Dr. David Hamilton

This is an excellent question and a somewhat controversial subject. Remember ROY G BIV from high school science class? Visible light is made up of various wavelengths from Red (low energy) to Violet (high energy). "Blue" light is unfortunately used to describe the "High Energy" wavelengths from blue to violet. The violet light has the highest energy and is probably the most damaging to structures inside the eye from long-term exposure. Macular degeneration, where the retina (film in the camera) goes bad may be impacted by long-term exposure to violet light. Computer and cell phone screens do emit light in the blue to violet spectrum. By filtering out some of this light, as with blue blocking glasses, the eye has an easier time focussing and, thus, may lead to reduced eye strain. Blue light, on the other hand, is important for dim light vision and for maintaining circadian rhythms so we don't want to completely filter blue light out the entire day!

D. Rex Hamilton, MD, MS, FACS

I'm so glad you asked this question! Many of us spend most of our waking hours in front of computers. This requires the eye to focus to a near point about 1.5 feet away. In patients who are farsighted, this requires a lot of focussing effort. Think about lifting weights. A farsighted person has to lift heavy weights with their eye's focussing muscle to see the computer screen clearly. Conversely, a nearsighted patient, not wearing glasses, doesn't have to lift any weights with their eye's focussing muscle to see the computer screen clearly. Thus, if you are experiencing a lot of eye strain while looking at the computer at age 28, you are likely farsighted. Fortunately, we have some great solutions for you! LASIK is a very effective treatment for farsightedness. I encourage you to seek out a refractive surgery consultation to investigate your options.

D. Rex Hamilton, MD, MS, FACS

Great question. Anytime there is a "foreign body" on the surface of the eye, it causes inflammation. And yes, a contact lens qualifies as a "foreign body". Also, as the day goes by, the natural lubrication on the surface of the eye, the tear film, decreases. It becomes thinner. As a result, the contact lens is more irritating to the now dryer eye. These 2 factors, foreign body on the surface of the eye (contact lens) and less lubrication as the day goes both contribute to contact lens discomfort the longer you wear them. Minimizing or eliminating contact lens wear is the best solution. This is where refractive surgery (LASIK and SMILE) comes in. Consider these procedures...they are safer and more effective than ever! And get rid of your contact lenses for good!

D. Rex Hamilton, MD, MS, FACS

Great question regarding contact lens wear. Throughout the day, your eyes are mostly open. The natural tear film which coats the surface of the eye (under the contact lens) slowly dries out. This means there is less lubrication between the contact lens and the ocular surface. This leads to irritation, eye fatigue and blurred vision. This is even more pronounced if your job requires you to stare at a computer screen throughout the day. Refractive surgery is a great solution for individuals who suffer from eye fatigue and blurred vision with contact lenses.The new SMILE procedure is the most gentle on the eye and may be a great solution for you. Check out rexhamiltonmd.com for more information!

D. Rex Hamilton, MD, MS, FACS

This is a great question. You could watch TV immediately after LASIK...your vision will be that good that quickly. But you won’t want to as the eyes will be light-sensitive, tearing with a sandy, gritty feeling in them for about 4-6 hours after the procedure. Therefore, I advise patients to go home and sleep through this healing process. When you wake up the following day, the discomfort should be gone and the vision will be excellent! Learn more about LASIK, SMILE, and other amazing vision correction procedures at rexhamiltonmd.com!

This is a great question! A very thin film of lubricant tears, produced by your eye, reside between your cornea (window on front of eye) and your contact lens. Getting soap or contaminated water into this thin layer can be toxic to the cornea or, worse, cause an infection. Thus, it is best to not wear contact lenses when showering to reduce the risk of toxicity or
infection. Of course, the best option is to never have to wear the contact lenses at all and have refractive surgery! LASIK and the newer SMILE procedure are incredibly easy to go through and open a whole new world of freedom for patients burdened with glasses and contact lenses.

D. Rex Hamilton, MD, MS, FACS

Great question! The procedure is approved by the FDA for patient over the age of 18. The most important consideration in these younger patients is we want to make sure the refraction (glasses prescription) is stable over several years. If that is the case, undergoing LASIK or SMILE early in life means many more years of realizing the benefits!

Wearing contact lenses everyday can cause chronic inflammation of the eye surface, leading to discomfort, redness and dry eye symptoms. Cleaning contact lenses daily or using disposables are important techniques to reduce the risk of a sight threatening infection (corneal ulcer). Refractive surgery such as LASIK or SMILE obviates the need for contact lenses!

There are many causes of worsening vision. In your age range, the most common, believe it or not, is dry eye. If you work on a computer for many hours, you don't blink as often and the eye dries out which affects your vision. Over the counter eye drops can be tried and medication drops can be prescribed. The best next step is to visit your ophthalmologist for a full evaluation.

The best time for laser eye surgery is as soon as your glasses/contact lens prescription has stabilized. Usually this occurs in late teens or early twenties. Youngest age allowed for laser eye surgery is 18 in the US. The sooner you do the surgery, the more years of benefit you will have! A comprehensive screening exam needs to be done to assess candidacy. Please visit rexhamiltonmd.com for more details!