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Implantable Contact Lenses: Everything You Should Know

LASIK has become an extremely popular vision corrective surgery for those who want to drastically improve their vision. This is for good reason, too. However, there are other alternatives that are just as effective and can be a better option if you’re not eligible for LASIK.

Let’s discuss what an implantable contact lens is, the different types, their benefits and disadvantages, the differences between ICL and LASIK, and the costs involved.

What Are Permanent Contact Lenses?

An implantable contact lens, or ICL, is a contact lens alternative used for correcting vision. However, unlike traditional contact lenses, they are positioned so that they remain in the eye for a much longer time. Implantable contact lenses are surgically placed inside the eyes, between the iris and the natural lens, giving you permanent contacts.

ICL is made from Collmar, which is a biocompatible material that’s a combination of collagen and polymer. Because of this, they don’t cause any side effects or discomfort.

icl lens

Types of Implantable Contact Lenses

ICL Soft Lens

A soft lens is made from a polymeric material that bends easily, making it soft. The design is similar to the collagen found in your cornea, so there is less of a risk of an adverse reaction.

During a soft lens implantation procedure, your surgeon will cut a tiny incision in your cornea and place the ICL inside your eye, between your iris and lens. There are no stitches required.

Intraocular Lens

This type of ICL surgery is designed specifically for patients who can’t have LASIK surgery due to their severe nearsightedness. For this type of implant, your surgeon will place the lens between the cornea and iris so that your eyes can focus more clearly. Surgeons will then use tiny stitches to close the incision so that the lens stays in place.

The Procedure of Implanting Contact Lenses

An ICL surgery is a safe, effective, and fast procedure that permanently corrects your vision. This surgery involves placing a lens between a person’s iris and lens without damaging the corneal tissue. Your natural lens will stay intact.

The procedure only takes around 15 minutes and has a quick healing time. Many patients go back to normal activities the very next day after their surgery.

Benefits of Permanent Contact Lenses

There are a myriad of benefits that come with permanent contact lenses.

ICLs are a good choice for people who are not good candidates for LASIK or PRK
ICLs can help correct nearsightedness and astigmatism, with advances being made to address other vision conditions
ICLs can be used when people have irregular corneas, dry eyes, or vision prescriptions that exceed the acceptable range for LASIK or PRK
ICLs are maintenance-free since they’re implanted in the eye
There are no added expenses for contact lens cleaners, replacement lens costs, or storage containers
The procedure is both minimally invasive and fast
ICLs last a long time and allow people to see clearly for years
Compared to LASIK or PRK, ICLs generally result in high-definition vision
If you don’t like the results, the procedure is completely reversible

Potential Risks and Considerations

While the procedure is very safe, surgery always comes with some amount of risk.

For ICL surgery, they include:

Changes in Vision: Patients may have double vision, see halos, experience glare, or struggle to see clearly in low light.
Vision Loss: It’s possible that your vision could get worse following an ICL Surgery. Implanting lenses may not be successful or could damage your eyesight more.
Additional Surgery: If the first ICL surgery isn’t successful, there may be a need for another. If the lens moves out of place or is off-center, the surgeon will need to cut your eye again to replace or adjust the lens.
Results Aren’t Guaranteed: It’s not always the case that perfect 20/20 vision is achieved with the procedure. You may still be required to wear reading glasses after to achieve the vision you want.
Pressure: After your surgery, it may feel like there’s pressure in or behind your eyes. You can be prescribed medication to treat this symptom, but there’s always the possibility that too much pressure can damage your vision permanently.
Detached Retina: Eye surgery may cause retinal detachment. If that occurs, the tissue on the back of your eye that senses light is no longer connected to your eye.
Infection: If your eyes hurt after your procedure, it could be a sign of infection. Some amount of discomfort is common, but most patients have a fast recovery. If lingering pain, redness, swelling, or inflammation occurs, you should contact your doctor.

Cost and Insurance Coverage

The average cost of this procedure can range from $1,200 to $5,000, depending on a variety of factors. Unfortunately, ICL is considered to be a cosmetic procedure, so it’s most likely that it will not be included in your insurance.

At Specialty Eye Institute, we are proud to offer Alphaeon financing. With it, you can begin your procedure immediately with a flexible financing plan to help you pay. You will be able to make low monthly payments that fit into your budget.

Recovery and Post-Procedure Care

Recovery from ICL surgery is fairly quick. Within the first day, 70% to 80% of patients have restored their vision and can even be cleared for driving. The vision continues to mature and sharpen gradually over time. Within three to four weeks, the results of the surgery should be fully achieved.

Despite the quick recovery, you should still take it easy for the first 24 hours. Your doctor will give you instructions regarding taking prescribed eye drops and using an eye shield when you shower.

You should avoid rubbing your eyes or putting cream or eye makeup on them for the first two weeks. Exercising and swimming should also be avoided for the first two weeks after surgery. For the first week after the procedure, it’s recommended to wear UV-protection sunglasses when out in the sun.

Comparing ICL with LASIK & Other Vision Correction Procedures

ICL surgery is similar to LASIK when it comes to the ultimate goal of enhancing your vision. However, they do have their differences. ICL surgery is generally a great option for most patients, particularly for those who are not eligible for LASIK. You can still have ICL surgery if you are too nearsighted for other procedures, or have dry eyes or thin corneas that make other procedures difficult.

LASIK, if you are eligible, is one of the most affordable corrective vision procedures. Because ICL is custom-created to match your eye, they can be pricier than LASIK, though financing options are available.

Patient Eligibility for Implantable Contact Lenses

You are eligible for ICL surgery if:

You are between the ages of 21 and 45
You have nearsighted vision with mild to severe myopia
You have not had a change in prescription of more than .5D in the past year
You are looking for a procedure that doesn’t create dry eye syndrome
You have enough endothelial cell density and adequate anterior chamber depth to perform the procedure safely

To you for certain if you’re eligible for ICL surgery and if it’s the best option for you, contact an experienced specialist to discuss.

FAQs About Permanent Contact Lenses

How Long Do Permanent Contact Lenses Last?

ICL should last you for the rest of your life unless you decide to remove them.

How Much Do Permanent Contact Lenses Cost?

The average cost of this procedure can range from $1,200 to $5,000, depending on a variety of factors.

Does Insurance Cover ICL Surgery?

Unfortunately, ICL is considered to be a cosmetic procedure, so it’s most likely that it will not be included in your insurance. However, Specialty Eye Institute has financing options available.

What is the Age Limit for ICL Surgery?

The age range for ICL surgery is 21-45 years old.

Is LASIK or ICL Better?

Both LASIK and ICL have advantages and disadvantages. It all depends on which choice is the best for your specific situation.

Can Permanent Contact Lenses Be Removed?

Yes. ICL surgery is completely reversible.

Does ICL Surgery Give You 20/20 Vision?

While ICL surgery is designed to drastically improve your vision, there is no guarantee that you will be able to achieve 20/20 vision.

Embrace a Clearer Future With Implantable Contact Lenses From Specialty Eye Institute

If you’re interested in ICL surgery or any other procedures, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Specialty Eye Institute. Our reliable team of experts is committed to providing an experience that exceeds expectations, whether you’re with us for a comprehensive eye exam or a life-changing procedure.

At Specialty Eye Institute, we are dedicated to delivering the highest level of attention to your eye health. Our core values encompass:

Patient-Centered Advocate
Integrity
Excellence
Compassion

If you’re in need of excellent eye care, don’t hesitate to call us at (866) 435-8935 or schedule an appointment.

Eye Surgery: Types, Risks, & Recoveries

Eyes can be particularly vulnerable to damage, which is why there are so many types of surgeries that are designed to remove, repair, or manipulate your eye and its surrounding tissues.

Let’s discuss the different eye surgery types, why you would have them, the risks that eye surgeries come with, and what the recovery process is like.

Eye Surgery Types

Refractive Eye Surgery

Refractive eye surgery corrects refractive errors like myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism.

LASIK: Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis

LASIK is the most well-known refractive surgery. This procedure reshapes the tissue under the cornea’s surface by creating a flap and targeting it with a laser.

PRK: Photorefractive Keratectomy

PRK also reshapes the cornea but does not require a flap. The top layer of the cornea is removed so that a laser can reshape the cornea. Then, the top layer grows back over the next several days.

LASEK: Laser Subepithelial Keratomileusis

LASEK is similar to PRK, but a flap is created and placed back after the laser treatment. Some experts think that this promotes a more comfortable experience and faster recovery.

Refractive Lens Exchange

Refractive lens exchange is a similar procedure to cataract surgery. However, in this procedure, the eye’s clear natural lens is replaced with an artificial lens to correct the refractive error.

Cataract Surgery

Cataract surgery involves the removal of the eye’s natural lens that has become cloudy with age and replacing it with a clear artificial lens.

In the surgery, the surgeon removes the natural lens and replaces it with a clear artificial lens referred to as an intraocular lens (IOL). The IOL is placed inside the lens capsule that was designed to hold the natural lens.

This procedure is low-risk and takes about 15 minutes. You will be able to go home the same day.

Three Types of Cataracts

Nuclear Cataract: this is the most common type of cataract in the senior population. It is a clouding and hardening of the lens center, which results in a blur, glare, and other changes in vision.
Cortical Cataract: this is an opacity in the outer layer of the natural lens. It’s more common in people with diabetes and hypertension.
Posterior Subcapsular Cataract: this is a fast-growing opacity in the rear of the natural lens. This cataract is most common in people who take steroids or have diabetes.

Glaucoma Surgery

Glaucoma surgery is performed to lower the pressure inside the eye in people with glaucoma. When the pressure in the eye is too high, the risk of vision loss increases due to potential damage to the optic nerve.

Argon Laser Trabeculoplasty (ALT)

This is an in-office procedure that’s generally performed on people with open-angle glaucoma who have eye pressure because the fluid in front of the eye is not draining properly. It drains fluids out of your eye in order to reduce intra-ocular pressure.

Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT)

Much like ALT, this procedure is generally performed on people with open-angle glaucoma. It uses a cold laser to drain the fluids in your eye and reduce intraocular pressure. The cold laser reduces scar tissue, making it a surgery that can be repeated if needed.

Laser Peripheral Iridotomy (LPI)

This is an in-office laser procedure that’s used to treat or prevent narrow-angle glaucoma, which is much less common than open-angle glaucoma. Because the angle is narrow, it can close and increase in a sudden increase in eye pressure.

The surgery will ensure that the meshwork drains properly, but the drainage area will be narrowed or closed.

Trabeculectomy

This filtration surgery requires an incision and is used to treat open-angle glaucoma. The procedure will need to be performed in a hospital and is generally an option that is taken if medication and laser surgery are not effective.

Retinal Surgery

The retina is the light-sensitive tissue in the back of the eye that is susceptible to damage and diseases. There are numerous types of surgeries to treat the retina and its surrounding structures.

Retinal Laser Photocoagulation

Laser photocoagulation uses a laser to slow down or prevent serious complications that could lead to vision loss.

It manages conditions like:

Diabetic retinopathy
Macular edema
Retinal vein occlusion
Retinal detachment

In this procedure, a laser generates heat and creates a burn, stimulating the development of scar tissue. This scar tissue can help seal off abnormal, leaky blood vessels and reduce swelling. Additionally, tears or detachments can be “welded” down with this procedure to prevent further vision loss.

Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)

When the treatment area is near the center of vision, PDT is preferred over laser photocoagulation to minimize the chances of developing a blind spot. This procedure is commonly used in wet age-related macular degeneration patients.

It uses a laser and an injected drug that works in tandem. The drug is injected into the arm, travels to targeted blood vessels, and is activated by a low-power laser directed at leaky blood vessels. This procedure seals the blood vessels, which reduces the amount of fluid and blood they leak.

Cryotherapy

This procedure places a probe that freezes tissue to treat a retinal tear or detachment. The probe damages the tissue surrounding the tear, which results in a scar that “welds” it into place.

Scleral Buckle

A person with retinal detachment will be treated with either laser photocoagulation or cryotherapy, which will then be followed by the placement of a scleral buckle. This is a silicone band placed on the outside of the sclera to help prevent the retina from detaching again

This procedure is outpatient and will require either local or general anesthesia. The surgery typically lasts around two hours.

Pneumatic Retinopexy

During a pneumatic retinopexy, the eye is numbed, a small needle is inserted, and fluid is removed and replaced with a gas bubble. The gas offers gentle pressure against the retina to help it reattach.

This procedure would need to be followed up by a laser photocoagulation or cryotherapy.

Vitrectomy

A vitrectomy removes the vitreous, which is a gel-like fluid that fills the back two-thirds of the eye, providing support and maintaining its round shape.

This procedure could be performed for conditions like:

Diabetic retinopathy
Retinal detachment
Macular pucker
Macular hole
Endophthalmitis
Trauma

This outpatient procedure requiring local or general anesthesia involves a small incision made in the eyeball to remove the vitreous and replace it with saline or a bubble of gas and silicone oil. A patch will need to be placed over the eye, and medication will be given to help the eye heal.

Corneal Transplant

Corneal transplant surgery may be necessary when the cornea becomes severely damaged.

This procedure can help heal the damage from:

Corneal infection
Inflammation
Severe dryness
Dystrophies
Degenerations
Injuries

Penetrating Keratoplasty

This is a full-thickness cornea transplant. A diseased cornea is replaced with a healthy donor cornea.

Endothelial Keratoplasty

This is a partial corneal transplant that doesn’t need stitches. The back layers of the cornea are replaced.

Deep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty

This procedure replaces the middle tissue layers of the cornea with donor tissue.

Superficial Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty

This procedure replaces the cornea’s outer layers with donor tissue.

Eye Muscle Surgery

Eye muscle surgery assists in aligning the eyes in a condition referred to as strabismus. This is when the eyes point in different directions, causing double vision.

The muscle that needs to be adjusted will be shortened or reattached further back into the eye. Depending on the age of the patient, the procedure could require anesthesia. An overnight stay in the hospital usually isn’t necessary.

Eyelid Surgery

Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, corrects eyelids that have become droopy, causing vision impairment. It can be performed on both the upper or lower lids and involves removing excess skin or fat. Then, the muscle that opens the eyes is repaired.

Risks Associated with Eye Surgery

With every surgery, there is always some amount of risk. With laser eye surgeries, one risk is that the procedure will be unsuccessful or need to be repeated eventually.

Eye surgeries also run the risk of:

Pain
Infection
Bleeding
Vision changes
Dry eyes

There is also a small risk of vision loss after surgery. You can discuss the specific risks of your procedure with your surgeon during your consultation.

Recovery Process After Eye Surgery

The recovery time of your eye surgery will depend on the type of procedure that you have.

Cataract Surgery: typically takes four to eight weeks to recover completely, though your routine should be returned to before then.

LASIK: you will be able to go back to work the next day, but it may take up to four weeks to get back to all of your usual activities.

Glaucoma Surgery: the recovery time for this procedure is usually two to six weeks.

Corneal Transplants: you should have full vision after three months, though it could take as long as 12 months.

Listening to the instructions of your surgeon for aftercare is essential to guaranteeing a smooth recovery process. It’s also crucial to attend follow-up appointments so a professional can ensure that you are recovering as you should.

Ensuring Vision Health and Safety with Specialty Eye Institute

Promoting your eye health requires reliable care you can count on. At Specialty Eye Institute, our dependable team of specialists is dedicated to creating an exceptional experience, whether you're dealing with secondary cataracts, seeking LASIK eye surgery, or simply in need of a regular eye check-up.

We are devoted to providing the utmost care for your eyes. Here at Specialty Eye Institute, our foundational principles include:

Patient-Centered Advocate
Compassion
Excellence
Integrity

If you’re in need of eye care, don’t hesitate to call us at (866) 435-8935 or schedule an appointment on our website.

When to Worry about Dilated Pupils

Dilated pupils (also known as mydriasis) are a natural and common reaction to many situations and will usually go away on their own. However, when they’re sudden, are seemingly triggered for no reason, or don’t go away on their own, there can be an underlying cause for them that could require medical attention. Let’s discuss when to worry about dilated pupils, what causes it, and what treatment options are available.

What Are Dilated Pupils?

Pupils are the part of your eye that lets light into your eyes to help you see clearly. They’re controlled by the muscles in your iris, which is the colored part of your eye. The normal pupil size for an adult varies from 2 mm to 8 mm, depending on the amount of light exposure.

Dilated pupils occur when your pupils widen. There are natural causes that can cause this, but the effects will always be temporary. If your dilated pupils linger, you should get your eyes checked to find out the underlying reason.

Causes of Dilated Pupils

There are also unnatural causes that could cause your pupils to dilate. In these cases, consulting with a professional is recommended.

Natural Responses Leading to Dilated Pupils

Pupils are constantly changing in size in response to the amount of light they’re taking in.

They normally dilate in low-light conditions to let more light into the eye. They will also constrict in conditions with higher levels of light to minimize the amount of light that enters the eye.

Comparison of blue eye with dilated pupils vs. constricted pupils.

Medications and Drugs

A variety of medications cause dilated pupils by interfering with the muscle function in the iris that controls the pupil’s size.

Some of these medications include:

Antihistamines, like Benadryl
Muscle relaxants, like Lioresal
Decongestants, like Sudafed
Parkinson’s medications, like Symmetrel
Antidepressants, like Norpramin
Illicit drugs like LSD or cocaine

When checked by a healthcare professional, they can determine if the cause of your dilated pupils is a medication you’re taking.

Eye Injuries

Trauma to the brain or eye can cause dilated pupils. Typically, blunt closed trauma damages the iris sphincter muscle, or one of the pathways in the brain that controls it. These injuries can also cause bleeding inside the skull, which can make your pupils enlarge.

Eye injuries can also be caused by:

Retinal procedures, like retinal detachment surgery, diabetic retinopathy surgery, and macular hole surgery
Intraocular surgery, like cataract removal or a corneal transplant

Medical Conditions

Dilated pupils can also be caused by several medical conditions, such as:

Aneurysm in the brain
Brain tumor or abscess
Excess pressure in one eye caused by glaucoma
Acute stroke
Intracranial hemorrhage
Brain swelling
Infection of membranes around the brain
Increased intracranial pressure
Intracranial tumor
Migraine headache
Seizure
Tomor, moss, or lymph node in the upper chest or lymph node
Diabetic oculomotor nerve palsy
Horner syndrome
Benign episodic unilateral mydriasis
Adie’s pupil
Congenital aniridia

When to Worry About Dilated Pupils

If you have an unexplained change in pupil size and it’s not going away, reach out to your healthcare provider. This is particularly true if they started suddenly, are recent, or happened after an injury to your head or eye.

If you have these symptoms along with dilated pupils, get medical treatment immediately:

Eye sensitivity to light
Blurred vision
Double vision
Headache
Fever
Loss of vision
Eye pain
Nausea or vomiting
Stiff neck

Treatments for Dilated Pupils

In most cases, dilated pupils are a natural response that will go away on their own. However, if they continue to linger, a healthcare professional may recommend further treatment. The treatment can vary depending on the underlying cause of your dilated pupils.

Sunglasses

Sunglasses, particularly sunglasses with polarized lenses, can help alleviate discomfort and sensitivity to light caused by dilated pupils. They’ll reduce the amount of light entering your eyes, providing relief in environments where bright lights exacerbate your sensitivity to light.

Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation can be used as a treatment if the abuse of substances is the underlying cause of your dilated pupils.

Treatment programs for substance abuse typically involve:

Medication
Counseling
Therapy
Support groups

These programs are utilized to reduce your dependence on the substances that are causing your pupil dilation.

Contact Lenses

Prosthetic contact lenses are specialized lenses that are used to manage eye conditions that cause issues in the appearance of your eyes. For dilated pupils, they are used to cosmetically address pupil size unevenness or irregularities. These lenses are custom-made to match the appearance of your natural eyes and help improve the symmetry and aesthetics of your eyes when there are visible discrepancies in your pupils.

Surgery

Though uncommon, surgery can be used as a treatment for dilated pupils when the underlying cause requires surgical intervention.

These circumstances could include:

Eye Trauma: Severe eye injuries that affect the muscles controlling your pupils’ size and response may require surgical intervention to restore your normal pupil function.
Nerve Damage: Conditions like a third nerve palsy, where the nerve controlling the pupil’s movement is affected, may require surgical repair to address the underlying cause or to correct the muscle or nerve function.
Certain Eye Disorders: In rare cases, specific eye disorders that cause abnormal pupil dilatation could require surgical management or treatment to address the issue.

Worried About Your Dilated Pupils? We Can Help.

If you have dilated pupils that have no explanation, don’t hesitate to reach out to our reliable team at Specialty Eye Institute. We offer comprehensive eye care that can find out the underlying cause, as well as the best way to treat them.

We are committed to offering exceptional service and treatment every time you come in. At Specialty Eye Institute, we pride ourselves on following our four core values:

Patient-Centered Advocate
Excellence
Integrity
Compassion

Call Us Today or schedule an appointment on our website.

What’s the Difference Between An Optometrist vs. Ophthalmologist?

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.

Some of their duties include:

Performing vision tests and eye exams
Detecting certain eye abnormalities
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:

Excellence
Patient-Centered Advocate
Compassion
Integrity

Call Us Today or schedule an appointment on our website.

Common Causes of Dry Eye

Dry eye is an extremely common condition that can cause a lot of discomfort. Dry eye symptoms can be triggered by a huge variety of causes, which is why it’s important to address them with a professional as soon as you first start feeling the symptoms.

Let’s discuss what dry eye is, what symptoms you need to look for, what causes it, and how it can be treated.

What You Should Know About Dry Eye

Dry eye is a condition that affects your tear film, which consists of three layers of tears that cover and protect the surface of your eyes. To be able to see clearly and comfortably, you need a stable and smooth tear film. If there are any disruptions in your tear film, it can cause itching, burning, blurred or watering vision.

These are the symptoms of dry eye to look out for:

Feeling sensitive to light
Mucus that comes out of your eye
Blurred or changed vision
Burning or stinging
Watery eyes

The Most Common Causes of Dry Eye Symptoms

Dry eye can be difficult to find the root cause of because there are so many complex risk factors that can trigger it. It’s essential to see a professional who will be able to assist you in finding the underlying cause, as some of them can be serious and need immediate attention.

Meibomian Gland Dysfunction

Meibomian gland dysfunction is a group of disorders that are linked by functional abnormalities of the meibomian glands. It can lead to altered tear film composition, ocular surface disease, and evaporative dry eye.

Medications

There are certain medications that have a side effect of dry eye.

These include:

Tranquilizers
Antihistamines
Certain Heart Medications
Diuretics
Birth Control Pills
Ulcer Medications

Autoimmune Conditions

Dry eye is often associated with autoimmune conditions.

You may find yourself with dry eye if you have:

Sjogren’s Disease
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Lupus
Scleroderma
Grave’s Disease
Diabetes

Impact of Contact Lenses

Wearing contact lenses can dry your eyes out because the thin layer of contact lens material on your cornea limits oxygen flow to the eyes. Without a steady flow of oxygen, it’s more difficult for your eyes to create natural tears.

Hormone Changes

Hormonal changes can cause dry eye, especially in women after menopause and during pregnancy. The changing levels of estrogen and progesterone can affect the meibomian gland, leading to dryness and irritation.

Allergies

Dry eye is common with allergies because the allergic reaction causes inflammation in the area of the eye that can reduce tear production.

Treatment Options for Dry Eye

TearCare at Specialty Eye Institute

TearCare is a wearable eyelid technology that offers lasting relief from chronic dry eye caused by Meibomian Gland Dysfunction.

Your eye doctor will place flexible eyelid devices on the contours of your eyelids, fitting them to the unique shape. Combined with SmartLid technology and eye blinking, the device applies low heat to unclog the meibomian glands and increase your meibum production. This procedure will be repeated each year or biannually until the ideal tear production is achieved.

This pain-free, open-eye procedure is:

Non-invasive
FDA-approved
Takes 15 minutes or less

Artificial Tear Drops

Artificial tear drops are the most common type of treatment. You will need to find the right product for you and apply it regularly, even when your eyes feel fine. If your eyes dry out at night, you will want to consider a thicker product, like an ointment.

Temporal Punctal Occlusion

Temporal punctal occlusion is when your doctor closes the punctum, which is the duct that drains tears from your eye. Typically, they will start with a temporary plug that is designed to dissolve over time to see if a permanent plug is right for you.

Nondissolving Punctal Plugs and Punctal Occlusion By Cautery

If your temporary plugs help your condition, your doctor may choose to insert a longer-lasting plug or a procedure called cautery. With cautery, a special tool will be used to burn the opening for your duct shut to create a permanent plug through the scar.

Testosterone cream

Dry eye symptoms can be related to a lack of testosterone in the oil glands on your eyelids. In this case, your doctor may give you testosterone cream to apply to your eyelids to help your oil glands function better.

Get Dry Eye Relief From Specialty Eye Institute

Are you suffering from dry eye? Don’t hesitate to reach out to our knowledgeable team at Specialty Eye Institute. When it comes to eye health, it’s crucial to find care that you can rely on. We’re here to help, whether you need dry eye treatment, more serious procedures like a corneal transplant, or just a routine eye exam.

We are utterly dedicated to providing exceptional service and treatment each and every time you visit. At Specialty Eye Institute, our core values include:

Patient-Centered Advocate
Excellence
Integrity
Compassion

Don’t hesitate with your eye health. Call Us Today or schedule an appointment on our website.