Learn All About Amblyopia
Amblyopia, commonly known as “lazy eye,” is a relatively common eye condition that develops in children between birth and 7 years, but will typically appear before age 5. Typically, a person will have one lazy eye, and it is estimated that up to 3% of the American population has the condition. As Los Angeles LASIK specialists, we want you and your family to stay informed on eye conditions that may be affecting you or your loved ones. If you have a family history of amblyopia and are concerned your child may be experiencing the condition, it is important you get familiar with the risk factors and know when it’s time to seek medical help.
Amblyopia occurs when a person’s brain favors their better eye, resulting in the other eye’s vision becoming blurry. A person’s weaker eye is apparent to others and can result in embarrassment among peers. It is the most common cause of vision loss in children. Lazy eyes can be the result of multiple pre-existing conditions. If your child was born prematurely, was smaller than average (less than 20 inches) at the time of birth, or has any developmental disabilities, then the chances of them having amblyopia increases. A lazy eye may also be caused by a squint, known in the medical world as strabismus, a droopy eyelid (ptosis), or a cataract (clouding of the eye lens).
It is very important to receive treatment for your child’s lazy eye as soon as possible, as neglecting to do so can result in blindness. All children ages 3-5 should be getting their vision checked at least once and will be able to detect any vision problems present in your child. Treatment for amblyopia is also far more effective in children than in adults.
There are multiple treatments that can be used for a lazy eye, including:
Glasses
As you are most likely already well aware, glasses are typically used to help people with nearsightedness or farsightedness, so while some people with a lazy eye use glasses, it is not the only form of treatment they must use.
Patches
Patches must be worn between 3-6 hours a day and are applied on your stronger eye. This will help get the weaker eye working better, but the treatment does not work overnight and can even take years for the necessary effects to kick in. Following the patch, surgery may be necessary.
Eye drops
These are recommended above patches, as you only need to use the drops once a day. Not only is it less distracting than wearing a patch, but according to the study, “atropine treatment did affect visual acuity in the sound eye at six months more than did patching.”
Under the Food and Drug Administration, LASIK surgery is not approved for children under 18 years of age. The shape of your child’s cornea (the clear, protective outer layer of the eye) is still developing until they reach adulthood, and proceeding with LASIK surgery will result in undesirable outcomes later in their life. It is also worth noting that most adults who do undergo laser eye surgery in Los Angeles will need to continue to wear glasses after their procedure.
As a parent, your child’s well-being is of your utmost concern. At Excel Eye, Dr. Moosa and his entire team are committed to the highest quality eye care for you and your entire family and assist you with any reservations you may have about your eye health. As we like to say, our patients are a part of our family – so if you’re ready to join our happy family today, don’t wait another day! Get in touch with one of our offices right now! We have respective offices in Los Angeles and in Orange County.
Give us a call today at (866) 923-9235.
How To Take Better Care of Your Eyesight as You Age
We all want to stay in our 20s or 30s forever so that we won’t have to experience all the downsides of getting older, but unfortunately, we cannot prescribe a fountain of youth to you, so the next best thing we can do for you is advise you on how to take care of your eyesight over the course of your life. While some people naturally have better eyesight than others due to genetics, there are still things you can do to help yourself. In fact, it is imperative that you prioritize your eyecare because some forms of damage are irreversible. Here are some tips on how to prioritize the best care for your eyesight today:
Always wear your glasses or eye contacts
This sounds like a given, but if you have naturally poorer eyesight and have not yet committed to laser eye surgery in Los Angeles, why would you want to go out and not be able to see anything? Even if your eyesight is not terrible without them, you should be using them at all prescribed times regardless. Also remember to clean your prescribed products accordingly exactly as your specialist instructed you. Don’t cut corners!
Eat an adequate amount of fruits and vegetables
Remember hearing “an apple a day keeps the doctor away?” While this very simplistic advice, the point is, just because mom and dad aren’t around to force you to eat your veggies anymore doesn’t mean you should stop. Your diet can have a direct impact on how well you can see and your overall health. It is recommended that you consume foods that are high in omega-3 fatty acids, lutein, zinc, and vitamins C and E.
Take breaks from screen time
If you work in an office, then you are spending roughly 8 hours a day in front of a computer screen. Remember to take frequent breaks from the screen, even if it’s just to get up and get coffee for a couple of minutes. White collar workers also have a higher risk of certain health problems such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and obesity from sitting down in a chair too much, so it’s important to ensure that you are maintaining a healthy diet and exercising enough when you are not on the job. We know it’s difficult in this day and age because nearly everything is done online now, but also consider limiting your cell phone usage since you’re already working on the computer so much most days of the week. You should also stop using all your devices at least half an hour before you go to sleep.
Wear sunglasses
If you are constantly exposed to UV radiation, not wearing the proper sunglasses will come with dire consequences. You will eventually experience blurry vision or in the worst case scenario, blindness or even eye cancer, if you do not wear sunglasses when you need them. You can get UVA ray and UVB ray-blocking sunglasses at your local drug or convenience stores for relatively cheap, so you don’t really have an excuse to not have at least one pair on you!
Protect your eyes when performing certain tasks
If you are in a woodshop class, you must wear the proper eye protection gear at all times. If you are an avid swimmer, make sure that you are wearing goggles every time you take a dip.
Keep it clean
Living in a dirty space can result in dust getting into your eyes. Don’t let any dirt build up in your home or workspace. It’s not only annoying but unsanitary for your overall well-being.
Be wary of your eye make-up
Don’t use certain products if they give you an allergic reaction. You must also always remember to remove your make-up entirely before you go to bed and cleaning your brushes periodically. Failing to do so will result in bacteria forming on your eyes and a higher risk of an infection.
Ditch the cigarettes
It turns out that smoking isn’t only terrible for your lungs, but also for your eyes, but yet a couple of years ago it was surveyed that 34.1 million adults in the United States still smoke cigarettes. While more people are reportedly quitting, it’s best to be aware of the risks before you ever consider picking up the habit. Your body – and your vision – will definitely thank you later.
Be aware of your family history and risks
If you have a family history of certain eye conditions, be sure to communicate this clearly with your optometrist. They will be able to provide you with the best medical advice and treatment plan specifically for you.
If you have other health conditions such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or diabetes, get that in check.
All of these conditions can directly impact your overall eye health. Ensure that you are getting the treatment you need by visiting your physician or other medical specialist whenever you are due for an appointment.
The bottom line
At Excel Eye, our team is committed to the highest quality care specifically for you. Your eyes are unique to you alone and we want you to feel proud of them. As one of your five senses, we have obtained the highest expertise and technology available on the market so that you can start living your life better today. Our devotion to our patients is not something you will have to “see to believe!” So if you are in need of laser vision surgery, do not put it off any longer. Contact one of our offices in Los Angeles or in Orange County today. As one of the top LASIK eye surgery professionals in Los Angeles, we look forward to assisting you in your eye surgery journey and changing your life for the better.
How Diabetes Affects the Eyesight of Patients Who Need LASIK
LASIK eye doctors in Los Angeles advise those who have diabetes to make sure they have their annual eye exam because it could save their sight. The Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Diabetes Association encourage everyone over 65 to have yearly eye exams.
Doctor Ferzaad Moosa, laser eye surgery doctor in Los Angeles tells us that Type 2 diabetes, also known as adult-onset diabetes, affects over 30.3 million Americans. This includes one-fourth of individuals over 65. Also, for those with diabetes, about a quarter don’t even know they have it and are blissfully ignorant of any threat of vision loss.
How Does Diabetes Deteriorate Eyesight?
The LASIK eye center doctor in Los Angeles lets us know that diabetes can harm the eyes, nerves, organs, and limbs because the body can’t effectively use insulin, a hormone secreted by the pancreas.
The pancreas and insulin are very important since they are responsible for the processing and shipping of blood glucose from your food to your body’s cells.
The LASIK eye expert in Los Angeles says that blood sugar serves as your primary energy source when everything is running smoothly. However, when you intake too many foods that spike your blood sugar or your pancreas starts to slow down, glucose just hangs out in your bloodstream instead of reaching your cells. When this process happens, it can spark vision loss and, eventually, blindness.
That is why it’s important to be diagnosed with diabetes as early as possible so you can get a better visual outcome. You always want to find changes to the eye before the damage is irreversible.
Diabetes affects the small blood vessels. For this reason, excess blood sugar destroys the body’s smallest blood vessels and restricts blood flow, which fasts the tissues’ capillary feed. As a result, there are leaking blood vessels, swelling, and other horrible complications.
Fluid leaks can change the shape and size of the eye’s lens, causing cataracts. Also, these leaks can destroy the retina, which is the back of the eye, where visual images are created.
Diabetes can generate hemorrhages (bleeding) and edema (excess fluid) in the retina that can seriously affect vision. The LASIK eye doctors in Los Angeles say that diabetic retinopathy is the fourth leading cause of blindness in the world.
When your eye bleeds or has retina detachment, it requires surgery, so don’t ask about LASIK eye surgery cost. Because if you don’t get eye surgery in time, severe vision may be permanent. Macular edema is swelling in the retina as it can happen at any stage of diabetes. Hungry capillaries also give rise to glaucoma, an eye disease that harms the optic nerve.
Eye Exams Are Important For Diabetics
Many diabetic patients do not experience visual symptoms. They could experience blurred or wavy vision or patches of lost sight without being aware that these are serious. If you are diabetic, it’s important to get your eye exams to find these conditions early before they cause permanent vision loss or blindness.
Don’t settle for just any visual exam. What you need is a complete comprehensive vision examination. Your eye doctor will dilate the eyes with drops so they can perform a thorough retinal exam.
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is the most common diabetic eye disease. The condition happens after having long-term high blood sugar levels harm blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensing tissue that lines the back of the eye.
The first stage of diabetic retinopathy is called nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy. This happens when the blood vessels become blocked and start to cut off blood supply to the retina.
When the retina lacks sufficient blood supply, new, abnormal blood vessels start to proliferate (develop) in the retina. Unfortunately, these abnormal vessels can develop scar tissue and leak, which can cause a retinal detachment. Vision loss and various other eye diseases also can happen without early and proper treatment. This more advanced stage is referred to as proliferative diabetic retinopathy.
Although diabetic retinopathy only affects individuals with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, it is possible for someone who does not have diabetes to have retinopathy, another condition that arises from damage to the retina.
Macular Edema
Macular edema is directly linked to diabetic retinopathy and is a result of fluid from abnormal blood vessels that collect in the macula. The macula starts to swell and thicken as fluid gathers, which distorts eyesight. Important, detailed vision needed for driving and reading depends on the macula, making any related distortion a medical emergency.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is defined by increased pressure within the eye. Leaking blood vessels caused by diabetic retinopathy can increase eye pressure and lead to neovascular glaucoma. As pressure carries on to build, the optic nerve may become damaged, and vision may be affected.
Retinal detachment
Diabetic retinopathy can cause the growth of scar tissue on retinal blood vessels. As more scar tissue develops, its weight can pull the retina away from its connective tissue. This development, known as retinal detachment, needs immediate medical attention, as it can lead to vision loss.
LASIK eye surgeons can help the median stages of diabetic eye disease with laser surgery and injections to the eyes to prevent retina’s swelling and abnormal blood vessels’ growth, known as neovascularization.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology reports that these types of injections can enhance vision in one-third of patients and stabilize the excess of capillaries in nine out of ten.
You can quickly check your blood sugars with an A1C blood test that measures the amount of sugar that sticks to hemoglobin molecules within the body’s cells.
If you have diabetes, make an appointment with Excel Laser Vision Institute in Los Angeles to discuss ways of treating and preventing eye conditions caused by diabetes.
What Is Contoura™ Vision And How Can It Benefit You?
Individuals seeking permanent eye correction solutions are asking for more information about Contoura Vision. Contoura is the most revolutionary customization technology available for laser eye surgery if you don’t know already. The laser eye surgery doctors in Los Angeles perform this type of procedure and explain more about it below.
WHAT IS THE CONTOURA® VISION TREATMENT?
When you consider the LASIK eye surgery cost, you can’t go wrong with a Contoura procedure. Doctor Moosa, the LASIK Los Angeles surgeon of Excel Laser Vision Institute, enlightens us that Contoura Vision is a topography-guided vision correction treatment. It is a visual treatment that’s customized for the patient. Also, it’s the only treatment to accurately map 22,000 elevation points of the cornea to produce a customized treatment to an individual’s vision.
When there are irregular elevation points on the eye, it can disrupt the light entering the eye and block you from attaining optimal Vision. These maps let Contoura Vision produce a customized vision correction treatment that’s one-of-a-kind to your eye. The topography test transmits data straight to the excimer laser for the Contoura Vision treatment. The topography of your eye is as unique as your fingerprint.
How Is Contoura Vision Different From Other Vision Correction Treatments?
There are so many vision correction treatments available that only treat your eyeglasses prescription. However, Contoura in Los Angeles has the technology to allow the Vision to be personalized, based on individualized mapping of the contours, such as a fingerprint, of your eye. The outcomes of the FDA Clinical Trials have revealed that this personalized treatment gives excellent visual results, with 93% of the patients receiving 20/20 vision or better.
Contoura™ Vision, which has been used safely and effectively in the United States, Canada, and Europe for over ten years, is a unique topography-guided LASIK procedure because of the way it maps the eye to guide treatment. It utilizes a topography instrument called the Vario Topolyzer to measure every submicroscopic peak and valley on the cornea to a very accurate degree.
Although wavefront-guided LASIK can generate good outcomes by measuring about 200 points of curvature on the cornea, Contoura Vision measures 22,000 points. That information lets a computer create an individualized treatment profile, which is then programmed into an ultra-modern laser that immediately applies the treatment to the cornea.
The laser regularises the shape of the cornea, so all of the light rays go through it reach the retina at the back of the eye consistently, creating clear, crisp Vision. Contoura™ Vision is truly personalized. The topography measurements are so precise that it would be inconceivable for any two treatments to be the same.
Another distinction between wavefront-guided and topography-guided LASIK is that wavefront measurements consist of all parts of the eye along the visual pathway, and topography measurements include only the cornea. This is crucial since the cornea is where most of the imperfections can make Vision less than perfect. While the lens of the eye can also bring about poor Vision, it alters over time, which could counteract the changes made to the cornea by LASIK.
ContouraTM Vision: Topography-Guided Laser Vision Correction can enhance the surface of the eye’s cornea in such a manner that it actually improves the quality of Vision better than has ever been achievable before.
During clinical studies, ContouraTMVision – Topography-Guided Laser Vision Correction helped 90% of patients see as well or even better without glasses than they did with glasses. It can work for patients in several ways, helping them attain a better quality of Vision and lowering the potential for night glare.
How Do You Become A Candidate For Contoura Vision?
The LASIK eye specialist in Los Angeles uses the Wavelight® Suite, which provides various vision correction treatments to let the eye surgeon and surgical team create a personalized treatment plan based on many measurements of your eyes and Vision. The Wavelight® diagnostics suite takes numerous measurements, including topography maps and aberrometry maps of your eye. These maps, together with your Vision and prescription details, are used to find out which treatment option will provide you with optimal visual results. If this analysis reveals that a Contoura procedure will give the best visual outcomes, your eye surgeon will recommend Contoura Vision. However, your tailor-made treatment plan may recommend a different method for some eye shapes and vision types.
The Contoura method is a technique that the US FDA approved. It delivers higher quality results compared to Lasik and SMILE. Take a look at some of the eligibility criteria for patients who wish to undergo this procedure.
The patient must be above 18 years
The patient has a steady prescription for eyewear
The patient has <3D cyl. Power
The patient’s cornea is not thin
The patient’s eye power isn’t spherical >8D
The patient isn’t suffering from any significant corneal pathology
If you are considering Contoura Vision surgery to improve your eyesight, contact Excel Laser Vision Institute at (888) 957-3255. Our team is experienced as well as highly trained. Our leading eye surgeon, Dr. Moosa, a well-established LASIK surgeon in Los Angeles, has years of experience in Contoura Vision procedures. He was formerly trained at Harvard University and has a wealth of experience working with various prescription levels. Dr. Moosa has helped many professionals achieve their vision goals, from athletes to models to military personnel. Visit our website to learn more: https://www.exceleye.com/.
The Dangers Of Sleeping With Contact Lenses On
We have all been there, but some more than others. You know that feeling of struggle you have after a long day to do even the simplest and basic tasks such as washing your face or brushing your teeth. Suffice to say. It can be a tough assignment. And if you are someone who has to wear contacts, taking them out before you get forty winks isn’t your top ten things to do.
Nevertheless, just like skipping out on brushing your teeth can damage your oral health, laser eye surgery doctors, particularly Doctor Moosa in Los Angeles, warn us that wearing contacts while you sleep can impair and injure your eyes.
Physicians, professors, medical specialists, optometrists, and LASIK specialists like those at Excel Laser Vision Institute in Los Angeles agree that no one should sleep in contact lenses. Although this is practically common sense – you shouldn’t sleep with contact lenses in; it just mistakenly happens. For instance, you “mistakenly” ate a dozen donuts or “mistakenly” maxed out your credit card on your recent Amazon shopping spree.
If you think this is just mere talk from the LASIK medical professionals in LASIK Los Angeles, think again. Some people go blind as a result of catching a few zzzz’s with their contact lenses. Therefore, if you or a loved one wears contact lenses, it would be a good idea to discover the possible risks. Keep on reading to get some more helpful information about this risky habit.
Contacts Prevent Oxygen From Going To Your Eyes
The LASIK eye center staff, specifically those at Excel Laser Vision Institute in Los Angeles, let us know that when our eyes are open, they get oxygen from the air, which, just like other bodily functions, is required to perform correctly. That means when you put in contacts, your eyes receive a little less oxygen. And when you close your eyes, the supply of oxygen decreases even further. This makes your eyes more susceptible to irritation and redness, which is responsible for impaired vision.
This deterioration of oxygen supply can also escalate your risk of getting bacterial or fungal infections, along with corneal ulcers.
How Bad Is It To Sleep In Contact Lenses?
If you want the truth from Doctor Moosa, a LASIK specialist in Los Angeles, it is incredibly hazardous to your eye health.
Without a doubt, the LASIK eye center surgeon will tell you that sleeping with your contacts is an awful idea.
Sometimes the only way to make people understand and give them a little motivation is with shock therapy. Here are some frightening problems that could happen if you fall asleep in your contacts:
You Could Get Pink Eye Sleeping In Contacts
A widespread eye problem to arise when you sleep with your contacts is conjunctivitis, better known as pink eye. Generally, this eye infection can also be caused by allergies or contact with someone else who is infected, but it is usually caused by wearing contacts overnight.
What is the reason for this? Sleeping in contacts can make your eyes more vulnerable to microscopic tears on the cornea and can triple your odds of bacteria, as well as fungi, getting in and staying in your eye for an extended period. If you want to prevent a severe case of pink eye, remove your contacts before you zonk out.
You Could Get An Eye Ulcer Sleeping In Contacts
If you sleep in contact lenses, you are at high risk of developing corneal ulcers. A recent study found that corneal ulcers are one of the leading causes of blindness around the globe. Fundamentally, a corneal ulcer is a tiny, open wound in your eye. As mentioned above, contact lenses are notorious for blocking your vision. Therefore, when your eyelids are shut during the night, your cornea is refused the necessary oxygen it needs. As a result, the perfect breathing ground of bacteria reigns over, causing a disruption in the epithelium, bringing about an ulcer.
Not getting treatment quickly can cause lifelong vision damage, so eye doctors strongly recommend that this condition should be treated immediately.
Severe Red Eye Could Happen If You Sleep In Your Contacts
If you nap in your contacts, you could be prone to an eye condition called CLARE, also known as Contact Lens Acute Red Eye. This eye condition brings symptoms such as light sensitivity, redness, tearing, and decreased vision. Some people also refer to it as Tight Lens Syndrome or Contact Lens Overwear Syndrome.
Although you probably can’t stand wearing glasses, which is most likely the reason you wear contacts, to begin with, you may want to change your frames at night, so you don’t forget to remove your contacts before hitting the hay.
Your Contacts Could Start To Fit Incorrectly
Wearing your contacts overnight or for long periods can lead to severe irritation causing bumps to form underneath your eyelids. Giant papillary conjunctivitis (GPC) makes the inside of your eyelid red, swollen, and irritated. Individuals who wear contact lenses when they are sleeping have a high risk of experiencing this awful condition.
The bumps that come out when you have giant papillary conjunctivitis (GPC) make them fit improperly and are challenging to clear up. If you notice this happening to you, avoid wearing contacts for at least a week and see if your symptoms have eased off.
How To Lower Your Exposure To Contact Lens-Related Eye Infections
To lower the dangers of developing any awful symptoms or an eye infection, here are some sound principles of behavior to obey if you are a contact lens wearer.
Don’t reuse disposable contacts.
Never go to sleep in your contact lenses.
Remove your contacts before swimming.
Change disposable contact lenses frequently.
Don’t touch or rub your eyes with unclean hands.
Always use clean, sanitized hands when putting in/taking out your contacts.
Never share your contacts with anyone else.
Do not purchase fashion contact lenses.
Sadly, contacts cause headaches, so do your best to follow the guidelines above when wearing lenses. If you ever experience redness, light sensitivity, pain, decreased vision, or swelling while wearing your contacts, delicately remove them and contact your eye doctor.
How To Delay The Progression Of Cataracts
Patients often ask whether there is a way of delaying cataracts since they may have a family member who has it. Laser eye surgery doctors in Los Angeles tell us that cataracts are the leading cause of blindness in the United States. Unfortunately, there is no guaranteed way to prevent them, but making some lifestyle changes could reduce your risk of getting them.
How Do Cataracts Happen?
The doctor at Excel Laser Vision Institute, a LASIK eye center in Los Angeles, points out that the real reason why medical professionals can’t find a way to delay cataracts is that it is more complicated than keeping a clear lens from becoming cloudy. So, the whole point isn’t about keeping the lens clear but more about how to stop it from aging. For now, scientists haven’t found a way to delay aging. However, they have a good idea of what causes it biochemically. And the same can be said for cataracts.
Every year, the lens in your eye lays down new layers, kind of like how a tree lays down new rings each year. Over time, the center of the lens gets more compressed, and it results in hardening and cloudiness. There is a type of biochemical bond referred to as a disulfide bond, and it occurs between the cysteine amino acids of the crystalline proteins in the eye. LASIK eye surgeons in Los Angeles confirm that there is no way to stop it or delay it.
How Do You Prevent Cataracts From Getting Worse?
Nevertheless, Doctor Moosa, a LASIK surgeon in Los Angeles, gives us five ways to prevent cataracts or keep them from getting worse. These methods are not difficult to incorporate into a healthy lifestyle, but they can possibly prevent you from becoming blind.
Stay Away From Lengthy Exposure To UV Light
Although a small amount of exposure to the sun is healthy, prolonged exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays can intensify cataract progression.
This doesn’t mean you have to lock yourself indoors most of the time. It is okay to go out as long as you protect yourself from the dangers of prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light.
When the sun is out, and you want to be outside, make it a point to wear sunglasses. As mentioned above, lowering the amount of ultraviolet light that reaches your eyes will help you prevent getting cataracts.
Also, don’t be fooled when there is a cloudy day since the sun’s rays can pass through thin clouds. The peak hours of the day for sun exposure are between 10 am, and 3 pm or else 11 am and 4 pm daylight savings time.
Don’t Use Steroid Drops
Sometimes ophthalmologists will prescribe steroid eye drops to treat dry eyes and arthritic flare-ups in the eyes. These steroids imitate the effects of cortisol in the body to lower inflammation.
Although steroid eye drops are useful when administered properly, they can have damaging side effects, which consist of the acceleration of cataracts.
If you do have to use steroid eye drops on a regular basis, you should have regular eye exams carried out. If you notice cataracts developing, speak to your optometrist or ophthalmologist as soon as possible.
Look Out For Medicinal Side Effects
Commonly prescribed medications have side effects that could trigger the cataract progress. If you are at risk for cataracts and take medication on a regular basis, ask your medical professional about any side effects you have to be aware of.
If you are taking necessary medication that could speed up cataracts, it is crucial that you avoid sunlight during peak hours, wear sunglasses or a hat during sunny days, and have regular eye exams.
Taking medication to enhance your life may not be worthwhile if it results in cataracts. So, think about your options carefully.
Think About Cataract Surgery
When cataracts have already set or progressed to a point where it disrupts many aspects of your life, you should think about having cataracts removed.
You can only remove it through cataract surgery, a process that involves removing your eye’s natural cloudy lens and replacing it with an artificial lens. One of the leading eye surgeons at Excel Eye Institute will discuss and advise you of the options for corrective lenses that are appropriate for you.
This is the best way to treat cataracts that have already set in, but it may not be the best solution for everyone. Make sure to contact your laser eye clinic to figure out if cataract surgery is the right option for you.
Live A Healthy Lifestyle
Research has shown that a healthy lifestyle can lead to reducing the development of cataracts.
And this is a very logical finding since a healthy lifestyle helps to fight against many ailments. But, what exactly comprises a “healthy lifestyle”?
Here are a few suggestions from existing studies:
Diet Guidelines
- People who have a diet that consists of colorful fruits, vegetables, and whole grains may show a reduced possibility of developing cataracts.
- Studies suggest that antioxidant vitamins in these fruits and vegetables may lower the risk of cataracts.
- Carrots are a great source of beta-carotene, which is converted into vitamin A in the body and is excellent for eye health.
- The consumption of fish has been linked to a reduced risk of cataracts.
- Fish are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which have been known to reduce cataract progression.
- A diet high in carbohydrates may speed up cataract progression.
- Foods that are rich in a variety of vitamins and minerals may delay cataracts.
Lifestyle Guidelines
- Dehydration can quicken the development of cataracts.
- Alcohol may accelerate the development of cataracts.
- Smoking will increase the chance of developing cataracts.
- Obesity may increase the chances of developing cataracts.
- Individuals with diabetes may be at a higher risk of developing cataracts.
Many people over the age of 50 will eventually develop age-related changes in their lenses, known as “early cataracts.” It may be challenging to prevent cataracts from progressing entirely, but you could live cataract-free by taking account of these guidelines.
What 20/80 Vision Is And How Is It Corrected?
When patients think about visual acuity, it isn’t a shocker to learn that they believe that 20/20 vision is the gauge of good eyesight. We all, at some point in our lives, have tried to reach this goal. Remember when your parents told you you had to eat all your carrots, get enough sleep, don’t sit too close to the T.V., and don’t read in low lights to avoid straining your eyes? Yup, most of us got the same advice, and a good majority of us are still as blind as bats.
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In any case, when you visit a laser eye surgery clinic in Los Angeles, you will be told that the biggest determinant in declining vision is sometimes something you can’t even avoid. That is because we all have birthdays. Aging is the biggest reason why visual acuity alters, besides eye diseases and poor nutrition – even if you eat more carrots than Bugs Bunny himself!
What is 20/80 Vision?
Doctor Moosa of Excel Laser Vision Institute, a LASIK eye center in Los Angeles, explains that when a person has 20/80 vision, the individual‘s eyesight is already in the low vision range. 20/80 is an average visual impairment as regulated by the International Council of Ophthalmology (ICO). Sometimes LASIK doctors in Los Angeles may declare that your visual acuity is 0.25, essentially the same as 20/80. It is just labeled in its decimal notation, or you can put it in terms of 4.0 for visual angle.
Therefore, what does this all refer to? The LASIK Los Angeles clinic uses the interpretation of the ICO as a visual impairment that is still more functional than someone with a 20/200 vision, who is in a severe visual impairment range.
If a person has this condition, low vision is apparent but not to a point where the patient would be considered legally blind. If you take a look at the average size of common newsprint, which measures at 1 M. If you don’t know what 1 M is, the Sloan M system is used to measure letter size in a reading chart. Louis Sloane first introduced this to the American Journal of Ophthalmology in 1959 and has been utilized as the standard by the Committee on Vision of the U.S. National Research Council ever since it was first popularized.
This is what is used during visual acuity tests. The M-unit is linked to a fixed 1-meter distance when one of the letters in Sloane’s reference standard spans a visual angle of 5 min of arc, which is a unit angular measurement. Therefore, research lets us know that 1 M is the same as the average newsprint size, as declared in most published research.
Of course, when visual acuity becomes weaker, a person reads better at a shorter distance, usually with reading glasses. Normally, newsprint is read clearly at a distance of 40 cm. However, if you are one of the lucky ones with 20/20 vision, you can read 1 M at 100 cm, so reading the small print isn’t a challenge for these guys.
However, if the patient has 20/80 vision, 1 M is read at 25 cm, so patients have to use strong lenses to read clearly, or in the case of nearsightedness, they have to hold the paper nearer to the eyes than someone with 20/20 vision.
What Causes Visual Acuity To Change To 20/80?
As we age, visual acuity worsens. You may not require eyeglasses or contact lenses just yet, but at some point, your ophthalmologist will advise you to start wearing them. When you get to your sixties, the probability of having advanced presbyopia increases, and the appearance of floaters. Also, when women reach their menopausal stage, they are more prone to dry eyes, resulting in visual acuity issues.
Age-related determinants that can affect visual acuity and lead to low vision, according to the American Optometric Association (AOA), include:
- Smaller pupil size.
- Absence of peripheral vision.
- Macular degeneration.
- Glaucoma.
- Traumatic brain injury.
- Detachment of the retina.
Can You Correct 20/80 Vision?
You can correct your vision. For example, your doctor may recommend eyeglasses or contact lenses. However, if you are searching for a long-term solution, it may be corrective surgery.
Advanced methods of eye treatment technology can produce results near 20/20 vision. Sometimes light adjustable lenses and other advanced intraocular lenses are used to treat cataracts so patients can receive improved vision.
Still, a well-known procedure known as LASIK can help you achieve a patient’s goal of 20/20 vision or even better when possible. If you are a good candidate for this procedure, then your likelihood for improvement can be based on pre-operative testing. LASIK is an effective way to see clearly without the need for eyeglasses or contact lenses.
The alternatives to LASIK are PRK, ICL, RLE, and refractive cataract surgery. These are some of the procedures that eye doctors recommend to patients depending on their condition.
Ultimately LASIK is performed to help correct a patient’s vision to a level that keeps them comfortable and highly satisfied.
Where to get LASIK in Orange County, Los Angeles
You should never put your eyes in danger because they are very important to you. Make sure you go to an eye clinic that can make you feel comfortable throughout the whole process.
Yes, indeed, LASIK can be expensive, but that doesn’t mean that it’s not a smart personal investment. At Excel Laser Vision Institute, we are aware that paying out-of-pocket is something that most patients are prepared to do, so we have made it simpler for our patients to achieve better vision. We have several financing options that you can avail yourself of for better eyesight.
Contact Excel Laser Vision Institute today at (888) 957-3255. Or else, visit our website to learn more: https://www.exceleye.com/.
How To Cure Your Blurry Vision
The LASIK surgeons in Los Angeles explain the blurry vision to us as a loss of sharpness of eyesight that makes objects look out of focus and hazy.
The main causes of blurred vision are refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism or presbyopia. However, there have been patients who come for laser eye surgery complaining about a blurry vision that could be one of the first symptoms of something more serious, such as potentially sight-threatening eye disease or neurological disorder.
Plus, blurred vision can affect both eyes, however, some individuals experience blurry vision in one eye only.
LASIK eye center doctors explain cloudy vision – when you see objects as obscured and appear “milky,” is equivalent to blurry vision. Normally, cloudy vision is a symptom of particular conditions such as cataracts. Both blurry vision and cloudy vision are symptoms of a serious eye problem, especially if they happen suddenly.
LASIK experts in Los Angeles recommend that the best way to find out if you have blurry vision and what is causing it is to visit an eye doctor for a comprehensive eye exam.
Blurry Vision: What Are The Causes And Treatments?
Myopia: Myopia, or nearsightedness, has various symptoms which include squinting, eye strain, headaches, and blurry vision in one or both eyes. Myopia is the most common refractive error and leads to a person seeing distant objects in a blurred manner.
Eyeglasses, contact lenses, and refractive surgery such as LASIK and PRK are the most common ways to correct nearsightedness.
Hyperopia: Hyperopia, or farsightedness, allows people to see distant objects clearly but their eyes can’t focus properly on close-up objects. If they try to, it causes unusual eye strain and fatigue. Also, when an individual suffers from severe farsightedness, even distant objects may appear blurred.
Similar to myopia, hyperopia can be corrected with eyeglasses, contact lenses, or refractive eye surgery.
Astigmatism: This is when a person experiences blurred vision at all distances. It is a type of refractive error, and it is usually caused by an irregularly shaped cornea.
With astigmatism, light rays fail to come to a single focus point on the retina to create a clear vision, no matter how far away the viewed object is from your eyes.
Astigmatism, similar to nearsightedness and farsightedness, can be corrected with eyeglasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery.
Presbyopia: If you’re over the age of 40 and are beginning to notice blurry vision up close especially when reading a text message, a restaurant menu, food label, or other small print, for instance — most likely this is because there is the onset of presbyopia, a normal age-related vision problem.
While the symptoms of presbyopia are very similar to those that cause hyperopia (blurry near vision; eye strain when reading), presbyopia is an age-related loss of ability to focus on near objects because of the hardening of the lens inside the eye.
Normally, your optometrist will provide you with the most common treatments for presbyopia which include progressive lenses, bifocals, and reading glasses. If that isn’t suitable for you, there are also presbyopia surgery options such as corneal inlays, monovision LASIK, and conductive keratoplasty.
When you select eyeglasses to correct refractive errors and presbyopia, clarity and comfort can be improved with an anti-reflective coating and photochromic lenses. Make sure to ask your optician for more details.
Chronic dry eyes: Dry eye syndrome can affect your eyes in various ways, including causing variable blurry vision. Although artificial tears (lubricating eye drops) can help, more advanced cases of dry eye may need a prescription medication or punctal plugs to keep your eyes comfortable, healthy, and seeing properly.
Pregnancy: Blurry vision is not uncommon during pregnancy and sometimes pregnant women also experience double vision (diplopia). Hormonal changes can change the shape and thickness of your cornea, causing your vision to blur. Dry eyes also are normal to see in pregnant women and can cause blurred vision.
If you have any vision disturbances during your pregnancy, you should always let your doctor know. Although blurry vision is no always serious, in some instances it could be a sign of gestational diabetes or high blood pressure.
Ocular migraines or migraine headaches: Even though for the most part blurred vision, flickering light, halos, or zigzag patterns are harmless and temporary, they are all common symptoms before the beginning of an ocular migraine or migraine headache.
Eye floaters: Vision can be blurred by temporary spots or floaters that aimlessly move in your field of vision. Floaters usually appear when the eye’s gel-like vitreous starts to liquefy with age, resulting in microscopic bits of tissue within the vitreous to drift around freely inside the eye, casting shadows on the retina.
If you see an abrupt onset of floaters, this could be a sign of a torn or detached retina and you should see an eye doctor immediately.
Blurry vision after LASIK: Your vision may be blurry or hazy right after LASIK or any other type of refractive surgery. The clarity of your eyesight normally improves within a few days, but it may take more time for your vision to stabilize completely.
Eye drops and medication: Particularly eye drops — especially eye drops that contain preservatives — can cause irritation and blurry vision.
Additionally, some medications such as allergy pills can cause side effects of dry eyes and blurred vision. During a comprehensive eye exam, your eye doctor can advise you whether any of your medications may be the culprit to your blurry vision.
Over-wearing contact lenses: Wearing disposable contact lenses (or any type of contacts) for longer than your doctor recommends will cause proteins and other debris in your tear film to accumulate on the lenses. This can cause blurry vision and increase your risk of eye infections.
When you experience blurry vision that lasts for a long time or is very frequent, it is always advisable that you speak to a LASIK expert in Los Angeles like Doctor Moosa of Excel Laser Vision Institute immediately to rule out any serious vision problems.
LASIK Experts Explain the Danger of Sleeping with Contacts
Wearing contacts is a responsibility. Like glasses, they can be expensive to obtain. Then, you have to make sure that they don’t get lost or damaged, are regularly cleaned, and are taken out when you go to sleep. Contacts are not for low-maintenance people. In fact, the inconvenience of contact lenses is what pushes many people to look into LASIK eye surgery. LASIK experts like Doctor Moosa say that wearing contacts actually increases your risk of developing harmful eye conditions, especially when forgetting to take them out at night. Below, we will delve into the science of sleeping with contacts and some helpful tips for those who are using these corrective lenses for the time being.
Oxygen Restriction
Our eyes, like other parts of our body, require oxygen to function. When they are open, they can receive a necessary supply from the air around us. However, contact lenses can block this process from happening. This means that contact users have a greater chance of developing inflammation, redness, irritation, fungal infections, bacterial infections, and corneal ulcers. This risk increases when contact users go to sleep without giving their eyes a break. Closed eyes will already receive less oxygen and, coupled with the barrier of contacts, this can cause serious issues and may even lead to impaired vision.
Pink Eye
Dr. Moosa, a Harvard-trained surgeon at a LASIK eye center in Los Angeles, Excel Laser Vision Institute, says that pink eye is a common problem amongst contact users. Anyone who falls asleep with their contacts on has a chance of developing conjunctivitis or another type of eye infection. Why is this? Studies have shown that our corneas are more susceptible to microscopic tears when wearing contacts for an extended period with our eyes closed. These mini tears can introduce fungi and bacteria into the eye.
Eye Ulcer
If you’re wondering why so many people are trading in their contacts for laser eye surgery, then let us introduce to you, corneal ulcers. Another risk of sleeping with contacts is developing an ulcer in your eye. This condition is actually one of the leading causes of blindness. Corneal ulcers are microscopic open wounds that festers when blocked from oxygen. If ulcers are not treated in a timely manner, they can cause lifelong damage to a patient’s vision.
Red Eye
Contact Lens Acute Red Eye (CLARE), otherwise known as Tight Lens Syndrome or Contact Lens Overwear Syndrome, is a common condition that people experience when they sleep with contacts. Symptoms of this include redness, tearing, decreased vision, and light sensitivity. If this condition persists, contact users may experience worse symptoms and potentially suffer vision loss.
Preventing Contact-Related Infections
The best way to prevent infections from contacts is to opt for another eye correction solution. LASIK, PRK, SMILE, and other refractive surgeries can help many people achieve 20/20 vision without the need of contacts or glasses. So, if you’re interested in replacing your contact lenses with clear, independent vision, then get LASIK from Excel Laser Vision Institute. Until then, here are some helpful tips for contact users:
- Avoid rubbing your eyes
- Always wash your hands before inserting or removing contacts
- Never reuse disposable contacts
- Remove contacts before swimming
- Remove contacts before sleeping or napping
- Never share contacts with anyone else
- Avoid costume contacts
Why You Should Consider Getting LASIK This Spring/Summer
We’re in the thick of spring. The birds are chirping, the sun is shining, and more people are getting their vaccines! What better time to look into getting LASIK in Los Angeles? For many people, this coming summer represents a much-needed sigh of relief. Finally, families can rest assured that their loved ones are protected and enjoy public activities again.
Here Are Some Of Our Top Reasons For Considering Laser Eye Surgery This Spring or Summer:
Enjoy Stylish and Convenient Eye Protection
Are you tired of wearing that one pair of prescription sunglasses that you own? Don’t want to worry about putting in contacts when you’re at the beach? With 20/20 vision, you won’t have to rely on corrective lenses to enjoy your time in the sunshine. Prescription glasses can be an expensive purchase (and also vulnerable to activities like biking, volleyball, and swimming). Enjoy your vacation and protect your vision without worrying about losing your one pair of prescription sunglasses.
Swim Freely
Taking a dip in the pool when it’s hot out can be just the thing for a summer day! Unfortunately, for those who wear glasses or contacts, swimming can be a huge challenge. If you take off your prescription lenses to swim, then you won’t be able to see! Those who wear contacts may fear losing their invisible lenses in the pool or contaminating them with chlorine. This can lead to costly replacements or even an eye infection! When you achieve your vision goals through LASIK, you can swim freely with peace of mind.
Avoid Accidents
When the weather is warmer, many people like to get outside and do something active, whether that be exercising or playing sports. Glasses or contacts can be a hindrance to these kinds of spring and summer activities. Perspiration and heat can cause fogging, streaks, and other visual barriers for those who wear glasses. Meanwhile, those who wear contacts run the constant risk of developing an infection from dirt, dust, and other outside particles that attach to the lenses. With a clear vision, you won’t have to worry about losing or damaging your only vision source.
Mitigate Allergies
During spring and summer, there may be a greater concentration of pollen in the air. This can be difficult for those who experience eye irritation with their seasonal allergies. Contact lenses can exacerbate the situation by trapping dirt and pollen or drying out. Even wearing glasses can be a hassle when your eyes are red, itchy, swollen, and dry. Visit Excel Laser Vision Institute, a LASIK eye center in Los Angeles, to learn how laser eye surgery might improve your seasonal allergies over the long term.
Savor Spring and Summer
It finally feels like we’re reaching the light at the end of the tunnel! Celebrate this time with a life-changing procedure. LASIK has helped many people achieve their vision goals and improve their overall quality of life. Schedule your free LASIK consultation at Excel Laser Vision Institute. Our team of skilled eye care professionals will determine whether you are an eligible candidate for laser eye surgery and will jumpstart the process so you can savor the days ahead with clear vision.
10 Spring Activities You Can Enjoy After LASIK
After learning about the benefits of LASIK and why it’s a great choice for vision correction this spring, you may be eager to explore all the activities you can enjoy with your newfound visual freedom. LASIK can transform your daily life, especially during the vibrant spring season when outdoor adventures beckon. In this article, we’ll explore ten exciting spring activities that are even more enjoyable after LASIK, allowing you to fully embrace the beauty of the season with clear, unencumbered vision.
Hiking Adventures
Springtime heralds the awakening of nature, with blossoming flowers and verdant landscapes beckoning outdoor enthusiasts to explore. With clear vision post-LASIK, hiking becomes an even more immersive experience as you traverse winding trails, drink in panoramic vistas, and marvel at the intricate beauty of blooming flora.
Cycling Escapades
Feel the wind in your hair and the sun on your face as you pedal through scenic routes without the hindrance of glasses or the discomfort of contacts. LASIK provides cyclists with enhanced visual clarity, allowing them to confidently navigate the terrain and soak in the sights and sounds of spring’s symphony.
Picnics in the Park
Bask in the warm embrace of spring by organizing picnics in lush, sun-kissed parks. With improved vision post-LASIK, you can admire the vibrant tapestry of nature, indulge in delectable treats, and engage in leisurely activities like frisbee or kite flying with friends and family.
Photography Expeditions
Capture the essence of spring in all its glory through the lens of a camera. LASIK surgery ensures crisp, clear vision, enabling budding photographers to immortalize the beauty of blossoms, chirping birds, and cascading waterfalls with unparalleled precision and clarity.
Outdoor Yoga Sessions
Embrace serenity and mindfulness amidst nature’s embrace with outdoor yoga sessions. LASIK eliminates the need for glasses or contacts during practice, allowing yogis to focus on breathing, balance, and alignment without visual distractions, fostering a deeper connection with the natural world.
Birdwatching Excursions
Spring is synonymous with the melodious chirping of birds as they herald the arrival of warmer days. LASIK recipients can now partake in birdwatching expeditions with unobstructed vision, spotting feathered friends perched on branches or soaring across azure skies with newfound clarity and precision.
Al Fresco Dining
Savor spring flavors by dining al fresco at quaint cafes or charming eateries in picturesque locales. LASIK ensures uninterrupted enjoyment of culinary delights, allowing food enthusiasts to relish every bite and sip without the inconvenience of glasses fogging up or contacts drying out.
Stargazing Nights
As the days grow longer and the nights warmer, embark on stargazing escapades to marvel at the celestial wonders above. LASIK recipients can now gaze upon the cosmos with unparalleled clarity, tracing the constellations and counting shooting stars against velvety darkness.
Artistic Pursuits
Unleash your creativity with air painting or sketching sessions amidst nature’s canvas. LASIK surgery empowers artists to capture the essence of spring’s beauty with precision and detail, immersing themselves in the creative process without the constraints of corrective eyewear.
Festivals and Fairs
Immerse yourself in the festive spirit of spring by attending outdoor festivals, fairs, and cultural celebrations. LASIK ensures optimal visual acuity, allowing revelers to soak in the vibrant ambiance, indulge in culinary delights, and partake in exhilarating activities with unmatched clarity and comfort.
Conclusion
Spring is a season of new beginnings and vibrant transformations, making it the perfect time to consider LASIK and embrace a life of visual freedom. With Excel Laser Vision Institute, you can trust in the expertise of Dr. Moosa and the state-of-the-art technology available for your LASIK procedure. Say goodbye to the hassles of glasses and contacts and hello to a world of clear vision and endless possibilities. Whether you’re enjoying the beauty of blooming flowers or embarking on outdoor adventures, LASIK can enhance your spring experience and beyond. Experience the joy of clear vision this spring with LASIK from Excel Laser Vision Institute.