Your step-by-step guide to recovering from LASIK eye surgery

Congratulations! You’ve made the decision to have (or maybe you’ve just had) LASIK eye surgery, and now, you’re one step closer to long-term clear vision. Having an understanding of what a LASIK recovery timeline looks like will help make the next few months smoother for you.

As with our LASIK consultation preparation guide, this guide is intended to walk you through what you should and shouldn’t do after LASIK surgery.

Please note that this LASIK Recovery Timeline is an approximation of what a typical LASIK recovery looks like. This timeline, along with the recommendations shared, may vary from your own recovery process, as well as your doctor’s instructions.

The day of LASIK surgery

Step 1: Get home safely

One of the most important steps on your LASIK recovery timeline takes place right after surgery: the ride home. Your doctor will likely have given you a mild sedative to keep you comfortable during the procedure. After the procedure is completed, this sedative can leave you too impaired to drive for up to several hours. Because of this, it’s important to make sure you have a ride home, and if all else fails, make sure you have someone to dirve you home (note, Eye Center of Texas cannot release you to an Uber or Taxi driver).

Step 2: Rest

How long should you sleep after LASIK? Your doctor will likely suggest that you rest for the first few hours after your surgery (typically, 2-4 hours). In other words, no Olympic training, dissertation writing, or late-night partying — only rest!

Step 3: Take these precautions

• When you’re resting, consider wearing an eye patch over your eyes. Doing so will help you avoid rubbing your eyes and opening the corneal flap as a result. This is one of the most important LASIK recovery tips for you to follow.
• Avoid strenuous activity and exercise. Do not play contact sports.
• Do not shower for the first 24 hours after your surgery.
• Do not swim.
• Do not wear contact lenses, even if your vision is blurry.
• Do not wear makeup or apply creams to your face.

Eye and vision status check-in:

• Directly after the surgery, patients might experience some eye pain, bloodshot eyes, weeping, sensitivity to light, halos, and irritation (it might feel as if there is a grain of sand in your eye). However, you must remember to avoid rubbing your eyes — despite the irritation.
• Can you see immediately after LASIK? After three hours, your vision may start to clear up, but it could also take longer. Both situations are normal.
• If you’re wondering, “How long after LASIK can I see 20/20?” or “How long does it take for vision to improve after LASIK?” it’s important to keep in mind that there isn’t a straightforward answer to this question. Some patients will experience clear vision a few hours after surgery, and for some, it could take a few days. Others might fluctuate between clear vision and blurry vision for up to six months, and some might notice their vision improve gradually for the next six months or so.
• If you experience any eye pain, call your doctor immediately. This statement holds true for the entire LASIK healing timeline.

24 – 48 hours after LASIK surgery

Step 1: Have someone take you to your follow-up appointment

Your doctor will likely have you scheduled for a follow-up appointment 24-48 hours after your procedure. During this appointment, they will check your eyes and test your vision. It’s likely they will also prescribe you medicated, lubricating eye drops (this is especially true if you’re experiencing dry eyes, a side effect that typically occurs for the first weeks or months after LASIK).

Your doctor will also be able to advise you as to whether or not it is safe for you to drive. Their decision will be based on the legal vision requirement for driving in Texas, which is 20/40.

Step 2: Rest, but feel free to recommence with the following (unless your doctor states otherwise):

• Shower, but try to keep soap, shampoo, conditioner, and other chemicals out of your eye.
• Return to your normal work routine, so long as it does not involve strenuous physical activity.
• Drive, but only if your doctor states that it’s legal for you to do so.
• Take a flight, but note that the low humidity typically found in airplanes will make your eyes more prone to drying out.

Step 3: Continue to take the following precautions:

• Wear an eye patch over your eyes to help you avoid rubbing your eyes and opening the corneal flap as a result.
• Wear sunglasses. How long do you have to wear sunglasses after laser eye surgery? Most doctors recommend that you continue to wear sunglasses when you go outside for at least 2 days after your procedure.
• Avoid strenuous activity and exercise. Do not play contact sports.
• Do not swim. You’re going to hear this a lot during the next few steps. For more information, check out our blog on swimming after LASIK.
• Do not wear contact lenses, even if your vision is blurry.
• Do not wear makeup or apply creams to your face.

Eye and vision status check-in:

As your LASIK corneal flap is healing, your eyes will likely still be irritated. Meanwhile, your vision may or may not begin clearing. If the latter is true for you, don’t panic. Vision fluctuation after LASIK is typical after LASIK surgery, and part of your LASIK recovery time may involve some blurred vision.

At the 1st week mark after LASIK

Step 1: Rest, but feel free to recommence with the following (unless your doctor states otherwise):

On the 3rd day after your procedure, you should be able to go outside without sunglasses. However, you may still be sensitive to light. It’s always wise to wear sunglasses when outside, so being extra cautious about wearing sunglasses will do no harm.

Step 2: Continue to take the following precautions:

• Wear an eye patch over your eyes to help you avoid rubbing your eyes and opening the corneal flap as a result.
• Avoid strenuous activity and exercise. Do not play contact sports.
• Do not swim.
• Do not wear contact lenses, even if your vision is blurry.
• Do not wear makeup or apply creams to your face.

Eye and vision status check-in:

At this point in your LASIK recovery timeline, your eyes may still have some irritation and sensitivity to light. Difficulty driving at night may also still occur. While you probably won’t feel far along on your LASIK recovery timeline, you’re definitely well on your way to full recovery and better vision.

2 weeks – 1 month after your LASIK procedure

Step 1: Continue to go to your LASIK follow-up appointments .

Step 2: Continue to take the following precautions:

• Wear an eye patch over your eyes to help you avoid rubbing your eyes and opening the corneal flap as a result.
• Do not play contact sports.
• Do not swim. If you need to swim for any reason, consult your doctor first. Do not go swimming without goggles.
• Do not wear contact lenses, even if your vision is blurry.

Eye and vision status check-in:

If everything has continued to go well, your eyes shouldn’t be causing as much irritation as they were toward the beginning of your LASIK recovery timeline. Depending on your eyes, however, your vision may still be in the process of clearing up.

2 – 6 months after LASIK

Step 1: Continue to go to your LASIK follow-up appointments

After six months, you and your doctor will discuss how often you will need a check-up. These will vary but generally occur every one to two years. After six months, you and your doctor will also be able to tell if LASIK enhancement (PRK) would further improve your vision.

Step 2: Feel free to recommence with the following at the designated time (unless your doctor advises you otherwise):

• 4-5 weeks after surgery: Return to your standard exercise routine and contact sports, if you play them.
• 4-5 weeks after surgery: Swim, preferably in your own pool. Swimming in public pools, hot tubs, water parks, and natural bodies of water will increase your chances of getting an infection.
• 4-5 weeks after surgery (or when irritation ceases): Stop wearing an eye patch if you are no longer tempted to rub your eyes.
• 2-3 months after surgery: Get fitted for contacts, if you need them.

Eye and vision status check-in:

Here we are at the end of your LASIK recovery timeline. You made it! The reason we include six months in the LASIK recovery timeline is that your eyes are healing right up into the sixth month. For the vast majority of patients, all LASIK side effects (irritation, difficulty driving at night, light sensitivity, glare, etc.) should have stabilized by this point. The main exception to this rule is patients with nearsightedness, who may require a longer recovery period.

A smooth and quick recovery begins with experienced doctors and advanced treatment

The surgeons at Eye Center of Texas have performed over 75,000 successful LASIK eye surgeries, including LASIK for astigmatism. With some of the top ophthalmologists in the nation calling Eye Center of Texas home, you can expect to receive the top treatment and care available for LASIK eye surgery in Houston.

Whether you’re just starting to look into LASIK or you’re at the beginning of your LASIK recovery timeline, Eye Center of Texas is here to answer any of your LASIK questions. Give us a call at 713-395-1515 or contact us online to set up a free LASIK consultation today.

Related Resources:

• Are My Eyes Too Bad for LASIK?
• Houston’s Common Vision Problems
• Refractive Lens Exchange vs. LASIK surgery
• Dry Eye Syndrome
• Dry Eyes in Winter

Cataract surgery is one of the most common surgeries performed worldwide, with one in every three adults receiving the operation during their lifetime. This means that there is a strong chance that either you or a loved one will need to weigh the pros and cons of laser cataract surgery vs. traditional cataract surgery.

While traditional cataract surgery is safe, growing evidence tends to highlight the many benefits associated with laser-assisted cataract surgery. Learn more about these benefits, as well as more information on what other factors are important to weigh when considering laser cataract surgery vs. traditional cataract surgery.

Understanding laser cataract surgery vs. traditional cataract surgery

When considering laser cataract surgery vs. traditional cataract surgery, you’ll notice that the main difference between the surgeries is not the overarching procedural method but the way that method is reached.

In traditional cataract surgery, also called phacoemulsification, your surgeon creates a small, handheld corneal incision with a blade. Then, they insert a device through this incision and into the lens capsule. Next, your surgeon will break up the cloudy lens using ultrasound waves, remove those pieces out of the lens capsule, and replace the old, cloudy lens with a clear, artificial one.

In laser-assisted cataract surgery, a camera is used to map the surface of your eye. Using this map, a femtosecond laser breaks up the cloudy lens and creates a precise incision in your cornea and lens capsule. As with traditional cataract surgery, your surgeon will then suction out the broken-up cloudy lens and insert a new artificial lens.

From incision to lens implantation, traditional cataract surgery takes around 15 minutes to complete, while laser-assisted cataract surgery takes around 20 minutes. Since the surgery duration is rather similar, you’re probably wondering, “Is laser surgery better for cataracts?”

Is laser cataract surgery safe?

Yes! Safety is one aspect that you typically don’t have to worry about when considering laser cataract surgery vs. traditional cataract surgery. However, the success of traditional cataract surgery can be highly dependent on the skill and experience of your surgeon.

Unsurprisingly, studies have shown that corneal incisions and anterior capsulotomy made during laser-assisted cataract surgeries may be more accurate than when they’re done with a handheld blade. Additionally, the heat generated by the ultrasound used in traditional cataract surgery is more likely to burn the corneal incision and damage the lens capsule.

While more testing needs to be completed, this accuracy and improved safety may help reduce your risks for incurring cataract surgery-related complications. (For more information on the safety of cataract surgery, read our blog addressing the question, “How safe is cataract surgery?”)

What is the laser cataract surgery recovery time?

The laser cataract surgery recovery time vs. traditional cataract surgery recovery time is not monumentally different. Patients might even be able to see clearly the day of or after surgery (although sometimes it can take up to 2 weeks to achieve clear vision), and they should be fully recovered after 3 months.

However, the higher likelihood of complications occurring in traditional cataract surgery may increase your recovery time.

What are the laser cataract surgery side effects?

Similar to recovery time, laser cataract surgery vs. traditional cataract surgery side effects tend to be the same. These can include:

• Eye infection
• Inflammation
• Bleeding
• Fluid buildup and/or eye pressure
• Implant movement or detachment
• Retinal detachment

Again, the increased accuracy and safety of laser-assisted cataract surgery may reduce the likelihood of you having to manage these potential side effects. For more information on post-cataract surgery side effects, read our blog on what to expect after cataract surgery.

Are there other ways to improve your cataract surgery outcome?

Whether you’re still debating laser cataract surgery vs. traditional cataract surgery or not, one way to improve your cataract surgery outcome is by carefully selecting the type of artificial lens you have implanted during your surgery.

The majority of patients opt for a monofocal intraocular lens, which allows you to see better in one distance dimension. Multifocal cataract lenses, however, allow you to see both near and far objects better and are the most common astigmatism-correcting lenses chosen for cataract surgery.

When discussing cataract surgery options with your ophthalmologist, make sure to ask about lens options.

Eye Center of Texas: Helping you make the right cataract surgery choices

Debating laser cataract surgery vs. traditional cataract surgery? Confused about the cost of cataract surgery or what insurance does and doesn’t cover? Worried that you have fast-growing cataracts and need surgery ASAP? The staff at Eye Center of Texas is here to help!

Eye Center of Texas’s Drs. Mark L. Mayo and Edward C. Wade are both pioneers in bladeless eye surgery methods and receive referrals from over 300 Houston eye doctors. Along with their colleagues at Eye Center of Texas, they have performed over 80,000 successful cataract surgeries.

There’s no better choice for your cataract surgery in Houston. Give us a call at 712-797-1010 or contact us online to request your appointment today.

Related Resources:

• Refractive/Clear Lens Exchange vs. LASIK Surgery
• Dry Eyes Syndrome
• Dry Eyes in Winter
• Are my Eyes Too Bad for LASIK?
• Houston: Common Vision Problems

For those who don’t know what they are, having floaters in your eyes can be a little disconcerting. The good news, though, is that most floaters are completely harmless. On top of that, floaters that don’t go away on their own can be treated.

Still uneasy? This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the floaters in your eyes, as well as your options for dealing with them.

What causes floaters in your eyes?

The jelly-like substance that makes up your eyeball is called vitreous gel. As you age, your vitreous gel becomes more fluid. During this process, extremely small fibers in the gel may begin to clump together. Floaters are the shadows of these clumps.

Floaters come in the form of anything from dots to squiggles to web-like formations. You can see them most easily by looking at a surface that is blank and/or all one color.  

What makes you more likely to get floaters?

Most floaters arise as part of the aging process; however, there are some additional factors that might make you more susceptible to floaters. These can include:

• Eye inflammation
• Eye surgeries (particularly after cataract surgery — read more about cataract surgery in Houston on our site)
• Retinal problems, including retina problems from diabetes (diabetic retinopathy)
• Being nearsighted (for reference, here’s a quick look at the difference between nearsighted and farsighted)
• Eye trauma

Are floaters in your eyes dangerous?

Typically, they are not. However, if you experience a sudden onset of new floaters, more floaters in your eyes than usual, darkness in your peripheral vision, or flashes of light, it’s recommended that you call your doctor and/or eye specialist ASAP. These symptoms could be an indicator of a retinal tear which, if left untreated, can cause severe vision problems or blindness.

Do eye floaters go away on their own?

Yes! Many people can ignore an eye floater or two, and sometimes, floaters can even go away on their own. In the end, that’s good news for most patients dealing with floaters: since floaters are not considered a major medical issue, almost all individuals must pay out of pocket if they’re seeking eye floaters treatment.

How do you treat eye floaters?

What if the floaters in your eyes won’t go away? Or, what happens if the floaters start to cause vision impairment? Luckily, there is a form of eye floaters treatment: laser floater removal. During this treatment, your eyeball is numbed. Your surgeon would then use a laser that emits small bursts of energy at your floater. In doing so, the collagen and molecules found in floaters are converted into gas.

Laser floater removal is minimally invasive and can typically be performed in-office.

Do you have floaters in your eyes?

The experienced eye surgeons at Eye Center of Texas may be known for performing some of the best LASIK in Houston, but they are highly skilled at laser floater removal and an array of other surgical specialties, as well. Over 300 doctors in Houston refer their patients to Eye Center of Texas for laser floater removal, cataract surgery, LASIK, and so much more.

If you’re ready to get rid of pesky floaters, call Eye Center of Texas at 713-797-1010 or request an appointment online today.

Diabetic retinopathy is a type of diabetic eye disease that can cause vision problems and eventually, blindness. If you or a loved one has recently been diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy, you were likely informed that the disease progresses through four stages.

Exactly what are the four stages of diabetic retinopathy? In what way are they connected to the causes and symptoms of diabetic retinopathy? And is there any way to slow the progression of diabetic retinopathy through treatment?

Eye Center of Texas is an expert on diabetic eye diseases, including diabetic retinopathy, diabetic macular edema (DME), and fast-growing cataracts. Together, we’ll explore the answers to these questions and more below.

The four stages of diabetic retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is caused by an excess of blood glucose in the blood vessels of the retina. The quickest way to know the answer to the question, “What are the four stages of diabetic retinopathy?” is to track the status of these blood vessels.

Stage 1: Mild nonproliferative retinopathy — microaneurysms

What is the first sign of diabetic retinopathy? Microaneurysms — dilated capillaries which look like a small red dot or balloon — are often the first sign of diabetic retinopathy. However, microaneurysms do not affect vision and often go unnoticed as a result.

Stage 2: Moderate nonproliferative retinopathy — blocked blood vessels

In this stage, the blood vessels in the eye become too swollen to properly provide nourishment to the retina. These changes often cause visible changes to the retina. An increased likelihood of DME is associated with patients who reach this stage of diabetic retinopathy. (Read more about DME and macular puckers on our blog.)

Stage 3: Severe nonproliferative retinopathy — more blocked blood vessels & a call for help

At this stage, a significant portion of the blood vessels in your retina are now blocked, severely decreasing the necessary blood flow to the retina. Eventually, the retina will begin to send out signals, telling the body to grow new blood vessels.

Stage 4: Proliferative retinopathy — blood vessels grow on the retina

Stage four diabetic retinopathy is the most advanced stage of diabetic retinopathy, during which new blood vessels begin to grow on the retina. Unfortunately, these blood vessels are typically both weak and abnormal, which can lead to blood leaking into the eye, vision problems, and potentially blindness.

Diabetic retinopathy complications:

Besides vision loss and blindness, untreated diabetic retinopathy can lead to even more complications. These complications can include glaucoma — pressure in the eye due to a buildup of fluid — and retinal detachment — the pulling away of the retina from the back of the eye due to scar tissue buildup.

Diabetic retinopathy treatment & prevention:

The question about diabetic retinopathy we most often hear after, “What are the four stages of diabetic retinopathy?” is, “Is diabetic retinopathy reversible or treatable?”

While diabetic retinopathy is not reversible, it is highly treatable. Active, regular, and proper management of your diabetes, blood sugar, and blood pressure can significantly reduce the chances of experiencing blindness.

Many patients are also eligible for diabetic retinopathy surgery. Called laser photocoagulation, this procedure can be performed in-office in less than 30 minutes. During the procedure, a laser is used to target leaking blood vessels, sealing them or destroying them before they can cause further vision problems.

Stage 0: Talk with an eye specialist about diabetic retinopathy

The sooner diabetic retinopathy is caught and diagnosed, the better your body will respond to treatment. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with diabetes, it is wise to routinely consult with an expert at Eye Center of Texas to check for any signs of diabetic eye disease.

While there, you can also ask other vision-related questions, such as “Now that I have diabetes, is my vision too bad for LASIK?” and receive answers from the experts who provide some of the best LASIK in Houston.

Diabetes doesn’t have to lead to blindness. Make Eye Center of Texas part of your vision of the future. To meet with one of our doctors at our six Houston-area locations, call us at 713-797-1010 or request an appointment online today.

Related Resources:

• Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery vs. Traditional
• Most Common Vision Problems in Houston
• Clear Lens Exchange Vs. LASIK
• Remedies for Dry Eye Syndrome
• Dry Eyes in Winter Symptoms

Have you ever wondered, “Is my vision too bad for LASIK eye surgery?” If so, Eye Center of Texas has some news that just might make your day. Technology has improved such that patients with severe vision impairments may be able to achieve improved vision with LASIK eye surgery.
Learn about the wide range of eye power levels compatible with LASIK and other requirements for LASIK eye surgery today.

Understanding refractive errors and diopters

There are a lot of misconceptions around who can and can’t have LASIK eye surgery, which is why we receive so many questions like “Is my vision too bad for LASIK eye surgery” or, “Can my eyes be too bad for LASIK?” It all comes down to your maximum and minimum eye power.
So, what are people talking about when they mention maximum eye power for LASIK and minimum eye power for LASIK? The confusion probably stems from a lack of understanding as to how we measure maximum and minimum prescription ranges for LASIK. Typically, these ranges are determined by a person’s maximum and minimum eye power, which can be influenced by refractive errors.
Refractive errors — the light refraction errors created by a misshapen lens or cornea that cause common vision problems — are measured in diopters (D). Negative diopters indicate myopia (nearsightedness) and positive numbers indicate hyperopia (farsightedness).

Prescription ranges for LASIK eye surgery

While the range of diopters which LASIK can treat depends on the technology your surgeon uses, these are commonly recognized standards.

• Myopia, or nearsightedness: performing LASIK on eyes with myopia that is beyond a certain negative diopter measurement can cause nighttime vision problems and halos.
• Hyperopia, or farsightedness: performing LASIK on eyes with hyperopia that is beyond a certain diopter measurement can cause nighttime vision problems and halos. Note that the range of diopter measurements for farsightedness is smaller than that of myopia.
• Astigmatism, when both near and far objects are blurred: the LASIK for astigmatism limits are more variable. Each of the following has its own acceptable range, as is defined by your doctor.
  • Astigmatism combined with myopia
  • Astigmatism combined with hyperopia
  • Mixed astigmatism patients

Read more here if you’ve ever asked yourself, “Can LASIK correct astigmatism?”

What are the requirements for LASIK eye surgery?

Can LASIK give you 20/20 vision? Yes, it can. However, you must also meet other requirements for LASIK eye surgery. It’s worth going over the other parameters doctors use to determine who is and who is not suitable for laser eye surgery.
These include having corneal tissue that’s thick enough — approximately 420 microns — for LASIK. Most healthy eyes have corneas that around 550 microns thick.
Your eye health in general must be in good standing: Your prescription must not change for 12 months, you must not suffer from glaucoma, dry eyes, or cataracts; and you must have an average pupil size. Finally, women who are pregnant or nursing should wait to have LASIK. If you meet all of these conditions, then you may be able to correct your vision with LASIK eye surgery.
However, even if you’re a perfect candidate for LASIK surgery, it’s important that you follow through with pre-LASIK preparation, and that you choose a quality eye surgeon like those at Eye Center of Texas. Not doing so can increase your likelihood of needing contacts after LASIK.

Do I have other laser eye surgery options?

When your prescription or eye health disqualifies you from being a good LASIK candidate, it’s always worth speaking to your doctor about your other options.
For example, if you don’t qualify for LASIK, it’s possible that PRK eye surgery may be option for you. PRK is LASIK’s predecessor and can have the same positive results as LASIK. It has different ranges of acceptable eye power, and is available to some patients who do not meet all of the other requirements for LASIK eye surgery.
Occasionally, some patients even chose to have PRK LASIK enhancement after their original LASIK surgery.

20/20 vision (or better!) is possible with LASIK at Eye Center of Texas

The majority of patients who choose to have LASIK eye surgery report that their vision is now at 20/20 or better.
Don’t sit around wondering “Is my vision too bad for LASIK eye surgery?” and avoid taking action. You deserve clear vision. Eye Center of Texas, known for providing some of the best LASIK in Houston, is helping people restore their eyesight each and every day.
And remember: Even if your prescription doesn’t make you a candidate for LASIK now, that doesn’t mean LASIK will be unavailable to you for forever. Technology is always improving, and we encourage you to continue to check back.
To meet with our nationally recognized surgeons, call us at 713-395-1515 or contact us online to set up your free consultation today.
Related Resources:

• Cataract Surgery and Multifocal Lenses: Pros and Cons
• Fuchs Dystrophy and Cataracts
• Fast-Growing Cataracts
• UV Damage to Eyes
• LASIK FAQ

It’s true … the most common vision problems in Houston are also common vision problems throughout the rest of the world. But as fellow Houstonians, Drs. Wade, Mayo, and the staff at Eye Center of Texas know exactly what you’re missing out on when the health of your eyes is jeopardized, including but not limited to:

• The particulars of an Astros game
• The ability to navigate Houston’s 10-lane highways comfortably
• The detailed art at the MFAH and The Menil
• And of course, your beloved family and friends  

(more…)

Today, we celebrate a Keratoconus success story and the perseverance of Eye Center of Texas patient Bekah Blanton. Bekah’s arduous, 6-year-long journey to find quality Keratoconus treatment led her to our offices this past July. However, after receiving the Corneal Cross-Linking procedure, Bekah’s vision is finally improving.

In honor of National Keratoconus Day and Bekah’s success, we want to help spread the word about what Keratoconus is and how the Corneal Cross-Linking procedure works.

What is Keratoconus?

Keratoconus is a condition of the eye in which the cornea weakens and being to “bulge” out. Many doctors, like Bekah’s, liken the shape of this bulging to that of a cone or a football. It typically causes nearsightedness, distorted and blurred vision, and light sensitivity.   

What is Corneal Cross-Linking?

Also called collagen cross-linking, corneal cross-linking is a procedure that helps strengthen the cornea. It’s performed in two ways: epithelium-off and epithelium-on. In the epithelium-off method, the doctors remove the outer layer of the cornea (the epithelium) and activate a B vitamin, riboflavin, using UV light. Meanwhile, the epithelium-on method is very similar, although leaving the epithelium on increases the time needed for the riboflavin to reach the cornea.

End and begin your Keratoconus journey at Eye Center of Texas in Houston

Six years is a long time to wait for proper treatment. If you have Keratoconus, call Eye Center of Texas at 713-797-1010 or request an appointment online. Over 300 Houston-area doctors recommend Eye Center of Texas, home of some of the best LASIK and cataract surgeons in the country.

Here at Eye Center of Texas, we take pride in helping people like Bekah by providing them with the treatment they deserve. In the meantime, we hope that by sharing this information about Keratoconus and Corneal Cross-Linking we can make the journey for patients like Bekah less difficult.

Clear lens exchange vs. LASIK surgery — Is one better than the other? If so, why? And for whom? Both LASIK and clear lens exchange (also known as refractive lens exchange) have pros and cons that are determined by a patient’s vision correction needs.
(more…)

Your quick guide to dry eye causes, symptoms, risk factors, and treatment

Dry eye syndrome, also called “dry eyes,” is a common condition caused by a lack of adequate moisture in your eyes. According to the National Women’s Health Resource Center, the likelihood of experiencing dry eyes increases with age, and dry eyes affect nearly twice as many women as men.
Is it dangerous to have dry eyes? While it may be easy to overlook the burning and itching caused by dry eye syndrome, if left untreated, dry eyes can eventually lead to great discomfort. In extreme cases, dry eyes may cause vision loss due to a scratched and/or scarred cornea (For more information, read our blog post to discover “What are the symptoms of a scratched cornea?)
Learn more about what causes dry eye syndrome, how to identify dry eye symptoms and risk factors, and what treatment options are available.

What causes eye dryness?

Tears are meant for more than crying; they also help keep your eyes healthy and lubricated. If your eyes aren’t be moisturized well enough by your tears for whatever reason, your likelihood of having dry eyes increases significantly. Dry eyes are most frequently the result of three different types of tear-related issues:

• Decrease in tear production
• Excessive tear evaporation
• Variance in a patient’s normal tear composition.

Decreased tear production causes and risk factors

Age is the most frequent contributor to decreased tear production. Age-related decrease in tear production typically begins after age 50. But what does our age have to do with our tears?
Our hormones continue to shift as we get older, including those that help regulate tear production. Women, who have a higher susceptibility to dry eye syndrome, also undergo more hormonal shifts than men (during both pregnancy and menopause). These shifts in hormones can cause a decrease in tear production.
Other risk factors for decreased production of tears include:

• Health conditions
  • Diabetes
  • Autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, scleroderma, rosacea, Sjӧgren’s syndrome. (These disorders can target the surface the eye, causing inflammation and dry eyes.)
  • Vitamin A deficiency
  • Thyroid disorders
• Medications
  • Birth control and acne medication
  • Antihistamines and decongestants
  • Depression and anxiety medications
  • Diuretics and beta-blockers
  • Sleeping pills
  • Medications for Parkinson’s disease
• Damaged tear glands
• Laser eye surgery such as LASIK, typically a temporary side effect. Read our posts about contacts after LASIK and dry eyes and LASIK eye drops for more information.

Excessive tear evaporation causes and risk factors

The culprits by excessive tear evaporation are often either the condition of the air in your environment or a decrease in your regular amount of blinking due to concentration. Dry air, smoke-filled air, or high winds can all contribute to dry eyes, as can spending extended periods at the computer, behind the wheel, or with your nose in a book, during which you are less likely to blink.
Read our posts on eye damage from cell phone use and avoiding eye strain for more information on issues regarding dry eyes and blinking.
Other risk factors for decreased production of tears include:

• Overwearing your contact lenses
• Air conditioning and fans which, like wind, can decrease humidity and worsen symptoms.
• Ectropion (out-turning of the eyelids) or entropion (in-turning of the lids)

Causes and risk factors for a disparity in average tear composition

Tears are not made of water alone. In fact, tears are comprised of three main elements — water, oil, and mucus. If your tears are missing any one of these elements, the surface of the eye will likely not receive enough moisture, which in turn can cause dry eyes. The risk factors and causes of inadequate tears often go hand in hand.
Risk factors for inadequate ears include:

• Clogging or blocking meibomian glands (also called tarsal glands), oil glands found on the rim of the eyelid
• Vitamin A deficiency
• Overwearing your contact lenses
• Being older than 50
• Being a woman

Symptoms of dry eye syndrome

The symptoms of dry eye syndrome vary widely and differ from person to person. For some, these symptoms can remain unpronounced (and easy to ignore) for some time. Neglecting to seek treatment, however, is typically unwise. When it comes to taking care of your eyes and your vision, it’s almost always better to go get your eyes checked — to be safe rather than sorry.
Common symptoms of dry eye syndrome include:

• Itching, burning, scratching, and stinging sensations
• Light sensitivity
• Redness (typically blepharitis, a type of eye inflammation)
• Excessively watery eyes
• Eye discomfort and/or intermittent eye pain
• The sensation of having a foreign body in the eye
• Blurry vision or fluctuating vision capacity
• Difficulty wearing contact lenses
• Difficulty driving at night

Dry eye syndrome treatment

How do you get rid of dry eyes? Luckily, there are many, many treatment options for dry eye syndrome. Even if your dry eyes don’t respond to simple home remedies for dry eyes such as using a humidifier (to add moisture to the air) or taking breaks from your screen, you have plenty of treatment alternatives to choose from.
The type of treatment you choose will depend on the frequency and severity of your dry eye syndrome. No eyes are the same (dry or otherwise) so it’s smart to consult with your doctor about which type of treatment will be best for your eyes.
Treatments for dry eye syndrome include:

• Artificial tears: Artificial tears, generally available without a prescription, can provide temporary relief from dry eye syndrome. Artificial tears are adequate for mild dry eyes, but if symptoms are not relieved with artificial tears alone, more treatment may be necessary.  
• Restasis or Xiidra: In addition to artificial tears, your eye care professional might recommend the daily use of a prescription drop, such as Restasis or Xiidra. These medications reduce the inflammation associated with dry eye syndrome and help your eye produce more natural tears. Symptom relief with these medications is not immediate; it may take up to three months for you to notice improvement.
• Punctal plugs: Punctal plugs (also called punctum plugs, lacrimal plugs, or tear duct plugs) are small devices that can be inserted into your tear ducts, helping tears stay on the surface of your eye longer periods of time. A punctal plug procedure can be completed in-office.
• Supplements: Omega-3 supplements have historically been recommended to help with dry eye symptoms. There is, however, controversy over their efficacy.
• Eyelid hygiene: Keeping the eyelids clean and healthy can help reduce eye inflammation. Many eye care professionals recommend warm compresses and lid scrubs for at-home eye maintenance.
• BlephEx: BlephEx is a quick in-office procedure that cleans they eyelids and eyelashes.
  
• LipiFlow: LipiFlow is another simple in-office procedure that clears clogged meibomian glands (the oil glands found on the rims of your eyelids).
• True Tear: True Tear is new device designed to stimulate natural tear production. Your own tears are released through simple and painless stimulation of the nerves in the nose. This treatment is a great option for patients who prefer to reduce their intake of medications or their use of eyedrops.
• Autologous Serum Tears: These eye drops are made from your own blood serum and can be an ideal option for those who have severe dry eye that doesn’t respond to other treatment.
• Specialty contact lenses: These specially designed contact lenses cover the eye and keep it moist. Scleral lenses are a popular option for more severe forms of dry eye syndrome.

Say goodbye to dry eyes at Eye Center of Texas

Whether your dry eyes are a result of medications, a health condition, or simply age, it’s best not to ignore your symptoms. The sooner you address your dry eyes, the sooner you’ll find relief, and the less likely your dry eyes will become a greater nuisance to you in the future.
Dry eye syndrome may be a common condition, but it’s also a highly treatable condition. With experienced doctors and six convenient locations, Eye Center of Texas has everything you need to find relief from dry eyes in safety and comfort.
Call Eye Center of Texas at 713-797-1010, or schedule an appointment online today.

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