Best Foods to Strengthen Your Eyes Before Getting LASIK
If you are preparing to speak with an eye doctor to determine whether or not you are a qualified candidate for LASIK in Orange County, you will want to prepare for the procedure by eating high-quality foods that will strengthen the condition of your eyes.
What do we mean by high-quality foods? Foods that are rich in vitamins (particularly A and C) and antioxidants are considered high quality. Fruits and vegetables contain an abundance of nutrients that support your overall health. There are specific fruits and vegetables that also strengthen your vision when you consume them daily.
Now that you have done your research into the LASIK center near Buena Park and decided that you can afford laser eye surgery costs, it is time for you to take steps to achieve a healthy diet. Maintaining a healthy diet is an excellent path to improving your eye health.
Your Lasik surgeon in Orange County will be pleased to hear that you have been doing research and practicing good eating habits.
In no particular order, we have listed the best foods for healthy eyes that you can eat in order to boost your chances for the best laser eye surgery in Orange County to be successful.
Papaya
This tropical fruit is packed with Vitamin A and other antioxidants, which are good for your vision, immune system, and overall growth and development. Vitamin A actually works to protect the corneas of the eyes. If you are searching for a fruit that can give you all the nutrients you need for your eye health and protect you from the sun’s harsh UV rays, papaya is a great choice.
Broccoli
This vegetable is full of fiber and Vitamin C, which is essential for quality eye health. There are many ways you can enjoy broccoli. You can eat it cooked or raw. Did you know that one cup of chopped raw broccoli contains 135% of the daily value for Vitamin C? And one cup of cooked broccoli contains 170% of the daily value? Eating broccoli, in the long run, is known to delay the timing of cataracts.
Spinach
You may have hated spinach as a child, but the adults in your life were right. Spinach is good for you! This vegetable is known to strengthen eyesight. Spinach is full of vitamins called zeaxanthin and lutein, which help your body fight off cancer.
Nuts
This snack is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to improve eye health. For those without nut allergies, this is an easy snack to consume and feel good about your overall health. Individuals who do have peanut or tree nut allergies will want to stick with leafy green vegetables if they want to improve their eyesight.
If your goal is to improve your eye health, eating any of the fruits and vegetables that we listed is a great way to prepare for Lasik in Orange County. The next time you’re at the grocery store, be sure to pick up these healthy items.
Can Laser Eye Surgery Correct Reading Vision Issues?
If you feel it’s getting more and more challenging to focus on words when you are reading a page, you are getting headaches after reading for long stretches of time, the LASIK Orange County eye doctors are here to let you know that you’re probably feeling the effects of age and you’re beginning to lose your reading vision.
Throughout the years, the eyes lose their muscular strength, making it more difficult to focus at close distances. The best laser eye surgery doctors in Orange County call this condition presbyopia. It’s an age-related refractive condition that develops in the loss of focus up close. The eye’s lens becomes less flexible, and it usually means that you’ll require eyeglasses to read.
Presbyopia can happen in individuals who in any other way have good vision, but it can also come about in people who are already affected by other optical conditions such as hyperopia, astigmatism, and myopia. Fortunately, there are vision correction treatments at Excel laser Vision Institute which can assist in correcting this very common problem.
What Are The Symptoms Of Presbyopia?
The LASIK Orange County eye doctors tell us that there are several common symptoms that people with presbyopia suffer from. So, if the following problems sound like something you’re going through, then you may have to think about your options, or book a consultation at Excel Laser Vision Institute to find out how we can assist.
Problems focusing on objects that are closeby
Suffering from headaches or eye pains when doing work close-up or reading.
Experiencing fatigue when focusing for long periods of time
Depending on brighter or increased lighting
You have to hold cell phones, books, and other reading materials at arm’s length to correctly focus on them
When presbyopia begins, it usually happens from the age of 40 and becomes more apparent after that. When a person reaches the age of 60, many individuals will have lost the elasticity in the lens that lets them focus on objects close up.
Can Reading Vision Be Enhanced?
When you come for your free consultation, the LASIK Orange County eye doctors will let you know about all your options. However, the most common option for individuals with reading vision issues is to wear reading glasses. These types of glasses are usually specially designed to help the lens focus at short distances.
Since reading glasses are only required for short distances, they can be slightly annoying. Some people place them on a chain around their necks so they can conveniently get to them. While others carry them around in a case. However, having to always put them on and take them off just to read a recipe or an article in the paper can get on a person’s nerves. This is when LASIK eye surgery swoops in and saves the day!
Do You Want To Get Laser Eye Surgery For Reading?
Due to advancements in technology and surgical procedures, there are currently many alternatives available that provide a more permanent solution to reading vision issues.
Laser eye surgery is very well known as a successful treatment for correcting reading vision. With the help of a precision laser, your eye surgeon will reshape your cornea to correct any vision impairments you may have.
There are several different laser eye procedures to treat presbyopia which include:
Conductive keratoplasty
Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK)
Laser-assisted subepithelial keratectomy (LASEK)
Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK)
Let’s take a look at each one in more detail.
Conductive keratoplasty
This is when your eye surgeon uses radiofrequency energy to apply heat to very small spots around the cornea. The heat makes the edge of the cornea to slightly get smaller, increasing its curve (steepness) and focusing ability. The outcome of conductive keratoplasty is different for everyone and might not last long.
Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK)
This procedure involves the eye surgeon to cut a thin, hinged flap away from the front of the eye. Then the surgeon uses a laser to take off inner layers of your cornea to steepen its domed shape. LASIK recovery time is fast and less painful than other corneal surgeries.
Laser-assisted subepithelial keratectomy (LASEK)
The eye surgeon makes a very thin flap just inside the cornea’s outer protective cover, also known as the (epithelium). Then the surgeon uses a laser to reshape the cornea’s outer layers, steepening its curve, and lastly replaces the epithelium.
Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK)
Similar to LASEK, but in PRK the surgeon completely removes the epithelium, then uses the laser to reshape the cornea. The eye surgeon doesn’t replace the epithelium because it will grow back naturally, adjusting to the cornea’s new shape.
Besides laser eye treatments there are these options.
Lens Implants
Some eye doctors use a procedure that involves removing the lens in each eye and replacing it with a synthetic lens. This is known as an intraocular lens.
Many types of lens implants are available for correcting presbyopia. Also, there are lens implants that let you see things near as well as far. There are some that change position or shape within the eye (accommodative lens). However, lens implants can result in a decrease in the quality of a person’s near vision, and you may still require reading glasses.
Your eye doctor will inform you of the possible side effects such as blurring and glare. Plus, this surgery has the same risks that are linked to cataract surgery, which are infection, bleeding, inflammation, and glaucoma.
Corneal inlays
You could be one of those individuals who have huge success with a presbyopia treatment that consists of inserting a small plastic ring with a central opening into the cornea of one eye. The opening behaves similar to a pinhole camera and lets light focus inwards so the person can see close objects. If for any reason you don’t like the results of your corneal inlay procedure, your LASIK Orange County eye surgeon can take out the rings, and you can go forward with another treatment option.
If you want to learn more about Presbyopia, get in touch with the Eye laser Vision institute at (310) 905-8622.
More About Contoura Vision Eye Surgery
The LASIK Orange County eye surgeon tells us that with the progression in technology in eye surgery, an eye surgical procedure has become more sophisticated, and the patient encounters fewer complications.
Doctor Moosa, one of the best laser eye surgery doctors in Orange County, tells us of one such example of an advanced eye surgery known as Contoura Vision. This surgical procedure is technically more advanced and provides more accurate results than your standard laser surgery. When the LASIK eye surgeon performs Contoura vision surgery, corneal mapping divides the cornea into different elevation points. This helps to eliminate the irregularities of the cornea to the smallest level resulting in more clear vision. The surgery does not involve any blades and has fewer post-operative complications.
Contoura surgery immediately improves vision with a greater reduction in dependence on eyeglasses and contact lenses. Since highly sophisticated and modern instruments and ophthalmic expertise are involved, Contoura Vision eye surgery’s cost is slightly higher than traditional LASIK. When considering a Contoura Vision surgery, the patient should always choose a reputable LASIK eye surgeon like the one found in Orange County.
What Is Contoura?
The most advanced and upgraded LASIK eye surgery technique is Contoura Vision. Presently, the LASIK technique is around fifteen years old and only corrects the eye’s refractive power. At the same time, Contoura is one step higher since it restores both the refractive power of the eye and the corneal irregularities. Because of this, a much better outcome than conventional LASIK treatment.
Can You Detect Contoura Vision?
Of course! Your eye doctor can detect Contoura Vision with corneal topography and slit-lamp examination. Nevertheless, it is tough to detect it with simple examination methods in medical evaluation.
What Are The Permanent Effects Of Contoura Vision?
During a Contoura Vision procedure, the corneal surface tissues are permanently removed from the cornea’s surface, located in the front of the eye and maintains long life and permanent effects.
Nevertheless, in some instances, because of changes that happen inside the eye lens, effects may worsen over time, leading to distorted and blurred vision. If an issue similar to this happens and becomes a nuisance, the follow-up enhancement procedure is performed to restore the vision to a normal and clear one.
What Is A Contoura Vision Procedure?
Contoura Vision works on the basis of topography and is performed by an expertly trained LASIK surgeon. It focuses on the natural axis of the eye, for example, the visual axis. The eye surgeon uses a special topolyser to pinpoint and eliminate abnormalities in order to improve the quality of vision.
What Are The Differences Between Contoura Vision And LASIK?
LASIK surgery has been around for about 15 years, whereas Contoura applies the most recent Lasik technology, the key differences being:
The eye surgeon supervises the Contoura technique at all times; meanwhile, LASIK is a surgery that uses a mechanized keratome technique.
Contoura Vision removes irregularities that exist on the corneal surface irregularities are removed. LASIK does not.
The Contoura vision works on the visual axis and the superior axis. In LASIK surgery, the focus is on the pupil axis.
Contoura Vision saves more contoura vision.
LASIK is sometimes blade-free, while Countoura is always blade-free.
Contoura vision can achieve results better than 6/6 vision, whereas LASIK may not.
Does Countoura Vision Use Any Blades?
No. Contoura Vision is bladeless and consists of the use of two lasers. The first is the Femtosecond laser used to make a corneal flap, and the second is the Excimer laser that reshapes the cornea. The procedure is bladeless, painless, and stitchless.
What Are The Advantages Of Contoura Vision?
Contoura vision was created to upgrade and do away with the side effects of LASIK surgery. The advantages of the Contoura vision are:
You can do it at any age.
Lessening the dependence on eyeglasses or contact lens reduces.
Difficulty in driving at night reduces
Sensitivity towards light scales down
Painless
No hospitalization is needed.
Blade-less
Stich-less
No injection is used.
Minor side effects
What Makes Countoura Vision Different Than Smile (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction)?
The two have similarities, but it is crucial to understand the key differences, such as:
SMILE can only correct nearsightedness.
Every section of the eye is inspected in Countoura Vision, while SMILE focuses on the cornea.
Results of Countoura Vision have been better than 6/6. This is not always guaranteed with SMILE.
There are fewer reported side effects in Contoura Vision.
If you are considering Contoura Vision LASIK in Orange County and want to speak to someone about any questions you may have, do not hesitate to contact Excel Laser Vision Institute today!
Are You a Good Candidate for a LASIK Procedure?
If you want the most successful LASIK procedure in Orange County, apart from having a highly experienced LASIK eye surgeon, you have to meet specific patient criteria to determine whether eye surgery is suitable for you.
LASIK and PRK results are usually always good; however, not everyone is a suitable candidate for vision correction surgery.
Below is a checklist from the best laser eye surgery doctor in Orange County to provide you with a good start to help you determine if LASIK or PRK is appropriate for you.
You Should Have Healthy Eyes
If you suffer from a condition that affects how your eyes respond to surgery or how they heal afterward, you have to wait until that condition is dealt with. Good examples of this are:
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Conjunctivitis (pink eye)
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Severe dry eye syndrome
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Infection
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Any type of eye injury
If you have persistent dry eyes, which means you do not produce sufficient tears to maintain lubricated and healthy eyes, LASIK surgery may worsen this condition. Common symptoms of dry eyes consist of burning or stinging, a gritty sensation in the eye, less tolerance to wind, intermittent blurry vision, and even excessive tears in some instances. If you have some of these symptoms, do not hesitate to discuss them with your laser eye doctor before surgery.
Your LASIK surgeon can conclude if you have dry eyes during your preoperative exam and can usually treat the condition successfully so you can then go ahead with laser eye surgery. Possible treatments include artificial tears, punctal plugs, medicated eye drops, flaxseed or fish oil supplements, or a combination of these methods.
Also, cataracts that interfere with your vision and uncontrolled glaucoma will usually prevent you from being a candidate for LASIK or PRK procedures.
Your Cornea Must Be Thick Enough
Many LASIK refractive procedures in Orange County improve visual acuity by modifying the eye’s front surface (cornea). Carrying out laser eye surgery on a very thin cornea or one that has a surface that is very irregular and askew, such as the case of those who suffer from keratoconus, could jeopardize results and impair your vision.
If the LASIK eye surgery team in Orange County previously informed you that you couldn’t have LASIK since your corneas are very thin, recent breakthroughs may mean you’re now an acceptable candidate for laser vision correction. For instance, your eye surgeon can use a femtosecond laser rather than a microkeratome that can help him or her create a thinner corneal flap and, as a result of that, keep more of the underlying corneal tissue for laser treatment.
Moreover, suppose you’re still not a suitable candidate for LASIK or PRK regardless of the advanced technologies and techniques. In that case, another kind of refractive surgery, such as implantable lenses (phakic IOLs), could be a good alternative.
You Shouldn’t Have Very Big Pupils
If you have naturally large pupils, you could be at a higher risk of side effects such as glares, halos, and starbursts in low light, particularly when driving at night.
Your Prescription Must Be Within A Specific Limit
If you have a very high prescription, whether it’s because of farsightedness, nearsightedness, or astigmatism, your laser eye surgeon may recommend that you do not do the LASIK procedure.
Plus, very high amounts of myopia, for instance, would need the removal of too much corneal tissue and put you at higher risk of vision problems.
If you suffer from a severe refractive error, another type of vision correction surgery may be a better alternative, such as phakic IOL implantable lenses or refractive lens exchange.
You Have To Be Old Enough
Particular procedures require you to be 18 years old, and there are others that need the patient to be 21 years old. Patients who are younger than these ages can be treated as an exception with the vigilance of a LASIK surgeon and with permission from the patient’s parent(s) or guardian.
Typically, an upper age limit to laser eye surgery does not exist. Nevertheless, it is critical to keep in mind that you may still require reading glasses to correct near vision when you reach your forties because of a normal, age-related condition known as presbyopia.
Obviously, your LASIK eye surgeon may also consider you as a candidate for surgical correction of presbyopia such as monovision LASIK, which can improve your near vision without reading glasses or bifocals.
Considering women are at a higher risk for dry eyes after menopause, men have a greater risk for dry eyes later in life. As mentioned above, you should treat a dry eye condition before LASIK surgery.
Your Vision Has To Be Stable
Teenagers and many young adults often experience adjustments in their contact lens prescription and eyeglass prescription from year to year. Refractive errors need to be stable for at least 12 months before undergoing LASIK or other refractive surgery.
Typically, it is nearsightedness that slowly becomes worse, but there may be other changes as well.
This is why younger people are not appropriate candidates until their eyes have settled down into one prescription. Your optometrist can inform you whether your prescription is stable.
You Have To Be In Good Health
Contraindications to laser eye surgery may include uncontrolled degenerative conditions or uncontrolled autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren’s syndrome, type 1 diabetes, and AIDS. People infected with HIV who have good immune cell counts may be candidates for LASIK.
Essentially, if your body has any trouble with healing, you will have a higher probability of an unsatisfactory LASIK surgery result. Opinions vary among LASIK surgeons on which diseases are automatic disqualifiers and which ones might be acceptable risks in specific cases.
Additionally, particular medications can intensify risks linked with laser eye surgery. For instance, immunosuppressants may disrupt post-operative healing, and some medications may increase the chance and/or severity of dry eye syndrome.
Ultimately, the only way to know for sure that LASIK is the best eye correction surgery for you is to contact Excel Laser Vision Institute today!
How To Choose the Right Sunglasses After Your LASIK Eye Correction Surgery
Imagine you have just had a LASIK, PRK, or even Contoura in Orange County done, and one of the supportive LASIK team members hand over to you a part of post-operative sunglasses and ask you to wear them. These sunglasses will not be the oversized plastic Cataract shades, but they aren’t going to be a fabulous sporty pair of Ray-Ban aviators either!
The first thing that the best laser eye surgery doctor in Orange County will tell you is to go shopping and get yourself a good pair of sunglasses to protect your eyes. However, the million-dollar question is, “What makes a pair of sunglasses the best pair to protect your eyes?” The American Academy of Ophthalmology has created the criteria below to give you a helping hand when choosing the best sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun.
Which Sunglasses Should I Purchase?
If you think sunglasses are only a fashion accessory, think again. They are vital protection for your eyes against the harmful rays of the sun. You must understand what type of light you need to protect your eyes from and what type of light is not necessarily harmful. Here is some advice from a LASIK eye surgery doctor in Orange County on picking out the right pair of nonprescription sunglasses.
Sunglasses Should Block The Harmful Rays Of The Sun
Go for the sunglasses that block ninety-nine percent of ultraviolet (UV) rays. This is the most critical attribute of your sunglasses, and you should always choose sunglasses that offer this protection. Long-term exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation in sunlight is connected to eye disease, including cataracts. Some manufacturers’ labels claim UV absorption up to 400nm. This is the same as 100 percent UV absorption. Some glasses make additional claims for blocking infrared rays, but studies have not shown a close link between infrared rays and eye disease.
A more expensive pair of sunglasses doesn’t necessarily mean a better pair of sunglasses. Many types of affordable sunglasses provide 99 to 100 percent UV protection, so you don’t have to fork over tons of cash on a pair of sunglasses. Inspect the quality of the sunglasses. Besides UV protection, you should also check the optical quality of the lenses. The LASIK eye doctors in Orange County recommend you test the quality of sunglasses by looking at something with a rectangular pattern, such as a floor tile. Get a hold of the glasses at a comfortable distance and cover one eye. Move the glasses gradually from side to side, then up and down. If the lines remain straight, the lenses are good. If the lines zigzag, particularly in the center of the lens, try on another pair.
You want to look for impact-resistant lenses. All sunglasses must meet impact standards that the U.S. food and Drug Administration has set out for safety. No lens is really unbreakable, says the LASIK eye doctor in Orange County, but plastic lenses are not as likely to shatter when hit by a ball or stone. Polycarbonate plastics, utilized in many sports sunglasses, are incredibly durable but scratch easily. If you buy polycarbonate lenses, choose ones that have a scratch-resistant coating.
Make sure to use protective eyewear rather than sunglasses for hazardous activities. If you are going to be busy in outdoor activities such as water or snow skiing that put your eye in harm’s way for injury, don’t rely on your eyeglasses for protection. Protection eyewear is available with UV protection to safeguard your eyes from sunburn and glare.
Lens color tinting and polarization are personal options. There’s no medical reason to suggest one tint of the lens over another. The same goes for polarized lenses that work better at deflecting glare, but they’re not blocking any more harmful UV light than non-polarized lenses.
Undoubtedly you want a nice pair of polarized lenses after surgery. However, it is normal to experience some glare during your LASIK recovery, and polarized lenses are designed to reduce glare. You don’t have to opt for the most expensive pair of polarized lenses. You will know a pair of sunglasses are polarized since they will have a sticker or label indicating polarized.
When shopping for sunglasses, try to go for ones that provide full coverage. The sunglasses that your eye doctor will give you after surgery offer you lots of coverage, including peripheral vision, but you don’t need massive, bulky glasses for that. Try to find sunglasses with wraparound style lenses, which provide full coverage and often showcase a stylish design. It is best to find a pair that offers coverage for all angles of your vision.
When you find the right sunglasses, make sure you wear them, particularly in the summer when UV levels are about three times higher than in the winter. Also, be sure to wear them when taking part in winter sports, especially at high elevations.
Protecting your eyes as they heal after your PRK, LASIK, or Contoura surgery is essential. Unique, quality sunglasses will get the job done. Here at Excel Eye Vision Center, we can provide the sunglasses you need after your eye correction surgery. You are welcome to visit our clinic in Orange County and Los Angeles for a one-on-one consultation. Please call us at (866) 923-9235 if you want to set an appointment or ask questions about our available sunglasses suitable for post-PRK, LASIK, and Contoura cases.
At Excel Laser Vision Institute, we have a team of experienced staff and cutting-edge laser technology to perform Contoura, PRK, LASIK, SMILE, and other vision correction alternatives. Our Harvard-trained surgeon, Dr. Moosa, serves both our Orange County and Los Angeles offices. Once we assess your prescription and eye health, we can discuss which eye correction treatment is suitable for you, financing, and the next steps. Start your journey towards a clear vision that frees you from eyeglasses and contact lenses today.
How Long Do I Have To Wait To Swim and Put On Makeup After LASIK?
The number one question that patients usually ask before their LASIK procedure in Orange County is how long it will take to get back to their normal routines and activities. Even though LASIK is glorified as a procedure for its fast recovery process, there are some things you have to steer clear of for a while after the surgery. Here, one of the best laser eye surgery doctors in Orange County tells us when we can take a dip and doll ourselves up again after a LASIK procedure.
Swimming With Eyewear
Imagine it’s summer, and the mercury is rising. There is nothing better than jumping into your pool. However, before you take that refreshing plunge, you have to remove your glasses or contacts. However, taking off such eyewear can leave you visually impaired. So, what will you do? How will you see?
Heading out for water activities while wearing contacts or glasses isn’t that simple. Fortunately, LASIK eye surgery in Orange County can help you enjoy your summertime fun without having to deal with or worry about losing a contact lens or damaging your eyewear.
However, hold on a sec. If you are seriously considering LASIK, the most common question patients ask about is the recovery process. For instance, how long do I have to wait after surgery to enjoy water activities? Can I take showers? Take a look below at what you should know before jumping into the water after LASIK.
Can I Shower After LASIK Surgery?
After your procedure, LASIK eye doctors tell patients to take a nap to let their eyes rest. When you wake up from your siesta, take a shower as you usually would is absolutely fine. Nevertheless, don’t put soap, water, or shampoo into your eyes. While you wash your face, be extra careful around your eyes too. You should also be extra gentle when carrying out your skincare routine.
When Can I Swim After A LASIK Procedure?
Is summer on the horizon, or are you planning a getaway to a hot, tropical country, and you aren’t too sure if you should get a LASIK procedure done before? If you are thinking about treading water after LASIK, you’ll have to plan your trip meticulously. Following a LASIK procedure, allow a week to pass before jumping back into a pool or any body of water for that matter. You can get back into your hot tub around three to five days after your procedure. You should think about scheduling LASIK after your vacation if your vision doesn’t need immediate correction. This will help you to avoid hurrying into any activities that could be detrimental to your recovery process.
Water in any form has chlorine and or bacteria in freshwater or includes salt from ocean water, can irritate or cause an infection in your eyes. So, if you are a thalassophile, you should wear swimming goggles to give your eyes additional protection for a few weeks after your LASIK procedure.
Why Should You Avoid Makeup Right After LASIK?
To put it simply. When you apply makeup after a LASIK procedure, you boost your chances of an infection. Studies show that most open, in-use makeup products have bacteria that can cause infection. While your eyes are healing after LASIK, you will want to be very careful not to expose your eyes to anything that could hurt them. Even though you can be as careful as you possibly could while putting on your makeup, a simple mistake can ruin the progress you made during your LASIK surgery. It is very understandable that not wearing makeup when you are used to wearing it all the time can be a very hard thing to do.
Fortunately, you won’t need to avoid all makeup after LASIK. So long as you don’t get anything in your eye, there are loads of makeup options that are safe for use. Here are some examples of types of makeup that are suitable to use.
Blush
Foundation
Lipstick
Bronzer
How Long Should You Wait To Wear Makeup After LASIK?
If you have had LASIK, you should stay away from wearing eye makeup for at least a week. However, this length of time can differ on a case-by-case basis. Some individuals will be ready in a few days, while others may need more time. If you are aware of an occasion that’s around the corner where you want to wear eye makeup, you will probably want to put your LASIK procedure on the back burner until after.
If you are considering LASIK surgery to improve your eyesight, contact Excel Laser Vision Institute at (888) 957-3255. Our team of staff is experienced. And highly trained. Our leading eye surgeon, Dr. Moosa, a well-established LASIK surgeon in Los Angeles, has years of experience in LASIK procedures. He was formerly trained at Harvard University and has a wealth of experience working with various prescription levels. Dr. Moosa has helped many professionals achieve their vision goals, from athletes to models to military personnel. Visit our website to learn more: https://www.exceleye.com/.
How To Protect Your Eyes After Laser Surgery
If you have decided to go through LASIK eye surgery, you have made the right choice to improve your overall vision. However, LASIK eye specialists in Orange County want to clarify that you still have to protect your eyes even after you have had the procedure.
Therefore, after you have had the best laser eye surgery, make sure you get the best post-operative results and safeguard your vision with these important steps to protect and promote your overall eye health.
After your LASIK eye surgery procedure, your ophthalmologist will give you post-operative instructions to follow to assist in a smooth recovery. Nevertheless, when you have completely recovered, you should still practice specific things to make sure you protect your eyes.
Below are some of the best practices to protect your eyes after having LASIK eye surgery. This will allow you to get the best results after your procedure and also help you to protect your eyes from future diseases and injuries.
Best Practices After LASIK Eye Surgery
Carefully Plan Out Your Activities
One of the biggest benefits of LASIK eye surgery is the fact that it provides a fast recovery time, and most patients return to their normal routines within 24 hours. Still, you won’t be able to participate in every activity immediately. For instance, you won’t be able to do certain strenuous activities for at least a few days or a week in some situations. This is why your eye surgery and you should have a recommended activity schedule to follow accordingly.
For example, it is important to refrain from any activities that could lead to your eyes being poked, rubbed, or touched on surgery day. You will have to forget showering since you don’t want to get water and soap in your eyes. Also, you won’t be able to drive, and your doctor will make it clear to avoid alcohol.
Nonetheless, three days after your surgery, you should be able to carry out light exercise or outdoor activities. Also, if you feel like taking a dip, you can wear goggles while you swim, wear eye makeup, and suntan. One week after the procedure, you can move forward with more vigorous activities, such as sailing or swimming, without the need for goggles.
You must remember that even when you are completely recovered and can participate in many activities, you must use the appropriate protective gear, such as safety goggles. This is very important if you have a job in which eye injuries are highly likely in the workplace.
Go To Post-Operative Exams And Appointments
After your procedure, Excel Eye Vision will schedule several mandatory post-operative exams for you to monitor your progress during your recovery. These usually take place at the following times:
- 24 hours post-procedure
- 2 weeks post-procedure
- 1-year post-procedure
It is also crucial that you regularly attend your eye exams. This is only to check the results of your LASIK eye surgery and also to keep track of your overall eye health. This is essential even if you aren’t experiencing any obvious problems with your vision since many eye issues stay under the radar, such as glaucoma, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, and macular degeneration.
For adults who are younger than 40 who don’t have any known eye issues or symptoms, it is usually recommended to have a routine eye check-up every two years. Nevertheless, since eye health usually deteriorates with age, individuals who are 40 years old and older should get their eyes checked every 1 to 2 years. Those who have a history of eye problems should think about seeing their eye doctor at least once a year.
Treat Dry Eyes
Some patients experience dry eyes after laser eye surgery, even though this side effect is only temporary in many situations while the eyes heal. Dry eyes are distinguished by the following symptoms:
- Burning, red, or itchy eyes
- Excessive tearing
- The sensation of sand in the eyes
There are several ways to treat dry eyes. For instance, the most usual methods to treat dry eyes consist of over-the-counter drugs or prescription medications. Additionally, you can find pain relief from the symptoms by putting a warm, wet cloth over the eyes for five minutes, massaging the eyelids with a mild soap (i.e., baby shampoo), or trying Omega-3 supplements and castor oil drops.
Additionally, you try a comfort plug, which is a microscopic plug inserted into a patient’s tear duct. It helps to boost the level of the tear film, which then helps to regulate moisture levels and reduce the discomfort you have when experiencing dry eyes.
When Outdoors, Wear Sunglasses
This goes for everyone and not just those who have had LASIK eye surgery. Wearing sunglasses is important to make sure your overall eye health is good. Especially, sunglasses are important for protecting the eyes from the sun’s UV rays, which can cause cataracts and macular degeneration, among many things.
Be careful since not all sunglasses are made the same. Wearing sunglasses that don’t have enough protection will not do much to protect your eyes. As a matter of fact, the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) recommends looking for sunglasses that have a tag or sticker pointing out they block 99% to 100% of UV rays.
What’s more is that your eye surgeon will instruct you to wear a special pair of sunglasses right after your LASIK eye surgery, which the clinic will provide you with. You should wear these sunglasses rather than your personal pair, which may not give enough protection. Afterward, keep wearing quality sunglasses that block 99% to 100% of UV rays when outdoors.
Protect Your Eyes From Digital Eye Strain
Digital eye strain (also referred to as computer vision syndrome) refers to a myriad of vision-related problems caused by long exposure to digital devices. It’s identified by symptoms such as:
- Eyestrain
- Headaches
- Blurred vision
- Dry eyes
- Neck and shoulder pain
Digital eye strain has been linked to many short and long-term health problems. Whether you work at a computer or just scroll through a phone or tablet in your personal time, taking steps to protect your vision from the blue light emitted by digital screens is crucial to ensuring overall eye health.
How Does LASIK Eye Surgery Work?
LASIK eye surgery is one of the most requested laser refractive surgeries in Orange County and is used to correct vision issues, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
If you are thinking about getting the best laser eye surgery, you may be curious about what to expect from the procedure. Below, the LASIK eye surgery professionals explain how LASIK surgery works and what patients can expect from their experience.
How LASIK Eye Surgery Works
Vision problems usually occur because of an error in how our eyes refract light. During the vision process, light rays go through various structures of the eye. This consists of the cornea, which is the transparent, dome-shaped structure covering the front of the eye, and then the crystalline lens, which is the natural lens that gets light rays refracted by the cornea and focuses light into an image on the retina that lines the back of the eye. Still, if the light is bent improperly, laser eye doctors say that it prevents an exact image from forming, resulting in blurred or weakened vision.
As LASIK professionals emphasize, eyeglasses and contact lenses are just a temporary fix to improve vision. It allows the eye to focus light in the correct spot on the retina, which produces the clearest image whenever possible. Nevertheless, LASIK eye surgery is devised to offer a long-term solution by reshaping the cornea itself to repair the refraction. LASIK is an abbreviation for Laser in Situ Keratomileusis, and as its name implies, it uses a laser to change the cornea’s shape.
During the operation, the surgeon will usually use an instrument known as a microkeratome to make a flap in the cornea, which can be pulled back to reveal the underlying corneal tissue. If that turns you off from doing the procedure, there are also bladeless forms of LASIK that use a high-energy laser to produce the same flap. At that point, the surgeon uses an excimer laser to reshape the cornea to correct the patient’s vision.
However, in the back of your mind, you may be wondering how the surgeon knows the correct shape to reshape the cornea into. Before the procedure, the surgeon creates a pre-specified cornea pattern. This is carried out using advanced diagnostic technology and numerous extensive pre-operative tests to measure the thickness and shape of the cornea. This provides a three-dimensional map of the cornea’s structures.
This helps the surgeon to determine beforehand what shape the cornea should be to correct the patient’s vision issues.
What to Expect Before, During, And After LASIK
You don’t have to worry about experiencing a lot of downtime after your LASIK procedure. It provides the quickest and easiest recovery periods, especially when you compare it to other types of procedures. The majority of people return to their normal routines within 24 hours.
Nonetheless, you have to keep in mind that LASIK is a process. To ensure that the best results are possible, LASIK patients can expect to go through the following experiences that lead up to and after their surgery.
BEFORE THE PROCEDURE
If you are interested in a LASIK procedure, you have to attend a pre-operative consultation to find out of you are eligible for LASIK or any other vision correction procedure. During your consultation, an eye doctor takes a look at your vision and eye health. An experienced optometric physician can explain the procedures and answer any questions or address any concerns you may have.
The first consultation usually involves several painless tests to determine whether or not you are a suitable candidate. Depending on your prescription, the patient’s pupils may require dilation.
DURING THE PROCEDURE
On the day of the surgery, your doctor will verify your eye prescription again, and your pupils are measured to ascertain the best results. The surgeon will also let you know what to expect during the procedure, review post-operative care instructions, and fill out the remaining paperwork. If you wear contact lenses, which can change the cornea’s shape, you have probably been already told to stop wearing them for a specific amount of time before the surgery.
Generally speaking, you will most likely be at the clinic for about 3 to 4 hours on the day of the procedure. LASIK eye surgery only lasts about 15 minutes, and the laser is used for less than 10 seconds on each eye. You will be asked to take a seat and given numbing eye drops. The surgeon uses an instrument to keep your eyes open, a suction ring is placed over your eye before they cut the corneal flap. The patient may feel pressure or dimness in their vision.
When the flap is created, the surgeon folds it back to get to the area of the cornea that needs reshaping. Using a laser, the surgeon starts the reshaping process. The patient will be asked to focus on the point of light, which keeps their eye fixed while the laser reshapes the cornea. Each laser pulse removes a part of the corneal tissue. Then the surgeon lays the flap back into place when the corneal shape is acceptable; the flap heals on its own.
AFTER THE PROCEDURE
Normally, patients experience some form of irritation after the procedure. The eyes may feel itchy, burning, or watery. Also, a person’s vision will probably be blurry. Overall, LASIK eye surgery is a painless procedure.
LASIK eye surgery is one of the safest and most convenient elective surgeries around. It offers a long-term solution to vision issues and can transform the quality of life for so many people. If you want to learn more about LASIK eye surgery and other correction options, book a free consultation at any of Excel Laser Vision Institute’s clinics in Orange County or Los Angeles or call (888) 957-3255, or visit our website to get more details: https://www.exceleye.com/.
Can I Have LASIK On Just One Eye? The LASIK Expert In Orange County Answers
Many patients can’t wait to get to LASIK in Orange County because having laser eye surgery is a remarkable and exciting experience. With the best laser eye surgery at Excel Laser Vision Institute, you can guarantee that you will be able to see more clearly after the procedure.
Although many patients of LASIK eye surgery in Orange County experience a huge improvement in their eyes after LASIK surgery, some of the things are not as simple as it seems. The fact of the matter is that some patients are often concerned whether it is safe or not to get LASIK in both eyes simultaneously or if they should have the procedure carried out on one eye only at first then get back to the other eye at a later date.
How Do Eyes Work?
To get clear vision thru LASIK in your eyes, you need to get the cornea and lens to refract or bend light rays to focus them on the retina in the back of the eye. The retina sends the light rays to the brain in the form of impulses for the brain to understand them as being images. When the light rays are not focusing on the retina, it causes blurry vision or refractive error. The purpose of LASIK is to correct this inaccuracy to provide a better vision.
If you have any part of the eye that is not perfectly shaped, such as the cornea, lens, or eyeball, it can cause refractive errors and make your vision blurry. As a result, there is a difference between the curvature of the cornea and the length of the eye. This can happen in one eye, while the other eye has a near-perfect vision, or it can occur in both eyes in different ways.
Why Would You Get LASIK In One Eye?
In some instances, LASIK is performed on both eyes simultaneously. Nevertheless, there are a few cases in which LASIK is required for only one eye or patient requests that each eye gets treatment on different days.
Here are the two most common reasons patients receive LASIK only on one eye.
Visual Disorders Affecting Only One Eye
The main reason for LASIK being carried out on only one eye is refractive errors, specifically anisometropia (lazy eye). Refractive errors can be a result of several conditions in an eye that LASIK procedures can correct. For instance, you may be nearsighted, farsighted, and experience astigmatism in only one eye. Another visual disorder is Presbyopia. This is an age-related eye condition that affects a person’s ability to see because of seeing up-close, and their vision is blurred.
Patient’s Request
Sometimes a patient may want to have LASIK performed on one eye at a time, usually choosing the “bad eye” first. The reason for this is because they would like to see whether the benefits of LASIK are worth it before getting the other eye treated. Some believe that this is a safe method.
What Is Monovision LASIK?
Monovision LASIK refers to having LASIK surgery to give the patient good near vision in one eye and good distance in the other. Normally, the dominant eye is first determined, and then the patient is first given contact lenses with distance vision in the dominant and near in the non-dominant.
If the patent states that he or she is satisfied with the vision they achieved during this “experiment”, only then are they offered LASIK to get the same result.
If a patient already has good vision in both eyes, the contact lens trial is carried out by just wearing a near contact lens in the non-dominant eye. If all goes well, the patient would then proceed with LASIK for nearsightedness in one eye.
Should I Have LASIK On One Eye Only?
At Excel Laser Vision Institute, a LASIK clinic in Orange County, some patients want to make sure they have a good result in one eye before going forward with the other eye. Patients sometimes believe that it is somehow safer to do one eye at a time, which, judging from the surface, does feel like a more conservative and careful approach.
But here is the issue with thinking in that way:
According to a LASIK surgeon in Orange County, there is no real proof that you will experience fewer complications if the eyes are treated separately. Plus, when you consider the inconvenience factor to the whole situation, such as doubling the number of consultation visits and follow-up appointments, it isn’t difficult to figure out why people usually opt to treat both eyes simultaneously.
Is Getting LASIK In One Eye Necessary?
As you can probably tell right now, there is no general right or wrong answer to this question. If an eye surgeon believes that a patient is a good candidate for LASIK in both eyes, there is usually nothing holding them back from getting both eyes done simultaneously.
If you are concerned about having LASIK in both eyes or you only need LASIK in one eye, then obviously, just get the LASIK performed in that single eye to ensure you get the best treatment for your unique situation.
Contact Excel Laser Vision Institute at (888) 957-3255 so you can talk to an eye care professional. Excel Laser Vision Institute is a reputable LASIK clinic in Orange County. Laser eye surgery can treat many refractive errors and ensure that your vision is excellent. LASIK professionals will thoroughly evaluate your eye health and condition before establishing if you are eligible for LASIK eye surgery or a similar procedure.
Dr. Moosa is a well-known LASIK surgeon with a Harvard education and a wealth of experience working with different prescription levels. Dr. Moosa has helped many professionals achieve their vision goals, from athletes to models to military personnel. Visit our website to learn more: https://www.exceleye.com/.
How to Prevent and Treat Photokeratitis
According to Doctor Moosa, one of the LASIK experts in Orange County, photokeratitis is like a sunburn for your eyes. While typically caused by UV exposure, this condition can also be produced with artificial light from tanning beds, halogen desk lamps, arc welding equipment, and laser lights. People can also develop photokeratitis from light reflected on snow and ice at high elevations. During photokeratitis, natural or artificial light damages the cornea and conjunctiva, which can cause vision problems and discomfort.
Even after receiving the best laser eye surgery in Orange County, people can still experience photokeratitis from sunlight exposure. That is why it is so important to protect your eyes with UV-blocking glasses. Here are some of the most common symptoms of photokeratitis to watch out for:
- Headaches
- Halos
- Blurred vision
- Swelling eyes
- Twitching eyes
- Light sensitivity
- Color changes
- Red, watery eyes
- Temporary vision loss
Symptoms of photokeratitis typically set in within six to twelve hours of exposure. However, there are some cases in which it takes as little as an hour. Symptoms can last for up to forty-eight hours. LASIK professionals in Orange County particularly those at Excel Laser Vision Institute say that the severity of the symptoms will depend on the length of exposure. However, even minor symptoms can increase a person’s chances of developing serious conditions like macular degeneration or cataracts in the future.
Whether you have had LASIK eye surgery or not, photokeratitis is a serious condition that must be prevented. The best way to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays is to purchase a pair of sunglasses that block 100% of UV rays. Sunglasses should be worn on any outdoor occasion since UV rays can still shine through even on a cloudy day. Sunlight can also reflect from surfaces such as water or snow, which is why it is so important to have the right protective lenses with you when spending time outside. Wide-brimmed hats and visors can also protect you from UV light.
Photokeratitis can also happen in the workplace. If you are exposed to UV radiation on the job, then it is imperative to wear goggles, face shields, or safety glasses to protect yourself. Do your research and discuss employee safety with your employer to see what equipment is already provided. Some people may consider getting UV absorbing contacts which block harmful light from reaching the eyes.
Treatment for photokeratitis depends on the severity of the condition. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms, then it is advisable to go inside and turn off any lights. Avoid rubbing your eyes or irritating them in any other way. Eyecare experts suggest using a cold compress to relieve any discomfort. Additionally, people may try artificial tears or ibuprofen to ease any painful symptoms. Keep track of your symptoms and note when they flare-up. If they do not subside in more than two days, then it may be necessary to visit an ophthalmologist. In most cases, using protective gear such as sunglasses and hats will help reduce any immediate symptoms. Speak to your eye doctor about photokeratitis to learn more.
