Patients who are considering corrective laser surgery, particularly PRK surgery, should familiarize themselves with some do’s and don’ts after PRK surgery to encourage a speedy and painless recovery.

Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) is an outpatient laser procedure that usually only takes about fifteen minutes and produces 20/40 vision in 95% of those who elect to get it. If you are thinking about taking the next step in making poor vision an ailment of the past, keep reading to get an idea of what to expect during and after PRK surgery.  

What to expect during PRK surgery

Is PRK eye surgery safe? The actual procedure is quite short, usually finishing up in just under 15 minutes. We understand that the experience can be nerve-wracking, so we offer an oral sedative for your comfort if you feel you could use it. 

Your ophthalmologist will administer numbing drops in your eyes to reduce discomfort and work on one eye at a time, gently removing the top layer of your cornea (epithelium) and reshaping its irregularities with ultraviolet light. This beam is only used on the surface of your cornea and does not interfere with the corneal flap in the same way that LASIK does, it does however make the healing process a bit longer because the epithelium needs to regrow instead of just being reattached. 

Continue reading: PRK vs LASIK recovery time

When the procedure is finished the surgeon will place a soft bandage contact lens on your eye, which both protects it and encourages healing of your cornea. You will be given eye drops (which you should use early and often over the following weeks) and consummate instructions before being driven home to rest.

The Don’ts: What can you not do after PRK surgery? 

What you can do is rarely as important as what you cannot do when recovering from surgery. You probably have some questions like “Can you go outside after PRK surgery?” or “How soon can I drive after PRK surgery?” Here is a list of a few don’ts that will complicate recovery:

• Do not under any circumstances rub or touch your eyes: It can displace the bandage contact lens and land you back in the office for a replacement.
• Do not exercise or physically exert yourself: Perspiration can irritate and dry your already irritated and dry eyes.
• Do not drive until your doctor tells you it is safe to do so.
• Do not swim. This means no pools, no hot tubs, and no steam rooms. You may shower starting the day after your procedure but keep those eyes shut to make sure soap and water get nowhere near your eyes.
• Avoid dust, dirt, and smoke.
• Avoid eye makeup and skin creams around the eyes for a week after surgery.
• Avoid bright lights.

The Dos: Recovery tips for PRK surgery

The best way to ensure a comfortable recovery is to lay the groundwork. Inform your boss that you might need a couple of days off of work to ensure you are fully recovered before returning. It can take a few days for your vision to begin to clear up but if you are patient with your eyes and communicative with your doctor, you will have nothing to worry about. Here is some more practical advice:

• Follow up with your doctor: You can expect vision changes in the positive and negative as your eyes heal. It is normal for your eyes to feel dry for a few weeks following the procedure.
• Use your eye drops!
• Wear eye shields at night following the procedure.
• You may return to work once the bandage contact lens has been removed. If the bandage contact comes out do not attempt to put it back in and call your doctor.
• You will experience increased sensitivity to bright lights. Wear sunglasses, even during the day and indoors, for the first few days following the procedure.
• Consult your doctor before and after your procedure about meds to help with possible discomfort.
• Be aware of the PRK side effects so that you know when (and more importantly) when not to be alarmed. Things like dry eyes and blurry vision should not worry you.

Considering PRK surgery? The experts at Eye Center of Texas are here to help.

Our team at Eye Center of Texas has been working to give patients the eyesight that they deserve for years. With the help of surgeons like cornea specialist  Dr. Yasir Ahmed, we are able to put the best minds and the most advanced techniques to work in service of your vision.

Now that you know your do’s and don’ts after PRK surgery contact us to see if you would be a candidate for PRK or LASIK, or visit PRK surgery Houston for more information on the procedure.

More Helpful Articles by Eye Center of Texas:

• Who is a Candidate for Corneal Transplant?
• Cornea Transplant in Houston: A Guide
• What Causes Floaters and Flashes in Eyes?
• Laser Treatment for Floaters: YAG Laser Vitreolysis
• Presbyopia Treatment Options in Houston

Have you ever had a friend or family member talk about LASIK and wondered if LASIK Eye Surgery Sugar Land is right for you? What are the benefits? The risks? Where can you find someone you trust to take care of something as important as your eyes? Rest assured, the experts at Eye Center of Texas are here to answer your questions in this comprehensive guide to LASIK Eye Surgery in Sugar Land, TX. 

What is LASIK eye surgery?

LASIK eye surgery is a short, 30-minute procedure that uses laser refractive surgery to correct astigmatism, nearsightedness, and farsightedness. For the day of your procedure, you should have someone drive you to and from the doctor’s office and avoid wearing any makeup or other cosmetics. 

As for the surgery itself, your doctor will numb your eyes with drops to prevent any pain. Then your doctor will make an incision in your cornea to pull back a thin flap. Once a corneal flap has been made, another laser is used to reshape the tissue beneath according to your condition. 

After that, the flap is put back in place and that’s it! Although you will likely be able to see clearly in a few short hours, your total LASIK recovery time may take anywhere from three to six months.

The most asked question we get about LASIK is, is LASIK safe? The procedure has a 96% success rate and is concerned safe and effective for most patients. If patients do complain about any symptoms post-surgery, complaints can include:

• Dry Eye That Lasts for More than a few Days
• Eye Pain
• Glare or Halo Problems
• Periodic Blurry Vision
• Problems with the Flap
• Reduced Night Vision

If you notice any of these symptoms after your procedure, please contact your surgeon immediately.

Continue reading: Lasik For Astigmatism Correction

How long does LASIK last?

One common question about LASIK eye surgery is whether it is permanent and the answer is a little complicated: yes… for the most part. The procedure permanently changes the shape of your cornea and for most patients, this improves their vision. It is possible for your prescription to regress slightly, but it will most likely remain much improved from your prescription pre-surgery. Some patients may wish for further correction through an additional LASIK procedure many years down the line, but this is not a common experience.

One thing LASIK can’t prevent, however, is the natural aging process of the eye. Cataracts are a common condition in aging eyes that can negatively affect your vision and may require correction. Presbyopia is another condition associated with aging that leads many people to require reading glasses, regardless of their history of vision correction.

Is LASIK Eye Surgery right for me?

Lasik eye surgery is great for anyone with moderate vision loss and no unusual vision problems who are tired of wearing contact lenses or glasses.

If you’ve ever encountered these issues with your corrective devices, then you might want to consider LASIK:

Glasses

• Glare off of monitors
• Losing track of where your glasses are
• Improper fit (pinching tightly or falling off your face)
• Fogged lenses

Contacts

• Difficulty putting them in
• Irritation or tearing
• Eye infection
• Expense   

There are other considerations you should make when deciding on LASIK, such as the cost of LASIK eye surgery. So, is LASIK covered by insurance? Because it is an elective surgery, the LASIK eye surgery cost is generally not covered by insurance and you will likely have to pay out of pocket.

What can disqualify you from LASIK?

If you are or have one of the following conditions, LASIK may not be the right corrective procedure for you:

• Unstable vision for at least a year
• A significant health risk or condition, especially involving your eyes
• Autoimmune diseases or disorders such as HIV/AIDS, rheumatoid arthritis, and diabetes
• Eye scarring
• Thin cornea
• Extremely dry eyes
• Pregnant or breast-feeding
• Under 18 years of age

Even if you don’t make a great candidate for LASIK, there may be other options to help improve your vision.

Are there alternatives to LASIK?

Besides the standard corrective measures such as glasses and contact lenses, PRK (photorefractive keratectomy) is another popular surgical alternative to LASIK. What is PRK eye surgery? PRK is a laser refractive surgery that has many similarities to LASIK. 

As discussed, the LASIK procedure involves creating a corneal flap under which the doctor reshapes your eye tissue, whereas your entire outer corneal layer is removed with PRK. While that may sound scary, the success rate of the two procedures is very comparable. However, PRK usually requires a longer recovery time since the outer layer needs time to regenerate.

PRK eye surgery is recommended for those who have especially dry eyes or thin corneas. Be sure to consult with your doctor on which option is best suited to your eyes.

Trust Eye Center of Texas with your LASIK Eye Surgery in Sugar Land

If you’ve always wanted to wake up in the morning and see your alarm clock clearly or finally shed your cumbersome glasses or uncomfortable contact lenses, LASIK just might be the right choice for you. 

Eye Center of Texas has multiple locations, including one conveniently located in Sugar Land, staffed with the best medical professionals to help you today. Contact us to get started on your path to clear vision.  

More Helpful Articles by Eye Center of Texas:

• Why Would Someone Need a Cornea Transplant?
• Cornea Transplant Recovery
• What Causes Eye Floaters and Flashes?
• Laser Floaters Treatment: YAG Laser Vitreolysis
• Can You Reverse Presbyopia?

If you struggle with poor eyesight and are looking for ways to correct it without the use of contact lenses or glasses, you may find yourself wondering “what is PRK eye surgery?”

Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) is an outpatient laser eye surgery that focuses on reshaping the cornea to treat astigmatism, nearsightedness, and farsightedness. The entire procedure takes up to 15 minutes and will likely have you back on your feet in just a couple of days.

You don’t have to live with poor eyesight. See how PRK eye surgery can permanently improve your vision and how it compares to LASIK.

What to expect during PRK laser eye surgery

PRK treats refractive errors in your eyes using a laser to reshape parts of your cornea. This process adjusts the way light is bounced into your retina, improving your eyesight.  

Before going into surgery

In your appointments leading up to your PRK surgery, you and your eye surgeon should review the risks, benefits, and costs. He or she will test and examine your vision to determine whether PRK eye surgery is right for you.

Immediately before the eye surgery, you will receive numbing drops in your eyes and an oral sedative if necessary.

During PRK surgery

The surgery itself won’t last longer than 10 to 15 minutes. During the procedure, your eye surgeon will gently remove the top layer of your cornea to expose the part of your eye that needs to be reshaped. This removed outer layer will grow back on its own while you are healing. The laser in PRK, which delivers a pulsing beam of ultraviolet light, is used on the surface of the cornea, not underneath the corneal flap like in LASIK.

Recovery after surgery

You won’t be able to drive for up to a week after the surgery so be sure you have a trusted ride home. There may be some pain or discomfort for the first 24 to 36 hours so you’ll need to ensure that you can get adequate rest, avoid physical activity, and avoid any products that could cause irritation or infection to your eye.

So, how long does it take to recover from PRK eye surgery? 

The initial recovery can take a couple of days and may require some pain medication for a day or two. Your doctor will place an eye bandage similar to a contact lens over your eyes while the top layer of your cornea regenerates. There may be some light sensitivity or blurred vision in those first couple of days but your vision should stabilize after the initial recovery.

Full recovery will take about a month but you’ll be back to normal once the eye bandage is removed a few days post-surgery.

PRK surgery side effects

There are a few expected PRK surgery side effects to keep in mind during the first couple days of the healing process including:

• Mild to moderate discomfort or itching
• Light sensitivity
• Seeing halos of light for the first few weeks
• Cloudy or hazy vision

If you notice any unusual symptoms or the above side effects persist, call your ophthalmologist immediately.

PRK vs. LASIK

Chances are if you’re wondering “what is PRK eye surgery?”, you are also curious about LASIK and the differences between the two.

Both laser eye surgeries utilize the same corrective portions when reshaping the cornea with slight variances in how the doctor accesses the cornea. As mentioned, with LASIK, the surgeon will access the surface of your cornea by creating a corneal flap. Whereas during a PRK procedure, the top layer of your cornea, or the epithelium, is removed to allow access to the irregularities needing to be corrected.

Another big difference between the two procedures is their recovery time. Since the hinged flap can simply be realigned after the procedure, your vision will likely be functional immediately after your LASIK procedure. 

Wondering why to choose PRK over LASIK? Your ophthalmologist might suggest PRK eye surgery over LASIK if you have certain structural variances, like a thin cornea or dry eyes, that make LASIK unsafe. Your doctor might also suggest you receive PRK after LASIK if you did not receive the desired outcomes.

FAQs

Is PRK worse than LASIK?

One eye surgery isn’t worse than the other. They are both fairly low-risk, dependable procedures with good outcomes. PRK does take a bit longer, has a slightly longer recovery time, and may cause some discomfort following the procedure. But there is less of a risk for dry eyes and/or your corneal thickness to be affected if you already have thin corneas.

Continue reading: Am I a good candidate for LASIK surgery?

Does PRK or LASIK last longer?

The PRK surgery takes a bit longer than LASIK due to the fact that it often requires two lasers — one to remove the epithelium and one to correct the cornea. The entire process is typically done in less than 15 minutes.

How long after PRK can you wear contacts?

Can you wear contacts after PRK? Yes, but you shouldn’t need to. PRK is a refractive surgery that helps correct vision loss. Should you need to wear contacts after the procedure, opt for soft contact lenses as rigid contact lenses may not fit correctly after surgery.

If you are interested in wearing soft lenses or decorative contacts, wait at least six months.

Learn more about PRK eye surgery from a specialist at Eye Center of Texas

Now that you have a better understanding of the answer to the question, “what is PRK eye surgery?” you may be interested in learning whether you’re a candidate for PRK surgery in Houston.

Eye Center of Texas offers years of experience offering the most advanced refractive surgical techniques in Houston including PRK and LASIK. With cornea specialist and surgeon, Dr. Yasir Ahmed, you can rest assured that your vision is in the best hands.

If you’re looking for a permanent solution to vision loss or astigmatism, contact us today to schedule a consultation.

More Helpful Articles by Eye Center of Texas:

• What Causes Floaters and Flashes in Eyes?
• Laser Treatment for Floaters: YAG Laser Vitreolysis
• Presbyopia Treatment Options in Houston 
• Can Presbyopia be Corrected with LASIK?
• What Causes Presbyopia?

If you’ve been considering laser eye surgery, PRK might be on your radar, and may find yourself wondering, is PRK eye surgery safe?

Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) is a type of laser eye surgery used to treat vision loss or astigmatism. What is the PRK success rate? According to the FDA, about 95% of PRK patients achieve 20/40 vision without the need for corrective lenses or glasses one year post-surgery. As with any medical procedure, there are risks, but PRK eye surgery is generally a very safe and predictable procedure with great outcomes.

With PRK, poor vision can be an ailment of the past. In this article, we’ll cover what you can expect during and after PRK eye surgery.

What happens during PRK eye surgery?

The PRK procedure itself is fairly short, lasting only around 15 minutes long. Your ophthalmologist will use numbing drops in your eyes before the procedure and offer an oral sedative if you feel you need it. 

Then they will gently remove the top layer of the cornea, or the epithelium, and reshape the irregularities with a pulsing beam of ultraviolet light. The outer layer that was removed will regenerate while you’re healing. To help it along, your doctor will place a protective bandage over your eye. This eye bandage will be removed a few days after your procedure.

Recovery: the do’s and don’ts after PRK surgery

Recovery for PRK is a little longer than LASIK due to the nature of the surgery. In LASIK, the corneal flap can simply be realigned after the procedure. But in PRK, the outer layer that was scraped away needs time to grow back.

You may experience some slight discomfort and pain immediately after the surgery and for the first 24 to 36 hours after. It’s best to take off work for the first couple of days and avoid driving yourself home from the surgery. 90% recovery can take up to a month but you’ll be back to your normal activities a few days post-surgery.

Here are some other tips for the week following your PRK procedure:

• Do not rub or touch your eyes
• Avoid wearing eye makeup
• Avoid swimming, hot tubs, and dry or dusty environments
• You may shower, but do your best to avoid getting water in your eyes
• Do not drive until you receive your doctor’s approval
• Use post-operative drops as often as needed
• Wear your eye shields at night
• Use sunglasses for at least the first three days

If you have any questions or concerns about the recovery process, please contact your doctor.

The side effects of PRK

Some typical PRK surgery side effects to keep an eye out for in the first week of recovery include:

• Mild to moderate discomfort or itching
• Light sensitivity
• Seeing bursts or halos of light for the first few weeks
• Cloudy or hazy vision (corneal haze)

If you notice any unusual symptoms such as pus, swelling, and/or fever, or the above side effects persist, call your ophthalmologist immediately.

What are the long-term effects of PRK?

Is PRK safe long term? Generally speaking, PRK is a safe laser eye surgery with high rates of success. That said, although they are rare, there is always a chance for long-term risks. The main long-term risks of PRK include the loss of vision that cannot be corrected, double vision, severe eye damage, and night vision issues like seeing glares or halos at night.

What’s the difference between PRK vs. LASIK?

The biggest difference between LASIK and PRK is the procedure process itself and the recovery time. The cornea is reached by removing the outer layer in PRK, but in LASIK the doctor reaches the cornea through a corneal flap. This difference in technique accounts for a longer healing time for PRK patients. Waiting a few extra days for your PRK recovery can lead to year after year of clear vision and a vastly improved quality of life.

Continue reading: Is LASIK safe?

Wondering if you’re a good candidate for PRK? Learn more at Eye Center of Texas.

So, is PRK eye surgery safe? For most patients, PRK surgery in Houston is a perfectly safe laser eye surgery. It’s a great option for individuals who have certain structural variances, like a thin cornea or dry eyes, that make LASIK unsafe.

Wondering you could be a good candidate for PRK? Head into Eye Center of Texas! We have years of experience offering the most advanced refractive surgical techniques in Houston including PRK and LASIK. With cornea specialist and surgeon, Dr. Yasir Ahmed, you can rest assured that your vision is in the best hands. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

More Helpful Articles by Eye Center of Texas:

• What Causes Floaters and Flashes in Eyes?
• Laser Treatment for Floaters: YAG Laser Vitreolysis
• Presbyopia Treatment Options in Houston 
• Can Presbyopia be Corrected with LASIK?
• What Causes Presbyopia?

What causes floaters and flashes in eyes? You might have experienced black spots or flashes that quickly disappear from your vision. Perhaps they have been persisting for a long time and are beginning to interfere with daily life. If you have been concerned about this, have no fear, Eye Center of Texas is here to help with eye floaters and flashes.

Do floaters and flashes go away?

Normally, eye floaters and flashes go away on their own. Microscopic fibers in your vitreous, or jelly-like material in your eye can cast shadows on your retina and lead you to see flashes, black spots, or other visual phenomena. As we age, however, it is normal and natural for this gel to start to thicken or shrink, which creates clumps or strands. Eventually, the vitreous gel starts to separate from the retina. This condition is known as Posterior Vitreous Detachment or PVD. As a result, we tend to see many more eye floaters and flashes as we get older. Because it’s a normal phenomenon, we can never truly get rid of them completely. However, they can be reduced in severity, if it impacts your day-to-day activities. 

What happens when eye floaters won’t go away? If this happens, you might wish to seek treatment to greatly reduce the occurrence of eye floaters and flashes. Eye Center of Texas provides YAG (yttrium-aluminum-garnet) laser vitreolysis that uses a powerful laser to eliminate floaters in a safe and painless procedure. 

Floaters might be one of the side effects after cataract surgery. It’s not that they suddenly appeared, they are just easier to see with the clearer vision you now have after cataract surgery.

Are floaters and flashes serious? 

Floaters and flashes are not usually serious. However, if they are severe enough, they can seriously affect your quality of life or even put you at risk. It might make watching television, reading a book, or working at your computer a difficult or frustrating experience. If you are driving on the road or working heavy machinery, they can potentially distract you,  putting others’ lives at risk, not to mention your own. 

There are more rare complications from posterior vitreous detachment that can lead to serious medical injury. When posterior vitreous detachment causes scar tissue to form on the surface of the retina, this can result in macular pucker, also known as a retinal pucker, which can distort your vision even further. If you suddenly have a sudden burst of eye floaters and flashes, this can indicate retinal tears or even retinal detachment. Posterior vitreous detachment can sometimes pull too strongly on the surface of the retina, causing holes or tears. If this happens, you should seek medical treatment immediately, as this can lead to a severe loss of vision.

Eye floaters and flashes can also be indicative of severe diabetic retinopathy, a diabetic eye disease that can lead to blindness. This condition is a result of an excess of glucose in the blood vessels of the retina. As it cannot be reversed, it is crucial that you identify it as soon as possible. If you have diabetes and are experiencing eye floaters and flashes, you should regularly seek consultation from one of our experts at Eye Center of Texas.

What can I do about eye floaters and flashes?

If eye floaters and flashes are plaguing you on a day-to-day basis, or you’ve experienced an alarming uptick in their frequency, you might wish to seek medical treatment. Luckily the Eye Center of Texas team is here to help. With a cutting-edge eye floaters treatment like YAG laser vitreolysis, our retina specialists carefully remove the clumps or strands in your vitreous in a safe, painless, and prompt procedure.  

We here at Eye Center of Texas are experts on laser treatment for floaters.

Now that you have more information on what causes floaters and flashes in eyes, the retina specialists at Eye Center of Texas are here to help you with any questions and floater treatment options you may need. We have years of experience treating eye diseases and vision issues with only the safest, most advanced surgical techniques and technology. 

Give us a call at 713-797-1010 or request an appointment online at any of our convenient locations today.

More Helpful Articles by Eye Center of Texas: 

• What Causes Presbyopia? 
• Femtosecond Laser Cataract Surgery
• Find an Ophthalmologist in Houston You Can Trust
• Cataract Surgery in One Eye: Everything You Need to Know
• What to Expect After LASIK

If you’ve been seeing more dark shapes or cobwebs in your vision, it might be time to consider laser treatment for floaters. Floaters are normal, but if you notice an increase in their occurrence, or if they are beginning to interfere with your daily life, you should contact a retina specialist immediately. You don’t have to put up with floaters forever –– laser vitreolysis doctors at Eye Center of Texas can help. See how this new treatment for eye floaters can provide relief.

What are floaters?

Floaters are caused by microscopic fibers in your vitreous, the jelly-like material that fills the space between the lens and the retina in your eye. Collagen, an important protein that makes up part of the vitreous gel, is usually the primary culprit of floaters. These cast shadows on your retina and lead you to see dark spots, specks, clouds or other visual anomalies. 

Why am I seeing more floaters now?

As we get older, the sac in our eye that contains vitreous gel begins to separate from the rear eyewall causing clumps of collagen to break up or clump together to create more floaters. This condition, known as macular pucker, can lead to a serious impact on our quality of vision, making even normal tasks like reading or watching television difficult. While this can sound trivial, it also poses a risk while driving as floaters can lead to dangerous distractions on the road.

An increase in floaters might also point to a more serious eye problem. It might be a symptom of severe diabetic retinopathy, an excess of glucose in the blood vessels of the retina. Vitreous detachment can lead to retinal tearing or even retinal detachment. So if you are seeing a large amount of floaters in one or both eyes, seek medical treatment immediately. 

Is there a treatment for eye floaters? 

Thanks to rapid advances in medical laser technology in the recent decades, what once would have required invasive surgery can now be treated quickly and with only minimal discomfort and side effects. Laser treatment for floaters, or YAG (yttrium-aluminum-garnet) laser vitreolysis is a procedure in which a laser targets floaters with pinpoint accuracy. These clumps are then broken up or dissolved by the laser. This new treatment for eye floaters now provides immediate relief from floaters without the risks associated with surgery.

What is the YAG laser vitreolysis procedure like?

Laser treatment for floaters is done in a short 10 to 15 minute procedure. Beforehand, our retina specialists may need to perform an OCT (ocular computerized tomography) to identify the location and size of the floaters in your eye using an infrared scan.  Numbing eye drops or local anesthetic will ensure you feel minimal discomfort. A special device is used to ensure that your eye stays open and a magnification lens will focus and target on the floater or floaters. The YAG laser will focus on the floater(s) and vaporize them into a gas that is reabsorbed by the eye. In the event that the floater is particularly large or located near an important structure in the eye, you may need to schedule more than one visit. 

After the procedure, you will need to come in for follow up checks to ensure the procedure was successful. You should experience relief from floaters within 30 minutes. There might be some discomfort initially, but it should go away quickly. You should avoid driving for a day or two after the procedure and be very careful around your eyes. If possible, you might want to take a couple days off work afterwards. Be sure to attend your follow-up consultations and take any medications or eye drops as prescribed.

Is laser treatment for floaters safe?

While YAG laser vitreolysis is very safe, like any medical procedure, it is not without risks. These include increased intraocular pressure resulting in glaucoma, inducement of cataract following surgery, retinal tear, retinal detachment, retinal hemorrhage, and increased quantity of floaters. But it is important to note that these are extremely rare. According to a comprehensive study of all YAG laser vitreolysis procedures between September 19, 2016 and March 16, 2017, only 15 patients reported any complications related to the procedure. 

As with any medical procedure, speak with your doctor if you have any concerns concerning YAG laser vitreolysis.

Am I a good candidate for laser treatment?

If you are experiencing floaters that impact your daily tasks like reading or driving, or last for more than four months, you might want to consider laser treatment. However, it is important that you do not have more serious eye problems such as retinal tears or detachments, cataracts, or clouding of the cornea or lens. You can still have laser treatment for floaters if you have had cataract surgery. 

Learn more about  laser treatment for floaters from a specialist at Eye Center of Texas

Now that you have more information on laser treatment for floaters, the retina specialists at Eye Center of Texas are here to help you with any questions and floater treatment options you may need. We have years of experience treating eye diseases and vision issues with only the safest, most advanced surgical techniques and technology.

Give us a call at 713-797-1010 or request an appointment online at any of our convenient locations today.

More Helpful Articles by Eye Center of Texas: 

• What Causes Presbyopia? 
• Femtosecond Laser Cataract Surgery
• Find an Ophthalmologist in Houston You Can Trust
• Cataract Surgery in One Eye: Everything You Need to Know
• What to Expect After LASIK

Femtosecond laser cataract surgery is a great alternative to traditional cataract surgery. In fact, many ophthalmologists would say it’s an all-around better choice. 

This being said, cataract surgery as a whole is considered an extremely safe and effective surgery. So, whether you opt for laser-assisted cataract surgery or traditional surgery, you can rest easy knowing that you’ve opted for surgery with a high success rate and that you’re on the road to better vision.

But what is femtosecond laser cataract surgery? And what are the advantages of femtosecond laser cataract surgery? Let’s dig a little deeper.

What is a femtosecond laser?

A femtosecond laser is an infrared laser that is leveraged in a handful of different eye surgeries (not just cataract surgery). 

During cataract surgery, the femtosecond laser is used in lieu of a handheld blade to break apart tissue, and it is used in conjunction with a camera and computer to accurately map out the surface of the eye. 

The laser receives information from the computer that tells it where to create an incision — taking into consideration depth and size, as well. All of these steps result in more precision and predictability in femtosecond laser cataract surgery compared to traditional cataract surgery. 

What are the benefits of using a femtosecond laser?

When it comes to laser surgery vs. traditional surgery for cataracts, safety is certainly a benefit with both, and the cataract surgery success rate, in general, sits at around 98%. 

But when it comes to femtosecond laser cataract surgery, in particular, you can expect things to run even more safely and smoothly. This is due to the added precision and predictability of using a computer-controlled laser — as opposed to relying on the skill and expertise your doctor has with a handheld blade.

Reduced likelihood of side effects

Whether you choose to go with traditional or blade-free cataract surgery, you’ll be up against the same side effects — which can include everything from infection and bleeding to detachment and pressure. However, with computer-controlled surgery, the added precision can help you out once again by decreasing your chances of experiencing cataract surgery side effects. 

The quicker, more accurate nature of the laser can only improve the recovery process.

Another thing to consider is that traditional surgery is largely reliant on your surgeon and his or her experience and skill. If your surgeon is not that comfortable with traditional cataract surgery, then you could suffer from a variety of complications, like irregular cuts and trauma. 

With a laser-assisted cataract surgery like femtosecond laser cataract surgery, an irregular cut isn’t a concern, and your eye will be under less trauma since the laser operates in less time than a handheld blade.

Learn more: Is cataract surgery safe? 

Reduced likelihood of manual complications

Femtosecond lasers are extremely precise, consistent, and reliable, and there are a handful of potential issues this laser nearly eliminates simply due to its overall precision. This includes when a cornea flap is cut too thick by the surgeon. 

This particular issue is quite common with traditional cataract surgery and can lead to bulging, which ultimately causes deteriorating vision. Since femtosecond laser cataract surgery maps out the eye and lays out depth and location for the laser, an improperly cut cornea is rare.

Increased likelihood of a seamless recovery

If you were debating between laser-assisted cataract surgery and traditional surgery, the recovery timeline might come up during your decision process. However, when it comes to recovery, there really are no distinct differences between the two surgeries (so long as there are no complications) and you should expect to see clearly within two weeks. 

Keep in mind, though… if you do end up experiencing complications that are typically more common with traditional cataract surgery, then your recovery timeline will be much longer. 

Interested in learning more about femtosecond laser cataract surgery?

If you’ve decided to move forward with cataract surgery but not sure if femtosecond laser cataract surgery is the right choice, we’d love to talk with you. At Eye Center of Texas, we’re home to some of the best cataract surgeons in Houston, and we can help you better understand the benefits of femtosecond laser surgery for cataracts. 

To learn more about laser cataract surgery or to schedule an appointment, give us a call at 713-797-1010, or contact us online.

More Helpful Articles by Eye Center of Texas: 

• What Causes Macular Degeneration
• What to Expect After Cataract Surgery
• Cataract Lens Options
• Wet vs. Dry Macular Degeneration 
• Can Cataracts Go Away Naturally?

What should you expect of your vision after getting cataract surgery in one eye? Should you expect there to be vision imbalances between both of your eyes? Or will everything be smooth sailing and perfect vision from here on out?

Fortunately, the recovery process after cataract surgery is usually quick and painless. But, there can be some blurriness, and there is an adjustment period. This process depends on the health of your eye and sometimes what type of lens you receive. 

Let’s quickly take a look at two common cataract surgery lens options and dig a little deeper into cataract surgery and post-surgery vision expectations.

Additional Reading: Learn more about what to expect after cataract surgery

Is cataract surgery in only one eye common? 

Can you have cataract surgery in one eye only? Yes, you can. In fact, you can have cataract surgery in just one eye or cataract surgery in both eyes at once, depending on the needs of your particular eyes. We recommend discussing these needs with your trusted ophthalmologist. 

Cataract surgery lens options 

There are two main types of lenses used during cataract surgery: monofocal lenses and multifocal lenses. (A third option, Toric lenses, help correct astigmatism.) 

Monofocal lenses

• Designed to help with vision for one distance — near, far, or intermediate
• Typically coupled with glasses to see closer (reading) or to see farther (driving)
• May have difficulty seeing in low light settings

Multifocal lenses

• Designed to improve vision at different distances (near and far)
• May have difficulty driving at night (glares, halos)
• Higher likelihood that glasses will not be needed since your eyes can adjust to different distances
• May have difficulty seeing in low light settings

While recovery and vision expectations will vary based on what type of lens you receive, most patients experience a temporary blurriness after getting cataract surgery in one or both eyes as their eyes recover and adjust to their new lenses. 

What to expect during the adjustment period 

Will my eyes struggle to adapt to each other after cataract surgery? Will I have to work on training my eyes after cataract surgery? Questions like these are common whether you’re getting cataract surgery in just one eye or both. 

Aside from blurriness, some individuals also experience a temporary vision imbalance known as anisometropia. Anisometropia typically lasts just a few days after surgery and can lead to double vision or issues with depth perception. To limit discomfort with anisometropia, there are a few tricks you can try out, including:

• Wearing a contact lens in the eye that did not receive cataract surgery
• Picking up some reading glasses
• Wearing an eye patch
• Resting your eyes and limiting screen time

The adjustment period can usually take up to a few days to a few months. Anisometropia tends to affect individuals who select monofocal lenses more frequently, as their eyes struggle to adjust to one type of distance vision. It’s important to maintain open communication with your doctor, so you can get the best possible guidance during this period.

How long will it take for your eye to recover?

The cataract surgery recovery time will come in stages. You can expect to return to work within 1-3 days of surgery, but you shouldn’t expect to have fully stabilized vision for at least a few weeks (3-6 weeks typically). Keep in mind, however, that vision imbalance is a separate issue. If you suffer from anisometropia, then the adjustment period may take a little longer than your recovery process.

Getting started with cataract surgery at Eye Center of Texas

For the vast majority of patients, there are no long-term issues with their vision after cataract surgery in one eye. And at Eye Center of Texas, we have experience performing over 80,000 successful cataract surgeries. We can help you improve your vision (and your life) with cataract surgery and make sure you have all the tools and resources you need to make your recovery process seamless. 

Are you preparing for cataract surgery? To learn more about cataract surgery and its benefits, call 713-797-1010 or contact us online today to request an appointment.

More Helpful Articles by Eye Center of Texas: 

• What Causes Macular Degeneration 
• Wet vs. Dry Macular Degeneration
• Can Cataracts Go Away Naturally?
• Macular Degeneration Prevention Tips
• Can Cataracts Come Back After Surgery?

It’s important to know what to expect after LASIK surgery. This way, you can avoid unnecessary complications and guarantee a smooth recovery process.

LASIK is a highly effective vision correction surgery. It can have profound and lasting improvements on your vision, and post-surgery complications are extremely rare. However, the average LASIK recovery time can be up to 6 months, and this timeline can become even longer if you partake in certain activities or fail to properly care for your eyes post-surgery.

To make sure your recovery process isn’t hindered, we’ll cover what to expect after LASIK, including LASIK recovery tips and potential complications.

How long does it take for your eye to heal after LASIK?

As we just mentioned, the LASIK recovery time period lasts around 6 months. However, this is in total, and it does not mean you’ll be down for the count the entire 6 months. In fact, you can resume most normal activities after the first 24 hours. This includes driving, working, and reading. 

If you’re wondering, “Can you watch TV after LASIK?”, then you’ll be happy to know that this activity can also be resumed after 24 hours. 

Within the first week, you might notice some light sensitivity and minor eye irritation that may give you the urge to rub your eyes. In fact, approximately 95% of patients said they experienced dry eyes after LASIK. However, after the first few weeks, these side effects should almost completely disappear. For most LASIK patients, it seems that the recovery process ends right around this time. You will be able to resume nearly all normal activities (including swimming), you shouldn’t feel any further irritation, and you won’t need to wear any eye coverings.

This being said, your eyes, especially the corneal flap (to many patients’ concern), will continue to heal (even if it isn’t noticeable) up to the 6-month mark.

What should I avoid after LASIK? 

If you really want to know what to expect after LASIK, then you need to understand that there are a handful of normal activities that you need to avoid at all costs — at least for a certain time period. Here are some of the activities to avoid after your LASIK surgery:

• Do not drive, get on an airplane, or watch TV for 24-48 hours 
• • Do not wear makeup, exercise, or apply facial creams for the first week

• Avoid getting shampoo/soap in your eyes when you shower

• Do not wear contact lenses, play contact sports, or swim for up to a month

Our favorite LASIK recovery tips  

One of the best LASIK recovery tips we can offer is to make sure you avoid the list of items up above for the recommended amount of time. Below are additional tips to help make your recovery process as easy and smooth as possible.

• Remember to protect your eyes from the sun. Wear sunglasses and eye coverings when necessary. 
• The recovery process is different for everyone. Stay in contact with your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. 
• Attend all follow-up appointments, even if you feel you don’t need to attend them. 
• Take all medications (and avoid others) as prescribed by your doctor (learn more about the recommended eye drops after LASIK). 
• Ask a friend to help you out during the first day or two after the procedure. Remember, you won’t be able to drive or watch TV, which means you’ll need a ride home from the doctor’s and you may want some company. Learn more about how to help care for someone after LASIK.

What are the risks of LASIK?

Risks or complications associated with LASIK are rare. The only real concern is the possibility of infection. However, this only occurs if you’re not following our LASIK recovery tips and failing to avoid all the unsafe post-LASIK activities. For example, if you decide to swim before the first month is up, there’s a likelihood that you could suffer from some type of bacterial infection.

If you are still concerned about potential issues arising after your operation, speak with your doctor before undergoing LASIK surgery. They’ll be able to reassure you of the benefits of this low-risk procedure.

Ready to get started with LASIK? Contact Eye Center of Texas today.

With over 75,000 successful LASIK eye surgeries under our belt, we’ve quickly become the go-to spot for LASIK surgery in Texas. Our vision experts can help you understand what to expect after LASIK and provide you with the best tools for post-surgery treatment.

If you’re ready to start your LASIK journey, give us a call at 713-395-1515 or contact us online.

 
More Helpful Articles by Eye Center of Texas: 

• What Causes Macular Degeneration?
• What to Expect After Cataract Surgery
• Cataract Surgery Lens Options
• Wet vs. Dry Macular Degeneration
• Do Cataracts Go Away Naturally? 

What causes macular degeneration? Though the reason for the onset of macular degeneration is unknown, science has come a long way in understanding what is actually causing the symptoms of the disease. Here’s what science currently tells us about what causes macular degeneration, as well as macular degeneration warning signs to watch out for and more.

The current science behind what causes macular degeneration 

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is an eye disease that primarily affects the central portion of the retina, known as the macula. 

In its dry (non-neovascular) form –– the most common form –– little bits of fat and protein called drusen begin to collect underneath your retina. Individual drusen are typically harmless, but when they accumulate en masse behind your retina, they start to cut off the oxygen supply to your eye. In the wet (neovascular) form of macular degeneration, abnormal blood vessels (thought to form as an effort to rid your eye of drusen) also begin to form underneath the retina. Unfortunately, these blood vessels increase the risk of fluid or blood leaking into the retina.

Dry macular degeneration is considered less serious and causes more minimal vision loss than wet macular degeneration. Please see our article for more information regarding wet vs. dry macular degeneration. 

FAQ: How long does it take to lose vision with macular degeneration?

On average, it takes approximately 10 years from diagnosis to become legally blind. In very severe cases, eyesight can be lost in as short as a few days. If you are near the age of 70, try to see your eye doctor regularly.

Macular degeneration risk factors 

While what causes these drusen to collect (and thus what causes macular degeneration onset) is still unknown, several risk factors for AMD have been identified. 

• • Age: Age is by far the biggest determining risk factor for AMD. It’s very common for individuals over the age of 70 to be diagnosed with some degree of macular degeneration.

  • Gender: Women are currently considered to be more likely to get AMD than men, but this may be because most women live longer than men. About ⅔ of all patients with AMD are women.

  • Smoking: People who smoke have been found more likely to have AMD. It is thought that this is due to the fact that smoking reduces the amount of oxygen that reaches your eyes.
      
  • High blood pressure: Like smoking, high blood pressure can also reduce the amount of oxygen that reaches your eyes.

Other potential risk factors include obesity, certain medications, and poor diet, although the research on linking these factors to AMD is still inconclusive. 

Signs of macular degeneration to watch out for 

There are a few symptoms to note if you suspect you may have macular degeneration. Here are some typical examples of the common signs of macular degeneration to look out for:

• Your vision is gradually becoming more blurry
• Your eyes have difficulty adjusting to different levels of light 
• You may have issues with color, depth, and texture perception
• Your vision becomes spotty  

If any of these signs of macular degeneration feel familiar, check out our article on how to self-test for macular degeneration using the macular degeneration amsler grid. 

Early detection is key to the successful treatment of macular degeneration. If macular degeneration is not detected soon enough, your vision can become more wavy and distorted at a quicker rate. 

Can you reverse macular degeneration? 

There currently are no macular degeneration treatment options that will cure you of AMD. However, if you catch the early signs, you may be able to slow the disease down. The best way to practice macular degeneration prevention is to make permanent lifestyle changes to slow the disease:

• Schedule regular eye exams 
• Quit smoking
• Incorporate vitamins A, E, and C 
• Improve your diet and exercise
• Protect your eyes from sunlight exposure 

For a deeper understanding of AMD prevention, read our article: Macular Degeneration Prevention Tips. Treatment options for AMD include laser procedures, eye injections, and certain vitamins. For more information, speak with an ophthalmologist at Eye Center of Texas. 

Don’t wait. Speak with a macular degeneration specialist at Eye Center of Texas today

Think you may be showing signs of macular degeneration? Have additional questions regarding what causes macular degeneration? A retina specialist in Houston from Eye Center of Texas can help answer your questions and work with you on how to maintain your vision. Our experience detecting and treating macular degeneration allows us to promptly answer your questions and take preventative measures. 

Call 713-797-1010 or request an appointment online today. 

More Helpful Articles by Eye Center of Texas: 

• Can Cataracts Go Away Naturally? 
• Can Cataracts Come Back After Surgery? 
• Retina Surgery Options
• What to Ask in a LASIK Consultation
• Can a Diabetic Get LASIK?