Category: Michigan Lasik - page 10

Guidelines To Follow In Order To Qualify For LASIK

Laser eye surgery is performed to help improve a person’s eye sight.  Most LASIK patients are seeking freedom from wearing eye glasses and contact lenses.  If this describes what you are looking for, laser vision correction surgery may just be the best option for you.  While laser eye surgery is effective in correcting the visions issues many Michigan residents are facing, the procedure cannot be performed on everyone.  If you or a loved one are considering laser surgery, it is important to schedule an appointment with a LASIK surgeon to discuss your specific needs.

If you are just beginning to look into this treatment option as an effective method to correct your vision issues there are some general guidelines below to consider.

Considering Age

First it is important to note that laser eye surgery is not performed on candidates under eighteen years of age.  In fact, many eye surgeons prefer that clients be a bit older to undergo the procedure.  As you age your vision tends to change even more.  In order to avoid having to perform LASIK more than once it is best done on candidates whose vision is less likely to change drastically in the coming years.

Health Of Your Eyes

The health of your eyes is another element to consider.  Laser eye surgery is performed to correct eye sight.  To qualify, your eyes must me healthy and free from eye disease, infection, scars, and corneal abnormalities.

Physically Able to Withstand Surgery

As a LASIK patient you are required to lay down.  It is important that you are able to do so without experiencing pain or discomfort.  Vision correction using a laser will be an impossible surgery to undergo if you are unable to lay flat for a period of time without being in pain.

Ability To Focus Your Eyes

Patients undergoing laser vision correction must be able to keep their eyes focused on a single light point for a few minutes.  This helps to guarantee positive results.  With the technology that is used today, lasers have the capacity to keep up with a patient’s eye movement however, the results of those who are able to focus without eye movement often have better results.

Refrain From Using Contacts Before Surgery

Patients must not wear their contact for about a month before the laser eye correction procedure.  This is because, contact lenses affect the shape of the cornea and will in turn affect the results of the eye examination that is done.  For the most accurate eye exam and results, patients must rely solely on their eye glasses for a significant period of time before their surgery.

As with any type of procedure or surgery there is a fair share of risk involved.  With this in mind all patients must sign a consent waiver prior to surgery.  It offers hospitals and medical practitioners protection from legal ramifications if something goes wrong during the procedure.  This is most often NOT the case but is becoming more and more procedural before surgical events.

Call to schedule an appointment with a local eye surgeon today to see if you qualify to undergo LASIK.  Chances are if you are over eighteen, your eyes are healthy, you are able to lay flat for an extended period of time without discomfort, you can live without your contact lenses for a month, and can assume the risks involved you will be a perfect laser eye correction patient.

If you are looking to reduce or even get rid of your eye glasses and/or contacts let us at Rohr Eye & Laser Center help you! We offer several types of LASIK eye surgery including PRK, AK, CK, Cataracts surgery and more. We perform all these eye laser treatments with state of the art equipment. We are a leader in laser vision correction, and our goal is to help you achieve superior vision. Contact us today or view our website http://www.michiganlasik.com/  to schedule an appointment.

Improving Eyesight One LASIK Surgery at a Time

There are many solutions when it comes to correcting vision problems.  Some individuals choose to wear contacts and glasses to make their day to day sight better while others investigate more convenient vision correction methods such as laser vision correction including: LASIK, PRK, and LASEK. There are a number of benefits that come with choosing surgery to correct their vision on a more permanent basis.  Although glasses and contacts have been the solution for vision problems since the 1300’s, laser eye surgery offers an innovative approach that allows users proper vision without the use of daily aides.

As with any surgery, the benefits must outweigh the drawbacks or people would not opt to participate as is the case when it comes to laser vision correction surgery.  If patients have specific questions, detailed to their vision situation directly, they should meet with an eye surgeon for a consultation.  Below we will focus on the benefits that most patients receive after correcting their vision with LASIK, LASEK, or PRK.

Improved Eyesight

In studies that have been performed LASIK has proven to be effective, meaning patients have improved vision after the procedure.  For over eighty-five percent of patients 20/20 eyesight returns while over ninety-five percent achieve 20/40.  Irrespective, the results received through laser vision correction surgery are quiet stunning. For most participants an impressive upgrade in vision is had.

Lasting Results

Perfect vision is not obtained instantaneously after LASIK, in fact it may take several months for your vision to adjust to its new normal.  However, once your vision has settled into its new normal the change will be permanent.  Eyesight deterioration from age is possible later down the road but is easily corrected with a follow up surgery.

Quick Recovery

Although you won’t be driving yourself home from the surgery most LASIK patients return to life as normal in as little as twenty-four hours.  Unlike most types of surgery, eye surgery is relatively simple as far as the recovery process is concerned.

Barrier Free Vision

Although there is a cost associated with laser vision surgery, it is far less than the amount of money individuals will spend over a lifetime paying for eye exams, glasses, and contacts.  Each year individuals need to replace glasses and contacts.  This can add up over time not to mention can become quite a hassle if misplaced or broken.  With LASIK you will never have to worry about losing a contact, breaking your glasses or what not.

People started to become aware of the benefits of LASIK around the 80’s with an increase in popularity in the mid 90’s.  LASIK is a common procedure that gives patients the freedom of vision without eyewear.  With this surgery there is no need to be concerned with glasses and contacts and how they will affect spur of the moment plans like swimming.

If you are looking to reduce or even get rid of your eye glasses and/or contacts let us at Rohr Eye & Laser Center help you! We offer several types of LASIK eye surgery including LASEK, PRK, AK, CK, Cataract surgery and more. We perform all these eye laser treatments with state of the art equipment. We are a leader in laser vision correction, and our goal is to help you achieve superior vision. Contact us today or view our website http://www.michiganlasik.com/  to schedule an appointment.

What to Expect After LASIK?

Laser vision correction is a surgical procedure used to reshape the cornea with an excimer laser. This type of surgery can be used on patients experiencing short sight, long sight or astigmatism. Laser vision correction is not an ideal solution for everybody and some people are not candidates for this type of surgery because of the severity of their problem or because of another medical issue. The best laser vision results mean that glasses and contact lenses will no longer be needed by the patient.

The Process of LASIK

One of the most common types of laser vision correction is LASIK or Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis. In a typical LASIK procedure, the patient will have numbing eye drops placed in the eye and then a lid holder applied to keep the eye open. A microkeratome is used to create a flap in the cornea, which is then bent back to expose the inner corneal tissue. The laser sends pulses of light to remove parts of the cornea while the patient focuses on another light to keep the eye as still as possible. The actual laser exposure time is usually less than a minute.

 

After the laser treatment, the corneal flap is repositioned. No stitches are needed because the flap will hold itself down when repositioned and heal itself. The patient is given an eye shield and eye drops and told to come back within a day or two, so the doctor can see if the eye is healing and whether there are any problems. The eye has great healing powers and it would be of great comfort to know that all corneal procedures, even complete transplants, do heal ultimately.

 

What to expect after the LASIK eye surgery

 

The post LASIK eye surgery period is just as important as the surgery itself. The cornea should completely heal. This takes time and requires a lot of aftercare, which should be done meticulously.

 

The average healing period after the LASIK eye surgery is approximately six months. During this period any vision problems that you may have been experiencing should have completely disappeared or at least considerably lessened. Complete healing of the corneal flap could take a bit longer, sometimes up to two years. But this should not give you any cause for discomfort or concern. Healing of the cornea is an ongoing process that does not or should not interfere with your vision or your daily life.

 

Usually there are a minimum of five follow-up visits are scheduled for most patients, post LASIK eye surgery. The first visit will most likely be within 24 hours of the surgery. It is of utmost importance to keep all these visits so that the doctor can keep track of the ongoing healing process and rectify any problems that may arise as you go along.

 

After LASIK eye surgery, it is natural to expect a little discomfort in your eyes, though you should not feel any pain. Part of the aftercare involves using eye drops to help alleviate this discomfort. This will have to be done for a minimum period of two to four weeks after the surgery.

 

Other common reactions that are common after undergoing LASIK eye surgery are a slightly blurred vision, feeling of dryness in the eyes, minor swelling and redness of the eye, sensitivity to bright light and watery eyes accompanied by a runny nose.

 

Tips to make this period more comfortable:

 

  • To get over the minimal discomfort that comes along with LASIK you can take any over the counter pain medication that does not contain aspirin such as Tylenol or Ibuprofen.
  • Give your eyes sufficient protection against sunlight or any bright light by wearing sunglasses when going out in the day.
  • Give your eyes as much rest as possible by getting some extra shut-eye for at least two to three days post-surgery.
  • The eye mask that was given to you needs to be worn immediately after the surgery for a minimum two to three hours and then during the next three to four days, it should be worn while sleeping.
  • During the first two weeks, all water sports, as well as all water-related activities such as whirlpools or hot tubs, should be avoided. Scuba diving should be avoided for a minimum of six weeks.
  • Your risk factor and the possible need for post-surgery rectifications depend on various factors, the most important one is the condition of your vision pre-surgery. If your vision had deteriorated there are higher chances that there will be some degree of complication in your surgery and you would be dissatisfied with the outcome. Also, if a small degree of astigmatism was present, the results could turn out to be unsatisfactory. Touch-up surgery is common and is normally covered by the initial cost, but the additional surgery is still an unpleasant thought.
  • As with any other surgery, there are no absolute guarantees with LASIK eye surgery too. Complete success is determined by many factors acting together, most important of which is each individual healing powers.
  • There are a few factors that act as a deterrent to anyone considering LASIK eye surgery. Anyone between 19 to 24 years of age is considered an unsuitable candidate for this procedure. As also anyone suffering from a condition such as diabetes, HIV or herpes or pregnant and breastfeeding women. LASIK eye surgery is not ideal if your eyes have been found to have thin corneas, refractive instability, or large pupils

 

If you are looking to reduce or even get rid of your eye glasses and/or contacts let us at Rohr Eye & Laser Center help you! We offer several types of LASIK eye surgery including PRK, AK, CK, Cataracts surgery and more. We perform all these eye laser treatments with state of the art equipment. We are a leader in laser vision correction, and our goal is to help you achieve superior vision. Contact us today or view our website http://www.michiganlasik.com/  to schedule an appointment.

Which Type of Laser Surgery is Best for You?

Over the years many types of vision correction methods have been evolved. These include laser vision corrections or laser eye surgeries and other methods that include implantation of the lenses.

Since eyes are our most precious and by far the most delicate organ of all, we must practice due caution before going for the surgery. In most cases, because of not having a proper know-how of the type of eye treatment, many individuals run into life threatening risks. Therefore, to stay on the safe side as well as have your vision corrected, you need to choose the best kind of procedure out there. But before that, you should know about them.

1) LASIK

In this type of surgery, the main aim is to reshape the cornea of the eye to give it suitable curvature depending on the needs of the patient. Surgeons mainly prefer this surgery method because it is less time-consuming. The surgery only takes minutes.

LASIK or the laser assisted in situ keratomileuses is the common method used to cure myopia (near-sightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness) and astigmatism. There are different versions of this surgery as stated below:

LASEK – it involves the creation of a thin-flap right in the outer epithelium of the eye. However, this flap floats away from the eye by the application of alcohol.

Epi-LASIK – it is like LASEK, and only differs in the mechanism.

Bladeless LASIK – this LASIK type eliminates the need of using a blade. Instead, a directed laser is used to create a corneal flap before reshaping of the cornea.

Wave front LASIK – Excimer lasers are used in wave front LASIK because of their ability to utilize the modern analysis called “wave front” in the vision correction.

2) Photorefractive Keratectomy (PKR)

The procedures used for PKR is somewhat like the ones used in LASIK. However, the main difference between the two is that in PKR, instead of creating a flap in the outer epithelium of the eye, the surgeons completely remove the outer layer. The exposed cornea is then shaped with lasers to correct the vision to its utmost degrees.

Certain candidates that would not qualify for LASIK would do for PKR because it can provide treatment in several eye-conditions such as dry eyes and irregular astigmatism. However, the patients treated with this method, sometimes, do not recover as expected. Also, the recovery time is greater than the previously explained method.

3) Implantable Contact Lenses or Visian ICL/Verisyse

Visian ICL is performed to give the patient a permanent treatment. However, upon a change in the prescription, he or she might have to experience the overall procedure again.

It is not a laser surgery. What happens in this vision correction method is that lenses are inserted just above the cornea. Patients receiving this treatment experiences vision relief almost immediately.

4) Conductive Keratoplasty

Used to cure farsightedness, presbyopia, and another type of vision problems, CK uses low heat radio waves to steepen the cornea according to the needs of the patient. This treatment can also be used for patients who have done LASIK and want to enhance near vision.

So, these were all the different types of laser treatments available out there. Depending on your age, eye conditions, and prospects, your practitioner would recommend the best procedure suitable for you. For people that have diabetes or other diseases that could affect the healing process, many of the surgeons recommend PRK or LASEK laser vision correction or laser eye surgery methods.

If you are looking to reduce or even get rid of your eye glasses and/or contacts let us at Rohr Eye & Laser Center help you! We offer several types of LASIK eye surgery including PRK, AK, CK, Cataracts surgery and more. We perform all these eye laser treatments with state of the art equipment. We are a leader in laser vision correction, and our goal is to help you achieve superior vision. Contact us today or view our website http://www.michiganlasik.com/  to schedule an appointment.

Four Common Types of Laser Eye Surgery

Eyeglasses and contact lenses are not the only ways to correct vision issues. Laser eye surgery can correct vision problems, bring back 20/20 vision and reduce or in most cases eliminate the need for contact lenses or glasses. Eye surgery is not for everyone, but you are considered a likely candidate for laser vision correction if you are over 21 years and your prescription hasn’t changed over the past three years. You are also a good candidate if you have astigmatism, which is an oddly shaped cornea, or you are short or long-sighted.

Thanks to modern technology, approaches to the different laser eye surgery range from reshaping the curvature of the eye’s clear front surface, known as the cornea in procedures such as LASIK and PRK to the surgical insertion of artificial lenses to refocus light rays to sharpen vision and correct a patient’s eyesight. You need a laser-specific eye exam to determine which of the following laser eye surgeries are ideal for your specific needs:

  • LASIK or Laser In-Situ Keratomileusis for nearsightedness is the most common outpatient laser eye surgery that takes about 15 minutes per eye under local anesthesia. It involves creating a super-thin flap in the thin outer layer of the eye known as the epithelium then floating it away from the eye’s surface with alcohol so that the laser reshaping of the eye can occur. Recovery from this procedure is fast with only minor irritations such as dry eyes.
  • PRK or Photorefractive Keratectomy laser vision correction surgery uses a laser to treat vision problems caused by refractive errors, which is when your eye does not refract or bend light properly. Over 21-year olds with the dry-eye syndrome, thin corneas, myopias, astigmatism, including those who are near and farsighted and can benefit from this laser eye surgery in which the ophthalmologist changes the shape of the cornea to improve how light rays are focused on the retina. Healing after this surgery takes about five days where a patient “may” end up with a 20/40 vision without glasses or contact lenses.
  • LASEK or Laser Epithelial Keratomileusis eye surgery is used to treat patients with thin corneas, including those with astigmatism, nearsightedness, or farsightedness. During surgery, a surgeon creates a thick flap using a mechanical device under which the cornea sculpting is done. The entire laser eye surgery process takes approximately two hours during which patients remain awake and made comfortable using anesthetic eye drops. Individuals who undergo this procedure notice a distinct improvement and regain a level of clarity and sharpness without the need for glasses or contacts.
  • Epi-LASIK or Epithelial Laser In-Situ Keratomileusis laser vision correction procedure is like LASIK surgery, except the flap created on the cornea is thinner than a LASIK flap and its created with surgical a tool that has a sharp blade known as an epithelial separator. Many patients do report a 20/40 or a 20/20 vision a few days after surgery.

If you are looking to reduce or even get rid of your eye glasses and/or contacts let us at Rohr Eye & Laser Center help you! We offer several types of LASIK eye surgery including PRK, AK, CK, Cataracts surgery and more. We perform all these eye laser treatments with state of the art equipment. We are a leader in laser vision correction, and our goal is to help you achieve superior vision. Contact us today or view our website http://www.michiganlasik.com/  to schedule an appointment.

What is Myopia and What are the Correction Options?

Myopia, or nearsightedness, is the most common refractive error of the eye a situation where the eye does not refract light or bend properly to a single focus to view images clearly. In this case, close or near objects look clear while there is poor distance vision which causes distant objects to appear blurry. However, myopia is not an eye disease, but an eye focusing disorder.

Although myopia has a genetic link, its effect is usually more driven by environmental stress associated with near work such as computer use, reading, hand games, and a lack of quality outdoor time. In fact, an increasing cause of myopia is because of the adaptation of the eyes to prolonged periods of near work. Therefore, myopia is referred to as a “nearsighted” disorder one that impacts between 25-40 percent of the total U.S. population today.

Myopia – Correction Options

Myopia is a major health concern today with increasing prevalence over time. The main correction or treatment options include the use of glasses, contact lenses, and LASIK surgery.

Glasses

The use of glasses is the most common correction option for myopia especially with children. Correction glasses correct the angle through which light hits the retina. An eye doctor, ophthalmologist or optometrist, is best placed to examine your eye, testing your vision with the use of focus exercises and eye charts to arrive at the exact prescription for the disorder.

Contact Lenses

Eye examinations and vision tests are also used to determine the exact lens prescription for a patient just as they do for glasses. The mechanism of operation of contact lenses is like that of glasses they change the direction through which light enters the eye. However, contact lenses are immensely thinner than glasses due to their proximity to the cornea. There are two different types of contact lenses, soft lenses, and rigid gas-permeable lenses.

Soft Lenses

Soft lenses are designed with flexible soft plastic that allows it to adhere to the eye surface easily. Soft lenses cover a large portion of the eye including the iris, pupil, and even extending to the white. While some soft contact lenses are designed to be worn for a specified period before they are disposed, others can be taken out after use, cleaned, and stored properly overnight for use again.

Rigid gas-permeable Contact Lenses

In comparison to soft lenses, rigid lenses are a lot smaller covering the pupil and slightly extending into the iris. Rigid lenses are made of a thin rigid plastic and they float on the eye tears like soft lenses, while oxygen passes through the lens to the eye surface. It may become necessary to clean the lenses when an eyelash or dust particle gets between the eye and the contact lens.

LASIK (Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) Surgery

Although contact lenses and eye glasses are myopia correction options, they are only temporary. Distant objects would still appear blurry if you are not using them. Laser surgery on the other hand, is a permanent myopia correction option which does not require any daily cleaning or corrections. It is the most common refractive error treatment option which adjusts the shape of the cornea to allow passage of light through it, while light hits the retina just at the right angle.

If you are looking to reduce or even get rid of your eye glasses and/or contacts let us at Rohr Eye & Laser Center help you! We offer several types of LASIK eye surgery including PRK, AK, CK, Cataracts surgery and more. We perform all these eye laser treatments with state of the art equipment. We are a leader in laser vision correction, and our goal is to help you achieve superior vision. Contact us today or view our website http://www.michiganlasik.com/  to schedule an appointment.

 

Is LASIK Safe For Seniors?

If you have some or a combination of the most common eye annoyances such as blurry vision, spots or night glares, then it is worth seeing an eye doctor or an optometrist who will examine your eyes for both vision and health problems. In some cases, eye doctors may provide low vision care or vision therapy, or correct refractive errors by prescribing contact lenses and or eyeglasses.

An ophthalmologist, on the other hand also specializes in vision care and will also perform eye exams, diagnose and treat disease, prescribe medications and perform eye surgery. An optician will use prescriptions authorized by an optometrist or an ophthalmologist to fit and sell your eyeglasses.

Understanding LASIK

So, when is LASIK vision correction necessary, who performs the procedure, what vision problems can the surgery treat, and most importantly, is it safe especially for seniors? Short for laser-assisted in-situ keratomileuses, LASIK is an FDA approved procedure that has proven to be a very safe and effective way to treat and correct common vision problems such as astigmatism, near and farsightedness.

While LASIK may not be suitable for people with strong lens prescriptions, such as a high degree of short-sightedness, however, the eye laser surgery can also be used to correct an aging effect that makes it hard for an individual to focus on things up-close using a technique known as monovision LASIK.

What To Expect During LASIK Procedure

The most important goal of eye laser surgery is to alter the shape of the cornea, so it does a better job of focusing images onto the retina for sharper vision. An eye surgeon performs LASIK using a cool, non-thermal beam of light that is computer controlled. The procedure doesn’t hurt because the surgeon places anesthetic eye drops in your eye first, then proceeds to cut across the cornea of the eye, raises a flap of tissue and carries out reshaping to correct your vision. While the entire procedure takes approximately 15 minutes per eye, the laser treatment only takes less than a minute.

People who qualify for eye laser surgery report an immediate improvement in their vision with no complications or side effects and because there’s usually no stitches or bandages required after eye laser surgery, recovery is also very quick. Therefore, anyone over 18 years and meets the requirements can benefit from LASIK procedure, this includes seniors too.

Are You Eligible For LASIK?

An eye care specialist can help you determine your eligibility for LASIK, but the general guidelines are:

  • You must be 21 years and older and have healthy eyes, which means your eyes must not have any conditions that will affect postoperative healing, including eye infections, severe dry eye, glaucoma, cataracts, a degenerative or autoimmune disease
  • Your vision must also be stable for at least a year before surgery
  • Pregnant or nursing women are not eligible as hormonal levels can affect the shape of the eye

Therefore, consider eye laser surgery if you are tired of fumbling with contact lenses or eyeglasses and you meet the above requirements.

If you are looking to reduce or even get rid of your eye glasses and/or contacts let us at Rohr Eye & Laser Center help you! We offer several types of LASIK eye surgery including PRK, AK, CK, Cataracts surgery and more. We perform all these eye laser treatments with state of the art equipment. We are a leader in laser vision correction, and our goal is to help you achieve superior vision. Contact us today or view our website http://www.michiganlasik.com/  to schedule an appointment.

 

What is Hyperopia and What Are the Correction Options?

Having the ability to see well is one of the essential requirements of living but few people actually have 20/20 vision. One of the most common problems is Hyperopia. Hyperopia is basically farsightedness. It’s one of the most common eye problems. It can not only affect your vision but also your overall well being and your quality of life, as your daily efficiency is decreased. Basically, you’ll be able to see objects well in the distance, while your vision will be blurrier closer up. This is also a problem that develops as you get older.

 

It may be time to visit an eye doctor to see how this problem can be corrected. Eye doctors will diagnose your Hyperopia. This condition can develop when the distance between your cornea and retina is too short. This basically displaces light rays instead of the image settling onto your retina; it will place it behind it. This creates vision problems. This condition can also be hereditary, so if your parents have farsightedness, most likely you do too. Usually people get this condition in their childhood.

Hyperopia Symptoms

If you are having any of the following issues, a trip to the eye doctors may be in order. Do you have a hard time reading books? Perhaps you have trouble when doing sewing, crafting, or cooking. You can have severe headaches and nausea when trying to complete these tasks. Yet you may still be able to see mountains in the distance. You may have no trouble driving, as you can see street signs, lights, and other vehicles easily.

Choosing LASIK

Eye doctors will test your eyes to diagnose your condition. You may be prescribed eye glasses or contact lenses for vision correction. One other solution, which is more permanent, is to have eye laser surgery. LASIK surgery is one option that can be done at the eye doctors’ clinic. It can not only correct Hyperopia but myopia and astigmatism too. Basically all of these conditions are caused by the shape of the eyes.

 

One thing that eye laser surgery still isn’t good at correcting is Presbyopia, which is caused by the hardening and thickening of the eye’s lenses.  Perhaps one of the best reasons for vision correction by eye laser surgery is so that you can read again without using glasses or contact lenses. You’ll also discover how your headaches and nausea will go away.

 

Modern LASIK surgery will correct reading problems. Some people have different vision problems in each eye, so each will be carefully evaluated. One eye may require different treatment than the other. Your eye doctors will advise you on the best course of treatment so you can regain your 20/20 vision.

Looking for the Right Solution

If you are suffering from Hyperopia and tired of not being able to see up close without reading glasses, or you are always feeling unwell, please book an appointment at our eye doctors today. Eye laser surgery will correct your vision so you can now focus on the world both sharply and clearly.

 

If you are looking to reduce or even get rid of your eye glasses and/or contacts let us at Rohr Eye & Laser Center help you! We offer several types of LASIK eye surgery including PRK, AK, CK, Cataracts surgery and more. We perform all these eye laser treatments with state of the art equipment. We are a leader in laser vision correction, and our goal is to help you achieve superior vision. Contact us today or view our website http://www.michiganlasik.com/  to schedule an appointment.

 

Understanding Cataracts and Getting Treatment

A clouding of the eye’s natural lens, which lies behind the iris and the pupil in people over age 40, is known as cataracts. It is the primary cause of blindness in the world and while it is a condition directly related to ageing, diabetes, smoking, significant trauma to the eye, exposure to radiation, prolonged exposure to sunlight, high blood sugar, prolonged use of oral corticosteroids, genetic illnesses such as Wilson’s disease or Down syndrome are also risk factors for the development of cataracts.

Cataracts are neither painful nor do they make the eye itchy or red; however, the type of cataract someone has will directly affect the symptoms they will experience and how soon they will occur. Cataract surgery has been found to be extremely successful in helping patients with serious cataract-related vision impairment to regain their eyesight. A cataract surgeon surgically removes the clouded lens and replaces it with a clear, plastic IOL or intraocular lens.

Different Types of Cataracts

There are three main types of cataracts that affect different parts of the eye lens or a combination of all three. Consider the following:

  • The posterior sub capsular cataracts – Where the lens develops major opacity
  • Nuclear cataracts – Affects the center of the lens
  • Cortical cataracts – The side of the lens appears whitened and in many cases vision impairment
  • Congenital cataracts can be nuclear, cortical, or sub capsular and are present from birth as a result of an infection contracted by the mother during pregnancy or due to a genetic condition.

Knowing the Signs and Symptoms

To the untrained eye, cataracts may be difficult to detect, but the first signs will be a hazy or blurred vision. You should consider seeing a cataract surgeon if you experience the following signs and symptoms:

  • Visible white spots on the pupil
  • Difficulties with night vision, particularly when you are driving at night
  • Intense sensitivity to light, glares, or halos
  • A repeated change in your glasses or contacts prescription

An eye doctor or surgeon will conduct a series of tests such as a visual acuity test where you will be asked to read a series of letters off of a Snellen eye chart posted 20 feet away from you. A slit lamp exam allows your doctor to check for other serious eye conditions. There is also other eye tests known as the glare and contrast sensitivity test, tonometry test, Ishihara color test, all used in diagnosing advanced cataracts as well as other eye problems such as glaucoma or macular degeneration.

A Solution to the Problem

While there is nothing positive about having your eyesight impaired, the good news is that cataracts only affect the lens and cataract surgery only comes highly recommended when new glasses, contacts, anti-glare lenses, and magnification devices are not as effective. Also, if you do not receive a good score on your visual acuity, glare, contrast sensitivity, or Ishihara color tests or when your condition begins to affect the quality of your life in a negative way such as being unable to drive or productive at work.

If you are looking to reduce or even get rid of your eye glasses and/or contacts let us at Rohr Eye & Laser Center help you! We offer several types of LASIK eye surgery including PRK, AK, CK, Cataracts surgery and more. We perform all these eye laser treatments with state of the art equipment. We are a leader in laser vision correction, and our goal is to help you achieve superior vision. Contact us today or view our website http://www.michiganlasik.com/  to schedule an appointment.

 

Tips To Improve Healing Time after Cataract Surgery

Cataract surgery has to be one of the most amazing surgeries today, as it can completely restore lost eyesight after their removal. It’s important to look after your eyes after your visit with your cataract surgeon, to keep them healthy and avoid future cataracts. Here are a few tips to help improve healing time after cataract surgery.

Follow Instructions Post Surgery

  1. Follow the instructions of your cataract surgeon. They’ll give you a booklet with quality information. They should go over this with you, but you may forget. Tuck that booklet into your purse or bag before you leave the clinic so you can refer to it again.

 

  1. Wear protective eyewear. You may be given special sunglasses to protect your eyes from the light, or, one eye or both eyes may be covered with eye shields. Even after you can remove the bandages, you should still wore protective eyeglasses or goggles to protect your eyes from the harmful rays of the sun.

Have Someone To Drive You Home After Surgery

  1. Have a designated driver. You should not be driving after your cataract surgery. You should also have someone there to pick you up, rather than taking public transit home. It can be overwhelming to be out in public, even though your cataract surgeon will do their best to make your experience as comfortable as possible.

 

  1. Don’t panic if your vision is cloudy. Once you’re able to remove the eye shield or shields, your vision may still be cloudy. It may take some time for your vision to adjust to the removal of the cataract. If you’ve had an intraocular lens added, it may also take time to adjust. Follow the advice of your cataract surgeon and go back and see them if it hasn’t cleared in a timely manner.

 

  1. Avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activities. Avoid these for at least the first three weeks. You should also avoid bending over. All these activities can place extra pressure on your eyes. Even sneezing or vomiting can cause problems with healing. If you think you’ll have any issues, ask your cataract surgeon if you can take antihistamines. And you can’t prevent getting a bad flu bug, but you should cancel your surgery if you are feeling unwell that day. Otherwise, you can ask if you can take anti-nausea medicine.

Try to Relax Inside Your Home

  1. Stay seated at home. Avoid walking around as you may bump or walk into objects and hurt yourself. You also don’t want to be walking around outdoors, as that exposes your eyes to environmental pollutants.

 

  1. Book a follow up appointment. It’s important to see your cataract surgeon for a checkup, so they can be happy that your eyes have 100% healed, and that your vision is now perfect.

 

Once your eyes have healed from cataract surgery you’ll be amazed at how clear and wonderful you can see again. With a bit of proper care and the advice of your cataract surgeon, you’ll have a lifetime of excellent eyesight to enjoy.

 

If you are looking to reduce or even get rid of your eye glasses and/or contacts let us at Rohr Eye & Laser Center help you! We offer several types of LASIK eye surgery including PRK, AK, CK, Cataracts surgery and more. We perform all these eye laser treatments with state of the art equipment. We are a leader in laser vision correction, and our goal is to help you achieve superior vision. Contact us today or view our website http://www.michiganlasik.com/  to schedule an appointment.