Lasers Cut Clean for Cataract Surgery

A cataract is an eye condition wherein the lens turns cloudy, blurring the patient’s vision. More than 20 million people in the United States ages 40 and above suffer from cataracts. As people age, the likelihood of developing a cataract increases. An estimated 50 million people will be affected by the condition by the year 2050.

Going under the knife

Almost all cataract surgeries are still done via scalpel despite the proven effectiveness and accuracy of laser surgery. This is due mainly to the cost of the procedure, which Medicare doesn’t cover in many cases.

How it’s done

A small opening is cut around the cloudy portion of the lens. A vibrating ultrasound needle is then inserted to break up the cloudy mass which can be removed in small pieces, after which an IOL or intraocular lens is implanted to cover the opening.

On the other hand, a laser will make a clean opening and soften the cloudy tissue; this negates the need to use ultrasound applications to break down the mass.

The results speak for themselves

Any eye doctor will swear by this procedure, adding that patients enjoy clearer vision as early as the day right after the operation. Clearly, laser surgery is a boon to the medical field and shouldn’t be excluded as an option simply because it costs more.

Know Your LASIK Surgeon, and Let Them Know You

LASIK surgery is proven treatment for individuals who are farsighted, nearsighted, or have astigmatism. A process which reshapes the cornea, LASIK is successful for 96% of patients who undergo the surgical procedure as they often obtain the exact vision they desire after the process.

While not necessarily a very expensive process, good LASIK surgery does not come cheap. As patients look to invest in a procedure that will improve their vision, it is important to have the procedure done by a practice that offers the best possible technologies. It’s also imperative to have a highly trained and experienced surgical team perform the procedure.

When coming in for LASIK treatment, make sure that you’ve had the chance to get to know the surgeon that will be treating you. It is important to know the success rate which he/she has when it comes to completing the procedure. By getting to know the doctor, you also allow them to get to know you and have a better understanding of what your needs and expectations are.

Through this, the doctor can correct your vision in the best manner possible. The solution provided to you can be customized, as good surgeons are usually capable of providing several types of laser vision correction treatments. By understanding your lifestyle, they can also help you better prepare and recover from the surgery, such as letting you know not to use eye make-up or contact lenses a week before the procedure.

Simple Tips in Caring for the Eyes

They say the eyes are the window to one’s soul. They allow the person to take in the sights, and at the same time allow others to see how the person is feeling through the expression in his eyes. As such, it’s very important to take great care of one’s eyes, because they are also very sensitive to external factors such as sunlight, dust and various irritants.

By practicing these basic eye care habits, you can help ensure that your eyes are properly protected and cared for:

• Wear sunglasses outdoors during daytime. We don’t realize that eye damage caused by UV rays accumulates during our lifetime, and that protection from it must start early and done often. When purchasing sunglasses, get lenses that are large and cover a large area, with lenses that have ANSI Z80.3 blocking requirements and provide UV 400 protection.
• Remove eye make-up when you get home. Using the right removal cream, coconut oil or olive oil helps avoid problems related to excessive eye make-up use, such as conjunctivitis, dry eyes, and loss of eyelashes, among others.
• Remove contact lenses when not in use. If you’re spending the day at home and will not be using contact lenses, don’t wear them. Not wearing contacts will allow your eyes to relax and avoid eye strain from constant use. Doing so also minimizes the possibility of cornea infection.
• Have a proper diet. Proper nutrition goes a long way in caring for your eyes. Food containing beta carotene from carrots can help maintain good eyesight, while eating leafy greens will provide the lutein and zeaxanthin needed to help lower the risk of developing macular degeneration and cataracts. Other food beneficial to the eyes include eggs, citrus, berries, and almonds.

Of course, these tips and many others work best with the care that your eye doctor can provide you. If you have any concerns with your vision, it’s best you contact your local doctor to make sure no minor problems become larger concerns in the future.

Post-Surgery Eye Care: Tips on Recovering from Lasik in Durham, NC

Baby Steps

Put as little strain on your eyes as possible for at least the first two days immediately following your LASIK treatment. Arrange for someone to take you home after the surgery, or if you want to take public transportation, make sure that you have someone accompanying you, if only to ensure that you won’t be forced to keep your eyes open the entire way. Keeping your eyes closed as much as possible should prevent debris from infecting the surgery.

Avoid Sports

Sure, avoiding contact sports right after any type of surgery might be a bit on the nose, but you should also see to it that you stay away even from non-contact sports after LASIK. This is because it will take quite a while before your vision and depth perception fully adjusts– on this note, you might also want to steer clear of straining your eyes on your computer too often.

http://www.nceent.com/post-surgery-eye-care-tips-recovering-lasik-durham-nc/

Durham, NC LASIK Surgery: Helping Athletes Score Points and Win Games

LASIK is actually short for “laser in situ keratomileusis,” a procedure wherein special lasers are used to reshape an eye’s cornea. When athletes undergo LASIK in Durham, NC, they can expect overall improved vision, as well as a reprieve from refractive eye problems such as nearsightedness and farsightedness. As a result, they can now forgo wearing glasses or contacts on the field, which might hamper their performance.

Of course, if you have additional eye conditions like cataracts it’s best to consult your ophthalmologist first before getting LASIK. While the procedure can still be performed, your vision might become obstructed in the future as the cataract matures. Fortunately, practices like North Carolina Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat offer both LASIK and cataract surgery to Durham, NC clients.

http://www.nceent.com/durham-nc-lasik-surgery-helping-athletes-score-points-win-games/

Can Cell Phones Damage Your Eyes?

Less than a decade ago, a cell phone that could receive email was already considered smart. But cell phone capability nowadays has gone beyond a simple email send button. The cell phone has become more technologically advanced with its various applications from social media apps to strategic games. It's not surprising then that people's eyeballs are always glued to this gadget. Chances are, the first thing you do in the morning is to check your phone for text messages, tweets or status updates that came in while you were asleep. But with all the time you spend staring at a cell phone, do you ever wonder if it damages your eyes?

Cell phone screens are tiny compared to those of other mobile devices like laptops and tablets. With a small screen size, you're more likely to squint and experience eye strain as you browse through websites and read e-books. In fact, the Israel Institute of Technology conducted a study wherein calf eyes were exposed to heat and microwave radiations similar to those given off by a cell phone. After the exposure, the researchers concluded that the eyes showed early signs of cataracts, saw blurred images and couldn't focus well.

Having a computer that fits in your palm is a giant leap in this technozoic era. However, too much of a good thing can be bad too, especially for your eyes. Mind your cell phone usage and have regular consultations with your eye doctor to protect your vision.