Last updated 5 days ago
Myopia and hyperopia are also called nearsightedness and farsightedness, respectively. These conditions arise from imperfections in the eyes’ shape, which creates a blurred image when focusing on objects at a certain distance. In cases of myopia, images focus inside the eye in front of the retina. This causes difficulty when viewing objects at some distance away. Conversely, in cases of hyperopia, images focus behind the retina, resulting in trouble seeing objects that are nearby. In both cases, symptoms include blurry vision, headaches, and the need to squint or close one eye to bring images into clearer focus. These symptoms may worsen at night and cause trouble when driving, reading, or viewing images on a screen. Other symptoms that tend to arise in young children with these conditions include frequent blinking, rubbing the eyes, and trouble noticing faraway objects.
At Ellis Eye & Laser Medical Center, we are here to help bring your vision into focus. Explore the difference that treatments such as LASIK can make in your life by calling (888) 690-9689 to schedule a consultation at any one of our six San Francisco Bay area offices. Check out our website for more important information about your vision.
Last updated 12 days ago
Your surgeon may recommend an intraocular lens, or IOL, if you suffer from cataracts, astigmatism, presbyopia, or myopia. During IOL surgery, your physician will replace your eye’s natural lens with an artificial lens so you can finally achieve visual acuity even at a distance. New developments in multifocal and accommodating IOL technology have made it possible for patients to see clearly without additional glasses or contacts. Here is a look at your choices for IOL surgery.
Crystalens
Crystalens® by Eyeonics is an exciting new development in IOL technology that is generally recommended after cataract surgery or as a lens alternative in presbyopic lens exchange. The revolutionary design allows the part of the eye’s lens that you see through to actually move back and forth to adjust your visual focus, mirroring the actions of a much younger eye. Certain qualified patients over the age of 50 may also be able to receive Crystalens® as part of a clear lens exchange procedure.
ReSTOR
AcrySof® IQ ReSTOR® IOL is a multifocal lens used to treat cataracts and presbyopia. After this eye surgery, patients are able to both correct their distance vision and achieve functional near vision. While earlier IOLs often required patients to continue wearing reading glasses or bifocals simply to perform daily tasks like using a computer or reading a newspaper, ReSTOR® IOL gives four out of five patients lifelong freedom from glasses.
ReZOOM
Unlike conventional single-vision lens implants, state-of-the-art ReZoom® lenses also allow patients to achieve clear vision at any distance—and in any light condition. During your eye surgery, your physician will replace your cataract-impaired lens with the new IOL through a tiny incision in the cornea.
At San Francisco’s Ellis Eye & Laser Medical Clinic, we offer the latest technologies in laser eye surgery. Whether you are considering LASIK surgery or want to learn more about IOLs, call one of our six convenient offices today at (888) 690-9689. Our friendly staff and team of surgeons will work with you to customize the perfect vision correction procedure or LASIK surgery for your specific health and vision needs.
Last updated 19 days ago
LASIK eye surgery, or Laser In-Situ Keratomileusis, is a vision correction technique that is fast, safe, and effective. During surgery, a thin flap is created in the cornea of your eye and a laser is used to change the shape of the cornea. This allows light to focus directly on the retina for clearer vision. After the correction is complete, the corneal flap is folded back into place and acts as a natural bandage to facilitate healing.
Traditional LASIK Procedures
During a traditional LASIK procedure, a device called a microkeratome is used to create and separate a flap from the cornea. A microkeratome is similar to a surgeon’s scalpel—it is a thin, sharp metal blade. The flap created in your cornea is extremely thin, measuring only 130-160 microns. However, the changes to your cornea made by the laser are only one to two microns thick. Because the corneal flap is many times this amount, it can affect the outcome of your LASIK surgery after healing.
The Epi-LASIK Difference
The Epi-LASIK procedure uses an epithelial separator to create the flap in your cornea. The epithelial separator differs from a microkeratome in that it is a blunt plastic blade that oscillates quickly to create the flap. Using this device, your surgeon can create a flap that is only 30 microns thick. Because this flap is significantly thinner than that created during traditional LASIK, the risk of diminished outcome decreases. The thinner flap also reduces the likelihood of complications such as irregular thinning, scarring, and corneal hazing while producing the best vision correction possible from your surgery.
Ellis Eye & Laser Medical Center offers Epi-LASIK eye surgery in San Francisco, San Jose, and Corte Madera. Dr. Ellis employs the safest flap-maker currently available to produce consistent and high-quality results following surgery. Click on our website or call (888) 690-9689 to learn more about laser eye surgery and how it could change your vision today.
