Eye Health Blog

The Internet is a vast source of information — and unfortunately, not all that information is true. Our team at St. Michael’s Eye & Laser Institute likes to stay on top of what is being said about LASIK. We often come across boldly untrue claims about the safety and effectiveness of this refractive surgery that can diminish your dependence on prescription eyewear. In this blog, we want to set the record straight on some of the most frequent myths.    Myth #1: LASIK Is Painful When patients hear the term “laser surgery,” they understandably assume that it’s… More

Most cases of dry eye syndrome are at least partially due to meibomian gland dysfunction, a condition that prevents the production of high-quality tears. Nevertheless, environmental and lifestyle factors can certainly exacerbate the symptoms to make the discomfort and irritation you experience more unbearable. Below, the eye doctors at St. Michael’s Eye & Laser Institute review some of the ways you may be unknowingly making your dry eye worse. 1. You Don’t Drink Enough Water The health benefits of drinking water throughout the day are numerous. If you need another reason to consume at least eight glasses… More

If you can see close objects clearly while your distance vision is blurry, then you probably have myopia. Also known as nearsightedness, myopia affects nearly four out of 10 Americans. It is one of the most common eye issues we treat here at St. Michael’s Eye & Laser Institute. Keep reading to learn what causes nearsightedness and how it can be treated to restore clearer distance vision. Understanding Nearsightedness Most cases of nearsightedness occur because the cornea is more oval in shape than the average eye, or because the eye extends further than normal from the face. These… More

Investments aren’t all about stock portfolios — sometimes it’s worthwhile to invest directly into yourself. LASIK is a fantastic opportunity to do exactly that. The ophthalmologists at St. Michael’s Eye & Laser Institute have treated many patients over the years who are so thankful to have surgery that limits their dependence on prescription lenses. Some of the reasons you can consider LASIK a smart investment include: LASIK Is a Highly Successful Surgery LASIK is one of the best and easiest ways to indefinitely address refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Your ophthalmologist, guided by an… More

Cataract surgery is one of the most performed surgeries in the United States because it is such an easy and effective way to correct vision that has become hazy due to cataracts. Another reason for cataract surgery’s popularity is that the recovery period is relatively manageable for most patients. If you plan to have cataract surgery soon, the eye doctors at St. Michael’s Eye & Laser Institute have some helpful tips to make your recovery as easy as possible. Rest Your Eyes You can expect to feel fatigued when you return home from cataract surgery. Prioritizing sleep… More

November marks Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness Month, which begs the question: Are you aware of the ocular conditions that threaten people with diabetes? A lot of people — even those with diabetes — do not realize just how important it is to monitor their eye health. To better educate patients in Florida, the expert ophthalmologists and optometrists at St. Michael’s Eye & Laser Institute explain what everyone should know about diabetic eye disease. Diabetic Retinopathy Can Rob You of Your Vision Diabetic retinopathy is one of the leading causes of blindness in the U.S. It affects about one… More

If cataracts have made your vision cloudy, the solution is clear: cataract surgery. However, what you may not realize is that cataract surgery is a good opportunity to simultaneously correct refractive errors like myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism. When your ophthalmologist removes the hazy natural lens from your eye, he replaces it with an IOL (intraocular lens) that can help correct your vision at one or more distances. This may mean that you no longer need to rely on glasses or contact lenses. At our office in Largo, we offer both monofocal and multifocal (premium) IOLs to best… More

If you desire better vision with surgery but are not a candidate for LASIK, refractive lens exchange (RLE) may be right for you. This advanced procedure, also called clear lens extraction, is similar to cataract surgery in that both are designed to replace the lens of the eye, except lenses treated with refractive lens exchange are not clouded. Ahead, the team of experts at St. Michael’s Eye & Laser Institute explains the many benefits of this surgery. Reduced Dependence on Glasses and Contact Lenses Glasses and contact lenses can be a hassle, especially for active individuals and… More

LASIK, eyeglasses, contact lenses — how can you determine which is right for you? There are many vision correction options available today, so it can be difficult to figure out the best option for your circumstances and long-term vision goals. While glasses and contact lenses can help you see better, there are associated costs that rack up over time. LASIK is a long-term solution that can improve your vision while saving you money in the long term versus other vision correction options. The eye doctors at St. Michael’s Eye & Laser Institute want all patients to experience crisp vision… More