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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.

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The Truth About Cataracts

According to the World Health Organization, cataracts are one of the leading eye health issues that can cause blindness, affecting roughly 65.2 million people worldwide. Cataracts are relatively simple to treat surgically in developed countries, but in others, eye care is minimal. The increase in our life expectancy has also uninhibited the growth of cataracts in the human population.  What is a cataract exactly? This condition is described as the clouding of the lens in the eye. Vision becomes blurred as the cataract develops and eventually, blindness is the result. Unfortunately, there is no definite route to prevent cataracts, but there are several ways to lower the risk of obtaining it. If you feel your vision is starting to worsen, or if you have trouble being able to see without bright light, you should consult with your doctor and be tested for cataracts.

Risk Factors of Cataracts  

Biological aging is the most common cause for cataracts with environmental exposures such as smoke or ultraviolet light. There are other secondary conditions related to other health problems like skin disease, diabetes, and overall health and lifestyle habits. Research also shows that women are at a higher risk for cataracts than men. Experts believe the reason for this is due to menopause, causing a decrease in estrogen that triggers cataracts later in life. Another genetic factor appears to be race. Most people falling suspectable to cataracts after turning 70 are classified as ‘white’ while Hispanics seem to have the lowest rate for cataracts.

Lifestyle Habits and Protection from Cataracts

Although you cannot completely remove the risks of environmental exposure, there are specific measures that you can take to help protect you. The two most common causes include excessive sun exposure and smoking. Ultraviolet light and smoking are known for causing cataracts even in people at a young age. Unfortunately, the overexposure from UV rays can take years or even decades to contribute to cataract development, so many people may not even know there is a problem until the damage has already occurred. To reduce the exposure of UV rays, it is advised to wear the correct protection, for instance, sunglasses with at least 99% protection from UVA and UVB rays or wearing a sunhat with at least 3” wide brim whenever out in the bright sun. Evidence also suggests that having a proper diet may also prevent cataracts from developing. Foods that are high in antioxidants such as green leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, and eggs may decrease your risk.

Treatment

Cataracts can be very devastating if left untreated. The good news is that they take years to develop, which gives you plenty of time to discuss with your doctor which option will be best for your treatment. Cataract surgery is done in two stages; first, they remove the existing lens, and then they replace it with a new lens implant that will allow you to see clearly again and sometimes correct other vision problems. Your doctor can monitor early progression treatment and you may have months or years before surgery is needed. A simple upgrade in your glass’s prescription or the use of brighter lights can help, but ultimately the removal of the cloudy lens through cataract surgery will need to be performed.

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.

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How Expensive Is LASIK?

Choosing a procedure such as LASIK comes with many questions and concerns that should be considered carefully. It is essential to consult with a LASIK surgeon and be sure that you are a good candidate for the surgery. A lingering question in your mind, of course, will be, “How much does LASIK cost?” In 2019, the average cost for LASIK surgery was about $2,246 per eye. This is an out-of-pocket expense for most vision insurance plans don’t cover LASIK because it is considered a cosmetic procedure and not medically necessary. Below we will further discuss factors that influence the costs of LASIK and tips on how to prepare financially for this investment for your eyes.

Key Cost Factors for LASIK

Several factors should be considered when budgeting the expense of LASIK surgery. The surgeon’s experience and reputation are one. The more experience a surgeon has may affect the cost of the procedure, and you need to determine if this is worth the extra cost. Also, the type of laser technology used to perform the correction can cause a swing in costs. Traditional treatment options that have been used since the 1990s may cost less than some of the newer advancements, such as custom wavefront technology. Lastly, your overall eye condition will also be a factor that is taken into consideration during the quoting process. A person may be quoted a higher price than someone else due to having a stronger prescription level and more impaired vision. No matter the surgeon or technology you decide is best for you, always do the research required and choose the option that you feel 100% comfortable with.

Use Caution with LASIK Bargains & Deals

It can be tempting to shop for the best deal and choose an option based solely on price but beware of something that sounds too good to be true. Often in media, it is advertised for LASIK for lower than $1000 per eye or less, but typically, you may be surprised to find that there may be additional costs that are not displayed as clearly. It is highly advised at your initial consultation to ask your surgeon for a written quote that itemizes everything included in the offer. Read the fine print and ask if there are additional fees for follow up visits, glasses, and post medications. Another warning regarding bargain LASIK procedures, their “solution” may not resolve all of your corrective issues with your eyes. If you have a mild condition, this may work out for you. Remember always to read the fine print and ask questions until you fully understand the entire process.

Financing Options for LASIK

Although there may not be an easy way around cutting costs for LASIK surgery, there are plenty of options available to help make payments more manageable and affordable. Many patients choose to pay for their procedure overtime at a monthly rate with finance companies that sometimes can offer deals with no-interest or special limited-time offers. Some employers offer subsidized health plans that can cover a portion of elective corrective LASIK costs, so be sure to investigate if this is available to you.  Another great option when preplanning is the use of a flexible spending account (FSA) or a health savings account (HSA). If you are part of the military, there is a possibility that LASIK is free or at a discounted rate. No matter your situation, it is important to research all of your options before committing. The professionals at Rohr Eye and Laser Center are always happy to answer any of your questions and they will help you come up with a solution that will be sure to make your LASIK experience enjoyable.

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.  For more information, visit our website at https://michiganlasik.com.

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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.

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.

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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.

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.

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Is LASIK an Option When You Are Over 40?

Can I get LASIK eye surgery even though I am over 40?  This is a question the professionals at Rohr Eye and Laser center often get when meeting with a prospective new patient and the answer is simple, YES!  Although there is nothing simple about your eyes or how you care for them, laser surgery to correct your vision is not something to spend time being worried about.

LASIK, known to be short for laser assisted vision correction, is referred to about many different types of refractive eye surgery and laser vision correction techniques.  Dr. Jeffery S. Rohr is a highly skilled and trained eye doctor who focuses on vision correction surgery in Michigan on patients of all ages.

As a person’s vision starts to deteriorate after 40, the first thing that comes to people’s minds is that they need to start wearing reading glasses, bifocals, or reader contacts.  Often with the thought that LASIK is not to be considered because of their age or they believe their vision problem is not “bad enough” to consider laser vision correction surgery.  Thankfully however, LASIK is the solution for several issues patients over 40 are conflicted with including:

  • Seeing in the distance – Although this often means patients may need to use readers even after the sight for distance issue is resolved.
  • Monovision LASIK – This procedure decreases or eliminates the need for glasses or contacts for seeing close or far away.
  • Corneal Inlay – This is an implant that is placed on the stroma to correct vision when objects are near.

However, if a patient’s vision has begun to fade because of cataracts then LASIK is not a good choice for you.  For patients with cataracts a better option to improve your vision may be actual lens replacement.  If cataracts are your only eye ailment, then most often eye surgeons will recommend lens replacement over correction.

No matter what age you are it is important to do thorough research on the ailment that is afflicting your vision and causing you issues with seeing be it near or farsightedness and the treatment options available.  Both online and in person research will ensure you understand what treatment is available, how it will help you, the recovery, and the prognosis for your future eyesight once it has been corrected.

If you are looking to reduce or even get rid of your eye glasses and/or contacts let us at Rohr Eye & Laser Center help you! We offer several types of LASIK eye surgery including PRK, AK, CK, Cataracts surgery and more. We perform all these eye laser treatments with state of the art equipment. We are a leader in laser vision correction, and our goal is to help you achieve superior vision. Contact us today or view our website http://www.michiganlasik.com/  to schedule an appointment.

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5 Ways LASIK Can Improve Your Quality of Life

LASIK is currently the most popular laser procedure under refractive surgery that is used to treat a variety of eye problems for improved vision. Also referred to as laser-assisted in-situ keratomileuses, this procedure uses two methods: either with a small instrument containing a disposable blade called a microkeratome or with a femtosecond laser, which is a device that creates a burst of laser energy at very high speed to reshape the cornea and help light entering the eye to be focused onto the retina for clear vision.

You are a good candidate for a laser vision correction procedure if you in overall good health, you do not have chronic eye dryness, are not pregnant, and you aren’t taking certain medication or have medical conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases known to affect the results of the surgery. If you want to improve your vision, here is how LASIK procedure can improve your quality of life.

  • Corrects nearsightedness

LASIK is considered a safe and effective and the most popular procedure for correcting the most common refractive error of the eye known as nearsightedness or myopia. People with this condition find it difficult to see distant objects clearly and LASIK can reduce or even eliminate the need for glasses or contacts.

  • Corrects farsightedness

Also known as hyperopia, unlike nearsightedness, people with this eye condition can focus better on objects from afar, however, things get too blurry up close. The goal of LASIK surgery is to alter the shape of the cornea, which significantly improves refractive vision and eliminates reliance on contact lenses or eyeglasses.

  • Corrects astigmatism

The most common symptom of this refractive eye error is blurred or distorted vision at near and far distances usually is caused by an uneven curvature of the cornea or the shape of the lens inside the eye. This condition is known to occur in children as young as five years old, it is, therefore, important for parents to extra vigilant with their children’s eye health and to have eye examinations at regular intervals for early detection to avoid vision problems from uncorrected astigmatism. LASIK surgery can change the shape of the cornea permanently to restore the eye’s ability to focus by allowing the light rays to focus on the retina for improved vision.

  • Fast results and recovery

There are no stitches, bandages, or excessive aftercare procedures to deal with after LASIK surgery. In fact, most patients can return to their normal lifestyle and work within as little as 24 hours.

  • Long-term results

People who’ve worn glasses almost all their lives will probably appreciate the long-term results of LASIK surgery, which is, eliminating the exorbitant costs incurred for corrective eyewear. Laser vision correction saves you hundreds of dollars each year, and you can begin to enjoy life to the fullest with a 20/20 vision acuity. Ask your doctor if LASIK procedure is ideal for you.

If you are looking to reduce or even get rid of your eye glasses and/or contacts let us at Rohr Eye & Laser Center help you! We offer several types of LASIK eye surgery including PRK, AK, CK, Cataracts surgery and more. We perform all these eye laser treatments with state of the art equipment. We are a leader in laser vision correction, and our goal is to help you achieve superior vision. Contact us today or view our website http://www.michiganlasik.com/  to schedule an appointment.

 

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Differences Between LASIK and PRK

If you’re considering eye surgery for better vision without the need for glasses or contacts, you might have already started researching your options and come across LASIK and PRK. Although you’ve probably heard of LASIK, not many know what PRK is and the major differences between the two. Here’s a breakdown of the two and how each of the procedure differ from another so that you can make an informed decision as to which one is best for your vision needs:

What is PRK?

PRK is short for Photo Refractive Keratectomy, which is a type of laser eye surgery that is supposed to help with vision problems, such as astigmatism, farsightedness and nearsightedness. It was created before the now popular Laser-Assisted-In-Situ Keratomileusis, aka LASIK, and is still a popular choice for many when it comes to eye surgery. LASIK does the same thing to correct eye vision problems, but the technique is different than the one used for PRK. However, the goal of both procedures is to change the shape of a person’s cornea.

The Differences Between the Two

Although both aim to correct vision problems, the methods and techniques during surgery is what differentiates them. For LASIK, an eye surgeon will make an incision in the person’s cornea in order to create a flap that’s lifted up so that the laser can reshape the insides of the cornea. The surgical laser is controlled by a computer that will carefully reshape and repair any imperfections in the cornea’s curvature that lead to the vision problems in the first place. Then the flap is placed back and will heal over the reshaped part of the cornea after a couple of days.

When a person undergoes PRK, there is no flap inside the corneal tissue. Instead of the flap, the eye surgeon removes the outer layer of the cornea to expose a small area for a laser to reshape. Because of this, PRK is usually a better option for those who meet criteria like having chronically dry eyes.

But the biggest differences between the two types of vision surgeries are discomfort and how fast one’s vision recovers after the surgery. Those who underwent PRKs usually recover a bit longer than LASIK because the outer layer of their cornea needs more time to heal. After PRK eye surgery, patients are given prescription eye drops to reduce discomfort and promote healing.

The time it takes to heal from LASIK is much faster, with discomfort after surgery usually mild and short. Many can start to see normally after a few hours coming out of surgery, but it will take a few months before their vision reaches peak quality.

Contact Us

If you are looking to reduce or even get rid of your eye glasses and/or contacts let us at Rohr Eye & Laser Center help you! We offer several types of LASIK eye surgery including PRK, AK, CK, Cataracts surgery and more. We perform all these eye laser treatments with state of the art equipment. We are a leader in laser vision correction, and our goal is to help you achieve superior vision. Contact us today or view our website http://www.michiganlasik.com/  to schedule an appointment.

 

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Improving Eyesight One LASIK Surgery at a Time

There are many solutions when it comes to correcting vision problems.  Some individuals choose to wear contacts and glasses to make their day to day sight better while others investigate more convenient vision correction methods such as laser vision correction including: LASIK, PRK, and LASEK. There are a number of benefits that come with choosing surgery to correct their vision on a more permanent basis.  Although glasses and contacts have been the solution for vision problems since the 1300’s, laser eye surgery offers an innovative approach that allows users proper vision without the use of daily aides.

As with any surgery, the benefits must outweigh the drawbacks or people would not opt to participate as is the case when it comes to laser vision correction surgery.  If patients have specific questions, detailed to their vision situation directly, they should meet with an eye surgeon for a consultation.  Below we will focus on the benefits that most patients receive after correcting their vision with LASIK, LASEK, or PRK.

Improved Eyesight

In studies that have been performed LASIK has proven to be effective, meaning patients have improved vision after the procedure.  For over eighty-five percent of patients 20/20 eyesight returns while over ninety-five percent achieve 20/40.  Irrespective, the results received through laser vision correction surgery are quiet stunning. For most participants an impressive upgrade in vision is had.

Lasting Results

Perfect vision is not obtained instantaneously after LASIK, in fact it may take several months for your vision to adjust to its new normal.  However, once your vision has settled into its new normal the change will be permanent.  Eyesight deterioration from age is possible later down the road but is easily corrected with a follow up surgery.

Quick Recovery

Although you won’t be driving yourself home from the surgery most LASIK patients return to life as normal in as little as twenty-four hours.  Unlike most types of surgery, eye surgery is relatively simple as far as the recovery process is concerned.

Barrier Free Vision

Although there is a cost associated with laser vision surgery, it is far less than the amount of money individuals will spend over a lifetime paying for eye exams, glasses, and contacts.  Each year individuals need to replace glasses and contacts.  This can add up over time not to mention can become quite a hassle if misplaced or broken.  With LASIK you will never have to worry about losing a contact, breaking your glasses or what not.

People started to become aware of the benefits of LASIK around the 80’s with an increase in popularity in the mid 90’s.  LASIK is a common procedure that gives patients the freedom of vision without eyewear.  With this surgery there is no need to be concerned with glasses and contacts and how they will affect spur of the moment plans like swimming.

If you are looking to reduce or even get rid of your eye glasses and/or contacts let us at Rohr Eye & Laser Center help you! We offer several types of LASIK eye surgery including LASEK, PRK, AK, CK, Cataract surgery and more. We perform all these eye laser treatments with state of the art equipment. We are a leader in laser vision correction, and our goal is to help you achieve superior vision. Contact us today or view our website http://www.michiganlasik.com/  to schedule an appointment.

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What is Hyperopia and What Are the Correction Options?

Having the ability to see well is one of the essential requirements of living but few people actually have 20/20 vision. One of the most common problems is Hyperopia. Hyperopia is basically farsightedness. It’s one of the most common eye problems. It can not only affect your vision but also your overall well being and your quality of life, as your daily efficiency is decreased. Basically, you’ll be able to see objects well in the distance, while your vision will be blurrier closer up. This is also a problem that develops as you get older.

 

It may be time to visit an eye doctor to see how this problem can be corrected. Eye doctors will diagnose your Hyperopia. This condition can develop when the distance between your cornea and retina is too short. This basically displaces light rays instead of the image settling onto your retina; it will place it behind it. This creates vision problems. This condition can also be hereditary, so if your parents have farsightedness, most likely you do too. Usually people get this condition in their childhood.

Hyperopia Symptoms

If you are having any of the following issues, a trip to the eye doctors may be in order. Do you have a hard time reading books? Perhaps you have trouble when doing sewing, crafting, or cooking. You can have severe headaches and nausea when trying to complete these tasks. Yet you may still be able to see mountains in the distance. You may have no trouble driving, as you can see street signs, lights, and other vehicles easily.

Choosing LASIK

Eye doctors will test your eyes to diagnose your condition. You may be prescribed eye glasses or contact lenses for vision correction. One other solution, which is more permanent, is to have eye laser surgery. LASIK surgery is one option that can be done at the eye doctors’ clinic. It can not only correct Hyperopia but myopia and astigmatism too. Basically all of these conditions are caused by the shape of the eyes.

 

One thing that eye laser surgery still isn’t good at correcting is Presbyopia, which is caused by the hardening and thickening of the eye’s lenses.  Perhaps one of the best reasons for vision correction by eye laser surgery is so that you can read again without using glasses or contact lenses. You’ll also discover how your headaches and nausea will go away.

 

Modern LASIK surgery will correct reading problems. Some people have different vision problems in each eye, so each will be carefully evaluated. One eye may require different treatment than the other. Your eye doctors will advise you on the best course of treatment so you can regain your 20/20 vision.

Looking for the Right Solution

If you are suffering from Hyperopia and tired of not being able to see up close without reading glasses, or you are always feeling unwell, please book an appointment at our eye doctors today. Eye laser surgery will correct your vision so you can now focus on the world both sharply and clearly.

 

If you are looking to reduce or even get rid of your eye glasses and/or contacts let us at Rohr Eye & Laser Center help you! We offer several types of LASIK eye surgery including PRK, AK, CK, Cataracts surgery and more. We perform all these eye laser treatments with state of the art equipment. We are a leader in laser vision correction, and our goal is to help you achieve superior vision. Contact us today or view our website http://www.michiganlasik.com/  to schedule an appointment.