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

The Safety and Effectiveness of Bladeless LASIK

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

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?

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?

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

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

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

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

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.

Protecting your eyes from the sun year-round

So much attention is given to protecting your skin in the sun, but it’s just as important to protect your eyes from the sun. Dangerous ultraviolet radiation from the sun can damage your eyes and delicate skin surrounding them. Read on to learn more about eye health and sun exposure and what you can do to protect your eyes.

Eye conditions related to sun exposure

UV radiation is a cause of several serious eye conditions. At least 10 percent of cataract cases can be attributed to UV exposure, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. Cataracts cloud and yellow the lens of your eye, leading to progressive vision loss and blindness. Macular degeneration is a common cause of vision loss for people over the age of 60. It’s due to cumulative UV damage to the central portion of the retina.

Did you know you can sunburn your eye? UV exposure can cause a corneal sunburn, called keratitis. The cornea is the clear surface that admits light and images to the retina. This condition occurs in skiers and hikers because of how the sun reflects off of water, snow and ice.

Conjunctival eye cancers were once rare but are increasing, especially in older people.

Damage to the eyelids

UVA and UVB rays from the sun and indoor tanning produce DNA changes that can cause premature aging on the skin around your eyes and can lead to skin cancer on the eyelids. Eyelid skin cancer most often occurs on the lower lid because it receives the most sun exposure. Eyelid cancers usually respond well to surgery and post-surgical care when diagnosed and treated early. Left untreated, eyelid cancers can cause tissue damage and blindness.

How to protect your eyes in the sun

There are simple things you can do to protect your eyes and skin every day while also enjoying the outdoors:

  • First and foremost, wear sunglasses that block 99-100 percent of UVA and UVB light. Make sure you wear them anytime you are out in the sun and year-round as sun damage can occur any time of year. Also, be aware that the sun’s harmful rays can pass through clouds, so wear sunglasses even when there’s cloud cover.
  • Wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face and the top of your head.
  • Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher. Select one that is safe and for your face and eyes.
  • Seek shade whenever possible. The sun is most intense between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

If you’re experiencing problems with your eyes, call 808.955.3937 today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Jeffrey Maehara at Maehara Eye Surgery & Laser.

6 simple steps to improve your eye health

It’s essential to be good to your eyes, especially as you age. Even if your eyes feel healthy and you don’t wear glasses or contacts, you need to think about how to maintain and improve your eye health. Here are six simple steps you can take to keep your eyes healthy and stave off age-related vision problems for as long as possible:

Eat a well-balanced diet. Eating well has many health benefits. Nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, lutein, zinc and vitamins C and E may help prevent or delay the onset of vision problems such as cataracts or macular degeneration. Green leafy vegetables, oily fish such as salmon and tuna, eggs, nuts, beans and oranges or other citrus fruits are easy ways to get those essential vitamins and nutrients.

Maintain a healthy weight. Obesity can increase your risk for type 2 diabetes, which is a leading cause of cataracts and diabetic retinopathy, which can cause vision loss and blindness in adults.

Watch your blood pressure. High blood pressure can increase your risk of some eye diseases such as hypertensive retinopathy. This is when hypertension causes damage to the blood vessels in the retina of the eye.

Quit smoking. Smoking makes you more prone to getting cataracts and other eye diseases. Talk to your doctor about smoking cessation programs and medications to help you kick the habit.

Wear sunglasses and wide-brimmed hats. Protecting your eyes from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays is an easy way to maintain eye health, as too much UV exposure increases your chances of cataracts and macular degeneration. Sunglasses that block 99-100% of UVA and UVB rays are most helpful. Polarized lenses are designed to reduce glare while you’re driving.

Take a break from your computer and phone. Staring at a computer or phone screen for too long can cause eye strain, blurry vision, dry eyes, trouble focusing at a distance, and more. Be sure you take breaks every 20 minutes to rest your eyes. Look 20 feet away for 20 seconds at a time.

Get an eye exam. Regular eye exams are essential to staying on top of any problems and spotting any diseases and conditions early, when they’re easier to treat. To learn more about improving the health of your eyes, schedule your next exam with Dr. Jeffrey Maehara at Maehara Eye Surgery & Laser today by calling 808.955.3937