Eye Health Issues: Dry Eyes

Posted on May 2, 2012 by mgarfield

Dallas LASIK One of the most common eye health issues is dry eye. Dry eyes, an uncomfortable condition caused by the failure of the tear ducts to provide adequate moisture to the eyes, affects many people. Fortunately, there are solutions, and here, Dallas LASIK surgeon, Dr. Gary Tylock, offers suggestions for combating dry eyes and improving your eye health.

Tears provide constant moisture and lubrication, to promote eye health and comfort. A mixture of water, oil, mucus, antibodies, and special proteins, tears are secreted by special glands around the eye. An imbalance in this system can cause dry eyes, which can manifest itself as pain, sensitivity to light, a sensation of grit or sand in the eyes, itching, redness, and blurred vision. One confusing symptom of dry eye is excess tears, which seems contradictory, but is easily explained. When the eye is not getting enough lubrication, it sends a distress signal to the nervous system, and the response is a rush of tears. These “emergency” tears are mostly water, so while they will wash away debris, they are not good for coating the surface of the eye.

An imbalance in the eye is not the only thing that causes dry eyes. Conditions that can cause dry eyes include aging, illness, medications, and structural problems with the eyelids. Though dry eyes cannot be cured, a number of treatments can alleviate symptoms.

  • Artificial tears can come in drop or ointment formulation. They are available over the counter, and different drops work for different people, so you may have to experiment to find the one that is right for you. If you have chronic dry eye, you should use them even when you are not experiencing symptoms, to keep your eyes lubricated. An ointment can be used for those whose eyes dry out at night.
  • Punctal occlusion is a procedure that involves closing the tear ducts.
    • For temporary punctual occlusion, a plug is inserted into the lower lid tear drains. This plug can be removed, or may dissolve in a few days.
    • Permanent punctual occlusion uses longer lasting plugs. Contrary to what the name suggests, they can be removed, if desired.
    • Restasis is a recently approved prescription eye drop. Approved by the FDA for the treatment of chronic dry eye, Restasis is the only prescription eye drop that helps your eyes produce their own teardrops.
    • Other medications, like topical steroids, can sometimes be effective.
    • Surgery may be necessary to improve your eye health. Your doctor can permanently close the ducts that drain tears into the nose, in an outpatient surgery, with local anesthetic.

Whether your issue is dry eyes, poor vision, or another eye health issue, Tylock Eye Care and Laser Center can help. Under the supervision of pioneering Dallas LASIK surgeon, Dr Gary Tylock, the professional and friendly staff at Tylock provides excellent customer care, using the latest in technological advances. Visit the website to learn more, or connect with the online community on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.

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Allergies and Your Eye Health

Posted on April 27, 2012 by mgarfield

Allergies and eye infections can be troublesome, particularly in the spring. Pollen can be the culprit in both cases, and pollen is at its peak from May to July, so relief from itchy, watery eyes may not be in sight any time soon. Dr. Gary Tylock, a Dallas LASIK surgeon, offers some advice on dealing with allergies and eye health. Dallas LASIK

  • Mind the pollen count. The newspaper, television, radio, and internet give pollen counts, so be aware of them, and you may be able to prevent allergy eyes by staying indoors. When the pollen count is high, ask someone to mow your lawn, if possible, and stay away from wooded areas.
  • Take preventive measures. Wear protective sunglasses to help keep pollen out of your eyes, wash your hands and face immediately after coming inside, and shower before bed to avoid sleeping in pollen. Be aware that allergies and eye infections are often linked, because allergic conjunctivitis can make someone more susceptible to viral and bacterial infections, which can lead to corneal ulcers. If your eyes are runny and itchy, and otc allergy eye drops do not provide relief, see your doctor before a serious condition develops.
  • Keep it out of your house. Keep your doors and windows closed, and vacuum regularly, preferably with a vacuum that has a HEPA filter. Damp dust often, and leave your shoes at the door. Allergies and eye infections can be minimized by keeping a clean house.
  • Consider allergy eye drops. The best allergy eye drops contain antihistamines to calm eye allergies, but there are also allergy eye drops that merely wash out the eye. A visit to your doctor may get you a prescription for an allergy eye drop, but you can buy allergy eye drops otc that may work fine. Ask your doctor for recommendations, to help relieve your allergies- eyes, nose, and all.

If you are ready to seek medical attention for your allergies and eye issues, consider Tylock eye care and Laser Center. Under the supervision of pioneering LASIK surgeon, Dr. Gary Tylock, the professional and friendly staff at Tylock provides excellent patient care with the latest in technology. For more information, visit the website, or connect with the online community on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.

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LASIK Safety: Certifications for LASIK Surgeons and What They Mean

Posted on April 20, 2012 by mgarfield

LASIK is one of the most popular outpatient surgery in the nation, but even though laser eye surgery risks are minimal, patients should be careful to choose a surgeon concerned with LASIK safety. A big part of LASIK safety is choosing a physician with extensive experience in laser eye surgery, who is also well respected by peers. This means going beyond the stated claims, and looking closely at the certifications held by the doctors you are considering. Dallas LASIK surgeon, Dr. Gary Tylock, a pioneer in the field of LASIK eye surgery, explains what the various certifications mean. Dallas LASIK

  • Being certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology requires physicians to complete specific training and continuing education related to the specialty. The ABO is an independent, non-profit organization responsible for certifying eye physicians and surgeons in the United States, including those who specialize in LASIK surgery. The first American Board established to certify medical specialists, it is one of 24 specialty Boards recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties and the American Medical Association.
  •  The American Academy of Ophthalmology was founded in 1896, and is the largest national membership medical association of ophthalmologists–medical doctors specializing in eye care and surgery including medical, surgical and optical care. The Academy has more than three thousand members, but in order to be a Fellow of the Academy, a doctor must meet more stringent requirements, and have contributed to his chosen field of study.
  • American Society of Cataract & Refractive Surgeons was founded in 1974, and is dedicated to advancing the art and science of anterior segment surgery. With the rapid advancements in technology and clinical science, ACRS strives to keep surgeons up to date by providing educational programs, publications, and on-line resources. The primary source of information for many physicians, the ASCRS helps improve LASIK safety through education.
  • The International Society of Refractive Surgeons  is an international organization of eye care professionals. Initially a collaboration of four refractive surgery pioneers, the ISRS is dedicated to the scientific study of refractive surgery  and  the dissemination of knowledge to colleagues worldwide , all while adhering to strict scientific protocols to ensure LASIK safety.

One of the top LASIK surgeons in the country, Dr. Gary Tylock has been instrumental in refining various laser vision correction procedures that are used to improve vision worldwide. In his twenty-five years of practice, his concern for LASIK safety has not wavered, and his patients’ well being is his primary concern. He is a pioneering surgeon, and was involved in the creation of one of the country’s first excimer lasers designed for the LASIK procedure. He is a board certified surgeon, certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology, and taught surgical techniques as an Associate Clinical Professor at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas for over twenty years. The former chief of staff at Pioneer Park Medical Center, he is also a Fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, and an active member of the American Society of Cataract & Refractive Surgeons and the International Society of Refractive Surgeons. For more information on Dr. Tylock, or the Tylock Eye Care and Laser Center, visit the website, or join the online community on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.

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Eyewear Technology to Improve Your Golf Game

Posted on April 13, 2012 by mgarfield

Most golfers are eager to improve their golf skills, but many are unaware that new eyewear technology can help.  For many golfers, the first step is LASIK. After your LASIK, you should take the extra steps to improve your game and protect your eyes with advanced technology. While you may consider golf to be a game of skill, it is also a game that requires a high level of visual acuity. Here, prominent Dallas LASIK surgeon, Dr. Gary Tylock, details some of the newer eyewear technology to improve your game. eyewear technology

  • Photochromics: These lenses react to ultraviolet light, in order to adapt to the lighting conditions outdoors.
  • Polarization: This is eyewear technology that blocks light from a reflective surface, such as water or grass. This can be extremely helpful in golfing, because of the reduced glare, which makes it easier to focus. One drawback to polarized lenses, though, is that they make things appear flatter, so it may be harder to navigate the greens.
  • Color and darkness lenses: Tints like amber or brown can raise the contrast between the ball, the green, and the sky, while lenses that absorb blue can help you read the greens and watch the ball in the air. For true color perception, try gray or green-gray tints.

This type of eyewear technology can improve your vision, and your golf score. While it is more expensive for people who wear glasses than for those who wear contacts, contact wearers face their own challenges, because conditions on the course may lead to discomfort for those wearing contact lenses. The best way to find the eyewear technology that works best for you is to consult your eye doctor.

Whether you are looking to improve your golf game, or your quality of life, eye health is important. If you want to learn more about the latest in eyewear technology, or simply schedule your annual eye exam, Tylock Eye Care and Laser Center can help. Under the direction of pioneering LASIK surgeon, Dr. Gary Tylock, the professional staff is committed to promoting eye health through exceptional customer care. Visit the website to learn more, or connect with the online community on Facebook and Twitter.

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Improve Your Vision to Improve Your Golf Game

Posted on April 4, 2012 by mgarfield

If you are like most golfers, you are probably looking for ways to improve your golf game. Many golfing tips focus on things like swing and stance, but what if your vision is the problem? Here, Dallas LAISK surgeon, Dr. Gary Tylock explains how to go about improving your golf game by improving your vision. Improve Your Golf Game

  • Refine your focus.  As any golfer knows, the hole is the ultimate goal of any putt, and the purpose of any golf tip. Getting your ball into the hole requires you to focus on a small target, so in order to improve your golf game, you need to strengthen your visual acuity. Try drawing a black dot on your golf ball. This will get you accustomed to focusing on something very small, and help you make better contact with the ball when you putt.
  • Make sure your vision is at its best. Even if you have good vision, you should have it checked regularly, to make sure there is no room for improvement. If your vision needs to be tweaked to be the best it can be, you can fix it and improve your golf game.
  • Use the proper eyewear. Conditions on the golf course can cause eyestrain, and make you squint. Squinting tenses your muscles and negatively impacts your peripheral vision, which is not helpful if you are trying to improve your golf game. Wearing protective eyewear, like sunglasses, can help.

Whether you are looking to improve your golf game, considering LASIK, or just in need of an annual checkup, Tylock Eye Care and LASIK Center can help. Led by pioneering LASIK surgeon, Dr. Gary Tylock, Tylock’s staff is committed to promoting eye health through quality customer care. Check out the website for more information, or join the online community on Facebook and Twitter.

 

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Recognize the Symptoms of Eye Strain

Posted on March 30, 2012 by mgarfield

Because it is a common condition, particularly among those who read, work at a computer, or drive a car for extended amounts of time, it is important to know the symptoms of eye strain. The condition is not usually serious, but sometimes it can mean a deeper problem, for which you may need to seek professional attention. Tylock Eye Care and Laser Center, a Dallas LASIK provider, has the answers you need about eye strain symptoms.

Symptoms of eye strain include sore, tired, itchy, or burning eyes, watery or dry eyes, symptoms of eye strainblurred vision, sore neck, sore back, shoulder pain, and sensitivity to light. Computer use can aggravate the condition, and additional computer eye strain symptoms include difficulty shifting your focus from paper to monitor, and seeing afterimages when you look away from the computer. If you develop an eye strain headache, a noticeable change in vision, eye discomfort or double vision, and you cannot get these symptoms to go away, you should see an eye doctor.

 

Computer eye strain is one of the most common types of eye strain, but there are other causes as well. Reading for extended times, especially in dim light, and any other activity that involves intense focus for long periods can cause eye strain and eye strain headache symptoms. You are more likely to develop symptoms of eye strain if you are stressed or fatigued, if the air is extremely dry, or if you have an underlying eye problem. If you are not aware of an underlying problem, but you have symptoms, eye strain may be the reason you need to seek medical attention, and rule out deeper issues.

 

Often, symptoms of eye strain can be alleviated with home care. Consider these modifications to your behavior, and you may find relief:

  • Make sure your light source is sufficient, especially during close up work. Keep the light from shining directly in your eyes, and make sure it is not shining on your computer in a way that creates glare.
  • Adjust your computer monitor. For those with eye strain symptoms, computer placement is key. It should be at least twenty inches from your eyes, with the top of your screen at eye level or below.
  • Keep your reference materials nearby. Keeping reference materials on the same level as your monitor can keep you from having to constantly readjust your eyes.
  • Take frequent breaks. Follow the 20/20/20 rule, and take a 20 second break from the screen every 20 minutes, focusing on something 20 feet away. Get up and move around at least every hour, and close your eyes for a few minutes, if possible. Keeping your eyes trained on something for a long period is exhausting, and trained eyes quickly become strained.
  • Keep your eyes lubricated. Prolonged computer use can lead to symptoms of dry eye. Make a conscious effort to blink more and, if that does not work, consider artificial tears.

 

If none of these home remedies help, contact your eye doctor. He can provide you with eye strain treatment, and may suggest corrective lenses or eye exercises.

 

Whether or not you suffer from symptoms of eye strain, it is recommended that you have your eyes checked regularly, to prevent small issues from becoming larger problems. Tylock Eye Care and Laser Center, under the direction of pioneering LASIK surgeon, Dr. Gary Tylock, benefits from over twenty-five years of experience. The competent staff is committed to exceptional customer care, and dedicated to improving your eye health. Visit the website for more information or, for a deeper connection, join the online community on Facebook and Twitter.

 

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Eye Health: The Risks of Costume Contacts

Posted on March 23, 2012 by mgarfield

Sometimes, in our quest to achieve a certain look, we do not give much thought to our eye health. This is particularly true in the case of costume contacts. Decorative contacts are a cool and trendy fad, and allow people to achieve amazing fantasy looks, but they can have consequences. Here, a respected Dallas LASIK surgeon discusses the risks to your eye health posed by costume contacts.  eye health

Part of the problem with costume contacts is that they are marketed to teenagers, particularly teenaged girls. They are advertised as if they were cosmetics, with playful packaging and brand names, but the reality is that buying any kind of contact lens without a prescription can be risky to your eye health. Some of these lenses are not even FDA approved.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology, together with the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus and the Contact Lens Association of Ophthalmologists, has recently initiated an effort to warn parents and teenagers of the dangers of purchasing contact lenses without an eye exam and prescription. To purchase them without an examination and a prescription can cause serious eye problems, including eye infection and even blindness. The wrong contacts can cause scarring that may be permanent, and can lead to a need for corneal transplant.

Contact lenses are not cosmetics or props; they are medical devices. As such, they require proper fitting by a professional, trained in eye health services. Consumers may get the idea that they are safe, because they are sold on line, but in fact, manufacturers are only allowed by law to sell them to licensed eye care professionals. As with anything related to your eye health, like eye health supplements or vitamins for eye health, you should schedule an appointment with your eye doctor for information, and only purchase decorative lenses from an eye care professional or a seller who requires a prescription.

Preserving your natural eye health is of the utmost importance. If you are in the Dallas area, and have questions about cosmetic contacts, supplements for eye health, or even LASIK surgery, contact the Tylock Eye Care and Laser Center. Led by pioneering Dallas LASIK surgeon, Dr. Gary Tylock, the Tylock Center staff is committed to excellence in customer care, and focused on promoting eye health. With financing for those without eye health insurance, Tylock can meet your eye health needs. Visit the website to learn more, or connect with the online community on Facebook and Twitter.

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What Does LASIK Correct?

Posted on March 15, 2012 by mgarfield

LASIK eye surgery is one of the most common surgical procedures, but many wonder, “What does LASIK correct?”  To answer this question, you need to have an understanding of the eye, and how LASIK works. Tylock Eye Care and Laser Center, Dallas LASIK specialists led by Dr. Gary Tylock, have the answers you need to understand LASIK.dallas lasik

The human eye works something like a camera. Light enters the eye through the cornea, and as it does, it is bent or refracted. This bent light travels through the pupil and into the lens, which fine-tunes the focus of light into the retina. The retina turns the light into electrical impulses, which travel along the optic nerve to the brain where the image is interpreted. The curvature of your cornea, the power of your lens, and the length of your eye can all influence the way your eye bends lights. Problems with the way that your eye focuses light are called refractive errors, and they can manifest in different conditions.

  • Myopia, or nearsightedness, means that you are able to see well close up, but have inadequate distance vision. This condition occurs when the corneas refract too much light.
  • Hyperopia, or farsightedness, is the inability to see very well close up. Though many people who are hyperopic can see clearly at a distance, some cannot. This condition is caused by corneas that do not refract enough light.
  • Astigmatism is an irregularly shaped cornea or natural lens. This prevents the image on the retina from coming into focus.

What does LASIK correct? It can correct any of the above conditions, provided the condition is within certain parameters. With LASIK, the surgeon creates a corneal flap, and then uses lasers to correct the problem in the eye. One condition it cannot correct is presbyopia because is caused by the natural aging process, which affects the lens and the eye muscles. Because LASIK does not deal with the musculature of the eyes or the lenses, it is not a solution for presbyopia.

 

If you want to know more about LASIK, you could not find a more knowledgeable source than Dallas LASIK surgeon, Dr. Gary Tylock. One of the most experienced refractive surgeons in the United States; Dr. Tylock is the head of the Tylock Eye Care and Laser Center. Contact Tylock for more information on refractive surgery, or connect with the online community on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

 

 

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LASIK Results: How Much Improvement Should I Expect?

Posted on March 9, 2012 by mgarfield

Refractive surgery has become commonplace, and with a good surgeon, LASIK results should be easily predictable. An experienced surgeon should be able to give you information not only about the procedure, risks, and recovery, but also about how much improvement you should expect. Here, Dallas LASIK surgeon, Dr. Gary Tylock offers an expert opinion on LASIK results.LASIK results

  • Like any medical procedure, refractive surgery carries risk, and its outcome depends on several factors. In other words, it is important to make sure your expectations are realistic.  That being said, many patients find their LASIK results to be nothing short of a miracle, enabling them to go without contact lenses or glasses for the first time in years. Some patients even experience better than 20/20 vision.
  • The best LASIK results come from a doctor with experience and cutting-edge equipment. The field of ophthalmology is rapidly evolving, and the lasers used in refractive surgery are constantly improving. Find a surgeon who keeps up to date with the latest technology, and you will have a distinct advantage. In Dallas, LASIK surgeon Gary Tylock is a pioneer in the field, who not only keeps up with innovative technology, but has also been instrumental in developing it.
  • LASIK does not promise perfect vision, but reduces the dependence on glasses and contacts. Even if you do not have refractive surgery, your eyesight will change slightly over time. If you do have the procedure, your eyes may still change slightly, not because of a flaw in the procedure, but because of the natural aging process. Most patients do not experience enough change to warrant another procedure.

If you have more questions about LASIK results, or any other aspects of refractive surgery, contact the Tylock Eye Care and Laser Center. One of the leading eye care clinics in the country, Tylock is committed to customer care, and the helpful staff will be happy to answer your questions. For a deeper connection, join the online community on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

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Cataract Eye Surgery: Lens Implant Options

Posted on March 3, 2012 by mgarfield

Cataract eye surgery has been around for centuries. In fact, there is reference to cataract surgeries as far back as 29AD. Obviously, the procedures used in cataract eye surgery have greatly improved over the years, and today it is one of the most common procedures in the United States, utilizing lens implants to improve vision. It is safe and effective, and has a high rate of success. In Dallas, LASIK surgeon Dr. Gary Tylock offers a few different lens implant options for patients with cataracts.cataract eye surgery

  • “Advanced Technology Intraocular Lens Implants”are designed to allow for continuous vision up close, far away, and all distances in between. These implants can restore vision and reduce the need for glasses. The ReZoom®, ReSTOR®, and Crystalens AO® are all advanced technology intraocular lens implants used by the Tylock clinic.
    • ReZoom® implants are clear, foldable implants made of a high-refractive acrylic and designed with multifocal zones. They are able to provide good vision in different light conditions and at varying distances.
    • ReSTOR® acts like two lenses in one, with a refractive lens for distance vision, and another that focuses near vision with a set of graduated rings in the center of the implant. This implant allows patients to read, write, and play cards with minimal need for reading glasses.
    • Crystalens AO® uses a pair of hinges, one on each side of the central optic, which is the focusing part of the implant. Working naturally with your eyes’ muscles, these hinges allow the implant optic to move in order to accommodate focusing on objects near, far, and in between.
    • Standard “Single Vision Implants” provide vision at a fixed at distance vision and do not have the ability to provide a full range of near or intermediate vision. That is why the Tylock Eye Care and Laser Center offers advanced technology intraocular lens implants in their cataract eye surgery.

Though cataract eye surgery is safe and effective, it is not completely risk free. Fortunately, the risks of complications are rare, since the procedure is very common, with more than forty million procedures having been performed over the past twenty-five years. IT is important to find a competent surgeon, with experience and skill, to give you a thorough examination and inform you of any risk you might face.

For more information on cataract eye surgery or LASIK, contact the Tylock Eye Care and Laser Center. Led by pioneering refractive surgeon, Dr. Gary Tylock, this Dallas LASIK clinic offers unparalleled technology and experience, with careful attention to patients. Visit the Tylock website, or join the online community on Facebook, Twitter, and Linked In.

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