Eye Associates, Author at Boise Lasik

Want to Learn More about LASIK Surgery?

April 15, 2017Eye Associates Blog LASIK

LASIK eye surgery is an extremely popular treatment used to correct vision in people who are nearsighted, farsighted, or have astigmatism. It essentially reshaped the surface of your eye and alters the way light rays come through your eye. LASIK is an effective way to reduce your dependence on prescription eyeglasses and contact lenses. If you’re wondering if LASIK surgery is right for you, take a look at some of the most frequently asked questions about this procedure.

Am I a good candidate for LASIK surgery?

To be eligible for LASIK surgery, you must be at least 18 years old with healthy eyes. It’s also important that you are not pregnant or nursing, and that you have had a stable eye prescription for at least a year. You are not a good candidate for LASIK if you have eye disease, eye viruses or irregular corneas.

How safe is LASIK surgery?

Complications from LASIK surgery are extremely rare. Side effects like temporary vision disturbances or dry eyes are fairly common but typically go away within a few weeks or months. Less than 1 percent of LASIK patients report complications that threaten their vision.

Is LASIK painful?

You will be given anesthetic drops to completely numb your eye before the procedure is done. It’s not uncommon to feel some mild pressure around the eye during treatment. After LASIK surgery is completed, you’ll receive a prescription for eye drops to help with any discomfort over the next few days.

How much downtime is required?

Patients recover from LASIK surgery fairly quickly, and most patients can see clearly within a couple of days following treatment. Your vision may also continue to improve over the following months.

Are the results from LASIK surgery permanent?

Most LASIK surgery patients report the long-lasting improvement to their vision. But the lens of your eye is subject to change as you age, which means it’s possible to need reading or prescription eyeglasses as you get older.

Are you ready to improve your vision with LASIK eye surgery?

Contact our office or call 208.342.5151 in Meridian or 208.459.0717 in Caldwell to see if you’re a candidate. We look forward to hearing from you!

Protecting Your Eyes During the Springs Months

March 15, 2017Eye Associates Blog Eye Allegry

Spring is upon us, which means it’s about time to get outdoors and enjoy the warm weather. But for some, spring also means the onset of allergies and other things that can bother your eyes. Here’s a list of common tips to care for your eyes in the springtime.

Wear the Right Eyewear
If you spend a lot of time around water, polarized lenses can help reduce the intense reflection of the sun against water, cars and even cement. Look for sunglasses that block at least 99% of the sun’s harmful rays. And remember: the sun can damage your eyes year-round if you’re not careful, not just when the temperatures get warmer.

Protect Your Eyes During Sports
Outdoor sports are a natural part of the warmer weather, the most common being baseball, tennis, golf, and soccer. And with outdoor sports comes the increased risk of an eye injury. If you play outdoor sports, be sure to wear proper eye protection to avoid an eye injury.

Pinpoint Allergies
If you have red, teary and itchy eyes, it could be because of spring eye allergies, but it’s also possible that it could be due to something more serious like an eye infection, inflammation or dry eye syndrome. Talk to your doctor to determine the cause of your irritated eyes.

Cover Up
For those lazy days at the beach or the pool, of if you’re in the sun for a long period, wear sunscreen and also a wide-brimmed hat to protect your eyes from the sun’s damaging rays.

Want to learn more about keeping your eyes safe and healthy during the springtime?
Contact our office or call 208.342.5151 in Meridian or 208.459.0717 in Caldwell. We look forward to hearing from you!

How Your Diet Affects Macular Degeneration

February 15, 2017Eye Associates Blog Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is caused when the macula of your eye breaks down, causing central vision loss. The leading cause of vision loss among older Americans, AMD can occur gradually or all at once. But you may be surprised to learn that your nutrition can help prevent macular degeneration, or at least delay the progression of blindness.  Here’s what to look for:

Vitamin C
Vitamin C helps promote healthy of blood vessels in the eye. To get a large dose of vitamin C, incorporate foods into your diet such as bell peppers, citrus fruits, kidney beans tomatoes, snow peas, summer squash, cauliflower, cabbage, cantaloupe, and green leafy vegetables like broccoli, kale, and Brussel sprouts.

Vitamin E
Vitamin E reduces the progression of AMD, as well as cataract formation. Your body doesn’t create sufficient vitamin E naturally, so it’s important to up your intake for good eye health by eating foods rich in this vitamin. These include almonds, sunflower seeds, peanuts, spinach, avocados, turnip greens, beets and mango.

Vitamin B
B vitamins may help reduce the risk of developing AMD by helping to lower blood levels of an amino acid called homocysteine, which can damage your eye. Foods rich in vitamin B include bananas, white and sweet potatoes, spinach, avocados, bell peppers, pistachios, chickpeas, pinto beans, tuna, salmon, pork tenderloin, and skinless chicken and turkey.

Zinc
Your retina contains zinc, which helps your enzymes function properly and contribute to good eye health. People with AMD have much lower zinc levels, so eating foods that contain zinc is a good way to prevent and prevent AMD. Look for foods like oysters, pumpkin seeds, low-fat yogurt, clams, lentils, black-eyed peas, wheat germ, soy beans, cashews, peanuts, sunflower seeds and pecans.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Studies indicate that omega-3 fats may reduce the risk of developing AMD. The best foods for omega-3 fatty acids are salmon, rainbow trout, oysters, mackerel, flaxseed and flaxseed oil, walnuts, soybeans and canola oil.

Are You Interested in Learning More About Age-related Macular Degeneration?
Contact our office or call 208.342.5151 in Meridian or 208.459.0717 in Caldwell. We look forward to hearing from you!