frequent screening is recommended if you have one or more risk factors (see below)

Risk Factors That May Warrant Earlier Screening

• Family history of glaucoma, particularly in a parent or sibling
• African, Hispanic, or Asian descent
• Elevated intraocular pressure detected during a prior exam
• High myopia (nearsightedness)
• History of eye injury or prior eye surgery
• Long-term use of corticosteroid medications
• Thin corneas or certain optic nerve characteristics

What Glaucoma Screening Involves

A glaucoma evaluation at our Rockville office goes beyond a simple pressure check. Our team performs a comprehensive assessment that may include:

• Tonometry: Measuring the pressure inside the eye
• Optic nerve evaluation: Examining the nerve at the back of the eye for signs of damage
• OCT imaging: A non-invasive scan that measures the thickness of the nerve fiber layer around the optic nerve
• Visual field testing: Mapping your peripheral vision to detect early loss
• Gonioscopy: Evaluating the drainage angle of the eye to classify the type of glaucoma

Treatment Options if Glaucoma Is Detected

If diagnosed, our team will develop a personalized management plan. Treatment options available at Washington Eye Institute include prescription eye drops to lower eye pressure, laser procedures such as selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT), and minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) for patients who need more than drops alone. The goal is always to preserve your remaining vision and prevent further damage.

Yes. One of the biggest advantages of Washington Eye Institute's Rockville office for Potomac patients is access to a full spectrum of eye care, from routine exams to complex surgery, under one roof.

Optometry and Ophthalmology in One Practice

Our Rockville location brings together optometrists and ophthalmologists who work as an integrated team. This means:

• Optometrists such as Dr. Diana Chu and Dr. Rajini Seevaratnam handle comprehensive eye exams, glasses and contact lens prescriptions, dry eye management, and ongoing monitoring of conditions like glaucoma and diabetes-related eye changes
• Ophthalmologists such as Dr. Michael Summerfield and Dr. Joseph Mekhail provide surgical care for cataracts, corneal disease, and complex medical eye conditions

What This Means for Your Care

• Your providers share a single medical record system, so every member of your care team has access to your full history, imaging, and test results
• If your optometrist identifies a condition that requires surgical evaluation, you can often be seen by the appropriate surgeon in the same building without a lengthy external referral process
• Post-surgical follow-up care can be coordinated between your optometrist and surgeon in the same office, reducing the number of trips you need to make
• Specialty services including contact lens fitting for complex eyes, dry eye treatment, and glaucoma management are all available on site

Convenience for Potomac Families

The Rockville office is conveniently located on Shady Grove Road, easily accessible from Potomac via Falls Road or I-270. Having a single location for your entire family's eye care needs, from routine exams and contact lens fittings to specialty surgical consultations, simplifies scheduling and ensures continuity of care across all providers.

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy is an in-office treatment that targets one of the most common root causes of chronic dry eye: meibomian gland dysfunction. For Potomac patients who have not found lasting relief from drops alone, IPL offers a treatment approach that addresses the underlying problem rather than temporarily managing symptoms.

How IPL Works on the Eyelids

IPL delivers controlled pulses of broad-spectrum light to the skin around the eyelids and cheeks. This light energy:

• Reduces chronic inflammation along the eyelid margins that contributes to gland blockage
• Warms and liquefies hardened oils trapped within the meibomian glands, allowing them to flow more freely
• Targets abnormal blood vessels along the lid margin that fuel ongoing inflammation
• Helps reduce populations of Demodex mites, which can worsen eyelid irritation and gland dysfunction

What to Expect During a Treatment Session

• Each session takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes
• Protective eye shields are placed over your eyes before treatment
• A cooling gel is applied to the treatment area for comfort
• Most patients describe the sensation as a warm, gentle snap against the skin
• There is no downtime, and you can return to normal activities immediately afterward

How Many Sessions Are Needed

A typical IPL treatment course involves four sessions spaced approximately three to four weeks apart. Many patients begin to notice improvement in dryness, burning, and eye fatigue after the second or third session. Maintenance treatments every six to twelve months can help sustain results long term.

Is IPL Right for You

IPL is most effective for patients whose dry eye is driven by meibomian gland dysfunction and eyelid inflammation. It is less effective for dry eye caused primarily by low tear production. During your dry eye evaluation at our Rockville office, our team will assess your gland function and recommend whether IPL, another treatment, or a combination approach is the best path forward.

Washington Eye Institute offers a comprehensive selection of premium intraocular lenses in the Potomac and Rockville area. Each lens technology is designed to address different visual needs, and the right choice depends on your eye anatomy, lifestyle, and vision goals.

Trifocal Lens

• Provides three distinct focal points for distance, intermediate (computer), and near (reading) vision
• Designed to reduce the need for glasses across most daily activities
• Best suited for patients who want broad spectacle independence and are comfortable with the possibility of mild halos around lights at night

Extended Depth of Focus Lens

• Uses wavefront-shaping technology to stretch and shift light, creating a broader range of vision from distance through intermediate
• Produces fewer nighttime visual disturbances compared to traditional multifocal lenses
• Ideal for patients who prioritize distance and computer-range vision and are comfortable using reading glasses for small print

Apthera IC-8 Small-Aperture IOL

• Features a small central aperture embedded in the lens optic that extends depth of focus, similar to the pinhole effect in photography
• Provides a broad range of functional vision with minimal halos or glare
• Particularly well suited for patients with mild corneal irregularities or prior refractive surgery who may not be ideal candidates for multifocal lenses

Toric Lenses for Astigmatism

• Designed to correct pre-existing corneal astigmatism at the time of cataract surgery
• Available in monofocal, multifocal, and extended depth of focus configurations
• Proper alignment and precise surgical technique are critical for optimal results

Standard Monofocal Lens

• Provides clear vision at a single focal distance, typically set for distance
• Covered by most insurance plans and Medicare
• Glasses will be needed for reading and intermediate tasks

Choosing the Right Lens

During your cataract consultation, our surgeons perform detailed measurements of your eye including corneal topography, biometry, and optical coherence tomography. Combined with a conversation about your visual priorities, daily activities, and tolerance for trade-offs such as nighttime halos, this data guides a recommendation tailored to your specific needs. Many Potomac patients find it helpful to discuss their lifestyle in detail, whether that involves extensive computer work, outdoor activities, night driving, or close-up hobbies, so our team can match you with the lens that fits best.

A stye (hordeolum) is a red, tender bump that forms along the eyelid when an oil gland or hair follicle becomes blocked and infected. While most styes resolve on their own, some require professional care. Potomac patients with recurring or worsening styes should have them evaluated at our Rockville office to rule out an underlying eyelid condition.

What Causes a Stye

• Bacterial infection: Staphylococcus bacteria, which normally live on the skin surface, can enter a blocked gland and trigger infection and inflammation
• Meibomian gland blockage: Thickened oils clog the gland openings along the eyelid margin, creating an environment for bacterial growth
• Blepharitis: Chronic eyelid inflammation increases the likelihood of recurrent styes by disrupting normal gland function
• Contributing habits: Touching or rubbing the eyes, sleeping in eye makeup, and using expired cosmetics all raise the risk

At-Home Treatment for a New Stye

• Apply a clean, warm compress to the affected eyelid for 10 to 15 minutes, three to four times per day, to help the gland drain naturally
• Gently clean the eyelid margin with a pre-formulated lid scrub, hypochlorous acid spray, or lid wipes designed for ocular use
• Avoid squeezing, popping, or attempting to drain the stye yourself, as this can spread infection
• Discontinue contact lens wear until the stye resolves
• Avoid applying makeup to the affected eye

When to See Your Eye Doctor

Schedule an appointment at our Rockville office if:

• The stye does not improve within one to two weeks of consistent warm compress use
• The bump grows larger, becomes increasingly painful, or develops significant swelling
• Redness or swelling extends beyond the eyelid to the cheek or surrounding face
• You develop a fever or changes in vision
• The stye hardens into a painless, persistent lump (chalazion) that does not resolve
• You experience recurrent styes, which may indicate underlying blepharitis or meibomian gland dysfunction

How We Treat Persistent Styes

Depending on the severity and duration of the stye, treatment at our office may include antibiotic ointment or drops, a steroid injection to reduce inflammation in a stubborn chalazion, or a minor in-office drainage procedure performed under local anesthesia. For patients with recurrent styes, we will evaluate the eyelids for blepharitis or meibomian gland disease and may recommend ongoing lid hygiene therapy or IPL treatment to reduce future episodes.

Anti-VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) injections are one of the most important advances in modern eye care. For Potomac patients living with conditions that affect the retina, these injections can slow or stop vision loss and, in many cases, improve sight. Washington Eye Institute offers anti-VEGF therapy at our Rockville office as part of our comprehensive medical retina program.

Conditions Treated with Anti-VEGF Injections

• Wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD): Abnormal blood vessels grow beneath the retina and leak fluid or blood, causing rapid central vision loss. Anti-VEGF therapy targets these vessels directly.
• Diabetic macular edema (DME): Diabetes-related damage to retinal blood vessels causes fluid to accumulate in the macula, the part of the retina responsible for sharp central vision
• Retinal vein occlusion: A blockage in a retinal vein leads to fluid leakage and swelling in the retina, which anti-VEGF injections help resolve
• Diabetic retinopathy: Advanced stages of diabetic eye disease may involve abnormal vessel growth that responds to anti-VEGF treatment

How the Injection Works

VEGF is a protein that signals the body to grow new blood vessels. In retinal diseases, this process becomes overactive, producing fragile, leaky vessels that damage the retina. Anti-VEGF medication blocks this protein, reducing abnormal vessel growth and fluid leakage and allowing the retina to heal.

What to Expect During the Procedure

• The procedure is performed in our Rockville office and takes only a few minutes
• Your eye is numbed with anesthetic drops, and the surrounding area is cleaned with an antiseptic solution
• A very fine needle is used to deliver a tiny amount of medication into the vitreous gel inside the eye
• Most patients report feeling pressure but minimal pain during the injection
• You can return to most normal activities the same day, though you may experience temporary floaters or mild irritation

How Often Are Injections Needed

Treatment schedules vary based on the condition and individual response. Initial therapy typically involves injections every four to eight weeks for several months. Over time, our retina team evaluates your response using OCT imaging and may adjust the frequency. Some patients transition to longer intervals as their condition stabilizes, while others require ongoing maintenance treatment to preserve their vision gains.

Why Consistent Treatment Matters

Skipping or delaying injections can allow fluid to re-accumulate and new vessel growth to resume, potentially causing irreversible retinal damage. Potomac patients who stay on schedule with their treatment plan at our Rockville office consistently achieve better long-term visual outcomes. Our team works with you to make the process as convenient and comfortable as possible.

Eye infections range from mild conjunctivitis to sight-threatening conditions such as corneal ulcers and endophthalmitis. Potomac patients who suspect a serious eye infection should seek prompt evaluation at our Rockville office rather than relying on over-the-counter remedies, as delayed treatment can lead to permanent scarring or vision loss.

Types of Serious Eye Infections

• Bacterial keratitis (corneal ulcer): An infection of the cornea, most commonly associated with contact lens wear, especially sleeping in lenses or using contaminated lens cases. Symptoms include severe pain, redness, light sensitivity, and a white or grayish spot on the cornea.
• Fungal keratitis: A less common but serious corneal infection often caused by trauma with organic material such as a tree branch or plant matter. Fungal infections progress more slowly but can be difficult to treat.
• Herpes simplex keratitis: A viral infection caused by the herpes simplex virus that can recur and lead to progressive corneal scarring if not managed properly
• Endophthalmitis: A rare but severe infection inside the eye, usually occurring after eye surgery or a penetrating injury. This requires emergency treatment to preserve vision.
• Orbital cellulitis: An infection of the soft tissues surrounding the eye, which can develop from sinus infections or skin infections near the eye. Symptoms include swelling, pain with eye movement, and possible fever.

Warning Signs That Require Immediate Attention

• Rapidly worsening eye pain, especially in a contact lens wearer
• Significant decrease in vision accompanied by redness
• A visible white spot or opacity on the surface of the eye
• Pus-like or heavy discharge that does not improve with basic hygiene
• Swelling of the eyelids that limits eye opening, especially with fever
• Eye pain and redness within days or weeks of eye surgery

How We Diagnose Eye Infections

At our Rockville office, our doctors, including a fellowship-trained cornea specialist, use slit-lamp examination, corneal staining, and, when necessary, corneal cultures to identify the specific organism causing the infection. Accurate diagnosis is critical because bacterial, viral, and fungal infections each require different treatment approaches.

Treatment Approaches

• Bacterial infections: Aggressive topical antibiotic drops, sometimes applied hourly in the initial phase, with close follow-up to monitor response
• Fungal infections: Specialized antifungal medications, often requiring prolonged treatment courses
• Viral infections: Antiviral medications (oral and/or topical) along with careful management to minimize corneal scarring
• Severe internal infections: May require intravitreal antibiotic injections or emergency surgical intervention

Preventing Eye Infections

• Never sleep in contact lenses unless specifically prescribed for extended wear by your eye doctor
• Replace contact lens cases every one to three months and use fresh solution daily
• Avoid swimming or showering in contact lenses
• Wash hands thoroughly before touching your eyes or handling lenses
• Seek prompt evaluation for any eye injury, especially those involving organic material

Yes. Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy has emerged as one of the most effective treatments for chronic blepharitis, particularly the form driven by meibomian gland dysfunction and eyelid inflammation. For Potomac patients who have struggled with ongoing lid irritation, crusting, and redness despite daily lid hygiene, IPL can address the inflammatory cycle that keeps blepharitis active.

Understanding Blepharitis

Blepharitis is a chronic inflammatory condition of the eyelids that affects millions of adults. It typically involves:

• Red, swollen, or irritated eyelid margins
• Flaking, crusting, or debris along the lash line
• A gritty, burning, or stinging sensation in the eyes
• Frequent styes or chalazia
• Fluctuating or blurry vision caused by an unstable tear film

Blepharitis is closely linked to meibomian gland dysfunction and is a leading contributor to chronic dry eye symptoms. Traditional treatments such as warm compresses and lid scrubs can help manage symptoms but often fail to fully control the underlying inflammation.

How IPL Targets Blepharitis

• Reduces eyelid inflammation: IPL energy targets abnormal blood vessels along the lid margins that feed chronic inflammation, breaking the cycle that keeps blepharitis active
• Helps improve meibomian gland function: By warming and liquefying thickened gland secretions, IPL helps oil flow back into the tear film, improving tear quality and stability
• Decreases bacterial and Demodex mite load: IPL reduces the populations of microorganisms on the eyelid surface that contribute to blepharitis flares
• Complements daily lid hygiene: Patients who combine IPL with a consistent at-home lid care routine typically see the most sustained improvement

What Results Can You Expect

• Most patients begin noticing reduced redness, crusting, and irritation after two to three treatment sessions
• A full course typically involves four sessions spaced three to four weeks apart
• Improvements in tear film stability often lead to reduced dry eye symptoms as well
• Maintenance sessions every six to twelve months help prevent blepharitis from returning to its previous severity

Is IPL Appropriate for All Types of Blepharitis

IPL is most effective for posterior blepharitis involving meibomian gland dysfunction and the inflammatory component of anterior blepharitis. For blepharitis caused primarily by bacterial overgrowth without significant gland involvement, antibiotic therapy or medicated lid wipes may be a more appropriate first step. During your evaluation at our Rockville office, our doctors will determine the type and severity of your blepharitis and recommend the treatment plan most likely to provide lasting relief.