6 simple steps to improve your eye health

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It’s essential to be good to your eyes, especially as you age. Even if your eyes feel healthy and you don’t wear glasses or contacts, you need to think about how to maintain and improve your eye health. Here are six simple steps you can take to keep your eyes healthy and stave off age-related vision problems for as long as possible:

Eat a well-balanced diet. Eating well has many health benefits. Nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, lutein, zinc and vitamins C and E may help prevent or delay the onset of vision problems such as cataracts or macular degeneration. Green leafy vegetables, oily fish such as salmon and tuna, eggs, nuts, beans and oranges or other citrus fruits are easy ways to get those essential vitamins and nutrients.

Maintain a healthy weight. Obesity can increase your risk for type 2 diabetes, which is a leading cause of cataracts and diabetic retinopathy, which can cause vision loss and blindness in adults.

Watch your blood pressure. High blood pressure can increase your risk of some eye diseases such as hypertensive retinopathy. This is when hypertension causes damage to the blood vessels in the retina of the eye.

Quit smoking. Smoking makes you more prone to getting cataracts and other eye diseases. Talk to your doctor about smoking cessation programs and medications to help you kick the habit.

Wear sunglasses and wide-brimmed hats. Protecting your eyes from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays is an easy way to maintain eye health, as too much UV exposure increases your chances of cataracts and macular degeneration. Sunglasses that block 99-100% of UVA and UVB rays are most helpful. Polarized lenses are designed to reduce glare while you’re driving.

Take a break from your computer and phone. Staring at a computer or phone screen for too long can cause eye strain, blurry vision, dry eyes, trouble focusing at a distance, and more. Be sure you take breaks every 20 minutes to rest your eyes. Look 20 feet away for 20 seconds at a time.

Get an eye exam. Regular eye exams are essential to staying on top of any problems and spotting any diseases and conditions early, when they’re easier to treat. To learn more about improving the health of your eyes, schedule your next exam with Dr. Jeffrey Maehara at Maehara Eye Surgery & Laser today by calling 808.955.3937

Can you prevent cataracts?

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A cataract is a clouding in the lens of the eye that blurs vision and increases sensitivity to glare from lights. They develop as we age or when an injury to the eye changes the tissue that makes up the eye’s lens. Aging, family history, smoking, high blood pressure, having certain medical conditions like diabetes are some of the biggest risk factors for developing cataracts. There are no studies showing how to prevent or slow the progression of cataracts, but doctors do believe the following tips can help:

Have regular eye exams. Make sure you have a comprehensive eye exam every 1-2 years depending on your age and risk factors and whether you currently wear glasses or contacts. These exams are important as your eye doctor can diagnose and treat problems in the earliest stages.

Choose a healthy diet with lots of fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables are full of antioxidants like vitamins C and E that can help maintain the health of your eyes.

Stop smoking and reduce alcohol consumption. Smoking and excessive alcohol use are associated with various health problems. If you smoke, there is a higher risk of developing cataracts. And studies show an increase in cataracts in those who consume more than two drinks per day.

Manage your health problems. If you have a medical condition such as diabetes, you have a higher risk for cataracts. Sugar levels that are too high for a long period can cause the lens of the eye to swell and cause damage. It’s important to discuss your medical history with your eye doctor and let him know whenever your medical history has changed.

Protect your eyes from the sun. Ultraviolet light from the sun can damage your eyes and contribute to the development of cataracts. It’s important to wear sunglasses that block UVB rays when you’re outside.

More than half of all Americans have a cataract or have cataract surgery by age 80. It’s important to schedule regular eye exams and see your eye doctor when you have vision changes to stay on top of your eye health. Schedule your next eye exam with Dr. Jeffrey Maehara at Maehara Eye Surgery & Laser today by calling 808.955.3937.

BOTOX® Cosmetic Honolulu, HI

5 things you should know about BOTOX

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Frowning, smiling, laughing and other repeated expressions will cause expression lines, folds and wrinkles on our faces over time. Dr. Jeffrey Maehara is dedicated to the care of his patients’ eyes, and that includes helping them turn back time on their face with cosmetic injections. BOTOX is a popular treatment with patients. Here are five things you need to know about this effective wrinkle treatment.

  1. It was the first FDA-approved treatment to reduce muscle contractions that cause lines in the forehead and frown lines between the eyebrows, and wrinkles such as crow’s feet around the eyes. It remains the most popular aesthetic procedure to this day.
  1. BOTOX treats dynamic wrinkles but not static wrinkles. Botox works on dynamic wrinkles, which form on the skin when a muscle contracts. It blocks the messages sent by the nerves in the muscle to the brain. The brain doesn’t receive the message to contract the muscle, so the muscle won’t contract. Static wrinkles are wrinkles that are always present. They are caused by gravity, the loss of elasticity in the skin and underlying support proteins as we age. Dermal fillers can “plump” the skin and fill wrinkles.
  1. BOTOX is safe and effective. It’s a cosmetic injectable made from botulinum toxin type A. It’s understandable to think that since this is the same bacteria responsible for botulism that it could be harmful. It is far from that. Scientists discovered years ago that a tiny injection of botulinum toxin type A into a muscle can stop the muscle from contracting.
  1. It requires minimal downtime. The treatment itself only takes around 10 minutes, and you can return to your daily activities immediately after treatment. You should notice visible smoothness with moderate to severe lines in the first couple of days.
  1. The results are temporary. You will need to return for follow-up treatments every four months to maintain results.

BOTOX is a great way to restore a youthful look to your face without surgery. To learn more, schedule a consultation with Dr. Jeffrey Maehara at Maehara Eye Surgery & Laser today by calling 808.955.3937.

Differences between LASIK and PRK vision correction options

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While laser-assisted-in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK) is the most popular procedure to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) was the first and most common type of laser surgery for vision correction and is still performed frequently today. So what are the differences? Here, we break down them down: 

 

Both LASIK and PRK reshape the cornea to correct refractive errors. With LASIK, a corneal flap is created using a laser or blade. A computer-controlled surgical laser reshapes the layers of the cornea to correct distorted vision. The flap is then put back into place over the cornea and heals over the next few days. With PRK, the outer layer of the cornea called the epithelium is removed to gain access to the cornea for the laser to reshape it. After surgery, the epithelium grows back over time. 

 

Because PRK doesn’t create a flap, it could be a better procedure for patients with thin or irregular corneas. PRK is also a good option for patients who have large pupils or concerns about complications related to the flap created during the LASIK procedure. 

 

PRK recovery is somewhat more involved than with LASIK. This is because the epithelium is removed with PRK. Recovery can vary from a few days to a few weeks as the epithelium grows back. In most cases, you can drive a car in one to three weeks, but it can take up to six months for your final results to stabilize. With LASIK, the flap that’s created in the corneal stroma has to heal, which happens more quickly. Most patients see normally within several hours after surgery, and it takes only a few days to return to functional vision after LASIK. 

 

The “Wavefront” technology with LASIK improves not only how much you can see but also how well you can see. This state-of-the-art technology creates a three-dimensional corneal map to guide the laser to treat your specific visual irregularities rather than a “one size fits all” approach to patients with the same prescription. This reduces the risk of post-surgery complications such as glare, halos, and problems with night vision. 

 

Both LASIK and PRK are safe and effective surgeries. Your consultation with Dr. Jeffrey Maehara will help you determine which option is best for you. To learn more about your options for permanent vision correction, call 808.955.3937 today. 

Jeffrey Maehara, MD

Why choose Dr. Maehara for your LASIK procedure?

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If you are considering LASIK surgery for vision correction, choosing your surgeon is one of the most important decisions you will make as he or she will be operating on your eyes. You want to select someone who has a lot of experience with the procedure and meets industry standards for selecting and screening outpatients, as not everyone is a good candidate for surgery. Also, you will want to choose a surgeon who invests in new technologies as it is always evolving and improving. And be sure to keep the staff in mind as a comfortable, safe environment is paramount to achieving the best outcome.

Here are six reasons why you should choose Dr. Jeffrey Maehara to perform your LASIK procedure:

  1. Raised in Honolulu, Dr. Maehara returned home to practice with his father Dr. Dennis Maehara after studying under three of the world’s top LASIK and refractive surgeons at Tulane University in New Orleans.
  2. Your surgeon must be board certified to practice his or her specialty. Dr. Maehara is board-certified by the American Academy of Ophthalmology and is a fellowship-trained Anterior Segment-Glaucoma Specialist, which means he has extensive experience with complex and advanced glaucoma management, LASIK, cataract and corneal transplants, and other refractive procedures.
  3. Dr. Maehara stays abreast of the latest technological advances in a constantly evolving field. He specializes in Bladeless LASIK eye surgery performed with the Allegretto Wave and IntraLase FS lasers.
  4. Safety is his team’s #1 priority, followed by providing the absolute best value for your money. Maehara Eye Surgery & Laser offers competitive prices and physician-only care, which means you will get a personal consultation with Dr. Maehara to discuss your options, complete your pre-operative evaluation, perform your surgery and carry through all post-operative care.
  5. Working together with friendly professional staff, Dr. Maehara continues to lead the way with new eye-care technology to ensure patients achieve the best possible vision.
  6. Maehara Eye Surgery & Laser is located in Honolulu with a satellite office in Waipahu, offering an array of services in a comfortable, relaxed atmosphere.

If you are considering LASIK vision correction, schedule a consultation with Dr. Jeffrey Maehara at Maehara Eye Surgery & Laser today by calling 808.955.3937.

Why Choose Dr. Maehara for Your LASIK Procedure?

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If you are considering LASIK surgery for vision correction, choosing your surgeon is one of the most important decisions you will make as he or she will be operating on your eyes. You want to select someone who has a lot of experience with the procedure and meets industry standards for selecting and screening out patients, as not everyone is a good candidate for surgery. Also, you will want to choose a surgeon who invests in new technologies as it is always evolving and improving. And be sure to keep the staff in mind as a comfortable, safe environment is paramount to achieving the best outcome.

Here are six reasons why you should choose Dr. Jeffrey Maehara to perform your LASIK procedure:

  1. Raised in Honolulu, Dr. Maehara returned home to practice with his father Dr. Dennis Maehara after studying under three of the world’s top LASIK and refractive surgeons at Tulane University in New Orleans.
  2. It’s important that your surgeon must be board certified to practice his or her specialty. Dr. Maehara is board certified by the American Academy of Ophthalmology and is a fellowship-trained Anterior Segment-Glaucoma Specialist, which means he has extensive experience with complex and advanced glaucoma management, LASIK, cataract and corneal transplants, and other refractive procedures.
  3. Maehara stays abreast of the latest technological advances in a constantly evolving field. He specializes in Bladeless LASIK eye surgery performed with the Allegretto Wave and IntraLase FS lasers.
  4. Safety is his team’s #1 priority, followed by providing the absolute best value for your money. Maehara Eye Surgery & Laser offers competitive prices and physician-only care, which means you will get a personal consultation with Dr. Maehara to discuss your options, complete your pre-operative evaluation, perform your surgery and carry through all post-operative care.
  5. Working together with friendly professional staff, Dr. Maehara continues to lead the way with new eye-care technology to ensure patients achieve the best possible vision.
  6. Maehara Eye Surgery & Laser is located in Honolulu with a satellite office in Waipahu, offering an array of services in a comfortable, relaxed atmosphere.

 If you are considering LASIK vision correction, schedule a consultation with Dr. Jeffrey Maehara at Maehara Eye Surgery & Laser today by calling 808.955.3937.

Lasik Surgery Honolulu HI

5 Questions to Ask Your Doctor about LASIK

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Tired of wearing contact lenses or glasses? You may be wondering if LASIK surgery would be right for you. Here are 5 questions you should ask your surgeon about this laser vision correction:

  1. What does LASIK surgery correct?LASIK can correct nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism. Nearsightedness is when you see nearby objects clearly but objects in the distance are blurry. Farsightedness is when you see far objects clearly, but close objects are blurry. Astigmatism causes overall blurry vision. It does not prevent presbyopia, the age-related vision changes that occur usually after the age of 40. If you have this condition and you get LASIK, you may still need reading glasses.
  1. What is LASIK surgery?Short for Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis, LASIK js a commonly performed refractive surgery procedure that can safely and efficiently improve vision by reshaping the cornea. During LASIK surgery, the surgeon uses a femtosecond laser that creates a corneal flap, which gently lifts the surface of the cornea so that an excimer laser can reshape the cornea. After reshaping, the flap is set back into place, which should heal without stitches.
  1. Am I a good candidate for LASIK surgery? During your consultation, Dr. Maehara will perform a comprehensive evaluation to determine if bladeless LASIK or another type of refractive procedure would be best for you. This procedure is ideal for people over the age of 18, have had stable vision for at least six months, have a healthy cornea thick enough for a flap, and have refractive errors that fall within the treatable range.
  1. Will I see immediate results?Most patients will notice significant improvement in their vision immediately after the LASIK surgery, but it could take several months for full results. Most patients will eventually achieve a vision that is 20/20 or better, reducing or eliminating the need for glasses or contact lenses.
  1. What can I expect during recovery from LASIK surgery? After surgery, patients will rest in the office for a little while before having someone else drive them home to rest for the remainder of the day. Most people can return to work the next day but should avoid strenuous exercise for at least one week. There should be very little pain, but medication can be prescribed to relieve any discomfort from the procedure.

To learn more about Bladeless LASIK Surgery, call Maehara Eye Surgery & Laser at 808.955.3937 to schedule a consultation.

Lasik Eye Surgery Honolulu, HI

What Should I Know Before Undergoing LASIK?

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Questions to Ask Before A LASIK Procedure

Are you considering LASIK? Here are some quick answers to commonly asked questions about LASIK and what to expect from this popular procedure.

  1. Are LASIK results permanent?

Yes, LASIK permanently corrects errors in a person’s vision. Your cornea is reshaped permanently correcting the cause of refractive errors.

  1. Are you awake during the procedure?

Yes, you are awake. You will be given medicine to help you relax and given numbing eye drops so you won’t feel a thing. It’s important that you’re awake though to focus on a point of light. This helps keep your eye fixed while the laser does its work on your cornea.

  1. Does the procedure hurt?

No, there should not be any pain with LASIK. Patients are given numbing medicine before the procedure. There may be itchiness or burning after and your vision will be blurry, but it’s mostly an irritating feeling rather than pain.

  1. Can LASIK fix astigmatism?

Yes, LASIK can fully correct astigmatism in most cases. Astigmatism is caused by the cornea being shaped more like a football than a normal round shape. Ultra-precious lasers can be programmed to reshape the cornea to be more symmetrical. In most cases, this will fully correct astigmatism.

  1. How much does LASIK cost?

At Maehara Eye Surgery & Laser, LASIK usually ranges from $1,500 to $1,850 per eye. The reason for the range is that every situation is different and there are certain conditions like astigmatism that may cause it to be more. We also provide discounts for active military personnel and their immediate families.

  1. What is the recovery like?

It typically takes about 24 hours to recover from LASIK. You will rest in the office for a short time before being driven home by a friend or family member. You will likely need to rest a few hours but most patients return to regular work and activities the next day. Strenuous activities should be avoided for up to a week though.

We hope these answered some of your questions about LASIK. For more information about LASIK or to set up a consultation with Dr. Maehara, call us at 808-995-3937.

At-Home Remedies for Dry Eye

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One of the most ironic things about dry eye is that it can actually cause your eyes to tear excessively. Dry eye is a condition that is caused when the tear ducts are clogged, which can lead to symptoms like excessive tearing or it can leave your eyes feeling dried out and dehydrated. Although we always encourage patients with dry eye to come into our office for treatment, there may be a few things that you can do from home to find some temporary relief.

Watch the Cigarette Smoke

Smoking isn’t just bad for your lungs and heart, but it’s bad for your vision as well. If you smoke or live with someone who smokes, it may be the cause of your dry eye. Smoke is notorious for drying eyes out and making them feel irritated. Try to either quit smoking or smoke somewhere with a lot of ventilation like outside.

Use Warm Compresses

Sometimes, you can help to temporarily lear out your clogged tear ducts with a little bit of warm water and a washcloth. All you have to do is take a washcloth, wet it with warm water, and then gently place it over your eyes. The warm, wet water should help to clear out your tear ducts and help you see better.

Use Eye Drops

Another thing you can do at home is to use some over-the-counter eye drops. Eye Drops that are created for dry eye will help to create a lubricating barrier on your eyes, which will lock in moisture and help alleviate your symptoms. All you have to do is apply one drop on the inside of each eye, and it should spread to the rest of your eye and coat it.

Get a Humidifier

Even though the air here in Hawaii is fairly humid, if you still have dry eye, you may want to get a humidifier. The wetter the air is, the more it will soothe your eyes and make them feel comfortable.

Contact our office to learn more about dry eye treatments. Call us today 808.955.3937.

How to Get Rid of Dark Circles Under Your Eyes

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When you have dark circles underneath your eyes, they can make you look and feel really tired all the time. And although you may be running off only a couple of hours of sleep on a regular basis, nobody needs to know. Although surgical procedures like a lower blepharoplasty are great at helping patients get a more alert look, they aren’t for everyone. So, what are your other options? Let’s take a closer look and see.

Fillers

Fillers are great at helping patients fix a variety of cosmetic concerns, including dark circles underneath the eyes. When patients age, they tend to lose a lot of volume around their eyes, which can give them a sallow appearance. When we use fillers, we can make strategic injections just underneath the eyes and above the cheekbones to help fill in this appearance and give patients a more rejuvenated look.

One of the things that our patients like the most about fillers is that they start working right away so you don’t have to wait an extended period to see results. Although some patients experience a slight amount of swelling and bruising, that should subside after just a couple of days.

The only real downfall of fillers to treat dark circles underneath the eyes is that they are temporary. Depending on the filler that we use and how your body responds to the filler, they may last the upwards of 12-18 months. However, that timeframe varies from patient to patient.

Having dark circles underneath your eyes can detract from your overall appearance and make you look tired all of the time. Luckily, temporary facial fillers can give you a more rejuvenated appearance. If you want to learn a little bit more about facial fillers and how they can help you look more awake, reach out to our Honolulu office and call us at 808.955.3937.