Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Life After LASIK



Some people wonder what life might be like after they have LASIK. Of course, no two people’s eyes are exactly the same, so no two LASIK procedures will produce the exact same results. However, at their follow-up appointments, many patients express that they…

L – Love their new vision so much that they share their success with family members, friends and even strangers on social media and online review sites
A – Appreciate life without the aggravations and costs of broken glasses, lost contact lenses and expensive replacements and cleaning solutions
S – Show off their beautiful/handsome eyes
I – Impress their friends with their ability to see every menu, clock, street sign and more
K – Kayak, swim and play sports lens-free

No doctor can guarantee 20/20 vision after LASIK, but many patients do achieve this level of vision (or even better) after LASIK! Likewise, no doctor can guarantee that you’ll never have to wear glasses again. 

There are simply no “guarantees” in medicine. But Dr. O'Day at Charleston Cornea & Refractive Surgery has achieved some amazing results with LASIK procedures, and his patients are walking testimonials to his success.

If you’d like to find out what your life might be after LASIK, contact us today at charlestoncornea.com or 843-856-5275 to schedule a free, no obligation LASIK Consultation.

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

LASIK and Dry Eye



If you are considering LASIK vision correction surgery but have the pre-existing condition of Dry Eye Syndrome, it is advisable to get your Dry Eye condition under control before undergoing LASIK. One of the potential complications of LASIK is Dry Eye, as it can cause a temporary decrease in tear production and affect healing after surgery. If your eyes are already dry, LASIK could worsen your condition and cause your eyes to feel unusually dry and uncomfortable. This could last just temporarily or for months or years after surgery.

Ways to Treat Dry Eye

Your Dry Eye condition may be treatable so you can pursue LASIK eye surgery. Your doctor may order prescription eye drops to lubricate your eyes, help your body produce more tears or reduce inflammation. Punctal plugs, which are inserted to block tear drainage, may also help restore moisture to the eyes.

The Experts Agree

“Patients with pre-existing dry eye should be cautioned that refractive surgery, particularly laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK), may worsen their dry eye condition.” (Nettune & Pflugfelder, 2010)

“Patients who have dry eye and are considering refractive surgery should have the dry eye treated before surgery.” (American Academy of Ophthalmology Basic and Clinical Science Course Subcommittee, 2011)

The only way to know for sure if your eyes are ready for LASIK is by scheduling a comprehensive LASIK Consultation to identify Dry Eye and other conditions. Dr. O'Day at Charleston Cornea & Refractive Surgery offers free LASIK Consultations at his Charleston office. Schedule yours now at 843-856-8575 or charlestoncornea.com.

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

The Effect of Vision Problems on the Collective American Wallets



Prevent Blindness America (PBA) recently commissioned researchers from the University of Chicago to determine how the cost of vision-related diseases affects the American economy. What they discovered is that the long-term effects of eye diseases/disorders and vision loss cost our government, insurance companies and patients approximately $139 billion every year…and there is no growth end in sight. The largest burden, $71.6 billion, falls on patients and their families. This makes eye diseases/disorders one of the most expensive medical conditions in the United States.  

Vision problems and vision loss can make a huge impact on a person’s ability to lead a productive professional and personal life. Having regular eye exams can act as a safeguard to stay on top of any obvious or “silent” vision changes that may be developing and allow patients to take proactive measures to preserve their sight. Eye exams can even help detect the presence of other medical conditions, such as diabetes.

At Charleston Cornea & Refractive Surgery in Charleston, our goal is to help our patients live fuller lives through eye care. We do this through medical procedures like cataract surgery and LASIK eye surgery, as well as treatment/maintenance of conditions like glaucoma and macular degeneration. We work hard to help our patients see with clarity to perform everyday tasks and remain productive members of society.  

Eye disease prevention, maintenance and research will go a long way toward keeping vision medical costs in check. We encourage you to schedule an eye exam/Vision Consultation today. Call 843-856-5275 or visit charlestoncornea.com.

(The University of Chicago report is titled: "Cost of Vision Problems: The Economic Burden of Vision Loss and Eye Disorders in the United States.")

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Moo-ve Into Better Vision with LASIK



Did you know that July 18, 2013 is Cow Appreciation Day? In honor of this unique observance, here are a few fun facts about how cows’ eyes differ from human eyes:  

  • Cow eyes are larger
  • Cows cannot move their eyes like humans; they must turn their heads
  • Cow eyes glow at night
  • Cow eyes are oval shaped
  • Cows have only black irises

At Charleston Cornea and Refractive Surgery, we’re not in the business of treating cow’s eyes; however, we are in the business of correcting the human vision problems of myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness) and astigmatism through LASIK eye surgery.

LASIK won’t make your eyes glow at night like cows, but it just might free you from the need for contacts or glasses. The LASIK procedure actually changes the shape of your cornea so light can be focused onto your retina properly, resulting in clear vision, even 20/20 vision, for many patients.

If you’d be interested in learning more about how you might be able to moo-ve into better vision with LASIK, contact Charleston Cornea and Refractive Surgery today to schedule your free LASIK Consultation. Call us today at 843-856-5275 or visit us online at charlestoncornea.com.