Our Blog



Millennials Are The Most Likely to Get LASIK: Here Is Why!

February 3rd, 2017

eye surgery LASIK Michigan DoctorA Millennian is a person reaching young adulthood in the 21st Century. This century is market by innovations in technology, affecting all industries and fields, including the medical field. This trend makes Millennials more open to innovations such as LASIK eye surgery.

Another factor is that Millennials, when compared to the generations that came before, lead extremely active lifestyles. They are both physically and socially active, which nurtures the idea that they don’t have the time nor the energy to worry about having to wear eyeglasses and contact lenses. Millennials are all about efficiency and quick fixes so they can move on with their active lifestyles. This is one of the reasons why they make the perfect candidates for corrective eye surgery.

A recent study showed that between 2012-2013 and beyond more than 63% of people who receive laser eye surgery are in fact Millennials – ages between 18 -34.

Also, easy access to information and latest trends on platforms such as social media and the Internet in general, makes Millennials more prone to learn about LASIK and it’s effectiveness. LASIK surgery truly does offer the freedom to correct vision quickly and with minimal downtime in exchange for never having to worry about corrective eye wear, or at least for decades to come.

LASIK is also very affordable when compared to having to spend the time and money on glasses and contact lenses as well as annual doctor visits to monitor one’s progression of vision loss and changes in prescription. Many LASIK doctors now offer easy financing and monthly payment plans for those who want to cover their procedure over time.
Dr. Hakimzadeh from Oakland Eye Clinic in Michigan routinely performs LASIK procedures on patients of all ages, especially young adults who belong to the Millennials generation. She is a leading laser eye surgeon in the state of Michigan and offers the full spectrum of eye care services for patients of all ages.

To learn more, please contact us today and learn about your LASIK eye surgery options as well as other leading-edge treatments available at Oakland Eye Clinic.

Vitamins to Support and Maintain Your Eye Health

November 2nd, 2016

Eye health is extremely important, and you may have heard over the years that certain vitamins, supplements and nutrients can help support and maintain your eye health. This is also important for those who already have good vision or may have undergone a LASIK vision correction procedure. As we discuss the vitamins below, which may help maintain your eye health, please note that these should never be used in place of medicine recommended by your eye doctor, and you should undergo regular eye exams and check ups.

According to various research studies, Vitamins A, E and C are extremely good for the eyes as well as omega-3 fatty acids and folic acid. If you are already taking a daily multivitamin, it may already contain certain amounts of the Vitamins mentioned above. However, these can also be taken individually.

If you are looking for foods that can help maintain your eye health, then vegetables such as kale, spinach and carrots are highly recommended. Nuts and legumes are also good as they contain high amounts of natural omega-3 fatty acids.

Again, please be sure that you still talk to your eye doctor about your eye health, any vision or allergy concerns affecting your eyes. Dr. Hakimzadeh and her team can help treat your concerns as well as recommend the best Vitamins and nutrients for you and your unique needs.

In addition to regular eye exams, Dr. Hakimzadeh also performs advanced eye procedures and vision correction procedures, including cataract surgery and LASIK in Michigan. She is among the most recognized ophthalmologists in the state.

To learn more please peruse the pages of our website or contact us directly with additional questions or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Hakimzadeh.

Spring Time Eye Allergies – How to Avoid Itchy, Watery Eyes

March 28th, 2016

Just like each year, Spring it upon us and while it brings sunshine, bloom and higher hopes for the upcoming summer, it is also the season of allergies. Most people who experience spring allergies will get itchy, watery eyes during this season. This is especially hard on those who wear contact lenses for better vision. But don’t despair, there are some tips we can give you to feel better and survive the allergy season with some relief and ease.

According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, more than 50 million people in the United States have seasonal allergies with a range of symptoms, which often will also affect the eyes. Read more here.

However, there are some things you can do and Dr. Hakimzadeh is the leading Rochester Hills eye doctor, providing some tips on how to best survive the allergy season with optimal eye health. So here are some things you can do:

Avoidance: While we are not suggesting you stay indoors during Spring, it is helpful to try and avoid conditions where you know you will suffer or at least be well prepared. For example, during spring you may want to either avoid or take allergy medicine if you will go out in nature such as parks, forests and botanical gardens. If you must go there, be sure to take allergy relief from over-the-counter or prescription from your physician or eye doctor.

Allergy Medicine: As mentioned above, sometimes you will not be able to find relief unless you are taking some kind of allergy medicine. There are hundreds of different options for you depending on the severity of your allergies. It is best to talk to you physician or eye doctor to find out which allergy treatment is best appropriate for you. If your allergies are not severe, then we recommend over-the-counter eye drops for allergies or pills such as Claritin for seasonal allergies. Decongestants can also be helpful is your allergies are affecting both your eyes and nasal passages.

Wear glasses or get LASIK: The allergy season is especially hard on people who wear contact lenses. During allergy season, contact lenses tend to accumulate pollen and other allergens on the surface thereby making your allergies even more irritating. During the allergy season we recommend you wear glasses instead of contact lenses or get LASIK (aka laser eye surgery for clear vision).

LASIK: Also known as laser eye correction, LASIK has helped millions of people eliminate their dependence for eyeglasses and contact lenses. If you get LASIK, you will not have to wear glasses or contact lenses, making the allergy season that much more bearable for you. Dr. Hakimzadeh is the leading Michigan LASIK surgeon who has helped hundreds of people regain their freedom from having to depend on corrective eye wear. To schedule your laser eye surgery consultation, please contact us today. It is always helpful to learn about your options.

Stay Hydrated: This advice should be taken to heart year around, but is especially important during allergy season. Staying hydrated will provide the moisture your eyes need to combat irritability, itchiness and eye redness.

This Valentine’s Day Receive or Give the Gift of Better Vision

January 27th, 2016

Did you know that LASIK surgery is a common Valentine’s Day Gift? What better gift to give to yourself or someone special you love in your family than better vision and full freedom from contact lenses and eye glasses.

Have you ever gone swimming and not been able to fully enjoy it because you have contact lenses in your eyes and you know that if you get water on them, you will be extremely uncomfortable for the rest of the day? Laser vision correction allows you to experience full freedom from having to wear glasses or contact lenses. In fact, we have successfully treated hundreds of Michigan LASIK patients just like you.

Or have you gone hiking recently and experienced extreme discomfort by getting sweat or sunblock on your contact lenses? Ouch! Sometimes, even just being dehydrated will get your eyes irritated and your contact lenses dry, giving you sharp needle-like discomfort. Laser eye surgery eliminates all of these predicaments and allows you to see well at all distances, often without needing corrective eye wear.

Some of our LASIK patients often tell us stories about having to look for their eyeglasses in the morning when they can’t see well. It can take a long time to find them unless you have a good routine of putting them in the same spot every night. But, this is not the case for many people.

So why not get an amazing gift for you and your sweetheart this Valentine’s Day? What can be better than better, more clear vision so that you can see your loved ones and the world around you in clear and vibrant colors in which it truly exists?

Right now, Dr. Hakimzadeh and the team are offering Valentine’s Day free LASIK consultations to all patients throughout the state. We treat patients from Troy, Rochester Hills, Sterling Heights, and Detroit as well as from all over the nation. These patients often travel to see Dr. Hakimzadeh because she is known for her amazing bedside manner as well as unprecedented skills in being able to correct patients’ vision.

We also treat patients who need routine eye care, cataracts removal, macular degeneration, glaucoma and we also see children. If you need eye care, please contact us today. We are here to provide you with the best possible medical care.

March – Workplace Eye Wellness Month

March 1st, 2015

Did you know that March is the workplace eye wellness month? Well, it is and we are here to remind you and offer you some tips on how to keep your eyes safe and healthy while you are working, especially behind a computer screen. And of course, as eye doctors, we will also tell you to pay attention to your eye health each anEye Wellness Monthd every month of the year, not just March.

Did you know that every day, more than 2,000 workers suffer an eye injury on the job? Thus far, more than 1 million people have lost their eye sight due to work-related eye injuries and this according to Prevent Blindness America (PBA) organization. And these injuries have cost more than 300 million dollars in medical bills, lost hours and worker compensation, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

So here are a few things to keep in mind this month:

Please wear safety goggles and eye wear when called for: If you work at a factory or a lab where you may be surrounded by flying objects, harmful chemicals and toxins, you are most likely required to wear safety goggles. So please make sure that you do. This is not only required by your employer, but also by law enforced by the Occupational Safety and Health Association (OSHA). And according to them, more than 90% of work-related eye injuries could be avoided by proper eye safety wear. You may think, it’s ok, it won’t happen to me. But better be safe than sorry, you never know.

Reduce the risk of infection on the job: There are a large number of jobs that will exposure you to an increased risk of eye infection, including research labs, hospitals, most jobs on farms and working with animals as well as janitorial work. So please be sure to wear eye safety equipment and/or avoid touching and rubbing your eyes unless you always wash your hands first.

Just because you work at the office, it does not mean your eyes are safe: office workers are just as much likely to sustain eye injuries and eye infections as those working at factories and fields. While office work will not cause permanent damage to your eyes (most of the time), it can still cause significant discomfort. If you work at an office, you are at an increased risk for computer vision syndrome and dry eye. Computer vision syndrome will give you headaches and difficulty focusing. To prevent this, please take regular brakes and move the computer screen at eye level. Dry eye will make your vision blurry, painful and your eyes may feel like you have sand in them. To prevent this, please drink lots of water and use over-the-counter lubricated eye drops.

Keep your eyes safe year around: Please schedule regular eye exams with your eye doctor to keep your eyes safe and functioning at their optimal level. This is especially important for aging workers who may in addition to being exposed to work-related eye injuries, develop age-related eye conditions such as presbyopia and cataracts.

We wish you a happy March eye health month and should you have any trouble with your eyes or vision or to schedule an eye exam, please contact us today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Hakimzadeh, the premier Rochester Hills eye doctor and Detroit LASIK provider.

Cataract Surgery Possible Complications

January 23rd, 2015

 
Cataract surgery is a very intricate procedure that can in rare cases lead to complications. Just like any surgical procedure, cataract surgery does pose some risk of minor to major complications. However, these are very rare, especially when performed by our cataract surgery provider, Dr. Hakimzadeh.

It is important to know that Dr. Hakimzadeh conducts thorough eye exams while qualifying each patient for their cataract surgery. In fact, the cataract surgery candidacy process is of utmost importance to us. During this time, we examine not only the patient’s complete eye health history, but also their general health history in ocataract surgery complicationsrder to evaluate any possible complications and their likelihood. This is why not all patients will be deemed cataract surgery candidates.

If any risks are identified during the pre-surgical process, Dr. Hakimzadeh will assess the likelihood of those complications and inform the patient. In addition, she takes preventative measures in order to minimize the risk of any complications.

The most common cataract surgery complication is posterior capsule opacification (PCO). It occurs in about 20% of all cataract surgery patients sometime during their cataract surgery recovery.  This complication leads to hazy vision after cataract surgery. However, it is easily treated with a laser. It is important that you check in with Dr. Hakimzadeh on a regular basis after your cataract surgery procedure and call her right away should you notice any unusual occurrences in your vision.

Most cataract surgery complications, although rare, are easily treated and therefore there is nothing to fear. If you pose a very high risk for complications, Dr. Hakimzadeh will not perform the procedure but rather suggest an alternative treatment.

At Oakland Eye Clinic, we have yet to see a patient experience any complications as result of cataract surgery performed at our clinic. This is why patients throughout Michigan come to see Dr. Hakimzadeh.

Likewise, we always strive to educate our patients, and you can rest assured that you will be informed of any possible complications that you may be at risk for before or after cataract surgery so you and your family, along with our Michigan cataract surgeon can make the best decision for you health and your eyes. Cataract surgery is a painless procedure and can improve the quality of your life with clear vision. Please contact us today or peruse our website to learn more about cataract surgery in Michigan, Detroit or Rochester Hills.

Winter Can Accelerate Aging Of The Eyes

December 27th, 2014

 
Scientists in a study conducted in New York have concluded that women who live in colder parts of various countries experience accelerated aging around the eyes. After following 5,000 women through the winter months.

According to the study, the lack of sunlight or Vitamin D, that is, can make the circles under the eyes appear bigger and darker. In fact, the study shows that winter can make the eyes in women appear five years older.

The results of the stuWinter Eye Agingdy were recently published in Daily Mail online, a well-known and reputable British magazine. The study was originally conducted in New York, where scientists found that more than 80% of women experienced enlarged and darker under-eye bags in winter versus less than 40% in the summer months.

“There seem to be specific wavelengths in natural sunshine that our bodies need, says Hector DeLuca, a biochemistry professor from Wisconsin-Madison University. Likewise, Vitamin D may not help much towards a range of other diseases where exposure to sunlight is believed to play a preventative role.”

So how do you prevent aging eye in winter? We have some tips to help combat the lack of sunshine on your skin and around the eyes.

1.    Take a power nap even if it’s just for 15 minutes. A power nap can trick your body into believing you have slept for much longer, making you look more rested.
2.    Apply a cooling complex to reduce puffiness
3.    Use eye creams that contain Vitamin K and Retinol. Use these even in the summer.
4.    Apply slices of raw potatoes to lighten the skin around the eyes. You can also use a chemical skin bleaching agent, but natural is always better to     prevent the risk for an allergic reaction.
5.    Also try slices of raw cucumber to encourage hydration of the skin.
6.    Eat less salt. Increased salt in the body leads to fluid retention, making your eyes even puffier.
7.    Stay hydrated and if all else fails use a concealer during the winter months. Make sure it’s good quality.

It is helpful to stay away from increased stress and get quality sleep. Stress and lack of sleep are the leading cause of many problems we face, including puffy eyes, accelerated aging and various other health issues. When you get stressed, just ask yourself: will this matter in five years from now? If the answer is no, let it go and stay healthy and young.

Always stay hydrated. It is recommended that you drink plenty of purified water to keep your body in its best and most youthful shape. And of course, avoid excessive smoking and drinking, especially during the holidays as this can affect not only around the eye area but also your vision and other health issues.

Here at Oakland Eye Clinic, we wish you a healthy and happy holiday season and a warm and joyful winter. If you are in the Michigan area and have eyesight or aging eyes issues, be sure to contact us for help. Dr. Hakimzadeh is a leading eye doctor and LASIK and cataract surgery provider.

Risks and Possible Complications with LASIK

October 31st, 2014

As with any surgical procedure, LASIK eye surgery carries certain risks for complications. Although, Dr. Hakimzadeh treats only patients who are qualified for the procedure and pose less than 1% of possible risks, you should still educate yourself on this topic so that you can undergo the procedure knowing exactly what it entails.

One of the LASIK risks risks of LASIK is under correction. This means that the laser may not remove enough tissue to improve your vision to near perfect sight. However, this complication is easily corrected with a follow up procedure that is completed a few months to a year after initial treatment.

After LASIK, your vision may also return to pre-surgery sight due to hormonal imbalance, various eye conditions and sometimes even pregnancy. This is easily corrected on a case-by-case basis. Some patients may also develop astigmatism or difficulty seeing at night, all of which can also be corrected over time with either glasses that are worn at night or a follow up LASIK procedure after healing from initial treatment.

Dry eye is also a risk after LASIK surgery. Depending on the severity of dry eye after LASIK, there are various treatment options starting with eye drops to more advanced in-office dry eye care treatments.

Certain patients who suffer from dry eye already or other health conditions, such as autoimmune disease, may pose greater risk for LASIK complications. This is why it is extremely important that you discuss your eye health and general health with Dr. Hakimzadeh in great detail when you come in for your laser eye surgery consultation.

Prior to performing LASIK, we make sure that all of our Rochester, Sterling Heights and Troy LASIK patients are good candidates for the procedure. This greatly eliminates most risks associated with laser eye surgery as well as other refractive procedures such as cataract surgery. Please call us today to schedule your eye care exam and vision correction consultation.

Eye Care Tips for College Students

August 14th, 2014

 
students-on-lawnIt is time to head back to the classroom. With increasingly busy lives and a lot of studying, most college students don’t take proper care of their eyes as life gets in the way.

With these four simple activities, college students can make a huge difference in their eye health. In fact, developing an eye care routine right from the beginning of each semester can truly contribute to optimal eye health.

So let’s go over it.

#1 Wash Your Hands:
Always wash your hands before touching your eyes to prevent bacteria from entering the eye and causing conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye. A pink eye outbreak is very common is schools and back in 2002, it struck more than a 1,000 Ivy League College students. Pink eye is just one type of infection that can cause problems when the hands are not properly washed.

#2 Give Your Eyes a Break:
College students often suffer from eye irritation, redness and persistent dry eye. To avoid these problems, give your eyes a break. The best rule to follow is the 20-20-20 rule. Look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes. Also, blink often to keep the eye moist.

#3 Do not Share Makeup:
Although sharing makeup may seem harmless, it is not. Makeup, especially makeup comprised of creamy substances can easily grow bacteria and spread it on the eyes and even the face. In fact, makeup sharing is the easiest way to spread infections, including herpes keratitis. Also, toss all makeup after three months of use.

#4 Protect Your Eyes Every Time You are Playing:
If you are a college athlete you may be at risk for various eye injuries. The most common injuries during sports such as tennis, basketball, baseball and lacrosse include broken bones near the eye socket and scratches on the eye surface. The best way to protect your eyes during a game, it so consider using polycarbonate sports glasses even if you are not wearing prescription contact lenses or eye glasses.

If you experience any problems, see a Rochester Hills eye doctor right away. If you are in the Rochester, Detroit or anywhere in Michigan, please contact us at Oakland Eye Clinic. We offer emergency eye care appointments and are the leading LASIK providers in Michigan.

The Average Lasik Eye Treatment Cost

February 20th, 2014

The average LASIK eye treatment cost per eye for patients in North America is around $2000. However, you can expect to be quoted up to twice that amount and may see it advertised at half that. There are many reasons for the wide price range, some of them completely due to the nature of the service being offered and some due to your own particular prescription. Either way, it is important to understand what you and your eyes are being offered for the cost that is suggested.

Clinical Influences On Lasik Eye Treatment Cost

It is essential that you shop around to find a doctor and treatment center that you are comfortable with. The cheapest LASIK eye treatment costs may be possible because the doctor involved is relatively inexperienced or the center offering the treatment uses older equipment. More expert ophthalmologists will charge for their expertise and treatment centers that have invested in current technology, will also come at a premium.

Other Influences On LASIK Eye Treatment Cost

The complexity of the treatment you require can influence prices. For example if your eyesight requires only slight adjustment a relatively simple procedure may be all that is required, whereas severe issues can require more complex treatment which will cost more to perform. Where you live or choose to be treated can also cause price variation, as busy metropolitan centers tend to be more expensive than those in smaller towns.

The level of investment that a particular provider has made in technology is also a major influence on costs. Remember that centers that have invested heavily in state-of-the-art diagnostic, corneal mapping and laser equipment will charge more than those operating older, perhaps bladed, equipment. Your insurance policy will also be a factor – some policies cover LASIK eye treatment and some don’t. Find out how your Lasik clinic deals with such cases.

How Do You Decide?

Keep your eyes open for practices that cover all the care you need – it’s important you get everything that’s required before and after surgery. This should include the various diagnostic examinations in your initial consultation and any follow up visits and check ups after treatment. Ask if the price you are quoted includes enhancements, sometimes known as touch ups. Some will include these in their estimates, while others will charge extra once you return for follow-up treatment. This can make a big difference in your final cost.

Cheap Lasik prices can sometimes apply only to the simplest of procedures and are unlikely to include the full range of the services that your treatment will require. They can be based on older equipment and procedures, might not include eye evaluation by experienced professionals, after-care or perhaps the thorough medical testing necessary for successful treatment.

It is important to you and your eyes that you find out all the facts about a potential LASIK provider before you commit yourself. LASIK surgery can be the best investment you will ever make so it is important that you make the best choice of provider.