can help you realize your dream of life without glasses or contacts. We are able to treat most types of refractive errors by offering advanced procedures. A free consultation will determine the most appropriate procedure for you.
Since 1981 we've provided the Utah Valley with exemplary and comprehensive optical care. The entirety of our focus is on personalized results, state-of-the-art technology and an office space that puts our patients at ease. Our doctors are committed to being the absolute best at what they do, and it most certainly shows.
We can also take care of your cataracts to help restore your vision and your freedom to see the world with clarity. As one of the most common procedures, you can rest easy in the hands of our surgeons knowing that you and your eyes are well taken care of. During the procedure, we'll use an ultrasonic probe to dissolve your cataract and restore your vision. Once that's done, we'll implant an artificial lens as a replacement for your cloudy lens.
Think you don't need to see an eye doctor regularly? Think again. It's not uncommon for people to put off going to the eye doctor because they think their vision is fine just the way it is. However, you could have some vision issues, without realizing it. And, it's important to remember a comprehensive eye exam doesn't just test vision. Let's discuss further.
Did you know more than half of adults over age 60 will suffer from cataracts to some degree? They are so common, in fact, that your eye doctor will check for this condition during routine vision exams. Not all cataracts are age-related, though. An eye doctor might notice cataracts in patients as young as 40 or 50. Cataracts tend to worsen with age unless they are treated through surgery.
Your vision is precious. It helps you see the beautiful colors around you and the faces of the people you love, and it allows you to participate in hobbies you love such as reading, watching TV, playing cards and even cooking and baking. If you or your eye doctor have noticed signs of cataracts, don't worry. There are treatments that are effective at removing cataracts so you can once again resume normal activities.
Cataracts occur when protein in the eye builds up on the lens, preventing light from passing through. This can cause your vision to become cloudy. You can think of it like trying to look through a fogged-up window.
Your eye doctor will test for cataracts with an eye exam that might include an eye-chart test, which is designed to measure how well you see at varying distances. He or she might also perform a dilated-eye exam, in which drops that dilate the pupils are inserted into your eyes. They can then use a magnifying device to get a better look at your eye. Your eye doctor might also screen for cataracts using tonometry, which measures the amount of pressure inside your eye. Your doctor will go over each test with you before it is performed.
Who is At Risk for Developing Cataracts?
Certain risk factors can affect your chances of developing this condition. If you have diabetes, have used steroid medications for long periods of time, are a smoker or heavy drinker, or have had a traumatic eye injury, you might face an increased risk of cataracts. Others have had prolonged exposure to ultraviolet sunlight or radiation, which could also be a risk factor for cataracts. Stay vigilant by getting regular check-ups from your eye doctor.
What Are the Early Symptoms?
You should schedule an appointment with your eye doctor if you notice any of the following symptoms:
Be sure to mention all symptoms you are experiencing to your doctor so he or she can provide the most comprehensive treatment. Early treatment is ideal for cataracts.
How are Cataracts Treated?
Once cataracts begin to form, it is important to consider available treatment options. Cataract surgery is highly effective. More than 2 million people have opted for this solution, making it one of the most commonly performed surgeries in the country. The procedure takes only 15 minutes. After it is completed, you'll be free to go on with your day.
During the procedure, the eye doctor will remove the clouded lens and replace it with a permanent artificial lens. The area around your eye will be numbed with local anesthetic. Typically, patients stay awake during the procedure. Afterward, you might experience some itchiness, mild discomfort or both. Minor fluid discharge is possible. You might be more sensitive to light and touch in the days immediately following surgery. After one or two days, discomfort should dissipate.
If you are looking for eye care in Orem Utah, give the Cataract & LASIK Center of Utah a call at 801-224-6767. We've provided our community with comprehensive eye care since 1981. Our state-of-the-art facility features the advanced technology that's necessary to ensure you have great vision care throughout your lifetime. We have the friendliest team and the most experienced surgeons. Come see for yourself!
Getting your eyesight checked isn't the only reason to visit your eye doctor. It actually goes far beyond that. An eye doctor can help prevent more serious problems from developing, and they can detect issues early on, such as glaucoma.
The fact is, if you suffer from glaucoma, you need to see an eye doctor. While a family physician should be able to help you, they are not trained in the specifics and intracicies of disorders of the eye. Why leave your diagnosis to chance? The last thing you want to do is have to get a second opinion because you did not consult the right specialist.
There are various types of glaucoma, but the most common is open-angle glaucoma. The scary thing about this condition is, you can have it without having any symptoms. This means you may not catch it until it's too late to reverse the effects. However, an eye doctor can help detect this condition early on, and help prevent serious complications, such as blindness.
If left untreated, this condition will cause damage to the optic nerve, which is the nerve that sends information from your eyes to your brain. Usually glaucoma is caused by high fluid pressure in the eyes, which can cause the optic nerve to become damaged. Other less common causes are injuries to the eye (blunt or chemical), severe eye infections, inflammatory conditions, and blocked blood vessels within the eye. The longer it goes undetected, the more damage it can cause. However, because there are often no symptoms early on, getting a full routine eye exam is important. An eye doctor can address any issues they see and provide preventative measures for you to take.
Although many symptoms of glaucoma can go unnoticed until it's too late to reverse the effects, some people will notice a loss of side (peripheral) vision. However, this generally starts to occur later on in the disease's progression. Sometimes symptoms such as sudden eye pain, blurred vision, headache, and halos around lights can occur when the pressure hits a very high level. Again, getting to an eye doctor for a complete eye exam is the best preventative measure you can take when it comes to glaucoma. However, if you do have symptoms, make sure to make an appointment with your eye doctor as soon as possible. The sooner you get in, the better.
There are several ways glaucoma may be treated. The condition could be treated with eye drops, microsurgery, or laser surgery. If you have glaucoma, an eye doctor can discuss with you what your options are, and recommend the best solution for your particular situation.
There are two main types: open-angle glaucoma and angle-closure glaucoma. As mentioned earlier in the article, open-angle glaucoma is the most common. It's also referred to as wide-angle glaucoma. The trabecular meshwork (drain structure in eye) will appear normal; however the fluid isn't flowing as it should. Angle-closure glaucoma (acute or chronic angle-closure or narrow-angle glaucoma) is when the eye isn't draining correctly due to the angle being too narrow between your cornea and iris.
Typically, those over 40 are more at risk. However, people of any age can get glaucoma. There is a higher occurrence documented in African-Americans, Russians, Irish, Japanese, Inuits, Scandinavians, and Hispanics. Your family history can play a role as well. Being diabetic can put you at risk and so can eye trauma. Certain steroid medications have also been said to be a potential risk factor.
The first step in diagnosis is setting up an appointment for a complete eye exam. If you're looking for an eye doctor in Draper Utah, contact us. Our ophthalmologists can help answer any questions you have and provide a comprehensive exam. During this exam, the doctor will check your optic nerve, and if you do have signs of glaucoma, he or she may also take photographs to help track the disease. Another test called tonometry may be used to check your eye pressure, and a visual field test can be used to see if you've lost any peripheral vision. However, the first step is to give us a call at Cataract and LASIK Center of Utah to set up your complete eye exam. We hope to see you soon!
A black eye can look pretty gruesome. The soft tissue around your eyes is more transparent, which can make the bruise appear darker than it might on another area of your skin. A black eye works much like a regular bruise: the blood vessels break which causes this discoloration. However, you have to be extra careful because your eye is a very sensitive area. That's why it's important to know how to handle it correctly and when it's time to call an eye doctor.
What causes black eyes?
The typical cause of a black eye is blunt trauma. Eye injuries can occur from flying debris when you're working on a project, playing sports, tripping on a rug, etc. There are numerous causes that can lead you to experience a blow to the eye. That's why eye doctors recommend wearing the proper eye protection for sports and other activities that could put your eyes in danger. Talk with your eye doctor for suggestions regarding which eye protection you should use for your particular activity.
While a blunt impact is the typical cause of a black eye, there can be other causes, including cosmetic procedures or dental work. "More serious causes of black eyes include cellulitis (a serious infection around the eyes)." Also, a skull fracture can cause both eyes to look bruised.
The good news is, typically black eyes are not a big cause for concern. You may be able to treat it at home with ice. Apply ice as soon as possible after the injury. Use a bag of frozen peas or other cold compress. Wrap a cloth around it to keep your skin protected. You'll want to hold the compress on for about 10 minutes per session, and apply it about "every 1-2 hours." Make sure you allow at least 10 minutes between each session though. Please stay away from the practice of placing red meat on your eye as it can increase your risk of developing an infection.
Talk with your eye doctor about other possible treatment options. You may be able to use Tylenol to reduce pain, but NOT Asprin (it is a blood thinner). Black eyes usually heal within about a 1-2 weeks.
The usual signs of a black eye are swelling and discoloration (purple, blue, green, and/or yellow). The whites of your eyes may also have broken blood vessels. However, sometimes other symptoms can occur and you should be aware of them. In fact, some signs may mean a trip to an emergency room or an eye doctor is necessary.
If you black out because of the injury, experience dizziness, fainting, a persistent headache, or vomiting you should seek medical attention. Other symptoms to watch for are double vision and blurry vision, or if both eyes are affected. When both eyes are affected by the impact it may indicate a skull fracture. If you're unable to move your eyeball a certain way or at all, you need to be seen immediately. Another potential problem that can arise that would require going to the emergency room is hyphema, which is "bleeding inside the anterior part of the eye (between the back side of the cornea and the front of the iris)."
It's a good practice to make an appointment with your eye doctor anytime you have an eye injury, including a black eye. But, you especially want to make an appointment if your eye hurts, there's an open cut near your eye, or you're experiencing blurry vision or floating spots. If you're experiencing any vision changes or sensitivity to light, talk to your eye doctor as soon as possible.
When in doubt, talk to your eye care professional about any concerns you have. Take the precautions necessary to protect your eyes and your vision. If you're looking for an eye doctor in Draper Utah, contact Cataract & LASIK Center of Utah. We're invested in keeping your eyes healthy!
