DLM Internal

All of our refractive patients are awake during surgery. however we do give our patients a little pill to help relax them so they feel much more at ease and not too anxious during surgery.

The laser machine will automatically stop, the machine is very sensitive. We use a lid speculum and gently keep your eye open while the physician does the procedure. We only operate 1 eye at a time, while the other eye is taped close.

No, lasik does not last forever. Short answer your eyes will change as we age, which is called the aging provess, it will happen to all of us. Some in our early 40s others may take a bit longer. Depending on the patients Rx, the bigger the Rx the more likely it is to come back as well.

The first 24 hours after any refractive surgery its best to relax and let your eyes work. Your 2 eyeballs have been working for you for your whole life let them relax and let your loved ones take care of you. Listen to podcasts, listen to music, sleep in dark room and continue to use your prescription drops and lubrication.

We have many patients that come in for refractive surgery that are on the older side. We offer our patients something call mono-vision. Where one eye is for distance and the other is for up close.

Come in for your free LASIK consultation, we will tell you if youre a candidate

Its a good idea to take the next few days after surgery off. Take it easy, your two eyes have been working for you so long, give them a rest. Listen to podcasts, music, try not to watch tv let them rest.

The chances of regression after lasik are low, however, in the case that your prescription changes after lasik, you may be eligible for an enhancement.

While it is uncommon to need lasik twice, it is possible to undergo a second round of treatment if you are a candidate.

Lasik surgery leaves very minor scarring that is only visible under high magnification. The minimal scarring does not have an effect on your vision.

Yes, in many cases, lasik is a great and effective treatment option for astigmatism.

The purpose of refractive surgery is to reduce dependence on glasses and contacts, however, in most cases our patients are able to achieve 20/20 vision or better after surgery.

Monovision lasik is a great option to reduce the need for bifocals. This is a procedure in which one eye is corrected fully for distance and the other eye is targeted for near.

Age is not a limiting factor for lasik, however, underlying ocular disease can prevent you from being a good candidate for the procedure.

There is a small risk of dry eyes, glare, and halos after laser eye surgery, however, a thorough screening before undergoing the procedure can help to reduce the chance of having those complications.

Laser treatment is a safe and efficient option to reduce to need for glasses or contact lenses. The chances of infection are much higher with contact lens wear.

Laser vision correction is a safe procedure with a very low rate of complications. The most common complications of the procedure are glare, halos, and dry eyes which can be screened for prior to undergoing the procedure.

Laser vision correction is a great option for anyone over the age of 18 who would like to be less dependent on their glasses or contact lenses. A good candidate for laser vision correction must also have a stable prescription and no underlying ocular disease.

If you are struggling with your night vision after Lasik, you may benefit from an enhancement or touch up procedure. Some patients elect to wear glasses specifically for driving at night to correct any residual prescription.

The procedure itself will not cause blindness. As with any surgery, there is a small chance of complications such as glare at night, halos around lights, and dry eyes. After the procedure, it is important to use any prescribed drops and follow all instructions given to minimize complications.

The success rates of laser eye surgery are very high. They usually range from 96-99%.

This is dependent on the thickness and regularity of your cornea combined with how high your prescription is. If you are not a candidate for Lasik or PRK, you may be a candidate for ICL.

We offer a few options to our patients. We take cash, credit, and cashier check. We also offer our patients financing with Wells Fargo Financing and Care Credit.

The surgery itself can take less than 3 minutes per eye, but youre in our office at least 1 hour. We like to go over all questions patients have for us before surgery as well as all post-op instructions.

For most patients, they are functioning normally by the next day. With PRK, recovery is a bit longer and in most cases patients can resume normal activities within 1 week of surgery.

You can work after surgery, although its advisable you take a few days off to recover. Your eyes will be tired and light-sensitive the first few days after surgery.

Yes, you can get LASIK in only one eye. Some patients do not need to do LASIK in both eyes.

Your flap does heal after LASIK, but it does take some time for it to heal. Thats why we ask our patients to sleep and use eye shields for the first week after surgery.

After LASIK your eyes will be watery (tearing) for the first few days after surgery. Your eyes may also develop what we call an eye bruise (bloodshot eyes) after surgery from the suction that keeps your eye in place, similar to how we get bruises on our skin. Bruising can last anywhere from 1-4 weeks.

LASIK does not last forever, it depends on how high your prescription is. It can come back a little bit over time, which is what we call regression. If it gets to the point where it bothers you we can go back and perform a touch up.

Of the course of a lifetime of wearing glasses and contacts, yes LASIK is cheaper. Some patients have astigmatism and need to wear astigmatism contact lenses that are more expensive than spherical contact lenses. Often patients end up buying contacts, glasses, amd prescription sunglasses as well as contact lens solution. In the end, the cost of all those over the course of a lifetime would definitely be more than the cost of LASIK.

Your eyes can be a bit blurry 2-3 days after Lasik surgery. Day by day it will get better and better. Just give your eyes some rest and let them tear naturally.

Yes. LASIK surgery will not prevent other eye related problems from happening, such as age-related nearsightedness, so it’s entirely possible for your eyesight to get worse due to these other factors.

Yes. LASIK is designed to provide 20/25 vision or better. However, it is not guaranteed that everyone can achieve totally perfect vision given that everyone’s vision impairment is different.

Yes. LASIK can be a very helpful surgery for people who suffer from astigmatism. If you have severe astigmatism, your ophthalmologist may recommend other refractive surgeries such as PRK or ICL that would be more able to correct your vision.

Yes. The vast majority of people who need both near and far vision correction can benefit from LASIK. Your ophthalmologist will discuss with you your options, such as monovision or correcting for a single distance.

Usually no. Most people no longer require corrective lenses following their LASIK procedure, but this isn’t guaranteed. Some people still require slight vision correction to see clearly at certain distances or in certain conditions.

Usually no. Most people no longer require corrective lenses following their LASIK procedure, but this isn’t guaranteed. Some people still require slight vision correction to see clearly at certain distances or in certain conditions.

Yes. LASIK can be performed on nearly anyone who requires a prescription corrective lens to see correctly, but there is a limit to what degree of vision correction it can achieve for people with severe prescriptions. Other options such as PRK or ICL may be better in that case.

Yes. The surface of your eye will need to heal, which may cause your eyes to feel more dry for several days following the procedure. In the past, it was not uncommon for people to have longer lasting symptoms of dry eye following a LASIK procedure. This is much less common with the current technology, but is still a possibility.

It is important to keep water out of the eyes for the first week after surgery.

It is important to wear sunglasses both indoors and outdoors for the first few days after surgery as your cornea is healing and you will be very sensitive to light.

Your eyes will be light sensitive for the first few days after the procedure, but after that, you can return to normal activity.

The vision will be blurriest for the first few days after surgery, but it can take a week or two to reach your visual potential.

Both procedures have very similar visual outcomes, however if you are at a higher risk of trauma or injury to the eye due to your career or hobbies, PRK is a better option.

With PRK, the vision will be blurry for as long as it takes for the corneal epithelium to regenerate. Usually this is anytime between 4-14 days.

Rubbing your eyes can disrupt the healing process of the corneal epithelium. You will have a contact lens in place to help the eye heal for the first few days after the procedure to add an extra layer of protection.

Yes, if needed, you can wear glasses after PRK and you may need reading glasses as you age, but as your eyes heal from PRK, you may not need them at all.

If you wear contact lenses, you will be asked to stop wearing them for at least one to two weeks prior to surgery. On top of that, you will want to plan for someone to drive you home after the procedure and you will likely need to take 4-7 days off work. Everything you need to know to prepare for PRK will be covered leading up to surgery.

The success rate for PRK surgery is 95%. That means 95% of patients see a significant improvement in their vision.

It typically takes about a month to recover and see the full improvements in your vision from PRK surgery but for some patients, it can take as long as 3-6 months.

Once your vision starts to improve, you can read. This usually takes a week, but can take up to several weeks.

Wearing sunglasses with full UV protection after the surgery can help to prevent haze, as well as using the eye drops your doctor prescribes. Your doctor will give you full instructions on how to prevent corneal haze. If you do experience haze, it often appears one month after surgery and reaches its peak at 3-6 months. It then begins to decrease after that.

While it’s not normal, double vision is possible after PRK surgery. While it is likely to go away as your eyes heal, it is still a good idea to let your doctor know at one of your post-op appointments if you are experiencing double vision.

Yes, there are artificial corneas that can be used in cornea surgery. An artificial cornea is known as a keratoprosthesis.

Yes, contact lenses can be very helpful after a corneal transplant. However, be sure to follow your ophthalmologists directions regarding contact lens use after surgery.

Yes, but it is not common for living patients to donate corneas.

This depends on the overall condition of your eye. Some corneal transplants will last forever, however, in some cases patients will need to have another surgery due to transplant rejection.

Yes, either glasses or contact lenses may be worn. Corneal transplant patients will need some form of vision correction in the majority of cases.

No, a corneal transplant does not change eye color. This is because the cornea is clear and does not determine eye color.

Yes, you can undergo a second corneal transplant as needed. For example, a transplant rejection would require a second surgery.

There is typically no reason why you cannot fly after your corneal transplant surgery. Most patients are ready to resume travel between 24 and 48 hours after their surgery.

It can take up to a year to fully recover from a corneal transplant. However, most patients can resume their normal routines within a week or two.

A corneal transplant is a serious surgery, however, it does not require extended downtime or overnight hospital stays.

Yes. Artificial corneas do exist and have been used for over 50 years. However, results suggest that corneas from human donors work best for corneal transplants.

Yes. Secondary corneal transplants can be effective, but slightly less so than original corneal transplant procedures.

Yes. Corneal transplants are usually performed with a combination of local anesthetic and a sedative so youre comfortable.

In most cases, corneal transplants will last for the long term. They can require replacement, however, if the tissue is rejected or fails for various reasons.

Yes. However, this is very rare and usually reserved for patients who need the eye removed for severe health reasons. Most corneal donations come from deceased people.

Yes. Laying flat on your back for the first few days after surgery can help the graft attach to the cornea. Your ophthalmology team will provide detailed instructions on how long and often to do this.

Yes. You may still need corrective lenses after a corneal transplant surgery. Your ophthalmologist can give you the best indication of what to expect from your vision.

No. The color of the eye is determined by the iris, not the cornea, so your eye color will not change after a corneal transplant.

It can be unsafe to fly after a corneal transplant procedure, so you should plan your travel for at least two to three weeks afterward. Make sure to discuss your itinerary with your ophthalmologist during your appointment.

No. A corneal transplant is a relatively safe and minimally-invasive procedure. You should still plan to give yourself plenty of time to rest and recover afterward, however.

No. It can be unsafe to fly after a corneal transplant procedure, so you should plan your travel for at least two to three weeks afterward. Make sure to discuss your itinerary with your ophthalmologist during your appointment.

While the definitive cause of keratoconus is not known, it is believed that the level of risk someone has to develop the disease is present at birth.

In most cases, a donor cornea comes from the deceased. However, a donor may be living in very rare circumstances.

The cornea can heal small scratches or abrasions on its own. However, deeper injuries may lead to permanent vision problems.

In some cases, the body can reject a corneal transplant. This occurs when the bodys immune system mistakenly attacks the donor cornea. Medical attention is needed in these cases.

DMEK surgery usually takes about 30-45 minutes to complete.

It will take 6-8 weeks for your eye to heal following DMEK surgery. It is normal for patients to experience eye redness, discomfort, teariness, and light sensitivity immediately following surgery.

The cost of corneal transplant surgery may vary depending on different factors. Please contact our office today for more information regarding pricing.

For some people, keratoconus can progress slowly for up to 10 years or more. For others, it can progress very quickly.

If a corneal transplant is rejected, then medical treatment or another cornea transplant may be required

If keratoconus is left untreated, it can lead to permanent vision loss. This is why it is so important to seek treatment as soon as possible.

Yes, and the crosslinking procedure is painless. You will have to be reclined for up to an hour and a half, but other than this, there is no discomfort during crosslinking.

Follow your ophthalmologists instructions for caring for your treated eyes after CXL. Most patients are free to resume their normal activities while using anti-inflammatory eye drops and antibiotics.

No, but crosslinking can stop the progression of keratoconus to prevent your sight from getting worse and help avoid the need for a corneal transplant in the future.

In some people, keratoconus reaches a state of equilibrium where it doesnt continue progressing, but others experience worsening symptoms at different rates. Whatever your experience with the disease, its important to have a comprehensive eye exam and diagnosis to determine the best course of treatment.

Keratoconus is a genetic condition, but other factors such as rubbing your eyes often can increase your likelihood of developing keratoconus.

The speed that keratoconus develops varies for different people, and usually progresses most rapidly during your thirties. The condition often develops over years, usually causing people to change vision correction prescriptions each year or so before an eye exam reveals their underlying issue.

Your recovery time depends on the type of cross-linking procedure that you undergo. You are likely to get functional vision within a week of your procedure, but your cornea will need time to adjust to the treatment over the course of a few weeks.

Cross linking succeeds in limiting the progression of keratoconus and improving the quality of vision in most patients.

The procedure is not painful, and the eye is numbed throughout the process.

Its possible that keratoconus symptoms are passed down from parents to children, but more needs to be understood about this disease before a stronger correlation can be drawn.

No, your eyes will be numb during the procedure so you will not feel any pain. You may experience some discomfort after the surgery during the healing process.

Yes, someone with keratoconus can live a normal life with the proper care and treatment from their eye care specialist, but they may need specialty contact lenses.

Keratoconus does not usually lead to complete blindness. However, it can lead to partial blindness or significant visual impairment if left untreated.

Getting the correct treatment, such as cross-linking, from your eye care specialist can prevent keratoconus from worsening.

No, keratoconus surgery is not painful because your eyes will be numb during the procedure.

No, there is no cure for keratoconus. However, it can be managed effectively with treatment.

Yes, it is important that individuals with keratoconus treat this condition, as it can lead to vision deterioration if left untreated.

If your keratoconus is properly manages and your eyecare specialist says that you are safe to drive, then you can continue driving. However, if your vision deteriorates to the point that you cannot see properly, it may be unsafe for you to drive.

Unfortunately there is no way to naturally reverse your keratoconus.

Keratoconus cannot be cured with surgery. However, treatment and surgery are tools to manage the condition.

Keratoconus can appear between the ages of 10 and 25 and usually progresses slowly until the age of 40.

If your keratoconus is properly managed and your eyecare specialist says that you are safe to drive, then you can continue driving. However, if your vision deteriorates to the point that you cannot see properly, it may be unsafe for you to drive.

No, unfortunately there is no way to naturally reverse keratoconus. Treatment and surgery are the best tools to manage the condition.

Yes, when you order contact lenes, the contact lens expiration date is printed on the contacts. It would be advised to discard the contact lenses after that date.

No they do not hurt, but it can take some time to get used to contact lens in your eyes. Most patients adapt well to contact lenes. It takes some practice to really get the hang of it.

This is necessity answer, some children need to wear contact lenses because they might have vision issues and they are not able to wear glasses. Therefore their parent will help put their contact lenses on/off. The age can vary depending on patient/parent and physician.

Not advisable to swim with contact lens or put any type of water in the eye including swimming, salt water n(ocean water) Jacuzzi /hot tub or saunas.

Contact lenses are not over counter, a doctor needs to write you a prescription for your contact lenses and glasses every year. Your prescription does expire and youre not able to buy them once your expiration date has passed. You will need to get an updated Rx from your doctor.,.

No contact lens can not go behind the eye. Although it is an old wives tale that is can, they can not get behind your eye.

This is a personal question really, some patients prefer to wear contact lens becauase they are more comfortable wearing them and they are able to wear their sunglasses on top of them, other patients prefer glasses and they either buy another set of prescription sunglasses or buy a clip for their current glasses. Some patients are not able to tolerate contact lens, therefor they like glasses and vise versa.

If you cry with your contact lenses on your eyes may dry out, therefore you might need to lubricate with them with eye drops made for contact lenses. There are many drops available over the counter at your local pharmacy or retail shop.

You can order contact lenses directly through our website or if you prefer we can give your the prescription and you can purchase them online or at a retailer.

Some patients may need a contact lens training in our office and our staff is trained to do so and help patients out. Dont get impatient or frustrated with yourself it can take time to get it. Eventually it will be breezy and it will just work one day

It is not advisable to sleep with your contact lenses on or even take a nap with them on. When your eyes are dry they can scratch the eyes and or cause many other future problems with the eyes.

ICL can cause glaucoma if the implant is oversized or incorrectly positioned, however, the chances for this are very low.

Although rare, IOLs (intraocular lenses) can be removed and replaced - typically because of incorrect power or shifting within the eye.

No, the ICL is a clear implant that is inserted between the eyes natural lens and iris.

ICL is permanent, but it can always be removed if necessary.

A toric implant corrects for astigmatism just as a toric contact lens does.

You can start low impact exercise on the second or third day, but you should avoid lifting heavy weights or exercises that involve bending down for the first week or two.

Yes, however it can always be removed if necessary.

Toric lenses are used to correct for astigmatism.

Yes, a toric lens implant can be placed to correct for astigmatism.

ICL is an alternative to Lasik and PRK that reduces the dependency on glasses and contacts.

Yes - you can have ICL surgery after undergoing LASIK.

Toric lenses are effective for astigmatism because they retain their shape rather than conforming to the surface of the eye like regular lenses. This helps accommodate astigmatic eyes which are misshapen.

Toric lenses are weighted at the bottom to help them retain their shape and position. This helps compensate for the irregular shape of astigmatic eyes.

ICL is best for myopia and astigmatism. It can achieve permanent results and reduce the need for glasses or contact lenses.

It can take about 8-12 weeks for an implanted lens to fully heal. During this time, its very important to protect your eyes from irritation.

ICL is a very quick procedure performed with a local anesthetic and mild sedative so youre comfortable. Surgery is typically fully completed within 30 minutes.

The Visian Toric ICL is an implantable lens that can restore vision permanently for patients who dont qualify for LASIK. Its similar to a contact lens that does not need to be removed.

Halos can occur when the eyes dilate beyond the area of the ICL. Light that enters the pupil outside of the lens can look brighter, causing a ring effect.

The lenses can be uncomfortable initially as they are made up of a hard plastic. However, after about a week of wear, your eyes will adjust to them. Using a gel or artificial tear drop before insertion can help improve comfort.

It takes about one week of wear for low to moderate prescriptions and about two to three weeks for higher prescriptions. If you stop wearing the lenses every night, your eyesight will return back to baseline. Some patients may need to wear a soft contact lens temporarily during the day for the first week or two to ensure vision is not myopic.

No, much like a retainer, it only works for as long as you continue treatment. If you stop wearing the lenses, your eyes will return to baseline in about 72 hours. This is a great option for kids who are not Lasik candidates to keep their prescription stable until they are at an eligible age for Lasik.

The risk of ortho-k lenses is similar to any contact lens. However, it has a lower infection rate in comparison to soft contact lenses. It is a highly effective, non-invasive, non-surgical, and reversible method to halt the progression of myopia.

No. If you experience headaches or severe pain after retinal surgery, you should contact your surgeon as soon as possible.

Yes. Retinal surgery is typically performed using a local anesthetic. Youll be relaxed and comfortable during surgery with few postoperative side effects.

Sometimes. Your ophthalmologist will need to perform additional specialized tests to diagnose any retinal problems.

No. A retinal problem, such as retinal detachment or a retinal tear, will not heal on its own. Its important to see your ophthalmologist as soon as possible for the best chance of maintaining healthy vision.

No. You should plan to have a close friend or family member take you home after surgery. Depending on any prescription medications given by your ophthalmologist, you can resume driving the next day.

Yes. Your vision may be blurry after surgery, but you can resume reading or watching TV while you recover.

Rarely. Cataract surgery could increase the risk of retinal detachment in the past, but it has become much less likely when using modern surgical techniques.

Yes. If a significant portion of the retina detaches, it can cause permanent vision loss. This means that it requires prompt treatment.

Your ophthalmologist can test for retina detachment using a dilated eye exam and a tool called an ophthalmoscope.

Yes. Retinal detachment can happen over time or suddenly. Some risk factors for this include a family history of retinal detachment, eye trauma, a history of eye surgery, age, or nearsightedness.

Yes. Your ophthalmologist can test for retina detachment using a dilated eye exam and diagnostic machines designed to assess the retina.

In some cases depending on what type of lens the patient selects they patient will need glasses after surgery. Some patients choose a lens for up close distance therefor the patient would need glasses for distance. Vice versa its patients preference on what type of lens they are wanting and they are willing to give up after surgery.

Medicare will only cover the most basic surgery, they will cover conventional cataract surgery as well as conventional lens. Medicare unfortunately does not cover laser cataract surgery or any of the specialty lens options.

Surgery is done as a Ambulatory Surgery Center (day in day out) surgery therefor the anesthesiologist will inject a little bit of medication to relax patients. Patients are not asleep during surgery and will be aware during surgery just in case the physician needs to speak to the patient.

Cataracts are only removed when they are bothering the patient. The

All patients will be lying down on a table for surgery.

Surgery is done as a Ambulatory Surgery Center (day in day out) surgery therefor the anesthesiologist will inject a little bit of medication to relax patients. Patients are not asleep during surgery and will be aware during surgery just in case the physician needs to speak to the patient.

Patients will be most comfortable to wear dark sunglasses for the next month after surgery. Your eyes will be light sensitive right after surgery.

Your eye is held open with a lid speculum therefor you are not able to open your eye. n

No, cataract surgery is not painful. During cataract surgery, your eye will be numbed with eye drops or an injection around the eye. This will ensure that you are comfortable during the procedure.

Following cataract surgery, you should wear an eye shield when you sleep for about seven days.

While there is no “right” age to have cataract surgery, most people who undergo this procedure are over the age of 40.

You can expect your vision to continue getting clearer for several days after surgery, and may notice small fluctuations in your vision for up to two weeks.

There are specialty IOLs called “toric IOLs” that can be used to correct your astigmatism.

With the latest in laser assisted technology, cataract surgery can be completed very quickly if there are no complications or considerations. The surgical step of the procedure can take as little as ten to fifteen minutes, although you’ll need to undergo a short recovery and monitoring period afterwards to allow the sedatives to wear off and ensure you’re safe enough to return home. The length of this stage can vary based on each unique patient.

After cataract surgery, your vision may be blurry for the first few days before it begins to improve. You’ll be asked to wear a protective eye shield (especially at night) during this time to protect your eyes and allow for healing. After the first few days, you may notice that your vision is much more vibrant and colorful, since cataracts can produce a muted perception of colors.nnLaser cataract surgery shortens patients healing time.nLaser cataract surgery is a state-of-the-art technology that improves the precision and shortens the healing time for a patient undergoing cataract surgery.  Traditionally, cataract surgery involves using blades to create the corneal incisions; using a needle and small forceps to create the opening to the cataract; and using only ultrasound energy to break up the cataract into smaller pieces for safe removal.  In contrast, femto-second-assisted cataract surgery uses laser energy to create all of the corneal incisions; laser energy to create a perfect circular opening to the cataract; and laser energy to break up the cataract into even smaller pieces.nWe feel that this laser technology is superior to “standard” cataract surgery because no human can match the precision of a laser!  Laser-assisted cataract surgery is also much gentler on the corneal endothelium (i.e. the “water pumps” of the cornea) which translates into faster patient recovery times.  Lastly, astigmatism reduction is more precise using the laser compared to traditional methods using blades.nnWait a second, I thought all surgeons used a laser for cataract surgery?nnContrary to popular belief, most cataract surgeons do not have access or experience with laser-assisted cataract surgery, in fact most are ultrasound based. The difference is that the laser provides our patients with computer-controlled precision for their cataract surgery. It automates some of the most challenging steps of refractive cataract surgery. This femto-second laser replaces the traditional hand-held blade to optimize all incisions for enhanced, reproducible surgical results.In traditional non-laser basic cataract surgery, the surgeon makes incisions and removes the cataract using surgical instruments and blades. However, during laser cataract surgery, several of the most critical steps of the surgical process are performed using an image-guided femto-second laser.

The cost of your cataract surgery can depend on factors like whether one or both eyes will be treated, the types of lenses used (to also correct astigmatism or presbyopia, for example), and whether you opt for laser techniques. In many cases, basic cataract surgery is covered by medical insurance, but you’ll receive a full estimate of your costs during a consultation with our ophthalmologists.

Waiting too long for cataract surgery can result in negative effects, including a higher risk of complications during surgery and increased lifestyle risks such as accidental falls.

Cataracts can be removed at any stage. They should generally be removed when they begin to interfere with normal activities, such as reading or driving. Most health insurance companies will not cover the procedure until the cataract reaches a stage which impacts quality of life.

Only one eye is operated on at a time. Once that eye heals, you can proceed to operate on the other eye. If only one eye is being affected enough by a cataract to make you want it removed, you can do surgery in that eye alone.

In most cases, cataract surgery is performed under a combination of local and mild anesthesia. This means that, while you may not be fully unconscious for the procedure, you can still follow instructions from your surgeon.

Recovery after cataract surgery takes an average of four to six weeks.

After cataract surgery, you must avoid rubbing the eyes, driving, strenuous activities, or applying eye makeup. Your ophthalmologist will give you complete directions to follow after your procedure.

You never want to put anything in your eye right after surgery except for the drops given to you by your doctor. You may gently clean the area around the eye using a tissue.

Side effects after cataract surgery are usually temporary and mild. They may include blurry vision during the healing process, dry eye, glares or halos, and light sensitivity. If you experience more severe side effects, you should notify your doctor immediately.

Cataract surgery is the most common surgery in the world, and the success rate is incredibly high at over 97%.

The average age for cataracts to begin to form is around 60-75, but if you’re struggling with cataracts at any age, surgery can be very beneficial.

You should wear the eye shield while sleeping for at least a week. Your care team will discuss these details with you.

No, a local and mild anesthesia is used so you will not feel anything. You will still be awake and able to follow instructions, if necessary, but you won’t feel any pain or discomfort.

No. Regardless of how old you are, if a cataract is bothering you or affecting your vision, it can be removed. It’s also always better to remove a cataract before it can mature.

No. You can’t eat any solid foods or liquids for at least six to twelve hours before the surgery. This is primarily because anesthesia is being used.

Yes, the technology surrounding implanting intraocular lenses (IOLs) has been studied and proven over many years, although some types of IOLs are newer than others.

Yes, IOLs can be removed and replaced if not performing or correcting a persons vision optimally, although this is rarely necessary due to the number and precision of calculations made prior to implanting the lens.

Yes, the goal of lens replacement surgery is to provide perfect to near-perfect vision for patients undergoing the procedure.

No, with numbing eye drops and the lack of nerves in the lens and cornea, lens replacement surgery does not result in pain.

Lens implants are specially made synthetic lenses that mimic the naturally occurring lens in your eye but that are manufactured to correct misshapen lenses or corneas to help people see clearly at both near and far distances.

Unless you experience a sudden change or unfavorable vision correction with your IOL device, they should not need to be replaced at all during your life.

It can take up to a few days to recover, but your ophthalmologist will let you know exactly how to care for your treated eye(s) following IOL implantation.

It can take several months to become fully accustomed to your IOL, although every patient heals and adapts at a different rate.

Typically, yes, lens replacement surgery is supposed to be permanent. However, if you do not have ideal vision results the IOL can be removed and replaced with a different one.

In the extremely rare event that an IOL moves following implantation, an ophthalmologist will need to replace it with another lens.

The Light Adjustable Lens, like any other intraocular lens, is meant to last a lifetime.

No, the Light Adjustable Lens is not a multifocal lens.

A toric lens has a fixed amount of astigmatism correction built into it before surgery based on preoperation scans. A Light Adjustable Lens is customized by your doctor after surgery to correct for the amount of astigmatism that your eye needs based on your vision.

Light adjustable lenses are more likely to give you the best possible vision than with other types of lenses because they can be “fine tuned” after surgery. They are also as safe and have just as few side effects as other lenses put in during cataract surgery.

The Light Adjustable Lens can correct up to -3.00 diopters of astigmatism.

Light adjustable lenses are made out of photo-sensitive material that changes the prescription (or “power”) of the lens in response to UV light. By using a special UV light machine, your doctor can alter the prescription of the lens to give you your best possible vision.

The average cost of light adjustable lens surgery depends on a variety of factors. To find out more, schedule a consultation today.

No, Medicare and insurance companies do not cover the cost of the light adjustable or any other special lenses. They only cover the cost of a basic monofocal lens because it is the only one they deem “medically necessary”. They will cover the same costs for the procedure itself, such as the doctor and facility fees, for the Light Adjustable Lens that they would with any other cataract surgery.

The biggest advantage of the Light Adjustable Lens is that it is customizable after surgery, meaning that your doctor can adjust it to make your vision as clear as possible.

Anyone can be a candidate for the light-adjustable lens. People who have very thick cataracts, wish to reduce their dependence on glasses, or have had previous eye surgeries such as LASIK or PRK may get the most benefit over traditional lenses.

Around 3 weeks after your surgery, we will check your vision to see if it has stabilized. If it has, we will use a specially designed machine to begin adjusting the power in the lens to customize your vision. After the power has been adjusted, the power in your lens will be locked.

LALs offer many advantages. However, you will need additional post-op appointments so that the power in your lens can be adjusted and later locked. You will also need to wear specially manufactured UV-protective glasses (provided free of charge) beginning after surgery and continuing until your final lock-in appointment.

Once your light-adjustable lens has been adjusted, the lens power is permanently “locked” using the same machine that adjusted your lens. Locking the lens is painless and will prevent any changes in the future.

You will have the same restrictions following any cataract surgery, such as avoiding strenuous physical activity and wearing a protective eye shield when you sleep for two weeks. In addition, you will wear special UV-protective glasses until your final lock-in.

Many diseases can be detected early by reviewing images of the retina, even if you have no other symptoms present. This helps to protect your overall health as well as your eye health.

There are no adverse side effects of the Optomap procedure, as images are taken through a non-invasive and low-intensity laser.

Optomap is a digital image of the retina achieved using laser technology.

Optomap allows your doctor to detect problems regarding your health quickly through a non-invasive and overall comfortable procedure. Images of the retina can also be saved to compare them after future exams.

Children can have images taken through Optomap. In fact, retinal imaging such as Optomap is an important part of a child’s regular eye exam.

The Optomap procedure is completely painless and is completed in less than a second.

Your physician will advise when you should have an Optomap taken, however, it is generally recommended as part of your routine eye exam.

No. If you experience headaches or severe pain after retinal surgery, you should contact your surgeon as soon as possible.

Yes. Retinal surgery is typically performed using a local anesthetic. Youll be relaxed and comfortable during surgery with few postoperative side effects.

Sometimes. Your ophthalmologist will need to perform additional specialized tests to diagnose any retinal problems.

No. A retinal problem, such as retinal detachment or a retinal tear, will not heal on its own. Its important to see your ophthalmologist as soon as possible for the best chance of maintaining healthy vision.

No. You should plan to have a close friend or family member take you home after surgery. Depending on any prescription medications given by your ophthalmologist, you can resume driving the next day.

Yes. Your vision may be blurry after surgery, but you can resume reading or watching TV while you recover.

Rarely. Cataract surgery could increase the risk of retinal detachment in the past, but it has become much less likely when using modern surgical techniques.

Yes. If a significant portion of the retina detaches, it can cause permanent vision loss. This means that it requires prompt treatment.

Yes. Retinal detachment can happen over time or suddenly. Some risk factors for this include a family history of retinal detachment, eye trauma, a history of eye surgery, age, or nearsightedness.

Yes. Your ophthalmologist can test for retina detachment using a dilated eye exam and diagnostic machines designed to assess the retina.

The first step is to try to treat a chalazion with medication. If that is not effective, then you can choose to either have your chalazion excised or receive a steroid injection.

Antibiotic eye drops can treat a chalazion and keep it from getting bigger.

If treated right away, a chalazion can heal within a week. However, if left untreated, it can take 4-6 weeks for the chalazion to go away.

Chalazion can be individually treated and removed, but they may reoccur.

A chalazion can spontaneously pop on its own and potentially release a thick discharge into the eye.

Your doctor will numb the area with a local anesthetic and then make a small incision in the chalazion cyst to excise it.

Applying a warm tea bag to the chalazion is a common at-home remedy and by acting as a warm compress, tea bags may help the chalazion drain on its own.

Although there is no scientific evidence that identifies stress as a cause of chalazions, stress can weaken the immune system and make you susceptible to infections such as chalazion.

Antibiotic eye ointments or prescription pills can treat a chalazion or keep it from getting bigger.

A pterygium will not go away on its own and requires treatment from an ophthalmologist.

If left untreated, it is possible for a pterygium to cause blindness if it grows large enough to cover the pupil. Fortunately, it is rare that someone waits until this stage to seek treatment.

UV light is the cause of pterygium, but things like wind, sand, smoke, or dust can aggravate symptoms.

The best way to prevent the growth of a pterygium is by protecting your eyes from sun exposure. This means wearing UV-protective sunglasses, or at least a wide-brimmed hat, when you are outside.

Very small pterygiums can be treated with prescription steroidal eyedrops from your ophthalmologist. However, larger pterygiums are typically removed with surgery.

Pterygiums can return after surgical removal, which is why its important to address the underlying causes and prevent further growth.

Pterygiums are caused by long-term UV light exposure. Theyre more common in people who spend a lot of time outside, especially around bodies of water (which reflect sunlight).

Your ophthalmologist can prescribe specialized eyedrops or recommend over-the-counter options. Typically pterygium eyedrops include medications like mitomycin C and 5-fluorouracil.

Pterygium themselves are not cancerous, but some new studies suggest that pterygium have a small chance of developing into melanoma, a form of skin cancer.

If pterygiums are not treated in a timely manner, they can grow large enough to cause scarring on the eye.

A pterygium will not go away on its own and requires treatment from an ophthalmologist.

UV light is the cause of pterygium, but things like wind, sand, smoke, or dust can aggravate symptoms.

It is advised that individuals with glaucoma avoid anaerobic exercises such as sprinting, biking, sit-ups and pullups, and weightlifting.

Yes, for many people glaucoma does not lead to blindness. Glaucoma is controllable with modern treatment.

Yes, wearing sunglasses is one the simplest ways to ease discomfort caused by glare and light sensitivity.

Vitamin supplements that can be helpful for glaucoma include B1, B3, B12, C, A, and E.

Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness worldwide, and about 3 million Americans currently live with glaucoma.

There are four major types of glaucoma: open-angle glaucoma, closed-angle glaucoma, congenital glaucoma, and secondary glaucoma.

One of the reasons glaucoma can be so dangerous is that symptoms may not be noticeable until permanent damage has been done to the vision. One symptom you may notice is that your peripheral vision, or the “edges” of your vision, begins to decrease.

While stress cannot cause glaucoma, it may affect the way your body works. If you are highly stressed and not sleeping well, it may affect your vision.

Consuming high levels of trans fats has been proven to cause damage to the optic nerve.

Increased exposure to sunlight and UV radiation may increase the risk of glaucoma and can worsen glare sensitivity.

There are two common treatment options for glaucoma. One is the daily use of prescription eye drops that reduce eye pressure. Another is a laser procedure that helps prevent the pressure in the eye from getting too high.

No, glaucoma is controllable with modern treatment. As long as someone follows the treatment prescribed by their doctor, glaucoma does not usually lead to blindness.

Glaucoma patients should take care to manage medications. Many common medications can alter eye pressure, including steroids, Botox, Benadryl, Claritin, Prozac, Cymbalta, and more. Patients need to read warning labels on medications to ensure they are safe for them to use.

There are certain activities that those with glaucoma should be wary of. When it comes to yoga, patients are cautioned to avoid inversion poses. When it comes to strength training, it ultimately depends on the amount of weight being lifted. Those with glaucoma are cautioned not to lift too much, as it may cause IOP to rise. Glaucoma patients are free to take part in aerobic exercise, as it is beneficial to overall health. If you have questions regarding which activities are safe to take part in, ask your ophthalmologist.

Studies have shown that individuals who slept for 10 hours or more a night were 3x more likely to have glaucoma-related optic nerve damage than individuals who only slept 7 hours a night. Nighttime-increased IOP may contribute to the development and progression of glaucoma-related optic neuropathy.

To prevent glaucoma from becoming serious, it is important to first catch it as early as possible. This can be done by attending regular eye exams. Also, be sure to eat a healthy and nutrient-dense diet, exercise safely, protect your eyes from injury, and let your ophthalmologist know about any medications you are on, especially blood pressure medications. Also, if you are at high risk or have glaucoma, avoid placing your head below your heart for long periods of time.

There is no evidence to suggest that starting at a computer screen is a risk factor for glaucoma. However, prolonged screen time may lead to other vision issues such as digital eye strain or computer vision syndrome.

Living in dry or windy environments can worsen dry eyes, as well as looking at screens for long periods of time.

Dry eye can be aggravated by staring at screens like a computer, phone, or TV for long periods. The light emitted from these screens makes you blink less frequently, which causes your eyes to become drier. Dry eye can also have medical causes such as having certain conditions or taking certain medications.

Having chronically dry eyes can lead to significant health problems like infection, inflammation, and even vision loss. Its best to treat dry eyes as soon as possible with the help of your ophthalmologist.

It can take a few months to recover from dry eyes with regular use of eye drops and lifestyle changes.

Dry eyes can cause problems with your vision, which in turn can mean a stronger association with mood disorders like depression and anxiety.

Warm compresses can actually help dry eyes by soothing discomfort and supporting the production of tears. Compresses that are too hot can be damaging to the eyes, however.

You should put in lubricating eye drops (artificial tears) as frequently as needed depending on your symptoms. Some people find that using eye drops only once or twice per day is sufficient, while others find that they need them throughout the day. If you find that you need to put in drops more than four drops a day, it is recommended that you use a preservative free option.

Using certain types of eye drops too often can negatively impact your eyes ability to naturally produce lubrication. Always consult your opthalmologist for the right eye drops to use and how often.

Aging is often the most common cause of dry eye, but its also common to experience dry eyes from looking at screens for long periods of time.

Dry eyes can be a permanent condition depending on the cause. If you find that you have chronic dry eyes despite using artificial tears , it is a good idea to ask your eye doctor about other treatment options such as prescription eye drops or punctal plugs.

Dry eyes can be a permanent condition depending on the cause. If you find that you have chronic dry eyes despite using artificial tears , it is a good idea to ask your eye doctor about other treatment options such as prescription eye drops or punctal plugs.

At home treatments, such as warm compresses, can certainly help some people suffering from dry eye depending on its severity. You should always be careful when trying at home treatments because some can actually be harmful to your eyes, such as irrigating them with sink water.

During the refraction test, you sit in an exam chair that has a special device called a “phoropter” attached to it. The doctor will ask you to look through the device at an eye chart on the wall in front of you. The doctor will then switch between different powers of lenses inside the device and ask if the eye chart is more or less clear each time. Once they have found the right combination of lenses to give you your best vision, they will write those down as a glasses or contact lens prescription that you can fill.

Generally, the doctor does not need to dilate your eyes for a refraction test. However, there are certain circumstances where dilation may be necessary.

A refraction test can help detect multiple different conditions that affect your vision. These include conditions that can be improved with glasses or contact lenses such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and presbyopia. They can also help detect conditions that need medical treatment to be improved such as cataracts, cornea problems, retina problems, and others.

A refraction test will not affect your ability to drive.

An eye exam involves the doctor examining your eye to look for any potential health problems. A refraction test only involves finding what glasses or contact lens prescription would be best for you. Many people choose to have both during the same visit, but always make sure you select which one (or both) you would like when you make an appointment.

There are times when you will be required to get a refraction test, such as if you fail the vision test at the DMV. Even if you are not required to get one, having the right glasses or contact lens prescription helps you safely go about most of your everyday activities from reading to driving.

How serious your refraction error is depends on how much it impairs your vision and your ability to live a normal, happy life.

Refraction tests, performed by a qualified and experienced doctor, are very accurate.

The four main refractive errors include nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and presbyopia. These conditions are common, and the number of people who have them continues to grow.

The lenses can be uncomfortable initially as they are made up of a hard plastic. However, after about a week of wear, your eyes will adjust to them. Using a gel or artificial tear drop before insertion can help improve comfort.

It takes about one week of wear for low to moderate prescriptions and about two to three weeks for higher prescriptions. If you stop wearing the lenses every night, your eyesight will return back to baseline. Some patients may need to wear a soft contact lens temporarily during the day for the first week or two to ensure vision is not myopic.

No, much like a retainer, it only works for as long as you continue treatment. If you stop wearing the lenses, your eyes will return to baseline in about 72 hours. This is a great option for kids who are not Lasik candidates to keep their prescription stable until they are at an eligible age for Lasik.

The risk of ortho-k lenses is similar to any contact lens. However, it has a lower infection rate in comparison to soft contact lenses. It is a highly effective, non-invasive, non-surgical, and reversible method to halt the progression of myopia.

Generally, ortho-k lenses can be worn anywhere from 6-12 hours at night to reshape the front surface of the eye.

While ortho-k is associated with many benefits, it also has some downsides. As with any contact lenses, there is the risk of infection. This is more common in children and teens who are less likely to maintain good contact lens hygiene, so it is important to follow the doctor’s instructions on how to put in and take out the lenses.

Yes, the cost of ortho-k is often less than that of LASIK. However, be sure to consult with your ophthalmologist regarding pricing.

No, ortho-k lenses are typically worn from adolescence until the mid-20s. However, they can be worn at any age.

Yes, you actually should sleep with your ortho-k lenses in your eyes every night in order to get the full effect of reshaping the cornea.

If an individual does not wear their ortho-k lenses for one night, their vision may be blurry for the next day. If one were to stop wearing their lenses at night altogether, their eyes would eventually go back to their original shape and their refractive error would return.

If ortho-k lenses are worn for too long, dry eye symptoms may develop due to long-term use of ortho-k lenses. Because of this, extended day wear is not recommended.

Blurred vision during the first week of wearing ortho-k lenses may occur. If this blurry vision does not resolve within 2 weeks, it is recommended that you take note of any changes in your vision and report to your ophthalmologist.

As with any form of contact lenses, ortho-k can cause some possible complications. These may include induced astigmatism, a scratch on the cornea, and possibly an eye infection. You should watch out for the signs that your doctor discusses with you at your appointment.

Generally, ortho-k can correct upwards of -6.00 diopters (D) of myopia. If you are interested in discussing ortho-k as an option for you, please contact Anh Nguyen Ophthalmology today.

EVO Visian ICL is an implantable collamer lens that corrects refractive vision problems like nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism. This lens is implanted into the eye without having to reshape or remove the corneal tissue. More than 1 million EVO Visian ICL lenses have been implanted around the world.

One of the main benefits of EVO Visian ICL is that patients no longer have to be dependent on eyeglasses or contact lenses. Other advantages of this lens are sharper vision, improved night vision, protection from UV rays, and a quick procedure with minimal recovery since the corneal tissue is not removed. Additionally, EVO Visian ICL does not cause dry eye syndrome and can be removed by your doctor, although most patients will keep their ICL for many years.

Men and women between the ages of 21-45 who have had a stable prescription for the last year and no history of glaucoma, iritis, or diabetic eye disease are the best candidates for EVO Visian ICL. This ICL can treat moderate to severe nearsightedness, with or without an astigmatism.

The EVO Visian ICL procedure is an outpatient treatment performed under a mild sedative and anesthetic eye drops. It typically takes 20 to 30 minutes for both eyes. A tiny incision will be made in the eye and then the ICL is implanted behind the iris (the colored part of the lens).

The EVO Visian ICL lens can be removed, although it is intended for permanent vision correction.

Once the ICL lens is placed, patients will not feel it since it does not touch the internal structures of the eye.

The Visian EVO lens is placed behind your iris where it cannot be seen by anyone except your eye doctor at an eye examination.

Any medical procedure has potential risks, although the potential complications of the EVO ICL procedure are rare. Some of these possible risks include inflammation, increased eye pressure, or the need for an ICL exchange to replace the lens.

Most of the time, you dont have to worry about floaters in your vision. However, if you notice a sudden increase in the number of floaters or start to see flashes of light, you should see an ophthalmologist as soon as possible.

Floaters are normal occurrences with people who have healthy eyes. They are caused by strands of proteins in the jelly of the eye( the “vitreous humor”) that have detached from the back of your eye and begin floating around. Floaters are not a serious condition by themselves but could be the sign of something more serious.

The most common cause of floaters is vitreous detachment, which itself is not a serious condition, but could be the sign of something more serious.

Floaters typically go away on their own after some time. Activities such as staring at a screen for prolonged periods of time can increase the likelihood of floaters.

Flashes in your vision may or may not be caused by retinal or vitreous detachment, as some flashes are caused by sudden exposure to bright lights or head trauma. If you notice prolonged eye flashes, especially those outside your peripheral (side) vision, it is best to be evaluated by a doctor.

Stress may have a small part to play in the frequency of eye floaters affecting your vision, but it is likely not the only cause.

Flashes can appear for a number of reasons, external or internal. Eye flashes are known to be caused by head trauma, changes in the internal structure of the affected eye, and can be signs of serious eye conditions such as retinal detachment. If you begin to notice flashes, you should schedule an appointment with an eye doctor right away.

Theres no way to speed up how quickly your body breaks down the strands of protein that cause eye floaters, but if youre experiencing frequent eye flashes with an unidentified cause, it could be a sign of something an eye doctor should take a look at.

The two most common solutions for eye floaters are surgery or laser treatment. These procedures each have their own pros and cons and should be discussed with a skilled surgeon. However, many people find that their eye floaters are not bothersome, or their floaters fade on their own over time.

If you are seeing flashes or floaters, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible. The risk of a retinal tear is the highest during the first 4-6 weeks after symptoms begin. Retinal tears should be diagnosed promptly, as they can cause blindness if left untreated.

In the early stages of a condition called “diabetic retinopathy”, there may be no symptoms. However, as the disease progresses, seeing flashes may occur as a symptom.

Yes, floaters can become less visible as time passes. However, this may vary from patient to patient.

Floaters can appear in many forms, such as lines, circles, dots, clouds, or cobweb-like shapes.

Avoid foods high in fat such as dairy, red meat, and fried foods. If you smoke, you should also try to quit since this can be a risk factor.

Although macular degeneration can cause significant vision loss, it is rare that people go blind from it.

Yes, this is possible, but wet macular degeneration is less common.

It is possible that you will still be able to drive, especially during the early stages of macular degeneration. Some patients will find it easier to drive during the day than at night.

The rate of macular degeneration varies among patients, but dry macular degeneration will progress slower than wet macular degeneration.

Early warning signs include visual distortions, reduced central vision, the need for more light when doing work up-close, a blind spot in your vision, colors appearing duller, and difficulty recognizing faces.

Taking vitamins, stopping smoking and scheduling regular eye exams with your doctor can help slow the progression of macular degeneration.

Although glasses will not directly cure macular degeneration, they can improve symptoms by helping you see clearer.

During the first stage, a buildup of fatty proteins called drusen will occur in the retina. Vision loss will not begin until the second, or intermediate stage. During this intermediate stage, large drusen will begin to form and mild vision loss may begin. Late stage macular degeneration will be diagnosed as dry or wet and involves vision loss.

The FDA has recently approved an injectable eye medication called Vabysmo which will require less frequent injections to improve vision.

Macular degeneration is a serious vision condition that can cause blindness. Early diagnosis and treatment is the best way to prevent significant vision loss.

Yes. Treatments for macular degeneration should be administered by an ophthalmologist.