How Lasik Corrects Your Vision
Light rays entering the eye are focused by the cornea and lens to come to a point on the retina. There it is converted to electrical energy and sent to the brain via the optic nerve where it forms visual images.
If one is nearsighted (myopic) the light is focused in front of the retina so as it continues on to the retina it is now a blurred image. If one is farsighted (hyperopic) the light is not focused enough so at the plane of the retina it is again a blur.
To correct this with Lasik, we numb the eye with eye drops (NO SHOTS!), and create a 110 micron corneal flap (about 20% of the corneas thickness). Lifting the flap, we remove tissue from the bed using an excimer laser, flattening the center for myopia and flattening the periphery for hyperopia, thus leaving the center steeper than the periphery. We then gently lay the flap back down which is held in place by the eye’s natural suction, without stitches. If astigmatism is present (the cornea is not perfectly round), the laser also reshapes it to make it round. There are no eye patches and soon after there is a marked visual improvement!
Attention AT&T Employees
For those insured under AT&T United Healthcare Care Plus you now have a great new benefit! Your insurance will reimburse you $3000 toward your All-inclusive Lasik procedure with CarlinVision. So now is the time to take advantage of this limited time offer and call 770-979-2020 Option 2 and speak to Diana or Alex, our Vision Correction Facilitators. Call TODAY for information!
2020: The Year Held Hostage by COVID
2020 was supposed to be “The Year of the Eye” in which Ophthalmologists were to showcase all the wonderful achievements in our field. The advancements that have occurred over the years have been truly remarkable and we were all set to share these with our patients. But, then COVID-19 hit! The deaths, tanked economy, unemployment, isolation from our family and friends, divisiveness and upheaval in our society, and more, have made our plans to pale by comparison.
Certainly, for many of us this has been a devastating year. While there have been few bright spots, there have been positive lessons to be learned. So appreciate today, nothing is promised. The past is gone, the future is unknown, so make the most of each day. Value what is important, set your priorities. Revel in what you have and don’t dwell on what you don’t have. Take advantage of your time because, in reality, that is all we have. Spend time with those you love and cherish. Don’t waste it on pettiness and triviality. Live your life, don’t simply exist and don’t worry about how others live theirs. Be willing to hope and dream. All that we are going through will pass. It will get better!
So, here’s wishing you a Merry Christmas and the Happiest of Holidays from all of us at CarlinVision!
Richard Carlin, MD
Retinal Injections at CarlinVision
We understand that having retinal injections every month or two for wet macular degeneration can be a real hardship. While its importance in preserving your vision is undeniable, traveling to the office, waiting in a crowded room, the anxiety of having the injection and then waiting some more can make the experience rather unpleasant.
Maybe we can help! Our retinal specialist, Dr. Dimple Modi, is happy to work with other retinal specialists to perform your injections right here in our office. It certainly could be easier with less hassle.
If interested, ask to speak to Angel, our Retina Services Coordinator, for more information and see if this option would work for you.
Why Do Onions Make You Cry
Ever wonder why your eyes tear when you chop onions? The reason is onions release enzymes and sulfenic acid when their skin is broken which produce propanethial S-oxide, an irritating gas. When combined with the water in your tears it converts to sulfuric acid! While irritating, the quantity is small and your tears quickly wash it out preventing damage. Onions contain different amounts of sulfur-containing compounds, with yellow, red and white onions producing the most and green onions and Vidalias producing less. Home remedies include chilling the onions, slicing them under a glass barrier, chopping under water, using a fan to blow the gas away or wearing goggles!
Check Your Insurance Benefits
Many of the “eye insurance” benefits expire at the end of the year. Check yours now! If you don’t take advantage, you may lose them. This could be a good time to get new glasses, an extra pair, sunglasses or your yearly supply of contact lenses. If not sure, just ask us. We will be happy to check it for you.
What Causes Eyelid Twitching
Most eyelid twitches are harmless, though some neurological diseases can make eyelid muscles contract, such as blepharospasm and hemifacial spasm. These less common conditions generally tend to cause the eyelids to close more fully and for longer periods of time, limiting or completely blocking vision. Other muscles in the face may be affected as well. For the majority of us however, the common eyelid twitch is a brief and minor annoyance. Some things you can do to help:
More sleep: Eyelid twitches often happen to people when they are overly tired.
Relieve stress: If you can’t eliminate something causing you stress, find stress-reducing activities.
Reduce caffeine: Limiting your coffee, tea or soda intake may help to reduce eyelid twitching.
“Moisturize” the eyes: In some cases, having irritated or dry eyes can lead to eyelid spasms. Artificial tears may help.
Be patient: Twitching will go away though it may take time.