LASIK and Ophthalmologist in Northern Virginia
LASIK and Ophthalmologist in Northern Virginia
If you live in Northern, VA and have been looking for exceptional eye care near you, visit Anh Nguyen Ophthalmology in Falls Church, VA. Dr. Anh Nguyen and her team offer regular eye examinations and contact lens fittings as well as treatment for a variety of eye diseases and vision problems. One of the most popular services we offer is LASIK eye surgery, which helps patients receive permanent vision correction.
LASIK Eye Surgery
LASIK surgery is the most popular vision correction in the US and is a great solution for the millions of people who live with refractive errors. LASIK candidates are over 18 years old, not currently pregnant or breastfeeding, in good health, and have had no previous eye injuries or disease. LASIK results are excellent and most patients who have LASIK surgery achieve 20/25 vision or better. The procedure takes less than 30 minutes, and you will be recovered within a few days, although you should avoid strenuous activity like sports and exercising for one week.
What Are Refractive Errors?
Refraction, or refractive errors, make your vision blurry because the light does not bend the way it should. There are four types of refractive errors:
- Nearsightedness (myopia): difficulty seeing objects that are far away
- Farsightedness (hyperopia): ability to see objects far away but not up close; severe cases make vision blurry at any distance
- Astigmatism (irregular cornea): the surface of the eye curves asymmetrically which distorts your vision
- Presbyopia: less flexibility in your natural lenses caused by aging leads to loss of vision
Although refractive errors can usually be corrected with glasses, contacts, or laser vision surgery, severe cases pose the risk of retinal detachment, which is a much more serious condition. Flashes and floaters are a common sign of retinal detachment, although they may be harmless. It is always best to schedule an appointment and receive a diagnosis if you experience changes in your vision.
Cornea Problems
Astigmatism is not the only eye condition that can cause cornea problems. Keratoconus is a condition that causes the cornea to lose its shape and bulge, creating a cone-shape. Keratoconus progresses very slowly but you will usually start to notice signs around the age of 16. Symptoms include vision that cannot be corrected with glasses, light sensitivity, poor night vision, seeing halos around lights, and general eye pain or irritation. Corneal cross-linking, intacs, and corneal transplant are common treatment options for keratoconus.
Corneal Cross-Linking
Corneal cross-linking (CXL) is a minimally invasive procedure that can be performed in two ways. Epithelium-off CXL removes the outer layer of the cornea which allows the treatment to penetrate the cornea deeper and quicker. Epithelium-on CXL leaves the outer layer (the epithelium) intact for a shorter recovery time but the treatment will take longer. Both CXL options uses liquid riboflavin (vitamin B12) and ultraviolet light to reduce corneal ectasia.
Corneal Transplant
PK (penetrating keratoplasty) is a full-thickness corneal transplant that replaces damaged corneal tissue with healthy donor tissue. A corneal transplant is an effective treatment for keratoconus and other cornea diseases like Fuch’s dystrophy, keratitis, corneal stromal dystrophies, regrafts, and corneal ulcers.
Northern Virginia
Northern Virginia is located around the west and south sides of Washington, D.C. and is locally nicknamed NOVA or NoVA. It is also referred to as “Horse Country” because of the many steeplechase races, horse shows, and polo matches held in the area. This region includes the counties of Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, and Prince William. Within these counties are the independent cities of Alexandria (which hosts the best small brewery Port City), Falls Church, Fairfax (home to George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate), Manassas, and Manassas Park.
