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Rejuvenate Your Face with Eyelid Surgery

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One more wrinkle
As you age, your skin produces less collagen. Combine that with exposure to sunlight, and chances are you will tire of waking up every morning to spot another new wrinkle and find yourself searching online for a solution.

While there are several topical cosmetic products you can apply to reduce the appearance of wrinkles associated with age, the transformation wouldn’t be as startling and long-lasting as you might want. If you are looking for something more impressive, eyelid surgery is an alternative you probably haven’t considered.

What is eyelid surgery?
Although eyelid surgery might seem drastic, it’s not nearly as intense as most people think. Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty or lid lift) is a very standard procedure.

A lid lift corrects wrinkling by taking out extra skin and enhancing the muscle and fat around the eyes. Depending on the desired result, the surgery can be performed on your upper and lower lids, depending on the desired result. It eliminates extra folds around the eyes and can also reduce visible eye bags and puffiness.

Why is eyelid surgery so great?
The effects of the surgery are undoubtedly remarkable. If carried out by an experienced ophthalmologist from a certified Columbia SC Eye Clinic, the procedure is sure to restore the natural contour of your face and can instantly shave years off your appearance.

Droopy and puffy eyelids are not only unseemly, but they also tend to obstruct your peripheral vision. Eyelid surgery is just what you need to enhance your face and get you looking and feeling radiant.

Before you go under the knife
It’s important to consult a professional ophthalmologist. The consultation will involve a meticulous eye examination to determine the anatomy of your eyes as well as any preexisting conditions.

Would you like to have a consultation? Book a session with Dr. Beau Bryan SC at our Columbia SC Eye Clinic today!

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Have Questions? Feel free to contact us and our team will get back to you as soon as possible.

How To Prevent Dry Eyes After LASIK Surgery

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It is common for patients who had LASIK surgery to experience dry eyes. At least 50% of those who had that surgery experienced dry eye.

Preventing Dry Eyes After LASIK Surgery

The best way to prevent dry eyes after a LASIK Surgery is to abide by the instructions given to you by your doctor. These tips can involve and are not limited to:

Resting
Avoiding certain activities
Using prescribed medications
Attending follow-up appointments

Why You Might Have Dry Eyes

If a patient has dry eyes before the procedure, that situation might aggravate after the surgery. But that’s not the only reason why you might have dry eyes. Cutting or altering the nerves in the cornea during the procedure can lead to dry eyes.

This makes the eyes less sensitive, and as a result, they might not give sufficient moisturizing tears as the patient heals. This will cause the eye to become uncomfortable and irritated after the procedure, leading to the eyes feeling dry.

When You Should See A Doctor

The LASIK procedure can cause a temporary decrease in tear production. During the healing process, many patients notice unusually dry eyes. A combination of supplements, medications, artificial tears, and ointments to treat dry eyes may be prescribed. Patients who suffer from chronic severe dry eye prior to surgery may not be good candidates for LASIK.  Nevertheless, if your condition worsens or you experience severe pain, it is recommended that you make an appointment to have one of our doctors check it out.

Considering An Alternative?

Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) is a laser surgery technique effective for modifying the cornea. Nevertheless, it utilizes varying methods. Speak with your doctor about PRK if you think this will be a better alternative.

Bottom-line

In most cases, dry eyes will improve as your eyes heal from the procedure. Always contact your doctor if your symptoms deteriorate or you experience pain.

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Have Questions? Feel free to contact us and our team will get back to you as soon as possible.

Does Lasik Surgery Make People Go Blind?

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LASIK surgery continues to be a life-changing procedure. But some questions and myths surround this procedure. If you want to have this surgery, you should know if it is completely safe and won’t ruin your sight. We’ve provided an answer to that question here. Continue reading to learn more.         

Lasik Surgery Won’t Ruin Your Eyes

Currently, there are no reports of blindness as a result of LASIK surgery. Recent research confirmed that patients have higher risks of eye vision issues from infections from contact lenses than from LASIK surgery. Nevertheless, when patients fail to observe the correct aftercare protocol, infections can lead to vision loss. Of course, this is rare, but it has happened.

Remember, LASIK surgery itself doesn’t damage the eyes, and patients can avoid most complications from this surgery. After the surgery, if you notice anything alarming, contact your ophthalmologist.

IS LASIK Surgery Painful?

LASIK surgery isn’t painful. However, since pain is subjective, what a patient might find as minor discomfort might be pain by another patient. According to reports from patients, the most uncomfortable aspect of LASIK surgery is the pressure that comes from the laser. Happily, this feeling will only last for a few minutes.

LASIK Lasts!

Yes, LASIK is a permanent procedure. Nevertheless, your eye doctor will continue to see you yearly to inspect your ocular health. In addition, whether a patient has LASIK surgery or not, they’ll experience cataract formation or presbyopia. This is because presbyopia and cataracts don’t affect the cornea but the inside of the eye. And LASIK can only change the shape of the cornea.

Final Thoughts

LASIK surgery is completely safe for you and your loved ones! Before having the surgery, confirm if you are a candidate from a reputable center.

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Have Questions? Feel free to contact us and our team will get back to you as soon as possible.

Why is Periodic Dry Eye Examination Important?

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Dry eye disease or simply DED is an illness that can lead to chronic ocular surface dysfunction due to tear film instability, hyperosmolarity, chronic inflammation, and neurosensory abnormalities. It may also deteriorate after cataract surgery, leading to an increased risk of complications and poor visual outcomes.

This is most likely owing to increased inflammation, eye drop toxicity, and limbal incision-induced corneal nerve injury. Studies have linked cataract surgery to an increased risk of this disease, as well as the latter triggering pre-existing conditions. As a result, it’s not uncommon to have to deal with both dry eye and cataract problems.

This emphasizes the importance of comprehending the numerous factors that influence cataract surgery outcomes in eyes with pre-existing dry eye traits.  Cataract patients with Dry eye characteristics, in either case, must be fully educated about the hazards of dry eye linked with cataract operation, such as visual fluctuations and blur.

Signs and Symptoms Evaluation

Given that the association between the signs and symptoms of dry eye disease is faint, the ocular surface disease is frequently ignored during the preoperative cataract evaluation. Even in cataract patients with the tiniest suspicion of such conditions, a full history and ocular examination, as well as a battery of clinical testing, should be done and documented.

An authenticated dry eye questionnaire, such as the Standard Patient Evaluation of Eye Dryness or the Ocular Surface Disease Index, should be utilized to acquire a comprehensive ocular history from each patient before surgery.

Objective Tests

Numerous novel noninvasive tests for assessing DED have been developed, including osmolarity analysis and lipid layer interferometry. When the signs and symptoms of DED are present, and tear osmolarity testing is positive, the Schirmer test can be used to diagnose aqueous-deficient DED. 

Ocular Surface Analysis

DED treatment should be individualized based on the severity of the disease. Artificial tears and environmental management are frequently sufficient treatments for mild to moderate dry eye.

In cases of suspected nocturnal exposure, artificial tear ointment or gel, used right before night, is a beneficial complement to artificial tear therapy.

Conclusion

In certain circumstances, DED treatment can postpone cataract surgery, but it is usually a good investment. Although DED is not a complete contraindication to cataract surgery, it should be treated aggressively before the procedure.

Because cataract surgery has been proven to cause or exacerbate preexisting DED, clinicians should be on the lookout for the syndrome while evaluating cataract patients, plan surgery accordingly, and actively treat the condition both before and after surgery.

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Have Questions? Feel free to contact us and our team will get back to you as soon as possible.

How Cataract Surgery Helps Restore 20/20 Vision

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Has your doctor recommended cataract surgery to enhance the clarity of your vision? You might be wondering: “Will this artificial replacement of your eye’s natural lens help restore 20/20 vision?” Yes! But how does it help? Continue reading to learn more!

What Is An Artificial Lens?

An artificial lens is a tiny lens that functions as your new eye lens. This intraocular lens (IOL) refracts or bends the light rays that enter the eye, enabling clearer vision.

How Intraocular Lens Give 20/20 Vision

Before the surgery, an eye doctor uses an ultrasound test to measure the shape and size of your eye. These measurements will help the doctor:

  • Use the correct type of IOL
  • Know how to position the IOL accurately.

It is the accurate positioning of the lens that can help achieve better vision.

Additionally, the exact calculation of the refractive error is quite vital to achieving that too. A qualified eye doctor will calculate the precise measurement of the optical prescription before the cataract surgery. This enables them to verify the correct power attributed to the IOL. As a result, a patient can achieve the 20/20 vision expected.

Finally, an eye doctor re-examines the eyes after the surgery. The post-surgical examination is necessary because, even with precise measurement, there might be a slight shift during the surgery. Therefore, this further examination will confirm any movement. In the case that the lens has shifted, the eye doctor will be able to reposition the artificial lens before the eye is fully healed.

While over 50% of patients will achieve 20/20 vision from their artificial lens, about 30% or more will still require corrective lenses after surgery.

Conclusion

One of the best ways to obtain 20/20 vision from artificial lenses is to consult with a qualified and experienced eye doctor. Are you wondering where to start? Consult with a trained and licensed eye doctor at The Eye Center today!

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Have Questions? Feel free to contact us and our team will get back to you as soon as possible.

How To Find Relief From Dry Eye

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Do your eyes feel gritty, sting, burn, and are red, as if you have sand in them? It might be a sign of dry eye. But you can find relief! In this article, we have explored some simple remedies you can try.

Finding Relief From Dry Eye

Below are some steps to take. These include:

1. Artificial Tears Twice – One of the first steps recommended by eye doctors is to apply artificial tears two times, daily. Use only over-the-counter eye drops that are free of preservatives. Are you suffering from severe dryness? Opt-in for highly effective prescription drops and high-tech solutions!

2. Warm Compresses – To obtain daily relief, another vital step to take is to utilize warm compresses. Additionally, it is crucial to take regular breaks from screens. Taking breaks from contact lenses for a few months can also offer relief.

3. Eat Oily Fish – Salmon and tuna contain omega-3 fatty acids. These healthy fats assist the glands found in the eyes to function better, easing irritation. You can also opt-in for other food high in omega-3 fatty acids.

4. Stay Hydrated – Your eyes need water to stay moist. Therefore, do not wait until you feel thirsty. Aim to drink eight to ten glasses of water daily. Other water-rich foods that count include:

  • Watermelon
  • Cucumbers

What To Know About Eye Drops

There are several brands of over-the-counter drops available on the market. Therefore, before getting one for your dry eye, consult a qualified eye doctor for the correct recommendation. They will offer the right guidance on how you should use them.

Bottom Line

Implementing these steps today can ease irritation and allow you to enjoy your day. Undoubtedly, dry eyes can be a common problem. However, in some cases, it could be a sign of a medical issue. Therefore, it is best to consult your eye doctor for a complete evaluation.

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Have Questions? Feel free to contact us and our team will get back to you as soon as possible.

All You Need to Know About UPNEEQ®

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Has your eye doctor prescribed UPNEEQ® for your droopy eyelids, and you want to understand how this revolutionary treatment works? We have written this article to explain how this eye drop works and how you can use it to treat your acquired droopy eyelids!

Ways To Treat Droopy Eyelids

If you or a loved one is seeking to treat droopy eyelids, whether, for medical or cosmetic reasons, you are open to two treatment options: Eyelid Lift surgery and UPNEEQ®. UPNEEQ®, a second option to surgery, is the first treatment approved by the FDA to address droopy eyelids. But, how does it work?

How UPNEEQ® Works

UPNEEQ® is an eye drop that is inserted once per day, one drop per eye. This eye drop works by stimulating the Muller’s muscle to contract. In clinical trials, the mean amount of eyelid lift was 1 mm. Of course, this small lift won’t result in the dramatic result that comes with surgery. However, this small lift is beneficial medically and cosmetically to many patients.

How Long UPNEEQ® Lasts

In clinical trials, a dose of UPNEEQ® can stay active for at least six hours.

Is UPNEEQ® Safe And Effective?

Absolutely, yes! It is FDA-approved to be safe and effective for treating acquired eyelid ptosis. The primary ingredient in UPNEEQ® is the same main ingredient in decongestant nasal spray. The component in nasal spray stimulates the contraction of the blood vessels. However, the constituents in UPNEEQ® work to revive the contraction of the eyelid muscle.

The Side Effects Of UPNEEQ®

The side effects of UPNEEQ® include blurred vision, eye inflammation, headache, dry eye, redness, inflammation of the cornea, and conjunctival hyperemia. In addition, patients can experience eye pain moments after the application of the UPNEEQ® drops.

Is Everyone A Candidate For UPNEEQ®?

No! It is for individuals with:

  • Mild Eyelid Ptosis
  • Moderate Eyelid Ptosis
  • Severe Eyelid Ptosis

Also, these individuals must not be taking any medications that will interfere with the eye drop.

Conclusion

Are you considering UPNEEQ® for your eyelid ptosis now? Inform your ophthalmologist or board-certified cosmetic surgeon about your medications, medical history, and supplements that you are using. They will determine if you are a good fit for the procedure.

About Author

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.

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

Do You Need Glasses After Having LASIK Surgery?

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Do you know someone who still wears glasses after LASIK surgery? You might have some concerns, especially if you are contemplating the procedure. LASIK surgery permanently addresses problems like myopia and astigmatism. But does it eliminate the need for contact lenses or glasses? Read on to find out!

Why Do People Opt-In For LASIK Surgery?

Are you aged 40 and above, and are having difficulty reading small print with your glasses? LASIK surgery might be recommended for you by your doctor! Modern LASIK surgery can correct reading vision errors caused by presbyopia. This surgery procedure implements a technique called monovision. Monovision is a procedure used to fully correct the refractive errors in one of the eyes and leave the other eye mildly nearsighted. With what result?

  • The fully corrected eye will see distant objects clearly
  • While the nearsighted eye gives sharper near vision without relying on glasses.

Does LASIK Surgery Eliminate Glasses?

Undoubtedly, LASIK surgery can highly limit the use of glasses throughout the day, but it doesn’t claim to eliminate the need to use glasses for all patients. Patients respond differently to LASIK surgery. Thus, based on age and other vision conditions, glasses might still be required for reading.

Who Is A Candidate For Monovision?

Are you an older adult considering LASIK? Ask your doctor if you are a good candidate for this procedure. Since it can be difficult for some people’s eyes to get used to this Monovision procedure, it is not ideal for everyone.

Conclusion

Significant advancements have been made in LASIK surgeries. Nevertheless, there are instances when it might still be appropriate to wear glasses. Do you need a more personalized guide on whether you will need glasses after having this corrective vision surgery? Schedule a consultation with our trained eye doctors today!

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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 You Shouldn’t Do After Cataract Surgery

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For most surgeons, cataract surgery is a regular medical procedure. While this routine procedure is effective and safe, what you do post-surgery can pose a risk to the health of your eyes! To avoid vision issues and let your eyes heal, we have highlighted seven things you should not do after cataract surgery.

Seven Things To Avoid After Cataract Surgery

  1. Driving- Do not drive at least twenty-four hours after the surgery. It is recommended to wait longer if you experience light sensitivity.
  2. Wearing Makeup- Did you know? Makeup can be full of bacteria! Therefore, your eyes are prone to infection while healing. You can resume makeup after your next appointment with your surgeon or ask your surgeon when it is safe to do so.
  3. Performing Strenuous Activity- You should not engage in any strenuous activity until your surgeon instructs that you can. While waiting, you can engage in light activities. Tasks to avoid include exercise, heavy lifting, and other strenuous activities.
  4. Going Near Dusty Areas- You should not dust your house after surgery. In addition, avoid dusty areas until you have fully recovered.
  5. Swimming- Water should not get in your eyes. When you shower, do not aim the shower head at your face. Also, skip any trip to a hot tub or pool two weeks post-surgery.
  6. Do Not Forget To Wear Sunglasses
  7. Don’t Rub Your Eyes

Symptoms To Watch After Your Cataract Surgery

Post cataract surgery, you might experience some symptoms. Contact your ophthalmologist if you experience any of these symptoms below:

  • Vision loss
  • Vomiting, nausea, or excessive coughing
  • Pain despite using over-the-counter pain medications
  • Floaters or light flashes in front of the eyes

Final Thoughts

While you wait for your eyes to heal, make sure you avoid all these things highlighted above. Ideally, most acute discomforts vanish a day or two after cataract surgery. However, if your pain persists even after using eye drops or painkillers, consult your doctor!

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Diabetic Eye Disease: What You Need to Know to Protect Your Sight

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 Is LenSx® Laser Cataract Surgery And How Does It Work?

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Looking for a cataract surgery treatment that removes cataracts with greater accuracy and precision? LenSx® laser cataract surgery makes that a reality! But what is this recent innovation in cataract surgery? How does it work, the benefits, and the best laser eye surgery in Columbia, SC? Let’s find out!

What Is LenSx® Laser Cataract Surgery?

The Eye Center has invested in this new cataract surgery treatment – LenSx® laser surgery! LenSx® laser cataract surgery is a blade-free surgery treatment that has been used in more than 400,000 procedures globally. This procedure contributes to enhanced surgical outcomes because they are designed to improve precision.

Traditional cataract surgery with a small blade is one of if not the most reliable procedures in medicine. Patients routinely get excellent results and are very happy with this approach. However, if you are someone who embraces innovative technologies, wants the latest, greatest methods, or has significant astigmatism, LenSx® may be an excellent option.

How Does LenSx® Work?

The LenSx® femtosecond laser uses automated laser pulses to make accurate incisions on the crystalline lens, lens capsule, and cornea for accurate and tailored results. Each LenSx® procedure depends on a high-resolution three-dimensional surgical platform for lens fragmentation and incision. This procedure doesn’t take as much time as compared to the traditional procedures. After the procedure, patients may experience mild discomfort, which will dissipate within a short time. When performing a cataract surgery with the LenSx® laser, the surgeon still uses the traditional ultrasound (Phaco) to remove the cataract. The benefit is seen in that the laser makes the incisions, and breaks the cataract into smaller pieces, making it easier for your surgeon to remove. After the cataract has been removed and the surgery is complete, a refractive lens implant might be used to enhance vision.

Benefits Of LenSx® Laser Cataract Surgery

Quick And Comfortable- Irrespective of your condition, each LenSx® procedure takes less time and comes with no severe discomfort.

Precision- Unlike traditional procedures, LenSx® comes with high precision and more accurate results. Therefore, surgery is more precise for each eye. Also, it is computer-guided and programmable.

Real-Time Visualization- Before the surgery, doctors make a 3D map of the patient’s eyes which is used during the surgery.

Bottom Line

Ready to give this procedure a shot? First, find out if the procedure is right for you. To do that, you will need to consult an ophthalmologist in South Carolina offering this cataract surgery procedure and schedule a cataract consultation with them. They will help you make informed decisions!

About Author

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.

Our Featured Posts

I Have Myopia: What Are My Choices for Vision Correction?

LASIK and Monovision: Finding Your Ideal Vision Path at The Eye Center

Managing Type 2 Diabetes: Why Your Vision Should Be a Top Priority

Diabetic Eye Disease: What You Need to Know to Protect Your Sight

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