Light Adjustable Lens™ Implants

At Eye Center of Texas, we’re dedicated to providing our patients with the latest advancements in cataract surgery. One such innovation is the Light Adjustable Lens™ (LAL®/LAL+™), a groundbreaking new option for individuals seeking clear and customized vision post-cataract surgery.

Unlike traditional lenses, the Light Adjustable Lens™ offers the unique ability to refine and optimize vision even after the initial procedure, ensuring that your sight is tailored to your specific needs and preferences.

What are light adjustable lenses?

Light Adjustable Lenses are the first and only lenses that can be customized after cataract surgery. A Light Adjustable Lens™ is a cataract implant that employs a special light treatment and can be adjusted to fine-tune your vision — providing unparalleled clarity and precision. This innovative technology allows for personalized vision correction, giving patients the opportunity to adjust and maintain their vision to ensure crystal clarity. 

How it works

Crafted from a unique photosensitive material, the Light Adjustable Lens™ adapts its shape and strength in response to ultraviolet (UV) light exposure, ensuring optimal vision. The Light Delivery Device™ (LDD™) administers this UV light non-invasively, precisely reshaping the lens to address your specific visual needs.

Both LAL and LAL+ offer the opportunity for post-surgery vision customization, to make sure your lenses are operating at a level that fits your circumstances. To know if LAL or LAL+ lenses will be right for you, speak to your Houston ophthalmologist, who can assess your eyes to determine which types of lenses for which you may be a fit. 

What is the difference between toric and light adjustable lenses?

Light Adjustable Lenses differ from toric and other conventional cataract surgery implants in a number of ways:

Unlike conventional monofocal lenses, LALs offer the aforementioned adjustability post-surgery. While traditional lenses are fixed after implantation, LALs can be fine-tuned using specialized light treatments to optimize vision according to individual needs and preferences. This adjustability ensures that patients can keep their vision crisp even if their prescription changes over time.

Compared to toric cataract lenses, which primarily correct astigmatism, LALs provide a comprehensive solution for vision correction. While toric lenses address specific refractive errors, LALs offer a broader range of adjustability, including correction for astigmatism as well as optimizing overall vision quality and clarity.

Similarly, when compared to panoptic lenses, which aim to provide a wide range of vision without glasses, LALs offer a unique advantage in their customizable nature. While panoptic lenses provide multifocal capabilities, they do not allow for precise adjustments to be made post-surgery like LALs. 

In essence, Light Adjustable Lenses stand out by offering unprecedented flexibility and personalization in vision correction, making them an ideal choice for individuals seeking optimal visual outcomes and long-term satisfaction after cataract surgery.

Light Adjustable Lens™ Treatment Schedule

What to expect after Light Adjustable Lens™ surgery

Following Light Adjustable Lens™ (LAL) surgery, patients can anticipate a gradual improvement in vision clarity and quality over the ensuing days and weeks. Initially, there may be some discomfort or irritation, which is typical after any surgical procedure. However, this discomfort should diminish relatively quickly, and any persistent discomfort should be reported to your ophthalmologist.

Post-operative care

In the days immediately following surgery, it’s essential to adhere to any post-operative care instructions provided by your surgeon. This may include using prescribed eye drops to prevent infection and promote healing, as well as avoiding strenuous activities or environments that may increase the risk of complications.

Fluctuations in vision

As your eyes continue to heal, you may notice fluctuations in vision clarity or occasional blurriness. This is normal as your eyes adjust to the presence of the new lens and undergo the process of adaptation. It’s essential to be patient during this time and to communicate openly with your eye care team about any concerns or changes in your vision.

Over time, most patients experience a significant improvement in their vision, with most achieving their desired visual outcomes. However, it’s important to note that the full benefits of LAL surgery may take several weeks or even months to manifest fully. During this time, regular follow-up appointments with your ophthalmologist will allow for ongoing monitoring of your progress and any necessary adjustments to ensure you receive the clearest vision possible.

Wear eye protection

Additionally, it’s crucial to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays by wearing UV protective glasses, as exposure to UV light can affect the performance and longevity of the Light Adjustable Lens™. UV glasses should always be worn outdoors, and patients should stay in close communication with your eye care team should any problems arise.

For more information on our cataract surgery consultation process, visit our FAQ page.

Your vision on your terms with Eye Center of Texas

At Eye Center of Texas, we understand the importance of personalized care and cutting-edge treatments. With our expertise and innovative solutions like the Light Adjustable Lens™, we’ll help you choose the right eye surgeon to help you achieve the clear, crisp vision you deserve.

Call us today at (713) 797-1010, or request an appointment online to talk to one of our Houston eye surgeons. 

Related Cataracts Blog Posts

• Fast-Growing Cataracts
• Is Cataract Surgery Safe?
• Swimming After Cataract Surgery
• How to Avoid Cataracts
• How to Prevent Cataracts

Eye Center of Texas Treatments

• Houston LASIK
• Houston Visian ICL
• Houston PRK
• Refractive Lens Exchange
• Learn More about Types of Eye Diseases

Vitreous retinal surgery is a quick and virtually painless strategy for addressing issues with the eye’s vitreous gel when the body doesn’t repair the damage on its own. The sooner a patient recognizes the signs of problems with the vitreous gel, the more likely they are to prevent irreversible vision loss — but more on that later.

At Eye Center of Texas, we believe that an informed patient is an empowered patient. It’s critical to understand how to spot vitreous damage and what options are available to repair the harm. If you believe that vitreous retinal surgery may be right for you, call 713-797-1010 to schedule an appointment with a specialist today.

What is vitreous in your eye?

The vitreous, also sometimes referred to as the vitreous humor or vitreous gel, is a gel-like structure made up of collagen. It’s located inside the eye and attaches to your retina through a series of fine fibers. In fact, it’s the vitreous that’s responsible for maintaining the eye’s shape and makes up about 80% of the organ’s total volume.

Because the vitreous is clear, it allows light to pass through the eye and to the retina and macula, allowing both structures to create images that travel through the optic nerve and to the brain. All of that to say, it is a very important part of your eye for your vision.

What are the symptoms of vitreous detachment?

As people grow older, the vitreous gel’s consistency starts growing increasingly more liquid. This can start happening as early as age 50, though for most people it begins around age 60. The vitreous’ gradual structural loss causes the fibers connecting the gel to the macula and retina to start pulling away.

Some of the major signs of vitreous detachment include the following:

• Floaters, or more floaters than normal
• Shadows in vision
• Reduced vision
• Flashes of light in peripheral vision

Vitreous detachment is diagnosed using pupil dilation, so patients will need rides to and from their diagnostic appointment to prevent accidents.

Please note that a degrading vitreous may also lead to conditions such as macular pucker, macular degeneration, retinal detachment, or retinal tears. Most instances of vitreous detachment actually resolve themselves on their own without surgical intervention, thus preventing escalating harm. However, in instances where the eye doesn’t repair itself, a procedure for retinal detachment, such as vitreous retinal surgery, may be required.

What is vitreoretinal surgery?

Vitreoretinal surgery, known less formally as vitreous retinal surgery, repairs instances of vitreous detachment in order to restore eyesight and prevent more serious eye disorders from occurring.

What vitreoretinal surgery entails

Patients undergoing vitreous retinal surgery must follow their surgeon’s pre- and post-operative instructions carefully. Failing to do so could cause complications in the healing process.

Vitreous retinal surgery is done as an outpatient procedure using localized anesthetic. It’s crucial to have a friend or family member drive you to and from the appointment, as you will be unable to drive immediately following the surgery.

The procedure itself involves making small incisions, which your doctor will use to make the specific repairs. Multiple factors determine how long your surgery will take, such as your age and how far your condition has progressed. Your surgeon should be able to give you a personalized overview of how your experience should go.

Who benefits from vitreoretinal surgery?

It would be easy and obvious to say that anyone who undergoes vitreoretinal surgery benefits from the procedure. And while it’s true, some patients are more likely to enjoy a significantly increased quality of life, usually those who were already at risk of even more severe eye issues.

This includes, but is not limited to, the following demographics:

• Diabetics (Keep reading: Diabetic retinopathy treatments)
• People with eye injuries
• People who recently underwent eye surgery
• People over the age of 60
• Nearsighted people

For these patients, vitreous retinal surgery serves almost as much as preventative care as it does repair.

Vitreoretinal surgery recovery

Retina surgery recovery varies based on the patient, but on average it takes around two to four weeks to fully recover. You will likely experience blurry vision for the first few days, and most patients get prescribed steroidal eye drops to help soothe the soreness.

In addition, your surgeon may recommend some over-the-counter pain meds for additional relief. Most patients will also need to come in for follow-up appointments to check on their healing process.

As with preoperative protocols, it’s always best to follow your doctor’s instructions on what to do following your surgery to make your recovery process go as smoothly as possible. This can include avoiding strenuous activity or exercise, avoiding soap, water, creams, or makeup from coming into contact with your eye, and so on.

Learn more about vitreoretinal surgery at Eye Center of Texas

Eye Center of Texas offers a wide array of procedures meant to restore eyesight including vitreous retinal surgery. If you need the opinion of a retina or macular degeneration specialist, our ophthalmologists can diagnose and treat a variety of eye conditions to improve your vision and quality of life.

Our qualified surgeons, Paul J. Stewart, M.D., specializes in vitreous retinal surgery alongside other retinal treatment options and can answer any questions you may have about your symptoms, the procedure, and aftercare instructions. Schedule an appointment with us online or call 713-797-1010 today for more information.

What is cornea cross-linking surgery?

Corneal cross-linking surgery (CXL), also referred to as corneal collagen cross-linking, is a procedure designed to strengthen the cornea if it has been weakened, usually as a form of keratoconus treatment. Keratoconus is a progressive eye disorder that refers to the thinning and weakening of the cornea causing a bulge-like dome to form on the eye, obstructing vision. This condition typically affects people in their teens and early 20s.

A healthy cornea has “crosslinks” that connect its collagen fibers, keeping it strong enough to retain its normal shape. Corneal cross-linking surgery increases these crosslinks to help the cornea retain its normal shape and prevent further vision loss.

Want to see if corneal cross-linking surgery is right for you? Call 713-797-1010 to speak with our cornea specialist in Houston about setting up an appointment for a consultation.

What to expect from corneal cross-linking surgery

Before deciding to undergo any type of eye or vision surgery, it’s important to be as informed as possible about the ins and outs of the procedure itself, the risk factors, the recovery timeline, and more.

Is corneal cross-linking a major surgery?

At Eye Center of Texas, corneal cross-linking surgery is a minimally invasive, in-office procedure that is not considered a major surgery, and can be performed with minimal steps for preparation.

Before the procedure, patients undergo a thorough eye examination. Your examination will include a variety of standard ophthalmic tests for this type of procedure, as well as general medical tests and a review of your specific medical history.

During the CXL procedure, your ophthalmologist will administer eye-numbing drops before removing the thin, outer layer of the cornea, also called the epithelium. Then, the doctor applies liquid riboflavin (vitamin B2) to the surface of the eye followed by a controlled ultraviolet (UV) light to eliminate the corneal ectasia associated with keratoconus.

How long does corneal cross-linking surgery take?

The length of the procedure depends on if one or both eyes are being worked on. If only one eye is being treated, the procedure will take around an hour to complete — however, if both eyes are being treated at once, the procedure will take approximately an hour and a half.

At the end of the procedure, bandages will be placed over your eyes and your ophthalmologist may administer antibiotics to help with the healing process. Be sure that you have a family member or loved one to drive you home after the procedure as we cannot release patients to drivers from rideshare services.

How long is recovery from CXL surgery?

Regarding recovery from eye surgery, every patient is completely different, so the healing process may vary from person to person. To be on the safe side, we recommend that all patients take a few days off of work and strenuous exercise to rest post-op. On average, patients recover in less than a week and can resume all of their normal activities by that time.

A few things to expect during the healing process include:

• Sensitivity to light: Light sensitivity is very common in patients post-op. You should wear protective eyewear like sunglasses if you are going outside and avoid watching television on the first day.
• Moderate discomfort: Some patients noted an itching sensation coupled with slight irritation as they heal, which is completely normal. This is especially common within an hour after the procedure or when the numbing sensation of the drops wears off. This discomfort is temporary and should dissolve within a day. If you are still experiencing discomfort after the first week, talk to your ophthalmologist.
• Slightly blurred vision: Also known as corneal haze, a few patients reported having slightly blurred vision for a few days following the procedure. Again, this is normal and should subside within the week, but if it doesn’t, contact your ophthalmologist to make sure you’re healing properly.

The risks and precautions of corneal cross-linking surgery

As with any surgical procedure, there are some risks associated with corneal cross-linking surgery. In rare cases, a patient could experience infection, scarring, worsened keratoconus, or loss of sight.

Patients with keratoconus who are looking to receive cross-linking surgery must not have had LASIK or PRK laser eye surgery, as it creates an unacceptable risk of a poor outcome. For patients with keratoconus, LASIK surgery thins and weakens their corneas further, which can irreversibly destabilize the cornea and accelerate its distortion.

While your eyes are healing, it is very important to wear protective eyewear, avoid eye makeup or eye creams, avoid getting water in your eyes, and avoid rubbing your eyes. Rubbing the eyes may also increase the progression of keratoconus as the vigorous force can cause inflammation which can lead to further thinning and protrusion of the corneas.

The specialists at Eye Center of Texas can determine if corneal cross-linking surgery is right for you

Although corneal cross-linking surgery is a minimally-invasive and safe procedure, choosing to undergo any vision surgery is a big decision. It’s best to go into any scenario being as informed as possible, which is why Eye Center of Texas is here to help every step of the way.

Our leading specialists Dr. Mark L. Mayo and Dr. Edward C. Wade can answer any questions you may have about the ins and outs of corneal cross-linking surgery. Contact Eye Center of Texas today by calling 713-797-1010 or contacting us online to request an appointment today. With Eye Center of Texas, better vision awaits!

Proper retina disease treatment requires a proper diagnosis, as well as diligent patients who stay on top of their health by recognizing their risk factors and eye condition symptoms. As soon as something starts feeling wrong, we highly advise that you schedule an appointment with an eye specialist in order to receive the swiftest diagnosis and the most appropriate retina disease treatment option for your needs. Your eyes will thank you.

Common retinal problems

The question, “What is the most common retinal disease?” is actually relatively difficult to answer. Age, comorbid conditions such as diabetes, gender, genetics, and other factors all increase a patient’s risk of developing a specific eye issue. Rather, the more appropriate question an individual concerned about retinal disease should ask revolves around what the most common problem is for their particular circumstances. These can include the following issues, as well as other retinal conditions not listed here.

Diabetic retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of new cases of legal blindness among working-age Americans. The condition occurs when high blood sugar damages the blood cells in the retina. It’s critical that diabetics receive routine ophthalmological exams, as diabetic retinopathy does not cause pain, nor any physical abnormalities to the outside of the eye. The condition can only be detected via testing a dilated pupil.

Flashes and floaters

Flashes and floaters can either be an eye condition in and of itself, or they may signify the presence of an underlying ocular disease. Floaters are seen as clouds or lines that seem to float in your field of vision. Flashes, which may be associated with floaters, appear as flickers of light.

Most of the time, flashes and floaters are temporary and relatively harmless, albeit annoying. It’s still recommended to visit an eye doctor for testing if they persist or worsen to make sure some other condition isn’t to blame.

Macular degeneration

Macular degeneration is the most common cause of severe visual loss in people over the age of 50. More than 8 million people in the United States alone have some form of this disease. The most common form of the condition, which comes in various subtypes, occurs as a result of aging. Also known as “age-related macular degeneration,” it usually affects people over 60 and may worsen at age 75.

From there, macular degeneration can be categorized as “wet” (neovascular) or “dry” (non-neovascular). Scheduling routine tests using an Amsler grid can catch all types of this disease early. While macular degeneration moves slowly, the sooner the doctor catches it, the better the odds of restoring the patient’s eyesight fully.

Retinal tears and detachment

Retinal tears and detachment occur when part of the retina separates from the back wall of the eye, which leads to permanent blindness if unaddressed. In fact, most surgeries for these conditions are scheduled a day or two after diagnosis to ensure the patient’s vision remains as intact as possible.

There are three major types of retinal tears and detachment:

• Rhegmatogenous: The sensory layer breaks, leading to fluid buildup separating the retinal layers.
• Tractional: Most commonly caused by diabetic retinopathy, scar tissue on your retina pulls your retina away from the back of your eye.
• Exudative: An excess of fluid leading to the retina causes a separation from the back wall of the eye.

Macular hole

A macular hole occurs when the vitreous — a substance inside the eye with a jelly consistency — starts to pull on the retina’s central portion largely responsible for vision, also known as the macula. This condition occurs most often in women over the age of 60 and it doesn’t typically indicate any other eye issues. Macular hole eye surgery is required to fix the problem if the problem results in compromised vision; otherwise, many ophthalmologists will leave harmless holes alone.

Macular pucker

Epiretinal membrane (ERM), also referred to as “macular pucker,” is a cellophane-like membrane that forms over the macula. It is typically a slow-progressing problem that affects the central vision by causing blur and distortion. While this condition sometimes goes away on its own, macular pucker surgery can restore vision in the event it does not.

Retinal vein occlusion

Both retinal vein occlusive disease and central retinal vein occlusion are types of retinal vein occlusion, which impact the blood vessels inside the eye.

Retinal vein occlusive disease is an eye condition commonly seen by retinal specialists. It is second only to diabetic retinopathy as a cause of visual loss due to retinal vascular disease. Central retinal vein occlusion is the closure of the final retinal vein (located at the optic nerve), which collects all of the blood after it passes through the capillaries.

Central serous chorioretinopathy

Central serous chorioretinopathy is a retinal disorder that affects the macula. This condition occurs when the macula detaches from its base due to an excess of fluid behind it. The exact cause of central serous chorioretinopathy remains unknown, though most cases do clear up without the need for surgical intervention within a few months.

What are signs of retina problems?

Although all retina issues have different root causes, they do tend to share similar symptoms. Only a trip to an ophthalmologist for a retinal diagnostic test — which may involve a vision test, pupil dilation, an Amsler grid, or angiograms — can reveal the true nature of the condition.

The major signs of retina problems include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Vision loss, particularly in the peripheral
• Blurred or otherwise distorted vision
• Dimmed vision
• Floaters, flashes, and webbing effects over the eye
• Haloing
• Blind spots

Although many retina diseases end up repairing themselves over time without surgical intervention, it is still highly recommended to schedule an appointment with an ophthalmologist. Many retinal conditions result in permanent blindness if left untreated, so the earlier a problem gets caught, the easier it becomes to restore a patient to their full original vision.

What happens if the retina is not treated?

Without retina disease treatment, many serious issues such as diabetic retinopathy and retinal tears and detachment may blind a patient permanently. Even if the worst doesn’t come to worst, a patient could still experience significant vision loss. The most serious retinal diseases usually lead to surgery within one to two days of diagnosis. Waiting any longer than that may mean the difference between vision restoration and vision loss.

This is why it is important to put your care into the hands of experienced and capable retinal specialists like the ones from Eye Center of Texas.

The surgeons at Eye Center of Texas provide a variety of retina disease treatments

If you’re in need of a retina specialist in Houston, the team at Eye Center of Texas treats a variety of eye diseases in addition to performing all minor and major ocular surgeries. Paul J. Stewart M.D. specialize in retina disease treatment to prevent blindness and restore vision in patients facing eye issues. Contact us online or give us a call at (713) 797-1010 to schedule an appointment today.

EVO ICL in Houston

Eye Center of Texas is the first ophthalmologist practice in Houston to offer this breakthrough vision correcting procedure

Eye Center of Texas’s very own Dr. Edward Wade is the first eye surgeon in Houston, and one of the first doctors in Texas, to provide EVO ICL — and Dr. Yasir Ahmed is one of the first in Houston to provide EVO Toric Visian ICL. If you have been searching for vision solutions that allow you to break free of your contact lenses or glasses, but believe that you may not be a good candidate for LASIK, let us tell you about a game-changing vision correction procedure: EVO ICL.

What is EVO ICL?

EVO ICL, formerly known as EVO Visian ICL, is an FDA-approved implantable lens that is clinically proven to correct common vision problems such as nearsightedness, or myopia, and nearsightedness with astigmatism.

This minimally invasive procedure involves implanting a biocompatible, flexible Collamer® lens into the eye between the iris and the natural lens to deliver sharp, clear vision, excellent night vision, and UV protection all in one. Unlike other vision correction options, EVO ICL does not remove any tissue from the eye and the added Collamer lens can be removed by your doctor at any time.

As a biologist, Phil’s eyesight is one of his greatest tools. But his eyes were dry and irritated from his contacts, making it hard to discover the tiny insects that others pass over. After the EVO ICL procedure, not only is he able to notice details others often look over, but his vision is better than ever, even at night, and his dry eyes are a thing of the past.

Is EVO ICL permanent?

The answer will differ for everyone depending on your prescription and age, but the clear vision you achieve through this ICL eye surgery could last indefinitely. And because the lens is completely removable and replaceable, if your prescription ever does change, your eye surgeon can replace the Collamer® lens with one that reflects any recent vision changes.

What to expect from the EVO ICL procedure

Before beginning the ICL eye surgery, your eye doctor will administer numbing eye drops into your eye. For most patients, these numbing drops are all that’s needed to make the procedure virtually painless. Your eye doctor will then create a small opening in your cornea that is used to insert and position the lens. This technique is safer and more accurate than other techniques because it avoids putting pressure on the delicate nerves in your eyes.

The entire procedure takes between 20–30 minutes with most patients experiencing almost immediate results and a quick recovery time.

The benefits of EVO ICL

EVO ICL is a low-risk, quick procedure that uses a specially designed lens that’s gently placed in the eye for maximum comfort and lasting results. This vision correction procedure can help you break free from visual limitations due to contacts or glasses.

Other benefits of EVO ICL include:

• Clear, sharp vision
• Short recovery time
• Removable by your doctor
• Offers UV protection
• Not visible once they are placed
• A great option for patients with thin corneas
• Can improve night vision
• Does not cause dry eyes (Learn more about how to cure dry eyes permanently)

Joe Jonas, a famous musician, struggled with myopia for his entire life. After deciding he was done worrying about losing his contacts or not packing his glasses, he turned to EVO ICL to help him see the world more clearly. Here is his story.

Is ICL worth the risk?

Because the procedure involves adding a lens to your natural eye rather than changing the tissues in your eyes, the added lens is completely removable, making the procedure completely reversible. This also means that the lens can be replaced at any time should you desire future eye surgery.

As with any vision correction or ICL eye surgery, there are risks. These may include but are not limited to:

• Temporary swelling or inflammation
• Need for a second procedure
• Increase in eye pressure
• Reduced visual acuity

What makes EVO ICL different from other vision correction procedures?

The EVO ICL procedure is different from other vision correction options because it does not involve the removal of corneal tissue. Instead, the additive lens works in harmony with your natural eye, to create the desired results without causing dry eye syndrome. This 20-30 minute outpatient procedure can grant you freedom from the inconveniences of contact lenses or eyeglasses with a quick recovery and little downtime.

Wondering which option is right for you: EVO Visian ICL vs. LASIK? If you are not a good candidate for LASIK in Houston due to thin corneas, the EVO lens may be a better option for you. To know more about which vision correction procedure is right for you — PRK surgery or ICL vs. LASIK — talk to your eye care professional at your initial consultation.

This video explains how each vision correction procedure works so that you can make the most informed decision for your vision.

Is EVO ICL right for me?

The EVO lens is a great option for patients with moderate to severe nearsightedness either with or without astigmatism, even if they have a thin cornea. To qualify for EVO ICL, you must have maintained your prescription for at least one year.

*Keep in mind that because the lens is made to correct distance vision, there is a chance that you may still need reading glasses after the procedure.

“In the past, I would make short-term decisions that would be cheaper and would fix the problem short term. This (Visian ICL) fixed the problem long term.”

Ashley A. | Real EVO ICL Patient

Looking to break free from eyeglasses and contact lenses? Get EVO ICL at Eye Center of Texas in Houston!

EVO ICL is a quick, easy, and noninvasive procedure that can allow you to live a life that is not dependent on glasses or contact lenses. Eye Center of Texas is proud to be at the forefront of this latest evolutionary procedure with our very own Dr. Wade being one of the first eye surgeons in Houston to provide EVO Visian ICL and Yasir Ahmed, M.D., another certified surgeon, offering the EVO procedure starting in May 2022 as well.

A new lens-based vision solution is here. Request an appointment online or call us at 713-395-1515 today for more information on EVO Visian ICL.

Related Resources:

• Are My Eyes Too Bad for LASIK?
• Houston’s Common Vision Problems
• Refractive Lens Exchange vs. LASIK surgery
• Dry Eye Syndrome
• Early Signs of Cataracts

EVO ICL in Houston

Eye Center of Texas is the first ophthalmologist practice in Houston to offer this breakthrough vision correcting procedure

Eye Center of Texas’s very own Dr. Edward Wade is the first eye surgeon in Houston, and one of the first doctors in Texas, to provide EVO ICL — and Dr. Yasir Ahmed is one of the first in Houston to provide EVO Toric Visian ICL. If you have been searching for vision solutions that allow you to break free of your contact lenses or glasses, but believe that you may not be a good candidate for LASIK, let us tell you about a game-changing vision correction procedure: EVO ICL.

What is EVO ICL?

EVO ICL, formerly known as EVO Visian ICL, is an FDA-approved implantable lens that is clinically proven to correct common vision problems such as nearsightedness, or myopia, and nearsightedness with astigmatism.

This minimally invasive procedure involves implanting a biocompatible, flexible Collamer® lens into the eye between the iris and the natural lens to deliver sharp, clear vision, excellent night vision, and UV protection all in one. Unlike other vision correction options, EVO Visian ICL does not remove any tissue from the eye and the added Collamer lens can be removed by your doctor at any time.

How long does EVO ICL last?

The answer will differ for everyone depending on your prescription and age, but the clear vision you achieve through this ICL eye surgery could last indefinitely. And because the lens is completely removable and replaceable, if your prescription ever does change, your eye surgeon can replace the Collamer® lens with one that reflects any recent vision changes.

What to expect from the EVO ICL procedure

Before beginning the ICL eye surgery, your eye doctor will administer numbing eye drops into your eye. For most patients, these numbing drops are all that’s needed to make the procedure virtually painless. Your eye doctor will then create a small opening in your cornea that is used to insert and position the lens. This technique is safer and more accurate than other techniques because it avoids putting pressure on the delicate nerves in your eyes.

The entire procedure takes between 20–30 minutes with most patients experiencing almost immediate results and a quick recovery time.

The benefits of EVO ICL

EVO ICL is a low-risk, quick procedure that uses a specially designed lens that’s gently placed in the eye for maximum comfort and lasting results. This vision correction procedure can help you break free from visual limitations due to contacts or glasses.

Other benefits of EVO ICL include:

• Clear, sharp vision
• Short recovery time
• Removable by your doctor
• Offers UV protection
• Not visible once they are placed
• A great option for patients with thin corneas
• Can improve night vision
• Does not cause dry eyes (Learn more about how to cure dry eyes permanently)

Is ICL worth the risk?

Because the procedure involves adding a lens to your natural eye rather than changing the tissues in your eyes, the added lens is completely removable, making the procedure completely reversible. This also means that the lens can be replaced at any time should you desire future eye surgery.

As with any vision correction or ICL eye surgery, there are risks. These may include but are not limited to:

• Temporary swelling or inflammation
• Need for a second procedure
• Increase in eye pressure
• Reduced visual acuity

What makes EVO ICL different from other vision correction procedures?

The EVO ICL procedure is different from other vision correction options because it does not involve the removal of corneal tissue. Instead, the additive lens works in harmony with your natural eye, to create the desired results without causing dry eye syndrome. This 20-30 minute outpatient procedure can grant you freedom from the inconveniences of contact lenses or eyeglasses with a quick recovery and little downtime.

Wondering which option is right for you: EVO Visian ICL vs. LASIK? If you are not a good candidate for LASIK in Houston due to thin corneas, the EVO lens may be a better option for you. To know more about which vision correction procedure is right for you — PRK surgery or ICL vs. LASIK — talk to your eye care professional at your initial consultation.

Is EVO ICL right for me?

The EVO lens is a great option for patients with moderate to severe nearsightedness either with or without astigmatism, even if they have a thin cornea. To qualify for EVO Visian ICL, you must have maintained your prescription for at least one year.

*Keep in mind that because the lens is made to correct distance vision, there is a chance that you may still need reading glasses after the procedure.

Looking to break free from eyeglasses and contact lenses? Get EVO ICL at Eye Center of Texas in Houston!

EVO ICL is a quick, easy, and noninvasive procedure that can allow you to live a life that is not dependent on glasses or contact lenses. Eye Center of Texas is proud to be at the forefront of this latest evolutionary procedure with our very own Dr. Wade being one of the first eye surgeons in Houston to provide EVO Visian ICL and Yasir Ahmed, M.D., another certified surgeon, offering the EVO procedure starting in May 2022 as well.

A new lens-based vision solution is here. Request an appointment online or call us at 713-395-1515 today for more information on EVO ICL.

Related Resources:

• Are My Eyes Too Bad for LASIK?
• Houston’s Common Vision Problems
• Refractive Lens Exchange vs. LASIK surgery
• Dry Eye Syndrome
• Early Signs of Cataracts

Eye Floaters Treatment: Laser Vitreolysis

At Eye Center of Texas, we meet with many patients who think there is no such thing as eye floaters treatment. Until recently, this belief wasn’t entirely unfounded. Vitrectomy, an invasive and delicate eye floaters treatment that involves the removal and replacement of the eye’s vitreous, was reserved for extreme cases of eye floaters only.

Luckily, things have changed. If you struggle with floaters in your eyes, you may be eligible for laser vitreolysis at Eye Center of Texas. Find out more about this non-invasive eye floaters treatment and start your journey towards better vision today.

Do eye floaters go away on their own?

Floaters occur when fibers in the vitreous body detach and create shadows inside the eye. The resulting whispy shadows can be very distracting, and in some cases, they can inhibit vision.

Of course, most patients who come in seeking eye floater treatment want to know whether or not their floaters will go away on their own, and they often ask, “How long do floaters in the eye last?” 

Typically, floaters can and will “go away” on their own, either by floating out of view or by becoming easy to ignore. 

However, some people will experience persistent or symptomatic floaters and choose to seek eye floaters treatment to find relief.

A note on posterior vitreous detachment

While floaters in the eye are typically benign, the sudden appearance of many floaters and/or flashes can point to dangerous, potentially blinding conditions such as posterior vitreous detachment or retinal tearing. Should many floaters and flashes suddenly appear in one or both of your eyes, seek medical attention immediately.

How can I get rid of eye floaters? What is laser vitreolysis?

Patients with eye floaters do not go away on their own and create daily vision issues may benefit from laser vitreolysis. Laser vitreolysis works by directing a YAG (yttrium-aluminum-garnet) laser at the floater(s) and converting the molecules that make up the floater into gas.

This type of eye floaters treatment typically takes less than 30 minutes and has been highly successful. Side effects include mild discomfort and seeing small spots in your vision, both of which typically go away very quickly.

Eye Floaters Treatment at Eye Center of Texas

If eye floaters are lowering your quality of life, Eye Center of Texas may be able to help. Known for tackling Houston cataracts and providing PRK enhancement and LASIK in Houston, our team of vision experts can help you find relief from irritating eye floaters.

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• How to Protect Your Eyes in Summer
• What are Computer Glasses? 
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• Cataract Surgery Side Effects
• Houston Cataract Treatment: Cataract Specialists Near You

Keratoconus Treatments & Eye Surgery

Keratoconus is a unique and fairly uncommon eye condition. Until recently, however, keratoconus treatments in Houston were limited. Though there is evidence that the disease has genetic origins, the root cause of keratoconus has yet to be discovered. If not treated, keratoconus, can cause severe damage to your sight. It tends to affect both eyes, though it typically progresses at different rates.

The good news is that, while eye surgery used to be the only treatment for the condition, new and promising options keratoconus treatments in Houston now exist.

What is keratoconus?

Keratoconus is a progressive eye disease that causes a weakening of the structure-creating proteins of the cornea. As the cornea grows weaker, the normal outward pressure from within the eye then causes the cornea to bulge into a cone-like shape.

The onset of keratoconus typically begins during a patient’s teen years and slowly worsens until it stabilizes in their 30s or 40s. Researchers believe that approximately three million people worldwide have keratoconus. It affects males and females of all races.

Keratoconus treatments in Houston

Fortunately, keratoconus eye surgery is no longer the first line of treatment. Today, keratoconus is now first treated with rigid contact lenses that contour the bulging cornea and improve vision.

As the disease progresses, custom contact lenses or glasses may be required. There are many kinds of contact lenses and eyeglasses used in the treatment for keratoconus. Your doctor recommends which contacts or glasses you need by assessing the progression and particularities of your keratoconus.

However, contacts and glasses aren’t the only option keratoconus treatment in Houston. A successful new procedure called corneal cross-linking now also provides hope to patients wishing to restore their eyesight.

Corneal cross-linking

Newly popular corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) is a procedure that helps strengthen the corneal tissue, which in turn stops further corneal bulging. There are two types of CXL available: the epithelium-on method and the epithelium-off method.

In the epithelium-off method, you doctor removes the epithelium, allowing Vitamin B (riboflavin) to enter the eye. Next, UV light stimulates the eye to help treat the keratoconus.

The epithelium-on method leaves the epithelium intact while the riboflavin is stimulated by the UV light. Although this method takes more time, it is less prone to infection and discomfort than the epithelium-off method. Some believe it also restores vision faster.

Both methods are much less invasive than keratoconus eye surgery.

Keratoconus eye surgery

While it is now uncommon, some patients may still need keratoconus eye surgery. If this is the case for you, don’t worry. Your doctor will be able guide you through the process of Penetrating Keratoplasty (PK).

Trusted keratoconus treatment in Houston

At the Eye Center of Texas, we offer the safest, most advanced eye disease surgical techniques and technology. Home of some of the top eye surgeons in the Houston, we use our experience to help you understand everything from the specifics of your eye procedure to insurance processing and payment options.

Contact us today at 713-797-1010 or request an appointment online for one of the best eye disease treatment centers that Houston has to offer.

Glaucoma Treatments

Glaucoma Treatment at Eye Center of Texas

Serving Houston, Sugar Land, Pasadena and Clear Lake

It is estimated that more than two million Americans have some type of glaucoma and half of them do not know it, missing the opportunity to seek glaucoma treatment. Glaucoma is a group of diseases that can damage the eye’s optic nerve and result in vision loss and blindness. 90% of glaucoma patients have open-angle glaucoma. This group of diseases cannot be cured, but it can be controlled with proper glaucoma treatment.

Glaucoma is caused by the drainage passage inside the eye being mechanically blocked or not functioning correctly. This causes a build-up of clear fluid called aqueous humor which subsequently causes a rise in intraocular pressure. This pressure, without proper and timely glaucoma treatment, can damage the optic nerve over time and cause a loss of peripheral vision and eventually central vision. The average intraocular pressure in adults is 15 mmHg, but normal intraocular pressure is different for each individual. The higher the intraocular pressure, the more likely is the possibility of progressive glaucoma damage and the more urgently glaucoma treatment is required. Even when the intraocular pressure is within the average range, however, glaucoma treatment may still be required as some patients are susceptible to glaucoma with average intraocular pressures.

Unfortunately, the common kinds of glaucoma have no early symptoms. Once the loss of vision is noticed by a patient, the damage is usually very severe and irreversible, too late for effective glaucoma treatment. Elevated pressure cannot be felt unless the pressure is very high. In order to preserve vision, glaucoma must be diagnosed early. All it takes is a simple test performed by your eye doctor during your routine eye exam. Glaucoma is a lifelong disease but can be controlled with the right glaucoma treatment.

Glaucoma can occur in people of all races and at any age. However, factors that increase a person’s risk include:

• Increasing age
• African American Heritage
• High blood pressure
• Family History
• Diabetes
• Extreme Nearsightedness
• Long-term steroid treatment
• Injury of trauma to the eye

Glaucoma should be checked for routinely at annual eye exams. If your eye doctor finds elevated pressures or suspicious-looking optic nerves, further tests should be done to assess the risk of glaucoma. Eye Center of Texas offers the latest Humphrey Visual Fields and OCT (Ocular Coherence Tomography) testing to assess damage to the optic nerve from glaucoma. OCT is one of the most effective ways to diagnose even early glaucoma, increasing the chances of successful glaucoma treatment.

If the diagnosis of glaucoma is made, there are several different glaucoma treatment options. These options include medication, laser eye surgery, or filtration surgery. The goal of glaucoma treatment is to lower the pressure in the eye and preserve the optic nerve.

Medication:

Most glaucoma medications are in eye drop formulations. Rarely, oral medication is required but the majority of patients are treated with eye drops. Most glaucoma treatment administered in the form of medication must be taken between one and three times a day. Today’s latest medications have very few side effects but have to be used consistently to prevent blindness.

Laser Eye Surgery:

Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty, a highly effective glaucoma treatment, is a non-invasive procedure which increases the outflow of fluid from the eye and lowers the pressure. It is effective in 80% of people and many times, we can reduce the number of drops people use or eliminate the need for drops altogether. The average duration of effect for this glaucoma treatment is three to five years and can be repeated if necessary. The SLT is a painless procedure performed in the office and takes less than five minutes. One eye is treated at a time, and the second eye is usually treated one to two weeks after the first eye.

Endoscopic CycloPhotocoagulation (ECP) is another type of laser glaucoma treatment. Instead of treating the drainage canal, ECP treats the ciliary body and reduces the amount of fluid production thereby reducing the intraocular pressure. ECP is usually performed along with cataract surgery but can be done on any patients who have had their cataract removed. This particular glaucoma treatment is done on an outpatient basis and can usually reduce the number of drops people use or eliminate the need for drops altogether.

Filtration Surgery:

Filtration surgery is a glaucoma treatment done when medication and/or laser eye surgery is unsuccessful at controlling the intraocular pressure. During this procedure, a new drainage channel is created to allow aqueous humor to drain from the eye. It is important to understand these are all glaucoma treatments but there is no cure. It is very important each patient continues to see his or her eye doctor for pressure checks every 3-6 months depending on the severity of glaucoma and the pressure response to the glaucoma treatment.

Dr. Wade and Dr. Mayo are renowned Houston / Sugar Land LASIK surgeons, offering complete eye care to patients throughout Texas. They are also joined by Nicholas P. Bell, M.D., a board-certified ophthalmologist specializing in the medical, laser, and surgical management of glaucoma. Each of their five practice locations is equipped with the latest technologies and treatment tools to deliver excellent vision correction results. Some procedures they perform include Pasadena cataracts treatment, laser cataract surgery in Houston and eyelid surgery.

Related Pages

Glaucoma FAQ

Learn more about Glaucoma Frequently Asked Questions.

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Laser Glaucoma FAQ

Learn more about Laser Glaucoma Frequently Asked Questions.

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Houston Cornea Surgery

Eye Center of Texas’ cornea subspecialty trained surgeons provide the most up-to-date surgical and clinical procedures available. Technology changes and micro-surgical procedure advancements occur on an almost daily basis. Eye Center of Texas stays on the cutting edge of these advancements so that you can be assured of the latest corneal care possible.

Recent advancements in cornea surgery include the following

Pterygia are surgically removed at Eye Center of Texas using one of two methods:

Eye Center of Texas also provides the latest in pterygia surgery. A pterygium is a commonly occurring growth on the white and colored part of the eye often resulting in an unpleasant cosmetic appearance and reduced vision.

Autographing – the removal of the growth and the replacement of the removed tissue with tissue from the patient’s eye, usually from under the upper lid.

Amniotic Membrane Transplantation – the removal of the growth and the replacement of the tissue with an amniotic membrane.

Corneal transplant in Houston

The corneal transplant procedure is a popular and effective way to treat damaged corneas and vision impairments that cannot be treated with contacts or glasses. Who is a candidate for corneal transplant? You might qualify if you have:

• Corneal damage from infection or injury
• Eye diseases such as Fuchs’ dystrophy
• Corneal sores or ulcers
• Keratoconus (thinning, bulging corneas)
• Corneal abrasions
• Scarring from eyelashes rubbing against the cornea

When is a corneal transplant necessary? There are many reasons for an ophthalmologist to recommend a corneal transplant, not just for the sake of your vision but for your overall health. Corneal transplants can be used to correct vision, as well as relieve pain or fix specific eye conditions.

How long does a cornea transplant last?

According to the NHS, most transplants last at least ten years without complications. Corneal transplant success rates are very high while corneal transplant recovery time is relatively low, making it a great option for patients who want better, clearer vision sooner.

If you are interested in a cornea transplant in Houston, visit the specialists at Eye Center of Texas for a comprehensive eye health consultation.

Cornea surgery options at Eye Center of Texas

Eye Center of Texas is a premier eye care practice led by a team of experienced optometrists and eye surgeons, including Dr. Wade, Dr. Mayo, Dr. Ahmed, and Dr. Bell. Over the years the practice has earned a reputation as a top Houston LASIK / Pasadena practice. In addition, the practice is frequently visited by patients searching for an experienced cataract surgeon in Houston.