In general, LASIK eye surgery is considered to be a permanent way to correct vision. Given that the procedure takes roughly 30 minutes total to complete, this is pretty impressive. Over the last several decades, LASIK results have proven to be very stable. After the initial healing period of 3 to 6 months, your distance visual acuity should remain the same for the rest of your life (provided, of course, that you don’t develop cataracts or some other age-related eye disease).

Rarely, a small percentage of patients will experience regression – a return of some nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism. If a regression of this sort occurs and becomes bothersome, a follow-up procedure called a LASIK enhancement usually can be performed to restore clear vision. In many cases, patients who experience minor refractive changes after LASIK aren’t bothered by the change and don’t feel a need for additional vision correction. Others choose to wear prescription eyeglasses only for specific activities (driving at night, for example), while some opt to have enhancement surgery performed.

For the best, long lasting LASIK results, Dr. Boozalis recommends that his patients have a stable prescription for at least two years before considering the procedure. Usually before the mid-20s, a person’s eyes may be still growing and changing. Having a stable prescription for at least two years is an important consideration for anyone, young or old, to be deemed a good LASIK candidate. For patients in their 40s-50s, it’s important to understand that at some point in the future, they may experience presbyopia, a normal age-related loss of near focusing ability which causes up-close vision to become blurred. When this happens, most people need to wear reading glasses to read and to see near objects clearly.

For most patients, LASIK is a safe, permanent vision correction method. If you are interested in joining the thousands of satisfied LASIK patients in Port Lavaca, contact Victoria Eye Center at phone or website to schedule your consultation.

Many health insurance companies consider LASIK an elective procedure. Elective procedures are typically procedures that are optional, nice to have done, but not medically necessary.  

While LASIK is often considered an elective procedure, there are times when it may be medically necessary. These include: 

• Surgery to correct vision problems caused by an injury.
• LASIK for patients that can’t wear glasses or contacts. 
• LASIK to correct vision problems caused by surgery. 
• LASIK to correct very severe vision problems (the definition of very severe varies from insurance company to insurance company). 

It’s important to talk with your doctor to determine if your LASIK surgery will be considered cosmetic or medically necessary. 

Affordable Options for LASIK

There are many ways to afford LASIK. Many people finance their procedures, making monthly payments over time until the procedure is paid in full. In addition, some choose to put the balance on a rewards-bearing credit card for points, miles or other incentives. 

Many U.S. employees have an FSA, HSA or HRA to cover health expenses with income-tax-free accounts. The cost of laser eye surgery is an eligible expense for all these accounts.  In addition, some people may deduct the cost of major medical expenses. Check with your tax preparer to see if you qualify. If you know you want LASIK but are concerned about up-front cost, assess your contributions during your employer’s open-enrollment window and consider increasing your savings so you can afford the procedure next year.

If you have any type of health insurance policy, contact your benefits coordinator to find out exactly what is and is not covered. You can ask your company questions regarding the amount of coverage offered, what procedures may be covered and how much you will have to pay whether you use an in-network or out-of-network healthcare provider.

The value of LASIK is life changing for some. The money saved on costs associated with reducing the need for glasses and contacts reflects only part of the surgery’s value though. Many find that after LASIK they can do many things that they could not have done before, improving their quality of life. It’s important to weigh not just the cost of LASIK, but the overall gains you may experience. 

For more information about how to afford the LASIK procedure in Cuero, contact Victoria Eye Center at 800-833-0234 or website. 

During LASIK surgery a special laser is used to correct poor vision by reshaping the cornea of the eye. Patients are often concerned about what will happen if they move, blink or sneeze during LASIK. However, there is no need to worry if you accidentally blink or move your eyes during the surgery. Thanks to advanced LASIK technologies in Beeville, your eyes will remain comfortably steady as Dr. Boozalis provides the vision correction results you need to see as clearly as possible. 

Before the procedure begins, you will be given anesthetic eye drops that numb the eyes. This will help reduce discomfort during the operation. Then, a small instrument will be placed over your eye that gently works to help keep your eye open, still and steady during the procedure.

Finally, we use an advanced eye tracking system which is always fixed and positioned on the eye. This technology compensates for any eye movement and ensures the laser pulses are only directed exactly in the right place. If you sneeze, move or blink during the treatment, the laser tracks your eye over one thousand times per second and adjusts the laser to make certain the laser is applied to exactly the right place. So, there is no reason to worry if you sneeze during LASIK.

On average, LASIK will take less than 10 minutes for each eye. The actual time the lasers are in contact with each eye is for merely seconds. The good news is that with advanced LASIK technologies and lasers, patients can expect to experience a quick and easy procedure and outstanding vision correction results.

To learn more about the LASIK procedure and how we can help you see as clearly as possible, schedule a free LASIK consultation with Dr. Boozalis by contacting Victoria Eye Center at 800-833-0234 or website.

In order to determine if you are a candidate for LASIK, you must first have a thorough, dilated eye exam with a qualified ophthalmologist. This exam is often referred to as a LASIK consultation.

Here are a few things to know before your LASIK consultation:

Discontinue Contact Use: It is important for you to stay out of your contact lenses for at least 2 weeks prior to your consultation. Contact lens use can change the shape of your corneal surface, which can reduce the accuracy of the measurement of your refraction. 

Know What to Expect: During the examination, several tests will be administered, including measurements taken to determine your prescription, the shape of your eye, the thickness of your cornea and the level of dryness in your eyes.

Make a List of Questions: Your LASIK consultation is intended to gather all the information needed to determine if LASIK is an appropriate method of vision correction for your eyes. But more importantly, it is an opportunity for you to learn about the procedure and to have all your questions answered.  

Medical History and Medication Information: Dr. Boozalis will need to be aware of any medical problems you may have or any medications you are currently taking. Be prepared to share medical information at your visit. 

Prescription History: An important factor in LASIK candidacy is having a stable prescription. If you have older prescription information, or actual eyeglasses, please bring them with you to your appointment. 

Arrange a Ride Home: Since your eyes may be dilated during the exam, you may want to have a friend or family member drive you home from your appointment.

Coming in for a consultation in Victoria is the best way to determine if you are a candidate for LASIK or an alternative vision correction procedure. If you would like to find out if LASIK is right for you, contact Victoria Eye Center at 800-833-0234 or website to schedule your LASIK consultation today. 

A cataract is the clouding of the eye’s natural lens. Your eye’s natural lens is located directly behind the pupil and is made up of mostly water and protein. As you get older, the protein parts of the lens can begin to clump together. These clumps start small but grow larger over time. The bigger they get, the more they can compromise your vision. A cataract can make objects appear blurry. It can also make colors seem less bright.

Cataracts are a common condition, especially for older people. Cataracts typically begin developing in people age 40 years and older but don’t usually begin to impair vision until after age 60. However, younger people can develop cataracts, too. These juvenile cataracts (in children) can be caused by a genetic mutation that affects proteins, by metabolic disorders, or by trauma (eye injury).

The symptoms of cataracts are similar to those for myopia (near-sightedness). These symptoms may begin as minor annoyances and progress over time to impair vision. You may feel symptoms in one or both eyes. They include:

• Blurry or cloudy vision
• Faded colors
• Poor night vision, with halos around streetlights and car headlights
• Light sensitivity in daylight or to bright lights at night
• Double vision
• Frequent changes to your prescription for glasses or contacts

Once a cataract has developed, there is no cure except to have it surgically removed. With a routine, outpatient surgical procedure in Port Lavaca, Dr. Boozalis can remove the cataract using a small incision. A synthetic intraocular lens (IOL) is usually inserted at the time of cataract extraction to replace the focusing power of the natural lens. There is no average age to have cataract surgery; the time to have the procedure is when the cataract is affecting your vision enough to interfere with your normal lifestyle.

To learn more about cataracts or to schedule a consultation for cataract surgery, contact Victoria Eye Center at 800-833-0234 or website. 

Cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure completed in less than one hour. Cataract surgery has a high success rate in improving your eyesight and should allow you to return to your normal activities, like driving, following a few weeks of recovery. 

Your cataract surgery recovery begins immediately following your procedure. A light shield will be placed over your eye immediately after surgery to keep you from accidentally rubbing it. Most patients are able to go home within a few hours of the procedure. You will be required to have a friend or family member drive you home following surgery. 

During your cataract surgery recovery, it’s normal to experience grittiness, watering, blurred vision, double vision, red or bloodshot eye. These side effects usually improve within a few days, but it can take 4 to 6 weeks to recover fully.

A common question among cataract patients is if they can watch TV after the procedure. Several hours following the surgery, most patients are able to watch some television or look at a computer screen for a short period of time. It’s important however that you don’t over-exert your eyes during the first 24 hours post-surgery. 

You can expect to return to most normal activities during the first week. If you work, how soon you can return will largely depend on your type of job and if you need new glasses. Dr. Boozalis will advise you on the most appropriate times to resume other activities. Following your surgeon’s instructions regarding what you should and should not do after your cataract surgery are important.

Several follow up appointments will be scheduled during your cataract surgery recovery time. A secondary cataract may develop during the first few months following cataract removal. This is a common complication following cataract removal and can be corrected with a painless procedure called a capsulotomy.

Within a month or two your vision should be clear, and your eyes should be comfortable. You will want to continue wearing sunglasses outdoors and consider wearing safety glasses while playing sports.

The best candidates for this procedure are patients with blurred or cloudy vision, light sensitivity, and color dullness. If you suspect that you have cataracts, contact Victoria Eye Center at 800-833-0234 or website to schedule an appointment with Dr. Boozalis.

The cost of LASIK eye surgery varies drastically across the country. Several factors influence the LASIK cost, but the average price most people pay is about $2,000 per eye. 

The price you’ll pay for your LASIK depends on several factors, including:

• The type of laser technology you choose
• The type of surgical instrument used to create the corneal flap
• If your pre-op exam and follow-up visits are covered in the fee
• If your post-op medications are included in the fee
• If retreatments (if necessary) are covered in the fee
• The skill, reputation, and experience of your refractive surgeon
• The community and area of the country you live in

The least expensive LASIK procedure is standard (non-wavefront-guided) LASIK; during this procedure, the corneal flap is created with a mechanical microkeratome. This is somewhat outdated LASIK technology.

The highest-priced option typically is wavefront-guided custom LASIK performed with the latest-technology excimer laser and a femtosecond laser for the corneal flap. Wavefront-guided technology uses precise computer-generated mapping of the eye to guide the excimer laser as it reshapes the cornea, often providing better visual outcomes than standard LASIK.

The eye surgeon performing your procedure will also influence the cost of LASIK eye surgery. Surgeons with the most experience tend to charge a bit more because they bring lots of expertise to the table.

LASIK Financing Options

To help patients afford LASIK and other vision correction procedures, many refractive surgeons offer financing plans to fit any budget. In some cases, 0% financing is available for a limited payback period. Ask your eye surgeon for information about available financing plans during your LASIK consultation.

You only have one set of eyes. Choose wisely when it comes to laser vision correction surgery — don’t let the cost of the procedure be your primary consideration. To learn more about LASIK in Beeville or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Boozalis, contact Victoria Eye Center at 800-833-0234 or website. 

A cataract is a common condition in which a normally clear eye lens becomes cloudy, causing blurry vision similar to looking through a foggy window. A cataract occurs when there is a buildup of proteins in the lens, creating protein clumps. These clumps, or deposits, prevent light from passing clearly through the lens, thus disrupting normal vision. 

Cataracts are a part of the natural aging process. If you live long enough, you will eventually develop cataracts. The eyes mainly consist of water and protein. As we grow older, some of the protein may form chunks and cloud a certain area of the eyes lens. This phenomenon is called a cataract. It may grow over time and cause partial or complete vision loss. The good news is the condition is usually treatable through cataract surgery. The process involves removing the natural lens of the eyes then replacing it with an intraocular lens.

Aging is not the only reason a cataract may form. Several other reasons why a cataract may form include:

Traumatic Cataract – Another common cause of cataracts is trauma: blunt or penetrating ocular trauma, electric shock, chemical burns, or ionizing radiation. A traumatic cataract can develop even years after these types of eye injuries. 

Diabetes – People with diabetes are 60% more likely to develop cataracts. The aqueous humor provides nutrients to our eye’s lens, including oxygen and glucose. A person who suffers from diabetes will not have full control of their glucose levels which may result in high levels of sugar in the aqueous humor. This can lead to swelling, simultaneously affecting vision. Likewise, the lens inside the eye has an enzyme that converts glucose into sorbitol. This sugar alcohol can affect both cells and protein and may eventually result in cataracts.

Congenital Cataract – While cataracts are normally associated with the aging process, there are instances of cataracts in newborns. These congenital cataracts can develop for a number of different reasons, including inherited tendencies, infection (such as measles or rubella), metabolic problems, diabetes, trauma, inflammation or drug reactions. 

High Blood Pressure – High blood pressure (HBP) is known to cause elevated inflammation which may result in cataracts. Aside from cataracts, HBP may also lead to age-related macular degeneration and glaucoma.

Smoking – Experts suggest that smokers have higher chances of forming cataracts than non-smokers. The toxins from cigarette smoke cause oxidation in cells, including those in the eye lens.

Excessive Alcohol Consumption – Studies have shown that high alcohol consumption significantly increases the risk of cataracts. Heavy drinking induces microsomal enzyme cytochrome in the liver. Metabolism of this element produces free radicals, which may lead to chunking together of proteins in the eye. This then leads to cataract formation or vision loss.

If you are experiencing any signs or symptoms of cataracts, it is important to schedule an appointment with your eye doctor as soon as possible. Cataracts are very treatable and cataract surgery is the most frequently performed surgery in the country.

Contact Victoria Eye Center at 800-833-0234 or website to schedule an appointment with Dr. Boozalis today.

Want to know if you qualify for LASIK vision correction? There are several factors that Dr. Boozalis looks at when examining prospective patients to determine their LASIK eligibility. You may qualify for LASIK if you:

Are at least 18 years of age: LASIK is FDA-approved for people aged 18 and older. However, young adults are encouraged to postpone LASIK until their mid-20s. This age of ocular maturity typically means prescriptions are more stable.  

Have a stable prescription: To have LASIK eye surgery, you must have a stable prescription. This means your eyeglass and contact lens prescription has not changed for at least 2 consecutive years.

Have no significant eye problems: It is important for eyes to be healthy, free of diseases, injuries and infections.

Are not pregnant or nursing: Hormone changes and corneal pressure due to fluid retention can affect the vision of a pregnant or nursing woman.

Have a prescription that falls within the treatable range: Your prescription (refractive error) is measured in diopters, a metric unit used to indicate the strength of the eye or lens. Modern LASIK technologies have the potential to treat up to +6.00 diopters of hyperopia, astigmatism up to 6 diopters and nearsightedness up to -12.00 diopters.

Have proper corneal shape and thickness: LASIK improves your vision by reshaping your cornea – the surface of the eye that helps focus light to create an image on the retina. If your cornea is too thin or misshapen, you may not get the results you want.

Have realistic expectations: LASIK does not always create perfect 20/20 vision, although most cases are successful in improving vision. You should proceed with laser vision correction with the realistic goal of reducing your dependency on glasses or contacts. 

The only way to know for sure if you qualify for LASIK is to have a comprehensive LASIK consultation in Hallettsville. During your appointment, Dr. Boozalis will evaluate your candidacy using safe, painless, diagnostic testing and determine a treatment option that is right for you. Contact Victoria Eye Center today at 800-833-0234 or website to schedule a consultation.

Even though LASIK surgery is a relatively safe procedure, it is normal to experience uneasiness or nervousness prior to surgery. If you are scheduled for LASIK eye surgery in Port Lavaca, properly preparing for LASIK will help you feel more at ease and increase your chances of a positive outcome.

Here are some tips to help you prepare for LASIK:

• On the day before surgery stop using makeup, lotions, perfumes or creams. These substances may cause debris to get into your eyes. 
• Arrange for transportation. You’ll need to have someone drive you to and from your place of surgery. It may take several days to adjust to the change in your vision. 
• On the day of surgery eat a light meal before leaving for your appointment. Most surgeons will allow you to take any prescription medications as normal.
• Dress comfortably and casually. Don’t wear bulky clothes or accessories, especially in your hair. Wear something casual so you won’t need to change once you return home to rest.
• Relax. It’s normal to feel some anxiety before having LASIK, but try to remain as calm as possible.
• If you are concerned about pain, talk to your surgeon. LASIK shouldn’t hurt, but you may feel slight pressure from the laser.
• Take a few days off. Some LASIK patients go back to work the day after their procedure, but Dr. Boozalis suggests taking at least a couple of days to rest. Make sure you keep your expectations realistic. This is especially important if you work outdoors since you need to keep your eyes as clean as possible.
• Stop wearing your contact lenses. If you wear contact lenses, you’ll need to switch to glasses full time for at least a few weeks before your surgery. Contact lenses can distort the shape of your cornea which could lead to inaccurate measurements and a poor surgical outcome. Your doctor will provide specific guidelines depending on your situation and how long you’ve been a contact lens wearer.

Contact Victoria Eye Center at 800-833-0234 or website for more information on preparing for LASIK surgery or to schedule a LASIK consultation.