Doctor preparing an intraocular premium lens implant for cataract treatment

What Are Premium Lens Implants, and Are They Right for You?

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If you’re tired of depending on glasses or contacts to see clearly, or you’re preparing for cataract surgery, premium lens implants could be the ideal solution for achieving clearer, more convenient vision. At Maehara Eye Surgery & Laser, we specialize in advanced eye care, offering personalized treatments to help patients in Honolulu, HI, improve their eyesight and quality of life.

Founded over 30 years ago by Dr. Dennis Maehara, our practice continues to deliver exceptional care under the leadership of both Dr. Maehara and his son, Dr. Jeffrey Maehara, a board-certified specialist in advanced cataract and vision correction procedures. By combining state-of-the-art technology with compassionate care, we’re committed to helping you enjoy life with clearer vision through premium lens implants.

What Are Premium Lens Implants?

Premium lens implants are advanced intraocular lenses (IOLs) used during cataract surgery or as a vision correction option. Unlike standard lens implants, which typically restore only basic vision, premium lenses are designed to address a wider range of vision problems, such as astigmatism, nearsightedness, farsightedness, or even presbyopia (age-related difficulty focusing on near objects).

With options like multifocal and toric lenses, premium implants allow many patients to significantly reduce or even eliminate their need for glasses after surgery. They’re particularly beneficial for those who want the convenience of clearer vision at multiple distances.

Who Can Benefit from Premium Lens Implants?

Premium lens implants are a great option for people undergoing cataract surgery who want to address other vision issues. They’re ideal for individuals who:

  • Lead active lifestyles and prefer not to rely on glasses.
  • Have astigmatism or other refractive errors.
  • Desire a solution that addresses near, intermediate, and distance vision.

Your candidacy will depend on factors like your eye health, overall health, and lifestyle. At Maehara Eye Surgery & Laser, we’re committed to finding the perfect solution for you through a detailed assessment and personalized recommendation.

Discover Your Vision’s Full Potential in Honolulu, HI

If you’re considering cataract surgery or want to learn more about premium lens implants, we invite you to schedule a consultation at Maehara Eye Surgery & Laser in Honolulu, HI. Our experienced professionals are here to inform, support, and guide you on your journey to improved vision and confidence.

Take the first step toward clearer vision and greater independence today. Call us at 808-955-3937—we look forward to helping you see the world in a whole new way!

Woman with cataracts in Honolulu, HI

Understanding the Symptoms of Cataracts

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Cataracts are a common eye condition that can significantly affect your vision and quality of life. If you’re noticing changes in your eyesight, it’s essential to seek care from a trusted and experienced eye specialist. At Dr. Jeffrey Maehara’s practice in Honolulu, patients receive expert care and personalized treatment options for various eye conditions, including cataracts. With a commitment to advanced techniques, including state-of-the-art cataract surgery, Dr. Maehara ensures optimal results tailored to your needs.

Common Symptoms of Cataracts

Cataracts develop gradually, often starting as minor vision changes that may worsen over time. Recognizing the symptoms early can help you take the necessary steps to address the issue effectively. Here are some of the most common signs:

  • Blurry or Cloudy Vision: A common early symptom, cataracts often cause your vision to appear foggy or hazy, making it challenging to see details.
  • Sensitivity to Light: Many people with cataracts experience discomfort or glare when exposed to bright light, such as sunlight or headlights.
  • Difficulty Seeing at Night: Cataracts can make it harder to see clearly in low-light conditions, which may impact activities like driving at night.
  • Fading or Yellowing of Colors: Colors may appear less vibrant or take on a yellowish tint.
  • Frequent Prescription Changes: If you find yourself needing updated glasses or contact lenses more often, it could be a sign of cataracts.
  • Double Vision in One Eye: Some individuals experience double vision or overlapping images in one eye due to cataracts.

If you notice these symptoms, scheduling a comprehensive eye exam with a specialist like Dr. Maehara can provide clarity and a tailored plan for treatment.

Why Early Treatment Matters

Cataracts left untreated can lead to significant vision impairment or even blindness. Advanced cataract surgery not only removes the cloudy lens but also replaces it with a clear, artificial lens, restoring sharpness and clarity to your vision. Dr. Maehara offers innovative surgical techniques to ensure minimal recovery time and optimal outcomes.

Take the First Step Toward Clearer Vision

Don’t let cataracts affect your independence or enjoyment of daily activities. Contact Dr. Jeffrey Maehara at his Honolulu, Hawaii office today to schedule a consultation. Call (808) 955-3937 to discuss how advanced cataract surgery can improve your vision and enhance your quality of life.

Closeup of person’s eye with circles around it indicating clear vision after bladeless LASIK

The Safety and Effectiveness of Bladeless LASIK

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Bladeless LASIK is a significant advancement in corrective eye surgery. It uses laser technology to enhance precision and minimize discomfort. This method has gained popularity for its ability to correct vision while ensuring a high safety profile. 

If you’re considering vision correction options, understanding how bladeless LASIK works and its benefits can help you make an informed decision.

Safety of Bladeless LASIK

Bladeless LASIK is renowned for its high safety profile. The femtosecond laser allows precise control during the flap creation phase, which is crucial for the surgery’s success. 

Such precision significantly reduces the risks associated with manual methods. Most patients report minimal discomfort, and the procedure’s refined accuracy helps lower the chances of complications.

Extensive clinical studies have demonstrated that bladeless LASIK results in fewer flap-related complications than traditional LASIK. Issues like flap irregularities, which can arise from mechanical cutting devices, are substantially less common. Moreover, the laser technique can be adjusted to the individual’s specific eye structure, enhancing safety for each patient.

Effectiveness of Bladeless LASIK

The effectiveness of Bladeless LASIK is evident in its remarkable accuracy in correcting various vision problems. This method is particularly effective for patients with myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. After undergoing bladeless LASIK, many achieve 20/20 vision or better, which means they no longer need glasses or contact lenses for most activities.

Patients often notice an improvement in vision almost immediately after the procedure, although it can take a few weeks to stabilize fully. Long-term studies have shown that bladeless LASIK offers lasting results, with most patients maintaining excellent vision years after surgery.

Bladeless LASIK’s technology not only ensures vision correction but also a smoother recovery. The laser’s ability to fine-tune the procedure to each eye’s unique shape enhances the safety and effectiveness of the treatment, leading to high satisfaction rates among patients.

Schedule Your Bladeless LASIK Consultation in Honolulu, HI

Ready to enhance your vision with bladeless LASIK? Schedule a consultation today with Jeffrey Maehara, MD, at Maehara Eye Surgery & Laser in Honolulu. Explore your options and discuss your vision goals with our experienced team. 

Call us at 808-955-3937 and discover how bladeless LASIK can change your view of the world!

Close up of crow’s feet fine lines around woman’s eye

How Dysport Can Help Smooth Crow’s Feet

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Crow’s feet — those fine lines that form around the corners of your eyes — are often one of the first signs of aging. If you’re looking for a way to smooth out these lines, Dysport is a popular, non-invasive treatment that can help. 

Dr. Jeffrey Maehara and his father, Dr. Dennis Maehara, offer expert eye care and cosmetic injections to patients in Honolulu, Hawaii. With over 30 years of experience in the local community, our team at Maehara Eye Surgery & Laser can freshen up your look with Dysport.

What Causes Crow’s Feet?

Crow’s feet are mainly caused by repeated facial movements like squinting, laughing, and smiling. Over time, the muscles around the eyes contract, and as your skin loses elasticity, these repeated movements can start to form fine lines. Sun exposure and smoking can cause crow’s feet to develop faster than normal. While there’s nothing wrong with having crow’s feet, some people wish to reduce their appearance.

How Dysport Works for Crow’s Feet

Dysport is an FDA-approved injectable treatment that targets the muscles responsible for crow’s feet. When injected, Dysport temporarily relaxes these muscles, preventing them from contracting and deepening the wrinkles. This smooths out the lines to make your eyes look younger.

Results from Dysport usually appear within a few days and can last several months. It’s also a quick, minimally invasive procedure, so you can easily fit into your busy schedule. You can even choose Dysport to reduce other facial lines, such as laugh lines around the mouth, with equally great results.

A Family Legacy of Exceptional Eye and Aesthetic Care

At Maehara Eye Surgery & Laser, you’re in trusted hands. Dr. Jeffrey Maehara, a board-certified ophthalmologist and fellowship-trained specialist, brings extensive knowledge and skill to each procedure. His father, Dr. Dennis Maehara, has built a legacy of high-quality care over the past 30 years, serving the Honolulu community with a focus on eye health and cosmetic treatments.

If you want to address your crow’s feet, contact Maehara Eye Surgery & Laser today. Call 808-955-3937 to schedule your consultation and learn more about how Dysport can help you look your best.

Who is a Candidate for Corneal Transplant Surgery?

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A corneal transplant replaces a damaged or diseased cornea with healthy tissue from a donor. The procedure aims to improve vision, relieve pain, and treat severe infections or damage.

During surgery, your eye surgeon removes and replaces the central part of your cornea with the donor cornea. This surgery may restore clear vision and enhance the quality of life for those with corneal conditions.

Recovery varies, but many patients experience significant improvements in vision over time. Your eye doctor will guide you through the post-surgery care process to ensure the best results.

Medical Conditions Requiring Corneal Transplant

Several conditions may necessitate a corneal transplant—keratoconus, where the cornea thins and bulges into a cone shape, distorts vision. Corneal scarring from injury or infection can cloud vision, making daily activities difficult.

Fuchs’ dystrophy causes swelling and clouding of the cornea, leading to blurred vision and discomfort. Other conditions include corneal ulcers and severe corneal infections.

If you experience severe corneal damage, vision problems, or pain from these conditions, a corneal transplant might be recommended. Symptoms include blurred vision, sensitivity to light, eye pain, and distorted vision, all of which can impact your daily life.

Evaluating Candidacy for Corneal Transplant Surgery

Doctors consider several factors to determine if you are a suitable candidate for a corneal transplant. Overall health is crucial, as conditions like uncontrolled diabetes or infections can affect surgery outcomes.

Eye health, including the condition of other parts of the eye, plays a significant role. Your doctor may suggest other treatments or surgeries before recommending a corneal transplant.

Comprehensive eye exams and a medical history review will help make this decision. If a corneal transplant is advised, your doctor will guide you through the preparation and recovery process to achieve the best possible outcome.

Pre-surgery evaluations include assessing corneal thickness and overall eye health to ensure that a corneal transplant is the best option for you.

Schedule a Corneal Transplant Consultation in Honolulu, HI

Ready to explore if a corneal transplant is right for you? Schedule a consultation with Jeffrey Maehara, MD, at Maehara Eye Surgery & Laser in Honolulu, HI, today. 

Dr. Maehara will provide personalized care to help restore your vision. Call us at 808-955-3937 to book your appointment. Let us guide you towards clearer vision and improved eye health.

What Eye Conditions Can Medical Marijuana Assist With?

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Medical marijuanaMedical marijuana has been growing in popularity for treating a variety of physical and mental health concerns. Part of what makes it so beneficial for treatment is its versatility. Medical marijuana can be used to alleviate a range of symptoms, including anxiety, pain and discomfort, difficulty eating, and more.

Medical marijuana is legal in Hawaii with a State 329 Medical Marijuana license card. Any patient interested in using medical marijuana must have a 329 medical card. Thankfully, Jeffrey Maehara, MD, can perform consultations and complete applications for a medical marijuana card in Honolulu, HI.

If you’re interested in utilizing medical marijuana for an eye condition, keep reading to learn more about the qualifying conditions and how to apply for a license.

What Eye Conditions Can Medical Marijuana Assist in Treating?

Medical marijuana can be used to treat eye conditions that cause intraocular pressure (IOP), such as glaucoma, by reducing pressure and increasing comfort.

A medical marijuana license may also be granted to patients with cancer, lupus, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and mental health conditions such as PTSD and anxiety.

Medical marijuana is frequently used for these conditions to assist with nausea, pain, and appetite. However, it can also be useful for those who have debilitating medical conditions such as seizures and muscle spasms.

How to Register for a State 329 Medical Marijuana License

If you are interested in the State 329 Medical Marijuana license, the first step is to check to see if your condition or symptoms are on the list of qualifying medical conditions. Then, you can fill out and turn in your application. This may involve supplying medical records, doctor’s notes, and other documentation. Once the application has been submitted, Dr. Maehara will schedule a consultation with you. During this time, he’ll discuss your condition with you and determine if medical marijuana would be beneficial. If so, he can complete your application and submit it to the State for final approval. Your card should arrive in the mail shortly after.

Apply for a Medical Marijuana License Today

Learn more about the benefits of medical marijuana as well as how to apply for a license by contacting Jeffrey Maehard in Honolulu, HI. Call our office today at 808-955-3937 or request a consultation online.

Cataract surgery

Cataract Surgery: How It Can Benefit You

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Cataracts can have a profound effect on your eyesight and negatively impact your ability to see clearly. Living with cataracts can blur your vision and take out the enjoyment in life. With today’s technologies and treatments, however, you are able to protect your eyesight and improve your vision.

At Maehara Eye Surgery & Laser, our professional team of doctors have expertise in numerous different types of eye surgeries, with one of them being cataract surgery. During this surgery, we remove the clouded lens and replace it with a clear artificial lens called an intraocular lens (IOL). We want to restore your vision and bring back the joy in your life!

How Do Cataracts Affect My Vision?

In an eye where cataracts are not present, light enters and travels through the lens. This lens then focuses the light into a sharp and detailed image on the retina, which then relays the message and picture through the optic nerve to the brain. 

In an eye where cataracts are present, the lens will be cloudy, covered with a thin and painless film. This cataract will then block light, which distorts the image being sent to your brain. Cataracts can affect your vision with blurriness, sensitivity to glare, and cause second sight. If not treated, cataracts can also eventually lead to blindness.

When Do I Know Cataract Surgery Is Right For Me?

Cataracts can affect different people at different speeds, so it’s important to keep note of the side effects and symptoms. When your eyesight begins to deteriorate and it is difficult to see things that you once viewed with ease on a day to day basis, then it is a good time for cataract surgery. 

Nobody enjoys having blurred vision and difficulty seeing, as this can make simple day to day tasks such as driving and grocery shopping difficult. Reclaim your freedom by removing your cataracts. 

We’ve Got You Covered

At Maehara Eye Surgery & Laser, we offer affordable and reliable eye care, as well as surgical procedures handled by only the best surgeons. Eye Doctor Jeffery Maehara has studied under some of the world’s top LASIK and refractive surgeons. 

With extensive experience in numerous eye surgery procedures, including cataract surgery, Dr. Maehara brings the experience and knowledge you are looking for. Call us today at 808-955-3937, or visit www.maeharaeyes.com to schedule an appointment. 

middle aged woman wearing sunglasses and straw hat while standing at balcony

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.

Asian senior couple wear brown aprons are holding red cookies cutters in heart shape over their eyes

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.

What you can do to reduce computer eye strain

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Smartphones and laptops are a way of life today, and it’s hard to go a day without staring at a screen for several hours for your job or leisure time. But all this screen time can lead to computer eye strain and can affect how you see and feel. 

Symptoms

It’s important to recognize the symptoms of computer eye strain. Eye fatigue and blurry or double vision are common symptoms, as are dry, itching, burning or watery eyes. You may also experience light sensitivity, a headache or neck, shoulder and back pain. 

Treatment

Thankfully, there are several things you can do to reduce or prevent computer eye strain.

  • Limit screen time. It’s difficult to do so nowadays, but if it’s possible, take frequent breaks from your screen throughout the day to give your eyes a break and relieve the discomfort of digital eye strain.
  • Follow what experts call the “20-20-20 rule.” This means that every 20 minutes, you look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds to help give your eyes a break and readjust after screen time. If it helps, put a reminder in your phone calendar to help prompt you to take these little breaks throughout the day. 
  • You may need lubricating eye drops to help restore moisture to your eyes. There are several over-the-counter options, or you can ask your doctor to make a recommendation. 
  • Some people find relief from wearing computer glasses or special glasses that have an anti-reflective coating and are designed for when you work on the computer. 
  • Reduce any glare or reflection, which makes it more difficult to read your computer screen. Using a desk lamp and turning off overhead lights can help. 
  • Position your computer monitor about an arm’s length away from your face, and keep the top of the screen slightly below eye level to reduce computer eye strain. While you’re positioning your monitor, adjust the brightness of your screen to be the same brightness as the room you’re working in. 

To learn more about how to reduce or prevent computer eye strain and improve your eye health, call 808.955.3937 to schedule an appointment.