Carter Eye Center Complaints Related to Glaucoma

At Carter Eye Center, many of our patients have come to our office complaining about glaucoma-like symptoms. Dr. Harvey Carter is a professional and reputable medical professional who can help you with your eye problems.

Complaints related to Glaucoma

Glaucoma can cause symptoms of pressure in the eye, headaches, and impaired vision. If you are experiencing any of these problems, Dr. Harvey Carter can examine your eyes and let you know if you have glaucoma. If you do, he can use the latest advanced technological developments to rid you of these symptoms.

Carter Eye Center Complaints About Pressure in the Eye

Glaucoma causes pressure in the internal part of the eye. Even those with healthy eyes can have normal eye pressure and still develop glaucoma. Early diagnosis of this eye disorder can save your vision. Regular eye exams are important so that your eye doctor can measure the pressure inside your eyes. Only your eye specialist can tell if you have glaucoma.

Carter Eye Center – Complaints About Frequent Headaches

Since glaucoma causes increased pressure within the eye, headaches may occur because of the added pressure. These are called glaucoma headaches, and they can be very painful. They may include eye soreness as well. Research has shown that certain emotions, such as fear can stimulate these headaches.

Carter Eye Center – Complaints About Impaired Vision

If you notice that you are not seeing as well as you used to, or if your peripheral vision is not working just right, you could have glaucoma. Glaucoma is more likely to develop in those over the age of 45. It usually begins with problems with peripheral vision, and it can lead to total blindness if not treated.

Complaints Solved Through Professional Help

Dr. Harvey Carter of the Carter Eye Center in Dallas, Texas can examine your eyes and determine if your eye pressure, headaches, and impaired vision are being caused by glaucoma. If they are, he can help you by eliminating the symptoms of your complaints using advanced technological developments. Dr. Carter has helped thousands of patients overcome eye problems, and he can also help you.
Glaucoma should be treated as soon as any symptoms appear, so call the Carter Eye Center in Dallas, Texas for an appointment with Dr. Harvey Carter.

How LASIK Works & What to Expect at the Carter Eye Center in Dallas Texas

LASIK is a laser vision correction procedure used to correct many eye conditions by reshaping the cornea to help improve your vision. LASIK is an acronym that stands for Laser Assisted In-situ Keratomileusis.

LASIK can be used to correct the following eye conditions:

• Astigmatism
• Myopia
• Hyperopia

How LASIK Works

LASIK works by reshaping the cornea, the clear front portion of the eye. A laser is used to safely remodel the corneal stroma (the middle part of the cornea) and remove tissue to improve vision. Using a laser to perform vision correction allows Dallas LASIK surgeon, Dr. Carter to more accurately reshape the cornea with little to no discomfort and a rapid recovery time.

What to Expect with LASIK

Before the LASIK procedure, Dr. Carter will perform an eye exam in a consultation to determine if you are a candidate for LASIK and how much laser vision correction you will need. Dr. Carter will ask you questions about your health history and what medications you are taking. This is important in determining if you are a candidate for LASIK.

Your LASIK consultation is the perfect time to ask Dr. Carter all of your questions about LASIK. He will explain the procedure and what you can expect during and after.

It is important to have someone drive you to and from your LASIK appointment. You will not be able to drive following the procedure. Dr. Carter will give you medications to aid in your recovery and will instruct you to get plenty of rest. Other instructions for recovery include:

• Avoiding strenuous activities for about a week
• Staying home from work the day after the procedure
• Avoiding rubbing your eyes

If you live in the Dallas, Texas area and are interested in learning more about the LASIK procedure, please contact the eye surgery office of the Carter Eye Center today to schedule a consultation about LASIK.

How To Choose Eyeglasses That Suit Your Personality and Lifestyle

Just like the clothes we wear, eyeglasses are a personal statement we make about who we are and what interests we have. The eyeglasses we choose may say we are a businessperson, are creative, or are athletic. Because there are so many facets to our lives, we may choose several pairs of eyeglasses for different activities or events. There are many styles of eyeglasses to choose from.

What Do You Want These Eyeglasses For?

Dr. Harvey Carter suggests that the first step in choosing the best eyeglasses for you is to answer the question, “What do you want these eyeglasses for?” Think about the different events you attend, what activities you enjoy participating in, and what type of job you perform. Think about your eyeglasses like you think about your shoes. Your shoes say a lot about your personality, they are comfortable, and each pair of shoes is used for different activities.

There are many different aspects about eyeglasses to think about for every personality and lifestyle. When choosing eyeglasses, you will want to consider:

• The shape of the frames and lenses
• The color of the frames
• The material of the frames
• The size of the frames and lenses

Eyeglasses for Different Styles

Oval and rectangular shapes are great for anyone who wants their eyeglasses for a professional or business look. Try to avoid unusual shaped frames and lenses and stick with classic shapes. The color of the frames will complete the professional look. Think about choosing frames that are silver or gold.

Thicker frames with modern shapes and unusual colors make the statement of creativity. Artists, writers, and many college students tend to choose eyeglasses that do not follow the classic look.

Cat-eye, upswept rectangles, and oval shaped eyeglasses are great for busy parents and seniors who don’t necessarily think about modern trends, but want to look stylish. Burgundy, deep reds and browns, and shiny colors add to the stylish look.

If you would like professional help choosing the eyeglasses that are best for your personality and lifestyle, please contact our eye doctor today at the Carter Eye Center to schedule an appointment. We help patients in and around the Dallas, Texas area to find the perfect eyeglasses for their everyday lives. At Carter Eye Center, complaints about not finding the right glasses are a thing of the past.

Benefits of Dermabrasion in Dallas, TX

Our skin always renews itself by shedding the dry, dull skin and replacing it with smooth, soft, vibrant skin. As we get older, our skin renews itself less and less causing our appearance to be dull and show skin damage. There are many causes of damaged skin, such as:

• Environment
• Long Exposure to the Sun
• Smoking
• Stress
• Aging

After just one treatment with dermabrasion at Carter Eye Center in Dallas TX, you will notice healthier, younger looking skin. Dallas Eye Surgeon, Dr. Harvey Carter uses the Derma Genesis system to effectively and quickly rejuvenate your skin.

Dermabrasion can treat the following skin conditions:

• Fine Lines and Wrinkles
• Freckles
• Hyperpigmentation
• Scar Tissue
• Acne Scarring
• Skin Growths
• Sun Damaged Skin

Rejuvenating your appearance with dermabrasion treatments offer many benefits over other facial rejuvenating treatments like laser skin resurfacing treatments and chemical peels. One of the main benefits is that dermabrasion can be performed in conjunction with other cosmetic procedures such as BOTOX® and Restylane.

Other benefits of dermabrasion include:

• Anesthesia is not required
• There is no pain with the treatment
• There is minimal risk
• All skin types can have the treatment
• No hazardous chemicals are used
• There is no down time following treatment

If you are interested in learning more about how dermabrasion can rejuvenate your skin in Dallas, Texas, please contact the Carter Eye Center today. At Carter Eye Center, complaints of dull skin will be a thing of the past.

Derma Peel at Carter Eye Center in Dallas TX

Derma peel is a skin rejuvenation procedure that enhances the appearance of the skin. This procedure uses tiny abrasive crystals that are moved across the surface of your skin to exfoliate and remove any dead skin from the skin’s surface. A vacuum is used to remove the dead skin after exfoliation. In addition to removing dead skin, derma peel also promotes collagen production leading to healthy, youthful looking skin eliminating complaints of dull skin.

Derma peel can successfully treat many skin conditions such as:

• Fine lines
• Sun damage
• Acne
• Scars
• Enlarged pores
• Blackheads
• Whiteheads
• Age spots

One of the best benefits of derma peel is the quickness of the procedure. Many patients choose to have derma peel on their lunch breaks because they can immediately return to work without skin redness or irritation that other skin rejuvenation procedures like chemical peels may cause.

Other benefits to derma peel include:

• Is painless
• Does not require harsh chemicals
• Is quick to perform
• Does not have side effects
• Promotes collagen production

If you live in the Dallas, Texas area and are interested in the derma peel procedure, please contact the Carter Eye Center to schedule an appointment. You can have healthier-looking skin with one treatment.

Cataract signs and symptoms

Cataracts are an eye disease that develops with age. When cataracts form, the natural lens in the eye begins to cloud. The clouding on the lens scatters light instead of focusing it on the retina. This can cause blurry or double vision as well as increased difficulty seeing at night.

Dallas eye surgeon, Dr. Carter provides his patients with many treatment options for cataracts. Dr. Carter will examine your eyes in a cataract consultation and determine which treatment option is best for your needs. He will answer all of your cataract questions in your consultation to help you understand cataracts and your treatment options.

Treatment options for cataracts include:

• Crystalens®
• ReSTOR®
• ReZoom®
  

Signs and Symptoms of Cataracts

The symptoms of cataracts may not appear until many years following the initial development of cataracts. Cataracts often form in both eyes and one eye often develops a cataract more quickly. Cataracts may cause you difficulty with your daily activities and driving at night.

Some of the symptoms of cataracts include:

• Vision that seems foggy or dimmed
• Trouble with night vision
• Sensitivity to light
• Double vision in one eye
• Eyeglass or contact prescriptions need to be frequently changed
  

If you believe you are developing cataracts and would like to schedule an appointment with one of our eye doctors in Dallas, Texas, please contact the Carter Eye Center today.

How Diet and Nutrition Protect Aging Eyes

As we age, our eyes change and become susceptible to many eye diseases and conditions that can disrupt our vision. We cannot prevent our bodies from aging. However, we can keep our bodies healthy and protect our aging eyes with a well balanced diet.

Dallas eye doctor, Dr. Carter encourages his patients to eat a balanced diet full of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to give our bodies and eyes the nutrients they needs to function properly. Our bodies need an abundant amount of antioxidants, vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin E to maintain the proper function of our eyes and prevent age-related eye diseases.

Some of the possible age-related eye diseases are:

• Presbyopia
• Cataracts
• Glaucoma
• Age-Related Macular Degeneration
• Dry Eye Syndrome
  

Antioxidants and Vitamin C

Eating dark green vegetables and brightly colored fruits will ensure that you are getting the necessary antioxidants to flush your body of free radicals. Free radicals in the body can destroy your cells’ membranes and harm your vision. Citrus fruits contain vitamin C and vitamin C contains antioxidants that protect your eyes from cataracts and age-related macular degeneration.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A is important for the health of your eyes because it reduces the possibility of developing night blindness. Vitamin A maintains the proper functioning of your retina and helps your eyes adjust better to the variations of light.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E also helps in preventing cataracts. To ensure you are getting vitamin E, add fortified cereals, leafy greens, and nuts to your diet.

Minerals

Minerals are essential in helping your body absorb antioxidants. Zinc and selenium are two important minerals to add to your diet. Foods that contain zinc are red meats, yogurt, and cheese. Foods that contain selenium are macaroni and cheese, enriched rice and breads, and walnuts.

For more information on maintaining the health of your eyes, please contact the Carter Eye Center to schedule a consultation about your eyes. We serve patients in and around the Dallas, Texas area.

Eye Nutrition

A well balanced diet is essential to keep our bodies healthy and energetic. A diet containing the correct balance of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients gives us the energy we need throughout the day while maintaining a healthy weight and beautiful skin. A well balanced diet also benefits the health of our eyes.

Dallas eye surgeon, Dr. Carter offers the following valuable information to help you maintain the health of your eyes and reduce your risk of developing several eye diseases including age-related macular degeneration and cataracts.

Antioxidants

Antioxidants are an essential part of a healthy diet. Your body houses many harmful free radicals that can cause harm to your vision. Free radicals are toxic molecules of oxygen that can destroy your cells’ membranes and create mutant cells. Antioxidants work to eliminate these radicals and protect your vision.

Antioxidants can be found in many fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Eating raw fruits and vegetables will give your body more of the needed antioxidants than eating frozen, canned, or cooked foods. Try to choose foods that are rich in vitamins A, C, and E because they contain an abundant amount of antioxidants and promote eye health.

Maintaining a balanced diet complete with the proper vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants will keep your entire body healthy. For additional information about the proper nutrition for healthy eyes, please contact eye surgeon Dr. Carter at the Carter Eye Center serving patients in and around the Dallas, Texas area.

Contact Lenses after LASIK

LASIK eye surgery is used to correct and improve your vision by removing tiny amounts of tissue from your corneas. In rare cases, LASIK can change the shape of the cornea in a way that disrupts vision. In these rare cases, Dallas LASIK surgeon, Dr. Carter may prescribe contact lenses to further improve disrupted vision in a way that glasses cannot.

Gas permeable contact lenses are a great choice to improve your vision following LASIK eye surgery. These contact lenses form to the shape of your eye and allow for maximum comfort. It is extremely important that the contact lenses you use following your LASIK eye surgery do not harm your eyes. Gas permeable lenses are gentle on your eyes. They are rigid with a smooth surface and they allow for more oxygen to get to the eye.

Gas permeable contact lenses are more durable, provide better vision correction, and last longer than compared to other contact lenses. The other benefits of gas permeable contact lenses are:

• They are not made of materials that contain water
• They cannot be torn as soft lenses can
• They retain their shape when you blink giving you crisper vision

For more information about LASIK eye surgery and to schedule a LASIK appointment with Dr. Carter, please contact the Carter Eye Center in Dallas, Texas. Improving your vision is just a phone call away.

The 411 on LASIK

If you are thinking of having LASIK surgery, than we're sure that you have tons of questions. And we'd love to answer them!

Laser Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis is the acronym or scientific name for LASIK or laser eye operation. It is the popular surgical procedure used by eye doctors, which reshapes the eye’s cornea in order to improve vision in the patient.

Once upon a time, that procedure involved surgeons cutting the eye, using a scalpel, but thankfully, as technology advanced, so has that technique and now that surgery is performed more efficiently using a laser.

Surgery Origins
The history of corrective eye surgeries can be traced as far back as the late 1800s. In the 1930s, Japanese doctors attempted to perform refractive surgery in military pilots. But it wasn’t until several decades later that physicians in the (former) Soviet Union became the first to bring about practical application of refractive surgery through radial keratotomy.

In 1978 American ophthalmologists became interested in the Soviets procedure and after visiting the country, brought the technology back to the United States.

Introduction of the Laser
While thousands of people had already had the procedure done, it was still not very precise and had a long recovery time. This lead researchers to look for a more efficient way to perform the procedure, so in comes the Excimer laser.

First used by IBM to etch silicone microchips, three doctors working with the company’s research laboratories saw the potential of the ultraviolet laser for use with biological tissue. The group realized the laser could be used to remove tissue without causing heat damage to the neighboring material.

A few years later, New York City ophthalmologist, Steven Trokel made the connection to the cornea and performed the first laser surgery on a patient's eyes in 1987. Trokel would go on to patent the device for vision correction.

LASIK Today
The procedure is safer, more precise quicker while recovery time is reduced significantly. Since the introduction of the laser, millions of people around the world have taken advantage of the corrective procedure. As with anything, there are risks, but the benefits of the surgery far outweigh potential risks.

Since 1990, about 20 million people worldwide have had the procedure, while over one million Americans per year go to have it done. If you’re interested in learning more about this procedure you should consult your physician.

If you live in the Dallas, Texas and are interested in learning more about the benefits of LASIK please contact the Carter Eye Center to schedule a consultation.

How LASIK Works & What to Expect

LASIK is a laser vision correction procedure used to correct many eye conditions by reshaping the cornea to help improve your vision. LASIK is an acronym that stands for Laser Assisted In-situ Keratomileusis.

LASIK can be used to correct the following eye conditions:

• Astigmatism
• Myopia
• Hyperopia
  

How LASIK Works

LASIK works by reshaping the cornea of the eye. A laser is used to safely remodel the corneal stroma and remove tissue to improve vision. Using a laser to perform vision correction allows Dallas LASIK surgeon, Dr. Carter to more accurately reshape the cornea with little to no discomfort and a rapid recovery time.

What to Expect with LASIK

Before the LASIK procedure, Dr. Carter will perform an eye exam in a consultation to determine if you are a candidate for LASIK and how much laser vision correction you will need. Dr. Carter will ask you questions about your health history and what medications you are taking. This is important in determining if you are a candidate for LASIK.

Your LASIK consultation is the perfect time to ask Dr. Carter all of your questions about LASIK. He will explain the procedure and what you can expect during and after.

It is important to have someone drive you to and from your LASIK appointment. You will not be able to drive following the procedure. Dr. Carter will give you medications to aid in your recovery and will instruct you to get plenty of rest. Other instructions for recovery include:

• Avoiding strenuous activities for about a week
• Staying home from work the day after the procedure
• Avoiding rubbing your eyes
  

If you live in the Dallas, Texas area and are interested in learning more about the LASIK procedure, please contact the eye surgery office of the Carter Eye Center today to schedule a consultation about LASIK.

How To Choose Eyeglasses That Suit Your Personality and Lifestyle

The eyeglasses we wear depict multiple statements about our personalities. Just like the clothes we wear, eyeglasses are a personal statement we make about who we are and what interests we have. The eyeglasses we choose may say we are a businessperson, are creative, or are athletic. Because there are so many facets to our lives, we may choose several pairs of eyeglasses for different activities or events. There are many styles of eyeglasses to choose from.

What Do You Want These Eyeglasses For?

Dallas eye doctor, Dr. Carter suggests that the first step in choosing the best eyeglasses for you is to answer the question, "What do you want these eyeglasses for?" Think about the different events you attend, what activities you enjoy participating in, and what type of job you perform. Think about your eyeglasses like you think about your shoes. Your shoes say a lot about your personality, they are comfortable, and each pair of shoes is used for different activities.

There are many different aspects about eyeglasses to think about for every personality and lifestyle. When choosing eyeglasses, you will want to consider:

• The shape of the frames and lenses
• The color of the frames
• The material of the frames
• The size of the frames and lenses
  

Eyeglasses for Different Styles

Oval and rectangular shapes are great for anyone who wants their eyeglasses for a professional or business look. Try to avoid unusual shaped frames and lenses and stick with classic shapes. The color of the frames will complete the professional look. Think about choosing frames that are silver or gold.

Thicker frames with modern shapes and unusual colors make the statement of creativity. Artists, writers, and many college students tend to choose eyeglasses that do not follow the classic look.

Cat-eye, upswept rectangles, and oval shaped eyeglasses are great for busy parents and seniors who don’t necessarily think about modern trends, but want to look stylish. Burgundy, deep reds and browns, and shiny colors add to the stylish look.

If you would like professional help choosing the eyeglasses that are best for your personality and lifestyle, please contact our eye doctor today at the Carter Eye Center to schedule an appointment. We help patients in and around the Dallas, Texas area find the perfect eyeglasses for their everyday lives.

Benefits of Dermabrasion

Our skin always renews itself by shedding the dry, dull skin and replacing it with smooth, soft, vibrant skin. As we get older, our skin renews itself less and less causing our appearance to be dull and show skin damage. There are many causes of damaged skin, such as:

• Environment
• Long Exposure to the Sun
• Smoking
• Stress
• Aging
  

After just one treatment with dermabrasion, you will notice healthier, younger looking skin. Dallas eye surgeon, Dr. Carter uses the Derma Genesis system to effectively and quickly rejuvenate your skin.

Dermabrasion can treat the following skin conditions:

• Fine Lines and Wrinkles
• Freckles
• Hyperpigmentation
• Scar Tissue
• Acne Scarring
• Rosacea
• Tattoos
• Chicken Pox
• Scars
• Skin Growths
• Multiple Pigmented Birthmarks
• Liver Spots
• Keloids
• Sun Damaged Skin

Rejuvenating your appearance with dermabrasion treatments offer many benefits over other facial rejuvenating treatments like laser skin resurfacing treatments and chemical peels. One of the main benefits is that dermabrasion can be performed in conjunction with other cosmetic procedures such as BOTOX® and Restylane.

Other benefits of dermabrasion include:

• Anesthesia is not required
• There is no pain with the treatment
• There is minimal risk
• All skin types can have the treatment
• No hazardous chemicals are used
• There is no down time following treatment
  

If you are interested in learning more about how dermabrasion can rejuvenate your skin in Dallas, Texas, please contact the Carter Eye Center today.

Derma Peel

Derma peel is a skin rejuvenation procedure that enhances the appearance of the skin. This procedure uses tiny abrasive crystals that are moved across the surface of your skin to exfoliate and remove any dead skin from the skin’s surface. A vacuum is used to remove the dead skin after exfoliation. In addition to removing dead skin, derma peel also promotes collagen production leading to healthy, youthful looking skin.

Derma peel can successfully treat many skin conditions such as:

• Fine lines
• Sun damage
• Acne
• Scars
• Enlarged pores
• Blackheads
• Whiteheads
• Age spots

One of the best benefits of derma peel is the quickness of the procedure. Many patients choose to have derma peel on their lunch breaks because they can immediately return to work without skin redness or irritation that other skin rejuvenation procedures like chemical peels may cause.

Other benefits to derma peel include:

• Is painless
• Does not require harsh chemicals
• Is quick to perform
• Does not have side effects
• Promotes collagen production

If you live in the Dallas, Texas area and are interested in the derma peel procedure, please contact the Carter Eye Center to schedule an appointment. You can have healthier-looking skin with one treatment.

Cornea Surgery

Cornea surgery (or, sometimes, corneal surgery) can greatly improve your vision. The cornea is the clear outer covering of the eye. Cornea surgery is typically performed to correct corneal scarring and eliminate refractive error.

Corneal scarring can be the result of a number of factors, including eye injury or disease, but it leads to corneal clouding. If the cornea becomes clouded, less light enters the eye, impairing vision. Sometimes, this can be corrected using an excimer laser to remove the damaged or diseased tissue. If this clouding is due to deep scarring or a serious disease, the preferred treatment is a corneal transplant. The cloudy portion of the cornea is removed and replaced with a clear portion from a donor. There are about 40,000 corneal transplants a year performed in the United States.

Refractive error is another name for common vision problems like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. LASIK is the most common cornea surgery used to correct refractive error.

Not all refractive surgery is cornea surgery. Presbyopia treatment may be performed by replacing the eye's lens, a second clear part of the eye found behind the iris with an artificial lens. Visian ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens) placement is another form of refractive surgery. It involves placing a supplementary lens behind the iris but in front of your natural lens.

To learn more about cornea surgery and other forms of advanced eye treatment that can help you see the world clearly, please contact Carter Eye Center today.

Do you need eyeglasses?

If you are having trouble reading at a distance or up close, you may need eyeglasses. Or perhaps you have glasses, but your old pair has broken or you feel you need to update your prescription. Whatever the reason, if you need glasses, Carter Optical at Carter Eye Center can help.

Carter Optical is the optical services division of the Carter Eye Center, offering a full-service optical dispensary to our patients. Whether you are looking for a simple, sturdy pair of glasses or a high-fashion style that can make a real statement, our highly knowledgeable staff can help you find the ideal glasses from our extensive collection. The personalized attention we offer ensures you get the frames that suit you best, and lenses that provide you with the best corrected vision available with glasses.

We also offer specialized glasses, including prescription sunglasses and bifocals. We can also help you understand why your vision might be changing (such as due to presbyopia), and talk to you about all the options available to you.

To learn more about the eyeglasses services we offer, please call us at (214) 775-2773 or email us today to schedule an appointment.

Questions about BOTOX®

Although many people have heard the name BOTOX®, most people do not know exactly what it is or how it works, so the Carter Eye Center has prepared the following questions to help you understand this exciting and popular cosmetic treatment.

What is BOTOX®?

BOTOX® is Allergan's trade name for a purified form of botulinum toxin prepared as an injectable treatment. Originally used to treat eye spasms and other medical conditions, its use has expanded into cosmetic applications and is now most commonly used to treat wrinkles.

How does BOTOX® work?

BOTOX® works by relaxing muscles that have become conditioned to remaining contracted. When these muscles relax, the skin over them smoothes, reducing the appearance of wrinkles.

Is BOTOX® safe?

Yes. BOTOX® is FDA-approved for medical and cosmetic applications. Millions of people receive BOTOX® treatments every year, and serious adverse side effects are rare. Most complications are the result of injector error, another reminder that it is best to work with an experienced doctor to ensure you get the best possible results from your BOTOX® injections

Does BOTOX® treat all wrinkles?

No. BOTOX® only treats wrinkles caused by overactive muscles. Some wrinkles are caused by a loss of volume in the face, and are best treated by injectable fillers like Restylane and Radiesse. Other wrinkles may respond best to eyelid surgery or browlift.

To learn more about BOTOX® and whether it is the right treatment to combat your signs of facial aging, please contact us today to schedule an appointment.

BOTOX ® Cosmetic Offered by Carter Eye Center

Chances are, you've heard of BOTOX® Cosmetic. This injectable wrinkle treatment has the ability to reduce the appearance of wrinkles in many areas of the face. BOTOX® Cosmetic works by relaxing muscles that have developed a habit of contracting involuntarily, causing some wrinkles. When the muscles relax, the wrinkles smooth to a great extent. BOTOX® Cosmetic is popular because it is effective, quick, and safe.

BOTOX® Cosmetic injections can be used to treat wrinkles:

• In your forehead, including vertical lines between the brows
• At the corners of your eyes (crow's feet)
• Around the mouth (lipstick lines)

Although BOTOX® Cosmetic is a popular choice for wrinkle correction, and effective for many wrinkles, it is not effective for all wrinkles or other signs of facial aging. During a consultation, we can assess your concerns and help you decide whether BOTOX® Cosmetic, injecable fillers like Restylane and Radiesse, or surgical treatments like eyelid surgery or browlift might be best for you.

To learn more about the anti-aging treatments we offer, please schedule a consultation at the Carter Eye Center today.

Recovery Time after LASIK

One of the most frequent questions asked at Carter Eye Center is how long the recovery period after LASIK lasts. LASIK is an outpatient procedure which only requires local anesthetic in the form of eye drops. The procedure itself only lasts for a number of minutes, shortly after which most patients are able to see with complete clarity. To give your eyes time to heal, however, we recommend that you take at least a day off from work or other strenuous activities.

For most patients, twenty-four hours is sufficient to return to their regular routine. Occasionally, Dr. Carter will recommend additional rest time, depending on your type of work or other activities you regularly perform throughout the day. Often patients may feel groggy or sleepy directly following the procedure, and are encouraged to rest for as long as they feel is necessary.

Many patients remark on their ability to see clearly almost immediately after the procedure, and tell us they are thrilled to be able to see even better than they could with contacts or glasses. Even though your vision may be immediately improved, you should not immediately return to work, especially if you spend a lot of time working on the computer. You should allow your eyes to rest for the amount of time Dr. Carter recommends, without exception.

To learn more about this remarkable procedure, please contact the Carter Eye Center in Dallas, Texas today.

Lifestyle Changes after LASIK

Imagine you are standing on the edge of a beautiful lake, that the sun has just come up and is making the pebbles on the beach each a different color. Imagine the trees across the lake sway gently in the breeze and the morning fog is just starting to lift off the surface. Now imagine taking off your glasses and still seeing all this beauty with perfect clarity.

When people talk about life without contacts or eyeglasses, it is common to bring up sports, hobbies, or hassle. But more than just a question of carrying separate glasses for indoors or outdoors, or remembering to bring your contact paraphernalia with you on vacation, LASIK vision correction allows an entire change of lifestyle, and not only simplifies current hobbies and makes new ones possible, but genuinely affects your day-to-day life.

After you have had LASIK, you will never experience the pain and frustration of getting a hair or speck caught between your contact lens and your eye. You will never have to remove your glasses during a movie or at your child’s play to clean a fingerprint off the lens. You will never again feel the confusion of waking up in the middle of the night and having to look for your contacts or glasses before you can go get a drink of water.

At the Carter Eye Center in Dallas, Texas, Dr. Carter has helped thousands of patients see clearly without the aid of contacts or eye glasses. Our LASIK patients enjoy freedom from the daily habits and inconveniences created by vision aids. To share that freedom, please contact Dr. Carter today and finding out how we can help you see the beauty life without needing rose-colored glasses.

Diabetic Retinopathy Questions

What is Diabetic Retinopathy?
The term "retinopathy" refers to damage to the retina which is not caused by inflammation. Diabetic retinopathy is damage to the eyes brought on by diabetes. Diabetic retinopathy develops in up to 80% of individuals who have had diabetes for 10 to 15 years, although it can develop sooner.

How does Diabetic Retinopathy develop?
Diabetic retinopathy is a product of prolonged diabetes, particularly where the diabetes may not have been correctly treated. The retinal tissue will become damaged over time, but produces few symptoms in the early onset. The most common symptoms may include:

• Double vision
• Blurred vision
• Retinal bleeding
• Lost or diminished peripheral vision
• Change in vision
• Sudden or slow vision degeneration

Can Dr. Carter treat Diabetic Retinopathy?
Fortunately, diabetic retinopathy can be diagnosed and treated. As with many other eye disorders, however, the earlier the disorder is diagnosed, the better opportunity for correction and the more options will be available to you. Symptoms which may not be listed above may still be indicators of diabetic retinopathy, and if you have any of the above symptoms you should make an appointment for an examination at the Carter Eye Center in Dallas, Texas immediately.

Questions about Glaucoma

What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a progressive disorder that causes damage to the optic nerve and loss of sight. It is often painful, can progress quickly, and can occur suddenly. It is caused by an increase of pressure within the eye. There are several classifications of glaucoma, but the end result is always vision impairment or loss. It is often described as the silent thief of sight because by the time you see symptoms it may already be too late to prevent vision loss.

Why should I be tested for Glaucoma?
While glaucoma cannot be prevented, it can be detected. Early detection of glaucoma can save your vision if the right steps are taken. However, if glaucoma is allowed to go untreated, the end result can be blindness. Just as your doctor recommends testing periodically for warning signs of other illnesses or diseases, regular testing for glaucoma can help save your vision.

Is there a treatment for Glaucoma?
There are several treatment options available for glaucoma. The sooner glaucoma is detected the more viable options are available to you. Options for treating glaucoma include:

• Laser surgery
• Optical drainage or filtering implants
• Eye drops
• Medication therapy

Eye drops are the most common first treatment for glaucoma, and often multiple treatments are used together to prevent loss of vision.

To learn more about preventing this dangerous condition, please contact the Carter Eye Center in Dallas, Texas today.

Intraocular Lenses (IOL)

If you have been told you are not a good candidate for LASIK because you suffer from myopia (nearsightedness) or presbyopia (aging eyes), you may still be able to see clearly without contacts or eyeglasses. Intraocular lenses, or IOLs, are frequently used to replace the natural lens and provide clear vision for individuals suffering from nearsightedness or combined near- and farsightedness.

Three types of IOLs are currently offered at Carter Eye Center:

• Crystalens®
• ReZoom®
• ReSTOR®

Crystalens is most frequently used to treat presbyopia, or aging of the eyes, which leads to farsightedness, or the need to hold objects at arm's length to be able to see them clearly. Crystalens has been FDA-approved since 2003, and Dr. Harvey Carter was one of the first eye surgeons to offer the procedure in Texas.

ReZoom and ReSTOR are both multifocal lenses used to treat individuals who are both near and farsighted, a common problem for older individuals, usually over the age of 40. ReSTOR can also treat patients with cataracts, or the hardening of the eye's natural lens which produces a milky color and, if untreated, can progress to blindness.

If you suffer from nearsightedness, a combination of near and farsightedness, or have early onset cataracts and would like to know more about IOLs, please contact Dr. Carter at Carter Eye Center today, serving Dallas and the surrounding communities in Texas.

LASIK and the FDA

If you are searching for information on LASIK, like so many of Carter Eye Center's patients, you may be interested in what the Food and Drug Administration has to say about this FDA-approved procedure.

While the FDA website does not encourage or discourage individuals to undergo LASIK, the FDA's approval of the procedure for US consumers means that the LASIK procedure has undergone a series of clinical tests and has been found to perform how it is supposed to perform when done correctly. According to the FDA, LASIK may be used to treat nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia) or astigmatism, which is the irregular shaping of the cornea.

However, many eye surgeons find that LASIK is more effective for nearsightedness than farsightedness, and offer alternatives to LASIK to patients suffering from hyperopia.

The FDA also recommends that you discontinue wearing different types of contacts for different lengths of time before your initial evaluation to allow the curvature of your eye to return to its natural shape and promote the best possible outcome of LASIK.

If you wear:
Soft lenses - discontinue use 2 weeks prior to your initial evaluation.
Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) lenses - discontinue use 3 weeks prior to your initial evaluation.
Hard (PMMA) lenses - discontinue use 4 weeks prior to your initial evaluation.
To learn more about FDA-approved LASIK, please contact Dr. Harvey Carter at Carter Eye Clinic, serving Dallas and the surrounding areas of Texas.

LASIK Tourism

At Carter Eye Center, we are proud to be serving patients in Dallas, Texas, but did you know that we also offer LASIK and other types of vision correction surgery to patients from all over the world?

You may have heard of the trend of going overseas to have a plastic surgery procedure performed where the rates are a little lower or where a specialist offers patients the combination of a vacation and a new self-image. It may surprise you, then, to learn that the US is the number-one destination for LASIK tourism.

Dr. Harvey Carter is one of a small number of leading edge eye surgeons who are renowned throughout the world for their skill and technological advancement in laser vision correction. Because of this, we offer out-of-town patients information on where to stay and what to see while in Dallas for their vision correction procedure, and best of all, we offer the clear, 20/20 or better vision to see it all without the need for contacts or eyeglasses.

If you are interested in LASIK tourism and would like help deciding where to stay or what attractions to visit in the Dallas, Texas area, please contact Dr. Harvey Carter and our team at Carter Eye Center today.

Contact Lens Risks

Many people who visit Carter Eye Center for LASIK surgery or other types of vision correction are under the mistaken impression that contact lenses are safer than vision correction surgery. In reality, contact lenses pose potential hazards serious enough that the federal government warns you to be careful when using them.

According to www.fda.gov, contact lenses may be the cause of:

• Discomfort or pain
• Discharge or excess tearing (watering eyes)
• Light sensitivity
• Burning, itching, or a feeling of grit in your eye
• Redness or swelling
• Blurred vision

The FDA warns that these may be the symptoms of injury or infection and you should discontinue using your contacts if they occur, but keep your contacts so your ophthalmologist can use them to determine the cause of your discomfort, if necessary. The FDA further recommends that you:

• Clean your contacts daily as recommended
• Never expose your contacts to water (the organisms and chemicals in water, even bottled water, may harm your eye if caught under the contact lens)
• Discard your contact solution after each use
• Replace your contact case every 3 to 6 months
• Remove your contact lenses before swimming

To learn more about the benefits and risks of contacts or of LASIK treatment please contact Dr. Harvey Carter at Carter Eye Clinic today, serving Dallas, Texas.

Crystalens History

You may be aware that Dr. Harvey Carter is the world leader for the number of Crystalens® procedures performed, but you may be curious about what led to this innovative solution for presbyopia and far-sightedness caused by aging.

The process of developing what is today called Crystalens took nearly a decade of collaboration between the inventor, J. Stuart Cumming, MD, and Jochen Kammann, MD. Cumming and Kammann tested a series of seven lenses and made corrections to the final type of lens, which is now helping thousands of individuals worldwide see without the need for reading glasses.

The concept for Crystalens began in 1989, and the successful implementation and approval took place more than a decade later in 2003, when the FDA approved Crystalens for use in the United States.

Today, Dr. Carter offers Crystalens to older patients who require reading glasses, a condition which cannot be corrected even by CustomVue or Wavefront LASIK. You can learn whether you are a good candidate for Crystalens by scheduling an appointment to meet with Dr. Carter for an exam and evaluation.

Please contact Dr. Harvey Carter at Carter Eye Clinic today to learn more about Crystalens and other vision correction procedures available in Dallas, Texas.

About Dr. Harvey Carter

Dr. Harvey Carter is the lead team member at Carter Eye Clinic, the official LASIK provider for the Dallas Cowboys, and was the first to perform laser refractive correction in North Texas. Because of his experience and background in laser vision correction surgery, patients who have undergone surgery from other sources with negative results rely on Dallas ophthalmologist, Dr. Harvey Carter, for corrective laser surgery.

Dr. Carter's passion for excellence has made him well known throughout the area as a reliable and passionate ophthalmologist.

Dr. Carter has provided laser vision correction for some of the best-known names on the Dallas Cowboys roster, as well as a number of other well-known names and maintains interest in other charitable societies like Canine Companions, as well as remaining a participating member of the Greater East Dallas Chamber of Commerce.

All these add up to a LASIK surgeon who cares about you as an individual and our community as a whole. To learn more about Dr. Harvey Carter and his vision for Dallas please contact him today at Carter Eye Center, providing 20/20 or better vision to the Texas community in and around Dallas.

Eye Injuries after LASIK

You may be surprised to learn that you are at higher risk for eye injury immediately after LASIK than before. While most patients do not experience eye injuries directly related to their procedure, you should be aware of the potential for eye injury and other risks which are increased directly after vision correction surgery.

As part of the LASIK procedure, a semi-circular flap is created on the surface of your eye. Because of the natural properties of your cornea and eye surface, we can simply move the flap back in place after the laser has reshaped your cornea, and the flap will self-adhere to your eye, so you do not need an adhesive or sutures to help the surface of your eye heal.

However, because the flap has been created, your eye requires time, usually 4 to 8 weeks, to completely reattach the flap and heal after vision correction surgery. If, during this period of time, you experience trauma to your eye, you are at higher risk for damage to your cornea.

For this reason, Dallas LASIK surgeon, Dr. Harvey Carter, may recommend that you avoid:

• Swimming in the ocean, swimming pools or hot tubs
• Touching your eye unnecessarily
• Activities which may precipitate facial impact
• Strenuous sports
• Non-contact sports
• Wearing makeup or lotions around your eyes

Please learn more about LASIK risks and benefits by contacting Dr. Carter at Carter Eye Clinic today, serving Dallas and the surrounding communities in Texas.

How does your vision change over time following LASIK?

Some patients come to Carter Eye Center expecting vision correction which with results that will last the rest of their lives. For many patients there is a good chance of this happening, but most patients' eyes do not become static after LASIK surgery.

As you age, so do your eyes, and if you do not care for your eyes, you may help accelerate the progression of presbyopia or the aging of the eyes. Presbyopia generally sets in around the ages of 40 to 45 and may become more noticeable over time. The symptoms include becoming more far-sighted or middle-sighted, where you must hold smaller print at arm’s length to be able to read it.

LASIK neither prevents nor accelerates presbyopia, and there is no known cause for the condition other than normal aging. Although there is no specific cause for presbyopia, some activities may encourage its onset, and others can help slow the progression and protect your eyesight.

To help prevent the degeneration of your eyesight as much as possible, you should:

• Avoid using computers for prolonged periods of time without a break
• Use correct ergonomic positioning of your monitor while on the computer
• Avoid watching TV at close range
• Be sure to read in bright, well-lit areas rather than dim areas
• Have regular eye exams to promote early diagnosis and treatment of eye ailments

To learn more about how your eyes age and change after LASIK, please contact Dr. Harvey Carter at Carter Eye Center, serving Dallas, Texas, and the surrounding communities.

LASIK Misconceptions

You may think you know everything there is to know about LASIK, but you may be surprised by some of the misconceptions about LASIK that patients express every day, like:

My eyes will not respond to LASIK surgery.

While it is true that some patients are not good candidates for LASIK, patients who have been told their eyes will not respond to LASIK are often surprised to learn that there are alternatives available. Virtually all patients respond to LASIK, but some patients are more likely to have better results with a different type of eye surgery. If you have been told you are not a good candidate for LASIK, you may be a good candidate for an alternative vision surgery.

LASIK will not give me perfect eyesight.

In fact, LASIK often gives patients better than 20/20 eyesight. Patients always experience 20/20 eyesight after LASIK surgery at our office, but a high number of our patients actually have vision that is even better than 20/20 after their surgery.

I cannot afford LASIK.

While LASIK may require a significant initial investment, the truth is that if you can afford contacts and glasses, you can afford LASIK. The cost of replacing and repairing contacts and eye glasses over the course of your life is much higher than the cost of LASIK. Add to that the savings in time when you do not have to put in and take out contacts or search for lost eye glasses, and the value is easy to see.

You can learn more about LASIK misconceptions and the truth about laser vision correction when you contact Dr. Harvey Carter at Carter Eye Center, serving Dallas, Texas.

How long does the LASIK procedure take?

You may have seen advertisements on TV that offer perfect vision in just a few minutes, and while LASIK offers this in a sense, it is a slightly misleading statement. Most patients do not walk into our office and walk out only a few minutes later with perfect vision. However, the reality ensures that your LASIK procedure is performed safely and with the best possible outcome.

In reality, LASIK requires an amount of preparation. When you meet with Dr. Harvey Carter, he will explain your individual procedure to you, and allow you to ask any questions you have. Once your questions are answered, if your procedure is schedules at that time, there is about a 15 minute preparation before each eye can receive LASIK treatment.

LASIK preparation consists of creating a semi-circular flap on the surface of the eye, so that the laser can affect only the desired portion of the cornea. The flap also helps protect the cornea when it is put back in place, and because of the nature of your eye tissue, there is no need for an adhesive or sutures to keep the flap in place (though you should avoid rubbing your eye as you may dislodge the flap).

Once the flap is created, the actual LASIK portion of the procedure lasts about 60 seconds for each eye. Almost as soon as the flap is replaced, you are able to see clearly without the aid of contacts or eye glasses.

You can learn more about LASIK when you contact Dr. Carter to schedule your appointment at Carter Eye Center, serving Dallas and the surrounding areas of Texas.

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LASIK and Swimming

Patients frequently ask about the types of activities they should abstain from after laser eye surgery. One of the more potentially dangerous activities after LASIK is swimming.

Natural Bodies and Swimming Pool Water Dangerous

Your skin and eyes are exposed to numerous living organisms and chemicals whether you are swimming in:

• Ocean
• Swimming pool
• Lake
• River
• Hot tub

Microscopic organisms and chemicals can both pose potential hazards even if your eyes are completely healthy. However, LASIK or other types of laser vision correction are surgical procedures, and create an incision in the surface of your eye which can attract or harbor those organisms and chemicals.

Once a foreign object has worked its way into your cornea, you are at very high risk for infection or other type of eye injury. Because of this, Dr. Harvey Carter recommends that you avoid swimming for as much as 6 to 12 weeks, depending on the type of vision correction surgery you have undergone.

Schedule Your Procedure Early

If you cannot avoid swimming after your LASIK procedure, you should wear protective eyewear that completely seals the eye off from contact with the water. If you are planning a vacation or trip where you plan to go snorkeling or scuba diving, you should either wait until after your vacation for your procedure, or schedule your vision procedure far enough in advance to give your time eyes to heal before exposing them to water.

To learn more about protecting your eyes after LASIK and laser eye surgery, please contact Dr. Carter today at Carter Eye Clinic, serving the swimming community in Dallas, Texas, and the surrounding areas.

LASIK and Eye Sensitivity

There are two types of issues the team at Carter Eye Center is concerned about when discussing LASIK and eye sensitivity:

• Pre-LASIK eye sensitivity
• Post-LASIK light sensitivity

If you currently use contacts and suffer from eye sensitivity or dryness, you may be surprised to learn that LASIK often helps patients like yourself reduce the amount of frustration and discomfort caused by contacts.

The daily use of contacts exposes your eyes to oils, dirt, chemicals and constant contact that increase the risk of eye injury or infection. Infections like conjunctivitis (pinkeye) spread by direct physical contact. Eliminating your use of contacts reduces the number of times your hands come into contact with your eyes each day, and reduce the risk of debris or germs getting into your eye.

The type of eye sensitivity dealt with after LASIK is increased light sensitivity. A small percentage of patients experience increased light sensitivity after LASIK, but the condition virtually always dissipates as the eye flap and cornea heal after the surgery. If you experience increased light sensitivity after your procedure, you should schedule a follow up appointment with Dr. Carter immediately.

To learn more about eye sensitivity and LASIK, please contact Carter Eye Center today, serving Dallas and the surrounding areas of Texas.

LASIK Follow Up Treatments

You probably have questions about how long your LASIK treatment will last and whether or not follow up treatments will be necessary. Because each person has unique eyes, it is impossible to state with 100 percent certainty that you will never need to have follow up treatments after LASIK. However, you should keep the following in mind:

• LASIK is considered a permanent procedure
• Only about 1 percent of LASIK patients experience complications
• Some patients experience minor negative side effects, most of which disappear within a few weeks
• LASIK, particularly CustomVue and Wavefront LASIK, usually provide better-than-20/20 eyesight
• Very few patients ever need a second corrective procedure after their first laser vision correction surgery

We schedule follow up appointments for all our patients to ensure that the flap created on the surface of the eye is healing correctly after laser vision surgery. Additionally, Dr. Harvey Carter is a preferred provider of corrective treatments to patients who have visited other eye clinics for surgery and are not happy with their results.

Please learn more about LASIK from Carter Eye Center and ask your questions about follow up treatments after LASIK by contacting Dr. Harvey Carter, creating 20/20 or better vision for patients in Dallas, Texas.

How Much You Save with LASIK

If you are wondering whether or not LASIK surgery is worth the investment, you are not alone. Many patients meet with Dr. Harvey Carter and among the first questions they ask are, "How much does LASIK cost?"

While each patient is different and CustomVue and Wavefront LASIK allow us to create a personal treatment specifically attuned to treat your individual vision problems.

You may already know that the cost of LASIK is only a fraction of the cost of replacing contacts and glasses throughout your lifetime. What you may not have taken into account is the amount of time you save without:

• Putting in and taking out contacts daily
• Searching for misplaced glasses
• Annual or semi-annual vision exams
• Glasses fittings
• Visiting the optometrist to replace contacts
• Treating eye scratches or injuries caused by constant physical contact with your fingers or contacts
• Dry eyes or watery eyes caused by contacts

Many patients do not include these costs:

• Eyeglasses club membership
• Repairs to glasses
• Replacing lost or torn contacts
• Eye drops for contact dryness

Please learn more today about how much you save in both time and money with LASIK by contacting Dr. Harvey Carter today at Carter Eye Center, serving Texas in Dallas and the surrounding areas.

Carter Eye Center Official LASIK Provider for Dallas Cowboys

As true Dallas Texans, the team members at Carter Eye Center are fans of our local pro football team, the Dallas Cowboys. But did you know that the Cowboys are also fans of Carter Eye Center?

As the Dallas Cowboys' official LASIK provider, Dr. Harvey Carter provides laser vision correction to the Cowboys, and helps them achieve the vision they need to perform at their best possible level. We have helped team members Alan Ball, Orlando Scandrick and Tashard Choice get rid of their contacts for good.

Even if you are not a professional athlete, Carter Eye Center can help you play your best game by eliminating problems like:

• Torn contacts
• Glasses glare
• Dry contacts
• Old prescriptions

As the official LASIK provider for the Dallas Cowboys, we know how important focus and vision are in both your game day preparation and in your vision. If you are letting the results of your football, golf, soccer, or any other sport be effected by contacts or glasses, Carter Eye Center would like to help you eliminate that extra variable by laser vision correction, or alternative vision correction surgery.

To learn more about our role as the official LASIK provider for the Dallas Cowboys, please contact Dr. Harvey Carter at Carter Eye Center today, serving sports enthusiasts in Dallas, Texas, and the surrounding areas.

History of LASIK

You may have been considering LASIK for a period of time but have been concerned about whether or not such a new procedure is safe. While you are acting wisely by making sure you know all the pro’s and con’s of a procedure before investing in it and trusting your eyesight to another person, LASIK is probably not as new a procedure as you believe.

Corrective eye surgery first became available in the US in the late 70's, but by the 1980's had been added to by the use of the excimer laser, a laser originally created for the manufacture of computer chips. The excimer laser is a "cool" laser which produces no heat, and therefore is safe for use in surgical procedures on and around the eye.

The excimer laser LASIK, or Laser Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis, possible, but since the first LASIK procedures were performed newer technology like CustomVue and Wavefront LASIK have provided greater accuracy for doctors and safety to patients.

To learn more about the history and safety of LASIK, please contact Dr. Harvey Carter today at Carter Eye Center, serving Dallas, Texas, and the surrounding areas.

Questions about Presbyopia

What is Presbyopia?
Presbyopia is the age-related loss of the ability to see close-up. Presbyopia can be identified by your need to hold objects at arm's length to be able to see them clearly. Often this condition prompts people to buy over-the-counter reading glasses or get bifocals when they are beyond the ages of 40-45.

Is Presbyopia common?
Presbyopia is one eye condition that every person is at risk for, because every person is aging. Although it may not affect every individual, it is very common, and there is no one theory on what causes presbyopia. Some theories have to do with the muscles surrounding the lens getting weaker with age, or the hardening of the lens. But until the true cause of presbyopia can be discovered, it cannot be prevented, only treated.

What are my options to treat Presbyopia?
At Carter Eye Center, we offer our patients in Dallas, Texas many options for the treatment of presbyopia. Conductive keratoplasty (CK) can reshape your cornea to give you a better field of vision. IOLs, or intraocular lenses, are used to replace your natural lenses. These can give you good vision at many distances, and have the advantage of preventing cataracts.

You can find out more about how to see clearly without the nuisance of reading glasses by asking us your questions today.

Questions about Cataracts

What are cataracts?
Cataracts are a clouding in the eye that blocks light from reaching the retina, making it more difficult to see. It is possible to have cataracts in only one eye. The most common cataracts are caused by aging, but younger people can also develop cataracts from various conditions, or may even be born with them.

Who gets cataracts?
Almost anyone may develop a cataract. The early symptoms of cataracts may include a lowered ability to see blue colors, and a yellowing of the eye lens. Blurry vision, halos, glares, and sensitivity to light may also be symptoms of developing cataracts. If you think you might have cataracts, you should make an eye appointment immediately.

Is there a cure for cataracts?
At this point, there is no cure for cataracts. However, the affected lens can be replaced with a substitute lens, an IOL (intraocular lens). There are various types of IOL which can be compared to other types of vision lenses. IOLs are placed under the surface of the eye, and may be for near vision or may be multifocal.

If you have cataracts or know someone who does, find out the answers to more of your questions by visiting our Cataract FAQ page, or contact us today to learn about your treatment options at Carter Eye Center in Dallas, Texas.

Questions About LASIK

What is LASIK?
LASIK is so commonly used that many people don’t know that the acronym stands for Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis. In simple phrasing, it means surgery to the cornea with the use of a laser. Lasers were first used to perform corneal surgery around 1950, but the procedures used have changed and improved over the years.
Wavefront-guided LASIK, the kind used by Dr. Carter, uses technology utilized for years by astronomers but was only recently applied to LASIK. It allows Dr. Carter to precisely map the shape of your eyes and achieve a more uniform shape of the cornea. This allows greater accuracy in the procedure and helps you have even better vision.

Am I a good candidate for LASIK?
There are many factors which contribute to whether or not you are a good candidate for LASIK. Some indicators that you may be a good candidate for LASIK are:

• You are over 21
• You aren't nursing or pregnant
• You currently use glasses or contacts
• Your prescription has not changed within the past year
• You understand risks associated with LASIK
• You don't have a history of scarring or dry eyes

What will happen at my LASIK consultation?
When you come see Dr. Carter for a consultation, you will be asked about your health history and your eye history. Dr. Carter will then examine your eyes and let you know if you are a good candidate for LASIK. If you are disqualified from LASIK, Dr. Carter may be able to offer you another option for seeing without glasses and contacts.

The best way to find out if you are a good candidate for LASIK at the Carter Eye Center in Dallas is to make an appointment with Dr. Carter today.

Visian ICL

You probably already know that not everyone is a good candidate for LASIK. But did you know there is an option for near-sighted adults that can still allow you to see clearly without contacts or eyeglasses?

Rather than adjusting your natural lens, Visian ICL is a lens which is placed over the front of your eye's natural lens, adjusting the refraction of light to help you see clearly. Other lenses have been used for older adults (over the age of 45), but Visian ICL is specifically for younger adults between the ages of 21 and 45 who may not be good candidates for traditional LASIK.

ICL stands for Implantable Collamer® Lens, a hypoallergenic material that is safe for use in the eye. Unlike a contact, which sits on top of the eye, Visian ICL is inserted under a flap in the eye, so you will not be able to feel it like you would contacts. Also, if your vision changes in the future, Dr. Carter can replace the ICL with a new lens to adjust for the change.

You can learn more about Visian ICL at the Carter Eye Center in Dallas by emailing Dr. Carter. If you have been told LASIK isn't a good option for you, Visian ICL may be the right choice.

LASIK for Graduation

Deciding what you get your college graduate as a graduation present can be nearly impossible. Finding something special, memorable, significant, and beneficial may sound suspiciously like the search for the holy grail of graduation gifts: You've heard it's out there, but you're not sure where to start looking.

But what about the gift of a glasses- and contact-free life after graduation? A graduate looking forward to searching for a "real life job" and standing on his or her own feet is sure to be excited at the idea of never having to search for glasses in the morning or put in contacts. In fact, LASIK patients often see better than they did when using glasses or contacts before the procedure.

You don't have to wait for your grad to finish classes before giving him or her a hassle-free vision of the future. Mid-terms and finals will look a lot less daunting when seen without glasses, and graduation pictures, job interviews, and weddings will all look different when seen with glasses- and contacts-free 20/20 vision.

You can make a consultation appointment at the Carter Eye Center in Dallas, Texas for your grad today by visiting our contact us page or calling the phone number at the top right-hand corner of our blog.

Big Names who have had LASIK at Carter Eye Center

Over the years, we have had many well-known names come to Carter Eye Center with the same goal that you have. Their professions may be a little different, as professional football players or media personalities, but they are all looking for 20/20 vision or better vision.

The who's who of CEC patients include:

• Pat Summerall, former professional football player, who had Crystalens says, “It’s changed my life!”
• Norm Hitzges, author and sports talk radio host, said working with CEC to have LASIK done was a piece of cake.
• Preston Pearson, former running back for the Dallas Cowboys, trusted his vision to CEC and is very pleased with the clarity of his vision.

Other celebrities and personalities have worked with CEC to find 20/20 or better vision, and you can find their names on our Who's Had LASIK at CEC page. But you don't have to be a professional football player or a talk show host to have the high-definition vision Tony Castillas talks about.

Whether you are a professional football player or a student in college, you can have clear vision without contacts or glasses. Please contact us today to learn more.

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.

People's natural eye lenses begin losing their flexibility and around age 40 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.