Reports have shown that the instance of Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, is on the rise across America.   In patients surveyed from 1999 till 2004 it was found that 41.6% of Americans suffered from nearsightedness, up 66% from 1971-1972 when only 25% of Americans surveyed were found to suffer from Myopia according to the Archives of Ophthalmology.

Researchers aren’t sure what is causing the increase in nearsightedness but think that it has to deal with both genetics and environmental issues such as more time in front of computer and televisions.

In a normal eye light will enter through the cornea, it then comes to a focus on the retina which is in the back of the eye.  With Myopia the eyeball is longer than normal or the cornea is steeper than normal.  If you are one of the millions of Americans suffering from nearsightedness there is hope.  LASIK surgery can be used to treat cases of Myopia and can help in the elimination of the need for contact lenses or glasses.

If you or someone you know is in the Austin, Texas area and suffers from nearsightedness the Eyes Of Texas Laser Center is here to help.  We’ve helped tens of thousands of patients in the Austin, Texas area just like you find out what life can be like without the hassle of corrective lenses.

Our surgeon, Dr. L. Shawn Wong. M.D., has successfully corrected vision well over a decade now in Austin with LASIK.  Many of our LASIK clients have enjoyed great vision for many years without any additional visits to an eye specialist.  If you are one of those “20/Happy” clients who hasn’t been in lately for an annual eye exam, here is some info you’ll want to know… 

While vision is one indicator of how you’re doing, it doesn’t tell you everything about your eyes.  Changes in vision can be subtle or occur very gradually over a length of time.  Some eye conditions have little or no effect on how you’re seeing, but do compromise the health of your eyes.  A comprehensive eye exam will tell you how you’re doing and…

• if you have any medical conditions affecting your eyes
• if you can “fine-tune” your vision with LASIK or a different type of vision correction procedure
• what you can do to stay “20/Happy”

Your medical health insurance may cover a portion of eye exams and non-elective procedures.  Call our office for details and to schedule an appointment.

Have you ever considered any form of laser eye surgery, but just weren’t sure if it was right for you? In the past you may not have been a good candidate for laser eye surgery, but with every passing year advances are made in the field of laser eye surgery.  Just because in the past you may not have been a good candidate does not mean that you’re not a good candidate now.  Only a doctor can tell you if you’re a good candidate for laser eye surgery with the help of a comprehensive eye screening, but with free screenings from The Eyes Of Texas Laser Center we will be able to tell you if laser vision correction is right for you.

Have you ever wondered what life would be like without the need of glasses or contacts?  Laser vision correction could be the key to a better and clearer future for you. Helping you achieve visual freedom with customized laser eye surgery and other state-of-the-art procedures is our highest priority.  Contact Eyes of Texas Laser Center today to learn more about the procedures we do, how they’re done, and what we can do to help you.

No one knows the long term effects of laser eye surgery

Laser eye surgery has been around for more than fifteen years now with numerous studies done on the long and short term effects it has on your eyes.  The data so far shows that after healing there are generally no negative effects, giving doctors confidence in the ongoing health of the eye after laser vision correction

There is a lot of risk associated with laser eye surgery

As with any surgery there is risk, but for good candidates laser eye surgery is a very safe procedure.  Talking to an experienced doctor and finding out if you’re a good candidate is a very important first step prior to your vision correction surgery.

All laser eye surgery is the same so go with the cheapest

There are many important factors when it comes to vision correction.  Follow up and patient screenings are incredibly important when it comes to the success of laser eye surgery.  Make sure you choose a qualified doctor for your laser eye surgery.

I’ll have to wear glasses or contacts after my laser eye surgery

Every patient’s individual experience will vary and we strive for 20/20 for each of our patients.  Some patients will find that they may still have to wear reading glasses, and with age some people will find that naturally occurring conditions may impair their vision. Make sure to talk to your doctor about these concerns.

Laser eye surgery is only temporary

Laser eye surgery has proven itself to be amazingly stable over time.  There are a small percentage of people who will need a touch up (around two to three percent), but each individual patients results will be unique.  You should discuss this with your doctor before your surgery.

A question asked many times by our female clients is if they should delay having LASIK laser surgery until after they finish having children.  The concern is that hormonal changes during pregnancy may change a mommy-to-be’s glasses or contact lens prescription.  The same can apply to nursing moms as well.

Our surgeon at Eyes of Texas Laser Center, Dr. L. Shawn Wong, M.D. advises:

If you are between pregnancies or not nursing heavily (i.e., your menstrual cycle has returned), the likelihood of being able to have LASIK is actually quite high.  Of course, a Free Screening with Dr. Wong is necessary to fully determine your candidacy and see what your likely outcome will be.  If you would like further information about how you could achieve visual freedom, call or email us to schedule your screening.

When can I go swimming after my vision correction surgery??

This entry was originally posted over the summer.  However, due to the magic of computers and internet, somehow it disappeared.  Originally we thought it would be odd to re-post it in November, but in reality this information applies year-round.  So all of you “tri-athlete types” and “water aerobic aficionados,” read on!…

A common concern that many people have when considering LASIK laser vision correction is that they must avoid the water completely for several weeks…or even months.  And with the active lifestyle that many Central Texans enjoy at all of our wonderful pools and lakes — even nearby water parks and beaches — limiting water fun can be a major hindrance to achieving visual freedom especially over the summer months.  So for all of you who are deciding between “Laser Vision Correction” OR “Water Fun,” there’s good news…

You can usually do BOTH!  The general guideline for enjoying pools, lakes and hot tubs after laser vision correction surgery is:  Wear a good pair of goggles for the first month.  That should keep germs and chlorine away during your initial healing time frame.

So, go ahead and enjoy all of the visual freedoms in Austin and Central Texas that corrective eye surgery can give you…even cooling off or exercising in the water!

Are you tired of having to wear your glasses or putting in your contacts and wish there was something easier?  Most people know about LASIK surgery, but a lot of them aren’t sure if they’re good candidates for LASIK surgery.  At Eyes Of Texas Laser Center we’d like to help you learn more about LASIK surgery so that you can make an educated decision.

Who is a good candidate for LASIK surgery?

If you suffer from nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), or astigmatism you may be a good candidate for LASIK surgery.  To ensure a good outcome for you surgery a careful evaluation of your eyes is needed.

Who may not be a good candidate for LASIK surgery?

If you suffer from persistent dry eyes, have an immune system disease, or have other eye problems you may not be a good candidate for LASIK surgery.  However, once these conditions are under control, you might be a good candidate.  The best way to learn if you’re an ideal candidate is to contact Eyes of Texas Laser Center and come in for a free screening, or come to one of our free seminars to learn more.

All Laser Eye Surgery is the Same

There are many different types of laser eye surgery to fit your specific needs. Our doctor will work with you and help you decide which type of vision correction surgery best suits you, whether it be Customized LASIK, lens vision correction or one of the many other eye surgeries we offer.

Laser Eye Surgery Isn’t Real Surgery

Laser Eye Surgery is definitely a surgery; in fact it’s an incredibly delicate surgery that should only be performed by a qualified surgeon. When performed on a good candidate by a qualified surgeon such as Dr. L. Shawn Wong, M.D. you can expect superior results and great pre- and post-operational care.

Complications are Common After LASIK

Complications are the reason it’s important to choose a qualified laser eye surgeon. When performed on a good candidate by a qualified surgeon, studies and reports show that risks are low. Our surgeon will evaluate you to make sure you’re a good candidate and help you decide if laser eye surgery is right for you.

Laser Eye Surgery is Painful

Many patients are worried that their laser eye surgery will be painful due to the fact that they remain fully conscious during the procedure. Patients are given a mild sedative before the procedure, and numbing eye drops are given before and during your surgery. While you may feel pressure during your laser eye surgery, steps are taken to make sure your laser eye surgery remains pain free.

I Have Too High of a Prescription for Laser Eye Surgery

There have been many advancements in laser eye surgery technology and treatment in the last few years and it’s only getting better.  In fact, many of our clients have been told elsewhere that they are not good candidates for LASIK, yet they have had wonderful results with their Customized LASIK procedures at Eyes of Texas.  So, visit Eyes of Texas Laser Center today to learn if you’re a good candidate for Customized LASIK laser eye surgery or any of our other state-of the-art visual freedom procedures. 

Just over 2 years ago, one of our more creative clients volunteered to write a blog about his Customized LASIK experience at Eyes of Texas Laser Center.  Marc Gunn is a Celtic American musician, podcaster, and avid blogger.  Go to www.marcgunn.com/articles/2007/03/lasik-eye-surgery-in-austin-review.shtml (Part One), and www.marcgunn.com/articles/2007/03/lasik-eye-surgery-in-austin-review-part.shtml (Part 2) to read about Marc’s laser vision correction experience.

Marc’s homepage is www.marcgunn.com

Despite being available for over a decade, militaries have been reluctant to accept trainees who had eliminated their need for glasses through LASIK surgery. Then the United States Air Force decided to allowed trainees to receive laser eye surgery to correct impaired vision. Now the Israel Air Force has graduated its first pilot to receive the same surgery.

With the allowance of laser surgery the United States Army can now restore the eyesight of pilots with failing vision, or expand the pool of potential pilots.

Over the last four years the United States Military has successfully permitted laser vision correction for troops. This allows troops who would normally be hindered in combat by glasses to commit their full attention to tasks without the worry or hassle of glasses or contact lenses.