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Diabetes and Long Term Eye Damage
High blood sugar can damage the tiny blood vessels that bring oxygen and nutrients to the retina, a critical part of the eye. This is known as diabetic retinopathy, and it can cause progressive, irreversible vision loss. It is the leading cause of new cases of blindness in people between the ages of 20 and 74.
And get this…people with Diabetic-Retinopathy will increase 47% from 2010 to 2030? Our doctors advise patients with diabetes to take an active diligent role in preventing vision loss from diabetic eye disease problems with regular dilated eye exams and health lifestyle choices.
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November is National Diabetes Awareness Month
Diabetes is one of the leading causes of disability and death in the United States. If it’s not controlled, diabetes can cause blindness, nerve damage, kidney disease, and other health problems.
Here are just a few of the recent statistics on diabetes:
Nearly 30 million children and adults in the United States have diabetes.
Another 86 million Americans have prediabetes and are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes.
The American Diabetes Association estimates the total national cost of diagnosed diabetes in the United States is $245 billion.
Our doctors advise patients with diabetes to take an active diligent role in preventing vision loss from diabetic eye disease problems with regular dilated eye exams and health lifestyle choices.
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What is Blade-Free Cataract Surgery?
Blade-free cataract surgery is a HUGE step forward from traditional cataract surgery.
In traditional cataract surgery, the surgeon uses a blade to manually make incisions in the eye. With blade-free laser cataract surgery, the surgeon creates a precise surgical plan with a sophisticated 3-D image of the eye. A bladeless, computer-controlled laser allows the surgeon to perform your surgery to exact individualized specifications, not attainable with past cataract surgery methods.
With laser cataract surgery, you can move forward with confidence knowing that you’ve chosen the most advanced technology available for this life-changing procedure, one that enables a customized cataract surgery experience.
Eye Center of Texas is proud to be one of the first practices in Texas to offer bladeless cataract surgery with the LenSx® laser. For more information about blade-free cataract surgery, please call us at 713-797-1010.
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Lost Cost LASIK – You Get What You Pay For!
I just spoke to a potential LASIK patient and he wanted to know why ECT’s LASIK price is more expensive than the LASIK center across the freeway from our Bellaire location. Here’s the low down on LASIK centers that advertise “LASIK starting at $499. per eye”.
Technology
Not all LASIK centers offer the latest LASIK technology: ECT only offers Custom Bladeless LASIK, the most advanced LASIK technology available today. It requires the use of a Wavefront Analyzer and a second laser to create a thin layer of corneal tissue. A cheaper LASIK center is more than likely to offer the older microtome technology. Another word for microtome is BLADE. Always ask if their LASIK price includes “Wavefront Custom Bladeless Technology”?
The Surgeon’s Qualifications
You get what you pay for, and what you want to pay for is a qualified LASIK surgeon with at least thousands of procedures under his LASIK belt. Surgeons with less experience and fewer qualifications are likely to command cheaper prices.
The Old Bait-and-Switch
You see or hear an advertisement: LASIK starting at $499/eye – but when you go in for your LASIK evaluation they tell you that you don’t qualify for the $499. because your Rx is too high or you have astigmatism (and most patients have astigmatism). Once they explain all their “add on fees”, you find out that their price is the same (or higher) than ECT’s.
While LASIK shopping, remember that LASIK is eye surgery. Great surgeons spend years perfecting the art and science of their craft, and will charge a price that reflects their expertise. Beware of cheap LASIK centers that advertise starting at $499/eye or even $999/eye.
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Can I go blind if I have LASIK…and does LASIK hurt?
Every day we have patients call to inquiry about LASIK eye surgery…and the number one question they ask: “how many people have gone blind due to LASIK”? According to the FDA there have been no reported cases of a patient going blind due to LASIK.
Second most asked question: Does LASIK hurt? No. Because anesthetic eyedrops are used during surgery, the procedure is not painful. Patients may feel a moderate amount of pressure around the eye during surgery as the instruments that hold the eyelid may cause minor discomfort. After surgery, some patients may experience tearing, irritation, and light sensitivity. These sensations are all temporary and will improve within the first day.
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Thank You Dr. Wade
I was afraid to have cataract surgery on my 2nd eye because my 1st eye was botched 11 years ago by another surgeon.
This is what I want to share: during cataract surgery on my 1st eye the surgeon ruptured my posterior capsule. I later learned he should of stopped and stabilized the tear – but he continued with the surgery. This mistake has resulted in a longstanding iritis (a serious condition that can lead to vision loss) and eye pressure problems. I had to have additional surgery and to this day I must apply a steroid drop 4 times a day.
I was afraid to have surgery on my 2nd eye, but because of Dr. Wade’s character and experience – he gave me the confidence to have cataract surgery on my right eye and the outcome was successful with no complications! I’m very grateful to Dr. Wade and his staff and I would highly recommend the Eye Center of Texas.
Thank you Dr. Wade….!
C. Trevino
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Traditional vs Laser Assisted Cataract Surgery
Cataract surgery is one of the most common surgeries in the United States,and 3 million Americans elect to have cataract surgery each year.If a cataract is not removed and the lens replaced with an intraocular lens (IOL),the cataract can actually cause blindness.
When it comes to cataract surgery, there are many choices. Several different IOLs are available, which perform various functions. There are also 2 different methods of cataract surgery…traditional cataract surgery and laser-assisted surgery (blade free).Both methods are effective and safe, but differ in technique.
Traditional Cataract Surgery
Traditional cataract surgery is safe and extremely effective. A surgeon makes a tiny incision in the side of the cornea to remove your clouded lens. Using a process called phacoemulsification, your surgeon will insert a small probe in your eye. The device releases ultrasound waves that break up the lens so it can be suctioned out.
Using the same small incision, your surgeon will then insert the IOL into your eye. The incision is so tiny that it usually does not even require sutures, and the eye tissue seals itself. This procedure is done on an outpatient basis, takes about 15-20 minutes, and has a very quick recovery time. Most patients are back to normal activities within a day or two.
Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery (Blade Free)
This procedure provides the same outcome as traditional cataract surgery but uses a different method. It utilizes a femtosecond laser to break up cataracts. Your surgeon will use special software to create a surgical plan with a 3-D image of the eye. The plan includes the location, depth, and length of the cataract in all planes. Using the unique map of your eye and the settings created in the software, the femtosecond laser will actually create the incisions and assist in the cataract removal.
Light energy from the laser causes disruption of tissue borders with minimal damage to nearby tissue. The old lens is removed, and then, the new lens is inserted. Recovery time is very similar to traditional cataract and most patients are back to normal activities in a day or two.
Which method is best for you?
When having a cataract evaluation at ECT, your doctor will talk to your about your options. Both methods have proven success rates. Bottom line, if you have a cataract you should take steps to have it removed because if it’s not removed the cataract can cause blindness.
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June is Cataract Awareness Month
How is a cataract detected?
Cataract is detected through a comprehensive cataract evaluation eye exam that may include the following tests:
- Visual Acuity: A visual acuity test measures your quality of vision at certain distances. Your doctor will ask you to read letters of various sizes from a chart. Your eyes will be tested individually and together to measure the accuracy of your eyesight at different distances. A visual acuity test is an easy, painless, and quick way to diagnosis cataracts, although more tests will be needed to make sure cataracts are the cause of your vision problems.
- Contrast Sensitivity: Contrast sensitivity testing is similar to visual acuity testing but places greater emphasis on how cataracts can decrease image contrast due to light scattering and glare caused by the cataract. Eye doctors consider contrast sensitivity testing to be a more realistic measurement of true quality of vision.
- Slit Lamp: A slit lamp is a special type of microscope that magnifies your eye so your doctor can examine the lens to determine the presence and severity of a cataract. Your doctor will ask you to place your chin on the chin rest of the slit lamp. A light will then be directed at your eye. By looking through the slit lamp, your doctor can examine the lens to determine the degree to which it is clouded.
- Pupil Dilation: Pupil dilation is a common test used in diagnosing cataracts. Clouding of the lens is not noticeable until a cataract reaches an advanced stage. When your eye is dilated, however, the pupil increases in size, offering a view of your entire lens. By thoroughly examining the lens, a doctor can determine whether or not a cataract is affecting your quality of vision.
If you have or think you have a cataract, we recommend you talk to your family optometrist or schedule a cataract evaluation with us at one of our five locations.
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Cataract Surgery
If your doctor tells you that you have a cataract and it should be removed, it may be frightening to consider. But, once you understand what a cataract is, how it will be removed, and the life-changing benefits cataract surgery can bring, you’ll likely wish you’d had the procedure sooner.
Did you know a cataract can progress until eventually there is a complete loss of vision in your eye and neither diet nor medical treatment will make a cataract go away? However, cataract surgery can help restore your vision. Our surgeons, Dr. Mark Mayo and Dr. Edward Wade offer state-of-the-art cataract procedure – performed without the need of needles, sutures or patches, offering patients a rapid, more comfortable recovery of clear vision.
Today, cataract surgery is the most common surgical procedure performed in the U.S. and one of the most successful! At the time of surgery the cataract is removed and you will receive a lens implant that will help correct your vision. Historically, neither astigmatism nor presbyopia (the need for reading glasses) was surgically correctable, which required patients to wear glasses after cataract surgery. With today’s amazing technology, cataract patients are given the opportunity to correct the majority of their vision problems by choosing full range vision IOLs. Thousands of ECT’s cataract patients have chosen full range vision IOLs and now enjoy life without glasses!
The lens that is best suited for your vision depends on the unique characteristics of your eye and lifestyle. At Eye Center of Texas, you will not only find a multitude of surgical options to fit your needs, but a caring staff and doctors to help guide you through the process.
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Cataract Surgery Now Gives Patients GREAT Options…
The old stigma of being diagnosed with cataracts has been transformed through technology into some pretty exciting choices! Intraocular Lenses (IOLs) are lens implants that are placed in the eye after the eye’s natural crystalline lens is removed because of a cataract. At Eye Center of Texas, we offer several IOL options to meet your overall vision goals and lifestyle after cataract surgery:
Monofocal (traditional) IOLs provide a single focal point designed to provide clear distance vision. This means you will be able to see objects far away and will most likely need glasses for reading and any type of close detailed work.
Multifocal (Presbyopia-Correcting) IOL
Most people over age 50 lose their ability to read without glasses due to presbyopia. Multifocal (Premium) IOLs now make it possible to regain the close-up vision you may have had when you were younger.
Multifocal IOLs have multiple focal points, designed to replace the natural lens affected by the cataract and correct presbyopia (the ability to focus up close) in order to provide a full range of vision; near, far and in-between. The Multifocal Lens design also offers enhanced image quality.
Toric (Astigmatism-Correcting) IOL
Toric IOLs can correct astigmatism, which is a condition where the cornea is warped so light rays entering the eye cannot focus on one spot of the retina. This results in distorted, blurry or even double vision. Toric IOLs are lenses with a single focal point to provide distance vision and enhanced image quality.
Prescription Glasses
Corrective eyeglasses or contact lens can be worn following cataract surgery to correct excess astigmatism to allow for best corrected vision.
To learn more about IOL options, please feel free to contact Kathy or Steve at 713-395-1515.
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Our Locations
Houston/Bellaire
6565 W. Loop S., Suite 650Bellaire, TX 77401
Medical Office:
713-797-1010
Medical Fax:
713-357-7276
LASIK/Near Vision:
Office: 713-395-1515
Fax: 713-357-7278
Pasadena
4415 Crenshaw RoadPasadena, TX 77504
Medical Office:
281-977-8800
Medical Fax:
281-977-8877
Sugar Land
15200 S.W. Freeway, Suite 130Sugar Land, TX 77478
Medical Office:
281-277-1010
Medical Fax:
281-277-4504
Clear Lake
455 E. Medical Center Blvd., Suite 110Webster, TX 77598
Medical Office:
281-332-1397
Medical Fax:
281-282-9152
Katy
Greenhouse Medical Plaza2051 Greenhouse Road, Suite 110
Houston, TX 77084
Medical Office:
713-797-1010
Medical Fax:
281-214-2971
The Woodlands/Conroe
100 Medical Center Blvd., Suite 118Conroe, TX 77304
Medical Office:
713-797-1010
Medical Fax:
936-647-1620