Knowing how to protect your eyes during summer probably doesn’t top your list of summer plans; however, learning how to protect your eyes now means you’ll have good eye health for many summers to come. The following are simple, easy steps you can take to make sure your eyes remain in good condition.

1. Shield them from the sun

If you’re wondering how to protect your eyes during summer, the BEST thing you can do is to wear eye protection in all its various forms. This tip may seem like a no-brainer, but it never hurts to get a nudge from your friendly eye surgeon to wear eye protection. UV light eye damage increases your likelihood of cataracts and other vision problems.

• Wear sunglasses: Sunglasses should block at least 98% of UV rays. If you already wear glasses, consider prescription eyewear with sun protection.
• Wear a hat: The sides of sunglasses let in UV rays. A hat provides the extra protection.  Baseball caps, sombreros, fedoras… you name it, any hat with a brim that covers the front of your face protects not only your eyes but your whole face from the sun.
  

Remember that it’s never too early to start protecting your eyes. When in your life did you spend the most time outdoors? For most people, it was their childhood. Buy your kids some fun sunglasses or a wacky hat and encourage them to wear these items as much as you can.

2. Protect them from chemicals and contaminants

Make sure to protect your eyes from chemicals and contaminants. It might seem like another no-brainer suggestion on our list of tips on how to protect your eyes during summer, but it is still an important one. If anything, at least keep these specific instances in mind over the summer months:

• Wear goggles or sunglasses while at the beach: Sand, sun, and water are definitely the perfect summer combination … unless you happen to be an eyeball. Wearing sunglasses and goggles at the beach will make sure that sand stays far from your eyeballs.
• Wear goggles while swimming: We would never try to stop a Texan from taking a much-deserved dip in the pool, but we would encourage you to put on goggles before jumping off the high dive. Goggles will protect your eyes from chlorine and other contaminants floating around in pool water (especially public pool water).
• Wear protective goggles while completing summer projects: Plan on spending some time outside? Maybe fixing the roof, sanding the deck, or puttering around in the garden? Your eyes will thank you for wearing goggles and protecting them from irritants during your summer DIY plans — be they indoor or outdoor projects.

3. Stay hydrated & use eye drops when applicable

During the hottest season of the year, some of the most common questions we receive are: “How can I prevent dry eyes in the summer?” and “Why do my eyes burn in the summer?” If the patient is wearing protective eyewear during all of the above scenarios, we suspect the following things may be contributing to the lack of proper lubrication in your eyes:

• Dehydration: Like any other organ in your body, your eyes need water to function properly. While the liquid that keeps your eyes “wet” isn’t water alone, it still requires H20. This being said, if you’re dehydrated, you may experience dry eye symptoms.
• A/C: Air conditioning was invented in Houston. Surprised? Neither were we. What is surprising, though, is how many patients we see who struggle with dry eyes because they keep their A/C blasting 24/7. If this is you or if your desk is located near an air vent at work, consider investing in eye drops to keep your eyes properly lubricated. 

4. Be extra careful after eye surgeries

It’s always wise to be cautious with your eyes after eye surgery, but summer comes with its own set of temptations for sidestepping post-op best practices. Take a moment to read the following resources to learn how to best protect your eyes after surgery during the summer.  

• Swimming after cataract surgery and LASIK
• What causes cataracts to grow?

5. Visit your eye doctor regularly

Prevention of eye problems isn’t always a no-brainer. That’s why it’s important to visit your eye doctor regularly, no matter the season (Pssst – If you need an optometrist, click here to find one near you).

Whether you’re curious about eye strain from phone use, the best ways to prepare for LASIK eye surgery in Houston, or anything in between, the experts at Eye Center of Texas are here to help. With over 80,000 successful cataract surgeries and 75,000 successful LASIK surgeries, we are one of Houston’s top resources for eye health and vision improvement. For more information about our services, call us at 713-797-1010 or request an appointment online today!

Related Resources:

• LASIK Recovery Timeline
• Cataracts: Laser Surgery vs. Traditional Surgery
• The First Early Signs of Cataracts
• What to Expect after Cataract Surgery: Side Effects and Timing
• Houston Cataract Treatment

How to reduce eye strain when working with computers

Screens are an everyday part of our lives. But unfortunately, this has made computer vision syndrome (CVS) more commonplace. Luckily, however, computer glasses can help people struggling with CVS symptoms to use their devices without eye strain.

However, there’s a lot of confusion and misinformation surrounding eye strain, and consumers are purchasing “computer glasses” that don’t actually provide the relief they’re looking for.

If you’re considering getting glasses to protect your eyes from your computer screen, take a moment to read the below article and to make sure you know the true answer to the question, “What are computer glasses?”

What causes eye strain when using a computer?

When our patients ask us, “What are computer glasses?” we’ve noticed a hidden assumption behind this question. More specifically, they believe computer glasses are designed for blocking blue light. While this idea isn’t exactly untrue, it’s not right on the money, either.

What is blue light?

Blue light (light rays with short wavelengths) is a natural part of our environment. In fact, blue light has been shown to help regulate our sleep cycle. When the sun rises and emits blue light, it sends a signal to our eyes that it’s time to get up. Once the sun goes down and the amount of blue light diminishes, our body knows to secrete melatonin (a hormone that helps us sleep).

So, is blue light bad for our eyes? Does it cause issues like UV light eye damage? More to the point: Does looking at a screen damage your eyes?  

Computer screens emit blue light, and overexposure to blue light around bedtime can inhibit your ability to fall asleep and contribute to eye strain. However, there is still some debate as to whether or not blue light increases your likelihood of cataracts or glaucoma.

Eye strain causes

Blue light is one of many eye strain causes. Your eyes can also get tired from the glare of bright lights, especially if your screen doesn’t contrast with the lighting in your room. However, a significant amount of patients deal with eye strain because of focusing issues.

In particular, people tend not to blink enough when they’re focusing on their computers, which can lead to dry eyes. Individuals who already wear glasses likely struggle with an additional issue: their glasses may not be designed to focus on intermediate distances.

Typically, a computer screen stands 20 – 25 inches away from a person’s eyes, which is farther away than most people hold books or other reading material. Patients who wear glasses (bifocals especially) that weren’t made for computer work often have to tilt their head to see the computer screen well. Tilting your head this way can cause eye strain, as well as neck, shoulder, back, and arm pain.

Individuals over the age of 40 may also struggle with computer-related eye strain due to presbyopia (also called “near vision”), a condition caused by a loss of elasticity in your eye’s lenses. Near vision treatment is available for this, and it can help alleviate some of these symptoms.   

What are computer glasses? (And do computer glasses work?)

Now that we know what causes computer vision syndrome/eye strain, it’s time to really answer the question, “What are computer glasses?” Computer glasses are prescription glasses made specifically for computer work. They are, in other words, activity-specific glasses.

Since everyone’s work station is set up differently, a pair of computer glasses that work perfectly for one person may not work well for another. Computer glasses work best if they are created with a person’s specific needs in mind.

Computer eye strain symptoms & ways you can alleviate them

Your computer glasses needs can often be identified by an evaluation of your workspace and your eye strain symptoms. In some cases, you may be able to alleviate some of your symptoms by making adjustments to your workspace. Here are some helpful suggestions:

Neck, shoulder, back, and arm pain: If you have pain from tilting your head to see your screen, you might find relief if you adjust the ergonomics of your desk and chair. Posture correctors may also help.

Blurred vision, aching or dry eyes: If you have blurred vision, keep in mind that it may be caused by a problem with your prescription. If not, chances are that you’re not blinking enough while at your computer, causing your eyes to get tired and dry. Take breaks from looking at your computer at least every 20 minutes. If you have trouble remembering to look away, there are apps which can remind you to do so. Eye drops may also provide relief.

Headache: Headaches may be caused by ergonomics and posture, or you may be working on a monitor with poor resolution. Moving your computer to a more ideal distance from your face, buying an anti-glare screen, and increasing the light contrast between your computer’s screen and the light in a room can also alleviate symptoms of eye strain.

How do I know if I need computer glasses?

And there you have it! No more wondering, “What are computer glasses?” But now you’re likely asking, “How do I know if I even need computer glasses?”

The best way to answer that question is to schedule a visit with your optometrist. Eye Center of Texas works with several trusted optometrist partners in Houston who can help you determine the cause(s) behind your eye strain and if necessary, help you find computer glasses that are built to alleviate computer-related discomfort.

If it turns out that your eye strain is caused not by your computer, but by another change in prescription, it may be worth your while to consider LASIK or near vision treatment. The professionals at Eye Center of Texas provide some of the best LASIK in Houston and are here to answer any questions you may have about the procedure.

To get started on your journey towards better, less strained vision, see if you qualify for LASIK by reading our article, Is my vision too bad for LASIK?, and give us a call at 713-395-1515 or request an appointment online today!

Related Resources:

• LASIK Recovery Timeline
• Cataracts: Laser Surgery vs. Traditional Surgery
• The First Early Signs of Cataracts
• What to Expect after Cataract Surgery: Side Effects and Timing
• Houston Cataract Treatment

Just because cataracts can be a natural part of the aging process doesn’t mean you shouldn’t remain on the lookout for the early signs of cataracts. Discover the top three early signs of cataracts, including what those signs may look like (cataract pictures provided) and how to address those signs.

For more information on the early signs of cataracts (including fast-growing cataracts), take a look at our previous articles.

What are the first signs of cataracts?

1. General changes in vision quality

The early sign of cataracts that brings in the most patients are general concerns about changes in vision quality: the inability to see distant objects clearly, sensitivity to light, double vision, and halos around lights at nighttime. These changes are rarely drastic, and many patients assume that they simply need a change in prescription.

2. Blurred / cloudy vision

The first sign of cataracts will vary from person to person, but the next sign is usually blurriness. Blurred vision from cataracts occurs due to the buildup and clumping of proteins in your eye’s lens, which will block light from reaching your retina.

At first, only part of your vision may be blurred, but this area will likely grow over time if your cataract(s) remain untreated.

3. Eye discoloration

Eye discoloration is easily the most visible early sign of cataracts. The buildup of proteins may cause your lens to begin to yellow or brown. Unlike the other early signs of cataracts, however, your family and friends may be able to spot lens discoloration. It’s not uncommon for us to meet patients who have come to visit us due to the urging of individuals close to them.

This image shows what a cataract looks like in an advanced stage.

Catching and treating cataracts

Not all eye doctors are advocates for early cataract surgery. Depending on the types of cataract a patient is facing and the severity of vision loss they’re contending with, your doctor may opt to wait for a later date.

At the same time, many patients feel that the earlier you treat cataracts, the fewer sights you’ll miss out on. Ultimately, whether or not to pursue cataract surgery is a decision that should be made between you and your doctor.

In the meantime, we highly recommend learning how to avoid cataracts naturally and reading up on cataracts and sun exposure.

Laser eye surgery for cataracts and Eye Center of Texas

Eye Center of Texas provides the latest in blade-free cataract treatment: laser eye surgery for cataracts. Our nationally-recognized surgeons have performed over 80,000 successful laser cataract surgeries and are recommended by over 300 referring doctors.

Miss less of life’s special moments. Call us at 713-797-1010 or request an appointment online today to get started on your journey to better vision.

Related Resources

• Cataracts: Laser Surgery vs. Traditional Surgery
• LASIK Recovery Timeline
• Do Floaters Go Away On Their Own?
• The Four Stages of Diabetic Retinopathy
• Is My Vision Too Bad for LASIK?

Houstonians will be pleased to discover that the Houston cataract surgeons at Eye Center of Texas are some of the best in the country. Not only do over 300 Houston-area doctors refer their patients to Eye Center of Texas for their vision needs, but our surgeons play active roles in pioneering the latest in vision correction technology.

Learn all about our Houston cataract treatment options and more, and start your cataract surgery journey off on the right foot.

What are cataracts?

Cataracts are a natural part of your eye’s aging process. In fact, over 50% of individuals at or above the age of 60 will develop a cataract in one or both eyes. Blurred vision, which is due to a clouding of your eye’s natural lens, is the main symptom of cataracts.

While most cataracts develop slowly over many years, individuals with certain conditions may be susceptible to fast-growing cataracts. Luckily, the fact that cataracts are common means that cataract surgery is one of the most commonly performed eye surgeries in the world.

Laser cataract surgery in Houston

One of the most frequently asked questions we receive here at Eye Center of Texas is, “Is cataract surgery safe?” We are happy to report that, when performed by professionals, both traditional and laser cataract surgery are very safe procedures.

When comparing laser cataract surgery vs. traditional cataract surgery, however, many surgeons would argue that laser cataract surgery is a more accurate procedure. That’s because laser cataract surgery is blade-free. The Eye Center of Texas surgeons use the state-of-the-art LenSx femtosecond laser to customize your cataract surgery to the specific needs of your eye.

Lens replacement surgery in Houston

During cataract surgery, your doctor will remove your eye’s cloudy lens and replace it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). The standard replacement lens is the monofocal IOL. However, some patients may prefer a multifocal IOL or need a Toric IOL lens for astigmatism. Talk with your doctor about which IOL will best fit the needs of your eyes.

Finding experienced cataract surgeons in Houston

When researching cataract surgery and cataract surgery cost, we highly recommend researching your area’s cataract surgeon ratings. Not all cataract surgeons are the same, and you will want to make sure that you’re leaving your vision in qualified hands.

The Houston cataract surgeons at Eye Center of Texas have collectively performed over 80,000 successful cataract surgeries, and they frequently top the local “Best Cataract Surgeons Near Me” lists.

We are proud to have returned clear vision to the lives of so many Houstonians, and we are pleased to be able to do so without adding stress to a household’s budget. Expenses that aren’t covered by Medicare or health insurance are made manageable with Eye Center of Texas’s monthly payment plans via Care Credit.

Houston Cataracts don’t stand a chance at Eye Center of Texas  

It’s time to see life’s priceless moments with clear vision again. For more information about Houston cataract surgery at Eye Center of Texas, call 713-797-1010 or request an appointment online today!

Related Resources

• Recovery: A LASIK Timeline
• Floaters in Your Eyes
• 4 Stages of Diabetic Retinopathy
• Is My Vision Too Bad for LASIK?
• Houston’s Common Vision Problems

Your step-by-step guide to recovering from LASIK eye surgery

Congratulations! You’ve made the decision to have (or maybe you’ve just had) LASIK eye surgery, and now, you’re one step closer to long-term clear vision. Having an understanding of what a LASIK recovery timeline looks like will help make the next few months smoother for you.

As with our LASIK consultation preparation guide, this guide is intended to walk you through what you should and shouldn’t do after LASIK surgery.

Please note that this LASIK Recovery Timeline is an approximation of what a typical LASIK recovery looks like. This timeline, along with the recommendations shared, may vary from your own recovery process, as well as your doctor’s instructions.

The day of LASIK surgery

Step 1: Get home safely

One of the most important steps on your LASIK recovery timeline takes place right after surgery: the ride home. Your doctor will likely have given you a mild sedative to keep you comfortable during the procedure. After the procedure is completed, this sedative can leave you too impaired to drive for up to several hours. Because of this, it’s important to make sure you have a ride home, and if all else fails, make sure you have someone to dirve you home (note, Eye Center of Texas cannot release you to an Uber or Taxi driver).

Step 2: Rest

How long should you sleep after LASIK? Your doctor will likely suggest that you rest for the first few hours after your surgery (typically, 2-4 hours). In other words, no Olympic training, dissertation writing, or late-night partying — only rest!

Step 3: Take these precautions

• When you’re resting, consider wearing an eye patch over your eyes. Doing so will help you avoid rubbing your eyes and opening the corneal flap as a result. This is one of the most important LASIK recovery tips for you to follow.
• Avoid strenuous activity and exercise. Do not play contact sports.
• Do not shower for the first 24 hours after your surgery.
• Do not swim.
• Do not wear contact lenses, even if your vision is blurry.
• Do not wear makeup or apply creams to your face.

Eye and vision status check-in:

• Directly after the surgery, patients might experience some eye pain, bloodshot eyes, weeping, sensitivity to light, halos, and irritation (it might feel as if there is a grain of sand in your eye). However, you must remember to avoid rubbing your eyes — despite the irritation.
• Can you see immediately after LASIK? After three hours, your vision may start to clear up, but it could also take longer. Both situations are normal.
• If you’re wondering, “How long after LASIK can I see 20/20?” or “How long does it take for vision to improve after LASIK?” it’s important to keep in mind that there isn’t a straightforward answer to this question. Some patients will experience clear vision a few hours after surgery, and for some, it could take a few days. Others might fluctuate between clear vision and blurry vision for up to six months, and some might notice their vision improve gradually for the next six months or so.
• If you experience any eye pain, call your doctor immediately. This statement holds true for the entire LASIK healing timeline.

24 – 48 hours after LASIK surgery

Step 1: Have someone take you to your follow-up appointment

Your doctor will likely have you scheduled for a follow-up appointment 24-48 hours after your procedure. During this appointment, they will check your eyes and test your vision. It’s likely they will also prescribe you medicated, lubricating eye drops (this is especially true if you’re experiencing dry eyes, a side effect that typically occurs for the first weeks or months after LASIK).

Your doctor will also be able to advise you as to whether or not it is safe for you to drive. Their decision will be based on the legal vision requirement for driving in Texas, which is 20/40.

Step 2: Rest, but feel free to recommence with the following (unless your doctor states otherwise):

• Shower, but try to keep soap, shampoo, conditioner, and other chemicals out of your eye.
• Return to your normal work routine, so long as it does not involve strenuous physical activity.
• Drive, but only if your doctor states that it’s legal for you to do so.
• Take a flight, but note that the low humidity typically found in airplanes will make your eyes more prone to drying out.

Step 3: Continue to take the following precautions:

• Wear an eye patch over your eyes to help you avoid rubbing your eyes and opening the corneal flap as a result.
• Wear sunglasses. How long do you have to wear sunglasses after laser eye surgery? Most doctors recommend that you continue to wear sunglasses when you go outside for at least 2 days after your procedure.
• Avoid strenuous activity and exercise. Do not play contact sports.
• Do not swim. You’re going to hear this a lot during the next few steps. For more information, check out our blog on swimming after LASIK.
• Do not wear contact lenses, even if your vision is blurry.
• Do not wear makeup or apply creams to your face.

Eye and vision status check-in:

As your LASIK corneal flap is healing, your eyes will likely still be irritated. Meanwhile, your vision may or may not begin clearing. If the latter is true for you, don’t panic. Vision fluctuation after LASIK is typical after LASIK surgery, and part of your LASIK recovery time may involve some blurred vision.

At the 1st week mark after LASIK

Step 1: Rest, but feel free to recommence with the following (unless your doctor states otherwise):

On the 3rd day after your procedure, you should be able to go outside without sunglasses. However, you may still be sensitive to light. It’s always wise to wear sunglasses when outside, so being extra cautious about wearing sunglasses will do no harm.

Step 2: Continue to take the following precautions:

• Wear an eye patch over your eyes to help you avoid rubbing your eyes and opening the corneal flap as a result.
• Avoid strenuous activity and exercise. Do not play contact sports.
• Do not swim.
• Do not wear contact lenses, even if your vision is blurry.
• Do not wear makeup or apply creams to your face.

Eye and vision status check-in:

At this point in your LASIK recovery timeline, your eyes may still have some irritation and sensitivity to light. Difficulty driving at night may also still occur. While you probably won’t feel far along on your LASIK recovery timeline, you’re definitely well on your way to full recovery and better vision.

2 weeks – 1 month after your LASIK procedure

Step 1: Continue to go to your LASIK follow-up appointments .

Step 2: Continue to take the following precautions:

• Wear an eye patch over your eyes to help you avoid rubbing your eyes and opening the corneal flap as a result.
• Do not play contact sports.
• Do not swim. If you need to swim for any reason, consult your doctor first. Do not go swimming without goggles.
• Do not wear contact lenses, even if your vision is blurry.

Eye and vision status check-in:

If everything has continued to go well, your eyes shouldn’t be causing as much irritation as they were toward the beginning of your LASIK recovery timeline. Depending on your eyes, however, your vision may still be in the process of clearing up.

2 – 6 months after LASIK

Step 1: Continue to go to your LASIK follow-up appointments

After six months, you and your doctor will discuss how often you will need a check-up. These will vary but generally occur every one to two years. After six months, you and your doctor will also be able to tell if LASIK enhancement (PRK) would further improve your vision.

Step 2: Feel free to recommence with the following at the designated time (unless your doctor advises you otherwise):

• 4-5 weeks after surgery: Return to your standard exercise routine and contact sports, if you play them.
• 4-5 weeks after surgery: Swim, preferably in your own pool. Swimming in public pools, hot tubs, water parks, and natural bodies of water will increase your chances of getting an infection.
• 4-5 weeks after surgery (or when irritation ceases): Stop wearing an eye patch if you are no longer tempted to rub your eyes.
• 2-3 months after surgery: Get fitted for contacts, if you need them.

Eye and vision status check-in:

Here we are at the end of your LASIK recovery timeline. You made it! The reason we include six months in the LASIK recovery timeline is that your eyes are healing right up into the sixth month. For the vast majority of patients, all LASIK side effects (irritation, difficulty driving at night, light sensitivity, glare, etc.) should have stabilized by this point. The main exception to this rule is patients with nearsightedness, who may require a longer recovery period.

A smooth and quick recovery begins with experienced doctors and advanced treatment

The surgeons at Eye Center of Texas have performed over 75,000 successful LASIK eye surgeries, including LASIK for astigmatism. With some of the top ophthalmologists in the nation calling Eye Center of Texas home, you can expect to receive the top treatment and care available for LASIK eye surgery in Houston.

Whether you’re just starting to look into LASIK or you’re at the beginning of your LASIK recovery timeline, Eye Center of Texas is here to answer any of your LASIK questions. Give us a call at 713-395-1515 or contact us online to set up a LASIK consultation today.

Related Resources:

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

Cataract surgery is one of the most common surgeries performed worldwide, with one in every three adults receiving the operation during their lifetime. This means that there is a strong chance that either you or a loved one will need to weigh the pros and cons of laser cataract surgery vs. traditional cataract surgery.

While traditional cataract surgery is safe, growing evidence tends to highlight the many benefits associated with laser-assisted cataract surgery. Learn more about these benefits, as well as more information on what other factors are important to weigh when considering laser cataract surgery vs. traditional cataract surgery.

Understanding laser cataract surgery vs. traditional cataract surgery

When considering laser cataract surgery vs. traditional cataract surgery, you’ll notice that the main difference between the surgeries is not the overarching procedural method but the way that method is reached.

In traditional cataract surgery, also called phacoemulsification, your surgeon creates a small, handheld corneal incision with a blade. Then, they insert a device through this incision and into the lens capsule. Next, your surgeon will break up the cloudy lens using ultrasound waves, remove those pieces out of the lens capsule, and replace the old, cloudy lens with a clear, artificial one.

In laser-assisted cataract surgery, a camera is used to map the surface of your eye. Using this map, a femtosecond laser breaks up the cloudy lens and creates a precise incision in your cornea and lens capsule. As with traditional cataract surgery, your surgeon will then suction out the broken-up cloudy lens and insert a new artificial lens.

From incision to lens implantation, traditional cataract surgery takes around 15 minutes to complete, while laser-assisted cataract surgery takes around 20 minutes. Since the surgery duration is rather similar, you’re probably wondering, “Is laser surgery better for cataracts?”

Is laser cataract surgery safe?

Yes! Safety is one aspect that you typically don’t have to worry about when considering laser cataract surgery vs. traditional cataract surgery. However, the success of traditional cataract surgery can be highly dependent on the skill and experience of your surgeon.

Unsurprisingly, studies have shown that corneal incisions and anterior capsulotomy made during laser-assisted cataract surgeries may be more accurate than when they’re done with a handheld blade. Additionally, the heat generated by the ultrasound used in traditional cataract surgery is more likely to burn the corneal incision and damage the lens capsule.

While more testing needs to be completed, this accuracy and improved safety may help reduce your risks for incurring cataract surgery-related complications. (For more information on the safety of cataract surgery, read our blog addressing the question, “How safe is cataract surgery?”)

What is the laser cataract surgery recovery time?

The laser cataract surgery recovery time vs. traditional cataract surgery recovery time is not monumentally different. Patients might even be able to see clearly the day of or after surgery (although sometimes it can take up to 2 weeks to achieve clear vision), and they should be fully recovered after 3 months.

However, the higher likelihood of complications occurring in traditional cataract surgery may increase your recovery time.

What are the laser cataract surgery side effects?

Similar to recovery time, laser cataract surgery vs. traditional cataract surgery side effects tend to be the same. These can include:

• Eye infection
• Inflammation
• Bleeding
• Fluid buildup and/or eye pressure
• Implant movement or detachment
• Retinal detachment

Again, the increased accuracy and safety of laser-assisted cataract surgery may reduce the likelihood of you having to manage these potential side effects. For more information on post-cataract surgery side effects, read our blog on what to expect after cataract surgery.

Are there other ways to improve your cataract surgery outcome?

Whether you’re still debating laser cataract surgery vs. traditional cataract surgery or not, one way to improve your cataract surgery outcome is by carefully selecting the type of artificial lens you have implanted during your surgery.

The majority of patients opt for a monofocal intraocular lens, which allows you to see better in one distance dimension. Multifocal cataract lenses, however, allow you to see both near and far objects better and are the most common astigmatism-correcting lenses chosen for cataract surgery.

When discussing cataract surgery options with your ophthalmologist, make sure to ask about lens options.

Eye Center of Texas: Helping you make the right cataract surgery choices

Debating laser cataract surgery vs. traditional cataract surgery? Confused about the cost of cataract surgery or what insurance does and doesn’t cover? Worried that you have fast-growing cataracts and need surgery ASAP? The staff at Eye Center of Texas is here to help!

Eye Center of Texas’s Drs. Mark L. Mayo and Edward C. Wade are both pioneers in bladeless eye surgery methods and receive referrals from over 300 Houston eye doctors. Along with their colleagues at Eye Center of Texas, they have performed over 80,000 successful cataract surgeries.

There’s no better choice for your cataract surgery in Houston. Give us a call at 712-797-1010 or contact us online to request your appointment today.

Related Resources:

• Refractive/Clear Lens Exchange vs. LASIK Surgery
• Dry Eyes Syndrome
• Dry Eyes in Winter
• Are my Eyes Too Bad for LASIK?
• Houston: Common Vision Problems

For those who don’t know what they are, having floaters in your eyes can be a little disconcerting. The good news, though, is that most floaters are completely harmless. On top of that, floaters that don’t go away on their own can be treated.

Still uneasy? This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the floaters in your eyes, as well as your options for dealing with them.

What causes floaters in your eyes?

The jelly-like substance that makes up your eyeball is called vitreous gel. As you age, your vitreous gel becomes more fluid. During this process, extremely small fibers in the gel may begin to clump together. Floaters are the shadows of these clumps.

Floaters come in the form of anything from dots to squiggles to web-like formations. You can see them most easily by looking at a surface that is blank and/or all one color.  

What makes you more likely to get floaters?

Most floaters arise as part of the aging process; however, there are some additional factors that might make you more susceptible to floaters. These can include:

• Eye inflammation
• Eye surgeries (particularly after cataract surgery — read more about cataract surgery in Houston on our site)
• Retinal problems, including retina problems from diabetes (diabetic retinopathy)
• Being nearsighted (for reference, here’s a quick look at the difference between nearsighted and farsighted)
• Eye trauma

Are floaters in your eyes dangerous?

Typically, they are not. However, if you experience a sudden onset of new floaters, more floaters in your eyes than usual, darkness in your peripheral vision, or flashes of light, it’s recommended that you call your doctor and/or eye specialist ASAP. These symptoms could be an indicator of a retinal tear which, if left untreated, can cause severe vision problems or blindness.

Do eye floaters go away on their own?

Yes! Many people can ignore an eye floater or two, and sometimes, floaters can even go away on their own. In the end, that’s good news for most patients dealing with floaters: since floaters are not considered a major medical issue, almost all individuals must pay out of pocket if they’re seeking eye floaters treatment.

How do you treat eye floaters?

What if the floaters in your eyes won’t go away? Or, what happens if the floaters start to cause vision impairment? Luckily, there is a form of eye floaters treatment: laser floater removal. During this treatment, your eyeball is numbed. Your surgeon would then use a laser that emits small bursts of energy at your floater. In doing so, the collagen and molecules found in floaters are converted into gas.

Laser floater removal is minimally invasive and can typically be performed in-office.

Do you have floaters in your eyes?

The experienced eye surgeons at Eye Center of Texas may be known for performing some of the best LASIK in Houston, but they are highly skilled at laser floater removal and an array of other surgical specialties, as well. Over 300 doctors in Houston refer their patients to Eye Center of Texas for laser floater removal, cataract surgery, LASIK, and so much more.

If you’re ready to get rid of pesky floaters, call Eye Center of Texas at 713-797-1010 or request an appointment online today.

Diabetic retinopathy is a type of diabetic eye disease that can cause vision problems and eventually, blindness. If you or a loved one has recently been diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy, you were likely informed that the disease progresses through four stages.

Exactly what are the four stages of diabetic retinopathy? In what way are they connected to the causes and symptoms of diabetic retinopathy? And is there any way to slow the progression of diabetic retinopathy through treatment?

Eye Center of Texas is an expert on diabetic eye diseases, including diabetic retinopathy, diabetic macular edema (DME), and fast-growing cataracts. Together, we’ll explore the answers to these questions and more below.

The four stages of diabetic retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is caused by an excess of blood glucose in the blood vessels of the retina. The quickest way to know the answer to the question, “What are the four stages of diabetic retinopathy?” is to track the status of these blood vessels.

Stage 1: Mild nonproliferative retinopathy — microaneurysms

What is the first sign of diabetic retinopathy? Microaneurysms — dilated capillaries which look like a small red dot or balloon — are often the first sign of diabetic retinopathy. However, microaneurysms do not affect vision and often go unnoticed as a result.

Stage 2: Moderate nonproliferative retinopathy — blocked blood vessels

In this stage, the blood vessels in the eye become too swollen to properly provide nourishment to the retina. These changes often cause visible changes to the retina. An increased likelihood of DME is associated with patients who reach this stage of diabetic retinopathy. (Read more about DME and macular puckers on our blog.)

Stage 3: Severe nonproliferative retinopathy — more blocked blood vessels & a call for help

At this stage, a significant portion of the blood vessels in your retina are now blocked, severely decreasing the necessary blood flow to the retina. Eventually, the retina will begin to send out signals, telling the body to grow new blood vessels.

Stage 4: Proliferative retinopathy — blood vessels grow on the retina

Stage four diabetic retinopathy is the most advanced stage of diabetic retinopathy, during which new blood vessels begin to grow on the retina. Unfortunately, these blood vessels are typically both weak and abnormal, which can lead to blood leaking into the eye, vision problems, and potentially blindness.

Diabetic retinopathy complications:

Besides vision loss and blindness, untreated diabetic retinopathy can lead to even more complications. These complications can include glaucoma — pressure in the eye due to a buildup of fluid — and retinal detachment — the pulling away of the retina from the back of the eye due to scar tissue buildup.

Diabetic retinopathy treatment & prevention:

The question about diabetic retinopathy we most often hear after, “What are the four stages of diabetic retinopathy?” is, “Is diabetic retinopathy reversible or treatable?”

While diabetic retinopathy is not reversible, it is highly treatable. Active, regular, and proper management of your diabetes, blood sugar, and blood pressure can significantly reduce the chances of experiencing blindness.

Many patients are also eligible for diabetic retinopathy surgery. Called laser photocoagulation, this procedure can be performed in-office in less than 30 minutes. During the procedure, a laser is used to target leaking blood vessels, sealing them or destroying them before they can cause further vision problems.

Stage 0: Talk with an eye specialist about diabetic retinopathy

The sooner diabetic retinopathy is caught and diagnosed, the better your body will respond to treatment. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with diabetes, it is wise to routinely consult with an expert at Eye Center of Texas to check for any signs of diabetic eye disease.

While there, you can also ask other vision-related questions, such as “Now that I have diabetes, is my vision too bad for LASIK?” and receive answers from the experts who provide some of the best LASIK in Houston.

Diabetes doesn’t have to lead to blindness. Make Eye Center of Texas part of your vision of the future. To meet with one of our doctors at our six Houston-area locations, call us at 713-797-1010 or request an appointment online today.

Related Resources:

• Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery vs. Traditional
• Most Common Vision Problems in Houston
• Clear Lens Exchange Vs. LASIK
• Remedies for Dry Eye Syndrome
• Dry Eyes in Winter Symptoms

Have you ever wondered, “Is my vision too bad for LASIK?” or “Can you get LASIK with really bad vision?” If so, Eye Center of Texas has some news that just might make your day. Technology has improved such that patients with severe vision impairments may be able to achieve improved vision with LASIK eye surgery.

Learn about the wide range of eye power levels compatible with LASIK and other requirements for LASIK eye surgery today.

Understanding refractive errors and diopters

There are a lot of misconceptions around who can and can’t have LASIK eye surgery, which is why we receive so many questions like “Is my vision too bad for LASIK eye surgery” or even, “Is my vision too good for LASIK?”

The confusion probably stems from a lack of understanding as to how we measure maximum and minimum prescription ranges for LASIK. These ranges are determined by the refractive errors specific to each patient’s eyes. Refractive errors — the light refraction errors created by a misshapen lens or cornea that cause common vision problems — are measured in diopters (D). Negative diopters indicate myopia (nearsightedness) and positive numbers indicate hyperopia (farsightedness).

What prescription is too high for LASIK?

When trying to find the answer to the question, “Is my vision too bad for LASIK?” patients often seek out specific diopter measurements standards. While some sites do provide these numbers, it’s extremely important to note that the range of diopters which LASIK can treat depends on the technology your surgeon uses. For that reason, we’ve given a more general overview of the appropriate prescription range for LASIK candidates.

• Myopia (Nearsightedness): Performing LASIK on eyes with myopia that is beyond a certain negative diopter measurement can cause nighttime vision problems and halos.
• Hyperopia (Farsightedness): Performing LASIK on eyes with hyperopia that is beyond a certain diopter measurement can cause nighttime vision problems and halos. The range of diopter measurements for farsightedness is smaller than that of myopia.
• Astigmatism (When both near and far objects are blurred): The astigmatism limits for LASIK are more variable. Each of the following has its own acceptable range, as is defined by your doctor.
  • Astigmatism combined with myopia
  • Astigmatism combined with hyperopia
  • Mixed astigmatism patients

For those of you who are curious about LASIK for astigmatism, we recommend reading our article, Can LASIK correct astigmatism.

What are the requirements for LASIK eye surgery?

Can LASIK give you 20/20 vision? Yes, it can. However, you must also meet other requirements outside of prescription limits in order to be a good candidate for LASIK. These include:

• Having corneal tissue that’s thick enough — approximately 420 microns — for LASIK. Most healthy eyes have corneas that around 550 microns thick.
• Your eye health, in general, must be in good standing
  • Your prescription must not change for 12 months
  • You must not suffer from glaucoma, dry eyes, or cataracts
  • You must have an average pupil size
• Women who are pregnant or nursing should wait to have LASIK.

If you meet all of these conditions, then you are likely an ideal candidate for LASIK eye surgery! However, even if you’re a perfect candidate for LASIK surgery, it’s important that you follow through with pre-LASIK preparation and choose a quality eye surgeon like those at Eye Center of Texas.

Do I have other laser eye surgery options for improved vision?

When your prescription or eye health disqualifies you from being a good LASIK candidate, it’s always worth speaking to your doctor about your other options.

For example, if you don’t qualify for LASIK, it’s possible that PRK eye surgery may be an option for you. PRK is LASIK’s predecessor and can have the same positive results as LASIK. It has different ranges of acceptable eye power and is available to some patients who do not meet all of the other requirements for LASIK eye surgery.

Occasionally, some patients even chose to have PRK LASIK enhancement after their original LASIK surgery.

20/20 vision (or better!) is possible with LASIK at Eye Center of Texas

The majority of patients who choose to have LASIK eye surgery report that their vision is now at 20/20 or better.

Don’t sit around wondering “Is my vision too bad for LASIK eye surgery?” and avoid taking action. You deserve clear vision. Eye Center of Texas, known for providing some of the best LASIK in Houston, is helping people restore their eyesight each and every day.

And remember: Even if your prescription doesn’t make you a candidate for LASIK now, that doesn’t mean LASIK will be unavailable to you for forever. Technology is always improving, and we encourage you to continue to check back.

To meet with our nationally recognized surgeons, call us at 713-395-1515 or contact us online to set up your consultation today.

Related Resources:

• Cataract Surgery and Multifocal Lenses: Pros and Cons
• Fuchs Dystrophy and Cataracts
• Fast-Growing Cataracts
• UV Damage to Eyes
• LASIK FAQ

It’s true … the most common vision problems in Houston are also common vision problems throughout the rest of the world. But as fellow Houstonians, Drs. Wade, Mayo, and the staff at Eye Center of Texas know exactly what you’re missing out on when the health of your eyes is jeopardized, including but not limited to:

• The particulars of an Astros game
• The ability to navigate Houston’s 10-lane highways comfortably
• The detailed art at the MFAH and The Menil
• And of course, your beloved family and friends  

At Eye Center of Texas, it’s our goal to turn the most common vision problems in Houston into the most successfully treated vision problems in Houston.
If you’re ready to see clearly again, visit one of our recommended ophthalmologists for your eye exam, then set up an appointment at Eye Center of Texas. Before you do that, go ahead and check out the below for preliminary information regarding your treatment options.

Cataracts

The condition: A cataract is the clouding of the eye’s natural lens. They are normally the byproduct of age and typically occur in patients over the age of 50. However, exposure to UV light, some facial lotions and products, smoking, diabetes, and eye injuries all increase the likelihood of developing cataracts.

Treatment options: With modern technology, cataracts have become very treatable. If your cataract is hindering your daily life, cataract surgery might be a good option for you. During cataract surgery, your eye doctor in Houston will remove the cloudy lens and replace it with an artificial lens called an intraocular lens (IOL). Laser eye surgery for cataracts is also a very successful procedural option, and it just so happens to be Dr. Mark Mayo’s preferred method of cataract treatment.

Additional cataract resources:

• Fast-growing cataracts
• What is an IOL?
• Laser cataract surgery in Houston

Presbyopia

The condition: Also known as “near vision,” presbyopia is another common vision problem in Houston that’s caused primarily by the natural aging of the eye. When the lens of the eye ages, it becomes less flexible. This lack of flexibility makes it difficult to focus on objects that are nearby. Presbyopia is different from hyperopia (farsightedness) since hyperopia is caused by a refractive error (which we will discuss more in-depth momentarily).

Treatment options: The most common presbyopia treatment is called refractive lens exchange (or clear lens exchange). The procedure is very similar to that of cataract surgery, except instead of replacing a cloudy lens, your doctor replaces the less flexible lens.

Additional presbyopia resources:  

• Lens replacement for presbyopia
• Understanding near vision

Keratoconus

The condition: Keratoconus occurs when your cornea becomes weakened and loses its structural integrity. A cornea with keratoconus will begin to “bulge” out in a cone-like shape. Symptoms include light sensitivity, blurry vision, and myopia.

Treatment options: An increasingly popular treatment for keratoconus is the minimally invasive, in-office procedure known as corneal cross-linking (CXL). Using the B2 vitamin riboflavin, this procedure works to strengthen the natural collagen fibers that maintain the cornea’s natural shape.

Additional keratoconus resources:  

• What is keratoconus?
• A Houstonian’s keratoconus journey
• Corneal cross-linking for keratoconus

Refractive Errors

The condition(s): Refractive errors occur when the shape of your eye causes the light entering to bend incorrectly. The most common refractive errors are hyperopia (farsightedness), myopia (nearsightedness), and astigmatism.

Treatment options: The most popular treatment for refractive errors is LASIK, a procedure which uses a laser to reshape the eye. During LASIK, your doctor will create a flap in the outermost layer of your cornea (the epithelium). Because of this, patients with thin corneas may not be ideal candidates for LASIK. Luckily, there are successful alternatives to LASIK, including the PRK procedure.

Additional resources for refractive errors:

• The difference between PRK and LASIK
• LASIK FAQ
• Does laser eye surgery hurt?

Treating other common vision problems in Houston

Other common vision problems in Houston include:

• Diabetic retinopathy
• Glaucoma
• Dry eye syndrome
• Macular degeneration

Eye Center of Texas has experience treating all of these common vision problems in Houston. For more information on treatment options, check out their corresponding pages on our website and/or give us a call at 713-797-1010.

Eye Center of Texas: Your resource for common vision problems in Houston

The professionals at Eye Center of Texas are striving to reduce the number of individuals struggling with common vision problems in Houston. We are here to answer any of your questions, such as “What common vision problems can be corrected using laser eye surgery?” “Can LASIK restore 20/20 vision?” and “Who should not have laser eye surgery.”

With Eye Center of Texas here to help you out, there’s no reason for you to suffer through compromised vision. Give us a call at 713-797-1010 or request your appointment online today.