What to Expect With LASIK Recovery Times

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LASIK surgery is a very popular procedure that has helped millions of people around the globe to get good vision. For those who find that they’ve grown tired of wearing glasses or contact lenses just to go about their daily lives, the idea of LASIK is almost too good to pass up. If you undergo LASIK, you should know that there is a recovery period after surgery. At Champaign Eye Professionals, we provide pre and post-operative support to patients who have LASIK. It’s called LASIK co-management in Champaign, IL, and we welcome any questions you may have related to this service. In the meantime, here’s what you can expect with LASIK recovery times.

Immediately After Surgery

You should organize for someone to drive you home afterward, because right after having LASIK, it’s common to experience mild discomfort, such as a gritty sensation, light sensitivity or watery eyes. These symptoms make it just a little uncomfortable to drive, so to be on the safe side, get someone else to help out. The symptoms will abate in a few hours, but for good measure, you should plan on resting. Avoid things that may strain your eyes, like reading, sewing and the like. Instead, rest your eyes and consider playing music or listening to an audio book or something similar. Your eye doctor will give you protective glasses or an eye shield, so you should use that as instructed, too. This will help to prevent you from accidentally rubbing your eyes, as well as to block out excess light.

Ongoing Recovery

By the end of the first week, many patients notice significant improvements in their vision. However, some may still experience dryness or glare, particularly at night. It’s crucial to follow your optometrist’s aftercare instructions, including attending follow-up visits and using lubricating drops as needed.

LASIK recovery is generally smooth, but results and timelines vary. And your optometrist in Champaign, IL will be with you the whole way!

What Causes Eyelashes to Fall Out?

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For many, especially women, long, lush eyelashes are a valued symbol of beauty. And in fact, nice eyelashes look good on everyone. So much so that many people are willing to go to great lengths to have them. That’s why, when eyelashes fall out, it can feel so scary. As your optometrist in Champaign, IL, we want to help you to understand the possible causes of eyelash loss.

Natural Growth Cycle

Eyelashes, like all hair, go through a growth cycle consisting of growth, transition, and resting phases. Shedding is a normal part of this process, and it’s common to lose a few lashes daily.

Poor Makeup Practices

Heavy mascara use, failing to remove makeup at night, or harsh removal techniques can weaken and break lashes. Waterproof products can also be overly drying, making lashes brittle over time.

Allergies and Irritation

Allergic reactions to eye makeup, eyelash extensions, or adhesives can cause inflammation and shedding. Conditions like blepharitis, where the eyelid margins become inflamed, may also contribute to lash loss. Note that, if eyes seem to be chronically dry in addition to losing eyelashes, it might be best to get a dry eye evaluation in Champaign, IL.

Medical Conditions

Certain medical issues, including thyroid disorders, alopecia areat and skin conditions like eczema, can lead to eyelash thinning. Chemotherapy or certain medications may also make lashes fall out.

Stress and Nutritional Deficiencies

High stress levels can trigger telogen effluvium, a condition where more hairs enter the resting phase prematurely, leading to noticeable shedding. Deficiencies in nutrients like biotin, iron and vitamins A and E may also weaken lashes.

Adopting gentle eye care habits, choosing hypoallergenic products, and addressing underlying health issues are essential steps. If eyelash loss persists or worsens, contact your optometrist at Champaign Eye Professionals.

How Screens Impact Eye Health

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Modern life has given the world tremendous advantages, but increased screen time isn’t one of them. It’s still too early to definitively tell the long-term effects of humans looking at screens so much; we might not have any answers for many decades to come. But we already know the short-term effects and your optometrist in Champaign, IL wants you to be aware of the risks. No one expects you to quit all screens. But it’s important to know how screens can impact eye health.

Digital Eye Strain

Prolonged focus on screens can lead to digital eye strain, also known as computer vision syndrome. Symptoms include eye fatigue, blurred vision, headaches and difficulty focusing. These occur because extended screen use reduces blink rates, causing the eyes to dry out and work harder to maintain focus.

Blue Light Exposure

Many screens emit invisible blue light, a high-energy wavelength that can disrupt natural sleep cycles, especially when exposure occurs at night. Extended exposure to this light may also lead to more frequent eye fatigue during daily activities.

Dry Eye Syndrome

Digital devices contribute to dryness in the eyes because users blink less often when focusing on a screen. This reduction in blinking leads to decreased tear production and evaporation of moisture from the eye’s surface. Over time, this can cause irritation, redness and discomfort.

Myopia Progression

Research suggests that extensive screen time, especially among children, is associated with an increased risk of developing nearsightedness (myopia). Spending long periods focusing on nearby screens limits exposure to natural light and may alter the development of the eye, leading to myopia progression.

Reduced Visual Performance

Long-term screen use can impair the ability to focus or adjust between different viewing distances. This can result in lingering discomfort, particularly in environments that demand high visual acuity, such as reading fine print or working on detailed tasks.

These impacts emphasize the importance of balancing screen time with other activities to maintain optimal eye health. For help with any of the symptoms associated with excess screen time, including dry eye syndrome in Champaign, IL, contact us today.