Ask Your LASIK Eye Surgeon These Questions
LASIK surgery is one of the most effective ways to repair refractive defects such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Experienced LASIK doctors perform the surgery. Fortunately for you, Orange County LASIK specialists are well-trained and experienced in employing a specialized laser to restructure the lens in the afflicted eye. The procedure is completely safe and effective. The fact that a laser is used can, of course, make some patients anxious. This is why it’s a good idea to talk to a number of before proceeding with the operation so that you won’t walk in on the big day with any surprises. Here are four key questions to ask any Orange County LASIK surgeon during your consultation:
How many LASIK many years of experience do you have?
When it comes to elective surgery, knowing that your surgeon has performed them previously might put your mind at ease. LASIK surgeons, therefore, can easily draw on their experience to assist you in achieving the best possible outcome. Don’t be afraid to ask your surgeon for an estimation of how many LASIK operations he or she has performed since beginning their career.
Are there any medications I should not take prior to undergoing LASIK?
Certain medications can reduce the effectiveness of the sedative used during the surgery. Others may potentially increase the pressure in your eye or make the surgery less effective. Make sure you tell your LASIK surgeon about any medications you’re taking, both over-the-counter and prescription. Your doctor can help you figure out which medications you should stop taking at least one week prior to your surgery.
Where will the operation be conducted?
LASIK surgeons will frequently perform the treatment wherever their equipment is located, and it may not be in the same location as your consultation. You must inquire specifically about the procedure’s location, as it may be performed somewhere other than your surgeon’s clinic. It’s a good idea to visit the eye center where your LASIK surgery will be performed at least a few days before the procedure.
What should I expect from the outcome of the procedure?
You should have realistic expectations going into your surgery. A good LASIK surgeon will be forthright with you regarding the procedure’s outcomes. Although Orange County laser eye surgery is used to address a broad spectrum of refractive problems, the severity of the error might affect the procedure’s results. Your surgeon may need to repeat the treatment several years later if you have a substantial refractive error.
Finding the Best Lasik Surgeon in Orange County
Dr. Ferzaad Moosa, our veteran surgeon at Excel Laser Vision Institute, is a Harvard, USC, and UCLA-trained refractive specialist and board-certified ophthalmologist with experience and skill doing LASIK operations. Dr. Moosa can undoubtedly answer your questions regarding laser eye surgery cost and beyond in order to give you the solutions you require if you are looking for an Orange County LASIK surgeon to entrust your eye care needs. Please make an appointment with our highly qualified surgeon for a free consultation today!
The Deadly Dangers of Driving at Night
Did you know that most car accidents in the United States happen in the dead of night? In fact, according to the National Safety Council, 50% of fatal car accidents happen at night even though humans only spend a quarter of their lives driving at that time.
Below are the main reasons why driving at night is so dangerous.
You See Less at Night
Unless you’re a cat with enhanced vision in the dark, it’s extremely difficult to see things at night, even with perfect vision. Your headlights can only illuminate things to a certain extent—you’re still bound to miss certain road features like curves, potholes, sidewalks, and other things that can potentially harm you and your car.
Even worse, it’s a lot harder to see animals and people. How many horror stories have you heard about deer or moose suddenly appearing out of nowhere while you were driving at night? Not only can driving at night be dangerous to you, but it can also be dangerous for others—it’s a lose-lose situation for everybody.
You Have a Slower Reaction Time
Because your eyes see less at night, your body has less time to react to certain things. This is especially grimmer because people tend to drive faster at night—with less traffic around, people feel more confident about speeding.
This combination of slower reaction time and higher speed can be fatal. According to a study done by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, car accidents caused by speeding occur twice as much at night than during the day.
You’re Prone to Light-Related Issues
If you think that more light when night driving is a good thing, then think again! Light-related issues like glares, halos, and blurred vision can negatively impact your vision at night. It’s the same kind of pain and discomfort you feel when someone turns the lights on you while you’re sleeping—your eyes have a hard time adjusting to sudden, bright lights, and that can make all the difference between life and death.
You’re Sleepier at Night
If you’re driving late at night, chances are you’re lacking sleep. Being sleepy makes you less aware of your surroundings, making you more prone to accidents or poor driving decisions, or worse, falling asleep behind the wheel!
How to Practice Safe Driving at Night
Now that you’re aware of the risks of night driving, it’s time to learn how to mitigate them. Below are several effective ways to improve your safety when driving at night.
Avoid Driving at Night
The best way to avoid accidents caused by driving at night is, of course, to avoid driving at night altogether. As much as possible, you should squeeze in all of your outdoor activities in the daytime so you can be home safe and sound before the sun sets.
If you’re someone who can’t avoid driving at night due to things like night shifts or emergencies, then just make sure to take extra precautions. Reduce your driving speed. Drive in well-lit areas. Have a friend to keep you company so you won’t be tempted to fall asleep. All of these will up your safety considerably.
Keep Everything Clean
You’ve already got low visibility due to lack of light—don’t make it even lower with dirty cars!
Keep everything nice and squeaky clean, including your windshield, side mirrors, side windows, and rearview mirror. This way, you can readily see things whenever you need to. Remember to clean the inside part of your windows, too; many people forget that it gets just as dirty as the outside!
Also, keep your eyeglasses just as clean. Or better yet, invest in laser eye surgery costs so you’ll never have to worry about eyeglasses or contact lenses ever again.
Be Well-Rested
If you plan on driving at night, make sure you have a few hours of sleep beforehand at the very least, and never drive if you’ve been awake for more than 16 hours. If you find yourself yawning or struggling to keep your eyes open, then pull over for a nap or find the nearest accommodation as soon as possible and continue driving in the morning.
Sleep is an absolute must if you want to keep your mind alert on your journey.
Schedule Eye Exams with Your Doctor
Keep your eyes and eyesight in tip-top shape by making regular visits to your eye doctor. They’ll be able to assess any issues with your eyes, like astigmatism or cataracts that can affect your driving at night. They can also prescribe you medications and/or corrective measures to fix it.
Don’t forget to ask your doctor about anti-glare lenses, polarized glasses, or LASIK in Los Angeles!
Conclusion
There is no excuse for poor driving behavior and etiquette when driving at night. Not only are you a danger to yourself, but you’re also a danger to other people! Keep you and your loved ones safe at all times by driving extra carefully, keeping your car clean and fully functional, and being healthy (i.e., having your vision checked regularly and never driving with alcohol or drugs in your system).
If you’re a frequent night driver and are interested in learning more about improving your vision for driving at night, then might we recommend visiting your nearest Los Angeles LASIK surgeon, Dr. Ferzaad Moosa? He is an experienced surgeon with more than two decades of service under his belt. Schedule a free consultation with him today at (310) 905-8622 to see if LASIK can help keep you safer not only at night but the whole day!
The Best and Worst Cities in the USA for Your Eye Health
Many people don’t consider the environment they live in a factor in their eye health. They don’t realize that external things like weather and living costs can contribute to all sorts of vision impairment problems, even if they practice good habits and hygiene with their eyes.
So, using a combination of factors such as altitude, humidity, temperature, pollution, etc., we’ve compiled a list of the best and worst cities to live in for your eye health.
The Best Cities in the USA for Eye Health
According to an expert LASIK surgeon in Orange County, the following ten cities are the best in the United States for your eye health. Notably, almost all of these are located either in the Pacific Northwest or the Southeast.
- Tacoma, Washington
- Sarasota-Bradenton, Florida
- Charleston, South Carolina
- Mobile, Alabama
- Portland-Vancouver, Oregon and Washington
- Orange County, California
- Honolulu, Hawaii
- Jacksonville, Florida
- New Orleans, Louisiana
- Seattle-Bellevue-Everett, Washington
The cities were chosen based on several factors. We’ll be explaining more about them below.
Altitude
Low altitude cities like Tacoma and Sarasota have an abundance of oxygen in the air. This is important because your eyes (particularly the cornea) lack blood vessels, which means they can’t get oxygen-rich blood from the heart. Our eyes had evolved to get oxygen from our environment instead to keep them nice and moist, preventing them from drying out. This is also why eye doctors recommend you take out contacts a few hours a day—your eyes need exposure to oxygen!
Sun Exposure
Rainy or cloudy days may seem gloomy, but you’d never catch your eyes shedding a tear over it. That’s because too much exposure to UV rays from the sun can cause a variety of diseases like cataracts, eye cancer, and eye growths!
There ain’t much sunshine in Portland or Seattle, but at least you’re protected from the sun’s harmful UV rays!
Humidity
As a provider of laser eye surgery in Orange County, we know how much of a pain in the butt humidity can be. Not only do we have to deal with extremely hot summers, but we also have to deal with being perpetually sweaty and sticky!
Nonetheless, there is a hidden benefit to high humidity. Cities like Orange County and Honolulu are good for eye health because they promote tear production and help our eyes retain moisture. You’re less likely to pull out the eye drops in these cities!
Pollution
While they may seem harmless, pollutants in the air have adverse short-term and long-term effects on your eyes. That’s why people living in cities with low pollution such as Jacksonville and Tacoma generally have healthier eyes—with less dust, dirt, and other irritants floating around in the air, their eyes are clean, moist, and healthy.
Computer Usage
People get distracted way too easily on the computer. Before long, their eyes are dry and tired after spending hours scrolling through Facebook or watching random videos on YouTube!
If you live in New Orleans or Mobile, you probably don’t spend as much time on your mobile phone or computer. We don’t know exactly why that is, but we’re not complaining!
Commute Time
The longer you’re out and about in the city, the longer you’re exposed to pollutants, sun exposure, and other things that can irritate the eye. Unsurprisingly, commute time is a huge factor in eye health given how many people have to commute every day for work or school.
Commuters in smaller cities like Charleston and Sarasota have a shorter commute time.
The Most Eye Health-Conscious Cities in the USA
While the previous section had a list of cities that were healthy for the eyes, this section has a list of cities that prioritize their eye health. Compiled by VSP Vision, the largest non-profit eye health provider in the country, residents in this city are the likeliest to visit their eye doctors for annual check-ups or vision problems.
- Reno, Nevada
- Boise, Idaho
- Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
- Des Moines, Iowa
- Raleigh, North Carolina
- Redding, California
- Colorado Springs, Colorado
- Fayetteville, Arkansas
- Denver, Colorado
- Tulsa, Oklahoma
“An annual eye exam should be a part of everyone’s overall healthcare routine, not only to keep their vision healthy, but also to leverage its proven preventative health benefits,” says VSP Vision President, Kate Renwick-Espinosa. “Your eye doctor is often the first to spot signs of chronic conditions including diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. It’s critical that you visit your eye doctor annually to ensure the health of your eyes as well as your wellness overall.”
Looks like the rest of the United States could take a page out of their books!
Another interesting tidbit they found was that women were more likely to visit the eye doctor than men in all cities, both good and bad. 58% of their total respondents were women. Why men are less likely to go for a check-up is another topic entirely, and you could read more about the fascinating psychology behind it here.
The Worst Cities in the USA for Eye Health
On the other side of the spectrum, the following ten cities are the least favorable places to live in for your eye health. If you want to keep your eyes safe and protected, then you need to take extra care and precaution. Otherwise, you’ll have to start saving up for laser eye surgery costs!
- Denver, Colorado
- Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Salt Lake City-Ogden, Utah
- Wichita, Kansas
- Las Vegas, Nevada
- Kansas City, Missouri
- El Paso, Texas
- Chicago, Illinois
- Phoenix-Mesa, Arizona
- Tulsa, Oklahoma
As you can see, the cities are a bit more spread out than in the previous list.
Altitude
High altitude cities like Denver and Salt Lake City have less oxygen in the air, and the weather can get very cold and biting during the wintertime. This combination can be aggravating on your eyes that have to work double-time to keep everything warm and moist!
When it gets snowy and icy in these cities, there’s another worrying condition you need to worry about—snow blindness. This happens when harmful UV rays from the sun are reflected on the ice and into your eyes. It can cause blurry vision, irritation, sensitivity, and even vision loss.
Protective gear like sunglasses isn’t just for summer—they’re also a must for winter.
Sun Exposure
Sunshine might be associated with happiness and joy, but it can get pretty dangerous for the eyes. Too much exposure to sunlight can permanently damage the surface of your eye before you even realize it! As we mentioned earlier, you can develop conditions like cataracts and eye growths easily if you aren’t careful enough.
Always wear sunglasses when walking around Las Vegas or Kansas City!
Humidity
All specialists in LASIK in Orange County would probably agree that low humidity has more disadvantages than high humidity. Not only does it dry out the eyes, but it also dries out the skin (e.g., hands, lips), sinuses, and hair.
Additionally, research has shown that low humidity increases the spread of viruses and bacteria. With less moisture in the air, airborne particles can easily travel around. Our hair-like projections in the nose and lungs called cilia also function less in low humidity, making it harder for them to protect us. This makes us especially vulnerable to viral eye diseases like conjunctivitis.
It would be good to have a humidifier if you live in cities like Mesa and Albuquerque.
Pollution
Larger cities like El Paso and Chicago typically have tons of pollutants coming from car and truck exhausts, factories, construction and demolitions, and more. This makes their residents susceptible to irritation because of all the particles rubbing against their eyes.
Life in the city may not be fun, but be prepared for the onslaught of pollutants!
Wind
If you live in windy cities with air pollution, the last thing you want to do is have the wind blow pollutants and irritants right into your eyes. Tulsa and Wichita ranked high only on this list because a good breeze is enough to have your eyes reddening and stinging.
Computer Usage
Computer vision syndrome (also known as digital eye strain) is a set of conditions caused by excessive screen time on devices. Due to things like extensive computer usage, poor lighting, high glare from screens, poor seating posture, improper viewing distances, and others, people eventually develop eyestrain, headaches, blurred vision, dry eyes, and more.
In major cities like Denver and Chicago where everything is well-connected on the Internet, computer vision syndrome is a major problem. Even worse, it’s not talked about as much because computer usage only boomed in the last decade or so. However, we can assure you that digital eye strain is very much a real thing and something to think about the next time you’re on your computer.
Commute Time
As we mentioned earlier, a longer commute time means longer exposure to the elements. Chicago has one of the longest commute times in the country, along with New York City, Washington D.C., and San Francisco. Additionally, many of the country’s public transportation systems are a haven for pollutants and bacteria, which only makes things worse for your eyes.
The Least Eye Health-Conscious Cities in the USA
If you’re contemplating getting laser eye surgery in Orange County, you’d already be faring a lot better than people living in these cities. According to VSP Vision’s report, people living in these areas are the least likely in the country to visit their eye doctors.
- Cleveland, Ohio
- Bakersfield, California
- Merced, California
- Akron, Ohio
- Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Detroit, Michigan
- Stockton, California
- Santa Rosa, California
- Bridgeport, Connecticut
- Salinas, California
Now, there are plenty of possible reasons why people won’t visit their eye doctors, but probably the most prevalent of them is the expensive cost or lack of coverage in their medical insurance. Indeed, if you take a look at the list, you’ll see that Californian cities comprise half of it. That’s not surprising considering that California is the third-most-expensive state in the country to live in!
Another reason why people don’t go is that they feel like they don’t have to. According to a CDC report done in 2011, many think visual impairments are quite common and are a natural part of the aging process. Thus, they miss out on treating preventable eye diseases early on in their lives and start paying for it twofold as they get older.
Whatever their reasons are, it’s super important to not follow their lead. Not only does taking care of your eye health prevent vision-related problems like glaucoma and cataracts, but it also stays on top of other diseases like diabetes and high blood pressure that can quickly become life-threatening.
Luckily, the state of health insurance has relatively improved since the CDC published its report in 2011. Many insurance companies have started offering eye care as part of their coverage, so annual check-ups to your eye doctor should not be as expensive and inaccesible anymore. Please make sure your insurance provider covers eye care. Some examples include Aetna, Opticare, and United Health Care.
Additionally, many eye clinics have special financing options so you can pay off your procedures without breaking the wallet. At Excel Laser Vision Institute, for example, which is a trusted provider of LASIK in Orange County, we offer CareCredit and Vision Fee Plan that features a 3, 6, or 12-month no-interest payment plan and other extended payment options. Perfect eyesight will never be out of reach for us as we firmly believe this is something everybody deserves.
Always remember that not being conscious of your eye health will cost you not only money but also your vision.
Conclusion
This article is not meant to hype up or bring down certain cities. We know that not everybody has the privilege to live wherever they want in the country. We just want you to be more aware of how geographical locations can affect your eye health as it’s something most people don’t even think about. You need to be cognizant of these various factors so you can take preventive measures for your eye health, such as wearing sunglasses in cities with high UV exposure or carrying eye drops around in cities with low humidity.
Additionally, you can be conscious of your eye health no matter where you live in the country. Take good care of your eyes by practicing good habits and making regular trips to the eye doctor. Your vision is one of the most important senses and it’s important to protect it!
If you’re looking to improve your vision with LASIK in Orange County, then please contact Dr. Ferzaad Moosa at the Excel Laser Vision Institute at (310) 905-8622 today. Alternatively, you can fill out a free consultation form here!
What Are Your Options When You Have Presbyopia?
Presbyopia is an eye condition that many LASIK Orange County doctors find in older adults. In this condition, the lens can no longer focus on nearby objects.
For laser eye surgery Orange County doctors, this eye condition is a natural and usually frustrating part of aging. Typically, Presbyopia becomes noticeable in a person’s mid-40s and worsens until the age of 65. As a matter of fact, the term “presbyopia” comes from a Greek word that means “old eye.”
Doctor Moosa, a premier LASIK surgeon in Orange County tells us that you will become aware of Presbyopia when you begin to hold books and newspapers at arm’s length so you can read them. A simple eye exam can affirm Presbyopia. Fortunately, LASIK surgeons in Orange County have different treatment options such as contact lenses, eyeglasses, and surgery.
What Causes Presbyopia?
The LASIK Orange County experts tell us that the clear lens sits inside the eye behind the colored iris. It alters shape to focus light onto the retina, so your eye allows you to see. The lens is soft and flexible in younger eyes and easily changes shape, allowing you to focus on objects close-up and far away. After age 40, the lens becomes stiffer, and it doesn’t alter its shape as effortlessly. This makes it more challenging to read, thread a needle, or do other close-up tasks.
Unfortunately, you can’t stop or reverse the normal aging process that causes Presbyopia. Nevertheless, Presbyopia can be corrected with eyeglasses, contact lenses, or surgery. Individuals who have issues seeing both near and far can take advantage of progressive lenses. Modern medicine recognizes that one day presbyopia will be treated with eye drops. If you do not do something about your Presbyopia, you will suffer from headaches and eye strain.
Also, there is a risk of premature Presbyopia in some people. Patients with cardiovascular disease, anemia, diabetes, farsightedness, eye disease, and multiple sclerosis are at increased risk for premature Presbyopia.
The symptoms of Presbyopia include difficulty reading small letters, having a headache or eye strain. Such people have to hold the material farther away from the eye.
What Are The Treatment Options?
When you ask about laser eye surgery costs, you will find that various treatment options may help you correct this condition. Different options available are non-prescription glasses, prescription glasses, contact lenses, surgery, and orthokeratology lenses. Every option has its pros and cons, and your ophthalmologist may recommend an option that best suits you depending upon your condition and lifestyle.
Reading Glasses
If the only vision problem you have is Presbyopia (you don’t suffer from farsightedness, nearsightedness, or astigmatism), eyeglasses may be all you require. Reading glasses help correct close-up vision issues by bending (or refracting) light before it goes into the eye. You can purchase reading glasses without a prescription, but an eye exam should determine the distinguishing power of reading glasses that you require.
Bifocals, Trifocals, or Progressive Lenses
If you already wear eyeglasses for other vision issues now, you might need bifocals, trifocals, or progressive lenses.
Bifocals correct close-up and far vision. You may or may not notice a line that divides the lens. The bottom of the lens refracts light for close-up vision, while the top portion refracts light to let you view distant objects.
Trifocals have three lens areas to correct for close-up, mid-range, and far vision.
Progressive lenses correct vision such as bifocals and trifocals. But rather than a line that separates each refractive area, refraction changes slowly in the lens from top to bottom.
Contact Lenses
Some people would rather wear contact lenses over eyeglasses. There are two kinds of contact lenses that correct Presbyopia:
Monovision contacts. These correct one eye for distance vision and the other for close-up vision. You have to adapt to monovision lenses and train your brain to see this way. The issue that some people have with monovision is that you can misjudge something’s distance or speed.
Multifocal contacts. These lenses have many rings or zones set at different powers. With this design, you are only using both near and far vision at the same time. However, you can train your brain to automatically opt for the proper focus for what you want to see. You may notice that using a multifocal lens makes your vision less sharp compared to using a monofocal lens.
Surgery
When some patients want to achieve monovision, they do refractive surgery. This can reduce their dependence on glasses for near and far objects. With the use of a laser, an eye doctor alters the cornea for clear far vision in one eye and close-up vision in the other. In a lot of ways, this is like wearing monovision contact lenses. An eye doctor may advise you to try monovision lenses before having LASIK surgery. This will help you decide whether or not monovision is a comfortable option for you.
At Excel Laser Vision Institute, we have a team of skilled and committed staff who will quickly answer all of your questions and put you at ease about your surgery. We only use advanced laser vision correction technology to carry out vision correction procedures. Our Harvard-trained surgeon, Dr. Moosa, serves at our Orange County and the Los Angeles offices. After we have assessed your prescription and eye health, we can discuss which eye correction treatment is more suitable for you, the necessary financing you may require, and the next steps. Start your journey towards a clear vision that eliminates your dependence on eyeglasses and contact lenses today.
What’s The Difference Between Relex SMILE and Contoura Vision LASIK?
It’s safe to assume that everyone has heard of laser eye surgery. However, not many are familiar with specific vision correction techniques of LASIK. SMILE, Contoura, and Orange County LASIK are different versions of laser vision correction techniques. However, many are asking Doctor Moosa, the LASIK surgeon in Orange County, which one is best for them.
LASIK experts in Orange County will help you understand which technique is the most advantageous and we justify why you should go for laser vision to do away with contacts and eyeglasses.
What Are LASIK, Contoura, And Smile Eye Surgery?
When you consider laser eye surgery cost, in its most advanced form, when carried out at Excel Laser Vision Insitute uses two separate lasers, a Femtosecond laser creates a hinged flap that is lifted, and the base underneath the flap is rebuilt with an excimer laser. The flap creation makes next-day vision recovery a possibility.
The excimer laser that executes the reshaping element allows the laser eye surgery in Orange County to utilize the most advanced treatment algorithm, Contura Vision, which at the same time perfects the corneal shape whilst correcting the glasses prescription. This has made room for a new paradigm of visual quality results, representing the first time a person can achieve vision 2 lines better than the vision achievable with glasses.
SMILE LASIK in Orange County is when the eye surgeon only uses a Femtosecond laser to perform the entire correction instead of just the flap creation.
The femtosecond laser cuts a lenticle of tissue from the substance of the cornea that is then extracted through an access incision.
Both procedures correct Myopia. SMILE was initially conceived to reduce the outcome of dry eyes and potentially have a lower risk of an unstable cornea, also known as ectasia. As time has evolved and a more accurate evaluation of the effect of SMILE has emerged, it reveals these advantages have not been correct. Research has shown an occurrence of both dry eye and ectasia that is statistically similar to LASIK.
Since SMILE Does Not Have Advantages Over LASIK, What About Its Disadvantages?
First of all, SMILE is less accurate than Femtosecond LASIK with Contoura Vision.
About 98% of patients achieve vision equal to or even better than 20/20 vision after only one treatment at Excel Eye Vision Institute with Contura Vision LASIK.
The RELEX SMILE procedure only reaches 20/20 vision in about 60-85% of patients in recent studies. The inaccuracy of ReLex SMILE comes from the fact that the smallest amount of tissue taken out with a femtosecond laser is to 4 microns compared to the 0.25 microns attainable with an Excimer laser. This associates with at least sixteen times finer accuracy for an Excimer Laser.
The fact that SMILE lacks accuracy explains the increased number of requiring enhancements, at up to forty percent. Femtosecond LASIK provides next-day recovery with minimal discomfort, while eye enhancements performed with PRK or another surface-based laser can result in more discomfort for about two days and can take a patient six to eight weeks to recover.
Even when SMILE is effective, it usually takes three weeks, which differs from the next day recovery a patient can achieve with LASIK.
SMILE has a more extensive reduced treatment range. It can only effectively correct up to 0.5 diopters of astigmatism, while LASIK can correct up to 6 diopters. Also, It can’t correct hyperopia or mixed astigmatism. It can’t perform the sophisticated surface-perfecting ability that a Contura Vision procedure can accomplish, and as a result, it can’t provide this level of visual quality.
LASIK Laser Eye Surgery
Lasik is an abbreviation for Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis. It is a laser procedure that improves vision issues and gets rid of the need for corrective lenses.
Lasik surgery corrects the following refractive errors:
Nearsightedness (Myopia): It is an eye condition that involves the person having the ability to see nearby objects clearly but has problems when seeing distant objects clearly.
Farsightedness (Hyperopia): It is a condition that involves a person who can see faraway objects clearly but has issues seeing nearby objects.
Astigmatism: It is an eye condition that involves a person struggling to see both nearby and distant objects. It occurs because of uneven corneal curves or flatness.
Presbyopia: Also known as ‘aging eye, Presbyopia is an age-related condition. It occurs when the eye’s natural lens begins losing its ability to focus on nearby objects.
During a Lasik laser procedure, the LASIK eye surgeon in Orange County creates a corneal flap using a microkeratome instrument and pulls the flap back to get into the corneal tissue in the first stage. In the second stage, the surgeon reshapes the cornea utilizing an excimer laser.
SMILE Laser Eye Surgery
SMILE is an abbreviation for Small Incision Lenticule Extraction surgery. It is a laser eye surgery that is a contemporary advancement in laser vision correction. A laser eye surgeon in Orange County may recommend SMILE surgery to treat Myopia. Also, it can treat astigmatism that’s up to 5 Diopters. Also, it is a minimally invasive surgery that is bladeless. Typically it’s known as Refractive Lenticule Extraction/RELEX.
Why Should You Go For SMILE?
Less Invasive
Uncomplicated
Blade-free and Painless
Quicker Surgery & Recovery
Better Results
Flapless
Painless
Beyond Lasik
100% sterility
SMILE is an FDA-approved procedure that is usually carried out on patients between 18 to 40 years of age. It is a completed automated next-gen procedure that gets done quickly, guaranteeing long-lasting and fixed results. SMILE is a laser vision correction surgery that does not require the eye surgeon to create a corneal flap.
When an eye surgeon performs a SMILE procedure, a laser is used to make a small incision in the cornea. Once that’s done, the laser is used to take out a lenticule (a small piece of corneal tissue). This is the method that reshapes the cornea, and helps to correct vision. SMILE is only done after all required tests are completed to understand the condition of the eyes.
Even though the recovery from SMILE takes a bit longer than Femto Lasik or similar procedures, it provides the least possibility of dry eye as corneal nerves are well preserved. The chances of retreatment are next to nil as it is a keyhole surgery that contributes to the patient’s quick recovery.
Contoura Vision Eye Surgery
Contoura Vision Lasik is a topography-guided technology that is meant to enhance the effects of Lasik. Moreover, this procedure is also referred to as Robotic Lasik. During this procedure, a large flap of 22 mm is created on the top of the cornea. Then another separate laser system, an excimer, is used to remove the spectacle error.
This procedure utilizes an advanced computer algorithm to get details of the cornea over more than 22000 points on its surface. Personalized LASIK techniques such as Contoura uses the excimer laser only. Unlike SMILE, which works on the most advanced femtosecond laser platform.
If you want to learn more about the advantages and differences of SMILE, LASIK, and Contoura, contact Excel Laser Vision Institute today!
What Contoura Vision is All About
Medicine and science are constantly evolving, and because of this, Orange County has seen numerous advancements in LASIK eye surgery techniques. These breakthroughs have been why so many people can now enjoy enhanced vision without having to wear corrective eyewear to see clearly.
Contoura Vision Eye Surgery, a type of laser eye surgery in Orange County, is another advancement in LASIK Surgery assisting your eye surgeons in creating a customized LASIK procedure to enhance the quality of your eyesight. Contoura Vision is the latest FDA-approved LASIK procedure that optimally lessens the corneal irregularities of your eyes.
According to clinical studies, Contoura Vision Eye Surgery has helped 30% of the patients obtain better than 6/6 vision (an ability to see at 6 meters what an average person can see at 6 meters). Therefore, helping them see better without eyeglasses or contact lenses than they did with them.
What Makes Contoura Vision So Special?
The most compelling feature of Contoura Vision is that it places a technological head start on the treatment compared to traditional LASIK surgery. Although the earlier laser vision correction techniques have successfully provided LASIK patients in Orange County with fantastic accuracy and precision while reshaping the cornea and focusing on visual refractive errors, Contoura Vision performed by LASIK surgeons in Orange County takes the treatment a step further.
How Is It So Unique?
When you consider laser eye surgery cost and the fact that LASIK just treats the eyeglass prescription, Contoura, on the other hand, uses unparalleled diagnostic capabilities such as a three-step correction technique utilizing a Femto Laser, Excimer Laser, and a Topolyser to locate and record the tiniest imperfections in the curvature of cornea thereby giving an aspheric correction of spectacle power while also correcting a person’s corneal irregularities and working on the visual axis.
The eye has two types of axis. The Pupillary Axis, which passes through the center, and Visual Axis, which goes through the line of sight, each have a difference of 5 degrees. While other laser procedures treat the Pupillary Axis, Contoura Vision is concentrated on the Visual Axis. Doctor Moosa, a LASIK surgeon in Orange County, takes down the measurements combined with eyeglass prescriptions to give the patient’s eyes a better focusing surface, thereby getting a much exceptional visual outcome. Besides that, even many side effects of various other LASIK procedures such as light sensitivity, problems with night driving, difficulty in reading, glare, starbursts, halos usually lessen with Contoura Vision.
Why Opt For Contoura Vision Eye Surgery?
Improved Quality Of Vision – Contoura Vision can correct even the most minor distortion in the cornea, resulting in enhanced quality of vision, with lesser side effects than a post LASIK procedure, which are remarkedly reduced or absent in a Contoura Vision.
Enhanced Quantity Of Vision – Contoura Vision allows the patient to have the possibility of improved reading capacity, which they could not achieve with corrective eyewear.
Enhanced Surgery Experience – Contoura Vision has the highest standards for safety and providing a painless experience. The surgery is performed with NO STITCHES, NO BLADE, NO BANDAGE, NO INJECTIONS, AND NO HOSPITALISATION. You can walk into a LASIK Orange County procedure without any concerns and leave with perfect and sharper vision. The treatment is efficient and effective to guarantee better vision.
Improved Post Surgery Experience – Many patients may feel discomfort or experience issues after undergoing a traditional LASIK surgery. Nevertheless, with Contoura Vision, you are entitled to a better post-surgery experience.
Enhanced Trust – Similar to the FDA’s proven survey results, 98% of patients who have undergone Contoura Vision Eye Surgery were very satisfied pleased with the procedure and said they would choose the procedure again.
How Is A Contoura Vision Procedure Performed?
Step 1 – The procedure starts with a detailed evaluation of the patient’s eye. In order to guarantee quality, the evaluation is carried out with a state-of-the-art diagnostic system. The assessment also includes a complete preoperative screening to assess the patient’s eligibility and safety of the LASIK procedure. If the patient has any retinal lesions (such as thinning/ hole/ tear), then they’re first treated with a barrage laser, and after one to four weeks, Contoura Vision LASIK is performed.
Step 2 – Depending on the outcome of the evaluation, your eye surgeon will create a customized treatment plan derived from the data provided by the diagnostic system mapping the corneal irregularities using 22,000 unique data points.
Step 3 – Based on the initial planning, Contoura Vision Eye Surgery is carried out by capturing the topographic images of the patient using a topolyser. Contoura Vision Femto-LASIK is executed on WaveLight Refractive Suite, which is believed to be the fastest laser ever. The eye surgeon creates a thin corneal flap using the Bladeless Femtosecond technology on the FS 200 laser. A topo guided laser ablation for refractive correction is performed on the EX500 Excimer laser.
Step 4 – When the procedure has been completed, within 30 minutes, you can leave the clinic. The recovery is short and helps the patient to resume their regular routine in a day or two. Typically, the patient is called in for an assessment at regular intervals to ensure everything is healing correctly. A customized post-surgery plan is given to the patient, including eye drops to prevent infection and assist in the healing process.
If you are considering Contoura Vision surgery to enhance your eyesight, contact Excel Laser Vision Institute at (888) 957-3255. Our team of staff is experienced and highly skilled. Our leading eye surgeon, Dr. Moosa, a well-established eye surgeon in Los Angeles, has years of experience in Contoura Vision procedures. He received his training at Harvard University and has vast 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/.
Tips To Slow The Progression Of Myopia
When you look at the number of people with vision problems on a global scale, you’ll see that myopia (otherwise known as nearsightedness or short sightedness) is one of the most common refractive errors. LASIK clinics have seen this trend increase over the years and recent studies have predicted that the percentage of people affected with myopia will nearly double over the next thirty years.
According to eye specialists, myopia happens when your cornea is too curved or your eyeball is too long. This distortion makes light focus incorrectly. Instead of falling directly on the retina, it focuses in front of it, which makes far away objects appear blurry. This is the complete opposite of hyperopia, in which far objects appear clear and closer objects are blurry. Many people seek LASIK eye surgery to improve their visual acuity as a cost efficient alternative to glasses and contacts. LASIK is known to treat myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism.
Myopia usually starts developing for people in elementary school and then halts not long after they reach puberty. The condition, itself, is irreversible. However, treatments can be aimed at stopping its progression. The main goal is to achieve eye health at whatever level possible. Doctors are concerned about the recent increase in myopia because more severe cases are often linked to degenerative eye diseases. The World Health Organization cites myopia as the largest risk factor (other than age) for myopic macular degeneration, cataracts, glaucoma, and retinal detachments.
LASIK surgeons hypothesize that the integration of technology in daily life has contributed to the rise in myopia and the greater willingness for people to look into laser eye surgery cost and benefits. People around the globe, especially those who have office jobs, are spending over 8 hours a day staring at a screen. Even children are spending up to 5 hours a day on various handheld devices. It’s hard for our eyes to relax when they are constantly fixated on a TV, phone, computer, or tablet.
Fortunately, the advancement of technology over the last few decades has also allowed for the invention of more precise vision correcting lasers and methods of refractive surgery. If you look up “LASIK surgery near me” on a search engine, you will see that the availability of this procedure is growing exponentially. Not only can more people be qualified for LASIK, but it is also more affordable than ever.
Vision correction surgery is a convenient alternative to wearing prescription glasses or contacts and more people are starting to see this as a viable option. If you believe that laser eye surgery may be right for you, schedule a consultation with a reputable LASIK clinic in Los Angeles like the Excel Laser Vision Institute. Until then,
Here are some actionable steps that some individuals can take to slow the progression of myopia:
20-20-20 Vision Break
When staring at a screen for a long period of time, take a 20-20-20 vision break every so often. This means a 20 second break every 20 minutes by looking at something 20 feet away.
UV Protection
Spending time outdoors is a great way to get off digital screens. However, it is important to always wear UV protection. Studies have shown that children who are exposed to about 2 hours of natural light a day can decrease their risk of myopia.
Antioxidants
If you want to treat your eyes well, eat lots of foods that are rich in antioxidants. This includes fish, nuts, seeds, citrus, and green leafy vegetables. You can also take vitamin supplements to add to a balanced diet.
Eye Exams
The only way to know if you have myopia or if it’s getting worse is to have your eyes checked by a professional. Make sure to schedule regular eye exams in order to monitor your eye health. This is especially important if you currently have a prescription to correct myopia.
Myths about Laser Eye Surgery Debunked
It is fairly common for people who are interested in laser eye surgery to come across some misinformation in their research. Until visiting a LASIK clinic and speaking to an eye care professional such as those of Excel Laser Vision Institute, these contradictory claims can be quite confusing. Some people may even put off getting the LASIK procedure because of these misrepresentations. So, in order to make a truly informed decision about laser eye surgery, it is important to have the facts. Here are some of the most common myths about laser eye surgery:
It’s dangerous.
LASIK eye surgery has undergone quite a bit of innovation in the last few decades in terms of technology and method, which means that any potential risks are significantly lowered. LASIK experts like Doctor Moosa say that the percentage of people who experience LASIK complications is less than 1%. LASIK clinics will always complete a comprehensive exam of every prospective patient before offering the surgery, in order to ensure that they are prime candidates. Nowadays, the most that patients have to fear is temporary discomfort or vision changes rather than permanent damage.
It’s more expensive than other corrective eye solutions.
Many people have the misconception that laser eye surgery cost is greater than the longtime use of glasses or contacts. This simply isn’t true. While the initial upfront cost is expensive, LASIK is an investment that saves you money, time, and convenience over the years. With glasses or contacts, expenses can add up over a lifetime of use. LASIK eye surgery cost is one all-inclusive amount to improve visual acuity. Plus, with financing options available, you can better manage the price and pay it all off within a reasonable amount of time.
It’s only effective for nearsightedness.
LASIK eye surgery can be used to treat various levels of myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism. The only way to know if you are a prime candidate for the procedure is to get a comprehensive eye examination from your LASIK surgeon. If you do not qualify for LASIK, you may instead qualify for an alternative laser eye procedure like PRK or SMILE. There are many methods by which vision correction can be customized to a patient’s vision needs.
Anyone can get it.
LASIK clinics are selective when it comes to qualifying patients for laser eye surgery. Why? Because they want to deliver the best possible results. Some of the conditions that your surgeon will check for before deciding you are a good candidate for the procedure are thin corneas, excessive dry eye, naturally large pupils, and health conditions such as diabetes. So, if your LASIK surgeon decides that you are a good fit, then you can rest assured that your procedure will run smoothly.
LASIK Surgery Near Me
If you are tired of relying on glasses and contacts and are ready for a long-term solution, then you can schedule a consultation with your nearest LASIK clinic. The Excel Laser Vision Institute is a renowned clinic with one of the best LASIK surgeons in Los Angeles. Call or visit our clinic to learn how we can help you reach your vision goals!
Why Getting LASIK Surgery is More Affordable Than Wearing Contact Lenses
If you’re someone that dreams of not wearing contact lenses anymore, then you’re not alone. Many people find contacts to be extremely uncomfortable and inconvenient while the common alternative, prescription glasses, is unappealing. Since clarity of vision is so important, people tend to settle with their chosen corrective lenses and limit themselves in their daily lives. However, what if you knew that there was a third alternative that is actually more cost efficient? Doctor Moosa, one of the best LASIK eye surgeons in Los Angeles say that laser eye surgery is more affordable than ever. With numerous financing options available, people can realistically get the procedure without stressing about the cost and even save money over time.
LASIK Eye Surgery Cost
The cost of laser eye surgery depends on the clinic and the surgeon. Typically, you will be spending between $2,000 and $4,000 per eye. The price includes the preoperative exam, in which your LASIK surgeon will assess your eye health and visual acuity. During this time, they will determine if you are eligible for the procedure or if an alternative procedure might suit you better. The cost also covers any postoperative care that may be needed, including check-ups and prescription drops.
The reason that the laser eye surgery cost is on the higher end is because it requires advanced technology and the expertise of a skilled surgeon to complete successfully. You pay for the quality of care that you will receive, which includes an in-depth consultation with your LASIK eye surgeon and the ultimate attention from start to finish. Your surgeon will walk you through the procedure so that you know what to expect and how to best prepare for the day. Once the day of your surgery arrives, you will receive the best care to ensure a safe, efficient, and precise procedure.
Contact Lens Cost
Contact lenses do not require surgery to wear. However, they do require yearly checkups and adjustments in order to accommodate any changes in prescription. In order to maintain your contact lens wear correctly, you must pay for cleaning solutions, cases, and replacement contacts. These expenses can add up over the years, especially with increased dependency. Contact lens maintenance can reach up to $200 a year, which certainly cuts into your budget over a lifetime of wear.
LASIK vs Contacts
Many people think of LASIK as an investment. While the initial cost may be higher than a single pair of contacts, the overall lifetime value of corrective eye surgery is priceless. Imagine, having crystal clear vision, independent of any corrective lenses. The convenience and joy that you receive as a result of laser eye surgery is immeasurable. Plus, when you tally up the yearly expenses that come with contacts or glasses, you will start to see that LASIK is the more cost-effective option. If you’re looking for a permanent and effective solution to your vision problems, then LASIK could be the answer.
Visit a LASIK clinic in Los Angeles like Excel Laser Vision Institute to learn how you can achieve your vision goals. You will receive a comprehensive eye exam and consultation with an experienced eye care professional in order to determine if you qualify for the LASIK procedure.
Last-Minute Tips Before Going to Your Lasik Eye Center in Los Angeles for Surgery
Everything is almost ready for your upcoming surgery at your Lasik eye center in Los Angeles. You’ve done your research, chosen an experienced Lasik surgeon, and made financing arrangements. As you wait for the big day, there are some things you should cross off your preparation checklist to make the operation as smooth and hassle-free as possible.
6 Last-Minute Tips for Lasik Surgery
Lasik surgery typically takes just a few minutes of precise, computer-controlled laser surgery to reshape the cornea and restore clear eyesight. With over a 95% success rate, it’s one of the safest and most effective ways to correct myopia, astigmatism, farsightedness, and other refractive errors.
Complications from the procedure are extremely rare, and recovery is usually fast and painless. Here are several steps you can take to make the process easier before and after your surgery:
- Stop wearing your contact lenses around two weeks before the procedure.
Contacts tend to reshape corneas, so Lasik surgeons recommend that patients stop wearing them to allow the eyes to return to their normal state.
- Apply your prescription eye drops.
Your eye surgeon may recommend prescription eye drops for dry eyes before your surgery. Make sure you follow the application routine. This will help prevent discomfort after the procedure and assist the healing process.
- Have someone pick you up from the clinic.
Your eyes will be extra sensitive after the surgery. Avoid exposing your eyes to road glare, harsh lights, and strain by arranging for someone to drive or accompany you home from the Lasik eye center in Los Angeles.
- Take a bath and wash your hair the day of your procedure.
To protect your sensitive eyes from water and soap, avoid taking direct showers for at least a week after the procedure. Take a thorough bath and wash your hair right before your surgery.
- Ask a friend or relative to take care of your pets while you recover.
You will have to take it slow and rest as much as you can the first few days after getting corrective eye surgery. If you have pets, consider asking a friend or relative to take them in for a while. This ensures that your pets get walked and fed while you recover from the operation. This also minimizes the risk of exposing your eyes to the sun and pet hair.
- Shop ahead for groceries and prepare food.
Preparing several meals that will last a few days after your surgery ensures that you’re eating healthy meals to aid your recovery. It will also help you avoid standing over a hot stove or oven right after getting Lasik.
Begin Your Journey to Crystal Clear Vision
Now that you’re done with your preparations, the only thing left is to go in for your Lasik surgery appointment. Before you know it, you’ll be enjoying perfect vision without the need for glasses or contacts for many years to come!
Still researching your options? Our representatives here at Excel Laser Vision Institute would be happy to help. Call us at +1 866 923 9235 to discuss laser eye surgery cost, benefits, and other factors that will affect your procedure.