Outreach Program Provides Free Cataract Screening For Seniors

As we age, the possibility of suffering from vision problems increases. For senior citizens, regular eye exams and cataract screenings are important to catch any problems early.

To improve access to proper eye care, Carter Eye Center provides free vision and cataract screening services to senior citizens in the Dallas and Fort Worth metroplex area. Our Mobile Vision Van Teams schedule visits to senior centers, grocery stores, pharmacies and other centrally located venues that are convenient to seniors who live in the area.

There are sites schedule every day, Monday through Friday. Our team welcomes seniors ages 65 and older on a first come, first served basis from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Our mobile vision van is outfitted to screen two people at a time. The screenings -- for vision and cataracts -- take about 15 minutes per person.

To find out more about our Community Outreach services or schedule a Dallas cataract screening, contact Carter Eye Center today at 214-696-2020.

The Cost of LASIK in Dallas, Texas

Many people that suffer from eye conditions which impair their eye sight eventually consider the option of LASIK surgery to correct their vision.

When patients decide to proceed with the LASIK procedure, they will need to choose a surgeon to conduct the surgery. Price can play a major factor in the decision making process, however potential patients should also be aware that the cost of the surgery is not always indicative of the quality of care they will receive. Because of this, potential patients should consider a surgeon’s level of experience, qualifications and reputation as well as the price of the surgery.

To make an informed decision when choosing a Dallas LASIK surgeon, it is advisable to understand the different types of costs and savings related to LASIK surgery and how these can vary.

LASIK Costs

• The total cost of surgery can vary and some surgeons may charge a large upfront fee which is typical of elective surgeries. This type of payment is often not practical or affordable for many patients.  Carter Eye Center offers financing options which help you to avoid these large, upfront bills. Instead, you will pay in affordable installments (see LASIK savings below).
• Although the procedure and recovery period take a minimal amount of time, patients should consider the potential for loss of earnings due to not working while they undergo the treatment.

LASIK Savings

• Often, the initial outlay for LASIK surgery is less than the cost of contact lenses, glasses, cleaning solutions, repairs, regular eye exams and appointments, over the length of a lifetime.
• Carter Eye Center offers finance options to make the surgery an affordable option for those who may have at first considered LASIK to be financially out of reach.
• Not only can LASIK save you money in the long term, it can also save you valuable time which you have previously spent cleaning, maintaining or repairing lenses and glasses or attending numerous appointments with your doctor.

As well as the level of care and expertise, you should bear in mind that you are also paying for a final outcome which will include:

• A significant improvement in vision, eliminating the need for glasses and contacts when you are driving, reading, participating in sports and socializing.
• An improvement in appearance which commonly results in greater levels of confidence.
• The freedom to choose whichever sunglasses you want rather than selecting clip-on lenses or prescription lenses.
• The convenience of not having to carry or look for your glasses and the elimination of any worry about losing or damaging them.

When the potential savings and future benefits of choosing laser eye surgery are considered, it is easy to see why so many people have regarded the procedure as an investment and have chosen to proceed.

Make Eye Health A Priority During National Glaucoma Awareness Month

January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month, and there’s no better time to learn more about this eye disease and make eye health a priority in the new year.

Glaucoma is a condition consisting of increased pressure in the eye that can destroy the nerve fibers responsible for vision. There are no noticeable symptoms, but this disease can cause permanent and serious vision loss.

More than 2.2 million people in the U.S. aged 40 years or older have open-angle glaucoma, the most common form of the condition. Early detection and treatment are imperative with this elusive disease.

Visit Carter Eye Center for more information or call today to schedule an eye exam.

Celiac Disease Can Increase Cataracts Risk

A recent study has shown a link between celiac disease and an increased risk of developing cataracts. Celiac disease is a condition that damages the small intestine’s lining because of a reaction to eating gluten and prevents the asborption of some nutrients in foods.

The study, led by Dr. Kaziwe Mollazadegan in Sweden, was published in the American Journal of Epidemiology and noted that the risk of cataracts among biopsy-verified celiac disease was slightly higher than the general population.

Cataracts are protein deposits that develop on the eye’s lens and are one of the most common vision problems seen in people older than 40.

Other factors that can increase your risk of developing cataracts include diabetes, excessive exposure to sunlight, poor diet and family history. Symptoms of cataracts include blurred vision, sensitivity to light, color distortion and seeing halos around lights.

If you’ve been diagnosed with celiac disease, have other risk factors or think you may already be suffering from cataracts, a Dallas cataract surgeon can diagnose the development of this eye condition and help determine the best treatment options. Call Carter Eye Center today to schedule an appointment.