During those check-ups, the eye doctor will examine your eyes not only for acuity of vision, but also for early signs of certain eye problems which can creep up on us quietly and steal our eyesight. As we approach the age of 40, it’s time to pay more attention to these possibilities.

Here are some eye diseases to ask about.

Glaucoma

• Ask your eye doctor for a glaucoma pressure test.

Glaucoma is the name for a group of eye conditions related to the pressure inside the eyeball (intraocular pressure). Our eyes need a certain amount of pressure to work correctly, but in glaucoma, that pressure is increased.

The higher pressure causes no discomfort or pain

Without a pressure test done by an eye doctor, we wouldn’t know the pressure had increased. But it works silently to damage the optic nerve, where it leaves the eyeball to carry visual information to our brain.

What increases the intraocular pressure in glaucoma is blocked drainage.

• Normally, the eye fluid (aqueous fluid, unrelated to tears) can drain from the eye back into the bloodstream by seeping through tiny channels in the inside corners of the eyes.

• As fluid is created, some drains out, keeping the intraocular pressure even and steady.

When the aqueous fluid is blocked from draining out enough to balance the new fluid being created, the intraocular pressure rises, progressively damaging the optic nerve, and causing us to gradually become blind.

Detached retina

• Ask for a full eye examination to check on the condition of the retina.

Our eyes are like little cameras and the retina is like the film. It’s the inside back surface of the eye, where images are formed of what we see, and are then transmitted as electrical activity to the brain, by the optic nerve.

If the retina is at all weakened, for example by a little hole or tear, then gradually the eye fluid (intraocular fluid) can leak underneath it and cause it to peel off.

When it’s not smoothly lining the back of the eyeball, it stops functioning well as the film in this little camera. Images deposited on it are now blurry or dim.

Aside from blurriness, you might notice

• A shadow encroaching on your vision on one side;

• Occasional bright flashes; and/or

• Showers of dark spots (floaters).

If these symptoms become more severe and you notice any diminishing of your vision, see an eye doctor immediately, to avoid progressive damage to your eyesight.

This condition can be treated, either by a laser or a freezing treatment, if it’s caught early enough. If not, surgery under general anesthesia will be needed.

Cataracts

• Ask what might be the cause of your visual symptoms.

Just as a camera has a lens which focuses light onto the film, so our eyes have a lens which focuses light onto the retina at the back of the eye.

Sometimes, most often as we age, the lens can become cloudy. This will impair our vision, and cleaning our glasses will be of no help.

Symptoms

• Lights may become too bright, dazzling you

• Colors may start looking faded

• Things may look misty or dim

If you find that you’re having trouble with driving, reading, using the computer, or any other activities that require good visual acuity, see an eye doctor without delay.

Uveitis

• Ask what’s causing this inflammation in your eyes and whether it can be cured.

The uvea is the middle layer of tissue around our eyeball, with the outer layer being the sclera (including the cornea), and the inner layer the retina, which is at the back, but also curves around towards the front of the eye.

The uvea can become inflamed in a number of ways that are different in each individual. There are many causes for it, many ways it can affect other parts of the eye, and some other conditions in the body that it can relate to.

The term intraocular inflammation is used to include all the variations. There are many tests that your eye doctor could run, depending on how the uveitis appears in your case.

Treatment goals

• If there’s pain or discomfort, to relieve it

• Preventing loss of eyesight

• To address the cause, if that’s possible

Your eye doctor may prescribe some type of eye drops, or corticosteriods, or some newer drug. Once it occurs, uveitis tends to stay, and must be controlled when it can’t be cured.

Since the new technique was perfected in the late 1980s it has transformed thousands of lives and continues to grow in popularity. This highly specialised procedure allows surgeons to reshape the eye’s cornea correcting the faults that cause blurring of vision. The treatment can be used to correct both Myopia (nearsightedness) and Hyperopia (farsightedness) so the days when thick glasses or contact lenses were the only option to see clearly are gone.

The idea of laser eye surgery has been around since the 1950s and was the result of several different doctors who all played a part in the advance of the procedure. The technique was initially the innovation of Jose Barraquer, a Spanish ophthalmologist who first came up with the idea of cutting into the eye’s cornea to alter its shape.

Twenty years on, the radial keratotomy procedure was developed by the Russian doctor, Svyatoslav Fyodorov, who stumbled upon the important finding when he was treating a boy who had fallen and cut his eye on his glasses. Fyodorov discovered that by shaving off the front layer of the eye the young boy had recovered with better sight than before.

The development of the Excimer laser by a group of scientists from the University of California turned the eye surgery dream into a reality and, because of the inventiveness and dedication of these doctors, the first pioneering surgery was performed in 1989 in Greece. Since then the operation has become a common procedure performed around the globe.

Further developments to the procedure have resulted in two main types of laser eye surgery. Photorefractive Keratectomy, commonly known as PRK, a procedure carried out on the surface of the eye, and LASIK surgery, which differs because of the incision made to the surface of the eye and the laser treatment that is applied to the corneal tissue beneath.

Because of the delicate nature of an eye the operation needs to be performed with great care and, although the technology sounds complicated, in the hands of a qualified practitioner it is a relatively straightforward one. In general, the operation takes around 30 minutes although the actual laser treatment can take as little as a minute.

The technology and development of laser eye surgery has resulted in a simple painless procedure with a very quick recovery time. Today the surgery boasts a 95% success rate with most patients enjoying full 20/20 vision which is a testament to the brilliance of the doctors who invented the ground breaking operation.

A laser is an acronym for light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation.
All lasers are man-made lights. Lasers are graded according to the medium used to generate them i.e. either solid, gas, or semiconductor state. Laser light is usually consistent, which means that the light either is emitted in a narrow, low-divergence beam, or can be converted into one with the help of optical components such as lenses. Light and heat energies travel in waves which have specific wavelengths and frequencies. Each laser has its specific wavelength which gives it a specific color and temperature.

Laser eye surgery is believed to be originated in 1890s when the basic principles of keratotomy (corneal incisions) to correct refractive error were explained by a Dutch professor Lans. Laser surgery is a surgery that uses a laser to cut tissue instead of a scalpel. Techniques used in Laser surgery include LASIK, which is used to correct near- and far-sightedness in vision, and photorefractive keratectomy, a procedure which permanently reshapes the cornea using an Excimer laser to remove a small amount of the corneal tissue. It gives high accuracy and fewer complications. Excimer laser was developed in 1973 at the University of California.

Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) makes use of the excimer laser by a precise reshaping of the front corneal surface, removing microscopic layers. No heat is generated using laser and hence there will be no tissue damage. This surgery is widely popular worldwide.

LASIK (Laser Assisted In-situ Keratomileusis) is a new entry in the field of laser eye surgery. The surgeon or the ophthalmologist uses a blade (microkeratome) to cut a thin flap of the cornea and then an excimer laser is used to remove and reshape the tissue underneath the flap. Compared to PRK, this surgery helps in faster recovery and is more comfortable with the patients.

The recent progress made in the field of Laser eye surgery include the Wavefront technology that leads to quicker healing and lower risks of side effects, the Epi Lasik (Lasek) which removes a much thinner layer of the corneal tissue, or the latest, refractive lensectomy that involves implanting a multifocal lens inside the eye to give the patient a clear vision at all distances.

Berkeley Laser eye surgery is one of the best in California, so much so that people all around the country come to seek such medical procedure under the care of some of the best eye surgeons.  All around the State, particularly in Berkeley, there is an increase in the presence of clinics as well as practices that perform laser eye surgery as it is one of the most sought after medical aids there is today.  If you are contemplating on undergoing the procedure, Berkeley laser eye surgery can do the trick for you, sans the hassle and unnecessary stress.

Berkeley eye doctors are among the best in the world and they perform laser surgery on a daily basis as well as diagnose various visual ailments.  You sure are in good hands if and when you seek their medical advice as well as their surgical expertise.  

When you decide to go through laser eye surgery, you need to know all the fact as well as the health ramifications before you going ahead and signing up for the procedure.  For one, your condition should be within the scope of laser surgery’s capacity to rectify.  If you happen to have an eye condition that cannot be corrected through the use of laser, you might need to undergo other procedures as the case may be.  

After the procedure, you will have to care utmost care of your eyes which entails restricted activities for a few days and regularly putting pharmacological drops to keep them from drying up and getting irritated.  You might not be able to drive for a few days after the surgery in order to reduce strain on your eyes as well as to avoid exposing them to harmful elements such as smoke, dust, and many other pollutants.  

Laser eye surgery has been the great white hope for a lot of people and there is no doubt that there will be more who will undergo this procedure in order to correct their impaired vision.  It will bring you a great sense of freedom if you will undergo such procedure as you will be able to live life without the constant distraction of glasses and contact lenses.  Allow yourself you break free and see the world on an unobstructed perspective as  there is so much more you can do if you have better vision.

Santa Clara laser eye surgery is one of the most promising procedures that many people want to undergo.   California is among the States that have made very significant medical advancements in recent years which makes it very attractive to those who would want to make their lives better and see the word clearer without having to use glasses or contact lenses.  

There are several eye doctors that perform Santa Clara laser eye surgery and you can be assured that you can find only the best ones under whom you would put yourself in their medical care.  Whether you are a local resident or a tourist looking to make a change in your life through laser surgery, you can easily find clinics as well as private practices that perform such procedure on people on a daily basis.  However, you will need to undergo a few tests in order to ascertain the nature of your condition and whether or not you are a suitable candidate for laser eye surgery.  There are certain eye conditions that cannot be corrected by any kind of surgery and the proper diagnosis will rule them out for you.  
Laser eye surgery is medically categorized as a minor operation, nevertheless, patients who have undergone such procedure are advised to protect themselves from any kind of infection and to avoid performing tasks that will put any kind of strain on the eyes in order to prevent the onset of any complications.  

Post surgery care would include wearing protective glasses, regularly putting eye drops, and regulating the light to which the newly operated eyes are exposed.  You should also avoid bending down or looking up too much so as not to put unnecessary strain on your eyes.  The recovery process can be faster or slower depending on how well you take care of your eyes after the operation.  Barring an unforeseen complication, you should be up and about in less than a week and be able to use your eyes without having to be dependent on bulky glasses or contact lenses.  

Santa Clara, California doctors are among the nest in the United States and you can be assured that you can benefit well from the procedures they perform as well as on their ability to diagnose your eye condition.  There is much you can gain from corrective eye surgery and you should take advantage of it today.

Choosing surgeons and hospitals

For a safe Southern California laser eye surgery, you need to make sure that your surgeon and your chosen clinic or hospital are both FDA approved first. If you’re letting the insurance company shoulder your surgery, you will have to make sure that this is the case. Insurance companies won’t back you up unless your surgeon is a legitimate practitioner who can handle the operation well.

You would also want to look for a surgeon who you’re personally comfortable with. Remember, your surgeon’s job doesn’t end at the operating table. S/he needs to be there too while you’re recovering. You would want a laser eye surgeon who’s accommodating, and who’ll gladly take you in if any complications do arise.   

Pre-surgical care

During your consultation before the surgery, you should present your complete medical records to your surgeon. This will allow him/her to take note of any health conditions which may affect your recovery later on. You should also provide a full list of all the medications you’re taking orally or otherwise. Some medications make you bleed easily, like blood thinners, so it’s important that your surgeon knows about it. At the very least, you will be asked to stop your medication at least 2 days before the procedure.  

Psychological preparations

You also need to be prepared for the results of your surgery. Remember that you’re going to spend quite a large amount of money on this procedure, and like any other medical procedure, a laser eye surgery is not perfect. It also doesn’t work the same way with all types of bodies. Your body may not respond as well as someone you know who had the laser eye surgery just a month ago.

You shouldn’t be disappointed if you fail to see results right away. Remember, some people need up to 6 months to adjust to the changes in their bodies. Others might see dramatic results once the bandages are down, but they may also experience sudden blurry visions in the middle of the day. Although this is most likely normal, you should still nonetheless notify your surgeon right away.

Not all eye sights can also be completely fixed with a laser eye surgery. When the damage is too severe, most people just end up having their prescriptions lowered. You shouldn’t despair because the important thing is, it did improve your vision. You didn’t just throw money out of the window by having the operation.

Post surgical care

Make sure that someone is with you after your Southern California laser eye surgery. You’ll be in bandages for 4 days or more, depending on your body’s capacity to recover. You should have someone to tend to you and drive you home during your recovery period.

Although there are very rare cases of complications, you should still prepare a first aid kit with pain killers and eye medication. This will provide you temporary relief from pain just in case something happens and you can’t reach your surgeon immediately.

Because there is a large demand for lasik eye surgery in Beverly Hills, many experienced lasik surgeons have made their practice in this area. Why do so many people here want these benefits? Perhaps it is the same reason that this city and area is also a large plastic surgery hub. Or, it may be that lasik allows individuals to improve their eye sight so that gives people one additional way to look great!

No matter what the result is, throughout the city and even the state, you will find qualified lasik eye surgeons. That is not to say that they are all at the same caliber, though. In fact, that’s not true. What you will find is that the experience and practice size of the eye surgeon showcases his abilities. He should also have some of the most up to date training and equipment as well. You’ll want to talk with your eye surgeon about these facts to determine his ability to serve your needs.

Throughout Beverly Hills, lasik eye surgery is performed for many individuals. Those that want to stop having to wear glasses or contact lenses can find qualified individuals to serve these needs. Taking the time to research your surgeon and to learn more about the actual benefits that one surgeon can provide over the next will help you to make the right decisions.

If a person wants to make himself/herself more attractive, there is liposuction. If you have a cancer, there is chemotherapy. When it comes to improving your eyesight, there is lasik eye surgery. Their goal is to let the patients break free and see the light without the pain.

If you are interested of having your eye vision corrected, keep some of these points in mind. Lasik will definitely change your life for the better because of the positive results.

Patients might think that having your eye vision repaired guarantees an eyesight like of a child/teenager, and the results will many times give you just that. The eye surgeons goal is to reduce the patient’s dependence on glasses and contact lenses. Doctors may or may not guarantee you a 20/20 vision as a result. But, according to the patient testimonials, they are highly satisfied with the eye surgery because they can see clearly without the use of their glasses and contact lenses.

In every surgery, there are side effects after undergoing the laser. A patient may experience difficulty in sleeping because of the glare and blurry vision that he or she is experiencing. However, these effects would only occur for a relatively short period of time.

Is Los Angeles lasik eye surgery for you? In most cases the answer will be yes, but before deciding to go under the laser, consult your family and of course, your doctor. This will make you feel confident and brave before you have your eye vision repaired.