Can Laser Eye Surgery Correct Reading Vision Issues?
If you feel it’s getting more and more challenging to focus on words when you are reading a page, you are getting headaches after reading for long stretches of time, the LASIK Orange County eye doctors are here to let you know that you’re probably feeling the effects of age and you’re beginning to lose your reading vision.
Throughout the years, the eyes lose their muscular strength, making it more difficult to focus at close distances. The best laser eye surgery doctors in Orange County call this condition presbyopia. It’s an age-related refractive condition that develops in the loss of focus up close. The eye’s lens becomes less flexible, and it usually means that you’ll require eyeglasses to read.
Presbyopia can happen in individuals who in any other way have good vision, but it can also come about in people who are already affected by other optical conditions such as hyperopia, astigmatism, and myopia. Fortunately, there are vision correction treatments at Excel laser Vision Institute which can assist in correcting this very common problem.
What Are The Symptoms Of Presbyopia?
The LASIK Orange County eye doctors tell us that there are several common symptoms that people with presbyopia suffer from. So, if the following problems sound like something you’re going through, then you may have to think about your options, or book a consultation at Excel Laser Vision Institute to find out how we can assist.
Problems focusing on objects that are closeby
Suffering from headaches or eye pains when doing work close-up or reading.
Experiencing fatigue when focusing for long periods of time
Depending on brighter or increased lighting
You have to hold cell phones, books, and other reading materials at arm’s length to correctly focus on them
When presbyopia begins, it usually happens from the age of 40 and becomes more apparent after that. When a person reaches the age of 60, many individuals will have lost the elasticity in the lens that lets them focus on objects close up.
Can Reading Vision Be Enhanced?
When you come for your free consultation, the LASIK Orange County eye doctors will let you know about all your options. However, the most common option for individuals with reading vision issues is to wear reading glasses. These types of glasses are usually specially designed to help the lens focus at short distances.
Since reading glasses are only required for short distances, they can be slightly annoying. Some people place them on a chain around their necks so they can conveniently get to them. While others carry them around in a case. However, having to always put them on and take them off just to read a recipe or an article in the paper can get on a person’s nerves. This is when LASIK eye surgery swoops in and saves the day!
Do You Want To Get Laser Eye Surgery For Reading?
Due to advancements in technology and surgical procedures, there are currently many alternatives available that provide a more permanent solution to reading vision issues.
Laser eye surgery is very well known as a successful treatment for correcting reading vision. With the help of a precision laser, your eye surgeon will reshape your cornea to correct any vision impairments you may have.
There are several different laser eye procedures to treat presbyopia which include:
Conductive keratoplasty
Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK)
Laser-assisted subepithelial keratectomy (LASEK)
Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK)
Let’s take a look at each one in more detail.
Conductive keratoplasty
This is when your eye surgeon uses radiofrequency energy to apply heat to very small spots around the cornea. The heat makes the edge of the cornea to slightly get smaller, increasing its curve (steepness) and focusing ability. The outcome of conductive keratoplasty is different for everyone and might not last long.
Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK)
This procedure involves the eye surgeon to cut a thin, hinged flap away from the front of the eye. Then the surgeon uses a laser to take off inner layers of your cornea to steepen its domed shape. LASIK recovery time is fast and less painful than other corneal surgeries.
Laser-assisted subepithelial keratectomy (LASEK)
The eye surgeon makes a very thin flap just inside the cornea’s outer protective cover, also known as the (epithelium). Then the surgeon uses a laser to reshape the cornea’s outer layers, steepening its curve, and lastly replaces the epithelium.
Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK)
Similar to LASEK, but in PRK the surgeon completely removes the epithelium, then uses the laser to reshape the cornea. The eye surgeon doesn’t replace the epithelium because it will grow back naturally, adjusting to the cornea’s new shape.
Besides laser eye treatments there are these options.
Lens Implants
Some eye doctors use a procedure that involves removing the lens in each eye and replacing it with a synthetic lens. This is known as an intraocular lens.
Many types of lens implants are available for correcting presbyopia. Also, there are lens implants that let you see things near as well as far. There are some that change position or shape within the eye (accommodative lens). However, lens implants can result in a decrease in the quality of a person’s near vision, and you may still require reading glasses.
Your eye doctor will inform you of the possible side effects such as blurring and glare. Plus, this surgery has the same risks that are linked to cataract surgery, which are infection, bleeding, inflammation, and glaucoma.
Corneal inlays
You could be one of those individuals who have huge success with a presbyopia treatment that consists of inserting a small plastic ring with a central opening into the cornea of one eye. The opening behaves similar to a pinhole camera and lets light focus inwards so the person can see close objects. If for any reason you don’t like the results of your corneal inlay procedure, your LASIK Orange County eye surgeon can take out the rings, and you can go forward with another treatment option.
If you want to learn more about Presbyopia, get in touch with the Eye laser Vision institute at (310) 905-8622.
More About Contoura Vision Eye Surgery
The LASIK Orange County eye surgeon tells us that with the progression in technology in eye surgery, an eye surgical procedure has become more sophisticated, and the patient encounters fewer complications.
Doctor Moosa, one of the best laser eye surgery doctors in Orange County, tells us of one such example of an advanced eye surgery known as Contoura Vision. This surgical procedure is technically more advanced and provides more accurate results than your standard laser surgery. When the LASIK eye surgeon performs Contoura vision surgery, corneal mapping divides the cornea into different elevation points. This helps to eliminate the irregularities of the cornea to the smallest level resulting in more clear vision. The surgery does not involve any blades and has fewer post-operative complications.
Contoura surgery immediately improves vision with a greater reduction in dependence on eyeglasses and contact lenses. Since highly sophisticated and modern instruments and ophthalmic expertise are involved, Contoura Vision eye surgery’s cost is slightly higher than traditional LASIK. When considering a Contoura Vision surgery, the patient should always choose a reputable LASIK eye surgeon like the one found in Orange County.
What Is Contoura?
The most advanced and upgraded LASIK eye surgery technique is Contoura Vision. Presently, the LASIK technique is around fifteen years old and only corrects the eye’s refractive power. At the same time, Contoura is one step higher since it restores both the refractive power of the eye and the corneal irregularities. Because of this, a much better outcome than conventional LASIK treatment.
Can You Detect Contoura Vision?
Of course! Your eye doctor can detect Contoura Vision with corneal topography and slit-lamp examination. Nevertheless, it is tough to detect it with simple examination methods in medical evaluation.
What Are The Permanent Effects Of Contoura Vision?
During a Contoura Vision procedure, the corneal surface tissues are permanently removed from the cornea’s surface, located in the front of the eye and maintains long life and permanent effects.
Nevertheless, in some instances, because of changes that happen inside the eye lens, effects may worsen over time, leading to distorted and blurred vision. If an issue similar to this happens and becomes a nuisance, the follow-up enhancement procedure is performed to restore the vision to a normal and clear one.
What Is A Contoura Vision Procedure?
Contoura Vision works on the basis of topography and is performed by an expertly trained LASIK surgeon. It focuses on the natural axis of the eye, for example, the visual axis. The eye surgeon uses a special topolyser to pinpoint and eliminate abnormalities in order to improve the quality of vision.
What Are The Differences Between Contoura Vision And LASIK?
LASIK surgery has been around for about 15 years, whereas Contoura applies the most recent Lasik technology, the key differences being:
The eye surgeon supervises the Contoura technique at all times; meanwhile, LASIK is a surgery that uses a mechanized keratome technique.
Contoura Vision removes irregularities that exist on the corneal surface irregularities are removed. LASIK does not.
The Contoura vision works on the visual axis and the superior axis. In LASIK surgery, the focus is on the pupil axis.
Contoura Vision saves more contoura vision.
LASIK is sometimes blade-free, while Countoura is always blade-free.
Contoura vision can achieve results better than 6/6 vision, whereas LASIK may not.
Does Countoura Vision Use Any Blades?
No. Contoura Vision is bladeless and consists of the use of two lasers. The first is the Femtosecond laser used to make a corneal flap, and the second is the Excimer laser that reshapes the cornea. The procedure is bladeless, painless, and stitchless.
What Are The Advantages Of Contoura Vision?
Contoura vision was created to upgrade and do away with the side effects of LASIK surgery. The advantages of the Contoura vision are:
You can do it at any age.
Lessening the dependence on eyeglasses or contact lens reduces.
Difficulty in driving at night reduces
Sensitivity towards light scales down
Painless
No hospitalization is needed.
Blade-less
Stich-less
No injection is used.
Minor side effects
What Makes Countoura Vision Different Than Smile (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction)?
The two have similarities, but it is crucial to understand the key differences, such as:
SMILE can only correct nearsightedness.
Every section of the eye is inspected in Countoura Vision, while SMILE focuses on the cornea.
Results of Countoura Vision have been better than 6/6. This is not always guaranteed with SMILE.
There are fewer reported side effects in Contoura Vision.
If you are considering Contoura Vision LASIK in Orange County and want to speak to someone about any questions you may have, do not hesitate to contact Excel Laser Vision Institute today!
Can Too Much Screen Time Really Harm Your Eyes?
We’ve all heard about how spending too much time on your computer or your cell phone can come with consequences for your eyes. Your parents may have set limits on how long you were allowed to watch TV when you were a child, but in a modern world highly motivated by technology, it can be difficult to catch a break when you need these devices for work or to stay in contact with members of your household. Hope is not all lost, though. Our LASIK Orange County specialists can teach you how to effectively manage your screen time and take better care of your eyes by becoming aware of the risks and how to monitor how much time you are really spending on all of your devices.
How much time are you really spending on your phone?
Based on several studies conducted, it appears that the average American spends between 3 hours and 15 minutes to 3 hours and 43 minutes a day on their cellular devices. People are also checking their phones an average of 58 times a day, 30 of those times being during work hours. As mobile device use increases, the amount of time spent watching television decreases. During the 2020 lockdowns, screen time only increased.
What is digital eye strain?
DIS, also known as computer vision syndrome, is a common vision problem that persists in individuals who are using their devices for 2 uninterrupted hours. It is disturbingly common, as it has been surveyed 58% of American adults suffer from DIS/CVS. While permanent vision damage from screen time is rare and it’s probably not going to lead you requiring Orange County laser eye surgery, it can lead to damage in your retina. If you do not take adequate breaks away from the screen, you may experience pain in your eye or headaches. If you are not drinking an adequate amount of water everyday, then you are more likely to experience frequent headaches. If you have pre-existing eye conditions, this can also escalate the problem.
Too much screen time can also be linked to other physical and psychological health problems, including obesity, insomnia, depression & anxiety, neck and back problems, and poorer grades.
Addiction just as bad as dependence on physical substances?
It’s easy to understand how easy it is to get immersed in the world of screens. Unlike the traditional television, you get to control what content you see and when you want to see it, and for how long. You can do just about anything on the Internet, almost giving you a sense of augmented reality, but can being addicted to a screen be just as bad as other forms of addiction such as gambling, alcohol or drugs?
Almost anything that triggers our reward system can become addicting because everyone wants to feel good all the time. Experts disagree on whether or not screen addiction should be approached the same as other forms of addiction. Mark Griffiths, a Nottingham Trent University behavior addiction professor has stated his own opinion on the topic, “I certainly believe that things like video games, social media, gambling, et cetera, can be genuinely addictive. [But] by my definition, very few people are genuinely addicted to video games or are genuinely addicted to social media.” In other words, he believes that screen activity addiction is serious, but the amount of people who actively suffer from this issue is exaggerated.
It also turns out that it’s not the screen itself that causes the addiction, but it is dependent on the type of content one is consuming. The faster the pace, the more addictive.
What is the 20-20-20 rule?
It is recommended that every 20 minutes you spend on a screen, that you do something else for 20 seconds, 20 feet away from your device. This can help reduce eye strain caused by looking at a screen for too long. You can also try to do some of your favorite activities offline. If you are an avid reader, for example, read the old fashion-way again and shop for physical copies of your favorite books.
Conclusion
If you feel that your eye strain may be caused by an underlying condition not caused by your screen time, talk to your eye specialist right away. They ask you questions regarding your optical and general medical history and run any necessary exams, but if you are someone who has difficulty even looking at screens due to preexisting vision problems, then you may be a candidate for Orange County LASIK eye surgery. If you are seriously considering this option for you and aren’t sure where to begin the process, give us a call today at (866) 923-9235.
Are You a Good Candidate for a LASIK Procedure?
If you want the most successful LASIK procedure in Orange County, apart from having a highly experienced LASIK eye surgeon, you have to meet specific patient criteria to determine whether eye surgery is suitable for you.
LASIK and PRK results are usually always good; however, not everyone is a suitable candidate for vision correction surgery.
Below is a checklist from the best laser eye surgery doctor in Orange County to provide you with a good start to help you determine if LASIK or PRK is appropriate for you.
You Should Have Healthy Eyes
If you suffer from a condition that affects how your eyes respond to surgery or how they heal afterward, you have to wait until that condition is dealt with. Good examples of this are:
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Conjunctivitis (pink eye)
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Severe dry eye syndrome
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Infection
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Any type of eye injury
If you have persistent dry eyes, which means you do not produce sufficient tears to maintain lubricated and healthy eyes, LASIK surgery may worsen this condition. Common symptoms of dry eyes consist of burning or stinging, a gritty sensation in the eye, less tolerance to wind, intermittent blurry vision, and even excessive tears in some instances. If you have some of these symptoms, do not hesitate to discuss them with your laser eye doctor before surgery.
Your LASIK surgeon can conclude if you have dry eyes during your preoperative exam and can usually treat the condition successfully so you can then go ahead with laser eye surgery. Possible treatments include artificial tears, punctal plugs, medicated eye drops, flaxseed or fish oil supplements, or a combination of these methods.
Also, cataracts that interfere with your vision and uncontrolled glaucoma will usually prevent you from being a candidate for LASIK or PRK procedures.
Your Cornea Must Be Thick Enough
Many LASIK refractive procedures in Orange County improve visual acuity by modifying the eye’s front surface (cornea). Carrying out laser eye surgery on a very thin cornea or one that has a surface that is very irregular and askew, such as the case of those who suffer from keratoconus, could jeopardize results and impair your vision.
If the LASIK eye surgery team in Orange County previously informed you that you couldn’t have LASIK since your corneas are very thin, recent breakthroughs may mean you’re now an acceptable candidate for laser vision correction. For instance, your eye surgeon can use a femtosecond laser rather than a microkeratome that can help him or her create a thinner corneal flap and, as a result of that, keep more of the underlying corneal tissue for laser treatment.
Moreover, suppose you’re still not a suitable candidate for LASIK or PRK regardless of the advanced technologies and techniques. In that case, another kind of refractive surgery, such as implantable lenses (phakic IOLs), could be a good alternative.
You Shouldn’t Have Very Big Pupils
If you have naturally large pupils, you could be at a higher risk of side effects such as glares, halos, and starbursts in low light, particularly when driving at night.
Your Prescription Must Be Within A Specific Limit
If you have a very high prescription, whether it’s because of farsightedness, nearsightedness, or astigmatism, your laser eye surgeon may recommend that you do not do the LASIK procedure.
Plus, very high amounts of myopia, for instance, would need the removal of too much corneal tissue and put you at higher risk of vision problems.
If you suffer from a severe refractive error, another type of vision correction surgery may be a better alternative, such as phakic IOL implantable lenses or refractive lens exchange.
You Have To Be Old Enough
Particular procedures require you to be 18 years old, and there are others that need the patient to be 21 years old. Patients who are younger than these ages can be treated as an exception with the vigilance of a LASIK surgeon and with permission from the patient’s parent(s) or guardian.
Typically, an upper age limit to laser eye surgery does not exist. Nevertheless, it is critical to keep in mind that you may still require reading glasses to correct near vision when you reach your forties because of a normal, age-related condition known as presbyopia.
Obviously, your LASIK eye surgeon may also consider you as a candidate for surgical correction of presbyopia such as monovision LASIK, which can improve your near vision without reading glasses or bifocals.
Considering women are at a higher risk for dry eyes after menopause, men have a greater risk for dry eyes later in life. As mentioned above, you should treat a dry eye condition before LASIK surgery.
Your Vision Has To Be Stable
Teenagers and many young adults often experience adjustments in their contact lens prescription and eyeglass prescription from year to year. Refractive errors need to be stable for at least 12 months before undergoing LASIK or other refractive surgery.
Typically, it is nearsightedness that slowly becomes worse, but there may be other changes as well.
This is why younger people are not appropriate candidates until their eyes have settled down into one prescription. Your optometrist can inform you whether your prescription is stable.
You Have To Be In Good Health
Contraindications to laser eye surgery may include uncontrolled degenerative conditions or uncontrolled autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren’s syndrome, type 1 diabetes, and AIDS. People infected with HIV who have good immune cell counts may be candidates for LASIK.
Essentially, if your body has any trouble with healing, you will have a higher probability of an unsatisfactory LASIK surgery result. Opinions vary among LASIK surgeons on which diseases are automatic disqualifiers and which ones might be acceptable risks in specific cases.
Additionally, particular medications can intensify risks linked with laser eye surgery. For instance, immunosuppressants may disrupt post-operative healing, and some medications may increase the chance and/or severity of dry eye syndrome.
Ultimately, the only way to know for sure that LASIK is the best eye correction surgery for you is to contact Excel Laser Vision Institute today!
How To Choose the Right Sunglasses After Your LASIK Eye Correction Surgery
Imagine you have just had a LASIK, PRK, or even Contoura in Orange County done, and one of the supportive LASIK team members hand over to you a part of post-operative sunglasses and ask you to wear them. These sunglasses will not be the oversized plastic Cataract shades, but they aren’t going to be a fabulous sporty pair of Ray-Ban aviators either!
The first thing that the best laser eye surgery doctor in Orange County will tell you is to go shopping and get yourself a good pair of sunglasses to protect your eyes. However, the million-dollar question is, “What makes a pair of sunglasses the best pair to protect your eyes?” The American Academy of Ophthalmology has created the criteria below to give you a helping hand when choosing the best sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun.
Which Sunglasses Should I Purchase?
If you think sunglasses are only a fashion accessory, think again. They are vital protection for your eyes against the harmful rays of the sun. You must understand what type of light you need to protect your eyes from and what type of light is not necessarily harmful. Here is some advice from a LASIK eye surgery doctor in Orange County on picking out the right pair of nonprescription sunglasses.
Sunglasses Should Block The Harmful Rays Of The Sun
Go for the sunglasses that block ninety-nine percent of ultraviolet (UV) rays. This is the most critical attribute of your sunglasses, and you should always choose sunglasses that offer this protection. Long-term exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation in sunlight is connected to eye disease, including cataracts. Some manufacturers’ labels claim UV absorption up to 400nm. This is the same as 100 percent UV absorption. Some glasses make additional claims for blocking infrared rays, but studies have not shown a close link between infrared rays and eye disease.
A more expensive pair of sunglasses doesn’t necessarily mean a better pair of sunglasses. Many types of affordable sunglasses provide 99 to 100 percent UV protection, so you don’t have to fork over tons of cash on a pair of sunglasses. Inspect the quality of the sunglasses. Besides UV protection, you should also check the optical quality of the lenses. The LASIK eye doctors in Orange County recommend you test the quality of sunglasses by looking at something with a rectangular pattern, such as a floor tile. Get a hold of the glasses at a comfortable distance and cover one eye. Move the glasses gradually from side to side, then up and down. If the lines remain straight, the lenses are good. If the lines zigzag, particularly in the center of the lens, try on another pair.
You want to look for impact-resistant lenses. All sunglasses must meet impact standards that the U.S. food and Drug Administration has set out for safety. No lens is really unbreakable, says the LASIK eye doctor in Orange County, but plastic lenses are not as likely to shatter when hit by a ball or stone. Polycarbonate plastics, utilized in many sports sunglasses, are incredibly durable but scratch easily. If you buy polycarbonate lenses, choose ones that have a scratch-resistant coating.
Make sure to use protective eyewear rather than sunglasses for hazardous activities. If you are going to be busy in outdoor activities such as water or snow skiing that put your eye in harm’s way for injury, don’t rely on your eyeglasses for protection. Protection eyewear is available with UV protection to safeguard your eyes from sunburn and glare.
Lens color tinting and polarization are personal options. There’s no medical reason to suggest one tint of the lens over another. The same goes for polarized lenses that work better at deflecting glare, but they’re not blocking any more harmful UV light than non-polarized lenses.
Undoubtedly you want a nice pair of polarized lenses after surgery. However, it is normal to experience some glare during your LASIK recovery, and polarized lenses are designed to reduce glare. You don’t have to opt for the most expensive pair of polarized lenses. You will know a pair of sunglasses are polarized since they will have a sticker or label indicating polarized.
When shopping for sunglasses, try to go for ones that provide full coverage. The sunglasses that your eye doctor will give you after surgery offer you lots of coverage, including peripheral vision, but you don’t need massive, bulky glasses for that. Try to find sunglasses with wraparound style lenses, which provide full coverage and often showcase a stylish design. It is best to find a pair that offers coverage for all angles of your vision.
When you find the right sunglasses, make sure you wear them, particularly in the summer when UV levels are about three times higher than in the winter. Also, be sure to wear them when taking part in winter sports, especially at high elevations.
Protecting your eyes as they heal after your PRK, LASIK, or Contoura surgery is essential. Unique, quality sunglasses will get the job done. Here at Excel Eye Vision Center, we can provide the sunglasses you need after your eye correction surgery. You are welcome to visit our clinic in Orange County and Los Angeles for a one-on-one consultation. Please call us at (866) 923-9235 if you want to set an appointment or ask questions about our available sunglasses suitable for post-PRK, LASIK, and Contoura cases.
At Excel Laser Vision Institute, we have a team of experienced staff and cutting-edge laser technology to perform Contoura, PRK, LASIK, SMILE, and other vision correction alternatives. Our Harvard-trained surgeon, Dr. Moosa, serves both our Orange County and Los Angeles offices. Once we assess your prescription and eye health, we can discuss which eye correction treatment is suitable for you, financing, and the next steps. Start your journey towards a clear vision that frees you from eyeglasses and contact lenses today.
How Long Do I Have To Wait To Swim and Put On Makeup After LASIK?
The number one question that patients usually ask before their LASIK procedure in Orange County is how long it will take to get back to their normal routines and activities. Even though LASIK is glorified as a procedure for its fast recovery process, there are some things you have to steer clear of for a while after the surgery. Here, one of the best laser eye surgery doctors in Orange County tells us when we can take a dip and doll ourselves up again after a LASIK procedure.
Swimming With Eyewear
Imagine it’s summer, and the mercury is rising. There is nothing better than jumping into your pool. However, before you take that refreshing plunge, you have to remove your glasses or contacts. However, taking off such eyewear can leave you visually impaired. So, what will you do? How will you see?
Heading out for water activities while wearing contacts or glasses isn’t that simple. Fortunately, LASIK eye surgery in Orange County can help you enjoy your summertime fun without having to deal with or worry about losing a contact lens or damaging your eyewear.
However, hold on a sec. If you are seriously considering LASIK, the most common question patients ask about is the recovery process. For instance, how long do I have to wait after surgery to enjoy water activities? Can I take showers? Take a look below at what you should know before jumping into the water after LASIK.
Can I Shower After LASIK Surgery?
After your procedure, LASIK eye doctors tell patients to take a nap to let their eyes rest. When you wake up from your siesta, take a shower as you usually would is absolutely fine. Nevertheless, don’t put soap, water, or shampoo into your eyes. While you wash your face, be extra careful around your eyes too. You should also be extra gentle when carrying out your skincare routine.
When Can I Swim After A LASIK Procedure?
Is summer on the horizon, or are you planning a getaway to a hot, tropical country, and you aren’t too sure if you should get a LASIK procedure done before? If you are thinking about treading water after LASIK, you’ll have to plan your trip meticulously. Following a LASIK procedure, allow a week to pass before jumping back into a pool or any body of water for that matter. You can get back into your hot tub around three to five days after your procedure. You should think about scheduling LASIK after your vacation if your vision doesn’t need immediate correction. This will help you to avoid hurrying into any activities that could be detrimental to your recovery process.
Water in any form has chlorine and or bacteria in freshwater or includes salt from ocean water, can irritate or cause an infection in your eyes. So, if you are a thalassophile, you should wear swimming goggles to give your eyes additional protection for a few weeks after your LASIK procedure.
Why Should You Avoid Makeup Right After LASIK?
To put it simply. When you apply makeup after a LASIK procedure, you boost your chances of an infection. Studies show that most open, in-use makeup products have bacteria that can cause infection. While your eyes are healing after LASIK, you will want to be very careful not to expose your eyes to anything that could hurt them. Even though you can be as careful as you possibly could while putting on your makeup, a simple mistake can ruin the progress you made during your LASIK surgery. It is very understandable that not wearing makeup when you are used to wearing it all the time can be a very hard thing to do.
Fortunately, you won’t need to avoid all makeup after LASIK. So long as you don’t get anything in your eye, there are loads of makeup options that are safe for use. Here are some examples of types of makeup that are suitable to use.
Blush
Foundation
Lipstick
Bronzer
How Long Should You Wait To Wear Makeup After LASIK?
If you have had LASIK, you should stay away from wearing eye makeup for at least a week. However, this length of time can differ on a case-by-case basis. Some individuals will be ready in a few days, while others may need more time. If you are aware of an occasion that’s around the corner where you want to wear eye makeup, you will probably want to put your LASIK procedure on the back burner until after.
If you are considering LASIK surgery to improve your eyesight, contact Excel Laser Vision Institute at (888) 957-3255. Our team of staff is experienced. And highly trained. Our leading eye surgeon, Dr. Moosa, a well-established LASIK surgeon in Los Angeles, has years of experience in LASIK 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/.
What’s The Difference Between Contoura and LASIK?
The eye doctors explain that LASIK is a procedure that utilizes a laser to alter the shape of the cornea to make adjustments to certain eye conditions such as myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism. Over the last thirty years, new technology advancements have mainly concentrated on improved methods to measure the corneal curvature or topography and then guide the laser to correct these topographical discrepancies.
At Excel Laser Vision Institute, a LASIK eye surgery clinic in Orange County, Contoura Topography-guided LASIK is a new technology that measures the overall curvature of the cornea to measure slight corneal topographical imperfections.
To give you a broader view of Contoura technology, it is good to understand the history of LASIK.
LASIK In The Early Years
In the 1990s, a few European eye doctors decided to improve photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) to enhance refractive surgery. This enhancement, which was known as “flap and zap,” was the inception of LASIK. Its prototype (PRK) was approved in 1995 by the FDA. During PRK, the front surface of the eye is directly modified by the laser. Because PRK treated the external surface of the eye, it had a healing time of several weeks or months, and patients experienced some discomfort.
The FDA approved LASIK in 1999, and it dazzled everyone for its ability to offer vision correction with minor discomfort and a shorter recovery time. From the time it was introduced in 1999, the improvements began in better measures of the cornea and more precise ways to correct the corneal curvature. The first massive update was Wavefront analysis which advanced accuracy through corneal mapping. By 2003, Wavefront-guided custom LASIK became extensively available globally, and LASIK was the most commonly performed elective procedure. Since Wavefront came on the scene, LASIK has gone on to progress and become even more accurate.
In 2015, the FDA approved the most recent and the greatest when it comes to customized LASIK Contoura Vision topography-guided LASIK.
What Is Contoura Vision?
Essentially, Contoura Vision is an exceptionally advanced, accurate, and individualized LASIK treatment. The advanced technology provides surgeons with an exact, detailed mapping of the cornea, which lets eye surgeons offer customized care for each patient’s eyes. The cornea has over 22,000 unique elevation points, which are analyzed and sent to the surgical planning computer that directs the laser beam to correct the minute curvature variations at each end.
The advanced, personalized nature of Contoura Vision provides patients with a vision that is undeniably anything better than they have ever experienced with eyeglasses or contact lenses. Contrary to traditional LASIK that focuses on refractive errors by repairing the overall shape of the cornea, topography-guided LASIK also concentrates on abnormalities affecting the surface texture of the cornea. Also, some results indicate improvement in contrast sensitivity with topography-guided LASIK.
How Does Contoura Work?
The LASIK eye surgeon will use a topographer and the WaveLight® EX500 Excimer Laser to carry out this procedure. Topography-guided LASIK helps to change the shape of the patient’s cornea, significantly enhancing vision. Since the Contoura procedure is specially customized to each patient’s cornea, the possibilities of experiencing glare, light sensitivity, and halos after the procedure are decreased.
Topography-guided LASIK, better known as Contoura, is a customized treatment that uses an assortment of very detailed images on each patient’s eyes to determine a patient’s specific vision correction requirements. When the patient’s eye is imaged and analyzed using the over 22,000 unique elevation points on the cornea, the data is sent to a surgical planning computer to create their custom profile to optimize the patient’s vision.
How Long Is A Contoura Procedure?
Topography-guided LASIK surgery and Contoura vision surgery are the same. The procedure’s process is identical to LASIK surgery. However, the technology involved is different from conventional LASIK surgery. A comprehensive eye check-up of the patient is carried out to eliminate the existence of any diseases or infections. The laser eye surgery is done under the effect of local anesthesia.
A Contoura procedure makes around 22,000 points on the cornea through topography. Every point is checked for abnormality and is corrected through LASER. The machine that is involved in the Contoura vision includes WaveLight EX500 Excimer Laser Systems and WaveLight TopolyzerVario Diagnostic Device. Excel Laser Vision Institute has the latest technlogy of WaveLight EX500 Excimer Laser.
To get the best result after LASIK eye surgery, you must follow your LASIK surgeon’s advice on eye care. They will prescribe eye drops such as anti-inflammatory and antibiotics to prevent inflammation and infection.
Contoura Recovery
LASIK patients will see very noticeable visual improvements right after their Contoura Vision LASIK procedure. However, recovery time is different for everyone. For instance, if you are a patient with a higher prescription, your recovery might be a little slower than someone with a lower prescription. Besides resting with protective eye shields in a postoperative room for around an hour, your laser eye surgeon will recommend the following:
Designate someone to drive you home after surgery and help you pick up any medications that you may have been prescribed
Please keep your eyes clean and try not to rub them
Get comfortable rest at home for at least an hour wearing your protective eye shields
Follow any additional postoperative instructions your eye surgeon may give you
It is not unusual for the patient to experience mild to moderate discomfort during the first couple of days after surgery as their eyes heal. Some patients may experience minor issues such as red or watery eyes for the first few days after the procedure, but others can get back to work the next day. Doctor Moosa, your LASIK surgeon at Excel Laser Vision Institute in Orange County, will prescribe medications to help you with any discomfort. He schedules a follow-up appointment the next day to test your vision to make sure your eyes are healing correctly.
How To Protect Your Eyes After Laser Surgery
If you have decided to go through LASIK eye surgery, you have made the right choice to improve your overall vision. However, LASIK eye specialists in Orange County want to clarify that you still have to protect your eyes even after you have had the procedure.
Therefore, after you have had the best laser eye surgery, make sure you get the best post-operative results and safeguard your vision with these important steps to protect and promote your overall eye health.
After your LASIK eye surgery procedure, your ophthalmologist will give you post-operative instructions to follow to assist in a smooth recovery. Nevertheless, when you have completely recovered, you should still practice specific things to make sure you protect your eyes.
Below are some of the best practices to protect your eyes after having LASIK eye surgery. This will allow you to get the best results after your procedure and also help you to protect your eyes from future diseases and injuries.
Best Practices After LASIK Eye Surgery
Carefully Plan Out Your Activities
One of the biggest benefits of LASIK eye surgery is the fact that it provides a fast recovery time, and most patients return to their normal routines within 24 hours. Still, you won’t be able to participate in every activity immediately. For instance, you won’t be able to do certain strenuous activities for at least a few days or a week in some situations. This is why your eye surgery and you should have a recommended activity schedule to follow accordingly.
For example, it is important to refrain from any activities that could lead to your eyes being poked, rubbed, or touched on surgery day. You will have to forget showering since you don’t want to get water and soap in your eyes. Also, you won’t be able to drive, and your doctor will make it clear to avoid alcohol.
Nonetheless, three days after your surgery, you should be able to carry out light exercise or outdoor activities. Also, if you feel like taking a dip, you can wear goggles while you swim, wear eye makeup, and suntan. One week after the procedure, you can move forward with more vigorous activities, such as sailing or swimming, without the need for goggles.
You must remember that even when you are completely recovered and can participate in many activities, you must use the appropriate protective gear, such as safety goggles. This is very important if you have a job in which eye injuries are highly likely in the workplace.
Go To Post-Operative Exams And Appointments
After your procedure, Excel Eye Vision will schedule several mandatory post-operative exams for you to monitor your progress during your recovery. These usually take place at the following times:
- 24 hours post-procedure
- 2 weeks post-procedure
- 1-year post-procedure
It is also crucial that you regularly attend your eye exams. This is only to check the results of your LASIK eye surgery and also to keep track of your overall eye health. This is essential even if you aren’t experiencing any obvious problems with your vision since many eye issues stay under the radar, such as glaucoma, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, and macular degeneration.
For adults who are younger than 40 who don’t have any known eye issues or symptoms, it is usually recommended to have a routine eye check-up every two years. Nevertheless, since eye health usually deteriorates with age, individuals who are 40 years old and older should get their eyes checked every 1 to 2 years. Those who have a history of eye problems should think about seeing their eye doctor at least once a year.
Treat Dry Eyes
Some patients experience dry eyes after laser eye surgery, even though this side effect is only temporary in many situations while the eyes heal. Dry eyes are distinguished by the following symptoms:
- Burning, red, or itchy eyes
- Excessive tearing
- The sensation of sand in the eyes
There are several ways to treat dry eyes. For instance, the most usual methods to treat dry eyes consist of over-the-counter drugs or prescription medications. Additionally, you can find pain relief from the symptoms by putting a warm, wet cloth over the eyes for five minutes, massaging the eyelids with a mild soap (i.e., baby shampoo), or trying Omega-3 supplements and castor oil drops.
Additionally, you try a comfort plug, which is a microscopic plug inserted into a patient’s tear duct. It helps to boost the level of the tear film, which then helps to regulate moisture levels and reduce the discomfort you have when experiencing dry eyes.
When Outdoors, Wear Sunglasses
This goes for everyone and not just those who have had LASIK eye surgery. Wearing sunglasses is important to make sure your overall eye health is good. Especially, sunglasses are important for protecting the eyes from the sun’s UV rays, which can cause cataracts and macular degeneration, among many things.
Be careful since not all sunglasses are made the same. Wearing sunglasses that don’t have enough protection will not do much to protect your eyes. As a matter of fact, the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) recommends looking for sunglasses that have a tag or sticker pointing out they block 99% to 100% of UV rays.
What’s more is that your eye surgeon will instruct you to wear a special pair of sunglasses right after your LASIK eye surgery, which the clinic will provide you with. You should wear these sunglasses rather than your personal pair, which may not give enough protection. Afterward, keep wearing quality sunglasses that block 99% to 100% of UV rays when outdoors.
Protect Your Eyes From Digital Eye Strain
Digital eye strain (also referred to as computer vision syndrome) refers to a myriad of vision-related problems caused by long exposure to digital devices. It’s identified by symptoms such as:
- Eyestrain
- Headaches
- Blurred vision
- Dry eyes
- Neck and shoulder pain
Digital eye strain has been linked to many short and long-term health problems. Whether you work at a computer or just scroll through a phone or tablet in your personal time, taking steps to protect your vision from the blue light emitted by digital screens is crucial to ensuring overall eye health.
Celebrities Who Have Had LASIK Vision Correction
Nowadays, it isn’t common for someone you know to have gone through a LASIK procedure. So, many people have done this laser eye surgery in Orange County, and that includes many of your favorite celebrities. Stick around to find out who has had LASIK eye surgery.
What Is LASIK Surgery?
LASIK, also known as (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) surgery, is a vision correction procedure that allows a person to see clearly without eyeglasses or contacts. During this LASIK procedure, tiny precision lasers alter the shape of your cornea so that the patient’s retinas focus properly. So, you can eliminate refractive eye errors such as myopia, astigmatism, or hyperopia! The whole process by a LASIK surgeon only takes 15 minutes for both eyes, and one to three days later, the patient has perfect vision.
Some people decide to go for Lasik treatment as the best way to correct serious vision issues, while others just want to live their lives without having to bother with eyeglasses.No matter what the reason is, 98 percent of patients love their results and claim that making the decision to have LASIK was one of the best decisions they have ever made.
LASIK surgery is very safe, effective, and, most importantly, it is painless. Also, it is the most common elective surgery in the world. You probably don’t know anyone who has gone to Excel Laser Vision Institute, a LASIK clinic in Orange County, to have this procedure, but you have most likely heard of many LASIK success stories.
Find out about the ten most famous celebrities who have had LASIK and don’t regret a thing.
Bonnie Tyler
If the 1990’s top 40 was your thing at one time, you may remember Bonnie Tyler for super hits such as “Holding Out for A Hero” and “Total Eclipse of the Heart.” Whether you do or not, it is good to note that she once struggled with astigmatism, farsightedness, and presbyopia. She is still in awe at how clear her vision became as soon as she did her LASIK surgery. She even goes on to say that she wishes she had done it sooner.
Courtney Cox
Courtney Cox once had such poor vision that it almost made her acting career go off the rails. She had 20/400 vision that made it almost impossible to read scripts, read cue cards, and even recognize her Friends co-stars.
Eventually, she decided to ditch her eyeglasses and contacts and correct her vision permanently with LASIK.
Cindy Crawford
During her international supermodel days, Cindy Crawford had to wear contacts. She finally decided to get LASIK when she got fed up with managing her lenses under layers of eye makeup. Needless to say, the procedure changed her life for the better. So much so that if you ask her today about having LASIK surgery, she will highly recommend the procedure to anyone without any uncertainty.
Lisa Ling
Lisa Ling says that she wouldn’t have gone as far as she did with her journalism career without LASIK surgery. She claims: “As someone who is constantly on the road for her job and sometimes unable to find the most sanitary of conditions, liberating myself from contact lenses and glasses has made my life infinitely easier. It’s been more than a decade since the surgery, and I can see just as clearly as ever.”
Elton John
World-famous singer and pianist Elton John made his over 250,000 pairs of bedazzled, feathered, and multi-colored glasses part of his act. However, getting each pair decked out with a prescription cost him a fortune, so he decided to get LASIK instead. Nowadays, he can freely change his glasses without spending tons of cash.
Drew Carey
Drew Carey had LASIK surgery way back in 1999, but you may notice that he still wears glasses. Funny thing, right? Well, the story goes that he tried not wearing them for a while, but he soon realized that people didn’t recognize him. Now he just wears his black-framed eyeglasses for aesthetics and his own way of giving himself brand recognition. And that goes with anyone – if you like the way you look in glasses, but you still want to correct your vision and not have to rely on eyewear to see clearly, you can do so with LASIK.
Kim Kardashian
Since LASIK surgery is so fast and convenient, many people decide to get it done before special occasions such as weddings and graduations. As a matter of fact, Kim Kardashian had the procedure in 2009 before she got married to her first husband, Kris Humphries. Although her marriage didn’t work out, she still loves the fact she doesn’t have to wear eyeglasses that hide her beautiful face.
Nicole Kidman
Nicole Kidman was almost declared legally blind before she had LASIK. Before that, she struggled with blurry vision her entire life but decided to have the procedure after being nominated for an Oscar. She mainly did the procedure because she wanted to read her acceptance speech without glasses or contacts. Now she is way happier with her 20/20 vision.
Dennis Quaid
Before Dennis Quaid decided that a LASIK procedure was the best option for him, he was well-known for losing his reading glasses. He used to leave his house with five pairs and return home without a single one! So, Quaid did LASIK surgery so he would stop spending silly amounts of money buying numerous pairs of glasses to read scripts with clearer vision.
LeBron James
Many athletes opt for LASIK since eyewear can get in the way when they are on the court or field. One famous athlete, basketballer LeBron James did the procedure in 2007 and let reporters know that he can see the rim and net a lot better now. Indeed, his field goal percentage jumped three points to an extraordinary 49 percent. Without having to wear contacts, he doesn’t have to worry about sweat irritating his lenses or a lens popping out while he is running up and down the court.
If you have seen one of your favorite celebrities on the list above and want to learn more about LASIK, contact Excel Laser Vision Institute at (888) 957-3255 or visit our website.
How Does LASIK Eye Surgery Work?
LASIK eye surgery is one of the most requested laser refractive surgeries in Orange County and is used to correct vision issues, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
If you are thinking about getting the best laser eye surgery, you may be curious about what to expect from the procedure. Below, the LASIK eye surgery professionals explain how LASIK surgery works and what patients can expect from their experience.
How LASIK Eye Surgery Works
Vision problems usually occur because of an error in how our eyes refract light. During the vision process, light rays go through various structures of the eye. This consists of the cornea, which is the transparent, dome-shaped structure covering the front of the eye, and then the crystalline lens, which is the natural lens that gets light rays refracted by the cornea and focuses light into an image on the retina that lines the back of the eye. Still, if the light is bent improperly, laser eye doctors say that it prevents an exact image from forming, resulting in blurred or weakened vision.
As LASIK professionals emphasize, eyeglasses and contact lenses are just a temporary fix to improve vision. It allows the eye to focus light in the correct spot on the retina, which produces the clearest image whenever possible. Nevertheless, LASIK eye surgery is devised to offer a long-term solution by reshaping the cornea itself to repair the refraction. LASIK is an abbreviation for Laser in Situ Keratomileusis, and as its name implies, it uses a laser to change the cornea’s shape.
During the operation, the surgeon will usually use an instrument known as a microkeratome to make a flap in the cornea, which can be pulled back to reveal the underlying corneal tissue. If that turns you off from doing the procedure, there are also bladeless forms of LASIK that use a high-energy laser to produce the same flap. At that point, the surgeon uses an excimer laser to reshape the cornea to correct the patient’s vision.
However, in the back of your mind, you may be wondering how the surgeon knows the correct shape to reshape the cornea into. Before the procedure, the surgeon creates a pre-specified cornea pattern. This is carried out using advanced diagnostic technology and numerous extensive pre-operative tests to measure the thickness and shape of the cornea. This provides a three-dimensional map of the cornea’s structures.
This helps the surgeon to determine beforehand what shape the cornea should be to correct the patient’s vision issues.
What to Expect Before, During, And After LASIK
You don’t have to worry about experiencing a lot of downtime after your LASIK procedure. It provides the quickest and easiest recovery periods, especially when you compare it to other types of procedures. The majority of people return to their normal routines within 24 hours.
Nonetheless, you have to keep in mind that LASIK is a process. To ensure that the best results are possible, LASIK patients can expect to go through the following experiences that lead up to and after their surgery.
BEFORE THE PROCEDURE
If you are interested in a LASIK procedure, you have to attend a pre-operative consultation to find out of you are eligible for LASIK or any other vision correction procedure. During your consultation, an eye doctor takes a look at your vision and eye health. An experienced optometric physician can explain the procedures and answer any questions or address any concerns you may have.
The first consultation usually involves several painless tests to determine whether or not you are a suitable candidate. Depending on your prescription, the patient’s pupils may require dilation.
DURING THE PROCEDURE
On the day of the surgery, your doctor will verify your eye prescription again, and your pupils are measured to ascertain the best results. The surgeon will also let you know what to expect during the procedure, review post-operative care instructions, and fill out the remaining paperwork. If you wear contact lenses, which can change the cornea’s shape, you have probably been already told to stop wearing them for a specific amount of time before the surgery.
Generally speaking, you will most likely be at the clinic for about 3 to 4 hours on the day of the procedure. LASIK eye surgery only lasts about 15 minutes, and the laser is used for less than 10 seconds on each eye. You will be asked to take a seat and given numbing eye drops. The surgeon uses an instrument to keep your eyes open, a suction ring is placed over your eye before they cut the corneal flap. The patient may feel pressure or dimness in their vision.
When the flap is created, the surgeon folds it back to get to the area of the cornea that needs reshaping. Using a laser, the surgeon starts the reshaping process. The patient will be asked to focus on the point of light, which keeps their eye fixed while the laser reshapes the cornea. Each laser pulse removes a part of the corneal tissue. Then the surgeon lays the flap back into place when the corneal shape is acceptable; the flap heals on its own.
AFTER THE PROCEDURE
Normally, patients experience some form of irritation after the procedure. The eyes may feel itchy, burning, or watery. Also, a person’s vision will probably be blurry. Overall, LASIK eye surgery is a painless procedure.
LASIK eye surgery is one of the safest and most convenient elective surgeries around. It offers a long-term solution to vision issues and can transform the quality of life for so many people. If you want to learn more about LASIK eye surgery and other correction options, book a free consultation at any of Excel Laser Vision Institute’s clinics in Orange County or Los Angeles or call (888) 957-3255, or visit our website to get more details: https://www.exceleye.com/.