Entries by 20North

Early Signs of Glaucoma: What You Need to Know to Protect Your Vision

The short answer: The most common type of glaucoma, open-angle glaucoma, typically has no early warning signs or noticeable symptoms. This is why glaucoma is often called the “silent thief of sight.” However, acute angle-closure glaucoma can cause sudden, severe symptoms requiring immediate medical attention. Regular comprehensive eye exams are the only reliable way to […]

How Can You Tell if You Scratched Your Cornea?

The Short Answer: The main signs to watch for if you’ve scratched your cornea include eye pain, a gritty sensation like something is stuck in your eye, light sensitivity, excessive tearing, and blurry vision. A scratched cornea, medically known as a corneal abrasion, often causes discomfort that worsens with blinking. While minor abrasions may heal […]

Can Astigmatism Be Corrected?

The short answer: Yes, astigmatism can be corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or surgery. Many effective treatments are available to help you achieve clear vision, whether you have mild or severe astigmatism. Astigmatism is a common refractive error that happens when your cornea or lens has an irregular shape. Whether you have mild astigmatism or […]

Botox® vs Fillers: Which Treatment is Right for You?

The Short Answer: Botox® works by relaxing facial muscles to reduce dynamic wrinkles caused by facial expressions, while dermal fillers add volume to smooth static wrinkles and restore facial features. Botox contains botulinum toxin that temporarily blocks nerve signals to muscles, whereas fillers use gel-like substances such as hyaluronic acid to plump and fill areas […]

Nearsightedness vs Farsightedness: Your Complete Guide to Common Vision Problems

The quick answer: Nearsightedness (myopia) means you see close objects clearly, but distant objects appear blurry. Farsightedness (hyperopia) means you see distant objects clearly, but close-up objects are blurry. Both are types of refractive error that affect how light rays focus in your eyes, and both are easily treatable with the right vision correction. Understanding […]

Understanding Keratoconus Treatment: From Diagnosis to Care

The Quick Answer: Keratoconus treatment ranges from contact lenses in early stages to corneal cross-linking and corneal transplant surgery in advanced cases. Most keratoconus patients achieve excellent visual acuity with proper treatment when diagnosed early by an experienced eye doctor. Keratoconus is a progressive eye condition that causes the cornea to thin and bulge into […]

Is Pterygium Surgery Right For You?

The Quick Answer: Pterygium surgery is right for you if the fleshy growth on your eye is causing vision problems, persistent discomfort, or cosmetic concerns that affect your daily life. Most patients experience excellent results with this safe procedure when performed by an experienced eye doctor. A pterygium, sometimes called “surfer’s eye,” is an abnormal […]

How Long Does LASIK Last?

Quick Answer: LASIK provides permanent correction for the vision problems it addresses, but your eyes will continue to change naturally as you age. LASIK eye surgery provides long-lasting results for most people. The laser vision correction procedure creates a permanent change to your cornea, but your eyes will continue to change naturally as you age. […]

How Long After Cataract Surgery Can You Drive?

The Quick Answer: Most patients can return to driving within 24-48 hours after cataract surgery, but this timeline varies based on individual healing and your eye doctor’s clearance. The key is ensuring your vision meets safe driving standards before getting behind the wheel. Cataract surgery is one of the most successful and commonly performed procedures […]