LASIK and Travel

Because you will need to return for a follow-up visit a day or two after your LASIK procedure, you should avoid travel, and plan to rest for a few days after surgery. If you are given the OK to return to work, someone else may have to drive you for a few days. More than likely you will wear a shield until your follow up visit, a couple days later.

LASIK patients usually can't drive until a few days after their procedure. Your eyes may be itchy, irritated and possibly feel like they are burning right after surgery. While over-the-counter pain relievers will control this discomfort, if you plan to travel by car, make sure someone else does the driving.

If your vision is hazy or blurry, often a result of dry-eye, your ability to rely on what you see will be compromised. Your LASIK surgeon will give you drops that will reduce the irritation as well as help you focus.

It would be wise to do some research before you travel. Air travel is safe after LASIK; however, if you plan to fly, or travel to an area that is dry or windy, dry-eye may be worsened. Air conditioning in hotels, jets, planes, and even cars can aggravate dry-eye. Dry, irritated eyes are more easily infected, so, talk to your surgeon and make sure your travel plans are OK, and that you are prepared to accommodate climate changes.

For more information please visit the website for the Carter Eye Center in Dallas, or contact them to schedule a free consultation. Dr. Harvey Carter and his team of eye surgery specialists are proud to offer you the highest quality of care possible.

Benefits of LASIK

It would be an understatement to say that the successful LASIK procedure has made it possible for many thousands of people to see better. In addition to vision improvement, LASIK usually eliminates the need for glasses, altogether. And when they are needed, it should certainly reduce that need to special circumstances, such as driving at night or in bad weather.

If you work in an industry that relies on accurate vision, LASIK has been approved for some of the most critical workers such as airplane pilots, astronauts, firefighters and emergency responders. LASIK is also sought by sports players because of its potential to eliminate the need for glasses and contact lenses.

A few of the many benefits of LASIK are:
LASIK patients typically achieve at least 20/20 vision, and often better than 20/20 vision. One study showed that 85% of 908 participants achieved 20/16 vision, and 97% of 34 patients received 20/20 or better
LASIK patients heal faster than those undergoing other procedures. Recovery can be I as little as two days to one week
LASIK patients experience less discomfort
LASIK patients recover faster. They can drive within three days of surgery.
LASIK patients experience instant visual clarity
Undesirable side effects, such as corneal haze, are very rare
LASIK is an outpatient procedure that takes about fifteen minutes per eye. The actual procedure takes only a minute or so, with the rest of the time spent in preparation. For such a small investment of time to produce such remarkable results, these are priceless benefits to LASIK.

Please take a moment to visit the website of the Carter Eye Center in Dallas. Please also contact them today for a free consultation.

Conductive Keratoplasty (CK)

Conductive keratoplasty, also known as CK or near-vision CK, differs from LASIK surgery in several ways. Most notably, it uses radio waves rather than a laser to reshape the cornea. CK treats farsightedness and presbyopia.

CK usually involves reshaping the cornea of the non-dominant eye to see close up for reading, and the dominant eye for distance, creating monovision. The process shrinks the collagen on the outer edges of the cornea to reshape it. It's a short procedure that takes only a few minutes per eye. It is a minimally invasive procedure with few complications and risks.

The monovision takes a short while to adjust to, and may decrease depth perception. But, most people adapt quickly and have no problems with adjusting to either change. In many cases, both eyes can be treated in the same visit. This painless procedure can produce immediate results, allowing you to read without glasses immediately.

If you are between the ages of 18 and 40, have a stable lens prescription, no eye-disease that can interfere with healing, and your eyes tear normally, you may be a good candidate for CK.

If you are interested in vision correction, and getting rid of your glasses or contacts, please contact Dr. Harvey Carter at the Carter Eye Center in Dallas for your free consultation appointment. Whether or not you qualify for CK, there are many solutions for better vision, regardless of your age, or other factors.

Am I a Candidate for Crystalens®

Crystalens® is an Accommodating Intraocular Lens (IOL) that differs from other IOLs. Because it is controlled naturally, using your eye muscles, it is able to move and accommodate vision to see at variable distances. It is a wonderful corrective solution for both presbyopia and cataracts. Although presbyopia and cataracts are two entirely different anomalies of the eye, they both involve the ocular lens.

In presbyopia, the lens loses its ability to accommodate or change its shape to focus clearly between near and far. This is a normal aging effect and is seen most often in people over 40. It generally affects both eyes.

Cataracts are clumps of protein whose density creates a cloudy area in the lens that blurs vision. Cataracts can occur in one or both eyes, and can result from aging or from trauma to the eyes. In the case of trauma, cataracts may develop earlier in life.

Crystalens® IOLs are implanted, replacing the natural lens. This procedure attaches the IOL to the eye muscles and allows these muscles to move the lens to accommodate focus changes between near and far vision. A recent improvement to Crystalens® is the FDA approved HD model that provides better contrast sensitivity and depth of focus. Most patients can see well at all focal ranges without the need for glasses, at all. Read more about Crystalens®.

Dr. Harvey Carter of the Carter Eye Center in Dallas was the first U.S. surgeon to implant Crystalens® after the FDA approved its use, and has performed more Crystalens® implants than any eye surgeon in the world. If you would like to know more about the Crystalens® procedures, please contact the Carter Eye Center for a free consultation.

Selecting a LASIK Surgeon

Selecting an eye surgeon best qualified to perform LASIK is not nearly as difficult as it might seem. Selecting any surgeon requires careful research, and there are a number of steps you can take to ensure that you choose an eye surgeon wisely.

One of the first things we tend to do is ask around. Word-of-mouth recommendations are valuable, and you can learn a lot about a doctor, his clinic, staff, and care by speaking to former patients. But, sooner or later you will find a disgruntled patient. Bear in mind that some people are never satisfied and always manage to find fault with everything. On the other hand, give careful consideration to what their complaint is and try to determine if they contributed to the problem and how. In other words, use caution and “consider the source.”

Another step is to research LASIK, carefully, to learn what is involved in the procedure, and what you can expect regarding results, recovery, discomfort, improvement, and possible alternatives to LASIK.

You want to evaluate potential surgeons based upon their professional qualifications, experience, and other attributes. Most eye surgeons make their training, credentials and affiliations known. When you find one you think you may want as your surgeon, be prepared to ask him questions to help you decide for certain. Check out this free, downloadable, PDF file of 50 questions you can ask you physician.

Dr. Harvey Carter and his staff at the Carter Eye Center in Dallas are among the most highly qualified and experienced eye surgeons in North Texas. Dr. Carter performed the first laser refractive correction in North Texas, and has earned many honors in his field. In addition, he was invited to be a core investigator in the International Society for Refractive Surgery’s American LASIK study, in 1996.

Dr. Carter is certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology, and has over 20 years of experience treating tens of thousands of LASIK patients. Please visit his site to learn more about LASIK, Dr. Carter and his staff, and to contact him for a free consultation. Don’t forget to ask about his “20/20 or it’s free” offer.

LASIK Misconceptions

LASIK is improving over time. New techniques and equipment are constantly being researched in an ongoing effort to find new and better ways to help people achieve better health and better vision. There is much misinformation circulating about surgical procedures. Often this comes from dated articles that people read about LASIK, or information they learned from their doctors, family or friends, months or even years ago. What they knew then may no longer be the case.

Some of the misconceptions include:

• Thinking your eyesight is too bad for LASIK to help you
• LASIK doesn’t correct astigmatism
• Thinking you are too young, or too old, for LASIK
• Thinking you’ll still have to wear glasses after LASIK, anyway
• Vision requirements of your job disqualify you for LASIK
• Your doctor has told you, in the past, that you don’t qualify for LASIK

New products, ones that were formerly in research and development stages, have been approved by the FDA and are now on the market. Researchers are continually studying the eye, eye disease and aberrations, and are continually finding new ways to treat these.

If you have always wished there was a way to improve your vision and to eliminate the need for glasses or contacts, see a qualified eye surgeon for a complete examination and discussion of new methods that might work for you. What couldn’t be done just a few years ago, is being done for thousands of people today.

The Carter Eye Center in Dallas has a staff that is qualified to let you know, based upon your examination, what corrective procedures are best for you. Please contact them today for more information, or call them at 1-800-950-2020.

Is LASIK Safe?

LASIK complications are less than 1% nationwide, which places it among the safest of any surgical procedure. The CustomVue® VISX STAR 4 wavefront laser that Dr. Carter uses has been used for over a million LASIK surgeries and is the most reliable equipment for both diagnostic and surgical LASIK procedures. Using such state-of-the-art equipment by highly experienced staff reduces the risks of surgery to below national averages.

Yet, all surgery has risks, and you should be aware of these so that you can make an informed choice whether to have LASIK surgery or not. The risks of LASIK are well-established but many are temporary. Others are correctable with additional treatment. Both the risks and benefits of LASIK are listed on the Risks/Benefits of Lasik page.

Overall, most of these risks are almost entirely eliminated by using wavefront technology. Dr. Carter, a former FDA investigator was the first in North Texas to perform LASIK after it’s approval. Dr. Carter has performed thousands of LASIK surgeries since then.

To schedule you free consultation, please contact the Carter Eye Center in Dallas, or call 1-800-950-2020. The Carter Eye Center is committed to giving you the best care possible, and offers a 20/20 or it’s free, guarantee to back up their promise.

How Do I Know If I Have Cataracts?

Cataracts aren't always obvious, and if they are not blatantly obstructing your vision, you may not even know you have them. The only sure way to know is to have a qualified, experienced eye doctor do an eye examination.

What are Cataracts?

Cataracts are areas of cloudiness forming in the lens of the eye due to proteins that congeal. Cataracts are not contagious and may appear in one eye and not the other. They tend to worsen over time but may be located out of the center of your vision where you may be less aware of them.

In the early stages they may be difficult to see, and cause only minor disturbance to your vision. As they become denser, or wider you will notice increasingly blurry vision. This may seem, at first, to be a deteriorating ability to focus, that could be corrected by a prescription for stronger glasses.

While cataracts are more prevalent in older people, they can occur in younger people as well. In particular, injury to the eye(s) predisposes them to cataracts, which may cause them to appear at a much younger age than one would expect. Over half of all people, by age 80 years have cataracts.

Risk Factors for Cataracts

While doctors understand what increases the risk for cataracts, they still don't understand what actually causes them. Risks include:

• Age, progressively increases with age
• Diabetes
• Smoking
• Long-term use of alcohol
• Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet sunlight
• Exposure to lead

Prevention and Treatment

While you may not be able to prevent all cataracts, you can make some changes that might delay their development. Based on the risk factors, keeping diabetes under control, quitting smoking, drinking in moderation if at all, wearing UV protected sunglasses and hats with brims to block UV sunlight, and avoiding lead can help delay or diminish the development of cataracts. Treatment is indicated when the cataracts interfere with your ability to carry out normal tasks, and involves surgically replacing the lens with an intraocular lens (IOL.)

If you suspect that you have cataracts, it's time for an eye examination. Please contact Carter Eye Center in Dallas for an appointment with one of our highly qualified and experienced eye doctors.

Cataracts

Cataracts occur when the natural lens develops opaque or cloudy areas that prevent light from passing through to the retina properly. Cataracts may occur as a normal part of aging, or as a result of trauma. Treatment involves removing and replacing the lens with an artificial lens, called an intraocular lens (IOL.)

Cataracts develop slowly, so are not always apparent in their early stages. As proteins in the lens cohere to each other they begin to form cloudy areas that diminish visual clarity. This may seem, for a while, to be merely a need for "new glasses" with a stronger prescription. Over time they can develop into visible cataracts, for which the only treatment is replacement.

There are three types of IOLs and each has pros and cons. Crystalens®, an accommodating lens, moves under the control of your eye muscles. ReZoom® and ReSTOR® are multifocal IOLs, or fixed lenses. They don't move within the eye. These use concentric rings of incremental focal power to allow good vision at various distances.

Older types of IOLs are still used occasionally. These are monofocal lenses that focus clearly at a single distance range. With the monofocal lenses you will need glasses to see at other distances.

Astigmatism can complicate IOL implant surgery, and cause the individual to need glasses for some or all activities. An alternative is to undergo a procedure to correct the astigmatism as well. Your eye surgeon can advise you of the most suitable options once he does a thorough eye exam.

The Carter Eye Center in Dallas is a perfect choice for your exam. Dr. Harvey Carter and his staff use the newest equipment and techniques to diagnose and treat cataracts. Please visit their site for more information, and contact them for a free consultation. Call 1-800-950-2020.

Ready for LASIK but not sure you can afford it?

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Carter Eye Center is offering 60% off your LASIK procedure! That's better than any other offer he's had, and it beats out all other competitors in the DFW area.

Dr. Harvey Carter and his staff know the economy is down, but your eyes shouldn't suffer because of it. If you want to see the best, come see THE best at Carter Eye Center.

*Carter Eye Center's 60% offer ends on October 31st.

Does LASIK Hurt?

No Pain

One of the remarkable facts about LASIK is the lack of pain from this surgery. During surgery, you will be given anesthetic eye drops, eliminating pain from the procedure itself. You might feel a little pressure, but that shouldn’t cause any discomfort.

There is, however, some discomfort that you might experience for a short period (12 to 24 hours), such as itchy or watery eyes or even dry eyes until the nerves heal. The total healing period for LASIK can take six months, but recovery to normal activities can be as soon as two days to a week.

Because the tear ducts and sinuses affect each other, dry sinuses may accompany dry eyes, causing "sinus headaches" for a short time. You will be given drops that will relieve the discomfort.

It isn't entirely certain why dry-eye occurs, as there are several mechanisms involved in tear-production. One theory is that the tear stimulating nerve is severed during corneal surgery, and tears don’t return until that nerve heals.

You can lessen the effect of dry-eye by avoiding antihistamines and other medications that tend to dry up sinuses (and eyes as well). Check with your doctor about medication that you can change or eliminate or drops that will lubricate your eyes. Avoid drops that have preservatives. Drink plenty of liquids to stay hydrated, use a humidifier and avoid dry or windy areas. Air conditioning, fans, heating systems and extreme cold can dehumidify the air, aggravating dry eyes.

Plenty of Gain

On the positive side, LASIK results in clear vision almost immediately. While dry-eye can blur vision, using drops until natural tears resume will take care of that effect. With risks running as low as 1%, the benefits of LASIK are many.

Dr. Harvey Carter and his staff at Carter Eye Center of Dallas are ready to make your LASIK surgery experience pain free and comfortable for you. Please visit them at Carter Eye Center or call 1-800-950-2020 to schedule a free consultation.

CustomVue® Wavefront Technology

What is Wavefront Technology?

Wavefront technology has been used for years to adjust telescopes to eliminate aberrations caused by the earth's atmosphere. This technology, applied to LASIK surgery, offers a very high degree of safety and precision in shaping the cornea. Wavefront technology is used both to diagnose aberrations, as well as to ablate the excess tissue.

What are the Advantages of Wavefront Technology?

The CustomVue® wavefront can pinpoint a broader range of refractive errors than other diagnostic methods, giving many patients, who could not qualify for other procedures, the option for LASIK corrective surgery. As a diagnostic measure, CustomVue® wavefront is accurate enough to determine if the patients' aberrations would be made worse from surgery, or it can determine which LASIK procedure is best for the specific individual.

CustomVue® wavefront's accuracy in ablating excess corneal tissue results in more precise shaping of the cornea. Many patients experience outcomes of better than 20/20 vision. It can also diagnose higher order aberrations better than other diagnostic methods can.

And If That Isn't Enough

According to USAeyes.org, a LASIK-patient advocacy organization, "…virtually every person considering Lasik, LASEK, PRK, or Epi-Lasik should have a wavefront diagnostic evaluation." Read more about CustomVue® and wavefront technology.

Dr. Carter and his staff at the Carter Eye Center in Dallas have extensive experience, and work with state-of-the-art equipment, including the CustomVue® VISX STAR 4 wavefront laser. You can feel confident in getting the best care possible. Please call 1-800-950-2020 or contact the Carter Eye Center for a free consultation.

LATISSE® for Longer, Thicker, Darker Lashes

If you have tried every mascara, extensions, or false lashes, you know the shortcomings of all these methods for achieving the fuller, darker lashes you desire. Now, there is a treatment clinically proven to help you grow your own lashes significantly thicker, longer, and darker.

LATISSE® is the first and only FDA-Approved treatment for helping you grow thicker, longer, and darker lashes. There is no surgery, and it requires no downtime. All it takes is applying LATISSE® to your lashes on a daily basis, and after a few short weeks, your lashes will grow in thicker and darker.

In clinical trials, nearly 80% of participants saw significant improvement in the appearance of their eyelashes. On average, those seeing results had lashes that were 25% longer, 106% fuller, and 18% darker. The only common side effects are itchy eyes and eye redness, but for many these went away with use.

If you would like to learn more about this exciting new treatment for achieving more attractive lashes, please contact the Carter Eye Center in Dallas, Texas today.

Crystalens®

Planning for lens implant surgery is no small consideration and is worth researching until you are fully satisfied with your decision. One of the most popular and successful brands of lenses to choose is Crystalens®, an accommodating intraocular lens. Crystalens® was approved by the FDA in 2003, and its long history of success speaks well about its value.

Why Implants?

Lens implants are typically recommended to correct cataracts (clouding of the lens,) presbyopia (loss of flexibility in the lens,) or refractive lens disease. Of the three major intraocular lenses (IOL) on the market, Crystalens® is the only one that focuses under the control of your eye muscles, much the same as the natural crystalline lens it replaces. The implant procedure is not complex and takes only about 20 minutes per eye. The second implant can be done about a week later.

Crystalens® provides vision in all three ranges–near, mid-range, and distance–and provides the best night vision of the top brands. It offers the best clarity of vision, and stable long-term outcomes.

Be Aware and Prepare

Some of the drawbacks to Crystalens® implants are that it may take longer to adapt to them than with other brands of IOLs, and some insurances don’t pay for all of the costs. The Carter Eye Center's payment plan might be a perfect solution for costs that aren't covered.

Experience Counts

An important consideration for choosing Crystalens® is to make sure your eye surgeon has plenty of experience. Dr. Harvey Carter of Carter Custom Care in Dallas, Texas was the first physician to implant Crystalens® after it received FDA approval. He has performed more Crystalens® procedures than any eye surgeon in the world.

The Carter Eye Center in Dallas invites you to come in for a free consultation to learn more about Crystalens®. Please contact us at 1-800-950-2020 or through our online contact page.

LASIK

LASIK is one of the more well-known types of eye surgery. As with each different type of surgery, it corrects specific aberrations of the eye. Even though it is similar to other surgeries, both in procedure and in purpose(s), it is the unique features of LASIK, along with the unique results of your eye examination, that indicate to your eye surgeon whether it is the procedure that will get you the best results.

Is it LASIK or LASEK?

LASIK is often confused with LASEK, a distinctly different procedure. Both LASIK and LASEK procedures are used to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and refractive errors. LASIK, an acronym for Laser-Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis, uses a different laser-assisted approach to correct these problems. The differences are in both the procedure itself, and in the equipment used to perform the surgery.

LASIK involves exposing the corneal tissue peeling back the epithelial and stroma tissue in thin layers. The layers are actually flaps that remain attached by a "hinge." Because they are not completely severed, this prevents the destruction of any of those tissues, improves healing time, and lessens pain and risk. The exposed corneal tissue can, then, be ablated–removed and sculpted to its most effective shape.

As wonderful as LASIK can be for restoring 20/20 vision, it isn't a one-size-fits-all procedure. A thorough examination by a qualified eye surgeon is the first step in learning what LASIK can do for you. Dr. Harvey Carter is unique in his field, with experience as a core investigator in the ISRS LASIK Study,

Please contact us or schedule a free consultation at Carter Custom Care LASIK in Dallas.

IntraLASIK

What is IntraLASIK?

IntraLASIK is a blade-free, all-laser LASIK procedure. It uses a laser to cut the corneal flap as well as to shape the cornea. Compared to shaping the cornea using the microkeratome blade procedure, some studies show that the IntraLASIK procedure may have a higher success rate in achieving 20/20 vision, but research is not, yet, conclusive about this. Other studies show similar outcomes for both procedures after six months.

How is it Different from the Microkeratome Blade Procedure?

IntraLASIK uses a computer-controlled laser to deliver femtosecond pulses of laser light to the cornea. These pulses are precisely directed to a specified depth and postion, creating a series of bubbles that connect and form a space. This space creates a flap with a vertical edge, which heals better than the tapered edge flap created by the microkeratome blade. IntraLASIK cuts more precisely and is a completely sterile procedure.

Also, because of this vertical edge cut, many patients qualify for IntraLASIK who previously did not qualify for LASIK performed with a microkeratome blade. These include patients who have thin corneas or corneas of disadvantageous shape.

Which Procedure is Best for Me?

As with any eye surgery, IntraLASIK requires a thorough examination by a qualified, experienced eye surgeon. Because there are advantages and disadvantages to both IntraLASIK and microkeratome methods, your surgeon must determine, based upon your examination, the best option for you. For more information see our frequently asked questions page.

The staff at the Carter Eye Center in Dallas has extensive experience and work with state-of-the-art equipment. Please call 1-800-950-2020 or contact us today for a free, personalized consultation.

Life After LASIK – Much Improved!

The vast majority of people who have their vision corrected using LASIK are very happy with their results. LASIK corrects nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. The correction is instant and permanent.

When your procedure is finished and you are given the OK to go home (you will need a ride home), you can already see so clearly that most people are startled and astonished and full of wonder. They have never had this freedom of vision, where they can look from their watch to the child crossing the street to the mountains on the horizon and it is all equally clear.

LASIK Recovery
The first day or two your eyes will be a bit sensitive to light. In fact the first day you might just want to sleep. But you can return to normal activities in a day or two and typically leave your glasses at home. A day or two is the immediate recovery period and full recovery is thought to be three months. Over that period your vision will slowly improve even more. You will probably have dry eyes in this period and your eye surgeon will prescribe moisturizing eyedrops. The dryness will resolve itself in a few months.

When you are fully recovered, you will be delighted at the freedom you now have.
• You can perform better in sports without glasses
• There is no more bother with contact lenses falling out or getting lost
• You can add more spontaneity to your life, going out for a movie, a bike ride, a picnic, without any vision concerns
• You can pick up any printed material and see it clearly
• The computer monitor will be crystal clear

Each person has their particular joy according to their lifestyle and favorite activities.

Dr. Carter will want to check your eyes in follow-up visits. They will become less frequent and will end after about a year.

Please contact LASIK surgeon Dr. Harvey Carter today if you would like to learn more about LASIK and whether you are a good candidate for it. We hope to see you soon in our friendly Dallas, Texas vision correction office.

LASIK Age Requirements

To have a LASIK surgery, you need to be an adult -- over the age of 18. There is a good medical reason for this. Our eyes and vision continue to develop through the adolescent years and do not stabilize enough for laser vision correction until approximately 18 years of age.

For a LASIK vision correction to be effective and long-lasting, the eyes need to have the same prescription for at least a year. If LASIK were to be done on eyes that were still changing or developing, the reshaping would not hold and vision would again become blurry.

On the other end of the age continuum, an older person might be a good LASIK candidate, or might not, depending on other eye conditions. Dr. Carter would do a thorough eye exam and vision test. If the lens is beginning to develop early cataracts, that would need to be addressed first. There would be little purpose in correcting the corneal shape for better vision if the lens was becoming cloudy and impairing vision.

Similarly, if an older person is developing glaucoma, that would need treatment. There is no cure for glaucoma, but it can be managed with eyedrops that lower the pressure inside the eye. Dr. Carter would determine whether laser vision correction would be appropriate. Other eye conditions that tend to occur during or after mid-life would be assessed and may disqualify you for LASIK.

To learn more about your LASIK candidacy and have your questions answered, please contact our vision correction office today for a free personal consultation.

How do You Know if CK is the Right Procedure?

Dr. Carter uses CK (conductive keratoplasty) to reshape the cornea and improve vision. CK uses a very small instrument to apply radio waves to the outer parts of the cornea in a ring-like pattern. The radio waves change the corneal shape, allowing you to focus better on close range images. The in-office procedure is painless and takes less than five minutes to complete. Your central cornea remains completely untouched, so there are minimal risks
for the CK procedure.

CK Candidates

CK is most often used for patients over 40 who have presbyopia and need reading glasses or who are farsighted (unable to clearly see images up close). If you are in good health and have no previous history of vision problems, you could be a candidate for CK.

The CK procedure can also be performed if you have had prior LASIK surgery, but now require reading glasses. Dr. Carter will conduct additional tests to determine if you are a good candidate and how much corneal modification would be needed to improve your near vision.
The CK Procedure

CK does not require a surgical facility. Prior to your procedure, your eye will be completely numbed with eye drop anesthesia. You'll be asked to look at a microscope light and your eye will be marked with a sequence of dots. Dr. Carter will touch the dots with the probe, making a full circle around the border of your cornea. There may be eight to 32 points, depending upon the amount of correction you need.

Some people choose "blended vision" where Conductive Keratoplasty (CK) is used to modify one eye for near vision and the other is left untreated for far vision. If you are not sure which option is right for you, Dr. Carter can help you make the best choice for your lifestyle and needs.
Making the Choice

If you are farsighted or depend on reading glasses, CK could be a viable treatment option. If your vision falls within the range of correction for CK, Dr. Carter will conduct a comprehensive eye examination to determine the health of your eyes. From there, you can both discuss the benefits of CK to decide if it is right for you.

If you would like to ask more questions or schedule an eye exam, please contact our Dallas, Texas vision care office today.

If I have Lasik, Will I Ever Need Eyeglasses?

The majority of people who have LASIK to correct their vision do not need their glasses after treatment. But there is no way to guarantee that you will never need to wear glasses again. Depending on your age and the type of prescription you have, it is possible you may need to wear reading glasses after having LASIK.

Typically people under 40 or 45 read well without glasses following a LASIK treatment. However, most of us will need reading glasses at some point in our lives because the ability to focus on near objects decreases as we age. This condition is called presbyopia and typically occurs after 40 years of age. LASIK vision correction does not prevent or correct presbyopia.

There is a variety of strategies to address presbyopia and provide options for decreasing your dependence on reading glasses. One example is monovision. With this treatment, one eye is corrected to improve distance vision and one eye is corrected for better vision close up. Monovision may delay the need for corrective eyewear.

Another example is blended vision. This is a treatment of one eye with Near Vision CK (Conductive Keratoplasty). The other eye is left untreated for far vision. The CK procedure uses radio waves to change corneal curvature, making it steeper for near vision.

Dr. Carter will be able to address your individual vision needs and help you to determine which options are best for you.

If you would like to have a free consultation to ask more questions or if you are ready to schedule an eye exam, please call or email LASIK surgeon Dr. Carter today. We serve the entire Dallas, Texas area.

How to Choose an IntraLASIK Doctor

Your eyesight is one of the most precious gifts you have. When you need assistance to improve or correct your vision, it is important to choose your doctor carefully. He or she should be certified and well-trained in the procedure you are considering, be able to answer your questions knowledgably, and be as invested in maintaining your valuable sight as you are.

An increasingly popular form of vision correction surgery is IntraLASIK. IntraLASIK uses a second laser instead of a microkeratome (blade) to create the LASIK corneal flap. After you better understand the IntraLase method, you should learn as much as possible about the doctor and vision center you select for the procedure. Below are five questions you can ask to help you choose the right IntraLASIK surgeon.

1. Have you been trained and certified to perform IntraLASIK?
2. How long have you been performing the IntraLASIK?
3. How many IntraLASIK procedures have you performed?
4. Are you certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology?
5. Can you offer the names and contact information of some previous patients similar to me who had IntraLASIK done?

Dr. Carter is willing to answer your questions openly and even provides you with further guidelines for selecting an IntraLASIK surgeon. Using the above five questions, you may not be able to immediately obtain all the information you need, but an eye surgeon who sincerely intends to provide you with the best IntraLASIK procedure possible will make efforts to ensure you are well-informed and satisfied with your decision.

If you are in the Dallas, Texas area and would like to make the best choice possible for your vision needs, please contact IntraLASIK surgeon Dr. Carter to schedule a free consultation.

Wavefront Technology

Wavefront mapping is a vision diagnosis technology that makes it possible for Dr. Carter to customize your laser eye surgery more precisely than was previously possible. The Wavefront technology precisely measures and records the unique imperfections of your eyes and creates a 3D map for each eye. Dr. Carter use the recorded data and maps to plan your vision correction treatment. LASIK performed after a Wavefront diagnosis is known as custom LASIK.

How does Wavefront Mapping Work?

Wavefront mapping can detect and measure vision defects 25 times more precisely than other standard methods. To create a Wavefront map for each of your eyes, a safe and painless beam of light is passed through each eye. It travels through to the retina and then reflects back to the Wavefront system.

The Wavefront system captures and measures the changes that your eyes made to the light beam. A perfect eye would make no changes, but no person has a perfect eye. Each human eye has microscopic aberrations in its contours which create a curved formation to the front of the light beam.

These curved formations are known as Higher Order Aberrations and were not corrected by early LASIK procedures, done before Wavefront technology was developed. They mostly relate to night vision and so far about 60 have been discovered and recorded. There are just three Lower Order Aberrations: myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism.

After a Wavefront LASIK sensor identifies, measures, and maps your eye’s aberrations (both lower and higher), computer software converts the data into a mathematic formula. This formula becomes the treatment instructions for the laser Dr. Carter uses to conduct your custom LASIK procedure.

To better understand the process or to schedule an appointment for Custom LASIK, please contact LASIK surgeon Dr. Carter today. Our office serves Dallas, Texas.

Can you Prevent Cataracts?

Cataracts are a change in the eye’s lens, where it becomes so cloudy that it impairs your vision. Cataracts happen as we age and there is no proven way to prevent them or to reverse the damage once it has begun.

Cataracts can also be caused by problems such as diabetes, eye trauma, certain drugs, or prolonged sunlight exposure. In these situations, some precautions can sometimes prevent cataracts from forming:

1. If you are diabetic, keep your blood sugar and diabetes under control.
2. Pay close attention to the side effects of drugs such as steroids and psoriasis medications. Prolonged use or high doses can cause cataracts over time.
3. Protect your eyes from ultraviolet light. It is as harmful to your eyes as it is to your skin.
4. Be sure to have antioxidants in your diet and/or as a supplement. Vitamins such as beta carotene, vitamin C, and vitamin E have been shown to slow the development of cataracts.
5. Protect your eyes from any type of injury. Trauma to the eyes can cause a cataract almost immediately, so it is important to wear safety glasses when necessary.

Preliminary studies have also indicated that vigorous exercise or caffeine intake to prohibit free radicals (unstable and damaging molecules) may be helpful in preventing cataracts. Still, the best way to care for your eye health and prevent vision loss from cataracts is to educate yourself and to have regular eye exams.

Our team is available to answer any questions you may have about eye health and disease prevention. If you'd like to have a more in-depth discussion about your own case, please call or email eye surgeon Dr. Carter for a free personal consultation.

Diabetic Retinopathy

For a diabetic, eye care is very important to preserve vision. Diabetes is a condition where the body cannot produce enough insulin, a hormone which helps in digesting sugar, or cannot use it effectively. When the blood sugar level is too high, it can damage the blood vessels in the eyes, a condition known as diabetic retinopathy.

The longer someone has diabetes, the more likely they are to develop retinopathy. The eye’s blood vessels become fragile and start to leak. This gives blurry vision. It also impairs blood flow in the eye tissues and the lack of oxygen causes new blood vessels to develop. These new blood vessels are also fragile, and also leak and can cause scar tissue. The retina may be pulled away from the back of the eye (retinal detachment). Left untreated, it can lead to blindness.

Anyone with diabetes could potentially develop diabetic retinopathy. Patients may not initially notice vision changes, but it can later lead to an extremely dangerous form of the disease and cause blindness.

What Causes Diabetic Retinopathy?

Those with diabetes don't typically develop diabetic retinopathy until they have had diabetes for at least 10 years. A change in blood-sugar levels also increases the risk of diabetic retinopathy. High blood sugar can damage blood vessels in the retina which causes them to leak fluid or bleed. This leads to swelling, formation of deposits in the retina, and impaired vision.

Dr. Carter recommends that anyone diagnosed with diabetes have a dilated eye exam at least once a year.

Prevention

You can significantly reduce the risk of developing diabetic retinopathy by taking proper care of yourself.
• Keep your blood sugar under control
• Maintain a healthy diet
• Exercise regularly
• Monitor your blood pressure
• See a doctor regularly

Treatment

The American Academy of Ophthalmology estimates that 95 percent of those with diabetic retinopathy can avoid vision loss if they are well-monitored and treated early. A laser can be used to seal off leaking blood vessels and destroy new growth. While this treatment has proven successful, Dr. Carter stresses the importance of regular eye exams for any patient with diabetes.

If you are diabetic and have more questions or need to schedule an eye exam, please contact our diabetic eye care office today. We serve the Dallas, Texas area.

IOL Risks

Complications associated with intraocular lenses and implantation surgery occur in less than 5 percent of cases, but some IOL risks do exist. Dr. Carter will examine your eyes and carefully review your medical history to determine if you are a good IOL candidate. If you are eligible, the final decision on whether to have IOL surgery is yours. IOLs can correct the vision problems of cataracts and presbyopia.

Intraocular Lens Risks
The most common IOL risk is minor infection. This is generally caught early and managed effectively with antibiotics. Other complications are possible but not necessarily severe.

• Corneal Edema: Swelling in the cornea affects most IOL patients after surgery. If the cornea was healthy before your surgery, the edema should clear up on its own within a day or two. If it persists for longer, Dr. Carter can provide treatment and medications.
• Increased Intraocular Pressure: A spike in intraocular pressure is fairly common following an IOL procedure. One cause is temporarily retained viscoelastic – a jelly-like substance used to facilitate placement and positioning of the IOL. The thick consistency of viscoelastic can inhibit draining of your eye's aqueous fluid, causing intraocular inflammation. Topical medications clear up the problem in most cases.
• Leakage: Wound leaks can cause serious complications if left without treatment. With leakage, the interior of your eye becomes exposed to infectious agents. If a leak is discovered, a bandage contact lens is placed over the eye and will usually slow the leak to allow natural healing.
• Retinal Detachment: During IOL surgery, a retinal tear can cause ocular fluid to seep behind the retina and lead to retinal detachment. Patients with retinal detachment are most often referred to a retinal specialist.

Please call or email eye surgeon Dr. Carter if you would like a free personal consultation and more information about the IOL procedure.

Risk Factors of Developing Glaucoma

Glaucoma is an eye disease that destroys vision by damaging the optic nerve. If left untreated, it causes blindness. Prevention and early detection are the best measures against glaucoma, and being aware of your risk factors is important.

Risk factors for glaucoma include:
• Previous Injury or Surgery -- Eye injuries can damage the eye leading to difficulty with fluid drainage. Complications from eye surgery can also lead to glaucoma.
• Family History – Your risk of getting glaucoma is increased if someone in your family has the disease, because it may be inherited.
• High Blood Pressure – Some studies show that having high blood pressure increases the risk of glaucoma.
• Diabetes – Some studies show that diabetes is associated with an increased risk of developing glaucoma.
• Hypothyroidism – Hypothyroidism (reduced production of thyroid hormones) has been identified as a possible glaucoma risk factor.
• Obesity – Obesity and metabolic problems have been linked to an increased risk for glaucoma.
• Thin Corneas – Clinical trials have discovered that patients with thinner corneas (the clear structure at the front of the eye) are at a higher risk.
• Refractive Issues – Being nearsighted increases the risk of developing open-angle glaucoma. Being farsighted increases the risk for closed-angle glaucoma.
• Race – Open-angle glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness for people who have Black, Hispanic, Eskimo or Asian backgrounds.
• Age – The American Academy of Ophthalmology reports that the risk of getting glaucoma increases after age 50.

Dr. Carter will take the necessary time to discuss your concerns and answer questions you may have. If you are in the Dallas, Texas area, please contact glaucoma specialist Dr. Carter to set up your free vision consultation.

Optical Services

If you are not ready to have a vision correction procedure at this time, there are extensive optical services available to meet your needs. Purchasing a quality pair of glasses is not always an easy decision. Options for selecting eyewear include:

Thinner/Lighter Lenses
Two options for crafting thinner and lighter lenses are:
• Polycarbonate -- aside from its thinner and lighter qualities, polycarbonate is also the most impact-resistant lens material.
• Hi-index material – may be thinner than polycarbonate material and may also offer better optics for you.

Multifocal Lenses
Individuals requiring bifocal or trifocal lenses must decide whether to have a line or no line visible on the lens. A no-line bifocal gradually increases magnification as one looks down the lens. A lined bifocal provides a clearly marked section of the lower portion of the lens with no gradual increase.

Transitions® Lenses
Transitions® lenses darken in sunlight and lighten indoors. They are available in polycarbonate or hi-index material, with gray or brown tint. Transitions lenses are a great alternative for patients interested in having prescription sunglasses.

Anti-Reflective Coatings
Glass, plastic, polycarbonate and hi-index lenses all benefit from anti-reflective coating. This is a hard coating applied to both sides of a lens to help eliminate reflections, such as those caused by computer monitors or oncoming car headlights.

To learn more about your optical choices, please contact eye surgeon Dr. Carter today for a free personal consultation. Our office is in Dallas, Texas.

Eyelid Surgery

Your eyes are one of the first facial areas to show signs of aging. Bags under the eyes and sagging upper eyelids can be corrected with a cosmetic eyelid surgery called blepharoplasty. A Carter Eye Center surgeon uses this fairly simple cosmetic procedure to refresh the appearance of your face and help you to look years younger.

What is Blepharoplasty?

Cosmetic eyelid surgery dramatically improves the look of tired or drooping eyes. A Carter Eye Center surgeon will surgically remove excess skin and pockets of fat from the upper and lower eyelids. In some cases, patients may combine blepharoplasty with other treatments, such as a browlift to raise drooping eyebrows, or BOTOX® injections to treat crow’s feet and frown lines.

Who is Eligible for Blepharoplasty?

Blepharoplasty may a good option if you are in good physical health and have realistic expectations about the outcome. Many people who choose to have eyelid surgery are over 35, but those who have inherited droopy eyelids can have the procedure at an earlier age. If drooping lids are obstructing your vision, a Carter Eye Center surgeon can use blepharoplasty to remedy that problem.

You may not be eligible for blepharoplasty if you suffer from: high blood pressure, diabetes, insufficient tear production, circulatory disorders or cardiovascular disease.

Risks and Benefits

Blepharoplasty brings the same risks as all other surgeries, of excess bleeding, blood clots and infection. But when performed by an experienced and highly-qualified surgeon like a Carter Eye Center surgeon, who is specifically an eye surgeon, the risk level is extremely low. You can lower it even further by following a Carter Eye Center surgeon’s directions exactly, both before and after your surgery.

The benefits are having a younger and more alert appearance of the eyes and perhaps vision improvement also, if you have very droopy eyelids obscuring part of your visual field. The results of eyelid surgery are typically long-lasting.

The decision to undergo any type of cosmetic surgery should be made only after you have all questions answered and concerns addressed. The doctors at Carter Eye Center will gladly help you make an informed decision.

To learn more about eyelid surgery and to discover whether you would be a good candidate for it, please contact the eye surgeons at Carter Eye Center in Dallas, Texas

Types of Glaucoma

Glaucoma is the name for a group of eye diseases which damage the optic nerve. Most often a glaucomatous eye has increased intraocular pressure (IOP), resulting either from too much fluid being produced in the eye or too little draining out. Below are the most common types of glaucoma.

Open Angle Glaucoma
Open-angle is the most common. The anterior structures of the eye can appear normal, but the optic nerve is gradually being damaged and therefore your vision is slowly disappearing. The damage is often caused by aqueous fluid building up and increasing the IOP. In some cases, the IOP is within normal range but damage is still occurring on the optic nerve. Peripheral vision is affected first, without any noticeable symptoms. Eye drops are typically prescribed to lower the pressure. In some cases, surgery is necessary.

Acute Angle Closure Glaucoma
Only about 10% of glaucoma patients have this type. The space between the iris and cornea becomes more narrow than normal, leaving a smaller canal for the aqueous to pass through. If the flow becomes completely blocked, the IOP will rise sharply and cause sudden vision loss.

Secondary Glaucoma
This form happens as the result of another disease or problem with the eye, such as:
• Eye trauma
• Inflammation
• Previous surgery
• Diabetes
• Certain medications

In these cases, both the glaucoma and the primary problem must be treated.

Congenital Glaucoma
This is a rare type that may occur in infants. In most cases, surgery is required.

Dr. Carter will be happy to discuss your concerns and answer your questions. The first step towards receiving glaucoma treatment is to call or email glaucoma surgeon Dr. Carter to schedule your free consultation. We serve all of Dallas, Texas.

How do I Know if IntraLASIK is Best for me?

The LASIK procedure is the most popular vision correction surgery in the country. But many people decide against it because the hand-held blade used in the procedure can be intimidating. The IntraLase laser technology is calming many peoples’ fears by replacing the blade with a laser. This new level of bladeless precision is a good alternative for many who are not good LASIK candidates.

What is IntraLASIK?
In traditional LASIK surgery, Dr. Carter creates a flap on the cornea using a microkeratome blade and reshapes the cornea to improve your vision. IntraLASIK allows Dr. Carter to use computer technology to program the desired depth and position of the flap prior to your surgery and to create it with a laser. This makes flap creation a safer and more accurate procedure for those who have thinner-than-average corneas.

Is IntraLASIK the Best Choice for You?
To decide if IntraLASIK should be your chosen procedure, Dr. Carter will examine your eyes and answer your questions about IntraLase technology. He will explain the potential complications and benefits offered by IntraLASIK.

Two advantages of IntraLASIK

1. The IntraLase laser makes it possible for patients with thin corneas to undergo the procedure. With traditional LASIK, those with thin corneas are ineligible because the blade is unable to cut corneal flaps thin enough for safety. 
2. The laser follows the cornea’s curvature when creating the flap. This enables a smoother corneal surface for treatment and more gradation on the flap edges, both of which help to guard against astigmatism. 
   

Two drawbacks of IntraLASIK

1. IntraLase is associated with fewer flap complications than LASIK, but surgeons are noticing a postoperative complication of increased sensitivity to light. According to some reports, this complication has occurred in up to 20% of IntraLASIK patients.
   
2. Using the IntraLase system instead of a blade increases overall safety, but it also raises the cost. IntraLASIK can mean an additional $300 per eye over traditional LASIK. 
   

Dr. Carter will take the necessary time to discuss your options and help you make the best choice for you. If you are ready to discuss vision correction options, please contact an IntraLASIK specialist to receive Carter Custom Care™ in the Dallas, Texas area.

ReSTOR® Intraocular Lens

The ReSTOR lens is an artificial lens implant designed to replace a damaged or faulty natural lens. It is made from a flexible plastic material that allows it to focus light on the retina. This allows for clear vision at near, far, and in-between distances. Dr. Carter can insert a ReSTOR lens in a short office visit. The result is significant improvement in both the quality and range of vision.

The ReSTOR lens is FDA-approved for the treatment of cataracts and can also be used to treat presbyopia (“middle-aged” vision). If you are in your 40s and have trouble with close-up vision, you may be experiencing the first effects of presbyopia, a problem with the eye’s lens. As we age, the lens becomes less able to focus on nearby objects for reading and other activities. Dr. Carter can replace it with a flexible lens like ReSTOR and help repair vision reduced by presbyopia.

In a recent study, approximately 80 percent of patients who received the ReSTOR lens reported that they no longer needed their glasses. It became easier to read, drive or play sports without any kind of external corrective lens.

Let Dr. Carter help you decide how to proceed with your cataract or presbyopia concerns and answer any questions you may have. Please call or email our vision correction office in Dallas, Texas to schedule a free consultation.

ReZoom

The ReZoom Multifocal Lens is a clear, acrylic foldable lens implant. The new technology of the multifocal lens is designed to provide an improvement in the full range of your vision, whether far away, close up, or somewhere in the middle. Your eye’s natural lens deteriorates as you age. The result is often cataracts or presbyopia (blurry close vision). ReZoom is FDA-approved to treat both conditions.

Dr. Carter’s goal is to help you see better anywhere and at anytime, in all lighting conditions. If you have good eye health but are dependent on reading glasses or bifocals, you could be a candidate for ReZoom. You don’t need to be a candidate for cataract surgery to qualify for the ReZoom lens.

The procedure typically takes about 30 minutes and is performed on an outpatient basis. Before surgery, Dr. Carter will treat your eye with anesthetic to avoid any eye discomfort. A tiny incision is made in your eye, allowing him to use a small ultrasound probe to break up the cloudy or faulty lens. Gentle suction easily removes the pieces and the ReZoom lens is then inserted and set into its position.

Following the surgery, you will rest in Dr. Carter’s office for a short time before going home. Prescription eye drops will be necessary to prevent infection and help you heal. You may also need to use a protective shield to keep you from rubbing your eye(s) in your sleep. Everyone heals differently, but most patients see well enough to return to normal activities within a day of the procedure.

Dr. Carter can help you decide how to proceed with your cataract concerns and he will be happy to answer any questions you may have. Please contact eye surgeon Dr. Carter in Dallas, Texas to arrange your free consultation.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is the name of a group of eye diseases which damage the optic nerve. It is often caused by increased intraocular pressure (IOP). This pressure is typically the result of a malfunction or malformation of the eye’s drainage systems. Untreated, increased IOP causes permanent damage to the optic nerve and retina and the result is progressive, irreversible loss of vision. However, early detection and treatment of glaucoma can slow, or even halt its progression.

What Causes Glaucoma?

The eyes have a clear fluid called aqueous humor, (or just “aqueous”), which fills the space between the cornea and iris. Your eyes filter this fluid using a complex drainage system. The balance between the production and the drainage of aqueous is what determines intraocular pressure (IOP). For most, the IOP level is between 8 and 21. When it rises above this range, glaucoma becomes a concern.

However, in some glaucoma cases, IOP is normal. The determining diagnostic factor for glaucoma is damage to the optic nerve.

Glaucoma Symptoms
The most common type of glaucoma is a dangerous disease because it seldom causes symptoms and glaucoma warning signs are not always immediately detected. Early detection of glaucoma is important in preserving vision and can be done during routine eye examinations.

However, certain types of glaucoma do cause symptoms:
• Congenital Glaucoma Symptoms: tearing, enlarged cornea, and light sensitivity
• Angle Closure Symptoms: extreme eye pain, sudden decrease of vision, nausea/vomiting

Glaucoma Treatment

Most patients with glaucoma require only eyedrops to control the IOP. Surgery is necessary only when medical treatment cannot lower the pressure. Surgery enables fluid to drain from the eye more efficiently. Some procedures involve lasers and can be done in-office and others must be performed in an operating room.

Dr. Carter will take the necessary time to discuss your options and help you with any questions you may have. If you would like to discuss your options, please contact our eyecare office in Dallas, Texas.

Benefits of LASIK

It would be an understatement to say that the successful LASIK procedure has made it possible for many thousands of people to see better. In addition to vision improvement, LASIK usually eliminates the need for glasses, altogether. And when they are needed, it should certainly reduce that need to special circumstances, such as driving at night or reading fine print, if over age 40.

If you work in an industry that relies on accurate vision, LASIK has been approved for some of the most critical workers such as airplane pilots, astronauts, firefighters and emergency responders. LASIK is also sought by sports players because of its potential to eliminate the need for glasses and contact lenses.

A few of the many benefits of LASIK are:

• LASIK patients typically achieve at least 20/20 vision, and often better than 20/20 vision. One study showed that 85% of 908 participants achieved 20/16 vision, and 97% of 34 patients received 20/20 or better
• LASIK patients heal faster than those undergoing other procedures. Recovery can be I as little as one day to one week
• LASIK patients experience less discomfort
• LASIK patients recover faster. They can drive the next day after surgery.
• Most LASIK patients experience instant visual clarity
• Undesirable side effects, such as corneal haze, are very rare

LASIK is an outpatient procedure that takes about five minutes per eye. The actual procedure takes only a minute or so, with the rest of the time spent in preparation. For such a small investment of time to produce such remarkable results, these are priceless benefits to LASIK.

Please take a moment to visit the website of the Carter Eye Center in Dallas. Please also contact us today for a free consultation. Dr. Harvey Carter is the only eye surgeon in North Texas to offer the 20/20 or it’s free guarantee, so why spend any more time with less-than-perfect vision?

LASIK Affordability (20/20 or It’s Free)

LASIK is getting more affordable all the time. As a long-established procedure, it has not only become less expensive, but improvements over the years have elevated LASIK to one of the most reliable procedures done today.

In a previous blog, we wrote about selecting your eye surgeon. It’s important to note the confidence your eye surgeon has in his work and the work of his fellow staff members. Our more than 20 years of success in performing LASIK procedures not only reinforces our confidence, it justifies our patients’ confidence in us.

Please take a moment to see what our patients have to say about their experience with the Carter Eye Center surgeons. Also, check out our list of celebrities who are quite outspoken about the quality of the treatment they received from us.

It’s because of our tremendous success rate that we can offer our “20/20 or It’s Free” LASIK guarantee. This means that your LASIK results are guaranteed, or we will refund your money. No other eye center in Dallas, Texas offers this assurance to their patients.

If you would like to see better without glasses or contacts, please schedule an appointment for a free consultation with Dr. Harvey Carter or one of his staff at the Carter Eye Center in Dallas, Texas. Meanwhile, please visit the Carter Eye Center website to learn more about LASIK procedures.

LASIK and Travel

Because you will need to return for a follow-up visit the next day after your LASIK procedure, you should avoid travel, and plan to rest for a few days after surgery. If you are given the OK to return to work, someone else may have to drive you for a few days. More than likely you will wear a shield until your follow up visit, a couple days later.

Most LASIK patients can drive the day after their procedure. Your eyes may be itchy, irritated and possibly feel like they are burning right after surgery. Over-the-counter pain relievers will control this discomfort, if you plan to travel by car.

If your vision is hazy or blurry, often a result of dry-eye, your ability to rely on what you see will be compromised. Your LASIK surgeon will give you drops that will reduce the irritation as well as help you focus.

It would be wise to do some research before you travel. Air travel is safe after LASIK; however, if you plan to fly, or travel to an area that is dry or windy, dry-eye may be worsened. Air conditioning in hotels, jets, planes, and even cars can aggravate dry-eye. Dry, irritated eyes are more easily infected, so, talk to your surgeon and make sure your travel plans are OK, and that you are prepared to accommodate climate changes.

For more information please visit the website for the Carter Eye Center in Dallas, or contact us to schedule a free consultation. Dr. Harvey Carter and his team of eye surgery specialists are proud to offer you our 20/20 or it’s free guarantee, and the assurance that we offer the highest quality of care possible.

At What Age Should I Get LASIK?

LASIK is most appropriate for patients between the ages of 18 and 40, although age 40 is not an absolute limit. Because of the FDA’s approval for LASIK for those over 18 years old, pediatric LASIK is considered an “off-label” use and is reserved for cases where the child’s sight is seriously threatened.

The eye's natural lens begins to lose its flexibility and around age 40 people often develop a noticeable decrease in their vision due to presbyopia, the inability of the lens to flex and focus sufficiently. LASIK will not correct presbyopia, so, other procedures should be considered to correct this condition.

Around age 60 people begin developing cataracts. LASIK, again, is not a solution for cataracts, as it can’t get rid of the cataract. But lens replacement can correct both the cataract and the refractive error. If older patients’ lenses are clear and healthy, they may have the option to choose between refractive lens exchange or RLE (lens replacement) and one of the refractive corrective procedures, such as LASIK. This would be a case where being over age 40 is not a limitation

Eye stability is more important than age, so even if you are over 18, if your vision isn’t stable, your refractive error is very large, or your corneas are very thin, LASIK would not be recommended. There are other procedures that are more appropriate to correct these aberrations.

No matter what your age, if your vision isn’t perfect, please contact Dr. Harvey Carter at the Carter Eye Center in Dallas. Not only will he schedule a free consultation, but, if you qualify for LASIK, he will also give you his 20/20 or it’s free guarantee.

Conductive Keratoplasty (CK)

Conductive keratoplasty, also known as CK or near-vision CK, differs from LASIK surgery in several ways. Most notably, it uses radio waves rather than a laser to reshape the cornea. CK treats farsightedness and presbyopia.

CK usually involves reshaping the cornea of the non-dominant eye to see close up for reading, and the dominant eye for distance, if distance correction is neaded. The process shrinks the collagen on the outer edges of the cornea to reshape it. It’s a short procedure that takes only a few minutes per eye. It is a minimally invasive procedure with few complications and risks.

The disparity between the two eyes takes a short while to adjust to, and may decrease depth perception; however, most people adapt quickly and have no problems with adjusting to either change. Both eyes are treated in the same visit. This painless procedure can produce immediate results, allowing you to read without glasses immediately.

If you are between the ages of 18 and 40, have a stable lens prescription, no eye-disease that can interfere with healing, and your eyes tear normally, you may be a good candidate for CK.

If you are interested in vision correction, and getting rid of your glasses or contacts, please contact Dr. Harvey Carter at the Carter Eye Center in Dallas for your free consultation appointment. Whether or not you qualify for CK, there are many solutions for better vision, regardless of your age, or other factors.

Selecting a LASIK Surgeon

Selecting an eye surgeon best qualified to perform LASIK is not nearly as difficult as it might seem. Selecting any surgeon requires careful research, and there are a number of steps you can take to ensure that you choose an eye surgeon wisely.

One of the first things we tend to do is ask around. Word-of-mouth recommendations are valuable, and you can learn a lot about a doctor, his clinic, staff, and care by speaking to former patients. But, sooner or later you will find a disgruntled patient. Bear in mind that some people are never satisfied and always manage to find fault with everything. On the other hand, give careful consideration to what their complaint is and try to determine if they contributed to the problem and how. In other words, use caution and “consider the source.”

Another step is to research LASIK, carefully, to learn what is involved in the procedure, and what you can expect regarding results, recovery, discomfort, improvement, and possible alternatives to LASIK.

You want to evaluate potential surgeons based upon their professional qualifications, experience, and other attributes. Most eye surgeons make their training, credentials and affiliations known. When you find one you think you may want as your surgeon, be prepared to ask him questions to help you decide for certain. Check out this free, downloadable, PDF file of 50 questions you can ask you physician.

Dr. Harvey Carter and his staff at the Carter Eye Center in Dallas are among the most highly qualified and experienced eye surgeons in North Texas. Dr. Carter performed the first laser refractive correction in North Texas, and has earned many honors in his field. In addition, he was invited to be a core investigator in the International Society for Refractive Surgery’s American LASIK study, in 1996.

Dr. Carter is certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology, and has over 20 years of experience treating tens of thousands of LASIK patients. Please visit his site to learn more about LASIK, Dr. Carter and his staff, and to contact him for a free consultation. Don’t forget to ask about his “20/20 or it’s free” offer.

LASIK Misconceptions

LASIK is improving over time. New techniques and equipment are constantly being researched in an ongoing effort to find new and better ways to help people achieve better health and better vision. There is much misinformation circulating about surgical procedures. Often this comes from dated articles that people read about LASIK, or information they learned from their doctors, family or friends, months or even years ago. What they knew then may no longer be the case.

Some of the misconceptions include:

• Thinking your eyesight is too bad for LASIK to help you
• LASIK doesn’t correct astigmatism
• Thinking you are too young, or too old, for LASIK
• Thinking you’ll still have to wear glasses after LASIK, anyway
• Vision requirements of your job disqualify you for LASIK
• Your doctor has told you, in the past, that you don’t qualify for LASIK

New products, ones that were formerly in research and development stages, have been approved by the FDA and are now on the market. Researchers are continually studying the eye, eye disease and aberrations, and are continually finding new ways to treat these.

If you have always wished there was a way to improve your vision and to eliminate the need for glasses or contacts, see a qualified eye surgeon for a complete examination and discussion of new methods that might work for you. What couldn’t be done just a few years ago, is being done for thousands of people today.

The Carter Eye Center in Dallas has a staff that is qualified to let you know, based upon your examination, what corrective procedures are best for you. Please contact us today for more information, or call us at 1-800-950-2020.

Am I a Candidate for Crystalens®

Crystalens® is an Accommodating Intraocular Lens (IOL) that differs from other IOLs. Because it is controlled naturally, using your eye muscles, it is able to move and accommodate vision to see at variable distances. It is a wonderful corrective solution for both presbyopia and cataracts. Although presbyopia and cataracts are two entirely different anomalies of the eye, they both involve the ocular lens.

In presbyopia, the lens loses its ability to accommodate or change its shape to focus clearly between near and far. This is a normal aging effect and is seen most often in people over 40. It generally affects both eyes.

Cataracts are clumps of protein whose density creates a cloudy area in the lens that blurs vision. Cataracts can occur in one or both eyes, and can result from aging or from trauma to the eyes. In the case of trauma, cataracts may develop earlier in life.

Crystalens® IOLs are implanted, replacing the natural lens. This procedure attaches the IOL to the eye muscles and allows these muscles to move the lens to accommodate focus changes between near and far vision. A recent improvement to Crystalens® is the FDA approved HD model that provides better contrast sensitivity and depth of focus. Most patients can see well at all focal ranges without the need for glasses, at all. Read more about Crystalens®.

Dr. Harvey Carter of the Carter Eye Center in Dallas was the first U.S. surgeon to implant Crystalens® after the FDA approved its use, and has performed more Crystalens® implants than any eye surgeon in the world. If you would like to know more about the Crystalens® procedures, please contact the Carter Eye Center for a free consultation.

Is LASIK Safe?

LASIK complications are less than 1% nationwide, which places it among the safest of any surgical procedure. The CustomVue® VISX STAR 4 wavefront laser that Dr. Carter uses has been used for over a million LASIK surgeries and is the most reliable equipment for both diagnostic and surgical LASIK procedures. Using such state-of-the-art equipment by highly experienced staff reduces the risks of surgery to below national averages.

Yet, all surgery has risks, and you should be aware of these so that you can make an informed choice whether to have LASIK surgery or not. The risks of LASIK are well-established but many are temporary. Others are correctable with additional treatment. Both the risks and benefits of LASIK are listed on the Risks/Benefits of Lasik page.

Overall, most of these risks are almost entirely eliminated by using wavefront technology. Dr. Carter, a former FDA investigator was the first in North Texas to perform LASIK after it’s approval. Dr. Carter has performed tens of thousands of LASIK surgeries since then.

To schedule you free consultation, please contact the Carter Eye Center in Dallas, or call 1-800-950-2020. The Carter Eye Center is committed to giving you the best care possible, and offers a 20/20 or it’s free, guarantee to back up our promise.

How Do I Know If I Have Cataracts?

Cataracts aren’t always obvious, and if they are not blatantly obstructing your vision, you may not even know you have them. The only sure way to know is to have a qualified, experienced eye doctor do an eye examination.

What are Cataracts?

Cataracts are areas of cloudiness forming in the lens of the eye due to proteins that congeal. Cataracts are not contagious and may appear in one eye and not the other. They tend to worsen over time but may be located out of the center of your vision where you may be less aware of them.

In the early stages they may be difficult to see, and cause only minor disturbance to your vision. As they become denser, or wider you will notice increasingly blurry vision. This may seem, at first, to be a deteriorating ability to focus, that could be corrected by a prescription for stronger glasses.

While cataracts are more prevalent in older people, they can occur in younger people as well. In particular, injury to the eye(s) predisposes them to cataracts, which may cause them to appear at a much younger age than one would expect. Over half of all people, by age 80 years have cataracts.

Risk Factors for Cataracts

While doctors understand what increases the risk for cataracts, they still don’t understand what actually causes them. Risks include:

• Age, progressively increases with age
• Diabetes
• Smoking
• Long-term use of alcohol
• Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet sunlight
• Exposure to lead
  

Prevention and Treatment

While you may not be able to prevent all cataracts, you can make some changes that might delay their development. Based on the risk factors, keeping diabetes under control, quitting smoking, drinking in moderation if at all, wearing UV protected sunglasses and hats with brims to block UV sunlight, and avoiding lead can help delay or diminish the development of cataracts. Treatment is indicated when the cataracts interfere with your ability to carry out normal tasks, and involves surgically replacing the lens with an intraocular lens (IOL.)

If you suspect that you have cataracts, it’s time for an eye examination. Please contact Carter Eye Center in Dallas for an appointment with one of our highly qualified and experienced eye doctors.

Cataracts

Cataracts occur when the natural lens develops opaque or cloudy areas that prevent light from passing through to the retina properly. Cataracts may occur as a normal part of aging, or as a result of trauma. Treatment involves removing and replacing the lens with an artificial lens, called an intraocular lens (IOL.)

Cataracts develop slowly, so are not always apparent in their early stages. As proteins in the lens cohere to each other they begin to form cloudy areas that diminish visual clarity. This may seem, for a while, to be merely a need for “new glasses” with a stronger prescription. Over time they can develop into visible cataracts, for which the only treatment is removal of the eye's natural lens and the implantation of an artificial lens.

There are three types of IOLs and each has pros and cons. Crystalens®, an accommodating lens, moves under the control of your eye muscles. ReZoom® and ReSTOR® are multifocal IOLs, or fixed lenses. They don’t move within the eye. These use concentric rings of incremental focal power to allow good vision at various distances.

Older types of IOLs are still used occasionally. These are monofocal lenses that focus clearly at a single distance range. With the monofocal lenses you will need glasses to see at other distances.

Astigmatism can complicate IOL implant surgery, and cause the individual to need glasses for some or all activities. An alternative is to undergo a procedure to correct the astigmatism as well. Your eye surgeon can advise you of the most suitable options once he does a thorough eye exam.

The Carter Eye Center in Dallas is a perfect choice for your exam. Dr. Harvey Carter and his staff use the newest equipment and techniques to diagnose and treat cataracts. Please visit our site for more information, and contact us for a free consultation. Call 1-800-950-2020.

Does LASIK Hurt?

No Pain

One of the remarkable facts about LASIK is the lack of pain from this surgery. During surgery, you will be given anesthetic eye drops, eliminating pain from the procedure itself. You might feel a little pressure, but that shouldn’t cause any discomfort.

There is, however, some discomfort that you might experience for a short period (12 to 24 hours), such as itchy or watery eyes or even dry eyes until the nerves heal. The total healing period for LASIK can take six months, but recovery to normal activities can be as soon as one day to a week.

Because the tear ducts and sinuses affect each other, dry sinuses may accompany dry eyes, causing “sinus headaches” for a short time. You will be given drops that will relieve the discomfort.

It isn’t entirely certain why dry-eye occurs, as there are several mechanisms involved in tear-production. One theory is that the tear stimulating nerve is severed during corneal surgery, and tears don’t return until that nerve heals.

You can lessen the effect of dry-eye by avoiding antihistamines and other medications that tend to dry up sinuses (and eyes as well). Check with your doctor about medication that you can change or eliminate or drops that will lubricate your eyes. Avoid drops that have preservatives. Drink plenty of liquids to stay hydrated, use a humidifier and avoid dry or windy areas. Air conditioning, fans, heating systems and extreme cold can dehumidify the air, aggravating dry eyes.

Plenty of Gain

On the positive side, LASIK results in clear vision almost immediately. While dry-eye can blur vision, using drops until natural tears resume will take care of that effect. With risks lower than 1%, the benefits of LASIK are many.

Dr. Harvey Carter and his staff at Carter Eye Center of Dallas are ready to make your LASIK surgery experience pain free and comfortable for you. Please visit us at Carter Eye Center or call 1-800-950-2020 to schedule a free consultation.