MI Lasik – Page 5 – Doing Business In Michigan

2019 Facts About LASIK and LASEK

Laser vision correction is more widely accessible today than ever before. Eyeglasses and contacts can be a thing of the past with just a few clicks, a consultation, and simple surgery. Vision correction with a laser is the most common surgery in the United States. Roughly over 600,000 laser eye procedures are done every year. Not only is it the most common surgical procedure, it is the most successful as well. Laser vision correction is performed in an attempt to cure Myopia, Hyperopia, and Astigmatism.

There are two main types of laser vision correction which include LASIK and LASEK (PRK). One is not better than the other. The right treatment to correct your vision will depend on your diagnosis, age, and lifestyle. In general, the differences include:

LASIK – This is a type of refractive surgery that is used to correct myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. A microscopic protective flap is created to allow access to the inner cornea. After this is done a laser light is used to reshape the cornea surface gently which alters focusing power and will improve your vision. The protective flap is then positioned to protect the eye and help in the healing process. Patients most often report an instant improvement in their vision after treatment.

LASEK (PRK) – This type of surgery is similar to LASIK however uses a different method to expose the cornea for treatment. Instead of a flap like in LASIK, LASEK is done directly to the surface of the eye and then the laser is applied. To protect the eye and provide protection after surgery a bandage contact lens is put over the eye. Vision improvements occur over time in a gradual process. The bandage contact lens is taken off about a week after surgery.

Both LASIK and LASEK are considered safe medical procedures. There are risks however they have significantly lower complications then other procedures. They have been proven to be safe procedures. 20+ million people since 1996 have had some type of laser vision treatment to correct vision impairments. As with all medical procedures as technology advances the risks involved lessen. Technological advancements make laser vision safer, less invasive, and quicker recovery times.

Many laser vision correction candidates want to know about the likelihood they will go blind after LASIK and LASEK. Although there are risks involved, there has never been a case where LASIK was the primary cause of blindness to a patient. That is not to say it can’t happen however there is a likelihood of 1 in 5 million that LASIK would be a primary cause of blindness. If you think about it in other terms there is a 1 in 1.2 million chance of becoming a movie star, 1 in 3.75 million chance of being bit by a shark, and 1 in 12,000 of lightning striking you.

Common side effects of laser vision surgery include:

Dry Eyes
Glare
Halos
Starbursts
Ghosting

Most of the side effects experienced will disappear as healing occurs. It is important to take care of yourself during the healing process in order to experience the best outcome.

As with anything, your odds of something going wrong decrease significantly when you choose a reputable facility such as Rohr Eye and Laser Center and top laser correction surgeons like Dr. Rohr. When you are looking for a local laser vision correction facility it is critical to look for experience, technology, and reviews.

Rohr Eye & Laser Center offers the most advanced technology available to suit your lifestyle and visual needs. As a leader in laser vision correction and cataract surgery, our goal is to help you achieve the best vision possible without glasses or contact lenses. More information can be found online at https://michiganlasik.com.

Springtime in Michigan Is the Perfect Time For LASIK

Spring has finally sprung here in Michigan, which means warmer weather, spring cleaning, and new beginnings. We begin to look forward to outdoor activities of all kinds and how much simpler these activities would be without the hassle of glasses and contact lenses. This spring might just be the start of your new beginning without the worries that come along with glasses and contacts. LASIK surgery has helped millions of Americans live a life free of correct lenses. It’s possible it can do the same for you!

The benefits of LASIK are endless. Here we will discuss just a few of the reason’s patients give us when looking into laser vision correction surgery. Whatever your reason, don’t procrastinate any longer. Spring is the perfect time for LASIK. You will be enjoying a life free and clear of restrictive vision before you know it.

Allergies

Many Michigan residents suffer from allergies throughout the spring. The trees are blooming, the flowers are popping up through the ground, grass is growing, and people are suffering from itchy, red eyes and constant sneezing and runny noses. A lot of times over the counter medicine just doesn’t cut the severe effects that allergies can have.

LASIK surgery can actually help improve your allergy symptoms! For many allergies suffers contact lenses intensify the symptoms people are experiencing. A lot of LASIK patients experience a vast improvement after surgery. Contact lenses are the worst when you are dealing with itchy eyes because the first thing you want to do is rub your eye and contacts make this a challenge.

Outdoor Activities

When it comes to playing sports and outdoor activities, contact lenses and glasses can really hinder your enjoyment (and performance). With LASIK surgery you no longer need to worry about breaking your glasses or losing a contact when you are in the heat of the game. Even gardening is simpler with laser vision surgery; never again will you worry about getting dirt and grime caught between a contact and cornea.

Traveling

Michigan residents are known for travel throughout the spring season. “Spring break” is basically a holiday for most families. Traveling as a family is hard enough without the added stress and worry that comes with packing extra glasses or the endless supplies needed for contact lenses. LASIK eliminates this all together. Laser surgery gives patients freedom to play without a concern. You can enjoy all of your favorite activities from swimming to rollercoaster rides with ease.

Busy Summers

Let’s face it, the spring season is going to fly by. Before you know it, summer will be here and so will the longing to spend your days camping, swimming, and enjoying friendly backyard barbecues. Having LASIK done in the spring allows eyes to heal properly before the enjoyment of the summer begins.

If you are considering LASIK and unsure if you are a candidate today is the day to find out. Rohr Eye & Laser Center will provide you with a free LASIK consultation to determine if you are an ideal candidate for vision correction surgery. Don’t eliminate yourself as a LASIK candidate, call our LASIK surgical coordinators today to schedule your free consultation.

A LASIK Overview

LASIK is a delicate corrective procedure that is used to improve eyesight. Not everyone is a good candidate for laser corrective surgery however for millions of patients, LASIK surgery is done with success.

Basics In LASIK

Most people who wear glasses or contacts think about corrective surgery at one time or another. During the LASIK procedure a laser reshapes your cornea (the dome which is located at the front of the eye) to increase light rays focusing on the retina.

Here are some things to consider before you schedule your Free LASIK, laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis, surgery. Consider the following:

LASIK can’t be reversed. It is a complicated surgery to a delicate part of the eye.
Laser vision corrective surgery doesn’t come without possible complications or risks.
Eye surgery is not for everyone; however, LASIK has been performed successfully on millions of people throughout the United States.
Although many patients end up with near perfect vision but there is a chance that the LASIK procedure will not end up giving you perfect vision, it is possible to end up with slightly diminished precise vision.
- 9 out of 10 patients end up with 20/20 and 20/40 vision – 20/40 vision is often not sharp enough for certain types of work.
LASIK is used to correct distance vision. It is likely that patients may still require reading glasses in their 40’s. LASIK is not used for correction or prevention of presbyopia which is an age-related loss of the eye being able to focus on objects nearby.
Nearsighted patients that don’t need reading glasses before the surgery might need them after.

LASIK benefits may decrease overtime. In fact, more than 10% of patients may require a second surgery which is known as a retreatment. This will restore the patients desired vision. This process is more common in patients who had higher nearsighted or farsightedness or a higher degree of astigmatism.

LASIK surgery is a procedure that is not covered under most insurance plans. For most candidates they can expect to pay up to $3,000 per eye for the LASIK procedure.

When Should I Have LASIK Performed?

No matter how young or old you are the health of your eyes is of the utmost importance. Our eye sight is an essential element in our everyday lives. It is important to remember this when making decisions regarding your vision. There are many choices when it comes to correcting issues with your vision such as eye glasses, contacts, and LASIK. When choosing an option that is right for you a lot of people start to consider undergoing the LASIK procedure. The thing most people are worried about is that they aren’t the right age to have the LASIK procedure performed. If that is you, keep on reading.

What is the perfect age to have LASIK performed?

Ophthalmologists and LASIK surgeons both agree that a patients age means less than the stability of their vision when determining if they should have laser vision correction performed. Patients that have has the same prescription for a period of time are most likely ready to have the LASIK procedure done. This often occurs for patients in their twenties.

Are there career benefits to LASIK?

Depending on your career, clear vision without the hindrance of eye glasses or contacts can be extremely beneficial. Athletes are one category of individuals who would have an advantage with laser vision correction. Contacts are not the same hindrance as eye glasses can be however there is always the concern about losing one or getting dirt in it while in the midst of an activity.

Can my eyesight continue to change one it has been corrected by LASIK?

Your vision can still change once the LASIK procedure is performed. Laser surgery helps to increase your vision to its best but even after LASIK it can still continue to change naturally over time. Statistics show that about 10% of LASIK patients will need to have touch up procedures performed after LASIK is done. This is especially true the more drastic your vision correction was.

If you are interested in finding out more about LASIK and how it can benefit you talk to family, friends, co-workers, and the people you trust for LASIK surgeon recommendations. This allows you to narrow down providers before hitting the internet for reviews and scheduling consultations.

Preventing Complications With Proper Care After LASIK

Eye care after laser vision correction is crucial in ensuring the success of your surgery. Complications can occur with LASIK but are lessened with proper care before, during, and after the procedure. One of the most important aspects comes just hours after the surgery. It is recommended to rest for a minimum of four hours after surgery. Take a nap and rest your eyes. Some patients choose to wear protective eye shields.

Eye shields are recommended to use when sleeping for the first few days after surgery to prevent unnecessary rubbing from occurring. It is crucial to prevent any eye-rubbing while your eyes are healing after laser surgery. It is important not to rush recovery which is easy to do since most patients experience a return in eyesight quite quickly.

Post LASIK care has a great deal of importance, it is as important as the surgery itself. In order to receive the most out of your LASIK experience follow the tips below.

Plan Follow-Up Appointments: Appointments will be scheduled to follow up with your eye doctor/surgeon during the first three months after the surgical procedure. After this time period annual eye exams are necessary to ensure the health of your eyes.
Follow Your Doctor’s Orders: Along with keeping follow up appointments with your LASIK surgeon it is imperative to schedule appointments with your primary eye doctor, ophthalmologist to keep up on changes in your vision. Annual eyes exams allow future issues to be caught quickly and immediately.

LASIK Healing Timeline

The First Week: Rest your eyes. Use prescribed eye drops to prevent dry eyes, infection, and inflammation. If you experience any issues, big or small, immediately call your LASIK surgeon.
Months After: Continue to follow up with your eye doctor and report changes that occur during the healing process. Monitoring the health, comfort, and vison changes of your eyes is necessary for preventing complications.

Returning to Normal After LASIK

For many patients they will return to work within a day or two of the LASIK procedure. The restrictions below are a guide to follow until you are feeling ready to return to normal activities.

Don’t drive until your LASIK eye surgeon says your vision has returned. This normally occurs within a day or two.
Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes all the time but especially the first week after LASIK.
Use restraint in reading and computer usage for the first days after your procedure.
Makeup should not be worn for at least a week after laser vision correction surgery.
As stated above do not rub your eyes for at least once a month after LASIK.
Exercise should be avoided for at least once a week. Contact sports should be avoided for a month.
Patients should avoid swimming, hot tubs, or whirlpools for a week after LASIK surgery.
Prevent dust and dirty environment to help eliminate the risk of getting something in your eye while your eye heals.

Lasik vs Contacts For Correcting Vision

Are you or a loved on interested in LASIK? Have you thought about how your life would change if you could see clearly without the use of glasses or contacts? Laser vision correction may be a popular option for you to consider. The first step in the process is to have a thorough eye exam that will help to determine if you are a good candidate for surgery.

LASIK eye surgery is most often done to treat nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatisms. Laser surgery involves reshaping the cornea in order for light entering the eye can focus properly on the retina which allows for clearer vision. For most people their vision is improved within a matter of twenty-four hours after surgery. If you are looking for clear vision without the need for glasses or contacts, LASIK can offer you that.

There are a few things to remember when preparing for LASIK surgery including:

Laser vision surgery can be done in both eyes during the same appointment.
LASIK takes approximately ten to fifteen minutes per eye.
Patients must be over the age of 18 to qualify for LASIK.
Many LASIK patients achieve 20/20 vision and no longer require the use of contacts or glasses.
Recovering from LASIK often requires anywhere between a few days and a few weeks for your vision to return to normal.

For some patients LASIK can seem quite daunting and they will decide to trade in their glasses for contacts instead of laser vision correction. Contacts are an ideal solution for patients who aren’t ready to commit to LASIK but no longer are interested in wearing glasses. Most contact lenses are silicone hydrogel lenses which are a type of soft lens that can be worn daily. Some contact lenses are known as extended wear lenses and can be worn overnight or continuously for thirty days.

There are a few things to remember when preparing to wear contacts:

Contact lenses need to be replaced often to decrease the chance of contamination
There are several types of contacts available to correct various vision issues
Contact lenses can be customized for eyes that are difficult to fit
Options in lenses include colored lenses, lenses for dry eyes, lenses with bifocals, UV reducing lenses, and even prosthetic lenses

Both LASIK and contacts are safe. There are risks of infection with both if care is not taken but side effects are rare.

Both LASIK and contacts are effective. Vision is improved with both laser correction surgery and the use of contact lenses. Adjusting for vision changes is easier with contacts however, LASIK patients can also adjust for vision changes with the use of glasses for reading or nighttime driving.

Both LASIK and contacts are affordable. Laser vision correction ranges between $1,500 to $2,500 per eye. Contacts are cost about $300 a year. The only downside is that the cost of contacts never disappears. You will need to purchase new contacts yearly.

Obviously, LASIK is a great option for correcting your vision on a permanent basis however, surgery is not for everyone. Contacts are a wonderful change for individuals who want a change from wearing glasses to improve their vision.

Common Myths about Cataracts

When it comes to taking care of your eyes as you age you will certainly receive a lot of information both accurate and inaccurate. Wading through the information received can be daunting. Cataracts are often a center of myths and tales associated with seniors and vision care. We have centered this installment around breaking the myths that surround the formation and surgical procedures associated with cataracts.

Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness throughout the world, more than glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and macular degeneration collectively. They are more common in seniors than any other demographic. Estimates suggest fifty percent of Americans will have had cataracts by the time they are eighty years old. It is important that seniors have correct information, an understanding of their vision condition, and what options they have for correction.

The Myths and Truths of Cataracts

Myth #1: Cataracts Grow on The Eye

Truth: Cataracts have thought to be a growth on the eye however that is not the truth at all. Cataracts are a result of protein fibers that clump together and creating a clouding of the lens of the eye. The cloud causes light to be scattered or even blocked completely as it passes through the lens. This does not allow the retina to receive a clear image. Cataracts are caused by:

Overexposure to Ultraviolet Light
Eye Injury
Result of Diabetes

Myth #2: The Only Symptom of Cataracts Is Blurred Vision

Truth: Although blurred vision is the most common symptom individuals report when experiencing cataracts, it is not the only one. Other symptoms include:

Extreme Light Sensitivity
Changes in Vision Prescription
Double Vision
Changes in Perception of Colors
Night Vision Difficulty

Myth #3: Cataracts Are Preventable

Truth: Cataracts are not preventable. There are different strategies that can be taken to reduce the risk of developing cataracts or to slow the progression of the disease. These include:

Yearly Eye Exams
Healthy Diet Rich in Fruits and Veggies
Don’t Smoke
Avoid Excessive Alcohol Usage
Wear Sunglasses with UVA & UVB Protection

Myth #4: Cataract Surgery is Dangerous

Truth: Cataract is in fact not dangerous, it is actually one of the safest vision surgeries. With advancements in technology, individuals need minimal sedation and cataract surgery has a success rate of over ninety-five percent. Recovery from cataract surgery includes:

Refrain from Eye Rubbing
No Lifting of Heavy Objects
Avoid Driving

Myth #5: Cataracts Come Back

Truth: Once a cataract is removed from the lens through surgical means, it will not return. A “secondary” cataract may develop. This occurs when the membrane holding the foreign lens implant in place becomes cloudy. This is corrected with a simple, painless procedure called a YAG laser capsulotomy. An eye surgeon will create a small opening in the membrane to assist in restoring the sharpness in vision.

Warning Signs Of Cataracts

Cataracts are a clouding in the lens of an eye that causes the impairment of an individual’s vision. This eye disease affects over twenty-five million Americans that are 40 and over. Once individuals have reached 75, over half of them will be diagnosed with cataracts.

As adults age the eye’s lens starts to yellow and harden which creates blurry vision, dull perception of colors, and night time driving becomes difficult. Cataracts do not get better and in fact get worse overtime. In fact, cataracts have several stages as they progress. It is important to treat the symptoms of cataracts in order to slow or stop cataracts from getting worse. In order to get a proper diagnosis and treatment plan it is crucial to visit an ophthalmologist. Planning treatment for cataracts slows down the need for cataract surgery.

Early Warning Signs of Cataracts

Cataracts range in severity and the treatment will depend on the development and type of cataract you have. Early signs of cataracts include:

Cloudy Vision:

Fuzzy spots are the most obvious early sign of cataracts. If individuals start to experience small, fuzzy spots in your field of vision that seem to worsen over time, you may be developing one of the first sign of cataracts. These signs will start to make normal, daily activities harder than ever before. If you notice the quick onset of cloudy vision it is important to get into the eye doctor sooner rather than later.

Difficult Night Vision:

Individuals with the early stages of cataracts also mention a gradual decrease in vision at night. Changes to vision may include darkening or dimming and may also lead to tinges of brown and yellow. During the day changes may not be as noticeable because there is light to balance vision that is dimming however, at night it is instantly noticeable.

Light Sensitivity:

Individuals with emergent cataracts experience discomfort with bright lights. This becomes more and more difficult to manage as cataracts worsen. If you notice you are squinting or closing your eyes more around bright light or noticing headaches that come on quickly from flashes and bright lights, it is time to schedule an appointment with an ophthalmologist.

Halos and Glares:

As cataracts worsen, the lens of the eye hardens and becomes cloudier. Some cataract suffers mention the appearance of a glare or halo in their field of vision. The light that passes through the cataract is diffracted which causes a glare and ringlets around bright sources of light. During the day the halos and glares are less noticeable then that are in the evening.

Vision Changes:

During the earliest stages of cataracts, individuals may notice changes in vision. Regular eye exams are crucial for older adults. In fact, ophthalmologists often detect cataracts before individuals notice a difference in vision.

Cataract damage is not reversible however, there are some things you can do to slow down their progression. It is important to talk with your eye doctor first to determine if cataract surgery is needed before cataracts worsen. Some ways to increase the health of your eye include eating a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, wearing sunglasses, determine if your prescription medicine worsen the effects of cataracts, and treat dry eyes with daily eye drops.

Do the Benefits of Glaucoma Surgery Outweigh the Risks?

As with any surgical procedure there are potential risks that need to be weighed against the benefits, Glaucoma is no different. Even the most advanced cases of Glaucoma can be treated, patients need to collaborate with their eye surgeon to ensure the benefits offset the risks.

Glaucoma is a disease that is associated with aging. It is a disease of the eye that causes advanced decline of the optic nerve. The optic nerve which is at the back of the eye carries the visual message from the retina to your brain. Glaucoma is caused by increased pressure within the eye that doesn’t provide an environment for the nerve’s health.

In order to treat Glaucoma, the IOP (intraocular pressure) must be lowered. Lowering the intraocular pressure prevents (or slows) the damage to the optic nerve. Treating Glaucoma begins with the use of medication. If this fails to treat or your eyes do not tolerate the treatment your ophthalmologists will often turn to surgical procedures.

There are two different types of surgery that can be performed to treat Glaucoma. One method is using a miniscule incision into the trabeculectomy. This can be done with or without the ExPRESS microshunt implantation, tube shunt implantation (which is a glaucoma drainage device), and cyclophotocoagulation. Another surgical Glaucoma procedure that is often performed is known as MIGS, or minimally invasive glaucoma surgery. Surgical procedures all have their own unique set of risks and rewards. Before you have any surgical procedure on your eye, especially for the treatment of Glaucoma, it is important to have talk with your surgeon about your specific diagnosis and the benefits and dangers of the specific Glaucoma surgery best for your specific situation.

Glaucoma Surgery Benefits Outweigh the Risks in Most Situations Even in Advanced Cases

There are risks involved with any surgery however, the results with Glaucoma surgery are typically successful. Success in Glaucoma surgery slows the progression of the disease. Success means that the intended eye pressure was achieved. If Glaucoma was left untreated, the loss of your vision is almost guaranteed. Surgery can help to prevent additional vision loss, often improving your vision. This however is temporary as the damage with Glaucoma has already occurred and is permanent. Surgery doesn’t reverse the damage it does however slow down the progression.

Although side effects do occur with Glaucoma, they are rare. Here is a list of occasional side effects that patients have reported:

• Vision Loss

• Bleeding

• Infection

• Eye Pressure

• Scarring

• Cataracts

Is LASIK Right for You?

Having LASIK performed may mean that you no longer have to wear corrective lenses to properly see. However, how do you know if you are a good candidate or not? What should you consider when you are weighing out your corrective vision options? Obviously if you are tired of having to put contacts in every morning or are sick of wearing glasses you start to consider laser eye surgery.

LASIK is a type of refractive eye surgery that is done that helps patience achieve 20/25 vision or greater. This is optimal for most activities that we will participate in. Often, patients do eventually need glasses as they age or even for nighttime driving.

The complications experienced with LASIK are rare. In fact, LASIK has a high success rate. Dry eye is the most common issue experienced after LASIK. This usually ends up clearing up with the use of eye drops. It can last up to a few months however, this is rare.

Your specific results will depend on a number of factors including your refractive error. Patients that suffer from mild nearsightedness have reported greater success from refractive surgery than patients with a high degree of far or near sightedness or an astigmatism.

What Happens During LASIK?

There are a number of variations of laser refractive surgery. For our purposes we will refer to them under the term LASIK. With normal vision, images are focused on the retina in the back of the eye. When your eye sight is less than perfect it means that the image is being focused elsewhere, which results in blurred vision.

Normally, images are focused on the retina which is in the back of your eye. With nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia) or astigmatism, they end up being focused elsewhere, resulting in blurred vision. This is corrected by reshaping the cornea to provide the proper refraction thus correcting your vision. Before your surgery begins your eye, surgeon will take detailed measurements of your eye. The laser is then used to properly remove parts of the corneal tissue until proper vision has been achieved.

In order to be a candidate for LASIK there are a number of requirements that must be met. Patients must be in good health and free of diseases that could restrict healing. Overall you must have healthy eyes that suffer only a moderate degree of refractive errors and you are not or have not experienced any unusual vision issues. Age related vision disorders such as cataracts are not cured during LASIK. Cataract surgery is different than LASIK. If you have an active job or lifestyle where you can not take time off to recover, then LASIK is not appropriate for you. Recovering from LASIK surgery is fairly simple but does require you to avoid intense workouts or activities where you could suffer a blow to the head for at least a month.