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.

Always Prepared, No Matter the Circumstances in Cataract Surgery

Each day, cataract surgeons enter the OR room and are confident in knowing that they will be able to successfully remove a patient’s cataract problem. Each patients condition is unique and surgical technique may vary for better outcomes. Cataract surgery has come a long way with new technology always being developed and applied. Cataract surgeons are trained and have extensive knowledge on many phacoemulsification (phaco) techniques in the removal process of a cataract. No technique is superior over the other and sometimes multiple techniques are combined for a more precise removal outcome. In the article, some of these techniques are described in more detail. Choosing the right cataract surgeon for your procedure will give you the most peace of mind in knowing that your eyes are in good hands.

Getting Answers To Top Questions in LASIK

All surgeries leave patients with a million questions they are often too scared or embarrassed to ask.  This occurs all to often in LASIK as well.  Dr. Rohr never wants a patient to feel unable to ask questions and is always available to provide further insight before laser treatment begins.  Doing a bit of pre-emptive research is always a good idea but if it leaves you with more questions than answers it is important you talk to your Lasik surgeon.

The most common questions in LASIK surround the amount of pain a patient will feel.  Although laser vision correction surgery is not painful, it is often described as uncomfortable.  Anesthetic drops are added to the eye before surgery begins but patients are awake.  Pressure vs pain is often described when patients are asked what they felt while undergoing the procedure.  Out of a 15-minute surgery, the laser is actually only used for about 60 seconds per eye.  Pretty amazing when you consider that this surgery often leaves individuals who were tied to glasses and contacts able to see with out any aides.

This article from the Baltimore Post -Examiner on Lasik surgery is another great reference when it comes to getting answers on the most common questions related to Lasik.  It is important that our patients always feel comfortable seeking out advice and answers throughout their treatment from our professional staff members.  Never hesitate to call our office at 877.579.0202 with any questions or concerns you may have regarding the LASIK procedure.

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.

Knowing the Facts about LASIK

From time to time we all will hear gossip about recent celebrities that have gotten LASIK done and how it horribly goes wrong.  Rumors constantly spread about eyes that are damaged permanently from this surgery however, the stories we hear are not always what they may seem.

Lasik technology has come a long way since the early 1990s and it may be in fact, just the surgery you are looking for. In the article, “What you need to know about Lasik eye surgery” it goes through what Lasik really is, who this surgery can benefit, and topics such as the recovery process after LASIK. There are many factors that will need to be taken into consideration when looking to have LASIK surgery. Choosing a company like Rohr Eye and Laser Center that you can trust to do the very best to improve your eye sight effectively is of the utmost importance.

Common Causes and Treatment Of Cataracts

Aging and cataracts are basically synonymous with one another.  As the most common reason of vision loss in individuals over 40 it is crucial to recognize the signs you are developing cataracts.  They are easy to recognize and easy to treat.  Without treatment, cataracts are the number one cause of blindness in the world.  For more information on the common causes and treatment of Cataracts feel free to check on the latest installment from The Sentinel-Record and our Rohr Eye & Laser Center website.