How To Maintain Strong Vision After Cataract Surgery
Usually, the first thing that happens to people after getting cataract surgery is that they feel relieved. With cataracts gone, their vision is restored and they can see incredibly well. However, this feeling of relief is often followed by a desire to keep their visual acuity at this level. During this time, people are motivated to do what it takes in order to keep their vision strong, including eating well, exercising, eliminating any tobacco, wearing UV protection, and monitoring other health conditions.
Cataract surgery can significantly improve a person’s vision by replacing a clouded lens with a clear, artificial one. This new lens can help light rays better reach the retina and, therefore, achieve clarity of vision. This corrective eye surgery is common for people that are prone to age related macular degeneration. According to eye care experts, macular degeneration can be triggered by cumulative oxidative stress to the macula, which is in the center of the retina. In order to prevent age related macular degeneration from backtracking the success of cataract surgery, a patient must focus on their macula health.
The very center of the macula, known as the fovea, is responsible for five degrees of vision as well as facial recognition and reading. The fovea also holds three macular pigments ( meso-zeaxanthin, zeaxanthin, and lutein) which work to filter short-wavelength blue light and have antioxidant properties. The denser the macular pigment, the more capable it is of protecting retina cells from oxidative stress and harmful blue light. This contributes to overall better quality of vision, especially in low light situations.
The best way to reduce your risk of getting age related macular degeneration is to treat your body with the right nutrients and supplements. You can find zeaxanthin and lutein in foods like corn, carrots, leafy vegetables, and citrus fruits. According to laser vision correction experts in Los Angeles like Doctor Moosa, meso-zeaxanthin is harder to find in a Western diet and, therefore many people are deficient in this macular pigment. Fortunately, there are many natural, food-based supplements that one can take to increase their meso-zeaxanthin. This can improve visual functions and contrast sensitivity.
Visual deterioration is a common symptom of age. This is why so many people face conditions like cataracts, macular degeneration, glaucoma, presbyopia, temporal arteritis, and dry eye. However, many people are able to restore their vision through healthy habits and corrective procedures. Eye care experts recommend taking dietary supplements to protect against oxidative damage and getting cataract surgery to replace cloudy natural lenses. As long as people stay on top of their eye health, they will be able to prevent more serious conditions from affecting their vision. One of the easiest ways to maintain eye health is to schedule yearly check-ups and share any occurring symptoms that you may have noticed with your doctor.
Once achieving clarity of vision, people are more equipped to go about their daily lives, chase their passions, and improve their overall quality of life. In order to determine if you qualify for cataract surgery or any other vision corrective procedure, visit an eye care clinic like Excel Laser Vision Institute in Los Angeles and schedule a comprehensive exam.
How to Know if You Need Cataract Surgery
According to eye care experts in Los Angeles, cataract surgery is a procedure that involves replacing the eye’s natural cloudy lens with a clear synthetic lens. This can be performed by experienced surgeons on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia. Many cataract surgery patients can return to their normal routines within a few days. Fortunately, advancement in technology has allowed this procedure’s success rate to skyrocket and the results are long-lasting. Eye care professionals highly recommend the procedure for people who are suffering from cataracts. However, patients must make a couple of decisions when beginning their journey, including what type of lens implant they want and when they want to have the surgery.
Many people develop eyesight problems over time, which is why laser vision correction procedures have gained popularity in recent decades. Whether its myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism, LASIK has a reputation of restoring crystal clear vision to many different kinds of patients. However, cataracts are outside the realm of this corrective eye surgery and require an alternative solution. Instead of manipulating the surface of the cornea in order to allow light to better focus, cataracts are treated by replacing the eye lens completely.
As we age, our eye lenses naturally become thicker and less transparent. This can lead to cloudiness of the lens, which we know as cataracts. According to recent studies, about 50% of people will develop cataracts by the time they reach 80 years old. In many cases, cataracts develop in a slow, subtle manner. Someone may at first experience more nearsightedness and then poor night vision as well as dulled color perception. These symptoms can be evaluated by an eye doctor in order to determine if cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, or any other eye conditions are the root cause.
The only effective cure for cataracts is the removal of the clouded lens through cataract surgery. Los Angeles eye doctors say that, in most cases, the procedure is recommended based on how much the cataracts are interfering with someone’s daily life. In the early stages of cataract development, vision may not be significantly impaired. However, cataracts are known to exacerbate other eye conditions like macular degeneration. The best course of action is to have a comprehensive eye exam with a professional in order to determine whether it is the right time for the procedure.
When choosing the synthetic lens implant for cataract surgery, one must speak to an eye care professional in order to hear their recommendations. Monofocal versus multifocal lenses provide different benefits, depending on the patient’s age and lifestyle. Younger cataract surgery patients often choose monofocal implants while multifocal lenses provide relief for patients with detail-oriented jobs and hobbies. The key is choosing the lens that will best satisfy your vision needs in your individual circumstances.
Frequent eye exams are the best way to ensure that your eyesight is monitored and preserved. Whether you need cataract surgery, LASIK eye surgery, or some other corrective procedure, experienced ophthalmologists can help you reach your vision goals.
Cataract Versus LASIK Surgery
While many people have heard of LASIK and cataract surgery, there seems to be a general confusion about whether or not these two procedures can work together to achieve vision goals. Some of the confusion stems from the fact that many Los Angeles clinics offer both cataract surgery and LASIK. Many eye care patients find themselves asking how these two methods of vision correction are different from one another and if they can be utilized in tandem for certain individuals. Fortunately, the answers are rather straightforward and simply require the expertise of an eye care professional.
How is cataract surgery different from LASIK?
LASIK eye surgery involves the reshaping of an individual’s cornea to help refocus light properly, thus correcting a previous refractive error. Cataract surgery, on the other hand, is a treatment that involves the replacement of an individual’s natural lens, which has become clouded with cataracts, with an artificial lens (IOL or intraocular lens).
Each surgery is performed within a different timeframe. LASIK is usually a bit quicker and both eyes can be completed in the same surgery. Cataract surgery usually requires a separate day for each eye. Another difference between the two procedures is that cataract surgery can be covered by insurance (unless choosing premium add-ons) while LASIK offers a flexible savings account (FSA) but no insurance coverage.
How is cataract surgery similar to LASIK?
In the most basic sense, both LASIK and cataract surgery are a form of corrective eye surgery that require laser technology. Cataract surgery utilizes the femtosecond laser to extract the natural lens of the eye and bladeless LASIK utilizes the femtosecond laser for the creation of the corneal flap.
Each procedure seeks to improve a patient’s vision and offers a very quick recovery time. Patients who receive LASIK or cataract surgery at a Los Angeles clinic such as Excel Laser Vision Institute are typically given local anesthesia and both surgeries can be performed while patients are awake.
Can you get cataract surgery and LASIK surgery on the same eye?
The short answer is yes. Both procedures focus on different areas of the eye (the cornea for LASIK and the lens for cataract surgery) which is why this combination would not likely pose any interference. However, this answer may differ depending on a person’s specific eye condition and the recommendations of their surgeon. The best way to find out if you’re eligible for cataract surgery after receiving LASIK (or vice versa) would be to ask an eye specialist at a laser vision correction clinic in Los Angeles like Excel Laser Vision Institute.
Can cataract surgery and LASIK be used in tandem?
The answer to this is sometimes. In circumstances where an individual’s natural lens is replaced, but their visual acuity is still not at the right level, a surgeon may recommend a version of LASIK for a full correction. Usually, instead of using traditional LASIK methods, an eye specialist will perform an alternative refractive surgery called PRK.
Final Thoughts
Cataract surgery and LASIK are both vision correction methods that offer incredible benefits to certain individuals. If you would like to see if you’re eligible for either of these procedures, then you can visit the Excel Laser Vision Insitute for a full eye exam and consultation with a laser eye specialist.
Improving Motorcycling Safety with Cataract Surgery in Los Angeles
There’s no taking chances when it comes to your vision – especially not on a motorcycle. Having clear eyesight and strong peripheral vision is not only essential for motorcyclists but also for other drivers and pedestrians they encounter on the road. If you’re a rider with poor vision, LASIK and cataract surgery in Los Angeles are excellent options to improve both safety and performance.
5 Benefits of LASIK for Motorcyclists
Clear vision doesn’t just allow you to enjoy the ride; it’s a critical road survival tool. To compensate for vision problems, many riders wear eyeglasses or contacts, but the most effective, long-term solution is laser eye surgery in Los Angeles. Here are five major benefits:
- Enhances peripheral vision
Peripheral vision allows you to see what’s happening outside your direct line of sight without turning your head. It’s linked to balance, reaction speed, movement, and reduced mental fatigue in drivers. Good peripheral vision informs motorcyclists of vehicles to the sides, obstacles like oil spills or potholes, and other road conditions.
Wearing eyeglasses simply helps you see what’s in front of you, but they don’t cover your vision to the side. In contrast, laser eye surgery effectively corrects peripheral vision, so you’re always completely aware of your surroundings while staying focused on the road ahead.
- Improves night driving
Eyesight problems like astigmatism can make lights look hazy, distorted, or elongated while riding at nights. Other issues like farsightedness and myopia can create halos, glare, and reflections that make night driving dangerous. Laser eye surgery in Los Angeles has more than a 95% success rate when it comes to these vision problems, allowing you to see clearly when driving your motorcycle in low lighting conditions.
- Helps riders identify visual cues
Riders with deteriorating vision often have to strain to see far away objects such as road signs, police cruisers, and other drivers. Failing to identify these cues can make it hard to slow down when you need to and lead to a missed exit or worse, a speeding ticket or something more serious. LASIK has proven to be one of the most effective ways to improve near-sightedness so you can see far ahead and respond appropriately to any driving situation.
- Eliminates the problem of moisture hampering your vision
Laser eye surgery also eliminates a unique problem for riders who wear glasses – moisture coating their lenses when it rains. It’s natural for water droplets to form on your helmet when driving through the rain, but when you wear glasses, it adds another layer of droplets that can severely hamper your field of vision. In most cases, LASIK removes the need to wear glasses altogether and cancels out this issue.
- Offers potential big savings
A lot of people hesitate to get LASIK surgery due to the upfront investment. Over the years, however, the amount you spend on broken eyeglasses, changing prescriptions, and the stress and hassle of dealing with eyewear will add up and cost you so much more in the long run.
Still on the fence regarding the financial investment of LASIK? The good news is that LASIK financing is now widely available, which means getting your eyesight fixed for good is now more affordable than ever.
Schedule a Consultation with a LASIK Surgeon in LA
Excel Laser Vision Institute provides safe and effective vision correction in Los Angeles, Orange County, and surrounding areas in California. Talk to our trusted LASIK surgeons in Los Angeles today to determine if you’re a good candidate for this life-changing procedure.
Laser Eye Surgery in Los Angeles for Parents on the Go
Beginning in the early 40s, many adults start having difficulties with their eyesight. It becomes harder to read at close distances especially while reading or working on the computer. For parents, this is more than a minor inconvenience — laser eye surgery in Los Angeles can help you run the household more efficiently, protect the people you love, and enjoy your time together more. (more…)
Speeding Up Recovery After Laser or Cataract Surgery in Los Angeles
Much like cataract surgery in Los Angeles, laser eye surgery removes all anxiety about long, complicated recovery time. Come in for your appointment, sit down for a quick procedure, and enjoy perfect eyesight for many years! It’s that easy. (more…)
Get Cataract Surgery in Los Angeles and View the City Of Angels in All Its Beauty Again
It’s time to consider cataract surgery in Los Angeles for your senior relatives and help them see the world with fresh eyes. Let them see and enjoy LA anew — a city that is known for its fabulous beaches, rolling hills, nice weather, and star culture. With better eyesight, the elderlies will feel like tourists, gazing in awe at how LA is even more beautiful than when they last saw it, or even better than how they imagined it!
Enjoy Trips with Cataract-Free Eyes
As people grow older and cataracts start to develop, that’s when they realize the importance of vision, especially when they have the chance to tour as much as they want during retirement. But why do people get cataracts while aging?
Cataracts are a common vision impediment usually linked to aging. It is estimated that by the age of 80, more than half of all Americans either possess a cataract or have had eye surgery.
What are the different types of cataract?
Cataracts tend to form around retirement age. This could spoil retiree’s chances of traveling the world. Hence, you need to address it immediately.
Seniors are prone to three kinds of cataracts:
- Nuclear Cataract
This is the most common age-related cataract, brought about by the hardening and yellowing of the lens as time passes by. It forms in the lens’ central zone, and changes the eye’s ability to focus, creating a temporary close-up vision. Its progression is slow and may take years of development before affecting vision.
- Subscapular Cataract
This type of cataract occurs at the back of the lens. LASIK surgeons in Los Angeles say that this cataract can interfere with reading, making halo effects and glare around lights.
- Cortical Cataract
This cataract begins as white opacities in the lens’ periphery, moving inward. Changes in the lens’ water content make clefts or fissures, which appear as pointing to the center.
How soon will this eyesight problem affect us?
Eyesight varies per person, whether at night or during the day. Likewise, the occurrence of eye problems also varies depending on individuals’ pace. Experts warn that some cataracts can take place suddenly, while others may take place gradually.
LASIK Surgery for Seniors
You can still save your eyes from cataracts and continue sightseeing, thanks to the LASIK procedure. Contrary to popular belief, there is no age ceiling for LASIK! In fact, the Journal of Ophthalmology states that the safety and efficacy of LASIK procedures in patients over 70 years have gone up recent years, with the complication rate decreasing to 1%.
Thanks to new technology, LASIK eye surgery has become faster and more efficient. With the new VisuMax® laser system, operations can now be done quickly, gently, and precisely, giving your eyes a second shot at seeing the world again!
See LA and Other Tourist Spots Again
Reclaim your relative’s eyesight before it’s too late. Don’t miss out on the chance to show your parents the mansions of their favorite actors or the view from the Griffith Park Observatory.
Excel Laser Vision Institute is here to help you with your LASIK procedure. Our resident surgeon, Dr. Ferzaad Moosa, will thoroughly attend to your LASIK surgery just as he has for over 15 years.
Get in touch with us at our Contact Page, and see how the best laser eye surgery in Los Angeles will make your folks feel like tourists with their restored eyesight in no time!
Regaining Independence through Cataract Surgery in Los Angeles
lBy 2050, around 45 million Americans are predicted to develop cataracts. Today, there are already 25.7 million Americans suffering from this condition. Thankfully, cataract surgery in Los Angeles is now a highly-refined procedure, with an average of 98% success rate according to estimates from the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery.
While cataracts aren’t painful, they can have a grave effect on one’s independence and quality of life, especially for older people.
The Slow Burn of Cataracts
The thing about cataracts is that they tend to begin causing vision problems once they reach an advanced stage. It’s possible to develop cataracts as early as your 40s and 50s, but they’re still too small to have an impact on your vision. It’s usually after the age of 60 that serious vision problems begin to manifest.
The Consequences of Vision Loss for Older People
Unfortunately, studies have established a clear link between vision loss and lower quality of life. And when it comes to older people, it can have a very adverse effect on their independence.
- Loss of vision stemming from cataracts can hamper one’s ability to care for themselves or other people.
- It can prevent them from performing their jobs to the best of their abilities.
- Vision loss also affects more casual activities like hobbies, reading, and socializing.
Worse, impaired vision can make it harder for the elderly to accomplish basic, everyday self-care activities. This includes dressing, eating, and activities like managing one’s finances, driving, shopping, and taking medications correctly and on time.
Older people may also experience greater dependence on others when it comes to instrumental activities related to basic tasks, such as following recipes, reading medication labels, and looking over banking statements. All of these can damage the sense of independence that is so important to people of all ages, but more so for the elderly who prefer living alone or don’t want to rely on family members or caregivers for everything.
Vision impairment also increases the risk for falls and slips. Vision is the primary sense we use to navigate around 3D space, so mobility is significantly affected by its decline. Aside from hips and falls, the elderly may also be forced to walk at a slower gait even though they still have their agility.
Regaining Independence
The good news is that vision loss due to cataracts can be prevented easily. Our Lasik surgeons in Los Angeles can help afflicted individuals decide whether they’re a good candidate for cataract surgery, and once they’re deemed fit for the procedure, it can be performed with minimal disruption to one’s daily routine.
Getting older comes with own set of challenges, and developing cataracts may be unavoidable for some, but it doesn’t mean having to live with the condition and its consequences. Cataract surgery can help restore one’s vision, allowing you to regain your independence for many years to come.
Are you interested in cataract surgery, or looking into corrective surgery for nearsightedness, astigmatism, and other conditions? Say goodbye to your vision problems with the best laser eye surgery in Los Angeles at the Excel Laser Vision Institute.
Eyeglasses vs. LASIK Surgery
If you struggle with any sort of vision issues, such as astigmatism, myopia, or hyperopia, the chances are that you wear eyeglasses. If so, then you’re also familiar with some of the struggles that wearers deal with: they can be easily lost or broken, can fog up easily, can be unacceptable for certain kinds of activities, such as sports, and at the very least, can be unattractive. Wondering if there’s an alternative? A LASIK Eye Center in Los Angeles can help you explore your options.
However, it can be hard to imagine replacing such an institution— the use of eyeglasses date as far back as the year 1290 in Pisa, Italy and remains a popular choice around the world. Nevertheless, state-of-the-art advances in the field of corrective eye surgery definitely give this classic a run for its money.
The Costs: Look Forward Years Down the Road
Many people fail to look beyond the initial costs of surgery versus the lifetime savings it affords them. For instance, opting for laser eye surgery in Los Angeles when you’re younger will save you a significant amount of money through the years.
According to Consumer Reports, eyeglasses are now at around $250 per pair. Keep in mind, though, that those eyeglasses you first bought will not be the last. You will go through many prescription changes as your vision quality changes, not to mention eyeglasses that are broken or lost. Those expenses will add up over time. While LASIK eye surgery is certainly an investment, it can turn out to be the more cost-effective option depending on your situation.
Think about the Lifestyle You Want
Wearing bulky eyeglasses and a lot of hobbies and sports just don’t match. Think about scuba diving, snorkeling, basketball, jogging, and football. If you insist on participating in these activities wearing eyeglasses, you might be forced to buy expensive corrective lenses or goggles. Also, playing contact sports with eyeglasses on makes them vulnerable to damage.
In contrast, LASIK eye surgery can give you the freedom to enjoy all of these activities with no fuss. While you need to wait a few weeks before you can participate in contact sports, you’ll be able to do so with an improved vision and without requiring special eyewear.
Choose Maximum Convenience and Comfort
Almost all eyeglass-wearers have experienced panicking because they’ve misplaced their glasses or got them broken. Many people are simply vulnerable without their eyeglasses. And if this problem happens during inopportune times, such as during travel or at an important work or social function, it can entail a lot of time, stress, and money to replace them.
LASIK eye surgery eliminates this worry. This procedure can reduce your dependence on your glasses. You wake up not having to look for them, immediately enjoying great vision once you open your eyes. Better yet, you won’t have to deal with that uncomfortable pressure on your ears and nose bridge anymore, as well as the unwanted “four eyes” syndrome.
A Clearer World without the Hassle
LASIK eye surgery definitely has many advantages over eyeglasses. If you’d like to find out if you’re a good candidate for LASIK corrective or cataract surgery in Los Angeles, contact us at Excel Laser Vision Institute at +1 866 923 9235 today. Let’s schedule a consultation so we can evaluate your vision condition and needs.
LASIK Eye Surgery for Athletes
Are you an athlete or a sports enthusiast having vision problems? If so, it’s high-time that you visit a LASIK eye center in Los Angeles. Have your eyes checked and get your vision problems corrected the soonest possible.
Eye: The Organ of Vision
If you’re into sports, the functionality of all your organs and senses is especially crucial in performing your daily activities. The eye is one of the most significant body organs. As your primary contact with the environment, the eye allows you to observe and learn about your surroundings.
- It is crucial in performing everyday activities.
- It facilitates communication with other people.
- It affects the capability to practice a profession and safely move.
Humans perceive about 80% of all impressions through the sense of sight. Eye complications can lead to severe diseases that when not treated can impair the human existence. Therefore, it is only imperative that you visit a LASIK eye center in Los Angeles once you notice signs of eye complications.
Significance of Clear Vision in Sports
Athletes belong to the big population that rely on their eyes in ensuring success in their profession. Vision skills is significant for sports. It serves for visual acuity, concentration, balance, body coordination, reaction time, memory, and depth perception. Without vision skills, athletes and sports enthusiasts alike will have a difficult time in sports.
Although athletes live an active lifestyle, that doesn’t make them less susceptible from getting an eye injury. In fact, a big population taken to the emergency room due to an eye injury are sports-related.
Advantages of Laser Eye Surgery when You’re Into Sports
Eye complications affect other senses, such as hearing and tasting. In order to perform at your maximum strength and effort, it is extremely important to have a clear vision. If you know you’re suffering from eye complication, such as near-sightedness, farsightedness, and/or astigmatism, and your ophthalmologist has recommended undergoing LASIK surgery, then, by all means, do so. Here’s why.
- LASIK reduces or eliminates vision problems.
- It saves you from the burden of wearing eyeglass or contact lens.
- It allows you to focus entirely on improving your endurance.
- It reduces the risk of suffering eye injuries when playing your favorite sport.
- It increases your overall performance not only in sports but also in everyday activities.
Some Ways to Protect Your Eyes after Your Laser Eye Surgery in Los Angeles
Undergoing eye procedure does not mean going back to abusing your eyes. Protect your eyes with the following tips.
- Be sure to wear protective gear when you’re playing sports. Use goggles for snow skiing, helmets, and guards for baseball, among others.
- Wear sunglasses with UV protection when exposed to the sun.
- Exercise your eyes. Practice the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away, for 20 seconds.
- Keep your hands off your eyes.
- Attend your consultation with your LASIK surgeon.
Whether you need to undergo laser eye surgery or cataract surgery in Los Angeles, we at Excel Laser Vision Institute can help you. Schedule a consultation with our resident doctor and have your eyes checked for better sports performance. Remember, it is better to treat complications early before they affect most of your activities.
Don’t let your vision problems hamper your success. Let us help you with laser eye surgery.