Who is a candidate for corneal transplant? While corneal transplant surgery isn’t the right option for everybody, it is one of the most common and successful forms of transplant surgeries. If you’re looking to restore your vision after corneal disease or a traumatic injury, you may be a good candidate. The experts at Eye Center of Texas are here to walk you through the techniques and risks of a corneal transplant in Houston.

Why would someone need a cornea transplant?

A corneal transplant replaces the diseased or scarred part of your cornea with healthy tissue from a donor. It is generally recommended for someone who has a corneal disease that cannot be treated with a less-invasive treatment — like glasses or medication — or for someone whose cornea has suffered irreversible damage.

If you have or had any of the following conditions, you may qualify for a transplant:

• Scarring from infection (eye herpes or fungal keratitis)
• Scarring from eyelashes rubbing against the cornea (trichiasis)
• Inherited eye diseases (Fuchs’ dystrophy)
• Corneal ulcers or “sores”
• Corneal abrasion
• Corneal rejection from first surgery
• Advanced keratoconus
• Rare complications from LASIK surgery
• Chemical burns of the cornea
• Excessive corneal swelling
• Organ rejection from previous corneal transplant
• Cataract surgical complications

Keep reading: Cornea damage symptoms

Common Corneal Transplant Surgical Techniques

Full Thickness Corneal Transplant

In a full thickness corneal transplant, also known as a penetrating keratoplasty (PK), the surgeon will replace all of the layers of the cornea with tissue from a donor. The procedure only takes 30 to 60 minutes to perform. But since it is the most invasive, as you are replacing the entire cornea, the healing time for this procedure is longer. A full thickness corneal transplant can take up to one year to achieve full vision.

Partial Thickness Corneal Transplant (DSEK, DMEK, DALK)

Partial thickness corneal transplant surgery is exactly as it sounds. The surgeon will only replace certain layers of your cornea tissue depending on where the damaged tissue is. You’ll be able to return to low-impact activities about 1-2 weeks after surgery but your vision might still be blurry.

Back Layer Corneal Transplant

This is also referred to as an endothelial keratoplasty (EK) and is a procedure done to remove and replace unhealthy tissue from the back layer of the cornea. Full recovery for a back layer corneal transplant is about 4-6 months.

What is the success rate of a corneal transplant?

As mentioned, corneal transplant surgery is one of the most successful of all tissue transplants in America with the success rate landing at 90% in the first year. Corneal transplants can last around 10 years before needing to be replaced but may fail earlier. If the graft does fail, a corneal transplant can be repeated. For a majority of patients, vision after corneal transplant will improve after a year of healing and repeated transplants tend to yield good results.

If you are still struggling with acute vision loss after your cornea transplant has fully healed, you may be a good PRK or LASIK eye surgery candidate.

What are the risks of a cornea transplant?

Although this is a relatively safe and effective surgery, as with any surgery, there are still risks. Your ophthalmologist will walk you through which surgical technique they believe to be the best fit for your case as well as the risks and what to expect during recovery. You can lessen your risk and recovery time by following your doctor’s recommendations, avoid rubbing your eyes, and refrain from high-impact activities that could damage your cornea, including swimming.

The risks of a cornea transplant include:

• Infection
• Cataracts
• Bleeding in the eye
• Prolonged or problematic healing
• Anesthesia complications
• Refractive errors requiring glasses
• General surgical complications
• Organ tissue rejection
• Eye problems such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, detached retina, and astigmatism

Signs of organ rejection

Rejection of the donated cornea occurs when the immune system recognizes the donated tissue as foreign and begins to destroy it. It only occurs in about 18-21% of patients and your risk depends on several factors. One of which being whether you comply with your medication protocol following the transplant.

Tell your doctor if you notice any of the following symptoms, even one as small as “my cornea is red,” immediately. If addressed quickly, you may be able to reverse the rejection and save the transplanted cornea.

• Eye pain
• Sensitivity to light
• Red eyes
• Cloudy or hazy vision
• Infection
• Bleeding

Corneal transplant surgery at Eye Center of Texas

If you’ve decided to inquire about it after learning who is a candidate for corneal transplant and are looking for ophthalmologists in Houston, trust Eye Center of Texas. We have the best corneal transplant surgeons and are recommended by more than 300 Houston eye doctors including Dr. Yasir Ahmed who specializes in cornea surgeries. Our sub-specialty trained surgeons stay on the cutting edge of surgical and clinical procedures including corneal transplants. 

To learn more about whether corneal transplant surgery is right for you, contact us today at 713-797-1010 or request an appointment online.

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• The Top Benefits of Femtosecond Laser Cataract Surgery
• Expectations: Your Vision After Getting Cataract Surgery in One Eye
• Your Guide on What to Expect After LASIK
• What Causes Macular Degeneration?

If you have suffered from an eye disease or have scarred corneal tissue, you may be a good candidate for a cornea transplant in Houston.

The cornea is the outermost layer of your eye. It is responsible for filtering light and accounts for 65-75% of your eye’s focusing power. Like any other part of the body, the cornea is susceptible to inflammation (called keratitis), infections, degenerations, inherited diseases like ​​Fuchs’ dystrophy, and trauma. Depending on the severity, the damaged tissue can be replaced with either a full thickness corneal transplant (penetrating keratoplasty), partial thickness corneal transplant, or a back layer corneal transplant (endothelial keratoplasty, or EK).

Eye Center of Texas cornea subspecialty trained surgeons can help improve your vision with cornea surgery. We are recommended by more than 300 Houston eye doctors and stay on the cutting-edge of surgical advancements so that you can be sure you’re always getting the most up-to-date care.

Who is a good candidate for corneal transplant?

You might be wondering who is a good candidate for corneal transplant. A cornea transplant is an option for anyone with a damaged cornea accompanied by vision impairment that cannot be corrected by glasses or contact lenses. The following conditions put you at risk for cornea failure and may require a cornea transplant to relieve the symptoms:

• Scarring from infection (eye herpes or fungal keratitis)
• Scarring from eyelashes rubbing against the cornea (trichiasis)
• Inherited eye diseases (Fuchs’ dystrophy)
• Corneal ulcers or “sores”
• Corneal abrasion symptoms
• Advanced keratoconus
• Rare complications from LASIK surgery
• Chemical burns of the cornea
• Excessive corneal swelling
• Organ rejection from previous corneal transplant
• Cataract surgical complications

Continue reading: what to do for corneal abrasion.

Common Types of Corneal Transplant Surgery Options

Full Thickness Corneal Transplant

A penetrating keratoplasty (PK) replaces all of the layers of your cornea. Your ophthalmologist may suggest this procedure if you have suffered a severe cornea injury, bulging, and/or scarring.

Partial Thickness Corneal Transplant

Also known as a deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK), during a partial thickness cornea transplant, the surgeon replaces only the outer and middle layers of your cornea. This is a better option for individuals whose scarring does not reach the inner layers. Since the procedure doesn’t open up your eye, the healing time and chance for infection or eye damage decreases.

Endothelial Keratoplasty (EK)

Doctors usually opt for a back layer corneal transplant if the patient suffers from Fuchs’ dystrophy or other medical conditions. There are two types of endothelial keratoplasty: Descemet’s stripping endothelial keratoplasty (DSEK) and Descemet’s membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK). An EK is for patients with damage only to the inner layer.

Recovery After a Corneal Transplant

The recovery time for a cornea transplant will depend on what type of transplant you have. PKs take the longest to recover since they require a full transplant. You will generally get to enjoy the final results after 18 months. DALKs require less recovery time than PKs. And EKs can sometimes heal between a few weeks and a couple of months.

You can speed up recovery time by taking good care of your eyes and avoiding activities that could scratch or damage your corneas including contact sports and rubbing your eyes.

Cornea Transplant Risk and Rejection

Although it’s only an issue in about 18-21% of cornea transplants, as with any transplant surgeries, there is a possibility for organ rejection. This happens when your immune system believes that the new tissue is a foreign body and tries to destroy it. Keep watch for the following symptoms that your body is rejecting the donor tissue:

• Eye pain
• Sensitivity to light
• Red eyes
• Cloudy or hazy vision
• Infection
• Bleeding

If you notice any of these symptoms, even one as seemingly small as noticing that my cornea is red, call Eye Center of Texas immediately. Your ophthalmologist may be able to use medication to stop your body from rejecting the transplanted cornea.

Other risks include infection and various eye problems such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, detached retina, and astigmatism.

Commonly asked questions

What is the success rate of a cornea transplant?

The success rate of a cornea transplant in favorable patients is as high as 90% in the first year. The three most common causes for graft failure include organ rejection, infection, and glaucoma.

Technology is improving everyday and with that, newer techniques are coming out that result in better visual outcomes, lower rates of organ rejection, and faster healing time. Our team of surgeons at Eye Center of Texas stay up-to-date on all micro-surgical procedure advancements so that we are always offering you the safest, most advanced surgical techniques.

How long does a corneal transplant last?

A corneal transplant can last up to 10 years without complications. If the graft does fail or you do start to experience some complications, corneal transplant surgery can be repeated.

How much is a cornea transplant in Texas?

Cost should never be a barrier to getting you the eye care you need. Speak with our doctors and staff to find a solution that works for your financial needs.

Trust Eye Center of Texas with your cornea transplant in Houston.

When it comes to choosing a surgeon for your cornea transplant in Houston, who you pick matters. Eye Center of Texas is a results-driven team of Texas eye specialists made up of some of the best-trained surgeons in Houston. Our doctors have years of experience providing the highest level of care for cornea transplant patients including Dr. Yasir Ahmed who is a top cornea specialist in our region.

Contact us today at 713-797-1010 or request an appointment online for the best cornea transplant Houston has to offer.

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What causes floaters and flashes in eyes? You might have experienced black spots or flashes that quickly disappear from your vision. Perhaps they have been persisting for a long time and are beginning to interfere with daily life. If you have been concerned about this, have no fear, Eye Center of Texas is here to help with eye floaters and flashes.

Do floaters and flashes go away?

Normally, eye floaters and flashes go away on their own. Microscopic fibers in your vitreous, or jelly-like material in your eye can cast shadows on your retina and lead you to see flashes, black spots, or other visual phenomena. As we age, however, it is normal and natural for this gel to start to thicken or shrink, which creates clumps or strands. Eventually, the vitreous gel starts to separate from the retina. This condition is known as Posterior Vitreous Detachment or PVD. As a result, we tend to see many more eye floaters and flashes as we get older. Because it’s a normal phenomenon, we can never truly get rid of them completely. However, they can be reduced in severity, if it impacts your day-to-day activities. 

What happens when eye floaters won’t go away? If this happens, you might wish to seek treatment to greatly reduce the occurrence of eye floaters and flashes. Eye Center of Texas provides YAG (yttrium-aluminum-garnet) laser vitreolysis that uses a powerful laser to eliminate floaters in a safe and painless procedure. 

Floaters might be one of the side effects after cataract surgery. It’s not that they suddenly appeared, they are just easier to see with the clearer vision you now have after cataract surgery.

Are floaters and flashes serious? 

Floaters and flashes are not usually serious. However, if they are severe enough, they can seriously affect your quality of life or even put you at risk. It might make watching television, reading a book, or working at your computer a difficult or frustrating experience. If you are driving on the road or working heavy machinery, they can potentially distract you,  putting others’ lives at risk, not to mention your own. 

There are more rare complications from posterior vitreous detachment that can lead to serious medical injury. When posterior vitreous detachment causes scar tissue to form on the surface of the retina, this can result in macular pucker, also known as a retinal pucker, which can distort your vision even further. If you suddenly have a sudden burst of eye floaters and flashes, this can indicate retinal tears or even retinal detachment. Posterior vitreous detachment can sometimes pull too strongly on the surface of the retina, causing holes or tears. If this happens, you should seek medical treatment immediately, as this can lead to a severe loss of vision.

Eye floaters and flashes can also be indicative of severe diabetic retinopathy, a diabetic eye disease that can lead to blindness. This condition is a result of an excess of glucose in the blood vessels of the retina. As it cannot be reversed, it is crucial that you identify it as soon as possible. If you have diabetes and are experiencing eye floaters and flashes, you should regularly seek consultation from one of our experts at Eye Center of Texas.

What can I do about eye floaters and flashes?

If eye floaters and flashes are plaguing you on a day-to-day basis, or you’ve experienced an alarming uptick in their frequency, you might wish to seek medical treatment. Luckily the Eye Center of Texas team is here to help. With a cutting-edge eye floaters treatment like YAG laser vitreolysis, our retina specialists carefully remove the clumps or strands in your vitreous in a safe, painless, and prompt procedure.  

We here at Eye Center of Texas are experts on laser treatment for floaters.

Now that you have more information on what causes floaters and flashes in eyes, the retina specialists at Eye Center of Texas are here to help you with any questions and floater treatment options you may need. We have years of experience treating eye diseases and vision issues with only the safest, most advanced surgical techniques and technology. 

Give us a call at 713-797-1010 or request an appointment online at any of our convenient locations today.

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• What Causes Presbyopia? 
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• What to Expect After LASIK

If you’ve been seeing more dark shapes or cobwebs in your vision, it might be time to consider laser treatment for floaters. Floaters are normal, but if you notice an increase in their occurrence, or if they are beginning to interfere with your daily life, you should contact a retina specialist immediately. You don’t have to put up with floaters forever –– laser vitreolysis doctors at Eye Center of Texas can help. See how this new treatment for eye floaters can provide relief.

What are floaters?

Floaters are caused by microscopic fibers in your vitreous, the jelly-like material that fills the space between the lens and the retina in your eye. Collagen, an important protein that makes up part of the vitreous gel, is usually the primary culprit of floaters. These cast shadows on your retina and lead you to see dark spots, specks, clouds or other visual anomalies. 

Why am I seeing more floaters now?

As we get older, the sac in our eye that contains vitreous gel begins to separate from the rear eyewall causing clumps of collagen to break up or clump together to create more floaters. This condition, known as macular pucker, can lead to a serious impact on our quality of vision, making even normal tasks like reading or watching television difficult. While this can sound trivial, it also poses a risk while driving as floaters can lead to dangerous distractions on the road.

An increase in floaters might also point to a more serious eye problem. It might be a symptom of severe diabetic retinopathy, an excess of glucose in the blood vessels of the retina. Vitreous detachment can lead to retinal tearing or even retinal detachment. So if you are seeing a large amount of floaters in one or both eyes, seek medical treatment immediately. 

Is there a treatment for eye floaters? 

Thanks to rapid advances in medical laser technology in the recent decades, what once would have required invasive surgery can now be treated quickly and with only minimal discomfort and side effects. Laser treatment for floaters, or YAG (yttrium-aluminum-garnet) laser vitreolysis is a procedure in which a laser targets floaters with pinpoint accuracy. These clumps are then broken up or dissolved by the laser. This new treatment for eye floaters now provides immediate relief from floaters without the risks associated with surgery.

What is the YAG laser vitreolysis procedure like?

Laser treatment for floaters is done in a short 10 to 15 minute procedure. Beforehand, our retina specialists may need to perform an OCT (ocular computerized tomography) to identify the location and size of the floaters in your eye using an infrared scan.  Numbing eye drops or local anesthetic will ensure you feel minimal discomfort. A special device is used to ensure that your eye stays open and a magnification lens will focus and target on the floater or floaters. The YAG laser will focus on the floater(s) and vaporize them into a gas that is reabsorbed by the eye. In the event that the floater is particularly large or located near an important structure in the eye, you may need to schedule more than one visit. 

After the procedure, you will need to come in for follow up checks to ensure the procedure was successful. You should experience relief from floaters within 30 minutes. There might be some discomfort initially, but it should go away quickly. You should avoid driving for a day or two after the procedure and be very careful around your eyes. If possible, you might want to take a couple days off work afterwards. Be sure to attend your follow-up consultations and take any medications or eye drops as prescribed.

Is laser treatment for floaters safe?

While YAG laser vitreolysis is very safe, like any medical procedure, it is not without risks. These include increased intraocular pressure resulting in glaucoma, inducement of cataract following surgery, retinal tear, retinal detachment, retinal hemorrhage, and increased quantity of floaters. But it is important to note that these are extremely rare. According to a comprehensive study of all YAG laser vitreolysis procedures between September 19, 2016 and March 16, 2017, only 15 patients reported any complications related to the procedure. 

As with any medical procedure, speak with your doctor if you have any concerns concerning YAG laser vitreolysis.

Am I a good candidate for laser treatment?

If you are experiencing floaters that impact your daily tasks like reading or driving, or last for more than four months, you might want to consider laser treatment. However, it is important that you do not have more serious eye problems such as retinal tears or detachments, cataracts, or clouding of the cornea or lens. You can still have laser treatment for floaters if you have had cataract surgery. 

Learn more about  laser treatment for floaters from a specialist at Eye Center of Texas

Now that you have more information on laser treatment for floaters, the retina specialists at Eye Center of Texas are here to help you with any questions and floater treatment options you may need. We have years of experience treating eye diseases and vision issues with only the safest, most advanced surgical techniques and technology.

Give us a call at 713-797-1010 or request an appointment online at any of our convenient locations today.

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• What Causes Presbyopia? 
• Femtosecond Laser Cataract Surgery
• Find an Ophthalmologist in Houston You Can Trust
• Cataract Surgery in One Eye: Everything You Need to Know
• What to Expect After LASIK

With today’s range of presbyopia treatment options, reading glasses no longer have to be your reality. From multifocal contact lenses to presbyopia surgery, such as monovision LASIK, you are no longer limited to the options your grandparents had. 

Eye Center of Texas understands the latest vision enhancement technology and strives to give patients the best outcome possible. Let us assess your vision and give you the facts and recommendations you need to make the best decision for your future.

What is presbyopia?

Presbyopia, also known as “near vision,” is caused by the lenses in your eyes becoming less flexible, which makes it hard for them to focus on up-close objects. 

Even if you haven’t experienced presbyopia yourself, you’ve likely seen people “convey” the condition by holding books or newspapers far away from their faces in order to read them. 

Presbyopia affects men and women at nearly the same rates. It typically onsets in your early to mid-40s and worsens until around age 65. 

Knowing age is what causes presbyopia and not genetics means everyone is in the same boat; most people experience presbyopia to some extent later in life. 

Do I have presbyopia? 

Since it’s easy to confuse presbyopia with other common vision problems, let’s take a moment to break these issues down and differentiate between them.  

• Myopia/nearsightedness: When you can see objects up close, but things far away are blurry.
• Hyperopia/farsightedness: When you can see objects far away but things up close are blurry. 
• Presbyopia / near vision: When you gradually lose your ability to see up close due to age. In other words, presbyopia is age-related farsightedness. 

Your surgical presbyopia treatment options

Presbyopia is not reversible, but if you want to live a life without glasses, correcting presbyopia is possible. If you’re wondering, If you wear bifocals, can you get LASIK or LASIK-like treatments? the answer is often yes. 

Refractive lens exchange 

Refractive lens exchange is a type of presbyopia surgery that involves replacing the lenses in your eyes with an Intraocular presbyopia lens. The procedure is similar to cataract surgery but, in this instance, the natural lens being replaced has not yet become clouded by a cataract.

Finding the right type of presbyopia lens is the most challenging part of this presbyopia treatment option, so it is critical to work with an experienced optometrist to discuss what type of lens is best for you. Options include multifocal contact lenses, monofocal lenses, and more. 

Monovision LASIK

Also called blended vision LASIK, Monovision LASIK is a presbyopia treatment similar to typical laser eye surgery. The biggest difference is that Monovision LASIK does not fully correct both eyes. Many people who wear bifocals choose to get this type of LASIK to improve their vision and reduce the hassle of wearing frames or contacts. 

During the procedure, one eye (typically your dominant eye) is corrected while the other is made partially nearsighted. This mimics the effects of bifocals and allows your eyes to work together to see objects both near and far.

Get Presbyopia Treatment at Eye Center of Texas

Eye Center of Texas has helped tens of thousands of patients like you get the vision you deserve. Our team has performed presbyopia surgery in Houston for many patients to restore their near vision and is happy to discuss this option in more detail during an office visit. 

To discover which presbyopia treatment option is right for you, call us at 713-797-1010 or request an appointment online at any of our many Houston-area locations.

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Can presbyopia be corrected LASIK? While presbyopia cannot be corrected with the standard LASIK procedure specifically, there is a type of laser surgery called Monovision LASIK that can provide relief from presbyopia (if farsightedness is your only issue). Learn more about presbyopia surgery in Houston and what treatment options are best for you. 

Prefer to speak with one of Houston’s best optometrists directly rather than reading articles? Contact Eye Center of Texas! We are happy to explain treatment options and answer any questions you may have, such as: If you wear bifocals, can you get LASIK?

What is presbyopia?

If you’re over 40 years old and find it difficult to see up close without squinting or creating distance with an outstretched arm, then you likely have presbyopia. Don’t worry, it’s one of the most common vision problems. 

Almost everyone experiences presbyopia to some extent later in life. What causes presbyopia? Age! Your eyes lose their flexibility to easily adjust to different distances.

Understanding Monovision LASIK

Monovision LASIK, also known as blended vision LASIK, is a refractive surgery in which one eye (typically your dominant eye) is corrected while the other eye is made partially nearsighted, also known as blended vision LASIK. Your brain connects the dots to provide you with a clear image, helping to improve near vision and distance vision.

As your eyes continue to age, the cornea may require further reshaping with other forms of LASIK surgery to maintain perfect vision. Glasses or contacts can also be added down the road if necessary.

Should I get Monovision LASIK for presbyopia? 

Once people know the answer to the question Can presbyopia be corrected LASIK? the follow-up question tends to be: am I a candidate for Monovision LASIK? 

So long as your eyes are healthy in general (no chronic conditions) and your corneas have the minimum thickness necessary for laser eye surgery, you are likely a good candidate health-wise for LASIK. Even if you develop near vision after a previous LASIK procedure, laser treatment for presbyopia after LASIK may still be possible.

That said, many people benefit from trying Monovision contact lenses before opting to get Monovision LASIK. Doing so can help you see whether you can adjust to Monovision successfully, or if you find it uncomfortable. 

It’s important to keep in mind that most presbyopia treatments do involve some form of compromise. 

• If you choose monovision, although your vision may work well for almost all purposes, it might take some time to adjust, and some people never feel entirely comfortable with the change. 
• If you have both eyes corrected for either nearsightedness or farsightedness, you will need glasses or contact lenses to compensate for whichever distance you did not choose. 

If these options don’t sound attractive, that’s OK. Sometimes reading glasses or contact lenses are the best choice to correct presbyopia and other times surgery makes the most sense. 

Additional types of presbyopia treatments

Refractive Lens Exchange 

Refractive lens exchange (RLE) is a procedure in which a doctor replaces your eye’s natural lens with a synthetic, intraocular lens rather than reshaping the cornea. RLE is a more permanent solution than Monovision LASIK and provides near vision and distant vision simultaneously in both eyes.

Monovision LASIK is considered less invasive than RLE, but both procedures have high satisfaction levels. An in-depth presbyopia surgery in Houston consultation can help determine which style you may be a better candidate for, which presbyopia lens is right for you (if applicable), and provide more info about the results you can expect.

Monovision LASIK at Eye Center of Texas

So, can presbyopia be corrected with LASIK? Monovision LASIK can provide surgical correction for presbyopia, but it’s best to consult with a professional to see whether this option is right for you. 

At Eye Center of Texas, it’s our goal to improve the quality of your life and give you the best vision possible. The desire with Monovision LASIK is that you will have perfect vision and never need to wear glasses again following surgery. 

To discover which presbyopia treatment option is right for you, call us at 713-797-1010 or schedule an appointment online at any of our many Houston-area locations.

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What causes presbyopia (aka over age 40 vision)? This is a common question amongst patients around age 40 or older. Do you have the need to wear a pair of reading glasses when flipping through the newspaper or your favorite book? Do you have to hold your phone far away from your face to read the text on the screen? This inability to read something up close is called presbyopia. 

Presbyopia is a condition caused by the natural aging process of your eyes during which an individual begins to lose the ability to focus visually on nearby objects. The lenses in our eyes begin to lose flexibility around age 40 and become hardened, which makes it more difficult to see objects that are nearby. For more information on presbyopia and how it is diagnosed, view our article on What is near vision?

Though this condition is becoming more common amongst adults, there are several means of presbyopia treatment to alleviate symptoms. 

Symptoms of presbyopia  

Presbyopia does not have many cut-and-dry symptoms. To put it plainly, if you have to hold your phone screen far away from your face to read a text message, it’s likely you have presbyopia. Eyestrain and headaches when doing close-up work or struggling to read small print are also common symptoms.  

Presbyopia can occur regardless of your vision history and affects all races and genders. Because presbyopia is caused by aging, it has been nicknamed the “over age 40 vision.” Even if you haven’t experienced eye problems in the past, all eye doctors recommend getting checked for presbyopia as you turn 40. 

How do you fix presbyopia? 

Can you prevent presbyopia? No, presbyopia is caused by the natural aging process.  Receiving regular eye checkups before and after you turn 40 increases your chances of having healthy eyes for longer. However, there are treatment options available for alleviating the symptoms. 

Many people choose to wear bifocals to correct their near vision, but there are some patients who prefer to live life glasses-free. In that case, we would recommend eye surgery. Eye Center of Texas offers simple surgery options for presbyopia treatment:

• Refractive lens exchange (RLE) is a procedure in which a doctor replaces your eye’s natural lens with a synthetic one (an intraocular lens) which can help treat presbyopia. This is a more common method for treating near vision problems. 
• Conventional LASIK surgery is not performed to cure presbyopia; however, there is a specific LASIK for presbyopia procedure called Monovision LASIK in which one eye (typically your dominant eye) will be corrected while the other eye is is made partially nearsighted (also known as blended vision LASIK). Find out if you’re a good candidate for LASIK procedure on our website.

The advanced technology at Eye Center of Texas is designed to improve vision problems in aging eyes. It’s never too late or too early to start thinking about presbyopia treatment.

Our experts at Eye Center of Texas are here to help you find presbyopia relief.

Now that you’re aware of what causes presbyopia, the staff at Eye Center of Texas is here to help you with any questions and presbyopia treatment options you may need. We have years of experience treating eye diseases and vision issues with only the safest, most advanced cataract surgical techniques and technology. 

Give us a call at 713-797-1010 or request an appointment online at any of our convenient locations today.

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• What Causes Macular Degeneration
• What to Expect After Cataract Surgery
• Cataract Lens Options
• Wet vs. Dry Macular Degeneration 
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Femtosecond laser cataract surgery is a great alternative to traditional cataract surgery. In fact, many ophthalmologists would say it’s an all-around better choice. 

This being said, cataract surgery as a whole is considered an extremely safe and effective surgery. So, whether you opt for laser-assisted cataract surgery or traditional surgery, you can rest easy knowing that you’ve opted for surgery with a high success rate and that you’re on the road to better vision.

But what is femtosecond laser cataract surgery? And what are the advantages of femtosecond laser cataract surgery? Let’s dig a little deeper.

What is a femtosecond laser?

A femtosecond laser is an infrared laser that is leveraged in a handful of different eye surgeries (not just cataract surgery). 

During cataract surgery, the femtosecond laser is used in lieu of a handheld blade to break apart tissue, and it is used in conjunction with a camera and computer to accurately map out the surface of the eye. 

The laser receives information from the computer that tells it where to create an incision — taking into consideration depth and size, as well. All of these steps result in more precision and predictability in femtosecond laser cataract surgery compared to traditional cataract surgery. 

What are the benefits of using a femtosecond laser?

When it comes to laser surgery vs. traditional surgery for cataracts, safety is certainly a benefit with both, and the cataract surgery success rate, in general, sits at around 98%. 

But when it comes to femtosecond laser cataract surgery, in particular, you can expect things to run even more safely and smoothly. This is due to the added precision and predictability of using a computer-controlled laser — as opposed to relying on the skill and expertise your doctor has with a handheld blade.

Reduced likelihood of side effects

Whether you choose to go with traditional or blade-free cataract surgery, you’ll be up against the same side effects — which can include everything from infection and bleeding to detachment and pressure. However, with computer-controlled surgery, the added precision can help you out once again by decreasing your chances of experiencing cataract surgery side effects. 

The quicker, more accurate nature of the laser can only improve the recovery process.

Another thing to consider is that traditional surgery is largely reliant on your surgeon and his or her experience and skill. If your surgeon is not that comfortable with traditional cataract surgery, then you could suffer from a variety of complications, like irregular cuts and trauma. 

With a laser-assisted cataract surgery like femtosecond laser cataract surgery, an irregular cut isn’t a concern, and your eye will be under less trauma since the laser operates in less time than a handheld blade.

Learn more: Is cataract surgery safe? 

Reduced likelihood of manual complications

Femtosecond lasers are extremely precise, consistent, and reliable, and there are a handful of potential issues this laser nearly eliminates simply due to its overall precision. This includes when a cornea flap is cut too thick by the surgeon. 

This particular issue is quite common with traditional cataract surgery and can lead to bulging, which ultimately causes deteriorating vision. Since femtosecond laser cataract surgery maps out the eye and lays out depth and location for the laser, an improperly cut cornea is rare.

Increased likelihood of a seamless recovery

If you were debating between laser-assisted cataract surgery and traditional surgery, the recovery timeline might come up during your decision process. However, when it comes to recovery, there really are no distinct differences between the two surgeries (so long as there are no complications) and you should expect to see clearly within two weeks. 

Keep in mind, though… if you do end up experiencing complications that are typically more common with traditional cataract surgery, then your recovery timeline will be much longer. 

Interested in learning more about femtosecond laser cataract surgery?

If you’ve decided to move forward with cataract surgery but not sure if femtosecond laser cataract surgery is the right choice, we’d love to talk with you. At Eye Center of Texas, we’re home to some of the best cataract surgeons in Houston, and we can help you better understand the benefits of femtosecond laser surgery for cataracts. 

To learn more about laser cataract surgery or to schedule an appointment, give us a call at 713-797-1010, or contact us online.

More Helpful Articles by Eye Center of Texas: 

• What Causes Macular Degeneration
• What to Expect After Cataract Surgery
• Cataract Lens Options
• Wet vs. Dry Macular Degeneration 
• Can Cataracts Go Away Naturally?

The Houston Ophthalmologists at Eye Center of Texas have been helping Houstonians improve their eye health and vision for over 30 years. We proudly offer cutting-edge treatments and services for cataracts, LASIK, near vision (presbyopia), glaucoma, macular degeneration, keratoconus, other retina and cornea disorders, and eyelid surgery. 

With our 6 convenient locations in Bellaire, Sugar Land, Katy, Pasadena, Clear Lake, and The Woodlands/Conroe, we are able to give thousands of individuals the state-of-the-art treatment and patient-centered care they deserve every year. 

Read on to learn more about our exceptional team and services, then come and see why over 300 Houston-area eye doctors refer their patients directly to Eye Center of Texas! 

Meet our experienced ophthalmologists in Houston 

Each and every one of our Houston ophthalmologists is board-certified and has specialized in particular aspects of eye health. Over the years, our doctors have pioneered new, safer treatments for patients.

Whether you are looking for an ophthalmologist in Katy, Houston, or elsewhere in the greater Houston area, you can rest assured that at Eye Center of Texas you will always be treated by top-tier doctors with years of experience in their field.

• Dr. Mark L. Mayo has been recognized repeatedly as a top doctor in Houston and was one of the first surgeons in Houston to offer bladeless cataract surgery. He is ranked as one of the nation’s top 10 cataract surgeons for a number of procedures using the LenSx Laser.
• Dr. Edward C. Wade was also one of the first surgeons in Houston to offer bladeless cataract surgery, has been designed by VISX as one of the top 100 LASIK surgeons in the country, and is recognized as having more experience with the ReSTOR IOL than any other surgeon in Houston.
• Dr. Paul J. Stewart specializes in vitreoretinal surgery and ocular oncology. He is the previous director at UCSF’s Ocular Oncology Service, one of the premier ocular oncology practices in the States.
• Dr. Nicholas Bell specializes in the medical, laser, and surgical management of glaucoma. He has been recognized as a Top Ophthalmologist in Houston by the International Association of Ophthalmologists.

Wondering, “Should I see an optometrist or ophthalmologist?” Get the answers you need in our article, What’s the Difference Between an Ophthalmologist and an Optometrist?

Ophthalmology services at Eye Center of Texas

Our eye doctors keep up-to-date with the latest literature and innovations in their fields so that our patients always receive the best treatment options available. 

LASIK & cataract surgery treatment

Eye Center of Texas has earned a special reputation for providing some of the best LASIK in Houston and best cataract surgery in Houston. This is because the quality of the equipment used during surgery and the experience of your surgeon can play an important role in the successful outcome of your procedure, and Eye Center of Texas not only invests in top-of-the-line equipment, but our Houston ophthalmologists are also leaders in their fields. 

Near vision (presbyopia) treatment 

Most individuals will experience presbyopia, the age-related hardening of your lens also known as “near vision,” to some extent during their lifetimes (typically after the age of 40). Eye Center of Texas offers the latest in near vision treatment that allows our patients to stay or become independent of glasses and contacts. 

Eye disease treatment

The eye is a highly complex organ and contains many components that can develop diseases or disorders. Eye Center of Texas provides thorough and patient-centered eye disease treatment for retina issues, cornea issues, and more. Our specialists will work closely with you to monitor your eye health and offer you treatment solutions using the latest, cutting-edge technology and medicine. 

Eyelid surgery

Excess skin and/or fat that causes your upper eyelids to hang over your eyes can impede vision, cause chronic irritation, and even make you look more tired than you feel. Our upper eyelid surgery in Houston (Blepharoplasty) can rid you of these frustrating vision problems while simultaneously providing you with a rejuvenated appearance. 

Our ophthalmologists in Houston are here to help you get the information and treatment you need

At Eye Center of Texas, our Houston ophthalmologists are not just leaders in the field of ophthalmology — we are avid Houstonians. We are active members of this city and the surrounding area and therefore take special pride in helping our community find relief from eye diseases and see more clearly with improved vision. 

If you are experiencing vision or eye health problems and want to work with an ophthalmologist in Houston you can count on, consider joining the Eye Center of Texas’s family of patients. 

Call us at 713-797-1010 for medical services, 713-395-1515 for LASIK, or simply request an appointment online today. 

More Helpful Articles by Eye Center of Texas: 

• What Causes Macular Degeneration? 
• What to Expect After Cataract Surgery
• Cataract Surgery Lens Options
• Wet vs. Dry Macular Degeneration
• Can Cataracts Go Away Naturally?

It’s important to know what to expect after LASIK surgery. This way, you can avoid unnecessary complications and guarantee a smooth recovery process.

LASIK is a highly effective vision correction surgery. It can have profound and lasting improvements on your vision, and post-surgery complications are extremely rare. However, the average LASIK recovery time can be up to 6 months, and this timeline can become even longer if you partake in certain activities or fail to properly care for your eyes post-surgery.

To make sure your recovery process isn’t hindered, we’ll cover what to expect after LASIK, including LASIK recovery tips and potential complications.

How long does it take for your eye to heal after LASIK?

As we just mentioned, the LASIK recovery time period lasts around 6 months. However, this is in total, and it does not mean you’ll be down for the count the entire 6 months. In fact, you can resume most normal activities after the first 24 hours. This includes driving, working, and reading. 

If you’re wondering, “Can you watch TV after LASIK?”, then you’ll be happy to know that this activity can also be resumed after 24 hours. 

Within the first week, you might notice some light sensitivity and minor eye irritation that may give you the urge to rub your eyes. In fact, approximately 95% of patients said they experienced dry eyes after LASIK. However, after the first few weeks, these side effects should almost completely disappear. For most LASIK patients, it seems that the recovery process ends right around this time. You will be able to resume nearly all normal activities (including swimming), you shouldn’t feel any further irritation, and you won’t need to wear any eye coverings.

This being said, your eyes, especially the corneal flap (to many patients’ concern), will continue to heal (even if it isn’t noticeable) up to the 6-month mark.

What should I avoid after LASIK? 

If you really want to know what to expect after LASIK, then you need to understand that there are a handful of normal activities that you need to avoid at all costs — at least for a certain time period. Here are some of the activities to avoid after your LASIK surgery:

• Do not drive, get on an airplane, or watch TV for 24-48 hours 
• • Do not wear makeup, exercise, or apply facial creams for the first week

• Avoid getting shampoo/soap in your eyes when you shower

• Do not wear contact lenses, play contact sports, or swim for up to a month

Our favorite LASIK recovery tips  

One of the best LASIK recovery tips we can offer is to make sure you avoid the list of items up above for the recommended amount of time. Below are additional tips to help make your recovery process as easy and smooth as possible.

• Remember to protect your eyes from the sun. Wear sunglasses and eye coverings when necessary.
• The recovery process is different for everyone. Stay in contact with your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.
• Attend all follow-up appointments, even if you feel you don’t need to attend them.
• Take all medications (and avoid others) as prescribed by your doctor (learn more about the recommended eye drops after LASIK).
• Ask a friend to help you out during the first day or two after the procedure. Remember, you won’t be able to drive or watch TV, which means you’ll need a ride home from the doctor’s and you may want some company. Learn more about how to help care for someone after LASIK.

What are the risks of LASIK?

Risks or complications associated with LASIK are rare. The only real concern is the possibility of infection. However, this only occurs if you’re not following our LASIK recovery tips and failing to avoid all the unsafe post-LASIK activities. For example, if you decide to swim before the first month is up, there’s a likelihood that you could suffer from some type of bacterial infection.

If you are still concerned about potential issues arising after your operation, speak with your doctor before undergoing LASIK surgery. They’ll be able to reassure you of the benefits of this low-risk procedure.

Ready to get started with LASIK? Contact Eye Center of Texas today.

With over 75,000 successful LASIK eye surgeries under our belt, we’ve quickly become the go-to spot for LASIK surgery in Texas. Our vision experts can help you understand what to expect after LASIK and provide you with the best tools for post-surgery treatment.

If you’re ready to start your LASIK journey, give us a call at 713-395-1515 or contact us online.

 
More Helpful Articles by Eye Center of Texas: 

• What Causes Macular Degeneration?
• What to Expect After Cataract Surgery
• Cataract Surgery Lens Options
• Wet vs. Dry Macular Degeneration
• Do Cataracts Go Away Naturally?