Lasik Safety

Lasik is a popular and effective procedure for correcting nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. When performed by Dr. Richard Carlin, who has completed more than 10,000 procedures, it offers a high success rate with minimal risks.

One of the primary reasons for safety is the advancement in technology and the use of sophisticated lasers, which allow for precise and controlled corneal reshaping. Additionally, the procedure is quick, typically lasting only a few minutes, and the recovery process is quite short and easy.

Potential risks associated with Lasik are rare and usually minor. They include dry eyes, glare, halos around lights, and temporary visual disturbances. These issues generally improve over time and can be managed effectively with proper post-operative care.

Before undergoing Lasik, Dr. Carlin will carefully perform a comprehensive evaluation to ensure that each patient is a suitable candidate and to identify any potential contraindications, underlying eye conditions or risks that may affect the procedure’s outcome.

To maximize safety, patients are encouraged to follow all pre-operative and post-operative instructions. Having an experienced surgeon and maintaining open communication throughout the process is crucial for a successful Lasik outcome.

Blepharoplasty: What You May Expect 

Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure that improves the appearance of the eyelids by removing excess skin and fat from the upper and/or lower eyelids.

The procedure is performed in our own dedicated surgical facility with our specialized equipment, nurses and technicians. You are put to sleep by our Anesthetist, while the eyes are numbed with a local anesthetic injection, so there is absolutely no pain during the procedure. Surgery is performed without blades, using a device which emits radio waves, allowing finer control of incisions and bleeding and taking less than 45 minutes.

Afterwards, the eyes may or may not be covered and may be uncomfortable for a couple of hours, which is usually controlled by acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Ice packs are applied for the first 24 hours to reduce swelling and bruising, which does occur and progress over 2-3 days. You can resume most activities in 1-2 days. Usually the eyes look presentable by the 1 week visit when sutures are removed. Completely healing takes 2-3 months. Incisions with resultant scarring is hidden in the crease of the upper lid and under the lashes in the lower lid. This fades over time and is generally not noticeable.

As eye physicians, our goal at CarlinVision is not to see how much tissue we can remove but rather to provide a natural pleasing appearance. If you are interested in rejuvenating your eyelids and would like more information, see Allie, our Oculoplastics counselor.

Can the Eye Be Transplanted

While we can transplant the cornea and replace the lens, we unfortunately cannot replace the entire eye. The retina is located at the back of the eye and sends messages through the optic nerve to the brain. To remove the eye, one would have to cut the nerve, which would no longer function if reconnected, as it is part of the brain. Also, the complexity of reconnecting all the blood vessels and nerves would be virtually impossible. Even if it could be done, the brain is wired to process information from the original eye so its ability to interpret visual signals from an unfamiliar eye would be a challenge. Immune rejection would also be an issue. Finally, an eye transplant could potentially alter an individual’s sense of identity and self-perception which would obviously involve psychological and emotional impacts. So the answer is no, we cannot transplant the whole eye.

Cataract Surgery: It Takes a Village

While patients frequently praise their doctor for the excellent results after cataract surgery, the reality is there is a whole team that is responsible: Our Surgical Counselor explains the procedure, sets expectations, answers questions, makes all the arrangements and prepares patients for the procedure. Our Technician carefully performs a host of eye measurements which allows the doctor to ensure that patients are a good candidate for the procedure and decided on the best option for the implant. Our Pre-Certification Specialist clears the procedure with the insurance company allowing patients to know just what their financial responsibility will be. Our Pre-Op Nurse at the surgery center prepares the patients for the procedure, checks to be sure there are no medical contraindications, starts an IV, administers eye drops, etc. Our Surgical Techs and Circulating Nurse in the OR (who have assisted in thousands of procedures), seamlessly operate the sophisticated technology. Our Anesthetist ensures patients are comfortable during the procedure. Our Post-Op Nurses provide post-procedure instructions. Finally, and most importantly, the patient takes care of the eye afterwards. It is truly a team effort!

Why You Should Not Rub Your Eyes 

While it may feel good, you really should avoid rubbing your eyes for the following reasons:

  1. Rubbing your eyes can introduce foreign particles or substances into your eyes.
  2. Unwashed hands can introduce harmful pathogens into your eyes, leading to infections such as conjunctivitis.
  3. Rubbing your eyes can cause corneal abrasions, which are painful and may require medical attention to heal properly.
  4. Certain conditions, such as keratoconus or glaucoma can progress with eye rubbing.
  5. Rubbing your eyes can cause rupturing of the vessels in the white of the eyes which causes red, bloodshot eyes.
  6. The skin around the eyes is thin and delicate. Rubbing your eyes can stretch and weaken the skin, leading to premature wrinkles and fine lines.
  7.  Rubbing your eyes can damage your eyelashes, leading to their breakage or loss.

Glaucoma Myths Debunked

Myth: Glaucoma only affects the elderly.

Fact: Glaucoma can develop at any age, although it’s        more common in older individuals.

Myth: High eye pressure causes glaucoma.

Fact: Glaucoma can even occur with normal or low eye pressure, known as normal-tension glaucoma.

Myth: Glaucoma always has symptoms.

Fact: Glaucoma often progresses silently, with no symptoms until significant vision loss occurs.

Myth: Wearing eyeglasses can prevent glaucoma.

Fact: Eyeglasses cannot prevent glaucoma, but regular eye exams can detect it early.

Myth: Once diagnosed, vision loss from glaucoma always progresses to blindness.

Fact: Early detection and treatment can slow or prevent further vision loss.

Your end of summer mood just got better! Lasik is $500 OFF and comes with $400 towards sunglasses!

  • Free evaluation
  • Lifetime warranty
  • Financing options available

Call Alex or Diana at 770.979.2020 x2.

Cannot be combined with insurance or previous procedure. Now through October. 

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Buy one complete pair and receive 20% off.

Buy two or more pair and receive 30% OFF! 

Stop by the Optical Boutique Monday-Friday from 8:00-5:00 and ask an Optician how you can SAVE!

Does not include Maui Jim, Oakley, or Rayban. Now through October.