What is LASIK and the Benefits?

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LASIK stands for laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis and is a surgery designed to correct specific vision problems, including severe nearsightedness, astigmatism, and moderate farsightedness.

At Champaign Eye Professionals, we use a special type of laser to reshape the cornea of the eye, changing how your eye refracts light and helping you see better, usually without the aid of contacts or eyeglasses.

Who is a Good Candidate for LASIK Surgery?

You are a good candidate for LASIK surgery in Champaign, IL, if you are in good overall health with no serious ocular issues and have severe nearsightedness, astigmatism, or moderate farsightedness.

You should not get LASIK if you:

  • suffer from dry eye syndrome
  • are nursing or pregnant
  • have suffered from a recent eye injury or infection
  • have diabetes
  • have an immune disorder
  • are under 18 years old

Your eye doctor in Champaign, IL will be better able to determine if you are a good candidate.

Is LASIK Surgery Painful?

Anesthetic drops are placed in each eye prior to the procedure to completely numb your eye so you don’t feel any pain. Many patients report feeling a slight pressure on their eyes during the surgery itself, and some describe a feeling like a stray eyelash for several hours afterward.

Most patients find that an over-the-counter pain reliever is all you need to alleviate any discomfort post-surgery.

What Are the Benefits of LASIK Surgery?

Some benefits of LASIK surgery include:

  • Improved vision, usually resulting in no longer having to wear contacts or eyeglasses
  • Long-term time and cost savings from not having to purchase eyeglasses and contacts or check your vision regularly
  • Convenience from no longer not being able to see when you wake up, go swimming, play sports, and more!

How Long Does LASIK Eye Surgery Take?

LASIK surgery is an in-office procedure that usually takes less than 10 minutes per eye, depending on the amount of correction you need. You should plan on spending about 90 minutes at our office when you come in for LASIK.

Are the Results of LASIK Surgery Permanent? 

LASIK surgery is permanent in the vast majority of patients. However, in a limited number of cases, the patient may experience regression, but this can almost always be easily corrected by follow-up treatments known as LASIK enhancements.

If you’d like more information on LASIK eye surgery, please feel free to contact us in Champaign, IL, at your convenience.

Why Does The Eye Doctor Dilate My Eyes?

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When you go to the eye doctor in Champaign, IL for eye examination, your eye doctor may choose to dilate your pupils. If you’re going to the eye doctor for an examination, it helps to know what dilation is, why it’s necessary and when you can expect dilation. Here’s what you should know about this common practice.

Reasons for Eye Dilation

When your eye doctor dilates your eyes, the pupils widen. This allows your eye doctor to see inside your eyes. This unencumbered view into your eyes allows your eye doctor to see irregularities and potential eye problems that could be developing inside your eyes. Your eye doctor will dilate your eyes to check for diseases that are not easily visible from the outside of your eyes.

Will the Eye Doctor Dilate My Eyes With Every Exam?

Unless there is a good reason to dilate your eyes, your eye doctor will likely not dilate your eyes with every eye exam. If you are at risk for certain eye conditions, like diabetic retinopathy, your eye doctor may dilate your eyes more frequently than if you were at low-risk for eye conditions. Your eye doctor may tell you when you make your appointment that your eyes will be dilated, but you can also find out if dilation is likely by asking your eye doctor.

What to Expect When Your Eyes Are Dilated

When your eyes are dilated, you’ll experience sensitivity to light. You may also have difficulty focusing on certain objects. Wearing sunglasses can help protect your eyes during this time. Your eye doctor will let you know if you need a ride from your eye appointment.

It’s important to check your eyes for diseases and other conditions. If you’re due for an eye examination in Champaign IL, contact your eye doctor at Champaign Eye Professionals.

Common Eye Conditions: Diabetic Retinopathy

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Diabetic retinopathy is a condition that occurs in those with diabetes. High levels of sugar in the blood cause the formation of abnormal blood cells in the retina. If left untreated, this condition can lead to total vision loss. If you’ve recently been diagnosed with diabetes, it’s important to have your vision checked regularly by your eye doctor in Champaign, IL, and to learn how to effectively manage your diabetes.

How Will I Know If I Have Diabetic Retinopathy? 

The earliest stages of this progressive eye disease may have no symptoms, but as it worsens, you may notice signs such as:

  • Blurry vision
  • Floaters
  • Dark spots in your vision
  • Vision loss

Vision that has been lost due to diabetic retinopathy cannot be regained. However, by effectively managing your diabetes and keeping regular appointments for dilated eye exams, you can prevent your vision loss from worsening.

Who Is At Risk of Developing Diabetic Retinopathy? 

Anyone who has Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes can develop diabetic retinopathy. Because high levels of sugar in the bloodstream make it difficult for blood to make it to the retina, blood flow becomes obstructed and new blood vessels try to form. But these blood vessels usually don’t develop as they should, and they begin to leak blood and to form scar tissue that can cause retinal detachment. Your best defense against diabetic retinopathy is to learn how to maintain healthy blood sugar levels and take good care of your eyes.

Help for Diabetic Retinopathy in Champaign, IL

For help with diabetic retinopathy in Champaign, IL, call on Champaign Eye Professionals. The dedicated clinicians at Champaign Eye Professionals are happy to schedule you for a comprehensive eye exam to help diagnose diabetes-related conditions such as diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma. Call today to book your appointment.

Is It Allergies? Dry Eye? Or Do I Have Pink Eye? How to Tell the Difference

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Allergies, pink eye and dry eye can look very similar, as all of these conditions can cause your eyes to turn red and itchy. Knowing the difference between these conditions can help you get the treatment you need. Either way, it’s best to work with your eye doctor in Champaign, IL to get help.

Signs of Pink Eye

Pink eye is a condition that causes a pink or red color in the white of the eyes. This can occur in one or both eyes. Other signs of pink eye include:

  • Increased tear production
  • Itching or burning in the eye
  • Discharge and accompanying crusting in the lashes in the morning
  • Constant urge to rub eyes

Signs of Allergies

If you have allergies, you’ll probably experience a range of symptoms – not just watery, red eyes. Allergies usually happen at a specific time of year and continue until the allergen in the air is gone. Eye symptoms you’ll notice include:

  • Redness and itchiness in both eyes
  • Burning, gritty feeling in eyes
  • Eyes watering throughout the day
  • Swelling eyelids

Signs of Dry Eye

Dry eye is a condition that can be persistent or can be the result of a medication or change in the environment. It may come on suddenly, or may start gradually as your body changes. If you have dry eye, you’ll notice:

  • Eye redness
  • Stinging or burning sensation in your eyes
  • Watery eyes (this is to try to eliminate the dryness)
  • Blurry vision
  • Eye fatigue
  • Sensitivity to light

Not Sure? Call the Eye Doctor

If you’re not sure whether you’re suffering from dry eye, pink eye or allergies, your eye doctor at Champaign Eye Professionals can help. We provide treatment for patients suffering from various eye conditions. This is especially important if you’re seeking contacts in Champaign IL, as all of these conditions can cause problems that interfere with contact use. Call today to make an appointment.