LASIK or Cataract in Columbia, SC

Deciding to get LASIK eye surgery is an important, life-changing decision! Multiple factors are at play in this decision, and it is not something to enter into lightly. You want to be sure that you’re receiving the utmost, quality care; the LASIK Eye Center in South Carolina is an excellent choice for all of your visual and surgical needs. Trustworthy Business ●        The Eye Center, as a whole, has been around for three decades! Longevity in any field is always a plus; you can be sure that their practices and business ethics are trustworthy. Here you are not just a customer, but a highly-valued patient. Thorough Scientific Study ●        If you choose to receive LASIK eye surgery in South Carolina at The Eye Center , you can be confident that your procedure is supported by many years of intensive research. Highly competent doctors have spent ample time executing rigorous study sessions to identify the root of vario...

Over 50% of the world’s population struggles with poor vision. With overexposure to radiations from technology, that number is climbing. For those living in Columbia, SC, thanks to new developments in laser technology and ophthalmology, LASIK surgery can correct many common vision problems like farsightedness, nearsightedness, and/or astigmatism. LASIK is now the most selected laser surgery to treat vision problems associated with refractive errors. This procedure has been refined over the years, increasing the accuracy, speed, and precision of the surgery. LASIK works by subtly reshaping the surface of the cornea to correct refractive problems like those mentioned above. The procedure typically takes under an hour to complete and is virtually pain-free. Before surgery, the surgeon will take detailed measurements of the eye. Tiny laser technology helps the surgeon carefully reshape the curve of the cornea, which will correct the patient’s vision issue. The expected recovery...

Annual eye exams are the best safeguard against serious eye problems developing later on. Below we’ve compiled five reasons why everyone in Columbia, SC, should get their eyes examined each year. 1. Nearsightedness is quickly becoming an epidemic The number of children diagnosed with myopia (nearsightedness) is growing more quickly, and children are developing it at an earlier age. Myopia tends to get worse over time and can put children at risk for serious eye conditions later in life. Regular annual eye exams are the best way to catch any sight issues early on and for the doctor to prescribe your best treatment options to slow the disease progression. 2. Good vision is important for academic success With the amount of screen-time for kids increasing every year and the fact that at least 80% of the curriculum children are expected to master requires good vision, detecting sight issues early on can be important to ensure your child’s success in school.  3. Glaucoma Gla...

Having glasses or contacts can be restrictive: if you lose your glasses, you lose your vision. With contacts, they can irritate and dry out your eyes. These are some of the reasons many are turning to LASIK. With a wide variety of activities in South Carolina, LASIK patients have a ton to look forward to. Below are our top 4 activities that are better after LASIK surgery. Sports and Exercise Staying healthy means staying somewhat active. Playing sports is one of the many fun ways to keep fit. Having glasses or contacts can add a level of stress. Eyeglasses protection, not losing contacts, are both no longer concerns for LASIK patients. Your eyesight will be better than ever, and you can focus more on performing and less on your vision. Camping and Wilderness Adventures Spending time outdoors camping or hiking is a great way to bond with friends and family. It can be difficult for glasses wearers to keep their glasses scratch-free and for contact lens users, maintaining g...

How to tell the difference and what to do about it Having eyes that are irritated and itchy is rough. Not knowing the cause of the irritation is frustrating and may prolong the issue. Irritation is most commonly caused by dry eyes or allergies. The Eye Center in Columbia put together the signs and symptoms of both and what to do about it. Allergies Allergy-driven eye irritation is most commonly caused by pollen in the air and can be the worst in the springtime. Eyes become red and itchy. Eyes tend to water more and rubbing or scratching around the eyes will aggravate the symptoms. Diagnosis: Discuss your symptoms with your doctor. If your eyes are itchy but not burning it is likely allergies are the cause of your dry eye. Treatment: Taking an over-the-counter allergy medication can often do wonders. Sometimes a stronger steroid or mast cell stabilizer is needed depending on the severity of the allergic reaction. Using a cool compress can help alleviate milder symptoms. D...

Cataracts are a significant problem for the aging adult in America. Although, there have been recent advances in the surgical removal of cataracts, using lasers, which have opened up more possibilities to help people find relief from their clouding vision. What is Laser Cataract Surgery? Laser-assisted cataract eye surgery uses a laser which makes an incision into your eye through the cornea. A second laser softens the lens to either remove the lens or reshape it, depending on the degree of visual deterioration. Am I a Candidate for Laser Eye Surgery? It is recommended that a person should get cataract surgery once their quality of life is affected, such as difficulty reading, driving, or recognizing people’s faces. It is recommended that the person be in good physical health before having the surgery. Patients should also have no history of corneal disease or other significant medical or eye problems, corneal ulcers, or glaucoma. How Is Laser Cataract Su...

Cataracts have been a problem for many patients. Cataracts are when the lens of the eye clouds over, causing vision to be blurry. Luckily over the years treatment for cataracts has evolved and continues to be refined after years of research and innovation. IOL implants: the beginning The most commonly used treatment for cataracts is a surgery designed to implant what is called an intraocular lens (IOL). This treatment was inspired by the pieces of perplex that flew off warplanes and lodged themselves in pilots’ eyes without causing any damage. Prior to cataract surgery, contact lenses and glasses were the only treatment available and as such were only able to mitigate the effects of cataracts, not fix the problem. Though they were invented in 1949, IOL implants weren’t widely used until the 1970s. Early ideas of lens or iris replacement and cataract operations pioneered the current generation of IOL designs. IOL materials and surgical techniques Mistakes in the ...

Both glaucoma and cataracts are common eye afflictions that occur naturally with age. It is not uncommon to have both at the same time. Managing these two eye diseases can be challenging for our patients, but treating both of them can prevent permanent blindness and prolong your vision. Our team of specialists at our Columbia, SC office are highly trained for both glaucoma treatment and cataract surgery. About Cataracts Cataracts affect your eyes slowly over time. Until they affect your quality of life, for example affecting driving, reading, and/or facial recognition, you can live with them. Schedule regular eye exams so your doctor can monitor their progress.   Removal surgery is the only treatment to “cure” them. About Glaucoma Unlike cataracts, glaucoma tends to progress quickly and may damage the optic nerve.   Untreated, this disease can cause permanent blindness or irreversible vision loss, so it’s essential to address the disease once it’s found....

The eyes are disputably one of the most complex organs in the body. Numerous organs, not merely the eyes, have to interact to create clear vision. For your eyes to generate a clear image, the light needs to concentrate straight on the retina. Some of the most typical vision issues are refractory, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, as well as presbyopia. Let's further discuss the peculiarities of each condition. If there are any concerns, consult an Ophthalmology clinic in the Columbia, SC area such as The Eye Center P.A . Nearsightedness This is a condition where an individual has issues seeing things far-away, therefore showing up fuzzy. The individual in question does not have any trouble seeing things up close. The eyeball is lengthened as an outcome of which light concentrates before the retina rather than concentrating straight on the retina. Hyperopia In this condition, an individual experiences difficulty seeing nearby things, witho...

Cataract surgery is one of the most widely performed surgical procedures with over 2 million operations performed yearly. Given the volume, patients have high expectations for positive outcomes that restore quality vision.  The Ophthalmologists at The Eye Center in Columbia, South Carolina  are among the country’s most respected cataract surgeons.  Cataracts – The Signs Cataracts is a gradual process causing clouding over the eye’s lens.  When focusing on an object, light must travel through the lens, and focus on the retina to capture light.  If your lens is clear there is no issue with the light reaching the retina.  If the lens is cloudy, only some of the light reaches the retina which can cause blurred vision.  Symptoms of cataracts are: Inability to drive at night. Challenges with seeing a movie. Difficulty with reading a package or magazine even with reading glasses. Modern Technology Enhances Cataract Surgery There are...

You will find cataract surgeries happening almost daily at any Columbia, S.C eye clinic. It is the most common eye procedure in the United States. Since surgery can cause some to be nervous, let’s look at 5 ways you can stay calm while preparing for surgery. 1. Talk with Your Doctor It is natural to be scared of something you don't understand. Talk with your doctor. Get a thorough explanation. Cataract surgery in Columbia S.C. can be a great experience when you know what to expect.   It can do wonders for those butterflies in your belly when you have clear instructions about your cataract surgery. 2. Practice Breathing Before your cataract surgery, practice breathing techniques. Slow, long breaths can help you stay calm and help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and panic. 3. Eat Well Staying nourished before your cataract surgery is essential to the success of your operation. Give yourself a treat with a favorite meal and a healthy snack before bedtime. A healthy dinn...

As we age, our bodies change. It may seem there is something new to deal with each morning. Sometimes it becomes harder to enjoy the things we once did when we were younger. But, there is one thing that age may not affect, and that is LASIK eye surgery in Columbia S.C. Let’s take a moment and look at the requirements for LASIK in Columbia in conjunction with your age. Age Limits A minimum age of 18 years is recommended by the FDA for LASIK surgery. While there is a minimum age limit, there is not a set maximum. You can be 60 years old and have LASIK eye surgery in Columbia S.C. Age can come with difficulties that could make LASIK surgery difficult. Continue reading to learn more. Health and Medications For older patients, medical conditions such as glaucoma and diabetes can cause LASIK not to be an option. You need to be in good physical health to prevent complications during recovery. After a full workup, your ophthalmologist can determine if you are a good candidate for LASIK surge...

Dry eyes can be irritating and make your vision blurry and your eyes irritated. The causes of dry eyes can be caused by a dry climate, dehydration, a medical condition or even gender.   Studies have shown that dry eyes can be more prevalent in females than males, particularly in those over the age of 50. What are the Symptoms of Dry Eye? According to The Eye Center in Columbia, South Carolina , signs include: ●        A feeling of grittiness in the eye ●        Redness ●        Stinging ●        Watery eyes ●        Excess tearing ●        Blurry vision If you are experiencing any of these systems, it is important to find a trusted professional eye clinic with ophthalmologists that specialize in dry eye treatment. To start, the ophthalmologist will perform a series of tests to...

If you have problems with your eyesight, you may be looking for options to help improve your vision.  It’s important that you get quality medical care for your eyes.  Here are a few things to think about when you are evaluating a medical practice for vision correction. One thing to note - we’re talking  about ophthalmologists , who are medical doctors licensed to treat and care for all eye conditions, including disease.  In many cases, they are also trained surgeons, who can perform vision correction surgery.  Patient care  - First and foremost, a medical practice needs to care about its patients and put you first.  Take note of how they answer the phone, give you information, and treat you as a person.  A doctor should be part of your care, versus just handing you off to an assistant. The doctors  - You want your eyes to be cared for by doctors with the best education and training.  Remember, this doesn’t stop with graduating ...