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How Sun Exposure Can Harm Your Eyes
When you were young, your parents probably taught you to not stare into the sun. There’s a very good reason for that. Not only is doing so uncomfortable, intense sun exposure can cause severe and permanent damage to your vision. Even if you’re not looking right at the sun, too much sun exposure can lead to significant eye problems. Here’s why you should be protecting your eyes from the sun during these hot summer days.
Sun Exposure and Cataracts
The most common cause of blindness, cataracts occur when the lens that surrounds your eye becomes clouded, resulting in lost or decreased vision over time. Recent research has found that frequent, chronic exposure to sunlight can contribute to the formation of cataracts.
Cataracts often form through a process known as oxidative stress, and typically appear with age. Exposure to UV rays from sunlight, however, can produce damage similar to that seen after oxidative stress, except that in this case the harmful effects on your lenses are caused by Glycation. In other words, the same UV light exposure linked to skin cancer can also lead to the creation of cataracts.
Sun Exposure and Macular Degeneration
Macular Degeneration is a broad term referring to a range of degenerative eye conditions that ultimately result in loss of sight. While age is the most common cause of macular degeneration, overexposure sunlight can also play an important role in its development.
The “macular” in Macular Degeneration refers to macular pigment, which protects your eyes by absorbing harmful blue light rays that would otherwise damage the rest of the eye. If the macular pigment is exposed to too much blue light, its effectiveness will diminish, leaving your eyes vulnerable to macular degeneration.
Choose Sunglasses That Protect Your Eyes
When choosing a pair of sunglasses, it is crucial to choose a pair that offers strong UV protection. There are two distinct varieties of sunlight: UVA and UVB, both of which are invisible to the human eye. While both UVA and UVB are dangerous to your eyes, UVA radiation penetrates the body more deeply and is believed to be more harmful to your eye lenses.
For protection from both UVA and UVB radiation, look for sunglasses that offer UV 400 protection or higher. Sunglasses which have UV 400 protection are capable of blocking radiation equal to or less than 400 nanometers, making it adequate for both UVA and UVB protection.
An important note: Do not be misled into believing that darker or polarized lenses offer more protection. The UV protection rating is the most important factor to keep in mind.
For Effective Cataract and Macular Degeneration Treatments, Call the Eye Center of Texas
As Texas’ leaders in eye care, we offer a number of treatment options for people with cataracts or macular degeneration, including laser and inlay treatments. Whether you believe your condition was caused by sun exposure, age, or other factors, we will work with you to devise a safe and effective treatment plan. Don’t wait any longer, improve your vision by scheduling your free consultation at Eye Center of Texas today!
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Why LASIK Eye Surgery is Not for Everyone
Commercials for LASIK eye surgery promise that LASIK is “quick and painless,” and that you’ll “never wear glasses again.” Caught up in the dream of forever eradicating our need for eyewear, we may not pay too much attention when the ad goes on to say “talk to your doctor to find out if LASIK is right for you.” Although LASIK is very common, there are a few medical reasons why LASIK eye surgery is not for everyone. Here are some common reasons.
Age and LASIK Eye Surgery Candidacy
If you are under the age of 18, most doctors would not consider you a good candidate for Lasik, because individuals under 18 can still experience significant changes to their prescription which could undo the effects of LASIK eye surgery.
On the other hand, there is no specific age at which you are too old to receive LASIK; depending on your ocular health, you can have your vision corrected through LASIK at any age over 18. That said, if your eyes suffer from complications such as macular degeneration and cataracts, LASIK eye surgery could harm your eyes and worsen their condition. Patients with these conditions are, therefore, often disqualified as LASIK candidates.
Pupil Size and LASIK Candidacy
Pupils are the part of your eye that absorb light and make it possible for you to see. Having large pupils might not seem like a huge deal, but it is a very important factor in determining your LASIK candidacy. People with large pupils are more likely to experience negative side-effects from LASIK eye surgery, including halos, starbursts, and glares. While these side effects may not be debilitating, having large pupils could still disqualify you as a LASIK candidate, especially if you suffer from other ocular health issues.
Corneal Structure and LASIK Candidacy
Like your pupils, your corneas are extremely important to your sight. The same way pupils can be large or small, corneas can be thick or thin. Unfortunately, people with thin corneas are at greater risk of complications from LASIK eye surgery which can disqualify them as candidates for the procedure. Corneal scarring can also disqualify you from receiving LASIK eye surgery.
Diabetes and LASIK Candidacy
Because diabetes can cause retinopathy, a condition that enlarges the pupils, people with diabetes may not be considered a good candidate for LASIK eye surgery. However, if your diabetes is well-managed and your eyes are in good health, your diabetes may not disqualify you as a LASIK candidate. It is extremely important that you consult your doctor if you have diabetes and are considering LASIK.
Unsure of Your LASIK Candidacy? Schedule a Consultation to Learn More!
If you are interested in LASIK eye surgery but are worried that certain complications could stand in your way, the doctors at Eye Center of Texas are here to help. During your consultation, we will discuss your eyes, your health, and take every step necessary to accurately determine your candidacy. It’s true, LASIK isn’t right for everybody, and if that’s the case for you, we will explore alternative treatments that will help you gain the vision you’ve always dreamt of.
Schedule your consultation today at any of our Houston offices to get started on your path to clearer vision.
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Does Laser Eye Surgery Hurt?
When people think of lasers, they’re more likely envision destructive ray guns or a light show at a rock concert than eye surgery. It’s no surprise then that many people believe laser eye surgery is a risky and scary procedure. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth; LASIK surgery is not only very safe, it entails very little discomfort as well. But still the mystery remains, what really does happen during LASIK?
Pre-Surgery Preparation
Prior to the surgery, the first thing that the doctor will do is put numbing drops into your eye. These drops are an anesthetic, which begin the process of relaxing your eye. The muscles within your eye will then loosen up, causing you to blink a lot more infrequently than normal. With your eye relaxed, the doctor will apply a clamp to hold your eyelid open for total stability during the operation. There’s no risk of you blinking and messing up the surgery, and you won’t feel any pain or discomfort since your eyes have been numbed.
During the Surgery
When the anesthetic is fully activated and your eye is totally numb and relaxed, a corneal flap is made and the laser begins to reshape your cornea. The laser part of the surgery lasts for less than a minute. It’s possible to feel a little bit of pressure on your eye while the laser is working, but any discomfort you may feel doesn’t last long. There won’t be any burning either, since the laser is actually cold!
Post-Surgery Recovery
LASIK surgery isn’t a painful procedure. The peak amount of discomfort that happens post-surgery lasts for about three to five hours, when it’s best to keep your eye closed allowing your eyes to heal. The corneal flap that is made during the surgery heals quickly by resting the day of your surgery coupled with medicated eye drops for the week following surgery.
Dispel the Myth of Painful Laser Eye Surgery
With all the facts in consideration, we can confidently say that LASIK does not hurt. At most, LASIK causes mild discomfort for a few hours. The biggest hurdles for patients considering LASIK is not the surgery itself, but the misconceptions and fears surrounding the procedure. Thankfully, the remedy for this is simple:
Talk to your doctor at Eye Center of Texas about LASIK and learn exactly what happens during the surgery. Doing so will not only remove any of your uncertainties around the procedure, but will also help you gain confidence that the future of your vision is in the hands of professionals.
Are you ready to improve your vision? Contact Eye Center of Texas today to learn more about laser eye surgery. Or, call with any questions at 713-395-1515.
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How Pools are Hurting Your Eyes, Especially Post-LASIK & Cataract Patients
It’s a scorching hot summer, and the pool is looking very good to you. You just had eye surgery a week ago, but you desperately want to go for a swim. What should you do? You should reconsider activities. Swimming in pools can be harmful for your eyes, especially since you’ve just undergone an ocular procedure like LASIK or cataract removal. Your eyes will be exposed and extremely susceptible to bacteria, so you must be careful to avoid infection. With diligent care, you can begin to swim again after only two weeks. But where is the safest place to swim?
What about in my own pool?
Your pool is the safest bet to swim in after LASIK or cataract surgery. Why? Since it is your pool, you have full control over how much chlorine goes into it. Though bacteria are still a primary concern, you have a reasonable amount of control over possible infection. Another added benefit of swimming in your own pool is that you can dictate what happens in it. You can keep your head well above water, you can minimize splashing, and you can wear goggles to further protect yourself from the water.
What about the public pool?
Public pools are more dangerous than private pools. They are cleaned as regularly as any private pool, but they have the disadvantage of hosting many more people. Having lots of people in the pool only raises the level of bacteria in the water, therefore raising the risk that you will get your eyes infected. Unlike being in a private pool, you can’t control the level of splashing and mayhem that occurs at a public pool. It’s best to stay away from them if you’ve had eye surgery recently.
What about my favorite waterpark?
For those that recently had LASIK and cataract surgery, waterparks must be avoided at all costs. They take the normal chances of infection and exponentially increase them. Waterparks have thousands of people swim in their water every day, meaning that there is an extremely large chance of an eye infection happening. Though their filtration systems are highly advanced, the waters at a waterpark still contain a staggering number of bacteria that can easily infect a vulnerable eye. To top it off, waterparks also require a fair level of physical stress, which can strain your eyes and cause undue harm.
More helpful tips
Overall, you should take it easy and altogether avoid the risk of eye infection through swimming. You can resume swimming normally about a month after either surgery. If you’ve been swimming in a pool and you think your eyes may become infected, be sure to contact your doctor at the Eye Center of Texas.
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5 Simple Tips for Avoiding Digital Eye Strain at the Office
The modern-day office environment, especially long hours on the computer, can wreak havoc on your eyes. Though office work doesn’t require exposure to dangerous chemicals, risky tools or direct sunlight, the time we spend on digital devices can be just as hard on your eyes. In fact, studies show that 87% of American office workers who use digital devices for more than two hours a day suffer from digital eye strain.
Digital eye strain, also known as “Computer Vision Syndrome,” can cause a number of irritating symptoms such as blurred vision, double vision, red/dry eyes, headaches, and even neck and back pain. Fortunately, there are things you can do to help. Here are a few easy tips from our doctors.
1. Proper lighting.
Harsh fluorescent lighting or natural light directly behind you can cause unpleasant glare and reflections, which increase the likelihood for digital eye strain. If you’re noticing irritation from computer glare, simply either reposition your monitor or adjust screen brightness and the room’s blinds.
2. Perfect computer settings.
When your eyes are irritated, lighting may not be the only agitator. So next, check your computer settings to help reduce eye strain. Experiment with increasing text size, turning down screen brightness and lowering blue color temperature to alleviate irritation.
3. Take breaks.
One of the easiest ways to avoid eye fatigue is to take short breaks from your screen periodically throughout the workday. Studies have shown that taking five-minute breaks, five to six times a day could reduce the discomfort and eye strain associated with computer use.
4. Remember to blink.
It may sound obvious, but in the middle of a busy day, it is quite easy to forget to take a second and blink. Actually, people who work on computers blink about one third less as often as they do normally while not working. This lack of blinking can cause dry eyes, which could then lead to long-term eye damage if left untreated. To retain moisture and make sure you’re blinking enough, blink slowly 10 times in a row mindfully every 20 minutes.
5. Eye workouts.
Just because your eyes aren’t muscles doesn’t mean they don’t need exercise to stay in proper shape. To avoid wearing out your eyes at the office, use our 20/20/20 routine. Try looking away from your screen every 20 minutes, and staring off at a distant object that’s about 20 feet away for 20 seconds. The distance helps to release tension and relax the part of your eye that helps you focus.
Keep Your Eyes in Working Shape with Regular Exams with Your Optometrist
Eye Center of Texas specializes in all aspects of eye care, including diagnosis, management, and surgery of ocular diseases and disorders, however, we do not perform routine eye exams or write prescriptions for corrective lenses (glasses and/or contact lenses). We are happy to help you find an optometrist who provides comprehensive eye and vision care. If you are in need of LASIK or cataract surgery, Eye Center of Texas is here to meet all of your vision needs. With six convenient locations all around the greater Houston area, our doctors are equipped with the state-of-the-art equipment and expertise necessary to keep your eyes working their best both on the clock and off. For high-quality medical eye care that you and your family can rely upon, schedule a consultation or an appointment today.
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How To Avoid Developing Cataracts
Aside from your essential organs, your eyes are among your body’s most essential parts. The same way we rely on our eyes to see, our eyes rely on a lens to bend incoming light and form clear images. Over time, however, your lenses can develop cataracts which cause them to cloud and diminish your vision. While there is no 100% proven method of preventing cataracts, taking certain steps now can help to protect your eyes and reduce your risk of developing cataracts later on.
1. Protect Your Eyes from the Sun
Although sunlight is not the direct cause of cataracts, excessive exposure has been shown to increase your risk of developing them. To keep your eyes adequately protected, invest in sunglasses with UV protection, and wear a wide brimmed hat to keep your eyes properly shaded while outdoors.
2. Maintain a Healthy Diet
In addition to being a major risk to your overall health, studies have shown that diabetes can increase your risk of developing cataracts. The first step to avoiding diabetes? A healthy diet. Maintaining a healthy blood sugar level will keep your eyes (and the rest of your body) much healthier as you age.
3. Limit Your Alcohol Consumption
In general, preserving bodily health is an important step to preventing cataracts. Just like a poor diet, excessive alcohol consumption can promote unhealthy blood sugar levels which increase your risk of developing cataracts.
4. If You Smoke, Stop
Need another reason to quit? It’s no secret that smoking is absolutely horrible for your lungs, but did you know that tobacco can also harm your vision? According to recent research, your risk of developing cataracts doubles if you smoke cigarettes.
5. Keep Key Nutrients in Your Diet
Studies have shown that the right balance of certain vitamins, antioxidants and minerals in your diet can seriously reduce your risk of developing cataracts. To make sure you’re maintaining an eye-friendly diet, eat plenty of dark-green leafy vegatables. They contain the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin, which studies have linked to an 18% decrease in the likelihood of cataract development. Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish like salmon and sardines can also help you reduce your risk of developing cataracts.
6. Maintain Regular Eye Appointments
The best way to avoid cataracts is to have your eyes checked regularly. Even if your eyes seem healthy, regular eye exams are the only way to detect early signs of eye disorders such as cataracts, glaucoma, or macular degeneration. After all, early detection can reduce your risk of permanent damage and save your vision!
7. Keep Your Vision Intact at Eye Center of Texas
If you’re experiencing vision issues due to cataracts, Eye Center of Texas is the first step to healthier, longer-lasting vision. Using only the finest technology at each of our six locations, our doctors work to make each experience comfortable, convenient and pain free. Find the location nearest you, and schedule an appointment to get started!
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What’s the Difference Between Farsighted & Nearsighted?
If you or your loved one are unfamiliar with vision terms and hear the words farsighted or nearsighted, you might wonder what they mean. In fact, many patients ask us, “What is the difference between farsighted and nearsighted?” Both are refractive conditions—they refer to how light is focused in relation to the eye. Below, learn what farsightedness and nearsightedness mean, as well as the differences between the two.
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Symptoms of a Scratched Cornea
The cornea of your eye is one of the most sensitive areas on your body. Even a small abrasion will be extremely painful. Along with the pain, there are other symptoms related to a scratch on the cornea. You may experience redness, light sensitivity, blurry or decreased vision, headaches, eye twitching, and even nausea.
Causes of a Scratched Cornea
How does a cornea become scratched? The ways to scratch your cornea are endless. Any object that comes into contact with your eye has the possibility of damaging or harming it. Makeup brushes, your finger, a tree branch, workplace debris – anything that gets close enough to touch your eye. Most times it isn’t even a traumatic event and you might not even realize it’s happened until the symptoms show up. Even being outside where there is dirt or sand flying through the air can cause a scratch when you attempt to rub it away.
If you suffer from dry eyes, you could risk causing a scratch trying to open your eyes when you wake each morning. When your eye is dry, your lids can tear and dislodge an outer layer portion just from opening them.
Treatment for a Scratched Cornea
Treating a scratch will depend on the severity of your wound. If it is not a serious one, you can treat it with a non-preserved lubricate applied to your eye. Keeping your eye comfortably moist will allow your eye to naturally heal itself. It is sometimes recommended to use an antibiotic eye drop so infection cannot set in.
If the scratch is more serious, it may need an ointment containing an antibiotic to keep on your eye longer. Sometimes a steroid is needed to decrease the inflammation caused by the scratch. The steroid will also relieve your pain and help reduce the chance of permanent scarring.
Preventing a Scratched Cornea
Since you are not always aware you’ve scratched your eye, it is somewhat difficult to prevent it from happening. There are some circumstances, however, that can help ensure the safety of your eyes. Wearing safety glasses or goggles while doing work where particles are likely to fly about is one method.
Contact your eye doctor immediately if you suspect your cornea has been scratched. The best way to ensure your eye health and prevent permanent damage will require a knowledgeable eye doctor’s help.
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How Long Does Laser Eye Surgery Last?
If you are considering laser eye surgery, you probably have several questions about the procedure. How long does it last? What are the side effects? Will you have to go through the surgery again in the future?
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Cataract Prevention & Treatment
Your eyes are among the most fragile organs you possess. As such, it becomes important to take extra special care of them. One major eye defect that should be guarded against is the formation of cataracts. Let’s take a closer look at this particular medical condition and see how you can prevent it from destroying your vision.
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Our Locations
Houston/Bellaire
6565 W. Loop S., Suite 650Bellaire, TX 77401
Medical Office:
713-797-1010
Medical Fax:
713-357-7276
LASIK/Near Vision:
Office: 713-395-1515
Fax: 713-357-7278
Pasadena
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Medical Office:
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Medical Fax:
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Sugar Land
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Medical Office:
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Medical Fax:
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Clear Lake
455 E. Medical Center Blvd., Suite 110Webster, TX 77598
Medical Office:
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Medical Fax:
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Katy
Greenhouse Medical Plaza2051 Greenhouse Road, Suite 110
Houston, TX 77084
Medical Office:
346-547-7070
Medical Fax:
281-214-2971
The Woodlands/Conroe
100 Medical Center Blvd., Suite 118Conroe, TX 77304
Medical Office:
936-647-1610
Medical Fax:
936-647-1620
Cypress
22215 Cypresswood Dr., Suite 116Cypress, TX 77433
Main Phone:
(346) 537-0088
Fax Line:
(346) 537-0187