Laser Eye Surgery – Laser Vision Correction

October 12, 2022

Performing Simultaneous Cataract Surgery

Age-related cataracts can affect both eyes, requiring the endogenic lens to be replaced with an artificial Intraocular Lens (IOL) surgically. Generally, there is a lapse in time between surgeries for each eye, but the surgery can be performed on both eyes on the same day.

A study by Cochrane suggests that there are unlikely to be any large, clinically significant differences between both approaches, though the overall quality was assessed as moderate to very low.

Several advantages to performing the surgery in both eyes simultaneously include fewer hospital visits, faster bilateral vision recovery, and lower procedure costs.

Risks of simultaneously performing cataract surgery in both eyes consist of developing a postoperative complication in both eyes, and not being able to use the visual acuity from the first operation during the second procedure, since there would only be one.

The Cochrane review authors noted that the complications generally occurred up to three months post-op, and there were little- to no differences noted between the two methods. Most of the study results were limited by an overall small number of endophthalmitis, postoperative complications, and a lack of specific data, among other variables.

Thomas Kohnen, MD, PhD, chair of the German Commission for Refractive Surgery (KRC), set up by the German Society of Ophthalmology (DOG), and the Professional Association of German Ophthalmologists (BVA) at the University Clinic Frankfurt, said, “In Germany, there is only very little data on ISBCS because it is barely a topic here. “We have very good medical infrastructure with widespread and prompt ophthalmological care, such that even people living in the countryside do not have to travel great distances or experience long waiting times for a first or second cataract surgery, which is different from many places abroad. The procedure with bilateral operations on the same day is not recommended in the guidelines from our professional societies, [because] any complications that occur postoperatively could potentially entail lengthy legal liability procedures for the surgeons.”

In Germany, sequential bilateral cataract surgery is typically performed with two outpatient operations spaced several days (or weeks) apart. Medical, social, or personal reasons can create exceptions to the rule, requiring both eyes to be operated on with a shorter amount of time between each procedure, under general anesthesia in one sitting, or with an overnight gap.

Rohr Eye & Laser Center offers the most advanced technology available to provide personalized and extraordinary care to our patients. Whether your goal is to maintain or improve your natural vision, we are here to help you. Call us at 877-579-0202 to learn more.Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/

July 16, 2021

How long does LASIK last?

One of the most frequently asked questions about LASIK is: “How long does it last?” Close runner up: “Is it permanent?” The answer to both questions is yes, LASIK is permanent. However, there is a slight chance you will have to wear glasses again in the future. Since your body changes through age, laser vision correction procedures cannot prevent deterioration to the ocular area.

Between the ages of seven and 23, vision changes are expected as the eyes develop and mature. Issues such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism can come and go, increase and decrease, etc., as long as the eye undergoes changes. Once vision has not changed in a year, it is considered fully mature.

However, just like the rest of your body, the eyes continue changing through time. For most people, the subtle changes are not a factor until the age of 40. At this time, people report their near-range of vision being blurry. The age-related alterations in vision are dubbed presbyopia. In time, the eye lens stiffens and becomes cloudy, which is called a cataract.

Laser vision correction procedures do not treat the lens; rather, they reshape the surface of the eye, which is known as the cornea. LASIK alters the surface of the eye permanently and can improve your vision for years. Your vision will improve, whether it be from nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. The laser reshapes the cornea, correcting the imperfections that create vision issues.

Occasionally, nearsightedness or farsightedness can occur with people going through presbyopia. Purchasing a pair of glasses to last the rest of your lifetime might not be out of the question. So yes, the eyes can change, but they won’t return to being as bad as they were before LASIK.

A recent study in the Journal of Cataract and Refractive Surgery concluded quality-of-life and satisfaction rates stayed high five years following LASIK, according to patient-reported data. The study also reported over 94 percent of patients were not wearing distance prescription lenses five years after undergoing LASIK.

To learn more about LASIK or schedule a consultation, contact the experts at Rohr Eye & Laser Center today.

Rohr Eye & Laser Center offers the most advanced technology available to provide personalized and extraordinary care to our patients. Whether your goal is to maintain or improve your natural vision, we are here to help you. Call us at 877-579-0202 or visit https://www.michiganlasik.com/ to schedule an appointment today.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

April 1, 2020

What to Expect Before, During, and After LASIK Surgery

LASIK is the most common laser eye surgery to treat myopia (near-sightedness), hyperopia (far-sightedness), and astigmatism. If you are tired of wearing contacts or glasses, a simple consultation with a Lasik surgeon can determine if you are the right candidate for Lasik surgery. If, after an evaluation, it is determined that LASIK is not a good fit for you, know that there are other vision correction surgeries such as LASEK, PRK, and Phakic IOL surgery as possible options too.

In this article, we discuss the process a patient can experience before, during, and after LASIK surgery. Any detailed questions you may have should always be left for your trained medical professional to answer.

Before Surgery

Before receiving LASIK surgery, a comprehensive eye exam is needed to ensure that your eyes are healthy enough to move forward with the procedure. It is recommended to stop wearing contact lenses a few weeks before the eye exam and surgery since most can change the shape of the cornea. Patients should wear their eyeglasses instead.

During the exam, your doctor will look at the cornel shape, thickness, pupil size, refractive errors, and other eye conditions. This is a great time to bring up any questions or concerns that your doctor may be able to answer.

If everything goes well during the exam and you’re comfortable with the next steps, it is time to prepare for surgery. Your doctor should ask you to stop using products such as creams, lotions, makeup, or perfumes since these items can cause a higher risk for infection during and after surgery. It is also important to arrange transportation to and from surgery.

During Surgery

For many, surgery is the most dreaded part. However, there is no need to fear, as it is painless and should take less than 30 minutes. Just before surgery, the patient will recline back to rest in a comfortable position. Next, numbing drops are placed into the eyes. The area around the eye will be cleaned and a lid speculum (a device that holds the eyelids open) will be used.

You will be asked to focus on a special fixation light while the surgeon activates a precision instrument electronically to cut a flap in the cornea. The laser treatment is then performed to reshape the cornea using techniques that vary depending on the type of refractive errors. The corneal flap is then repositioned, allowing for the eye to heal.

Post-Op Instructions

Once the surgery has been completed, the first sensation you may feel is itching or burning; however, this is only temporary discomfort and will resolve soon. A brief examination will be performed shortly after the procedure, and subsequently, you will be sent home, accompanied by your appointed driver.

Your vision may seem blurry or hazy at first, and you may feel that you want to rub or itch your eyes. You mustn’t touch your eyes during this recovery time as they are healing. Rubbing your eyes could cause the flap to dislodge, which could require further treatments. A shield is recommended to place over your eyes for protection from additional elements and light sensitivity.

A follow-up appointment with your doctor will be scheduled 24 to 48 hours after the initial surgery. Subsequent check-ups will also be planned throughout the next six months.

Rohr Eye & Laser Center offers the most advanced technology available to suit your lifestyle and visual needs. As a leader in laser vision correction and cataract surgery, our goal is to help you achieve the best vision possible without glasses or contact lenses. More information can be found online at https://michiganlasik.com.

February 13, 2020

Post-Op Cataract Hypertension

The most common adverse effect seen on day one of post-op cataract surgery that may require some form of treatment is ocular hypertension. It is essential to understand when and how to treat this condition to avoid a rare but serious complication of optic nerve damage and vision loss. Either inflammation typically causes this condition, or the ophthalmic viscosurgical device (OVD) used during surgery to keep the eye shape has left a small remainder of the gel on the ocular. Experts have come to the consensus that if the pressure is higher than 30 mm Hg, the patient should be treated. Also, if a patient has preexisting glaucoma or is currently experiencing eye pain, then they too should be helped. In this article, it goes into detail on how this condition can be treated. It is always best to consult with your doctor for any concerns after surgery.

December 9, 2019

First All-Laser LASIK in new Southern Utah Surgery Center

A new breakthrough is entering into the LASIK market as the Southwest Surgery Center, based in southern Utah, will reveal its new all-laser LASIK surgery setup in a new state-of-the-art facility. As outlined in this St. George News article, the facility will be using this new technology in the hopes to benefit its patients with lower risk and shorter recovery time than the more traditional laser eye surgeries. The facility itself focuses on more outpatient eye surgeries and services that try to shorten recovery times and allow patients to get back to their lives quicker and with more comfort. The facility will also be open for patients and their surgeons to use for other related outpatient services.

August 22, 2019

Eye Exams 101

In the world of health priorities, our eyes seem to be on the lower end of that spectrum. We focus mostly on our bodies, then our teeth, but making sure our eyes are as healthy as the rest of our body usually comes out as nothing more than a “I’ll keep an eye on it” (no pun intended). Some people put off a dentist appointment or doctor checkup so long that they have a subpar understanding of what exactly such an event entails. For eye appointments a lot of people only recall the machine that shoots a puff of air at your eye, but the entire process is good to understand before making that long overdue appointment.

Why are eye exams done?

The reasoning for eye exams may be obvious: they are used to check the overall health of your eyes. But, the goal of an eye exam is to pinpoint and discover any issues your eyes may be developing at the earliest stage possible. The earlier an issue arises, the better the chance of treatment. It’s when somebody puts off an eye appointment for years that any issue that may be present most likely has advanced to stage an untreatable stage. Having regular eye exams prevents any issue from metastasizing too late.

When should I be making appointments?

The relative age of the patient is a key deciding factor for making regular eye appointments. For example, newborns and toddlers will usually have their pediatrician look for the most common eye issues during regular checkups. Only when something is found is a proper eye exam conducted, even at that age. For children a little older it is important to have the eyes checked prior to starting elementary school, after which you can expect checkups every one to two years. For adults, the frequency depends on your age range.

What should I do before, during, and after?

The steps to take when going through an eye exam may seem dauting but the reality is much simpler. For first timers, understanding your eye health history is beneficial to both you and the doctor conducting the exam (not unlike an appointment with a general practitioner). Keep a tally of any health issues you’ve had in the past that may or may not be affecting eye health. You can also take this time to talk to the doctor about LASIK if you know your vision could already be better.

The exam itself is generally short and simple, with machines being used to test visual acuity and sensitivity. When you think of the phrase “better, worse, or the same?”, this is when you’d be asked that question. Also, yes, this is when you’d have the puff of air shot into your eye, so mentally prepare for that.

After the exam you’ll typically get the results of your exam and any issues that may have been found, if any. If issues are found (for example: cataracts), preventative measures and possible surgery can be discussed, and if your vision isn’t as great as you’ve boasted for years, you can try on glasses and find a frame that best fits your style with your new prescription.

That’s it! Not as daunting as it may sound, but it really is something one should keep up with, especially if you want a glasses prescription that is up to date.

July 30, 2019August 7, 2019

Being a Canidate For LASIK

LASIK is a type of refractive eye surgery that eliminates dependency on corrective lenses. It is, however, not the right decision for everyone. It is important to determine if you are a good candidate for LASIK and that you weigh the decision to have the procedure before scheduling your surgery. Are you tired of wearing glasses and contacts? Read on to see if you are a candidate for laser vision correction surgery.

Most LASIK patients will achieve 20/25 vision or better after LASIK eye surgery. This is appropriate vision for most activities; eventually however, some LASIK candidates will need glasses for reading or driving at night.

The track record for LASIK surgery is good. There are a few rare complications that result in vision loss. In fact, most people are satisfied with the results of their procedure. Common side effects of the surgery are dry eye and temporal visual disturbance but often clear up in a few weeks or a month. They are rarely long-term and don’t require additional intervention. Of course, the final results will depend on your refractive error. Candidates with mild nearsightedness have better success overall with refractive surgery while candidates with a high degree of nearsightedness or farsightedness with astigmatism have less predictable results overall.

There are multiple differences in laser refractive surgery although LASIK is the generic term used for all of them. Images are focused on the retina in the back of your eye. When your vision is not perfect the images focus elsewhere and result in blurred vision.

Nearsightedness results in objects far away to appear blurry whereas nearby objects are clearer. The eyeball is normally longer or the cornea curves sharply which doesn’t allow the light rays to focus at the front of the retina and then blur distant objects. Farsightedness on the other hand is where close objects are blurry but objects in the distance can be seen clearly. This occurs because the eyeball is short or the cornea is flat, light then focuses behind the retina. Astigmatisms cause overall blurry vision, the cornea curves or flattens unevenly.

Traditional methods of blurry vision are corrected by the bending of light rays with contacts or glasses. Reshaping the cornea during LASIK provides the necessary refraction for vision correction. Before surgery the surgeon will take detailed measurements of your eye. They will then use a specialized cutting laser to alter the curve of the cornea. The pulse of the laser beam removes a tiny bit of corneal tissue which allows your eye surgeon to flatten or steepen the curve of the cornea. The surgeon will create a flap in the cornea and then raise it up before the cornea is reshaped.

June 28, 2019July 2, 2019

Preparing for Cataract Surgery

Have you noticed that your vision has started to get a bit cloudy? As you notice this occurrence it is important to speak with your eye doctor as you may be developing a cataract in your eye. When you are diagnosed with a cataract your eye doctor will often recommend surgery to remove the lens of the eye and replace it with an artificial one. Cataract removal is common, safe, and after it is done you will be able to see clearer.

Who Should Have Cataract Surgery?

If you have a cataract, it doesn’t always mean you will have to have surgery, some people don’t even notice a change in their vision. Some people will continue to see clearly. As a cataract grows your symptoms will change. Your vision could become yellow, dim, or blurred. Double vision is another common side effect when you are looking at things through a cataract. It can be difficult to read, work on a computer, or do common everyday activities that require clear vision. Poor night vision is another side effect of cataracts.

Preparing for Cataract Surgery

About a week or two before your cataract surgery your doctor will start measuring the size and shape of your eyes. This allows them to choose an artificial lens that is the most appropriate size for you lens. You will be unable to eat or drink for at least twelve hours before your surgery. You should also know that you will be awake during the procedure. It is not a painful surgery, but you may need some medicine to relax especially if you have surgical anxiety. The surgery will take less than an hour in most situations. A laser is used to break up the cataract into bits that can be gently suctioned out. The new lens will then be put into place. You will not need to spend the night, but you will need someone there to drive you home. If cataracts are present in both eyes, surgery will typically be scheduled a few weeks apart.

Side Effects of Cataract Surgery

Although rare there are some typical side effects from cataract surgery including:

Infection and Swelling
Bleeding
Detachment of the Retina
A Feeling of Pressure in Your Eye
Loosening of the Implant
Fluid Buildup
Eyelid Drooping

After surgery your eye may itch or be a bit sore. Bright light may be extreme, and some tearing may occur. The doctor will give you eye drops to apply regularly. Take it easy and try to relax for a few days after surgery. Don’t drive, bend over, put pressure on the eye, or pick up heavy things. While you sleep your eye should be shielded to protect it as it is healing. Your eye should be fully healed after about 8 weeks.

March 27, 2019

A LASIK Overview

LASIK is a delicate corrective procedure that is used to improve eyesight. Not everyone is a good candidate for laser corrective surgery however for millions of patients, LASIK surgery is done with success.

Basics In LASIK

Most people who wear glasses or contacts think about corrective surgery at one time or another. During the LASIK procedure a laser reshapes your cornea (the dome which is located at the front of the eye) to increase light rays focusing on the retina.

Here are some things to consider before you schedule your Free LASIK, laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis, surgery. Consider the following:

LASIK can’t be reversed. It is a complicated surgery to a delicate part of the eye.
Laser vision corrective surgery doesn’t come without possible complications or risks.
Eye surgery is not for everyone; however, LASIK has been performed successfully on millions of people throughout the United States.
Although many patients end up with near perfect vision but there is a chance that the LASIK procedure will not end up giving you perfect vision, it is possible to end up with slightly diminished precise vision.
- 9 out of 10 patients end up with 20/20 and 20/40 vision – 20/40 vision is often not sharp enough for certain types of work.
LASIK is used to correct distance vision. It is likely that patients may still require reading glasses in their 40’s. LASIK is not used for correction or prevention of presbyopia which is an age-related loss of the eye being able to focus on objects nearby.
Nearsighted patients that don’t need reading glasses before the surgery might need them after.

LASIK benefits may decrease overtime. In fact, more than 10% of patients may require a second surgery which is known as a retreatment. This will restore the patients desired vision. This process is more common in patients who had higher nearsighted or farsightedness or a higher degree of astigmatism.

LASIK surgery is a procedure that is not covered under most insurance plans. For most candidates they can expect to pay up to $3,000 per eye for the LASIK procedure.

February 28, 2019

Lasik vs Contacts For Correcting Vision

Are you or a loved on interested in LASIK? Have you thought about how your life would change if you could see clearly without the use of glasses or contacts? Laser vision correction may be a popular option for you to consider. The first step in the process is to have a thorough eye exam that will help to determine if you are a good candidate for surgery.

LASIK eye surgery is most often done to treat nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatisms. Laser surgery involves reshaping the cornea in order for light entering the eye can focus properly on the retina which allows for clearer vision. For most people their vision is improved within a matter of twenty-four hours after surgery. If you are looking for clear vision without the need for glasses or contacts, LASIK can offer you that.

There are a few things to remember when preparing for LASIK surgery including:

Laser vision surgery can be done in both eyes during the same appointment.
LASIK takes approximately ten to fifteen minutes per eye.
Patients must be over the age of 18 to qualify for LASIK.
Many LASIK patients achieve 20/20 vision and no longer require the use of contacts or glasses.
Recovering from LASIK often requires anywhere between a few days and a few weeks for your vision to return to normal.

For some patients LASIK can seem quite daunting and they will decide to trade in their glasses for contacts instead of laser vision correction. Contacts are an ideal solution for patients who aren’t ready to commit to LASIK but no longer are interested in wearing glasses. Most contact lenses are silicone hydrogel lenses which are a type of soft lens that can be worn daily. Some contact lenses are known as extended wear lenses and can be worn overnight or continuously for thirty days.

There are a few things to remember when preparing to wear contacts:

Contact lenses need to be replaced often to decrease the chance of contamination
There are several types of contacts available to correct various vision issues
Contact lenses can be customized for eyes that are difficult to fit
Options in lenses include colored lenses, lenses for dry eyes, lenses with bifocals, UV reducing lenses, and even prosthetic lenses

Both LASIK and contacts are safe. There are risks of infection with both if care is not taken but side effects are rare.

Both LASIK and contacts are effective. Vision is improved with both laser correction surgery and the use of contact lenses. Adjusting for vision changes is easier with contacts however, LASIK patients can also adjust for vision changes with the use of glasses for reading or nighttime driving.

Both LASIK and contacts are affordable. Laser vision correction ranges between $1,500 to $2,500 per eye. Contacts are cost about $300 a year. The only downside is that the cost of contacts never disappears. You will need to purchase new contacts yearly.

Obviously, LASIK is a great option for correcting your vision on a permanent basis however, surgery is not for everyone. Contacts are a wonderful change for individuals who want a change from wearing glasses to improve their vision.