San Antonio

Eye Care Services in San Antonio, TX

LASIK

LASIK Eye Surgery is a globally popular procedure that reshapes the cornea to correct refractive errors and reduce dependency on glasses and contact lenses. Some of the refractive errors that can be solved include nearsightedness, farsightedness, & astigmatism. However, not everyone who wants LASIK may be right for it. To find out if you’re a candidate for LASIK, take our free online LASIK self-test today!

Refractive Lens Exchange

Refractive Lens Exchange is the perfect surgery for those who are too young for cataract surgery and too old for LASIK. RLE is more similar to Cataract Surgery than LASIK and uses an IOL to correct nearsightedness and severe farsightedness. Like cataract surgery, your eye’s natural lens is removed and replaced with an artificial lens called an intraocular lens or IOL. RLE also permanently saves you from developing cataracts in the eye treated.

Cataracts

Cataracts are a natural part of aging for many people. They cloud the eyes’ natural lens that created blurry, cloudy, or distorted vision. Thankfully, cataract surgery is an effective method for treating cataracts. Cataract surgery replaces the eye’s natural lens with an artificial one called an intraocular lens or IOL. Depending on which IOL you choose, your vision could be better than ever! We also offer laser-assisted cataract surgery through Lensar Technology. Find out if you’re a candidate for advanced premium cataract surgery by taking our online free Cataract self-test!

Visian ICL

For those who aren’t a candidate for LASIK because your corneas are too thin or you’re too nearsighted, Visian ICL may be the right solution for you! Visian ICL uses an IOL to correct a wide range of refractive errors and reduce dependency on your glasses or contact lenses. Unlike cataract surgery, Visian ICL does not need to remove the eyes’ natural lens to implement the IOL and place it between the iris and natural lenses. Visian ICL acts as a sort of implantable contact lens that can be removed if necessary. 

PRK

Before there was LASIK, PRK was the most popular laser refractive surgery procedure available. However, today PRK is still a highly popular alternative to LASIK for those with thin corneas. Both people with nearsightedness and farsightedness can benefit from PRK surgery. The main difference between PRK and LASIK is those who undergo LASIK tend to have more discomfort and see better much faster. Contact us today if you’re interested in learning more about PRK!

Keratoconus

Keratoconus is when your cornea, the clear front surface of the eye, begins to thin and gradually bulge outwards into a cone shape. It may cause blurry vision, sensitivity to light & glares, and progress slowly for ten years or longer without treatment. Luckily, treatment methods are available for keratoconus through Intacs, collagen cross-linking, and PKP. 

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is one of the most common eye diseases affecting Americans today. It’s earned the nickname “the silent thief of sight,” as it does not show any symptoms until irreversible damage to your vision has been done. If left untreated, glaucoma can blind you. Unfortunately, there is no cure for glaucoma; however, if caught early, you can treat glaucoma to slow or completely stop the progression of this eye disease. There are also two different types of glaucoma open-angle and closed-angle glaucoma. The best way to prevent glaucoma is through routine eye exams, especially if you have a family history of glaucoma.

Eye Exams

Eye Exams are a crucial part of maintaining healthy vision. Even if your vision has been entirely uninterrupted, you could still be at risk for developing an eye disease or condition. Some eye diseases or conditions can progress without showing any noticeable signs or symptoms until permanent damage to your vision is done. By having routine eye exams, you can catch any eye disease or condition that may have gone unnoticed. At South Texas Eye Institute, we offer comprehensive eye exams as well as immediate emergency appointments.

Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy occurs as a direct result of diabetes. Like glaucoma, you may not notice any symptoms or signs before permanent vision is done. Eventually, diabetic retinopathy can blind you if not treated. Diabetic retinopathy can develop in those with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, especially those who have had diabetes for a long time or have trouble controlling their blood sugar. They are especially susceptible to developing diabetic retinopathy. The best way to prevent diabetic retinopathy is to manage your diabetes and blood sugar levels carefully.

BOTOX

BOTOX is a cosmetic treatment that can temporarily treat wrinkles around your forehead, eyes, and eyebrows. Alongside temporarily treating wrinkles, BOTOX can also treat migraines, lazy eyes, and bladder dysfunction. You can expect to see BOTOX last for around 2-6 months; however, you can get multiple BOTOX injections to continue seeing the results. BOTOX should not be continued for too long, as it can cause muscle weakness or a frozen expression. Following your BOTOX treatments, it’s imperative that you don’t touch the area affected as it can potentially spread the toxin in BOTOX to different regions.

Blepharoplasty

Blepharoplasty, also known as an eye lift, can correct eyelids’ drooping or sagging and remove excess fat or skin. This cosmetic procedure can help give you a more youthful appearance and improve your vision or alleviate other symptoms. Blepharoplasty can also be performed with other cosmetic surgeries like brow lifts to improve facial sagging, crow’s feet & droopy eyebrows. Unfortunately, not everyone is a candidate for blepharoplasty. To learn more about if you’re a candidate for an eye lift, visit our blepharoplasty page!

Juvéderm

Juvéderm, a type of dermal filler, is an aesthetic procedure that aims to treat nasolabial creases or marionette lines. Juvéderm can also restore lost volume in your face and help your face to look full and supple once again! You can also expect to see the results of Juvéderm last up to one year. Contact us today to talk without specialized Juvéderm doctor, Lisa Martén, to learn more about the benefits of Juvéderm!

Dry Eye

Several different reasons can cause dry eye syndrome; because of this, there are many treatment options available. Some of the treatment methods we offer for dry eye syndrome include punctal plugs, artificial tears, and prescription drops. Punctal plugs can block the outflow of tears, so they build up in the eye and improve dry eye symptoms. Punctal plugs can also easily be inserted and cause little to no discomfort. Contact us today to find out which treatment method is best for your dry eyes!