If you’re considering LASIK eye surgery, one of the first questions you probably have is, “How successful is it?” The good news for glasses and contact wearers everywhere is that this procedure is highly successful.
Before scheduling your consultation with a Dallas LASIK surgeon, though, there are some factors to consider that can increase your chances of having great outcome for your laser eye surgery.
What Type Of Surgery You Have Matters
Laser eye surgery isn’t just one procedure -- there are different techniques and different technologies. As technology improves, so do success rates.
With custom wavefront-guided LASIK, such as Dallas Dr. Harvey Carter performs, success rates are exceptional. A recent study found that 44 percent of patients who had this procedure experienced 20/15 or better vision without corrective lenses after three months. The same survey noted that 92 percent had 20/20 vision, and 100 percent had 20/25 or better, in the same time period.
No one needs great vision like our military men and women. A U.S. Navy study found that of sailors who underwent this procedure, 85 percent had 20/15 vision, compared to 69 percent of sailors who had conventional LASIK done.
Success Rates High, Complication Rates Low
As with any surgery, laser eye surgery comes with a certain risk of complications. However, it is one of the safest procedures you can undergo.
The Food and Drug Administration reports that complications occur in only 1 to 5 percent of LASIK surgeries, out of the hundreds of thousands that are performed nationally each year. Of those, most are mild symptoms, such as glare or light sensitivity, that often resolve in time.
Increasing Likelihood Of Success
Not every candidate will see the ideal results of LASIK surgery, but there are some criteria to meet that can increase your chances of success.
Having healthy eyes before surgery is vital to ensuring a good outcome for your procedure. If you are suffering from a condition that could affect how your eyes deal with surgery or healing, the procedure should wait until this issue is resolved. Such conditions include chronic dry eyes, conjunctivitis or eye injuries.
A patient who has had stable vision for at least a year is also more likely to have a successful outcome, which happens for most people at some point in their 20s. Additionally, hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause fluctuations in your vision. So if you are pregnant, this procedure should wait until your vision has normalized after pregnancy.
Certain health conditions also can affect how successful your procedure will be. Degenerative or autoimmune diseases, for example, may disqualify you from having LASIK eye surgery. Sjogren’s syndrome, type 1 diabetes and HIV are some of examples.
And the top criteria to increase your success with LASIK is to find a qualified surgeon. An eye doctor with the right experience and a proven record is the best person to advise you on whether you are a candidate for a successful laser eye surgery.
Stop wondering if you are a candidate for Dallas LASIK and start the process of leading a glasses-free life! Call Dr Harvey Carter today and schedule your free consultation.
Showing posts with label laser laser eye surgeries. Show all posts
Showing posts with label laser laser eye surgeries. Show all posts
Monday, March 26, 2012
Friday, March 9, 2012
What Are The Differences Between LASIK And PRK?
If you’re looking at vision enhancement solutions, you may already have heard about Dallas LASIK and PRK, but you might be confused about the difference between the two procedures.
Both are refractive procedures to correct poor vision, but there are many dissimilarities between the two. An ophthalmologist can best help you decide which is right for you, but before selecting a procedure or even scheduling your free consultation, it will help to understand what separates these surgeries.
How The Procedures Are Performed
LASIK, which stands for Laser In Situ Keratomileusis, is an eye surgery that uses a blade called a microkeratome or an excimer laser to cut a flap into the patient’s cornea. After the flap is cut, a laser sends pulses into the cornea, reshaping it to correct vision problems.
PRK stands for Photo-refractive Keratatectomy. This procedure utilizes a cool laser light to reshape the central cornea based each patient’s corneal characteristics. The top layer of corneal cells are removed, rather than creating a flap, and the laser is focused directly on the corneal surface, which is flattened or steepened depending on the vision issue being corrected.
Differences In Recovery Time
Because of the differences in the procedures, recovery will be different depending on which surgery you choose.
After the corneal flap is replaced in Dallas LASIK surgery, the eye’s natural suction will allow it to stay in place to heal. The patient should experience significant vision improvements the next day and continued improvement in the following few days. In fact, most patients can even return to work the day after surgery.
On the other hand, PRK patients will have no flap, and the healing of the eye will be on the cornea’s surface. These patients will not experience the complications that on rare occasions can result from flap creation (because there is no flap created), but the recovery time is longer. Patients who undergo this procedure will take on average three to seven days to reach functional vision levels, and it will be one to four weeks before maximum visual sharpness is reached.
Is The Level Of Discomfort Different For Each Procedure?
Because of the removal of the cornea’s epithelial cells in PRK, patients who undergo this procedure typically experience slightly more post-operative discomfort than LASIK patients. However, every patient varies, and some patients experience little or even NO discomfort.
Ideal Candidates For LASIK vs. PRK
Dallas LASIK corrects nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. With increasingly improving technology, there are many more patients who are candidates for this procedure today than there were 10 years ago. It is the more popular choice, and is better suited to those with thick corneas who want faster results.
PRK also corrects the same vision problems, but it is the safer choice for some people. Patients who have corneal issues, such as scarring, irregularities or thin corneal tissue, might find that this is the better option for them.
While there are many differences between Dallas LASIK and PRK vision correction procedures, both have this in common: They can completely change your life! If you’re ready to get started on the path to glasses-free vision, schedule a consultation at Carter Eye Center today.
Both are refractive procedures to correct poor vision, but there are many dissimilarities between the two. An ophthalmologist can best help you decide which is right for you, but before selecting a procedure or even scheduling your free consultation, it will help to understand what separates these surgeries.
How The Procedures Are Performed
LASIK, which stands for Laser In Situ Keratomileusis, is an eye surgery that uses a blade called a microkeratome or an excimer laser to cut a flap into the patient’s cornea. After the flap is cut, a laser sends pulses into the cornea, reshaping it to correct vision problems.
PRK stands for Photo-refractive Keratatectomy. This procedure utilizes a cool laser light to reshape the central cornea based each patient’s corneal characteristics. The top layer of corneal cells are removed, rather than creating a flap, and the laser is focused directly on the corneal surface, which is flattened or steepened depending on the vision issue being corrected.
Differences In Recovery Time
Because of the differences in the procedures, recovery will be different depending on which surgery you choose.
After the corneal flap is replaced in Dallas LASIK surgery, the eye’s natural suction will allow it to stay in place to heal. The patient should experience significant vision improvements the next day and continued improvement in the following few days. In fact, most patients can even return to work the day after surgery.
On the other hand, PRK patients will have no flap, and the healing of the eye will be on the cornea’s surface. These patients will not experience the complications that on rare occasions can result from flap creation (because there is no flap created), but the recovery time is longer. Patients who undergo this procedure will take on average three to seven days to reach functional vision levels, and it will be one to four weeks before maximum visual sharpness is reached.
Is The Level Of Discomfort Different For Each Procedure?
Because of the removal of the cornea’s epithelial cells in PRK, patients who undergo this procedure typically experience slightly more post-operative discomfort than LASIK patients. However, every patient varies, and some patients experience little or even NO discomfort.
Ideal Candidates For LASIK vs. PRK
Dallas LASIK corrects nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. With increasingly improving technology, there are many more patients who are candidates for this procedure today than there were 10 years ago. It is the more popular choice, and is better suited to those with thick corneas who want faster results.
PRK also corrects the same vision problems, but it is the safer choice for some people. Patients who have corneal issues, such as scarring, irregularities or thin corneal tissue, might find that this is the better option for them.
While there are many differences between Dallas LASIK and PRK vision correction procedures, both have this in common: They can completely change your life! If you’re ready to get started on the path to glasses-free vision, schedule a consultation at Carter Eye Center today.
Friday, February 24, 2012
Do's And Don'ts After LASIK Surgery
Aside from the actual surgery, post-operative care is one of the things that Dallas LASIK surgery patients worry about most. Will I be in pain? Can I drive? When can I go back to work?
Laser eye surgery is one of the most minimally disruptive procedures you can undergo in terms of recovery time. There are some vital after-care instructions you can expect from your ophthalmologist, though. Following your surgeon’s list of do’s and don’ts after LASIK surgery is crucial for your healthy and swift recovery.
If you’re considering laser eye surgery, here are some of the do’s and don’ts that you can expect after your procedure.
Do’s After LASIK Surgery
DO have a friend or family member drive: After your surgery, you’ll need a designated driver to get you home safely.
DO use eye drops as directed: Carter Eye Center directs patients to use the prescribed eye drops every two hours the night surgery is peformed. When doing so, you will be instructed to remove your eye shields, add drops, and immediately replace your eye shields. Don’t worry -- the shields will only need to be worn while sleeping, and only for the first two weeks after surgery.
DO eat or drink what you want: Post-operative LASIK patients are advised to indulge in whatever foods or liquids they want, except for alcoholic beverages. Craving ice cream? Go for it! Feel the need for a cheeseburger and fries? Enjoy!
DO wear safety glasses during sports or high-risk activities: It’s not necessary to live in a bubble after undergoing LASIK surgery, but if you will be engaging in activities that increase your risk of eye injury -- for example, sports or lawn-mowing -- using safety glasses is recommended.
DO feel free to return to work and regular activities: There’s no need to seclude yourself for weeks after LASIK surgery. Normal activities can be resumed the next day.
Don’ts After LASIK Surgery
DON’T worry if you experience discomfort: Some eye discomfort is to be expected after undergoing any medical procedure. To minimize this, keep your eyes closed as much as possible after your surgery, until you wake up the next day. It’s OK to open them for short periods to eat, drink and use eyedrops. Over-the-counter pain relievers are also acceptable to use.
DON’T rub your eyes: For two weeks after surgery, it is very important NOT to rub your eyes.
DON’T get soap or water directly in your eyes: Avoid this for two weeks after your procedure. If soap or water does get into your eyes, put your head down and blink, so that your tears will wash them out. Swimming, hot tubs and water sports should be avoided during these two weeks.
DON’T wear eye makeup: Mascara and eyeliner should not be worn for three days after LASIK surgery. Waterproof eye makeup should not be work for two weeks. Extreme caution should be observed when removing makeup.
DON’T forget post-op appointments: Follow-up care is extremely important after LASIK surgery, so be sure to attend all post-operative appointments and bring your post-op kit with you. Your first appointment after surgery should last about 30-45 minutes.
If you’re ready to start the journey toward glasses-free vision, call Carter Eye Center today and schedule your Dallas LASIK surgery consultation!
Laser eye surgery is one of the most minimally disruptive procedures you can undergo in terms of recovery time. There are some vital after-care instructions you can expect from your ophthalmologist, though. Following your surgeon’s list of do’s and don’ts after LASIK surgery is crucial for your healthy and swift recovery.
If you’re considering laser eye surgery, here are some of the do’s and don’ts that you can expect after your procedure.
Do’s After LASIK Surgery
DO have a friend or family member drive: After your surgery, you’ll need a designated driver to get you home safely.
DO use eye drops as directed: Carter Eye Center directs patients to use the prescribed eye drops every two hours the night surgery is peformed. When doing so, you will be instructed to remove your eye shields, add drops, and immediately replace your eye shields. Don’t worry -- the shields will only need to be worn while sleeping, and only for the first two weeks after surgery.
DO eat or drink what you want: Post-operative LASIK patients are advised to indulge in whatever foods or liquids they want, except for alcoholic beverages. Craving ice cream? Go for it! Feel the need for a cheeseburger and fries? Enjoy!
DO wear safety glasses during sports or high-risk activities: It’s not necessary to live in a bubble after undergoing LASIK surgery, but if you will be engaging in activities that increase your risk of eye injury -- for example, sports or lawn-mowing -- using safety glasses is recommended.
DO feel free to return to work and regular activities: There’s no need to seclude yourself for weeks after LASIK surgery. Normal activities can be resumed the next day.
Don’ts After LASIK Surgery
DON’T worry if you experience discomfort: Some eye discomfort is to be expected after undergoing any medical procedure. To minimize this, keep your eyes closed as much as possible after your surgery, until you wake up the next day. It’s OK to open them for short periods to eat, drink and use eyedrops. Over-the-counter pain relievers are also acceptable to use.
DON’T rub your eyes: For two weeks after surgery, it is very important NOT to rub your eyes.
DON’T get soap or water directly in your eyes: Avoid this for two weeks after your procedure. If soap or water does get into your eyes, put your head down and blink, so that your tears will wash them out. Swimming, hot tubs and water sports should be avoided during these two weeks.
DON’T wear eye makeup: Mascara and eyeliner should not be worn for three days after LASIK surgery. Waterproof eye makeup should not be work for two weeks. Extreme caution should be observed when removing makeup.
DON’T forget post-op appointments: Follow-up care is extremely important after LASIK surgery, so be sure to attend all post-operative appointments and bring your post-op kit with you. Your first appointment after surgery should last about 30-45 minutes.
If you’re ready to start the journey toward glasses-free vision, call Carter Eye Center today and schedule your Dallas LASIK surgery consultation!
Friday, January 20, 2012
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
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.
- 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.
- 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.
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Dallas Laser Eye Surgery: The Process
Most people will experience mixed feelings on the day of their Dallas LASIK surgery, and this is completely natural. Patients are likely to be anxious about the actual procedure and what it entails and also excited about the improvement they will notice in their vision.
Knowing what to expect during your visit will enable you to prepare yourself mentally and as a result, this will relieve feelings of anxiety. By minimizing stress and arming yourself with knowledge, you will have a positive surgical experience.
Preparing For the Surgery
Before The Procedure: On the morning of your surgery, eat a good breakfast as normal and don’t worry too much if you didn’t sleep well the night before. You will be advised to have plenty of sleep after the surgery to rest your eyes and to allow you to recuperate.
When to Arrive: Allow plenty of time to get to your appointment and aim to arrive around 30 minutes before your scheduled time. This will ensure that any delays you experience en route to Carter Eye Center will not delay your appointment time.
Who to Bring: You will be unable to drive home from your eye surgery and because of this you should bring a family member or close friend to take you home. Your chosen person will also be able to offer you support before your surgery and may also stay with you throughout the procedure.
When You Arrive: On arrival, you will be greeted by the LASIK technician that will be conducting the surgery. You will be offered a mild sedative that will help to keep you relaxed throughout the process. This sedative can also help you to nap afterwards, which is important for your eye recovery.
The Surgical Process: The procedure is relatively painless and is completed in very little time. The whole process should be complete in just two hours and trained LASIK staff will be with you throughout.
After the Procedure
Now that you know what to expect before, during and after the surgery, you will hopefully feel less anxious about the procedure. It is also helpful to remind yourself of the benefits of LASIK eye surgery which include a vast improvement in sight and a future without the need for glasses or contact lenses.
If you’re ready to schedule your Dallas LASIK consultation, contact Carter Eye Center today and start the process of getting better, glasses-free vision!
Knowing what to expect during your visit will enable you to prepare yourself mentally and as a result, this will relieve feelings of anxiety. By minimizing stress and arming yourself with knowledge, you will have a positive surgical experience.
Preparing For the Surgery
Before The Procedure: On the morning of your surgery, eat a good breakfast as normal and don’t worry too much if you didn’t sleep well the night before. You will be advised to have plenty of sleep after the surgery to rest your eyes and to allow you to recuperate.
When to Arrive: Allow plenty of time to get to your appointment and aim to arrive around 30 minutes before your scheduled time. This will ensure that any delays you experience en route to Carter Eye Center will not delay your appointment time.
Who to Bring: You will be unable to drive home from your eye surgery and because of this you should bring a family member or close friend to take you home. Your chosen person will also be able to offer you support before your surgery and may also stay with you throughout the procedure.
When You Arrive: On arrival, you will be greeted by the LASIK technician that will be conducting the surgery. You will be offered a mild sedative that will help to keep you relaxed throughout the process. This sedative can also help you to nap afterwards, which is important for your eye recovery.
The Surgical Process: The procedure is relatively painless and is completed in very little time. The whole process should be complete in just two hours and trained LASIK staff will be with you throughout.
After the Procedure
- Many Patients notice a significant improvement in vision almost immediately.
- You will be given clear, protective eye shields to cover your eyes until the next morning, or one shield if you are having LASIK on just one eye.
- Your chosen friend or family member will take you home and you will be advised to rest and sleep.
- Most patients will wake with little or no discomfort in their eyes.
Now that you know what to expect before, during and after the surgery, you will hopefully feel less anxious about the procedure. It is also helpful to remind yourself of the benefits of LASIK eye surgery which include a vast improvement in sight and a future without the need for glasses or contact lenses.
If you’re ready to schedule your Dallas LASIK consultation, contact Carter Eye Center today and start the process of getting better, glasses-free vision!
Monday, October 11, 2010
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.
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.
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