How Advancements in Eye Care Technology Could Improve Your Vision

Mark Twain once said that "you can't depend on your eyes when your imagination is out of focus," yet depending on our eyes is something that we usually take for granted. Our ability to see well is critical to both our health and happiness, and allows us to view our world in dynamic ways. When we're unable to use our eyes to the fullest extent possible, we lose something invaluable.

Advancements in eye care technology provide us with ways in which we can keep our eyes focused and working properly. These advancements have produced procedures that are safer and more accurate than ever before, and may allow men, women, and children to vastly improve their eyesight. With new technologies being developed at a rapid pace, eye care is moving into a new and exciting era where the vision needs of almost anyone can be met with creative, economical, and unique options.

Laser-Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK)

A corrective surgical procedure for people with myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism, LASIK is both safe and effective. Using a laser to reshape the eye's cornea, it provides an alternative to wearing eyeglasses or contacts. In most clinics, including Discover Vision Centers, the procedure is usually done on an outpatient basis and takes approximately 20 minutes to complete.

Micro-Stents to Help with Glaucoma

Glaucoma, which is a dangerous buildup of pressure behind the eye, is the second-leading cause of blindness around the world. Until recently, people with this condition had only limited treatment options available to them. That, however, may have changed; micro-stents (which are tiny devices implanted in the eye to help reduce the pressure) are showing great promise in helping patients to cope with the devastating effects of glaucoma, and to lessen the need for daily medications.

Wavefront Analysis and Technology

Rather than using bulky, multi-lens machines to determine vision problems, new technology has been developed that utilizes light waves to map the inside of the eye. Wavefront mapping offers more objective and precise information about the eye, along with any vision abnormalities that may exist. A healthcare practitioner can then use the wave front map as a blueprint for customizing vision correction alternatives, including procedures such as LASIK, implanted lenses, contact lenses, or glasses.

With the many current - and future - advances in eye care technology, you can look forward to better eye care maintenance and treatment options. At the same time, with your vision intact, you can focus on other things. Like your imagination.