Category

Lasik Surgery

The holiday season is inching closer. Are you still struggling to make up your mind regarding what gifts to give your loved ones? Well, we would like to make a unique holiday gift suggestion. Gifts don’t always have to be materialistic and, most of the times, a thoughtful gesture goes a long way. If you know someone who has been wearing eyeglasses or contact lenses for years, you can gift them a wonderful gift this holiday season — vision correction through LASIK eye surgery

LASIK in Brief

Laser-assisted, in-situ keratomileusis a.k.a LASIK is a pain-free refractive surgery that helps in correcting various vision deficiencies. You can be assured of having a clear vision post-surgery.

Trained ophthalmologists conduct this surgery by creating a small incision to access the inner tissue of the cornea and gently reshaping the eye’s curvature to correct myopia, hyperopia or astigmatism. The LASIK surgeon can also remove the clouded lenses called cataracts and replace them with artificial lenses.

5 Reasons Why LASIK makes an Exceptional Gift

Let us look at some benefits of LASIK eye surgery that your loved ones can enjoy:

  1. It is PermanentIf you plan on giving clothes or electronics, they won’t last long. Even experiential gifts like holidays or massages have a short life. LASIK is a permanent gift where the recipient will be benefiting for years to come.
  2. Quick and Pain-Free MethodA beam of laser passing through the eye does sound painful and might make you think twice about your gift. But, fear not, as LASIK is not a painful surgery nor does it take time. It is quick and can be completed in just a matter of minutes. Some people might experience mild discomfort, glare and dry eyes for up to two days following the surgery, however, once the 2 day period is over, their vision will immediately be made more clear!
  3. Procedure is SafeLASIK is an extremely safe procedure with a success rate of 99.98 percent. With almost negligible surgery risks, you wouldn’t have to second guess about giving this corrective eye surgery as a gift to a loved one.
  4. Perfect Gift for a TravellerIf the recipient is an avid traveler, then they would really appreciate LASIK eye surgery as a gift. Traveling can get quite cumbersome when you have to handle spectacles, contact lenses, contact lens solution, contact lens cases, spectacle cases. Phew! Missing out on even one of those items would either mean traveling with a blurry vision or putting the eyes at a risk of infection. LASIK eliminates the need to carry all that! You would help your loved ones travel light and see the world clearer.
  5. Cost-Efficient in the Long RunWhen your loved one receives LASIK as a gift, they would not only enjoy clear vision but also heavier pockets. They would no longer have to spend on prescriptions, broken frames, contact lenses and solution, etc. The cost of these adds up over the years — all of which will be eliminated once they get LASIK.

To know your candidacy for LASIK, call InSight Vision Center at 559-449-5050, a world class ophthalmology and eye care center in Fresno.

Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis, or LASIK surgery, has gained tremendous popularity over the years. This form of refractive surgery helps to correct vision problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.

The purpose of LASIK eye surgery is to refract or to bend light rays entering the eye at a certain angle (and in a particular direction). Depending on the specifics of an eye problem, tiny amounts of tissue are removed from the cornea to give it a steeper, flatter or more rounded curvature. This improves the way your eye focuses light onto the retina and ensures proper vision.

Your eye doctor will take many factors into consideration before deciding if you’re a good candidate for LASIK treatment. Along with your prescription, eye health, and cornea’s shape and thickness, your age will also be taken into account.

Is There a Right or Wrong Age for LASIK Vision Correction?

Let’s look at how age affects your suitability for LASIK eye surgery:

    • Childhood & Teen Years – A child’s eye is constantly changing shape, and their vision keeps adjusting to these changes during their developing years. Their eyes are not fully developed till they reach adulthood, and any form of corrective eye surgery may only provide temporary correction of visual symptoms or issues.

      In addition, LASIK is considered an elective surgery that may not be performed till the age of 18 in most cases. However, the treatment has been used to correct severe vision problems such as “lazy eye” in children and teenagers, especially when conventional treatment with glasses or contact lenses proves ineffective.

 

    • Early & Late Adulthood – By your late teens, your eyes have stopped growing and changing shape, and vision changes are usually minor. Still, most eye doctors suggest waiting till your mid 20s before getting eye surgery, since your prescription may still change. Generally, patients between the ages of 25 and 40 are considered to be at the ideal age for LASIK.

      However, that doesn’t mean you can’t get LASIK surgery earlier. If you suffer from vision problems but have had a stable prescription for 2 years, lasik eye surgery could be the right choice. It’s also ideal if corrective glasses/lenses are impractical for your profession, e.g. working in the military, law enforcement, sports, etc.

 

    • Middle-Aged Patients – After the age of 40, your vision may start changing again due to age-related factors. Vision correction procedures are generally preferred at a younger age, but can still be performed between 40-55 years of age depending on your medical history, eye health, and any family history of diabetes, glaucoma or corneal diseases.

      You may also face conditions such as presbyopia with advancing age, where the lens of your eye becomes rigid and you have difficulty focusing on nearby objects without reading glasses. This is a natural part of the aging process, but presbyopia cannot be treated with LASIK eye surgery.

 

  • Senior Years – There isn’t a fixed upper limit for LASIK laser eye surgery, but older patients may have age-related complications that prevent them from being good candidates. After the age of 60, you’re at higher risk for vision loss due to cataracts, and you should first get cataract surgery to replace your eye’s natural lens.

    You can get LASIK even after the age of 60-70 if you have clear eyes, but other conditions such as diabetes, eye diseases such as glaucoma or corneal disease, and certain types of medication also need to be taken into account. These may make eye surgeries such as LASIK and PRK (photorefractive keratectomy) unsuitable.

The bottom line about LASIK for different age groups? There really is no one-size-fits-all answer. If vision loss is affecting your quality of life, an eye exam and consultation with the experts at Insight Vision Center can help you find out if you’re a good candidate for Lasik in Fresno. Book your appointment with us today!

astigmatism-vision

What Is Astigmatism?

Astigmatism is a common eye problem, where the eyeball isn’t perfectly round. It may be slightly football-shaped or look like the back of a spoon instead, which can cause blurred vision. Light entering a normal eye is bent evenly for clear vision, but an irregularly shaped cornea or lens can cause it to bend more in one direction. Since light doesn’t focus on the retina properly, objects may seem blurry, wavy or out of focus, especially at a distance.

Astigmatism Symptoms

Astigmatism causes distorted or blurred vision to some level at all distances. The person will experience symptoms such as eyestrain, difficulty in viewing at night due to astigmatism lights and headaches especially after reading or doing any visual task for an extended period. Squinting is another symptom that is commonly seen.

What Causes Astigmatism and How Is It Diagnosed?

Astigmatism takes place when the surface of the cornea or the inner curve of the eye lens is shaped irregularly or changes over time. This often happens during adulthood, but the exact cause is unknown.

The condition can be inherited and is usually present right from birth. It may increase or decrease as you age, occur after eye surgery, disease or injury, and even be followed by the development of cataracts. It may also be caused by keratoconus, a condition where the cornea thins and becomes cone-shaped over time.

A comprehensive eye exam is the only way to diagnose astigmatism, but look out for symptoms such as blurriness, difficulty reading or changes in vision. Refractive eye errors such as nearsightedness/farsightedness can also occur along with astigmatism, and your eye doctor can conduct a variety of tests to find the problem.

Types of Astigmatism

There are 3 types of Astigmatism:

  1. Myopic Astigmatism– One or both central meridians of the eye are nearsighted. If both the meridians are nearsighted, they are myopic in varying degrees.
  2. Hyperopic Astigmatism– One or both central meridians are far-sighted.
  3. Mixed Astigmatism– One central meridian is nearsighted and the other is farsighted.

Astigmatism can also be categorized as regular and irregular. Regular Astigmatism is when the central meridians are 90 degrees away (vertical to each other). In irregular astigmatism, the central meridians are not vertical to each other. It is either a result of an eye injury that has scarred the cornea or keratoconus, a disease that causes a gradual tapering of the cornea or the aftermath of eye surgery.Most people have corneal astigmatism, which gives the anterior surface of the eye an oval shape.

Is Eye Surgery Necessary for Treating Astigmatism?

Depending on the degree of astigmatism and your eye health, your optometrist could suggest various options for vision correction. Surgery isn’t always necessary, but it can help you regain clear vision in severe cases. If you have slight symptoms with no vision issues, natural treatment might turn out to be highly beneficial.

Check out our blog – How to Cure Astigmatism Naturally?

Astigmatism Treatment

Let’s look at the common methods on how to correct astigmatism:

  1. Corrective Lenses

    Eyeglasses and contact lenses can correct vision problems caused by moderate cases of the condition. Single-vision glasses with a cylindrical lens provide additional power in specific parts of the lens for clear vision at all distances, but bifocal or progressive addition lenses may be prescribed if you’re over 40. Your eye doctor may prescribe special soft contact lenses that bend light in the correct direction, but you may need gas-permeable rigid contact lenses if you have severe symptoms. However, both glasses and lenses can be uncomfortable and inconvenient for many people, and neither can correct astigmatism completely.

  2. LASIK Surgery

    LASIK or laser in situ keratomileusis is a form of laser eye surgery conducted to remove the underlying flap of the cornea. It corrects vision by refracting or bending light entering the eye, and is often preferred over other refractive surgeries since it only removes tissue from the inner layer of the cornea. In the past, LASIK was considered ineffective for correcting astigmatism completely. However, with modern advances in technology and eye surgery methods, this laser-guided treatment can also treat astigmatism as well as other vision problems such as nearsightedness and farsightedness, eliminating the need for glasses or contacts.

  3. Other Options

    Astigmatism may also be treated with orthokeratology, or ortho-k, where a series of rigid contact lenses are fitted over the eye to reshape the cornea. You need to wear these retainer lenses for a specified period of time, usually overnight, before removing them. Ortho-k can improve vision in moderate cases, but only if you continue wearing the lenses. If you stop wearing them, your vision can return to its original condition. Other options include photorefractive keratectomy or PRK, a form of eye surgery where tissue is removed from the cornea’s superficial and inner layers.

Today, LASIK is one of the most popular choices for permanent and practically painless vision correction. Of course, the right treatment choice depends upon the degree of astigmatism, health of your retina and cornea, as well as your lifestyle and vision needs. Your eye doctor can help you choose what’s right.

To learn more, book an appointment with InSight Vision Center or call us on 559-449-5050 today!

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!

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!

Your wedding is the biggest day of your life. You start planning months in advance, years in some cases. Who to invite? Where to hold the function? What to wear? How to make sure you look as fabulous as possible on your big day? When it comes to looking great on your wedding day, no stone can be left unturned, right? Perfect outfit, matching accessories, well-rested sleep et al to ensure you look as fresh as possible. Some of you may even go the extra mile and get different procedures done to enhance the way you look on your big day. It could be anything ranging from a spray tan to cosmetic surgeries such as Lasik eye surgery. Yes, you read that right! And if you think about it, why wouldn’t anyone want permanent freedom from glasses before they say “I Do”. Still trying to wrap your head around why anyone would opt for such a big surgery right before the wedding? Instead, ask why not? With rapid advancements in the field medical technology, a getting simple LASIK procedure before your “I Dos” should be the least of your worries and here’s why:

  • See Better
    Who wouldn’t you want to walk down the aisle with 20-20 vision? You can see your significant other with ultimate clarity. Can’t miss their expressions while walking down the aisle, or rather don’t want to! Lasik eye surgery can improve visual errors such nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism etc. Once you’ve performed the Lasik surgery, you will be able to enjoy enhanced visual clarity, sharpness and color contrasts. Without Lasik surgery, you might have to keep wiping your misty glasses because of all the tears. But, with LASIK, you will be able to see the entire room clearly, without missing a beat!
  • Look Great
    After your LASIK surgery, you will never have to wear glasses or contacts again. Imagine being able to click pictures without having to repeatedly take your glasses off or just suffer through the flash reflecting on your glasses. No worrying about drying or shifting contacts either. Think effortlessly fabulous wedding photos! Those last a lifetime and you can’t have your beautiful eyes hidden behind those cumbersome glasses on your wedding day! High school was long enough as it is.
  • Reduce that Worry-List
    Weddings can be a pretty overwhelming event to plan out. Everything is planned down to the nitty-gritty details with back-ups in place. For someone who requires glasses or contacts, that involves at least one extra pair of contacts and glasses each. They have to be on stand-by during the wedding just in case a contact pops or the glasses break. Even while packing for your honeymoon, you’ve to make sure you have extras because you don’t really want to spend time hunting for something as menial as lens solution. But, why not get rid of this entire aspect with Lasik surgery? If you think about it, it takes away a lot from your to-do list, both during the wedding as well as the honeymoon!
  • Feel Confident
    Many LASIK patients noticed that they feel much better about their appearance once they stop wearing eyeglasses. It unconsciously boosts a person’s confidence making them more self-assured. It fills you with new vigor to try out activities that weren’t practically enjoyable with glasses, like surfing, snowboarding, diving, paragliding or even a wacky dance at your wedding! Don’t worry about your glasses falling off or your contacts shifting mid way anymore! And think of all the activities you can indulge in at your honeymoon! And what’s better than finally being able to impress your partner with your adventurous side! Benefits all around, am I right?!

And finally, the best part about getting LASIK is that it doesn’t take long to recover. All you have to do is schedule an appointment with your laser surgeon and get all the required details. Your ophthalmologist will then help you plan your surgery and follow-up appointments according to your wedding plans. LASIK not only saves you a lot of hassle and stress during the wedding & honeymoon but also lets you enjoy your big day exactly how you always envisioned it, minus those chunky glasses!

Looking to book a pre-wedding LASIK surgery in Fresno, CA? Book an appointment with an experienced eye surgeon in Fresno now or call us on 559-449-5050 for further details!

Considering a laser eye surgery? Have you done your research on Lasik eye surgery? Don’t wish to get overwhelmed with jargon and unnecessary details? Lasik Surgeon at InSight Vision Center, Fresno, CA we will provide you with all the necessary information in simple terms so that you make an informed choice.

Terms Associated with Lasik Eye Surgery

 

  • Astigmatism

 

 

    1. A term that is used for describing the defective anatomy of an eye. Any eye that has a complex shape and is not perfectly round in shape is called an astigmatic eye.

 

    1. Ablation
      The surgical removal of tissue from the cornea for correcting astigmatism, nearsightedness and farsightedness.

 

    1. Bladeless Lasik
      A vision correction surgery that uses the IntraLase laser to create a uniform flap of the corneal tissue without using any blade.

 

    1. Bilateral Lasik
      A vision correction procedure that is performed on both the eyes.

 

    1. Cornea
      That area of the eyeball which focuses light at the back of the eye and comprises of five layers of tissue.

 

    1. Corneal Flap
      The creation of the corneal flap is the very first step of the surgery for correcting vision. This protective flap is then manipulated for proper focusing of light onto the retina.

 

    1. Corneal Epithelium
      This is the soft tissue that covers the front portion of the cornea.

 

    1. Dry Eyes
      When the eye is incapable of producing tears, the deficiency is described as dry eyes. It results in irritation, burning sensation and a persistent feeling of foreign particles being present in the eye.

 

    1. Diopter
      This is the standard unit for measuring the refractive error. While a negative diopter indicates myopia, a positive value signifies the presence of hyperopia.

 

    1. Excimer Laser
      A refractive surgical procedure that involves the use of an ultraviolet laser for removing corneal tissues.

 

    1. Hyperopia
      The inability of the eye to focus on objects in close proximity due to a refractive error.

 

    1. Intraocular lens
      An artificial lens designed to replace the cloudy eye lens.

 

    1. Lens
      This is the clear structure which is located just behind the iris. The lens allows the eye to focus on objects that are up close and distant.

 

    1. Keratectomy
      A surgery performed to remove the tissue from the cornea and reshape it using laser energy.

 

    1. Myopia
      Defines a refractive error which makes it difficult to see objects that are placed at a distance. The condition is often caused by a steep cornea or a long eye which prevents proper focusing of light onto the retina.

 

    1. Pupil
      This is the colored part of the eye that controls the amount of light entering into the eye. The iris contracts in bright light causing the pupil to shrink in size so that less light passes through and expands in the dark to allow more light.

 

    1. Retina
      Retina is the fine nerve tissue lining the inside of the eye that acts as a protective film. The retina is responsible for capturing images and transmitting them to the brain.

 

    1. Stroma
      This is the thickest layer of tissue found in the cornea.

 

    1. Visual Acuity
      Describes the sharpness of vision.

 

  1. Wavefront
    A standard measure of the refractive error for astigmatism, hyperopia and myopia.

These are commonly used terms that you should know prior to your eye surgery because it is important to understand how the vision correction procedure will restore your eyesight in a safe and efficient manner. If you have any concerns or queries regarding the LASIK procedure, get in touch with our eye care specialists in Fresno, CA at 559-449-5050 to get rid of glasses and contact lenses.

Is LASIK eye surgery a safe and effective option for your children?

Here at InSight Vision Center, we will address all your concerns related to refractive surgeries and advanced eye care. From what is the right option for a teen and the ideal age to undergo a refractive surgery to the cons and consequences of LASIK for teenagers, every question regarding vision correction will be answered keeping your best interests in mind.

Why Myopia Has Become a Worldwide Epidemic?

Did you know that the number of short-sighted teens has grown tremendously in the recent past? Today a shocking 90% of teens leaving school wear glasses and the prevalence rate of short-sightedness has almost doubled in the USA over the past 3 decades. Research has confirmed that most myopia cases develop during school years and tend to stabilize by the early twenties. In rare cases, the condition continues to progress eve after the mid-twenties. Many genetic factors and environmental elements are also known to cause myopia which is why today most teens are suffering from vision problems.

Is LASIK the Right Choice for a Teenager?

At InSight Vision Center, we want that every patient receives utmost care and has a successful surgical experience. This is why our staff is very discerning when it comes to considering an ideal candidate for Lasik. Many factors are to be taken into consideration prior to deciding the eligibility for a LASIK procedure and one of it is the stability of the condition. The maturity of myopia plays a vital role in ensuring a sustainable positive outcome. A candidate is considered eligible for a refractive procedure only if he/she has a vision prescription that has stabilized over the previous year. As a teenager’s eyes are still in the development phase, the vision prescription keeps changing and that is why their eyes would need an enhancement procedure in the near future even after a successful LASIK procedure.

The Ideal Age to Undergo a LASIK Procedure

As soon as a teen learns that he/she needs to wait for a while for their vision prescription to stabilize, the first thing they want to know is how long they need to wait before surgery becomes a viable option for them to get rid of their glasses. Unfortunately, there is no definite age that can be considered perfect for undergoing a refractive procedure, as every patient is unique and the eyes change and develop at their own pace. Again, the best way to confirm that the eyes have reached a steady phase is a stable vision prescription. Most eye surgeons, therefore, recommend waiting until the age of 18. However, even at this age it is possible that the eyes may not have attained complete vision stability.

Best Alternatives to LASIK eye surgery

The best possible options to a LASIK surgery are reading glasses or contact lenses but none of these bring the freedom offered by a minimally invasive LASIK procedure. However, lenses and glasses are highly effective at restoring clear vision until the patient is eligible for a vision correction surgery.

Why Is It Wiser to Wait for a Little Longer for LASIK?

LASIK is a safe and effective procedure for treating myopia but in order to achieve lasting results, it is important to have a stable prescription. Lasik eye surgery efficiently restores vision but when the eyes continue to develop and change, it fails to give excellent results over the years. Glasses can be changed every year but a laser eye surgery cannot be treated as a top-up solution in case the vision continues to change post surgery. Most patients that undergo a refractive surgery in their early twenties experience excellent, long-lasting outcomes.

Should a Teen Still Consider a Laser Consultation?

Certainly, as some eyes tend to stabilize at an early age and there are surgeries that have been highly successful on patients who are as young as 18. An initial consultation will help in establishing the shape and the thickness of the cornea. This information helps the eye surgeon decide if the candidate can undergo a LASIK eye surgery or would need to wait a little longer. A consultation also helps in diagnosing an underlying eye condition known as keratoconus and this would mean that a surgery would not be possible at any age. A consultation also brings the opportunity to explore other vision correction surgeries such as implantable lenses. While most teens need to wait until they hit twenty, contact lenses are the most suitable, teenage-friendly option. They make a safe, comfortable and fuss-free solution.

Want to know if LASIK is right for your child? Talk to our LASIK surgeons at 559-449-5050.

It is important to take care of your eyes. Sometimes you may experience eye defects like astigmatism, bifocal vision, nearsightedness and farsightedness. LASIK eye surgery is a surgical procedure used to correct eye defects. Here are some precautions which you need to take before, during and after surgery.

What to do Before LASIK Surgery?

  1. To ascertain if you are a good candidate for LASIK, an eye examination must be performed. In order to have a good surgery you will have to stop wearing contact lenses weeks before the evaluation by the surgeon. Wearing contact lenses changes the shape of your cornea.
    • You must not wear soft contact lenses for up to two weeks before the surgery.
    • Toric lenses or gas permeable lenses must not be worn for up to three weeks before the surgery.
    • Hard lenses must be stopped four weeks before the surgery.
  2. You must tell the surgeon about your medical history and any medication you are allergic to. Discuss with the doctor about the outcome of the surgery and the precautions to take.
  3. Stop using perfumes, makeup, lotions and creams day before the surgery. Make arrangements to travel to and from the surgery centre.

What Happens During LASIK Surgery?

  1. The lasik surgery procedure lasts for 30 minutes. During the surgery a mechanical microkeratome or laser keratome will be used. Your vision may be reduced or you might have some sort of pain during the surgery. Your vision may be blurred you will have to stare at a light for about 60 seconds. You are not the right candidate for LASIK if you cannot stare at this light for 60 seconds.
  2. A shield will be placed over your eye at the end of the surgery. You must wear it.
  3. You must not work on the day of the surgery.

What to do After LASIK Surgery?

You must have transportation available to take you home after the surgery. You will have some pain in your eye after the surgery but you must not rub the eye or touch it. You must take plenty of rest. Take some days off from work, university or school. If the pain increases and you feel a lot of tenderness in the eye please contact the surgeon. You must see the doctor twenty within four to forty eight hours after the surgery. You must also visit the doctor for the first six months at regular intervals after the procedure.

You will be given eye drops to lubricate your eyes. You must use these eye drops. Any medication to reduce pain and antibiotics must also be taken. Take precautions to prevent eye infections. You must wear sun glasses to protect your eyes from the harmful effects of sun light and dust. Don’t watch television or use computers for up to twenty four to forty eight hours after the procedure. Avoid drinking alcohol for a couple of weeks after the surgery. Don’t use contact lenses until your eye heals and also follow your doctor’s advice. Don’t take a shower for twenty four to forty eight hours after the procedure and after that take a bath instead of the shower.

You should not work for some weeks after the procedure. You must wait for up to four weeks before indulging in any sports. Don’t use creams, lotions and eye make up for up to two weeks after the procedure. Do not indulge in swimming activities, hot tubs or whirlpools two to three months after the procedure. Contact your doctor if there is pain and heaviness in your eyes.

Taking care of your eyes is very important to avoid complications before and after the LASIK surgery. If there is any problem with your eyes then you must consult your surgeon immediately. You must follow the advice of your doctor and your eyes will be healthy and your vision will be restored after LASIK.

If you want to learn more about LASIK, please contact our experienced eye surgeons at InSight Vision Center by calling 559-449-5050

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