877-852-8463Newsletter Sign UpLocationsPatient PortalSchedule Appointment

Premier providers of eye surgery and LASIK in Mid-Michigan and Northwest Ohio

Blog

Specialty Eye Institute Named One of the Best and Brightest Companies to Work for in the Nation

The National Association of Business Resources (NABR) has named Specialty Eye Institute (SEI) as one of the Best and Brightest Companies to work for in the nation. This national award follows Specialty Eye Institute’s regional nomination earlier this year as one of West Michigan’s Best and Brightest Companies. SEI will be recognized as one of the elite award winners during this year’s National Best and Brightest Summit for demonstrating exceptional innovative human resource practices.

An independent research firm evaluates companies based on compensation, benefits and employee solutions; employee enrichment, engagement and retention; employee education and development; recruitment, selection and orientation; employee achievement and recognition; communication and shared vision; diversity and inclusion; work-life balance; community initiatives; and strategic company performance.

“With the war on talent hitting the doorsteps of the Best and Brightest, this achievement means even more than it did a year ago. As we continue to raise the bar, these companies rise to the challenge through cultural innovation, maximizing their workforce potential,” said Jennifer Kluge, President and CEO, Best and Brightest Programs.

“We are incredibly honored to receive this recognition. It’s the fact that we strive every day to ensure we earn this award – is what is important,” Kathleen Fox, Director of Human Resources, Specialty Eye Institute.

The Best and Brightest Companies to Work For® is a program that identifies and honors organizations that display a commitment to excellence in operations and employee enrichment that lead to increased productivity and financial performance. This national program celebrates those companies that are making better business, creating richer lives and building a stronger community as a whole.

Now offering PanOptix, the First and Only Trifocal Lens in the US for our Cataract Patients!

The FDA recently released the PanOptixTM trifocal lens for cataract patients. What does this mean for Specialty Eye Institute patients? As a practice, we’re always working toward giving our patients the best possible visual outcomes and this lens provides patients with a full range of vision.

PanOptix is already one of the leading presbyopia-correcting IOLs in more than 70 countries. It is designed for today’s active lifestyles, from viewing mobile devices and computer screens to high-quality distance vision in a range of lighting conditions. The new lens uses ENLIGHTEN®Optical Technology, a proprietary design that optimizes intermediate vision without compromising near and distance vision.

“We are excited to offer our patients the proven technology winner in depth of focus lenses. PanOptix has been available in Europe for over 7 years with over 500,000 lenses implanted and the clear favorite lens internationally. It is finally available here in the United States and we too are experiencing its distinct advantages in our patients,” states Dr. Kevin Lavery, Cataract Specialist at Specialty Eye Institute.

The advantage of this lens over others is not only does it offer equal distance acuity, but with an improved intermediate focal point at 60 cm means the possibility of better visual outcomes for daily tasks including using your phone, computer, and reading a book or menu.

“We have been watching closely for this technology to become available to us and are thrilled to finally have this as an option. Panoptix is the first lens of its kind that gives excellent vision in all levels of patient needs (distance, mid-range, and near),” Paul Ernest, M.D., Cataract Specialist and Founder of Specialty Eye Institute.

Botox Injections: What To Expect

woman getting botox injections in forehead

What is Botox?

While Botox has been used for cosmetic procedures, such as lifting fine lines and wrinkles, its ability to safely paralyze muscles and nerves also has great medical benefits. That’s because it contains a purified neurotoxic protein that stops a certain neurotransmitter, acetylcholine, from leaving your nerve endings.

Botox injections can help people feel more confident about their appearance by reconstructing areas you’re unhappy with. They also aid in the alleviation of symptoms caused by health conditions including excessive sweating, uncomfortable neck muscle spasms, and even issues around the eyes.

Common Botox Treatment Areas

When it comes to your vision, Botox injections can be placed around and under the eyes to treat conditions such as:

• Eye Twitching
• Drooping Eyelids
• Chronic Migraines
• Eye Dryness
• Excessive Tearing

Many plastic surgeons are trained in both medical and cosmetic Botox. This means you don’t necessarily need to find another oculoplastic professional if you’re interested in getting both options! Ocular cosmetic procedures can touch up:

• Frown Lines
• Crows Feet
• Forehead Lines
• Sagging Brows

How Long Does Botox Last?

Technically speaking, Botox is only a temporary solution. This means you would need to go back into your Botox clinic every so often to get another treatment done and maintain optimal results. A Botox treatment continues to make an impact on the targeted muscles for three months, but visually, you should still be able to see the results for four to six months.

What to Expect From Botox Treatment

There’s a lot you should take into consideration before typing “Botox near me” into your search engine. You don’t want to randomly pick just any Botox clinic for your procedure! It is best to learn about the procedure preparation, treatment, and recovery beforehand. Read on to find out exactly what to expect from a Botox clinic before deciding to move forward.

man getting botox injections

Before Your Botox Injections

Prior to getting Botox injections, you’ll need to set up a consultation at an accredited eye clinic in your area, such as Specialty Eye Institute. Here, you can meet with an expert oculoplastic surgeon to share your cosmetic or medical concerns and learn about what customized Botox treatment options are available to you.

At the Botox Clinic

If you haven’t had Botox injections in the past, it’s normal to be nervous going into your first Botox treatment. Rest assured—you’ll be in great hands under the care of a board-certified SEI oculoplastic surgeon.

Following your consultation, your eye doctor will use a thin needle to inject small amounts of Botox into the skin, muscles, and/or nerves around your treatment areas. Because of the tiny needle, Botox quantity, and quality of care at SEI, you shouldn’t expect to feel any pain: only minimal discomfort.

The number of injections you receive will depend on the severity of your eye condition, the type of Botox, the surface area of the treatment location, and other factors.

After Your Botox Treatment

Botox treatment recovery is typically quick, as long as you follow the doctor’s orders. You may notice small red bumps right after you receive your Botox injections, but those tend to fade within the first 20 to 30 minutes following your Botox treatment.

Should you develop a headache after your Botox treatment, consult with your doctor and see if you can take acetaminophen. Try to refrain from taking aspirin or other blood thinners otherwise.

It’s recommended to avoid physical activity for at least four hours, but you can wait longer depending on how you’re feeling. Be sure not to rub, massage, or touch your eyes for at least 24 hours so you don’t push the Botox and spread it into other areas. As always, listen to the recommendations provided to you by your doctor for the smoothest recovery.

Botox Treatment Results

Botox takes some time to go into effect, so you won’t notice a difference right after leaving the clinic. Results can take several days, or even weeks, to appear depending on the type of Botox treatment you receive. Remember—you’ll need to adjust your muscles to be more relaxed at the injection site(s) to make the most out of your new look or enjoy your improved eyesight.

When you begin to notice your condition slowly return, usually between three to six months following your Botox treatment, it’s time for a touch-up. Setting up a recurring Botox treatment schedule with SEI makes it simple to keep yourself or your vision in tip-top shape.

How Much Does Botox Cost?

Costs vary from one eye practice, or Botox clinic, to the next. Though for the most part, you can assume that a medical Botox procedure has a higher chance of being covered by your insurance than a cosmetic one.

The cost of Botox itself is priced per unit. The cost of each injection is between $10 to $15. For example, a cosmetic forehead smoothing procedure takes an average of 20 injections. You could pay anywhere from $200 to $300. These injections tend to be more cost-effective than surgery—especially surgery on eye muscles.

Cosmetic and Medical Botox Treatment at SEI

When it comes to your eyes, you don’t want to take a chance on just any local Botox clinic. Visit SEI and receive premium eye care services led by the eye experts. Contact us today to speak to a skilled oculoplastic surgeon and learn more about how our Botox treatment options can restore your appearance or your vision.

LASIK Recovery: What To Expect

woman putting eyedrops in after lasik surgery

The LASIK Recovery Process

Laser eye surgery—such as LASIK surgery—is a great option for people who want a lasting, cost-effective vision solution that gives them the freedom to do what they love free of glasses or contacts. However, enjoying these benefits may not be as simple as going in for a procedure and then going right back to your day-to-day routine for everyone. Here are a few things you should know about what to expect with LASIK recovery and what can affect your LASIK recovery time. 

How Long is LASIK Recovery?

There are various stages of LASIK recovery time. A lot of people notice significantly enhanced vision immediately following their LASIK eye surgery. Most patients can return to their normal routine in just a few days.

After laser eye surgery, it will be important to use the eye drops prescribed by your eye doctor to maximize the healing process and prevent any infection. For each stage in the LASIK recovery timeline, keep in mind that there are different expectations in terms of visual results, steps in your aftercare, and tips to speed up the healing process. 

The First Day After LASIK Surgery

On the first day, you must wear a protective eye covering and be driven home to rest. Wear this covering until the next morning and swap it with any protective sunglasses you received from your doctor. You can shower after the first day, but avoid irritating your eyes with water or soap. 

You may experience some eye discomfort the first day after LASIK surgery. Usually this means dryness, blurriness, itchiness, and light sensitivity. However, these symptoms should be alleviated with lubricating eye drops prescribed by your doctor and over-the-counter pain relief medication. If you experience worsening pain, contact your physician.

The First Week After LASIK

Your physician will want to see you at least a couple of days following your laser eye procedure to ensure your LASIK recovery is going smoothly. During the first week and onward of your healing process, you should be using the eye drops and pain medication as often as prescribed.

You will need to avoid touching your eyes, using eye makeup (and remover) and creams, doing yard work, night driving, and exercise. Avoid coming into contact with general eye irritants (e.g. dust, smoke). This will prevent infection and allow the incision to heal.

To maintain the safety of your eyes throughout the healing process, wear UV-protective eyewear or protective goggles outside and during physical activity or home improvement tasks.

After the First Week 

The eye discomfort and light issues you may have initially experienced should be gone or at least substantially better. You will be visiting your eye doctor periodically over the next year so they can check on the progress of your eyes.

Although uncommon—if you’re experiencing vision issues after your procedure, your doctor may recommend getting a LASIK enhancement surgery to improve your eyesight further.

Factors That Affect LASIK Recovery Time

There are a few factors that can affect your LASIK recovery time outside of just following your laser eye surgeon’s guidelines. Not using your eye drops as directed, dry eyes, and other vision issues can extend your recovery time after LASIK. Individuals with a more extreme eye prescription may also experience a longer recovery time. 

FAQ: Laser Eye Surgery Recovery

Will I Have 20/20 Vision After LASIK?

There’s no guarantee that LASIK surgery will give you perfect vision, but it is highly successful. Most LASIK recipients experience quick, notable results with vision so close to 20/20 that they may no longer depend on corrective lenses.

How Long Do the Effects of Laser Eye Surgery Last?

While your vision will continue to change as part of the aging process, LASIK permanently reshapes your cornea. Most patients enjoy their new vision for years to come. 

Will My Activities Be Restricted During LASIK Recovery?

Depending on how quickly you tend to heal, you can typically return to most normal activities in a few days. Your surgeon will go over any restrictions at the time of surgery and following your 1 day post-operative appointment. Some temporary restrictions immediately following surgery may include driving, showering, rubbing your eyes, reading, swimming, exercise, and sports. It is also recommended that you stay away from dirty and dusty environments. These restrictions are only temporary and your doctor will instruct you on when you can resume these activities.

What are the most common LASIK recovery complications?

Some common LASIK recovery complications include irritation, discomfort, and night glares. To minimize any recovery complications, visit your eye doctor for several follow-up visits within the first year of your procedure. These follow-up visits allow your eye doctor to follow your healing process. If you experience any vision issues following your LASIK procedure, we advise you to contact your eye doctor immediately. 

Picking an experienced surgeon is important when considering laser eye surgery. At Specialty Eye Institute, we have an excellent team of experienced eye surgeons and our complication rate is extremely low.

Schedule your LASIK consultation to learn more!

Specialty Eye Institute Voted One of West Michigan’s Best and Brightest Companies to Work For

NABR – West Michigan’s Best and Brightest

The National Association of Business Resources (NABR) will honor Specialty Eye Institute as one of the organizations awarded West Michigan’s Best and Brightest Companies to work for at their upcoming awards banquet in May. Companies are rated based on their commitment to excellence in their human resource practices and employee enrichment.

An independent research firm evaluates companies based on an organization’s communication, work-life balance, employee education, development, diversity, recognition, and retention.

“We are honored to recognize the efforts of this year’s Best and Brightest companies,” said Jennifer Kluge, president and CEO, Best and Brightest Programs.

“These companies have created impressive organizational value and business results through their policies and best practices in human resource management. This award has become a designation sought after by hundreds of West Michigan companies and is a powerful recruitment tool in the drive to attract and retain exceptional employees.”

The Best and Brightest Companies to Work For® is a program that provides the business community with the opportunity to gain recognition, showcase their best practices and demonstrate why they are an ideal place for employees to work. This national program celebrates those companies that are making better business, creating richer lives and building a stronger community as a whole.

FOR PATIENTS

FOR DOCTORS

CONTACT US

877-852-8463

SOCIAL MEDIA

877-852-8463Newsletter Sign UpLocationsPatient PortalSchedule Appointment