Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) is a highly popular and effective way of correcting vision problems while attaining freedom from dependence on eyeglasses and contact lenses. During your LASIK consultation in Chicago , your LASIK surgeon can walk you through the procedure and explain the technology he or she will use. There have been numerous advances in laser eye surgery technology, which have made the procedure safer, faster, and more effective.

Identifying Ideal Candidates

Many people are good candidates for LASIK eye surgery; however, only your ophthalmologist can determine if it’s right for you. You may be a good candidate if you have refractive errors, which are nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. The LASIK procedure corrects these vision problems by reshaping the cornea, which allows the eye to more effectively focus rays of light on the retina.

Understanding the Procedure

Before going ahead with the LASIK procedure, your ophthalmologist will make sure you understand what’s involved. First, the ophthalmologist will administer a topical anesthetic to the eyes to numb them. Then, he or she will place an eyelid holder between the eyelids. This prevents you from blinking during the procedure. A suction ring placed on the eye prevents the eye from moving, and lifts and flattens the cornea. Although this procedure is painless, you may feel some pressure at this point. Additionally, your vision may become dim. This is normal. Then, the ophthalmologist uses a special laser to create a flap on the cornea , which allows the laser to shape the corneal tissue. The flap is sealed back in place without stitches. The entire procedure takes only a few minutes per eye.

Recovering from the Procedure

After the LASIK procedure, you should have someone drive you home. Plan to spend the remainder of the day resting quietly at home. It’s critical to avoid rubbing your eyes because this can dislodge the corneal flap. To protect your corneas, your ophthalmologist will give you an eye shield to wear over each treated eye. You’ll also receive instructions on applying eye drops to relieve any dryness and facilitate healing.

Cataracts are a common reason why people visit an ophthalmologist near Chicago . Cataracts occur when the lens of the eye becomes cloudy. They develop very gradually. Although they lead to vision loss, this can occur over a period of years. As time passes, individuals may notice that they have problems driving, particularly at night. They may notice blurry or dim vision, sensitivity to glare, double vision, or seeing “halos” around sources of light. Because these symptoms can eventually interfere in day-to-day activities, it’s important to consult an eye doctor as soon as you begin to notice them.

Watch this video to hear a cataract surgeon discuss the signs and symptoms of cataracts. He explains the gradual onset of the symptoms and discusses the activities these symptoms may interfere with. If you suspect you could have cataracts, you can talk to an ophthalmologist about cataract surgery.

If you experience any eye abnormalities, such as eye pain or a sudden loss in vision, you should see an eye doctor promptly. However, it’s also important to schedule routine visits with an ophthalmologist near Chicago. There are many eye conditions that do not result in symptoms or may not cause symptoms right away. By visiting an ophthalmologist for routine eye exams, you’re safeguarding your healthy vision for a lifetime.

Vision

An important component of a routine eye exam at an optical center involves checking your vision. For children, this is particularly critical because normal vision development has a direct effect on academic success. Children with impaired vision cannot see the chalkboard or their homework assignments clearly, and they may fall behind. However, vision exams for adults are also necessary to ensure that their current prescription is correct. Without an accurate prescription for eyeglasses or contact lenses, it can be difficult to fulfill job responsibilities and carry out day-to-day tasks.

Eye Diseases

A routine eye exam involves much more than just checking your vision. Your eye doctor will also evaluate your eyes for any signs of diseases. He or she will check for signs of glaucoma, retinal disorders, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy. By detecting these eye diseases as early as possible, you can become informed about your treatment options and ways of preventing further damage.

Eye Problems

There are many other eye conditions that your ophthalmologist may detect during a routine eye exam. For example, your eye doctor can tell if you have strabismus, or an improper eye alignment. This condition interferes with depth perception and may lead to amblyopia, which in turn can cause irreversible vision impairment.

Systemic Conditions

Did you know that eye doctors can often detect systemic health problems in patients? An ophthalmologist can let you know if your eyes are displaying minute changes that could signal a serious health issue, which means you can begin receiving treatment from your physician as soon as possible. For example, an ophthalmologist can often detect the early signs of high cholesterol levels and high blood pressure. Eye doctors can also assess whether the tiny blood vessels in your eyes are leaking and whether the macula is swollen. These changes indicate that you may have diabetes.

Macular degeneration is a common type of eye disease that leads to vision loss. Macular degeneration is one of the reasons why it’s important to receive regular eye care near Chicago. By scheduling exams on an annual basis, your eye doctor can detect signs of the disease early. There are many tests your eye doctor can use to diagnose macular degeneration. Generally, patients will first undergo a visual acuity exam to assess how well you see distant objects. Then, you can expect to undergo a dilated eye exam at the optical center .

To dilate your eyes, the ophthalmologist will apply special eye drops. You’ll need to wait for a few minutes to let the eye drops work. Then, the eye doctor will use a device called an ophthalmoscope, which allows him or her to evaluate the retina. If your doctor notices abnormalities that may indicate macular degeneration, he or she may use an Amsler grid. If you have macular degeneration, the lines on the grid may appear wavy or they may disappear altogether. Sometimes, eye patients are asked to undergo fluorescein angiography and optical coherence tomography (OCT), which involves injecting dye into a vein and taking a picture of the macula. This is helpful for diagnosing the wet form of macular degeneration.

Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) is a popular and effective method of vision correction. If you decide to have LASIK near Chicago , you can look forward to freedom from contact lenses and eyeglasses. The procedure involves reshaping the cornea to correct refractive errors. Before deciding to have this procedure, schedule a LASIK consultation with your ophthalmologist to ensure the procedure is right for you.

Preparation

Before having LASIK, you’ll undergo an eye exam at an optical center. Your eye doctor will evaluate whether you’re a good candidate for corrective surgery. If you wear a type of contact lens that may change the shape of your corneas, it’s important to stop wearing them for a few weeks before your eye exam and to only wear eyeglasses. Failure to do so may result in improper vision correction. Along with having an eye exam, you’ll talk to your ophthalmologist about your medical history, including any past and current eye conditions. You’ll need to disclose your allergies and any medications or supplements you’re taking. The day before you’re scheduled to have LASIK, avoid using any creams, lotions, or other products on your face because these can increase your risk of infection. Additionally, arrange to have someone else drive you to and from your appointment.

Procedure

The LASIK surgery itself takes very little time. First, the ophthalmologist will apply eye drops to numb your eye. The area around your eye will be thoroughly cleansed. Then, if your eye doctor has invested in the most advanced technology for vision correction, a corneal flap will be created with a laser. Otherwise, a mechanical blade called a microkeratome will be used. Then, a laser is used to reshape the cornea. Once this is completed, the corneal flap will be repositioned.

Recovery

Immediately after the LASIK procedure, your eye doctor will place an eye shield over your eye. It’s critical to wear the eye shield for as long as your doctor recommends, since rubbing your eye or otherwise exposing it to pressure can dislodge the corneal flap. You can expect to remain home resting for a few days after the procedure. You’ll return to the optical center for a follow-up appointment within the first one to two days, and for additional follow-up appointments during the subsequent six months.

Patients undergoing cataract surgery have more options available to them than ever before. During cataract surgery, the natural lens of the eye is removed. Then, the eye doctor places a permanent lens implant. This is known as an intraocular lens (IOL). You can talk to an eye doctor in Chicago and watch this video to learn about the different types of IOL implants that are available .

For example, one option for cataract treatment is to have a monofocal IOL. This lens enables patients to have corrected vision at far, intermediate, or near distances. A newer type of IOL implant is the multifocal lens, which can accommodate both near and far corrected vision. There are also IOL options that are designed specifically for individuals with astigmatism.

Cataracts are cloudy areas on the lens of your eye that interfere with your ability to see clearly. If you’re anticipating having cataract surgery near Chicago, you can talk to your eye doctor about what you can expect from the procedure. Your cataract surgeon will determine if you’re a good candidate for the surgery, inform you of the potential risks, and explain the many benefits of cataract surgery.

Preparation

Before having any type of surgery, you can expect to undergo some tests and discuss your medical history. For cataract surgery, your eye doctor will perform an A-scan to measure the length of your eye. Then, keratometry is used to measure the curve of the cornea. These measurements will inform your eye doctor’s recommendations for the type of intraocular lens (IOL) implant that best suits your needs. The lens implant can provide full vision correction . In addition to discussing the different types of IOL implants available to you, you’ll be asked about your medical history. Your eye doctor will need to know if you’ve previously had eye surgery, such as LASIK surgery. Additionally, you’ll need to disclose all of your medications, since certain drugs can interfere with pupil dilation.

Procedure

There are a few techniques that may be used for cataract surgery; however, phacoemulsification is most often used. First, your eye doctor will apply a local anesthetic to eliminate discomfort. Then, a very small incision is made in the cornea. The ophthalmologist inserts a tiny instrument that emits high-frequency ultrasound to essentially liquefy the lens so that it can be suctioned out. The next step in cataract surgery is to place an IOL implant. Finally, the incision is closed.

Recovery

It’s important to follow your eye doctor’s post-operative directions. After your surgical procedure you will rest for a little while in a recovery area. You will need someone to drive you home after your surgery. You may be up and about as you wish, but avoid strenuous activities. Also you will experience sensitivity to light that may require you to wear sunglasses on the day of your procedure. You’ll also need to apply eye drops as directed by your eye doctor.

Refractive errors make it difficult or impossible to complete daily tasks without the help of eyeglasses or contact lenses. LASIK eye surgery can fix these issues and allow you to see clearly without the help of corrective lenses. Keep reading to find out how it can change your life:

LASIK can be used to treat nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. The procedure is safe and simple and only takes a few minutes to complete. You need someone to accompany you to your appointment so they can drive you home safely, but you should notice extreme vision improvements as soon as the surgery is complete.

With the help of your eye doctor in Chicago, you do not have to suffer with bad vision anymore. After LASIK eye surgery, you do not have to waste time putting on your glasses or chancing your contact lenses in order to see. You can start living your life without vision restraints holding you back.

February is AMD and low vision month, which means now is the time to learn more about these issues. Keep reading to find out what AMD and low vision can do to your eyes and when you should see an eye doctor in Chicago about the problem:

Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) impacts more than 15 million adults over 50 and is the top cause of vision loss. This condition develops gradually so a lot of people are not aware they have it until it causes significant vision loss. It usually affects the sharp central vision, which is what people use to see when they read, drive, look at other people, watch television, or do other daily tasks.

Low Vision

Low vision causes loss of eyesight that makes it difficult to complete tasks like reading or writing. Low vision can often be corrected with eyeglasses, medicine, or surgery. If the problem persists, though, a person might have to learn how to find new ways to complete certain activities.

Risk Factors for AMD

Although no one knows the exact cause of AMD, there are certain risk factors that could increase someone’s chances of suffering from this condition. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, and obesity all contribute to a person’s risk factor for AMD. Smoking, age, family history, gender, and race could all also increase a person’s risk for AMD.

Symptoms of AMD

People with AMD might notice blurriness, wavy lines, or blind spots in their vision. They might also notice straight lines or faces that look wavy. The condition might also cause doorways to appear crooked or objects to look farther away. If you have any of these symptoms, you should schedule an appointment with a specialist to get checked out. You can also get better lighting in your home and office and try to use high contrast when reading or writing. You might also want to use a handheld magnifying glass to help you see small print.

Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness among working Americans. About 90 percent of severe vision loss from diabetes could be avoided, though.

There are currently about 24 million people with diabetes, many of whom will eventually be affected by vision issues that are a result of the disease. A lot of patients do not even realize that it is affecting their eyes until they experience significant vision loss.

Check out this video to learn more about diabetes and vision troubles. If you have diabetes, you should see an ophthalmologist in Chicago at least once a year to ensure that the disease is not affecting your ability to see.