3 Innovative Ways To Declare Your Independence From Glasses

Dry eyes. Astigmatism. Nearsightedness. Farsightedness. In the past, these conditions – and others – may have prevented some people from getting vision correction surgery or wearing contact lenses comfortably. Fortunately, those days are long gone for many patients at Key-Whitman Eye Centers.

According to Key-Whitman’s Dallas optometrist Martin L. Faber, “Many advances in laser eye surgery, high-technology intraocular lenses and contact lenses have been introduced in recent years and even months. So it’s definitely worth taking the time to speak with an eye doctor about the new options available.”

We asked Dr. Faber to share some insight into the eye health innovations, procedures and technology that Key-Whitman patients are taking advantage of today.

No. 1: Safer LASIK Eye Surgery Than Ever Before

Eye surgeons have been performing LASIK surgery for decades, and today it is one of the safest surgical procedures available. In fact, according to an FDA LASIK satisfaction survey, patient satisfaction with LASIK skyrocketed from 60 to 96 percent due to new technology and screening techniques.

Dr. Faber’s son Kyle is one of thousands of patients who have experienced excellent outcomes following LASIK surgery at Key-Whitman in Dallas. As he explains, “My son is a very active 29-year-old, and his big joy in life is physical fitness challenges and training. He enjoys participating in Spartan mud runs, endurance training and weight lifting.

“His contacts and glasses were giving him difficulties, so once his vision stabilized, he was very excited to get LASIK. Today his vision is at 20/15, and he’s very happy with the results.”

Who Is A Good Candidate For LASIK Today?

Patients who have healthy eyes (no infections or scarring), a stable prescription and are looking for distance vision correction may be good candidates for LASIK or another laser eye surgery. Eye surgeons can even correct astigmatism during LASIK procedures today.

“The other factor to consider is age. If the patient is between the ages of 18 and 45 and doesn’t struggle with near vision issues, we can fully correct them for distance. They just need to understand that beyond the age of 45, their near vision will need a little help,” Dr. Faber says.

Fortunately, patients who are not good candidates for LASIK may have other surgical options.

As Dr. Faber explains, “There are substitute procedures that can be done, such as PRK (photo refractive keratectomy), which is a different version of laser surgery. The main thing I tell patients is to keep an open mind regarding the options available to them. Just because a friend or family member had success with one type of procedure doesn’t mean that is the best solution for the patient.”

Nearsighted patients may also want to consider …

No. 2: Implantable Collamer^® Lenses (ICLs) To Correct Moderate To Extreme Nearsightedness

According to Dr. Faber, “LASIK eye surgery is limited in regard to the severity of prescriptions it can correct. For people who have been told they can’t have vision correction surgery due to extreme nearsightedness or severe dry eye, ICLs may be a great option. Since the lens is implanted inside the eye, the procedure doesn’t exacerbate dry eye symptoms.”

During the ICL procedure, the lens is placed behind the pupil and in front of the lens of the eye. “Because the natural lens isn’t removed, patients with ICLs retain the ability to focus on things close up. Another benefit of the ICL option is if patients develop cataracts, the ICLs can be removed and then replaced with a high-technology lens during laser cataract surgery,” Dr. Faber says.

Key-Whitman patient Tommy Hardeman explains how he is able to enjoy life more following his ICL procedure.

No. 3: Advanced Contact Lens Technology That Overcomes Discomfort And Clarity Issues Of Lenses Past

The latest daily disposable contact lenses typically offer superior comfort over traditional soft contact lenses. “What makes daily disposables more comfortable is the moisture additives included in the packaging. They are also more convenient because there are no cleaning solutions to worry about. Just pop the lenses in the eyes in the morning and throw them away at night,” Dr. Faber says.

However, daily disposable lenses were somewhat limited in regard to what prescriptions and eye conditions they could resolve – until now.

“Today, daily disposables are available in almost any prescription. They can correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, and there are multifocal lenses available, too. They also work well for the casual wearer who may not want to wear contacts every single day but likes the availability to wear them during sports or a night out with friends,” explains Dr. Faber.

If You Haven’t Checked Into Vision Correction Options Lately – Have A Chat With Your Eye Doctor

New advances in eye care and vision correction technology are entering the market at breakneck speed. So, chances are good that a new solution may be available to you now that wasn’t an option in the past.

According to Dr. Faber, “Everyone’s vision needs and goals are different. Some people simply want comfortable contact lenses to wear during a morning run, while others may be handicapped by a high prescription. Your eye doctor is the best resource to find out what options can best meet your vision and lifestyle goals.”

Wondering if you’re a good candidate for the latest vision correction procedures or daily disposable contact lenses? To schedule an appointment with Dr. Faber at one of our Arlington offices or with an eye doctor in our Dallas, Plano or Mesquite locations, please call (214) 220-3937 or feel free to set up an appointment online.

ABOUT DR. FABER:

Dr. Martin L. Faber is a Therapeutic Optometrist who has practiced in the Dallas – Fort Worth area since 1983. He attended undergraduate studies at Michigan State University and received his Optometry degree from Ferris State University’s Michigan College of Optometry. Focused on complete family eye care, Dr. Faber fits all types of contact lenses including multifocal and high astigmatism lenses. Dr. Faber’s wife Shelley is the CNE for Baylor Scott and White Hospital System. They have two adult children, Kyle and Hillary. In his spare time, he enjoys woodworking and remodeling their home in Arlington. Dr. Faber also likes to bowl competitively and travels to many tournaments.