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For many patients it can be a hard choice whether or not to book an eye exam, but we encourage you to book an appointment if you find any of these to be true.

1. Squinting

• If you find yourself squinting more than usual

2. Bright Flashes And Floaters

• If you notice that you are seeing bright flashes of light, spots or floaters

3. Frequent Headaches

• Headaches are can be symptom of many things, including your eyes. Many patients don’t think of eye related issues causing headaches

4. Blurry Vision

• If you are experience haziness or blurred vision

5. Problems Focusing

• If you are experiencing any issues focusing or pain when you attempt to do so

6. Sensitivity to Light

• Can be linked to several disorders or eye diseases

7. Eye Pain

• If you are experience any type of pain with your eyes you should book an appointment as soon as possible

8. Family History

• If you have a family history of any of these conditions such as diabetes or glaucoma, especially if you are in your 50s or older

9. Frequent Electronic Use

• You spend a lot of time in front of a computer screen or electronics

10. You can’t remember when you last had an eye exam

• Our eyes our constantly changing as we get older, setting up regular eye exams with your doctor could prevent you from coming in with an emergency

Make an appointment now.

The former head coach of the Baltimore Ravens’s vision was deteriorating because of cataracts. While Billick was coaching, he noticed that his vision was declining. That’s when he came to Katzen Eye Group for cataract surgery. He now has restored vision and can enjoy the clarity of healthy eyes.

Watch Brian Billick’s featured documentary on the transformative power of cataract surgery and learn how Katzen Eye Group can help you.

At least one person a day either comes to the clinic for floaters or asks about it when being check for another reason. This is understandable because floaters and flashing lights are common and very annoying. Folks commonly say they see spider webs, cobwebs, or a fly that they tried swatting away. Flashes tend to look like lightning streaks.

First, let me reassure you that most of the time they are nothing more than an annoyance. They are caused by jelly in the back part of the eye (called vitreous) that separates from the retina behind it and forms strands in the shape of lines or circles that move around. Over time people notice them less and less but they don’t tend to completely go away.

There really is no good treatment for it. Although you could do surgery, the risks of surgery outweigh its benefits so it’s not advisable in most cases. Research is ongoing to see if the laser can help get rid of them so let’s hope that can become a viable option in the future.

The only time these symptoms become an issue is when there are lots (perhaps hundreds) of floaters with light flashes and curtain or veil coming over the eyes so watch out for that. If you do experience this see an ophthalmologist soon either same day or the following day because these are symptoms of a retinal detachment.

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The use of laser in cataract surgery is increasing every year and gaining popularity so naturally people want to know more about it.I have noticed that when people speak of laser eye surgery they always think it means Lasik, which is the laser procedure to remove your glasses or contact lens prescription. Now Lasik is only one of many ways lasers are used for treating eye diseases and there are many more. Here are some of other uses of lasers for eye care:

1. Treatment for various types of glaucoma
2. Treating retinal diseases like diabetic retinopathy
3. Laser assisted cataract surgery, which is the topic of today’s blog.
4. Treating corneal scar and irregular shape
5. Polishing artificial lens implant after cataract surgery
Newer ways to use laser for eye care are coming out all the time so its use is only increasing. Therefore, don’t mistake all lasers are use to remove your eyeglass prescription. The laser used in cataract surgery has its own purpose. Laser can assist in cataract surgery by:

1. Making the main incisions for cataract surgery
2. Making the opening of the lens outer shell
3. Softening of the cataract for easy removal
The laser is not used for all the steps of cataract surgery and the standard techniques of using ultrasound machine and vacuum to remove the cataract is still needed.

The theoretical advantage of using the laser is that you get a predictable and accurate placement of the artificial lens in the eye while using less amount of energy. This should result in the best possible vision with faster recovery. Having said that there is no study that shows the laser results in better overall vision in the long run.

As you can see from the picture above the laser is docked onto the eye with patient lying on their back, suction is applied and the laser emits light energy for around 15- 30 seconds and its over. Quick and painless. From that point on an ultrasound machine is used to remove the cataract and place the artificial lens in the eye.

So to get back to the original question, the simple answer is yes that cataract surgery can be done with the help of a laser. But it isn’t part of cataract surgery by default. Some surgeons only do cataract surgery with laser. Some patients are not a good candidate for laser assisted cataract surgery for medical reasons. Additionally, it is never covered by insurance and the cost is passed down to the patient.

Laser assisted cataract surgery may very well be how all cataract surgeries are performed in the future so speak with your cataract surgeon to see if this is a good option for you.

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Did you know you can use your Flex spending dollars on LASIK? You can also use pre-tax dollars that you’ve set aside to pay eye exam co-payments or deductibles, and/or purchase approved eyecare products.

Flexible Spending Account Covered Items

• LASIK
• Prescription eyeglasses, including readers and progressive glasses
• Sunglasses – prescription and non-prescription glasses if medically prescribed by a doctor
• Contact lenses, as well as contact cleaning solutions and storage accessories
• Eye exams

Use your FSA money or lose it, in most cases

A Flexible Spending Account typically runs from Jan. 1 through Dec. 31. Some FSAs for approved items allow a grace period, where you can pay for your FSA allowable expenses through March 15. Check with your particular FSA for the specific rules. Don’t let those dollars expire!

Call Katzen Eye Group today for your FREE LASIK Consultation and to find out how you can use your Flexible Spending Account to help you get the clear vision you’ve always wanted – 443-632-2816!