Why Do We Need to Blink Many Times a Day?
Many of us in our younger years have been in a staring contest. Remember how difficult it was to keep your eyes open for such a long time? Eye doctors tell us it is because of our natural instinct to blink. However, what are the reasons behind our need to blink?
Apparently, there are two main reasons for blinking. First of all, blinking clears away particles from the eyes. For instance, if there is a foreign body in the eye, it helps to remove it. Sometimes particles get under the eyelid or else something blew in. Also, this can feel very painful since there are many nerve endings in the cornea.
Secondly, blinking helps to lubricate the eyeballs. The eyes need a smooth surface for light to correctly focus on, so vision doesn’t get blurry. Bling brings out a tear film, which usually consists of water, mucus, and oil to maintain a smooth eyeball surface. Also, it prevents the eye from drying out which can feel uncomfortable. Typically, when your eye has a large area of dryness, it kind of feels like a scratch on your cornea, the eye’s outer protective layer.
Secondly, blinking lubricates the eyeballs. The eyes require a smooth surface for light to focus properly, so you don’t have blurry. Blinking releases a tear film — which mostly includes water, oil, and mucus — to maintain a smooth eyeball surface. Also, it stops the eye from drying out, which can be uncomfortable. When there is a large area of dryness, it feels similar to a scratch on the cornea, – the eye’s outer protective layer. This can be very distressing since there are many nerve endings in the cornea.
Why Is Blinking So Important?
Our eyes have to blink several times every minute, but do you completely understand why it’s so critical for optimal eye health?
You can time yourself for a minute and notice how many times you blink. On average, adults blink between ten and twenty times per minute, with each blink lasting a tenth of a second.
When We Blink, Our Eyes Get Cleaned And Refreshed
Each time our eyes blink, they spread fresh layers of tears throughout the eyes’ surface, preventing them from drying out and removing small irritants such as dirt and dust particles that could obstruct vision. When the eyes have too much moisture, the excess tears drain out through the very small holes at the corners of the eyes (the tear ducts) and down into the nasal passages. So, if you have ever asked yourself why your nose usually runs when you cry, now you understand its cause!
We Usually Blink Less When Focusing
Occasionally, when we are fixating on something such as a game, book, project, or TV show, the eyes usually blink less than usual. As a matter of fact, as little as three times per minute. That’s a lot lower than the healthy rate of blinking our eyes depends on carrying out their job effectively. If the eyes go a long time with less than normal blinking, it risks dry eye or eye strain.
Make Blinking More A Habit
Sometimes not blinking enough can lead to eye issues, especially when you’re doing something that needs you to focus. So, try to make a conscious effort to blink more. If you work on it continuously, you can train your eyes to blink a lot more out of habit. To force yourself into the habit of blinking more, you could even set reminders to do blinking exercises every hour. You will soon find that you won’t need reminders anymore. An excellent, simple exercise to help maintain fresh feeling eyes is to close them, wait a moment, squeeze your eyelids, and then open them again.
The Systems Behind Blinking
Although blinking seems to be a very simple thing to do, it needs a lot of various mechanisms working together harmoniously in our eyes and eyelids, including different types of tear production, tiny glands making oil to refill the film that prevents our tears from drying out, and many assorted sets of muscles to carry out the physical movement of blinking. Several things can go haywire when there are so many moving parts. If you have dry eyes or eye strain and blinking exercises are not doing it for you, talk to your eye doctor at Excel laser Vision Institute!
How To Blink Your Eyes
Yes, indeed, there is the right way to blink your eyes! As you know by now, the purpose of blinking is to refresh your eyes by moistening them with protein-rich nutrients, cleaning them of any foreign objects, and giving them the much-needed lubricant they require. This may sound like a lot to ask from just one blink, but those are the advantages of this straightforward action.
To blink correctly and efficiently two factors have to happen: closing the eyes completely for a short moment and using the correct eye muscles.
The muscles that are used for blinking are situated above the eyes. To ensure you are using these muscles instead of facial muscles, place your fingers at the corners of your eyes by the temples. Close your eyes. You should not sense any movement under your fingers if you used your eye muscles.
Once you close your eyes, pause. This step is vital since if you want the blink to be effective, the eyes have to be completely closed. You can quickly test this by placing a finger under your eye, just above the cheekbone. When you close your eyes, you should sense your upper eyelashes touch your finger.
Advantages Of Blinking
When you become an expert on the blink technique, you are set to get the perks. During the blink, protein-rich moisture coats your eyes, providing them with essential nutrients. Also, this liquid cleans the eyes, getting rid of any dirt or debris. Plus, an oily substance is discharged, which helps prevent moisture from evaporating too rapidly while also lubricating the eyelids to stop chaffing.
How does all this happen? When we blink, we squeeze the glands in the eyes that create these liquids. Therefore, nourishment, cleansing, and oily lubrication are common results of the glands releasing this needed tear film. However, it only occurs when the eyes are completely closed in a full blink.
Blink More And Properly
No doubt, you now know that the blink has tons of benefits, but unfortunately, you may not be receiving the complete blink treatment. Most of the blame is placed on our digital devices, and although research has revealed that many of us blink about the same number of times when reading on the computer screen or from printed material. However, the difference is how they blink.
Many people had incomplete blinks while reading from a computer monitor. This can bring about eye strain and fatigue just because the eyes are not receiving the nourishment and cleansing linked with a blink.
In a perfect world, a person should blink their eyes around fifteen or thirty times per minute, and the blinks should be as soft as butterfly wings opening and closing. When you become more self-conscious of how often you blink, your thoughts will become a subconscious habit that helps your eyes.
So, make each blink matter. Here are a couple of things to keep in mind.
Blink your eyes regularly. Place a “Blink More” note on your computer to help you remember. Digital eye strain is becoming very common and can be simply rectified with regular blinking.
Practice a complete blink. You can blink naturally and correctly when you know what a full blink feels like.
Close your eyes for a short moment now and then when reading or on the computer. This will not only give you the advantage of a blink but will provide your eyes with a quick rest.
So much good can happen in the blink of an eye, but you have to be conscious of when and how you blink your eyes to get the full benefits.
How To Get Your Eyes Ready for the Allergy Season
Many eye doctors will tell you that eye allergies will affect many people at some point in their lives. Still, unfortunately, some people will suffer more than others when it comes to eye allergies, particularly during the Spring through Fall months. Most ophthalmologists specialize in treating many eye conditions and serve the requirements of individuals looking for eye care.
The warmer weather and longer days bring some dangers to your eyes and vision. The springtime bloom causes red, swollen, and itchy eyes. Also, there’s an increase in sun damage because of sun exposure, so it is important to protect your eyes this spring season.
What Are Common Eye Allergy Symptoms?
While the pollen, dust, and dander start a ruckus outside, so do your allergies. Although some people just suffer from sneezing or maybe even sometimes a stuffy nose, others experience allergies that affect their eyes, which makes springtime a horrible moment for them.
If your eyes become so red and itchy that you notice a puss-like discharge from your eyes, you should get an eye exam immediately. In fact, it is not uncommon for people to mistake an infection for allergies.
However, with the right precautions, you can reduce the discomfort of increased allergens and sun exposure. Here are some handy tips to follow this Spring for healthy eyes.
Common Eye Allergy Symptoms
Redness
Burning
Itching
Clear or watery discharge
Blurred vision
What Causes Seasonal Allergies?
So many things, from dust to perfume to pet dander, can cause allergies, and they aren’t always restricted to a specific year. Nevertheless, Spring and fall are usually worse because of the pollen. Some plants such as grass pollinate in the Spring, while others such as ragweed pollinate in the fall.
During these months, the air becomes full of tiny floating particles that can get into our eyes and airways which causes irritation. If you are a person with an overactive immune system , you will probably experience symptoms such as itchy eyes, congestion, and persistent sneezing.
The most common triggers of eye allergies include:
Outdoor Allergens – Pollens, mold, and dust from trees, weeds, flowers, and grass.
Indoor Allergens – Pet dander, mold, dust mites, and indoor plants.
Irritants include perfumes, cigarette smoke, cosmetics, eye drops, or exhaust fumes.
To be clear, food allergies and insect bite allergies do not affect the eyes like airborne allergens.
How Do Eyes Respond To Allergens?
Normally, allergy symptoms include redness, itchiness, and watering of the eyes. Sometimes it comes with a gritty feeling, swollen eyelids, a burning feeling, and increased discomfort with contact lenses. You can ease these symptoms with decongestants since they help with respiratory symptoms. However, a side effect is sometimes that they dry the eyes out, making the eye symptoms worse and leaving the eyes more susceptible to airborne irritants.
How To Protect Your Eyes This Spring?
A good way to protect your eyes this Spring is to reduce your exposure to the dander, dust, and pollen that causes red, swollen, and itchy eyes. Allergens can appear any time of the year but really intensify in the Spring. These tiny floating particles get inside your home and rapidly irritate your eyes.
Here are some methods to lower allergens inside your home:
Take a look at your HVAC system and make sure the air filters are working and clean.
Routinely clean your home by mopping, sweeping, and dusting.
Do your best to keep your windows closed as much as possible.
Don’t place fans near windows that could blow pollen inside.
Wearing Clean Clothes Helps
Clothes attract airborne pollen and dust particles, and they attach themselves to your clothing, shoes, shoelaces, hats, or anything that you are wearing. A good method of minimizing these allergens in your home is to wash your clothes regularly. Also, do not overlook cleaning your shoes too.
Eye Drops Help To Clear Your Vision
Typically, dry eyes are one of the symptoms of pollen and dander allergies. Making sure your eyes are moist and flushed is the most effective way to avoid red, itchy, and dry eyes.
You should use good quality preservative-free artificial tears or eye drops that help to lubricate the eyes to relieve you of allergy symptoms. Also, artificial tears are an excellent all-year-round product to have on hand if you are a contact lens wearer to prevent them from drying out. Occasionally medicated or prescription eye drops may be required to alleviate ocular allergies.
It’s best to visit your optometrist to first get diagnosed and begin the proper allergy medication to have your feeling brand new again.
Wear Sunglasses
Sunglasses are more than just a fashion statement since the sun comes along with the warmer spring weather. The increased time outdoors exposes you to more allergens and more of the sun’s harmful UV rays.
Sunglasses protect the eyes by adding a barrier between the pollen floating around in the air and your eyes. The bigger the sunglasses you wear, the more protection you will have! Also, UVA/UVB sunglasses filter out harmful rays and make sure your eyes stay healthy.
When dirty hands touch your eyes, it can cause infections as well as overall irritability. Plus, sunglasses lower how often you touch your eyes.
If you wear prescription glasses, discuss with your optometrist about prescription sunglasses so you can see clearly as you protect your eyes.
Wear Glasses Rather Than Contacts
Pollen and other allergens easily accumulate and get stuck on your contact lenses during the Spring. This can worsen your symptoms and extend your suffering. If you can, wear your glasses as much as you can to give your eyes a rest. You will lower the accumulation of pollen particularly when outdoors.
If you can’t remove your contacts or wear glasses, try cleaning them more than usual in an eye contact solution. This will get rid of any gathered allergens and lubricate them simultaneously.
Go For Routine Eye Check-Ups
Last but not least, to make sure eye allergies don’t spoil your spring season, you should schedule regular eye examinations with your eye doctor. If you are sensitive to allergy symptoms, an optometrist can use preventive measures to prepare you for whatever Spring has up its sleeve.
Treatments For Common Eye Allergies
Swollen Eye
Swollen eyes or eye swelling occurs when the person suffers from a lack of sleep or has an allergic reaction. A swollen eye happens because of fluid retention in the eye, and it can be concerning and also very painful. You can sometimes treat a swollen eye at home. Nevertheless, if the eye condition becomes agonizing, chronic, or chronic, it is highly recommended that you visit your eye doctor immediately.
Allergic Conjunctivitis
This is a condition that happens when the eye becomes sensitive or inflamed, and can even be painful. The treatment of this condition needs both prevention and treatment. Individuals who suffer from very intense allergies that regularly cause this problem must avoid open-air during allergy season and have their allergy drops on hand and possibly other medications such as antihistamines. steroid eye drops may be needed for those with recurring conjunctivitis.
Swollen Upper Eyelid
Another common indication of conjunctivitis is that a swollen eyelid can be uncomfortable, but many prefer a swollen eye. Like eye swelling, those who develop this condition frequently need to take preventative measures to avoid allergens and be prepared with allergy eye drops and other medications.
Itchy Watery Eyes
Itchy eyes and watery eyes are typical symptoms of mild to moderate eye allergies. Watery eyes can be tricky if the wateriness is severe, especially if you have to operate machinery. Itchy eyes will usually be followed by watery eyes and can be really annoying. Simple medications such as allergy eye drops can help. It is mainly essential to avoid rubbing your eyes with your hands or with anything that may not be sanitary.
Your eye doctor at Excel Laser Vision Institute recommends using suitable products and medications to help relieve symptoms and prevent them from becoming more severe. Prolonged eye irritation can result in eye issues and infections if left untreated.
So, don’t put your eye health at risk. Book an appointment and get a head start on a clean, comfortable, and allergy-free spring season.
Understanding Glaucoma: Causes, Symptoms, and Dietary Considerations
On average, the eye doctors tell us that about three million Americans have glaucoma, however, only half of them know it.
Unfortunately, glaucoma is an eye disease that eye doctors at the best laser eye surgery orange county don’t take lightly because it’s the second leading cause of vision loss and blindness in the world. The two most common forms of glaucoma that patients have are Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma and Acute Angle-Closure Glaucoma.
What Causes Glaucoma?
Glaucoma occurs when there is damage to the optic nerve. While this nerve slowly deteriorates, blind spots appear in a person’s visual field. The medical community still doesn’t understand why the optic nerve becomes damaged, but it could be related to increased pressure in the eye.
Elevated eye pressure usually comes about because of the accumulation of fluid, known as aqueous humor, that moves throughout the inside of the eye. This internal fluid usually drains out by way of a tissue called the trabecular meshwork at the angle where the iris and cornea come together. When too much fluid is produced or the drainage system doesn’t work correctly, the fluid can’t move at its normal pace, and eye pressure increases.
Typically, glaucoma runs in families. Also, scientists have been able to find genes in some people that are related to high eye pressure and optic nerve damage.
What Are The Symptoms of Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma?
The eye doctors usually call open-angle glaucoma “the silent thief of sight” since it has no symptoms until permanent vision loss has happened. Symptoms in advanced stages of the disease consist of the following::
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Progressive loss of peripheral vision, usually in both eyes
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Blank spots in the person’s field of vision
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Tunnel vision in the advanced stages
Regular eye exams are critical to detect this type of glaucoma early enough to successfully treat the condition and prevent further loss.
What Are The Symptoms Of Acute Angle-Closure Glaucoma?
An angle-closure glaucoma is an uncommon form of glaucoma, which develops very rapidly and requires immediate medical attention.
It’s the complete opposite of open-angle glaucoma since the symptoms of acute angle-closure glaucoma are very noticeable and damage happens quickly. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek immediate care:
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Eye pain
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Sudden onset of visual disturbance, often in low light
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Nausea and vomiting (accompanying the severe eye pain)
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Blurred vision
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Halos around lights
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Headache
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Nausea
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Reddening of the eye
Who Is At High Risk At Developing Glaucoma?
On account of the fact that chronic forms of glaucoma can harm a person’s vision before any signs or symptoms are noticeable, take a look at this list of higher risk factors:
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Age – If you are over 40
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Elevated intraocular (internal) eye pressure
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Family history of glaucoma
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Ethnic background – African Americans, Asians, and Japanese have a higher risk
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Long-term corticosteroid use
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Medical conditions – Such as diabetes or high blood pressure
7 Foods to Avoid When You Have Glaucoma
While various factors contribute to the development and progression of glaucoma, including genetics and increased intraocular pressure, certain dietary choices may impact the condition. While there is no specific glaucoma diet, some foods and lifestyle habits are generally advised for those with glaucoma. Here are foods that individuals with glaucoma may consider avoiding or limiting:
High-Sodium Foods
Excessive salt intake can eventually lead to increased blood pressure, which, in turn, may contribute to elevated intraocular pressure (IOP). Individuals with glaucoma are often advised to limit their sodium intake to help sufficiently manage their condition. Processed foods, canned soups, and salty snacks should be consumed in moderation.
Caffeine
Some studies suggest that caffeine may temporarily increase intraocular pressure. While the evidence is inconclusive, individuals with glaucoma may choose to monitor their caffeine intake. This includes coffee, tea, energy drinks, and certain caffeine medications.
High-Sugar Foods
Diets high in sugar have long been associated with various health issues, including diabetes. Individuals with diabetes have a considerably increased risk of developing certain types of glaucoma. Therefore, managing sugar intake is essential for overall health and potentially for glaucoma management.
Fried and Fatty Foods
High-fat diets may contribute to obesity and other health problems, indirectly affecting eye health. Fried and fatty foods, particularly those high in trans fats and saturated fats, must be limited. Instead, individuals are encouraged to include healthy fats like omega-3 fatty acids typically found in fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts.
Processed Foods
Processed foods often are packed with unhealthy additives, preservatives, and trans fats. These can contribute to inflammation and other various health issues that may indirectly impact eye health. Opting for fresh, whole foods is generally a better choice.
Alcohol
Excessive alcohol consumption can be causation for dehydration and may impact the body’s ability to regulate intraocular pressure. Individuals with glaucoma should moderate their alcohol intake and stay well-hydrated.
High-Glycemic Index Foods
Foods with a high glycemic index can cause rapid spikes and crash in blood sugar levels. Maintaining stable blood sugar levels is crucial for overall health, including eye health. Choosing low-glycemic index foods like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables may be beneficial.
Conclusion
Glaucoma, a group of eye conditions causing optic nerve damage, necessitates attention to dietary choices. While not a substitute for medical care, avoiding or limiting certain foods may aid in managing the condition. High-sodium foods linked to increased blood pressure and caffeine, which might temporarily elevate intraocular pressure, should be moderated. Diets high in sugar pose risks, particularly for those with diabetes, increasing the importance of managing sugar intake. Limiting fried and fatty foods and processed items with unhealthy additives and moderating alcohol consumption contribute to a comprehensive approach.
Additionally, it’s important to note that while dietary choices may play a role in managing overall health and potentially influencing glaucoma, they are not a substitute for medical treatment. Regular eye check-ups, prescribed medications, and lifestyle modifications should be discussed with an ophthalmologist or healthcare professional to craft a comprehensive plan tailored to individual needs. Everyone’s health needs are unique so that specific dietary recommendations may differ from person to person. Always consult a healthcare provider for specialized advice based on individual health conditions and concerns.
All About The Eye Condition Known As Heterochromia
On average, many patients admit that the first thing they notice about a person when they first meet them is their eye color. An alluring pair of eyes can make a lasting impression, but the most memorable are most likely the ones that are not the same.
The scientific term that refers to mismatched eye colors is heterochromia. Typically, a vet sees heterochromia in cats and dogs, but it happens in only three out of every five hundred people. Also, the eye doctors tell us that there are a few various causes and types of heterochromia.
What Are The Different Types Of Heterochromia?
Well-known examples of heterochromia are Alice Eve and Josh Henderson, who each have one green eye and one blue eye. Both of them have completely mismatched irises, regularly called complete heterochromia or heterochromia iridium. Additionally, it’s possible to have a patch of different color in one iris, which is called segmental heterochromia or heterochromia iridis. One good example of a person with this condition is Henry Cavill since his eyes are blue but he has a patch of brown in his left iris.
More frequent than either of these types is central heterochromia, which means the irises match each other, however, there’s a ring of a different color surrounding the pupils. For instance, Olivia Wilde has blue eyes with rings of brown around the center. It may not stick out the same way as the asymmetrical types of heterochromia but the impact is very extraordinary.
What Causes Heterochromia?
In many occurrences, heterochromia is a harmless genetic mutation that influences the way pigment forms in a person’s irises, but it can also come about after an injury or a disease later in life. For instance, Mila Kunis has heterochromia after a prolonged inflammation in one of her irises, but the most famous instance was David Bowie.
When Bowie was fifteen years old, he got into a fistfight with a good friend over a girl they both liked. Bowie got a punch to his left eye which permanently paralyzed the iris, resulting in anisocoria, or uneven pupils, for his entire life. Everyone thought his eye were different colors, but they weren’t. They just seemed different since the left eye was fully dilated while the right eye wasn’t.
What Does Folklore Say About Heterochromia?
Many different cultures have had different beliefs and traditions revolving around contrasting eyes. For instance, Eastern European pagans believed mismatched eyes were witch eyes, while many Native American cultures thought they were ghost eyes that gave the person the ability to see into heaven and earth. Nowadays, when we see a person with heterochromia we just think they have amazing and unique eyes.
Visit Excel Laser Vision Institute If Your Eyes Match, Or Not!
It’s probably very unlikely you will get heterochromia because of injury or disease if you weren’t born with it, but it is always a good idea to bring any changes you notice about your eyesight to our eye care team.
Discover the Full Spectrum of Color Blindness
The eye doctors can tell you that there are various ways a person can be colorblind, and it is very rare for a person to see only in black and white.
The laser eye surgeon of Excel Laser Vision Institute, Doctor Moosa, explains to us that complete color blindness is known as monochromacy, and it is so rare that only one in 33,000 gets it. For a lot of people with color blindness, it only affects specific colors, and a few factors influence which ones and the reasons for it. Let us closely examine the different types of color blindness.
What Are The Basics Of Color Vision?
When it comes to color blindness, it is critical to understand the principles of color vision. The first step in the vision process is light hitting the photoreceptors in our eyes, which appear in two types: rods and cones. Rods are good for differentiating between the quantity of light the person is seeing, which is important for things such as night vision, while cones recognize differences in color.
A person with normal vision has three types of cones that absorb light from various parts of the visible spectrum. Some process short (blue) wavelengths, some process medium (green) ones, and some process long (red) ones. It is very similar to the way tiny red, green, and blue phosphors on old TVs could come together to create millions of colors.
Do Genetics Play A Role In Color Vision?
A lot of the time, color blindness happens because of a mutation on the X chromosome. Since it’s a recessive gene, women, who usually have two X chromosomes, have two possibilities to have the gene for normal color vision. On the other hand, men only have one. A woman, who has sons, and a copy of the color blindness gene but isn’t colorblind herself could have a 50% chance of having a son that is colorblind. For this reason, about a dozen men are colorblind but only one in every 200 women is!
What Are The Types Of Color Blindness?
Although the only way for color vision to be correct is known as trichromacy, there are a few ways for it to go wrong. A person with anomalous trichromacy has all the types of cones but some of them fail, and the outcome is limited color vision almost to a point of someone with dichromacy, which means they are completely missing one type of cone.
The most common color blindness is red-green since it’s probably because the red cones (protanomaly/protanopia) or the green cones (deuteranomaly/deuteranopia) fail or they are absent. No matter what, the person sees the world as a landscape of dull brownish-yellows, and this type of color blindness affects more men than women.
Blue-yellow color blindness is the least common with only 5% of cases. Eye doctors realize that it’s this type of color blindness if tritanopia cones are missing or tritanomaly are failing. This doesn’t originate from X chromosomes and so it’s split evenly between the sexes. As a result of this type of color blindness, the person sees a palette of pinks, teals, and browns.
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.
Understand the Difference Between LASEK and LASIK Los Angeles
If you aren’t a doctor or didn’t study medical terms, it can be confusing when you come across certain medical terms and jargon. The LASIK Los Angeles eye doctors believe you should go ahead and do your research into laser eye surgery, and if you encounter something you don’t understand, don’t hesitate to ask the best LASIK surgeons in Los Angeles about the terminology. Most of the time, patients don’t know the difference between vision correction procedures that are available to them, and that also goes for the differences between LASIK and LASEK.
The LASIK surgeons Los Angeles have to admit that LASIK and LASEK are nearly identical names, which doesn’t help matter much, but there are easy, noticeable distinctions between LASEK and LASIK that patients have to understand before going ahead with laser eye surgery.
What’s Laser Eye Surgery?
Laser eye surgery is a vision correction procedure that’s purpose is to make the patient less dependent on glasses or contact lenses.
Oftentimes known as laser vision correction, laser eye surgery utilizes lasers to alter the shape of the cornea (the front surface of the eye) which provides enhanced focus. Laser eye surgery can sufficiently correct both long and short-sightedness, as well as astigmatism. Although LASIK Los Angeles is known as ‘surgery’, it doesn’t require an incision.
The two main types of laser eye surgery are LASEK and LASIK. Their fundamental difference is based on the way the top corneal layer is taken off.
What’s LASIK?
LASIK stands for Laser-Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis and is the best laser eye surgery in Los Angeles. It consists of two separate lasers. The first is a femtosecond laser that makes a thin, round flap on the cornea, which the doctor then folds back to enter the stroma or underlying part of the cornea.
When this step has been completed, the doctor utilizes an excimer laser to change the shape of the stroma. This takes away tissue from the cornea, to provide better vision and focus.
LASIK is usually a painless procedure, and both eyes can be treated in as short a time as fifteen minutes. Typically, patients recover within 24 hours.
What’s LASEK?
LASEK or Laser-Assisted Sub-Epithelial Keratectomy, also known as (LASEK), is slightly different from LASIK since the process only uses one laser. Rather than using a laser to create a flap in the top corneal layer, the eye surgeon applies an alcohol solution which helps to soften the surface layer, supporting it to be moved to the eye’s side.
When this top corneal layer has been removed, the eye surgeon can change the shape of the cornea with a laser. The top corneal layer is then brought back to its original position, and a protective contact lens is placed on the eye to magnify comfort during the healing process. In many situations, this can be taken off after four days.
Most eye surgeons will recommend LASEK to patients who have thin corneas, or other problems which may make conventional laser eye treatment complicated or risky. Similar to LASIK, both eyes can be treated on the same day, but the recovery process is a tad slower, usually lasting up to two weeks.
What’s The Difference Between LASIK And LASEK?
The most significant difference between LASIK and LASEK procedures is the method that the cornea is uncovered. With LASIK, this is carried out with a laser; when it comes to LASEK, the top layer of the cornea is removed using an alcohol solution.
Some LASIK Los Angeles patients, particularly those with thin corneas, will be told by their eye surgeons that their eyes are unsuitable for LASIK treatment and will be advised to go for a LASEK procedure.
What Are The Advantages And Disadvantages Of LASIK?
The advantages of LASIK are simple. The procedure can be done within fifteen minutes, and the patient normally recovers within 24 hours. The primary disadvantage of LASIK is the fact that patients with thin corneas are not suitable candidates for LASIK, and it’s not the most efficient procedure to treat individuals with severe short-sightedness. Also, patients who are at high risk of suffering an eye injury may want to avoid LASIK, since there is a possibility of the corneal flap being detached.
What Are The Advantages And Disadvantages Of LASEK
The best thing about LASEK is the fact that it’s suitable for all patients, and this includes those with thin corneas, pre-existing medical conditions, and severe short-sightedness.
Because the procedure does not require the eye surgeon to create a flap in the cornea, there is less risk for the patient to suffer from dry eyes than with LASIK. Also, this means LASEK patients can return to contact sports sooner than is recommended with LASIK.
LASEK’s main disadvantage is the recovery time, which is longer, and usually more uncomfortable than LASIK’s.
What’s The Cost Of LASIK VS LASEK?
Because LASIK Los Angeles needs more complex equipment to carry out a procedure compared to LASEK, the cost of the surgery is usually slightly higher. At Excel Laser Vision Institute, we have various financing options to suit your needs.
Before you decide on the type of procedure you want to do, make sure you talk to a medical professional who specializes in this sort of treatment. At Excel Laser Vision Institute, we offer free consultations, which you can book here. Or else, you can call us on (310) 905-8622, to book an appointment with us.
How Long Does Laser Eye Surgery Last?
If you have been thinking about getting laser eye surgery at Excel Laser Vision Institute’s Orange County clinic, one of the main questions you could have is how long does laser eye surgery last? Honestly, Doctor Moosa, a LASIK surgeon in Orange County, tells us that there isn’t one surefire answer to how long laser eye surgery will last a person. This is because we are all different, and similar to any procedure or surgery, the results will vary.
Also, there’s so much more that goes into it, and the experienced LASIK Orange County staff understands that choosing laser eye surgery to improve your eyesight is most likely a serious decision you’ll make. That’s why this matter is broken down in more detail down below.
How Long Does Laser Eye Surgeries Such As LASIK Last?
If you’re getting sick and tired of squinting when you have to read small print or you find yourself reaching for your glasses to read anything from an intriguing article in your favorite rag to instructions on food packaging, you may be considering laser treatment to correct your eyesight as a long-term solution. With a laser eye treatment, you will definitely improve your vision and correct most of your refractive errors because the procedure reshapes the cornea.
When Should I Consider Laser Eye Surgery?
If you are affected by the following symptoms below, you should consider a laser eye surgery procedure and ask about LASIK eye surgery cost.
If you are affected by the following symptoms, you should consider LASIK:
You get headaches when you read for a few minutes.
You lose focus when looking at the small print.
You find you always have to put your reading glasses on.
You are getting embarrassed by the fact you have to squint at labels, and you still can’t make out what they say.
When text is too close, you see it blurred.
If the above speaks to you, bear in mind you’re not alone. As we age, our eyes lose their muscular power and flexibility. When this happens, it becomes more challenging to focus on words or objects that are nearby, LASIK Orange County eye doctors refer to this condition as presbyopia. It affects a majority of people who are age 40 and over, and it usually means you have to wear glasses for reading.
Nevertheless, there’s an option to become reliant on glasses or contact lenses and Excel Laser Vision Institute has many vision correction treatments which can easily correct this common eye condition.
What Are The Top Long-Lasting Laser Eye Surgery Solutions?
Excel Laser Vision Institute has three different laser eye surgery solutions for achieving exceptional long-term vision: LASIK, LASEK, and SMILE.
LASIK: This is the most common laser eye surgery procedure. The eye surgeon uses a laser to make a flap in the eye which is lifted to help reshape the cornea.
LASEK: When a patient is not suitable for LASIK because they have dry eyes, thin corneas or serious problems with focusing. Even though LASIK makes a flap, LASEK consists of loosening the surface of the cornea and folding it back to then reshape it.
SMILE (ReLEx SMILE): It is a less invasive treatment that helps to reshape the cornea through a keyhole procedure rather than creating a flap.
How Long Should Expect LASIK, LASEK, Or SMILE To Last?
If you’re thinking about LASIK, LASEK, or SMILE and would like more information about how long laser eye surgery lasts. You’ll be happy to learn that all three eye laser procedures are permanent.
Besides the fact that these procedures are permanent, most patients who get LASIK surgery achieve 20/20 vision, which means they can see an object that’s twenty feet away. For your information, 20/20 vision is when a person has ‘normal’ eyesight, without requiring eyeglasses or contact lenses.
Nevertheless, regardless of whether you opt for LASIK, LASEK, or SMILE laser eye treatment, it is crucial to be aware of specific factors which may result in vision changing after the procedure. To be fair, there is no clear-cut answer to how long a laser eye surgery lasts. Everyone is an individual, and just like any surgery or procedure, the results will vary.
For instance, when the eye begins to age naturally it leads us to presbyopia territory, even after having laser eye surgery, some people may find we still require eyeglasses for tasks such as driving or reading small print. Although in some instances a person’s need for glasses will be significantly reduced.
Is Laser Eye Surgery A Permanent Solution For Everyone?
Bear in mind that there are other factors which can result in vision changing after the procedure such as vision slowly going back towards your original prescription, even though this is rare.
Plus, specific health conditions can affect the result of how long laser eye surgery lasts. For instance, in the unlikely probability that the surgery does not heal properly, or if hormonal imbalances happen, such as during pregnancy or menopause, or if a person has diabetes.
Another eye issue such as a cataract could also have a negative influence on a person’s eyesight after laser eye surgery.
Who’s A Good Candidate For Laser Eye Surgery?
When you have your first consultation at Excel Laser Vision Institute, your LASIK Orange County eye surgeon will assess your eyes to make sure you are a good candidate for laser eye surgery. They will be looking out for the following criteria:
A healthy eye and cornea
A constant eyeglass prescription for about two years
Can Laser Eye Surgery Correct Astigmatism?
Yes. If you have astigmatism, laser eye surgery can help you correct it. Also, it can correct short-sightedness, long-sightedness, and the symptoms of presbyopia.
If you are starting to get frustrated with your bad vision and you can’t tolerate eyeglasses or contact lenses any longer, laser eye surgery may be just the solution you’re looking for. It can help you achieve permanent vision correction, so you no longer have to live with limitations. Make sure to contact Excel Laser Vision Institute to book your free LASIK Orange County eye consultation with us today!
How To Take Care of Your Eyes After Cataract Surgery
The cataract surgeon in Los Angeles and Orange County tell us that cataract surgery is a very common surgery, and it usually takes about ten to thirty minutes to perform. Although the surgery is easy compared to other medical procedures, it’s still just as critical to take care of yourself post-surgery and give your eyes time to heal properly. Make sure you do your research and ask your surgeon some questions, especially what the recovery after surgery looks like and what it involves.
Before you meet up with your cataract surgeon at Excel Laser Vision Institute, read below what cataract surgery involves and how to best take care of your eyes after surgery.
What are Cataracts?
When an eye is infected with cataracts, there’s a cloudy film that forms over the eye’s lens and impairs a person’s vision. Cataracts can develop in one or both eyes. Some research has connected cataracts to diabetes, smoking, and alcohol abuse, but many are just a consequence of years of wear and tear to the eye.
What’s The Best Cataract Treatment?
In the beginning, patients with cataracts usually report mild symptoms that can easily be treated by glasses or contacts. However, cataracts are progressive, and as cataracts develop further, symptoms become more obvious and more challenging to treat with corrective eyewear. In the long run, the only method to effectively restore vision is to surgically replace the clouded lens with an artificial lens.
Once you know the eye surgery cost but you still feel that the concept of cataract surgery is nerve-racking, it may be encouraging to be reminded that based on information from the National Eye Institute that cataract removal is one of the safest, most effective, and most common operations performed in the United States. Around ninety percent of cataract cases report having better vision afterward.
What Does Cataract Surgery Involve?
The cataract surgeon in Los Angeles and Orange County replace the clouded lenses with intraocular lenses (IOLs). These lenses let patients receive clear vision again, usually with very limited requirements for contact lenses and eyeglasses. The procedure is carried out in thirty minutes and doesn’t require sutures.
What Happens After Cataract Surgery?
After your cataract surgery in Los Angeles or Orange County, you’ll most probably wait in a recovery room until the anesthesia starts to wear off. Even though you feel good enough to drive yourself home, the eye doctors will be strongly against this idea and recommend to all their patients to have a friend or family member drive them home after cataract surgery.
Besides the side effects of anesthesia, many people have clouded vision right after cataract surgery, which is the reason why doctors suggest you have someone else drive you home as a safety precaution.
Additionally, having a friend or family member by your side before the procedure is a good way to help you calm any nerves you may have. Also, this friend or family member can stay with you for the rest of the day as you recover.
You shouldn’t eat or drink before the surgery. Your cataract surgeon will inform you on how many hours before surgery you should stop eating and drinking. Furthermore, don’t forget to remove any contact lenses before surgery, and also removing make-up is highly recommended.
How To Take Care Of Your Eyes After Cataract Surgery?
Once you arrive home after cataract surgery, you should just take it easy. Get as much rest as you can. Eye doctors even tell their patients to take a nap when they get home if they can. If you see any bruising around the eye from the anesthesia, or popped blood vessels from the pressure your eyes went through, don’t be concerned. These side effects should go away on their own within a few days.
After you’ve had a good rest of at least a couple of hours at home, you can go ahead and watch some television, bathe or shower, and work on the computer. However, you should avoid swimming pools and hot tubs for up to one week. Over the next few weeks, you shouldn’t do activities that may result in getting dirt or dust in your eyes, such as dusting or gardening.
Furthermore, doctors usually advise patients to avoid cooking for at least a week after cataract surgery. The reason being is that cooking could irritate your eyes as they recover from cataract surgery. As you cook, steam and water could get to your eyes. Although this is not something you would normally be concerned about, it’s important that your eyes don’t become wet for a week after cataract surgery. Plus, patients are also told to avoid extreme heat, something that exists when cooking. Because of the above explanations, you shouldn’t cook for at least a week after cataract surgery.
Make Sure To Take Your Medications
If your eye doctor prescribed antibiotic eye drops, take them for the entire course as prescribed, even if your eyes feel normal. The eye drops help the healing process and help hinder infection. You’ll have to attend several visits with your ophthalmologist in the next few days and weeks after cataract surgery. Your doctor will examine your eyes to confirm that everything is healing as expected. Also, you will be fitted with a new pair of glasses, if you need them.
You should do your best to follow the instructions above to make sure your cataract surgery goes ahead smoothly without or with very few complications to worry about. This will help you recover much faster and help you get back to your normal routine quicker. If you have any particular questions about getting over cataract surgery, the teams at Excel Laser Vision Institute’s Los Angeles and Orange County clinics are ready and happy to answer them.
How To Reduce The Possible Pain and Discomfort After A LASIK Procedure?
Doctor Moosa, a Lasik Los Angeles surgeon, wants to make it perfectly clear that LASIK is the safest and most successful surgical procedure anyone can undergo. Overall, the recovery time after LASIK is very quick and comfortable, particularly when there are no complications during the surgery itself.
At Excel Laser Vision Institute, LASIK pain and discomfort is nevertheless a possible risk; however, we reduce that risk by utilizing only the most state-of-the-art laser vision correction technologies and techniques. Also, our LASIK eye surgeons use a thorough screening process that makes sure that only the most suitable candidates will be submitted to undergo the procedure.
At Excel Laser Vision Institute, you’ll find a cutting-edge LASIK Los Angeles eye care facility that always puts patient safety, comfort, and overall satisfaction above everything else.
Although when you get your corrective eye surgery done, our team will do everything possible to make sure you have a fast, comfortable recovery, you will have obligations as a patient, too. You will be handed a set of instructions on the dos and don’ts, and you have to follow it to a ‘T’ to ensure you make your healing process as free from stress and discomfort as possible.
What Does LASIK Surgery Involve?
As mentioned above, LASIK is the safest and most effective surgical procedure in the world. People who experience blurry vision because of farsightedness, nearsightedness, and astigmatism are suitable candidates for traditional LASIK, custom LASIK (which includes the use of wavefront mapping to correct higher-order aberrations), or bladeless LASIK (which is the use of a femtosecond laser rather than a blade microkeratome to make the corneal flap to get clear vision. Nonetheless, regardless of the LASIK treatment patients opt for, there are still those who report some level of discomfort after surgery.
What’s Basic Discomfort After LASIK Surgery?
Once you have found out the Lasik eye surgery cost and decide to go through the LASIK Los Angeles procedure, you should keep in mind what to expect. Fortunately, severe pain after LASIK surgery is very rare and should not be anticipated on the whole. Nonetheless, some minor discomfort and soreness can be expected. This discomfort could be burning or itchiness, and more commonly, patients experience a sensation of something foreign in their eyes.
Additionally, patients may feel sensitive to light and experience extreme tearing throughout the first few hours after surgery.
Your Harvard-trained LASIK surgeon, Dr. Ferzaad Moosa, may prescribe you a pain reliever to help alleviate this discomfort. Also, you may find using liquid tears handy in managing any burning, itching, or redness that you’re feeling. Overall, though, these unwanted side effects will lessen within three days, if not within a couple of hours after your surgery.
What’s Severe Pain After LASIK Surgery?
Even though it’s very rare, severe pain has been reported by some patients after LASIK surgery. If you ever experience severe pain, particularly if it’s followed by tearing, you should get in touch with your eye care clinic as soon as possible. You should be seen immediately so that an eye doctor can diagnose the reason for your pain. The most common reason for severe pain is flap distortion and other flap-related issues, which can be fixed.
One of the most prevalent causes of flap issues is a failure to follow post-operative instructions. For example, patients should not rub their eyes within a week of surgery, no matter how itchy or irritated their can might get. When you rub your eyes right after LASIK surgery, you could cause the corneal flap to become dislodged. Similarly, patients should stay away from streaming water coming into contact with the eyes, for instance, which can happen during a shower. When these instructions are not followed, it can lead to painful flap-related conditions.
Other Ways To Reduce Pain And Discomfort
Here are other methods you can alleviate discomfort immediately after your LASIK surgery.
Take A Nap Right After Surgery
When surgery is being performed, the eye surgeon applies numbing eye drops to the patient’s eyes. These drops stop any discomfort during the actual procedure. So, patients only feel pressure on the eye while the surgeon creates the corneal flap and the cornea tissue is reshaped. Nevertheless, when the numbing eye drops wear off, which usually happens within an hour after surgery, patients start to feel discomfort. The pain is normally its worst for a few hours after the numbing medication loses its effects.
While this is happening, eye doctors will recommend taking a nap. When you keep your eyes closed, the eyelid is halted from rubbing against the healing corneal flap. Plus, the eyes will probably not dry out when they are closed.
Despite the fact that patients may feel they can’t take a nap, particularly if the surgery is carried out in the morning, the calming medication that is distributed before surgery can lead to patients feeling drowsy after surgery. When patients take advantage of this fatigue, they can sleep through this time that’s linked to the highest level of discomfort.
Apply Lubricating Eye Drops
Even though most of the discomfort is gone by the next morning after surgery, some patients say they experience a dry, gritty feeling in their eyes. Applying lubricating eye drops can ease this kind of discomfort. Make sure to check the eye drop’s label to prevent overuse.
Take Pain Medication
Patients should be ready to take pain medications before any discomfort appears. Most patients take their first dose of medication instantly before or after surgery is completed. When this is done, the pain medication takes effect before the numbing eye drops wear off.
Patients should make it a point to take the second dose of pain medication on time instead of waiting for any pain to become apparent because discomfort is normally at its worst the day the surgery is performed, pain medication should be taken based on the label’s instructions for the first day after surgery.
At Excel Laser Vision Institute, LASIK eye surgery enhances your vision. Nevertheless, proper care has to be taken before and after the LASIK surgery. If you want to know more about LASIK Los Angeles surgery, please do not hesitate to call us at (866) 923-9235.
