Nearsightedness, Farsightedness, Astigmatism: How These Refractive Errors Differ

Refractive Surgery Los Angeles

The three most common types of refractive errors are nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Those who wear glasses or contact lenses usually have at least one of these conditions. In this blog, renowned ophthalmologist Dr. Brian Boxer Wachler explains the differences between these refractive errors. Read more

Springing Into Spring with Improved Reading Vision

Spring is here and annual checkups and physicals are at the top of most families lists. Improving reading vision is an important part of many of our lives, especially for those who live an active life. Spring could be a good time to discuss with your eye care professional about how you can improve reading vision.

For those with increasing difficulty reading, CK can be an option to improve reading vision.

What is CK and What are the Benefits

What is CK?

CK is a non-invasive procedure that can be performed in the doctor’s office. It reshapes the cornea using low grade radio waves. It can also be done in combination with other procedures to help improve the overall result. It is a great option for those who are slowly losing their reading vision.

What are the Benefits of CK?

There are several benefits of using CK for vision correction. Below are a few:

• Reduced recovery & procedure time
• Little to no pain
• Non-invasive procedure
• Helps improve near vision within 1 day

Watch Joy discuss her improved reading vision with CK!

Top 4 Questions Before Fortified LASIK

If you are getting ready for LASIK in Los Angeles or considering your options, you probably have many questions you need answered. There are several myths and misconceptions about the LASIK procedure and it is often hard to decide whether or not this procedure is right for you. The following questions and answers below may help you prepare.

Top 4 questions to ask before LASIK Surgery:

When you are interested in or preparing for LASIK surgery you probably have questions regarding procedure, recovery, or even how it feels during surgery. Below are the top 4 questions you might ask your eye care specialist before your surgery.

How long will the procedure take?

The procedure itself takes only around 15 minutes per eye. The overall amount of time you will spend in the office will most likely be around 4 hours for completing paperwork, signing consent forms, repeating any testing, and postop observation.

How long is the recovery process?

Around 24 hours after your procedure you will be able to continue your daily activities. Your doctor will likely to want to see you 24-48 hours after the procedure for follow up exam. After a week or two you should fully recover from your procedure. Most of these protocols are for your safety, and each patient is different so you will need to pay attention to the specific details provided to you.

What are some side effects of LASIK?

There are a few possible side effects from the procedure such as dry eyes, glare & halos, and some partial loss of vision which is very rare. If you think you are having any side effects it is important to see your eye care professional right away.

What are some of the benefits of getting the LASIK procedure?

There are many benefits of LASIK – the major one being freedom from glasses or contact lenses. Additional benefits of LASIK procedures are little pain during the procedure, ability to be performed in combination with other treatments, and has a quicker recovery time.

Priscilla grew tired of her itchy eyes and contact lenses ripping, so she couldn’t be happier with her LASIK experience. Watch her story:

Discovering the Benefits of CK for Improving Reading Vision

Conductive Keratoplasty (known as CK) has many benefits for those who are trying to explore vision correction to improve reading vision. CK uses radio waves to reshape the cornea instead of a laser. This is a non-invasive procedure that helps those with Farsightedness, Nearsightedness, and even with those who have Keratoconus at many stages.

Farsightedness (also known as Hyperopia) is a condition that prevents the patient from seeing clearly at close range. The cornea is typically a sphere shape, but sometimes there is damage or it becomes irregular which prevents the patient from seeing images properly. There are many treatments available to help improve the vision of the patient. Those who are compatible can reduce the irregularity of the cornea with this non-invasive procedure.

Below are some more benefits of the CK procedure:

There are many benefits to having the CK procedure performed. This noninvasive procedure provides the patient with a quick recovery and helps improve reading vision. Please read below to see some other benefits of the CK procedure:

  • Little to no pain
  •  Quick recovery time
  • Increased quality of vision
  • Procedure can be done in the doctor’s office
  • No overnight hospital stays (outpatient)
  • Patient may have freedom from glasses or contact lenses
  • Procedure can be done in combination with other procedures

The CK procedure is quick and effective for those looking to improve their overall quality of life as well as their quality of vision. If you are tired of wearing your glasses or contact lenses and would like to see if the procedure is a fit for you, contact your eye care professional.

Hear how CK helped Marilee, a criminal defense attorney:

LASIK Eye Surgery, Improving Vision

Fortified LASIK Eye Surgery

LASIK Eye Surgery

If you are looking to be lessen the burden of eye glasses or contact lenses there are several options to help you. In the past most people with vision issues had to rely on glasses or contact lenses to get the vision they desired, however there have been many changes and improvements when it comes to vision correction.

While recent treatments including traditional LASIK procedures, not all people are good candidates and it often causes disturbances in the patient’s vision after the procedure is performed. Luckily now there are new alternatives. One procedure, known as Fortified LASIK, is an advanced form of the traditional LASIK procedure which also includes an accelerated version of Dr. Brian’s patented Holcomb C3-R corneal crosslinking.  This treatment helps to strengthen the cornea and helps to extend the longevity of the LASIK procedure results

Below you will find more information regarding the Fortified LASIK procedure and you can make the choice for yourself.

Fortified LASIK Eye Surgery:

Fortified LASIK accommodates those that have somewhat thinner cornea or slight irregular shape, because it strengthens the cornea right after the procedure.

Fortified LASIK is only available at the Boxer Wachler Vision Institute.  Dr. Brian developed this procedure to increasing the longevity and safety of the LASIK.

May people searching our LASIK in Los Angeles have found Dr. Brian’s procedure to be comfortable and effective in providing visual freedom.

Below are some of the benefits of Fortified LASIK Eye Surgery:

  • Can improve overall quality of vision
  • Can  improve night vision
  • Can achieve 20/20 vision (in some cases)
  • Quick recovery
  • Repairs some cornea distortions
  • Can replace or reduce the need for your glasses or contact lenses
  • Strengthens the cornea and reduces risk of developing Ectasia

Clear and precise quality of vision is important in our everyday lives, for both work and personal reasons. Ask a friendly patient concierge about the Fortified LASIK procedure. For more information regarding Fortified LASIK.

Watch this clip from the Emmy award daytime talk show The Doctors:

Top Procedures for Vision Correction

There are several new treatment options that can assist with your vision. In many cases these procedures can reduce the need for glasses/contact lenses.

Over the past two decades several new procedures have been developed that are making changes in the lives of many who suffer with vision issues.

For those who are suffering with Astigmatism, Farsightedness, Nearsightedness, Dry Eye, or even Keratoconus there is hope for your vision. Minimally-invasive procedures like LASIK, PRK and ICL can help your vision drastically,

Below you will see some procedures that can assist you in finding visual freedom:

LASIK – The most well-known vision correction procedure. LASIK uses a laser to carefully shave away cornea tissue to create a smooth surface, and therefore correct the vision.

PRK – The procedure involves gently moving the surface skin of the cornea and applying a laser to reshape the outer cornea. PRK was the first type of laser eye surgery for vision correction. PRK preceded development of LASIK.

ICL – ICL is a small implanted lens that can reduce or eliminate your need for contacts or glasses. The goal of ICL is to reduce overall prescription. A patient can consider the ICL procedure if they have a high prescription, and may have conditions such as thin corneas which make them not candidates for other procedures.

For more information on vision correction, click the link below to watch a special episode of The Doctors.

Why am I Not a Good Candidate for LASIK?

Often glasses and contact lenses can be a burden and those who have relied on them for years grow tired of the constant maintenance and careful planning it takes to deal with them on a daily basis. They are looking for alternatives.

For many individuals seeking a vision correction procedure, LASIK immediately comes to mind as it is the most widely-known procedure. Although it is the most known procedure, it is important to have a thorough assessment to find the right vision correction treatment for you. LASIK has promised millions over the years that vision correction can indeed change the need for glasses or contact lenses. However over 20% of those who obtain the LASIK procedure are not good candidates. Getting the LASIK procedure if you are not a good candidate can cause several side effects or complications after the procedure which often need to be corrected such as halos, double vision, and floaters in your line of sight. How do you know you’re not a good candidate?

There are many different reasons for different patients; however universally these are two most common disqualifiers:

• Thin cornea
• Large pupil diameter

There are many alternative procedures that can be safely performed on those with thinner corneas and larger pupils which can achieve the same degree of correction. One of the procedures is PRK, which uses a special computer to help guide the laser during the procedure. This allows for closer and more accurate measurements during your procedure.

When seeking a surgeon for your LASIK surgery in Los Angeles, find a surgeon who evaluates you personally

Watch Gino’s explain his experience with PRK:

What Treatment Is there for Farsightedness?

If you struggle with Farsightedness, otherwise known as Hyperopia, for many years, CK maybe the right treatment for you to help you improve your reading vision.

CK (Conductive Keratoplasty) uses radio waves to shape the cornea. This treatment allows you to avoid invasive procedures to fix your farsightedness. It doesn’t require any tissue to be removed during the procedure and can reduce your nervousness by not having to go under a laser surgery or have a doctor use a scalpel on your eyes.

The procedure is so simple there are no overnight stays, and based on your ability you may be able to return to work the following day. It allows your eyes to heal quicker than other procedures and you can have a full recovery within 1 week.

Really the only concern is that you avoid rubbing your eyes for the first 1-2 weeks.

For those who have experienced farsightedness, and had difficulty doing things like reading a simple newspaper or even beginning to struggle with the computer screen, this could be a great procedure. This procedure can be done in the office, and allows you to go home right away.

Dr. Brian can help with determining if CK is right for your vision. Consult with Dr. Brian today.

Below are several signs of Farsightedness:

  • Blurred reading vision
  • Blurred computer distance vision
  • Aching eyes/Eyestrain after reading
  • Headaches after reading

Don’t strain any longer, there may be help out there. Your eye health should be one of the most important things in your overall healthcare. Asking questions, and finding out what options there are can help you improve your overall vision health.
Dr. Brian Boxer Wachler, MD is a renowned eye surgeon specializing in eye care treatments, and other procedures.

For more information on CK visit www.BoxerWachler.com

Watch Beverly discuss how the very next day she could read after having CK:

Advancing Treatments for Hyperopia (farsightedness)

Finding the Benefits of NearVision CK (Conductive Keratoplasty) for Hyperopia/Farsightedness

Most patient’s over 40 begin to lose the ability to read without the use of reading glasses.  Many patients feel like reading glasses are “a weight around their neck”.

CK (Conductive Keratoplasty) helps to reduce the need for reading glasses for patients over the age of 40.

CK (Conductive Keratoplasty) is often referred to as NearVision CK. This is because the procedure improves the near vision in the non-dominant eye.

NearVision CK is done in the doctor’s office and requires only 5 minutes per eye. The procedure is minimally invasive and does not carry the risks of LASIK eye surgery. Patients can return to work and driving usually within 1 day.

Patients sometime ask, what’s the catch – a 5 minute procedure sounds too easy. Here is the rub, although NearVision CK improves a patient’s near vision immediately, the effect wears off as the eye continues to age.  The treatment may need to be repeated every 3-5 years.

Healing is easy, there are relatively few complaints.  Occasional patients might note during healing: slight irritation and glare from light sources at night.

Top Benefits of NearVision CK:

 Reduced recovery time compared to LASIK
 Reduced procedure time compared to LASIK
 Less invasive than LASIK – increases safety
 It can be completed in the doctor’s office
 Only takes 5 minutes per eye
 See Results relatively quickly

Dr. Brian Boxer Wachler, MD is a renowned eye surgeon specializing in reading vision treatments and other procedures.

For more information regarding CK and reducing your need for reading glasses visit:

http://www.allaboutvision.com/visionsurgery/ck_ltk_eye_surgery.htm

Did You Know Your Computer Screen Could Be Hurting Your Vision?

With the increase in technology taking care of our eyes is essential. On average a person spends more than 4 hours a day staring into a screen of some sort. Whether it is your computer, laptop, tablet, IPhone, Android Phone, or even your Kindle it is a screen.

Making sure you are taking a sufficient amount of time away is essential to your eye health. Below are a few ways you can protect your eyes, and why you should be protecting them in the first place.

Why protect my eyes?

Reduced blinking is a big problem with people who look at the computer screen a lot. When you read your blink rate decreases, causing problems with dry eyes.

Also sitting too close to the screen can cause problems with your eyes as well. If you are staring at a computer screen all day it can cause eye strain and fatigue. Which can also cause damage to your overall vision.

Below are a few ways to protect yourself from your device screens:

Changing the Settings – Many of us don’t even realize that these is a brightness setting, and color settings on their devices. This are great because it allows you to turn down the brightness of your computer or other device. Changing the color settings can often reduce eye strain as well.

Taking a break – It is important to step away from devices every 20 minutes. If you are at work simply look away from the device for 20-30 seconds so your eyes can readjust. This will keep you from straining your eyes as well.

Minimize your time on your devices at night – If you work with a computer every day at work, it is wise to keep to wait at least an hour before getting on your devices at home. This will give your eyes a rest. It is important to be aware of how much time you spend online, and on your devices both home and at work.

Learn more about computer-use eye strain and what you can do: http://www.geteyesmart.org/eyesmart/living/computer-usage.cfm

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