Why Seeing Can Be Everything About Living

If you can only retain one of the five human senses, which would you rather choose? This can be quite a quandary, considering that sight, sound, touch, smell, and taste all help you to function normally. Your choice will likely depend on which of the five senses plays an important role in your lifestyle.

For example, if you love to cook and it is your passion or career, you'd most probably choose your sense of taste. In fact, there's a popular television series, Master Chef (Australian version), that featured one blind contestant who did very well in the competition. On the other hand, if you're someone from Grasse, France who works in the perfume industry, you'd obviously not want to lose your sense of smell.

Meanwhile, a musician may prefer an intact sense of hearing above anything else. Indeed, what can a music lover do if he's tone deaf even if he can read musical scores? Meanwhile, other people may either choose to keep their tactile or olfactory sense so they can navigate their surroundings, recall fond memories, or recognized loved ones up close.

Yet a lot of people will probably say that they can't live without the sense of sight. After all, sight allows you to perceive the beauty of the world, steer clear of danger, and even communicate without words. It thus not surprising why people take pains to ensure good eye health or even undergo corrective procedures like laser eye surgery.

After the Operation: It’s All Over… Well, Not Really

Suppose you're past the rigors of cataract surgery. Your eyesight has more or less been restored thanks to a brand-new lens implanted into your eye. Such procedures carry the promise of reverting your situation to normal after the surgery. However, just because you're cured doesn’t mean you can get wild again.

There are many things to do after the operation, all of which will help protect your well-being. First up, let a family member or friend drive you home after the procedure. Make sure to have them assist you with walking to prevent bumping into any objects – especially glass. You may also ask them to administer the prescribed eye drops on you. One other important reminder is to refrain from any strenuous activities.

Stay away from the pool or hot tub in the first weeks after the operation to prevent complications to your eyes. In addition, avoid areas with heavy particles in the air such as unpaved roads. It's best not to head outside when it's windy so you won't be tempted to rub your eyes in the event that they get irritated. Taken together, these precautions will make a difference in ensuring your post-cataract eyes stay safe and clear.

Meds to Avoid When Undergoing Cataract Surgery

Cataract surgery is a highly intricate eye operation requiring intense concentration in removing the protein clumps which, when left untreated, can result in blindness. The process involves the removal of the eye’s natural lens and its replacement with an artificial lens. To successfully restore the patient's vision, some medicines will have to be avoided prior to the surgery.

It is recommended that patients refrain from drinking analgesics such as ibuprofen and aspirin at least two weeks before the surgery. These may be intended to thin the blood and prevent inflammation, but they actually raise the odds of bleeding after the operation. Consuming herbal supplements can likewise trigger unexpected reactions. The surgeon will have to be informed of special circumstances, like if there are drugs that the patient is required to take every day.

Vitamin E is the most important vitamin to avoid ahead of the operation, as this usually increases the bleeding during the procedure itself. On a positive note, Vitamin C promotes rapid healing in the aftermath of the operation. A good rule of thumb is to take it for up to two weeks after the surgery.

A disciplined abstention from certain medications is a necessary sacrifice for a successful cataract operation. It might be hassle at the beginning, but it will all be worth it in the end.

Frosty Sight: Explaining the Necessity of Cataract Surgery

Having trouble with reading is not a big deal. Most people either shrug it off or opt for glasses with higher grades. However, when the issue escalates into problems with bright lights at night, then it's time to see a doctor. Your concern can no longer be considered as benign if you're found to be suffering from cataract. In such case, you'll have to undergo an operation to remove it.

Cataract surgery is the removal of the eye’s natural lens that has somehow become opaque from yellow pigments. A special lens will be implanted in its place. Things become a little more complicated if both eyes have cataracts and surgery is recommended for them. The operations on each will have to be done weeks apart to prevent infection in the event that something goes wrong with one eye.

Time is of the essence when it comes to cataract removals. Ophthalmologists recommend that the cataracts be removed before they develop and harden, which can complicate surgical efforts. They can also trigger an increase in pressure on the eye that can later result in glaucoma.

The methods used in cataract surgery have greatly improved over the years to the point that they can be done during the cataract’s late stage of development. Still, it is better to nip things in the bud so you can get back to your daily habits at the soonest possible time.  

Modern Eye Treatments: How Laser Eye Surgery Works

Laser eye surgery is the process of using laser technology to correct any visual abnormality to restore 20-20 vision, cure vision problems and prevent eventual blindness. It is a precise procedure to remove corneal tissues for the cornea to improve its focusing power. The cornea, the transparent portion of the eye, covers the iris, pupil and the anterior chamber. It serves as a clear window for the eyes to look through.

In a laser eye surgery, the ophthalmologist will first make an incision in your cornea, which is about a fourth of its depth. The laser will then be directed into this cut. As the light reaches your corneal tissues, some portions of the tissues vaporize. The machine controlling the laser can be adjusted to the exact position, size and number of pulses to remove only the necessary amount of tissues.

The results of this procedure are most of the time, permanent. While most patients receive perfect vision thanks to laser surgery procedures, the person's health can still affect the outcome. All you need to do to make sure your surgery is successful is to follow your doctor's instructions on pre and post-surgery care.

Through effective laser surgery procedures from an eye center, you can be assured of normal vision. This is extremely beneficial for those who want to get rid of their eyeglasses or stop wearing contact lenses forever. See the world in a better light with laser eye surgery.

Reaching for the Light: Tips for Recovering from Glaucoma Surgery

Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness in many countries worldwide. If you are about to undergo glaucoma surgery, make sure to follow your eye doctor's instructions on post-operative care to avoid any infection or complication. Here are some of the things he will order you to do:

Shower and Shine

Avoid taking showers in the first few days after surgery. Irritants like soap and other bath products can reverse the effects of the surgery and cause infection. Protect your eyes from sunlight as well. Wear eye shields in the first two days post surgery which is the most critical period.

Minimal Movement

Don't move around too much immediately after surgery. Abstain from your regular exercise, and avoid swimming. Excessive movement and water pressure can strain your eyes and lead to complications.

Quit Your Vices

Drinking alcohol can increase the fluid pressure in the eyes and worsen your situation. Smoking does the same thing because each cigarette can increase the intraocular pressure by 5.0 mm Hg or more. Stay away from both if you want to completely recover from your surgery.

Eye surgery centers and your professional ophthalmologists can only do so much to help cure you from glaucoma. With your full cooperation, you can wake up to see the light of day. 

Vision Hospitals: Common Procedures in Eye Centers

Eye centers are fully equipped clinics where you can have your vision healed or restored. Professional ophthalmologists and eye surgeons work in these centers to diagnose and operate on a wide variety of visual problems and ailments. Here are some of the treatments commonly performed in eye centers.

Lasik Surgery

Lasik surgery helps you see better even without the aid of contact lenses or eyeglasses. Your doctor will make an incision in your cornea which exposes the corneal tissue. A laser is then used to correct the cornea's refractive properties.

Cataract Surgery

Cataract significantly decreases your vision because of a clouding of the lens inside the eyes. To correct this vision problem, the doctor will clean or remove this cloudy lens and replace it with an intraocular lens (IOL). This is made of silicone, acrylic or plastic with an optical power to help restore vision.

Diabetic Retinopathy Procedures

Many people with diabetes often develop an illness known as retinopathy which is the damage to the blood vessels in the retina. When left untreated, it can lead to blindness. Many modern eye centers now offer laser surgery procedures to shrink and eliminate abnormal blood vessels in the periphery of the retina.

There are many other treatments that your local eye doctor can help you with. All these procedures can be done in modern eye centers to cure or eliminate most vision problems to give patients of all ages a perfect vision. Visit your doctor for a complete eye checkup.

The Three Types of Glaucoma

Although glaucoma jokes are abound in Internet, the reality of having this disease is no laughing matter. Glaucoma is actually the name of a group of diseases that damages the optic nerve, which is responsible for transmitting information from the eye to the brain. Glaucoma can cause a person to lose his vision or, at least, part of it.

There are three types of glaucoma: open angle, closed angle, and congenital. Open angle glaucoma, the most common one, means that the optic nerve is gradually damaged which eventually causes the loss of eyesight. Closed angle glaucoma is not as common but some might say it's more severe; hence, you may need the immediate care of an ophthalmologist from Michigan. If you have this type of glaucoma, the iris blocks the fluid in your eye causing pressure to the latter. This can lead to permanent damage. Congenital glaucoma is a rare form of this condition that infants have since birth.

According to WebMD, you may need to undergo surgery from an ophthalmologist to address the problem. Unfortunately, most people don't really notice that they have the condition until some sort of vision loss occurs. Nonetheless, it's important to go to a doctor to prevent the disease from worsening.

A Guide to Ocular Migraines: Symptoms and Causes

Some people who suffer from poor vision get severe headaches. As a result, they get fitted for glasses in an optometrist's office. However, there are times when a pair of designer glasses won't cure your headache. If the problem persists, maybe it's time to consult an ophthalmologist in Michigan as stubborn headaches may be due to ocular migraine.

Although relatively rare, ocular migraines can be quite scary because according to WebMD it causes vision loss for an hour followed by a severe headache. This condition can also cause you to have blind spots in your field of vision or cause you to see flashing lights. Another common symptom is a severe headache that can last anywhere between four and seventy-two hours.

According to the article in WebMD, experts aren't sure what causes ocular migraines. Some say that it is caused by spasms in the retinal blood vessels, while others opine that it is due to changes that spread in the nerve cells in the retina. If you have severe headaches and vision loss, it's imperative that you see an ophthalmologist right away. People who have ocular migraines are reportedly more at risk of developing total vision loss in one eye.

Opthalmologists and Optometrists: Tomato, Tomahto?

Some people assume that an ophthalmologist is exactly the same as an optometrist. While both professionals deal with eye care, they have distinct qualifications and perform different functions. For instance, an optometrist is qualified to prescribe corrective glasses but isn't allowed to perform delicate eye surgery. However, they can diagnose certain abnormalities and even prescribe medication.

To become an eye doctor, one has to complete an undergraduate degree, go through four years of medical school, and complete a full year of internship. Those who finally qualify to practice ophthalmology in Michigan handle the whole gamut of eye care, from prescribing glasses to performing eye surgery. Some ophthalmologists are even involved in scientific research in an effort to find a cure for certain eye conditions. On the other hand, a Doctor of Optometry or an OD and is licensed to provide only primary eyecare.

Knowing the difference between an optometrist and an ophthalmologist enables you to go to the right person. If you merely exhibit the symptoms of being far sighted or near sighted, you can get fitted for glasses through your friendly neighborhood optometrist. However, if you're suffering from serious visual impairment, then you should schedule an appointment with an ophthalmologist right away.