by EyeLASIK | Oct 15, 2014 | Uncategorized
Eye Injury Prevention Month
October is eye injury prevention month. Protecting your eyes is one of the most basic things you can do to prevent eye injuries. But when eye injuries do happen, how do you recognize them and what do you do? Find out everything you need to know about eye injuries.
Wearing protective eye gear can prevent up to 90% of all eye injuries. Most eye injuries happen around the house, so wear eye protection whenever you can (mowing the lawn, working with tools, sun exposure, etc.) Eye protection is the best way to prevent an eye injury.
However, if an eye injury does occur, it is very important to see an ophthalmologist immediately, even if you think the injury is minor. Do NOT rub your eye or try to remove something you may think is causing the injury. Do not rinse your eye unless you may be suffering from a chemical burn.
Find out everything you need to know about eye injuries!
There are several ways to know if you or someone you know is suffering from an eye injury:
- Unusual pupil size
- One eye is moving slower than the other
- Obvious trouble seeing and/or irritation
- The eye is more protruded than the other
- Blood in the eye
Among other things, eye injuries can cause blindness, so they should be treated seriously and with extreme caution. Do not treat an eye injury yourself. More than likely, you will only make the problem worse. Call your ophthalmologist’s office for advice or to schedule a time to see a professional.
At Eye LASIK Midland, we value vision and work to protect and improve your vision. If you would like a free consultation to discuss a LASIK procedure, request one HERE. If you would like to stay up to date on all the latest eye care tips, Eye LASIK news and promotions, subscribe to our newsletter or take a look at our other blogs.
by EyeLASIK | Jul 31, 2014 | Healthy Vision San Angelo, LASIK San Angelo, Uncategorized
If you’re considering laser eye surgery, it’s imperative that you know the facts. There are a number of myths surrounding the procedure, despite the number of successful procedures performed yearly. Here we debunk five common myths laser vision correction surgery.
Myth #1: It’s Painful
It’s a very common misconception that laser eye surgery is painful in some way. This may be because it is a common fear for most people, but it is simply not the case.
During the procedure, your doctor will administer several drops of a topical anesthetic to numb your eyes. This will prevent any sensation of pain. In fact, the most uncomfortable part of laser eye surgery is the speculum used to hold your eye open during the procedure.
Myth #2: Surgery Results Aren’t Permanent
Laser eye surgery is a permanent treatment. The laser used to correct your vision removes a predetermined amount of tissue from your eye, which cannot grow back. If you notice that your vision is gradually starting to change, chances are it’s because you’re aging.
As you get older, your eyes age with you, which means at some point your vision will change and you will most likely need reading glasses. But this does not mean that your laser eye surgery wasn’t permanent, it simply means your eyes are getting older.
Myth #3: Results Take Time
With older procedures such as Radial Keratotomy, results were typically seen several days to weeks after the procedure. However, with laser eye surgery such as LASIK, results are typically seen immediately after the patient sits up from the procedure table.
However, in some cases, vision may be hazy or blurry for the first day or two. Because the cornea heals very quickly, most patients notice dramatic improvement in their vision within about 24 to 48 hours.
Myth #4: You’re Guaranteed 20/20 Vision
As with any surgery, there are no guarantees. However, with the advent of wavefront LASIK, the odds are much improved. For most patients, their final visual outcome depends on both the type of procedure and amount of correction needed. Because of this, it’s important to talk to your surgeon about your expectations before your procedure.
Myth #5: Laser Eye Surgery Is Risky
As with any procedure, there are risks with laser eye surgery. Halos, glare, or overcorrection are just some of the possible risks. Talk with your doctor about your specific concerns to put the risks in perspective.
Ready to take the first step towards better vision? Take advantage of our offer for a free consultation. You even get to see your local San Angelo doctor throughout the process. Click HERE or on the image below.
by EyeLASIK | Jul 16, 2014 | Uncategorized
We all enjoy the independence that comes with a healthy body and mind. When your eyesight begins to fail we risk losing the ability to accomplish these activities we may take for granted. That’s why it’s important to so what you can to protect your valuable eyesight and do what you can to prevent common vision health problems.
With that in mind, here are 4 healthy vision facts you should know:
#1 Vision Health Fact:
Smokers, people with blue eyes, and postmenopausal women are particularly prone to lower levels of lutein making it critical to supplement with this proven nutrient for vision health. Check with your provider if lutein supplements should be added to your diet
#2 Vision Health Fact:
Environmental factors such as dry air and long hours in front of a computer, certain medications including antihistamines and decongestants, and simply aging can make us more susceptible to dry eyes. While there are many eye drop products designed to treat dry eyes, check with your provider for a product he/she may recommend to keep eyes moist and relieve dryness but will also help to prevent eye irritation from occurring in the first place.
#3 Vision Health Fact:
If you could add just one food to your daily diet to protect your vision, it should be spinach. In one study, women who ate spinach five times a week had a 45 percent reduction in risk of cataracts. Plus, another study found that men who consumed it twice a week had half the risk of cataract surgery compared to those who ate spinach less than once a month.
#4 Vision Health Fact:
Anthocyanosides—phytonutrients found in dark berries, especially bilberry and black currant—can improve by enhancing light/dark adaptation and reducing glare. The suggested daily dosages are 30 mg of bilberry extract and 200 mg of black currant extract. Again, This are just guidelines. We always recommend discussing any dietary changes with your provider.
Are you wondering if LASIK Eye surgery is for you? The best way to know is to schedule a FREE consultation. After our full evaluation, we’ll have all the information we need to make a recommendation and you’ll have everything you need to decide if LASIK is right for you! Click HERE or on the image below to schedule.
by EyeLASIK | Jun 11, 2014 | Uncategorized
If you’re considering laser eye surgery, it’s imperative that you know the facts. There are a number of myths surrounding the procedure, despite the number of successful procedures performed yearly. Here we debunk five common myths laser vision correction surgery.
Myth #1: It’s Painful
It’s a very common misconception that laser eye surgery is painful in some way. This may be because it is a common fear for most people, but it is simply not the case.
During the procedure, your doctor will administer several drops of a topical anesthetic to numb your eyes. This will prevent any sensation of pain. In fact, the most uncomfortable part of laser eye surgery is the speculum used to hold your eye open during the procedure.
Myth #2: Surgery Results Aren’t Permanent
Laser eye surgery is a permanent treatment. The laser used to correct your vision removes a predetermined amount of tissue from your eye, which cannot grow back. If you notice that your vision is gradually starting to change, chances are it’s because you’re aging.
As you get older, your eyes age with you, which means at some point your vision will change and you will most likely need reading glasses. But this does not mean that your laser eye surgery wasn’t permanent, it simply means your eyes are getting older.
Myth #3: Results Take Time
With older procedures such as Radial Keratotomy, results were typically seen several days to weeks after the procedure. However, with laser eye surgery such as LASIK, results are typically seen immediately after the patient sits up from the procedure table.
However, in some cases, vision may be hazy or blurry for the first day or two. Because the cornea heals very quickly, most patients notice dramatic improvement in their vision within about 24 to 48 hours.
Myth #4: You’re Guaranteed 20/20 Vision
As with any surgery, there are no guarantees. However, with the advent of wavefront LASIK, the odds are much improved. For most patients, their final visual outcome depends on both the type of procedure and amount of correction needed. Because of this, it’s important to talk to your surgeon about your expectations before your procedure.
Myth #5: Laser Eye Surgery Is Risky
As with any procedure, there are risks with laser eye surgery. Halos, glare, or overcorrection are just some of the possible risks. Talk with your doctor about your specific concerns to put the risks in perspective.
by EyeLASIK | May 28, 2014 | Uncategorized
We know the decision to have LASIK surgery is a big one, so we take great care to determine what’s best for you as our patient. That’s why we offer IntraLase as step one in your LASIK treatment.
With IntraLase, a beam of laser light is used to create your corneal flap, which is then lifted so the second step of LASIK—the reshaping of your cornea—can be performed. When your LASIK treatment is over, the flap is securely repositioned into place. This bladeless, computer-guided technology is 100 percent more accurate than most of the mechanical microkeratomes (hand-held device with a thin metal blade) that surgeons may also use to create a corneal flap.*
Because of the superior accuracy of IntraLase, certain patients who were ineligible for LASIK may now be able to have treatment. Ask your doctor today if you are a candidate.
IntraLase Offers Assurance and Comfort:
IntraLase has been used successfully on hundreds of thousands of eyes and we trust this advanced technology to deliver exceptional results. Our commitment is to provide you with the ultimate in comfort, safety, and outstanding vision. LASIK with IntraLase can help you achieve all of this—while it delivers the added assurance of knowing you’re being treated with the most advanced technology there is.
How IntraLase works:
Unlike mechanical instruments, IntraLase technology is uniquely able to program the dimensions of your flap based on what’s best for your eye. Then the IntraLase laser creates your flap from below the surface of the cornea—without ever cutting it. How?
1. IntraLase uses ultrafast pulses of laser light to position microscopic bubbles at a precise depth determined by your doctor.
2. The laser light passes harmlessly through your cornea. Then the laser creating rows of these bubbles just beneath your corneal surface as it moves back and forth across your eye in a uniform plane.
3. Next, the IntraLase laser stacks bubbles around your corneal diameter to create the edges of your flap. These bubbles are stacked at an angle that is determined by your doctor and is individualized to the way your eye is shaped.
4. The process takes only about 30 seconds from start to finish—it’s quiet and it’s comfortable.
5. Your doctor then gently lifts the flap to allow for the second step of your LASIK treatment. When treatment is complete, the flap easily “locks” back into position and rapidly begins to heal.
LASIK performed with IntraLase is preferred by patients
In a survey of clinical practices, the vision in the IntraLase-treated eye was preferred up to 3 to 1 by patients over the vision in the mechanical blade-treated eye (among those who stated a preference).**
LASIK performed with IntraLase delivers superior visual results
In a clinical study comparing the IntraLase laser to the leading microkeratome, more patients achieved 20/20 vision or better in standard and custom LASIK surgery when IntraLase was used to create the corneal flap.***
Sources:
*Wang M. Femtosecond technology: is now the time to buy? Refractive Eyecare for Ophthalmologists. May 2003;5:7.
** Daniel S Durrie, M.D.: Randomized prospective clinical study of LASIK: IntraLase versus mechanical keratome. Subsets presented at the Joint Meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology & the International Society of Refractive Surgery, November 14, 2003, Anaheim, CA, the Symposium of the American Society of Cataract & Refractive Surgery, May 4, 2004, San Diego, CA, the International Refractive Surgery: Science and Practice, October 23, 2004, New Orleans, LA, and the Symposium of the American Society of Cataract & Refractive Surgery, April 18, 2005, Washington, DC.
*** Durrie, DS, MD, Kezirian GM, MD. Femtosecond laser versus mechanical keratome flaps in wavefront-guided laser in situ keratomileusis: Prospective contralateral eye study. J Cataract Refract Surg. 2005;31:120-126.
Mkt Doc 213 Rev. A IntraLase is a registered trademark of IntraLase Corp.
Contact Eye LASIK Midland for a complimentary evaluation to learn if laser vision correction surgery is for you HERE or by clicking the image below.
by EyeLASIK | May 7, 2014 | Uncategorized
Ahhh Spring in West Texas. With all the dust, wind & allergens in the air, it’s no wonder this could be some peoples least favorite season. Don’t let misery keep you inside! If you have dry eyes in addition to spring allergies, your misery this time of year can be compounded. Dry eyes need special care during allergy season until pollen counts lessen and seasonal symptoms subside.
One key to surviving allergy season is prevention. Be sure that you are continuing your usual dry eye care routine as recommended by your physician in order to keep dry eye flares and symptoms to a minimum. Uncontrolled dry eye can make allergy symptoms worse since the eyes do not have enough tears to dilute pollen that gets into the eye. Controlling your spring allergies and your dry eye simultaneously is very important to maintaining your eye health and comfort.
To help keep spring allergies in check it’s best to avoid allergens as much as possible.
Some suggestions during allergy season include:
- Watch local pollen counts and try to stay inside when pollen is high or on very windy days.
- Use a Hepa filter air cleaner in your home or turn on your air conditioning to filter the air.
- Cleanse face and hands after being outside to remove pollen.
- Remove outer clothing and shoes before coming into the house to avoid bringing allergens indoors.
- Bathe in the evenings to keep pollen out of bedding.
If your efforts at prevention are just not enough, medications are generally used to control allergies. However, for people with dry eye, over-the-counter (OTC) oral antihistamines and allergy eye drops can reduce tear quantity and quality and result in increased dry eye symptoms.
Some of the other steps you can take during allergy season?
- Increasing the use of artificial tears may help flush out pollen and provide some relief.
- Using cold compresses can help reduce inflammation.
- Avoid rubbing the eyes if they are itchy as the action worsens the allergic reaction and can damage the eye.
If you’ve tried everything possible and you are still having significant allergy symptoms, schedule an appointment with your eye doctor who can prescribe stronger drops, ointments, or other medications for short-term use to help you through allergy season with minimal discomfort or flaring of your dry eye symptoms.
If your contacts bother you during allergy season, laser correction surgery may be for you! Imagine the comfort & convenience of not having to worry with contacts or glasses. We invite you to take advantage of our complimentary consultation with Eye LASIK Midland. CLICK HERE or on the image below.
