What-to-Expect-Before,-During-and-After-LASIK-Surgery
12Sep

LASIK eye surgery is one of the best and most popular ways to correct a person’s vision. This surgery treats various eye diseases, primarily correcting blurred vision. It is an excellent alternative to glasses and contact lenses, allowing individuals to see without the aid of lenses and glasses. 

Laser eye surgery has undergone significant innovations recently with the introduction of Wavefront Blade Free Lasik surgery. These processes have made the surgery more safe and precise. In this blog, you can understand LASIK surgery in detail, including the expectations to keep before, during, and after your surgery. 

A] Understanding LASIK Surgery 

LASIK stands for Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis and is a refractive eye surgery. This surgery changes the cornea’s shape with a special cutting laser.

The cornea of the eye refracts light onto the retina and enables clear vision of the surroundings. However, when an individual suffers from myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism, the light doesn’t refract correctly on the retina onto the back of the eye. This causes blurred vision.

Laser eye treatment is usually painless and restores your vision. This treatment has a significantly high success rate with most patients achieving 20/40 vision or better. 

The recovery time after the treatment is minimal, usually a week or 10 days. Usually, the discomfort is only a few hours after the surgery. After that, patients will feel normal and experience the long-lasting results of the surgery. 

B] Before LASIK Surgery 

When a patient decides to get LASIK, they will have to go through the following stages:

1. Initial Consultation

Prior to the surgery, it’s important to let your doctor test your eyes. These tests will determine if you can be operated on. 

Since Lasik surgery is of different types, your doctor will tell you the most suitable one after running the tests. Also, in the consultation stage, they will discuss the dos and don’ts before and after LASIK eye surgery. 

2. Preparing for Surgery

Your doctor will tell you about things to avoid on or before the day of the scheduled surgery. For instance, you must not use eye makeup on the day of surgery. Similarly, you shouldn’t be wearing lenses 3- 4 weeks before the surgery because lenses create minute changes in your eye’s structures.

Additionally, your doctor will discuss the laser eye surgery cost and the transportation options you need to arrange beforehand. 

3. Understanding the Procedure

The doctor will share the details of the LASIK eye surgery process. They will determine how much tissue needs to be removed by getting your eye and cornea measurements. You will know how things will go on the day of surgery and the laser technology that will be used for the same.

C] During LASIK Surgery

Here’s an overview of the day and experience of LASIK surgery:

  1. Procedure Overview

On the day your surgery is scheduled, your doctor will provide a step-by-step breakdown of the process. First, they will use LASIK eye drops to numb your eyes. Then, the doctor will clean your eyes with betadine or other solutions to ensure no infection occurs. You can’t touch your face with your hands after this. 

Then, you’ll be taken to the laser suite for operation. The eye surgeon will create a corneal flap, and then use the excimer laser to reshape the cornea according to your specific needs. The flap will then be repositioned, and the natural healing process will commence.

2. Duration

The LASIK eye surgery procedure takes 10- 15 minutes per eye. Your complete time from entering the surgery room to the existing one takes about 30-40 minutes. 

However, it’s important to note that the operation and requirements for every patient vary depending on their requirements. Therefore, the exact duration may also differ for all. 

3. Patient Experience

During the procedure, you will be asked to focus on a point of light.  When you stare at the light, your eye will remain stable. This will help the laser reshape the cornea without hassle. There may be a distinct odor during this process which may smell like burning hair.

During the flap creation process, there may be a slight pressure on your eye and you may experience a dimmed vision for a few seconds. The blurred vision remains for a few seconds only.  You need to stay patient throughout the process and follow your surgeon’s instructions calmly. 

D] After LASIK Surgery 

Once the laser eye correction process is done, here are the things to expect:

 1. Immediate Aftercare

After the surgery, your doctor will instruct you about aftercare. It will include some eye drops that you’ll have to take consistently. They’ll ask you to not rub your eyes at all because it may cause the flap to detach.  

Within 24 to 48 hours of your surgery, you must go see your doctor. Thereafter, you must see them at regular intervals of 6 months. These follow-up appointments are important to attend because the doctor will ensure how the post-operation recovery is going. 

2. Recovery Time

LASIK eye surgery recovery time is anywhere between a few days to a month. Usually, after the surgery, the first 3 to 4 hours is when you feel the discomfort. After that, you will be able to open your eyes and see. Your doctor may advise you to put on black-screen goggles during your recovery phase for a week or so. 

While recovering, you should put on eye drops as advised by the doctor. Also, you shouldn’t watch TV, phone, or other screens for a few days. You may also have to wait a while to put on eye cosmetics.

3. Vision Changes

The vision before and after LASIK will change completely. You may start seeing clearly within a few hours of the operation. Usually, laser surgery restores the vision you had before myopia, astigmatism, or other eye problems affected it. 

Complete vision stabilization may take from 3- 6 months. During this time, there may be issues like intermittent blurriness and disturbances in the night vision. You must keep attend appointments regularly to avoid any complication. 

4. Symptoms

Common symptoms after LASIK eye surgery include dryness, blurriness, sensitivity to light, halos around lights, a stinging or burning sensation, tearing up of eyes, and fogginess. However, these symptoms remain only for a few hours or maybe a day. 

During this time, the doctor may advise you to wear black-screen goggles. They may also provide eye drops that help with the discomfort. 

If these symptoms prevail for long or cause unbearable discomfort, you must contact your doctor. 

E] LASIK Eye Surgery Aftercare 

Once the surgery is over, you need to consider the following points for LASIK eye surgery aftercare:

1. Long-term Care

Post the LASIK eye surgery, you’ll have to take utmost care of your eye health. You’ll have to keep a distance from swimming, hot tubs, eye cosmetics, screen time, and rubbing your eyes. You may even be asked to protect your eye with clear shield glasses for a while.

Simultaneously, you’ll have to be consistent with your eye drops schedule. You also need to visit your doctor regularly to ensure no complications arise after surgery. 

2. Lifestyle Adjustments

After your LASIK surgery, your screen time will be less for a few days or at least a week. You can resume later but at a safe pace. Also, you will have to wait to put on eye makeup. 

If you rub your eyes a lot, you’ll have to stop completely after the LASIK surgery. Your gym, strenuous sports, swimming, or hot tub routines will have to wait until your eyes have recovered. 

Conclusion 

Concluding everything mentioned above, LASIK eye surgery is crucial for anyone looking to correct their vision and give up lenses and glasses. 8 out of 10 LASIK patients report successful results after the surgery. Their vision becomes better despite the issues they faced before (nearsightedness, farsightedness, etc.). Despite the revolutionary surgery, proper aftercare is equally a must to ensure effective results. This process involves timely eye consultations and appointments with your doctor. 

If you’re wondering if LASIK is the right path for your needs, you must consider an eye care professional. They will undertake in-depth consultation to provide you with the right guidance. You can also contact us and make a suitable choice for laser eye surgery.

FAQ’s

The LASIK eye surgery procedure takes 10-15 minutes per eye and 30-40 minutes from when the patient enters the surgery room. However, the time may vary as per the unique needs of each patient.

In laser eye surgery, your cornea is reshaped in a way that the light refracts onto the retina perfectly, leaving you with corrected vision. For this, an excimer laser is used to create a flap in the cornea. It is repositioned after correcting refractive errors and the natural healing process commences.

The complete recovery time is anywhere from 3- 6 months. However, you can start seeing clearly within a few days and regular appointments can help you keep your eye health intact.

Understanding-IPL-Treatment-for-Dry-Eyes-A-Comprehensive-Guide
11Sep

Dry eye is a common condition affecting millions of people worldwide. In this issue, your lacrimal glands do not provide enough lubrication to your eyes leading the individuals to experience irritation, inflammation, and harm to the eye surface. While traditional treatments exist, they may not always provide relief. 

This is where the IPL treatment for dry eyes has emerged as an innovative solution.  The Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatment is a relatively new concept for curing dry eyes where the blood vessels causing inflammation associated with dry eye syndrome are targeted. In this blog, you’ll learn everything about the IPL treatment,  its benefits, its process, and its suitability.
 

A] What is Dry Eye Syndrome?

Your eyes stay lubricated and moisturized through tears. However, when your eyes produce poor quality, unstable, or no tears, your eyes will get dry. This is called dry eye syndrome. 

The main cause of dry eyes is the factors affecting the healthy tear film of your eyes. The tear film of your eyes has three layers and problems with any of them can lead to dry eyes. Usually, the dysfunction of tear films happens due to hormone changes, autoimmune diseases, allergic reactions, or inflamed eyelid glands. 

A person facing dry eyes may have decreased tear production or increased tear evaporation. Dry eye symptoms impacting an individual include a stinging sensation in the eyes, sensitivity to light, constant irritation and inflammation, eye redness, feeling like something is in the eyes, and blurry vision or fatigue. 

Due to these symptoms, it becomes difficult to wear contact lenses, drive at night, or perform routine functions properly. It hampers the quality of life significantly.
 

B] Introduction to IPL Treatment 

Intense Pulsed Light Treatment helps improve your skin’s colour and texture without surgery. IPL uses gentle pulses of light, thereby treating the underlying reasons for dry eyes. These pulses penetrate the skin and reduce the inflammation. It also improves the gland function in the eyelids, enhancing tear production and quality. 

Usually, this painless technology uses broad-spectrum light to target specific structures within the skin. The IPL treatment helps treat meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). Its light helps break the buildup of oil or other debris that blocks these glands responsible for producing tears. 

IPL was originally developed to treat skin conditions. Using this treatment, you can make your skin tone more even. The recovery is also better when since the light doesn’t hurt other tissues. This way, Intense Pulsed Light Therapy works well for various medical conditions, including dry eyes, acne, birthmarks, discoloured skin, fine wrinkles, freckles, rosacea redness, scars, etc.

C] Benefits of IPL Treatment for Dry Eyes 

IPL treatment offers several benefits to dry eye patients. It treats the upstream inflammatory root cause of dry eyes. The light-based treatment targets the problematic blood vessels. Additionally, it targets the meibomian gland through which tears are produced. 

When the light penetrates the inflamed blood vessels, it helps produce tears. It also assists in better quality tear production. This non-invasive treatment provides relief for a good time, reduces dependency on artificial tears, and improves overall eye comfort and health. This treatment for dry eye disease is proven effective with negligible risk, is relatively painless, and has a quick treatment time.
 

D] How IPL Treats Dry Eyes 

IPL affects the underlying cause of dry eye disease and not the symptoms. The mechanism of this treatment involves several steps. First, it softens the blocked oil in the meibomian glands. The oil flows freely this way, thus becoming more effective in tear evaporation. 

It also lowers the levels of inflammatory chemicals (cytokines) in the eyelids. Since meibomian gland dysfunction is the primary cause of dry eyes, the reduction in inflammation here can help cure dry eyes.

IPL for dry eye lowers the level of abnormal bacteria on the eyelid skin. The inflammation in and around the meibomian glands reduces, ensuring its appropriate functioning. When the gland works properly, the oil component of tears is produced normally. It stabilizes the tear film and rescues the dry eye symptoms.

E] Intense Pulsed Light Treatment (IPL) Procedure

Here is the step-by-step IPL treatment for dry eyes procedure a patient goes through to heal dry eyes:

1. Preparation

Before the surgery begins, the doctor will assess whether you should go for medical dry eye treatment or IPL treatment. They will tell you to avoid getting tanned or waxed, wear perfume, take aspirin, any related drug, or a medicine that makes you sun-sensitive. 

The dermatologist will provide a numbing cream 30- 60 minutes before starting the treatment.

2. Duration

One session of this advanced dry eye treatment takes about 20- 30 minutes. Once you have eye protection, the doctor will rub a cooling gel on your face. They will then use the handheld device with a filter over the eyelids to melt the buildup blocking the oil glands through light. 

After the meibomian glands open, the doctor will try to express a bit of oil to stimulate its natural production in your eyes.

3. Aftercare

After the Intense Pulsed Light Therapy for chronic dry eye process, you may feel like you have a sunburn for 4-6 hours. There may be mild redness or swelling, which subsides after a few hours. You can use ice packs or a cool cloth wash to feel better. Make sure you follow your doctor’s instructions and ensure to avoid what they say. 

F] Who is a Suitable Candidate for IPL Treatment? 

IPL for dry eye treatment is suitable for the following candidates:

  1. People with chronic dry eye symptoms and who haven’t found a solution yet
  2. Those who exhibit signs of meibomian gland dysfunction

The ones who should not get the IPL treatment include:

  1. Those with darker skin tones are at risk of discoloration.
  2. People with active infections.
  3. People with skin moles, tumours, or tattoos around the eyes.
  4. Individuals with a history of keloids.
  5. People with Immune system or coagulation disorders.
  6. Pregnant women.
  7. People with a history of herpes simplex near the treatment area.

Thus, patients should consider their doctor’s advice before undertaking the treatment.

Conclusion 

IPL treatment for dry eyes is a promising solution for those suffering. It addresses the underlying causes and provides long-lasting relief. When patients understand the procedure and its benefits, they become capable of making informed decisions about their eye health. If you struggle with dry eyes, consider discussing IPL treatment with the Eye Care & Ophthalmology Clinic In Shrewsbury.

Contact us to schedule a consultation and get in-depth information about IPL treatment for dry eyes.

FAQ’s

Yes, IPL has been shown to reduce inflammation, improve gland function, and enhance tear quality, providing significant relief for dry eye symptoms.

Many patients notice improvement after the first few sessions, with optimal results typically appearing after a series of treatments over a few months.

After IPL, patients may experience mild redness or swelling, which subsides within a few hours. You can experience improvement in symptoms within days, with continued progress over subsequent treatments.

Eye-Health-And-Aging-Essential-Tips-for-Maintaining-Clear-Vision
19Aug

The natural process of ageing brings with it a lot of changes, including alterations in our vision. These changes, which become more pronounced as we grow older, can have a profound effect on our daily lives. They present us with visual challenges that can hinder our ability to see clearly and impact our overall quality of life. Age-related conditions such as presbyopia, glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration can begin to affect our vision, making it increasingly difficult to see the world around us. By practicing good eye care habits and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, we can slow down the ageing of our eyes and preserve our vision for many years to come.

In this comprehensive blog, we will explore the relationship between eye health and ageing and learn the essential tips to maintain clean vision.

A] Understanding Age-Related Eye Changes

Middle-aged or early to mid-40 adults start to experience changes in their vision ability. These changes affect their near and far vision ability due to reduced lens flexibility. They experience trouble with colour distinction or need time to adjust the light level to focus efficiently. As they grow older, they familiarise themselves with some common age-related diseases like presbyopia, glaucoma, cataracts and macular degeneration.

At this age, the eyes produce fewer tears, affecting the eye’s natural cleansing process and causing dry eyes. Lenses begin to decrease their ability to bend and focus, making it harder to see clearly. It all happens as our body starts to lose collagen, the most abundant protein in our body.

B] Age-Related Eye Diseases and Conditions 

Several eye diseases become more prevalent as we age. These diseases may have few or no symptoms in their early stages. It is essential to visit your eye specialist regularly to mitigate any potential damage to your eyes, especially as you age.

The following are the common eye problems in the elderly:

1. Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

AMD is an age-related retinal condition that causes central vision loss. It affects the central parts of the retina, called the macula and makes it difficult to see the objects directly in front of you. AMD typically occurs after the age of 50 and, may cause vision loss, if not detected early. While there is no cure for AMD, treatments are available to prevent or slow down its progression.

2. Cataracts

A cataract is an eye condition caused by the clouding of the natural intraocular crystalline lens and may cause distance vision impairment or blindness if left untreated. Cataracts are the most common signs of ageing eyes which change the eye’s lens tissue and form a cloudy structure over the natural lens. However, Patients with cataracts can opt for cataract surgery, a highly successful and reliable invasive surgical procedure that effectively removes cataracts from the eye.

3. Glaucoma

Glaucoma occurs when excess fluid pressure builds inside the eye and causes damage to the optic nerves. Glaucoma can occur in any age group, however, aged people are more prone to developing glaucoma. Prescribed eye drops are the most suitable treatment as they lower the fluid pressure and prevent optic nerves from being damaged.

4. Dry Eyes 

Dry eyes are the most common eye condition in the elderly where tear glands don’t work properly and as a result reduce tear production. Stinging and burning sensations are the most common signs of dry eyes and can be treated using artificial tears throughout the day.  Many lubricants are available, and the right one needs to be recommended for your specific problem.

C] Exploring The Eye Care Tips For Senior Citizens

1.  Healthy Diet And Nutrition

Several studies demonstrate the effectiveness of a healthy diet and nutrition with regards to eye health. Vitamin A, C & E, zinc and omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, beta-carotene and lutein food sources are highly suitable for protecting eyes from age-related diseases.

  • Vitamin A is essential for low-light vision and can be found in carrots, sweet potatoes and leafy greens.
  • Vitamin C reduces the risk of cataracts and AMD and is found in citrus fruits, peppers, and broccoli.
  • Vitamin E protects your eyes from free radicals and is present in nuts and seeds.
  • Omega-3 fatty acids protect the retina and are found in fish and flaxseeds.

It’s recommended that you should always include these foods in their daily diet to prevent any early signs of ageing eyes.

2. Protective Eyewear

Protecting your eyes from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays is the most vital tip for clear vision. Prolonged exposure to UV rays may cause cataracts and AMD. Extreme UV exposure can develop photokeratitis, a painful eye condition caused by direct sun exposure. The common symptoms of photokeratitis are welder’s flash, snow blindness, decreased vision and tearing.

It is recommended to wear sunglasses that block 100% of UV rays. Doing so blocks the UV rays and protects your eyes from direct exposure. Sunglasses also protect your under-eye-sensitive skin and prevent wrinkles and cancer. However, always wear sunglasses that suit your eyes to mitigate potential damage. Or, you can consult your doctor and ask for suitable sunglasses.

3. Managing Chronic Health Conditions

Chronic health conditions like diabetes and hypertension significantly impact one’s eye health. Diabetes can lead to diabetic retinopathy while hypertension can cause hypertensive retinopathy. These eye diseases significantly damage the retina’s blood vessels and may lead to vision loss.

Regular check-ups and managing these conditions through a healthy diet, exercise and prescribed medicines are essential eye care treatment and tips for seniors. Seniors should regularly check their blood sugar and blood pressure levels to prevent described eye problems. Also, regularly consult your doctor and undergo eye tests to mitigate forthcoming vision impairment.

4. Eye Exercises and Relaxation Techniques

Studies show the positive impact of regular eye exercises and relaxation techniques on eye health. It reduces eye strains, improves focus and enhances overall eye health. Simple exercises called the 20-20-20 rule, where you look at an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes.

Another gentle exercise is palming. It is done by rubbing your hands together for a few minutes to generate warmth. Now, place them over your closed eyes to relax the eye muscles. Incorporating these exercises into daily routines can significantly reduce eye discomfort and enhance vision clarity.

5. Regular Eye Exams

The American Academy of Ophthalmology suggests that a person over the age of 65 should go through essential eye exams every two or one year. Regular eye exams help to detect any eye disease that could lead to vision impairment.

Since age people are more prone to develop AMD or cataracts, regular eye exams can catch these diseases and can be treated earlier. Also, you can keep track of your blood sugar and blood pressure levels as you go through these essential eye exams.

Conclusion

Aging is a brutal truth and it reduces our seeing ability in time. However, incorporating a healthy lifestyle and diet significantly slows down the eye’s ageing process and awards you with extended years of clear vision. Follow the above-mentioned vision care tips for seniors and enhance your vision ability.

Paragon Clinic is a leading and renowned private eye care clinic in shrewsbury, offering cost-effective solutions for various invasive or non-invasive eye conditions. We treat our patients within an ultramodern clinic and state-of-the-art diagnosis and scanning facilities. Book your consultation now and save your eyes from age-related diseases.

FAQs

FDA-approved eye drops are known to be the best eye drops for ageing eyes. These eye drops aid in treating age-related eye diseases and boost vision clarity.

As you grow older, your eyes start to decline their seeing ability. Aged people face trouble during the close-up tasks such as reading. If you are having problems in performing such close-up tasks, consult your Ophthalmologist.

 Tips for better eyesight include regular eye checkups, a healthy diet and lifestyle, getting moving, wearing glasses and giving your eyes some needed breaks to settle them down.

A-Guide-To-Age-Related-Macular-Degeneration-(AMD)-Vision-Loss
14Aug

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is an eye condition and could lead to vision impairment, if not treated promptly. It affects the central vision and obstructs individuals from performing tasks such as reading or driving. This condition is one of the most prominent reasons for vision loss in the United Kingdom.

This blog serves the purpose of imparting vital information on age-related macular degeneration (AMD) vision loss. We will explore various details such as types, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment options for AMD.

A] What Is Macular Degeneration? 

Macular degeneration is an age-related retinal condition that causes central vision loss. It affects the central parts of the retina, called the macula. The macula aids in providing straight and sharp vision. A person with macular degeneration faces difficulty seeing objects in front of them. It also poses difficulty in performing day-to-day tasks such as reading, driving and fixing things. It could lead to severe vision loss, if not treated promptly.
 

B] Types Of Macular Degeneration

1. Dry Macular Degeneration

Dry macular degeneration, also known as atrophic AMD, occurs when the macula gets thinner with age. When a yellow protein, drusen, is deposited under the macula, it turns the macula dry and thin. A patient suffering from Dry AMD may lose their vision gradually. 

Dry macular degeneration has three stages: early, intermediate and late. In the early stage, the patient’s macula gets affected but doesn’t hamper the vision. In the intermediate stage, vision starts to get blurry and wavy. In the advanced or late stage, a person may lose their central vision completely. Since there is no treatment for dry AMD, patients can opt for vision aids and photodynamic therapy to minimise the effects.
 

2. Wet Macular Degeneration 

Wet macular degeneration, also known as advanced neovascular AMD, is a late-stage AMD that causes faster vision loss. It occurs due to new or abnormal blood vessel formation under the retina and leaking blood or fluid from it. Leaking fluid forms bulges in the macula and disturbs central vision. The bleeding vessels form scars and cause permanent vision loss. 

Wet AMD can cause a dark or blurry spot to appear in the centre of vision. It is a rare eye disease and only 10% of people are affected with Wet AMD. However, wet macular degeneration eye condition can be treated by opting for anti-VEGF therapy, a drug therapy that blocks the vascular endothelial growth factor.
 

C] Wet Vs Dry Macular Degeneration: Knowing The Differences

Macular degeneration is an age-related eye disease and a leading cause of vision loss in older adults. Since it has two types, they offer subtle differences and understanding these differences aids in diagnosis and treatment.

Wet Macular DegenerationDry Macular Degeneration
Wet macular degeneration, also known as exudative or neovascular macular degeneration, is less common but more severe.Dry macular degeneration, also known as atrophic or non-exudative macular degeneration, is more common than Wet AMD.
It occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow under the retina and leak blood and fluid.It occurs when the macula, the central part of the retina, gradually thins over time due to aging.
This leakage causes rapid damage to the macula.This leads to the accumulation of drusen, small yellow deposits, under the retina.
Symptoms include severe vision loss, dark spots in the central vision, and distorted vision (straight lines appear wavy).Symptoms include blurred vision, difficulty recognising faces, and reading and a gradual loss of central vision.
Wet macular eye degeneration can quickly lead to vision impairment, if not treated earlierProgression is typically slow, and while it can significantly impact vision, complete blindness is rare.

D] Symptoms of Age-Related Macular Degeneration

AMD includes a variety of symptoms that indicate the progression of macular degeneration. It starts slowly and gradually increases its symptomatic intensity and later leads to vision impairment. However, symptoms can vary from person to person. These age-related macular degeneration symptoms include:
 

  • Central vision loss either single or both eyes
  • Blurry and wavy vision
  • Difficulty in performing tasks such as reading, driving, etc. 
  • Distorted vision (a straight line may seem wavy)
  • A formation of dark spots on the central vision
  • Need of brighter light while indulging in attentive and intricate tasks
  • Words may seem blurred
  • Difficulty seeing in low light
  • Colour vision changes

E] Diagnosis of AMD

As we know, symptoms rarely appear in the early stage of AMD. That’s why regular eye checkups are highly crucial. These are some common tests that are performed to diagnose eye macular degeneration.

1. Amsler Grid Test

Amsler grid test is one of the renowned tests for detecting AMD. It has a grid of straight lines and a dark dot spot between the grid. The doctor may ask you to identify the blurred, wavy or dark section by holding the Amsler grid 12-15 inches away from your eyes. Plenty of distortion may indicate the severity of AMD.
 

2. Dilated Eye Exam

The dilated eye exam is designed to dilate pupils by administering a special eye drop. Dilated pupils allow more light to come in and offer seamless examination. A dilated eye exam may involve several tests including an eye response test, eye muscle function test, visual acuity test, and visual field test.
 

3. Fluorescein Angiography

Fluorescein Angiography is performed by administering a yellow dye, called fluorescein into the patient’s vein and an eye drop to dilute pupils. A special camera follows the administered dye and takes pictures for further evaluation. It can detect various eye conditions such as macular oedema, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, eye vein blockage, macular pucker and ocular melanoma.

4. Optical Coherence Tomography

It is a non-invasive imaging test that utilises light waves to capture the retina’s cross-sectional pictures. An OCT machine takes three-dimensional and colour-coded images of the retina and optic nerves by throwing a laser light onto the retina. OCT can diagnose several eye conditions such as aged macular degeneration, macular holes, glaucoma, abnormal blood vessels, blood vessel blockage, diabetic retinopathy etc.
 

F] Treatment Options for AMD 

Regular checkups and essential eye exams are the best options for treating and controlling AMD. While there is currently no cure for AMD, it can be managed and controlled, if detected earlier. Anti-VEGF therapy is an effective eye treatment which controls and manages the symptomatic effects of AMD. With anti-VEGF treatment, patients report that their visual condition is better or not declining. Lifestyle changes such as following a healthy diet and avoiding smoking can also help to keep his condition at bay.

Conclusion

AMD is a serious eye condition that can significantly impact vision. Regular eye exams are the best option for safeguarding yourself from AMD. It’s important to consult with an ophthalmologist for timely diagnosis and treatment, as early intervention can significantly slow the progression of AMD.

Paragon Clinic is a leading and renowned macular degeneration treatment centre that offers effective diagnosis and treatment to AMD patients with state-of-the-art equipment and highly qualified doctors. Book your consultation now and save your eyes from macular degeneration and vision loss.

FAQs

A patient suffering from AMD experiences blurry or spotted central vision. In addition, straight lines appear wavy to AMD patients.

The best way to prevent AMD is to indulge in regular eye exams. It aids in detecting the early stages which can be treated promptly.

Refractive-Lens-Exchange-(RLE)-A-Comprehensive-&-Basic-Guide
6Aug

Around one to two billion people are affected by refractive vision errors. These massive numbers indicate the severity of this vision problem. Refractive lens exchange (RLE) surgery can be an excellent choice for those suffering from blurry vision and wanting to get rid of their glasses and contact lenses.

This comprehensive blog will guide you about RLE surgery with its procedure, definition, pros and cons, and possible side effects while providing a detailed explanation of each topic and related terms.

Find out if refractive lens exchange is right for you. Contact us to discuss.

Book An Appointment Now
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A] What Is RLE Eye Surgery?

RLE eye surgery is an advanced surgical procedure that replaces natural eye lenses with artificial intraocular lenses. The aim is to correct vision problems such as blurry vision, myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. RLE eye surgery is an alternative to laser vision correction and other refractive surgeries. It is a renowned surgical procedure for those unqualified for LASIK eye surgery.

RLE eye surgery has other names such as lens replacement surgery and clear lens extraction. It corrects one’s refractive vision problem and offers complete freedom from eyeglasses and contact lenses. The surgery is known for providing a stable vision and mitigating the chances of developing cataracts in the future.

B] Procedure of RLE Eye Surgery

RLE eye surgery is an outpatient surgery, renowned for its simplistic procedure. In this RLE procedure, the eye surgeon will conduct a thorough eye examination. It may involve multiple scans and checks to determine intraocular lens suitability. Intraocular lenses are of three types, monofocal IOL, multifocal IOL, and accommodating IOL, and they offer different refractive vision correction properties. The thorough intervention aids in choosing a suitable IOL lens according to the patient’s vision issues.

After the proper assessment and selection of the IOL lens, an ophthalmologist will administer anaesthesia to numb your eyes to ward off any discomfort or pain during the surgical procedure. Furthermore, the surgeon will make a small incision over the surface of your eyes to remove the natural lenses and replace them with suitable IOL lenses.

The procedure hardly takes 15-20 minutes for one eye and the patient can go directly to their home right after the surgery. A patient can indulge in their daily tasks within a week. However, complete healing takes several weeks. And, meanwhile, you may have to go through some common recovery symptoms such as glare and blurred vision.

C] Pros And Cons Of Refractive Lens Exchange

1. Pros Of Refractive Lens Exchange

Better Visual Clarity

Improved vision clarity is one of the key benefits of RLE surgery. Replacing the natural lens with an artificial lens offers a correct landing of light on the retina, providing clear vision even for a middle-aged person.

Permanent Solution

The surgery offers a permanent solution to all your vision correction and refractive error problems. The advanced IOL lens aids in eliminating nearsightedness, foresightedness, astigmatism, and other refractive errors that hamper your quality of life.

Freedom From Glasses And Contact Lenses 

The surgery addresses various issues of vision correction and refractive error problems that need glasses or contact lenses to correct. It eliminates the need for glasses and contact lenses, giving you a comfortable and spectacle-free life.

Simplistic Surgical Procedure And Short Recovery Time

A minimally invasive procedure and a week of recovery timing make it a simplistic and fast-recovering surgical procedure. The patient can continue their daily life tasks after a week.

2. Cons Of Refractive Lens Exchange

Chances Of Some Minor Infections 

Since RLE is an invasive procedure, it poses a risk of developing some minor infection. However, chances of infection can be mitigated by following the after-care treatment procedure and visiting a doctor for after-surgery checkups.

Expensive

RLE surgery is one of the most expensive invasive surgery compared to other vision correction surgeries. However, patients may recover their surgery costs if they opt for a health insurance scheme.

Suitability Issues

RLE eye surgery is not recommended for everyone. It is recommended for those who have high refractive errors while a highly nearsightedness patient will not be a suitable candidate due to the risk of complexity.

Invasive Procedure

It is a more invasive procedure compared to LASIK and PRK. It might pose some risk during the removal of the natural lens, however, it is rare. Expert and experienced ophthalmologists are trained to eliminate any risks and complexities during the surgery.

D] Side Effects Of Refractive Lens Exchange

There are various side effects of refractive lens exchange surgery. It is recommended to consult your ophthalmologist to discuss the possible side effects before surgery. The doctor will guide you and offer you reliable solutions for those risks. Since the refractive lens exchange success rate is 95%, the chances of developing any permanent side effects are rare. Most of the side effects are temporary and will go on their own.

These are some possible side effects you might develop during or after the completion of RLE surgery:

  • Blurred vision
  • Bloodshot eyes
  • Watery eyes
  • Infection
  • IOL Dislocation
  • Retinal detachment

E] Refractive Lens Exchange Vs Cataract Surgery 

Refractive lens exchange and cataract surgery are the same surgical procedures, performed to remove the natural IOL lens. However, both surgical procedures do share some unique differences between them.

RLE surgery is performed to eliminate the need for glasses while the removal of cloudy lenses or cataracts is the main goal of cataract surgery. Both surgeries remove the natural lenses and replace them with artificial IOL lenses.

Have questions about refractive lens exchange? Reach out to our team for more information.

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Conclusion

RLE eye surgery is one of the best options for those seeking to remove their glasses and contact lenses while improving their vision quality. The minimally invasive procedure and quick recovery time mark it as one of the most successful and less complicated surgical procedures. It efficiently cures the majority of refractive errors and offers a clear vision to aged people. However, choosing an experienced ophthalmologist (eye specialist) is crucial to have a hassle-free and safe surgical procedure.

In this context, Paragon Clinic is a renowned eye clinic in Shrewsbury that offers cost-effective RLE eye surgery with expertise. We are known for our high success rate and highly safe procedures. Contact us today and gift yourself a clearer and sharper vision!

FAQ’s

The refractive lens exchange has a whole lifetime expectancy. The Implanted IOL lens may last up to a person’s life.

Retinal detachment is one of the most serious and known problems of refractive lens exchange. High nearsightedness and those over 50 are more likely to get issues like retinal detachment.

The minimally invasive procedure and lower recovery timing make RLE a highly successful eye lens replacement surgery, offering approximately 95% success rate.

Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) is a viable option for maintaining clear vision throughout one's life. With age, the quality of vision can diminish, but individuals can take control of their vision by undergoing surgery to replace their artificial Intraocular Lens (IOL) and restore optimal vision.

Different-Types-of-Laser-Cataract-Surgery-A-Detailed-Guide
6Aug

Around 100 million people suffer from cataracts and this number is projected to be doubled in the next 20 years. A cataract is a condition caused by the clouding of the natural intraocular crystalline lens and may cause distance vision impairment or blindness if left untreated. However, treatments, specifically, laser cataract surgery can save individuals from this vision impairment, if caught early.

In this context, we have curated a blog that will give a comprehensive idea of types of laser cataract surgery and assist you in choosing the right one.

Schedule Your Eye Exam Today and learn which laser cataract option suits you.

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A] What Is Laser Cataract Surgery?

Laser cataract surgery is an advanced surgical procedure that removes the cloudy lens from the patient’s eye and implants an artificial IOL lens instead. In this highly accurate surgical procedure, laser energy is used to scramble cloudy cataracts into tiny pieces and remove them using ultrasound waves.

Traditional cataract surgery is a prominent option for removing cataracts from one’s eye using conventional medical instruments. In this process, a cataract surgeon makes a small incision to enter the eye’s capsule using a scalpel. Furthermore, a circular incision is made over the cloudy lens for scrambling and eliminating cataracts using ultrasound waves. An artificial IOL lens is implanted instead of a cloudy lens to offer a cataract-free vision to the patient. However, traditional cataract surgery requires an expert and highly experienced surgeon to perform this surgical procedure accurately.

B] Exploring The Different Types Of Laser Cataract Surgery

1. Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery (FLACS)

Femto laser cataract surgery is a highly precise and accurate cataract surgery type. It uses an advanced laser system to generate a high-repetition-rate and decreased energy pulses to scramble cataracts. The process eliminates the chances of destroying unintended tissues apart from the surgical area.

2. LenSx Laser System

It is one of the oldest and most commonly performed laser cataract-removal surgery, renowned for its high accuracy and precision. The painlessness and low incidence of error make laser-assisted cataract surgery a highly successful, widely chosen, and extremely safe option around the globe. It uses advanced technology such as optical coherence tomography (OCT) to offer high-resolution images.

3. Catalys Precision Laser System

Catalys precision laser system is one of the most stable and convenient cataract laser surgery procedures. It is designed to deliver painless incisions and excellent fragmentation of cataracts, offering a precise and safe treatment option for cataract removal. Catalys precision laser system is equipped with high-resolution optical coherence tomography imaging and guidance technology that aids in obtaining accurate information about crystalline lenses to get exceptional outcomes.

4. LensAR Laser System

LensAR uses an advanced augmented reality imaging system to offer a crystal clear image of the lens anterior and aids in planning the tailored reconstructional plan that suits the patient.  The AR system allows for obtaining every detail the surgeon needs to perform femtosecond laser cataract-removal surgery.

5. Victus Femtosecond Laser Platform

Victus Femtosecond Laser Platform aims to offer a leading solution for cataract and corneal transplant under a single platform. Due to its precisional capabilities and control, it facilitates a single window platform for performing capsulotomies, fragmentation and corneal incisions.

6. Laser-Assisted Corneal Relaxing Incisions (LRI)

Limbal relaxing incisions (LRI) is a partial thickness incision used to treat corneal astigmatism. The laser-assisted device is used to make a small and arch-shaped incision on the limbus to relax the corneal curvature.

7. ReLACS (Refractive Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery)

ReLACS is an OCT-guided and computer-controlled laser cataract surgery offering precise cuts that are hard to obtain manually. The refractive laser cataract eye surgery is designed to obtain exceptional visual outcomes without experiencing any pain.

C] Considerations for Choosing Laser Cataract Surgery 

1. Patient Factors

The patient’s age and overall health should be a primary consideration when opting for laser treatment for cataracts. Aged patients may have some risks or benefits associated with laser surgery. Booking a consultation with an expert eye surgeon could be a better option to discuss the consequences related to age and health complexity. However, laser-based cataract surgery may play a prominent role in eliminating severe cataracts.

2. Surgeon Expertise

The expertise and experience of an eye surgeon must be one of the top considerations to obtain accurate and successful outcomes. Laser cataract surgery requires specialised training and skill. Experienced surgeons are equipped to handle complications and trained to achieve optimal outcomes. Patients should look for board-certified and award-winning ophthalmologists with a high track record of successful laser cataract surgeries.

3. Cost And Accessibility

Since laser-based cataract surgery is more expensive than traditional surgery, cost can be another prominent factor to consider. Additionally, the availability of laser cataract surgery can vary depending on the geographic location and the facility. Some regions or hospitals may have more advanced technology, while others may not.

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Conclusion

Since traditional cataract surgery lacks precision and optimal outcomes, laser cataract surgery offers painless and highly accurate surgery. The success rate of laser cataract surgery is 98-99% which is notably high. However, no matter which type of laser cataract surgery you choose, the role of an expert and experienced eye surgeon is highly crucial. Choose surgeons with a high success rate in laser cataract surgery and are renowned for delivering optimal outcomes.

Paragon Clinic is a renowned eye clinic in Shrewsbury, UK, that offers precise and successful cataract surgery with high expertise and experience. Contact us and book your free consultation today and gift yourself cataract-free vision!

FAQs

Cataract surgery is performed either using a traditional or laser method. Though the conventional method offers a cost-effective way of cataract removal, laser cataract surgery is the most accurate and highly successful method of cataract removal. 

Whether you opt for a traditional or laser-based cataract surgery, both offer relatively immediate recovery. However, the recovery time varies depending on the person to person. For some patients, it takes 1 to 2 weeks to see clearly while full recovery may take up to 3 months.

Laser cataract has a notably high amount of success rate. It offers a 98 to 99% success rate due to its advanced technologies and high precision rate.

Traditional cataract surgery uses ultrasound to scrumble the cataracts while laser cataract surgery uses laser-based technologies to remove the cataracts from one’s eye.