There are many ways to improve your eyesight without surgery. But first, why should you even consider this if you’re already over the age of 40? Many of the things that can be done to improve your eyesight involve simple changes in lifestyle and dietary choices that may not even require surgery.
Of course, there are always risk factors that play a role in deciding whether you’ll need a corrective procedure to correct your eyesight. If you have a family history of any form of cataracts, for example, you may not be able to avoid them. In such cases, your doctor may suggest ophthalmic surgery to remove the cataract (in one way or another). Similarly, if you have astigmatism, nearsightedness, or farsightedness, your eye doctor may recommend surgery.
Most people opt for the simplest treatment. For instance, eye exercises are often recommended by many doctors for the treatment of myopia (short-sightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), or astigmatism. And even when ophthalmologists do recommend surgery, most opt for laser and ultrasound technology rather than having them performed surgically.
However, these recommendations may not always be necessary. You may be able to improve your eyesight without undergoing surgical procedures. In fact, there are many natural techniques and homeopathic remedies that can help you improve your eyesight naturally. Sometimes it is not until after a serious eye problem has been diagnosed and the medication has been prescribed for that a patient decides to begin using more natural treatments.
Your optometrist may be able to help determine whether you have any special needs. He or she may ask you about your overall vision health and how much you require glasses or contact lenses. He or she may also want to know if you’ve been prescribed medication for any eye problems in the past. In addition, your optometrist may want to test your eyes to see if you have high blood pressure, allergies, or other health issues that could have an effect on your eyesight.
Many people opt for the more traditional treatment of glasses or contact lenses. The risk for this is minimal because the surgery to remove the cataract or other vision problems has already been performed. If your eyes have glaucoma, for example, your optometrist will be able to tell you if you require glasses or contacts.
If you already have contact lenses, the surgeon will remove the excess supply so that you can now wear them in place of glasses. Your optometrist will be able to also advise you on the best lenses to help improve your eyesight. Depending on the type of lenses you wear, they may use a technique called photocoagulation to stimulate the tissue around the eyes.
Another option involves laser treatment to open up the flow of blood in the cornea of the eye. This procedure is usually used on patients who have either astigmatism or cataracts. Once the laser does its job, the entire eye is open to the outside world and no longer subject to obstruction.
If you already have a glaucoma condition, your eyes look cloudy because of the buildup of fluid. In this case, a non-surgical solution may be necessary to correct this problem.
Finally, if your eyes are weak and the problem is caused by a tear duct blockage, the procedure is called tear-duct ligation. This procedure involves placing a ring around the tear duct to close it off so that no tears can ever escape. Your optometrist will probably perform this surgery during an office visit, so it is possible for you to have it done right in the office.
Before the day of the surgery, the ophthalmologist will likely recommend a series of eye exams to check the health of your eyes and to give him or her a better idea of what to expect. He or she will also be able to tell you about your potential risks and any options that are being considered for improving your eyesight.
