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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• 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.

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Damage to your cornea can negatively affect your vision as well as cause pain and irritation, and while surgery is not always the first line of defense, it can be a useful tool to relieve pain and restore your vision –– but exactly when is a corneal transplant necessary?

Cornea damage negatively affects your eyes’ ability to filter and focus light, resulting in blurred vision and intense glare. There are many reasons why your cornea could be damaged, ranging all the way from a simple infection to a degenerative condition, some of which can be treated with things like antibiotics or corrective eyewear. Corneal transplants are often necessary when glasses or contact lenses cannot restore your vision fully, or if infected tissue needs to be removed.

What is a corneal transplant?

A corneal transplant is the surgical removal and replacement of the damaged cornea with new, donated tissue. There are a few types of corneal transplantation:

• Penetrating keratoplasty: Also known as full-thickness corneal transplant, replaces all the layers of tissue of your cornea (usually in a small area). This is often performed to treat severe cornea damage.
• Lamellar keratoplasty: Also known as partial thickness corneal transplant, involves the replacement of only the outer and middle layers of your cornea. This less invasive procedure offers a speedier recovery and is often recommended for those who do not have severe damage or scarring.
• Endothelial keratoplasty: An inner layer corneal transplant, is usually only recommended to combat Fuchs’ dystrophy and other rarer medical conditions; this involves the replacement of only the innermost layer of your cornea.

Your ophthalmologist will recommend which surgery is right for you based on your specific needs. The surgery itself is an outpatient procedure that generally takes under two hours.

Top reasons why a cornea transplant may be needed

So, what conditions require corneal transplant? Not all corneal problems indicate a need for surgical intervention, but these conditions could indicate the need for a transplant:

• Scarring left behind by infection: people who wear contact lenses are at a higher risk for infection because of both the need for constant lens cleaning and changing and the increased physical contact with the cornea.
• Keratoconus: a condition that causes irregular corneal shape and thinning of the corneas.
• Keratitis: this common but painful inflammation of the cornea can often lead to swelling and infection. Keratitis can be caused by a number of things including bacteria, fungi, and viruses.
• Fuchs’ dystrophy: a chronic medical condition that causes the innermost (endothelial) layer of the cornea to deteriorate. This corneal disease accelerates with age, initially presenting itself as a blurriness that clears up throughout the day, but eventually manifests in persistent hazy vision and even corneal blisters.
• Corneal damage from previous eye surgeries
• Corneal damage from trichiasis, a condition wherein eyelashes grow inward

Infections can spring up from anything as innocuous as a small corneal scratch. Make sure you know your scratched cornea symptoms so that you can get treatment before a minor problem turns into a major one.

Corneal transplant recovery

During a transplant the cornea is, to some extent, fully removed (unlike LASIK, which requires just the healing of the corneal flap), so recovery time will vary greatly in correspondence with the type of transplant performed. The less invasive the procedure the quicker the recovery time; a patient can recover from endothelial keratoplasty in just a few weeks while penetrating keratoplasty takes much longer.

Full thickness corneal transplant recovery can take up to a year or longer. You will be able to return to normal activities much sooner – usually within a few weeks – but your eye will take some time to accept its new cornea. You will be prescribed steroid eye drops as well as other necessary medications to help mitigate infection and discomfort. As with any other eye surgery, there are a few things to avoid doing until your doctor gives you the go-ahead, such as driving, exercising, and swimming. 

What risks come with corneal transplants?

Corneal transplants, while generally safe and effective, present the possibility of rejection of the graft. This happens because your body’s immune system believes the donated tissue to be a foreign substance and attempts to destroy it. Organ rejection, if detected early enough, is often reversible.

Consummate communication with your doctor during your recovery can help ease your recovery and might even save your new cornea. Here are some signs that your body might be rejecting the graft:

• Excessive pain and irritation
• Blurred or clouded vision
• Light sensitivity
• Red eyes
• Bleeding

Risks, while inherent in any surgical procedure, are a major reason to work with a doctor that you can trust. 

Think You May Need a Corneal Transplant? Speak to an Expert at Eye Center of Texas.

When is a corneal transplant necessary? There are a multitude of reasons why your ophthalmologist would recommend a corneal transplant as the best course of action to either relieve pain or correct vision, but only they can tell you.

Our surgeons at Eye Center of Texas, like cornea specialist Dr. Yasir Ahmed, are at the forefront of surgical and clinical techniques, all in service of giving you the safest and quickest route to comfortable, clear vision.

If you are wondering who is a candidate for corneal transplant call us at 713-797-1010 or request an appointment online to find out what solutions will work for your vision.

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If you’re considering a corneal transplant, you may be wondering, is corneal transplant surgery painful? Are you awake for a corneal transplant? And, how long does it take to recover from a corneal transplant?

Before the procedure, your doctor will offer you either local or general anesthesia depending on your comfortability with the procedure. During the procedure, you will not be able to feel any pain but you may experience some slight discomfort during recovery.

Eye Center of Texas is a premier eye care practice with several locations throughout Texas. In this article, our cataract surgeons are going to walk you through what type of pain to expect during the procedure and throughout your recovery.

Are cornea transplants painful?

The cornea transplant procedure itself is not painful. Your surgeon will use a local anesthetic to numb your eye and may give you general anesthesia or a sedative if you’re feeling anxious about the transplant. Even if you choose to be left awake for the procedure, the anesthesia will generally prevent you from feeling any pain.

You may feel discomfort for the next couple of days following the procedure but you shouldn’t experience any severe pain. If you do, please don’t hesitate to call your surgeon. They’ll be able to check for any infections and can give you advice on how to help mitigate the pain.

What is a cornea transplant?

Your cornea is the clear layer of tissue on the outside of your eye that filters light and helps you see clearly. If it gets damaged or is diseased, your surgeon can remove the damaged part of the cornea and replace it with donated cornea tissue through a procedure called a cornea transplant, or keratoplasty. There are various types of corneal transplant options including partial cornea transplant and full-thickness corneal transplant.

What is the success rate of a corneal transplant? 

The success rate of the transplanted cornea is 91% in the first year. Most patients will experience clear vision in anywhere from a week to a year, depending on the patient and their unique healing process. Common causes for lesser outcomes can include organ rejection, glaucoma, or retina problems.

Why would someone need a cornea transplant?

Why would someone need a cornea transplant? You may need a cornea transplant if you’ve experienced the following eye problems:

• Corneal swelling
• Cornea scarring
• Scratched cornea
• Thinning, clouding, or swelling of the cornea
• Keratoconus
• Fuchs’ dystrophy
• Infections

If you aren’t sure whether or not you’re a good candidate for a cornea transplant, schedule an appointment with your doctor. They can help recommend the right treatment for your needs.

How long does it take to recover from a corneal transplant?

Full recovery time from a corneal transplant is dependent on the individual. Generally speaking, it can take up to a year to fully recover from a corneal transplant. However, most people are back to their normal routines within one to two weeks with the exception of heavy lifting. It’s advised to wait at least four weeks before doing any heavy lifting, or longer if your doctor advises it.

Please keep in mind that cornea transplants do not necessarily restore full vision and you may still need corrective devices like glasses or contact lenses after the procedure. That said, there are several corrective procedures that you can ask your surgeon about following a corneal transplant. For instance, you may be a good LASIK eye surgery candidate, can consider PRK, or ask about Visian Toric ICL.

Eye Center of Texas offers corneal transplants in locations throughout Texas

To answer the question, is corneal transplant surgery painful? Neither the procedure itself nor the recovery should cause patients any serious pain.

If you have any questions about anesthesia options for the procedure, recovery, or success rates, Eye Center of Texas is here for you. We have decades of combined experience treating eye diseases and vision issues with the safest and most advanced surgical techniques.

To learn more about corneal transplant surgery, contact us today at 713-797-1010 or request an appointment online.

More Helpful Articles by Eye Center of Texas:

• Who is a Candidate for Corneal Transplant?
• Cornea Transplant Recovery in Houston: A Guide
• What Causes Eye Flashes and Floaters?
• Laser Treatment for Eye Floaters Relief
• Can You Reverse Presbyopia?

Not all pterygium require treatment or surgery, but if the scar-like tissue is causing loss of vision, discomfort, or is not responding to eye drops, you may be a candidate for pterygium surgery in Houston. 

What is pterygium?

Pterygium, commonly known as “surfer’s eye”, are non-cancerous growths that begin on the white of your eye (or conjunctiva). They then spread across your cornea and eventually into your pupil, ultimately causing loss of vision and requiring removal by surgery. The exact cause of pterygium is not known, but its growth is believed to be influenced by UV damage to the eyes and other environmental factors such as dust, sand, and wind.

Continue reading: Can the Sun Hurt Your Eyes?

What is Pterygium Surgery?

Pterygium surgery is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure that generally only takes about 30-45 minutes per eye. If you have pterygium on both eyes, your procedures will be staggered by a few weeks to allow time for each eye to heal independently.

During the procedure, the pterygium is removed and replaced with a graft of conjunctival tissue from the white of the eye under your eyelid to ensure that the pterygium does not grow back in the exposed healing area. Local and general anesthetics are both employed for your comfort during the procedure, and an oral sedative is available should you feel particularly nervous. After the procedure, your ophthalmologist may apply a surgical eye patch to ensure an immediate start to the healing. You should arrange a ride home and plan to be there until the doctor says otherwise.

Recovery From Pterygium Surgery

What is the recovery time for pterygium surgery? While the techniques used vary majorly from those applied in LASIK eye surgery and laser cataract surgery, the recovery processes for most of these procedures are similar. As soon as the day after your surgery you will have a postoperative visit with your ophthalmologist to remove the surgical patch. You can expect some mild irritation, sensitivity to light, and blurry vision for the first couple of weeks, and eye redness that can last up to a couple of months.

As with LASIK recovery, if you plan for your recovery and keep in contact with your doctor you will have a much easier time. You will be given steroid eye drops and medication to mitigate pain if necessary. Use your eye drops and avoid rubbing your eyes. You can return to most of your normal activities such as driving and working within the first few days. However, full recovery can take a couple of months.

Risks and Prevention

Infections and complications during healing are rare. The biggest risk in pterygium surgery, either during the surgery or the recovery period, is the potential regrowth of the pterygium itself. Although the use of the autograft on the conjunctiva greatly reduces the chances of pterygia regrowth, there is still a small chance that the tissue will regrow. 

To protect your eyes against the regrowth of pterygium you should:

• Wear sunglasses when outside to protect your eyes from UV damage.
• Use artificial tears to combat dry eyes.
• Wear protective goggles in particularly windy and dusty environments.

Prevention is important, yes. But the best way to protect yourself against the inherent potential risk of any surgery is to hire the best people. At Eye Center of Texas, Texas’ leaders in eye care, we have experts with proven track records in performing pterygium surgery safely and successfully. Your path to recovery could start now, with an Ophthalmologist in Houston that you can trust.  

Common Questions About Pterygium Surgery

Can pterygium be removed without surgery? 

Pterygium cannot be removed without surgery. However, not all cases require surgery. Pterygium often presents no symptoms if they have yet to interfere with the cornea or pupil. Once the conjunctival tissue covers your cornea and begins negatively impacting your vision, surgery is usually required.

What is the difference between pterygium and pinguecula? 

Pinguecula, much like pterygium, is yellowish bumps or patches on the white of the eye that can cause irritation and redness. Pinguecula, however, does not grow across the cornea and is usually not harmful to your vision.

How much does pterygium surgery cost? 

Pterygium surgery is generally covered by Medicare or insurance unless the procedure is being done for cosmetic purposes (i.e. if the growth is smaller and doesn’t require surgery.) Though cost should never be a determining factor when it comes to the health of your eyes and vision. We can help find a solution that works for your financial needs.

Eye Center of Texas offers pterygium surgery in Houston

The surgeons at Eye Center of Texas are world-class and we work hard to stay on top of technological and surgical technique advancements. This allows us to personalize a procedure that will be the right fit for your unique needs.

Think you may be a candidate for pterygium surgery in Houston? Schedule an appointment to make cloudy vision a thing of the past. 

More Helpful Articles by Eye Center of Texas:

• Who is a Candidate for Corneal Transplant?
• Cornea Transplant Recovery in Houston: A Guide
• What Causes Eye Flashes and Floaters?
• Laser Treatment for Eye Floaters Relief
• Can You Reverse Presbyopia?

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