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Lasik Eye Surgery: Is it a Permanent Fix?

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Many people who have poor vision choose to correct it with Lasik eye surgery. Lasik is a relatively painless, laser-assisted surgical procedure that permanently reshapes the tissue in your eye, correcting conditions such as:

  • Nearsightedness
  • Farsightedness
  • Astigmatism
  • Presbyopia

People who wish to reduce, or even eliminate, their dependency on prescription lenses may want to visit a Lasik clinic in South Carolina to consult with an eye surgeon.

How Long Does Lasik Last?

The ultimate goal of laser-assisted surgery at a Lasik eye center in Columbia is to permanently improve your vision. However, most people’s vision gets progressively worse as they age, and Lasik in Columbia cannot prevent this from happening.

How long your vision stays clear after undergoing Lasik in Columbia depends on factors including your age at the time of your surgery and any progressive eye conditions you have. Every patient at a Lasik clinic in South Carolina is different, but you can generally expect to have around ten years of clear vision before noticing any changes.

What if My Vision Becomes Blurry Again?

If your vision becomes blurry again years after having Lasik eye surgery, you might want to consider Lasik enhancement surgery. This is a second procedure some people choose to undergo at a Lasik eye center in Columbia to correct any changes that occur over time.

Although this is always an option, most people who experience minor changes don’t feel the need to undergo a second operation. Often, they’ll just choose to wear glasses for activities such as reading or driving at night.

Lasik Surgery: A Great Option to Correct Your Vision

Lasik surgery is an excellent way for people with poor vision or progressive eye conditions to achieve clear vision. Keep in mind that the ultimate goal of Lasik surgery is to reduce your overall dependence on prescription lenses.

There are several different options when it comes to Lasik in Columbia. Each patient is different, and all options should be discussed with a surgeon at a Lasik clinic in South Carolina before deciding what to do.

Our Featured Posts

Beyond Reading Glasses: Understanding Monovision and PRELEX

Navigating Your Options: Choosing the Right Intraocular Lens (IOL)

Understanding Cataracts: Causes, Symptoms, and Modern Solutions

What to Look for in a Modern Eye Care Practice

Get In Touch With Us
Have Questions? Feel free to contact us and our team will get back to you as soon as possible.

How LASIK eye surgery can sharpen your eyesight

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Eyesight abnormality is a widespread problem due to high screen exposure, and thus the world is striving to find the best ways to treat them and again achieve crystal clear vision. One of the most recommended treatments globally and even in Columbia, S.C. is the LASIK procedure or surgery. LASIK surgery is popular for perfect outcomes and services.

Eyesight Issues

Typically, you can see an object when the light reflected from it, touches your eye, and is refracted to reach the optical nerve. When eyesight abnormality occurs, the light is not effectively refracted towards the optical nerve. Therefore, whatever image is produced is vague.

LASIK

LASIK is a laser procedure done to change the shape of the dome on the eye’s outer side to make the refraction effective so that your vision is corrected, and you can see more clearly eliminating the need for glasses or contact lens most of the time.

Affectivity of LASIK

People suffering from shortsightedness, farsightedness, and even astigmatism can consider getting a LASIK procedure done to improve their vision. This is because LASIK has proven to be effective in the eradication of all these three vision problems.

Risks and Complications

LASIK is considered a very safe treatment for eyesight problems because an exact cut is made with the help of a laser. However, minor side effects may be experienced temporarily after the surgical procedure is done, such as dry eyes or a vision glare. They are not very bothersome for most people and subside after a few weeks or months. In most cases, some eye drops are prescribed for overcoming dry eyes.

Conclusion

LASIK is safe and is effective with the most prevalent eyesight abnormalities.  The side effects that you may experience after LASIK are usually temporary. You can get LASIK surgery from The Eye Center, P.A. in Columbia, S.C.

Our Featured Posts

Beyond Reading Glasses: Understanding Monovision and PRELEX

Navigating Your Options: Choosing the Right Intraocular Lens (IOL)

Understanding Cataracts: Causes, Symptoms, and Modern Solutions

What to Look for in a Modern Eye Care Practice

Get In Touch With Us
Have Questions? Feel free to contact us and our team will get back to you as soon as possible.

Panoptix IOL Is The Clear Choice For Cataract Patients

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Columbia, SC, Nov 15, 2020 – The future is bright for patients seeking cataract surgery in the Midlands area. An innovative technology called Panoptix IOL is available at The Eye Center, an eye care clinic in Columbia, South Carolina. The first Panoptix IOL implant was successfully administered last year by Dr. Matthew Clary at the Columbia eye center and is now available for all eligible patients.

Cataract surgery is recommended whenever the natural lens in a patient’s eye has become increasingly cloudy with age, impairing vision. The cataract is removed in surgery and replaced with a special implant called an intraocular lens (IOL). Most patients find that cataract surgery restores their vision supremely well, although prescription glasses are sometimes necessary following the surgery. However, with the Panoptix IOL, a trifocal lens, patients can improve their post-cataract vision at near, far, and intermediate distances without the need for glasses. Patients might still choose to use glasses for precise tasks such as extensive reading.

Panoptix IOL was developed by Alcon in Geneva, Switzerland, and has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for cataract treatments in the U.S. Overseas studies have shown that 90% of patients would recommend Panoptix lens for successive cataract surgery.

The trifocal vision improvement provided by a Panoptix IOL is not only cutting-edge but also strongly in demand. Patients seeking to part with their glasses after a South Carolina cataract surgery should consider this service at The Eye Center.

Dr. Matthew Clary joined The Eye Center in 2008 and is the Chairman of Ophthalmology for Providence Hospital. He is board-certified to specialize in cataract surgery, having set a record for the most cataract surgeries performed under a single residency. He brings his unmatched expertise to The Eye Center in concert with the internationally-acclaimed Panoptix IOL technology.

About The Eye Center

The Eye Center is the leading refractive practice in South Carolina, providing full-service eye care and specializing in Refractive Surgery: Lasik, AST, PRK, PRELEX, as well as Corneal Transplant and Cataract Surgery.

Get In Touch With Us
Have Questions? Feel free to contact us and our team will get back to you as soon as possible.

See How Easy It Is To Treat Dry Eyes with LipiFlow!

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Do your eyes feel dry? Do they itch, sting, or water excessively? You may be experiencing dry eye disease, a common syndrome of eye irritation ranging from mild discomfort to severe pain. This disease can also cause blurred vision or redness in the eyes. The Eye Center – a Columbia, SC, eye clinic – now offers a solution called LipiFlow for moderate to severe dry eyes.

Why do I have dry eye disease?

  • Your tear production may be insufficient.
  • Your tears may not be the right mixture of water, oil, and mucus.
  • Your medications may be interfering with tear production.
  • Fluctuations in the environment (humidity, temperature, or pollution) may be drying your eyes out.

Thankfully, diagnosing dry eye disease is simple and can be done in your Columbia, SC Ophthalmology office. There are many solutions for dry eye disease, but only LipiFlow addresses the cause. If you are experiencing moderate to severe dry eye disease, seek to treat the cause rather than merely soothe the symptoms.

How Does LipiFlow Work?

First, your doctor will have to assess whether you are a suitable candidate for LipiFlow treatment. Once approved, your treatment will be done through a quick and easy procedure in-office.

  • Your doctor applies a thermal pulsator to your eyelids.
  • The pulsator heats your inner eyelids and stimulates them.
  • Your eyelids release vital lipids (oils) from your Meibomian glands.
  • Now unblocked, those glands can resume proper tear production.
  • You no longer have dry eyes!

Conclusion

You don’t have to tolerate dry, itchy eyes. Don’t let your vision blur or your eyes redden when a quick and easy solution is available. Find proper dry eye treatment in Columbia, SC, and say goodbye to eye discomfort!

Our Featured Posts

Beyond Reading Glasses: Understanding Monovision and PRELEX

Navigating Your Options: Choosing the Right Intraocular Lens (IOL)

Understanding Cataracts: Causes, Symptoms, and Modern Solutions

What to Look for in a Modern Eye Care Practice

Get In Touch With Us
Have Questions? Feel free to contact us and our team will get back to you as soon as possible.

What Happens to My Vision After Cataract Surgery?

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Have you ever wondered what happens to your vision after cataract surgery? Here is what to expect. After having cataract surgery at a Columbia, SC eye clinic, your vision will improve. Most patients will still need glasses part-time, but your overall dependence on them should decrease.

Reasons Why you May Need Glasses After Cataract Surgery

Some factors that influence your need for glasses after cataract surgery in Columbia, SC include:

  • Astigmatism
  • Your daily lifestyle
  • Your current prescription
  • The overall health of your eyes

The type of artificial lens implanted will also affect your need for glasses after cataract surgery at our Columbia eye center. For example, monofocal lenses set your vision to a single focal point, so people who have surgery to improve their long-distance vision may still need glasses for short distances. Astigmatism correcting lenses also decrease your dependence on glasses, but as these are still typically monofocal, you may need glasses in some instances.

Do not expect your vision to improve immediately following cataract surgery in Columbia, SC. Your eyes need time to heal and adjust, and it can take a few days for your vision to improve. You may notice that light and colors will appear brighter. This is not due to increased sensitivity, simply better vision! Color contrast improves and seeing at night is much more comfortable.

What to Expect During the Healing Process

The entire healing process can take up to eight weeks, so do not be discouraged if you do not see improvement right away. Some patients report cloudy or hazy vision after cataract removal. If this happens, make an appointment to see a doctor at our Columbia, SC eye clinic. This may be a sign of capsular haze.

Capsular haze occurs when epithelial cells in the eyes grow over the capsule holding your implant. Thankfully, it’s easily treatable in a short, painless procedure that requires no additional recovery time.

When you undergo cataract surgery at our Columbia eye center, you can expect your vision to improve significantly. While you will probably still need glasses for some things, you’ll be much less dependent on them.

Our Featured Posts

Beyond Reading Glasses: Understanding Monovision and PRELEX

Navigating Your Options: Choosing the Right Intraocular Lens (IOL)

Understanding Cataracts: Causes, Symptoms, and Modern Solutions

What to Look for in a Modern Eye Care Practice

Get In Touch With Us
Have Questions? Feel free to contact us and our team will get back to you as soon as possible.

The iStent Procedure for Glaucoma Treatment: What Patients Should Know

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The doctors at The Eye Center offer an innovative new procedure available to control the progression of glaucoma.

Columbia, S.C., Oct. 15, 2020 – Glaucoma is one of the world’s leading causes of blindness, and it is estimated that over 75 million people worldwide suffer from this disease. Up until recently, glaucoma could only be treated with eye drops and complex surgery. Now, technology has advanced to allow a new option for glaucoma treatment in Columbia.

Any patient undergoing cataract surgery at a Columbia, SC eye clinic, and taking at least one medication to lower eye pressure, may be a candidate for a new implant called iStent.

The iStent Trabecular Micro-Bypass Stent reduces eye pressure and can be implanted during cataract surgery performed by an ophthalmologist in Columbia, SC. The doctors at The Eye Center, P.A. say this method allows for “Treatment of your open-angle glaucoma in a completely new way.”

iStent works similarly to stents used to prevent heart attacks and strokes. “When blood vessels get clogged, a stent creates access to the vessel flow,” an ophthalmologist in Columbia, SC explains. With glaucoma, the Eye Center says, “Over time the eye’s natural drainage system becomes clogged. iStent creates a permanent opening through the blockage to improve the eye’s natural outflow & spares the eye tissue often damaged in traditional surgeries.”

The procedure involves the insertion of two small stents into the eye to lower pressure. iStent is the smallest medical device to date approved by the FDA, and this revolutionary procedure is now a viable option for glaucoma treatment in Columbia, SC.

The Eye Center is a Columbia, SC eye clinic with ophthalmologists trained to perform this procedure. iStent is available now, and any patient currently taking medications to control glaucoma should seriously consider it.

The Eye Center explains, “If you forget to take your eye drops or ‘skip a dose,’ this can cause large changes in your eye pressure. Large changes in eye pressure can increase the risk of vision loss.” Many patients were able to stop using their prescription eye drops entirely after having iStent inserted. It dramatically mitigates the risk of vision loss due to glaucoma, and patients who suffer from both cataracts and glaucoma can now solve both issues with one procedure.

About The Eye Center:

The Eye Center is the leading refractive practice in South Carolina, providing full service eye care and specializing in Refractive Surgery – Lasik, AST, PRK, PRELEX, as well as Corneal Transplant and Cataract Surgery.

Get In Touch With Us
Have Questions? Feel free to contact us and our team will get back to you as soon as possible.

Standard vs. Advanced Intraocular Lens Implants: Which Option is Best for You?

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When you’re undergoing cataract surgery, you have some options. These are the differences and benefits of standard vs. advanced intraocular lens implants. Intraocular lens implants, or IOLs, are a standard part of cataract surgery in Columbia, SC. These artificial lenses replace the damaged lens removed during the surgery, restoring your vision to what it once was.

What are the Differences

Until recently, cataract surgery at our Columbia, SC eye clinic, could correct only your long-distance vision. However, through new developments in technology, you can now correct your short-distance vision and even astigmatism! When you receive cataract treatment in Columbia, SC, the doctor will ask if you prefer a standard or advanced IOL. Here are the differences:

  • Standard IOLs – These used to be the only option for those undergoing cataract surgery in Columbia, SC. These implants are typically covered by private insurance companies and Medicare, and offer improved long-distance vision for patients not affected by astigmatism. Patients will typically still need glasses to see up close, and those who have astigmatism may still need them for both short and long-distance vision.
  • Advanced IOLs – Advanced implants can correct long and short distance vision, eliminating the need for glasses. Under most circumstances, the visit for cataract treatment in Columbia, SC, will be covered by insurance. The implant itself, however, will not be. At our Columbia, SC eye clinic, we offer a few different options for advanced IOLs. Some of these include:
  • Tecnis Multifocal Lenses – correct vision using proportioned visual zones.
  • Toric Lenses – correct both vision and astigmatism.

If you’re seeking cataract treatment in Columbia, SC, one of the most important steps to take is deciding which type of implant to choose. No matter your choice, you’re sure to love your new life with improved vision!

Our Featured Posts

Beyond Reading Glasses: Understanding Monovision and PRELEX

Navigating Your Options: Choosing the Right Intraocular Lens (IOL)

Understanding Cataracts: Causes, Symptoms, and Modern Solutions

What to Look for in a Modern Eye Care Practice

Get In Touch With Us
Have Questions? Feel free to contact us and our team will get back to you as soon as possible.

Advanced Surface Treatment Revolutionizes Vision Options

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Are you tired of wearing glasses or contacts? Have you been told you’re not a good candidate for lasik? Do you wish for better vision, but have reservations about potential lasik risks?
 
If you answered yes to any or all of these questions, then an Advanced Surface Treatment (AST) vision procedure might be right for you. Read on to determine if you should consult your local Columbia eye center about AST.
 
What Is Advanced Surface Treatment?
AST is an innovative new type of laser eye surgery. Columbia, SC has joined cities across the world where this cutting-edge treatment is now available. During AST, an advanced laser removes and reshapes the epithelia, tiny cells on the outermost surface of the cornea. This reshaping corrects refractive issues, making AST an effective treatment for common vision problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
 
AST Or Lasik?
The main difference between LASIK and AST involves something called the corneal flap. The corneal flap is crucial to lasik procedures; during lasik surgery, the surgeon creates a small flap on the surface of the eye that can be peeled back to allow the lasers access to the cornea. AST, however, eliminates the need for a flap by working on the outermost surface of the cornea.
 
Lasik is an incredibly safe and effective process for most people. However, some are unusually likely to face complications from a lasik procedure because of the flap.
 
If you have a thin cornea, it might be risky or impossible to create a flap, disqualifying you from lasik. You likewise may not be a good candidate for lasik if you do certain highly physical jobs or hobbies, as there is a chance that the corneal flap could be damaged by physical contact. A Columbia eye center ophthalmologist can determine if lasik is right for you, and if not, that’s where AST may be able to help.
 
Advanced Surface Treatment procedures are revolutionizing Columbia, SC ophthalmology. If you are sick of glasses and contacts, but do not qualify for lasik, ask your Columbia eye center specialist if AST is a choice for you.

Our Featured Posts

Beyond Reading Glasses: Understanding Monovision and PRELEX

Navigating Your Options: Choosing the Right Intraocular Lens (IOL)

Understanding Cataracts: Causes, Symptoms, and Modern Solutions

What to Look for in a Modern Eye Care Practice

Get In Touch With Us
Have Questions? Feel free to contact us and our team will get back to you as soon as possible.

Columbia Eye Center Promises to Observe COVID-19 Best Practices for Cataract Surgery

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Cataracts are the second leading preventable cause of blindness across the world, and early surgical intervention is crucial to effectively treating this illness. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has plunged the world of medicine into uncertainty. Therefore, many Columbia, SC cataract surgeries have been delayed due to questions about potential health risks.

Patients and providers alike are uncertain about how to proceed in this situation. However, clear COVID-19 best-practices guidelines for cataract surgeries have been released. That is why The Eye Center is pleased to announce best practices will be employed for all cataract surgeries, so you can save your vision safely under these new protective measures.

CDC Compliance
We know that our cataract patients are often members of COVID-19 high-risk populations, so we are taking CDC guidelines very seriously to ensure your safety.

All Eye Center facilities will comply with CDC mask and social distancing requirements whenever feasible. Masks are always required to be worn by patients and staff, and we are staggering appointments to allow for more effective social distancing inside the facilities.

A Focus On Screening
One of the most important aspects of best practices during a time of pandemic is screening. The Eye Center in Columbia is committed to serving our cataract patients’ best interests through regular screening of both patients and staff for COVID-19.

Prioritizing Protection
The Eye Center will implement protective measures whenever possible. All our doctors are equipped with high-quality personal protective equipment and sanitation materials while conducting cataract surgeries.

Expanded Telemedicine
Another way The Eye Center is protecting cataract patients through the COVID-19 crisis is with an expansion of telemedicine. While of course, the surgery itself will need to be performed inside the facility, we are abiding with COVID-19 cataract surgery best-practices by allowing for the possibility that screening and follow-up visits could be conducted remotely.

We will also attempt to make all administrative procedures as touch-free as possible, advocating online registration, check-in, and payment options.

Our Promise
You should not have to suffer vision loss from cataracts, and you also shouldn’t have to be exposed to COVID-19. We understand how difficult it can be to make medical decisions during uncertain times. But rest assured, we at The Eye Center are working hard to implement best-practices for eye surgeries so that all our cataract patients receive the care and protection they deserve.

About The Eye Center
The Eye Center is the leading refractive practice in South Carolina, providing full-service eye care and specializing in Refractive Surgery – Lasik, AST, PRK, PRELEX, as well as Corneal Transplant and Cataract Surgery

Get In Touch With Us
Have Questions? Feel free to contact us and our team will get back to you as soon as possible.

Protect Yourself From Vision Loss With Regular Glaucoma Testing

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More than 3 million Americans live with glaucoma, making it one of the most dangerous eye diseases currently facing our country. Left unchecked, its results can be devastating, often leading to permanent blindness. However, receiving a glaucoma diagnosis does not have to mean a permanent loss of vision. To catch glaucoma before it leads to permanent damage, it is important to visit a Columbia eye center for regular eye checks.  Today, we will discuss who needs glaucoma checks and why.
 
What Is Glaucoma and Glaucoma Testing?
Glaucoma occurs when fluid accumulates in the front of your eye, creating pressure which, if left untreated, will damage the optic nerve. This impedes the eye’s ability to send signals to your brain, resulting in vision loss or blindness.
 
To check for glaucoma, your Columbia eye center will run a variety of tests. Your ophthalmologist will numb your eyes then check for things like increased eye pressure, angle of the cornea, loss of peripheral vision, and visible damage to the optic nerve. These tests are quick, non-invasive, and highly effective at spotting glaucoma warning signs. Contact an ophthalmologist in Columbia, SC, to schedule routine eye tests.
 
Who Needs Glaucoma Testing?
Some people are at a much higher risk for glaucoma than others, so it is especially vital that you receive regular glaucoma checkups with a Columbia eye center if you belong to any of the following high-risk categories:
 

  • If you have a family history of glaucoma
  • If you are 60 years of age or older
  • If you are over 60 and of Hispanic, African American, or Asian descent.

 
Why Is Glaucoma Testing Important?
Many symptoms of glaucoma do not manifest until after irreversible damage has already been done to the optic nerve. But with regular checks, your ophthalmologist can spot early glaucoma before you notice symptoms.
 
If you do receive an early glaucoma diagnosis, this condition is very treatable. Columbia glaucoma treatment services may range from pills and eyedrops to surgical procedures and drainage implants. With proper care and routine checkups, you can protect yourself from losing your vision to glaucoma.

Our Featured Posts

Beyond Reading Glasses: Understanding Monovision and PRELEX

Navigating Your Options: Choosing the Right Intraocular Lens (IOL)

Understanding Cataracts: Causes, Symptoms, and Modern Solutions

What to Look for in a Modern Eye Care Practice

Get In Touch With Us
Have Questions? Feel free to contact us and our team will get back to you as soon as possible.