Newsom Eye

A Quick Look at the History of LASIK

Although LASIK surgery is now recognized as a popular and secure form of eye surgery, many people do not realize how or when this revolutionary technology originated in the U.S. Over the span of about 20 years, LASIK technology has been refined and perfected to provide a permanent solution to a variety of vision problems. Take a look below to learn more about the development of LASIK care and see why it remains the cutting-edge in laser-based eye surgery:

The Beginning
LASIK is an anagram for “laser in situ keratomileusis,” which derives from its use of a laser to manipulate the eye underneath the cornea. The excimer laser technology was developed throughout the 1970s and 1980s, though one of its earliest documented uses on a person was in 1989. Although PRK eye surgeries had already used a similar laser technology before LASIK, the procedures differed in the ways they used the laser to alter the shape of the eye.

Patent and Popularization
Although LASIK technology was being tested in other countries before coming to the U.S., the first official patent from the FDA was not issued until 1989—even so, it took another ten years for LASIK care to be further refined before it was formally approved. LASIK quickly became a popular method of addressing refractive errors due to its efficiency, quick recovery times, and reduction of pain and discomfort.

LASIK Today
Faster, more accurate lasers have made LASIK eye surgery much more efficient than it was merely 20 years ago. By utilizing some of the most advanced laser technology in the world, LASIK has helped provide better eyesight to thousands of Americans without the need of corrective eyeglasses or contact lenses.

Contact our professional eye doctors in Tampa, FLhere at Newsom Eye to see how the latest in LASIK eye surgery can improve your eyesight. Your safety and satisfaction is our priority, which is why we offer expert consultative and follow-up services for all of your LASIK care needs. Call (813) 908-2020 or visit us online today for more information.

A Look at Dry Eye Syndrome: Risk Factors

To protect the delicate surface of the eye, tear glands surrounding the eye secrete specialized substances that provide moisture and clean the eye’s surface.  When the tear glands do not produce enough tears or produce tears of low quality, the eyes can become dry and irritated, resulting in dry eye syndrome.  Although anyone can suffer from dry eye syndrome, there are some factors that can increase your risk.  Risk factors include:

• Being advanced in age.
   
• Taking certain prescription medications that have dry eyes as a side effect.
   
• Having undergone radiation therapy as a treatment for cancer.
   
• Being female, as women appear to suffer from dry eyes more than men.
   
• Undergoing laser refractive surgery for vision correction.
   
• Consuming an imbalanced diet that is low in omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin A.

At Newsom Eye, our specialists offer effective treatments that can restore comfort and moisture to dry eyes.  You can learn more about our dry eye care and other comprehensive eye care services by calling our Tampa eye doctors today at (813) 908-2020. 

Monitor Your Eyes With This App

The macula is the region of the light-sensitive retina that is responsible for central vision.  Diseases that affect this important area, including macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy, can pose a dangerous threat to vision and can even result in blindness.  With the MaculaTester app, you can test your visual function regularly and notice any changes when they happen.  This early detection may help you to seek treatment faster, before you experience any severe symptoms.

Seeing your eye doctor regularly is also an important way to catch any visual problems before they become serious.  For an experienced eye specialist in the Tampa area, contact Newsom Eye at (813) 908-2020.  Our team of experts offers a full range of eye care services, from LASIK to cataract surgery.

Your Guide to Cataract Types

The lens of the eye, in combination with the cornea, works to focus light onto the back of the retina.  From the retina, images are sent to the brain in the form of nerve impulses.  In some cases, the lens can become clouded, obscuring the passage of light and resulting in blurry vision.  This progressive clouding of the lens is known as a cataract. There are many types of cataracts, some of which are described below. 

Age-Related Cataract
These cataracts progressively develop over time as a result of the aging process.  As the condition worsens, it can lead to near-sightedness, reduced perception of blue colors, and eventually blindness if left untreated.  Although age-related cataracts almost always affect both eyes, one is typically more severely affected than the other.

Secondary Cataract
Secondary cataracts can develop as a result of other eye conditions, such as glaucoma, or as a complication of a chronic health condition, such as diabetes.  These cataracts are also known to develop from eye surgery, steroid use, and other factors.

Traumatic Cataract
When the eye becomes injured, a cataract can develop after a long period of time.  Most often, traumatic cataracts are caused by penetration or blunt trauma to the eye, but they can also be caused by electric shock or radiation.

Congenital Cataract
In some cases, babies are born with cataracts in one or both of their eyes.  These are known as congenital, or hereditary, cataracts.  This condition may or may not affect the child’s ability to see, depending on the severity of the cataracts.  If much of the lens is clouded, they can be removed and replaced through cataract surgery.

Do you think that you may suffer from the effects of clouded lenses?  If so, consider consulting with the eye care specialists at Newsom Eye.  Our founder, Dr. Newsom, has years of experience performing LASIK and cataract surgeries.  Contact our Tampa eye doctors today at (813) 908-2020 to schedule your consultation.

The Northdale Family Fun Festival and Parade!

The weather held out and there was a large turn out at the Northdale Family Fun Festival and Parade. Newsom Eye staff had a great time handing out hundreds of water bottles and meeting great people in our community!  There was a lot of food, local talent, and fun!  Thank you Northdale Civic Association for hosting this annual event.