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.
How LASIK Clinics Have Adopted New Technology
Laser vision correction as we know it at Excel Laser Vision Institute, a LASIK clinic in Los Angeles, has quite an extensive history, thanks to the discoveries of many different researchers, scientists, and doctors. We can thank our advanced technology and eye correction methods to their combined contributions to the study of refractive surgery. One of the most recent improvements to the LASIK procedure is the use of the Wavelight EX500 laser. Harvard-trained surgeon Dr. Moosa discusses how this is used at the Excel Laser Vision Institute:
Twenty-first-century vision correction methods have reached new heights of safety, efficiency, and accuracy. However, it took a great amount of trial and error to get to this point. At the end of the nineteenth century, Dr. Lendeer Jans Lans published a paper on correcting astigmatism by making tiny incisions in the cornea to adjust the natural curvature. This information became useful in 1930, when Tsutomu Sato, a Japanese ophthalmologist, started practicing refractive surgery on war pilots. In his time, laser technology was not available, which meant that these procedures were less accurate and less protective of the eye.
Fortunately, the microkeratome came into use in 1963 to better optimize the reshaping of the cornea. This was called keratomileusis, a technique that was adopted into laser vision correction and LASIK. The next big discovery happened when a Russian doctor was treating a nearsighted boy who had an accident. After suffering a great fall, he broke his glasses and got pieces of glass stuck in his eye. The result of this was a happy accident! The glass had cut off parts of his cornea and actually contributed to better vision. When the Russian doctor saw this, he started doing research that led to radial keratotomy.
While all of these doctors made strides in vision correction, the development of laser technology was necessary for moving this practice in the right direction. According to Doctor Moosa, a LASIK eye specialist, lasers were able to make more precise incisions that did not burn organic tissue. Photorefractive keratectomy was first performed in 1981 on a Thanksgiving turkey to prove this point. Laser eye surgery further progressed when Dr. Marguerite McDonald completed the first PRK procedure to correct myopia in 1987 and then performed the first Epi-LASIK surgery in North America in 2003.
LASIK eye surgery is often associated with Ioannis Pallikaris, the Greek ophthalmologist that performed the first procedure on a person in 1989. Within the same timeframe another ophthalmologist named Gholam Peyman received a patent for this type of refractive surgery. Since then, the integration of the femtosecond laser has allowed for bladeless LASIK techniques to arise and wavefront technology has allowed a greater capacity for personalization. Now, surgeons are able to create and follow a digital map of an individual’s cornea in order to increase accuracy and safety.
Thanks to the contributions of many professionals, the world of laser eye surgery has become more exciting and innovative than anyone thought possible. It is also increasingly accessible to people now that LASIK eye surgery cost has been made more affordable. Patients at laser eye clinics can now achieve 20/20 vision or better, regaining their independence and improving their quality of life.
Liberate Yourself from Contacts and Glasses with LASIK Surgery
If you have ever faced the challenges of poor eyesight, then you know how this can affect every aspect of your life. According to eye care professionals at a Los Angeles LASIK clinic, six out of ten people have some kind of vision problem. This is why long-term solutions like laser eye surgery have become more popular over the years.
Clarity of vision matters for many aspects of our daily life and especially in emergency situations. In recent months, people who rely on contacts or glasses have become acutely aware of this fact. Dr. Moosa, a Harvard-trained surgeon at the LASIK eye center in Los Angeles, explains why laser eye surgery is even more desired in a time when corrective lens supplies are low.
In many ways, LASIK provides liberation from the stress, inconvenience, and cost of wearing corrective lenses. Many people view laser vision correction as an investment with life-changing results. Consider waking up in the morning and immediately seeing the beautiful day outside your window or going camping with your family and not having to worry about your contact lens solution or the case for your prescription glasses.
Becoming a LASIK Candidate
There’s no doubt that LASIK can provide invaluable services to your daily life. However, many people believe that they are not eligible for this life-changing procedure. Whether from incomplete information or assumptions about the surgery, people seem to think that they do not qualify for LASIK. The truth is that you will never know if you are an eligible candidate until you have a comprehensive eye examination and consultation with an eye care professional at a LASIK clinic in Los Angeles.
Laser eye surgery has undergone many technological advancements over the years and has one of the highest success rates of any elective procedure. With more precise, customizable lasers and a greater understanding of the human eye, surgeons can now treat higher, more complex prescriptions than before.
LASIK Eye Surgery Cost
Laser eye surgery is an investment, which means that you pay more money upfront to gain a great deal of personal value over time. While the procedure can be costly, the overall cost is comparable to the accumulative cost of wearing and maintaining corrective lenses. If you consider the money that you spend on glasses or contacts each year, then you might start to realize that the micro-purchases can add up significantly. LASIK allows you to shift your money to a more long-term solution. Many clinics also offer convenient financing solutions to make payments more manageable for your income.
Start Your Journey
Even when times are tough, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. If you are tired of dealing with the hassle of corrective lenses, then LASIK might be the right option for you. Laser eye surgery supports active lifestyles and careers as well as the spontaneity of life itself. As we deal with the obstacles that life throws at us, it is important to have something we can count on. With LASIK, your vision will be one of them.
Lasik in Los Angeles: The Better Alternative to Contacts for Astigmatism
Astigmatism is one of the most common vision problems in the US, affecting one in three Americans. Most people rely solely on contact lenses to correct the blurred vision stemming from the eye condition, not knowing that there are better alternatives available. Lasik in Los Angeles is one such option.
Lasik surgery remains one of the best ways to correct astigmatism, especially opposed to contact lenses, when you consider the disadvantages of being reliant on contacts for clear vision.
What is astigmatism?
Astigmatism is an imperfection in eye curvature, also known as a refractive error. Healthy, normal eyes are curved like a baseball. For people with astigmatism, however, the curve resembles the back of a spoon or an egg. This curvature imperfection can occur in the cornea or the lens, and can manifest in one or both eyes.
Individuals with astigmatism suffer from blurred vision at all distances. If left untreated, this condition can interfere with day to day activities such as driving. Common symptoms include:
- Distorted vision
- Headaches
- Squinting
- Eyestrain
- Impaired night vision
Note that astigmatism doesn’t improve on its own. It generally gets worse over time with age, health decline, and in conjunction with other vision issues such as nearsightedness and farsightedness. Astigmatism can be treated with prescription glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery.
Disadvantages of Wearing Contacts for Astigmatism
For many, contact lenses offer a quick and inexpensive way to correct astigmatism. Prescription contact lenses are readily available and effective in temporarily restoring clear eyesight. Unlike glasses, contacts don’t hide their wearer’s facial features.
However, contact lenses come with significant disadvantages that can make them an unsustainable solution, such as:
- Can slip off the eye center
- Needs to be worn all the time to maintain sight clarity
- Gathers debris and dirt under the lenses
- Requires frequent follow-up care
- Does not correct related vision problems
- May not provide sharp vision
- Difficult to handle, wear, and clean
- Wears out quickly
- Easy to lose
On top of these, it can be too much for some people to reach into their eyes and insert their contacts. Fail to follow the strict lens-wearing and replacement schedule, and you’ll become vulnerable to eye irritation and other serious eye health risks. The costs of buying new contacts as your prescription changes or as a replacement for lost ones can also add up over time.
Advantages of Lasik in Los Angeles for Astigmatism
Lasik surgery presents a more convenient way to correct astigmatism without the hassles associated with contact lenses. Your Lasik surgeon in Orange County will use ultra-precise lasers to reshape the cornea so that the corneal curve becomes more symmetrical. This effectively eliminates eyesight problems related to astigmatism.
Here are some advantages that make Lasik the better choice over contact lenses or eyeglasses when it comes to treating astigmatism:
- No frames or lenses to obstruct your vision
- Does not get splattered by rain or mud
- Will not fog up or collect debris and dirt
- Can correct other vision issues such as myopia
- Long-term improved eyesight
- Minimal complications and fast recovery time
- No risk of loss or misplacement
- Gives you greater freedom when active
- Improves night vision
For the right candidate, there are almost no downsides in choosing Lasik surgery for astigmatism. Better yet, the sooner you can undergo the procedure, the longer you can enjoy clearer vision for years to come. To learn more about Lasik surgery cost, qualifications, and other concerns, call Excel Laser Vision Institute at +1-866-923-9235 to talk to a Lasik surgeon today!
Understanding the Lasik Eye Surgery Cost for Correcting Astigmatism
Laser eye surgery continues to be one of the most effective, long-term ways to correct astigmatism. However, many people still hesitate to undergo the procedure because of the Lasik eye surgery cost and PRK surgery cost. Do not be mistaken. Despite the large upfront cost of laser eye surgery, it remains one of the cost-effective alternatives to eyeglasses and contact lenses.
Plus, it can significantly improve your quality of life through its inherent advantages. If you are looking to make your life more convenient and fulfilling, then laser eye surgery can certainly play a role in that goal.
Why Lasik is More Cost-Effective for Astigmatism
Why Lasik is More Cost-Effective for AstigmatismCompared to the initial investment of laser eye surgery, eyeglasses and contact lenses may seem like the cheaper way to correct astigmatism. However, most people are not aware of how much they truly spend over the years with these temporary fixes:
- The cost of eyeglasses includes both the price of frames on top of the prescription. Pricing for contact lenses, on the other hand, includes the type of contacts and the kind of solution you’ll use. Expect to pay for a new set every two years since prescriptions typically change over time.
- You’ll also have to replace your eyeglasses if you lose or break them, something that many wearers are familiar with. Want a specific look for your pair? Designer eyeglasses are even more expensive than their basic counterparts.
- Over a lifetime, the cost of eyeglasses and contacts can run up to thousands of dollars, and all that without fixing your eyesight for good.
Now, the Lasik eye surgery cost and PRK eye surgery cost may look bigger upfront, but factor in the average cost of eyeglasses or contacts, and Lasik comes out as the more cost-effective alternative. Better yet, it often takes only one surgery to get rid of your astigmatism for good and give you perfect eyesight for a lifetime. So, when you think of the cost of laser eye surgery, you must think of it as an investment over time. There are ways to offset the cost with things like flexible spending accounts and health savings accounts; however, you must check your eligibility for these programs through your insurance and through the LASIK eye center.
Many LASIK and PRK eye clinics in Orange County also offer financing packages and payment plans to make the procedure more affordable, so be sure to ask your laser eye surgeon about your options for treating astigmatism.
What is astigmatism?
Astigmatism is a refractive error that occurs when the cornea, or the front of the eye, has a dual curvature.
The normal eye shape is supposed to be round, similar to a soccer ball. This allows light to enter the eye in only one ray, letting it focus on a single point at the retina (the tissue at the back of the eye that’s sensitive to light). These produce clear images for those without astigmatism.
In contrast, the eye shape of someone with astigmatism is closer to a rugby ball. The light enters in two points instead of one, resulting in fuzzy or blurred vision.
Many people live with some degree of this common condition. For most, however, mild astigmatism does not need correction since it does not cause eyesight problems. Interventions like eyeglasses, contacts, and Lasik in Los Angeles are only warranted when astigmatism causes distorted vision.
There are many LASIK eye surgery patients that come in with both astigmatism and nearsightedness or farsightedness. Prescriptions must be precise in order to fix both these refractive errors in one lens and, even then, can be imperfect. That’s why many patients appreciate the long-term effectiveness of laser eye surgery. Say goodbye to temporary frames and contacts! Say hello to clear vision!
How Lasik Works for Astigmatism
The Lasik surgeon uses a laser to correct the curvature of the eye by removing a bit of corneal tissue. The goal is to make the eye rounder so the light can focus at a single point on the retina, thus restoring clear eyesight.
Who can have laser surgery for astigmatism?
Lasik has a ground-breaking 95% success rate, better than any other elective procedure today. To determine a person’s eligibility for laser eye surgery, Lasik surgeons in Orange County refer to a list of criteria. A good candidate should:
- Have a stable prescription for one year or longer
- Have a sufficiently thick cornea
- Have pupils of the right size
- Not be pregnant
- Be in general good health
- Be 18 years old and above
After a comprehensive examination, your surgeon will be able to tell you if your degree and type of astigmatism can be improved by laser eye surgery and, if so, will be able to discuss LASIK and PRK surgery costs. Aside from astigmatism, LASIK surgery is also an excellent treatment option for myopia and farsightedness.
Benefits of Laser Eye Surgery for Astigmatism
Compared to eyeglasses and contact lenses, the advantages of Lasik eye surgery are unmatched when treating astigmatism and other eyesight issues. They include:
- Restores near perfect or perfect vision for most people
- Fast recovery time with minimal complications
- Permanent clear eyesight
- Removes the need for contacts or eyeglasses
Patients of laser eye surgery often boast having a vision that is better than they’ve ever been able to achieve with their contacts or glasses. It’s truly a life-changing procedure that can allow people the freedom of independent, unimpaired vision. Whether you’re a single parent, a freelancing artist, or a firefighter, laser eye surgery can significantly impact your quality of life. LASIK has allowed many people to follow the career, hobby, or lifestyle that they’ve always wanted to lead at an affordable price.
Are you ready to see the world with clear eyes? Schedule a consultation with one of our eye surgeons here at Excel Laser Vision Institute through our Contact Page or call us at +1 866 923 9235 for inquiries. We use the latest technology available with knowledgeable staff and a Harvard-trained surgeon at the ready. Get the vision you deserve with our LASIK and PRK specialists in Los Angeles.