Posts Tagged ‘San Diego LASIK’

Newest Laser Reduces Glare and Halos at Night

Monday, July 26th, 2010

One of the concerns I hear from LASIK patients is that they will have glare and halos at night. I’m glad my patients ask me about this because I think there is some confusion about glare and halos after LASIK.

Let me be honest: this is an area where having the latest technology really makes a difference.  And I have this latest technology.  I am using the only laser the FDA allows to make the claim of REDUCING GLARE AND HALOS after LASIK.

Ten years ago we used lasers that had a more drastic shape change from the “optical zone” to the “blend zone,” which for higher treatment amounts could cause glare and halos at night, usually temporarily.  Ten years ago, I told patients that they absolutely would get glare and halos at night after LASIK– but that the worst of it would be over after one month. If any glare or halos remained after a month, it would usually be gone after 6 months.

Today, with the latest technology, glare and halos have been drastically reduced. While the flap is still healing, you may have some glare and halos for a few days or weeks, but that’s it. As a result, I just don’t hear the glare and halo complaints anymore–that’s how much this problem has been minimized.  In fact, if you have glare and halos driving at night, I can probably make you better.  Now that’s state-of-the-art technology!

LASIK Recovery Time: When can I see after LASIK?

Sunday, July 25th, 2010

Here in San Diego, LASIK patients ask me when they will see after their procedure. I tell them: You can see right away after LASIK.  In fact, many patients have been very emotional when they sit up after their procedure and find out they can see!

Usually, your vision will be a little foggy for the rest of the day after the procedure, but it should still be better than before. The day after LASIK, you should see very well, almost perfectly, and your vision may continue to sharpen and get better for up to a week or two.

San Diego LASIK Surgeon Makes Lives Better

Tuesday, July 20th, 2010

I recently found a note from the wife of a patient, and it reminded me that even though I am a LASIK surgeon who is highly specialized, I am first and foremost a doctor. Because of this, I will often notice serious problems, even if they are not related to vision.

The note below is from the wife of a patient who came in for an eye exam, but after examining and talking to him, I called around and arranged some cardiac tests for him:

“Dear Dr. Nahl
My husband & I would like to thank you for your caring & concern. You were the only one that cared enough to help us get the right tests. Now we finally know what is the matter with him. He has endocarditis & is improving. He still has a long recovery but thanks to you at least he has a chance.”

So, when I say I am first and foremost a doctor, what I mean is that I want to be able to give people a chance—a chance to see better and ultimately to live better. When I became a doctor, I swore always to protect my patients from harm; and that means at the end of the day, I want to go home knowing I’ve improved the lives of my patients—whether that is through a LASIK procedure or making sure they get the tests they need.

For me, being a doctor means I have the honor and the privilege of changing lives for the better.

I’ll Share My Lunch with You — What it Really Means to be “Treated Like Family”

Wednesday, July 14th, 2010

There’s a saying: it’s the little things that count. When it comes to LASIK, I really believe it’s the little personal touches that distinguish a good LASIK surgeon from the LASIK surgeon you want performing your procedure.

That’s why, when I say I treat all my patients like family, I really mean it. It’s not just something I say but something I actively live out.

The other day, a patient came in for a lunchtime appointment from 12 to 2, since that worked best for his schedule. As soon as he came in, I could tell something was making him uncomfortable. I asked him: “Are you ok?” He told me he was missing lunch because of the appointment, and he was hungry.

So I walked him over to the kitchenette in the office, took one of my lunches out of the freezer, and heated it up in the microwave. My patient was able to eat lunch while we talked about LASIK.

This is what I mean when I say I’ll treat you like family: I want you to feel completely comfortable—not only with your LASIK procedure and the technology choices but also with me, your San Diego LASIK surgeon.