If you are between the ages of 21 and 45 and are looking to reduce your dependence on glasses or contacts, the Visian ICL may be a great choice for you as an alternative to LASIK surgery.
What is Visian ICL?
Visian ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens) is an alternative to LASIK. It’s a flexible lens placed in the eye to correct vision. If you are comparing the differences between Visian ICL vs LASIK eye surgery, the ICL is positioned in the eye between the iris and the natural lens and reduces the dependence on contacts or glasses. While LASIK is a permanent surgery, the Visian ICL can be removed and/or replaced if necessary.
Who is a Candidate for Visian ICL?
Visian ICL is designed for people who*:
Are nearsighted without astigmatism
Are between the ages of 21 and 45
Who may not be a candidate for LASIK due to dry eyes, severe myopia, or thin corneas
Have not had a change in eyeglasses prescription in the last year
Are not pregnant
Your eye doctor can advise you in determining if you are a candidate for this alternative to LASIK surgery as well as discuss possible risks involved.
The Visian ICL Procedure
An ophthalmologist can perform a Visian ICL eye surgery in around 15 minutes and the procedure is performed in an outpatient surgery setting. Once the lens is implanted, sutures are typically not needed. The recovery time is quick and may be as little as a day. Our team of ophthalmologists offers Visian ICL surgery and treatment options to clients. In addition, our staff of doctors offers other types of eye care solutions such as cataract surgery, glaucoma treatments, refractive lens exchange surgery, and LASIK treatments. For more information or to schedule an evaluation, contact our office today! Give our staff of ophthalmologists a call by phone at (877) 852-8463 to discuss the advantages of Visian ICL treatments.
Understanding the roles of different professionals is crucial for ensuring the best possible treatment and care for your eyes. While both optometrists and ophthalmologists play integral roles in maintaining eye health, their training, qualifications, and the services they provide differ significantly. Whether it’s routine check-ups, managing eye diseases, or undergoing eye surgery, knowing the difference between an optometrist vs an ophthalmologist is essential for making informed decisions about your eye health.
What is an Optometrist?
An optometrist is an eye care professional who takes care of the primary care of your eyes. They examine, diagnose, and treat eye diseases and disorders.
Education and Qualifications
Optometrists require an extensive amount of education to be in their positions. They need to graduate college and follow it up with four years of optometry school which allows them to receive a doctor of optometry degree.
Optometry school includes both coursework and clinical rotations. During their training, the students learn how to perform eye exams, as well as diagnose and treat ocular conditions. After their doctorate, optometrists can choose to start practicing right away or continue their education with a fellowship or residency.
Services Provided by Optometrists
Optometrists work in primary care for their patients’ eyes.
Diagnosing, managing, and treating specific eye diseases
Prescribing and fitting eyeglasses and contact lenses
Evaluating and monitoring secondary eye conditions associated with certain diseases
What services an optometrist can provide varies based on state laws. Each state has a scope of practice for optometrists, which decides what medications they’re permitted to prescribe and what procedures they’re allowed to perform.
When To See an Optometrist
You should see an optometrist for annual eye exams, as well as if you are experiencing any abnormalities in your eyes or vision. They can diagnose, treat, and manage most eye-related conditions. If the issue involves more testing or surgery, you will be referred to a specialist.
What is an Ophthalmologist?
An ophthalmologist is an eye doctor who has advanced training with either a doctor of medicine or a doctor of osteopathic medicine degree. They can diagnose and treat a wide variety of eye conditions and can specialize in specific areas of eye health.
Education and Qualifications
Ophthalmologists require even more thorough education and training than optometrists. They have to complete pre-medical school prerequisites during college and then take four years of medical school with a rotation in ophthalmology.
Once they graduate medical school, they will need to participate in a residency program for three to four years in their specialized area of ophthalmology. Subspecialties can require an additional one to two years of fellowship training after residency.
All ophthalmologists have to be licensed by the state where they work in order to practice medicine.
Services Provided by Ophthalmologists
Services provided by optometrists and ophthalmologists have some overlap, but ophthalmologists are permitted to offer more advanced services and treatments.
Prescribing corrective lenses
Performing routine medical eye exams
Diagnosing, treating, and managing ocular conditions with both surgery and medicine
Performing intraocular injections for macular degeneration, diabetes, and other vascular diseases
Performing surgeries such as LASIK, glaucoma surgery, cataract surgery, and retinal detachment repair
Pre- and post-surgical management
Specializations and Subspecialties
Ophthalmologists can specialize in a variety of areas, including:
General Ophthalmology
General ophthalmologists perform comprehensive eye examinations and surgical evaluations. They provide a broad spectrum of eye care, from prescribing eyeglasses and contact lenses to diagnosing and treating complex eye diseases.
Pediatric Ophthalmology
A pediatric ophthalmologist specializes in children’s eye care. They can diagnose, treat, and manage all children’s eye problems. They provide comprehensive eye exams designed for children of different ages to ensure that their vision is where it should be.
Oculoplastics
Oculoplastics is an area that ophthalmologists can specialize in that involves plastic and reconstructive surgery around the eyelids, eyebrows, forehead, cheeks, orbit, and lacrimal system.
Neuro-Ophthalmology
Neuroophthalmologists specialize in visual problems that are related to the nervous system. These problems could be a result of an injury to the brain or optic nerves, or from a disease or condition that affects the brain or optic nerves.
Retina Specialists
A retina specialist is an ophthalmologist who subspecializes in disease and surgery related to the vitreous and retina in both adults and children. They can perform eye surgery, treat eye cancer and other diseases, and care for people with severe injuries.
Refractive Surgery
Refractive surgery is an area that ophthalmologists can specialize in that involves correcting refractive errors like nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, or presbyopia through surgery. This type of surgery involves implanting an intraocular lens into the eye in addition to or instead of the natural lens.
When To See an Ophthalmologist
You would generally schedule an appointment with an ophthalmologist when you have an eye problem that requires a specialist. In most cases, your optometrist will refer you to an ophthalmologist if it’s necessary.
This may happen if your condition:
Needs further testing
Is more advanced
Requires specialized treatment
Requires surgery
Key Differences Between Optometrists and Ophthalmologists
While optometrists and ophthalmologists work in the same field, there are some very important differences between them.
Optometrists
Doctor of Optometry degree
Around eight years of training
Can diagnose and treat most common eye problems
Seen for routine eye care and vision correction
Ophthalmologist
Doctor of Medicine degree
Around 12 years of training
Can diagnose and treat more severe and advanced eye problems
Usually seen for eye surgeries and specialty care
The Role of Opticians in Eye Care
An optician is a technician who fills prescriptions for eyewear and fits patients with the corrective lenses that they need for their specific vision issues.
Opticians provide the following services:
Filling prescriptions from the eye doctor
Adjusting and repairing eyewear frames
Fitting corrective lenses by taking measurements
Opticians need to become certified with one to two years of training. This can be from a certification program, an associate’s degree, or an apprenticeship with an eye doctor.
Which Eye Care Professional Should You See?
Which eye care professional you should see depends heavily on your needs. If you’re looking for primary care for your eyes, you will want to start with an optometrist, who will refer you to an ophthalmologist if it’s necessary.
If you need surgery for glaucoma, cataracts, or other eye diseases, an ophthalmologist who specializes in the area will be the best choice.
Schedule Your Eye Check-Up Today!
Don’t skip out on your annual eye exam. They’re essential to keeping your eyes and vision in peak condition, as well as detecting any issues early so that they can be treated immediately.
We are committed to providing excellent service and treatment every time you visit. At Specialty Eye Institute, our core values include:
Millions of people undergo successful cataract surgery every year. It’s a safe, effective procedure that can drastically improve your vision, and the recovery process is generally fast and simple. There should be minimal discomfort or pain.
Most people can return to their normal activities within a few days. A little bit of prepping and a good few days of rest after your procedure will make recovery go as smoothly as possible.
Here’s what to expect after cataract surgery and how you can set yourself up for success during your recovery.
Tips for Your Best Cataract Surgery Recovery
Stay hydrated before and after the procedure: Water is very important for your body when it’s healing, and you should make sure to stay hydrated before and after any surgical procedure. Additionally, after cataract surgery, your eyes may feel drier than normal, and drinking water can help keep your eyes moist.
Prepare meals before surgery: Preparing meals ahead of time is a great way to make sure you can rest properly after surgery. Since you should be avoiding strenuous activity and protecting your eyes, cooking right after cataract surgery is not ideal.
Take a few days off of work: Most people can return to work a few days after surgery, but it’s best to give yourself at least a few days to focus on your recovery. At the very least, don’t plan to return to work the same day as your procedure. Your eyes will be sensitive and may feel irritated or uncomfortable. You won’t be able to drive right away, so make sure you have someone available to drive you home after the procedure.
Take eye drops as prescribed: Taking eye drops as directed is essential to your recovery after cataract surgery. Your surgeon will prescribe two types of eye drops: antibiotic eye drops to help prevent any infections, and anti-inflammatory eye drops to help reduce inflammation after your procedure.
Avoid strenuous activities: Don’t exercise or do any strenuous activities for a few weeks after your procedure. Avoid bending over right after surgery. Strenuous activity, like heavy lifting, can raise your intraocular pressure (IOP) or eye pressure. This can lead to complications like retinal detachment, dislocation of the new lens that was implanted, corneal swelling, and fluid buildup in the eye. Ask your surgeon for a specific timeline on when you can return to your normal activities, including intense exercise.
Avoid swimming: Don’t swim in pools, oceans, lakes, hot tubs, or any other body of water for at least a month after your surgery. Your eyes will be more vulnerable to infections after your procedure, and all bodies of water are filled with various types of bacteria.
Don’t rub your eyes: You should never rub your eyes because your hands can introduce bacteria to your eyes and lead to infection. Chronic eye rubbing can also lead to corneal issues. It’s even more important to avoid rubbing your eyes after cataract surgery because doing so could damage the fragile flap that is created during the procedure. Damaging this flap can lead to complications. If your eyes feel irritated after your procedure, using artificial tears can help.
Wear a protective eye shield: After surgery, your surgeon will place a protective shield over your eye. Ask them when you are able to remove this shield. You should still wear it at night while sleeping or during naps for several days after your procedure.
When to Contact Your Doctor
Problems after cataract surgery are rare, but as with any surgery, there can be complications.
If you experience any of the following symptoms, you should contact your surgeon right away:
Severe or worsening eye pain, redness, or swelling
Crusting or mucous discharge around your eye
Worsening vision or vision loss
Flashes or a sudden increase in floaters
Sudden increased light sensitivity
How Long Is the Recovery for Cataract Surgery?
In most cases, full recovery from cataract surgery takes four weeks. However, most people notice improvement in their vision within a few days. Remember that everyone is different, and don’t worry if you don’t notice drastic improvements right away.
Different factors can influence your healing process, including:
Age
Overall health
The severity of the cataract
Pre-existing conditions
The type of cataract surgery performed
There should be little to no pain or discomfort during your recovery. Make sure to attend all follow-up appointments with your surgeon to monitor your progress and check that your eyes are healing properly.
Cataract Surgery Options
During cataract surgery, also called intraocular lens implant surgery, your surgeon removes the diseased, cloudy lens and replaces it with an artificial, intraocular lens (IOL) to improve your vision.
Leading-edge laser cataract surgery options allow you to choose a customized IOL to address astigmatism, nearsightedness, and farsightedness.
Traditional cataract surgery uses monofocal lenses, which provide clear distance vision.
Laser Cataract Surgery
During laser cataract surgery procedures, surgeons use FDA-approved custom lasers to create precise incisions instead of creating them by hand.
Bladeless Laser Refractive Cataract Surgery
Bladeless laser cataract surgery is performed using a LenSx® femtosecond laser, which significantly improves the precision of the procedure and allows your surgeon to customize it to your vision needs.
The femtosecond laser performs many of the steps that surgeons traditionally performed by hand. This translates to better lens positioning, less trauma to the eye, and better, more personalized results.
ORA Cataract Surgery
ORA cataract surgery is another precise, customizable option that is especially useful for patients who have difficult lens calculations, such as patients who had LASIK and now require cataract surgery.
The procedure uses an intraoperative wavefront technology that allows your surgeon to take nearly 40 measurements in seconds. These measurements are used to customize the lens power and can provide better outcomes for many patients.
Traditional Cataract Surgery
Traditional cataract surgery uses a no-stitch incision. This procedure cannot be customized in the same way as laser cataract surgery options, but it is a safe and effective procedure.
Get a Cataract Surgery Consultation at Specialty Eye Institute
If you’re dealing with vision challenges because of cataracts, cataract surgery might be right for you. In addition to clearing your vision, custom cataract surgery can reduce your reliance on glasses and contacts by addressing astigmatism, nearsightedness, and farsightedness.
The expert eye surgeons at Specialty Eye Institute can examine your eyes and recommend the best procedure for your needs. We also treat glaucoma and other eye conditions using the latest technology, including laser surgery.
The leading cause of vision loss among Americans 60 years of age and older is macular degeneration. It affects 11 million people in the United States, and that number is expected to double by 2050. The disease affects the small central portion of your retina, known as the macula. This portion of your eye is responsible for our sharp, central vision. It helps us read, recognize faces, drive, and more. In macular degeneration, this spot deteriorates and leads to irreversible destruction that could dramatically change your life as you age. There are two kinds of macular degeneration, wet and dry. To help you, we’ve outlined the differences of dry vs wet macular degeneration.
Two Forms of Macular Degeneration: Dry vs Wet
Dr. Carmelina Gordon, of Specialty Eye Institute, says the dry form of macular degeneration is the more stable form of the disease while the wet form is the more aggressive one. There is a 10% chance of converting to the wet form from the dry stage. If you are comparing the differences between dry vs wet macular degeneration, ninety percent of legal blindness from macular degeneration is due to the wet form. The dry form is characterized by the presence of yellow deposits in the macula, while the wet form is characterized by leaking abnormal blood vessels growing underneath the macula.
Risks for Dry vs Wet Macular Degeneration
While age and family history are the most prominent factors, there are other factors that make you more susceptible to macular degeneration. They include:
Smoking doubles the risk of developing the disease
Diets that lack vegetables & fruits
Women are more likely to develop the disease
Macular degeneration is more common among whites
High blood pressure & cholesterol
Are There Early Stage Symptoms of Macular Eye Degeneration?
The early stages of wet and dry macular degeneration can be bereft of symptoms. Hence, a complete exam including a yearly dilated eye exam is recommended for people above 50 years of age. Diagnostic tools such as an Amsler Grid test can also help detect changes in the retina.
Treating Macular Degeneration
Once diagnosed, Dr. Gordon says there are various treatment options. Vitamins containing a high dose of antioxidants and zinc are recommended for intermediate-stage dry AMD. Your eye care professional will determine whether your macular degeneration is in the intermediate stage, and will make the recommendation to use these vitamins. The wet form of macular degeneration is treated using intravitreal injections of anti-VEGF drugs that are given every 4-8 weeks for an average of 2 years or more. These anti-VEGF meds include an off-label drug called Avastin, and 2 FDA-approved drugs namely, Lucentis and Eylea. Numerous research studies are underway for new drugs to treat macular degeneration. “We are constantly looking for more efficacious and permanent treatment regimens,” states Dr. Gordon, who oversees and directs the macular degeneration studies at Specialty Eye Institute.
While rarely resulting in total blindness, the potentially significant visual disability caused by macular degeneration can be life-altering. Its negative effect on our central vision (crucial for everyday activities), further showcases the importance of regular exams especially as we age. Our team of ophthalmologists offers innovative macular degeneration treatments to help preserve or improve your vision. In addition, our staff of doctors provides other types of eye care solutions such as cataract eye surgery, refractive lens exchange treatments, and LASIK surgery. Give our team of ophthalmologists and optometrists a call by phone at (877) 852-8463 to book an appointment. Our doctors may perform a variety of tests to diagnose dry and wet macular degeneration.
Maintaining healthy vision is more important than getting a regular vision screening. Your overall health can impact your eyesight. Here are 6 tips on how to maintain good eyesight:
1. Eat the Right Foods To Protect Your Eyesight
Fill your plate with foods high in omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins C and E. These nutrients may help lower your chance of developing macular degeneration or cataracts. If you are looking for ways to indirectly maintain your eyesight, eat a healthy portion of green veggies, salmon, eggs, and citrus fruits. A healthy diet also decreases your chance of diabetes, which is one of the leading causes of blindness.
2. Gear Up with Protective Eyewear
An estimated 2.5 million eye injuries occur in the U.S. each year, so it is very important to wear proper eyewear to protect yourself from eye injuries.
Whether you’re on the job, working on a home improvement project, or playing hockey with the neighborhood, always wear protective eyewear or safety glasses to avoid the risk of anything making contact with your eyes.
3. Always Wear Your Sunglasses
Don’t just use the free pair of shades you picked up at a concert. The best way to keep your eyes healthy is to invest in a decent pair of sunglasses that will actually protect your eyes from the sun’s UV rays. Too much UV exposure increases your chances of cataracts.
When picking out your sunglasses, look for 99-100% UVA and UVB radiation protection. And remember to never look directly into the sun!
4. Throw Away Old Makeup
Getting rid of old makeup is essential for maintaining your eye health, as expired products can harbor bacteria that pose a risk to your eyes. Ensure to adhere to expiration dates on your makeup products and prioritize eye safety by refreshing your makeup collection regularly.
Did you know bacteria grow fast in liquid makeup?
Replace your products every 3 months to avoid developing an eye infection.
Never share cosmetics with others and avoid store samples.
Always clean your face before and after using makeup.
Need Help?Our Ophthalmologists Are Committed to Preserving and Improving Your Vision
5. Take Frequent Screen Breaks for Eyesight Health
When you stare at a computer, tablet, or phone screen too long, you may experience eyestrain, dry eyes, neck and shoulder pain, and headaches. To avoid these things you should:
Follow the 20-20-20 rule. Take a screen break every 20 minutes by looking 20 feet away for about 20 seconds.
Find a supportive chair and make sure your screen is at eye level
Keep your glasses/contacts prescription up to date and suitable for staring at screens
Remember to blink!
6. Get Regular Eyesight Screenings
Everyone should be getting eye screenings on a regular basis. During the screening, your doctor may recommend you schedule an appointment with an ophthalmologist if they believe there is a potential vision or eye problem.
Here are some things you can expect during a comprehensive eye exam:
A dilated eye exam to check the retina and optic nerve
A refraction test to determine the sharpness of your near and distant vision
Anyone with symptoms or a family history of eye disease, diabetes, or high blood pressure should schedule an appointment with our team of ophthalmologists to determine how frequently their eyes should be examined.