Since April is women’s eye health and safety month, Eye Center of Texas is here to talk about one of the easiest ways you can take care of your eyes regardless of your age or gender — annual eye exams.

Early detection is one of the best ways to prevent eye diseases such as cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, and dry eye disease, all of which are eye conditions that women are more likely to develop. So, the short answer to the title of this blog is yes, you really do need an annual eye exam.

Please note that the doctors at Eye Center of Texas do not perform routine eye examinations. We encourage our patients to visit our partner Optometrists, available on our recommended optometrists page.

What is an eye exam?

During an annual eye exam your eyes are checked for vision changes, signs of common eye diseases, and assessed for how well they work together. At your eye exam, you can expect simple tests to be ran including one or more of the following:

• Reading charts: assess how clearly each individual eye sees
• Eye muscle movement tests: used to check your eyes alignment, ability to fuse an image, and determine any eye muscle weakness
• Color vision tests: checks for color vision defects
• Air puff tonometry: emits a small puff of air into your eyes to assess intraocular pressure and measure the cornea and test for glaucoma
• Slit lamp: a test using a circle of light to check the health of your cornea, iris, lens, and retina
• Visual acuity test: assess each eye’s ability to read a line of letters as they get progressively smaller
• Refraction tests: determines the exact lens prescription you need to correct your vision
• Retinal examination: dilates your pupils to allow your doctor a better look at the back of your eyes and optic nerve

The importance of annual eye exams extends far beyond assessing your vision and overall health. They can also give you a good look into your overall health. Regular eye exams have been responsible for early detection of diseases like diabetes, muscular sclerosis (MS), and arteriosclerosis — all the more reason to schedule an exam with your optometrist, particularly if you haven’t had an eye exam in years, and even if you have perfect vision.

Which doctor does eye exams?

Do ophthalmologists do eye exams? Optometrists and ophthalmologists are often confused with one another. While both are licensed medical doctors who are able to offer eye exams, opthamologists are also able to provide medical and surgical interventions for eye conditions.

How often should you have your eyes examined?

Frequency recommendations for routine eye exams depend on your age and vision problems. Individuals aged 20 to 39 should be seen a minimum of once every five years, individuals aged 40 to 54 should be seen a minimum of once every 2 to 4 years, and individuals aged 55 to 64 should be seen a minimum of once every 1 to 3 years. Those looking to ensure that they maintain a lifetime of healthy vision, however, should see an eye doctor at least once a year.

It is recommended that you have a comprehensive eye exam done at least every other year as regular visits allow your doctor increased opportunities to catch symptoms of eye diseases such as glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, and dry eye syndrome. Early detection may be the key in protecting the long-term health of your eyes. If you have vision impairments or are monitoring certain conditions, you may need to schedule eye doctor appointments more than once a year.

Please note that contact fittings and vision screenings are not a substitute for annual eye exams as they do not test for eye conditions beyond vision impairments.

Comprehensive eye exam vs. a routine eye exam

Routine eye exams

What is included in a routine eye exam? Routine eye exams can help you answer questions about your vision such as “do I need reading glasses?” or “what are possible presbyopia treatments?” In other words, routine eye exams use visual acuity tests to look for vision impairments or refractive errors such as myopia (short-sightedness), hyperopia (far-sightedness), astigmatism, and/or presbyopia. They can also help to treat symptoms such as glare, halos, headaches, and eye strain.

Comprehensive eye exams

What is a comprehensive eye exam? A comprehensive eye exam checks for all of the same things that a routine eye exam does but with the addition of screening for common eye diseases. These tests include the visual acuity test as well as many of the others mentioned above such as eye muscle movement tests and cataract eye exams including pupil dilation and air puff tonometry.

Looking for an ophthalmologist in Houston? Schedule an appointment at the Eye Center of Texas!

In honor of women’s eye health and safety month, the team at Eye Center of Texas would like to encourage you to schedule your annual eye exams with one of the Houston doctors on our referral list. Regular eye exams are a critical part of taking care of your eyes and your overall health.

If your eye doctor finds that you are suffering from eye issues such as vision loss, cataracts, or glaucoma, schedule an appointment to see us. Our office offers long-term vision solutions including laser cataract surgery and cornea surgery. We’ve also performed over 75,000 successful LASIK procedures and have been Houston’s trusted vision partner since 1990.

Request an appointment with us online or call Eye Center of Texas today at 713-797-1010.

Please note that the doctors at Eye Center of Texas do not perform routine eye examinations. We encourage our patients to visit our partner Optometrists, available on our recommended optometrists page.

More Helpful Articles by Eye Center of Texas:

• Eye Strain Treatment in Houston
• Lasik vs. Contacts: Which is Best for You?
• What to Expect With Lasik Before and After Eye Surgery
• When is Corneal Transplant Necessary?
• Is Corneal Transplant Surgery Painful?

In observance of women’s eye health and safety month, Eye Center of Texas is here to talk about the most common signs of cataracts in women.

Women in the US are more likely to develop certain serious eye diseases than men including macular degeneration, thyroid eye disease, and cataracts. Eye disease in women and men alike is more easily prevented if caught early, which is why we recommend being aware of the more common signs of cataracts and other eye diseases.

If you are concerned about developing cataracts, or the health of your vision in general, we recommend talking to your eye doctor, finding the right surgeon, and taking action sooner rather than later, as mature cataracts can be harder to fully remove.

Symptoms of cataracts

So, what do cataracts look like? And how do you know if you have them? Protein buildup on your lens will cause an opaque white, yellow, or brown discoloration to appear. They are fairly visible once they have developed, but developing cataracts are often a little harder to spot.

Most signs of cataracts in women (and in men) include difficulty seeing as well as symptoms such as:

• Difficulty reading: This can mean trouble focusing on things both near and far away as well as persistent blurry or cloudy vision even while wearing prescription lenses.
• Poor night vision: Driving in the dark or walking around your house at night might suddenly be more difficult.
• Double vision: Cataracts can scatter the light passing through your eye, refracting it and causing distortions in your vision.
• Haloing around lights: Driving at night can become dangerous when halos and glare obstruct your vision.
• Light and glare sensitivity: The scattered light can overwhelm your eyes and cause pain.
• Severe difference in vision quality between eyes: If one eye is suffering from a cataract the imbalance created can cause a number of vision problems.

How are cataracts diagnosed?

Ask your optometrist or ophthalmologist about getting a dilated eye exam if you are concerned about cataracts. The National Eye Institute recommends that patients over 60 years old undergo a dilated eye exam once per year, as cataract risk goes up significantly with age. However, if you are wondering at what age do cataracts usually start, you should know that juvenile cataracts and congenital cataracts also exist and that the risk is not just posed to those 60 and up.

Cataracts can also form on the back of the lens. Called posterior subcapsular cataracts, these cataracts usually start small and are hard to spot, they interfere with vision in a number of ways and progress at a faster rate than normal cataracts.

Some risk factors for cataracts include:

• Age
• Excessive or prolonged exposure to the sun
• Smoking
• Excessive alcohol use
• Obesity or poor diet
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Previous eye injuries or eye surgeries
• Prolonged use of corticosteroids

During a dilated eye exam, your doctor will likely want to measure your eye pressure as well. This is one method to check for early signs of glaucoma, another leading cause of vision problems that presents itself commonly in older patients.

Posterior subcapsular cataracts, congenital cataracts, and glaucoma are just a few of the many reasons why we recommend getting regular eye exams. There is no better way to ensure long-term quality of vision and eye health than making sure you regularly consult with professionals on your specific needs.

Continue reading: The Difference Between Glaucoma vs. Cataracts 

Cataracts treatment

There is widespread myth and misinformation on the subject of non-surgical cataract treatment. Homeopathic suggestions abound, ranging from apple cider vinegar to honey, but none of them really work. While there is research being conducted on non-surgical cataract treatment, nothing has yet revealed itself as a miracle cure.

The only current way to treat cataracts is through surgery. And while making healthy choices can prevent you from developing cataracts, there is no way to reverse their growth once they have developed. That said, cataract surgery has gotten much more advanced than it once one. Patients now spend well under an hour in the chair and only 24-48 hours in cataract surgery recovery.

If you are concerned about cataract surgery costs, Eye Center of Texas offers financing and payment plans because we believe that clear vision should be attainable for everyone.

Looking for a cataract surgeon in Houston? Call Eye Center of Texas to discuss different surgery options.

If you think you or a loved one has exhibited any of the signs of cataracts in women, we encourage that you see an eye doctor as soon as possible to discuss your options.

The cataract surgeons at Eye Center of Texas have performed over 80,000 successful cataract surgeries and are regarded as some of the finest in the country. If you need guidance on the path to healthy vision, our renowned doctors can help you determine whether you would be a good candidate for cataract surgery, LASIK, or any other corrective eye surgeries.

Call Eye Center of Texas today at 713-797-1010 or request an appointment with us online.

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• Do I Need Reading Glasses?
• LASIK vs. Contacts: Which is Best for You?
• What to Expect Before and After LASIK Surgery
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Common eye problems in the winter might be easy to ignore at first. However, ignoring symptoms like light sensitivity or itchy eyes in the winter can lead to other conditions like dry eye syndrome or, in extreme cases, abrasions of the corneal surface.

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Discerning when to see an eye doctor without the help of a doctor’s recommendation can be complicated. Most people go to the eye doctor when their doctor deems it necessary, or they don’t go at all until an emergency appears. You should know that visiting an eye doctor for routine check-ups is an essential part of caring for your eyes, and there are many reasons for a checkup other than eye infections or worsening vision.

What if I don’t have an eye doctor? Do I even need to see one? What is the difference between an optometrist and an ophthalmologist? We will answer these questions and more in this handy guide that will help you decide why and when to see an eye doctor.

Please note that the doctors at Eye Center of Texas do not perform routine eye examinations. We encourage our patients to visit our partner Optometrists, available on our recommended optometrists page.

Signs you should get your eyes checked

Do I need to see an eye doctor? Well, it depends. Ultimately you know your eyes best, outside of routine exams, here are a handful of circumstances that should put visiting the eye doctor at the top of your list:

Damage, debris, foreign objects in eyes

Essentially, debris and foreign objects in your eyes manifest in somewhat benign ways but can lead to a variety of serious eye problems including infection or a scratched cornea. Red, dry eyes often act as a symptom of infections, so it’s smart to schedule an appointment with your eye doctor to have it looked at. If you got something foreign in your eyes, you may also have eye damage that needs to be addressed.

Pain or fatigue

Eye pain over any sustained period is often your eyes telling you that something is wrong. This can appear in the form of light sensitivity, eye strain, or prolonged headaches. As tempting as it may be to try to simply ignore the pain, it’s smart to schedule an appointment with your eye doctor just in case there is a more serious condition behind the symptom. For example, eye pressure can be a sign of glaucoma or high blood pressure, dry eyes increase the risk of sustaining a scratched cornea, and an uptick in floaters can signify a detached retina.

Blurry vision

Blurry vision and double vision are both reasons that you should see an eye doctor. Blurry vision can simply signify that your eyes are changing (in which case you would want to go to the eye doctor anyway), but it can also be predictive of serious health and vision problems. There are two types of double vision, monocular and binocular, that can be caused by a number of things like abnormalities on any part of the eye, astigmatism, or misalignment — all of which should send you straight to your eye doctor.

Continue reading: Why is my vision blurry?

How often should I see an eye doctor?

Should you go to the doctor if you have perfect vision? Yes! Especially if you want it to stay that way. Vision health is a marathon, not a sprint, and everyday things like eye strain from phone use can greatly increase your risk of developing vision problems.

People aren’t often able to notice changes in their vision and are surprised when a doctor improves upon what they thought was ‘perfect vision’. In the interest of overall eye health (and clear vision) you should be getting your eyes checked preventatively, not just after a problem occurs.

Plus, your eyes can reveal more about your health than just the status of your vision. Regular checkups on your blood vessels and optic nerve can help diagnose things such as diabetes or even multiple sclerosis.

Don’t have a particular vision problem? If you’re looking for just a general idea of when to see an eye doctor, the following schedule is the standard recommendation:

• Children with healthy eyes: At six months, age three, before starting kindergarten, and every two years until the age of 18.
• Children with at-risk eyes: Depending on what your doctor recommends, newborns with vision problems may need to see an eye doctor before they are six months old. They may also need additional eye exams outside of those noted above.
• Adults 18 – 60: Adults with healthy eyes who are between the ages of 18 and 60 should have a routine eye exam performed every two years.
• Adults 61+: Adults who are 60+ years old should have eye exams annually.

Differences between an optometrist and an ophthalmologist

Now that you know why you should see an eye doctor, it is important to discuss which type of eye doctor you need. A very common matter of clarification is the difference between optometrists and ophthalmologists and the services they provide.

Reasons to see an optometrist

Optometrists (ODs) typically perform routine eye exams and have the ability to prescribe patients corrective glasses or contact lenses. If you need a basic eye check-up, optometrists are the way to go.

Other services they provide include:

• Eye exams
• Vision tests
• Eyeglass or contact prescription needs
• Contact lens fittings

ODs have the ability to examine, diagnose, and treat your eyes, but do not do medical procedures. If you do not have any pre-existing eye conditions and are just going for a routine check-up you should go to an optometrist.

When to see an ophthalmologist

Ophthalmologists (either MDs or DOs) can also perform eye exams and prescribe glasses and contact lenses. Additionally, they are trained to treat more serious eye problems and can even perform surgery.

Eye surgeries commonly offered by ophthalmologists include:

• Cataract surgery
• Cornea surgery
• Eyelid surgery
• LASIK surgery

If you are already aware that you have an existing eye condition and/or need surgery, an ophthalmologist can help.

Think you may need to see a Houston ophthalmologist? Come to Eye Center of Texas!

Now that you know when to see an eye doctor (as well as what kind of eye doctor to see), chances are you’re ready to find one near you and you’re wondering who the good ones are. Eye Center of Texas is home to some of the best surgeons who perform LASIK Houston has to offer. Our surgeons have successfully performed over 75,000 successful LASIK procedures and are more than equipped to help you achieve perfect vision.

If you have pre-existing eye conditions and need to see an eye doctor, request an appointment online, or call Eye Center of Texas today at 713-797-1010.

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• What to Expect Before and After LASIK Surgery
• When is a Corneal Transplant Necessary?
• Is Cornea Transplant Surgery Painful?

March is Save Your Vision Month, and the American Optometric Association is spreading awareness on the topic of digital eye strain. Due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, many individuals found themselves spending more time in front of a computer, phone, or TV. As working from home becomes increasingly common, our eyes are continuously glued to screens.

Whether for work or for pleasure, the prolonged time spent in front of a screen can have negative effects on our eyes in the form of digital eye strain. In this article, the experts at Eye Center of Texas will be explaining what digital eye strain is, digital eye strain symptoms, and how it can be treated.

What is digital eye strain?

Do digital devices cause eye strain? Digital devices can be responsible for eye strain, especially digital eye strain. Here’s how.

Digital eye strain, also referred to as computer vision syndrome, refers to a number of eye and vision-related problems that are caused by too much time spent in front of digital screens. Digital screens emit blue light that scatters once it enters the eye –– this causes our eyes to work harder or strain to focus on that light so that we can read what is on the screen. Digital eye strain occurs with increased blue light exposure and can lead to issues with your vision if not corrected.

Other contributions to digital eye strain can include:

• Poor lighting
• Glare on a computer, television, or phone screen
• Viewing a screen from too close or too far away
• Uncorrected vision problems

Digital eye strain symptoms

The most common digital eye strain symptoms include:

• Digital eye strain headache*
• Blurred or double vision
• Dry eyes
• Eye fatigue, itching, tearing, or redness
• Neck and shoulder pain
• Light sensitivity

Many people wonder, “Can eye strain trigger migraines?” Migraines can form as a result of prolonged exposure to blue light. Because our eyes have to work overtime when we use digital screens, and if we look at them for too long without protection or any breaks, painful migraines can be one of many consequences.

Does digital eye strain go away? Yes, most of these symptoms are short-term and temporary. However, if no measures are taken to help combat digital eye strain –– especially if these symptoms are coupled with pre-existing eye conditions including presbyopia or astigmatism, the effects could be more severe. It’s best to begin looking for solutions before more problems are created.

Digital eye strain treatments

Digital eye strain treatments can range from simple habit changes to easy home remedies to clinical treatments. It all depends on your specific needs and circumstances. For professional advice, schedule an appointment with an optometrist at Eye Center of Texas to discuss your treatment options.

In the meantime, here are some tips you can use at home to help if you’re experiencing symptoms of digital eye strain:

Practice the 20-20-20 rule

The American Optometric Association recommends that people follow the 20-20-20 rule when using digital devices to prevent eye strain. For every 20 minutes spent looking at a screen, look at something that is 20 feet away every 20 seconds. It’s simple but can be effective.

Turn down your screen brightness

Many cases of eye strain from phone use or any other digital device can be helped by simply turning down the brightness! Reducing the glare from your screen will make device use easier on your eyes and can prevent excessive strain.

Computer glasses

Similar to how we wear sunglasses to protect ourselves from UV damage to the eyes, computer glasses or blue light glasses can be an effective way to protect your eyes from excessive blue light exposure. What are computer glasses? Computer glasses are prescription glasses made specifically for computer work. They are, in other words, activity-specific glasses that can alleviate eye strain if made with your specific needs in mind.

Currently, there is no one treatment for how to cure dry eyes permanently, a common symptom of digital eye strain that can be helped by wearing computer glasses –– however, there are home remedies and clinical treatments that can help treat your dry eyes. Ask your optometrist about your options to find the best solution for you.

LASIK or Laser cataract surgery

The treatment options mentioned above are temporary solutions. If you are someone who spends almost every day in front of digital devices or is currently experiencing other vision issues, LASIK or Laser cataract surgery may be your best option for treating your vision problems.

With these procedures, you won’t need to rely on glasses or contact lenses anymore. Our surgeons at Eye Center of Texas have successfully performed over 80,000 cataract procedures and over 75,000 LASIK procedures –– which means a great multitude of patients have achieved 20/20 vision.

If you are looking for a long-term solution, talk to an ophthalmologist from Eye Center of Texas today to see if you are a candidate for these procedures.

Treat Digital Eye Strain with the Help of Eye Center of Texas

There’s no denying that we are living in a digital world –– but that doesn’t mean our eyes have to suffer the consequences. We should all take extra steps to take better care of our eyes this year. The experts at Eye Center of Texas are here to help you find your perfect solution to symptoms of digital eye strain. It may be inevitable, but it is certainly treatable with our help.

Request an appointment online today to meet with one of our top eye care experts.

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If you’ve ever wondered, “do I need reading glasses?” chances are you may be having some problems with your vision –– and trust us, you are not alone. You likely need reading glasses if you find yourself holding things out in front of you in order to read them, getting headaches while reading, or needing more light to see your material.

So, how can you tell if you really need reading glasses? We may have the answers you’re looking for. The eye experts at Eye Center of Texas are here to explain the function of reading glasses and how to tell if you need them.

What are reading glasses used for?

As we age, our eyes age with us. Specifically, your eyes show their age by becoming less flexible. This loss of flexibility keeps your eyes from making the small adjustments needed to let in the right amount of light at the right angle when you’re looking at objects near you. This phenomenon is called presbyopia or “near vision.” It differs from hyperopia (or being farsighted) in that the presbyopia is age-related, while you are typically born with hyperopia.

Reading glasses help to compensate for the vision that is lost or allow you to see things close up. Reading glasses in particular are made in a convex or curved outward shape to help near objects to look clearer, so you will only need to wear them while reading.

Do glasses make your eyes worse? The idea that wearing reading glasses makes your vision weaker is false. Unless you are wearing the wrong type of readers such as a prescription that is too high, reading glasses should help with your vision problems, not contribute to them.

How do I know if I need reading glasses? Here are 4 ways to tell.

1. You are 40 years old or older

As we mentioned earlier, our eyes age with us. After they turn 40, it is very common for individuals with perfect vision to begin to see a decline in their vision. Even if you have always thought that you don’t need reading glasses, it is still a smart choice to see an eye doctor regularly (at least once every two years) after you turn 40 years old. Regular checkups will help you and your doctor stay on top of your eye health and monitor for issues such as cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration.

2. You have to hold things out in front of you in order to read them

Think back to when you were a child –– do you remember seeing your grandparents squint and hold a newspaper or a book far away from their face when they tried to read something?

Presbyopia negatively affects your near vision. So while it sounds counterintuitive, it’s easier for people with presbyopia to read smaller print when it’s held further away from their faces. Needing to hold reading material farther out in front of you is a strong indication that you may need reading glasses.

3. You need more light to complete tasks

One question we ask patients who ask us, “how do I know if I need reading glasses?” is this: How often do you find yourself wanting more light in a room? As your eyes age, they may require more light for you to see well — another sign that your near vision might improve with the help of readers. Though this is not as obvious as the other possible reasons, it’s one that shouldn’t be overlooked.

4. You struggle with weary, tired, or strained eyes

The act of reading should never cause you pain. If you begin to notice how your eyes get tired or heavy after reading, you could need reading glasses. If you’re unable to get through a chapter of a book without feeling eye strain or nursing frequent headaches, your eyes are likely having to overcompensate to make up for the negative effects of presbyopia. Reading should be enjoyable, not painful. Having reading glasses can help reduce or eliminate eye pain as you read.

I might need reading glasses. What are my next steps?

If you relate to any of the four categories above, reading glasses may be a good investment for you. Your first step should be to schedule a comprehensive eye exam with an optometrist. Through this exam, the doctor will be able to designate the reading glass strength and provide you with an accurate prescription. The doctor will also advise you on when to wear reading glasses and other next steps.

Should I see an optometrist or an ophthalmologist? If you are searching for more long-term solutions on how to treat your near-sightedness, seeing an ophthalmologist could be beneficial. During that consultation, the ophthalmologist may be able to explore other options including LASIK in Houston for a more permanent solution to your vision problems.

Eye Center of Texas Provides Long-Term Solutions for Vision Loss

If you’ve ever asked the question, “Do I need reading glasses?” the answer might be yes. However, many patients see glasses and contacts as more of a hassle than an end-all solution. Though reading glasses can be a good temporary solution, they are just that: temporary. Procedures like cataract surgery and LASIK are long-term solutions for vision loss.

If the idea of corrective surgery is more appealing to you, Eye Center of Texas can provide you with the best cataract surgeon to achieve long-lasting results. To speak with an eye specialist today about your vision options, contact us online to schedule an appointment.

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Have you ever wondered which is best for you: LASIK vs. contacts? LASIK surgery, because of its relative recency and ability to deliver drastic results, can make some potential candidates nervous, many of whom opt to wear contacts for the long run to avoid the risks of surgery. However recent studies have shed some new light on the situation, and shown us that when weighing the risks and rewards in the case of LASIK vs. contacts, the safer choice might surprise you.

The risks of LASIK eye surgery

Is LASIK better than contacts? It’s a question that we often field from candidates for vision correction, and the answer is ‘yes, and no’. But to put it simply, LASIK is a corrective procedure with lasting effects while contact lenses are more akin to a Band-Aid than a permanent solution.

LASIK surgery of course comes with inherent risk, although that risk is minor. Immediately following the procedure you will experience expected loss of vision, dry eyes, and light sensitivity. The time following the surgery can be uncomfortable, and the eye is especially susceptible to postoperative infection, however, the amount of people experiencing serious complications has plummeted in recent years. 

LASIK successfully corrects most patients’ vision to 20/20, with over half of those patients boasting better than 20/20 vision. Most of the reticence towards laser eye surgery comes from the very natural fear of a laser touching one’s eye, but the procedure has such a high success rate and has only gotten safer over time.

Knowing what to expect before and after LASIK eye surgery can turn a difficult experience into a positive one, as can having experienced surgeons, like those at Eye Center of Texas, on your side.

Continue reading: Can you wear contacts after LASIK?

Potential risks of wearing contact lenses

One of the reasons for the high perceived risk of LASIK eye surgery is that the complications are immediate and acute. As with any surgery recovery, there is a short period of discomfort and healing before a patient can take their new eyes for a spin. Potential complications from wearing contact lenses, in contrast, are gradual and slow to develop.

The most common complications from contact wear are corneal damage and infections. Contact wearers often develop infections such as keratitis and conjunctivitis, and problems like dry eyes and lens related discomfort are ubiquitous.

Oregon Health and Science University recently reviewed the topic of LASIK vs. contacts but within the scope of bottom-line loss of vision (which is what everyone fears of after all) and found that there is no real difference in the numbers between those who had LASIK surgery and those that wore contact lenses over an extended period (i.e., as a permanent solution).

While the risks of both wearing contacts and getting LASIK are incredibly low, long-term satisfaction with patients who underwent LASIK is significantly higher than those who chose to keep wearing contacts. As always, it is best to have your questions answered by a professional, read up on what to ask in a LASIK consultation and begin your journey to clearer vision by booking a consultation with Eye Center of Texas today.

Is laser eye surgery cheaper than contacts?

LASIK surgery can be expensive, but so can a lifetime of wearing contact lenses. While LASIK surgery is not covered by health insurance –– it is still considered an elective cosmetic procedure –– contact wearers, if following doctor’s orders, have to shell out an awful lot of cash for multiple consultations and lens changes. While LASIK requires a significant one-time investment, it can quickly become the more cost-effective option when the alternative is paying for lenses, solutions, and doctor visits in perpetuity. 

Although many of the risks associated with wearing contacts are incurred by normal wear, they are exacerbated by non-recommended practices such as sleeping with them in, not changing them enough, and not correctly utilizing contact solution. But normal wear is a standard that has proven difficult to achieve; the CDC estimates that 99% of contact wearers report at least one habit that puts them at risk for serious eye infection. So, in the end, LASIK might be a more cost-effective solution to invest in than contacts.

Am I a candidate for LASIK?

What can disqualify you from LASIK? There are a handful or reasons why somebody would not be a candidate for LASIK surgery:

• You do not qualify for LASIK if you are under 18 years old.
• You could not qualify for LASIK if you have extenuating health complications, including diabetes or auto-immune disorders.
• You could not have enough corneal thickness; if your corneas are under .5mm thick you would not qualify for the surgery.
• If you are pregnant or nursing you will have to wait to qualify due to certain prescription’s effect on hormones.

Beyond these factors, only a specialized LASIK surgeon can consult you on your eye health and make recommendations that get you on the path to clear vision. Wondering if you’re a LASIK candidate? Schedule a consultation with one of the LASIK surgeons at Eye Center of Texas to find out if the procedure is right for you.

Interested in LASIK? Seek Expert Council from the Surgeons at Eye Center of Texas

If you are looking for answers in the great debate of LASIK vs. contacts, look to the experts and let Eye Center of Texas weigh in. Our surgeons have successfully performed over 75,000 successful LASIK procedures, meaning that if you are a LASIK candidate, you will be in great hands. At Eye Center of Texas, we not only operate on the cutting edge of technique and technology but provide personalized care with thorough consultations.

Schedule a consultation by calling 713-395-1515 or by requesting an appointment online.

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The experts at Eye Center of Texas are here to share what you can expect before and after LASIK eye surgery. In LASIK, your ophthalmologist will create a corneal flap using a minimally invasive laser treatment to correct any vision problems you may be having. Though the LASIK eye surgery success rate is 96% and is effective in more than a majority of patients, it is still a good idea to educate yourself on the surgery’s procedures so that you can be as well informed as possible. 

The LASIK before and after results can be life-changing for individuals who need glasses, contact lenses, or other correctional devices to see clearly.

Before LASIK eye surgery

The evaluation exam

Before a doctor can recommend LASIK eye surgery as an option for your vision problems, you will need to undergo a thorough evaluation to determine if you are a good candidate for LASIK. 

If you wear contact lenses, your doctor will recommend that you stop wearing them for a few days prior to your baseline evaluation and wear your glasses instead. Why? As a part of the exam, a digital 3D map of your eye will be made to design a custom treatment for each of your eyes. Contact lenses can change the shape of your cornea, which can lead to inaccurate measurements and a poor surgical plan. These measurements help the surgeon decide how much corneal tissue needs to be removed in order to fix your vision problems, so remember to take them out if you wear contact lenses!

Procedure preparations 

Before the surgery begins, you will be given numbing eye drops to prevent any pain and will be offered anti-anxiety sedatives to reduce any pre-surgery jitters and nervousness (if you so desire). This is to ensure that you will not feel any discomfort during the procedure. Once the surgeon is ready to begin, you will be seated comfortably underneath the laser’s microscope and a device called a speculum will be gently placed on your eyelids to prevent unnecessary blinking. Don’t worry, this device is situated comfortably and will feel painless. The LASIK procedure should last for about 30 minutes or less.

After LASIK eye surgery

Here is what to expect after LASIK eye surgery. 

Post-surgery

When the surgery is complete, you will be put in an examination room where you will relax for about 10-20 minutes. During the procedure, you will be given a mild sedative and your vision will be blurry following the procedure, so it is incredibly important that you find someone to drive you home after your LASIK eye surgery.

Please note that Eye Center of Texas cannot release you to a taxi driver, Uber, or Lyft driver. We want to ensure that our patients get home safely, so find someone trustworthy to take you home. 

Recovery

Rest is key for the first few hours after your LASIK surgery. At a minimum, you should get 2-4 hours of rest once you return home from the facility. Don’t schedule any parties or social gatherings for that night –– get as much rest as you can! While you’re resting, wear an eye mask over your eyes to block out dust and debris and to avoid rubbing them –– rubbing your eyes can reopen the corneal flap as it heals. It is also beneficial to take a few days off of work so that you can focus on resting and letting your eyes heal completely before returning to normal activity.

How long does LASIK flap take to heal? Your corneal flap begins healing immediately after the procedure. It will be mostly healed 24 hours after your procedure. You may not notice improvements in your vision until a week after the surgery. In the meantime, here are some ways to ensure a safe and healthy recovery post-LASIK: 

• Do not do any vigorous exercises or activities
• Do not shower, swim, or get water near your eyes for the first 24 hours post-op
• Do not wear contact lenses while your vision is blurry (you shouldn’t need them anymore, anyway!)
• Do not wear makeup, perfumes, or apply any creams to your face
• Take any prescribed medications and use the preservative-free eye drops after LASIK to keep irritation and inflammation at bay

We recommend waiting at least two weeks before resuming any of these activities to ensure the best results.

Side effects

Here are some common LASIK eye surgery side effects: 

• Blurry vision 
• Dry or itchy eyes
• Watery eyes
• Bloodshot eyes 
• Mild discomfort 
• Sensitivity to light 

If you are experiencing severe pain or these symptoms do not subside after a few days, contact your doctor immediately for an evaluation. 

The lasting effect

How long does LASIK last? LASIK lasts a lifetime. Studies show that 94% of patients were satisfied with their surgery results and did not have to go back to wearing glasses or contact lenses afterward.

You will want to do regular checkups for at least six months after the surgery to ensure the surgery was a success. 

Eye Center of Texas Will Take Care of You Before and After LASIK Eye Surgery

Now that you have a better idea of what happens before and after LASIK eye surgery, you can decide whether or not LASIK is right for you.

If you’re searching for a top LASIK surgeon in Houston, look no further than Eye Center of Texas. Our surgeons have performed over 75,000 successful LASIK eye surgeries that have not only improved our patients’ vision but improved their quality of life. 

If you have any other questions regarding the LASIK before and after process, contact us to speak to a specialist today.

More Helpful Articles by Eye Center of Texas:

• Do’s and Don’ts after PRK Surgery
• What is PRK Eye Surgery?
• Is PRK Eye Surgery Safe?
• Who is a Candidate for Corneal Transplant?
• Cornea Transplant in Houston: A Guide 

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?