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Pregnancy is a joyful time, full of expectations and hope, but it can also take a toll on your body. Along with nausea, backaches and mood swings, you may find your vision affected too. LASIK surgery is the most popular choice for vision correction, but you should avoid getting it done during your pregnancy.

Let’s look at some of the ways in which being pregnant could affect your eyes and why LASIK vision correction should be conducted either before or after your pregnancy.

8 Ways in Which Pregnancy Might Affect Your Vision

Here are some common eye-related issues women face during pregnancy:

  1. Dry Eyes – Your eyes might feel dry during pregnancy and while breastfeeding, as a result of hormonal changes. This is temporary, so ask your doctor about lubricating eye drops to help keep your eyes moist and comfortable.
  2. Vision Changes – Hormonal surges can cause changes in power during pregnancy, but this is also temporary. Your vision should return to normal within a few weeks after giving birth, but get a checkup to ensure there are no serious issues.
  3. Distorted Vision – Fluid retention and high blood pressure during pregnancy can affect your cornea, causing changes in its shape or thickness. Blurred vision or spots in front of your eyes will normally go away after delivery or breastfeeding.
  4. Central Serous Choroidopathy – Fluid retention may also cause fluid leaks under the retina of your eye, causing blurry vision or making things seem smaller. This will stop after childbirth, but keep your doctor informed about any symptoms.
  5. Migraines – Hormonal changes can cause migraine headaches, which are not only painful but may also make your eyes more photosensitive. Consult your doctor before taking any over-the-counter, alternative or prescription medication.
  6. Pregnancy Diabetes – Also known as gestational diabetes, this temporary condition can cause blurred vision if the small blood vessels supplying your retina get damaged. Keep sugar levels under control during and after your pregnancy.
  7. Pituitary Adenoma – This is a benign tumor that affects the pituitary gland, causing tunnel vision. The tumor may grow when you’re pregnant since hormone secretions from the pituitary gland are higher during this time.
  8. Puffiness – Hormonal surges can cause puffiness in the eyelids and around your eyes, affecting your side vision. Stay well-hydrated, eat healthy, and avoid high-sodium or caffeine to reduce water retention during pregnancy.

There are many benefits to LASIK vision correction, and if you’ve been considering the procedure, make sure you time it right. Set up an appointment with your eye care center before you plan to get pregnant, or after delivery.

Why Is It Better to Plan LASIK Before or After Your Pregnancy?

Here’s why you should get LASIK surgery before your pregnancy or delay till after you stop breastfeeding:

  1. Medication – You will be given a sedative before the procedure, as well as eye drops to dilate and numb your eyes. Your doctor may also prescribe antibiotic eye drops and painkillers, and you should avoid these medications while you’re pregnant.
  2. Radiation – LASIK surgery exposes you to very low radiation levels for a few minutes, when the laser is being used to create incisions in the cornea and reshape it. However, even this minimal radiation exposure may pose a risk to your baby.
  3. Refractive Changes – Pregnancy and breastfeeding hormones can cause your prescription or power to change temporarily. If you were to get laser surgery during this time, your prescription may change again when your eyes stabilize.
  4. Nursing Hormones – Hormonal changes will take place in your body even when you’re breastfeeding. These can interfere with healing or cause temporary changes to the cornea, so LASIK should not be performed when you’re nursing.

How Soon Can You Get LASIK after Your Baby is Born?

Ideally, wait 3-6 months after you stop breastfeeding, or one menstrual period from the baby’s birth if you aren’t nursing. This way, you can be sure that your hormones are stable and your eyes have reverted to normal before you plan LASIK surgery.

To learn more about the best time to plan a laser corrective procedure, contact Insight Vision Center today!

While technology is great, the devices we rely on for everything might be exposing our eyes to dangers like blurred vision, retinal damage and digital eye strain. Adults and children alike are using computers, smartphones, tablets, TVs, video games, Fitbits, GPS devices and other gadgets on a daily basis. However, staring at backlit LED screens, especially at night, has a negative impact on vision and causes digital eye strain. In certain cases, the symptoms of eye strain are a manifestation of an underlying eye condition so it is important that you know them and receive timely treatment.

Digital Eye Strain Symptoms

  • Dry or watery eyes
  • Itchiness and burning sensation
  • Blurred vision
  • Frequent headaches
  • A painful shoulder
  • Aching back
  • Difficulty focusing
  • Increased sensitivity to light

6 Frightening Outcomes of Using Digital Devices on Eye Health

The potential outcomes of overexposure to digital devices include:

  1. Digital Eye Strain (DES) – This is a term used to describe problems with vision or eyes that are caused by using computers or digital devices for two hours or more daily. Symptoms include eye strain, headaches, redness, dry eye syndrome, blurry vision and neck/shoulder/back pain. It occurs due to screen glare/position, decreased blinking, and poor posture.
  2. Texting-Related Issues – Continuous texting can also cause vision issues, including dryness, eye strain, fatigue, headaches and perhaps even myopia or nearsightedness. This happens because of holding a phone too close to the eyes, not blinking enough while staring at a phone screen, and squinting or straining to read text displayed in small fonts.
  3. Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) – CVS is becoming a common problem for those who stare at digital screens for long periods without blinking, from too close, or at uncomfortable angles. It can cause symptoms such as eye strain, headaches, trouble with focusing, dry eyes, double or blurred vision, light sensitivity, and burning, itchiness or watering in eyes.
  4. Tension Headaches – Using digital devices for too long can lead to tension headaches, which are caused by extended eye strain. Screen glare and high contrast between dark-colored text and bright screens are usually to blame. Your eyes need to work much harder while focusing on the screen, leading to muscle spasms near the temples.
  5. Retinal Damage – High Energy Visible Light (HEV) is the blue/violet light emitted by digital devices with LED screens. It lies at the blue end of the color spectrum, and direct exposure may contribute to retinal damage. This can affect your central vision and cause macular degeneration or make age-related macular degeneration (AMD) worse.
  6. The Risk of Cataracts – There may be a link between blue light from digital devices and an increase in cataract development. While more studies need to be conducted in this regard, there is cause for concern. Doctors report that some patients in their mid-30s are showing cataracts with the same level of cloudiness normally seen only in patients over the age of 70.
  7. Ocular Migraines – Sitting in front of the TV screen for several hours, playing games on a hand-held device, reading e-books under fluorescent lights or working on a computer for extended hours can trigger ocular migraines. Also known as retinal migraines, ocular migraines usually accompany flashing dots, nausea, sensitivity to flashing lights, temporary blindness, wavy lines, and may or may not accompany a throbbing headache.
  8. Dry Eyes – Working on the computer screen for longer hours often results in irritated and dry eyes. Other symptoms of dry eyes include increased sensitivity to light and blurred vision. If left untreated, dry eyes can adversely impact your eyesight so it is very important to protect eyes from the computer screen with anti-glare eyewear.

Who Is At Greatest Risk of Vision Issues?

Children using digital devices on a frequent and regular basis face a higher risk of vision-related issues, since their eyes are still developing. They do not have the natural defense against blue light found in adult eyes as a result of the lens yellowing with age, which keeps blue light from efficiently penetrating and reaching the retina.

Millennials who have grown up using digital devices, students, and people working on computers all day are also at a higher risk of eye strain, especially if they do not follow proper eye care practices.

Top 10 Ways to Prevent Digital Eye Strain

Here are 10 preventative measures that can help protect your eyes from damage

  1. Avoiding glare helps prevent eye strain, so use an anti-glare screen or coating on devices that you use often.
  2. Follow the “20-20-20” rule – look away from the screen every 20 minutes, at something 20 feet away, for 20 seconds. You can also massage your eyes periodically for lasting eye strain relief.
  3. Keep your phone as far from your eyes as possible, but at a distance where you can still comfortably read without straining.
  4. Adjust the brightness on your digital display so it matches the brightness of the area around it.
  5. Position yourself at an arm’s length from the computer screen, with the screen just below your eye level.
  6. Take frequent breaks to rest your eyes. Stretch, go outside or take a nap – whatever works for you!
  7. Get an eye exam regularly to help nip any eyesight or eye health issues in the bud, before they get worse.
  8. Make a conscious effort to blink more frequently, since this keeps your eyes clean and lubricated.
  9. Place a light source behind you instead of behind the device, so your eyes don’t have to work so hard to adjust.
  10. Wear glasses with an anti-reflective coating while using any digital device for prolonged periods of time.

Are you experiencing any of the digital eye strain symptoms stated above?

Schedule a consultation at InSight Vision Center to combat the negative effects of digital eye strain while preventing it from progressing and inviting other problems.

Do you have diabetes? If yes, then you are at a risk of developing serious eye diseases. High blood sugar can lead to problems like blurry vision, cataracts, glaucoma, and retinopathy. In fact, diabetes is the primary cause of blindness in adults between 20-74 years. Let us look at some eye diseases that result from diabetes.

4 Eye Conditions Related to Diabetes

1) Diabetic Retinopathy (DR)

One of the most serious eye conditions, diabetic retinopathy occurs when the tiny blood vessels present at the back of the eye become blocked and start leaking.

Types of DR

a) Background Diabetic Retinopathy

This doesn’t affect the eyesight but the eyes need to be monitored to ensure that the retinopathy doesn’t worsen.

b) Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy

If background diabetic retinopathy gets worse, then many retinal blood vessels get blocked or damaged. If these changes occur over a large area of the retina, then the blood vessels to the retina will be reduced, which the body tries to fix by growing new blood vessels on the retinal surface or into the vitreous gel. However, these new vessels are generally weak and bleed very easily, thus affecting your vision

c) Diabetic Maculopathy

This occurs when the macula is affected by retinopathy. It affects the central vision, which is required to see fine details and color, and makes it blurry.

Causes of DR

The primary cause of this eye disease is chronically high blood sugar from diabetes as it directly damages the tiny blood vessels in the retina.

Symptoms

The early stages usually don’t have any symptoms, which is why the disease progresses unnoticed until it starts affecting your vision.

If the abnormal retina blood cells start bleeding, then it can cause an appearance of ‘floating spots’ in the eye. These spots may be clear on their own but if there is no proper treatment, the bleeding will recur and increase the risk of permanent vision loss.

Treatment

If your eye condition is detected in the early stages, then you will be given a laser treatment. It helps in preventing bleeding or growth of new blood vessels.

Reducing Risk

You can reduce the risk of DR by:

  • Controlling the blood glucose levels
  • Controlling the cholesterol levels
  • Controlling the blood pressure
  • Maintaining a healthy weight
  • Quitting smoking

Get a regular retinal screening as it can help in detecting diabetic retinopathy at an early stage and early treatment will stop you from losing sight. You must have the retinal screenings more often if you’re pregnant and have gestational diabetes. The screenings must be done during your pregnancy and after your baby is born.

2) Diabetic Macular Edema (DME)

This eye disease causes an accumulation of fluid in the macula, which is a part of the retina that controls our detailed vision abilities, due to the leaking of blood vessels. You must have diabetic retinopathy in order to have DME. It damages the blood vessels and results in vision impairment. If left untreated, these blood vessels begin to build up pressure in the eye and leak fluid, causing DME.

Causes of DME

High blood sugar is one of the main causes of DME. It can make the blood vessels leak or grow uncontrollably in your retina. DME occurs when the fluids leak into your retina. This leaking will cause the retina to swell, thus hampering the work of your macula.

Symptoms

It usually doesn’t have symptoms, however, you may experience the following:

  • Blurry images that are directly in front of you
  • Washed out colors

3) Cataract

This occurs when there is clouding or fogging in the otherwise clear lens of the eye. Since the lens allows you to focus and see images clearly, the cataract will cause blurry, cloudy or glazed vision. Cataract can strike anyone but those with diabetes can get cataract at an earlier age than others and the condition will progress more rapidly in diabetic people.

You can treat cataract through a surgery where the cloudy lens is removed or cleaned out and replaced by a clear man-made lens.

4) Glaucoma

Glaucoma damages the eye’s optic nerve. It occurs when fluid builds up in the front part of the eye. This extra fluid builds pressure in the eye and damages the optic nerve and blood vessels, thus affecting the vision.

Symptoms

It does not cause any symptoms until it starts affecting the eyesight and you have major vision loss. However, in the early stages, you can experience headaches, blurred vision, eye aches, watery eyes and halos around a light.

Treatment

The treatment of glaucoma includes medications that can treat open-angle glaucoma. They lower eye pressure, reduce the amount of liquid the eye produces and speeds up the drainage.

Preventive Steps to Take

  • If you have type 1 diabetes, you should have a dilated eye exam by an ophthalmologist or optometrist within three to five years after diagnosis.
  • Those with type 2 diabetes should have a dilated eye exam by an ophthalmologist or optometrist shortly after diagnosis.
  • Annual eye exams are a must for people suffering from both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. You can make the check-ups more frequent if necessary.
  • Women with a history of diabetes considering pregnancy should have an eye exam before and during pregnancy. This does not pertain to women with gestational diabetes.

Make an appointment today with an eye doctor at Insight Vision Center to rule out any eye diseases that may be caused due to diabetes.

Dark side of wearing contact lenses

Getting your first set of contact lenses would feel like an amazing upgrade to eyeglasses. You can see the world more clearly just by popping them in and you would look good too! They can fit in easily onto the eye and allow you to perform numerous tasks that might be uncomfortable in glasses such as traveling, exercising, etc.

However, if you do not use contact lenses properly, you will be exposed to some side effects which could even affect your vision in the long run.

8 Risks and Side Effects of Using Contact Lenses

1. Blockage of Oxygen Supply to the Eyes

Since contact lenses lie directly on the eye and cover the entire cornea, the amount of oxygen reaching your eyes will decrease. Good oxygen supply is absolutely critical to keep the eyes healthy.

Choose soft or silicone hydrogel lenses as they transmit more oxygen than the conventional soft contact lens materials. They will even be better for your eyes in the long run. Avoid wearing contact lenses for long hours at a stretch.

2. Dry Eyes

Contact lens reduces the quantity of tears getting on the cornea as they absorb most of our tears to keep itself soft. This lack of tears causes dry eye syndrome leading to itchiness, burning sensation and redness of the eyes. If the eyes get too dry, it will lead to the scarring of the cornea which can be extremely painful.

If you suffer from chronic eye dryness, use eyedrops to lubricate the eyes to provide some relief to them.

3. Irritation when Combined with Medication, especially Birth Control Pill

Concurrent use of contraceptive pills and contact lens together will result in chronic dry eyes and irritation. You will experience changes in the tear film, which primarily consists of three main layers which come together to protect, bathe and nourish the eye surface.

The combination of birth control pills and contact lenses will upset this balance in the tear film and cause excessive tearing, burning eyes and a gritty foreign body sensation in the eye. The restricted flow of oxygen to the eye will aggravate the condition.

Avoid using lenses as long as you are on the pill.

4. Diminished Corneal Reflex

Using contact lenses may cause diminished corneal reflex in the eye. Corneal reflex is a protective mechanism of the eye where the brain signals the eyelids to drop down to protect our eyes whenever the slightest amount of pressure is applied to the cornea. Corneal reflex makes sure that we close our eyes if something may cause a direct trauma to them, like a flying object coming towards our eyes or if someone tries to poke us.

When you use contact lenses constantly, you teach your body to ignore the natural corneal reflex. This may dull the eye’s response to corneal reflex, which could lead to the eye being damaged if you can’t shut your eyes fast enough in case of danger.

Keep the usage of the lenses to a minimum. Use glasses when you are at home to ensure that corneal reflex isn’t diminished too much by constant use.

5. Corneal Abrasion

There is a possibility of the contact lenses scratching your cornea, causing corneal abrasion if they are not fitted properly or when your eyes are too dry.

Never sleep with contact lenses in as the risk of abrasion will increase. The lenses will trap particles like dirt and sand and rub against your cornea. These abrasions will create an opening for bacteria and virus to seep through and give birth to eye infections, which can result in loss of vision too.

You may even scratch your cornea when you insert or extract contact lenses carelessly. Ensure that you fit the lenses carefully and you never sleep in them.

6. Red Eye or Conjunctivitis

There will be a high risk of conjunctivitis and stye if you wear contact lenses for long hours at a stretch, especially through the night. They provide a moist environment which acts as a potential breeding ground for microorganisms like viruses and bacteria. Additionally, since less oxygen reaches the cornea when you wear lenses, the body doesn’t fight off an infection that is caused by bacteria or viruses as effectively as it should.

Giant papillary conjunctivitis (GPC) is the most common type of conjunctivitis that contact lens wearers get due to repeated irritation from the contact lenses.

Always, always, always remove your contact lens before sleeping.

7. Ptosis

Ptosis is a condition where the eyelids start drooling and the affected individuals are unable to open their eyes fully.

If you use contact lenses, they may move into the eyelid tissues causing scarring and contraction, which further leads to a lid retraction. This especially holds true for hard contact lens wearers as the eyelid is repeatedly stretched during lens removal.

Switching to soft contact lenses would be a good idea.

8. Corneal Ulcer

This occurs when an open sore caused by fungus, bacteria, parasite infection or viruses is formed in the eye’s cornea. A corneal ulcer can cause permanent blindness if it is not treated quickly. If it does lead to blindness, a corneal transplant will probably be the only way to restore vision.

Preventing Side Effects Caused by Contact Lens

Do not over-wear your contact lenses and discard/replace them as directed by the doctor. Remember that lens deposits will continue to build up on your contact lenses over a period of time. The longer you go without replacing the lenses, the more will be the lens deposits — this will reduce the oxygen supply to the corneas, eventually damaging the eyes.

Do not miss your routine contact lens eye exams. Being regular with the check-ups will help your eye doctor detect problems caused by the contact lens in the early stages and prevent them from getting serious by giving you timely treatment.

If your current contact lenses are uncomfortable, try changing them or get an updated prescription. This will help in relieving contact lens irritation. Moreover, you can consider LASIK as a permanent solution to contact lens discomfort.

Pregnant women are generally aware of some common symptoms such as morning sickness, back ache, fatigue, constipation, itching, swollen feet etc. However, blurred vision is a type of symptom which many women may not be aware of. There is no specific time frame of pregnancy during which it occurs, as it is mainly caused because of the fluctuating levels of hormone in the body.

In most of the cases, the vision returns to the previous normal state, after delivery. However, even if these changes in eyesight are quite common during and post pregnancy, it is important to know the causes behind them, so that they can be treated as required.

Described below are the reasons for blurred vision during pregnancy and ways to handle them, which will enable you to maintain your eye health.

 

What Causes Blurred Vision During Pregnancy?

 

There are multiple reasons as to why pregnant ladies experience a hazy vision.

  • The most prominent reason is pregnancy hormones. They cause fluid retention which alters the cornea to make it thicker, along with an increase in the fluid pressure within the eyeball. This results in a blurred vision. Another effect of these hormones is that they decrease the tear production which in turn diminishes the acuity of vision.
  • Expecting mothers with other health conditions such as preeclampsia or gestational diabetes can also suffer from vision problems. Apart from blurry vision, the former condition can cause light sensitivity, temporary vision loss, auras and flashes of light. And, the latter health issue can cause alterations in the cornea and even damage the retina. So the blood sugar levels should be monitored regularly and if distorted vision persists, a physician should be consulted immediately.
  • Even increased progesterone levels during pregnancy can cause the tissues of cornea to soften. This can also lead to unclear or doubled vision.

 

How to Deal With Blurry Vision?

 

So, if you or someone you know is pregnant and is experiencing blurred vision during pregnancy, here’s what can be done.

  • It’s best to avoid contact lenses during pregnancy as there are multiple and intensive changes going on in the body due to the hormones. One of them is a change in the shape of the corneas. Hence, the contacts may become an incorrect fit and eventually cause irritation and stress. So it’s wise to choose glasses instead. Go for a cheaper pair of glasses because the eye power might alter again in the course of pregnancy.
  • Eye exercises are also a good way. Consult a professional ophthalmologist and he/she can suggest some simple and effective exercises which help the eyes to focus better. An important thing to remember is to never stress your eyes in such situations. Avoid looking at digital screens continually for long and never read or work in poorly lighted surroundings.
  • Above all, do not forget to rest your eyes. A good sleep provides sufficient rest to the eyes, which helps a lot in maintaining a healthy vision.

As your body heals after delivery, the vision also tends to turn normal in a matter of few weeks. If it still persists for long, make sure to consult an eye doctor. You can also go for a vision corrective surgery like Lasik, if you want to get rid of glasses or contact lenses. However, the doctor may prescribe it before you conceive, or a few months later, post-delivery. Lasik is a safe, reliable and cost-effective procedure which can give you a normal and clear vision.

Our expert team at InSight Vision Center can help you understand better about what you may expect in terms of vision changes, when you are expecting a baby. And also guide you to maintain a healthy vision as much as possible. So, make an appointment with us today.

Are you tired of wearing and maintaining glasses or contacts but afraid of getting LASIK? There are thousands of people in the same frame of mind when it comes to choosing LASIK. This fear or averseness is primarily because there are a lot of myths out there related to it. So how do you figure out what is genuine and what’s a fallacy?

Here, we bust some of these myths with facts to address your queries and fears regarding this extremely safe, reliable, painless and one-time solution to clear vision – Lasik Surgery.

Myth – “It is painful”

Fact – Sedative eye drops are used by the surgeon prior to the surgery. You might feel temporary pressure or a bit uncomfortable, only when the corneal flap is created. And that slight irritation does not last, so you can be back to normal within a matter of few days. The latest technology used today ensures that the surgery is completely pain-free.

Myth – “It is appropriate for everyone”

Fact – Lasik eye surgery can be performed depending on certain physical conditions. To begin with, for people with thin or irregularly shaped corneas, Lasik is not a good option. Also, individuals with specific health issues such as uncontrolled diabetes or autoimmune disease may have increased risk of poor results. Hence, such people are also not the best candidates for this eye surgery.

Myth – “You can lose your eyesight”

Fact – Lasik is an extremely safe eye surgery. Like any other medical procedure, it might have some complications, but serious issues are very rare. And more importantly, this surgery is performed only on the surface of the eyes, and the possibilities of going blind are zero. Ophthalmologists, first ensure completely with the help of most advanced tools, whether or not Lasik is suitable for you, and then advance accordingly.

Myth – “You can get rid of your glasses or contacts after Lasik”

Fact – Lasik no doubt corrects your refractive errors. But, even normal vision alters with time and age. So even though you have undergone Lasik, you might have to wear reading glasses or driving glasses at night, depending on how your vision changes as you grow old. 

Myth – “It is a new technology and hence might involve risk”

Fact – It was performed for the first time in the year 1989 and was introduced in America in 1990. Since then several publications have shown that it ranks high on stability, safety, and effectiveness. And, it has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Besides, it has evolved over all these years and the recent developments in bladeless Lasik surgery are known to offer a very high rate of success.

Myth – “The results of Lasik surgery are not permanent or long-lasting”

Fact – This surgery reshapes the cornea and practically changes the composition of your eye. Hence, the change in your vision is a permanent one. It has been found through research that the results of Lasik are stable up to 10 years. Of course, people who have undergone Lasik might experience a change in their vision, later in their lives because of the natural process of aging.

Myth – “Those with astigmatism can’t opt for Lasik”

Fact – This was true with the older techniques of the surgery. But, with the invention of new and better technologies for Lasik surgery, most levels of astigmatism can be treated safely and with precision. In fact, a majority of patients opting for Lasik eye surgery have some astigmatism. And the surgery offers exceptional results for all types of refractive errors – nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.

We at InSight Vision Center in Fresno, California are always eager to help you understand the benefits of Lasik eye surgery. So don’t let your fears hold you back. Contact our eye surgeon today and know more about how the Lasik eye surgical procedure can get you a normal and clear vision with Lasik eye surgery.

Almost every woman wearing contact lenses will agree that even though their contacts have freed them from the boring spectacles, the said freedom has come at a price. Let’s see why:

Because wearing and maintaining contacts is quite a task!

  • You need to literally follow a step-by-step tedious procedure to just wear and remove your contact lenses. You wash hands, clean the case, use the lens solution, clean the lenses and then carefully put them on which is a struggle in itself. This drill is to be followed every time you sleep, shower or go swimming.
  • Think of the time you wear eye makeup. Just a small speck of eye shadow or a seemingly innocent eyelash with mascara, if comes in contact with your lenses, you are sure to get an irritated and red eye for the rest of the day! And not to forget, once you get makeup in the lenses, it is really tough to clean out the residue thoroughly.
  • You play multiple roles in a single day and are often multi-tasking with your hectic schedule. In such a scenario, it isn’t exactly convenient, when you also have to ensure that you handle and store contact lenses correctly so that they don’t get dry, scratched, torn or lost.

It would be wonderful to not restrict yourself from doing anything you love just because of your contact lenses, don’t you think?

Lasik eye surgery can be the best possible answer to this question. As opposed to the hassles of using contact lenses, Lasik comes with a host of advantages. Hence, more and more women are choosing Lasik surgery over contact lens.

Let’s understand the 5 reasons why Lasik surgery can be a much better option for women who are struggling with their contact lenses:

1. You can lead a more carefree lifestyle after Lasik surgery. You don’t need to worry about getting makeup or chlorine water in your eyes while swimming, as with contact lens.

2. Lasik eye surgery is one of the safest procedures. Whereas, contact lenses may lead to a loss of vision in the long term.

3. Lasik is cheaper than contact lens. You need to buy new contacts if they are lost, torn, get dry or scratched, which is often. Apart from this, they also need to be replaced regularly. However, Lasik surgery is a onetime solution.

4. LASIK is painless. Contact lenses are known to give the user red, irritated and painful eyes, even if a single dust or makeup particle comes in their contact.

5. There is no risk of infection involved in Lasik surgery. But, contacts are prone to get infected even with the slightest of negligence, which can eventually lead to serious eye infection.

All these reasons are precisely why Lasik eye surgery is one of the most preferred vision correction procedures today. Also, the recovery time after Lasik procedure is negligible. You can get back to routine life within only a few days. It gives you the liberty to live your life to the fullest.

So get in touch with our skilled team at Insight Vision Centre in Fresno California today. Our eye care surgeons will answer your queries related to Lasik procedure which you might have, and also help you understand how it can transform the way you see and live!

The glorious season of spring is almost here! Most of you shall be gearing up for some fun in the sun. However, many others are finding ways to protect themselves from the effects of seasonal allergies. Various factors such as dust and pollen grains are the usual troublemakers, causing allergic reactions in multiple ways.

But, in order to take preventative measures against such allergies, we first need to be able to identify the symptoms of such allergies to be better prepared. Mentioned below are some of the most common indications of allergic reactions:

  • Redness of eyes
  • Itching
  • Swelling or puffiness
  • White discharge from the eyes
  • Teary or watery eyes
  • Soreness or pain in one or both the eyes

So, how do you avoid suffering from these symptoms without compromising on your fun time in the glorious spring sun? Take a look at these 7 simple yet effective preventative measures that you can take in order to stay allergy-free this spring.

 1. Wear Sunglasses

Since spring calls for a lot of outdoor celebrations, picnics and barbeques, make sure you keep your eyes protected from Sun damage, caused due to the harmful UV rays. Wear sunglasses with 100% UV ray protection and supplement that by using a hat. Doing so will help you protect your eyes as well as your face from direct sunlight.

2. Keep Your Hands & Face Clean

When you’re spending your days outside, it is easy to get your hands dirty. Dust and pollen particles are the prime causes of contamination, as a result of which it is extremely easy to trigger your allergies. It could even be something as simple as lightly rubbing your eyes. That is why it is crucial to keep your face and hands clean at all times.

3. Wear Glasses instead of Contact Lenses

Avoid using contact lenses and use glasses instead, when you plan on staying outside for extended length of time. This is because pollen can build up on your contacts and further irritate your eyes. Glasses make a better alternative as they can shield your eyes from flying particles of pollen and dust.

Pro Tip – You can talk to your doctor about getting polarized lenses for your prescription spectacles. This will give you the dual benefit of protecting your eyes from the harsh glare of the sun and the risk of infection causing contaminants.  

If you find both glasses and contact lenses quite the hassle to handle, then simply opt for a vision corrective procedure such as LASIK! It is the most commonly opted procedure as it is almost pain free, requires negligible recovery time and has zero side effects.

4. Protect Your Eyes from Extreme Activities

Spring calls for outdoor sports, bonfires, barbeques and fireworks! This means increased exposure to extreme heat and smoke, making it even more important to ensure that you are fully protected from the impacts of the same. Keep your distance in case of witnessing or lighting fireworks and open fires, and ensure that you and everyone around you use protective eyewear. Appropriate eye gear is also crucial when playing sports or indulging in other outdoor activities like hiking and swimming.

5. Use an Air Purifier

Allergens like pollen and dust spread quickly and find their way into your homes quite easily. Therefore, in order to keep yourself completely protected from contracting allergies, it is advisable to invest in an air purifier so that you are safe indoors as well.

6. Keep Your Eyes Moist

The sunny days of spring can leave your eyes dry as you venture outside to enjoy the warm weather. Restore the lost moisture of your eyes by applying artificial tear drops that help lubricate the eyes and improve visual comfort
by soothing the ocular surface.

7. See Your Ophthalmologist for a Comprehensive Eye Exam

With the dryness of the spring season at your doorstep, the best way to protect your eyes from itching, irritation and allergies is to have a comprehensive eye exam by an experienced ophthalmologist. He will check your eyes for signs of seasonal allergies and symptoms of other eye conditions. If any changes are identified in your visual health, your ophthalmologist can initiate treatment immediately so that your eyes remain healthy for the rest of the year.

If you still face a lot of difficulties as a result of spring time allergies, book an appointment with Insight Vision Center today. Our dedicated team of experts will guide you in every way possible, with specialized solutions and treatment options!

Ever thought about eating right for healthy eyes? Yes, our eyes may be the most neglected and strained organ of our body. Hectic work schedules, long hours before lit screens, harsh sun rays – are all adding to the stress of our eyes. But we don’t realize this until major damage is done.

So be wise and begin with the basics to improve the health of your eyes. We have listed 10 super foods which promote healthy vision. These are rich in powerful antioxidants such as vitamin C, carotenoids, alpha-lipoic acid, omega-3 fatty acids etc. All of them work together to protect the retina and lens by absorbing and controlling free radicals, thus shielding your eyes from damage. Read below to know more about the 10 super foods.

1. Berries
Include these sweet, sour and tangy superfoods in your diet and see a marked difference in your vision. Strawberries are rich in vitamin C, which will relax and soothe the swelling of eyes. Other antioxidants present in strawberries help prevent dryness, vision defects and macular degeneration.

Blue berries with their anti-inflammatory, vasoprotective, collagen stabilizing and rhodopsin-regenerating properties, benefit the functioning of your eyes. They strengthen the posterior blood vessels of eyes. The anthocyanins present in blue berries not only prevent blockages in retinal arteries, but also lower high blood pressure. Other berries such as cranberries, blackberries, mulberries etc., also benefit your eyes.

2. Broccoli
The wide-spread dislike for broccoli is well known. Well, it’s time you opened your eyes to its benefits. Broccoli is packed with antioxidants, and carotenoids like lutein and zeaxanthin. Both these carotenoids act as protective pigments in the back of the eyes.
A vitamin B2 deficiency can lead to eyes which are super sensitive to light, resulting in fatigue, inflammation and hazy vision. Broccoli can help you prevent these problems, as it contains a lot of vitamin B2. Have it in salad or a side dish, or as a snack with a dip.

3. Brussels Sprouts
These are another rich source of vitamin C which eases the inflammation of stressed eyes. Besides, they also contain zeaxanthin, an antioxidant which helps filter out the harmful blue light rays and prevents them from entering the cornea. This helps protect eyes from damage and disorders like macular degeneration. Add some texture to salad with these wonder sprouts or enjoy as a light snack.

4. Carrots
These are easy on your pocket and heavy on the benefits. They are loaded with beta carotene, which is converted into vitamin A by the body. Vitamin A protects vision, prevents night blindness, and maintains a healthy and clear cornea. Salads, smoothies or healthy desserts – there are numerous ways to add carrots in your diet.

5. Chia Seeds
They have high omega-3 fatty acids content as compared to flax seeds or salmon, more calcium than a glass of milk, and more antioxidants than blue berries. Make them a part of your daily diet to reduce the oxidative damage of the lens and retina, and promote the overall health of eyes.

6. Dark Chocolate
Most of us love this delicious super food. For those who don’t, here are some reasons to ditch the regular and pick a dark bar instead. Dark chocolate is rich in flavonoids which enhance the blood flow to the eyes. They also help your eyes see better in low light and focus properly in excess bright light, while reducing the strain. Besides, dark chocolate also contains minerals which ensure correct functioning of the optic system.

7. Kale
Kale is rich in vital nutrients and vitamins. The nutrients are crucial for a clear and perfect vision. Moreover, the lutein, zeaxanthin, vitamin A, B6 and K help protect the eyes from harmful light rays, contribute to visual development, protect the cornea and strengthen the optical nerve. Kale also provides ample amount of vitamin C. So do not shy away from the greens on the menu! Kale, spinach, mustard leaves, swiss chard, turnips – all of these are must-haves in your diet.

8. Peppers
These are one of the richest sources of vitamin A and C. Both these vitamins help maintain healthy eyesight by preventing night blindness, reverse near and far sightedness and prevent formation of cataracts. The peppers also contain ample amount of vitamin B6, lutein, zeaxanthin, beta-carotene and lycopene. All of these are important for healthy vision.

You can choose from the many varieties of peppers available today. So bake, grill, stir-fry or simply have them raw for maximum benefit.

9. Proteins
Some of the most easily available protein-rich super foods are eggs, salmon, oysters, crab, beef, etc. Eggs are loaded with biotin, lutein, zeaxanthin, vitamin A and retinol – the most vital element responsible for maintaining healthy vision. Salmon also has a good amount of retinol and omega 3 fatty acids, both of which are required for maintaining a good eyesight. However, the red meats need to be consumed in moderation.

10. Seeds & Nuts
Give your eyes the advantage of the duo – vitamin C and vitamin E. Both of these together, are great at keeping a tissue healthy and strong. Almonds, walnuts, pistachios, pecans and sunflower seeds are the best sources of vitamin E and zinc. Besides, they are also rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial to the eyes. So, toss aside your fried snacks and grab these nutritious seeds and nuts instead.

Apart from these, a regular eye check up is essential. Visit us at Insight Vision Center today, and find out more about how you can keep eye ailments at bay and maintain a healthy vision.

We’ve all heard myths related to eyesight and vision, causing confusion about what’s good for eyes and what isn’t. But, are any of them actually true?

Here are 12 common misconceptions and the truth behind them:

Myth #1 – Prescription Glasses/Lenses Fix (or Harm) Your Eyesight
Wearing vision aids all the time helps improve eyesight and prevent vision deterioration. However, some believe it makes eyesight worse.

Reality – Glasses or contact lenses only make your vision clearer. Wearing them constantly does not increase or decrease your power, but could help prevent eye strain.

Myth #2 – TV Screens/Computer Monitors Hurt Your Eyes
You will harm your eyesight by sitting too close to the television/staring at the computer all day.

Reality – Electronic screens don’t cause vision loss, but staring at them constantly can increase dryness and strain. Use anti-glare glasses and lubricating eye drops, take frequent breaks, and remember to blink!

Myth #3 – Glaucoma Is a Risk Only for Those with Poor Eyesight
People with 20/20 vision and no symptoms of glaucoma are not at risk of developing the disease.

Reality – Glaucoma symptoms only show up in the moderate or advanced stage of the disease, but early detection and treatment can slow its advance.

Myth #4 – Staring at the Sun Can Strengthen Your Eyes
Looking directly into the sun helps to strengthen your eyes and improve your eyesight.

Reality – No, no and no! Looking directly at a solar eclipse causes retinal damage, and so can looking at the sun without protective eyewear.

Myth #5 – Diabetes Doesn’t Always Increase Eye Health Risk
Diabetics won’t suffer eye damage and vision issues if their blood sugar is under control.

Reality – Other than blood sugar levels, the duration of illness is also a risk factor for diabetic retinopathy. Early detection and treatment can help prevent irreversible blindness.

Myth #6 – Your Vision Is Affected By Reading in Poor Light
Don’t read in dim light. It will harm your eyesight, make you shortsighted and increase your power.

Reality – You won’t suffer eye damage or become shortsighted, but your eyes may get strained or tired. Point a lamp directly on the page while reading.

Myth #7 – Carrots Are the “Magic” Food for Eye Health
Eating a lot of carrots protects your eyes, prevents the need for glasses, and improves your eyesight.

Reality – It isn’t carrots that protect your eye structure, but Vitamin A. Carrots are rich in this antioxidant, but so are dark green leafy veggies and fresh fruits.

Myth #8 – Eyeballs Are Removed During an Eye Transplant/Surgery
Doctors remove your eyeball during eye surgery, and can transplant the whole organ when it’s damaged.

Reality – Eyeballs are connected to the optic nerve (part of the brain), and can never be removed from their sockets. Only corneas can be transplanted/operated upon.

Myth #9 – Sunglasses and Safety Goggles Aren’t Necessary
Sunglasses are just a way to look “cool”, while safety goggles are only needed for high-risk activities.

Reality – Sunglasses offer glare and UV ray protection. Safety goggles protect your eyes against accidents, injury and blindness (during sports or even at home!).

Myth #10 – Poor Eye Health/Vision Loss is Genetic
You’re safe if your family has no history of glaucoma. If your parents have good eyesight, so will you.

Reality – While some types of glaucoma, cataracts and other issues are inherited, there’s no guarantee either way. Get regular checkups!

Myth #11 – Eyesight Gets Worse with Increasing Age
You will definitely face issues with retinal damage, vision loss and eye-related diseases as you get older.

Reality – If you eat a healthy, balanced diet, get regular eye exams and avoid smoking, drinking and high sugar intake, your eyes can remain healthy even in old age!

Myth #12 – Eye Exercises Can Prevent/Fix Vision Loss
Doing eye exercises or “eye yoga” on a regular basis will delay, prevent or correct vision loss.

Reality – Your spectacle number depends on eye tissue health, eyeball shape and other factors. Eyesight is not significantly affected by eye exercises.

When myths are treated as fact, proper eye care suffers. Don’t wait till you’re 40 (another myth) to get annual eye checks, since early detection is the best treatment! Visit InSight Vision Center and get your eyes checked.

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