“Bionic Eye” Becomes Reality

If you remember television shows from the 1970s, you’re sure to remember The Six Million Dollar Man. Actor Lee Majors played Col. Steve Austin, an astronaut severely injured in a crash who was later rebuilt with bionic implants in his right arm, legs and left eye. The “bionic man” had super strength, speed and vision. Viewers of this series undoubtedly fantasized about how it would feel to be like the bionic man.

Approximately 40 years later, technology has made the “bionic eye” a reality for patients with the degenerative eye disease retinitis pigmentosa. This disease slowly causes damage to the retina (the back of the eye) and eventually leads to almost complete blindness. The Food and Drug Administration has approved an artificial retina procedure being dubbed as a “bionic eye.” The system uses a tiny camera and transmitter in special eyeglasses to transmit impulses to the retina’s healthy cells to allow for limited restored vision.

Researchers continue to develop new technologies to restore or improve eyesight. Good vision is often taken for granted; but even when people have less serious vision conditions that require them to wear glasses or contacts (nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism) they are often on the lookout for new methods of vision improvement.

LASIK vision correction is one such method that can truly change the lives of people who wear glasses or contacts. LASIK has been around since 1996 and over 14 million Americans have undergone this popular surgical process. The LASIK process works by slightly altering the shape of the cornea with an excimer laser so light will focus properly on the retina at the back of the eye. When light focuses properly, clear vision can be obtained.

Dr. O'Day at Charleston Cornea and Refractive Surgery offers LASIK. He is dedicated to providing patients with detailed information about the LASIK procedure the risks of LASIK and what results may be achieved for each unique patient.

Charleston Cornea and Refractive Surgery can’t give you bionic vision; however, Dr. O'Day can analyze your eye characteristics and overall health to determine LASIK might be right for you. Call 843-856-5275 to schedule your free LASIK Consultation or visit charlestoncornea.com to schedule your appointment online.

Prepare Your Eyes for a Special Event

Weddings…reunions…barbecues…vacations…

Special events abound during the spring and summer months. Many people take measures to look their very best for special events – they go to the hairdresser, buy new clothing, maybe even lose weight. If you have a special event coming up, and don’t want to have to hassle with glasses or contacts, you may choose to add LASIK to your To Do list.

The good news is that most people can be back to their normal activities – and seeing with more clarity – the day after their LASIK procedure. It is advised that you not wait until the last minute to schedule your appointment. Some people simply aren’t good candidates for LASIK because of their overall eye health, the fact that their corneas are too thin or other health reasons.  It’s important to schedule a LASIK evaluation well in advance of your special event just in case a different type of vision correction procedure like PRK is warranted. Some LASIK alternative procedures require more recovery time even though they can provide similar vision outcomes overall.

LASIK is an investment in you. The procedure has helped millions of Americans have the visual freedom to live a lens-free life. Find out if LASIK can give you the same freedom.

Get your eyesight in tip-top shape for your next special event. Contact Charleston Cornea and Refractive Surgery to schedule a free LASIK Consultation at 843-856-5275 or charlestoncornea.com.

Can Diabetics Have LASIK?

Many people who have diabetes wonder if they can have LASIK to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism. There is no singular answer to this question; it depends on many different factors surrounding the patient’s eye health and overall health. Any reputable ophthalmologist will demand to know your medical history and current medical condition and will perform an extensive screening process before recommending LASIK.

      LASIK should not be performed on diabetic patients who have:

• Diabetic Retinopathy, a disease that causes damage to the blood vessels in the retina (back of the eye)
• Uncontrolled blood sugar levels
• Unstable vision prescription

If you are a diabetic, the first step in finding out if it is safe for you to have LASIK is by scheduling a free LASIK Consultation at Charleston Cornea and Refractive Surgery. Board certified ophthalmologist Dr. O'Day will go to great lengths to ensure that your diabetes is controlled enough to support LASIK and allow for proper healing. It is possible for people with well-controlled diabetes to have successful LASIK procedures.

To learn more about diabetes and LASIK in Charleston, schedule a free LASIK Consultation by contacting Charlston Cornea & Refractive Surgery at 843-856-5275 or charlestoncornea.com today.

Are You Photo-Happy on Facebook?

A 2013 study out of the UK showed that uploading too many photos of yourself to Facebook, including ‘selfies’, can make people like you less. However, Facebook also made changes in 2013 to its news feed to make room for larger pictures. The fact is that people do like to see photos of their friends, family, co-workers and old school chums on social media. It’s probably the number one reason why so many people flock to Facebook and sites like Instagram (although we can’t scientifically back this statement up).

The question is: Do you like how you look in the photos that you post – or the ones that others post of you? Are your glasses taking center-stage in your photos? Is there always glare coming off your lenses?

While these may seem like insignificant reasons to have a vision correction surgery, consider this: LASIK in Charleston may help you gain moreself-confidence in front of the camera or smart phone lens. Dr. O'Day at Charleston Cornea & Refractive Surgery has helped thousands of patients correct their nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism through LASIK procedures. If you want to find out if you can get rid of your glasses and contacts, Dr. O'Day offers free LASIK Consultations in Charleston to tell you more about the procedure and help you find out if your eyes are right for LASIK.

So, if you don’t want to turn off your friends and family on Facebook, post less photos of yourself. However, we will warn you that after LASIK, your appearance without glasses may have your face showing up on Facebook more often. But we feel it’s worth the risk.

Contact Charleston Cornea & Refractive Surgery to schedule a free LASIK Consultation at 843-856-5275 or charlestoncornea.com.