Risks of LASIK

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get rid of glasses, LASIK eye surgery

If you’re considering undergoing LASIK eye surgery, one of the biggest questions on your mind is likely “How safe is it?”

At Visionary Eye Doctors, we understand this concern and are happy to guide our patients through both the pros and cons of all our procedures to help them feel as comfortable as possible. In this blog, we’ll review the complications associated with LASIK and how to tell if it is right for you.

Understanding LASIK

LASIK has become a commonly performed laser refractive procedure since it was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 1999. It works by reshaping the front surface of the eye (the cornea) to allow light entering the eye to focus on the retina without needing to wear glasses or corrective lenses.

The procedure takes just a few minutes, but its results can have a tremendous impact on the quality of life for those suffering from nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.

That said, LASIK is not for everyone. Every surgical procedure, even one as common as LASIK, has its risks. Although most patients are pleased with the results of their laser vision correction surgery, it’s important to weigh the chance of experiencing complications against the benefits of the procedure.

Potential Complications

Many of the risks you hear about in connection with LASIK are actually just temporary side effects that often resolve themselves within a few months of the procedure. This can include mild to severe dry eye, halos, glare, starbursts, and double vision. These are common while your eyes fully heal, and your surgeon should be able to ease the symptoms with eyedrops.

Less common are more serious potential complications. This can include:

  • Under or overcorrection of vision
  • Keratitis (inflammation of the cornea)
  • Vision loss
  • Astigmatism or impaired vision

Who Should Not Have LASIK?

Your risk factor for these serious complications dramatically increases if you are not a strong candidate for the LASIK procedure in the first place, so it’s important to review your health history with your surgeon ahead of time.

The following patients should not have LASIK:

  • Those with collagen vascular disease
  • Those with autoimmune or immunodeficiency diseases
  • Patients with signs of keratoconus or abnormal corneal topography
  • Women who are pregnant or nursing
  • Patients who are taking the medications isotretinoin (Accutane™) or amiodarone hydrochloride (Cordarone™)

Know Your Risk Beforehand

The most critical way to optimize your LASIK results is by choosing the right doctor. Always choose a board-certified LASIK surgeon, and set up an initial consultation to determine your candidacy and the potential for complications.

The experts at Visionary Eye Doctors take this step seriously and conduct a thorough diagnostic eye exam that evaluates:

  • The shape and thickness of your cornea
  • Your refractive errors and pupil size
  • The moistness of your eyes (to check for dry eye syndrome)
  • Your general health and medical history
  • Any medications you are taking

If your consultation reveals that you are not a good candidate, there are several LASIK alternatives that could be a better fit. This includes photorefractive keratectomy, clear lens exchange, and implantable contact lenses. Visionary Eye Doctors has experts in all these areas and will evaluate you to determine the right path for your optimal vision.

Feel Confident With Visionary Eye Doctors

Your safety is our top concern at Visionary Eye Doctors. We take every precaution possible to protect your vision while helping you regain your quality of life.

Count on our board-certified LASIK experts to:

  • Evaluate your eye health
  • Explain your treatment options
  • Answer any and all questions
  • Provide expert follow-up care

Choosing a skilled and experienced LASIK eye surgeon can reduce risk and enable you to achieve the best possible results from laser eye surgery. To schedule a consultation with our refractive surgeon Dr. Alberto Martinez and discuss if LASIK is right for you, contact Visionary Eye Doctors at (301) 591-1763.

Why Is Pterygium Called Surfer’s Eye?

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Closeup of a patient's eye with a pterygium

If you spend a lot of time outdoors or on the water, you may have heard the term “surfer’s eye.” This actually refers to a condition known as pterygium, a noncancerous growth that can cause irritation and blurred vision. Despite its nickname, pterygium does not only affect surfers or those who spend a lot of time in the ocean. The main culprit is actually the sun. Exposing your eyes to significant amounts of UV light from the sun puts you at high risk for developing a growth (light reflected from the ocean is what sparked the “surfer’s eye” moniker)

More people than just surfers are at risk of developing this impairment, so let’s take a closer look at what pterygium entails.

Symptoms

Often shaped like a wedge, a pterygium is a growth of a mucous membrane that covers the white part of your eye (sclera) over the cornea. While it isn’t life-threatening, it can cause irritating side effects.

Symptoms include:

  • Redness and irritation
  • Dryness or a gritty feeling like something is in your eye
  • Blurred vision
  • A noticeable growth that affects sight

If left untreated, pterygium can spread across the rest of your cornea, so it’s important to have it looked at by a professional early on.

Treatment Options

Given its appearance of a wedge-shaped bump, a pterygium is fairly straightforward to diagnose. An eye doctor will be able to determine its presence with a simple examination under bright lighting.

If the pterygium isn’t affecting your vision or creating discomfort, it can be left untreated. However, if it is having those effects, you have a couple of treatment options. Over-the-counter eyedrops can help reduce inflammation and reduce redness. In more extreme cases, steroid eyedrops may be prescribed to treat irritation.

Surgery is also an option if the eye drops are inadequate or vision becomes more impaired. The procedure, which shouldn’t cause any pain, removes the pterygium from the cornea and sclera of the eye. It is then covered with a small tissue graft to aid in healing.

Not Just for Surfers – How To Decrease Your Risk

While common in surfers due to the high exposure to UV light, this condition can also be caused by regular contact with harsh elements like sand, smoke, wind, pollen, or chemicals. As a result, people who live or work in warm, sunny environments — such as farmers, landscapers, and construction workers — are most likely to experience symptoms. Thankfully, it is rarely seen in children.

The good news is that there are several ways to protect yourself from pterygium, even if your job or lifestyle requires significant time outdoors. Try these preventative steps:

  • Don’t trust any old sunglasses. Make sure you are wearing a pair with proper UVA/UVB protection to limit the sun’s impact.
  • Protective eyewear such as goggles or a face shield can help keep dust and other irritants at bay.
  • Wear a wide-brim hat for extra protection, especially when on the water.

And remember, if you are ever concerned about a possible pterygium growth on your eye or your risk for developing one, Visionary Eye Doctors is here to help. Book an appointment online to consult with one of our expert technicians.

Colorblind Glasses & Contacts

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Those living with colorblindness, or color vision deficiency, face challenges in everyday activities that most people take for granted. The inability to differentiate colors has a constant impact from driving to shopping for clothes.

While there is no cure, visionary experts have developed a new way to alleviate the condition. Keep reading to learn how innovative glasses and contacts are changing the way the colorblind see the world.

Different Types of Colorblindness

Generally, an inherited condition, colorblindness affects an estimated 300 million people worldwide. There are seven different types, but red-green colorblindness is the most common form. Many colorblind people also have trouble seeing blue and yellow, and in extreme cases, no colors are seen at all.

The trouble differentiating between colors often results in people developing their own ways of compensating, whether by telling them apart by brightness, timing, location, or even using an app. But now, researchers have come up with a far more accurate and practical solution.

New Options for the Colorblind

Colorblind glasses have specially tinted lenses that help a colorblind person see colors more accurately. The tints are based on the type and level of colorblindness. For example, red-tinted glasses can aid in distinguishing between shades of red and green. They tend to be bulkier than your average reading glasses and can come in both prescription and nonprescription lenses.

Another option is innovative contact lenses infused with gold — yes, gold! Gold nanoparticles help scatter light and are used in various ways across biomedicine and technology. In this case, tiny gold particles are mixed with a hydrogel polymer (a soft and flexible material ideal for contact lenses) to create rose-tinted molds that filter light when red and green overlap.

Both gold-infused contacts and tinted glasses can provide similar levels of effectiveness.

How They Work

Cone photoreceptors within the eye’s retina are what make color vision possible. Abnormal overlapping response to light by different cone cell types (those usually sensitive to red or green lights) causes most color blindness.

To offset this abnormality, colorblind glasses filter wavelengths of light where the overlap occurs. This allows the brain to distinguish red wavelengths from green more accurately, thus resulting in better color perception.

It’s important to understand that colorblind glasses are not a cure, nor do they entirely create normal color vision. But they can allow individuals with color impairments to see colors they’ve never seen before through revolutionary technology.

Visionary Eye Doctors is proud to offer options for our colorblind patients and is committed to educating the community on evolving treatments. Keep updated with our blog for the latest industry news and visionary advancements. You can also schedule an appointment online.

PRK Surgery Recovery Timeline

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closeup of hazel eyes on a woman

Photorefractive keratectomy, better known as PRK, has become a popular alternative vision correction surgery for those who aren’t a good fit for LASIK. The process involves reshaping the cornea with a laser, so light entering the eye is focused on the retina to produce clear images. PRK surgery time is usually about 10 minutes per eye and involves numbing drops for a painless experience.

But what happens afterward? What does the recovery process look like in the following days and weeks? If a PRK surgery is in your future, our timeline will give you a clear idea of what to expect after the procedure.

First Few Days

As with most surgeries, the first few days are the most critical period in the recovery process. With PRK, this is when the epithelium regrows to cover your cornea. To help promote this healing and protect your eyes, your doctor will place a bandage contact lens in your eye. This contact will need to be worn for about five days after your surgery.

You may also experience:

  • Sore or scratchy eyes: You must not rub your eyes while they are healing. You may want to use over-the-counter pain medicine for any discomfort.
  • Halos or glare around lights at night: An eye mask can be used while sleeping if this is bothersome.
  • Dryness: You will receive eye drops to keep them lubricated.

You will need to schedule a checkup with your surgeon a few days after your procedure to see how your healing progresses.

Week One

Based on the results of your post-surgery checkup, your doctor will provide you with guidelines to address any complications and make sure you’re comfortable as you continue to heal. In general, you may continue to experience:

  • Sensitivity to light: Minimize sun exposure during the first week.
  • Glare or other night vision issues: Sunglasses may help with this issue if you must be out past dark.
  • Soreness: Remember to avoid rubbing your eyes, so you don’t damage your cornea.

The good news is your eyes will make the most progress during this time, so you should see a dramatic improvement in your eyesight.

Weeks Two to Four

Healing should have progressed enough by this point that you can drive safely and return to work. Most visual side effects should be gone by now, though occasional glares or halos are not uncommon for the first month. You will likely continue to use prescription eyedrops that keep these symptoms at bay as the corneal tissue heals. However, if you have any concerning or worsening symptoms, you should contact your surgeon.

Around this time, you can also begin to add back in activities that were limited in the first week, including wearing makeup or face lotion and getting your hair colored. For the first couple of weeks, though, you should continue to avoid:

  • High-impact or contact sports
  • Swimming or hot tubs
  • Dusting or working around dirt that could affect the cornea’s healing

Two Months

Side effects will continue to diminish during this time, with halos disappearing and glare becoming less of an issue. Night vision should also improve, though you may still feel occasional dryness. Your surgeon will let you know how often you need to be seen based on progressing your healing.

Six Months

By this time, you should have fully recovered from PRK surgery and met with your surgeon multiple times to evaluate the procedure’s success. Your vision will likely have reached maximum improvement. PRK typically results in 20/20 or better vision without needing glasses or contacts!

Visionary Eye Doctors is at the forefront of PRK technology. Ready to find out if you’re a candidate? Call our office today at 301-896.0890 to schedule a consultation with our expert surgeons. You can also schedule an appointment online.

How To Know if You Need Pterygium Removal Surgery

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Closeup of a patient's eye with a pterygium

A pterygium (tuh-RIJ-ee-uhm) is an abnormal growth on the conjunctiva, the transparent membrane covering the eye. It’s also known as “surfer’s eye” because factors such as UV exposure, getting sand in your eyes, and living in a tropical climate increase the risk of developing this condition. Pterygium may look a little strange, but rest assured that it’s not cancer.

If you have been diagnosed with pterygium, it’s essential to begin treatment immediately. If your symptoms are relatively mild, your eye doctor may recommend conservative treatments to manage pterygium without surgery. However, the only way to remove the growth entirely on your conjunctiva is to get pterygium surgery. Here are the factors that play into your decision to have your pterygium surgically removed.

Discomfort

Minor pterygium growth is usually treatable with eyedrops that improve lubrication and reduce redness and inflammation. However, itchiness, irritation, burning, grittiness, and the sensation that something is “in your eye” may persist in severe cases. If you experience constant discomfort despite taking over-the-counter medicine, you have a viable reason to consider pterygium surgery.

Corneal Distortion

Pterygium growth usually begins in the corner of the eye and slowly spreads toward the cornea, the clear surface on the front of the eye. If the pterygium extends onto the cornea, it may distort the shape of your eye and cause a condition called astigmatism. This imperfection of the corneal curve causes blurry vision and may prevent you from wearing your contact lenses. If your pterygium is starting to affect the shape of your cornea, surgery should solve the problem.

Poor Vision

Mild pterygium doesn’t usually affect vision. Typically, the wedge-shaped growth only covers the white of the eye, or it may partially obscure the iris. With conservative treatment, pterygium often stops progressing at this point. However, if the pterygium grows, it may eventually cover the pupil. In addition to potentially distorting the cornea and causing astigmatism, this may lead to obstructed or double vision. If you begin experiencing poor eyesight because of pterygium, it’s time to consider surgery.

Unattractive Appearance

Your eyes are one of the first things people notice about you. If you have a wedge-shaped growth covering the whites of your eyes and part of your irises, you might start feeling self-conscious about the way your eyes look. People may even make remarks or ask questions about your condition, making you even more insecure. Rest assured that pterygium surgery entirely removes the growth in your eyes, leaving you with an excellent cosmetic outcome.

Schedule Pterygium Removal Surgery at Visionary Eye Doctors

Our experienced ophthalmologist, Dr. J. Alberto Martinez, treats pterygium with Advanced Sutureless Amniotic Membrane Pterygiectomy (ASAP™). Dr. Martinez has performed over 12,000 pterygium surgeries with superior patient outcomes and an incredibly low recurrence rate of less than 1%. These factors place Dr. Martinez among the top pterygium surgeons in the world.

The ASAP™ procedure uses an advanced autograft technique and tissue “glue” to deliver no-stitch pterygium surgery. It’s possible to place the tissue adhesive in mere seconds rather than taking minutes to apply stitches. An amniotic membrane is also placed in the eye to aid the healing process and decrease inflammation. The tissue adhesive dissolves in about a week, leaving no residue and allowing the eye to heal comfortably.

For more information about pterygium surgery and other treatment options, please contact Visionary Eye Doctors online or call us at (301) 591-1763. We have three offices in the DC area to better serve you.

Woman holding glasses in front of Rockville, MD Eye Doctor office.

PRK vs. LASIK Process & Recovery

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Woman holding glasses in front of Rockville, MD Eye Doctor office.

PRK vs. LASIK Process & Recovery

If you’ve been told you’re not a candidate for LASIK surgery, you’re not entirely out of options. Those who aren’t a good fit for LASIK will most likely qualify for an alternative vision correction surgery such as PRK (photorefractive keratectomy).

PRK is similar to LASIK, but it corrects different parts of the cornea. It’s not only an alternative for patients whose corneas are too thin for LASIK but also for those with dry eyes or diseases of the corneal surface. Keep reading to learn more about this process and what it can offer you compared to LASIK.

What Is PRK?

PRK is a refractive surgery that reshapes the cornea with a laser, so the light entering the eye is focused on the retina to produce clear images. This is slightly different compared to LASIK. Both procedures use a laser to clear the outer layer of your eye; LASIK creates a thin flap in the cornea, while PRK removes a cornea layer that grows back over time. This is what makes it a better option for those with thin corneas.

What Does PRK Surgery Entail?

Much like LASIK, a PRK procedure begins with numbing drops and a special eyelid holder to keep you from blinking. The surgeon then entirely removes the cornea’s outer layer (called the epithelial layer) to expose the area, whereas, in LASIK, a thin, hinged flap is created in the cornea. For PRK and LASIK, the excimer laser is used to sculpt the cornea and correct the refractive error.

The PRK surgery time is usually about 10 minutes per eye, while LASIK takes about 30 minutes for both eyes. Both procedures are considered equally safe and typically result in 20/20 or better vision without needing glasses or contacts.

How Long Is PRK Recovery?

PRK recovery time can vary from several days to several weeks, generally longer than a LASIK recovery (which some recover from within a few hours). Eyes may feel sore or scratchy, and halos or glare around lights at night may be an issue for a few days. To help protect your eyes and promote healing, your doctor will place a bandage contact lens in your eye.

With both procedures, it’s essential to minimize activity and sun exposure for at least the first week to avoid vision problems. And don’t rub your eyes, which can damage your cornea. Your doctor will review all of these guidelines with you to make sure you’re clear and comfortable.

Why Choose Visionary Eye Doctors for PRK?

Visionary Eye Doctors is proud to offer expert PRK procedures. As a member of the trials that culminated in the FDA approval of PRK, our own Dr. J. Alberto Martinez continues to be at the forefront of this leading-edge technology.

The first step in determining your candidacy for any procedure is to schedule a consultation and comprehensive eye exam with one of our experienced surgeons. We will establish if PRK is the best path for your long-term vision health by utilizing advanced diagnostic technology.

Ready to find out if you’re a candidate? Call our office today at 301-867-7920 to schedule a consultation with our expert surgeons. You can also schedule an appointment online.

closeup of a woman putting a contact lens in her eye

Debunking Contact Lens Myths

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closeup of a woman putting a contact lens in her eye

Imagine a life without glasses: no foggy lenses, no stopping to take them off before a workout, and no anxiety about losing or breaking them. If you wear glasses, you probably agree that those benefits sound pretty good! However, some common myths about contact lenses might be keeping you from making the switch to a simpler form of vision correction. Let’s delve into these misleading myths and learn why contact lenses just might be the change you need.

Myth 1: I’m too old for contact lenses

The only age restriction for contact lenses is whether you’re old enough. In the past, older adults were told not to wear them due to their higher likelihood of suffering from dry eyes or presbyopia (also called aging eye condition). The materials that contact lenses were made from in the past could make these conditions worse. Contact lenses are now made from a variety of materials, and your eye doctor can help you choose the best option for any eye condition you may have. These days, there are contacts specifically made for people who suffer from dry eyes. Some of them even contain added fluid to help moisturize your eyes, which helps to relieve the symptoms of dry eye.

Myth 2: Contact lenses can get stuck behind your eye

This is a scary one! Fortunately, it is not physically possible for a contact lens to get behind your eye. Our eyes are covered by a membrane that connects to the back of our eyelids to prevent anything from going behind the eye. If you can’t find your contact lens, it is most likely hiding under your upper eyelid. A contact lens can get “stuck” in your eye, but it is usually a soft lens and it cannot possibly migrate behind your eyeball. Adhering to proper guidelines for wearing your contact lenses will prevent them from getting stuck.

Myth 3: Contact lenses are too expensive

There are many options when purchasing contact lenses, and you should be able to work with your eye care provider to find one that fits your budget. If you have vision insurance, your policy may cover some or all of the cost of contacts, so be sure to call your insurance company for information. It’s also important to note that glasses require a large upfront investment, while contact lenses are generally a small monthly expense. While the annual cost of contact lenses might be slightly higher than that of glasses, many patients are willing to pay the difference for the freedom that contact lenses offer.

Myth 4: Contact lenses are a lot of trouble to take care of

Modern contact lenses require far less care than their predecessors. For minimal care requirements, you can choose daily disposable contact lenses, which require zero care. Even if you choose reusable contact lenses, most types can be cleaned, disinfected, and stored with one bottle of multiuse contact lens solution. Your eye care provider should instruct you on how to care for the type of contact lenses you choose. Eye infections can be easily prevented by following all instructions for the correct cleaning and storage of contact lenses.

Myth 5: Contact lenses are uncomfortable

While many contacts made 40 to 50 years ago were uncomfortable, modern contact lenses are thin, flexible, and soft. In fact, after a brief adjustment period, most people get so comfortable that they don’t even remember that they are wearing them! If you still experience discomfort after the adjustment period, there are several remedies that can help once your eye care doctor pinpoints the exact cause.

Contact Lens Services in Rockville With Visionary Eye Doctors

If you’re interested in trying contact lenses, we invite you to make an appointment with Visionary Eye Doctors. Our friendly team will help you decide if contact lenses are right for you. If you feel that you’re ready, we’ll work with you to find the best option for your eyes and lifestyle. If you’re nervous about making the change, our patient-centered team will help you test the waters with care and compassion. Nothing is more important to us than your eye health and overall well-being — and that may include beneficial lifestyle changes such as switching to contact lenses.

Call Visionary Eye Doctors at (301) 591-1763 or contact us online today to schedule an eye exam in the Washington, DC, area. We’d love to talk about switching to contact lenses!

Glasses held close to the camera with a man's blurry face behind them

LASIK Recovery Guide

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LASIK eye surgery is one of the most common elective surgeries in the United States. The procedure usually takes about 10 minutes, and you should see dramatically improved vision in just 12 to 24 hours! Still, your eyes may need up to six months to recover fully. Use this LASIK recovery guide so you know what to expect during each phase of the healing process.

Immediately After LASIK

Recovery from laser eye surgery begins right away. Slight swelling may occur, so you may notice foggy or hazy vision or halos around lights, especially at night. These side effects should improve as the swelling goes down within 24 hours, though minor haloing may linger for up to a month.

Other typical, temporary side effects may include:

  • Mild stinging and redness
  • Eye-watering or dryness
  • Gritty feeling in the eye
  • Light sensitivity

In the first few hours after LASIK, use the anesthetic eyedrops your surgeon gives you to combat discomfort. Over-the-counter pain relievers can also help.

Then, even if you feel perfectly normal, follow these precautions:

  • Get a ride home on LASIK treatment day.
  • Refrain from rubbing your eyes, or you could displace the corneal flap and cause complications.
  • Go to bed early the day of your surgery to help your corneas begin healing.
  • Wear the protective eye shields your surgeon gives you while you sleep.

The First Few Weeks After LASIK

Your first post-operative appointment will take place 24 hours after your laser eye surgery. A clinician will check the condition of your corneas and ensure everything looks right. You may have another appointment for a one-week post-op. However, contact your eye doctor immediately if you experience any pain, redness, discharge, or degraded vision before your next checkup.

Your vision should settle two to three months after LASIK. In the meantime, follow your surgeon’s instructions about using antibiotic eye drops to guard against infection and steroid eye drops to reduce inflammation. You can also combat dryness with artificial tears.

Then, follow these precautions to further avoid injury and infection:

  • Wear sunglasses always until your eyes no longer feel light-sensitive.
  • Continue wearing your eye shields while you sleep.
  • Continue to avoid rubbing your eyes.
  • Avoid dusty environments and gardening for one week.
  • Don’t wear eye makeup for a week.
  • Avoid sports and exercise for one week, and don’t play contact sports for at least a month.
  • Keep water out of your eyes for a week and avoid swimming for at least a month.

One to Six Months After LASIK

You can resume all normal activities after a month, with the exception of some contact sports. Continue keeping your eyes lubricated with artificial tears, especially when working at a computer for long hours.

If you have a high prescription, your vision may take up to six months to settle. At your six-month appointment, your clinician will determine if your vision has reduced at all. While this is rare, re-treatment is easily performed if necessary.

One Year After LASIK

You’ve gotten used to the freedom of not wearing glasses and contact lenses by now, but you need one final follow-up at the one-year mark. At this point, you can expect to be discharged to the care of your local optometrist. Continue to schedule routine eye exams every one to two years to monitor your eye health and ensure clear vision for the foreseeable future!

Schedule LASIK With Visionary Eye Doctors

Are you ready to achieve crystal-clear vision with LASIK? The first step is to schedule a consultation with an experienced eye surgeon at Visionary Eye Doctors. We can determine if you’re a candidate for LASIK and assess the overall health of your eyes to establish a long-term vision plan for you.

To get started, please contact us online or call us at (301) 591-1763. We have offices in Rockville, MD; Damascus, MD; and Washington, DC, to better serve you.

closeup of a woman putting eyedrops in

What Does Getting LASIK Feel Like?

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The idea of sitting through a LASIK surgery can be nerve-wracking, and we at Visionary Eye Doctors understand. We’re here to make the process as relaxed and comforting as possible, so we assembled answers to the most common questions we receive about what to expect during a LASIK procedure.

How Long Will the Surgery Take?

The LASIK procedure for each eye only takes about 10 to 15 minutes total, and the actual laser time per eye is only about a minute each depending on the severity of your prescription. It is over quite quickly, and you will spend it reclined in a comfortable chair.

Do the Numbing Drops Sting?

Before the procedure begins, a numbing eyedrop will be administered so that you won’t feel any pain. The drops should feel like any other you may use for dry eyes and shouldn’t sting or cause any discomfort themselves.

What if I Need to Blink?

A small instrument called a lid speculum is placed between your eyelids, so you don’t have to worry about blinking during the surgery. Plus, the numbing drops help eliminate the urge to blink, which means you won’t be fighting any impulses.

Will It Hurt To Stare at the Light?

The light you are asked to stare at is not the actual laser. It is only meant to help keep your eye still while the laser does its job. The light is not dangerous and won’t cause any pain.

What Should I Expect During the Laser?

You may experience a slight pressure on the eye when the surgeon applies the microkeratome, the instrument used to create the corneal flap, but it is not painful. You may also notice sounds (the laser’s pulse makes a ticking noise) and smells (some report a burning hair smell as the laser removes corneal tissue). Remember, this portion takes less than a minute per eye so the sensations won’t last long.

How Will My Eyes Be Protected After?

Since there are no stitches involved, a shield will be placed over your eyes to keep you from rubbing or putting pressure on your eye while sleeping. It’s important to keep this shield on to avoid any accidental contact until the flap has fully mended.

We hope this guide helps you feel more confident about moving forward with a LASIK procedure! If you have any other questions or would like to request a consultation, reach out to our team online or call us at (301) 591-1763.

Computer screen light reflect from glasses. Close up of eyes. Business man, coder or programmer working late at night with laptop. Thoughtful focused guy in dark. Reflection of monitor.

Do Computers Cause Myopia?

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Myopia (nearsightedness) affects 40% of North Americans with a staggering growth rate over the past two decades that has qualified the condition as a global epidemic. Myopia is projected to affect 58% of the population by 2050. The recent spike in myopia cases has spurred research into the effect of computer screen exposure, and the blue light digital screens emit, on developing eyes. Learn more about what myopia is, how computer exposure is connected to the condition, and how you can prevent it to protect one of your essential senses.

Contact Visionary Eye Doctors in Rockville, MD, to learn how to safeguard your eyesight with responsible myopia management. Call us today at (301) 591-1763.

What Is Myopia?

Myopia is not an eye disease but an eye focusing disorder. It is caused by the inability of the eye to refract or bend light as it should. Instead, light from a distant object forms an image before it reaches the retina. This refractive error blurs distant objects while keeping near objects clear. Myopia occurs when either the eye is too long or the cornea is too steep. Untreated myopia can lead to headaches, eyestrain, and a further decline in vision. Myopia’s growing prevalence has made it a real public health issue for the world to confront.

Computer Screen Exposure Puts You at Risk for Developing Myopia

According to research from the American Optometric Association, those who clock considerable hours working/reading from a computer screen, or engaging in other close visual activities, have been shown to be more likely to develop myopia. This is especially true in children who engage in frequent computer use before the age of 10 years when the eye is still developing. The quantity of time spent in front of digital devices at close range is what ultimately damages eye health. Eye strain, coupled with the blue light of digital devices and LED screens, damages the back of the eye.

While the eye can block many damaging UV light rays, blue light is able to pass straight through the lens and cornea to the retina and light-sensitive nerves, degrading the macular pigment in the eye. This damage leads to macular degeneration and ultimately blindness.

While macular degeneration is commonly seen in adults 40 years and older, health professionals predict that many more of the younger generation will develop macular degeneration at an accelerated rate due to electronic devices. Glaucoma and other retinal degenerative diseases also stem from too much exposure.

Do Blue Light Blocking Glasses Help Prevent Myopia?

72% of our population is unaware of the dangers of blue light despite its prevalence in our world. Other than from the sun, much of the dangers of blue-violet light originate from digital screens. If schoolwork, a job, or hobbies are exposing you to blue light, consult with your eye doctor on how to protect your eye health.  Specialized blue light blocking lenses and eyeglasses can offer you protection from dangerous blue light exposure. But they shouldn’t be used as a stand-alone approach. Reducing screen time, dimming your screen’s brightness, and working with a trained optometrist skilled in myopia and prevention can offer you the best strategies for success.

Myopia Treatment and Prevention in Rockville with Visionary Eye Doctors

Myopia control, treatment, and prevention strategies can help slow the progression of myopia and in certain situations prevent it from occurring. A combination of approaches yields the best results and usually involve lifestyle changes, dual-focus contact lenses, Ortho-K corneal reshaping, and low dose atropine drops.

Decrease your household’s risk of worsening myopia by engaging the help of our board-certified optometrist at Visionary Eye Doctors in Rockville, MD. Dr. Hosseini is skilled at myopia treatment and prevention and possesses a chairside manner that is welcoming to both youth and adults alike.

Call Visionary Eye Doctors in Rockville, MD, to schedule a myopia evaluation and consultation for improved myopia management. Call us today at (301) 591-1763.