The Omaha Eye Institute was founded in 1985 and became The Omaha Eye and Laser Institute in 2001. Since it’s inception Omaha Eye has provided advanced treatment of challenging eye diseases that can affect the entire eye including the retina.
Our retinal staff provides medical and surgical treatment for all major retinal diseases such as macular degeneration, diabetic eye disease, retinal detachments and macular holes using advanced vitreoretinal techniques. Our retinal staff is available to see patients at our offices in Omaha, Lincoln and at our satellite office at Crawford County Memorial Hospital in Denison, Iowa.
Our doctors provide laser retinal services at Omega Surgery Centers LLC, adjacent to our offices in Omaha and Lincoln and perform vitreoretinal surgeries at The Nebraska Methodist Hospital, Alegent Lakeside Hospital in Omaha a Bryan West Hospital in Lincoln Nebraska.
Our Retinal Doctors
Dr. William Thomas and Dr. Bailey Shen, make up our team of highly skilled physicians dedicated to comprehensive eye care. Dr. Thomas, a fellowship-trained vitreoretinal surgeon, specializes in the medical and surgical treatment of various retinal conditions, including diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, and retinal detachment.
Valeda
You’ve Heard of Red Light Therapy. Now Meet Red Light Therapy for Your Eyes.
Introducing VALEDA — a new, noninvasive treatment option for certain patients with dry macular degeneration.
The Valeda Light Delivery System is a pioneering solution in ocular health, standing as the sole FDA-cleared therapy designed specifically for dry age-related macular degeneration. Utilizing photobiomodulation (commonly known as Red Light Therapy), the device administers precise wavelengths of light directly to the retina to stimulate cellular rejuvenation. This specialized light therapy enhances metabolic energy production within retinal cells while mitigating damaging oxidative stress to help protect visual function.
Engineered for patient comfort, Valeda requires no surgical interventions or injections. The treatment is safe, gentle, and requires only a few minutes per session.
CXL
Epi-on cross-linking (epithelium-on corneal collagen cross-linking) is a minimally invasive, FDA-approved medical procedure used to treat keratoconus. Keratoconus is a progressive eye condition where the cornea thins and bulges into a cone shape, causing severe vision distortion.
The “epi-on” approach is considered a major advancement over the traditional “epi-off” method:
Core Benefits of Epi-On Cross-Linking
- Significantly Less Discomfort: Because the surface epithelium is never removed or disrupted, patients typically experience only mild eye irritation or gritty feelings rather than the intense, multi-day pain associated with an open corneal wound.
- Rapid Recovery Time: Most individuals can return to their normal daily routines and routines within a day or two, bypassing the week-long healing and blurred-vision window common with traditional procedures.
- Lower Risk of Infection: The intact outer layer continues to function as the eye’s natural biological shield against bacteria and other pathogens.
- No Bandage Contact Lens Needed: Traditional procedures require a temporary protective contact lens while the surface skin regrows; epi-on completely eliminates this requirement.
- Reduced Corneal Haze: Clinical data and ophthalmology reports show a significantly lower likelihood of temporary post-treatment clouding or scarring (haze) on the surface of the eye.
