The Options Available in Avoiding Dry Eyes

If there are times when you feel your eyes seem itchy or stinging for some unknown reason, chances are you are experiencing dry eyes. Also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca or xerophthalmia, dry-eye syndrome is mostly characterized by a lack of adequate moisture in the eyes. People suffering from this may notice that there are not enough tears going out through the tear ducts, or whatever tears shed end up being of slightly impure quality. There are numerous ways to get past this malady with help from your opthalmologist.

For starters, administering artificial teardrops and ointments work. The drops are available over-the-counter from several manufacturers, so you need to conduct a little trial to find the product that suits you. This includes choosing the right ointment to use in case of chronic dry eyes, even at night. The ophthalmologist can also recommend temporary or permanent punctal occlusions to plug up the tear ducts; some patients consider this an alternative to drops.

Since there are tears that go out the nose, surgery may be done to redirect their flow to the tear ducts near the eye for replenished moisturization. If you are afflicted with dry-eyes, don't lose hope. The eyecare profession will have methods to correct such a problem. 

Tetris: The Old-but-Exciting Solution to Lazy Eyes

You probably know that your eyesight can be affected by spending too long playing video games. At least, that used to be the case until a recent study by doctors at McGill University found that Tetris, an iconic stack-em-up puzzle game, can help correct “lazy eyes.” Perhaps, it's no longer accurate to blame gaming itself for vision impairment (though playing too long can still be detrimental). In fact, this isn't the first time games have been beneficial for the eyes.

Lazy eye, or amblyopia, is a vision disorder where the eyes fail to correct themselves even with visual aids such as eyeglasses on. It affects at least three percent of Americans and may lead to blindness if not treated as soon as possible. Two groups of adults participated in the Tetris study: one group covering their stronger eye and the other group using both eyes but wearing special goggles. The goggles split the field of vision of both eyes, one focused on falling objects and the other on the ground.

Results showed that the second group displayed noticeable signs of improvement from lazy eyes, although the first group's vision also improved to some degree. The study said Tetris required both eyes to coordinate since players constantly shift between the falling blocks and blocks on the ground. This established the possibility of correcting loss of vision that went unabated during a person's early years. Experts consider this a breakthrough in eye health. 

Bionic Eyes: Giving the Blind a Chance to See Again

You've probably heard of bionic arms and bionic legs, but a bionic eye? The technology seems like something straight out of a sci-fi movie, but it's not as farfetched as you think; just ask Ron, a recipient of a bionic eye system who made the news in 2009. He lost his sight more than three decades ago as a result of retinitis, inflammation of the retina. Then, he became the platform for testing a new bionic eye system at the time: the Argus II.

The system is no cure for retinitis; once the retina is inflamed, you lose your vision for good (although some feasible treatments are entering their clinical phase). However, the Argus II serves as a second retina; a camera mounted in a pair of glasses transmits images to a chip implanted in the retinal area. This bionic eye basically works like a security camera, giving the blind eye a chance to see again. For Ron, the system clearly changed his life; after more than 30 years, he could finally see once more.

The technology is set to improve at this point, not just with bionic eyes and optical implants but also in terms of treatment. Doctors and scientists are on the verge of finding a solution to blindness that affects thousands around the world. Eye doctors want to get in front of the crusade against the loss of vision, sharing the honor of letting the blind see again.

One of the leading eye doctors in Michigan lauded as Lasik Surgeon of the Year

Mazin K. Yaldo, MD of the Yaldo Eye Center has once again been hailed as one of the leading eye doctors in Michigan for the third consecutive year. He is renowned for his outstanding procedures and extensive patient qualification evaluations for Lasik surgery. In evaluating his patients, he conducts a one-hour patient consultation discussing their overall condition, running over several general precautions, guidelines, and specifications -- free of charge! Once they have passed the specifications for Lasik corrective surgery, they have to undergo 15 rigorous tests for them to qualify for the actual procedure. However, despite the process, 97% have proven to be excellent candidates. In light of his achievement, the Yaldo Eye Center is offering a Spring Special discount on Lasik surgery until May 30, 2013. The promo avails patients to undergo the surgery at only $699 per eye instead of the regular price of $999.

http://www.yaldoeyecenter.com/one-of-top-eye-doctors-in-michigan-hailed-as-lasik-surgeon-of-the-year

Optometrist or Ophthalmologist? Know the Difference

Optometrist or ophthalmologist- which eye doctor should you see? This question has surely bugged many people who wish to get professional eye care, but are confused as to which specialist they need to consult.

Ranking these specialists according to the amount of training they've received, ophthalmologists would come first, and optometrists, second. An ophthalmologist has the title of MD (medical doctor) or DO (osteopathic doctor), and would have finished four years of college, four years of medical school, a year of internship, and three years of residency in a hospital. An optometrist has the title of OD (Doctor of Optometry) and would need to have completed four years of college and four years of optometry school. Optometrists and ophthalmologists alike need a license to be able to practice and undergo continuing training to retain their license.

As for practice and scope of treatment, the rule of thumb in choosing between the two is this: you go to an optometrist for general eye care and maintenance; you go to an ophthalmologist for intensified and specialized treatments, including surgery. An optometrist may examine your eyes, diagnose eye diseases, and prescribe corrective lenses and medications to treat common eye problems, such as infections. An ophthalmologist may do all of these, but additionally, they are licensed to perform surgery and administer treatment for more serious eye problems such as macular degeneration and vitreoretrinal diseases. Optometrists are generally not licensed to perform surgery and may need the help of ophthalmologists to treat serious eye ailments.

Garden City Lasik – A Vision of Success

Of all the five senses, our vision is most important. However, just like our physical strength, our eyes' milestone changes as it is affected by aging. It's when we'll be experiencing changes with our vision. Problems such as slight deterioration, color issues, glare adaptation, lighting conditions, and more. From our understanding, the anatomy of our eyes can be very complex, which is why we need a specialist to check our eyes' condition. Sometimes, they'll be prescribing us with lens or reading glasses. In some circumstances, these prescriptions are not enough to improve our eyesight. Fortunately, there is a new procedure being practiced in Garden City: Lasik eye surgery. With the help of advanced technology called Monovision Lasik, the Yaldo Eye Center helps the brain to adjust and adapt, making it possible to have a vision of success.

http://www.yaldoeyecenter.com/all-clear-opening-peoples-eyes-to-the-benefits-of-garden-city-lasik-surgery

Eye Implants will Soon be Available to an Opthalmologist Near You

Technology continues to give hope to people with disabilities, so much so that eye doctors may soon treat blindness quite effortlessly. While science is still a long way from completely restoring sight to the blind, the ability to provide them with limited vision is already quite an achievement in itself. Case in point: the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved the “Argus” retinal implant system for widespread use in the US.

This device consists of a pair of sunglasses, a video camera, and antennas installed near the eyeballs. Exactly how the system works is a bit complex to describe, but suffice it to say that patients wearing it can make out shapes and faces and thereby be able to navigate the world without relying on a human assistant. This system is still in its infancy, and several improvements would have to be made to improve range, image quality, and color perception.

In any case, it should only be a matter time before eye implants gain widespread use. Argus was already tested in Europe before it caught the attention of the FDA, and so-called “Kamra” implants now help treat presbyopia (gradual loss of vision due to old age). With the rate at which technology evolves, the notion that blindness may one day be curable is indeed becoming more of a scientific possibility.

Is LASIK Eye Surgery Safe?: Understanding the Possible Risks

Back in the day, the only solution for people who were nearsighted, farsighted, or astigmatic was to get fitted for glasses or contact lenses. Due to medical advances, however, people can now undergo LASIK surgery to improve their eyesight. LASIK, which stands for laser in-situ keratomileusis, is a surgical procedure that involves reshaping the cornea so the light traveling through is more focused onto the retina.

Much like all surgical procedures, LASIK surgery does entail a couple of risks. Some patients reportedly develop dry eye syndrome or the inability to produce tears to keep the eyes moist, which can be rather uncomfortable. For those who are not ideal candidates for LASIK, the results might not be as good. Patients with severe refractive errors, for instance, might still need to wear glasses.

To qualify for LASIK, you must be at least 18 years old, be free of any eye disease, and have been wearing prescription contacts or glasses for at least two years. Women who are pregnant or are nursing, as well as anyone with significant vision changes within a single year, are not good candidates for the procedure. Despite the possible risks, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) states that most patients are happy with the results of LASIK surgery.

Eye Doctors in Detroit Michigan takes $500 off on Contact Lenses

Need a pair of contact lenses? Well, now is the best time to get one! Cataracts, commonly acquired through aging, turns the eye opaque which eventually makes clear vision impossible, is considered to be one the major cause of blindness. Though only surgery can treat this ailment, the visual acuity can be limited with the use of lenses. The eye doctors in Detroit, Michigan are offer a $500 discount coupon on your next purchase of contact lenses, redeemable until May 31, 2013. One (1) coupon is good for one (1) pair of contact lenses and is inclusive of applicable taxes and charges. However, the coupon is NOT valid in conjunction with other promos and discounts and for purchases made through insurance. Still, $500 is still a notable amount of money to be saved! See the world clearer without having your eyes hide behind a pair of glasses. Waste no time in grabbing this opportunity to save money and your eyes! Visit your eye doctor today to avail of the discount while it lasts.

http://www.yaldoeyecenter.com/a-sight-for-sore-eyes-patients-of-eye-doctors-in-detroit-michigan-get-a-discount

Enjoy Better Eyesight with Laser Eye Surgery

It's often said that the eyes are the windows to one's soul. You can immediately tell if somebody is sad, happy, or terrified just by looking at their eyes. More importantly, though, the eyes allow you to perceive the world visually and thereby assimilate loads of information.

Those who suffer from poor eyesight are placed at a disadvantage due to increasingly severe reading difficulties as well as depth perception issues that can leave them accident prone. Some eyesight problems begin as mild astigmatism, nearsightedness, or farsightedness that can put you at risk of headache-inducing eye strain. If your job requires prolonged use of your eyes, then you're also likely to suffer the loss of 20/20 vision much faster.

Fortunately, all of these concerns can be addressed by corrective laser eye surgery that can help you see clearly even without the use of glasses or contact lenses. For instance, countless people in recent years have undergone laser eye surgery that changes the shape of the cornea to improve vision. This method allows the eyes to focus more effectively on objects at various distances without straining the eye muscles unnecessarily. Laser-assisted procedures for cataracts and glaucoma differ from those that treat astigmatism and nearsightedness/farsightedness.

Michigan Opthalmology Practitioners Step Up against Diabetes

An article published by CBS news in 2012 reported that Americans with diabetes have a higher risk of sight loss. Diabetes is a condition that can be acquired genetically or through a person's lifestyle, and can be seen as an imbalance in blood sugar content. It has been known to cause deterioration in the eyes in various forms, such as retinopathy, cataracts and glaucoma to name a few, which can result in loss of sight if left unchecked. In the recent past years, the rate of people that become diabetic has been in the rise. While diabetes is a chronic illness and can only be treated to a degree, the sight debility that may come with it is still treatable. Which is why Michigan opthalmology practitioners are here to help prevent its spread and aid diabetes-related sight loss. A combination of traditional and laser surgery can help improve a diabetic person's eyesight, especially in its early stages. So if you're suffering from diabetes, best see an eye doctor before it's too late.

http://www.yaldoeyecenter.com/how-the-michigan-ophthalmology-practice-can-respond-to-the-growing-number-of-diabetics

Enjoy Better Eyesight with Laser Eye Surgery

It's often said that the eyes are the windows to one's soul. You can immediately tell if somebody is sad, happy, or terrified just by looking at their eyes. More importantly, though, the eyes allow you to perceive the world visually and thereby assimilate loads of information.

Those who suffer from poor eyesight are placed at a disadvantage due to increasingly severe reading difficulties as well as depth perception issues that can leave them accident prone. Some eyesight problems begin as mild astigmatism, nearsightedness, or farsightedness that can put you at risk of headache-inducing eye strain. If your job requires prolonged use of your eyes, then you're also likely to suffer the loss of 20/20 vision much faster.

Fortunately, all of these concerns can be addressed by corrective laser eye surgery that can help you see clearly even without the use of glasses or contact lenses. For instance, countless people in recent years have undergone laser eye surgery that changes the shape of the cornea to improve vision. This method allows the eyes to focus more effectively on objects at various distances without straining the eye muscles unnecessarily. Laser-assisted procedures for cataracts and glaucoma differ from those that treat astigmatism and nearsightedness/farsightedness.

Hurry! Avail $300 Savings on LASIK Eye Surgery in Michigan with Dr. Yaldo.

In the fast paced environment that we're having, the use of glasses and lenses are sometimes messing up with the opportunities that are given to us. Why suffer these lost chances when there is an available LASIK eye surgery in Michigan? At Yaldo Eye Center, we can give you the vision that you'll love on a price that won't hurt your pockets! If you're an eligible candidate, it's your chance to enjoy $300/eye savings for your LASIK surgery in Michigan until May 30, 2013. LASIK must be done on both eyes and this limited offer includes free evaluation and pre-op and post-op care! We also make it easy for you to pay since you can choose from cash or credit payment or avail of our financing options. This is a once in a lifetime chance to free yourself from the hassle of corrective glasses and lenses. Consult Dr. Yaldo, the most selected LASIK surgeon for two consecutive years, and see how we can give you a better view for the future.

http://www.yaldoeyecenter.com/save-300-on-lasik-eye-surgery-in-michigan-while-spring-blooms

Are You a Good Candidate for Lasik Surgery in Michigan?

According to the latest data, Internet users comprise 80 percent of the population in Michigan. While the Internet no doubt offers countless benefits, excessive Web surfing, social networking, and online gaming can nonetheless be destructive. Some people spend hours in front of their computer or mobile screens and barely even rest their eyes for a moment or two.

Such a bad habit often leads to poor eyesight. If you can relate to this case, then it's about time you took a serious look at your Internet browsing habits and, more importantly, checked on your eye health. You may need to consider getting prescription eyeglasses or better yet, laser eye surgery to correct your vision before it deteriorates even further.

Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis, or Lasik surgery, involves reshaping the cornea to treat usual conditions like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. However, Lasik may not be for everyone. For instance, anyone who's had a history or recent diagnosis of corneal disease is typically advised to settle for prescription eyeglasses instead rather than undergo Lasik. In any case, it certainly helps to have your eyesight checked at least once a year so your doctor can recommend a timely solution to whatever eye ailment troubles you.

Improve your eyesight with an Ophthalmologist in Michigan

“Kamra” - a corneal inlay procedure for presbyopia – a farsightedness due to old age, has been approved in Canada as a substitute to contact lenses and corrective glasses. Though the FDA hasn't certified this procedure, LASIK surgery is available to Americans with eyesight problems. Ophthalmologist in Michigan, such as those from the Yaldo Eye Center, performs this surgery with guaranteed visual correction accuracy. LASIK takes about 10 minutes per eye and a series of post-op check-ups assures improvement and complete mending of the eye. Some patients may experience minor discomfort and irritation during the treatment, so patients of at least 18 years old can only undergo the procedure. Also, it's not recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women. In Europe, LASIK Xtra – which reshapes and strengthens the cornea - is still under review of the FDA. This slow approval of the FDA only insures the welfare of the patients due to the permanent effects that may occur if done incorr

http://www.yaldoeyecenter.com/corrective-eyesight-treatments-what-your-local-opthalmologist-in-michigan-has-in-store-for-you

Lasik Surgery in Michigan: Eliminating the Need for Prescription Eyeglasses

“Books are a uniquely portable magic,” best-selling author Stephen King once proclaimed. Millions of Americans certainly feel the same way, judging from the healthy sales of books and e-readers in recent years. Meanwhile, book lovers who are keeping tabs on their budget can still indulge in their favorite pastime by heading out to public libraries. In Michigan, for instance, people can satisfy their appetite for good reading materials at any of the 700 public libraries within the state.

Yet being a bookworm does come with a heavy price: poor eyesight. Those with less than 20/20 vision will eventually need to prescription eyewear at some point or else suffer severe eye strain and headaches. However, eyeglasses can be bothersome when one wishes to engage in sports, not to mention the costs involved when the lenses need to be changed or adjusted.

Enter laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis or Lasik, a non-reversible refractive procedure that changes the curvature of the cornea using high-precision beams of gentle laser to correct vision. Lasik has long-term effects for the most part and may even eliminate the the need for prescription eyeglasses. Problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and even astigmatism can be addressed in less than 10 minutes.

From Radial Scalpels to LASIK: The Evolution of Eye Surgery

The subject of eye surgery can be a little uncomfortable for some, especially since the thought of cutting open the organ of sight is enough to make people cringe. Yet the positive and lasting benefits of such a medical procedure generally far outweigh the risks involved. Medical science has indeed gone a long way, with high-precision lasers taking the place of knives.

In the past, eye surgery was typically performed with a microkeratome, which is a diamond knife that rotates carefully around the retina and allows surgeons to slice off a part of the corneal flap. Once a portion of the corneal flap has been cut and exposed, surgeons can then make incisions on the inner cornea. While countless patients have benefited from traditional eye surgery, the incisions made using a microkeratome can be irregularly shaped and may later affect vision.

During the 1980s, researchers discovered a way to make accurate eye incisions using a safe and focused laser apparatus. This technique doesn't result in excessive thermal damage and allows for more precise cuts. The procedure, dubbed Laser-Assisted in situ Keratomileusis, corrects the refractive power of the eyes and treats such problems as myopia (nearsightedness) and hyperopia (farsightedness). Some who have undergone a LASIK treatment reportedly don't need to wear glasses.

Understanding the Link Between Diabetes and Eye Problems

Extensive studies over the years have uncovered the various ways by which people with a genetic predisposition may avoid or mitigate the debilitating effects of this disease. Yet with one-third of the U.S. population suffering from obesity, a high incidence of diabetes among both adults and children remains ever likely. Aside from kidney failure, coma, cardiovascular complications, and even death, diabetes is often linked to the loss of sight.

The proper term for eyesight loss due to diabetes is diabetic retinopathy. Essentially, diabetes weakens the structure of the blood vessels in the retina, causing them to rupture. Once the blood vessels break, the eyesight degenerates until one goes completely blind. Diabetic retinopathy occurs in up to 80% of diabetics who have lived with this ailment for 10 or more years.

Despite how serious and crippling diabetic retinopathy may sound, patients suffering from this condition can enjoy some reprieve in the form of laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis or LASIK. This refractive procedure corrects corneal curvature, seals ruptured blood vessels, and prevents the progression of retinopathy by limiting the growth of irregular blood vessels. In any case, diabetics must regularly consult their doctors and alert their physicians about signs of blurry vision so that retinopathy can be detected and treated as early as possible.

Clouds in Your Eyes: Something About Cataracts

There's a song that goes: “And I see clouds in your eyes, dangerous clouds in your eyes.” In the song, the persona may be talking about deceit or veiled feelings, but in reality these words are a bit more grim. It's true that those clouds in your eyes are dangerous, but that's because they can render you blind someday.

Cataracts are a clouding of the lens of the eye that unsurprisingly leads to sight deterioration. Statistically, it is the most common cause of blindness. Symptoms can range from mild to severe, and the causes can be anything from radiation to age, and even skin diseases.

Don't start panicking, though; cataracts are easily treatable with surgery. A good 90 percent of patients receive good results after a cataract surgery so, to quote the popular young adult series the Hunger Games, the odds are ever in your favor. Don't fall into the trap of complacency, though, because not all doctors and eye centers have the necessary qualifications to remove a cataract.

If ever you do need to have a cataract removed, make sure to look for reliable and experienced professionals in established facilities. Don't leave everything to chance and risk the possibility of becoming totally blind. The best eye specialists will tell you that there's really no appeal to having clouds in your eyes, figurative or otherwise.

Looking Into Reality: How Important Are Your Eyes?

The prospect of losing even just one sense in the body is a terrible concept. After all, you need all of your senses to do your job and function at a basic level. Imagine, then, losing your sense of sight; what would it be like to live in permanent darkness?

People who have been blind for a long time would probably answer that it's hard, but it's something that you get used to. Just look at Master Chef Season 3 winner Christine Ha, and you'll know that the blind are not as disabled as people assume. Blind people can cook, work, and succeed too; it's just that there are a few challenges that they have to work with.

Blindness is something that can be caused by any number of things. Accidents and diseases are the two most common culprits, leaving about 39 million blind and 285 million vision-impaired worldwide. That's 285 million going around straining to complete simple things like reading or walking around, which is a sad thought.

The good news is that there are surgeries, treatments, supplements, and other vision enhancers that help to curb the number of vision loss cases. You just have to find reliable doctors and centers that know exactly what to do. That being said, prevention remains to be the best cure. In other words, you should never take your eyesight for granted.

Restoring Clear Vision with Cataract Surgery

Cataracts are the most common cause of blindness and affect more than half of Americans aged 65 and above. While aging is the primary cause of cataract formation, there are other reasons why protein build up in the eye's lens and impair vision.

Blunt trauma, radiation from UV light and microwave, smoking, and drug use increase the chances of adults to develop cataracts. Some prescribed medications also put individuals at higher risk. Babies born with cataract or those who get them as children inherit genetic components that provide less protection to the lens. Likewise, skin diseases such as eczema may spread to the lens and wreak havoc due to similarities between skin and lens compositions.

Clouding, or the whitening of lens fibers, blocks light from completely passing through the lens from the pupil to the retina and results in partial blindness that afflicts many cataract patients. If unattended, buildup in the lens will result in total blindness. The good news is that surgery is possible in all stages of cataract and more than 90 percent of patients report better eyesight after the procedure.

There are several surgical techniques that could be used in treating cataract, but all of them involve the extraction of the clouded lens and the implantation of clear artificial intraocular lens, usually made of silicone or acrylic. Some of these lenses do not just restore clarity but also correct vision impairment, eliminating the need to wear eyeglasses or contact lenses post surgery.

Vision Enhancement: From Magnifiers to Laser Eye Surgery

The ability of the eye to translate the light it receives into meaningful images – the phenomenon called “seeing” – deteriorates as people age. Nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism are three of the most common vision-related conditions, all of which demonstrate the vulnerability of the sense of sight to aging.

Although people from the ancient Egyptian and Roman civilizations knew how to use lenses to magnify objects and even writings they cannot see clearly, people at the time accepted the natural and inevitable fact that their vision would decline with time. This was true until eyeglasses were invented in Italy at around the year 1284. The first glass contact lens was developed much later in 1887, while its first plastic version was not introduced until 1939.

Some people may find both glasses and contact lenses bothersome due to the nature of their work, their lifestyle, a lack of budget, or simply personal preference. It's a good thing, then, that many improvements have been made, not just on the devices themselves but also in finding other means to maintain good eyesight or to improve deteriorating ones. This includes the use of laser in performing eye surgery. A process that traces its roots to 1982, laser eye surgery owes its beginning to the Excimer laser, a tool originally used in the IBM laboratories to etch silicone in computer chips, but was found to have the ability to cut through human tissue as well.

Eye Surgery: Why You Don't Have to Be Afraid of It

Eye doctors always advise people to seek proper eye care regularly. Regardless of whether you experience symptoms of eye problems or not, you have to pay a visit to the nearby eye specialist to ensure that your eyes are in optimum condition. This is also to make sure that potential problems are addressed immediately and prevented from worsening.

However, there are cases when medical attention is sought too late and the problem can no longer be remedied through simpler means. If you ever find yourself in such a situation, then your best option to rid yourself of the problem is an eye surgery. There is nothing to worry about, though. Although “surgery” sounds like a big, intimidating word, you don't have to be afraid of it.

Nowadays, state of the art facilities are no longer beyond the reach of local eye centers. This eliminates the need for you to drive for miles to get to the large hospitals, just so that you can undergo safe eye surgery. Thanks to the wonders of technology and the rigorous training of eye specialists, local eye centers near you can now offer the same quality of services without the inconvenience. Apart from proximity, you're assured that you will be given the best eye care possible.

Preserve the Health of Your Eyes to See Michigan's Beauty

To live in Michigan is to live in a state of visual splendor, literally. With hundreds of lighthouses and thousands of inland lakes, the state is home to plenty of spectacular views. The longer you get to know the area, the higher the chance that you will discover more to love and admire in the form of breathtaking sceneries and structures. What happens, then, when you cease to see your beautiful surroundings in all its glory? What will you do when your sight becomes blurry?

If this happens to you, it's safe to assume that there's probably something wrong with your eyes. Don't wait until your symptoms get worse; it's highly advisable that you consult an eye doctor as soon as possible. These eye care professionals will be able to give you an accurate diagnosis and prevent the problem from escalating into something more serious, such as cataract and glaucoma. It could be that all you need to fix your blurry eyesight is a prescription for corrective eye glasses, something that an eye doctor can easily provide.

Most people tend to shrug off little problems because they don't believe these merit immediate medical attention. While they may be correct in their assumption, it's also true that neglect will often cause minor concerns to worsen. Do not wait until you can barely see anything before you take action. Protect your eyes and continue seeing Michigan's beauty by visiting a Michigan eye center and consulting with an expert.

Taking Care of Your Vision: How to Spot a Good Eye Doctor

Whether you have healthy eyes or have been suffering from an eye affliction for sometime, it is recommended that you visit an optometrist or opthalmologist to be on the safe side. When looking for an eye doctor, it's advisable to ask for a recommendation from your physician, family members, and/or friends. Better yet, choose an upstanding member of medical organizations in your area.

Aside from a license and a good reputation, you can spot an excellent eye doctor by asking about credentials and experience. Naturally, you will have to look for an opthalmologist who specializes in treating your particular eye problem (like cataracts, for instance). To help ease your mind, you can do a little background check to find out the success rate of your chosen doctor's surgeries.

After the first visit, it is important to re-assess your impression of the medical professional. Do not go back if you did not feel comfortable with the consultation techniques he used or if you felt like he was not meticulous at all. At the same time, the doctor should have been able to clearly answer every concern you have about your eyes without raising false hopes. His attitude and professionalism (e.g. keeping the appointment and showing up on time) should likewise be considered as you make your final decision. 

Clarifying the Difference Between an Optometrist and Opthalmologist

There is still some confusion on the difference between an optometrist and an opthalmologist in terms of specialization, procedures they can perform, and so on. Here is a quick comparison: An optometrist is not a physician but has medical background and training to perform routine vision exams. He can also prescribe medication for conditions related to the eye and can do diagnosis and treatment. An opthalmologist, on the other hand, is a medical doctor who can diagnose and treat eye problems, as well as perform surgery. In short, opthalmologists are in charge of total eye care and can do an invasive operation unlike an optometrist.

If you're wondering which one to consult for a particular eye problem, it actually depends on your preference. You should see an optometrist when you need to have your eyes tested for contact lenses and glasses. For routine checkup and eye care, he is likewise the medical professional to look for.

You can opt for an opthalmologist for the abovementioned procedures and then some. If you need to go under the knife for problematic eyes, the opthalmologist has specialized training for it. An opthalmologist is likewise the better choice in case of an existing eye condition like cataract, glaucoma, or macular degeneration.

Help Your Ophthalmologist, Take care of Your Eyes

The value of your eyes cannot be overstated enough. Millions of Americans are either legally blind or are visually impaired. Some are born with any one kind of visual impairment, and most get eye problems as they grow older. Some contract eye diseases or get into accidents. Keeping your eyes healthy is just one way of keeping the numbers down.

Eat a Proper Diet

By eating a proper diet, and making sure you eat your daily recommended intake of Vitamin A, you take care of your retina which performs the basic optical processing. It is also important to keep hydrated by drinking lots of fluids

Protect the Eyes

Your pair of eyes are complex but very sensitive organs. Sometimes, the protection that the eyelids and the eyelashes give aren't enough to keep the eyes from harm. Particles in the air, such as wind-blown dust and other particles are small enough to damage your eyes, it is also not a good idea to stare directly at the sun because direct exposure to UV rays is harmful to the eyes.

Rest

Don't forget to rest your eyes especially when they feel strained. Resting every ten minutes or so in between reading or playing video games is a great way to keep you eyes refreshed.  

Seeing the World with New “Eyes”: LASIK Surgery

For people who wear glasses or contacts, the first thing they do in the morning is to look for whatever eye wear they need in order to see the world. Playing sports, doing chores, and other physical activities are also harder because eyeglasses can fog up or slip when you sweat, take a tumble, or leap. Contact lenses are itchy and hard to put on, plus they're very pricey! So if you're tired of all these inconveniences, then maybe you should consider LASIK surgery.

LASIK surgery is fast and painless. It may be expensive at first, but you save money in the long run since it's meant to be a permanent solution. With LASIK, you wouldn't need to buy new pairs of eyeglasses or contact lenses anymore. Anesthesia is applied to numb the eyes before surgery so you need not worry about the pain. After ten to thirty minutes of painless surgery where you are fully conscious, you'll be seeing the world quite clearer than you ever did.

The procedure may seem daunting because it involves cutting through and reshaping your cornea, but it does help you see better. If you're thinking about getting LASIK done, then find a reputable eye doctor who will perform the surgery. It's no small thing, indeed, to see the world crystal clear, or to wake up and finally be able to see your own toes when you sit up.

When You Can Hardly See, All the More You'll Need to Look For the Right Kind of Eye Doctor

If a fastball accidentally hits your eye, what kind of eye doctor will you go to, an ophthalmologist or an optometrist? If you answered the latter, then you are in big trouble, like striking out with bases loaded in the ninth inning. Although those two share similar functions and responsibilities, they differ in responsibilities. Ophthalmologists specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases and injuries, while optometrists examine eyes for defects, problems, and impairments, and prescribe corrective lenses and other kinds of treatments.

Ophthalmologists are physicians that offer complete eye care services, such as eye exams, eye care for conditions like chemical burns, iritis, and glaucoma. They also perform surgery for cataracts, trauma, crossed eyes, glaucoma, and other problems. Ocular complications from diseases, such as diabetes and arthritis, can be diagnosed and treated. They are also licensed to do plastic surgery for smoothing out wrinkles and drooping eyelids.

Meanwhile, optometrists, as Doctors of Optometry, offer eye exams and prescribe eyeglasses and contact lenses. They also have the skills to diagnose conditions, such as cataracts, macular degeneration, and conjunctivitis, and participate in operative care for surgical patients. In effect, ophthalmologists and optometrists aren't competing with each other. In fact, they work hand in hand to take care of their eye patients. 

Caring for Your Vision: Different Types of Eye Professionals You Should Know About

When you say “I should see an eye doctor”, a wise guy might retort “So, is it an ophthalmologist, optometrist, or optician that you need?”. The professional you need will depend on your vision problem or needs. To help yourself to the right eye specialist, as well as deal with smart alecks, here are some information to straighten things out.

Ophthalmologists

Take note that ophthalmologists are physicians, which means they went to medical school. They provide total eye care from vision assessments to surgical treatments. They may also have specialties such as pediatric ophthalmology and reconstructive eye surgery.

Optometrists

Optometrists are medical professionals, but are not physicians in the UK and some other countries, but are doctors of Optometry in Canada and the US. They finished a degree in Optometry and serve as primary health care providers. If all you require is an eye exam or new eyeglasses, you can drop by an optometrist's office. Ophthalmologists and optometrists can work together to care for patients.

Optician

An optician is mainly in charge of adjusting, repairing, and checking eye products like eyeglasses and contact lenses. They usually finish a 2-year associate degree or receive formal training from accredited institutions. Opticians fill the prescription of your ophthalmologist or optometrist for certain eye wear or lenses.

Choosing the right eye professional matters. Each has a task and specific role in rendering eye care. Therefore, rather than simply looking for an “eye doctor”, think whether it's an ophthalmologist, optometrist, or optician you need.

LASIK Eye Surgery: Basic Info about the Procedure

For a person to see clearly, the cornea and the lens must refract (or bend, in simpler terms) light rays so they focus on the retina, the layer of light-sensing cells that occupy the back portion of the eye. The retina is what converts the light rays into impulses that are sent to the brain, where they are identified as images. If the cornea and lens don't focus light into the retina properly, the image you see will be blurry. This inability of the cornea and the lens to do their job is called refractive error.

Refractive errors are usually caused by an imperfectly shaped cornea, lens, or eyeball. Examples of refractive errors are myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism. For these eye conditions, LASIK eye surgery offers a viable solution.

LASIK is short for laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis. In a LASIK procedure, a low-powered laser is used to reshape a patient's cornea to improve the way the eye focuses light rays into the retina. Only ophthalmologists can perform this type of eye procedure. Ask your medical doctor for a referral to a licensed ophthalmologist who performs LASIK.

LASIK is an outpatient procedure, which means you can go home directly after the ophthalmologist performs the procedure on you. Healing is relatively fast, but you may want to take a couple of weeks from work after the surgery to allow your eyes to heal properly.

Why You Should Get Lasik Surgery: Things to Keep in Mind

How many times have you woken up to find that you've crushed your glasses or, worse, slept with your contact lens on because you were dead tired the previous night? Then it's time to get rid of those annoying contraptions and muster up some courage to undergo Lasik surgery.

Lasik is a shortened name for laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis, a procedure that treats common eye problems like myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. The procedure basically reshapes the cornea and on average only takes around 15 minutes to perform. Here are some reasons why Lasik surgery is a good idea:

No more glasses or contact lenses

After the surgery, you may never need to wear glasses or contact lenses again. You don't even have to keep spending for new lenses every six months or so. If done correctly, Lasik may be all you'll need to see clearly for a long time.

No more constant headaches

Eye muscle imbalance and refractive errors may be symptoms of underlying conditions such as myopia or astigmatism. Lasik corrects these underlying causes and thereby helps relieve eye strain that can lead to headaches. With Lasik, you'll never have to wake up to another eye-related headache ever again.

Get your old self back

Your looks change whenever you wear glasses. You'll either look fashionably nerdy or just plain grumpy with glasses on. With effective lasik surgery, you may soon ditch cumbersome corrective glasses or even contact lenses entirely.

Sight for Sore Eyes: Treatments for Vision Loss

Sight is perhaps the most important of the five human senses given that it allows you to perceive and respond to the world around you. The loss of sight can thus render you clueless about your immediate environment and, worse, at risk of fatal accidents. Blindness can be congenital, although most people lose their ability to see due to various health complications.

Conditions such as diabetic retinopathy (damage to light-sensitive inner surface of the eyes), cataracts, and glaucoma initially manifest as blurred vision. These conditions, however, gradually decrease visual clarity until the eyes can barely see anything. Fortunately, those afflicted by these conditions can undergo corrective procedures that can restore optimal vision.

In the olden days, eye correction consisted mainly of cumbersome and expensive prescription eyewear. These days, minimally invasive procedures like laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis or LASIK surgery enable safe and accurate visual correction by reshaping the cornea and thereby changing the focal point of the eye. While LASIK can correct conditions such as myopia (nearsightedness) and astigmatism, it should be noted that patients will need to undergo separate treatments to treat cataracts or glaucoma.

With innovative laser eye surgery, those suffering from blurry vision or the inability to focus on near objects no longer have to put up with severe eyestrain and headaches. You may even find that you no longer need to wear corrective lenses after the procedure.

Seeing is Believing: Treating Eyesight Loss

In a world that relies heavily on visual information, the loss of vision is perhaps one of the most debilitating things that could happen to anyone. The mere hint of blurry eyesight can already be a precursor to complete blindness. Several things can cause blindness, such as diabetes, and it can strike anyone regardless of age.

Diabetic retinopathy is a condition that commonly plagues diabetics, and it's often attributed to hemorrhage in the blood vessels at the back of the eye. Those suffering from this condition initially experience blurred vision until the eyesight eventually gets obscured by the blood that leaks out from the blood vessel. The only way to treat this condition is to stop the bleeding.

Medical procedures that may involve corticosteroid injections are typically performed to arrest the injury and restore vision. Meanwhile, people diagnosed with diabetes must maintain healthy blood glucose levels to prevent or slow down retinopathy as well as to increase the accuracy and safety of any corrective eye surgery. In any case, only diabetics with well-controlled blood sugar levels and minimal diabetic retinopathy may qualify for laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis or LASIK eye surgery, a minimally invasive procedure that modifies the refractive power of the cornea to enable clearer eyesight.