Lasik specialists, glaucoma, cataracts

Vision and eye health services

Lasik

LASIK

Refractive surgery is an exciting option for the correction of most cases of nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism.

Since FDA approval of the Excimer Laser in 1995, the Visalia Eye Center has offered Laser Vision Correction. PRK (Photo-Refractive Keratectomy) was the most popular type of laser vision correction until FDA approval of LASIK (laser in-Situ-Keratomileusis).

LASIK is now the most common type of refractive surgery performed by the Visalia Eye Center surgeons, but PRK (Photo-Refractive Keratectomy) is another laser option for some patients who aren't candidates for LASIK. As technologies continue to advance, we remain dedicated to keeping abreast of the latest developments in Vision Corrective Surgery.

Glaucoma

GLAUCOMA

What is glaucoma?

The optic nerve of the eye carries images to the brain. Glaucoma is a condition in which the optic nerve becomes damaged. Glaucoma damages nerve fibers, causing blind spots to develop.

Damage to the optic nerve is permanent and can lead to vision loss. Most people who have glaucoma do not notice any symptoms early on in the disease. Most people notice no symptoms until late in the disease when vision become impaired.

Cataracts

CATARACTS

What is a cataract?

Some 66% of all people over the age of 60 commonly get cataracts. Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness in the world and occur when the eyes' lens becomes hardened and opaque.

Cataracts cause vision to become blurred, and distort the perception of light in the eye causing visual disturbances such as glare and halos. Most cataracts develop slowly over the years.

Common symptoms include:

    Difficulty reading.
    Difficulty with glare.
    Difficulty with driving, especially at night.
    Blurred and dimmed vision.

If you have a symptomatic cataract, the Visalia Eye Center will be glad to discuss optical and surgical options with you. Most people decide to have cataracts removed because they interfere with their daily life and work.

Modern day cataract treatment includes placing an artificial lens in the eye to enable the eye to focus and thereby reducing the need for glasses.