7 Reasons San Diego LASIK is Worth Every Penny

What Makes San Diego LASIK Surgery “Worth the Money” For Me?

 

When my friends hear I’ve had LASIK eye surgery, the first thing they think about is how much they’ve heard it costs, and so their first question to me is almost always, “Was it worth the money?” I honestly reply, “It was worth every penny.” Here’s why.

 

7 Reasons My LASIK Surgery Was Worth Every Penny

 

  1. First, there is the money I expect to SAVE as a result of my eye surgery. I’ve worn glasses and/or contact lenses most of my life, so if I total up the money I would have spent on yearly vision checkups and new sets of glasses or contacts for the rest of my life, I’ll have saved thousands of dollars by getting LASIK surgery.
  2. One of the most important benefits for me is the ability to see, all day, every day. This may not sound like much to those of you with good eyes, but imagine how good it feels for me to wake up and be able to check the time without reaching for glasses.
  3. Not only can I see from the moment I wake up, I can see better than I ever could with either glasses or contacts. My vision is now the best it’s ever been in my life.
  4. Then there are the little things, like being able to lie down on my couch to watch TV or a movie. I could never do that with my glasses because they hurt my face.
  5. A not-so-little thing for me is the ability to play any of the sports I love without having to wear glasses or worry about losing a contact lens.
  6. I can go to bed without having to go through the nightly ritual of removing and washing my contact lenses.
  7. And finally – and for me the most important reason I’m happy with my San Diego LASIK surgery – is the incredible boost it’s given to my self-esteem. People who have never worn glasses may not understand, but I’ve worn them – and felt self-conscious about wearing them – most of my life. What a relief it is not to have them cluttering up my face any more.

 

So Yes, I’m Happy with My Decision to Have LASIK Surgery

 

You might be, too. “Do the math” and total up how much money you’ve spent on glasses and contacts so far in your life, and then think about how much more you’ll have to spend during the rest of your life. Chances are that having laser eye surgery would be cheaper in the long run for you, too, just as it was for me. But if that’s not enough, look through the rest of my reasons above. I’ll bet that you’ll identify with at least a few of them.

What Your Eyes Reveal About Your Health

Your eyes are not only Dzwindows to the soul,dz but they are also indicators of your overall health. How they look and how well they are functioning can be a major clue that tells you what is happening in other parts of your body. Some of the telltale signs that eyes give us when something is amiss with our general health and well-being include the following:

 

Aching, Bloodshot Eyes

 

Bloodshot and aching eyes can sometimes mean no more than that you are suffering from sleep deprivation and/or have indulged in too many alcoholic beverages. When the condition continues for days on end, however, it could indicate an inflammation in the eye or in another part of the body. Such symptoms may also result from conjunctivitis (pink eye), uveitis, an inflammation of mid-layer tissues in the eye’s wall, a corneal ulcer, an acute case of glaucoma, diabetes, high blood pressure, or any of various liver diseases.

 

Red Spots on the Eyes

 

Red spots on the whites of your eyes are the result of subconjunctival hemorrhaging, which happens when tiny blood vessels burst within the eye. This, in turn, can result from simple things like hard sneezes, vomit attacks, bending over the body, or other head and upper-body stresses. It can also, however, stem from a diabetes condition. This is because diabetes can swell the eye’s blood vessels with too-high blood sugar content until they finally explode.

 

A Gray Circle Surrounding the Cornea

 

A gray, or sometimes white, circle around your eye’s cornea (transparent upper layer) is known as an Dzarcus senilisdz and is a common occurrence among the elderly. It is indicative of heightened levels of cholesterol and tri-glycerides in the bloodstream, and in those under the age of forty, it may signal an increased risk of heart disease, heart attack, or stroke. A simple blood test can give you a cholesterol count to help diagnose the root cause of arcus senilis.

 

Cloudy Eyes

 

When eyesight is blurred and your eyes appear to have a cloudy, milk-like mist over them, this typically is a symptom of cataracts. Cataracts, which are very common in the elderly, begin with gradually clouding vision and can ultimately lead to vision loss. Sometimes, however, a cataract will develop in a young person who is diabetic or who suffers from a genetically inherited disease.

 

The Importance of Regular Eye Check-Ups

 

Getting regular eye check-ups can help you detect eye disorders in their earliest stages, at times when only an ophthalmologist using high-tech equipment will be able to identify the problem. Eye exams can also help you discover and treat conditions in other parts of the body that are affecting the appearance of your eyes. Contact La Jolla Lasik today by calling 858-551-4100 to schedule your complimentary eye check-up or to find answers to your eye-related questions.

What Should I Do About Blurred Vision?

When your eyesight becomes blurry, even for only a few moments, it can be a truly frightening experience. It is possible for something as simple as a dirty contact to cause blurred vision, but it can also result from serious eye conditions. It is crucial to know what might be causing your vision to blur and what course of action you should follow in addressing the problem.

 

Possible Causes of Blurred Vision

 

Some of the most common causes of blurred vision are listed below. Reading through these possibilities may give you a good idea of what is causing the trouble, but it is also important to consult with a professional ophthalmologist, especially if the blurriness persists.

 

  • A refractive error, typically resulting from an inability to properly focus due to an irregular eye shape. Nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism are frequently associated with refractive error.
  • Presbyopia, which most adults begin to develop during their 40s and 50s. This condition makes it difficult to see things well up close.
  • Dry eyes, in the case of chronic dry eye syndrome, can blur your view.
  • Migraines, which will often have the side effect of temporary blurring.
  • Contact lenses, when dirty or damaged, sometimes cause blurred vision.
  • A cataract, which is a gradually worsening cloudy area on your eye’s crystalline lens, will eventually blur your eyesight.
  • Other eye diseases, such as glaucoma and macular degeneration, could be responsible.

 

What Should I Do If I Experience Blurred Vision?

 

You should never ignore a blurred vision condition. It is possible that a relatively simple problem, like refractive error, is causing the trouble. If so, this can be easily corrected with prescription glasses or contacts or by laser vision correction surgery (LASIK). However, it is also possible that the blurring stems from a more complicated condition, like cataracts, which requires surgical correction. Some possible causes of blurry vision, like Glaucoma, are particularly crucial to catch and treat early. Thus, your eyesight could depend on wasting no time in addressing your blurred vision incidents.

 

Contact La Jolla Lasik today for a complimentary eye health assessment. Call us at 858-551-4100, and we will be happy to locate the cause of your blurred vision and find the best solution, or to assist you with your eye health in any other way.

Tips for Relieving Digital Eye Strain

With every passing year, use of digital devices like smartphones, tablets, laptops, desktops, and TV’s increases more and more. Unfortunately, digital eyestrain is increasing along with this reliance of modern technology. In fact, 70% of Americans over the age of 18 now report that they suffer, to some degree, from the effects of digital eyestrain. Symptoms include dryness of eye, reddened eyes, eye-twitches, and headaches. Below, we look at ways to prevent, or at least minimize, minimize the modern problem of digital eyestrain.

 

Use Less Lighting

 

While light is healthy for your eyes in general, sitting in an over-lit room while staring at a digital screen is detrimental. Most office environments have twice the ideal amount of interior lighting, and too much light around your screen (both sunlight and artificial) will strain your eyes. Avoid putting your desk near a window or turn it sideways instead of directly facing the incoming light. Close the curtains and pull down the blinds. Use low-intensity light bulbs, and if possible, use a floor lamp instead of a fluorescent fixture attached to the ceiling. All of these practices will reduce the strain on your eyes.

 

Minimize the Glare

 

A glare or reflection cast on your screen will make it more difficult to focus andincrease eyestrain. Blocking out the light that is causing the glare is one solution. Otherwise, you can install a specialized anti-glare screen on your device or wear glasses with anti-glare coatings.

 

Use an LCD Screen

 

Old-style CRT monitors are not only thicker and heavier than the sleeker LCDs of most modern devices but they also put more strain on your eyes. This is because LCD screens have anti-glare surfaces that make it easier for your eyes to focus. The best screens will have a low dot-pitch, .28 mm or less is a good rule of thumb, which will give you less glare and a sharper image.

 

Blink More Often

 

Odd as it may sound, people blink about one third the normal rate when staring at a digital screen. As blinking serves to lubricate the eye surface, a lack of blinking may lead to dry eye. By slowly opening and closing your eyes, as if a Dzslow-motion blink,dzabout ten times in twenty minutes, you can lessen the dry-eye effect of viewing digital screens.

 

Take Frequent Breaks

 

Experts tell us that frequent breaks from sitting at your desk and staring at yourscreen can be beneficial. Your eyes will get a break from digital eyestrain, and you will have a chance to stretch the muscles in your back, neck, and shoulders. Stand up and move around for a bit, and when you sit back down, you will feel refreshed and ready to go at it again.

 

Adjust Your Display Settings

 

The brightness of your digital screen will directly affect the strain put on your eyes. In general, ideal brightness is that which matches the level of the rest of the room. If the background seems to Dzshine,dz turn down the brightness level. If it seems dark and grey, increase it. You can also change the screen contrast and the font size to make it easier to read.

 

Get a Comprehensive Eye Exam

 

To maintain your eye-health at optimal levels, it is essential to schedule an eye exam at least once a year. The skilled ophthalmologists of La Jolla Lasik can give you a complimentary eye examination and answer any questions you may have about your vision. Contact them today by calling 858-551-4100. Optimal eye health starts with a proper eye exam.

How Do Ocular Migraines Affect Vision?

The word Dzmigrainedz is immediately associated, in the minds of most, with an extremely painful headache, but ocular migraines are of a different sort. These migraines are painless and short-lived, but they cause your vision to become distorted and can cause much distress. We will look briefly below at the basic facts about ocular migraines for the benefit of those who may be suffering from this condition.

 

What Are Ocular Migraines?

 

Many ophthalmologists will illustrate the effects of ocular migraines on your vision by comparing it to a person who looks through a cracked windowpane. They will see a small but growing blind spot in either/both eyes with bright zigzags surrounding it. These affects normally only last twenty to thirty minutes at a time, and they can be followed up by a headache. Other symptoms include: drastic mood swings, intense food-cravings, and chronic tiredness.

 

As with other types of migraines, ocular migraines are caused by irregularities in the flow of blood to your brain, but it is not yet known what causes these irregularities. Some of the things that can make an ocular migraine more likely include: sleepdeprivation, intense smells, secondhand tobacco smoke, high stress levels, and genetic factors. Certain food items, like aged cheese, caffeine, and wines can also cause ocular migraines.

 

Prevention & Treatment

 

Since ocular migraines are generally short-lived and painless, they are not normally treated. However, when an incident occurs, it is best to stop current activities, let your eyes relax, and wait for proper vision to return. If ocular migraines occur frequently, you may want to keep track of what foods you are eating or activities you are engaging in just prior to their onset. If the migraine lasts for more than a day or if ocular migraines occur three times or more per month, you should see an ophthalmologist for treatment or for advice on preventative measures.

 

To learn more about ocular migraines or to schedule a comprehensive eye exam, do not hesitate to call La Jolla Lasik at 858-551-4100.

Good Habits That Help Protect Your Vision

A recent international survey found that more people would be willing to give up the use of a leg or arm than to give up their eyesight. Thus, most people place an extremely high value on their vision, and it behooves us to do wall we can to protect it. Some habits that will significantly reduce the risk of eye problems and keep your eyes as healthy as possible are given below for your benefit.

 

Use Sunglasses with 100% UV Protection

 

Temporary but intense exposure to ultraviolet waves can cause the condition known as Dzphoto-keratitis,dz which is essentially Dzsunburn on your eyes.dz The condition is short-lived, but painful. Your eyes will experience a burning sensation and become extremely sensitive to light. More prolonged exposure to UV-light may lead to more serious conditions like macular degeneration and cataracts. Simplywearing sunglasses that are 100%, or at least 99%, UV-protected is the best defense.

 

Beware of DzDigital Eye Straindz

 

In the age of the smartphone, tablet, and computer, the majority of us spend asignificant portion of each day staring at the screens of various digital devices. A new kind of eye exhaustion, dubbed Dzdigital eye strain,dz has been born. The condition involves eyes that are dry, reddened, blurry, feel a burning sensation, twitch, and are generally fatigued. By taking a break from digital screens on a regular basis, perhaps every twenty minutes, keeping the screen a little under eye-level, and holding mobile devices twenty inches or so back from your eyes you can reduce the risk of digital eyestrain.

 

Remove Your Contacts Before Sleeping

 

While contacts aid your eyesight, they are of little use while your eyes are closed in sleep at night, and they block off oxygen and moisture from getting to your eyes. By cleaning your contacts in a bacteria-killing solution and allowing your eyes tocontact the air instead of the contacts at night, you will keep your eyes much healthier.

 

Clean Off Your Make-up Brushes

 

While make-up may serve to highlight your natural beauty, it can also, indirectly, lead to the condition known as Dzpink eye.dz Bacteria that live on make-up brushes can cause conjunctivitis (pink eye), an inflammation of the eye surface and of the underside of eyelids. Simply washing off make-up applicators with a soap-and-water solution on a monthly basis can prevent this condition.

 

Schedule Regular Eye Check-ups

 

Having your eyes checked-up on once a year or more will help you discover any eye problems that may be developing. Certain eye conditions show few or no symptoms during the early stages, and it will take a specialist to identify and treat themeffectively. You can contact La Jolla Lasik today to schedule an eye exam by calling them at 858-551-4100.

Foods to Eat and to Avoid if You Want Healthy Eyes

A healthy, balanced diet is beneficial for your entire body, including your eyes; and, conversely, a poor diet will adversely affect your eyesight. The type of food consumed, the quantity in which it is consumed, and the manner in which it is prepared will all affect your risk level for various eye conditions. In the interest of helping you eat the right foods to improve your eyesight, and avoid the wrong ones, we at La Jolla Lasik have put together the following eye health dietary suggestions.

 

Foods That Hinder Good Eye Health

 

Fatty Meats

 

Too much red meat, sausage, and other processed meat products in your diet can lead to excessive intake of saturated fat and cholesterol. Too many fatty meats may cause plaque build-up on the eyes’ macular vessels, which will then inhibit normal blood-flow to the eyes. This situation can eventually lead to macular degeneration, which damages your retina and may produce vision loss.

 

Junk Food

Snack items like potato chips, candy bars, and cookies, when indulged in in immoderate amounts, will have a negative impact on your eyes. One recent study has confirmed that the vegetable oils, mono and poly unsaturated fats, salt content, and sugar found in snack foods significantly increases your risk of various eye diseases. Some of these effects are direct, but general poor body health is also involved. For example, unhealthy organs and a poorly performing circulatory system will inhibit the flow of blood and oxygen to your eyes.

 

Sugary Foods

 

A high-sugar diet ranks among the worst kind when it comes to eye health. Highblood-sugar levels can cause the eye lenses to swell up, which could potentially distort your vision. Additionally, excessive sugar increases the risk of developing diabetes, which can cause blood vessels in the eyes to leak, eye hemorrhaging, and even vision loss.

 

Fried Foods

 

Oils used for fried foods are frequently heated and then reheated, sometimes repeatedly. This process causes a molecular restructuring of the oil that is unhealthy for the whole body, including the eyes. Frying food also causes it to lose most of its nutrients and to bear free radicals, which can potentially damage your eye cells. Furthermore, fried foods weaken your heart, hurt your blood circulation, and lessen the blood-flow to your eyes. This, in turn, can cause your vision to deteriorate.

 

Foods That Promote Good Eye Health

 

Besides carrots, which are famous for their eye-benefiting effects, there are many other foods that help to prevent eye disease. The vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients in the following foods have been shown to have significant positive impacts on eye health:

 

  • The yolks of eggs, which are high in lutein, zinc, and zeaxanthin, reduce the risk of macular degeneration.
  • Green, leafy vegetables like spinach and kale, boost lutein and zeaxanthin levels, two antioxidants stored in your eyes’ macula.
  • Citrus fruits and berries, because of their high vitamin-C content, reduce the risk of macular degeneration and cataracts.
  • Salmon, tuna, mackerel, trout and other fish rich in DHA, a type of omega-3 fatty acid, help to prevent chronic dry eye syndrome.
  • Almonds, because the high vitamin-E content slows down macular degeneration. Only a handful of almonds give you half of your daily recommended vitamin-E.
  • Oysters and crabs, for their zinc content, which is thought to slow the progression of macular degeneration.
  • Sweet potatoes, like carrots, for their vitamin-A content, which benefits your eyes’ retinas.
  • Wheat germ, a major source of vitamin-E.

 

If you want to learn more about maintaining healthy eyesight, or if you have noticed any signs of weakening or distorted vision, do not hesitate to contact La Jolla Lasik. You can call us at 858-551-4100 to schedule your complimentary eye health assessment. Our team of expert ophthalmologists will be more than happy to assist you.

Commonly Believed Eye Myths

Our ears are frequently filled with a host of commonly held, but erroneous, beliefs about our eyes. At La Jolla Lasik, our team of ophthalmologists often receive questions in regard to such beliefs from our patients. While some common eye beliefs are indeed true, many of them stem from mere associations, faulty science, or pure guesswork.

 

To help separate the fact from the fiction, we will look below at six common claims about our eyes and see if they be “facts” or “fictions:”

 

1. Claim: Sitting too close to the television will do damage to your eyes.

 

This is a fiction, probably arising from the habit of children who already have poor eyesight sitting close to the TV. The association is real, but the practice is a symptom of eye problems rather than a cause. It may, however, become thecause of a headache due to prolonged overexposure.

 

2. Claim: Reading in dimly lit rooms will cause eye damage.

 

This is fiction. Again, it may cause a headache, and it may well cause eyestrain. It does not actually damage eyes, however.

 

3. Prescription lenses can make eyes dependent and gradually weaken your eyesight.

 

Again, this is a fiction. While eye conditions often change or worsen over time, prescription glasses or contacts are not the cause of it.

 

4. Claim: Staring straight into the sun will damage your eyesight.

 

This one is a fact. The sun’s UV rays are capable of causing all kinds of vision problems, such as macular degeneration and corneal dystrophy, when eyes are subjected to constant, intense UV exposure. Headaches and temporarily blurred or distorted vision will occur first, but conditions can worsen and become permanent if sun-staring is not stopped. Wearing sunglasses will also take care of the problem.

 

5. Claim: People with blue eyes all come from one common ancestor.

 

This is not verifiable as either fact or fiction but is an opinion of many modern scientists. The theory is that a genetic mutation occurred in some individual who lived near the Black Sea about 10,000 years ago. From this person, it is argued, all blue-eyed individuals descend. Previous to this mutation, all are thought to have had brown eyes.

 

6. Claim: There is nothing anyone can do to stop vision loss.

 

As a blanket statement, this is a fiction, thankfully. Not all vision problems result in permanent loss of eyesight to begin with, though some certainly can. By detecting problems early through regular eye exams and availing yourself of all available treatments, vision loss can often be prevented or at least delayed. A professional ophthalmologist will know what treatments to use to maximize the odds of retaining one’s eyesight.

 

To learn more about eye care and eye science and to schedule an an eye-health assessment, feel free to call La Jolla Lasik at 858-551-4100. We are always happy to answer all of your eye-health questions and to assist you in every way possible.

Common Ophthalmology Terms That Most Don’t Know

When you enter the ophthalmologist’s office or begin to research the topic of laser-based eye surgery, you will soon encounter a whole new set of vocabulary terms. Our team of specialists at La Jolla Lasik uses this kind of eye-related terminology in our everyday activities, and we often take the time to explain the meanings of unfamiliar eye terms to inquiring clients.

 

Below, we define 26 common ophthalmology terms for the benefit of those seeking a better understanding of eye surgery and eye health:

 

  1. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD): This condition involves the breakdown of the macula, which is itself a small part of the retina.
  2. Astigmatism: This disorder is caused by an eye abnormality, typically an ill-formed cornea. Light rays fail to focus on a single point, but instead, form multiple focal-points. Vision becomes distorted as a result.
  3. Cataracts: This term refers to cloudy areas of on an eye’s lens. The result is blurred vision, which can gradually deteriorate until surgery becomes necessary.
  4. Cornea: This is the transparent layer of tissue on the front of the eye.
  5. Corneal cross-linking: This procedure is used to strengthen a weakened cornea. Vitamin B-2, which is riboflavin, and UV-A light are applied during the treatment.
  6. Corneal disease: This can refer to any disorder whatsoever that negatively impacts the cornea.
  7. Diabetic eye disease: This includes diabetic retinopathy, which does damage to retina blood vessels, and other eye diseases that are caused by diabetes.
  8. Dry eye: This is the lack of sufficient tear droplets to keep the eye healthy and well lubricated. The condition has many possible causes, including autoimmune diseases like Sjogren’s syndrome and allergic reactions.
  9. Glaucoma: This condition puts extra pressure on the eye, which gradually increases. If the problem is not addressed, it can ultimately lead to blindness.
  10. Hyperopia: This is another term for farsightedness, which is the inability to see nearby objects easily and clearly.
  11. Intraocular: This is an adjective meaning “in the eye.” Intraocular lenes implants, for example, are implanted directly into the eye.
  12. Iris: The iris is a colorful eye membrane found all around the pupil.
  13. Keratoconus: This disease gradually thins and distorts the cornea until it changes from roundish to cone-shaped.
  14. LASIK: This acronym is short for “Laser-Assisted Stromal In-situ Keratomileusis. It refers to corrective, laser-assisted eye surgery done to address refractive errors.
  15. Lens: The lens of the eye is a transparent piece of structured tissue, which assist the cornea in focusing light on the retina. The lens is located immediately behind the pupil and the iris.
  16. Macula: The macula is a yellow, oval-shaped tissue that allows for detailed, central-vision capabilities. It is located at the center of the retina.
  17. Myopia: Also called nearsightedness, myopia is the inability or difficulty in seeing objects far away.
  18. Ophthalmologist: This professional eye care doctor has the medical andsurgical abilities to attend to your entire vision system.
  19. Optician: An optician is one who produces eyeglasses, both lenses and frames, and often contacts as well.
  20. Optometrist: An optometrist is a health care worker who can examine eyes to identify various vision problems. They are not surgeons like ophthalmologists nor medical school graduates, but they are nonetheless well trained for the tasks they perform by an accredited optometry college.
  21. Photo-Refractive Keratectomy (PRK): This is a form of eye surgery that is often an alternative to LASIK. Like LASIK, it is used to reshape malformed corneas in order to eliminate or minimize refractive error and thus improve vision.
  22. Presbyopia: This term refers to a specific kind of farsightedness that involves the lens losing its elasticity. Presbyopia occurs far morecommonly from the mid-forties and on.
  23. Pterygium: Also known as “surfer’s eye,” Pterygium is the growth of a lesion on the white of the eye. This lesion is not cancerous, but it is certainly undesirable. Long exposure to UV rays typically causes this condition.
  24. Pupil: The pupil is the small, dark spot in the center of the eye. It is actually an opening that lets light pass through it on the way to the retina.
  25. Refractive error: Any vision problem resulting from an inability of the eye to properly focus, due to malformed eye tissues, is called a refractive error.
  26. Retina: This is a tissue on the back side of the inner eye, which is highly sensitive to light. Light contacts the retina, which then “converts” images to nerve messages that will travel through the optic nerve to the brain.

 

To learn more about eye health and to schedule an eye-health assessment, do not hesitate to contact Dr. Angela Nahl at La Jolla Lasik by calling 858-551-4100. We will be only too happy to answer any eye-related questions you may have and to assist you in every way possible.

Cigarette Smoking Can Cause Glaucoma-Like Eye Damage

Smoking cigarettes is well known to be a general health detriment, which can lead to a host of specific problems. Signs of premature aging, such as dry skin and early, widespread wrinkling, are one risk. More serious conditions, like lung cancer and chronic pulmonary disease (emphysema), also become significantly more likely.

 

While most are aware of some of the other health effects of smoking, far fewer realize the effect that smoking can have on their eyes. At La Jolla Lasik, we are acutely aware of this risk factor, and we see it as yet one further reason to quit smoking as soon as possible.

 

Eye Conditions With Increased Risk for Smokers

 

As compared with nonsmokers, smokers run a significantly higher risk of developing cataracts. A cataract is a cloudy area on an eye’s lens, which will blur vision and ultimately lead to the need for surgery. Cataracts naturally grow progressively worse once they first develop, and they must be physically removed to eliminate the cloudiness. Smoking can double your risk of getting a cataract.

 

Smokers are three times more likely to develop age-related macular degeneration (AMD). AMD causes blind spots in the central retina, which lead to loss of central vision capabilities. AMD is the number one cause of vision loss inU.S. patients aged 65 and up, which indicates the particularly high risk of AMD for seniors who continue to smoke.

 

There are many other eye conditions that smokers are at a higher risk of developing, such as dry eyes and diabetic retinopathy. Suffice it to say that smoking is not healthy for your eyes.

 

Smoking-Related Glaucoma Symptoms

 

One recent study has indicated that a connection exists between smoking and eye damage that closely resembles early-stage glaucoma symptoms. Glaucomainvolves heightened intraocular pressure levels. This means that the optic nerve, which connects the eye to the brain, is put under excessive pressure. Since images are relayed from eye to brain along via nerve impulses along the optic nerve, Glaucoma can ultimately cut off this connection and lead to blindness.

 

The study’s research team reports that the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) is significantly affected by smoking. The RNFL collects visual data from the eye’s photoreceptors and ganglion cells and directs it to the optic nerve. The study found that smokers had an RNFL that was significantly thinner than those of non-smokers, on average, and a thinned-down RNFL is a symptom associated with glaucoma as well as certain other eye conditions.

 

Have Your Eye Health Evaluated

 

Quitting smoking today is one of the best things you can do to help improve the health of your eyes. Even those who have smoked for many years will see positive results and may avoid future problems by giving up the smoking habit.

 

A second important step to take to guard the health of your eyes is simply to have your eyesight evaluated. At La Jolla Lasik, we have experienced ophthalmologists on-staff who have the skills necessary to accurately assess the health of your eyes. If any problems are found, we can recommend to you thebest treatment options for each type of eye condition, including glaucoma and AMD.

 

Do not hesitate to call us at 858-551-4100 to schedule your eye health assessment today. La Jolla Lasik offers you this assessment on a complimentary basis, and we will be happy to address all of your eye-related questions and concerns as well.