Info Articles

LASIK Experts Evaluate the Safety of VR Headsets

LASIK experts in Orange County such as those at Excel Laser Vision Institute have observed that, with more time inside, people have been increasing their daily screen time. All day, people are working from home on their computer or laptop and then taking breaks by looking at their phone or watching TV. We live in a world of screens. For many people, it’s their main source of productivity and entertainment. It’s no wonder that our screens are getting more and more technologically complex. The invention of virtual reality (VR) headsets is proof of this. 

According to Doctor Moosa, a LASIK surgeon in Orange County, too much screen time can be hard on our eyes. It can cause eye strain, fatigue, and dry eye. This is the main reason why eye doctors will recommend taking regular breaks and blinking often when using a digital device. So, how does this translate to VR headsets? Virtual reality has been around for a long time but it has become a commercial success only recently. Since 2020 began, about 71% of Americans started using VR headsets more. As a more immersive digital device, some consumers are wondering if VR is more damaging to our vision than our normal screens. Will everybody be needing LASIK eye surgery after consistently playing with virtual reality? The answer is not cut and dried.

VR headsets can simulate a 360 degree experience that immerses the user in a new world. Instead of looking at a flat screen, the user wears goggles that are constructed with different displays. Each display is given a separate video feed that seamlessly transitions into the next. This presents the illusion of being in a new, 3D environment. Virtual reality can offer a fun, interactive experience for working out, gaming, or simulating adventure. However, it can also affect our bodies. Some users report feeling overwhelmed and nauseous by the VR perspective. This is known as cybersickness.

In terms of affecting vision, Orange County LASIK experts say that VR does not pose a significant danger to our eye health. However, like anything, it requires moderation. VR participants may experience digital eye strain because of decreased blinking. This can lead to dry eye and fatigue, much like with normal screens. The best way to avoid these symptoms is to take frequent breaks and focus our eyes on things in the real world. 

Another thing to keep in mind with VR headsets is that they can affect people with strabismus (wandering eye) or amblyopia (lazy eye). With these conditions, the 3D effects of virtual reality may not be as striking. Plus, using VR with these conditions may lead to greater eye fatigue due to the lack of depth perception. Users who wear glasses may also run into some issues when using VR headsets. Not all headsets are built to accommodate glasses and thus may be uncomfortable for the user. Unfortunately, VR has not been constructed to accommodate the user’s vision needs. So, if they are nearsighted, farsighted, or have astigmatism, they are still required to wear their prescription to enjoy the experience. 

If you have a refractive error and would like to enjoy VR without contacts or glasses, then schedule a consultation at Excel Laser Vision Institute. We can discuss laser eye surgery, one of the most innovative vision correction alternatives on the market. Achieve your vision goals with us today! 

LASIK Experts Discuss What Shingles Does to the Eyes

Some of us may be familiar with the viral infection known as shingles. It’s often referred to as “chickenpox for adults.” However, many people don’t know that shingles (otherwise known as herpes zoster) can affect eye health. According to LASIK experts in Orange County, the viral infection can lead to eye problems such as cataracts, glaucoma, and scarring of the cornea.

The reason that shingles is likened to chickenpox is because both infections are caused by the varicella-zoster virus. This virus can actually remain dormant in a person’s body. If, for example, someone had and recovered from chickenpox as a child, then that virus may be reactivated as shingles later in life. Experts who perform laser eye surgery in Orange County say that shingles affects about 1 in 3 Americans each year. 

For the most part, shingles affects people later in life. Usually, after age 50. Medical experts believe that the natural decline in a person’s immune system is one of the reasons the virus becomes activated. When your immune system weakens over time, it may not be able to recognize certain viruses or know how to attack them. Other conditions that affect your chances of developing shingles include auto-immune diseases, HIV, and cancer. If you are taking steroids, transplant medications, or chemotherapy drugs, you may also be susceptible to the virus. 

Shingles manifests in a variety of ways. Here are some of the most common symptoms that you might notice:

• Burning, tingling, or numb skin
• Skin sensitivity
• Painful rashes 
• Fever and chills
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Upset stomach
• Fluid-filled blisters
• Mild itching 

According to Doctor Moosa, a LASIK surgeon in Orange County, 10-20% of people who get shingles can also develop ophthalmic herpes zoster, which is shingles around the eyes. This can lead to cataracts, corneal scarring, glaucoma, and vision loss. If left untreated, the virus can affect the nerves of the eye, causing symptoms such as:

• Dry eye
• Blurry vision
• Redness/rashes in and around the eye
• Face tingling
• Pink eye 
• Throbbing pain
• Light sensitivity
• Optic nerve swelling

Fortunately, there are some treatments available to those with ophthalmic herpes zoster. Antiviral medications  may be given within the first 72 hours of a patient showing symptoms. Numbing medicine or cream may help relieve uncomfortable symptoms. Painkillers may also be given to relieve the patient, although they will not stop the infection itself. Hydrating eye drops, cooling compresses, and anti-bacterial eye drops will help target symptoms affecting the eye. 

If shingles have affected your eyes, then you may require procedures such as cataract surgery from a LASIK clinic. Be sure to contact your eye doctor in Orange County such as Doctor Moosa immediately after noticing symptoms. The eyes are a sensitive part of the body, which means that they require excellent care and attention. The effects of shingles may last a long time if your eyes are having a hard time healing. Follow the care routine set in place by your doctor and schedule regular checkups to track your progress. Shingles typically last 2-4 weeks and, while it is possible to get it more than once, most people don’t. 

How Hormones Affect Vision and LASIK

Hormones are responsible for many processes in our body, including growth, metabolism, and even vision. As we age and go through bodily changes like pregnancy, our hormones can shift slightly, altering the quality of our eye sight. It’s no wonder that prospective patients for LASIK are examined closely and consulted on any current physical conditions before their surgeon will move forward with the procedure.

Different kinds of hormones carry out different functions in our body. When levels are unbalanced due to pregnancy or other conditions, this can affect a patient’s natural prescription. Those who are interested in laser vision correction in Los Angeles will be vetted thoroughly to ensure that hormonal imbalance, among other things, is not an issue. Here are some of the critical hormones that can affect our state of vision:

• Testosterone
• Progesterone
• Estrogen
• Insulin
• Gonadotropin-releasing hormone 
• Thyroid hormones: tetraiodothyronine and triiodothyronine 

Hormonal changes may happen as a result of age, such as menopause, or from a condition such as diabetes. People may experience slight or drastic changes in their hormones that affect their vision through a variety of life events. Here are some of them: 

• During puberty, Gonadotropin-releasing hormone travels to the pituitary gland and begins the release of other hormones. Pre-teens may experience growth spurts that temporarily change the shape of their eyeball, which can cause nearsightedness. Patients must be at least 18 years of age to get LASIK in Los  Angeles, which helps eliminate the risk of hormonal imbalance from this stage of maturation. 

• During pregnancy, fluctuations in progesterone and estrogen can affect the glands of the eyelids and eyes. This may cause symptoms of irritation such as dry eye. Estrogen may also change the shape of the cornea, which can cause a temporary vision impairment. Usually, this is reversed after pregnancy, which is why doctors suggest waiting for hormones to rebalance before getting your corrective eye surgery. 

• During menopause, eyes may become drier and less elastic as a result of a decrease in estrogen. This can lead to a more serious case of dry eye or even blurred vision. Women who have reached menopause may also have a higher level of intraocular pressure that could increase their chances of developing glaucoma. Eye care is especially crucial during this time of life to preserve vision and health. 

• Middle-aged men may experience a drop in testosterone levels, which can lead to blurred vision and dry eye. This hormonal shift is similar to the stage of menopause for women. Men who are experiencing issues with creating moisture in their tear ducts should seek out an eye care professional for an expert opinion. 

• Anyone with excessively low or excessively high thyroid hormones will also experience vision changes. High levels of the T4 hormone can actually increase a patient’s risk of age-related macular degeneration. Thyroid hormones can also affect the cells responsible for color vision. 

• Anyone with diabetes may notice excessive dry eye as a result of low insulin levels. This affects both type 1 and type 2 diabetes patients. If you are interested in getting laser eye surgery and have diabetes, then you should definitely consult an expert on your condition. Some patients may not be eligible for LASIK, but may qualify for an alternative refractive surgery. 

The Role of Artificial Intelligence in LASIK

Our world is no stranger to artificial intelligence. Technology like Siri, face recognition, and geo targeted ads are perfect examples of how artificial intelligence has been slowly integrated into our day-to-day life. AI can do more than entertain. It provides convenience, security, and precision. For that reason, it has proven to be a valuable asset in the healthcare world, specifically for eye care procedures like LASIK.

By definition, artificial intelligence is a form of technology that mimics human behavior and thought-processes. AI can “learn” much like humans by sifting through the given data while following its programmed course. In the healthcare system, AI is used to analyze medical imaging. Technology has advanced so that artificial intelligence can now detect certain skin and lung cancers as well as tuberculosis from x-rays.

Ophthalmologists who perform laser eye surgery in Los Angeles say that artificial intelligence has played a part in preventing blindness. AI can be applied to optical coherence tomography and visual fields as well as fundus photographs to identify diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, and other health issues in the eye. Here are some more examples of artificial intelligence being used in eye care: 

• One British AI company is working with a hospital in London to identify the development of exudative age-related macular degeneration. 
• Researchers at a specialty hospital in New York have created an algorithm for AI to identify age-related macular degeneration in patients. This solution is both convenient and inexpensive, given that the required technology is basic. 
• One Dutch-American retinal specialist created the first autonomous diagnosis system for diabetic retinopathy, which was approved for use in the U.S. in 2018. 

As you can see, artificial intelligence is slowly transforming the world we live in through bettering healthcare practices. In the world of eye care, AI is particularly useful for its effectiveness in analyzing images. Eye exams at a LASIK eye center such as Excel Laser Vision Institute in Los Angeles require high-quality images and maps of the patient’s eyes. With the right algorithm, artificial intelligence can be taught to detect diseases during these routine exams and help prevent the onset of blindness. AI may also eventually allow for remote imaging in the future. 

There are some limitations to AI which can be supplemented by other technology and manual skills. When you receive LASIK in Los Angeles, you are not given over entirely to an automatic machine. On the contrary, there is an experienced surgeon monitoring and controlling the instruments that correct your refractive error. In this way, machines and humans can work together to help patients achieve their vision goals. When utilizing AI in procedures like LASIK, eye surgeons can improve the speed, precision, and effectiveness of the surgery. 

While artificial intelligence is an impressive feat for mankind, it is no replacement for the human brain. The existence of increasingly technical AI is exciting, but it does not signal the end of medical professionals. Rest assured, you will still have your eye doctor. Instead of replacing the skills of ophthalmologists, AI operates as a high-functioning aid for exams, diagnoses, and treatments. Statistics show that diabetic retinopathy scans controlled by AI are 95.7% accurate at detecting damage that requires a specialist referral and 100% accurate at detecting moderate to severe forms of the disease that might lead to vision loss. As we move into the future, AI moves with us and allows us to achieve greater things than we could have ever imagined. 

Learn About Contoura LASIK Recovery and its Origins as a Refractive Surgery

As one of the most popular and successful elective surgeries, LASIK is taking the nation by storm. Many people don’t realize that there are different forms of LASIK, from the very traditional blade LASIK to bladeless to topography-guided. We are here to discuss the origins of topography-guided LASIK as well as Contoura LASIK recovery in order to help you understand the level of innovation that this refractive surgery has achieved over the years. 

LASIK is a well-established refractive surgery that has been used to correct astigmatism, nearsightedness, and farsightedness for decades. In the last 30 years, laser eye technology has significantly improved to more precisely treat refractive errors according to each patient’s needs. Topography-guided LASIK, or Contoura LASIK, can measure not only the curvature of a patient’s cornea but pinpoint minuscule imperfections in this corneal topography in order to better achieve their vision goals.

The Origins of Contoura 

In order to understand the origins of Contoura, we must first review the history of laser eye surgery in general. Around 1990 is the time that photorefractive keratectomy or PRK was created by European eye doctors. These refractive surgery experts sought to improve vision correction procedures by integrating new strategies and techniques. Once the creation of the corneal flap became known, traditional LASIK eye surgery started to develop. PRK was approved by the FDA in 1995 and is still used today as an alternative to LASIK. Patients with thinner corneas may be better suited to PRK because it conserves eye tissue. However, PRK can also require a longer time to heal from, unlike Contoura LASIK recovery. 

Traditional LASIK was finally approved in 1999 and offered a shorter recovery period as well as a greater range of accuracy. Since then, technology like Wavefront-guided lasers have entered the scene to create more precise LASIK procedures. Wavefront-guided LASIK was available by 2003 and provided a more custom approach to vision correction. Patients raved about LASIK because it targeted their individual vision problems and achieved long-term results. 

If you’re already excited about laser correction and are looking up “Contoura LASIK near me,” then you should know that the FDA approved Contoura in 2015. This topography-guided version of LASIK utilizes advanced technology that can essentially map out the patient’s cornea and create a custom procedure to correct their refractive errors. According to experts, this technology pinpoints over 22,000 elevation spots on the cornea which can then be analyzed and recorded on the surgeon’s computer. This information helps direct the laser beam during the procedure, which in turn leads to more precise correction. Traditional LASIK corrects the general shape of the cornea whereas Contoura LASIK adjusts specific defects on the surface of the cornea which affect the texture. The technology allows patients to achieve clearer vision than they’ve ever experienced with contact lenses or glasses.

Contoura LASIK Candidates

If you are interested in getting Contoura LASIK, then you may be wondering if you qualify for the procedure. Much like any other refractive surgery, Contoura requires patients to be seen by a professional eye surgeon for an evaluation and consultation. Not all patients are eligible for the procedure because of their corneal thickness, symptoms of dry eye, and general health. However, this refractive surgery is very advanced and therefore can account for many different eye conditions. The best way to find out if you can receive Contoura LASIK is to visit a LASIK clinic and speak to an expert. Here are some of the factors that they will keep in mind during your exam and consultation: 

• Your level of prescription
• Your corneal thickness
• Your pupil size
• Your family health history
• Your personal health level 
• Your eye sensitivity

Topography-Guided LASIK Surgery

In the case that you do qualify for Contoura, you are probably wondering what to expect from this procedure. The good news is that, like many refractive surgeries, it is brief but effective. Contoura LASIK can last fifteen to twenty minutes and is generally said to be free of any discomfort. Most patients see a noticeable difference in their visual acuity directly after the procedure and it continues to improve as the eyes heal. Recovery times vary from person to person but many patients are able to return to their daily routines in the next few days. Full visual acuity will return within the next few months of recovery. Here are some more tips for your surgery day: 

• Avoid wearing contact lenses for a few weeks before your appointment (your surgeon will direct you if needed). 
• Have a designated driver to get you home after the surgery and pick up any medications or eye drops that you may need. 
• Come to your surgery appointment in comfortable clothes with no makeup. 
• Maintain proper eye care as directed by your surgeon and avoid rubbing your eyes. 
• Directly after your surgery, you will want to rest with protective eye shields and lubricating drops at the ready. 
• Notice any lingering symptoms after the surgery such as red-eye, watery eyes, or dry eye and report them to your surgeon during post-operative check-ups. 
• Avoid any activities that may risk injury to the eye and ask your surgeon before returning to more athletic activities. 

Achieve Your Vision Goals

Patients who receive Contoura Vision LASIK are often amazed at how well they can see after the procedure. Some say that their vision is even better than wearing prescription glasses or contacts. Contoura LASIK is also known for reducing the severity of light sensitivity, glare, and troubled night vision. Around ninety-two percent of patients who have had Contoura LASIK report a visual acuity of 20/20 or better after 12 months. With these statistics, Contoura LASIK is certainly a worthwhile investment. 

If you are dealing with nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism, then visit a LASIK clinic to ask about Contoura Vision. You might be surprised to learn that the procedure is more affordable than ever. With financial packages and aid, many patients are able to achieve their vision goals without breaking the bank. In fact, if you add up the accumulating costs of wearing glasses or contacts, LASIK eye surgery is actually cheaper in the long run! 

LASIK Surgery Will Save You from Having to Deal with Foggy Glasses

One of the reasons that so many people get excited about LASIK surgery in Los Angeles is that it can often free an individual from wearing contacts or glasses. This independence from corrective lenses is not only convenient; it’s life-changing. With recent health orders asking people to wear facemasks in public, more and more individuals that rely on glasses are struggling with the common problem of foggy glasses. 

Foggy glasses are hard to avoid when a face covering is necessary for most public spaces, especially now that we are entering the winter season. Even with masks that have tight, bendable nose bridges, air escapes and obstructs the vision of anyone wearing glasses. This is both inconvenient and dangerous. People walking in public, driving, and working can not effectively see because they are constantly dealing with foggy glasses. Plus, their risk of contracting a virus increases with the amount of adjusting they must do to compensate for this fogging-up problem. Many people are starting to search for the best laser eye surgery in Los Angeles as a long-term solution.

When the world was first struck with a new virus, many people were warned against wearing contact lenses. Glasses were a safer alternative because they did not require direct contact with the eye. This recommendation still stands. However, glasses present their own problems. Besides fogging up, glasses are easily breakable and can be lost, making it difficult for people to always rely on them. There are some temporary solutions to glasses fogging up, like using soap and water to wash the lenses or an anti-fog spray. However, these are not fool-proof solutions and can only provide so much of a barrier from moisture. 

According to LASIK experts such as Doctor Moosa, the key to foggy glasses is that our breath is both warm and moist. This presents the same problem as a car windshield in the wintertime. When exhaling with a mask on, the water vapor is trapped and concentrated. All it takes is a little gap in our facemasks to cause this air to shoot upward onto our prescription lenses. The surface tension of the droplets causes them to spread like a thin film. The fog will only last until the water evaporates. However, by then, you have probably exhaled again and the fogging process begins all over again. 

Fortunately, foggy glasses do not have to become the norm during this time. Many people are looking into LASIK as a permanent method of vision correction so that they may be less dependent on other means. LASIK eye surgery cost is more affordable than ever, especially with various financial plans available. If you are interested in laser eye surgery, then you can schedule an appointment with a LASIK clinic for an eye exam and consultation. Make sure to ask all of your burning questions about the procedure, such as how long does it take and how much is laser eye surgery. You will be well taken care of by experts and guided through the process to reach your vision goals. 

Am I Too Old to Get LASIK Surgery? Debunking the Age-Limit Myth

In order to qualify patients for laser eye surgery, there are certain guidelines that LASIK clinics in Los Angeles must follow. One of the guidelines states that you must be 18 years of age or older to receive the procedure. However, there is no age-limit to receive laser eye surgery. 

According to Doctor Moosa, one of the best LASIK surgeons in Los Angeles, individuals in their 40’s, 50’s, and 60’s may very well be good candidates for laser eye surgery, depending on other factors like eye health. Generally, people under 18 are not considered good candidates because their eyesight is not within a stable prescription yet. Many people, even in their twenties, are asked to wait until their prescriptions have not changed for up to a year before committing to the procedure. However, there is currently no age limit that restricts qualified patients.

LASIK eye surgery can treat myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. In patients over 40, LASIK surgeons see a trend of presbyopia, which is age-related farsightedness. This can affect the flexibility of the eye lens and cause blurry vision. Fortunately, presbyopia as a condition does not immediately disqualify patients for LASIK eye surgery. There are methods by which a LASIK surgeon can still correct refractive errors and reduce dependency on corrective lenses.

Once individuals reach age 55, they may start to develop cataracts which cause lens clouding and blurriness. LASIK cannot treat cataracts, but patients may undergo cataract surgery and then consider LASIK surgery after, in order to further treat farsightedness, nearsightedness, or astigmatism. Therefore, LASIK may still be an available option, even for patients who are at an older age and are experiencing certain age-related conditions.  

Besides being 18 years or older, there is no age requirement for LASIK patients. When evaluating a patient for laser eye surgery, doctors will consider their prescription, eye health, and general health. As long as someone has no medical conditions that will interfere with the surgery, they may very well be eligible for LASIK. The only way to know for sure is to speak to a qualified LASIK surgeon. When you go in for a consultation, you may ask questions like “how much is LASIK surgery?” and “how long does the procedure last?”. This is the perfect time to get clear on your vision goals and learn how refractive surgery can help you get there. Many people are fortunate enough to receive 20/20 vision after LASIK and can live independently from their glasses or contacts. 

While age limits may not exist for laser eye surgery, there are other factors that may disqualify a patient for LASIK eye surgery. Here are some of them: 

• Thin corneas – Patients with thin corneas may be better suited to alternatives like PRK.
• Medical conditions – Patients with autoimmune disorders or diabetes may have to take medications that could interfere with LASIK healing. Consult a LASIK specialist to see if your medical condition disqualifies you as a candidate. 
• Eye diseases – Patients with corneal diseases, severe dry eye syndrome, amblyopia, keratoconus, glaucoma, and cataracts may not be eligible for LASIK eye surgery. However, in the case of cataracts, patients may be able to receive treatment for their condition and then be eligible for LASIK after. 
• Eye infections or injuries – Patients that have suffered trauma to the eye or are fighting off infection may not be eligible for LASIK. However, they may be redirected to come back to the clinic for an evaluation after their eyes have fully healed. 
• Pregnancy or nursing – Patients that are pregnant or currently nursing are not considered eligible for LASIK because of the hormonal fluctuations in their body. They may be eligible to receive laser eye surgery once their hormones have rebalanced. 

What to Expect After Your LASIK Surgery

When you visit a LASIK clinic in Los Angeles particularly Excel Laser Vision Institute, you will be attended with the utmost respect and care. This is one of the reasons why laser eye surgery has become such a popular vision-correcting alternative in recent years. Not only is it precise and accurate, but most patients describe feeling safe and comfortable throughout the whole process.

Your surgeon at a LASIK eye center will first conduct a thorough examination of your eye in order to determine if you are eligible for the procedure. Once you are cleared as a qualified LASIK patient, they will run through the surgery with you in order to help you prepare mentally and physically. Typically, surgeons will ask that you come into the surgery wearing comfortable clothes with no makeup on and a designated driver to get you home. They will describe the various instruments that will be used to correct your refractive error and answer any questions you have about the surgery. 

If you don’t have much experience with laser eye surgery, then it is important to ask as many questions as you can. This will help ease your mind for the day of the surgery and allow you to relax fully during the procedure. As you may or may not know, LASIK is known for being quick and painless. Some patients are done in under fifteen minutes and get to experience immediate results! Depending on your vision goals and the extent of your refractive error, your surgery and recovery process may vary. However, this is what most patients at a LASIK clinic will experience after their surgery:  

• Improved vision immediately after the surgery – Not 100% clear, but astonishing for some patients who have relied on contacts or glasses for so long. Patients have described it as opening your eyes underwater. 
• Ability to drive after 24 hours – Patients are asked to bring a designated driver with them to the surgery. Once it is finished, they typically notice their vision clearing up in the next few hours. Most patients can return to their normal routine in the next day or so. 
• Protective shields – Many LASIK doctors recommend protective shields to their patients after the surgery to protect their eyes from injury and light sensitivity. This will be assigned for a certain period of time, depending on your eye needs. 
• Prescription eye drops – In order to prevent infection and minimize inflammation, LASIK doctors will often prescribe eye drops to their patients. They may also recommend non-prescription drops to lubricate the eyes if any dry eye symptoms are noticed. 
• Post-surgery rest – Patients typically describe LASIK as painless because the procedure is completed with the help of numbing drops and medications. However, once the anesthesia wears off, there may be some initial discomfort during recovery. In addition to eye drops and protective shields, LASIK doctors recommend that patients close their eyes and rest for the first four hours after their surgery. 
• Post-surgery check-ups – LASIK patients can expect to have a post-op check-up on the day after their surgery. This is to ensure that the healing process is running smoothly and the surgical treatment is satisfactory. Patients will likely have a second check-up a week later. Make sure to tell your doctor about any symptoms that you may have noticed and ask any questions about the recovery process. 

LASIK Eye Surgery Near Me

If you are looking for a qualified surgeon to correct your vision errors, then look no further than Dr. Moosa at the Excel Laser Vision Institute. As a Harvard-trained surgeon with thousands of surgeries under his belt, Dr. Moosa has the experience and the confidence to help you achieve your vision goals. Excel Laser Vision Institute has offices in Los Angeles and Orange County. 

What Your Eyes Reveal About Your Health: LASIK Experts in Orange County Explore Possible Signs of Alzheimer’s

Can our eyes predict our overall health? This is the question that many ophthalmologists are asking now that new studies have shown a perceptible link between brain health and retinal changes. Eye examinations have long been important for detecting ocular diseases like glaucoma and macular degeneration but according to Doctor Moosa, one of the top ten LASIK experts in Orange County, our eyes may be able to tell us more about our overall health.

For decades, medical professionals have been using fundus exams, which examine the back of your eye, to discover early signs of diabetes, heart disease, and cancerous tumors. These examinations focus on the nerve cells and blood vessels in the retina in order to gather greater information about bodily health. Everything in our body is connected to or reliant on another part, which is why it makes sense that our eye health would affect or reflect other aspects of our physical functioning.

Laser eye surgery clinics in Orange County specifically Excel Laser Vision Institute have been following a recent study in the U.K. which hypothesizes a link between retinal changes and Alzheimer’s disease. For the study, researchers conducted retinal scans on one hundred and twenty subjects, all considered to be elderly. In twenty-five percent of the subjects with Alzheimer’s disease, researchers found yellow deposits of calcium and fat in their eye examinations. Only four percent of subjects without Alzheimer’s displayed this same symptom.

Calcium and fat deposits behind the eye, otherwise known as hard drusen, are signs of oxidative stress. This means that there is an imbalance between antioxidant defenses and free radicals in the body. While this does not pose a threat to vision, it does suggest a risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. If you speak to a LASIK surgeon about oxidative stress, you will learn that this condition often implicates other health concerns like high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, atherosclerosis, inflammatory issues, cancer, and Parkinson’s disease.

While following this U.K. study, LASIK clinics in Orange County specifically Excel Laser Vision Institute learned that the patients with Alzheimer’s also tended to reveal thicker blood vessels in their examinations, which suggests that they had poor circulation and blood flow. This is a known risk factor of Alzheimer’s and plays a large role in memory loss. This study has shown that there may be more ways to detect early signs of Alzheimer’s and perhaps even prevent it from developing in certain individuals. Currently, there is no one, conclusive test to diagnose Alzheimer’s. However, this study provides a greater range of knowledge and tools to help fight against it.  

Since our eyes do so much for our day-to-day and reveal much about our health, it is important to have yearly eye exams in order to monitor their progress. Search “LASIK surgeons near me” to find a clinic where you can schedule a full examination and consultation about your vision needs. LASIK eye surgery is known to treat refractive errors such as astigmatism, nearsightedness, and farsightedness. Many patients are even able to achieve 20/20 vision or better. Say goodbye to glasses and contacts and hello to clear vision!  

How to Better Care For Your Eyes: From Lifestyle Changes to Cataract Surgery

It’s easy to take our eyes for granted. Every day of our lives we rely on our vision, from the most baseline activities to our passions and work. Very often, people forget how important this is until some part of their eyesight is compromised. Fortunately, technology can help us out when this happens. Procedures like LASIK and cataract surgery in Los Angeles allow people to regain clarity of sight and move forward with their lives.  

Since our eyes contribute so much to our quality of life, we have to maintain ocular health in order to maintain ocular function. This is true for almost anyone, regardless of measured visual acuity. Those looking into laser vision correction in Los Angeles need healthy eyes just as much as people who have never worn a corrective lens in their life. Here are some of the ways that we can take better care of our eyes: 

Eating a well-balanced diet

Diet affects nearly every aspect of our health, including our eyes. There are certain foods that will promote healthy eyes such as green leafy vegetables and yellow vegetables. Fruits that are high in vitamin C can contribute to healthy blood vessels and combat cataracts. Omega 3 fatty acids have been shown to improve eye pressure and reduce the risk of glaucoma. These can be found in halibut, salmon, and tuna. 

Getting enough exercise

According to corrective eye surgery experts, exercise can play a large role in eye health as well. Many people don’t realize that conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes can often lead to chronic eye issues that damage vision. In order to lower your risk of developing these problems, it is imperative that you follow regular health-conscious practices according to your personal needs. 

Protecting your eyes from the sun

Many patients who receive cataract surgery in Los Angeles have been told that UVA and UVB protection is the key to preventing cataract development. While spending time outside is great for most people’s health, it is important to limit sun exposure to the eyes. Other eye conditions that can develop as a result of harmful sun rays are corneal growths, keratitis, and age-related macular degeneration.   

Filtering blue light 

In this digital age that we live in, it’s hard to get away from screens. We are constantly on our phones, tablets, and computers. Then, when we get home, we watch TV. Unfortunately, these screens emit a high energy blue light that can damage eyes over time. The best way to offset this exposure is to take supplements like zeaxanthin and lutein. You can also take frequent breaks to look at something off the screen and blink more often. 

Practicing good ocular hygiene 

There are certain things that we do without thinking and one of those is touching our eyes. Whether we feel an itch or we are adjusting our contacts, it’s easy to reach up and rub around the area without thinking. However, our eyes are very sensitive and require the utmost care at all times. In order to protect your eyes from any irritants, it is important to always wash your hands before making contact with them and never use rough motions. 

Getting laser eye surgery

It’s important to understand our limitations when it comes to eyesight. If you are someone who has worn contacts and glasses all your life or most of your life, then you know that having a refractive error can affect your day to day life. Fortunately, advancements in technology and ocular knowledge have allowed us access to procedures like LASIK. This vision correction alternative is a long-term solution that often eliminates the need for contacts or glasses entirely. For people with contact lens intolerance or who often suffer from fogged up glasses, this is life-changing. Contact a LASIK clinic near you to schedule a consultation with a surgeon. You can ask them questions like, “How much does LASIK cost?” and “How long does LASIK last?” They will walk you through every aspect of the procedure and determine whether or not you qualify for this form of vision correction.