by EyeLASIK | Aug 13, 2014 | Eye LASIK, Healthy Vision San Angelo
Walk into your favorite grocery store and take a closer look at the people around you. How many people are wearing glasses? The fact is, loss of normal vision is extremely common. Some people don’t mind wearing glasses or contacts, but many find themselves wishing for a better way, LASIK eye surgery is the answer for many people. LASIK eye surgery is the better way to correct vision for many individuals.
For those with conditions such as astigmatism, which makes it difficult if not impossible to completely correct vision through use of contacts or glasses, LASIK eye surgery can make a difference. Although LASIK vision surgery has been practiced for more than two decades, not everyone is sure what it is or if it is right for them.
First of all, a quick definition of LASIK surgery: LASIK eye surgery corrects vision problems including but not limited to near-sightedness, far-sightedness, and astigmatism. In LASIK, a thin flap is created on the cornea. Corneal tissue is then removed and reshaped and the flap is closed, which creates the corrected focus. LASIK is short for laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis, the technical term for the surgery.
LASIK eye surgery is the most common type of refractive surgery
. LASIK eye surgery is so successful – over 98 percent of LASIK surgery patients achieve their desired results. The change in vision is achieved quickly following surgery, and the long-term results are excellent.
So, are you a good candidate for LASIK eye surgery?
Here are some points to consider:
- You have astigmatism, which makes your vision difficult to correct with glasses or contacts
- You participate in activities such as sports or water activities and would prefer not to wear contacts or glasses
- Contact lenses are uncomfortable for you to wear
- You don’t enjoy the fit or feel of glasses on your face
- You would like to wake up in the morning and be able to see clearly
- You dislike the cost associated with buying contacts year after year
- You have had stable eyesight for at least a year, with no history of significant eye conditions such as glaucoma or ulcers.
The above points are just a few things to consider, but ones we find are significant to many of our patients. Patients over the age of 40 need to be aware that if their eyesight is corrected for nearsightedness, this will not completely eliminate the need for glasses in the future. Many people may need glasses for farsightedness as they age. Also, women who are pregnant or nursing are not good candidates for LASIK, as hormone changes can affect prescreening vision tests. Six weeks following the baby’s delivery and if the mother isn’t nursing, she can be properly evaluated for surgery.
The great news about LASIK eye surgery is the results are so beneficial for such a large percentage of people. Having your procedure with Eye LASIK Midland couldn’t be easier. You actually work with our local eye doctor in San Angelo. When you’re ready to discuss your possible procedure, we’re here for you. Contact us today for a free evaluation by clicking HERE or on the image below.
by EyeLASIK | Aug 6, 2014 | Eye LASIK, laser vision correction surgery
Glaucoma is a fairly prevalent disease, affecting about two percent of the general population in the United States alone. It is actually the second leading cause of total blindness in the world. Glaucoma is known as the “silent thief” because it generally has no symptoms, and the disease is typically only noticed by the patient after extreme loss of peripheral vision has occurred.
What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is caused by an increase in pressure in the eye that causes damage to the optic nerve, the part of the eye that sends images received by the eye to the brain. This damage results in the gradual loss of peripheral vision that gets progressively worse and can lead to permanent blindness.
Glaucoma is usually diagnosed after a series of tests that include checking the pressure in the eye, looking at the optic nerve and checking for loss of peripheral vision. Once the disease has been diagnosed, treatment typically involves a regimen of eye drops to keep the pressure in the eye in a normal range. However, surgery can be an option if the drops do not control the pressure enough to prevent damage to the optic nerve.
But even if you’ve been diagnosed with glaucoma you can have laser eye surgery. Depending on the severity of your glaucoma, you may not be a candidate for traditional LASIK, but you may be able to have iLASIK with glaucoma.
iLASIK with Glaucoma
During the LASIK procedure, a hinged flap is made in the cornea (the clear part of the eye located in front of the iris) ,and then a laser is used to remove excess tissue in the corneal bed to refocus light and alleviate the patient’s need for glasses or contacts.
During a traditional LASIK procedure, a device called a microkeratome is used to cut the flap in the cornea. This part of the procedure can cause an increase in the pressure of the eye because the microkeratome uses suction to ensure the eye does not move while the flap is cut. This can exacerbate glaucoma in those patients with the condition, and in some cases, the pressure may go up even after the procedure has been completed.
However, iLASIK, also known as Intralase LASIK, alleviates this risk since the flap is created using a femtosecond laser. No pressure is placed on the eye to make the flap, and the procedure is completely bladeless. Instead during iLASIK with glaucoma, the femtosecond laser applies tiny rapid pulses of light to the eye causing microscopic bubbles to form just below the surface of the cornea.
The Intralase method takes about 15 seconds and makes having iLASIK with glaucoma safer for you. Having iLASIK with glaucoma also offers excellent results. Vision is typically clearer right after the procedure, and there is less trauma to the eye. The result is less inflammation after iLASIK with glaucoma along with a reduction in healing time.
For patients who thought they were unable to have laser eye surgery, iLASIK with glaucoma is a real possibility. For most patients, having iLASIK with glaucoma is a safe alternative to traditional LASIK.
Schedule a FREE evaluation to decide if laser vision correction surgery is for you. Read what happens at your evaluation in one of our past blogs here.
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by EyeLASIK | Jul 30, 2014 | better vision, Eye LASIK, laser vision correction surgery
The first step in the LASIK procedure is the evaluation or consultation. During this appointment a trained eye doctor evaluates your results to ensure you’re a candidate for laser eye surgery. After a thorough discussion and exam, we’ll be able to determine if laser eye surgery is right for you. We’ll also recommend the best procedure based on your exam results. We perform a wavefront diagnosis using the WaveScan WaveFront system. Your eye is unique—as personal as your fingerprint or your DNA. The WaveScan WaveFront system creates a 3-D map that provides detailed information of your vision correction requirements to develop a personalized laser vision correction plan.
Want to read more about the different procedures! Check out our blog on LASIK vs. Epi-LASEK https://eyelasikmidland.com/epi-lasek-eye-surgery/
Please remember, it will be best to discontinue wearing your contact lenses several days before your evaluation appointment. Contact lenses distort the shape of your cornea, and we will want your cornea to have returned to it’s natural shape by the time of your appointment.
Ordinary defects in your vision can be corrected using eye glasses, contact lenses, and traditional LASIK surgery. Normal myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism can be corrected using these traditional methods. However, there are irregularities of the eye that can only be spotted and treated with the Wavefront LASIK technology. The Wavefront LASIK will create an individualized laser correction program for the surface of your eye. This will be guided by a detailed analysis of the errors in your vision as seen in the way light travels through your eye.
Why does Eye LASIK Midland choose to use the Wavefront LASIK?
At Eye LASIK Midland we feel there are advantages to the Wavefront LASIK in terms of quality of your vision.
- There is a greater chance that you will achieve a twenty-twenty vision
- There is a greater chance that you will get better vision than twenty-twenty
- There is a lower chance of losing the optimal correction for your vision
- There is a lower chance of losing the quality in your vision
- There is a lower chance of losing sensitivity in terms of contrast
- There is a lower chance of getting glares
- It is unlikely that you will have problems seeing at night
There may be a chance to correct previous refractive surgeries and make seeing better with the custom LASIK refractive surgery.
Ready to make your FREE consultation with Eye LASIK Midland? Click HERE or on the image below.
by EyeLASIK | Jul 23, 2014 | better vision, Eye LASIK, laser vision correction surgery
Most people know the best ways to protect your body from harmful UV rays, but you may be forgetting about your eyes. Turns out your shades are more than a fashion statement. Sunglasses could help you avoid problems as varied as sunburn, cataracts and skin cancer.
Let’s look at a list of how specific areas of your eye are effected by the sun.
White of the eye
Sun damage can cause a condition called pinguecula, a thickening of the conjunctive, which is the clear, thin membrane that covers the white of the eye. This causes raised, yellow spots on the eye, near the cornea. While there’s no known danger to vision, it can get irritated and inflamed. The conjunctiva also thicken and grow over the cornea, creating a condition called pterygium (also known as surfer’s eye), which might obscure vision.
Iris
Research has suggested that blue-eyed people are more susceptible to macular degeneration, according to Brown. While at this point we don’t know the exact reason, it is recommended even more strongly that people with light eyes wear sunglasses.
Retina
The retina is a light-sensitive layer of tissue that lines the back of the eye. The macula is the part of the retina where we have straight ahead and detailed vision. That macula can start to deteriorate, causing a condition called macular degeneration, leading to blurred vision or a blind spot. Some information suggests there could be an association between UV light and macular degenation.
Lens
Behind the iris of the eye is a crystalline lens that helps to focus light onto the retina. That lens fan develop a cloudiness, whick is known as a cataract. UV light has been implicated in the development of some types of cataracts. The more you wear sunglasses and a hat, the longer you can put it off.
Cornea
Here’s a common summertime scenario: People go the shore for the day, and as they’re driving home their eyes feel kind of gritty, like maybe there’s sand in them. By 10 p.m. they’re in agony and by 11 they’ve landed in the ER for a sunburned cornea, which is a giant scratch on the cornea. While it doesn’t cause long term damage, it can cause tremendous pain and even temporary blindness.
Skin around the eyes
The skin around the eyes and, in particular, the eyelids are made up of a very thin tissue. Over time, repeated UV exposure (not to mention constant squinting) can lead to wrinkles and age spots, as well as small skin cancers around the eye.
With laser vision correction surgery you can ditch those glasses & contacts for a great pair of effective sunglasses. Schedule your FREE evaluation with Eye LASIK Midland today! Click HERE or by clicking in the image below.
by EyeLASIK | Jul 9, 2014 | better vision, Eye LASIK, laser vision correction surgery
The freedom from glasses and contacts that Lasik eye surgery offers is completely life-changing. Add in the fact that Lasik eye surgery is now one of the safest procedures you can have to correct your vision, and it no wonder millions of people have chosen to have Lasik eye surgery.
Although Lasik surgery is a simple procedure, there is still a recovery period. However, Lasik recovery is usually quick and free from pain, although you may have discomfort for a day or two after the procedure. However, there are things you can do to ensure that your Lasik recovery is successful.
Get Plenty of Rest During Recovery
After your procedure, go home and take a nap. Let your eyes rest. Although, Lasik is a safe and simple procedure, your eyes still need time to recover. The best way to give them a head start is to keep them closed. Most patients do feel some irritation once the topical anesthetic wears off, and keeping your eyes closed is a great way to minimize this irritation.
Use Your Prescription Drops as Directed During Recovery
It’s important to use the drops prescribed by your ophthalmologist as directed during your Lasik recovery. These drops should include an antibiotic, along with a steroid and possibly an anti-inflammatory medication. These will help prevent infection and swelling, while alleviating some of the irritation you may feel shortly after the procedure. If you have any questions on how to use your drops, ask your physician before you leave the surgery center.
Don’t Rub Your Eyes During Recovery
Rubbing your eyes during your Lasik recovery period can cause complications with the flap created during the procedure, which can lead to blurry vision and possibly the need for more surgery. This is another great reason to take a nap after your procedure since you won’t feel the need to rub your eyes while you’re asleep.
Where Protective Eyewear During Recovery
You’ll be given safety glasses or goggles to wear after your procedure. For the first 24 to 48 hours during your Lasik recovery, you should wear these anytime you are outside to prevent any dirt or debris from getting into your eyes. You will also need to wear these glasses or goggles anytime you sleep for the first week after the procedure. This will help prevent you from accidentally hitting or rubbing your eyes in your sleep.
Use Artificial Tears During Recovery
In the kit you are given for your Lasik recovery, you will have drops that can be used to moisturize your eyes. Use them. These artificial tears will help alleviate discomfort during your Lasik recovery, as well as keep your corneas hydrated, which will allow them to heal quickly and properly. These drops can be used as often as needed. If you will be using them at the same time as your prescription drops, use the tears first and then wait five minutes before instilling the prescribed drops.
These five tips will help to ensure your Lasik recovery goes smoothly and help alleviate any discomfort. However, be sure to check with your surgeon to see if he or she has any other recommendations for your Lasik recovery.
Ready to see if Eye LASIK surgery is for you? Schedule your FREE evaluation with Eye LASIK Midland. Click HERE or on the image below.
by EyeLASIK | Jul 2, 2014 | better vision, Eye LASIK
If you play sports, or even watch them on television, you know how common injuries can be. What you may not know is how commonly the eye is subject to one of these injuries. If you’ve been watching the Little League All Stars or the College World Series recently, you probably noticed the players wearing safety glasses.
Professional athletes know their eyes are precious, and they take protective eyewear seriously. Professional volleyball, basketball, and baseball players are among the many athletes who wear eye protection on the field. Even water sports athletes including swimmers know the importance of wearing proper eye protection.
Sports-related eye injuries are very common. In fact, thousands of adults and children suffer these types of injury every year. The most common of these injuries is the corneal abrasion or scratch and laceration (a cut).
While a scratch to the cornea is a minor injury that can be treated fairly easily, it can also lead to vision loss if not treated at all. Other more serious sports injuries can include a traumatic cataract, a fractured eye socket, bleeding in the eye, a penetrating injury that punctures or ruptures the eyeball or even a retinal detachment, all of which can lead to blindness.
Children are particularly prone to eye injuries due to their underdeveloped depth perception. There are a number of ways a child’s eye can be injured while playing sports. Direct impact from a baseball, an elbow or finger to the eye, sand in the eye and even glare from the sun can cause an eye injury.
Protect Your Eyes
It’s important to protect your eyes with proper eyewear anytime you engage in athletics to prevent injury. But it’s also important to wear the right type of eyewear to protect your eyes.
Most athletes wear protective eyewear made with polycarbonate lenses. Polycarbonate is a type of high-grade plastic that is impact resistant and about 20 times stronger than regular eyeglass lenses. It is also pliable, which means it can be used to make a variety of eyewear to protect your eyes including safety glasses, face shields and sunglasses.
When choosing eyewear to protect your eyes, it is also important to make sure the materials used meet the American Society of Testing and Materials, or ASTM, standards for your particular sport. Our eye care professionals can help you decide which eyewear is best to protect your eyes.
Wondering what is recommended by professionals in sports protective eyewear? Get our checklist and know you’ll be protected. CLICK HERE or on the image below.
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