A lot of people feel the only time they must see a eye doctor is just a single time each and every two years to get an eye exam. For people with specific medical conditions for example glaucoma, being diabetic as well as other optic conditions, you will have to get a check-up more regularly. Having said that, there are a few optical circumstances that should send a person to the eye doctor to get an immediate analysis. Should you experience any one of the 7 warning signs in the following paragraphs, you have to make time for an eye exam at once.
1. Blurred Eyesight Or Issues Focusing
Blurry eyesight or possibly having issues focusing on items is usually a sign of a bigger health worry. If you have to squint to see things a lot more clearly or else you recognize cloudy things blocking the path, you could be affected by cataracts or possibly a number of other eye problems. Any kind of a gradual blurring of the vision may suggest you've a difference in your eye prescription. You may notice a variation in terms of how a person read an e-book or observe the computer screen, your vision could possibly be transforming and a session with a Dallas optical consultant is essential.
2. Head Pain
Head aches can be an early cautionary indication that your eyesight is actually adjusting. Take note if your head ache comes about soon after completing a visually tough activity or if perhaps your head pain happen to be toward the front region of the head. You might be needing glasses or a change in prescription.
3. Quick Visual Disturbances
Sudden symptoms of floaters, eye flashes or even blocked vision is usually a indication of a critical vision threatening ailment in regards to the retina. If you have experienced any of these signs or symptoms, find medical care from an ophthalmologist or alternatively er medical doctor immediately.
4. Sensitivity To Light
When you are squinting or even the light hurts your eyes, you ought to head over to an eye treatment center. Sensitivity to light may signal a number of eye diseases or perhaps an eye infection in the individual and it's important to get an eye exam at a Dallas optical center to be able to exclude anything truly serious.
5. Eye Infection
It's possible you have an eye infection in the event you experience itching, redness, inflammation to the eyelids or even yellow discharge. Conjunctivitis is a very contagious virus that is certainly curable by using an prescription antibiotic. It's crucial that you set up an eye exam from the very first indication of infection.
6. Squinting
Squinting can be a warning sign implying that you are having difficulties with your vision. It's also one of the first ways to diagnose if your youngster is actually having troubles seeing. Whenever we squint, the external light which enters the eye decreases and betters our vision. Lazy eye is another red flag, and you should be booking an eye exam with a knowledgeable Dallas optical services center. If it's not discovered as soon as possible, you might experience long-term vision loss.
7. Eye Fatigue
Eye tiredness is in fact a regular occurrence, particularly in people that utilize the computer system with regard to their job. The quantity of sleep at night, colds or flu and also seasonal allergies could cause short-term stress to the eyes. However, you really should get it examined for those who have continuous pains and / or tiredness, simply because this is often a indication of an infection as well as a much more serious health condition.
It doesn't matter if you're experiencing eye pain, fatigue, headaches or perhaps variations in sight, the Dallas optical professionals at Carter Eye Center will be able to help by giving you a comprehensive eye exam to ascertain the origin of the problem.
Carter Optical
5315 N. Central Expressway, Dallas, TX 75205
(214) 696-2020
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Advancements In LASIK Surgery
LASIK surgery is fairly new, compared to the 100 years that refractive surgery in general has been around. Since the FDA's approval of the Excimer Laser in 1995, however, Dallas LASIK has made leaps and bounds in terms of advancements.
What Is The Excimer Laser?
The Excimer Laser is a technique using a wide beam of laser energy to reshape the cornea. There was quite a bit of technological hardware and software required for this method, and the energy from the laser quickly wore down the optical mirrors and lenses used in the procedure. Because of the constant repairs being made to the machines, this became quite costly.
In 1998, the FDA approved a new selection of Excimer Lasers that used a more precise laser. These newer Excimer Lasers used a type of scanning system to locate the exact position of the eye that needed correction, and once that position was determined, deliver the beam of energy to it. This method was more patient friendly, as there was less stress on the patient to remain perfectly still, since the machine calculated the eye faults on its own. It was much more exact than a laser eye surgeon previously could be and didn't come with as much wear and tear than the previous lasers did.
Higher Speeds Lasers
Another advancement in LASIK is the development of a higher speed laser. In the 1990's, lasers would typically require between 30-90 seconds of exposure, depending on how severe corrections were. Now, lasers require between 2-30 seconds of exposure. This is quite significant, especially when considering that when the longer the cornea is exposed to this type of environment, there can be greater variety in results.
Using Wavefront Technology
Wavefront technology is another advancement in Dallas LASIK. Wavefront technology is based on a principle used by astronomers for years. Light is sent into the patient's eyes, and the light that is reflected back to the computer is measured. With these measurements, the laser eye surgeon is able to identify any errors or distortions in the patient's vision. With this information, the computer can build a 3-D map of the patient's eyes. This technology is capable of measuring aberrations like nearsightedness and farsightedness, as well as halos and starbursts. Wavefront technology has produced remarkable results. In VISX's FDA clinical trial, one year after the procedure, 98% of participants had 20/20 vision, or better, and didn't need glasses or contacts.
All-Laser LASIK
The latest advancement in laser eye surgery is all-laser LASIK, a completely bladeless surgery. The iFS IntraLASE Femtosecond laser is giving more people the option to have vision surgery who previously were told they were not candidates. The first step in IntraLASIK is the creation of a corneal flap, which previously was done using a microkeratome blade. With the new technology, a laser is instead used in this step, creating a more accurate flap in less time.
If you’re ready to start enjoying the benefits of the latest Dallas LASIK advancements, call Carter Eye Center today and schedule a consultation!
What Is The Excimer Laser?
The Excimer Laser is a technique using a wide beam of laser energy to reshape the cornea. There was quite a bit of technological hardware and software required for this method, and the energy from the laser quickly wore down the optical mirrors and lenses used in the procedure. Because of the constant repairs being made to the machines, this became quite costly.
In 1998, the FDA approved a new selection of Excimer Lasers that used a more precise laser. These newer Excimer Lasers used a type of scanning system to locate the exact position of the eye that needed correction, and once that position was determined, deliver the beam of energy to it. This method was more patient friendly, as there was less stress on the patient to remain perfectly still, since the machine calculated the eye faults on its own. It was much more exact than a laser eye surgeon previously could be and didn't come with as much wear and tear than the previous lasers did.
Higher Speeds Lasers
Another advancement in LASIK is the development of a higher speed laser. In the 1990's, lasers would typically require between 30-90 seconds of exposure, depending on how severe corrections were. Now, lasers require between 2-30 seconds of exposure. This is quite significant, especially when considering that when the longer the cornea is exposed to this type of environment, there can be greater variety in results.
Using Wavefront Technology
Wavefront technology is another advancement in Dallas LASIK. Wavefront technology is based on a principle used by astronomers for years. Light is sent into the patient's eyes, and the light that is reflected back to the computer is measured. With these measurements, the laser eye surgeon is able to identify any errors or distortions in the patient's vision. With this information, the computer can build a 3-D map of the patient's eyes. This technology is capable of measuring aberrations like nearsightedness and farsightedness, as well as halos and starbursts. Wavefront technology has produced remarkable results. In VISX's FDA clinical trial, one year after the procedure, 98% of participants had 20/20 vision, or better, and didn't need glasses or contacts.
All-Laser LASIK
The latest advancement in laser eye surgery is all-laser LASIK, a completely bladeless surgery. The iFS IntraLASE Femtosecond laser is giving more people the option to have vision surgery who previously were told they were not candidates. The first step in IntraLASIK is the creation of a corneal flap, which previously was done using a microkeratome blade. With the new technology, a laser is instead used in this step, creating a more accurate flap in less time.
If you’re ready to start enjoying the benefits of the latest Dallas LASIK advancements, call Carter Eye Center today and schedule a consultation!
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
The Right Vitamins For Eye Health
Our eyes are one of our most important assets, yet few of us take the time to properly care for them.
One easy way to help keep your eyes healthy is to incorporate the right vitamins into your daily routine. When choosing a multivitamin or deciding what groceries to buy, keep an eye out for these vitamins to help improve your optical health and protect vision.
Vitamin A: Often known as the “eye vitamin,” this is an essential part of retina function. Deficiency in this vitamin can affect how your eyes adjust to light changes and reduce night vision.
Vitamin B: The family of B vitamins is responsible for nerve function and essential for circulation in the eyes.
Vitamins C and E: Looking to reduce your risk of developing cataracts and macular degeneration? Try to make these vitamins a regular part of your daily intake! Vitamin E deficiency can also cause abnormal eye movements and impaired vision.
Vitamin D: Including enough of this in your diet will also help reduce the risk of developing macular degeneration. A deficiency can lead to blurred vision and problems focusing.
Eating the right foods and taking the right supplements are only part of keeping your eyes healthy. Regular Dallas eye exams are vital to catching any issues early and giving your eyes the best care possible. If you’re experiencing vision problems or just need to schedule your annual checkup, call Carter Eye Center today.
One easy way to help keep your eyes healthy is to incorporate the right vitamins into your daily routine. When choosing a multivitamin or deciding what groceries to buy, keep an eye out for these vitamins to help improve your optical health and protect vision.
Vitamin A: Often known as the “eye vitamin,” this is an essential part of retina function. Deficiency in this vitamin can affect how your eyes adjust to light changes and reduce night vision.
Vitamin B: The family of B vitamins is responsible for nerve function and essential for circulation in the eyes.
Vitamins C and E: Looking to reduce your risk of developing cataracts and macular degeneration? Try to make these vitamins a regular part of your daily intake! Vitamin E deficiency can also cause abnormal eye movements and impaired vision.
Vitamin D: Including enough of this in your diet will also help reduce the risk of developing macular degeneration. A deficiency can lead to blurred vision and problems focusing.
Eating the right foods and taking the right supplements are only part of keeping your eyes healthy. Regular Dallas eye exams are vital to catching any issues early and giving your eyes the best care possible. If you’re experiencing vision problems or just need to schedule your annual checkup, call Carter Eye Center today.
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Make Women’s Eye Health A Priority in April
Did you know that two-thirds of blindness and vision impairment occurs in women? Or that experts estimate that 75% of visual impairment is preventable or correctable.
Prevention and care for these issues is a priority during April, Women’s Eye Health and Safety Month. Even if you aren’t a woman, these issues should still be important to you -- think about your wife, your daughter, your mother. Conditions such as cataracts, dry eyes, Fuchs’ dystrophy, glaucoma, macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy are diagnosed in more women than men every year.
Not all of the vision issues are preventable, but many are much better treated if caught early. Here are some tips for women to help keep their eyes and vision health:
1. Get regular eye exams.
2. Know your family history and share it with your eye care provider.
3. Eat a healthy diet rich in beta carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin, zinc and omega-3 fatty acids.
4. Regularly take supplements.
5. Quit smoking, as it increases the risk of eye disease.
6. Wear eye protection to guard against UV light, which has been linked to cataract and AMD development later in life.
If you’re due for a comprehensive Dallas eye exam, now is the time to schedule it! Call Carter Eye Center at 214-775-2773.
Prevention and care for these issues is a priority during April, Women’s Eye Health and Safety Month. Even if you aren’t a woman, these issues should still be important to you -- think about your wife, your daughter, your mother. Conditions such as cataracts, dry eyes, Fuchs’ dystrophy, glaucoma, macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy are diagnosed in more women than men every year.
Not all of the vision issues are preventable, but many are much better treated if caught early. Here are some tips for women to help keep their eyes and vision health:
1. Get regular eye exams.
2. Know your family history and share it with your eye care provider.
3. Eat a healthy diet rich in beta carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin, zinc and omega-3 fatty acids.
4. Regularly take supplements.
5. Quit smoking, as it increases the risk of eye disease.
6. Wear eye protection to guard against UV light, which has been linked to cataract and AMD development later in life.
If you’re due for a comprehensive Dallas eye exam, now is the time to schedule it! Call Carter Eye Center at 214-775-2773.
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Reduce Eye Strain From Computers With These Eye Health Tips
Do you spend all day at a computer and suffer from dry eyes, headaches and blurred vision?
If you have these symptoms, you might be experiencing Computer Vision Syndrome, also commonly called computer eyestrain. Several factors can contribute to this affliction, including overuse or misuse of monitors and poor lighting in your work area, as well as other environmental and ergonomic factors.
At Carter Eye Center, we know that quitting your job is probably not an option for this problem, but there are some easy ways to alleviate the symptoms.
1. Take a break! A few minutes away from your computer (and from your desk entirely) each hour can do wonders. If you can’t leave your desk, then sitting back, closing your eyes and relaxing for a few moments still will help greatly
2. Light your workspace properly. If you have the option, use table lamps to the side of your work area, rather than bright overhead lighting or direct sunlight via a window.
3. Blink! Dry air translates to dry eyes, and the easiest fix is to consciously blink -- something that often decreases as computer use increases.
4. Decorate your workspace. Natural plants in your work area can increase humidity and control dust and other particles that can irritate the eyes. Don’t forget to water them, though!
If blurred vision and dry eyes persist, don’t forget to mention these complaints during your annual Dallas eye exam.
If you have these symptoms, you might be experiencing Computer Vision Syndrome, also commonly called computer eyestrain. Several factors can contribute to this affliction, including overuse or misuse of monitors and poor lighting in your work area, as well as other environmental and ergonomic factors.
At Carter Eye Center, we know that quitting your job is probably not an option for this problem, but there are some easy ways to alleviate the symptoms.
1. Take a break! A few minutes away from your computer (and from your desk entirely) each hour can do wonders. If you can’t leave your desk, then sitting back, closing your eyes and relaxing for a few moments still will help greatly
2. Light your workspace properly. If you have the option, use table lamps to the side of your work area, rather than bright overhead lighting or direct sunlight via a window.
3. Blink! Dry air translates to dry eyes, and the easiest fix is to consciously blink -- something that often decreases as computer use increases.
4. Decorate your workspace. Natural plants in your work area can increase humidity and control dust and other particles that can irritate the eyes. Don’t forget to water them, though!
If blurred vision and dry eyes persist, don’t forget to mention these complaints during your annual Dallas eye exam.
Monday, March 26, 2012
How Successful is LASIK?
If you’re considering LASIK eye surgery, one of the first questions you probably have is, “How successful is it?” The good news for glasses and contact wearers everywhere is that this procedure is highly successful.
Before scheduling your consultation with a Dallas LASIK surgeon, though, there are some factors to consider that can increase your chances of having great outcome for your laser eye surgery.
What Type Of Surgery You Have Matters
Laser eye surgery isn’t just one procedure -- there are different techniques and different technologies. As technology improves, so do success rates.
With custom wavefront-guided LASIK, such as Dallas Dr. Harvey Carter performs, success rates are exceptional. A recent study found that 44 percent of patients who had this procedure experienced 20/15 or better vision without corrective lenses after three months. The same survey noted that 92 percent had 20/20 vision, and 100 percent had 20/25 or better, in the same time period.
No one needs great vision like our military men and women. A U.S. Navy study found that of sailors who underwent this procedure, 85 percent had 20/15 vision, compared to 69 percent of sailors who had conventional LASIK done.
Success Rates High, Complication Rates Low
As with any surgery, laser eye surgery comes with a certain risk of complications. However, it is one of the safest procedures you can undergo.
The Food and Drug Administration reports that complications occur in only 1 to 5 percent of LASIK surgeries, out of the hundreds of thousands that are performed nationally each year. Of those, most are mild symptoms, such as glare or light sensitivity, that often resolve in time.
Increasing Likelihood Of Success
Not every candidate will see the ideal results of LASIK surgery, but there are some criteria to meet that can increase your chances of success.
Having healthy eyes before surgery is vital to ensuring a good outcome for your procedure. If you are suffering from a condition that could affect how your eyes deal with surgery or healing, the procedure should wait until this issue is resolved. Such conditions include chronic dry eyes, conjunctivitis or eye injuries.
A patient who has had stable vision for at least a year is also more likely to have a successful outcome, which happens for most people at some point in their 20s. Additionally, hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause fluctuations in your vision. So if you are pregnant, this procedure should wait until your vision has normalized after pregnancy.
Certain health conditions also can affect how successful your procedure will be. Degenerative or autoimmune diseases, for example, may disqualify you from having LASIK eye surgery. Sjogren’s syndrome, type 1 diabetes and HIV are some of examples.
And the top criteria to increase your success with LASIK is to find a qualified surgeon. An eye doctor with the right experience and a proven record is the best person to advise you on whether you are a candidate for a successful laser eye surgery.
Stop wondering if you are a candidate for Dallas LASIK and start the process of leading a glasses-free life! Call Dr Harvey Carter today and schedule your free consultation.
Before scheduling your consultation with a Dallas LASIK surgeon, though, there are some factors to consider that can increase your chances of having great outcome for your laser eye surgery.
What Type Of Surgery You Have Matters
Laser eye surgery isn’t just one procedure -- there are different techniques and different technologies. As technology improves, so do success rates.
With custom wavefront-guided LASIK, such as Dallas Dr. Harvey Carter performs, success rates are exceptional. A recent study found that 44 percent of patients who had this procedure experienced 20/15 or better vision without corrective lenses after three months. The same survey noted that 92 percent had 20/20 vision, and 100 percent had 20/25 or better, in the same time period.
No one needs great vision like our military men and women. A U.S. Navy study found that of sailors who underwent this procedure, 85 percent had 20/15 vision, compared to 69 percent of sailors who had conventional LASIK done.
Success Rates High, Complication Rates Low
As with any surgery, laser eye surgery comes with a certain risk of complications. However, it is one of the safest procedures you can undergo.
The Food and Drug Administration reports that complications occur in only 1 to 5 percent of LASIK surgeries, out of the hundreds of thousands that are performed nationally each year. Of those, most are mild symptoms, such as glare or light sensitivity, that often resolve in time.
Increasing Likelihood Of Success
Not every candidate will see the ideal results of LASIK surgery, but there are some criteria to meet that can increase your chances of success.
Having healthy eyes before surgery is vital to ensuring a good outcome for your procedure. If you are suffering from a condition that could affect how your eyes deal with surgery or healing, the procedure should wait until this issue is resolved. Such conditions include chronic dry eyes, conjunctivitis or eye injuries.
A patient who has had stable vision for at least a year is also more likely to have a successful outcome, which happens for most people at some point in their 20s. Additionally, hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause fluctuations in your vision. So if you are pregnant, this procedure should wait until your vision has normalized after pregnancy.
Certain health conditions also can affect how successful your procedure will be. Degenerative or autoimmune diseases, for example, may disqualify you from having LASIK eye surgery. Sjogren’s syndrome, type 1 diabetes and HIV are some of examples.
And the top criteria to increase your success with LASIK is to find a qualified surgeon. An eye doctor with the right experience and a proven record is the best person to advise you on whether you are a candidate for a successful laser eye surgery.
Stop wondering if you are a candidate for Dallas LASIK and start the process of leading a glasses-free life! Call Dr Harvey Carter today and schedule your free consultation.
Monday, March 19, 2012
Mark “Save Your Vision” Month With An Eye Exam
The American Optometric Association designates March as Save Your Vision Month -- an annual campaign designed to remind Americans how important good vision and healthy eyes are.
One of the biggest factors in maintaining healthy eyes and good vision is getting regular Dallas eye exams. Catching and treating eye problems early is vital to saving your vision in the long-term.
For Save Your Vision Month, the AOA offers a few tips about healthy vision at the computer for people who sit in front of a computer screen for long periods of time -- which probably applies to many of us in this digital age!
1. Make sure you have the correct prescription contact lenses or eyeglasses
2. Wear glasses designed to function comfortably at the computer
3. Use a humidifier/artificial tears to prevent dry eye issues
4. Position computer monitor 20-26 inches from your eyes
5. Keep monitor free of fingerprints and dust (can reduce clarity)
Call Carter Eye Center at 214-696-2020 today to schedule your annual eye exam.
One of the biggest factors in maintaining healthy eyes and good vision is getting regular Dallas eye exams. Catching and treating eye problems early is vital to saving your vision in the long-term.
For Save Your Vision Month, the AOA offers a few tips about healthy vision at the computer for people who sit in front of a computer screen for long periods of time -- which probably applies to many of us in this digital age!
1. Make sure you have the correct prescription contact lenses or eyeglasses
2. Wear glasses designed to function comfortably at the computer
3. Use a humidifier/artificial tears to prevent dry eye issues
4. Position computer monitor 20-26 inches from your eyes
5. Keep monitor free of fingerprints and dust (can reduce clarity)
Call Carter Eye Center at 214-696-2020 today to schedule your annual eye exam.
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