LASER EYE CENTER
It seems like, with the recent surge in popularity of LASIK eye surgery, that laser eye centers are cropping up all over the place. It is nice to know that the Eye Center of Texas has been a well-established part of the Houston community. And we are far more than just a laser eye center! We offer several laser vision correction procedures including:
(Click on any of the links to learn more details about the specific laser eye center procedures.) Beyond the laser eye center label, we also provide a full range of non-laser related medical services for your eyes.
Medical Facility for Eye Care
Just as you would go seek the help of a specialist if something suspicious were found in your annual checkup with your primary care physician, patients come to us when disease or injury of the eye is suspected. At our laser eye center, we have 4 Board Certified Ophthalmologists and 5 Therapeutic Optometrists who work as a team to provide start-to-finish support not only laser eye surgery, but also:
To meet the staff of our laser eye center, just click Meet Our Doctors.
Who does our laser eye center serve?
Patients from all over the Houston area come to our convenient locations in Bellaire, Pasadena, Sugar Land, Katy, Clear Lake, and Southeast Memorial to have laser eye surgery assessments. To get directions to any eye center, click Contact Us. Our laser eye center, where laser procedures take place, is our main location at 6565 West Loop South in Bellaire.
Our laser eye center patients are all ages.
18 – 40 year olds
For this age group, Lasik eye surgery is the most common laser vision correction procedure recommended here at the laser eye center. This surgery can correct most cases of nearsightedness, farsightedness, and even astigmatism.
45 and up
The most commonly performed surgery at our laser eye center for this age category is cataract surgery, (though technically this procedure is not considered a laser eye surgery). During cataract surgery, the patient’s cloudy lens is replaced with a clear one. These replacement lenses can now be vision-correcting, eliminating the need for glasses or contacts after the surgery – even trifocals! Even those patients without a cataract may consider having this elective surgery because it can correct near and distance vision as well as prevent cataracts from ever occurring!
Click here to read about the amazing intraocular lenses (IOLs) we have chosen to use at our laser eye center!
40-45
Now what if you are in between the ages of 40 and 45? Frequently, people’s eyes are undergoing a transition during this period. Most of us develop presbyopia (a natural loss in the ability of the eye’s lens to focus – especially when reading) during this period. Your choice of surgery depends upon where you are in your eye’s natural transition. Call the laser eye center today at 713-395-1515 to ask about our free evaluation. We’ll help you decide what kind of vision correction might be right for you.
Featured Article:
Find Out More About Dry Eye Syndrome at Our Laser Eye Center
[Posted on August 24]
Dry Eye Syndrome (DES) is the most common cause of ocular discomfort. It happens when the tears produced by the eyes are insufficient in moisture, lubrication, and other features which usually protect and replenish the eye. Dry eyes may also be worsened by environmental aspects such as dry weather, wind, and computer use. People with dry eyes often feel discomfort in a variety of ways including redness, burning, tearing, and a gritty foreign body sensation. In addition, patients often complain of intermittent blurring of vision. DES can be sporadic for some patients, but in others it is a chronic, irritating ocular disease.
How Do Tears Prevent Dry Eyes?
Tears are a major protective agent for the eyes. Tears not only wash away dust from the eyes, but also soothe the eyes, provide oxygen and nutrients to the cornea, as well as help defend against eye infections by removing microorganisms that can colonize in the eyes. Tears are composed of three distinctive layers. The outer lipid section consists of an oily film that counters evaporation and keeps the eye moistened. The middle region is made of mostly water that moisturizes the eyes as well as some nutrients and proteins that assist in limiting eye infections. The inner coating contains mucous that allows the tear film to spread and reduces evaporation from the eye. Each layer is vital to the health of the eye and many reasons exist which can cause an imbalance in tear quantity, quality, and consistency which can lead to dry eye syndrome.
What is the Cause of Dry Eyes?
Dry Eyes can be caused by several factors which include those relating to less tears and less moisture within the eyes. A common cause is aging. As we age we create less productive tears which means less lubrication for the eyes. Poor tears might also evaporate swiftly. Women approaching menopause especially face dry eyes due to a change in hormones. Others are not able to generate as much natural tears as needed whether it be from aging, blockage of tear ducts, or from medication that leads to less production of tears. This problem oftentimes leads to chronic dry eyes as the person is not able to manufacture tears and the eyes are not sufficiently lubricated. Tears evaporate rapidly, and the eyes are not cleaned properly. Environmental factors can also play a factor in eyes drying up. Examples include dusty air, dry or windy weather, or fumes like cigarette smoke which can evaporate tears quickly or hamper their effectiveness. This is especially a cause for dry eyes in contact lens wearers as the lenses absorb lubrication and the tear film. Numerous contact lens wearers regularly require rewetting drops. Personal conditions may also cause dry eyes. A deficiency in vitamin A, some medications, and some diseases may also lead to dry eyes. Inadequate sleep or insomnia can also cause dry eyes, as the eyes are not allowed to rest and are apt to dry up faster. In addition, heavy computer users are prone to dry eye syndrome. Talk with a doctor at our laser eye center for more information regarding dry eye syndrome.
Dry Eyes Symptoms
Many dry eye symptoms are persistent throughout the range of causes of dry eyes. Discomfort which can range from a light pain to a grainy, scratchy feeling in the eyes are all possible. The eyes may also become itchy, red, or tears may start to flood the eyes in an effort to relieve the dryness. Excessive tears are not necessarily good as it can mean the eyes are trying to over compensate for a lack of natural tear production. People with dry eyes will generally experience strain when using the eyes on focusing tasks like watching the television, knitting, and other activities.
- A gritty foreign body sensation which is worse at the end of the day.
- Redness, burning and excessive tearing without relief.
- Fluctuating vision which is worse at the end of the day or with detailed activities.
Dry Eye Testing
Testing for dry eyes can be performed through several methods. One of the simplest, Schirmer's test, is performed by placing a small piece of filter paper inside the lower part of the eyelids. The eyes are closed for a few minutes and the filter papers are then removed in order to measure the amount of tear production. The Schirmer's test candetermine if there is difficulty in tear production or if the tears are not efficient in maintaining adequate lubrication. Fluorescein eye drops may also be used to determine tear production. These drops contain a dye that can be traced with a special light as it is washed out of the eyes by the tears. This method can detect poor tear drainage and/or early evaporation of tears. Tears may also be examined to see if they contain enough moisture, proteins, and other materials. Contact our laser eye center today for dry eye testing.
Dry Eyes Treatment Options
Dry eye treatments will vary depending on the cause and the level of dryness. Many people can use artificial tears, gels, or ointments that simulate the action of normal tears. These products can provide temporary relief to the eyes and are excellent choices for episodic or mild dry eye patients. For patients with more chronic disease marked by moderate signs and symptoms, a new medication called RESTASIS® Ophthalmic Emulsion is available by prescription. This FDA approved eye drop is the only medication proven to make more of the patient’s own tears. It helps the eyes to produce more natural tears which is great for dry eyes evoked by aging and other reasons for deficient tear production. Another treatment step is the use of punctual plugs. These plugs block the drainage of tears and conserve them in the eyes longer. There are temporary and permanent plugs which are easily inserted into the tear ducts. Sealing the drainage system can also be done surgically. This method prevents tears from draining from the eyes and keeps the eyes moisturized. Contact lens wearers will often find eye drops effective especially if the lenses are removed prior to adding the rewetting drops. Primarily strenuous activities on the eyes often require a break or lots of blinking to bolster the prevention of dry eyes. Contact our laser eye center today for more information or to set up a consultation.
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