Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Finding a Houston Eye Center That Offers Lasik Procedures

You will find that there is more than just one Houston eye center that offers the Lasik procedure. So, how do you determine which one will be best for you and your individual needs? There are many factors to take into consideration when choosing a center to perform your Lasik procedure. You should of course, make certain that the center you choose has surgeons who are members of the ACS or American College of Surgeons. This organization requires the highest ethical standards from all of its members including patient care and self-conduct. Choosing a surgeon that belongs to this organization will ensure that you receive quality services and patient care.


When looking for an eye center that offers this procedure, there are many avenues that you can take. If you have a regular eye doctor, be certain to ask for a recommendation. He or she should be able to point you in the direction of a reputable eye care center. You can also check with family and friends to see if they have a specific surgeon or eye care center to refer to you. Once you have a few referrals, be sure to do your research about each one. You may even want to ask the surgeon or eye care center for referrals of patients who have used their services. This will give you an idea of the rate of satisfied patients for each center.


Never be afraid of asking questions to ensure that you receive quality eye care. It is important to take good care of your vision and choosing the best Lasik surgeon and/or eye care center is a step in that quest. Read more about Houston eye center

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

The Basics of Glaucoma Treatment

Glaucoma treatment methods have changed substantially over the past few years. Years ago in fact, there seemed to be no treatment whatsoever to help those with this eye disease. Today’s treatments are designed to better control and/or lower the intraocular pressure in the eye. Ocular hypertension or high IOP is a sign of glaucoma and can damage the optic nerve which carries impulses in the retina to the area of the brain that recognizes visual cortex. Damage to this nerve can result in loss of vision. Treating glaucoma before it becomes severe is important to preserve overall vision.


The first method of treatment for glaucoma involves eye drops that are used regularly. These drops can be very effective in controlling eye pressure and could prevent eye damage and prevent the need for surgical treatments for the disease. Before your eye doctor can prescribe the drops however, it must be determined that you are a good candidate for this treatment method. If not, surgical procedures may need to be done. Those who are typically not candidates for eye drops include those with poor general health and those taking medications for asthma and many heart conditions as the medication may interact with other medications being taken.


To determine whether or not these glaucoma treatments are right for you, you should consult with your family doctor as well as your eye doctor. Regular eye exams are crucial to detect this disease before it causes damage to your eyes. Glaucoma can cause blindness but caught early it can be treated and vision can be protected. Read more about glaucoma treatment

Sunday, June 13, 2010

Things to Consider Before Visiting a Houston Lasik Eye Center

Before visiting a Houston Lasik eye center, you need to fully understand the surgery. Lasik is a refractive surgery that was developed to improve vision without the help of glasses or contact lenses. Basically, Lasik will reshape your cornea and improve your overall vision or correct specific vision problems. Many patients wonder about the safety of having this elective surgery. Most patients will not experience any adverse side effects of Lasik although there are a few minor complications that are reported such as dry eyes and under correction or over correction of the vision problem. These side effects however are often minimized through proper screening prior to having the surgery.


Patients are also typically concerned about the pain associated with having Lasik surgery. Most patients never experience any discomfort or experience a very minimal amount of pain. Before surgery, your surgeon should provide you with a specific mediation that will calm your eyes. This is typically done through eye drops. After surgery, most patients have found that over the counter pain medicines such as Tylenol or Ibuprofen typically eliminate any minor pain or discomfort. Patients who have undergone Lasik surgery rarely complain of any long-term or moderate pain.


Before having Lasik surgery, you need to consult with your eye doctor and determine whether or not this surgery is right for your specific vision problems. If you and your doctor have decided that Lasik is best for you, choosing a good eye center is crucial. In order to minimize any complications or side effects, be certain that you choose a center that is reputable. Read more about eye center

Sunday, June 6, 2010

Who Qualifies for Houston Lasik Eye Surgery?

Having Houston Lasik eye surgery is a decision that should not be made lightly. Of course, the benefits of the surgery far outweigh any potential risks for most patients. It is important to understand that not everyone’s vision problems can be corrected by Lasik surgery. Your eligibility will depend on many factors including the thickness and curvature of your cornea, the amount of refractive error and a few other things that your eye doctor should evaluate. Patients who have had Lasik surgery, particularly those that are most satisfied with the outcome, have fully understood the eligibility requirements.


Most people who wear corrective lenses will to correct distance vision problems are typically eligible for Lasik surgery. The prime candidates for this elective surgery are at least 18 years of age and have mild nearsighted vision problems. Those who are over 21 and have a high degree of nearsighted vision problems as well as astigmatism are also typically eligible as are those with vision problems that remain virtually the same over several years. It is important that you fully understand the possible outcome of Lasik surgery and have realistic expectations.


Typically, anyone who is younger than 18 will not be eligible for this surgery. In addition, those who have dramatic changes in their vision over a short period of time, women who are nursing or pregnant and anyone with autoimmune or an immune deficiency disease will also be ineligible. You should check with your eye doctor to inquire about your own eligibility for Lasik surgery. Read more about Houston Lasik eye surgery