Q) For how long will I have to take precautions when applying makeup, touching my eyes, washing my face, etc?

As we head into the Memorial Day weekend in San Diego, don't forget to take a good pair of sunglasses along with your sunscreen. Sunglasses are not just a fashion accessory; they are a medical necessity, according to Dr. Sandy T. Feldman. “Protecting your eyes is just as important as protecting your skin this summer and all year long. Ultraviolet rays, which are responsible for skin cancer, also cause damage to eyes. The UV rays can cause cataracts and macular degeneration over time,” according to Dr. Feldman.

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, migraines are a common neurological condition affecting an estimated 15 to 20 percent of people worldwide. It’s not known exactly what causes a migraine, but many researchers believe that they may be due to a neurotransmitter serotonin irregularity. This abnormality may cause the blood vessels to constrict and decrease oxygen to the brain. Many times these headaches begin with visual symptoms like flashes of light, colored lights or zigzag lines that occur to one side of the patient’s vision for about 10-30 minutes.

Dry, itchy eyes can be more than a nuisance; they can lead to serious eye issues.

Dry eyes are defined as having a chronic lack of lubrication and moisture in the eyes. The eyes may seem irritated or feel as if they constantly have a speck of dirt in them, also known as a foreign body sensation. These symptoms may just seem annoying for patients, but it is important to note that they can lead to a more serious eye condition called ocular inflammation.

Patients that have thin corneas are not good candidates for traditional LASIK surgery. However, they may be able to have LASIK if the IntraLase® Method is used.

This is due to the enhanced precision of the computer-controlled laser.

A La Jolla LASIK patient recently asked why the WaveScan was done before LASIK. The WaveScan wavefront system was developed to scan and map the unique topography of a patient’s eye to determine a personalized vision correction treatment plan.

Based on the technology used to develop high-powered telescopes, the WaveScan method is 25 times more accurate that the phoropter, a traditional optical device which has been used for more than 150 years to determine a patient’s prescription.

Searching for the perfect present for the glasses or contact lens wearer on your list, the ClearView Eye and Laser Medical Center team has a very special gift idea – a gift certificate for vision correction surgery. With so many vision correction options available for near-sighted, farsighted and even astigmatic patients, our team is highly trained to identify the right option for our patients. So this you consider giving the gift of great vision! Click here to see some vision correction videos from our Facebook page.

This Thanksgiving remember that a balanced diet can help keep you and your eyes healthy. So choose Thanksgiving treats like carrots, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, and nuts that are rich in antioxidants, Vitamins A, C, and E, to protect your eyes from disease. Also, essential fatty acids found in fish, vegetable oils and leafy greens are good for your eyes as well. Dr. Feldman and the ClearView Eye and Laser Medical Center wish you and your family a happy and healthy Thanksgiving Holiday.

At Clearview Eye and Laser Medical Center, we offer the STAAR Visian and Verisyse Implantable Contact Lenses for our patients who are myopic (nearsighted). The Implantable Contact Lens procedure is done as an outpatient surgery. The procedure is relatively quick and takes about 15 to 20 minutes. The STAAR Visian lens is surgically implanted behind the iris and in front of the natural lens. The Verisyse lens has the shape of a traditional contact lens, but is placed between the cornea and iris.

Laser vision correction procedures like LASIK and PRK are great options for patients that are tired of or frustrated with wearing glasses or contact lenses. However not all our patients At ClearView Eye and Laser Surgery Medical Center are good candidates for these types of procedures. Now, alternative vision correction procedures, like the implantable contact lens, are available.