Newsom Eye

How to Prepare for LASIK Surgery

LASIK surgery is usually performed on an outpatient basis. The procedure itself takes about 30 minutes, and recovery is generally quick. By properly preparing for the surgery, you can avoid last-minute delays and give yourself the best chance of an easy recovery. If you’re scheduled for a LASIK procedure, here are some things you can do to get ready:

Stop Wearing Contacts
You will need to switch to glasses a few weeks before your surgery. Contacts can change the shape of your cornea, which makes obtaining accurate measurements difficult. By leaving them behind a few weeks before LASIK, your eyes will have time to recover. Your surgeon will have his or her own preferences about how long you should be contact-free before surgery. Be sure to follow his or her advice closely; failing to do so could cause your surgery to be rescheduled.

Avoid Eye Creams and Make-Up
Your surgeon won’t be able to perform your LASIK if you’re wearing eye creams or eye make-up. You will need to avoid both starting at least the day before your surgery, as they could leave dangerous debris around your eyes. Your surgeon may advise you to abstain for longer, so be sure to follow his or her protocols. You may also be asked to start cleaning your eyelashes in the days before the surgery. This is to lower the risk of infection and to get rid of any trapped debris.

Organize a Ride
You won’t be able to drive right after LASIK. Your vision will be blurry and any sedatives you take for the procedure may still be in your system. Bring someone with you to your surgery so they can drive you home afterward.

Choosing the right surgeon is the first step in preparing for LASIK. At Newsom Eye, our lead surgeon has performed thousands of procedures and can help you say goodbye to glasses and contacts for good. Book a consultation today by calling (888) 380-5289.

A Look at the Advanced Surgical Technology Offered by Newsom Eye

You should not compromise when it comes to laser eye surgery. For the best outcome, you have to demand the best surgeon and technology. That is exactly what we offer at Newsom Eye. We use only the latest LASIK technology delivered in a true surgical environment. Here are some of the pieces of technology that set Newsom Eye apart:

IntraLase Femtosecond Laser
LASIK surgery performed with blades is the least expensive option, but it is also the most unpredictable. At Newsom Eye, we use the IntraLase Femtosecond Laser to perform the first step in LASIK surgery which is to create a flap in the surface of your eye. Not only does the laser give us greater accuracy than blades, the beveled edge of the laser allows patients’ eyes to heal faster. This laser allows us to make the smallest cuts possible for your procedure, minimizing the risks of post-operative complications.

Allegretto Wave Laser
The Allegretto Wave laser is the gold standard for LASIK treatment. This world-class laser is responsible for more 20/20 vision outcomes than any other laser on the market. The Allegretto Wave allows a vast amount of personalization during treatment, allowing us to tailor your surgery to your specific needs. With the Allegretto Wave, you will get the best possible results from your surgery.

Operating Standards
It is extremely common for LASIK surgeons to perform procedures within their offices. At Newsom Eye, we think this falls below the standard of safety that you and your eye health deserves. We perform LASIK at the Tampa Surgery Center, which is accredited by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health. This is the highest accolade an outpatient surgery center can receive. Your LASIK surgery will be performed under the same sterilization standards as any other kind of surgery by a complete surgical team consisting of an anesthesia provider, registered nurses, and certified technicians.   

At Newsom Eye, our surgeon also helps set up apart from other eye surgery centers. Dr. Newsom trained at the world-famous Mayo Clinic and has performed tens of thousands of vision correction procedures. Learn more about how Newsom Eye can help you regain clear vision by scheduling a consultation. Call us at (888) 380-5289 if you have any questions.

Your Guide to Refractive Errors

A vast number of vision problems are caused by refractive errors. These errors all involve the way the corneas, pupils, and lenses reflect light to the cornea. Depending on the nature of the refractive error, seeing things close up or far away may become difficult.

Watch this video to learn more about different types of refractive errors. There are four main kinds: myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, and presbyopia. In all cases, glasses or contacts are used to correct the error. Some patients opt for LASIK surgery to achieve permanent relief from refractive errors.

At Newsom Eye, we specialize in LASIK surgery, and can help you see clearly again without the need for glasses or contacts. Learn more about the services at our Tampa eye surgery center by calling (888) 380-5289.

Understanding How Your Diet Can Reduce Your Risk for Cataracts

The risk for developing cataracts increases with age so dramatically that cataract removal surgery is one of the top procedures performed in the U.S. Doctors speculate that these surgeries could be reduced by up to 45% if the onset of cataracts could be delayed for 10 years. Skipping cigarettes, wearing protective eyewear, and controlling diabetes can all reduce your risk of developing cataracts, but one of the biggest impacts you can make on your eye health is eating a healthy diet. Certain antioxidants have been shown to be effective in preventing or slowing cataract development. Here is what you need to know:

Vitamins C and E
Although there are conflicting studies, there have been some findings that indicate that these vitamins may slow the onset of cataracts. People who eat diets rich in vitamin C have a lower risk for cataracts, and people who take vitamin C and E supplements for at least 10 years have slower-progressing cataracts than other patients. Using vitamin E supplements for just one year may reduce the severity of cataracts. Citrus fruits, green peppers, and tomatoes are top vitamin C sources. Vitamin E can be found in almonds, peanuts, sunflower seeds, and safflower oil.

Lutein and Zeaxanthin
Lutein and zeaxanthin are types of antioxidants called carotenoids. Diets rich in these nutrients are associated with a lower risk of cataracts, slower cataract development.  Patients who experienced these benefits ate a combined total of at least 6 milligrams of these nutrients daily. Lutein and zeaxanthin are in kale, collards, spinach, peas, orange peppers, broccoli, and tangerines. Talk to your doctor about taking supplements of these nutrients to further protect your eyes.

Without treatment, cataracts can lead to blindness. Don’t compromise your vision health. At Newsom Eye we offer the most comprehensive eye care available in Tampa Bay.  Whether you need a routine check-up and new glasses or complex ocular surgery, whether you need treatment for your child, yourself or your parents, we can help with expert care. Call our office at (888) 380-5289 to schedule a visit and to learn about our surgical eye care specialties.

Daytime Segment with Glaucoma Patient Debra Schril!