What is LASIK eye surgery?
LASIK eye surgery actually stands for Laser Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis. LASIK is a refractive eye surgery procedure where a laser reshapes the outer surface of the eye known as the cornea. By changing the shape of the cornea doctors can improve vision.
Take our LASIK self test
If you are seeking LASIK in Raleigh, North Carolina we are happy to help you learn about LASIK and your candidacy potential for this eye surgery. Please feel free to take our short LASIK self-evaluation test to get on the path to better vision. After taking this test you will be contacted by Raleigh Ophthalmology if you meet the pre-requisite requirements. All LASIK candidates will be required to undergo a pre-operative eye exam before candidacy is approved.
What is a Cataract?
A cataract is a cloudy or opaque area in the normally transparent lens of the eye. As the opacity thickens, it prevents light rays from passing through the lens and focusing on the retina, the light sensitive tissue lining the back of the eye. Early lens changes or opacities may not disturb vision. But as the lens continues to change, several specific symptoms including blurred vision; sensitivity to light and glare; increased nearsightedness; or distorted images in either eye, may develop.
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Flashes and Floaters
Definition
Flashes and floaters are visual phenomena associated with changes occurring to the back compartment of the eye. Floaters are small dark shapes that appear in your field of vision. Often times they look like squiggly lines, specks or cobwebs that move with eye movement. They are most apparent against light background colors or in well lit areas. Flashing lights can be described as thunderbolts, a spark or an arc of light occurring in the periphery of vision.
Cause
Floaters occur when the vitreous, the jelly in the back of the eye, degenerates or shrinks. As the vitreous shrinks, strands form that cast a shadow upon the retina. While these strands look like they are in front of your eye, they are actually inside your eye. The vitreous tends to degenerate with age. This process is also accelerated in people who are very nearsighted or have incurred ocular trauma among many other causes. A complete breakdown of the vitreous and separation from its attachment to the retina compromise a posterior vitreous detachment. This appears as a large ring-like floater. Approximately 12% of posterior vitreous detachments are associated with an underlying retinal detachment. Flashes occur when the vitreous is bouncing against or tugging on the retina. This mechanical action produces as a flash of light. Vitreous degeneration and retinal detachment can both trigger symptoms of flashing lights. Since a retinal detachment is a serious vision threatening consequence that can be associated with symptoms of flashing lights and floaters, an examination by an ophthalmologist is recommended.
Symptoms
While flashing lights and floaters become more common with age you, should alert your ophthalmologist if you notice the following:
- a large new floater or a shower of floaters
- sudden onset of flashing lights
- a loss of vision in the periphery
Treatment
There is no treatment for floaters. Over time, these strands may settle at the bottom of the eye but may or may not fully go away.
If flashing lights are associated with normal aging, no treatments are available. If the symptoms of flashing lights or floaters are associated with an underlying retinal tear or detachment then further options are available. These include laser treatment or surgical repair of the retina.