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Categories Cosmetic Posted on Author bericksmith@gmail.com

Why Botox?

Botox is a preventative treatment in helping with the appearance of dynamic wrinkles. Dynamic wrinkles are caused by muscle contractions that create the fold in the skin (i.e. from smiling or scowling). If you pop over to this website, you will realize that Botox is a purified protein which relaxes muscles—leading to the desired effect of “decreased wrinkles.” Botox is very safe and is the number one cosmetic procedure in the United States! Many patients who receive Botox treatments see results within the first 3-4 days of their treatment and it can last up to 3-4 months.

Botox will help with bunny lines within the nose and forehead, glabellar lines (wrinkles between the eyebrows), and frown lines. It can also be used to soften smoker lines around the mouth. Botox has also recently been approved for the treatment of crow’s feet (the wrinkles around the corners of your eyes).

Botox is not only used for cosmetic purposes, but many other medical conditions as well. Botox can be used for various conditions, including blepharospasm, which is the twitching sensation some people experience. Botox can also improve migraines, hemi-facial spasm, and ocular misalignment.

There are a lot of misconceptions of what an ophthalmologist can do, with many thinking that eye doctors only give eye glasses, but we can do many other types of treatments as well. I have been specifically trained in cosmetics as an ophthalmologist, with Botox being one of many cosmetic services offered at the Utah Eye Centers.

If Botox seems like it might be an option for you, we would be happy to see you for a consultation in either our Ogden or Bountiful locations.

Categories LASIK Eye Surgery Posted on Author bericksmith@gmail.com

LASIK Myths Debunked

Have you ever considered LASIK? Were you told that there were reasons why you couldn’t have LASIK? Mention to anyone that you’re having LASIK and you are sure to get many opinions or reasons why you can’t. The LASIK staff at the Utah Eye Centers has debunked some common myths to show why you should consider LASIK.

LASIK Myth: I can’t have LASIK because of my age

“I’m too young for LASIK.”

While LASIK is not suitable for patients under the age of 18, anyone with a stable prescription, good corneal thickness, and a healthy cornea may be a candidate.

“I’m too old for LASIK.”

There is no age limit on LASIK. If your eyes are healthy and you are determined to be a candidate for the procedure through preliminary testing, you may be eligible to have LASIK surgery.

LASIK Myth: I can’t have LASIK because I have astigmatism

The majority of adults have at least a small amount of regular astigmatism and LASIK can correct for a wide range of astigmatism by reshaping the cornea of the eye. Patients who have both nearsightedness and farsightedness combined with astigmatism can also have LASIK to correct for their refractive errors. Patients with astigmatism will experience positive results following LASIK.

LASIK Myth: I have been told in my field of work (pilot, construction [i.e. dusty environment]) that LASIK may not be the best option for me.

With our all laser technology it is very safe to return to most work fields within five days after your procedure and in many cases even the next day. Pilots, military personal, construction workers, and athletes all have all come in for LASIK and were perfectly comfortable with returning to work the next day. It is always wise to consult with your doctor for what is best for you.

LASIK Myth: All LASIK is equal.

Not all LASIK is created equal. There are many LASIK centers that have top of the line equipment and surgeons, and some that are not so reputable. Some may use sales pitches or false discounted prices, like being quoted “$299.00” for LASIK. If you’re thinking about LASIK, do your homework. Take the time to research the surgeons and the technology they are using, not just the price. Your vision is too important to be in the wrong hands.

Categories General Posted on Author bericksmith@gmail.com Tags Dry Eye, Eye Care

Dry Eye Syndrome

There are many people in Utah that suffer from eye dryness. How do you know if you are one of them? There are many symptoms involved with dryness. These include redness, burning, itching, sandy sensation, eye fatigue, watering, and blurriness. For many people this is a chronic disease that can last a lifetime. It is important to know that in most dry eye sufferers there is more than one cause of their dryness.

Dryness is most common starting in the 40’s or 50’s and can progressively worsen with age due to decreased tear production. It is more common in women. It is also more common after certain eye surgeries such as Lasik and cataract surgery. People who use the computer or read for long periods of time are more prone to dry eye symptoms. Certain medications can cause dryness. In a recent survey we learned that the Wasatch Front is the 7th worst area in the nation for Dry Eye Syndrome due to the hot and arid climate, high altitude, pollution (especially during the inversion), and allergens common to the area.

There are many treatments available for dryness. There are traditional treatments such as artificial tears, topical steroids, night ointments, and hot compresses. There are also newer treatments for dryness including the Lipiflow system, which is available at the Utah Eye Centers. The Lipiflow system can unplug blocked glands in your eyelids that are crucial for excreting a portion of the tears that prevent evaporation of the tears and lubricate the eye. The cause of your dryness and how severe it is, will determine what treatment options may be chosen.

If you suffer from dry eye symptoms, please come in and see our doctors for customized recommendations and to receive the newest treatments to help relieve this irritating condition.

Categories General Posted on Author bericksmith@gmail.com

Eye Nutrition

Many people in Utah undergo cataract or another form of eye surgery at some point in their lifetime. According to the National Institutes of Health, by the age of 80, more than half of people in the United States will have a cataract or have undergone cataract surgery.

Fortunately according to allaboutvision.com, researchers may be on to something that could limit eye surgeries in the future. They believe that nutrients may be the key to reducing the risk of cataracts, night blindness and macular degeneration in your eyes.

While it doesn’t actually make your eyes see better in the dark, vitamin A may decrease your risk of night blindness. Foods such as beef, chicken, liver, eggs, butter and milk are all good sources of vitamin A.

If you have a history of cataracts in your family try to eat more vitamin C. Researchers believe that vitamin C may reduce the risk of cataracts. If you want to avoid getting cataract surgery some day eat foods such as red or green peppers, kale, strawberries, broccoli, cantaloupe and oranges.

The eyes benefit from vitamin D because it may decrease the chances of macular degeneration. Many people in Utah are Vitamin D deficient. Vitamin D is easy to acquire from exposure to sunlight. Vitamin D is also found in salmon, sardines, milk, mackerel and orange juice.

Bioflavonoids are found in foods and drinks such as tea, red wine, citrus fruits, blueberries, cherries, legumes, soy products and bilberries. Researches think bioflavonoid may help the eyes fight against cataracts.

Categories General Posted on Author bericksmith@gmail.com

Listen To Your Eye Doctor

Your eye doctor may be an expert when it comes to vision, but he or she also knows that you are not deaf. Do not wait to be referred to a hearing specialist; listen up and give your peepers what the doctor ordered. Below are the top two most common vision instructions that our patients here at Utah Eye Centers overlook and end up regretting.

Leaving Contact Lenses in for Too Long

Ophthalmologists are always reminding their patients not to wear contact lenses for more than 8-12 consecutive hours (depending on the type of lens). People find that order so hard to follow because most of us are awake for more than 8-12 hours a day. However, leaving them in from the crack of dawn until midnight is denying your eyes necessary oxygen, inflicting damage on your eyesight. Excessive contact lens use can even lead to a dry eye condition or worse. Try to get in the habit of changing into glasses when you get home from work or switch out of contacts for a little midday break.  Never, ever sleep in your contacts. Lenses will often dry out overnight and can stick to your eyes, causing tearing or scratching when you try to remove them. Eye doctors will also inform you that sleeping with contact lenses in will also seriously increase your risk of contracting an unpleasant eye infection.

Diet

It may sound odd coming from an ophthalmologist or optometrist, but their nutritional recommendations do serve a purpose because eye health is greatly impacted by diet. The number one cause of blindness in adults is type II diabetes, which can be prevented with healthy eating. Other vision-impairing eye conditions that may be at least slowed by proper nutrition are macular degeneration, glaucoma, and cataracts. Limit sugar, exercise to maintain a healthy weight, and eat these foods for eye health: spinach, legumes, carrots, and fish. The key ingredients in your eye diet are omega-3 fatty acids, lutein, low-fat protein, Vitamins C and E, zeaxanthin, beta carotene, and zinc. Dietary supplements are a great option.

Categories General Posted on Author bericksmith@gmail.com

Cataract Surgery Statistics

A growing number of people are in need of cataract surgery, both in the U.S. and in the world.  Many people automatically assume that only the elderly are prone to getting cataracts, but younger people are starting to get them, especially youth in Africa.  Did you know that more that 20 million U.S. citizens around 40 years of age have cataracts?  That is a scary statistic, knowing that you are prone to getting a cataract no matter what age you are.

A cataract is a cloudy substance that forms underneath the lens of the eye.  It slowly builds in that area over many years, and if left untreated it can cause vision loss.  Some cases even cause blindness altogether, which makes cataract surgery a matter of urgency for anyone unfortunate enough to get them

Fifty percent of Americans over 80 have cataracts, which is a statistic that the federal government tries to reduce.  Cataract surgery is provided by Medicare, and the government spends over $3.4 billion annually on procedures in the nation.

Cataract surgery, even in Utah, can sometimes get costly.  The national average price per procedure is upwards of $3,000, and that’s only for one eye.  You can now see why the federal government spends so much, for nearly 3,000,000 people every year have cataract surgery.

Fortunately, cataract surgery has a very high success rate.  Statistics show that 98% of all procedures are successful, and less than 1% of patients experience complications after the surgery.  Utah in particular has excellent surgery centers with top-notch surgeons.  Utah Eye Centers in particular has many years of experience and expertise.

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