What causes macular degeneration? Though the reason for the onset of macular degeneration is unknown, science has come a long way in understanding what is actually causing the symptoms of the disease. Here’s what science currently tells us about what causes macular degeneration, as well as macular degeneration warning signs to watch out for and more.

The current science behind what causes macular degeneration 

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is an eye disease that primarily affects the central portion of the retina, known as the macula. 

In its dry (non-neovascular) form –– the most common form –– little bits of fat and protein called drusen begin to collect underneath your retina. Individual drusen are typically harmless, but when they accumulate en masse behind your retina, they start to cut off the oxygen supply to your eye. In the wet (neovascular) form of macular degeneration, abnormal blood vessels (thought to form as an effort to rid your eye of drusen) also begin to form underneath the retina. Unfortunately, these blood vessels increase the risk of fluid or blood leaking into the retina.

Dry macular degeneration is considered less serious and causes more minimal vision loss than wet macular degeneration. Please see our article for more information regarding wet vs. dry macular degeneration. 

FAQ: How long does it take to lose vision with macular degeneration?

On average, it takes approximately 10 years from diagnosis to become legally blind. In very severe cases, eyesight can be lost in as short as a few days. If you are near the age of 70, try to see your eye doctor regularly.

Macular degeneration risk factors 

While what causes these drusen to collect (and thus what causes macular degeneration onset) is still unknown, several risk factors for AMD have been identified. 

• • Age: Age is by far the biggest determining risk factor for AMD. It’s very common for individuals over the age of 70 to be diagnosed with some degree of macular degeneration.
  • Gender: Women are currently considered to be more likely to get AMD than men, but this may be because most women live longer than men. About ⅔ of all patients with AMD are women.
  • Smoking: People who smoke have been found more likely to have AMD. It is thought that this is due to the fact that smoking reduces the amount of oxygen that reaches your eyes.
      
  • High blood pressure: Like smoking, high blood pressure can also reduce the amount of oxygen that reaches your eyes.

Other potential risk factors include obesity, certain medications, and poor diet, although the research on linking these factors to AMD is still inconclusive. 

Signs of macular degeneration to watch out for 

There are a few symptoms to note if you suspect you may have macular degeneration. Here are some typical examples of the common signs of macular degeneration to look out for:

• Your vision is gradually becoming more blurry
• Your eyes have difficulty adjusting to different levels of light 
• You may have issues with color, depth, and texture perception
• Your vision becomes spotty  

If any of these signs of macular degeneration feel familiar, check out our article on how to self-test for macular degeneration using the macular degeneration amsler grid. 

Early detection is key to the successful treatment of macular degeneration. If macular degeneration is not detected soon enough, your vision can become more wavy and distorted at a quicker rate. 

Can you reverse macular degeneration? 

There currently are no macular degeneration treatment options that will cure you of AMD. However, if you catch the early signs, you may be able to slow the disease down. The best way to practice macular degeneration prevention is to make permanent lifestyle changes to slow the disease:

• Schedule regular eye exams 
• Quit smoking
• Incorporate vitamins A, E, and C 
• Improve your diet and exercise
• Protect your eyes from sunlight exposure 

For a deeper understanding of AMD prevention, read our article: Macular Degeneration Prevention Tips. Treatment options for AMD include laser procedures, eye injections, and certain vitamins. For more information, speak with an ophthalmologist at Eye Center of Texas. 

Don’t wait. Speak with a macular degeneration specialist at Eye Center of Texas today

Think you may be showing signs of macular degeneration? Have additional questions regarding what causes macular degeneration? A retina specialist in Houston from Eye Center of Texas can help answer your questions and work with you on how to maintain your vision. Our experience detecting and treating macular degeneration allows us to promptly answer your questions and take preventative measures. 

Call 713-797-1010 or request an appointment online today. 

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• Can Cataracts Go Away Naturally? 
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When asking about what to expect after cataract surgery, some patients want an explanation of the do’s and don’ts of cataract surgery recovery, while others simply want to know when to expect results. Improved vision is, after all, the main reason most individuals pursue blade-free or traditional cataract surgery.

Cataract surgery, especially blade-free cataract surgery, is extremely safe. At the same time, it’s natural to want to know whether there are any cataract surgery side effects and after-effects to be worried about. In this post, we’ll learn what to expect after cataract surgery over time, including information about recovery.

Getting ready for cataract surgery? See our before and after surgery checklist in our guide to Prepping for Cataract Surgery.

How long does it take to recover from cataract surgery?

Your rate of recovery will be highly dependent on the health of your eyes. However, most people can return to work one to three days after cataract surgery, and, for some it may take your eyes between three and six weeks to recover completely from the procedure.

You and your doctor should discuss your personal recovery plan before your procedure.

What to expect after cataract surgery: The day of the procedure

1. Directly after the operation

The cataract procedure itself does not take very long (between 10-20 minutes per eye). If you have been sedated or anesthetized, you will need to rest in a recovery area after your procedure for about 30 minutes to an hour.

2. Getting home

One of the first things you’ll need to do after cataract surgery is to go home and rest. However, since you’ll still be recovering from sedation, you must have someone drive you home (please note, we cannot release you to a uber or taxi driver). Before the surgery, please designate a driver (be it a friend, family member) for your transportation.

3. Vision quality the day of the procedure

Directly after your cataract surgery, you are going to experience fluctuations in the clarity of your vision that cause an overall effect of blurriness. What causes blurred vision after cataract surgery? Blurriness is most frequently caused by your eye getting accustomed to its new lens. Most patients state that their vision becomes less cloudy only 48 hours post-op.

Keep in mind, if you have floaters, they may be more visible now that you are seeing through a clear lens.

4. Activities to avoid after cataract surgery

Obviously, you will want to avoid touching your eyes directly after cataract surgery, along with the following activities:

• Strenuous exercise and heavy lifting: Exercise and heavy lifting can put pressure on your eyes. It’s fine for you to walk and to do very light physical work after your surgery, but most doctors recommend that you not bend over or lift objects for at least 24 hours after the surgery. In fact, they recommend that you avoid lifting and strenuous exertion completely until your eyes have healed.
• Cooking: As with any surgery, your body is going to experience fatigue during your recovery time. For many, that fatigue has led to difficulty in finding the energy to cook regularly, or at all. Cooking may also expose your eyes to steam or splatters of food or oil. If you like to cook, it’s wise to plan and prepare several days’ worth of meals before your surgery. If you don’t like to cook, purchasing pre-cooked meals before your surgery can save you a lot of unwanted stress.
• Swimming pools and hot tubs: Next to rubbing and touching your eyes frequently, getting into a swimming pool is perhaps the next worst thing you can do if you’re trying to prevent infections. The bacteria and chemicals in both public and private swimming pools are simply not good to have near eyes recovering from surgery. Swimming after cataract surgery is to be avoided, as is lounging in a hot tub or sauna.
• Wearing makeup: This may go without saying, but you will want to avoid applying makeup directly after your cataract surgery. Your eyes are more sensitive to infection during this time, and makeup (especially previously used makeup) can be a hotbed of bacteria. Additionally, the chemicals used to remove makeup can be harsh and are not good to have around an eye that is recovering from recent cataract surgery

5. Sleeping position after cataract surgery

We often receive questions about how to sleep after cataract surgery. Typically, cataract surgery shouldn’t actually affect your sleeping position, but if you have concerns about rubbing the eye during your sleep, you may wish to try sleeping on your back or on the opposite side of the eye which was operated on. In general, it’s more important to get quality sleep than it is to sleep in the perfect position.

What to expect after cataract surgery: The first week

1. Follow-up appointments and eye drops

Typically, patients are asked to come back for a follow-up examination both one day directly after the surgery and for another appointment one to two weeks after the procedure. These appointments help check on the health of your eye and on the new lens.

In the interim, your doctor will likely have prescribed antibiotics and anti-inflammatory eye drops to help reduce any swelling, discomfort, and risk of infection during the recovery process. Use these as recommended.

2. Fluctuations in vision quality

Patients may still be experiencing blurriness and fluctuations in vision quality during the first week of their recovery, with blurriness improving within a few days. How long does it take for your vision to stabilize after cataract surgery? Again, the vast majority of patients experience a significant degree of vision stabilization during the hours, days, and weeks after surgery, but some may continue to experience blurriness for a month or two.

The length of your vision stabilization time during recovery often depends on which cataract surgery lens options you chose to have implanted.

Typically, patients who opt for Monofocal intraocular lens (IOL), the standard IOL that’s covered by most insurances, can expect a slightly longer time before adjusting to their new vision. This is the case because Monofocal lenses correct only nearsightedness or farsightedness, but not both. Patients typically opt to correct for nearsightedness (for seeing far away objects) and then rely on glasses to help them see objects near-at-hand.

3. Activities to (continue to) avoid

As mentioned previously, most people can return to work one to three days after their cataract surgery. It is still highly recommended that you continue to avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting, cooking, swimming, hot tubs, and the use of heavy makeup during this time. After the first week or two, you can start incorporating many of these activities back into your routine with the exception of swimming. It is best to avoid swimming pools and hot tubs entirely until your eyes have completely recovered.

What to expect after cataract surgery: Six weeks post-op

After six weeks, your eyes should be healed and your vision mostly (if not completely) stabilized. Depending on the choice of IOL you made, you may now be able to enjoy a completely glasses-free lifestyle! Once this time period has elapsed, you should also feel safe participating in the activities listed above, including swimming.

Are there side effects of cataract surgery?

Cataract surgery is the world’s most common surgery. It is also one of the safest, with the vast majority of patients seeing (literally) positive outcomes. Outside of initial blurriness and dry eyes, side effects after cataract surgery are infrequent and rarely threatening.

However, patients may experience a few side effects. These are very rare and are typically caught during your post-operation checkups.

• Endophthalmitis: Blurriness after cataract surgery is sometimes indicative of a complication called endophthalmitis. Endophthalmitis is an inflammation of the eye’s interior, caused most frequently by an eye infection. Endophthalmitis is typically treatable with additional surgery and antibiotics.
• Posterior capsular opacification (CPO): Posterior capsular opacification, often called a “secondary cataract” is another type of clouding of vision after cataract surgery. This complication is typically treatable with laser surgery. For more information, please see our article: Can Cataracts Come Back After Surgery?

What to Expect After Cataract Surgery at Eye Center of Texas

Having performed over 80,000 successful cataract surgeries, the surgeons of Eye Center of Texas have transformed the lives of thousands of Houstonians. The most common cataract surgery after-effects we’ve seen? Improved vision!

Put your vision in the hands of nationally renowned blade-free cataract surgeons, and call us at 713-797-1010 or request an appointment online today to get started on your journey to better vision.

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Each patient that undergoes one of the millions of cataract surgeries performed in the USA every year must choose between the cataract surgery lens options available to them. The types of lenses available for cataract surgery has expanded over the past few decades so that patients who previously may not have an ideal lens solution after cataract surgery may now have multiple cataract surgery lens options from which to choose. 

What are the different types of lenses for cataract surgery? 

Cataracts occur when proteins break down and leave cloudy “patches” on your lens, leading to blurry vision and, in severe and/or untreated cases, blindness. The only way to get rid of cataracts is to remove and replace the clouded lens (cataracts cannot go away naturally). Since you need a lens to see properly, the removed lens must then be replaced. These replacement lenses are called intraocular lenses (IOLs) and they come in three main forms.

1. Monofocal lenses

Monofocal intraocular lenses are designed to provide optimized vision for one distance. Patients choose what distance — near, far, or intermediate — they want their new lens to accommodate. For example, many patients choose lenses set to help with far vision and use reading glasses to help them see objects that are close at hand.

If patients have cataract surgery in both eyes at once, they have additional cataract surgery lens options when it comes to monofocal lenses. Specifically, they can choose to have both IOLs set for the same distance, or they can choose to have one lens accommodate near vision and one to accommodate far vision. This latter option has been termed “monovision.”

It can take time for your brain to adjust to monovision, and some people never get used to it. If you’re interested in monovision, your ophthalmologist may recommend trying out monovision with contacts before your cataract surgery. 

2. Multifocal lenses

Multifocal intraocular lenses are often likened to bifocal or trifocal glasses; they are constructed to house separate “zones” that correct for different distances. Due to their flexibility, these lenses can greatly reduce a patient’s dependence on glasses, making them an increasingly popular cataract surgery lens option. 

A small percentage of patients do struggle to adjust to these lenses and for that reason may struggle with slightly blurred vision. Patients with multifocal lenses are also more likely to experience trouble with glare and light halos while driving at night.

3. Toric lenses

The Toric intraocular lens for astigmatism is used to help correct for astigmatism as well as replace your lens after cataract surgery. Cataract surgery lens options for astigmatism are relatively new and are often applied in combination with limbal relaxing incisions (incisions that help correct abnormalities in the curvature of the eye). Toric lenses are typically monofocal lenses, although multifocal versions are available. 

For more information on astigmatism correction, check out our short instructional video. 

Which lens is better, monofocal or multifocal? 

There is no straight answer to this question. When weighing intraocular lens implant pros and cons, you will need to consider your particular vision needs and desires. For example, if you really want to increase your chances of being able to live independently of glasses, you may want to pursue multifocal lenses. But if you frequently drive at night, you may wish to avoid multifocal lenses. 

In the end, everyone’s eyes’ ability to focus using multifocal lenses or monovision is different, which is why it’s best to discuss your cataract surgery lens options with your doctor and, if possible, even try them out before your surgery. 

Cataract surgery lens options and costs 

Some lens types are more likely to be covered by insurance than others. If the type of lens you desire is not covered, Eye Center of Texas may be able to help facilitate monthly payments via Care Credit to help you manage the cost of your cataract surgery. 

Can you change your lenses after cataract surgery?

Yes, you can change your cataract lenses after cataract surgery, although the need to do so is exceedingly rare. The vast majority of patients adjust to their new lenses easily and are happy with their performance for the rest of their lives. For more information on the longevity of cataract lenses and cataract surgery, check out our articles How Long Do Cataract Lenses Last and Can Cataracts Come Back After Surgery?

Discuss your cataract surgery lens options with a top ophthalmologist at Eye Center of Texas

Eye Center of Texas offers the latest in cataract surgery lens options. Our cataract surgeons, Dr. Mark Mayo and Dr. Edward Wade, have performed thousands of successful cataract procedures and specialize in bladeless cataract surgery. 

If you are in need of cataract surgery in Houston (or the Greater Houston area) and wish to explore your cataract surgery lens options, don’t hesitate to reach out to the professionals at Eye Center of Texas. With six locations and hundreds of thousands of successful cataract surgeries to our name, we are fully equipped to make your journey to restored, clear vision as simple and safe as possible.  

Call us at 713-797-1010 or contact us online to request an appointment today. 

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• Common Signs of Macular Degeneration 

The main difference between wet vs dry macular degeneration is simple: dry macular degeneration is the more common type of eye disease and does less damage to your vision while wet macular degeneration can result in serious vision loss. 

Clinically, however, there are more specific differences between wet vs. dry macular degeneration that are slightly more involved. We’ll discuss these here along with other important information about the difference between wet and dry AMD. 

For more resources regarding macular degeneration, check out our articles: What is Macular Degeneration?, Common signs of macular degeneration, and 5 Macular Degeneration Prevention Tips. 

What causes macular degeneration?

Before we get into the details of wet vs. dry macular degeneration, it’s important to understand what macular degeneration is, in general. Macular degeneration is a chronic eye disease that gradually destroys central vision. When the process of transporting nutrients and waste by a layer of cells called the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is slowed down, yellowish deposits called drusen will form underneath the retina. 

An excess of drusen is a telling sign that a person may have macular degeneration. Drusen cut off oxygen to your eye and may contribute to a thinning of the macula, the part of your retina that is responsible for giving you a clear line of sight. It’s this thinning of the macula that causes the damaged or lost vision characteristic of macular degeneration.

While macular generation is associated with aging, the cause of its onset is still unknown. Research indicates other additional hereditary and environmental factors risk factors including:

• Family history
• Cardiovascular disease and high blood pressure may place additional stress on the blood vessels, accelerating the development of vision loss
• Smoking will triple the risk of developing macular degeneration
• Elevated serum lipids (cholesterol and triglycerides) have been associated with an increased risk of macular degeneration
• Complement factor H is a marker of inflammation, and abnormalities in this gene have been linked to macular degeneration
• Excessive exposure to sunlight is a risk factor for eye disease, be sure to wear sunglasses or hats to protect your eyes from harmful rays
• And more 

Research has shown that proper diet, exercise, and maintaining your overall health can lower your risk of developing macular degeneration. However, age still plays a role, as the odds of developing this disease are even greater once you reach 75 years of age. 

What is dry macular degeneration?

Macular degeneration can often develop in two forms: dry (atrophic) or wet (exudative). The difference between wet vs dry macular degeneration is in the severity. Dry macular degeneration is the most common type of macular degeneration and is not as serious. About 85-90% of patients who develop macular degeneration develop the dry form. Most will experience minimal vision loss and excess development of large, soft drusen in the retina. The dry form can worsen over time if not seen by a specialist, and can result in the loss of central vision. 

Can dry macular degeneration be treated? 

There are currently no treatments that cure dry macular degeneration. However, clinical trials are currently being done for potential treatments. Dry macular degeneration treatment breakthroughs include stem cell therapies, an injection of the drug Apl-2, an oral antibiotic called Oracea, and an anti-inflammatory drug called Metformin. Most of these potential treatments are in phases two or three of their research and may not be available until for several more years.

What is wet macular degeneration?

Wet macular degeneration is the less common yet more serious type to develop. In the wet stage of macular degeneration, new blood vessels begin to form underneath the retina (choroidal neovascularization). Unfortunately, these new blood vessels often lead to blood or fluid leakage in the retina where vision can become distorted. In this stage, consulting a doctor is crucial. A good tool for identifying any changes in your vision is the macular degeneration amsler grid, a self-administered test in which straight lines will appear distorted if there is fluid underneath your retina. 

Can wet macular degeneration be treated? 

Similar to the dry form, treatment for wet macular degeneration has not been established yet. The best way to treat wet macular degeneration is to prevent the disease before it happens. This can be done with injections, laser procedures, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. If caught late, these treatment options will help manage the side effects of wet macular degeneration.

Additional wet vs. dry macular degeneration FAQs 

Which is worse, dry or wet macular degeneration? 

Wet macular degeneration is more serious and is the leading cause of permanent central vision loss. Though the dry type is less serious, it can lead to the wet type if not monitored closely by a doctor. 

How often does dry macular degeneration turn into wet? 

About 1-in-10 people who suffer from dry macular degeneration will eventually develop wet macular degeneration. Though not as common, it’s still possible, so be sure to visit your eye doctor regularly if you already have dry macular degeneration.

How can I avoid macular degeneration?

Even if you aren’t experiencing any symptoms of macular degeneration, early prevention is your best chance at stopping or slowing down the disease. Luckily, the prevention tips are easy to follow — see your eye doctor regularly, prioritize diet and exercise, don’t smoke, take vitamins, or consider other types of prevention therapy as recommended by your doctor. 

Spot the signs early, save your eyesight: Contact Eye Center of Texas today.

If you are over the age of 50 and notice some of the signs and symptoms of macular degeneration like worsening eyesight, blurred vision, etc. we recommend you visit our retina specialist here at Eye Center of Texas. 

We are here to help answer any questions you may have regarding wet vs. dry macular degeneration, eye health tips, and more. 

Spotting macular degeneration early can help to avoid vision loss in the future. Give us a call at 713-797-1010 or request an appointment online today. 

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Can cataracts go away naturally? How can I get rid of cataracts naturally? Can cataracts be dissolved? We get asked questions like these a lot. Frankly, there is no proven home remedy available for curing or “dissolving” cataracts, and those who lead people to believe that cataracts can go away naturally are promoting myths that delay a patient’s access to helpful treatment. 

The perpetuation of these myths is especially frustrating, since the longer a cataract goes untreated, the harder it is to remove and because cataract surgery is one of the most common and safest surgeries available worldwide. Meanwhile, untreated cataracts can eventually lead to serious eye-health issues, including blindness.

If your eyesight is getting worse due to cataracts and you’re on the internet seeking out easy ways to quickly cure cataracts from home, don’t be misled. Take a few moments to learn about the reality about some of the top “How can I get rid of cataracts naturally?” myths, then explore your truly viable cataract treatment options. 

Myth #1: The right lifestyle choices can reverse cataract growth 

Eating healthier, drinking more water, wearing sunglasses, and eliminating cigarettes from your life are all good in our book; however, these measures are considered tips for cataract prevention and not cataract treatment. None of these changes will reverse your cataract.

Myth #2: My cataract will go away if I ignore it

Ignoring a cataract is, quite simply, a terrible idea — especially if you have fast-growing cataracts, which require immediate attention. Cataracts never go away on their own, they only get worse. In some cases, you and your doctor may decide together that you don’t need cataract surgery right away. At a certain point, however, most people begin to experience enough vision issues that they decide to have their cataract removed. In extreme cases, including cases when cataracts go untreated for decades, you could end up blind.

Myth #3: There are non-surgical treatments for cataracts

While there is some ongoing research regarding non-surgical treatment for cataracts, nothing is proven to work or approved to go to market at this point. So if you’ve heard something about cataract cure eye drops or some other miracle solution, those solutions simply aren’t here yet. There just isn’t enough research or testing to confirm their efficacy.

Myth 4: You can use apple cider vinegar for cataracts

One of the most widely spread home remedy myths concerning cataracts is that you can use apple cider vinegar to reverse cataracts. There are good antioxidants in vinegar and apples, so if you want to somehow incorporate apple cider vinegar in your diet, doing so won’t hurt your cataracts. However, this doesn’t mean that apple cider vinegar has been proven to prevent cataracts or that it’s more effective at preventing cataracts than any other food high in nutrition or antioxidants. And it certainly doesn’t mean that apple cider vinegar is going to reverse or cure your cataracts. There simply is no evidence that proves that at this time.

Myth 5: Cataract surgery is time-consuming, scary, or dangerous 

At Eye Center of Texas, we offer safe and effective bladeless cataract surgery. Laser cataract surgery only takes around 30 minutes to complete and only requires between 24 to 48 hours recovery time. During the procedure, an eye surgeon breaks down and removes the clouded cataract lens, then inserts a new, artificial lens that never needs to be changed (unlike contacts). 

Our surgeons are some of the most renowned cataract surgeons in Houston and have performed tens of thousands of successful cataract surgeries.If you want to learn more about treatment options for cataracts, check out these resources: 

• Laser Surgery vs. Traditional Surgery for Cataracts
• How Does Cataract Surgery Work? 
• How Safe is Cataract Surgery? 
• How Long Can Cataract Surgery Be Postponed? 
• How to Prep for Cataract Surgery
• Cataract Surgery in Both Eyes 
• How Long Do Cataract Lenses Last? 
• The Cataract Surgery Success Rate
• Lens Options: Multifocal, Monofocal, Astigmatism-Correcting
  

What will happen if a cataract is left untreated? 

There are two main issues with postponing cataract treatment: The first of these is waiting too long to have your cataracts removed can actually make the cataract removal procedure more difficult. Cataracts grow thicker and less pliable over time, making them harder to remove and increasing your chances for complications during cataract surgery. When your cataracts are treated at the right time, however, cataract surgery complications are exceedingly rare.

The second major issue with postponing cataract treatment is the loss of quality of life you may experience due to vision loss. How quickly you experience difficulties from a cataract or cataracts depends on how rapidly your cataract is developing. However, almost all individuals who have had cataracts over a long period of time begin to experience trouble seeing. These issues can lead to problems with everyday tasks including driving, reading, or even recognizing faces. 

Live your life free of cataracts. Contact Eye Center of Texas.

Cataracts are extremely common, and so is cataract surgery. Cataract treatment options are safe, effective, and trusted by over 3 million people every year. As one of Houston’s most successful cataract treatment facilities, Eye Center of Texas can help you find the right cataract treatment plan for you and set you down the path towards clearer vision. 

Skip the apple vinegar and give us a call at 713-797-1010 or contact us online to get started today.  

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Why concern yourself with macular degeneration prevention if you don’t have the condition? While it is possible to stop or slow the progression of age-related macular degeneration once you’ve been diagnosed, there is currently no cure if you’re diagnosed with AMD. 

In other words, once you have AMD, you’ll want to make permanent changes to your lifestyle habits to slow down the progression of the disease. If you don’t, then you may eventually suffer drastic loss of vision. 

Luckily for those concerned about macular degeneration, prevention tips are simple to follow. A little education on macular degeneration causes and prevention can go a long way. Let’s break down a few easy-to-follow macular degeneration prevention tips now.

Need a review of the causes, signs, symptoms, and treatments of macular degeneration? Check out our article: What is Macular Degeneration?

Tip #1: Don’t skip your eye exams

At the top of our list of macular degeneration prevention tips is making sure that you schedule and go to regular eye exams. While eye exams won’t exactly prevent macular degeneration, they can give you the opportunity to catch the diseases early and prevent the disease from progressing. During an eye exam, your doctor will look for the initial signs of macular degeneration. If spotted, you can immediately begin AMD treatment recommendations and as a result, slow down its progression.

The frequency of regular eye exams should increase as you age, with those over the age of 50 attending an eye exam at least once every one to two years. 

Think you might be showing signs of macular degeneration? Check out our article on how to self-test using the Amsler grid screening test.

Tip #2: Take your vitamins

Whether or not you’ve been diagnosed with AMD, some vitamins may help delay the onset or s progression of the disease. But if you’re wondering, “What vitamin can you take to help prevent macular degeneration?” — that’s not exactly how this tip works.

According to studies, including this Harvard macular degeneration study, a simple (yet high-dosed) vitamin cocktail that includes vitamins such as vitamins A, E, and C can slow the progression of macular degeneration. However, taking a consistently high dosage of these vitamins has not been shown to prevent the disease from setting in altogether. Many doctors would even recommend a better diet over a surplus of vitamins (prior to a diagnosis).

Tip #3: Quit smoking

Smoking can negatively impact your body in more than ways, but many people don’t realize that smoking can impact your vision, as well. In fact, smoking is considered one of the leading causes of macular degeneration and a major contributing factor of its progression; Research shows that smokers are 2 to 5 times more likely to succumb to macular degeneration than non-smokers are. In other words, if you want to prevent or slow down AMD, then make this macular degeneration prevention tip one of your top priorities. 

Tip #4: Improve your diet and exercise

Similar to smoking, those with a poor diet and lack of an exercise routine are more susceptible to macular degeneration. A poor diet can lead to issues with your blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol — all of which can negatively impact eye health. Couple these issues with little-to-no exercise and you’re considered to be 2 to 3 times more likely to suffer from AMD. Long story short, if you include more greens and walking in your life, macular degeneration will be less likely to pop up.

The American Macular Degeneration Foundation (AMDF) has created a guide to eating right for your eye health, including information on macular degeneration foods to avoid. Eye Center of Texas has also published a guide to the best foods for eye health (originally geared toward diabetics, but applicable to all patients).   

Tip #5: Consider drug therapy

As a treatment option for wet macular degeneration, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) inhibitors have been shown to significantly help prevent the progression of AMD. In some cases, VEGF inhibitors have even helped those suffering from wet AMD recover some of their lost vision. These particular drugs are used to reduce swelling, as well as the formation of new blood vessels (both of which are issues that can negatively impact your macula and lead to further vision loss). 

VEGF inhibitors have shown to cause other health issues, so it’s important to speak with your doctor and weigh all your options before beginning this macular degeneration treatment option.

Want more help than macular degeneration prevention tips? Contact Eye Center of Texas.

These 5 macular degeneration prevention tips can help prevent and slow down AMD’s progression. However, comprehensive treatment of macular degeneration requires routine appointments with your eye doctor and consistent improvements with your lifestyle choices and habits.

AMD is a common eye disease that many people struggle with on a daily basis. If your eyesight is getting worse, if you’re over the age of 50, or if eye disease runs in the family, the time to take preventative action is now. 

At Eye Center of Texas, you can speak with a leading retina specialist in Houston and get expert help maintaining your eye vision for as long as possible. We are here to answer your macular degeneration questions, from, “What is the best treatment for macular degeneration?” to clarification regarding dry vs. wet macular degeneration. 

Call us at 713-797-1010 or fill out our online form to request an appointment today. 

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• Glaucoma and Cataract Treatment
• How Does Cataract Surgery Work?

Can cataracts come back after surgery? Does cataract surgery last a lifetime? While these questions may seem odd to some, we get them or their equivalents rather frequently. Let’s take a few minutes to cover why cataract surgery is permanent and if there are other situations post-surgery that you’ll need to consider.

Can you have cataracts twice? 

First things first, no. Your cataract cannot grow back because, during surgery, the lens upon which a cataract forms is removed. That being said, there is the chance that another “cataract-like” situation can occur. But before we can get into that, let’s quickly discuss how cataract surgery works so you can better understand why cataracts can’t grow back and how you could potentially find yourself in a different situation later down the line.

How does cataract surgery work?

There are two different types of cataract surgery, traditional and laser cataract surgery, with laser surgery being the safer of the two options. During the procedure, the cloudy lens is broken up and removed from the eye. Upon removal, an artificial lens is put in its place. The cataract surgery success rate — 98% — is very high. Cataract surgery works, and it works well. This success is due to the fact that the cataract is fully removed from your eye. It no longer exists, and it cannot grow back. 

Learn more about the cataract surgery process by reading our articles: How Does Cataract Surgery Work? and How long do cataract lenses last? 

What is a secondary cataract?

While your cataracts cannot come back after surgery, you can get what is called posterior capsular opacification (or PCO), also referred to as a secondary cataract. But if the answer to the question, “Can cataracts grow back after surgery?” is “No,” then how can you get a secondary cataract? Exactly what causes cloudiness in the eye after cataract surgery? 

When your new lens is placed inside your eye during cataract surgery, it’s placed into the lens capsule. That artificial lens cannot grow a cataract; however, the capsule itself can become cloudy when epithelial cells grow and spread inside the capsule. The unwanted growth of these cells is what causes the hazy, blurry vision that replicates cataract-like symptoms.

Although they aren’t common, secondary cataracts can occur after surgery, and when they do, their symptoms can mimic a run-of-the-mill cataract. Secondary cataracts are the main reason why some people incorrectly call us asking, “Can cataracts come back after surgery?” because they assume that their cataract has, indeed, grown back.

Are you preparing for cataract surgery? Check out our guide on how to prepare for cataract surgery.

What are the symptoms of a secondary cataract?

If you’ve had cataract surgery, then you clearly know what it feels like to have a cataract. While a cataract is not the same thing as a secondary cataract, the experiences with both situations are very similar. 

In particular, here’s what to be on the lookout for:

• Blurry vision
• Glares
• Halos
• Difficulty identifying colors, objects, and contrasts

Are you having difficulty seeing things clearly? We’ve created a list of top answers to the question, “Why is my vision getting worse?”

How do you treat a secondary cataract?

If you do feel as if you’re experiencing symptoms of a secondary cataract, schedule an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible. Treating a secondary cataract is easy and fast. The process involves a small incision with a laser and then removal of the unwanted cell growth. After treatment, you should be able to see clearly once again, and the growth should not return. 

Unlike cataract surgery recovery time, which in and of itself is minimal, the recovery time for a secondary cataract is next to nothing. You can almost always resume normal activities immediately upon leaving your doctor’s office. 

You may experience slight discomfort (which can usually be alleviated with OTC pain medication), and with some patients, it might be recommended to avoid driving and overly bright lights for 24 hours. Eye drops may also be prescribed.

Check out the top signs of a cataract and learn more about when to schedule surgery.

Asking “Can cataracts come back after surgery?” because you’re experiencing a secondary cataract? Contact Eye Center of Texas.

Don’t allow a secondary cataract to lessen the positive impact of cataract surgery. Act now and get your vision back on track. 

At Eye Center of Texas, we are home to some of the leading cataract surgeons in Houston. We’ve performed over 80,000 successful cataract surgeries, and we have the skill and experience you need to quickly eliminate the nuisance of a secondary cataract.

Don’t let secondary cataracts get in the way of your dream of clear vision. Call us at 713-797-1010 Contact us online today and request an appointment with one of our doctors. 

More Helpful Articles by Eye Center of Texas: 

• Cataract Surgery Recovery Timeline
• Can You Wait Too Long to Have Cataract Surgery? 
• Can you Watch TV after LASIK? 
• Common Signs of Macular Degeneration
• How To Tell If You Have Glaucoma

If you’re wondering what to ask in a LASIK consultation, you’ve come to the right place. At Eye Center Of Texas, we’ve performed over 75,000 successful LASIK surgeries. And as one of the top providers of LASIK in Texas, we have created a list of the top 4 questions to ask during your initial LASIK consultation. 

Take a look at those questions below, and please call us if you have any further questions about LASIK in Houston! 

What is a LASIK consultation? 

Before jumping right into what to ask in a LASIK consultation, let’s do a quick review of what a LASIK consultation actually is. During the consultation, you will meet with a doctor, discuss your goals for LASIK, discuss any eye health or general health complications you have, ask questions, and review your candidacy in general. 

If you’re not sure what to do before a LASIK consultation, that’s OK. Just bring any records regarding your eye health if you have them and prepare a list of questions that are important to you. Don’t be afraid to have tough questions for your LASIK doctor. Good LASIK doctors will be prepared to answer them and to walk you through the process so that you can make a LASIK decision that is best for you.  

1. What are the risks of LASIK?

Many people are wary of eye surgery, so we have gone ahead and put this question as #1 for what to ask in a LASIK consultation to get it out of the way. Fortunately, LASIK is a very common surgery and complications are extremely rare. 

In fact, when it comes to the question of LASIK vs. contacts, LASIK is almost always the safer choice. Under 1% of LASIK patients suffer from complications, as opposed to 5% of contact users. On top of this, LASIK is a fix-it-and-forget-it solution. 

The use of contacts, on the other hand, comes with many issues — dirt, overwearing, outdated prescriptions — all of which you’ll likely encounter on a regular basis, and all of which can lead to more serious complications. 

Meanwhile, infection during LASIK recovery is the most common complications associated with LASIK, although it is rare. Compared to contact use, however, where potential infection is a daily issue, LASIK is ultimately a much safe solution. 

If you’re concerned at all about the risks of LASIK, make sure to bring this question up to your doctor during your LASIK consultation. We know that safety is the number one concern when it comes to what to ask during a LASIK consultation, and will be able to explain what risks may more closely align with your individual eye and health situation.

FAQ: Does the corneal flap heal after LASIK? Yes. Get more answers by clicking the link.

FAQ: Do I need to worry about blinking during LASIK? No. Your eye will be held open and numbed, so you do not need to be concerned about blinking. 

2. Am I a good LASIK candidate?

There are certain situations that could disqualify you for LASIK surgery or could make approval a longer process. At Eye Center of Texas, we begin determining your candidacy for LASIK during your initial LASIK consultation. 

It’s recommended that your prescription be stable for at least 12 months pre-LASIK surgery. There are also certain medical conditions that make LASIK not ideal. However, some conditions that were once considered a no-go for LASIK are now considered safe. 

For example, diabetes and LASIK were once thought of as a poor match, but it has now become more acceptable to undergo LASIK surgery even with diabetes. Ultimately, your candidacy boils down to your individual situation and your control (or lack of control) over any pre-existing medical conditions.

No matter what, the important thing to remember is that you shouldn’t automatically rule out LASIK if you have any pre-existing conditions. Ask your doctor whether or not you are a good candidate, and if you aren’t, determine if there is a path towards candidacy available for you.

Want to get a head start on determining whether you’re a good LASIK candidate? Check out our articles: Is My Vision too Bad for LASIK? And What can LASIK surgery correct?

3. How long do the results of LASIK last?

If you’re willing to undergo surgery, then odds are you want long-lasting results. With LASIK surgery, that’s exactly what you’ll get.

LASIK surgery permanently alters the shape of your cornea, and there is no “wearing off.” If you do suffer from any vision loss in the future, it will be due to the overall health of your eye and will not have anything to do with your LASIK surgery.

However, if your vision does gradually get worse, you can undergo LASIK surgery again. How many times you can have LASIK surgery is dependent on the thickness of your cornea, your eye health, and your overall health. 

Your doctor can help you determine candidacy if you find yourself in need of an additional LASIK surgery. And during your LASIK consultation, your eye doctor can provide you with estimated results based on your individual eye situation. 

4. What is the recovery process like?

The LASIK recovery process differs from person to person. While some patients can see clearly without contacts or glasses the day of their operations, others may not see the full benefits of LASIK for a few weeks. 

Regardless, your eyes will be healing for some time after the surgery, and there are a handful of situations that you’ll want to avoid while you’re in recovery. 

Here’s a quick rundown of some of the most common situations you’ll want to avoid post-LASIK surgery:

• Up to 48 hours after surgery: flying, going outside without sunglasses, driving, sleeping without eye patches, washing your face
• Up to 1 week after surgery: exercise, makeup
• Up to 1 month after surgery: contact lenses, sports
• Up to 5 weeks after surgery: swimming

Every patient’s eyes are unique, and your doctor can guide you on what makes the most sense for you and your recovery process. They can answer recovery questions such as What eye drops should I use after LASIK?, Can You watch TV after LASIK?, and more. Make sure that you attend all follow-up appointments with your doctor, so you can discuss your individual situation.

Another thing you’ll want to discuss with your doctor during your LASIK consultation is how to prepare for the recovery process before surgery. For example, you will need someone to drive you home after surgery, and you can give your partner tips for how to care for someone during LASIK recovery. It’s the little things like this that your doctor can cover with you during your LASIK consultation, so you can start making preparations as soon as possible.

Want to know more about the recovery process? Check out our LASIK recovery timeline.

Get ready to ask some LASIK questions!

Now that you know what to ask in a LASIK consultation, it’s time to take the next step and schedule your LASIK consultation. Eye Center of Texas is Houston’s go-to source on all things LASIK. We can help you answer the question, “Am I a LASIK candidate?”, walk you through common LASIK FAQs, and provide you with information on alternative solutions.

Give us a call today at 713-395-1515 and let’s get started on your journey to better vision. 

More Helpful Articles by Eye Center of Texas:

• Common Signs of Macular Degeneration
• Simultaneous Treatment for Glaucoma & Cataracts
• How Does Cataract Surgery Work? 
• What is the Cataract Surgery Success Rate
• How to Prepare for Cataract Surgery

If you think you’re suffering from a detached retina, it’s important to seek out professional help so you can start the retina surgery recovery process as soon as possible. With retina tears, you may notice blurry vision, floaters, or flashes at first, and it may just seem like your vision is getting worse. But if a detachment is left untreated, you could end up with permanent vision loss.

Treatment options for a detached retina

Before we cover retina surgery recovery tips, let’s go over the different types of treatment options for a detached retina.

Cryopexy or laser surgery

With this particular retina detachment treatment option, a doctor uses a probe or laser to seal any retina tears. This option can be done in-office in 30 minutes or less. Your eye will be numbed prior to the procedure, and you should feel little-to-no discomfort throughout the entire process. 

Pneumatic retinopexy

Pneumatic retinopexy involves laser or cryotherapy, a gas bubble, and the removal of fluid. The purpose of the gas bubble is to push the retina back; however, the bubble will remain in your eye post-surgery. Over the next few days, it is important that you refrain from exertion and that you keep your head in the recommended position. The bubble will gradually disappear.

Scleral buckle

This treatment option is for more severe cases and requires the use of general anesthesia. Keep in mind, however, recovery time is still within the 2-4 week timeline. With this procedure, a band will be placed around your sclera and remain there permanently. Cryotherapy or a laser will also be used to patch up any tears.

Vitrectomy

Vitrectomy is for more serious retinal detachments. With this treatment option, the removal of vitreous gel is required. After removal occurs, a combination of a gas bubble and cryotherapy or laser is used. You can be numbed prior to the procedure, or you can opt for general anesthesia. 

Retina surgery recovery tips

Again, retina surgery recovery tips vary depending on the severity of your retina detachment, as well as the treatment option you and your doctor decide to undergo. Your surgical counselor will review your recovery tips with you and let you know what suggestions should work best for your time post-op. Here are some general tips to guide you during your recovery process.

• Avoid intense or vigorous activities. Give your eyeball the chance to heal before you start jostling it around again. And remember, these activities can expand to include light exercising and even lifting heavy items.
• Take some time off work. How long does it take to recover from retina surgery? Typically two to four weeks. For that reason, we recommend asking between two to four weeks off of work.
• Avoid driving. Again, this time will vary, and it could only be a day or two. But, this really depends on how your vision is improving and whether or not your doctor recommends it.
  
• Take any medications and eye drops as prescribed. It is likely that you will be required to take eye drops for at least a month after your procedure. If you have any lingering pain or discomfort, make sure you speak with your doctor before taking any over-the-counter pain meds.
• Take precautions when showering or washing your face. Avoid getting any liquids near your eye and avoid swimming.
• Wear eye protection when you’re outside to protect your eyes from the sun. 
• Pay careful attention to how you sleep and hold your head. This is especially true if there was a gas bubble placed in your eye, Your doctor will help you understand how to sleep after retinal detachment surgery. Because of the gas bubble, you’ll also want to avoid airplanes.
• Schedule and attend all follow-up appointments with your doctor. Make sure you maintain open communication and let them know if you’re experiencing anything uncomfortable during your recovery process.

When to contact a doctor during the retina surgery recovery process

While most retina surgery recovery processes go smoothly, there are some situations that could indicate a potential problem. Contact your doctor if you experience any of the following issues during your retina surgery recovery process:

• Eye pain that is getting worse
• Decrease in vision
• Swelling
• Discharge
• Redness
• Fever
• Any sudden changes in your overall health

Eye Center of Texas is here for you before, during, and after your retina surgery recovery

At Eye Center of Texas, we have experience helping the people of Houston successfully treat and recover from a wide variety of eye health issues and diseases, including retinal tears and detachment. 

From LASIK surgery to retina detachment, we are one of Houston’s leading ophthalmological practices. We are here to answer any questions you may have about vision recovery after retinal detachment surgery, what to expect after retinal tear surgery in general, and more. 

Give us a call today at 713-797-1010 or fill out our online form to request an appointment with our team.

LASIK surgery is a common and safe procedure for healthy patients. However, if you have a chronic illness like diabetes which can affect your eye health, it’s natural to wonder whether you will qualify LASIK. That’s why, “Can diabetics get LASIK?” is a recurring question among our patients. 

In the past, it was recommended that diabetics not undergo LASIK surgery. However, as the industry has gathered more data and perfected the procedure as a whole, diabetes no longer immediately disqualifies you from LASIK surgery. 

Instead, candidacy depends on the individual’s current control of their diabetes and whether or not they have any related issues that can complicate surgery or the recovery process.

While your particular situation will vary, let’s take a quick look at how diabetes affects your eyes and what might allow a diabetic to qualify for LASIK.

Relative and absolute contraindications for LASIK & diabetes

When it comes to LASIK, diabetes may be considered either relative contraindication or an absolute contraindication. 

Relative contraindication

When LASIK is considered a relative contraindication for a diabetic, it means that LASIK can be performed but caution must be used. In this situation, an individual will have controlled blood sugar and no additional complications that could make surgery not a viable option. The benefits of the surgery outweigh any potential risk. 

Absolute contraindication 

When LASIK is considered an absolute contraindication for a diabetic, it means that LASIK cannot be performed. In this situation, an individual will have an uncontrolled form of diabetes and/or will have additional complications that make surgery not possible.The benefits of the surgery do not outweigh the potential risk and it’s unclear whether or not the procedure will provide lasting benefits. 

What disqualifies a diabetic from LASIK? 

Lasting effects

LASIK requires a doctor to change the shape of your cornea. However, with uncontrolled diabetes, your vision may change quite often. Because of this, your doctor may not be successful in reshaping your cornea in a way that will provide a positive and lasting effect on your vision. 

Possibility for infection

LASIK involves the removal of tissue from the cornea. For diabetics, this tissue removal could lead to additional LASIK diabetes complications such as scarring, leaking fluid, and more.

Difficult recovery

Just as it’s not good to perform eye surgery with high blood sugar, elevated blood sugar levels can also negatively affect the recovery time of any surgery. So whether it’s LASIK or another procedure, a doctor may decide not to perform the surgery based on the idea that you may have a more difficult or longer recovery.

Related Content: Learn more about the LASIK recovery process and LASIK after-care tips.

Diabetic retinopathy

Diabetes can lead to vision problems like fluctuating vision loss and eye health issues such as diabetic retinopathy. LASIK cannot fix this issue. If your vision loss stems from diabetic retinopathy, you won’t be a candidate for LASIK surgery.

Think you might be suffering from diabetic retinopathy? Check out our article on the four stages of diabetic retinopathy to learn more.

How to qualify for LASIK with diabetes

To find out if you qualify for LASIK in Houston, here’s what you’ll need to do:

1. 1. Manage your diabetes: LASIK is not an option for individuals with uncontrolled diabetes. You should strive to achieve optimal eye and physical health to ensure you can be a candidate for LASIK.
   2. Review your history with your doctor: Your doctor will want to review your history of diabetes with you in detail and determine if you are at risk of any future complications. Your eye doctor will likely need to have a discussion with your primary physician.
   3. Schedule a full examination: Your doctor will also need to examine your eyes and get a full workup of your eye health. He or she will need to determine if you have any eye issues that would eliminate you as a candidate for LASIK.

Can Diabetics get LASIK? Discuss the possibility with a trusted ophthalmologist 

If your diabetes is well-managed and you are curious about LASIK surgery, we encourage you to consult a trusted ophthalmologist at Eye Center of Texas about your options. 

The trained ophthalmologists at Eye Center of Texas can help spot and treat eye issues, including diabetic retinopathy, diabetes-related fast-growing cataracts, macular degeneration, cataracts, and more. As home to some of the best LASIK in the country, over 275 doctors in Houston refer their patients to Eye Center of Texas.

Call Eye Center of Texas at 713-395-1515 or contact us online today to get started.