How Your Blood Pressure Can Affect Your Eyes – A LASIK Expert In Los Angeles Explains
Blood pressure is a measurement of the force that it takes for your heart to pump blood throughout your body. According to Doctor Moosa, a LASIK expert in Los Angeles, having a blood pressure that is too low or too high can have significant effects on your eyes. Twenty-six percent of the world’s population has high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. This means that the heart is working extra hard to circulate blood in the body. Meanwhile, thirty-one percent of the world’s population deals with low blood pressure, or hypotension. This indicates that the heart is not working hard enough, which contributes to improper circulation. People on the low/normal end of the blood pressure spectrum may have perpetually cold feet and hands.
It is normal for our blood pressure to fluctuate during the day. However, when an abnormal rate is sustained for a long period of time, this can cause physical ailments that affect the whole body. The best LASIK surgeons say that patients with abnormal blood pressure may require medication or lifestyle adjustments in order to maintain a healthier balance. Some of the most typical causes of high blood pressure include sleep apnea, kidney disease, abnormal thyroid function, tobacco smoking, diet (too much salt), obesity, pain relievers, decongestants, and other medications. Low blood pressure can be caused by stress, not breathing properly, orthostatic hypotension, and certain prescription medications.
LASIK surgeons in Los Angeles particularly Doctor Moosa say that high blood pressure can affect the retina by damaging connecting blood vessels and causing fluid buildup. This can, in turn, lead to hypertensive retinopathy or an eye stroke. Patients with high blood pressure thus risk damage to their optic nerve and even vision loss. Fortunately, if you do regular exams, your doctor should be able to prevent these serious symptoms by detecting high blood pressure early. If you begin to notice an onset of pain, blurry vision, or sudden floaters, then you should speak to your eye doctor and have a thorough examination.
Many people have a blood pressure that is slightly lower than normal, but do not experience symptoms. This is known as low/normal blood pressure. When blood pressure begins to drop too low, patients may begin to have difficulty concentrating, nausea, weakness, and light-headedness. Low blood pressure can also cause blurry vision or fading vision because the eyes are not getting sufficient blood supply. In order to avoid these problems, people should schedule regular checkups with their primary care physician and eye doctor.
If you are wondering how your blood pressure might affect your ability to get a procedure like LASIK in Los Angeles, then feel free to call Excel Laser Vision Institute and speak to one of our experienced staff. LASIK is a refractive surgery that has been proven to correct certain levels of nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. We can help you determine if you are eligible for LASIK or other vision correction alternatives such as PRK and SMILE. Call Excel Laser Vision Institute at (877) 981-3003 and schedule your free LASIK consultation.
Am I Too Old to Get LASIK Surgery? Debunking the Age-Limit Myth
In order to qualify patients for laser eye surgery, there are certain guidelines that LASIK clinics in Los Angeles must follow. One of the guidelines states that you must be 18 years of age or older to receive the procedure. However, there is no age-limit to receive laser eye surgery.
According to Doctor Moosa, one of the best LASIK surgeons in Los Angeles, individuals in their 40’s, 50’s, and 60’s may very well be good candidates for laser eye surgery, depending on other factors like eye health. Generally, people under 18 are not considered good candidates because their eyesight is not within a stable prescription yet. Many people, even in their twenties, are asked to wait until their prescriptions have not changed for up to a year before committing to the procedure. However, there is currently no age limit that restricts qualified patients.
LASIK eye surgery can treat myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. In patients over 40, LASIK surgeons see a trend of presbyopia, which is age-related farsightedness. This can affect the flexibility of the eye lens and cause blurry vision. Fortunately, presbyopia as a condition does not immediately disqualify patients for LASIK eye surgery. There are methods by which a LASIK surgeon can still correct refractive errors and reduce dependency on corrective lenses.
Once individuals reach age 55, they may start to develop cataracts which cause lens clouding and blurriness. LASIK cannot treat cataracts, but patients may undergo cataract surgery and then consider LASIK surgery after, in order to further treat farsightedness, nearsightedness, or astigmatism. Therefore, LASIK may still be an available option, even for patients who are at an older age and are experiencing certain age-related conditions.
Besides being 18 years or older, there is no age requirement for LASIK patients. When evaluating a patient for laser eye surgery, doctors will consider their prescription, eye health, and general health. As long as someone has no medical conditions that will interfere with the surgery, they may very well be eligible for LASIK. The only way to know for sure is to speak to a qualified LASIK surgeon. When you go in for a consultation, you may ask questions like “how much is LASIK surgery?” and “how long does the procedure last?”. This is the perfect time to get clear on your vision goals and learn how refractive surgery can help you get there. Many people are fortunate enough to receive 20/20 vision after LASIK and can live independently from their glasses or contacts.
While age limits may not exist for laser eye surgery, there are other factors that may disqualify a patient for LASIK eye surgery. Here are some of them:
- Thin corneas – Patients with thin corneas may be better suited to alternatives like PRK.
- Medical conditions – Patients with autoimmune disorders or diabetes may have to take medications that could interfere with LASIK healing. Consult a LASIK specialist to see if your medical condition disqualifies you as a candidate.
- Eye diseases – Patients with corneal diseases, severe dry eye syndrome, amblyopia, keratoconus, glaucoma, and cataracts may not be eligible for LASIK eye surgery. However, in the case of cataracts, patients may be able to receive treatment for their condition and then be eligible for LASIK after.
- Eye infections or injuries – Patients that have suffered trauma to the eye or are fighting off infection may not be eligible for LASIK. However, they may be redirected to come back to the clinic for an evaluation after their eyes have fully healed.
- Pregnancy or nursing – Patients that are pregnant or currently nursing are not considered eligible for LASIK because of the hormonal fluctuations in their body. They may be eligible to receive laser eye surgery once their hormones have rebalanced.
How the Thickness of Your Cornea Affects Getting LASIK
When glasses or contacts become too troublesome and inconvenient, many people turn to laser eye surgery. LASIK experts in Los Angeles like Doctor Moosa say that LASIK is known for treating varying levels of farsightedness, nearsightedness, and astigmatism. The reason that this procedure has become so popular is that it is a long-term solution that actually corrects corneal aberrations, rather than just compensating for them. LASIK patients can achieve up to 20/20 vision or, in some cases, even better!
The best LASIK surgeons in Los Angeles are selective when it comes to their patients. Not everyone can be eligible for LASIK because there are certain factors that can affect the accuracy of the results and the safety of the patient. Corneal thickness is one of the eye conditions that LASIK specialists will check for before qualifying a patient for LASIK. This is a particularly important requirement for a few reasons.
Imperfect prescriptions are caused by irregularities in the cornea which can be perceived as nearsightedness, astigmatism, or farsightedness. Light is directed behind or in front of the retina, instead of on it, which can affect the clarity of the image. LASIK surgeons in Los Angeles correct this issue by removing excess tissue and reshaping the cornea to better reflect light. LASIK requires the creation of a tiny flap in order to access the stromal layers of the cornea.
When visiting a LASIK clinic in Los Angeles, patients will receive a comprehensive eye exam in order to determine if they are an ideal candidate for the procedure. Since the LASIK method requires a corneal flap to be made, patients must have a cornea that is within a certain range of thickness. When a patient’s cornea is too thin or too weak, this increases their chances of experiencing complications or jeopardizing their healing process. Here are some of the qualifications and facts that LASIK specialists consider:
- Patients must have a minimum of 250 microns of corneal thickness after their surgery.
- LASIK removes about 160 microns of tissue to create the corneal flap.
- LASIK removes about 12-14 microns per diopter of vision for correction.
- Corneal thickness can be measured with a corneal pachymetry test.
After measuring the thickness of your cornea, LASIK specialists will need to do some mathematical reasoning in order to determine if you are a safe candidate for the procedure. If a doctor determines that you do not qualify for LASIK, you may qualify for PRK instead. This laser eye surgery alternative uses a slightly different method to correct vision in which a corneal flap is not needed. This helps conserve corneal tissue.
Whether you qualify for LASIK or not, it is a good idea to visit a clinic to have the evaluation and determine the best way to reach your vision goals. If you’re wondering how much LASIK surgery is, then you will be given an estimate based on the needs of your current visual acuity. Fortunately, LASIK is more affordable than ever with available financing options. When you calculate the total cost of LASIK and compare that to the lifetime use of glasses or contacts, you will see that this procedure is a worthwhile investment. Contact the Excel Laser Vision Institute to learn whether you qualify for LASIK eye surgery and get started on the journey to clear, independent vision.
Are Novelty Halloween Contacts Safe?
It’s the spookiest time of the year! With Halloween coming up on October 31st, people are starting to make plans for their costumes. Some of the fun, quirky costume elements that people like to integrate into their costumes are colored contacts. These can take a costume to the next level. However, many people are concerned about whether or not these novelty contacts are safe. Doctor Moosa, one of the LASIK experts in Los Angeles is here to answer some common questions about novelty contacts and help people enjoy a fun, safe Halloween.
Will novelty contacts harm my eyes?
If you’ve ever noticed, certain theatrical performances or feature films will often incorporate costume makeup and contacts in order to help someone achieve a certain look. These can actually be quite safe, as long as they are correctly prescribed, cleaned, and maintained. According to Doctor Moosa, one of the best LASIK surgeons in Los Angeles, all contacts that are being sold in stores must be FDA approved, otherwise they are illegal. These contacts can be worn whether or not someone usually wears corrective lenses because they are available with and without prescriptive lens power. Some people can be sensitive to contact lenses and may not react well to wearing them, especially if it is their first time. If you happen to notice any irritation, swelling, or redness when wearing these contacts, then you should immediately take them out and seek medical help.
How should I go about purchasing novelty contacts?
If you are going out to purchase some fun lenses, then LASIK surgeons in Los Angeles recommend buying from an authorized business. If the seller does not ask for a valid prescription, then these contacts will likely be a one-size-fits-all design. When contacts are not fitted correctly, they can cause infections, scratches to the cornea, and affect vision. Avoid buying contacts from unknown sellers.
If you have never worn contacts before, then you should visit an eye doctor for an exam and proper fitting. When you first insert lenses, it may be briefly uncomfortable but the right sized contacts should settle after a little time. Make sure to practice the right cleaning habits and always wash your hands before handling the contacts.
What are some important tips for wearing novelty contacts?
LASIK experts in Los Angeles particularly Doctor Moosa recommend putting contact lenses in before applying any costume makeup. This can help prevent any makeup from getting on the contacts and causing a bacterial infection. In order to decrease the chances of dry eye, you might want to use eye drops or simply blink more frequently to get your eyes adjusted. Never wear novelty contacts for more than 8 hours in a day. If you start to notice discomfort, then you should take them out even earlier. As with normal contact lenses, you should not go swimming or fall asleep with them on.
Typically, novelty contacts have an expiration date and can be used multiple times before that. If you are planning to use them again, then you should make sure that they stay clean and protected. If at any point, they become damaged or incredibly dirty, then you should just dispose of them. You can purchase a multi-purpose contact lens solution at most convenience stores and use this to soak the contacts. Do not use water, saline, eye drops, or saliva to clean the contacts.
LASIK Clinics Provide Clear, Independent Eyesight During Difficult Times
LASIK experts in Los Angeles like Excel Laser Vision Institute have watched the transformation of households and communities during a worldwide pandemic and have noted one common denominator—more than ever, people want to make the best of the situation. The new normal consists of wearing masks in public spaces, which has proven a huge inconvenience for people that are reliant on their prescription glasses. Contact lens wearers have also faced struggles in terms of refraining from touching their eyes and making sure that their lenses stay clean. Everything has changed, causing many people to reevaluate their dependence on corrective lenses. In a time of uncertainty, many people want to control as many factors of their life as they can. This is why the best LASIK surgeons such as Doctor Moosa have been even more sought-after than before.
Wearing masks in public has become a necessity, which is both a blessing and a curse for many people. On one hand, this medical tool is significantly decreasing the number of infections being spread. On the other hand, it is incredibly inconvenient for people who also rely on glasses to see. Many masks are made without consideration of someone that wears glasses. This means that the mask requires constant adjustment, which is dangerous in the sense that the person must frequently touch their face, around their eyes, to shift their glasses around the mask. Then, even with constant adjustment, these masks will cause a person’s glasses to fog up, significantly, impairing their vision.
Since the start of the pandemic, some masks have been tweaked to bend at the nose in order to decrease the amount of fogging; however, it is not one-hundred-percent effective. When someone breathes in a mask, the water vapor becomes concentrated and then seeps out of the edges of the mask, landing on the surface of the glasses. Other solutions to this problem include washing glasses with soap and water in order to prevent the water vapor from attaching to the lenses. Again, this is not entirely effective for every person. Foggy glasses can provide a huge inconvenience for someone who is just trying to buy their groceries or walk down the street. It can lower their self-confidence and cause anxiety in an already nerve-inducing situation.
Contact wearers are not facing these daily struggles. However, they are experiencing a different kind of inconvenience and risk. LASIK surgeons have greatly warned against the use of contacts during this pandemic because they require constant contact with the eye. The danger of touching an unclean surface and then touching your eye is much greater with someone who wears contacts than with someone who wears glasses. So, while you don’t have to face fogged up glasses with contacts, you do have to consider the cleanliness of your hands and your interaction with your eyes at all times. In a time when people are increasingly at home and buying large quantities of things to stock up, contacts and contact lens solutions are less available which can provide another issue for people reliant on this corrective eyewear.
Fortunately, there is a solution to all of these problems that many people are starting to discover. Laser eye surgery is a safe, effective procedure that has been available for decades. Since the advancement of laser technology and more in-depth studies of the eye, LASIK clinics in Los Angeles are now able to provide better results and patient satisfaction rates than ever before. LASIK is a long-term solution to vision problems that can offer patients independence from their corrective lenses. During difficult times like these, having clarity of sight that you can rely on is an invaluable gift. Improve your quality of life by looking into LASIK eye surgery at Excel Laser Vision Institute today.
How to Maintain Healthy Eyes After Your LASIK Procedure
Most nutritionists can attest to the fact that food impacts many aspects of your health. This is true with everything from your heart to your brain to your eyes. According to LASIK experts in Los Angeles like Doctor Moosa, eye health is important when you want to sustain the visual acuity you gain from laser eye surgery. It is also important beforehand, when you are preparing your eyes for the procedure. Fortunately, there are specific nutrients that you can incorporate into your diet in order to support healthy eyes.
The best LASIK surgeons like Dr. Moosa know that the things we eat are not separate from how our eyes operate. In fact, they can have a big influence on how well we see. This is why it is so important to have a healthy, well-balanced diet growing up. When our eyes are developing, they require the right foods to properly transition into maturity. Similarly, many eye care professionals will recommend specific dietary inclusions when an individual is undergoing LASIK eye surgery. Someone who needs corrections to their vision will require a strong foundation of eye health in order to ensure long-lasting results. Here are some of the necessary nutrients for a LASIK patient:
- Vitamin C: Known for its antioxidant properties, this vitamin is great for helping with LASIK recovery. You can consume this in a pill form or in foods like kiwi, kale, and sweet yellow peppers.
- Amino Acids: Known for tissue regeneration properties, these are great for a recovering LASIK patient. You can find amino acids in healthy, protein-rich foods like nuts, beans, fish, eggs, and chicken.
- Healthy Fats: In moderation, healthy fats can decrease inflammation and improve your overall health. Some foods that contain these are olive oil, dark chocolate, nuts, seeds, full-fat dairy, fatty fish, and avocados.
- Carbohydrates: Glucose is a main source of energy for the body and it’s found in carbohydrates. Try sticking with complex carbohydrates like oatmeal, brown rice, and other whole-grain options. These will have other nutrients to support your immune system as well. When you are eating carbs, make sure to avoid too much sugar.
While many surgeries require fasting, laser eye surgery is different. Many LASIK surgeons tell their patients to eat a light meal before the procedure and have plenty of water. You can use the guide above to plan your meals after LASIK and ensure healthy eyes. Some other healthy foods to keep in mind are leafy greens, which contain nutrients that decrease the risk of developing cataracts and macular degeneration, and orange-colored fruits and veggies, which have beta-carotene.
Diet is an easy way to maintain eye health throughout your life, no matter what kind of vision you have. The strength of our eyes can fluctuate as we get older and in tandem with eye corrective procedures such as LASIK and a healthy lifestyle, you can prevent many severe eye conditions from developing. The best way to monitor eye health is to attend yearly check-ups with your eye care professional, even if you have already received a LASIK procedure in Los Angeles. It is important to put your eyes first so that you can continue living your life to the fullest.
The Advantages of Corrective Eye Surgery vs. Eyeglasses for Drivers
Many drivers who struggle with eye problems try to compensate by wearing eyeglasses behind the wheel. However, this presents its own problems since visual issues can change over time, and eyeglasses don’t always address such developments, among other things. Stay safe when driving by choosing the permanent, proven benefits of corrective eye surgery instead.
Signs of Eyesight Problems while Driving
Eyesight issues typically develop over time, which means it can sneak up on drivers who don’t immediately notice the effects of their deteriorating eyesight. These questions can help you determine whether your vision needs intervention:
- Do you find it difficult to drive at night?
- Do you get agitated, anxious, or confused while on the road?
- Do you struggle to read traffic lights, street signs, and highway signs?
- Do lights, especially at night, appear with halos or glares?
- Do you find it hard to drive at the speed limit?
If you answered yes to one or more of these questions, then you might be a great candidate for corrective eye surgery. Eyeglasses might offer a quick fix, but the long-term advantages of Lasik surgery make it the best option for drivers.
Advantages of Lasik Surgery over Eyeglasses
Eyeglasses may clarify your vision while you’re wearing them, but the unique visual challenges of driving can make them an unsuitable choice. Corrective eye surgery from an excellent Lasik eye center in Los Angeles offers a better alternative for drivers for these reasons:
- It does not add another layer of glass to your line of sight.
Car windshields, especially when it’s raining, are already hard to look through if you’re suffering from visual issues. It becomes doubly difficult to see the road clearly when you’ve got another layer of glass adding to the challenge.
Lasik surgery removes the need for eyeglasses or contacts by restoring your perfect vision, allowing you to focus on the road ahead without additional obstructions.
- It reduces the risk of glare.
Glasses easily catch glare, especially when you’re driving under direct sunlight or looking at street lights and car headlights at night, making it hard to see objects and other vehicles.
Since its results aren’t reliant on eyeglasses, laser eye surgery dramatically reduces the incidence of glare. The procedure also diminishes similar issues such as halos and blurriness when driving at night.
- It treats vision problems correctly.
It can still be difficult to identify road signs while wearing glasses, especially if you have the wrong prescription or your current one does not properly address your specific visual conditions. Eye problems like astigmatism or myopia often require prescription changes once every two years.
Before undergoing corrective eye surgery, your Lasik surgeon will first diagnose the exact eye issue you have. Coupled with a stable prescription for at least one year, laser eye surgery brings back your clear eyesight by correcting the vision problem itself. It doesn’t just address the symptoms of your visual issues the way eyeglasses do.
- It improves your visual skills.
Since visual issues tend to worsen over time, regular eyeglasses prescription updates are a must. Otherwise, your eyeglasses can contribute to the deterioration of your general vision, especially those that are critical for driving such as field of vision, color vision, night vision, depth perception, and more.
This problem is removed when you choose laser surgery —you get to practice your visualization skills to the fullest without worrying about a worsening prescription.
Improve Driving and Road Safety with Lasik Surgery
Stay safe when driving by restoring clear eyesight! If you’re struggling with driving due to your vision, visit a Lasik eye center instead of reaching for your eyeglasses. Consult the best Lasik surgeons in Los Angeles here at Excel Laser Vision Institute to determine the best treatment for your vision problem. Call us today at + (818) 907-8606 to set an appointment!
Advantages of LASIK Eye Surgery and Reasons Why You Should Pursue It
LASIK is short for laser in-situ keratomileusis; an eye surgeon performs this refractive surgery at LASIK Los Angeles to correct a patient’s vision problems, including farsightedness, nearsightedness, and astigmatism. Normally, surgeons perform LASIK surgery by cutting across the cornea to raise the flap of tissue and reshaping it.
Over the years, LASIK has increased in popularity because of its many advantages. Many of those who get LASIK end up having successful results!
What are Refractive Vision Problems and Why Do They Happen?
When the eye looks at an object, light enters the eye and passes through the cornea. The cornea contains the natural lens of the eye, which is responsible for refracting the light so that it hits the retina at the back of the eye properly. The retina is the part of the eye that focuses light and sends messages to the brain to help us understand what we are seeing. Nevertheless, when the light is refracted improperly, it doesn’t focus on the retina the right way, resulting in blurred vision.
Refractive problems include:
Myopia: This is nearsightedness that is brought about by a steeper cornea.
Hyperopia: Occurs with far-sightedness and is caused by a cornea that is too flat.
Astigmatism: This is when the cornea is shaped similarly to a football than a soccer ball, and so the light refracts incorrectly.
Presbyopia: A condition that occurs with age and results in changes within the make-up of the natural lens, which causes refractive errors to happen.
What is Laser Vision Correction Surgery?
Laser vision correction is a way of fixing refractive vision issues using state-of-the-art laser technology. It has advanced drastically within the last few decades and is now safer and more precise than it ever was before.
LASIK makes it possible to map the patient’s cornea with exceptional precision, using this information to plan and carry out corneal reshaping. It has a very high success rate as well, and many patients find that they depend on eyeglasses or contact lenses a lot less, if at all.
What is LASIK?
LASIK involves the use of laser technology that cuts a very thin, square flap into the outer layer of the cornea. The eye surgeon then changes the shape of the layers underneath to repair the imperfections in curvature that are causing the distorted vision.
A LASIK procedure is very unique since it is the only laser vision correction that uses the flap technique to perform the changes to the cornea.
Once the necessary corrections to the lower layers of the cornea have been performed, the flap is replaced and left to heal naturally without the need for sutures.
What are the Advantages of LASIK?
Fortunately, LASIK has many benefits, and one of those is that it corrects vision. About 96% of patients will achieve their desired vision after a LASIK procedure. Getting an enhancement can further increase this figure.
LASIK is linked to very little pain since LASIK surgeons use numbing drops prior to the surgery. Normally, patients experience corrected vision almost immediately afterward or the very next day after LASIK.
Also, there is no need for bandages or stitches after LASIK, and adjustments can be performed years after LASIK to further correct vision if vision changes while a person ages.
After a LASIK procedure, many patients have a drastic reduction in eyeglasses or contact lens reliance, and many patients no longer require them.
Here are some other advantages of LASIK:
Better Vision
The number one reason why people do LASIK in the first place is to gain improved vision. Although there are no guarantees that you will achieve perfect eyesight after the procedure, about 96% of patients who opt for LASIK have 20/20 vision. Individuals who feel their vision has dramatically improved find that their dependence on eyeglasses and contact is greatly reduced.
Safety
Despite the fact that no procedure is completely risk-free, laser vision correction is now safer than ever before. However, the flap technique does provide opportunities for some complications, which will be explained down below.
Quick Healing
Most of the time, patients usually ask about how quickly they can expect to heal after a LASIK procedure. The healing time after a LASIK procedure is typically about 24 to 36 hours unless there are any complications that come about from the placement of the flap. Also, there is no need to wear uncomfortable bandages. Because of this, a person can return to work and drive with very minimal downtime.
Lets You Do More Activities
Sometimes having poor vision can stop you from being part of a sports team, joining the military, or any profession that requires good eyesight. Going through LASIK eye surgery will let you do what you always wanted to do but couldn’t because of poor eyesight since LASIK can correct and significantly improve your vision.
Also, once your eyesight improves with LASIK, you can participate in activities you used to think were never possible such as swimming, cycling, skydiving, and many others. LASIK eye surgery can help you broaden your horizons, go on new adventures, and have better career opportunities.
What are the Disadvantages of LASIK?
Although there are many advantages to LASIK, there are a few disadvantages of the procedure that you should be aware of.
Flap Complications
When the lower layers of the cornea have been reshaped, the flap will be placed back over the lens. Still, the flap is very delicate and thin, and the process is complicated. So, there could be the risk of the following complications:
- The flap becomes displaced.
- The flap wrinkles up, causing distorted vision.
- Debris gets trapped under the flap
- The flap breaking or being incomplete in some manner.
Before you decide on a LASIK Los Angeles procedure, make sure you talk to a medical professional who specializes in this sort of treatment. At Excel Laser Vision Institute, we provide free consultations, which you can book here. Or else, you can call us on (310) 905-8622 to book an appointment with us.