Dr. Dr. Russell E. Swann, MD
Ophthalmologist
201 Londonderry Street Waco Texas, 76712
About
Russell E. Swann, MD, MS, FACS, is a well-versed ophthalmologist who diagnoses and treats patients at Brazos Eye Surgery in Waco, Texas, where he serves as Medical Director. They provide care for cataracts, cornea and external ocular diseases, astigmatism, diabetic eye care, glaucoma, macular degeneration, dry eyes, autoimmune diseases, and optical dispensary. A battle with cancer forced him to discontinue his surgical career in 2009; however, he continues to meet the needs of his general ophthalmology, diabetic, and glaucoma patients.
Dr. Dr. Russell E. Swann, MD's Videos
Education and Training
Tulane University School of Medicine
Tulane Univ Sch of Med, New Orleans La 1975
Tulane University School of Medicine 1975
Board Certification
American Board of Ophthalmology
OphthalmologyAmerican Board of OphthalmologyABO
Provider Details
Dr. Dr. Russell E. Swann, MD's Expert Contributions
What is the best medicine for watery eyes?
The best answer is an accurate diagnosis. Then treat accordingly. Starting with a good history including medications such as anti histamines, as well as environmental factors including sick building syndrome. A good slit lamp exam with Lissamine dye and evaluation of the meibomian glands. Followed by ancillary testing such as osmolarity evaluations and MMP-3 evaluation of inflammation will most likely allow formulation of the diagnosis and treatment. In the meantime, one could use a preservative-free artificial tear substitute. READ MORE
Can a cataract recur in a person?
If the definition of cataract is a clouded lens, then the answer is a guarded no. In today's state of the art cataract surgery, the lens capsule is left in the eye to support the plastic lens (IOL) and approximately 30% of the time the membrane clouds secondary to cellular growth. This results in blurry vision. The remedy is making a hole in the clouded capsule with a YAG laser. But, of course, there can be other causes, so an exam by an ophthalmologist is recommended. READ MORE
My sister's baby has been diagnosed with infant cataract. Is this curable?
This is a highly controversial area, but it is clear without surgery, the baby will develop severe amblyopia. I recommend an experienced surgeon/pediatric ophthalmologist. The main issue is the child is growing so it is very difficult to predict the IOL power AND the infant eye is very reactive, making secondary posterior pacification of the capsule very likely. This is a great challenge to the parents as well and at this age, silicon contact lenses are a reasonable solution if you have highly motivated parents. READ MORE
Why are my mother's eyes watering 1 year after cataract surgery?
Quick answer: dry eyes, or bilateral blocked tear ducts. Your mother needs to see an ophthalmologist interested in working up dry eyes to determine the etiology. READ MORE
I have a lot of floaters in my eyes. Will it make me blind?
The 99% answer is no if you had them, but if they are new then a dilated retinal exam is Indicated especially if you had flashes of light or are a high myope or have other medical problems such as diabetes READ MORE
Can being in the sun without UV protection harm my eyes?
This is basic: UV exposure in large quantities is associated with skin cancer (squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma and melanoma as well as pre-cancer lesions such as actinic keratoses). Therefore, if you have pale skin, you should be even more vigilant: use sun screen, a hat and large sunglasses with UV-A and B filters to protect the eye as well as the peri-ocular skin. The evidence regarding ocular damage is there as well including Salzmans keratopathy, pterygium and exacerbation of dry eyes. Cataracts also seem more prevalent with extreme sun, such as farmers. READ MORE
Can my son's single eye squint be corrected through surgery?
I am not a pediatric Ophthalmologist, however, there are some principles that are important: 1) make an appointment with a pediatric MD Ophthalmologist or a general Ophthalmologist with a strong interest in this area of Ophthalmology; 2) is there vision in the deviated eye? If so, this needs to be treated before surgery with amblyopia treatment, which can include patching and atropine; 3) surgery can be done, but can include both eyes with a 70% chance of winning on the first attempt. Success will be greater with greater vision. If no vision, the analogy would be a ship without an anchor, so strabismus surgery may work for a time and then drift. Having said all of this, I am in agreement that cosmesis is important and that all future children should be evaluated earlier, including next generations. READ MORE
My daughter is 3 years old and currently has swelling in her left eye. Is this a sty?
You should go to a general or pediatric ophthalmologist and treat the chalazion or anterior stye. Without pictures I would try warm compresses for 4 minutes and local massage for 10 seconds 4Xdy and see the above recommended physicians READ MORE
What is the reason for constant watering of the eyes?
Tearing eyes (epiphora) can be secondary to many etiologies. Firstly, it is usually easy to rule out lacrimal drainage issues; assuming this has been ruled out, the more frequently seen cause is reflex tearing from dry eyes. This can be evaporative, decrease aqueous production, and even conjunctival chalasis. This is not always easy to sort out. It is recommended to find an ophthalmologist who has an interest and/or specialty in this area. READ MORE
Is there a way to treat cataract without surgery?
There is an article by Robert Jay Warren in second opinion February 2004 which suggests that DMSO WITH ANTIOXIDANTS MAY BE OF VALUE. A recent article by Melissa Merrel PharmD suggests that glutathione and DMSO SHOULD BE IN SEPARATE BOTTLES DUE TO INCOMPATIBILITY. I have no personal experience. READ MORE
My son is 3 years old and has developed cataract. What should I do?
The issue is amblyopia vs developing.eye as implanting the predicted IOL power won't be accurate as the child develops. Need to know what kind of cataract and if dilation would improve his best corrected vision. If cataract surgery is the only option I would recommend a cataract surgeon who is comfortable with pediatric case, do a good anterior capsulotomy and on completion of the cataract removal do a posterior capsu lotomy with an optic capture in the posterior capsulorrhexis. This apparently decreases the need for vitrectomy and certainly precludes a YAG capsulotomy. Even when this is done well the child needs to be followed closely for amblyopia preferably by a pediatric ophthalmologist. READ MORE
Expert Publications
Data provided by the National Library of MedicineAreas of expertise and specialization
Faculty Titles & Positions
- Medical Director Brazos Eye Surgery -
Treatments
- Cataracts
- Diabetes
- Macular Degeneration
- Glaucoma
- Diabetic Retinopathy
- Type 2 Diabetes
- Chalazion
- Conjunctivitis
- Dry Eye Syndrome
Professional Memberships
- American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery
Dr. Dr. Russell E. Swann, MD's Practice location
Brazos Eye Surgery
201 Londonderry Street -Waco, Texas 76712Get Direction
Dr. Dr. Russell E. Swann, MD's reviews
Write ReviewPatient Experience with Dr. Swann
Media Releases
Get to know Ophthalmologist Dr. Russell E. Swann, who serves patients in Waco, Texas.
Dr. Swann has served as the Medical Director and Senior Ophthalmologist at Brazos Eye Surgery in Waco, Texas for the past four decades. The practice has earned a reputation of excellence by providing their patients with advanced and cutting edge technology, along with knowledgeable and professional staff. They provide comprehensive eye exams, as well as treatment for cataracts, cornea and external ocular diseases, astigmatism, diabetic eye care, glaucoma, macular degeneration, dry eyes, autoimmune diseases, and optical dispensary.
With a vision and passion to bring state-of-the-art ophthalmic surgical technology to Central Texas, Dr. Swann’s reputation for excellent surgical outcomes earned him area wide recognition. A battle with cancer forced him to discontinue his surgical career in 2009; however, he continues to meet the needs of his general ophthalmology, diabetic, and glaucoma patients.
A Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and a member of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, the doctor is board-certified in ophthalmology by the American Board of Ophthalmology, an independent, nonprofit organization responsible for certifying ophthalmologists in the United States. He is also on the Board of Directors of the Dallas Academy of Ophthalmology.
Throughout his academic career, Dr. Swann earned his medical degree from Tulane University School of Medicine in New Orleans, Louisiana in 1975. He then went on to complete his surgical internship at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas, Texas in 1976, followed by his residency in ophthalmology at Ochsner Foundation Hospital in New Orleans, Louisiana in 1981. He also holds a Bachelor of Science degree and a Master of Science degree in Biochemistry.
Ophthalmology is a branch of medicine and surgery, which deals with the diagnosis and treatment of eye disorders. Ophthalmologists are experts in the diseases, functions, and anatomy of the eye. They may provide routine care such as vision testing, as well as prescribe and fit eyeglasses or contact lenses. However, ophthalmologists are also surgeons. They repair traumatic injuries to the eye and perform cataract and corneal surgery.
Among his accolades, Dr. Swann has received the coveted Best Doctor in America Achievement Award each year since 2001.
Additional Information
Drs. Russell E. Swann & F. Beau Swann are Outstanding Ophthalmologists with Brazos Eye Surgery in Waco, Texas
Russell E. Swann, MD, MS, FACS, is a well-versed ophthalmologist who diagnoses and treats patients at Brazos Eye Surgery in Waco, Texas, where he serves as Medical Director. They provide care for cataracts, cornea and external ocular diseases, astigmatism, diabetic eye care, glaucoma, macular degeneration, dry eyes, autoimmune diseases, and optical dispensary. A battle with cancer forced him to discontinue his surgical career in 2009; however, he continues to meet the needs of his general ophthalmology, diabetic, and glaucoma patients. Dr. Russell E. Swann attended Tulane University School of Medicine in New Orleans, Louisiana, and received his medical degree in 1975. Then, he served his internship at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas, TX (1975-1976). Furthermore, he conducted his residency in ophthalmology at Ochsner Foundation Hospital in New Orleans, Louisiana (1976-1981). Dr. Swann received board certification in ophthalmology from the American Board of Ophthalmology, is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and a member of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery. In addition to his medical degree, he holds a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree and a Master of Science (MS) degree in Biochemistry. Dr. Russell Swann is on the Board of Directors of the Dallas Academy of Ophthalmology. For more information about Dr. Russell E. Swann, please visit https://brazoseye.com.
Beau Swann, MD, MS, is a top ophthalmologist who lends his skills and expertise to serve patients at Brazos Eye Surgery in Waco, Texas. He practices alongside his father, Dr. Russell E. Swann. With ten years of experience as an ophthalmologist, he specializes in cataract and refractive surgery, including laser eye surgery. Dr. Beau Swann is a 2013-graduate of Tulane University School of Medicine in New Orleans, Louisiana. His postgraduate training includes his ophthalmology residency served at the same educational venue (2013-2017), as well as his fellowship performed at the Eye Institute of West Florida (2017-2018). Dr. Swann completed his undergraduate education, i.e. his Bachelor of Science degree in Biomedical Engineering (2006), as well as his Master of Science degree in Pharmacology at Tulane University (2007). Dr. Swann is the recipient of the51st and 52nd C.S. O’Brian Professorship Award for Outstanding Research and the 2017 Bloomberg Resident Surgical Competition Award from the American College of Eye Surgeons. In his spare time, Dr. Beau Swann enjoys sailing in international waters, skiing, climbing, kayaking, scuba diving, fishing, hunting, and taking medical mission trips to Mexico. For more information about F. Beau Swann, MD, MS, please visit https://www.findatopdoc.com/doctor/8127140-Russell-Swann-Ophthalmologist.
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