Are Your Eyes Ready for Winter? Tips for Optimal Eye Health
Winter’s cold, dry air can be harmful to your eye health — especially if you already have corneal problems. Here are four simple tips to help you protect your eyes this winter.
Considering Vision Correction in the New Year? What to Know
You’ve been thinking about vision correction for a while now. Maybe you’re tired of dealing with glasses, or perhaps your contacts have been irritating your eyes more than usual. With the new year approaching, it feels like the right time to finally schedule a consultation.
Vision correction surgery can eliminate your dependence on glasses or contacts, but not everyone qualifies for the procedure.
Stephen Khachikian, MD, performs refractive surgeries to correct a variety of vision problems. Here’s what you need to know before scheduling your consultation at his practice in Rapid City, South Dakota.
Vision correction surgery requirements
Several factors determine whether you're a candidate for vision correction. Some issues temporarily disqualify you until they resolve, while others prevent you from undergoing certain procedures.
Common reasons you might not qualify include:
- Unstable prescription that’s changed within the past year
- Autoimmune diseases
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- Keratoconus or other corneal disorders
- Chronic dry eye that hasn't been treated
- Active eye infections or inflammation
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Thin corneas that can’t safely accommodate certain procedures
Dr. Khachikian evaluates all of these factors during your consultation. Some conditions need treatment before you can move forward with surgery, while others mean vision correction isn’t safe for your eyes.
Your consultation determines which procedures work for you
We start with comprehensive testing beyond a standard eye exam. Dr. Khachikian measures your corneal thickness, maps the surface of your eye, evaluates your tear film quality, and confirms your prescription.
The testing reveals which procedures your eyes can safely handle, and the consultation gives you concrete answers about what works for your eyes. Before the end of your visit, you’ll have a better idea of your options, what results you can expect, and whether surgery makes sense for your situation.
Types of vision correction procedures
Dr. Khachikian performs several types of vision correction procedures, including laser eye surgery. The procedure that’s right for you depends on your corneal thickness, prescription strength, and lifestyle.
Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK®)
LASIK creates a thin flap in your cornea’s outer layer, reshapes the tissue underneath with a laser, and then repositions the flap. The procedure takes about 30 minutes per eye, and most people return to work within a few days. LASIK works well for nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK)
PRK removes the entire outer layer of corneal cells before reshaping your cornea with a laser. The surface layer regenerates naturally over the following week. Recovery takes longer than LASIK, but PRK works for thinner corneas and eliminates concerns about flap complications.
Cataract surgery
Cataracts cloud your natural lens and blur your vision over time. During cataract surgery, Dr. Khachikian removes the clouded lens and replaces it with an artificial intraocular lens. Standard lenses correct distance vision, while premium multifocal lenses can reduce your need for reading glasses.
The type of procedure Dr. Khachikian recommends depends on what your testing reveals and what you need from your vision correction.
Recovery timelines vary by procedure type
No matter which procedure you choose, you need someone to drive you home after surgery. You can’t drive yourself until Dr. Khachikian examines your eyes at your follow-up appointment and clears you to get behind the wheel.
Other activity restrictions include:
- No direct water contact in the shower for the first few days
- No swimming or hot tubs for several weeks
- No eye makeup for at least one week
- No rubbing your eyes during the healing period
- No contact sports or heavy lifting for a designated time
These restrictions exist because your eyes remain vulnerable to infection and trauma during the healing process. Following Dr. Khachikian’s guidelines prevents complications and protects your results.
If you’re considering vision correction in the new year, starting with a consultation gives you clear answers about whether eye surgery will work for you. Call Stephen Khachikian, MD, at 605-203-4256 today or schedule an appointment online to learn which procedures you qualify for and what results you can expect.
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