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Resolve Cornea Issues Without a Complete Replacement

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The clear outer layer of your eyes, called the cornea, is responsible for focusing light and images for the retina and optical nerve to give your sense of vision. This thin layer on the front of the eye is susceptible to damage, injury, or other condition which can make your vision cloudy or foggy.

In many cases, these conditions will subside on their own or with conservative treatments such as eye drops or other treatment methods. In more severe cases, the damaged part of the cornea must be replaced to regain clear vision.

Previously, the best option for resolving corneal issues was a complete corneal transplant using donor tissue. This was a relatively successful procedure. However, it also came with a rather extensive recovery period and was not without risks of tissue rejection or procedure failure.

Now, instead of replacing the entire cornea, ophthalmologists like Dr. Jeffrey Maehara are able to perform Descement-Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty (DSAEK). This new procedure delicately and precisely removes only the damaged layers of the cornea, leaving the healthy tissue intact.

Patients who undergo DSAEK are able to return home the same day of the treatment and, with the anesthetics used, feel only minor pressure during the procedure. Although patients must refrain from bending below the waist or doing any strenuous activity or exercise for the first three weeks following the procedure, recovery is relatively easy with a great success rate.

The DSAEK procedure allows Dr. Maehara to help patients regain their vision with a higher success rate and a much shorter recovery than a complete replacement of the cornea. There may be some changes in your vision, including periodic blurriness, for a few months after the procedure. Still, these are temporary, and most patients are able to see better after 3 months.

Since many of the tissues that make up the cornea do not grow back if damaged or injured, the partial replacement offered by DSAEK is a safe and effective way to regain your clear vision. If you have chronic blurriness or fogginess in your vision, call Maehara Eye Surgery and Laser in Honolulu, HI, at 808-955-3937 or visit www.maeharaeyes.com to schedule an exam today.

How Glaucoma Affects Your Vision

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Your vision can be affected by any number of environmental or internal factors. Since your eyes are so delicate, it is essential to protect them as much as possible to help prevent vision issues to even a loss of your vision. Unfortunately, the causes of many eye conditions that can lead to severe vision issues are largely unknown.

Glaucoma is one such disease of the eye that, while a specific cause is unknown, can lead to serious vision issues and, if left untreated, complete vision loss. Glaucoma refers to a build-up of pressure in the eye that compresses the optic nerve. Over time, this can lead to permanent vision loss.

The most common cause of glaucoma is a water or fluid build-up that becomes trapped between the iris and the cornea. This occurs when the drainage canals become blocked, or the fluid in the eye is a different consistency or make-up than normal.

As more and more fluid fills this area, pressure begins to increase at the back of the eye, near the retina, and compresses the optic nerve. Although rare, glaucoma can also occur in patients with normal eye pressure.

Depending on the type of glaucoma, your ophthalmologist may prescribe specific medication to reduce the pressure in the eye that comes in either tablet form or eye drops. If there is a build-up of fluid in the area between the iris and cornea, laser or surgery or another procedure may be required to drain the fluid and reduce the pressure.

Although glaucoma is primarily considered a hereditary disease, there are several steps you can take to reduce the chances of it occurring and lessen the symptoms and risk of vision loss. Maintaining a healthy nutrition plan and regular exercise can help keep the fluid in the eye at a consistency where it can flow easily and reduce the chance of blockages in the drainage canals.

There is no reason to wait to contact an experienced ophthalmologist if you have any eye issues or sudden changes in your vision. Early treatment can make a difference in preserving your eyesight. Call Maehara Eye Surgery and Laser in Honolulu, HI, at 808-955-3937 or visit www.maeharaeyes.com to schedule a consultation today.

Cataracts Do Not Have To Permanently Rob Your Vision

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The thought of permanently losing your vision can be tough to imagine. As important as our eyes are, they are very susceptible to damage or other issues related to medical conditions. Although many of these can cause a decrease in visual acuity and clearness, some treatments and procedures may be able to restore your vision, depending on the condition being treated.

One of the most common conditions of the eyes that causes vision issues is the formation of cataracts. Cataracts are the buildup of proteins on the corneal lens of the eye. In 2020, it was estimated that over 30 million people suffered from cataracts in one or both of their eyes.

Over time, this buildup can grow larger and interfere with your vision. Although cataracts are well established when they start to show symptoms, they will first appear as cloudiness or haziness. Eventually, they will begin to distort the images in your vision and, if left untreated, can lead to permanent blindness in the affected eye(s),

There is no “cure” for cataracts. But thankfully, there is a surgical procedure to remove and replace the damaged lens and restore your vision. In a procedure performed in the office setting that takes less than 30 minutes, Dr. Jeffrey Maehara or Dr. Dennis Maehara will make a small incision and replace the damaged lens with a clear, artificial interocular lens.

Most patients report almost no discomfort during the procedure. An eye pad or protective shield is usually worn for the first few days after the surgery. Complete healing and recovery will usually happen within two months. Although there may be some itchiness and discomfort during this time, they are generally very mild and can be ignored.

If caught early enough, vision issues caused by cataracts are treatable. However, since permanent damage and blindness can occur if the symptoms are ignored, contact Maehara Eye Surgery and Laser in Honolulu, HI, if you have any vision issues. A consultation can be scheduled by calling 808-955-3937 or visiting www.maeharaeyes.com.

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Correct Your Vision With Lasik

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Light and lenses in your eyes must work perfectly together for you to see properly. The cornea and lens allow light to travel through and land on the retina. This refraction of light is what ideally formulates good eyesight.

However, refractive errors might limit or prevent light from bending properly. This might lead to blurry visions, which might affect your overall eyesight. In this case, you can use LASIK surgery to correct these errors and reduce your dependence on eyeglasses or contact lenses.

The Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis, simply known as LASIK, is a common surgery that’s designed to improve your vision by ‘tweaking’ the cornea to correct conditions, including farsightedness (hyperopia), near-sightedness (myopia), and astigmatism. Patients of different ages and backgrounds experience vision issues as a result of abnormalities in the cornea.

The main aim of this surgery is to correct the shape of your cornea to allow the retina to focus on images better. This is achieved through special lasers. After testing your eyes, a doctor performing this procedure will apply numbing eye drops in both your eyes. The surgeon will also use eye holders to keep your eyes from blinking.

A suction ring will also be used to keep your eye from moving. The doctor will then use a special laser (microkeratome) to flap the cornea tissue. You’ll then be asked to stare at a target light to prevent eye movement. The doctor will then reshape your cornea using a laser programmed with your eye measurements.

There are a couple of risks associated with LASIK. There is a risk of other complications such as halos and night glare, infection risk, and worsening vision. For such reasons, it would be in your best interest to talk to professionals with experience handling such procedures.

At Maehara Eye Surgery and Laser, we are happy to go over all the risks during your LASIK consultation at our offices in Honolulu. Dr. Jeffrey Maehara, an experienced ophthalmologist with practices in preventive and integrative medicine, will go over what you need to know for this procedure. Give us a call at 808-955-3937 or click www.maeharaeyes.com for more information about correcting your vision with LASIK.

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How To Know When You Need Cataracts

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Our eyes go through a lot of change as we age. Usually, vision issues begin to creep up as people grow older. One of the most common vision issues that are most associated with aging is cataracts. Despite being so common, with an estimated 30 million people having cataracts, there is no cure or a way to stop or reverse its progression.

However, several risk factors can be managed to at least help reduce the likelihood of cataracts in the future. These include maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding excessive sun exposure, as well as avoiding excessive alcohol use and smoking. Although genetics and heredity play a major role in the likelihood of cataracts, minimizing the additional risk factors may help.

Though cataracts are inside the eye they are somewhat noticeable from the outside when they begin to grow. A cataract is an area in the lens of the eye where proteins have started to clump up and solidify. To the outside, this looks like a dense and cloudy area in the lens. Over time, this build-up of protein continues and will start affecting vision in the affected eye.

Some symptoms to watch for include blurring vision, troubles with night vision, fading of color, and sensitivity to glares. Since cataracts are painless yet can cause a progressive loss of vision, including blindness, it is important to see your ophthalmologist if you believe you have symptoms that might indicate a cataract.

Although there is no cure for cataracts, your vision can be restored if they are caught soon enough. Cataract surgery has one of the highest success rates of any surgical procedure, with a success rate of over 99%. Best of all, the procedure is painless, takes less than 30 minutes, and requires very little recovery time.

If you have vision symptoms that are beginning to affect your way of life, contact Maehara Eye Surgery and Laser in Honolulu, HI, at 808-955-3937, or visit www.maeharaeyes.com to schedule a consultation, today. The expert team of doctors will work with you to provide the best solution to give you a perfect vision again.

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How Laser Eye Surgery Works: Who Is A Suitable Candidate?

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Laser eye surgery is a surgical procedure that uses a laser to change the shape of the cornea. It is used to improve myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, and presbyopia. First performed in 1987, the surgery has become increasingly popular. Today, it is the most widely performed refractive surgery in the world. As laser eye surgery becomes more popular, many people are interested in learning about it. Here are the basics of laser eye surgery.

Laser eye surgery overview 

Laser eye surgery is a type of refractive surgery used to change the shape of the cornea. It is carried out to change the shape of the cornea. It helps to focus light on the retina, which is located at the back of the eye.

A laser is used to remove a small amount of corneal tissue. This changes the shape of the cornea and allows light to be focused more accurately on the retina. There are several types of laser eye surgery, but they all work in basically the same way.

Who is a good candidate for laser eye surgery?

Lasik surgery is a corrective eye surgery procedure used to treat nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. It is one of the most common surgeries in the United States with over 1 million procedures done each year.

There is no doubt that laser surgery is a safe and effective choice for most people. However, some factors can make someone a less suitable candidate for Lasik surgery. These include: having a very thin cornea, being pregnant or breastfeeding, having diabetes or other autoimmune diseases, and being under 18 years old.

What are the benefits of laser eye surgery?

Laser eye surgery has become a popular option for people who want to improve their vision. Among the benefits of laser eye surgery are:

• improved vision

• less need for glasses or contact lenses

• no more worries about losing or breaking glasses or contact lenses

• improved self-confidence

• improved appearance

Laser eye surgery is a procedure that is crucial to understand who is a suitable candidate. This article provided an overview of the laser eye surgery procedure and who is eligible to undergo it. You can also contact our eye doctor and ophthalmologist clinic in Honolulu, Hawaii, at 808-955-3937 for more information.

Is it possible to prevent cataracts?

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It’s estimated that more than half of all Americans age 80 or older have cataracts or have had surgery to get rid of them. As a common cause of age-related vision loss, it’s important to know what cataracts are and what you can do to slow down the progression of this condition.

Here is what you need to know about cataracts.

  • Cataracts are a clouding of the clear lens of the eye, much like looking through a fogged-up window. This makes it difficult to read and drive a car, especially at night.
  • Patients who have cataracts not only complain of clouded vision, but also may have sensitivity to light, have a need for brighter light to read, see halos around lights, have double vision in one eye, and may have frequent changes in their prescription for eyeglasses or contact lenses.
  • Cataracts develop slowly and over time will interfere with vision. When this impaired vision interferes with your daily activities, you may be a candidate for cataract surgery.
  • Regular eye exams will help you and your eye doctor stay on top of any changes to your vision and detect cataracts early on to help prolong the onset of symptoms and progression of the condition. If you experience sudden vision changes, including eye pain or headache, double vision or flashes of light, see your doctor right away.
  • Cataracts develop from injury, aging or even genetic disorders. Medical conditions such as diabetes or prolonged use of corticosteroid medications can lead to cataracts.
  • Risk factors for developing cataracts include aging, diabetes, smoking, obesity, high blood pressure, eye injury or inflammation, previous eye surgery, excess alcohol consumption and excessive exposure to sunlight.
  • While you may not be able to prevent cataracts, there are some things you can do that may help slow down the progression such as quitting smoking, reducing alcohol consumption and following a healthy lifestyle with exercise and consuming plenty of fruits and vegetables. Also wear sunglasses that block the sun’s harmful ultraviolet B rays.

Regular eye exams are important to stay on top of any changes to your eye health. Call 808.955.3937 for an appointment with Dr. Maehara.

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Simple ways to show your eyes some love

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We couldn’t let Valentine’s Day pass us by without giving you tips on how to show your eyes some love. Here are five simple ways to keep your eyes healthy:

  1. Eat your fruits and vegetables. It’s important to eat a diet that’s rich in a variety of nutrient-packed fruits and vegetables for great overall health, but it’s especially important to eye health. Nutrients such as zinc, lutein and vitamins C and E can help prevent or slow down age-related vision problems such as cataracts and macular degeneration. Omega 3 fatty acids are essential to eye health and can be found in salmon, tuna and other oily fish.
  2. You gotta wear shades. Sunglasses, ideally with 100 percent protection from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet A and B rays, are your eyes best defense in the sun. Also consider wearing a hat, which will take some of the sunlight off your eyes. It’s also important to wear safety eye goggles when working with any potentially dangerous substances that could harm your eyes and prevent eye injury.
  3. Stop smoking. Smoking has been shown to increase your risk of developing cataracts, macular degeneration and optic nerve damage. Plus, smoking is linked to many other health conditions. If you need help with smoking cessation, ask your doctor for help.
  4. Rest your eyes. People are increasingly spending more time each day staring at a screen, whether it’s scrolling through social media on their smart phone, watching TV or working at a desktop monitor or laptop computer. Spending too much time in front of a screen each day can put strain on your eyes, which can lead to dry eye, blurred vision, headaches and neck and back pain. A good way to reduce this eye strain if you can’t avoid screen time is to follow the 20-20-20 rule: Look away from the screen and at something that’s 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes.
  5. Get regular eye exams. Getting annual eye exams and comprehensive eye exams as indicated will help you keep your eyes in good health and stay on top of any health conditions that may not know you have until you have your eyes tested.

If you’re ready to show your eyes the love they deserve, call 808.955.3937 for an appointment with Dr. Maehara.

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5 things your eyes say about your health

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We’ve all dealt with something about our eyes that have bothered us, whether it be redness and itching or swelling and watery eye.

Read on for some common conditions and when it may be time to seek medical attention for treatment. 

  1. Redness is one of the most common eye problems, and it’s often related allergies. If both of your eyes are red, itchy and watery, allergies may be to blame and artificial tears or antihistamine eye drops can help alleviate symptoms. If these don’t provide relief, see your doctor to explore what else may be causing this problem.
  2. Dry eye is a common eye problem that could be caused by environmental factors, aging, hormonal changes and everyday activities. Some medical conditions and medications can cause it as well. Screen time, reading, watching TV for long periods of time without blinking enough to lubricate the eye can cause dry eye. Artificial tears often help provide comfort and relieve symptoms, but you may need to talk to your doctor if you can’t get relief.
  3. Pink eye or acute conjunctivitis can look like dry eye or another eye condition but it is a contagious eye condition. Your eyes look red and feel itchy and may ooze discharge. It’s often found in people who have cold symptoms or a runny nose. Your doctor can prescribe the best medication to treat pink eye, which should last no more than a week to 10 days.
  4. Eye strain is usually caused by staring at a computer or phone screen all day. It’s important to take regular breaks to give your eyes rest. Follow the 20/20/20 rule by looking at an object at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes. Also try artificial tears to help with lubrication and talk to your doctor if you can’t get relief.
  5. Eye twitch is common and usually nothing serious, unless you are experiencing it for a long period of time with other symptoms like other parts of your face twitching. That’s when you should seek medical attention. Otherwise, it’s usually linked to too much caffeine and stress or too little sleep. Start with lifestyle changes first to see if symptoms improve.

If you are concerned about your eye health, call 808.955.3937 for an appointment with Dr. Maehara.

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What you should know about LASIK

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If you have been considering LASIK surgery to help reduce or remove the need for wearing glasses or contacts, there are several things you should know. Read on for eight things you should know about LASIK.

  1. Your eyes must be healthy to undergo LASIK surgery. If you have severe dry eye syndrome, conjunctivitis or pink eye, or any type of eye injury where you are still recovering, you will need to wait until those conditions are resolved before you can undergo LASIK.
  2. If you have cataracts or uncontrolled glaucoma, you may not be a candidate for LASIK.
  3. You must be in good health to be considered for LASIK. Uncontrolled degenerative conditions or autoimmune diseases may prevent you from having LASIK done. Certain medications may also interfere with post-operative healing and contribute to dry eye syndrome. You will want to share your complete list of medications and vitamins and supplements with your doctor during your consultation.
  4. Your corneas cannot be too thin. LASIK works by reshaping the front surface of the eye known as the cornea. The cornea must have enough tissue thickness in order for you to have surgery. Other surgical options may be better suited for you.
  5. You must be at least 18 or older to have LASIK. When you are a teenager, and even a young adult, your eyes continue to change.
  6. If you have a prescription, it’s important that your prescription is stable for at least a year before you are able to proceed with LASIK.
  7. Women who are pregnant or nursing are not good candidates for LASIK as hormonal changes can alter the shape of the cornea. You will want to wait until a few months after you have finished nursing before getting LASIK done.
  8. It’s important to have a positive frame of mind and realistic expectations for the outcome of surgery. Be sure to discuss all potential risks and possible side effects before you decide to undergo LASIK surgery.

To learn whether you are a candidate for LASIK, call 808.955.3937 for a consultation.