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.  

More Helpful Articles by Eye Center of Texas: 

• How Do You Know if You Have Glaucoma? 
• Can I Watch TV After LASIK? 
• Glaucoma and Cataract Treatment
• ICL vs. LASIK
• Dry Eyes at Night

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. 

More Helpful Articles by Eye Center of Texas: 

• How Do You Know if You Have Glaucoma? 
• How Long Do Cataract Lenses Last? 
• Can I Watch TV After LASIK? 
• 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.

How do you know if you have glaucoma? This question might be one you begin asking if, suddenly, you find your vision getting worse. First things first: don’t panic, don’t jump to conclusions, and make an appointment with your ophthalmologist. There are many reasons why your vision could suddenly take a dive, and they can help pinpoint exactly what is causing your vision to degrade. 

However, all of that said, sudden vision loss can be a symptom of glaucoma. 

Glaucoma is an irreversible eye disease that can dramatically affect the optic nerve. Glaucoma causes are still being studied, but the most frequently-cited cause is high pressure in the eye causing damage to the optic nerves. Eventually, glaucoma can lead to vision loss and, in rare cases, blindness.  

Since it can be difficult to spot early symptoms of glaucoma, it’s important to know the basics of the disease: what the early warning signs of glaucoma are, how to prevent and/or slow the progress of glaucoma, and your treatment options. 

How do you know if you have glaucoma? The first signs

Each type of glaucoma has some symptoms that are particular to it. There are four types of glaucoma, with two types in particular being more prominent. So if you’re wondering, “What is the first sign of glaucoma?” or even “What are the symptoms of high eye pressure?” then you need to understand the differences between open-angle glaucoma and acute angle-closure glaucoma.

The basics of open-angle glaucoma

With open-angle glaucoma, symptoms only really pop up once you’ve already experienced substantial vision loss. Because of these circumstances, it is very hard to detect this form of glaucoma early on without an experienced doctor and regular eye exams. You might experience symptoms such as blank spots or tunnel vision, but other than that, symptoms may not surface until the disease is already advanced.

The basics of acute angle-closure glaucoma

Acute angle-closure glaucoma is not as common as open-angle glaucoma, but the symptoms are more noticeable. However, once symptoms do show up, you can expect damage to happen quickly, and you will need to see a doctor as soon as possible. Symptoms can include halo lights, eye or head pain, nausea, and blurry vision.

Prevention and treatment of glaucoma

It can be difficult to spot glaucoma on your own, especially since glaucoma can be “symptomless” before it causes permanent damage. This is why regular eye exams are not only important for the overall health of your eye but one of the primary ways to prevent and begin early treatment of glaucoma. Remember — early treatment is your best defense against glaucoma.

With regular eye exams, your doctor can also provide you with custom tips based on your health history and help you understand whether or not you’re more at risk of developing glaucoma. These tips should give you a better chance of avoiding glaucoma altogether. 

On top of this, your doctor can conduct tests during your eye exams that can detect the disease before you experience any substantial vision loss. If you are diagnosed with glaucoma, your doctor can then provide you with a variety of glaucoma treatment options, including medication and options for glaucoma surgery, including the i-Stent surgery for glaucoma for patients who also have cataracts. 

General tips to help you avoid or slow down the progression of glaucoma

• Regular eye exams: Not to sound like a broken record — but whatever you do, don’t forget to treat your eyes to regular exams! If you’re under the age of 30, you can likely go every 2-4 years without an exam (if you’re experiencing no issues). But as you age, you’ll need to reduce the amount of time between each exam.

• Treat your body right: Eating right, exercising daily, and not smoking can help you steer clear (or at least slow down the progression) of glaucoma. This will promote blood flow and help lower your intraocular pressure (IOP), which is critical in the fight against glaucoma.

• Protect those eyes: While it may seem like common sense, protecting your eyes isn’t something most people think about on a regular basis. It’s a lot like applying sunscreen — we know we should, but do we really? Your eyes are no different than your skin. Protect them from the sun by wearing sunglasses and avoid unnecessary risks, like looking directly at the sun.

FAQ: How long does it take to go blind from glaucoma? 

With a diagnosis of glaucoma, some patients are quick to worry about going blind. Fortunately, glaucoma tends to progress slowly and, so long as you are making your regular eye doctor appointments, you will likely catch the disease in enough time to treat it. While there is no cure for glaucoma, treatment can frequently reduce the rate of progression such that patients will be able to read and see well all the way into their old age.

Without treatment, glaucoma will likely advance more quickly. The rate of progression will depend highly on the patient’s eye health and the type of glaucoma they’re experiencing. It is estimated that untreated glaucoma may cause blindness 10-20 years after onset, but these numbers still vary widely. 

Prevent and treat glaucoma at Eye Center of Texas 

In short, the best piece of advice we can offer to patients wondering, “How do you know if you have glaucoma?” is to visit your ophthalmologist.

At Eye Center of Texas, we want to keep Houstonians seeing clearly for many years to come. Our doctors have performed thousands of successful eye surgeries, including glaucoma and iStent eye surgery. Concerned that you may have glaucoma? Simply experiencing more vision loss than normal? Give us a call at 713-797-1010 or request an appointment online.

More Helpful Articles by Eye Center of Texas: 

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• Do’s and Don’ts of Cataract Surgery Recovery Time
• Can You Wait too Long to Have Cataract Surgery? 
• ICL vs. LASIK

Since there is currently no cure for the disease, catching the signs of macular degeneration can be critical for the future of your vision. If you watch for the early signs of macular degeneration, it might be possible to slow down the progression of this particular eye disease. 

Your susceptibility to this disease grows as you age, and it is becoming increasingly common for those over the age of 70 to be diagnosed with some degree of macular degeneration. In fact, as far as common vision problems go, macular degeneration is one of the leading causes of vision loss in older adults.

Before we cover the early signs of macular degeneration, we will quickly review the various causes and types of this eye disease. We also cover this information more in-depth in our article, What is Macular Degeneration? If you are already familiar with this information, simply skip directly to the early signs of macular degeneration. 

What is the main cause of macular degeneration?

The exact cause of macular degeneration is unknown. However, as mentioned previously, your susceptibility to macular degeneration increases as you age, so in some sense, aging is considered a main cause of the disease. 

There are other factors that can make you even more susceptible. These factors can include:

• Lifestyle habits such as smoking and lack of exercise
• Gender, as women may be more at risk
• Family genes. 

If you fall under any of these categories, then you will want to monitor for the signs of macular degeneration regularly. 

The cause of the physical symptoms of macular degeneration is the wearing down of the central part of your retina. The retina is made of tissue at the back of your eye and is composed of light-sensitive cells (called rods and cones). When these become worn down you begin to experience vision loss, especially central vision loss.  

What are the different types of macular degeneration?

There are two types of macular degeneration: dry macular generation (non-neovascular) and wet macular degeneration (neovascular).

What you should know about dry macular degeneration:

• The most common type of macular degeneration
• Not as serious as wet macular degeneration
• Minimal vision loss typically experienced
• Development of drusen (small yellow or white spots on the retina) upon accumulation of waste products

What you should know about wet macular degeneration:

• The more serious (albeit the less common) type of macular degeneration
• Leads to the formation of new blood vessels causing fluids or blood to leak into the retina
• Vision might appear wavy or distorted

FAQ: Are floaters a symptom of macular degeneration? 

Typically, no. The spots in your vision created by macular degeneration can be confused with floaters but, with the exception of late-stage wet macular degeneration, macular degeneration itself rarely causes floaters. 

What are the common signs of macular degeneration?

With macular degeneration, your vision will generally gradually become less clear and more blurry. Day-to-day life and activities like driving, using your smartphone, reading, and even recognizing people may feel difficult or problematic. Here, we break down the common signs of macular degeneration a little further. 

Difficulty adapting to changing light

If you have trouble with lighting changes, this may be a sign of macular degeneration. With this particular sign, you may have issues with levels of light suddenly changing. For example, if you go from a dark room to a light room (or vice versa), your eyes might struggle to adapt. You may also have issues performing simple tasks without a high level of light present.

Issues with depth, color, and texture perception

This particular sign of macular degeneration can affect you in a variety of ways — all of which can be somewhat dangerous given the situation. In this case, you may have trouble judging how close or far away something is. You may also have trouble judging similar colors or textures. In both cases, you can be more susceptible to falling or tripping.

Spotted vision

Macular degeneration can also come with dark spotting in your line of vision. This might present itself as just a blurry spot or it could be a dark or shadow-like blurry spot.

Overall blurring

While you may have a blurry spot in your line of vision, you could just have altogether blurrier vision. This could mean difficulty trying to recognize faces, reading books or labels, or using digital devices.

Macular degeneration treatment

Once macular degeneration sets in, you can’t get rid of it; there is no cure. So if you’re over the age of 50 and notice that your eyesight is getting worse or other signs of macular degeneration, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with a retina specialist in Houston. Spot it early, and you can avoid additional vision loss.

Macular degeneration treatments for helping you to reduce further damage and, in the case of wet macular degeneration, manage side effects.

Treatment options for dry macular degeneration:

• Nutritional supplements
• Sunglasses (eye protection)
• Healthy lifestyle choices
• Monitoring blood pressure and cholesterol

Treatment options for wet macular degeneration:

• Injections directly into the eye
• Laser procedures
• Healthy lifestyle choices

Many of these treatments boil down to simply doing right by your body. Keep in mind, however, that many of these treatments can help prevent macular degeneration as well.

Detect signs of macular degeneration early at  Eye Center of Texas

Eye Center of Texas is home to some of the most skilled Houston ophthalmologists. We have experience detecting and treating macular degeneration, and we help hundreds of Texans protect and correct their vision every year. 

If you think you’re experiencing signs of macular degeneration or if you’d like more information on this common eye disease, schedule an appointment today or give us a call at 713-797-1010.

More Helpful Articles by Eye Center of Texas

• Treatment for Glaucoma & Cataracts
• How Does Cataract Surgery Work? 
• The Cataract Surgery Success Rate
• How to Prepare for Cataract Surgery
• Cataract Surgery Recovery Time

Many people who are planning to have cataract surgery ask us questions such as, “How long do cataract lenses last?” or, “ What is the life of a cataract lens?” and, “Are cataract lenses permanent or will you have to undergo cataract surgery multiple times?” 

Let’s take a few moments to answer the most common questions regarding the permanence of cataract lenses.

Cataracts and cataract surgery: A brief review

A cataract is a naturally occurring vision problem that includes symptoms such as light sensitivity, double vision, and more. Check out the cataract stages in pictures for more information. 

Cataract surgery is an effective way to correct this vision problem and rid yourself of those unwanted symptoms. The procedure is both fast and typically pain-free. There are also different types of lenses you can select (such as multifocal cataract lenses). Since cataract surgery involves the replacement of your natural lens, it’s natural to wonder “How long do cataract lenses last?”   

How long do cataract lenses last, and does cataract surgery last a lifetime? 

A cataract lens will last a lifetime, and the vast majority of patients do not experience any complications with their lenses after cataract surgery. In fact, the most common post-cataract surgery issue has nothing to do with your lens in particular. 

Posterior capsule opacification

PCO, also known as posterior capsule opacification (commonly referred to as an “after-cataract” or a “secondary cataract”). A PCO is technically not a true cataract, although it can easily be confused for one.

With an after-cataract, the capsule that holds your lens becomes cloudy. The actual lens is fine. This particular issue is the most common cataract surgery complication and develops due to various extenuating circumstances such as steroid use, diabetes, or certain lifestyle habits. 

PCO is not a serious complication, but to avoid unnecessary damage, it should not go untreated. Luckily, PCO can be rectified with a simple laser procedure. Your cataract lens will remain as-is during the procedure.

Can cataracts grow back?

Thankfully, once you undergo cataract surgery, your cataract will not grow back. The cataract is fully removed and a cataract lens is put in its place, which means there are no organic proteins to break down and cause blurry vision on your artificial lens. 

Of course, following suggestions for how to prevent cataracts can still be beneficial for your eye health even after cataract surgery.

Here are a few quick tips on how to prevent future damage to your eyes:

• Limit sun exposure: UV light can damage your conjunctiva. Shield your eyes from the sun by regularly wearing sunglasses. 
• Improve your diet: Do your best to improve your day-to-day diet, so you can avoid health issues (like diabetes) that are known to negatively impact your vision.
• Avoid or stop smoking: Smoking can lead to vision problems such as macular degeneration.
• See your eye doctor regularly: Stay up-to-date on eye checkups. This will allow you and your doctor to detect and treat issues before they become permanent problems.

What will my vision be like after cataract surgery?

After cataract surgery, you can expect your vision to clear up gradually. Blurry vision is normal during the first few hours to the first few days post-surgery. Three to six weeks after surgery, your vision should be clearer, noticeably improved, and fully stabilized. This timeframe will depend on your particular cataract and your chosen cataract lens.

If you do notice negative changes in your vision or if your post-surgery symptoms are not clearing up within the given timeframe, make sure to contact your doctor. 

Can vision change after cataract surgery?

Unless you have a new issue that presents itself (like the after-cataract mentioned earlier or a separate eye disease), you should not have any cataract-related vision deterioration. In fact, you should notice many improvements, such as the ability to drive better at night and to complete everyday tasks with more ease. Keep in mind, however, that cataract surgery may not eliminate your need for glasses and cannot prevent your eyesight from changing in other ways.

Get your cataract surgery questions answered by Eye Center of Texas

So, how long do cataract lenses last? Typically, they last you a lifetime! Wondering when is the right time to have cataract surgery? Debating the cataract surgery cost?  Eye Center of Texas can help. 

Our surgeons have performed over 80,000 successful cataract surgeries in Houston. We can walk you through the cataract surgery process, answer your most pressing questions, and set up your initial consultation with our skilled team. 

Better vision starts with Eye Center of Texas. Give us a call at 713-797-1010 or contact us online today to get started on your cataract surgery journey. 

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“Can you watch TV after LASIK?” is a question almost every LASIK patient asks us. That’s because, after LASIK surgery, you’re supposed to rest and keep activity to a minimum. In the age of Netflix binging, resting and keeping activity to a minimum often means one thing: watching TV. 

But can you watch TV after LASIK? Unfortunately, it’s not recommended, as are a few other things. If you’re considering LASIK surgery or if you already have surgery scheduled, it’s crucial that you understand the LASIK recovery timeline and that you follow post-surgery guidelines. These guidelines include screen time and a series of simple do’s and don’ts.

Let’s take a few moments to cover the LASIK basics.

Can you watch TV after LASIK? Why it’s not a good idea. 

Can I watch TV after LASIK? Can I play video games? What about my phone — can I use my phone after LASIK? To be blunt, there is a 24-hour no-screen time recommendation after undergoing LASIK surgery. That’s because the television and other similar screens (computers, phones, and tablets) can possibly have a negative impact on your recovery process immediately following surgery. 

For example, looking at screens reduces your blink rate, which in turn can lead to dry eyes. Keeping your eyes lubricated is a key element of recovering from LASIK. Dry eyes and LASIK surgery often go hand-in-hand during the recovery process, so it’s doubly important to limit the potentially negative impacts of screen time on eye health, especially in the first 24 hours after surgery.

While we understand that you’re bored and probably stuck at home after the surgery, it really is important to follow this recommendation. If you’re wondering what to do after LASIK, consider downloading a few podcast episodes or an audiobook when you’re preparing for your surgery. Alternatively, you can catch up on all that sleep you lost while daydreaming about what life will be like without glasses or contacts.

For more ideas, check out our article on how to help care for someone who just had LASIK surgery. 

The risks of skipping the 24-hour no-screen recommendation

Aside from simply feeling eye strain, there are definitely some risks associated with too much screen time post-LASIK. These include but are not limited to:

• Extended recovery time
• Light sensitivity
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Headaches

Remember: You will likely experience minor discomfort after surgery no matter what. Contact your doctor if you have any concerns regarding what’s considered normal after LASIK surgery.

Can you read after LASIK? 

After asking us “Can you watch TV after LASIK?” we sometimes get the follow-up question, “Can you read after LASIK? Whether you’re asking about reading an analog book or a book on your tablet, the answer for both activities is, unfortunately, still no. Reading a paper book can also reduce your blinking rate. As mentioned before, though, audiobooks are just fine!  

Other activities to avoid after LASIK surgery

Besides watching too much TV, there are a handful of other activities you should avoid after LASIK surgery. Here are a few of the heavy hitters:

• Do not drive: Many people wonder, “How long after LASIK can I drive?” You will need someone to drive you home after the surgery. In fact, Eye Center of Texas’s policy is that you have someone you know pick you up and drive you home after your surgery. (This does not include ride shares!) After that, we recommend that patients avoid driving for the first 24-48 hours after surgery. Of course, the recovery process can vary from patient to patient. It’s important to get the sign-off from your doctor before you get behind the wheel of a car.
• Go ahead and shower: It’s okay to shower the day after surgery, but please avoid getting any shampoo or other chemicals in your face. This also includes post-shower activities, such as applying facial creams and makeup.
• Stay out of the pool: Swimming after LASIK can be problematic. This is because your eyes will be exposed to harsh chemicals or to various bacteria that can lead to infections. In fact, it’s best to avoid stepping in a pool for at least a month after LASIK.
• Protect your eyes: There are many daily activities that can cause issues with post-LASIK eyes. Use common sense and avoid any of these activities that can potentially harm your eyes. This can include anything from sports and exercising to sun exposure and contact lenses. Maintain open communication with your doctor and get all of your questions answered regarding activities that are unsafe post-LASIK.

Post-LASIK tips to remember

Whether or not you manage to get through that 24-hour no-screen recommendation, here are a few tips that can help you get through LASIK recovery.

• Adopt the 20-20-20 Rule: If you choose to ignore the plethora of advice telling you NOT to watch TV and to sit through an episode of your latest Netflix obsession anyway, at least follow the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. These breaks will help you limit eye strain and dry, red eyes.
• Lubricate, Lubricate, Lubricate: You can also use eye drops for dry eyes after LASIK. Eye Center of Texas will provide you with a set of prescription eye drops for immediately post-op. After that time, it is recommended that you use preservative-free eye drops and to limit your usage to 4 times a day.
  

• Pay Attention: If your eyes feel strained or uncomfortable at any part during the day, take notice and make a change. Focus on something else, close your eyes for a few minutes, or pop in a few eye drops. And no matter what… don’t forget to blink regularly.

A seamless recovery starts with Eye Center of Texas

So, can you watch TV after LASIK? No, not for at least 24 hours. The good news? This advice comes from a company that has years of experience helping their patients recover and thrive after LASIK eye surgery.

Eye Center of Texas has performed over 75,000 successful LASIK eye surgeries, and we are dedicated to providing all of our patients with a seamless recovery. From surgery preparation to post-surgery treatment, our goal is to make sure all of our patients have the right tools to follow all LASIK best practices. 

If you have more questions regarding activities considered safe post-LASIK or if you’re considering LASIK surgery, we’re here for you. Give us a call at 713-395-1515 or contact us online to set up a LASIK consultation today.

More Helpful Articles by Eye Center of Texas:

• The Cataract Surgery Success Rate
• How to Prepare for Cataract Surgery
• Do’s and Don’ts of Cataract Surgery Recovery Time
• Can You Wait too Long to Have Cataract Surgery? 
• ICL vs. LASIK