Laser Vision Correction and Dry Eye

If you are considering laser vision correction surgery but have the pre-existing condition of Dry Eye Syndrome, it is advisable to get your Dry Eye condition under control before undergoing laser vision correction. One of the potential complications of laser vision correction is Dry Eye, as it can cause a temporary decrease in tear production and affect healing after surgery. If your eyes are already dry, laser vision correction could worsen your condition and cause your eyes to feel unusually dry and uncomfortable. This could last just temporarily or for months or years after surgery.

Ways to Treat Dry Eye

Your Dry Eye condition may be treatable so you can pursue laser vision correction eye surgery. Your doctor may order prescription eye drops to lubricate your eyes, help your body produce more tears or reduce inflammation. Punctal plugs, which are inserted to block tear drainage, may also help restore moisture to the eyes.

The Experts Agree

“Patients with pre-existing dry eye should be cautioned that refractive surgery, particularly laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (laser vision correction), may worsen their dry eye condition.” (Nettune & Pflugfelder, 2010)

“Patients who have dry eye and are considering refractive surgery should have the dry eye treated before surgery.” (American Academy of Ophthalmology Basic and Clinical Science Course Subcommittee, 2011)

The only way to know for sure if your eyes are ready for laser vision correction is by scheduling a comprehensive laser vision correction Consultation to identify Dry Eye and other conditions. Our doctors at Pacific Eye Specialists offers free laser vision correction Consultations at our San Fransisco office. Schedule yours now at 415-921-7555 or pacificeyespecialists.com.

Five Unusual Benefits of Laser Vision Correction

Most people know that laser vision correction can potentially free them from the hassles of glasses and contact lenses. Of course that’s a great benefit, but we’ve come up with five more unusual benefits of laser vision correction that may persuade you to seriously consider this popular procedure.

#1 – Freedom to buy cool, but cheap, sunglasses to fit your every mood or fashion statement.

#2 – Ability to wander around the house at night without stubbing your toe on furniture.

#3 – Connection with your “inner dolphin” as you can see when swimming underwater with goggles.

#4 – Expanded Halloween costume options (think full face masks, costume make-up without glasses or novelty contacts)! 

#5 – Fewer “crow’s feet” wrinkles around your eyes because you won’t have to squint to see.

Ok, we admit these are silly reasons to have laser vision correction. But many people who have had successful laser vision correction do discover some unexpected benefits of their improved vision. Wouldn’t you love to see how your life might be improved with laser vision correction?

If you’ve been considering laser vision correction, call Pacific Eye Specialists to schedule your free laser vision correction Consultation. There’s no obligation, and you can learn if your eyes are right for the procedure. Call our San Fransisco office today at 415-921-7555 or visit us online at pacificeyespecialists.com.

National Eye Exam Month Has Arrived

August is National Eye Exam Month. This observance is a good reminder about the importance of having regular eye exams. Often people take their vision for granted, especially if they don’t need to wear corrective lenses. Even those who are nearsighted, farsighted or have astigmatism might become complacent about exams if their vision is stable.

The Mayo Clinic recommends the following guidelines for a healthy eye exam schedule:

·         Children: once before entering first grade, then every two years

·         Healthy adults up to age 40: every 5-10 years

·         Adults age 40-65: every 2-4 years

·         Adults over age 65: every 1-2 years

Of course, if you have any family history of eye disease or vision problems, you should schedule eye exams more frequently.

Why Eye Exams are Important

Eye exams can detect vision problems that you may be completely unaware of (like glaucoma or cataracts), and allow for the earliest treatment possible. Some vision conditions can lead to blindness if left untreated, so early detection gives you the opportunity to consider a wider range of treatment options.

You may also learn that you are a good candidate for a vision correction surgery, like laser vision 

correction, which could reduce or even eliminate your need for glasses or contact lenses.

Be honest: when was the last time you had an eye exam? Don’t put it off another year. Schedule your eye exam or a free laser vision correction Consultation at Pacific Eye Specialists. You can schedule it online at pacificeyespecialists.com or by calling 415-921-7555.

Laser Vision Correction Joke of the Day

In honor of National Tell a Joke Day on August 16, here’s a “cornea” one for your enjoyment:

It’s been said ophthalmology is a “contact” sport.

There is a bit of truth in this! Ophthalmologists do deal with patients who wear contact lenses and glasses. In fact, at Pacific Eye Specialists we are concerned with helping people reduce or eliminate their need for these corrective lenses through laser vision correction eye surgery.

If you’ve been considering laser vision correction, remember that choosing the right ophthalmologist for your laser vision correction eye surgery is no joke. You should never choose a laser vision correction surgeon based solely on someone else’s recommendation. You should feel 100% confident in each one of the factors listed below by doing your own research before you put your trust into any doctor. You’ll want to determine things like: 

·         The doctor’s medical training, certifications and professional organization affiliations

·         The doctor’s real world experience with laser vision correction

·         The doctor’s demeanor (do you feel a good rapport with him?)

·         The doctor’s laser vision correction success rate

·         Your confidence in the laser vision correction technology being used

·         The doctor’s willingness to discuss the potential risks or complications of laser vision correction

·         The friendliness and proficiency of the office and support staff

·         The cleanliness and comfort of the office

You can learn all about our doctors by scheduling your free laser vision correction Consultation in San Fransisco. Not only will you find out if you are a good candidate for laser vision correction, you will also have the opportunity to ask as many questions as you want about our doctors credentials. Contact us today at pacificeyespecialists.com or 415-921-7555.

Laser Vision Correction vs. Contact Lenses

Many people are unaware that wearing contacts every day may be a bigger risk than having their vision corrected with laser vision correction.

The fact is, if you have to wear contact lenses, hard contact lenses will give you the best vision, but they are a real nuisance, uncomfortable, prone to slipping, and easily broken. Soft contacts on the other hand are more comfortable, but due to their composition and design it can be more difficult to correct astigmatism.

Possible Complications of Contact Lenses

With prolonged usage, especially in adverse environmental conditions, contact lenses can lead to:

• Cornea redness or inflammation 
• Corneal infections 
• Corneal abrasions 
• Corneal ulcers 
• Corneal swelling 
• Dry eye

Laservision correction eye surgery may eliminate or reduce the need for corrective lenses. As with any type of surgical procedure, there are potential risks of laser vision correction surgery, including:

• Dry eye syndrome
•  Visual symptoms, such as halos, glare, starbursts or double vision 
• Vision loss

Cost of Laser Vision Correction

The average one-time cost of laser vision correction ranges from $1,600 per eye for non-customized laser vision correction to $2,500 per eye for customized wavefront-guided procedures. When these costs are compared to the ongoing expenses of contacts and glasses, laser vision correction often makes sense financially. Over any 10 year period the average vision impaired person will spend around $12,000 on:

• New eyeglass prescriptions 
• New frames and lenses
•  Replacement lenses or an endless stream of replacement contacts 
• Cleaning and sterilizing solutions

Not every person has the right eye conditions to support a laser vision correction procedure. If you are tired of wearing contacts or glasses and want to explore the laser vision correction option, the only way to determine if you are a good candidate for laser vision correction is by scheduling a laser vision correction Consultation. Contact Pacific Eye Specialists in San Fransisco today at 415-921-7555 or pacificeyespecialists.com to start on the path!