Can LASIK Eliminate the Need for Reading Glasses?

The answer to this question is “yes” and “no.”

LASIK vision correction in Charleston is typically performed to correct a refractive error that has been present since childhood or acquired later in life:

•  Myopia (nearsightedness), which results in blurry distance vision
•  Hyperopia (farsightedness), which results in blurry up-close vision
•  Astigmatism, which results in blurry vision at all distances

Once adults hit their 40s, a different condition called presbyopia can begin to affect up-close vision. Presbyopia occurs as the eye lenses begin to lose flexibility, making it difficult to focus on things close-up. Over-the-counter reading glasses in Charleston are available in various strengths to help accommodate for this change in vision.

LASIK does not correct presbyopia. During a LASIK procedure, the cornea is slightly reshaped to allow light to properly focus on the retina (the back of the eye) to achieve clear vision. Because presbyopia is not caused by the shape of the cornea, LASIK in its basic form does not correct this vision condition.

However, there is a loophole!

Monovision LASIK in Charleston can be performed to provide clear distance vision in one eye and clear up-close vision in the other, affording clear vision at all distances. This technique can take some time to adjust to, so trial contact lenses may be prescribed before you have the procedure.

So if you don’t want to feel embarrassed about wearing your glasses to read…or feel like your grandmother with your reading glasses…you may want to consider monovision LASIK or other forms of vision correction. Contact Charleston Cornea & Refractive Surgery in Charleston today to schedule a free LASIK Consultation to discuss the options. Call 843-856-5275 or visit charlestoncornea.com to schedule your appointment online. 

LASIK, Glaucoma & High Blood Pressure

If you have been considering having LASIK vision correction in Charleston, your eye health is one aspect that will be examined to ensure you are a good candidate for the procedure.

For example, people who have glaucoma in Charleston may be advised against LASIK. Glaucoma patients have increased eye pressure and the LASIK procedure may raise intraocular pressure if suction is applied during the creation of the corneal flap. However, only a trained ophthalmologist can determine for sure if having LASIK with your specific glaucoma diagnosis is feasible and safe – or if another type of refractive surgery is advised. This can be determined during a free LASIK Consultation at Charleston Cornea & Refractive Surgery in Charleston. 

LASIK & High Blood Pressure

A new study by researchers in Australia has found that long term hypertension increases a person’s susceptibility to glaucoma. In the past it was thought that high blood pressure could actually counteract high eye pressure by raising blood pressure levels for a short time. However, this has only appeared to work for younger patients.

What the study showed is that chronic hypertension may damage the eye’s blood vessels and limit the eye’s capacity to cope with elevated pressure.  

So, if you have high blood pressure, you may want to schedule an eye exam to ensure that you are not developing the “silent” condition of glaucoma. You can also find out if you can have LASIK with your high blood pressure.

If you are tired of wearing glasses or contacts, and want to pursue the option of LASIK, schedule a free LASIK Consultation at Charleston Cornea & Refractive Surgery today to find out if your overall health, eye health and eye characteristics are right for the procedure. Call 843-856-5275 or http://www.charlestoncornea.com.

Television and Glaucoma

It may be possible to identify glaucoma and other eye diseases by observing the eye movements of people as they watch television. 

A team of researchers at City University London put this idea to the test by comparing 44 patients with glaucoma against 32 elderly patients who had good vision. Eye tracking devices were used to record every patient’s eye movements as they watched three television and film clips on a computer.

The researchers were able to note which scenes the participants could focus on and which they were missing. Saccade maps were then produced to compile these movements and identify which participants had failing vision, especially in the peripheral sections. A gradual decline in peripheral vision is a common symptom of primary open-angle glaucoma in Charleston.

Even if you have inherited good vision from your parents or have undergone LASIK vision correction in Charleston to correct your refractive errors, it is important to remember that anyone can get glaucoma. Because this eye disease is often “silent” (without major symptoms in the early stages) television vision testing may help to identify the disease for early treatment.

Regular eye exams will also detect eye diseases such as glaucoma. During these exams, you may also find out that you are a good candidate for vision correction procedures like Charleston LASIK. Dr. O'Day at Charleston Cornea & Refractive Surgery has performed hundreds of vision correcting and vision saving procedures as well as treatments to protect failing eyesight.

Don’t wait until you experience eye problems. Schedule an eye exam at Charleston Cornea & Refractive Surgery today and stay proactive with your eye health. Call 843-856-5275 or visit charlestoncornea.com today.

Questions To Ask Your LASIK Surgeon

If you’re considering corrective eye surgery in Charleston but aren’t sure what questions you should ask during your initial consultation, here are some suggestions to consider.  LASIK surgeons come in all skill levels.  You want to find one that is experienced, trusted and has a good bedside manner.

How long have you been doing LASIK and how many procedures have you done?

Although LASIK has been around since the 1990’s, some surgeons are still new to the procedure.  Find out how many operations your surgeon has performed and continues to perform each week.  Ask about patient satisfaction and outcomes.  You want someone who is highly experienced and has performed thousands or tens of thousands of LASIKprocedures.

Have you ever performed LASIK on a family member?

A bit of an unusual question but a good one.  If the doctor you are considering has performed LASIK on a close relative, then it’s more likely they have a solid skill level.  A surgeon new to the procedure or with inadequate experience wouldn’t take the risk with their own family.

What happens if I need an enhancement after my surgery?  What is your philosophy on enhancement?

Many LASIK centers offer free enhancements for a certain period of time after your surgery in order to make sure you get the highest/best outcome possible and to ensure patient satisfaction.  Enhancements are sometimes offered up to a year after surgery.  Find out if the LASIK center you’re considering offers this and take it into consideration when making your selection.  Also, you’ll want to find a surgeon who doesn’t have to provide enhancements too often because they get it right the first time, but who also doesn’t hesitate to perform an enhancement if it’s needed.

What percentage of your patients report unresolved complications six months after surgery?  In other words, how many are still having problems six months later?

The average is three percent, according to one quality assurance committee.  If your surgeon says “almost never,” you should keep looking.  No surgeon is perfect and there are always some patients that have complications.  There is no such thing as 100 percent perfect.

If you are considering LASIK in Charleston, contact Charleston Cornea & Refractive Surgery at 843-856-5275 or www.charlestoncornea.com to schedule a consultation to determine if you are a candidate for LASIK surgery.  Dr. O'Day will be happy to answer your questions that you may have. 

Does LASIK Hurt?

Your LASIK procedure should be a pain-free experience.  Before your eye surgery begins, numbing eye drops will be put into your eye to eliminate any pain or discomfort during the procedure.  You may also request or receive a prescription for a medication to help you relax before the surgery.  During the surgery you will likely feel some pressure on your eyes but no pain.

After the surgery, your eyes will remain numb for a while.  After the drops wear off, you might experience some short-term, temporary discomfort or itching.  This doesn’t last long.  You might experience temporary dry eye syndrome which can also be uncomfortable.  Special eye drops can be provided to help with this.

LASIK surgery in Charleston has a high patient satisfaction rating and is one of the fastest surgeries performed with a quick recovery time.  Although you may have some blurriness after the surgery, this usually resolves quickly.

If you are ready to proceed with LASIK surgery in Charleston, contact Charleston Cornea & Refractive Surgery at 843-856-5275 or www.charlestoncornea.com to schedule your consultation.  Dr. O'Day will be able to answer any questions that you may have during your initial consultation.