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.")

Differences Between Optometrists and Ophthalmologists

Many people think all eye doctors the same. They use the terms Optometrist and Ophthalmologist interchangeably. The truth is that these are two very different types of eye care professionals.

Optometrists

Optometrists have earned a Doctor of Optometry Degree (OD). Optometrists have completed a four-year Bachelor’s Degree, plus four years of post-graduate professional training in optometry school. Their main focus is to provide primary eye care, including vision checks, eye disease diagnosis and overall eye health review. They prescribe corrective lenses to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism, and they can prescribe some medications. Optometrists often work closely with ophthalmologists to provide pre- and post-op care for eye surgery patients.

Ophthalmologists

Ophthalmologists are Medical Doctors (MDs) or Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DOs) who have achieved a Bachelor’s Degree, four years of medical school encompassing care for the whole body, internships, at least three years of hospital-based residency and additional years of training in eye disease treatment and eye surgery. Ophthalmologists diagnose and treat eye diseases, perform eye surgery, perform eye exams and write prescriptions for medications or corrective lenses.

Certain eye conditions, such as glaucoma, cataracts or macular degeneration, are managed and corrected by ophthalmologists. Eye surgeries such as LASIK or Cataract Surgery and Intraocular Lens (IOL) implants should only be done by an eye surgeon who is highly experienced and using the latest technologies.

Frequent eye exams, even if you aren’t experiencing any vision problems, can provide early detection – and treatment – of developing issues.

Visit the website of ophthalmologist Dr. O'Day at Charleston Cornea & Refractive Surgery to schedule a Vision Consultation in Charleston, SC. Visit charlestoncornea.com or call 843-856-5275 today.

Make Your Tax Refund Really Count: Invest in Your Vision

It’s hard to believe that April 15 (yes, Tax Day!) is just around the corner. Hopefully you’ve almost finished your taxes and have an idea what kind of refund is coming your way.

Did you know the average tax refund in 2012 was $2,700? Regardless of how much you have coming, you’re probably thinking of ways to spend your windfall. Here’s the thing: You could spend your refund on new furniture, a 60” plasma TV, vacations or shopping sprees. But these purchases are fleeting.

If you have vision problems, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism and have to wear glasses or contact lenses to see clearly for reading, driving or working, you could put your tax refund toward the ultimate goal of 20/20 (or better) vision. LASIK eye surgery has made this a reality for literally millions of Americans. The average cost of LASIK is anywhere from $1,600 per eye for non-customized LASIK to $2,500 per eye for customized wavefront-guided procedures. It may seem like a bit much, but we offer 0% and low interest LASIK financing options to make it really affordable. And if you put your tax refund check toward LASIK, you could save a substantial chunk off the cost.

Maybe your vision problems have stemmed from growing older, such as the formation of cataracts. Constantly cloudy vision, halos, light glare and even double vision can really impede your quality of life. Cataract surgery can eliminate those symptoms. While insurance often covers the cost of cataract surgery and Monofocal Intraocular Implants (IOLs) (that’s vision for one distance only), you can spend a little extra on Premium Lens Implants to remove the cataracts and gain vision for all distances, effectively eliminating your need for reading glasses (presbyopia) at the same time.

Of course, you can’t run out and spend your tax refund on better vision until you’ve had a comprehensive eye exam to determine the root cause of your vision problems.

Your new vision could last a lifetime. That would leave you plenty of time to spend your future tax refunds on new furniture, 80” plasma TVs, vacations or shopping sprees…you’ll enjoy them even more without glasses, contact lenses or cloudy vision.

Contact Charleston Cornea & Refractive Surgery to schedule your Vision Consultation so we can diagnose your unique situation and recommend an appropriate course of action. Call 843-856-5275 or visit charlestoncornea.com.