When it comes to seeing the world, our eyes take center stage. But it’s not a solo performance—supporting structures like the eyelids, tear ducts, and eye sockets play a critical role in how well the eye is able to function.
These things also contribute to connecting and communicating with others. If these external aspects of the eyes are altered from disease, injury, or the natural aging process, they can hinder our interaction with others.
Hattiesburg Eye Clinic has always strived to care for both of these aspects, the functional and the aesthetic. And now they’re going a step further: This summer, Hattiesburg Eye welcomes Dr. Jonathan Glaze as the clinic’s first and the region’s only full time, fellowship-trained Oculofacial Plastic Surgeon.
As a sub-specialty of ophthalmology, oculoplastic surgery covers a wide range of procedures that treat many supporting structures of the eyes and adjacent areas of the face.
“There are a number of reasons why an oculoplastic procedure might be necessary,” says Dr. Glaze. “Perhaps to improve the function of the eye, as with eyelid malposition, tear duct surgery, or reconstructive surgery. And oculoplastic surgery is often used to enhance a person’s appearance, especially regarding the eyelids.”
A native of Ellisville, Mississippi, Dr. Glaze became interested in ophthalmology through an early realization. “When I was younger, I came to realize that eyesight would be the last sense I’d ever want to lose. That later piqued my interest in eye care as a profession.”
That youthful interest became reality when Dr. Glaze completed his medical degree and residency at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, followed by fellowship at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center and TN Oculoplastics. The time he spent in fellowship in Memphis and Nashville provided him ample surgical experience in one of the busiest trauma centers in the world at the Elvis Presley Trauma Center, as well as the largest pediatric cancer hospital in the country at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. During that time, he also served as a team ophthalmologist for the Memphis Grizzlies.
“Repairing physical injuries that occur around the eyes is an important part of oculoplastic surgery,” says Dr. Glaze. “We also work with other medical specialties, most notably dermatology. In the latter case, the removal of skin cancers can leave defects around the eyes that require reconstruction.”
Dr. Glaze is equally adept with cosmetic surgical procedures. Among the most performed, a number of oculoplastic procedures can improve the appearance of the eyelids. “These procedures represent a significant portion of an oculoplastic surgeon’s practice,” says Dr. Glaze. “We can help recontour the eyelids by removing excessive skin or fat, resulting in a more youthful appearance.”
As his surgical training was coming to an end, Dr. Glaze considered several practice offers from around the country. Hattiesburg Eye Clinic in particular captured his attention.
“Both my wife and I are from this region,” says Dr. Glaze. “So, coming here will bring us closer to both our families. I also sensed that Hattiesburg Eye Clinic itself was one big, happy family, one that I wanted to be a part of.”
Dr. Glaze’s addition to Hattiesburg Eye Clinic’s expert team of surgeons will greatly expand the treatment options they can offer to their patients. As he comes on board this summer, Hattiesburg Eye Clinic takes another major step toward providing the best comprehensive eye care in South Mississippi.
