Why Choose PRK over LASIK?
Patients who visit Excel Laser Vision Institute, a LASIK clinic in Orange County, always say the same thing, “I’m sick and tired of having to wear glasses and contact lenses just to be able to see!” Most of these same patients are very aware of the very sought-after LASIK procedure. However, what about its close cousin, a PRK procedure?
Patients’ most frequent questions for Doctor Moosa, a premier LASIK surgeon in Orange County, are about the differences between LASIK and PRK. LASIK eye doctors in Orange County regularly perform both procedures with excellent results. They are very aware of what each patient really wants to find out is which approach would be perfect for them.
Why Would Your Eye Doctor Recommend PRK Rather Than LASIK?
When patients review LASIK eye surgery costs, they usually know someone who has had LASIK, but not PRK.
Typically, when patients have their LASIK or Contoura consultation in Orange County, they are waiting for their eye doctor to let them know whether or not they are a suitable candidate for LASIK. In some cases, a LASIK eye surgeon in Orange County drops a bombshell during the consultation process by letting the patient know that they would find PRK more beneficial than LASIK.
Various anatomical characteristics of a patient’s corneas may make them better candidates for PRK over LASIK. For instance, such as corneal thickness (or thinness), corneal curvature, and corneal scarring all may be why your eye doctor recommends PRK over LASIK.
How Are LASIK and PRK Similar?
Almost every eye care professional can agree that LASIK and PRK are both regarded as safe and effective laser vision correction procedures, provided that the patient is a suitable candidate.
Both procedures utilize an excimer laser to correct vision. Since they have the same method of attaining enhanced vision without glasses or contacts, the final visual outcome for patients usually is very similar.
In most cases, the excimer laser technology that your eye surgeon suggests for your procedure has the most significant effect on your chances of gaining 20/20 vision and the quality of that visual result than if the correction is carried out with the PRK procedure when compared to the LASIK procedure.
LASIK and PRK usually have the same visual results since they both deal with a patient’s blurry vision by changing the shape of the cornea using the cool energy of an excimer laser. The cornea is the structure located in front of the iris that has most of the eye’s focusing ability. To give you a better understanding, this is the part of the eye where a contact lens is placed.
If the cornea is the incorrect shape for the patient’s visual system, the patient has blurry vision. In a nutshell, the excimer laser vaporizes microscopic quantities of tissue in an accurate, tailor-made pattern to sculpt the cornea and alter its shape to enhance the patient’s vision.
You have to know the basics of what makes up the cornea to understand how LASIK and PRK work fully. To begin with, the cornea has five layers. The primary layer, known as the stroma, is the cornea’s middle layer, which includes 90 percent of the cornea’s thickness and it consists of collagen tissue fibers organized to make the cornea translucent and a high refractive index. These are two significant features of a focusing lens.
The cornea‘s outermost layer consists of a layer of translucent epithelium tissue (skin) to protect the cornea from the environment.
Similar to the skin tissue on other parts of the body, the epithelial layer of the cornea grows back if it is removed or damaged; however, the collagen tissue that forms the stroma does not.
In the LASIK and PRK procedures, the excimer laser sculpts the stromal layer of the cornea, giving a permanent change to the shape of the cornea. When the shape of the cornea is altered correctly, the light that enters the patient’s eye is focused more accurately for enhanced vision and without glasses or contact lenses.
How Are LASIK And PRK Different?
Although LASIK and PRK usually have the same end visual results, they are performed differently, which allows each procedure its own series of pros and cons when compared to one another.
In some instances, a patient may only be suitable for LASIK or only a candidate for PRK. In other cases, the patient can be a candidate for both procedures and may opt for the procedure they would prefer the most.
The disparity between the procedures is how the eye surgeon accesses the cornea to alter its shape with the excimer laser. The epithelium (skin) tissue that covers the cornea must be removed or temporarily taken out of the way before the excimer laser’s energy is applied to the cornea so that the excimer laser sculpts the layer of the cornea that does not reappear. The way the laser and eye surgeon gets rid of the skin tissue in the first step is called PRK, and the method that briefly pushes it out of the way is called LASIK.
Who Are PRK Candidates?
If a patient has thin corneas, they are not suitable LASIK candidates. However, they can opt for PRK. Individuals with large pupils may find PRK a better option, which is also the case for those with irregular astigmatism. Moreover, if you suffer from dry eyes and want to improve your vision, your eye surgeon will recommend PRK.
Athletes in contact sports may go for PRK. Also, patients in physically demanding jobs may choose PRK since the nature of such sports and work intensifies the risk of flap complications.
As with either procedure, candidates must be at least 18 years of age and have a stable vision prescription for at least one year.
If you want more information about PRK and whether you are a candidate for the procedure, contact Excel Laser Vision Institute and schedule a consultation with Dr. Ferzaad Moosa. He and his highly experienced team will explain the procedure in detail and answer any questions you may have.
What Contoura Vision is All About
Medicine and science are constantly evolving, and because of this, Orange County has seen numerous advancements in LASIK eye surgery techniques. These breakthroughs have been why so many people can now enjoy enhanced vision without having to wear corrective eyewear to see clearly.
Contoura Vision Eye Surgery, a type of laser eye surgery in Orange County, is another advancement in LASIK Surgery assisting your eye surgeons in creating a customized LASIK procedure to enhance the quality of your eyesight. Contoura Vision is the latest FDA-approved LASIK procedure that optimally lessens the corneal irregularities of your eyes.
According to clinical studies, Contoura Vision Eye Surgery has helped 30% of the patients obtain better than 6/6 vision (an ability to see at 6 meters what an average person can see at 6 meters). Therefore, helping them see better without eyeglasses or contact lenses than they did with them.
What Makes Contoura Vision So Special?
The most compelling feature of Contoura Vision is that it places a technological head start on the treatment compared to traditional LASIK surgery. Although the earlier laser vision correction techniques have successfully provided LASIK patients in Orange County with fantastic accuracy and precision while reshaping the cornea and focusing on visual refractive errors, Contoura Vision performed by LASIK surgeons in Orange County takes the treatment a step further.
How Is It So Unique?
When you consider laser eye surgery cost and the fact that LASIK just treats the eyeglass prescription, Contoura, on the other hand, uses unparalleled diagnostic capabilities such as a three-step correction technique utilizing a Femto Laser, Excimer Laser, and a Topolyser to locate and record the tiniest imperfections in the curvature of cornea thereby giving an aspheric correction of spectacle power while also correcting a person’s corneal irregularities and working on the visual axis.
The eye has two types of axis. The Pupillary Axis, which passes through the center, and Visual Axis, which goes through the line of sight, each have a difference of 5 degrees. While other laser procedures treat the Pupillary Axis, Contoura Vision is concentrated on the Visual Axis. Doctor Moosa, a LASIK surgeon in Orange County, takes down the measurements combined with eyeglass prescriptions to give the patient’s eyes a better focusing surface, thereby getting a much exceptional visual outcome. Besides that, even many side effects of various other LASIK procedures such as light sensitivity, problems with night driving, difficulty in reading, glare, starbursts, halos usually lessen with Contoura Vision.
Why Opt For Contoura Vision Eye Surgery?
Improved Quality Of Vision – Contoura Vision can correct even the most minor distortion in the cornea, resulting in enhanced quality of vision, with lesser side effects than a post LASIK procedure, which are remarkedly reduced or absent in a Contoura Vision.
Enhanced Quantity Of Vision – Contoura Vision allows the patient to have the possibility of improved reading capacity, which they could not achieve with corrective eyewear.
Enhanced Surgery Experience – Contoura Vision has the highest standards for safety and providing a painless experience. The surgery is performed with NO STITCHES, NO BLADE, NO BANDAGE, NO INJECTIONS, AND NO HOSPITALISATION. You can walk into a LASIK Orange County procedure without any concerns and leave with perfect and sharper vision. The treatment is efficient and effective to guarantee better vision.
Improved Post Surgery Experience – Many patients may feel discomfort or experience issues after undergoing a traditional LASIK surgery. Nevertheless, with Contoura Vision, you are entitled to a better post-surgery experience.
Enhanced Trust – Similar to the FDA’s proven survey results, 98% of patients who have undergone Contoura Vision Eye Surgery were very satisfied pleased with the procedure and said they would choose the procedure again.
How Is A Contoura Vision Procedure Performed?
Step 1 – The procedure starts with a detailed evaluation of the patient’s eye. In order to guarantee quality, the evaluation is carried out with a state-of-the-art diagnostic system. The assessment also includes a complete preoperative screening to assess the patient’s eligibility and safety of the LASIK procedure. If the patient has any retinal lesions (such as thinning/ hole/ tear), then they’re first treated with a barrage laser, and after one to four weeks, Contoura Vision LASIK is performed.
Step 2 – Depending on the outcome of the evaluation, your eye surgeon will create a customized treatment plan derived from the data provided by the diagnostic system mapping the corneal irregularities using 22,000 unique data points.
Step 3 – Based on the initial planning, Contoura Vision Eye Surgery is carried out by capturing the topographic images of the patient using a topolyser. Contoura Vision Femto-LASIK is executed on WaveLight Refractive Suite, which is believed to be the fastest laser ever. The eye surgeon creates a thin corneal flap using the Bladeless Femtosecond technology on the FS 200 laser. A topo guided laser ablation for refractive correction is performed on the EX500 Excimer laser.
Step 4 – When the procedure has been completed, within 30 minutes, you can leave the clinic. The recovery is short and helps the patient to resume their regular routine in a day or two. Typically, the patient is called in for an assessment at regular intervals to ensure everything is healing correctly. A customized post-surgery plan is given to the patient, including eye drops to prevent infection and assist in the healing process.
If you are considering Contoura Vision surgery to enhance your eyesight, contact Excel Laser Vision Institute at (888) 957-3255. Our team of staff is experienced and highly skilled. Our leading eye surgeon, Dr. Moosa, a well-established eye surgeon in Los Angeles, has years of experience in Contoura Vision procedures. He received his training at Harvard University and has vast experience working with various prescription levels. Dr. Moosa has helped many professionals achieve their vision goals, from athletes to models to military personnel. Visit our website to learn more: https://www.exceleye.com/.
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.
Do You Have To Keep Your Eyes Open During LASIK Eye Surgery?
Just the name laser eye surgery has some people shaking in their boots, but they don’t have to be scared, especially if they are going to get LASIK at Excel Laser Vision Institute in Orange County, where the most experienced eye doctor, Doctor Moosa, handles these procedures.
Perhaps the biggest fear many people have about LASIK is keeping your eyes open throughout the entire procedure. Heavens to Betsy, it does sound frightening, but the laser eye surgery doctors can guarantee you won’t feel a thing.
Patient’s Fears
Recently surveys revealed that this was the number one reason why people refused treatment, even before having an initial consultation. Surgical procedures require anesthetic most of the time, and LASIK is no exception even with just a few numbing eye drops. That is all that is administered to perform laser eye surgery while patients are completely conscious.
Although the LASIK surgeon in Orange County can understand that being awake during a surgical procedure doesn’t sound like a blast to anyone, LASIK is a far cry from your standard surgical procedure. Beginning with the matter that the procedure only takes a few minutes to perform.
However, what really changes the game up is that laser eye surgery, when done in expert hands by a LASIK expert in Orange County such as Doctor Moosa, is painless and, what is more, being conscious during the procedure does not in any way, shape or form put you at harm’s way, even if you try your utmost to.
What Happens If I Blink During LASIK Surgery?
You are not the only person who has this concern. However, you can stay rest assured that blinking and moving during LASIK surgery is usually not an issue. Numbing drops are administered to the patient’s eyes before surgery to make the LASIK procedure comfortable and decrease a patient’s natural urge to blink. Plus, a small device holds the eyelids open during the procedure so the patient can’t accidentally blink and your eyelids open during the procedure so the patient doesn’t unintentionally blink and their eyelids can’t interfere with any stage of the surgery.
Is It A Problem If I Move During Laser Eye Surgery?
Moving your head and body is also a serious concern. The patient usually lies down on a flat, comfortable, cushioned surface (about 20 minutes for both eyes). Depending on the type of laser your eye surgeon uses, many platforms have a contoured headrest that snugly supports the head during the procedure. Your LASIK surgeon may carefully hold your head in position to help you stay steady during specific stages of the procedure.
Nearly all lasers used for LASIK surgery performed in the United States are equipped with an advanced feature called an “eye tracker” that immediately keeps track of the position of the patient’s eye and modifies the laser treatment to compensate for any small, involuntary movements your eyes may make during surgery. This technology is crucial for custom LASIK and to carry out the most precise laser treatment of the patient’s eyes.
What To Do After LASIK Surgery?
When you have completed your laser eye surgery, you must follow your doctor’s guidance on the simple LASIK recovery steps so that your eyes can perform outstandingly well.
Have a friend drive you home after you had your successful eye surgery, and don’t forget to wear your sunglasses. Make sure to rest your eyes and keep them closed so that they remain comfortable.
You want to aim to keep your eyes closed for 2 to 4 hours as part of your critical LASIK recovery process. For this reason, taking a nap and wearing your clear plastic shields will help with the recovery process.
Don’t be alarmed if you feel mild sensitivity for a few hours, but there should be the slightest discomfort. When the two to four hours are up, remove the plastic shields and, as instructed by your surgeon, start using your prescribed eye drops for healing and to keep your eyes comfortable and lubricated.
Try not to rub, squeeze or touch your eyes after LASIK surgery because the surface of your eyes are still sensitive. Wear your plastic shields when sleeping and if your eyes still have issues tolerating light, wear sunglasses. If your eyes get dry or irritated, use preservative-free artificial tears to help keep your eyes comfortable.
Most LASIK surgeons will tell you to rest for the first 24 hours following your laser eye surgery. So, refrain from reading, strenuous activity, computer work, and television during this period.
When To Delay Your LASIK Procedure
If you constantly suffer from dry eyes, it may stop you from getting LASIK treatment. To find out if LASIK is the correct route for you, talk to your eye doctor at a reputable LASIK clinic. Your eye doctor will guide you on the most appropriate ways to receive LASIK with your dry eye condition.
Ultimately, scheduling your LASIK procedure may not be a huge deal; however, getting it done by the right doctor is very important. Although the technology used in LASIK is phenomenal, it has to be carried out by a qualified and experienced ophthalmologist to achieve the best results.
If you want more details about LASIK eye surgery, contact Excel Laser Vision Institute at (888) 957-3255. Our team of staff is highly trained and experienced. Dr. Moosa, a well-known LASIK surgeon in Orange County, studied at Harvard University and has experience working with various prescription levels. Dr. Moosa has helped many professionals with their eye issues, from athletes to models to military personnel. Visit our website to learn more: https://www.exceleye.com/.
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.
What’s The Difference Between VISIAN ICL and LASIK?
Patients often get confused about the differences between Visian ICL and LASIK. Doctor Moosa, a LASIK surgeon in Orange County, is quick to tell us that it boils down to individual factors. Some patients are usually best suited for one procedure over the other, depending on their own personal requirements. Nonetheless, there are various differences between these two procedures.
LASIK is a laser eye surgery procedure that is able to correct myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism by reshaping the cornea using an excimer laser. On the other hand, Visian ICL is only suitable for myopia. It is very similar to having permanent contact lenses, so the cornea’s shape is not altered.
To be fair, Doctor Moosa, a LASIK surgeon in Orange County, stresses the fact that many types of refractive errors can be corrected with LASIK. However, individuals who have thin corneas or chronic dry eye may select Visian ICLs instead to avoid possible side effects.
Some patients will be happy to learn that LASIK is a shorter procedure, less costly, and has a faster recovery time compared to Visian ICL. The lenses used with Visian ICL may offer a reduced risk of side effects, better long-term correction, and they can be removed if the patient wishes to do so.
The procedure you choose is fundamentally up to you and your eye doctor. LASIK Eye professionals in Orange County can recommend the best option for you and your specific situation.
The Many Differences Between Visian ICL vs. LASIK
For several years, people who suffered from refractive errors had only two options for managing their condition: glasses or contact lenses. These options need regular eye exams to monitor the advancement of nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. Afterward, regular updates to the lens prescription are required to continue correcting changes in the cornea.
Medical researchers have been working on new and improved methods since the 1990s to manage refractive errors. These include implantable lenses and laser-based surgery. These new treatment methods provide patients more options than ever before and can, in the course of time, free them from having to wear contact lenses or eyeglasses on a daily basis.
Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) is one of the most well-known developments since contact lenses for correcting refractive errors. A laser removes tissue from your cornea to reshape it, which causes light to refract more clearly to the back of your eye. There, the retina receives the light and transmits it to your brain through your optic nerve.
LASIK has allowed millions of people all over the world to stop wearing glasses or contact lenses. It provides an easy, fast solution that can be positively life-changing.
On the flip side, they could be a reason that an eye surgeon does not recommend someone as a good candidate for LASIK. Hence the fact, that this has made scientists research other options. Implantable contact lenses, such as the Visian ICL series, let people who have thinner corneas or other eye conditions stop wearing glasses or contact lenses for years without undergoing laser-guided surgery.
Visian ICL vs. LASIK
LASIK and Visian implantable Collamer lenses (ICLs) are very different technologies that can correct your refractive error to 20/40 visual clarity or better in specific circumstances. Before you make your decision on which is more suitable for your requirements, it is best to have a good understanding of both procedures.
LASIK
Even though there are various types of laser eye surgery to correct refractive errors, LASIK is the most recognized type of this procedure and what most eye surgeons perform. This outpatient operation can correct myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness not due to aging), and astigmatism, so you can often see 20/40 or better.
The process doesn’t take long at all, usually 15 minutes per eye, with much of that time involving prep for the operation. The patient receives numbing eye drops and a device to hold your eyelids open. Then, either a microkeratome (a special, small surgical knife) or a laser will cut a flap from the top of the patient’s cornea.
Then, an excimer laser removes tissue from strategic locations on the inside of the cornea to alter its shape. The surgeon puts the flap back in place and sends the patient home to relax for the rest of the day.
Many people experience good vision the next day, although having dry eyes is expected. Also, it is possible to experience halos or glares around lights and some blurry vision for a few days. Most people experience a slight decrease in these symptoms over six months while their eyes heal.
Visian ICL
Despite the fact that some surgery is involved with Visian implantable Collamer lenses (ICLs), no lasers will remove tissue from the patient’s cornea to reshape that part of your eye. Instead, Visian ICLs are a brand of phakic intraocular lenses (IOLs) similar to permanent contact lenses. Visian ICLs are manufactured by Staar Surgical, and they are designed to be implanted behind the iris but in front of your natural lens. They were approved for use in adults by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2005 to treat nearsightedness.
On the contrary to LASIK, Visian ICLs and other types of phakic IOLs do not treat other refractive errors such as farsightedness. If you have astigmatism and myopia, you may experience some improvement in your astigmatism, but they are not meant to treat just astigmatism.
Similar to LASIK, the implantation process for these flexible Collamer lenses takes around 15 minutes per eye, using a very small incision from a laser or a microkeratome. Recovery time after this outpatient procedure is slightly longer than LASIK, with vision returning to almost full clarity after seven days. Even though healing takes more time, there are fewer side effects reported with Visian ICLs.
If you want to learn more about how LASIK or Visian implantable Collamer lenses can help your eyesight, contact Excel Laser Vision Institute at (888) 957-3255 or visit our website. Our expert team and highly reputable LASIK surgeon, Dr. Moosa, are happy and willing to answer all your questions.
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/.
The Different Types Of Refractive Errors According To LASIK Professionals
LASIK eye doctors in Orange County can recognize a refractive error, which is an alteration in the shape of the eye that leads vision to become blurred. The LASIK surgeon educates that refraction, or the bending of light, is what helps all of us to see.
When you look at an object, the light rays it reflects are refracted through the clear, outermost layer of the eye – known as the cornea – onto an inner lens. Then the lens focuses light onto the retina, a layer of light-sensitive tissue located at the back of the eye.
The retina changes patterns of light into electrical signals and transmits these signals to the brain through the optic nerve. In the brain, these signals are identified as images of the objects you notice all around you.
As Doctor Moosa, a LASIK eye surgery professional in Orange County says, a refractive error happens when the eye cannot bend and focus light correctly onto the retina. Vision may become blurry, hazy, or doubled, which results in a person having to squint and strain their eyes. Other usual symptoms include headaches because of the eyestrain or difficulties reading.
When it comes to children, the ophthalmologists confirm that a refractive error can affect a child’s reading level and have a negative impact on their overall learning. It can even result in permanent and uncorrectable degradation in vision, referred to as refractive amblyopia. When adults have a refractive error, they usually experience blurry vision, which can be very uncomfortable, inconvenient, and even unsafe, particularly when they have to drive or operate heavy machinery.
Ophthalmologists and LASIK eye doctors At Excel Laser Vision Institute can quickly ascertain the type of refractive error that is causing you vision loss.
Myopia
Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, is when a person can’t see distant objects clearly. When you have myopia, objects at a distance look blurred, making it a challenge to read a school blackboard or street signs. Myopia happens when refracted light is focused in front of the retina rather than onto the retina. This may happen if the eyeball has an extended shape or if the cornea has too much curvature.
Myopia is usually first discovered in childhood and is common to run in families. Most of the time, myopia worsens over the years throughout an individual’s school-age and adolescent years. Eventually, myopia balances itself out when the person is in their 20s.
Many people with myopia, particularly those younger than age 35, can see objects up close without any issues. Those who are older than the age of 35 may experience presbyopia too, which makes it challenging to see objects up close.
Hyperopia
Hyperopia, or farsightedness, happens when distant objects are easier to see clearly than nearby objects. If hyperopia is considerable, the person’s vision may be blurry at any distance. Hyperopia happens when light is refracted behind the retina rather than onto the retina. This may happen if the eyeball is too short or if there is too little curvature in the cornea.
Hyperopia can happen at any age. Sometimes children can experience slight hyperopia that corrects itself by the time they are adolescents.
Astigmatism
Astigmatism is blurred vision that is caused by an unusually shaped cornea. When a person has astigmatism, the cornea is shaped very similar to a football or an egg instead of a sphere.
When light hits an eye with astigmatism, it gets distorted and refracted to many focus points within the eye rather than on one focus point on the retina. Normally, people with astigmatism have issues seeing objects close up and far away.
Astigmatism can be categorized into two types: regular, in which the eyeball is not spherical but is symmetrical, and then there is irregular, which means the eyeball is not spherical and not symmetrical.
Regular astigmatism is a lot more usual than irregular astigmatism.
Sometimes people are born with astigmatism, and children are usually diagnosed with this refractive error. It usually affects both eyes. There are instances when only one eye is affected – such as an eye injury such as a cut or puncture that results in a scar on the cornea. Also, astigmatism may be caused by a condition known as keratoconus, which is when the cornea thins and starts to bulge outward.
Presbyopia
As you get older, you may realize that your ability to focus up close, especially as you read, gets worse. Presbyopia occurs to many people at some point after the age of 40 since the eyes’ lenses, which focus light, slowly lose their ability to change their shape to let you focus on nearby objects.
Presbyopia and macular degeneration are not the same. Macular degeneration occurs when the macula, located near the center of the retina, is damaged. It usually happens in individuals who are older than 70 and causes blurriness in the central field of vision when you look at objects that are close up or far away.
On the other hand, presbyopia only changes the lens of the eye and causes the whole field of vision to blur when you try to focus on something up close.
Only a thorough examination by an ophthalmologist or optometrist can identify common age-related changes in the eye, such as presbyopia and changes in vision-related to macular degeneration.
If you have any other questions or concerns about refractive errors, contact Excel Laser Vision Institute at (888) 957-3255. Our team of staff is highly trained and experienced. In the office, we also have Dr. Moosa, a well-esteemed LASIK surgeon in Orange County that has a Harvard education and lots of experience working with different 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/.