This article is a part of our annual Guide to Good Health. Sponsored Content brought to you by Westlake Eye Specialists.
Zarmeena Vendal, M.D.is a Harvard-trained and board-certified ophthalmologist and surgeon who is a diplomat of the American Board of Ophthalmology and the medical director and owner of Westlake Eye Specialists. She has practiced in Central Texas for over 15 years, has been voted Austin’s Top Doctor by her peers for multiple years in a row and she has been recognized as a “Woman to Watch” by Austin Woman magazine. Dr. Vendal has been a leader in LASIK laser vision correction, laser assisted-cataract removal, glaucoma treatment and the treatment of dry eye disease.
How has surgical eye care changed in the last decade?
It has changed tremendously. For example, cataract surgery used to be along, complex procedure, requiring stitches, an eye patch, long recovery times and thick cataract glasses following the surgery. Now we utilize laser-assisted cataract removal as well as premium lens implants. This allows surgeons to make cataract surgery safer, even more precise and better than ever before. With premium lens implants, patients having cataract removal surgery at Westlake Eye may be able to reduce or eliminate their need for glasses altogether. In fact, patients in most cases can see near, intermediate and in the distance without the need for glasses. Some patients might require reading glasses for the very small print, such as a medicine bottle or in dark settings.
How are the results of LASIK now vs. the past?
In the past, LASIK was based solely on a patient’s prescription, but now we can measure for cornea curvature (topography) and higher order aberration, which is the unique way light is reflected in each individual’s eyes. At our office we use i Design technology to measure the eye to perform a truly customized LASIK procedure. Combined with the safety and precision of the iFS advanced femtosecond laser, most patients see 20/20 or better after their all-laser LASIK procedure. LASIK today is so safe and so precise; it’s been approved by NASA and the U.S. Military for its astronauts and pilots. The first step for anyone who’s tired of wearing glasses and contacts and is thinking about LASIK is to schedule a free consultation in our office. During this consultation, we take several measurements of the eye to determine if someone is a good candidate for LASIK and go over the best options for their unique eyes and lifestyle.