Business Spotlight

Dr. Lauren Lodholz, O.D. Diplomate American Board of Optometry

Eye Can See Clearly Now

What you didn’t know about LASIK, cataracts, and dry eyes

Eye Care Center Kentucky

We are all guilty of taking our precious eyesight for granted. Nevertheless, it is the sense that we use the most and the predominant way in which we connect with the environment around us. Careful monitoring of your ocular health and your vision is essential if your eyes are to remain healthy and functioning as well as possible for as long as possible. Regular eye exams are the best way for a Doctor of Optometry to track the condition of your eyes so that any potential problems can be spotted early before they impose serious consequences as well as protecting the long-term health of your eyes and sustaining your vision for the future.

CATARACTS: Most cataracts develop in people over age 55, but they occasionally occur in infants and young children or as a result of trauma or medications. Although most cataract development is primarily due to agerelated changes, several other factors can contribute to their development, including diabetes, certain medications, UV radiation, smoking, and family history to name a few. Cataract development would present as blurred vision, reduced intensity of colors, increase in glare or sensitivity to light, especially with night driving, or changes in glasses prescription. Depending on how progressed the cataract is, after evaluation by your primary care eye provider, cataract surgery may be necessary. Cataract surgery is one of the safest and most e ective types of surgery performed in the United States today. The most important step to take if your vision has changed potentially due to cataracts is to get a complete, comprehensive eye exam so that you can be evaluated and referred to a surgeon when necessary.

LASER VISION CORRECTION: LASIK is a popular elective procedure for folks who desire not to use glasses or contact lenses full time, accomplished by correcting his/her nearsightedness, farsightedness and/or astigmatism. Although LASIK is a life-changing procedure, it’s not ideal for everyone. Factors your doctor will take into consideration will include: how stable your vision is, your overall health, and your existing prescription. Talking to your primary eye care provider is most important to determine whether LASIK could be right for you.

What most folks don’t realize is that while we are on our phones and computers, our blink rate decreases by up to two-thirds.