What to Expect Before, During, and After LASIK Surgery

LASIK is the most common laser eye surgery to treat myopia (near-sightedness), hyperopia (far-sightedness), and astigmatism. If you are tired of wearing contacts or glasses, a simple consultation with a Lasik surgeon can determine if you are the right candidate for Lasik surgery. If, after an evaluation, it is determined that LASIK is not a good fit for you, know that there are other vision correction surgeries such as LASEK, PRK, and Phakic IOL surgery as possible options too.
In this article, we discuss the process a patient can experience before, during, and after LASIK surgery. Any detailed questions you may have should always be left for your trained medical professional to answer.

Before Surgery

Before receiving LASIK surgery, a comprehensive eye exam is needed to ensure that your eyes are healthy enough to move forward with the procedure. It is recommended to stop wearing contact lenses a few weeks before the eye exam and surgery since most can change the shape of the cornea. Patients should wear their eyeglasses instead.

During the exam, your doctor will look at the cornel shape, thickness, pupil size, refractive errors, and other eye conditions. This is a great time to bring up any questions or concerns that your doctor may be able to answer.

If everything goes well during the exam and you're comfortable with the next steps, it is time to prepare for surgery. Your doctor should ask you to stop using products such as creams, lotions, makeup, or perfumes since these items can cause a higher risk for infection during and after surgery. It is also important to arrange transportation to and from surgery.

During Surgery

For many, surgery is the most dreaded part. However, there is no need to fear, as it is painless and should take less than 30 minutes. Just before surgery, the patient will recline back to rest in a comfortable position. Next, numbing drops are placed into the eyes. The area around the eye will be cleaned and a lid speculum (a device that holds the eyelids open) will be used.
You will be asked to focus on a special fixation light while the surgeon activates a precision instrument electronically to cut a flap in the cornea. The laser treatment is then performed to reshape the cornea using techniques that vary depending on the type of refractive errors. The corneal flap is then repositioned, allowing for the eye to heal.

Post-Op Instructions

Once the surgery has been completed, the first sensation you may feel is itching or burning; however, this is only temporary discomfort and will resolve soon. A brief examination will be performed shortly after the procedure, and subsequently, you will be sent home, accompanied by your appointed driver.

Your vision may seem blurry or hazy at first, and you may feel that you want to rub or itch your eyes. You mustn’t touch your eyes during this recovery time as they are healing. Rubbing your eyes could cause the flap to dislodge, which could require further treatments. A shield is recommended to place over your eyes for protection from additional elements and light sensitivity.

A follow-up appointment with your doctor will be scheduled 24 to 48 hours after the initial surgery. Subsequent check-ups will also be planned throughout the next six months.

Rohr Eye & Laser Center offers the most advanced technology available to suit your lifestyle and visual needs.  As a leader in laser vision correction and cataract surgery, our goal is to help you achieve the best vision possible without glasses or contact lenses.  More information can be found online at https://michiganlasik.com.

The Truth About Cataracts

According to the World Health Organization, cataracts are one of the leading eye health issues that can cause blindness, affecting roughly 65.2 million people worldwide. Cataracts are relatively simple to treat surgically in developed countries, but in others, eye care is minimal. The increase in our life expectancy has also uninhibited the growth of cataracts in the human population.  What is a cataract exactly? This condition is described as the clouding of the lens in the eye. Vision becomes blurred as the cataract develops and eventually, blindness is the result. Unfortunately, there is no definite route to prevent cataracts, but there are several ways to lower the risk of obtaining it. If you feel your vision is starting to worsen, or if you have trouble being able to see without bright light, you should consult with your doctor and be tested for cataracts.

Risk Factors of Cataracts  

Biological aging is the most common cause for cataracts with environmental exposures such as smoke or ultraviolet light. There are other secondary conditions related to other health problems like skin disease, diabetes, and overall health and lifestyle habits. Research also shows that women are at a higher risk for cataracts than men. Experts believe the reason for this is due to menopause, causing a decrease in estrogen that triggers cataracts later in life. Another genetic factor appears to be race. Most people falling suspectable to cataracts after turning 70 are classified as ‘white’ while Hispanics seem to have the lowest rate for cataracts.

Lifestyle Habits and Protection from Cataracts

Although you cannot completely remove the risks of environmental exposure, there are specific measures that you can take to help protect you. The two most common causes include excessive sun exposure and smoking. Ultraviolet light and smoking are known for causing cataracts even in people at a young age. Unfortunately, the overexposure from UV rays can take years or even decades to contribute to cataract development, so many people may not even know there is a problem until the damage has already occurred. To reduce the exposure of UV rays, it is advised to wear the correct protection, for instance, sunglasses with at least 99% protection from UVA and UVB rays or wearing a sunhat with at least 3” wide brim whenever out in the bright sun. Evidence also suggests that having a proper diet may also prevent cataracts from developing. Foods that are high in antioxidants such as green leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, and eggs may decrease your risk.

Treatment

Cataracts can be very devastating if left untreated. The good news is that they take years to develop, which gives you plenty of time to discuss with your doctor which option will be best for your treatment. Cataract surgery is done in two stages; first, they remove the existing lens, and then they replace it with a new lens implant that will allow you to see clearly again and sometimes correct other vision problems. Your doctor can monitor early progression treatment and you may have months or years before surgery is needed. A simple upgrade in your glass’s prescription or the use of brighter lights can help, but ultimately the removal of the cloudy lens through cataract surgery will need to be performed.

Rohr Eye & Laser Center offers the most advanced technology available to suit your lifestyle and visual needs. As a leader in laser vision correction and cataract surgery, our goal is to help you achieve the best vision possible without glasses or contact lenses. More information can be found online at https://michiganlasik.com.

How Expensive Is LASIK?

Choosing a procedure such as LASIK comes with many questions and concerns that should be considered carefully. It is essential to consult with a LASIK surgeon and be sure that you are a good candidate for the surgery. A lingering question in your mind, of course, will be, “How much does LASIK cost?” In 2019, the average cost for LASIK surgery was about $2,246 per eye. This is an out-of-pocket expense for most vision insurance plans don’t cover LASIK because it is considered a cosmetic procedure and not medically necessary. Below we will further discuss factors that influence the costs of LASIK and tips on how to prepare financially for this investment for your eyes.

Key Cost Factors for LASIK

Several factors should be considered when budgeting the expense of LASIK surgery. The surgeon's experience and reputation are one. The more experience a surgeon has may affect the cost of the procedure, and you need to determine if this is worth the extra cost. Also, the type of laser technology used to perform the correction can cause a swing in costs. Traditional treatment options that have been used since the 1990s may cost less than some of the newer advancements, such as custom wavefront technology. Lastly, your overall eye condition will also be a factor that is taken into consideration during the quoting process. A person may be quoted a higher price than someone else due to having a stronger prescription level and more impaired vision. No matter the surgeon or technology you decide is best for you, always do the research required and choose the option that you feel 100% comfortable with.

Use Caution with LASIK Bargains & Deals

It can be tempting to shop for the best deal and choose an option based solely on price but beware of something that sounds too good to be true. Often in media, it is advertised for LASIK for lower than $1000 per eye or less, but typically, you may be surprised to find that there may be additional costs that are not displayed as clearly. It is highly advised at your initial consultation to ask your surgeon for a written quote that itemizes everything included in the offer. Read the fine print and ask if there are additional fees for follow up visits, glasses, and post medications. Another warning regarding bargain LASIK procedures, their “solution” may not resolve all of your corrective issues with your eyes. If you have a mild condition, this may work out for you. Remember always to read the fine print and ask questions until you fully understand the entire process.

Financing Options for LASIK

Although there may not be an easy way around cutting costs for LASIK surgery, there are plenty of options available to help make payments more manageable and affordable. Many patients choose to pay for their procedure overtime at a monthly rate with finance companies that sometimes can offer deals with no-interest or special limited-time offers. Some employers offer subsidized health plans that can cover a portion of elective corrective LASIK costs, so be sure to investigate if this is available to you.  Another great option when preplanning is the use of a flexible spending account (FSA) or a health savings account (HSA). If you are part of the military, there is a possibility that LASIK is free or at a discounted rate. No matter your situation, it is important to research all of your options before committing. The professionals at Rohr Eye and Laser Center are always happy to answer any of your questions and they will help you come up with a solution that will be sure to make your LASIK experience enjoyable.

Rohr Eye & Laser Center offers the most advanced technology available to suit your lifestyle and visual needs.  As a leader in laser vision correction and cataract surgery, our goal is to help you achieve the best vision possible without glasses or contact lenses.  For more information, visit our website at https://michiganlasik.com.

Living With Cataracts

As we grow older our bodies deteriorate over time, and our eyes are not excluded from this. While not everybody has perfect eyesight from birth, everybody’s eyesight gets worse as we approach the twilight years of our lives, despite routine eye checkups with optometrists. One of the most common forms of eye deterioration is cataracts.

Cataracts is a gradual process, often not appearing until a later stage in life (although sometimes even later than that). Cataracts comes with its own set of symptoms and are relatively easily noticeable, and while may not be curable without surgery there are ways to slow down development.

What exactly are cataracts?

Cataracts are simply a cloudiness in the lens of your eye. A normal, healthy lens is clear and is the sign of great eyesight by letting the light through without obstruction. With cataracts, a noticeable cloud exists within the lens and blocks out light from adequately doing what it needs to do to let you see clearly. As mentioned, cataracts tend to show up later in life and grow gradually worse as you continue to age. One can attempt to slow down the gradual development of cataracts by doing your best to keep the lens in your eye as safe as possible from harmful ultraviolet rays from the sun. If you have glasses, making sure the lens of the glasses has an anti-UV coating is a simple way to help prevent prolonged exposure which can damage the eye and bring about an early arrival of cataracts. Sunglasses are also a popular way to keep your eyes free from damage, especially if you spend much time outdoors.

What Are the Symptoms of Cataracts?

Cataracts are relatively easy to diagnose. According to an article by the American Academy of Ophthalmology, clear signs of cataracts are having blurry vision, seeing double, being extra sensitive to light, having trouble seeing well at night, and seeing colors as faded or yellow. While there are plenty of factors that may play into blurry vision, cataracts are an ongoing eye issue, so a small and short case of blurry vision should not be any cause for worry.

What Causes Cataracts?

While aging is certainly a commonplace cause for cataracts, they can also be hereditary, so those with relatives who have cataracts can have an increased chance of developing them themselves. Cataracts can be caused by a single circumstance, such as an injury or surgery to the eye, or something long-standing, such as diabetes and prolonged sun exposure.

Cataracts can be treated by surgery and can restore your vision almost completely, so if you or somebody you knows suffers from cloudy vision or having issues seeing at night, contact an eye doctor to explore a safe method for treatment.

Rohr Eye & Laser Center offers the most advanced technology available to suit your lifestyle and visual needs.  As a leader in laser vision correction and cataract surgery, our goal is to help you achieve the best vision possible without glasses or contact lenses.  More information can be found online at https://michiganlasik.com.

Eye Exams 101

In the world of health priorities, our eyes seem to be on the lower end of that spectrum. We focus mostly on our bodies, then our teeth, but making sure our eyes are as healthy as the rest of our body usually comes out as nothing more than a “I’ll keep an eye on it” (no pun intended). Some people put off a dentist appointment or doctor checkup so long that they have a subpar understanding of what exactly such an event entails. For eye appointments a lot of people only recall the machine that shoots a puff of air at your eye, but the entire process is good to understand before making that long overdue appointment.

Why are eye exams done?

                The reasoning for eye exams may be obvious: they are used to check the overall health of your eyes. But, the goal of an eye exam is to pinpoint and discover any issues your eyes may be developing at the earliest stage possible. The earlier an issue arises, the better the chance of treatment. It’s when somebody puts off an eye appointment for years that any issue that may be present most likely has advanced to stage an untreatable stage. Having regular eye exams prevents any issue from metastasizing too late.

When should I be making appointments?

                The relative age of the patient is a key deciding factor for making regular eye appointments. For example, newborns and toddlers will usually have their pediatrician look for the most common eye issues during regular checkups. Only when something is found is a proper eye exam conducted, even at that age. For children a little older it is important to have the eyes checked prior to starting elementary school, after which you can expect checkups every one to two years. For adults, the frequency depends on your age range.

What should I do before, during, and after?

                The steps to take when going through an eye exam may seem dauting but the reality is much simpler. For first timers, understanding your eye health history is beneficial to both you and the doctor conducting the exam (not unlike an appointment with a general practitioner). Keep a tally of any health issues you’ve had in the past that may or may not be affecting eye health. You can also take this time to talk to the doctor about LASIK if you know your vision could already be better.

The exam itself is generally short and simple, with machines being used to test visual acuity and sensitivity. When you think of the phrase “better, worse, or the same?”, this is when you’d be asked that question. Also, yes, this is when you’d have the puff of air shot into your eye, so mentally prepare for that.

After the exam you’ll typically get the results of your exam and any issues that may have been found, if any. If issues are found (for example: cataracts), preventative measures and possible surgery can be discussed, and if your vision isn’t as great as you’ve boasted for years, you can try on glasses and find a frame that best fits your style with your new prescription.

That’s it! Not as daunting as it may sound, but it really is something one should keep up with, especially if you want a glasses prescription that is up to date.

Rohr Eye & Laser Center offers the most advanced technology available to suit your lifestyle and visual needs.  As a leader in laser vision correction and cataract surgery, our goal is to help you achieve the best vision possible without glasses or contact lenses.  More information can be found online at https://michiganlasik.com.

Being a Candidate For LASIK

LASIK is a type of refractive eye surgery that eliminates dependency on corrective lenses.  It is, however, not the right decision for everyone.  It is important to determine if you are a good candidate for LASIK and that you weigh the decision to have the procedure before scheduling your surgery.  Are you tired of wearing glasses and contacts?  Read on to see if you are a candidate for laser vision correction surgery.

Most LASIK patients will achieve 20/25 vision or better after LASIK eye surgery.  This is appropriate vision for most activities; eventually however, some LASIK candidates will need glasses for reading or driving at night.

The track record for LASIK surgery is good.  There are a few rare complications that result in vision loss.  In fact, most people are satisfied with the results of their procedure.  Common side effects of the surgery are dry eye and temporal visual disturbance but often clear up in a few weeks or a month.  They are rarely long-term and don’t require additional intervention.  Of course, the final results will depend on your refractive error. Candidates with mild nearsightedness have better success overall with refractive surgery while candidates with a high degree of nearsightedness or farsightedness with astigmatism have less predictable results overall.

There are multiple differences in laser refractive surgery although LASIK is the generic term used for all of them.  Images are focused on the retina in the back of your eye.  When your vision is not perfect the images focus elsewhere and result in blurred vision.

Nearsightedness results in objects far away to appear blurry whereas nearby objects are clearer.  The eyeball is normally longer or the cornea curves sharply which doesn’t allow the light rays to focus at the front of the retina and then blur distant objects.  Farsightedness on the other hand is where close objects are blurry but objects in the distance can be seen clearly.  This occurs because the eyeball is short or the cornea is flat, light then focuses behind the retina.  Astigmatisms cause overall blurry vision, the cornea curves or flattens unevenly.

Traditional methods of blurry vision are corrected by the bending of light rays with contacts or glasses.  Reshaping the cornea during LASIK provides the necessary refraction for vision correction.  Before surgery the surgeon will take detailed measurements of your eye.  They will then use a specialized cutting laser to alter the curve of the cornea.  The pulse of the laser beam removes a tiny bit of corneal tissue which allows your eye surgeon to flatten or steepen the curve of the cornea.  The surgeon will create a flap in the cornea and then raise it up before the cornea is reshaped.

Rohr Eye & Laser Center offers the most advanced technology available to suit your lifestyle and visual needs.  As a leader in laser vision correction and cataract surgery, our goal is to help you achieve the best vision possible without glasses or contact lenses.  More information can be found online at https://michiganlasik.com.

Preparing for Cataract Surgery

Have you noticed that your vision has started to get a bit cloudy?  As you notice this occurrence it is important to speak with your eye doctor as you may be developing a cataract in your eye.  When you are diagnosed with a cataract your eye doctor will often recommend surgery to remove the lens of the eye and replace it with an artificial one. Cataract removal is common, safe, and after it is done you will be able to see clearer. 

Who Should Have Cataract Surgery?

If you have a cataract, it doesn’t always mean you will have to have surgery, some people don’t even notice a change in their vision.  Some people will continue to see clearly.  As a cataract grows your symptoms will change.  Your vision could become yellow, dim, or blurred.  Double vision is another common side effect when you are looking at things through a cataract. It can be difficult to read, work on a computer, or do common everyday activities that require clear vision.  Poor night vision is another side effect of cataracts. 

Preparing for Cataract Surgery

About a week or two before your cataract surgery your doctor will start measuring the size and shape of your eyes.  This allows them to choose an artificial lens that is the most appropriate size for you lens.  You will be unable to eat or drink for at least twelve hours before your surgery.  You should also know that you will be awake during the procedure.  It is not a painful surgery, but you may need some medicine to relax especially if you have surgical anxiety.  The surgery will take less than an hour in most situations.  A laser is used to break up the cataract into bits that can be gently suctioned out.  The new lens will then be put into place.  You will not need to spend the night, but you will need someone there to drive you home.  If cataracts are present in both eyes, surgery will typically be scheduled a few weeks apart.

Side Effects of Cataract Surgery

Although rare there are some typical side effects from cataract surgery including:

• Infection and Swelling
• Bleeding
• Detachment of the Retina
• A Feeling of Pressure in Your Eye
• Loosening of the Implant
• Fluid Buildup
• Eyelid Drooping

After surgery your eye may itch or be a bit sore.  Bright light may be extreme, and some tearing may occur.  The doctor will give you eye drops to apply regularly.  Take it easy and try to relax for a few days after surgery.  Don’t drive, bend over, put pressure on the eye, or pick up heavy things.  While you sleep your eye should be shielded to protect it as it is healing.  Your eye should be fully healed after about 8 weeks. 
Rohr Eye & Laser Center offers the most advanced technology available to suit your lifestyle and visual needs.  As a leader in laser vision correction and cataract surgery, our goal is to help you achieve the best vision possible without glasses or contact lenses.  More information can be found online at https://michiganlasik.com.

2019 Facts About LASIK and LASEK

Laser vision correction is more widely accessible today than ever before.  Eyeglasses and contacts can be a thing of the past with just a few clicks, a consultation, and simple surgery.  Vision correction with a laser is the most common surgery in the United States.  Roughly over 600,000 laser eye procedures are done every year.  Not only is it the most common surgical procedure, it is the most successful as well.  Laser vision correction is performed in an attempt to cure Myopia, Hyperopia, and Astigmatism. 

There are two main types of laser vision correction which include LASIK and LASEK (PRK).  One is not better than the other.   The right treatment to correct your vision will depend on your diagnosis, age, and lifestyle.  In general, the differences include:

LASIK – This is a type of refractive surgery that is used to correct myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism.  A microscopic protective flap is created to allow access to the inner cornea.  After this is done a laser light is used to reshape the cornea surface gently which alters focusing power and will improve your vision.  The protective flap is then positioned to protect the eye and help in the healing process.  Patients most often report an instant improvement in their vision after treatment.
LASEK (PRK) – This type of surgery is similar to LASIK however uses a different method to expose the cornea for treatment.  Instead of a flap like in LASIK, LASEK is done directly to the surface of the eye and then the laser is applied. To protect the eye and provide protection after surgery a bandage contact lens is put over the eye.  Vision improvements occur over time in a gradual process.  The bandage contact lens is taken off about a week after surgery. 

Both LASIK and LASEK are considered safe medical procedures.  There are risks however they have significantly lower complications then other procedures.  They have been proven to be safe procedures.  20+ million people since 1996 have had some type of laser vision treatment to correct vision impairments.  As with all medical procedures as technology advances the risks involved lessen.  Technological advancements make laser vision safer, less invasive, and quicker recovery times.

Many laser vision correction candidates want to know about the likelihood they will go blind after LASIK and LASEK.  Although there are risks involved, there has never been a case where LASIK was the primary cause of blindness to a patient.  That is not to say it can’t happen however there is a likelihood of 1 in 5 million that LASIK would be a primary cause of blindness.  If you think about it in other terms there is a 1 in 1.2 million chance of becoming a movie star, 1 in 3.75 million chance of being bit by a shark, and 1 in 12,000 of lightning striking you.
Common side effects of laser vision surgery include:

• Dry Eyes
• Glare
• Halos
• Starbursts
• Ghosting

Most of the side effects experienced will disappear as healing occurs.  It is important to take care of yourself during the healing process in order to experience the best outcome.
As with anything, your odds of something going wrong decrease significantly when you choose a reputable facility such as Rohr Eye and Laser Center and top laser correction surgeons like Dr. Rohr.  When you are looking for a local laser vision correction facility it is critical to look for experience, technology, and reviews. 

Rohr Eye & Laser Center offers the most advanced technology available to suit your lifestyle and visual needs.  As a leader in laser vision correction and cataract surgery, our goal is to help you achieve the best vision possible without glasses or contact lenses.  More information can be found online at https://michiganlasik.com.

When Should I Have LASIK Performed?

No matter how young or old you are the health of your eyes is of the utmost importance. Our eye sight is an essential element in our everyday lives.   It is important to remember this when making decisions regarding your vision.  There are many choices when it comes to correcting issues with your vision such as eye glasses, contacts, and LASIK.  When choosing an option that is right for you a lot of people start to consider undergoing the LASIK procedure.  The thing most people are worried about is that they aren’t the right age to have the LASIK procedure performed.  If that is you, keep on reading.

What is the perfect age to have LASIK performed?

Ophthalmologists and LASIK surgeons both agree that a patients age means less than the stability of their vision when determining if they should have laser vision correction performed.  Patients that have has the same prescription for a period of time are most likely ready to have the LASIK procedure done.  This often occurs for patients in their twenties. 

Are there career benefits to LASIK?

Depending on your career, clear vision without the hindrance of eye glasses or contacts can be extremely beneficial.  Athletes are one category of individuals who would have an advantage with laser vision correction.  Contacts are not the same hindrance as eye glasses can be however there is always the concern about losing one or getting dirt in it while in the midst of an activity.

Can my eyesight continue to change one it has been corrected by LASIK?

Your vision can still change once the LASIK procedure is performed.  Laser surgery helps to increase your vision to its best but even after LASIK it can still continue to change naturally over time. Statistics show that about 10% of LASIK patients will need to have touch up procedures performed after LASIK is done. This is especially true the more drastic your vision correction was. 
If you are interested in finding out more about LASIK and how it can benefit you talk to family, friends, co-workers, and the people you trust for LASIK surgeon recommendations.  This allows you to narrow down providers before hitting the internet for reviews and scheduling consultations. 
Rohr Eye & Laser Center offers the most advanced technology available to suit your lifestyle and visual needs.  As a leader in laser vision correction and cataract surgery, our goal is to help you achieve the best vision possible without glasses or contact lenses.  More information can be found online at https://michiganlasik.com.

Preventing Complications With Proper Care After LASIK

Eye care after laser vision correction is crucial in ensuring the success of your surgery.  Complications can occur with LASIK but are lessened with proper care before, during, and after the procedure.  One of the most important aspects comes just hours after the surgery.  It is recommended to rest for a minimum of four hours after surgery.  Take a nap and rest your eyes.  Some patients choose to wear protective eye shields. 

Eye shields are recommended to use when sleeping for the first few days after surgery to prevent unnecessary rubbing from occurring.  It is crucial to prevent any eye-rubbing while your eyes are healing after laser surgery.  It is important not to rush recovery which is easy to do since most patients experience a return in eyesight quite quickly. 
Post LASIK care has a great deal of importance, it is as important as the surgery itself.  In order to receive the most out of your LASIK experience follow the tips below.

• Plan Follow-Up Appointments:  Appointments will be scheduled to follow up with your eye doctor/surgeon during the first three months after the surgical procedure.  After this time period annual eye exams are necessary to ensure the health of your eyes. 
• Follow Your Doctor’s Orders:  Along with keeping follow up appointments with your LASIK surgeon it is imperative to schedule appointments with your primary eye doctor, ophthalmologist to keep up on changes in your vision.  Annual eyes exams allow future issues to be caught quickly and immediately.

LASIK Healing Timeline

• The First Week: Rest your eyes.  Use prescribed eye drops to prevent dry eyes, infection, and inflammation.  If you experience any issues, big or small, immediately call your LASIK surgeon.
• Months After: Continue to follow up with your eye doctor and report changes that occur during the healing process.  Monitoring the health, comfort, and vison changes of your eyes is necessary for preventing complications.

Returning to Normal After LASIK

For many patients they will return to work within a day or two of the LASIK procedure.  The restrictions below are a guide to follow until you are feeling ready to return to normal activities.

• Don’t drive until your LASIK eye surgeon says your vision has returned.  This normally occurs within a day or two.
• Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes all the time but especially the first week after LASIK.
• Use restraint in reading and computer usage for the first days after your procedure.
• Makeup should not be worn for at least a week after laser vision correction surgery.
• As stated above do not rub your eyes for at least once a month after LASIK.
• Exercise should be avoided for at least once a week. Contact sports should be avoided for a month.
• Patients should avoid swimming, hot tubs, or whirlpools for a week after LASIK surgery.
• Prevent dust and dirty environment to help eliminate the risk of getting something in your eye while your eye heals.

Rohr Eye & Laser Center offers the most advanced technology available to suit your lifestyle and visual needs.  As a leader in laser vision correction and cataract surgery, our goal is to help you achieve the best vision possible without glasses or contact lenses.  More information can be found online at https://michiganlasik.com.

Lasik vs Contacts For Correcting Vision

Are you or a loved on interested in LASIK?  Have you thought about how your life would change if you could see clearly without the use of glasses or contacts?  Laser vision correction may be a popular option for you to consider.  The first step in the process is to have a thorough eye exam that will help to determine if you are a good candidate for surgery.

LASIK eye surgery is most often done to treat nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatisms.  Laser surgery involves reshaping the cornea in order for light entering the eye can focus properly on the retina which allows for clearer vision.  For most people their vision is improved within a matter of twenty-four hours after surgery.  If you are looking for clear vision without the need for glasses or contacts, LASIK can offer you that. 

There are a few things to remember when preparing for LASIK surgery including:

• Laser vision surgery can be done in both eyes during the same appointment.
• LASIK takes approximately ten to fifteen minutes per eye.
• Patients must be over the age of 18 to qualify for LASIK.
• Many LASIK patients achieve 20/20 vision and no longer require the use of contacts or glasses.
• Recovering from LASIK often requires anywhere between a few days and a few weeks for your vision to return to normal.

For some patients LASIK can seem quite daunting and they will decide to trade in their glasses for contacts instead of laser vision correction.  Contacts are an ideal solution for patients who aren’t ready to commit to LASIK but no longer are interested in wearing glasses.  Most contact lenses are silicone hydrogel lenses which are a type of soft lens that can be worn daily.  Some contact lenses are known as extended wear lenses and can be worn overnight or continuously for thirty days.

There are a few things to remember when preparing to wear contacts:

• Contact lenses need to be replaced often to decrease the chance of contamination
• There are several types of contacts available to correct various vision issues
• Contact lenses can be customized for eyes that are difficult to fit
• Options in lenses include colored lenses, lenses for dry eyes, lenses with bifocals, UV reducing lenses, and even prosthetic lenses

Both LASIK and contacts are safe.  There are risks of infection with both if care is not taken but side effects are rare. 

Both LASIK and contacts are effective.  Vision is improved with both laser correction surgery and the use of contact lenses.  Adjusting for vision changes is easier with contacts however, LASIK patients can also adjust for vision changes with the use of glasses for reading or nighttime driving.
Both LASIK and contacts are affordable.  Laser vision correction ranges between $1,500 to $2,500 per eye.  Contacts are cost about $300 a year.  The only downside is that the cost of contacts never disappears.  You will need to purchase new contacts yearly.

Obviously, LASIK is a great option for correcting your vision on a permanent basis however, surgery is not for everyone.  Contacts are a wonderful change for individuals who want a change from wearing glasses to improve their vision.

Rohr Eye & Laser Center offers the most advanced technology available to suit your lifestyle and visual needs.  As a leader in laser vision correction and cataract surgery, our goal is to help you achieve the best vision possible without glasses or contact lenses.  More information can be found online at https://michiganlasik.com.

Is LASIK Right for You?

Having LASIK performed may mean that you no longer have to wear corrective lenses to properly see. However, how do you know if you are a good candidate or not?  What should you consider when you are weighing out your corrective vision options?  Obviously if you are tired of having to put contacts in every morning or are sick of wearing glasses you start to consider laser eye surgery. 
LASIK is a type of refractive eye surgery that is done that helps patience achieve 20/25 vision or greater.  This is optimal for most activities that we will participate in.  Often, patients do eventually need glasses as they age or even for nighttime driving.

The complications experienced with LASIK are rare.  In fact, LASIK has a high success rate.  Dry eye is the most common issue experienced after LASIK.  This usually ends up clearing up with the use of eye drops.  It can last up to a few months however, this is rare.
Your specific results will depend on a number of factors including your refractive error.  Patients that suffer from mild nearsightedness have reported greater success from refractive surgery than patients with a high degree of far or near sightedness or an astigmatism. 

What Happens During LASIK?

 

There are a number of variations of laser refractive surgery.  For our purposes we will refer to them under the term LASIK. With normal vision, images are focused on the retina in the back of the eye.  When your eye sight is less than perfect it means that the image is being focused elsewhere, which results in blurred vision.

Normally, images are focused on the retina which is in the back of your eye. With nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia) or astigmatism, they end up being focused elsewhere, resulting in blurred vision.  This is corrected by reshaping the cornea to provide the proper refraction thus correcting your vision.   Before your surgery begins your eye, surgeon will take detailed measurements of your eye. The laser is then used to properly remove parts of the corneal tissue until proper vision has been achieved.

In order to be a candidate for LASIK there are a number of requirements that must be met.  Patients must be in good health and free of diseases that could restrict healing.  Overall you must have healthy eyes that suffer only a moderate degree of refractive errors and you are not or have not experienced any unusual vision issues.  Age related vision disorders such as cataracts are not cured during LASIK.  Cataract surgery is different than LASIK.  If you have an active job or lifestyle where you can not take time off to recover, then LASIK is not appropriate for you.  Recovering from LASIK surgery is fairly simple but does require you to avoid intense workouts or activities where you could suffer a blow to the head for at least a month.

Rohr Eye & Laser Center offers the most advanced technology available to suit your lifestyle and visual needs.  As a leader in laser vision correction and cataract surgery, our goal is to help you achieve the best vision possible without glasses or contact lenses.  More information can be found online at https://michiganlasik.com.

Answering Questions Common to LASIK Surgery

Preparing for any surgical procedure comes with its fair share of anxiety, LASIK is no different.  Laser surgery for vision correction has a number of benefits.  Knowing the end benefit, vision without corrective contact lenses or glasses, is only half the battle.  Preparation ahead of time to put your mind at ease is the other half.  Below we will answer the top questions we get during LASIK consultations.  As always, if you have questions that did not get answered during your FREE consultation with the LASIK specialists at Rohr Eye & Laser Center, patients can call the office at any time.

Will LASIK hurt?

 

The number one question we are asked involved the pain level that is experienced with LASIK.  The truth is that most patients experience very little pain or discomfort during surgery.  In fact, many patients explain the sensation as a slight pressure that is felt as the laser is reshaping the cornea.  Of course, everyone’s pain tolerance is different but overall this is the experience patients have described after their procedure.

What occurs during the LASIK procedure?

 

The actual LASIK procedure itself is fairly quick and easy.  Numbing drops are applied to the eyes.  Once this occurs, doctors will cut a very thin flap on the surface of the cornea.  The surgeon will use the laser to shape the cornea according to the prescription from the most recent eye exam.  After this is finished the eye surgeon will carefully place the flap back into place and perform the same procedure on the other eye.  Lasers are used in both the creation of the flap and shaping the cornea although in the past a thin blade had been used to create the flap.

Is LASIK performed on both eyes at the same time?

 

YES!  Laser vision correction can be performed on both eyes at one time.  With LASIK, vision improvement is virtually instantaneous, and healing is minimal.  During LASIK the laser is only used for about 60 seconds per eye.  Although LASIK can be performed on both eyes at the same time some patients prefer to have one eye done at a time.  This is possible however, rare.

Do surgeons use anesthesia during LASIK?

 

No, anesthesia is not given during the LASIK procedure but instead eye drops are put into the eye just prior to the procedure.  Some patients with higher levels of anxiety about the procedure require oral medication to be given for relaxation.  Needles and intravenous drugs are not required.

How long does the LASIK process take?

 

LASIK is a quick process surprisingly.  On average the procedure can take less than 15 minutes once the patient is settled in the treatment room.  The laser aspect of the procedure usually takes less than 60 seconds per eye.

If I blink during LASIK what happens?

 

Surgeons use a speculum to keep patients’ eyes from blinking.  Some patients remark that there is a slight pressure from the speculum.  Patients are told to focus on a blinking light throughout the procedure.  Movements of the eye are expected, lasers that are used include an eye tracker which accounts for movement and helps to ensure accurate delivery of laser pulses.  

What are the side effects of LASIK?

 

Although infrequently experienced there are some side effects that patients experience following LASIK.  The most common side effect is dry eye which is easily remedied through over-the-counter artificial tears.  Rare side effects include:

• Inconsistent vision
• Difficult night vision with halos
• Sensitivity to light

Rohr Eye & Laser Center offers the most advanced technology available to suit your lifestyle and visual needs.  As a leader in laser vision correction and cataract surgery, our goal is to help you achieve the best vision possible without glasses or contact lenses.  More information can be found online at https://michiganlasik.com.

What Should I Expect at My LASIK Consultation?

When you seek a consultation from a surgeon specializing in LASIK it is to determine if you are a candidate for laser vision corrections surgery.  If it is determined that you are a candidate, the surgeon will begin discussing the most appropriate surgical option to correct your unique vision issue.  During the consultation you will be educated on the benefits and risks of LASIK surgery.   It is important to remember that a consultation with a LASIK surgeon does not obligate you to have the procedure nor does it mean that you are no longer able to ask questions and gather more information.  A consultation is the starting point into the process of determining if surgery is the vision correction route best suited for you.
Candidates must meet a certain set of criteria before they are considered for LASIK which includes:

Age:

LASIK candidates must be eighteen years or older.

Health:

 

In order to be a candidate for LASIK, patients must be generally healthy.  They should be free of health problems such as diabetes, vascular disease, autoimmune disease, or on medication that interferes with the immune response. 

Eye Health/Problems: 

 

Candidates should also be free of eye disease including: glaucoma, cataracts, corneal diseases, retinal and optic nerve disease, or keratoconus.  They should also not have eye conditions such as herpes zoster and simplex.  Surgeons will do an eye exam before surgery however, it is important that candidates inform them of issues such as lazy eye, eye muscle imbalance, and other eye conditions that can affect healing.  Candidates should also inform eye surgeons of other health issues such as mental health or issues with health.  Obviously, the eye should also be free of any injury or infection.  Dry eye should also not affect candidates.

Pregnancy/Nursing:

 

If you are pregnant or nursing you will not be eligible for LASIK.  In fact, LASIK candidates must have had at least three menstrual cycles after they are done nursing and not expecting in order to be eligible for laser surgery.  Pregnancy hormones may affect the effectiveness of your prescription which also makes them ineligible for LASIK.

Stable Vision: 

 

LASIK vision candidates need to have had stable vision for at least one year before they are considered for laser vision surgery procedures. 

Contacts: 

 

In order for patients to have LASIK they must stop wearing their contacts for at least two weeks prior to the surgery.  This helps to stabilize the cornea and will give surgeons an accurate valuation of your prescription prior to the procedure.

LASIK is a viable option in the treatment of nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatisms.  The goal of LASIK is to reduce the dependency of glasses and contacts with the end goal of 20/20 vision, although this is not guaranteed.
Rohr Eye & Laser Center offers the most advanced technology available to suit your lifestyle and visual needs.  As a leader in laser vision correction and cataract surgery, our goal is to help you achieve the best vision possible without glasses or contact lenses.  More information can be found online at https://michiganlasik.com.

A Comprehensive Look at Refractive and Laser Eye Surgery

Refractive and laser eye surgery, known also as vision correction surgery, is implied to surgical procedures that repair problems with vision.  In the last decade there have been huge developments in the process of vision correction using lasers.  Both refractive and laser eye surgery allow patients to see better than they previously. 

Many laser eye vision correction surgeries are done by reshaping the eyes cornea.  The cornea is the front part of the eye that lets light pass through it and focus it on the retina, which is the back of the eye.  Other surgical procedures are done by replacing the natural lens of the eye.
LASIK, otherwise known as laser in-situ keratomileusis, is a surgery that assists in nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatisms.  The surgeon will reshape the tissues found underneath the cornea, so the light can focus properly.  A flap is made in the outer layer of the cornea in order to access the tissues that lay underneath.  This flap is what differentiates LASIK from other surgical vision procedures.  During LASIK surgeons may also use wavefront technology.  This technology creates a detailed picture of the cornea to use as a guide during surgery.

During Epi-LASIK, a surgeon separates the thin layers of tissue from the cornea and then reshape them using a laser.  The area is protected by using a soft contact lens to hold the flap in place while the tissues are healing.  

PRK, otherwise known as photorefractive keratectomy, is a surgery that assists in the correction of mild to moderate nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatisms.  Similar to LASIK a laser is used in PRK to reshape the cornea.  In PRK the laser is only used on the cornea and not the tissues underneath.  Similar to LASIK, wavefront technology is used in PRK to obtain a picture of the cornea.

LASEK, otherwise known as laser epithelial keratomileusis, is a surgery that is very similar to PRK that assists in nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatisms. Surgeons create a flap and use an alcohol solution that loosens the tissue and the laser is then used to reshape the cornea.  Once this part of the procedure is complete the surgeon will put a soft contact in place to hold the flap while it heals. 

During Epi-LASEK, a surgeon cuts a small flap within the cornea while using an alcohol solution to separate the thin layer of tissue for the cornea, reshapes it with the laser, and is protected by a soft contact lens holding the flap in place for healing.

RLE, refractive lens exchange is known by a few different common names including PRELEX, CLE, and RLR.  This is the same surgery that is done for cataracts.  Surgeons make a small cut at the edge of the cornea.  They then remove the eyes natural lens and replace it with a plastic or silicone lens.  This surgery is used to correct severe farsightedness and nearsightedness.  The surgery works for patients with dry eye, thin corneas, and minor issues with their corneas. 
Surgical laser vision correction is safe and effective.  Similar to any surgery there are known side effects that can include: infection, a delay in healing, under or over correction, worse vision, corneal haze, halo effect, regression, and/or flap damage.  All of which are rare but can occur.  It is important to always talk in depth with your laser vision correction surgeon before the procedure about any questions or concerns you may have.

Rohr Eye & Laser Center offers the most advanced technology available to suit your lifestyle and visual needs.  As a leader in laser vision correction and cataract surgery, our goal is to help you achieve the best vision possible without glasses or contact lenses.  More information can be found online at https://michiganlasik.com.

The Increasing Popularity Of LASIK Surgery

There are a number of benefits that come from corrective eye surgery such as LASIK.  Having perfect or close to perfect vision without the hassle of glasses and contacts. There is a great deal of annoyance that comes along with wearing glasses or contacts.  When you are engaging in physical activity, enjoying some time in the water, or what not you always worry about your glasses being in a safe place or if you will get sand in a contact. There is a lot of agitation that comes along with making sure the device you use to see properly doesn’t break or get something in it.

Living An Active Lifestyle

Laser corrective eye surgery makes athletics of all types simpler.   Many an athlete has come into the office complaining about the inconvenience of wearing glasses and contacts in contact sports.  LASIK is an attractive option for athletes. It is important however, that they give themselves enough time off in between surgery and heading into action to allow their eyes to heal.  Even if you are not a professional athlete, if you have a particularly active life style LASIK is beneficial as well.  Simple outdoor activities like jogging, hiking, camping, and more are all made simpler without having to worry about carrying contact solution with you or be concerned if you break a lens while out on the trail.  Laser eye surgery can elevate your active lifestyle.

Traveling Made Simpler

Vacations are made easier with laser vision surgery as well.  Anyone who has ever taken a trip knows how difficult it is to pack and prepare for a trip.  Now factor in the supplies you need to see along with spares in case you lose a contact or miss placing your glasses without having a suitable solution.  Your trip could easily become a disaster.  Imagine spending the entire vacation looking for a suitable replacement for your glasses or contacts rather than enjoying your time away.

Care Free Living

LASIK allows patients to go glasses free and still see without the discomfort that is often experienced with the use of contact lens.  This typically comes into play when preparing for a special event like your wedding day.  Brides are often disinterested in wearing their glasses on their wedding day however still want to be able to see, without the irritation of contact lenses.  LASIK gives patients the opportunity to just get up and go without a care in the world.  Imagine waking up and not having to consider the means at which you will see.

Cost Saving Solution

Another benefit of LASIK surgery comes from the money that is saved.  It is estimated that Americans spend upwards of 30 billion dollars a year on eye care solutions each year.  On average LASIK costs about $2,000 per eye which may seem costly however when you add the cost of yearly eye exams, contacts, glasses and the products to care for them properly you are spending upwards of $500 a year.  Considering you will need these products for the rest of your life and LASIK is a one-time expense, the savings is seen relatively quickly.

Laser vision correction is becoming an incredibly popular surgical option to improve vision for a number of reasons. LASIK is convenient and allows people to pursue a comfortable and confident lifestyle.  The many benefits that come from living a life without the addition of glasses and contacts allow us to see why laser vision surgery has become such a popular option to provide high quality vision.

Rohr Eye & Laser Center offers the most advanced technology available to suit your lifestyle and visual needs.  As a leader in laser vision correction and cataract surgery, our goal is to help you achieve the best vision possible without glasses or contact lenses.  More information can be found online at https://michiganlasik.com.