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Cornea Transplant in Arizona: What to Expect During the Procedure

ID-10011920The eyes are an essential part of the body. Vision is as important as having limbs to use each day, which is why it is always vital to get an eye condition treated before our eyes reach the stage of blindness. The thinning of the cornea is a condition that can lead to vision problems. In this case, a cornea transplant may be needed.

Types of Cornea Transplant

A cornea transplant comes in different types, depending on the layers of the cornea being treated.

Penetrating or full thickness transplant. This method of cornea transplant involves the transplanting of all five layers of the cornea from a willing donor.

Lamellar transplant. This type of cornea transplant only involves some of the corneal layers. It may include the deepest layer known as the endothelium or those closer to the surface or the anterior lamellar method of cornea transplant.

What Happens During a Cornea Transplant

On the day of your treatment, you may be put under local anesthesia to numb your eye and prevent it from moving. Although sedated, you will most likely be awake throughout the surgery. However, there are cases where general anesthesia is also used.

Using a special cutting instrument known as trephine, a round section of the affected cornea is removed from the front of the eye. A similar-sized section will also be removed from the donor’s eye. Your surgeon will then replace your old cornea with your donor’s cornea by sewing it in place with microscopic stitches.

Cornea Transplant in Arizona

Have your eyes treated and enjoy the perks of having good vision. Call us at 602-258-4321 to schedule a consultation with one of our eye experts here at Cornea & Cataract Consultants of Arizona. We look forward to hearing from you! 

 

Image courtesy of m_bartosch at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Posted on September 30th, 2014


 

Top 3 LASIK Myths Debunked

A lot of people suffer from poor vision. As a solution to this, they would have to deal with corrective glasses and contact lenses. Of course, seeing the world without anything obstructing the view or having to wear contact lenses is a whole lot better. It is a good thing laser eye surgery, or LASIK as more popularly known, is available for those who want to correct their vision permanently.

With a lot of affected people still left untreated, quite a number of them believe in pure LASIK myths. We have debunked the top 3 LASIK myths for you.

Myth: LASIK is not surgery.

Many people believe that LASIK, since it utilizes laser technology and does not require cuts and incisions, is not a real surgery. However, LASIK is considered surgery by most eye doctors. As with any other procedure, it also comes with risks.

Myth: Long-term side effects from LASIK are still undiscovered.

A lot of people think that laser as a vision correction method is a new treatment, which means that long-term side effects are still unknown. Contrary to this belief, LASIK has actually been around in the US since the early 1980s and was widely practiced during the mid-1990s. Up to the time of this writing, the treatment has not posed any long-term side effects to patients treated.

Myth: LASIK can end one’s need for prescription glasses forever.

While LASIK has been popular because of the successful results it brings to patients, an individual’s degree of improvement only depends on himself. The results will depend on how well the patient heals and how severe his original prescription was. Moreover, as people age, the need for reading glasses is quite probable.

LASIK in Phoenix

Get rid of your glasses and contact lenses. Learn more about laser eye surgery by calling us today at 602-258-4321 to book an appointment with one of our eye experts here at Cornea & Cataract Consultants of Arizona.

Posted on September 15th, 2014


 

You Can Still Wear Contacts Even with Dry Eyes

Some people prefer to wear contact lenses than prescription glasses. Of course, contact lenses do not block the view and can improve the eyesight in a 360 degree angle. However, there are others who shy away from getting contact lenses because of their dry eye condition. There are people who experience this condition more often than others and are afraid their situation might worsen when they wear contacts.

Although it is true that contact lenses are capable of drying the eyes, it is possible to prevent this from happening. If you have dry eyes syndrome, you can still wear contacts and enjoy better vision when you apply the following tips.

1. Visit a reputable eye doctor.  

We at Cornea Consultants of Arizona are qualified to check your condition and suggest the appropriate contacts to address it. Schedule a consultation, have your eyes checked, and know which lenses are right for you.

2. Choose the right contact lenses.  

There are certain types of contacts that are designed for individuals with dry eyes. Particularly, you can choose watery contact lenses. This type is equipped with high moisture levels that will help address your eyes need for moisture. When you have dry eyes, these lenses work better than the regular ones in the market.

3. Carry eye drops with you all the time.

When you have dry eyes, you can be prone to getting them especially when you wear lenses all day. A good solution to this is to carry eye drops or artificial tears in your bag in case your eyes feel dry. This will lubricate the eyes, keep them moist, and avoid any pain from occurring.

Dry Eyes / External Diseases in Arizona 

Learn more about how you can manage your dry eyes. Give us a call today at 602-258-4321 to schedule an appointment with our eye experts.

Posted on August 31st, 2014


 

Cut Smoking, Cut Cataract Risk!

Smoking and cataract? Not a good combination. Smoking has been associated with a lot of medical diseases, and the number just keeps on increasing, even adding to the list an eye condition known as cataract. Cataract is a common medical condition in which the lens of the eyes gradually become cloudy, leading to impaired vision.

If you don’t want a future with blurry eyes, then you better cut down on the cigarettes – or you might as well decide to quit smoking entirely.

Recent researchers in Sweden have found out that cutting down on smoking can lower one’s risk for cataracts. They have concluded that among middle-aged men who puffed at least 15 sticks a day, cataract risk is lowered over a two-decade course when they quit the habit.

According to the report by Dr. Birgitta Lindblad and colleagues at Orebro University Hospital, although smoking cessation can minimize one’s risk for cataract, the risk in former smokers can persist for years. The researcher added that eye care professionals should be one with preventing smoking and cutting the habit especially among individuals who are at great risk for eye diseases.

Based on their study, which was published January this year at the JAMA Ophthalmology, men who smoke more than 15 sticks of cigarettes a day are 42 percent more at risk for undergoing cataract removal surgery than those who have never smoked in their lives. When a person quits entirely, the risk is significantly reduced according to the authors. The study further showed that after 20 years of quitting, men who had been smokers have reduced their risk for cataract removal up to 21 percent.

Cataract Surgery in Phoenix

However, when cataract finally affects your vision, you have to get treatment right away! Call us today at 602-258-4321 and let our cataract consultants treat your condition.

Posted on August 15th, 2014


 

Preparing for Your Corneal Transplant

Although our corneas have the ability to quickly heal minor injuries before the occurrence of any visual disturbances, they are not able to heal deeper injuries. Not only that, this condition can permanently damage one’s vision.

In this case, a corneal transplant may be your best option. Before considering one, you will need to undergo a thorough eye examination with a qualified eye doctor. This is when exact measurements of your eye will be taken to identify any problems in your eyes that could affect surgery in any way.

It is important to make your doctor aware of any existing or previous medical conditions, as well as any prescription or over-the-counter medications that you are currently taking. Some of these meds may interfere with the outcomes of your corneal transplant, as well as your blood clotting abilities, and may have to be cut down.

Before the day of your surgery, your eye doctor will provide you certain instructions on how to prepare for your corneal transplant. These instructions may include the following:

  • Avoid eating or drinking anything after the midnight before your surgery.
  • Wear loose and comfortable clothes on the day of your corneal transplant.
  • Keep your face free of any products, such as makeup, creams or lotions.
  • Arrange someone to drive you home right after your surgery.

Your cooperation is essential in having a smooth-flowing and successful surgery. If you think you need a corneal transplant or would like to learn more about the procedure, book an appointment with us today by calling 602-258-4321.

 

Posted on July 30th, 2014


 

Tired of Having to Wear Contacts? Consider LASIK!

Contacts may be convenient alternatives to eyeglasses, but they come with a couple of drawbacks too. The repeated purchases can be a hassle not only to you, but to your budget as well. Then there’s having to carefully and thoroughly clean and sanitize the lenses. Another issue about contact lenses that may put your eye health at risk is the possibility of corneal neovascularization.

What is corneal neovascularization?

This condition is characterized as the growth of blood vessels into one’s cornea. This can be a problem as the cornea supposedly does not have any blood vessels (making LASIK a safe surgery since blood loss is not possible). The cornea only gets its oxygen and nutrients from the atmosphere itself.

One common cause of corneal neovascularization is the cornea’s lack of oxygen, which is known as corneal hypoxia. When this happens, it is the eye’s compensating action to grow abnormal blood vessels around the cornea. What’s worse is that these blood vessels will never go away once it has appeared there.

How can LASIK help?

Having contacts on all day can deprive the cornea from enough oxygen. This is when LASIK surgery comes in. If you wear contact lenses most of the time, it might be time to consider laser correction surgery for your eyes. With LASIK surgery, your cornea will be reshaped directly, giving you a much clearer vision.

If you are interested in LASIK surgery, call us today at 602-258-4321 to request a consultation with our team of LASIK experts. We look forward to hearing from you!

Posted on July 15th, 2014


 

Avoid Getting Dry Eyes – It’s Easy!

Do you often get dry and itchy eyes? That could be a real bother. Certain triggers can cause this condition, including air pollution, allergies, and weather conditions. Whatever the case is, it is important for a person to have proper lubrication in his or her eyes in order to reduce the risk of eye infections.

Don’t worry. There are ways to avoid dry eyes and these steps are easy to follow.

1. Your eyes need a break from the computer, too.

Fixing your eyes on your computer screen all day can take its toll on your eyes. If facing the computer is inevitable for you, it is advised to take a break even for a couple of minutes for every hour you spend in front of your computer.

2. Make use of lubricating eye drops.

The use of artificial tears provides instant relief for dry eyes. You can find over-the-counter eye drops so you don’t need your doctor’s prescription to obtain them. However, it is still important to look for those that don’t have any preservatives since they can irritate the eyes more. Omega-3 is the key! Fish oil contains an amazing nutrient called Omega-3, which is responsible for reducing any inflammation in the body, most especially that of the eyes.

3. Take a break from the contacts.

If you have been wearing contact lenses all day, at least give your eyes some rest by taking it off when you get home.

4. Be aware of the environment you’re in.

When you are in a dry environment, of course you will likely get dry eyes. If you have to live in one, make sure you invest on a humidifier to moisturize your home.

If you are experiencing dry eyes, contact us at 602-258-4321 to get medical attention!

 

Posted on June 30th, 2014


 

Caring for Your Eyes After Laser Eye Surgery

Patients who have undergone laser eye surgery, or LASIK, could be psyched about the improvement of their eyesight. However, it is important to remember that caring for your eyes does not end or lax even after your eyes have been treated. In fact, it is all the more necessary to take proper caution when doing eye care.

Immediately after surgery

Right after surgery, you may already be able to go home with your doctor’s approval, but you should assign someone to drive you home. You could expect mild discomfort in your eyes, such as itching and reddening of the whites of your eyes, but these symptoms are only temporary and may be alleviated with medications prescribed to you. Take these medications religiously as prescribed. Avoid rubbing the eyes to prevent any risk of corneal flap displacement.

Days and weeks after surgery

For the first few days after surgery, your eyes may feel sensitive to touch and could water often. Your body will eventually adjust to your improved eyesight and by then, you will already be able to resume your daily activities. For a week or two following LASIK surgery, your doctor may advise you to avoid applying creams, lotions, or makeup anywhere near your eyes. You may also be advised to avoid getting water to enter your eyes when washing the face or bathing. Swimming in pools and bathing in hot tubs may be prohibited for one to two months.

If you are interested in laser eye surgery, consult our doctors here at Cornea Consultants of Arizona by calling 602-258-4321. We look forward to hearing from you! 

Posted on June 15th, 2014


 

Why You Should Take Care of Your Cornea

A cornea transplant procedure involves the removal of a portion of the cornea to be replaced with a new section from a donor. Also known as keratoplasty, a cornea transplant may be done if your cornea is already unable to allow light to enter the eye properly due to disease or scarring.

What does the cornea do?

The cornea is that clear tissue covering found at the front of your eyes. Light that enters the eye passes through the cornea first, then the pupil, and lastly the lens.

In order to see clearly and properly, the cornea must be kept clear. However, there are certain problems that may cause damage to the cornea and to your vision. These conditions include:

  • Scarring of the cornea due to trauma or infection
  • Keratoconus, a medical condition characterized by thinning of the cornea
  • Corneal dystrophies, which may be inherited, such as Lattice dystrophy, Fuchs’ dystrophy, and others

How is cornea transplant done?

There are different types of cornea transplant since the cornea is composed of five layers. The types include a penetrating cornea transplant, which involves all layers of the cornea, and the lamellar cornea transplant, which only includes some of the corneal layers.

Success rates for corneal transplants depend on the problem being fixed. Research has shown that the effects of the treatment usually last for 10 years for some percentage of patients with keratoconus, Fuchs’ dystrophy, and corneal scarring.

To schedule an eye exam or to learn more about cornea transplant, request an appointment with our team of cornea consultants by calling 602-258-4321. You can also send us a message by filling out this online contact form. We look forward to hearing from you!

 

Posted on May 30th, 2014


 

Planning to Get LASIK? Take a Look at This Checklist

Before considering any procedure, you must first find out from your doctor if you are fit to undergo the treatment. Here at our Arizona LASIK practice, all our potential patients must first undergo a preoperative LASIK eye exam to determine if they are good candidates for the procedure. You may also evaluate yourself for your eligibility by going through this checklist.

  1. You must be at least 18 years old with stable vision and prescription for at least a year.
  2. Your prescribed distance vision should match a particular minimal strength, either glasses or contact lenses, which meets the FDA guidelines for conditions such as farsightedness, nearsightedness, and astigmatism. The pupils should not be larger than 8.5 mm when in the dark.
  3. Your eyes should be healthy, including your retina, cornea, and eye pressure.
  4. You don’t have any major diseases of the eyes or any recent history of ocular herpes, excessive corneal scarring, severe dry eyes, or eye infection.
  5. You are not pregnant or nursing.
  6. You have realistic expectations about laser eye surgery and its outcomes. You should also be aware of the possible risks, side effects, and complications associated with the procedure.
  7. You don’t have uncontrolled or unmanaged diabetes or specific rheumatologic conditions, such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.

Our qualified doctors at Cornea Consultants of Arizona have extensive experience in performing laser eye surgery. If you wish to learn more about LASIK and want to know if you are indeed eligible for the procedure, request an appointment with our team of LASIK experts by calling 602-258-4321. You may also choose to fill out this online contact form. We look forward to hearing from you!

Posted on May 15th, 2014


 

 

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