Master Eye Associates of South Austin conducts full spectrum analysis of glaucoma symptoms with OCT scans and Scanning Laser Polarimetry

Austin, TX -- (ReleaseWire) -- 01/19/2015 -- South Austin eye care provider Master Eye Associates reminds area patients that with modern treatment, advanced testing and early-warning technology, glaucoma is a manageable condition. New technology and techniques have rendered glaucoma a treatable disease, and Master Eye Associates of South Austin now provides a full assay of glaucoma testing and treatment methods for area patients. Using Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) and Scanning Laser Polarimetry, Master Eye's skilled optometrists can detect and diagnose early stage glaucoma, much earlier than any other form of testing has been capable of doing. The Master Eye Associates philosophy is to adopt and apply the most effective contemporary technology and techniques to provide quality, advanced care for their South Austin eye care patients.

Beyond initial testing, ongoing Care and monitoring of glaucoma is essential to the treatment of this disease. Keeping a close watch on glaucoma's progress is crucial to the prevention of permanent loss of vision. With state-of-the-art spectral domain OCT scans, Master Eye Associates gathers the most accurate measurements of the progressive nerve fiber loss that is a result of glaucoma. The detection and monitoring of this nerve loss determines the overall approach and ultimate effectiveness of subsequent glaucoma treatments. The depth and meticulousness of OCT scans are unsurpassed, and only this level of technology can accurately capture total nerve-loss progression, making it possible for a doctor to make the most appropriate decision on combating the disease.

Untreated glaucoma results in severe vision loss or even permanent blindness. Master Eye Associates' optometrists recommend yearly eye checkups for adults and children. Checkups should include comprehensive assays for glaucoma and other common eye conditions. Early detection is of critical importance to the successful treatment of many ocular disorders and diseases. Master Eye Associates of South Austin offers comprehensive full eye exams including glaucoma testing with the most advanced equipment available, general vision testing, LASIK consultations and family eye care, all at their convenient South Austin, Texas location. To learn more about Master Eye Associates and their Texas eye care offices in Cedar Park, Bee Caves and around Austin, visit them online at www.MasterEyeAssociates.com.

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Master Eye Associates eye care clinic in Bee Caves provides free consultations and a deep discount for approved LASIK, LASEK and PRK candidates

Austin, TX -- (ReleaseWire) -- 12/31/2014 -- Bee Caves optometrists at Master Eye Associates are offering free consultations for patients seeking more info about laser eye surgeries, including LASIK, LASEK and PRK procedures, and approved candidates may be eligible to receive a deep discount after filling out and presenting a voucher available online. Lens-free corrective vision solutions are advancing yearly, increasing positive results while expanding options for potential candidates and creating a variety of solutions for those seeking corrective laser eye surgery. To accommodate the growing number of people seeking information on these procedures, Master Eye Associates in Bee Caves and around Central Texas are providing free complimentary laser eye surgery consultations to help educate and ultimately determine which procedure is best for each client.

Laser eye surgery can dramatically improve day-to-day lives by correcting vision impairments and allowing the patient to see normally without the need for corrective lenses. To achieve this, different types of surgical procedures have been developed using lasers that can correct vision problems with a quick, safe procedure. The three main types of laser surgeries available are LASIK, LASEK and PRK. Each procedure has benefits for the right type of candidate, determined during the initial consultation when the optometrist and patient discuss goals and conditions, while also dissolving any apprehensions.

The Master Eye consultation and discount covers LASIK or PRK procedures for both eyes. Optometrists use the advanced, highly-accurate Allegretto Wave Eye-Q Laser and the Intralase Laser units for maximum safety and positive results. LASIK laser eye surgery begins when the surgeon uses a microkeratome to create a thin, circular flap on the cornea. The surgeon then lifts up and folds back this flap, exposing the corneal tissue which the surgeon then removes with a beam of ultraviolet light, reshaping the corneal surface. The corneal flap is replaced and carefully smoothed with a small sponge. PRK patients will undergo a similar procedure but without the creation or removal of the corneal flap.

About Master Eye Associates
Master Eye Associates in Bee Caves, Texas is a leading provider of LASIK, LASEK and PRK laser eyes surgeries, general optometry and other eye care services.

To learn more about their eye exams, eye disease treatments, vision correction methods and special discounts, visit them online at http://www.mastereyeassociates.com

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Master Eye Associates in Round Rock offers full, comprehensive consultations for those seeking more information about LASIK laser eye surgery

Austin, TX -- (ReleaseWire) -- 12/30/2014 -- Round Rock eye care specialists Master Eye Associates is currently providing new and potential patients interested in LASIK laser eye surgery comprehensive consultations at no cost. These LASIK consultations include a discussion of goals and conditions for each patient and coverage of the various types of procedures available for candidates. Each client is attended by an experienced eye doctor who will discuss each variation in detail. Consultations also include a screening that can determine whether patients are best suited for LASIK, LASEK, or PRK.

Master Eye Associates finds that many potential LASIK patients don't realize that other options for laser eye surgery in Round Rock are available, and are surprised to learn that different procedures are tailored for different eye types, needs and severity of conditions to be corrected. LASIK is the most popular surgical option and tends to be the more recognized of the variations. However, patients should be informed by their doctors of other types of laser surgery, such as In LASEK, which lifts the epithelium and pushes it aside, allowing the surgeon to apply the laser to the eye and properly sculpt the cornea. Following the laser procedure, the epithelial flap is carefully replaced, and clear contact lens bandage is placed on the eye for comfort and quick healing.

Another variation is called PRK. PRK, like LASIK and LASEK, is a refractive laser eye surgery, but it differs in being recommended for patients with thin or irregular corneas. Many doctors and patients agree on this procedure as there is no creation of an epithelial flap as in LASIK and LASEK, which is often the step which results in complications. Overall, the use of Intralase (femtosecond) laser technology for corneal flap creation has continued to advance and improve results while decreasing complications and side effects. Many common vision problems traditionally addressed by corrective lenses or contacts can now be corrected by laser eye surgery with minimal risk and manageable cost.

About Master Eye Associates
Master Eye Associates has many convenient locations serving the Austin, Tx community. The optometrists at Master Eye Associates are skilled, experienced professionals with a caring, knowledgeable staff.

To learn more about laser eye surgery in Round Rock, visit Master Eye Associates online at http://www.mastereyeassociates.com

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Master Eye Associates informs people in Austin about the various kinds of laser eye surgery

Austin, TX -- (ReleaseWire) -- 11/25/2014 -- In an effort to clear up some of the misconceptions around laser eye surgery, the staff at Master Eye Associates is urging anyone with vision problems to go ahead and schedule a free LASIK consultation. During the consultation, an experienced eye doctor will discuss the different procedures in detail and screen patients to determine if they are good candidates for LASIK, LASEK, or PRK. Simply letting people know there are different procedures available is often a good place to start.

Master Eye Associates acknowledges that most people who come into one of their Austin eye care clinics for the first time ask about LASIK. LASIK with an 'I' tends to be the surgical option that gets the most attention because it's the most popular. However, patients should expect their eye doctor to go through all the treatment options before making a recommendation. Once a patient fully understands the risks and possible outcomes of each procedure, they can then make an informed decision on whether or not to have surgery.

Public opinion regarding LASIK and other vision-correction surgeries tends to fall in one extreme or the other. Some people expect LASIK to be a magic cure-all for their vision woes, while others are completely turned off by one horror story they heard from a second-hand source ten years back. The rational reality, of course, is somewhere between. Master Eye Associates hopes that by providing free consultations, they will encourage more people to consider laser eye surgery in a less harsh, more reasonable light.

Many of the same vision problems that have been addressed with prescription glasses for centuries can now be corrected by laser eye surgery. At the same time, there is risk involved, and cost, so anyone uncomfortable with undergoing elective surgery should put ample thought into their decision.

About Master Eye Associates
Master Eye Associates is a trusted provider of eye care services and laser eye surgery in Central Austin.

For a full list of locations and services, visit www.mastereyeassociates.com

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Master Eye Associates use OCT scans and Scanning Laser Polarimetry to diagnose glaucoma before anyone else

Austin, TX -- (ReleaseWire) -- 11/11/2014 -- Master Eye Associates, an eye care clinic in Round Rock, is reminding patients that glaucoma is a manageable and treatable condition as long as it's detected early and watched over closely. Using Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) and Scanning Laser Polarimetry, the experienced optometrists at Master Eye are able to find and diagnose early cases of glaucoma before they would be visible with any other form of testing. Adopting new technology and using the most accurate eye diagnostic tools in the industry has always been a priority at Master Eye Associates.

Monitoring the progress of glaucoma is essential to preventing long term vision loss. Master Eye Associates uses a state-of-the-art spectral domain OCT to get the most accurate measurement of progressive nerve fiber loss. How nerve loss is progressing is the deciding factor when it comes to determining the effectiveness of glaucoma treatment. Only OCT scans that use this advanced technology are able to accurately capture progression, and therefore make it possible for a doctor to best decide how to combat the disease.

If left unchecked, glaucoma can lead to severe vision loss or permanent blindness. Master Eye Associates recommends that children and adults each have their eyes checked once per year. All comprehensive eye exams should test for glaucoma as well as other common eye conditions.

About Master Eye Associates
Master Eye Associates provides glaucoma testing, full eye exams, vision testing, and LASIK consultations at their eye care clinic in Round Rock, Texas. They have five additional locations in the surrounding area, including offices in Cedar Park, Bee Caves, as well as North, South, and Central Austin. To find out more, visit them online at http://www.mastereyeassociates.com.

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Master Eye Associates use scanning laser ophthalmoscopy to diagnose retinal disorders

Austin, TX -- (ReleaseWire) -- 11/04/2014 -- The eye care specialists at Master Eye Associates perform full eye exams that do not leave patients with dilated and light-sensitive eyes hours after an appointment. Anyone who would prefer not to have their eyes dilated may opt for a non-invasive examination via scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (SLO), which can be an effective way to diagnose retinal detachment, glaucoma, and other retinal conditions. The eye doctors at Master Eye Associates specialize in SLO and have years of experience performing the test.

There are a variety of reasons someone might decide against having their eyes dilated. First, dilated pupils may impair a person's ability to operate a motor vehicle, making it difficult to commute from the doctor's office without enlisting another person to drive. Furthermore, a person's eyes are highly sensitive to light following dilation, and they may be advised to wear dark lenses and stay out of bright environments for several hours. Failure to adhere to these warnings could cause irritation or in some cases lasting eye damage.

For some, dilation is only a minor inconvenience, but for others, it may interfere with their ability to do their job or exclude them from other important obligations, such as picking up their kids from school. Pupil dilation is still commonly used to diagnose certain eye disorders, but it's important that people know they have options, one of which is scanning laser ophthalmoscopy.

About Master Eye Associates
Master Eye Associates is an eye care clinic in South Austin offering comprehensive eye exams, vision testing, and LASIK eye surgery. They have six locations to best serve patients in Austin, Round Rock, Cedar Park, and Bee Cave.

Visit www.mastereyeassociates.com to find the nearest Master Eye Associates clinic.

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Approved surgical candidates save $600 on bilateral LASIK or PRK

Austin, TX -- (ReleaseWire) -- 10/28/2014 -- The eye care professionals at Master Eye Associates are making it possible for more people to explore the idea of lens-free vision correction. They now offer complimentary laser eye surgery consultations and large discounts to patients who are good candidates for a LASIK or PRK procedure. For a limited time, Master Eye Associates is giving patients who qualify $600 off bilateral LASIK or PRK.

Compared to laser eye surgery, few other elective procedures have such a major impact on a person's day-to-day routines. Following a successful surgery, patients report that no longer having to look for their glasses or put in contacts is even more liberating than anticipated. Wearing glasses is something people tend to get used to over a long period of time and they forgot how much of a burden it can be. Anyone who's lost or broken their only pair of corrective lenses on a trip will agree. That said, it is the responsibility of the eye care provider and the patient to confront the real risks that come along with any surgical procedure.

Master Eye Associates urges anyone considering LASIK or PRK to think carefully and reasonably about what they expect the outcome of their surgery to be. It's true, it is up to the doctor to set realistic goals, but the patient must also make sure they ask plenty of questions and take the answers they get seriously. Even though the vast majority of LASIK patients end up pleased with their results, perfect 20/20 vision is by no means guaranteed. If any eye care center promoting LASIK eye surgery claims otherwise, consider it a warning sign.

About Master Eye Associates
Master Eye Associates is a leading provider of LASIK and other eye care services in North Austin. Practice areas include routine eye exams, treatment of eye disease, and vision correction through eyewear and laser eye surgery.

More information is available at www.mastereyeassociates.com

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Master Eye Associates uses the latest technology to provide patients with highly accurate prescriptions for contact lenses and eyewear

Austin, TX -- (ReleaseWire) -- 10/28/2014 -- As part of an ongoing effort to offer patients the most precise vision testing available today, Master Eye Associates is introducing a new instrument that makes it possible for optometrists to measure subtle and acute differences down to one-hundredth of a degree. Under the guidance of an experienced eye doctor, a digital phoropter tool will all but eliminate the guesswork behind determining a patient's corrective lens prescription. The optometrists at Master Eye Associates have always been ahead of the curve when it comes to vision testing technology.

In many cases, digital phoropter technology can be more efficient and accurate than older manual technology. For three out of four patients, using a digital phoropter cuts one of the more time consuming parts of a vision test down to about 30 seconds. This might appeal to anyone who's started second guessing themselves about half-way through the "clearer now … or clearer now" portion of an eye exam.

Patients with irregular corneas, however, may still require manual testing. This is one of the reasons why having an experienced doctor who knows how to administer a vision test and interpret the results is always necessary. Master Eye Associates is an example of an eye care practice that embraces new technology, but still understands the fundamentals of how vision testing works.

About Master Eye Associates
Master Eye Associates provides eye care services in Bee Cave, TX, a city about 15 miles west of Austin. They also have locations in Austin, Round Rock and Cedar Park. In addition to vision testing, Master Eye offers general eye exams, LASIK surgery, and a full range of diagnostic services for figuring out the root cause of eye disease, discomfort, or dryness. Go to http://www.mastereyeassociates.com for a full list of services.

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Master Eye Associates of Austin’s Dr. J. R. Lacey discusses Keratoconus symptoms and basic treatment

Austin, TX -- (ReleaseWire) -- 10/21/2014 -- Dr. J. R. Lacey of Central Austin's Master Eye Associates has provided a breakdown of the symptoms and treatment of keratoconus, a non-inflammatory eye disease, for those seeking information or heading into treatment. Keratoconus causes a person's dome-like cornea to progressively thin. This results in the development of a cone-like bulge, typically in the cornea's inferior section. This disease is normally found in both eyes, though one eye experiences more severe symptoms, with thinning most pronounced at the cone apex. The distorted cone causes significant irregular astigmatism, since the cornea's normally round shape allows focusing and refraction which provides proper sight. Corneal abnormalities like keratoconus affect the way sufferers see and can significantly impact quality of life.

Early stage keratoconus patients report slight loss of focus and vision distortion with an occasional sensitivity to bright light. The disease takes years to develop, with the early stages of symptom appearance occurring between ages 13 and 30. The following 20 years sees a gradual worsening which culminates in a plateau of static symptoms. The origin of keratoconus in patients is unknown, though it is a fairly common disease. New corneal topographic technology, like the Orbscan II, has made it easier to diagnose early stage keratoconus and enable treatment before the onset of the period of corneal deterioration. Patients undergoing LASIK surgery pre-testing for keratoconus have revealed the extent for this disorder in the general public. Though the cause remains obscure, most evidence points to the likelihood for the development of the disease being inherited.

In addition to its association with many other conditions such as retinitis pigmentosa, blue sclera, Down syndrome, Addison disease and Marfan syndrome, keratoconus is also connected to eye rubbing, which is sometimes considered a cause of the disorder. Studies have shown that as many as 70% of keratoconus patients were chronic eye rubbers, due to contact lens irritation or even dry eyes. The most effective way to diagnose early stage keratoconus is via corneal mapping, or video keratography. This may be performed on patients reporting blurry vision, or discomfort associated with bright light or overly tired, irritated eyes. In early stage scenarios, eyeglasses or soft contact lenses may be used to correct the mild nearsightedness (myopia) and astigmatism caused by keratoconus. As the eye disorder progresses and the cornea continues to thin and change shape, rigid gas-permeable contact lenses can be prescribed to correct vision more adequately. The contact lenses must be carefully prescribed and fitted by a skilled, experienced optometrist. Frequent check-ups and lens changes may be needed to achieve and maintain good vision. Most medical insurance pays for these special lenses because the contacts become a medical necessity. Advanced keratoconus causes blurred vision that cannot be adequately corrected with glasses or soft contacts in most cases.

About Master Eye Associates
The eye care doctors at Master Eye Associates in Central Austin are very experienced and skilled in treating keratoconus patients, using both the Orbscan IIz and the Humphrey corneal topographer in diagnosing the extent of the keratoconus and prescribing computer designed contact lenses. Should the cornea become too distorted, the use of intrastromal corneal rings (Intacs) may be advised to stabilize the protrusion and attempt rounding out the corneal irregularities. A small percent of corneal surgeons experienced and certified in this procedure work with Master Eye Associates doctors on these and other serious corneal conditions.

Visit www.MasterEyeAssociates.com to learn more about keratoconus today.

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Master Eye Associates of Texas provides a breakdown of causes, symptoms and treatments available at Central Texas locations

Austin, TX -- (ReleaseWire) -- 10/14/2014 -- North Austin eye care specialists Master Eye Associates has provided a thorough dissection of cataract symptoms, causes and treatments available at their North Austin location as well as their other Austin area eye care offices. Cataracts are a common disorder, causing blurred vision and sensitivity to glare. Cataracts occur when the crystalline lens of the eye gets cloudy or begins to turn opaque. This cloudiness leads to a decrease in visual acuity and an increase in sensitivity to light/dark contrast. The crystalline lens focuses light as an image onto the retina. As a result, obscurities that arise in the form of cataracts on the lens cause poor vision. It's well known that cataracts are directly related to aging, as cataracts are common in older folks. In fact, once people reach age 70, many have had cataracts of varying degrees or already undergone cataract surgery. Cataracts can occur in one or both eyes, but do not "spread" from one eye to the other.

Cataracts can appear as a result of other factors as well. Diseases like diabetes can lead to cataracts, as can excessive smoking or alcohol consumption. Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light can result in various eye problems including cataracts. Age-related cataracts normally develop when protein deposits reduce the fidelity of images that reach the retina. Since the lens consists of water and protein, the clumping of protein clouds the lens. Small cataracts may go unnoticed since changes in vision are minimal. Cataracts progress slowly, so minor changes in vision aren't noticed until a threshold of real decreased visual acuity is reached. In addition, the crystalline lens may gradually change to yellowish color, adding a sepia tone to vision. The lens colors increasingly with age, with tinting unnoticed until changes in reading or driving ability arise, and color identification becomes problematic. Cataracts are located behind the pupil and not visible to the naked eye unless in a very advanced state.

About Cataracts
Cataracts are normally detected via comprehensive eye exams which include a visual acuity test using an eye chart, a dilated eye exam in which drops are applied that dilate the pupils, and specialized magnifying equipment that examines the retina and optic nerve closely for signs of damage and other eye problems. Slit Lamp Biomicroscopy involves anterior eye and crystalline lens evaluation in great detail with special illumination and high magnification. A refraction test may be administered to determine the right prescription for eyeglasses if these can help correct the vision blurriness of cataracts. If cataracts are present in an advanced state, cataract surgery will be necessary to remove the protein clumps and restore vision.

To learn more about cataracts, visit Master Eye Associates of Texas online at www.mastereyeassociates.com

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Master Eye Associates uses leading technology to diagnose corneal disease before vision is seriously affected

Cedar Park, TX -- (ReleaseWire) -- 10/08/2014 -- The experienced optometrists at Master Eye Associates in Cedar Park offer a corneal diagnostic procedure available in less than 1% of eye care clinics in the United States. Specular microscopy is one of the most advanced and effective ways to detect certain corneal conditions that if left untreated could cause partial vision loss or blindness. As with most medical conditions, early detection gives patients the best outlook and most treatment options. Master Eye Associates is a leader in early detection of corneal disease.

The reason specular microscopy is so effective for diagnosing corneal disease early on is because the technology allows doctors to examine the cornea at more than 400X normal size. At that magnification, optometrists are able to pinpoint even the tiniest signs of a potential vision-threatening condition. If an irregularity is detected, the physician may then recommend preventive treatment or simply monitor the condition to make sure it doesn't get to a point where it could seriously jeopardize a patient's ability to see.

Specular microscopy is also useful In cases where eye disease is further along and symptoms are already present. Getting a more accurate image of the patient's cornea helps eye doctor decide which course of treatment can most effectively fight the disease, and, hopefully, reverse its effects. Master Eye Associates recommends that people have their eyes checked regularly for signs of corneal disease. Furthermore, anyone currently experiencing symptoms should make an appointment at their local eye care office right away.

About Master Eye Associates
Master Eye Associates is a trusted eye care clinic in Cedar Park, with five additional locations in the greater Austin area. They provide routine eye exams for adults and children, as well as diagnosing and treating advanced forms of eye disease using advanced technology. Visit http://www.mastereyeassociates.com for more information.

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Master Eye Associates Central Texas locations now informing the public about Air Optix Night and Day Aqua and Avaira contact lenses for improved comfort and corneal health

Bee Cave, TX -- (ReleaseWire) -- 07/01/2014 -- Master Eye Associates' Central Texas optometrist offices have expanded their recommended contact lenses list by offering information on two new types of contact lenses that improve oxygen flow, comfort and effectiveness for wearers. Changes in design and movements forward in contact lens material technology have provided wearers with new standards for comfort and eye health, and Master Eye Associates is proud to add new recommendations for their customers throughout Central Texas. Two new leaps forward in contact lens technology include new Air Optix™ Night and Day Aqua soft contact lenses and Avaira™ contact lenses with Aquaform™ Technology.

Air Optix Night & Day Aqua lenses boast a more comfortable wear than previous types. This improvement is a result of advancement in lens design, and the way the material interacts with the cornea. An improved interaction angle allows the lens to rest more comfortably on the cornea and also improves the retention of moisture, keeping the eye moist and preventing the lens from drying out. The result for the wearer is smoother, faster adaptation and improved comfort, owed to the advanced material's minimal rate of dehydration and ultra-smooth surface, which reduces lens deposits and maintains better placement and overall comfort. As an added convenience, Air Optix Night & Day Aqua lenses bear a slight blue hue which allows them to be seen more easily than un-colored lenses in case they're dropped, or when they're being applied. This tint will not change the color of the wearers' eyes.

Avaira™ contact lenses also provide an improved comfort level due to the utilization of an advanced material employing Aquaform™ Technology. This material allows the extended moisture of the contact lens by attracting and binding water to itself, reducing dryness and maintaining consistent moisture and comfort for the wearer. The material used to create Avaira lenses is softer than similar 14-day silicone-hydrogel disposable soft lenses. The material allows plenty of oxygen to reach the cornea, which contributes to overall eye health, as the cornea itself requires constant moisture and oxygen to function properly. Avaira contacts also absorb UV light. To round out the suite of advanced developments found in these lenses, they are designed with aspheric optics to improve wearers' vision by reducing spherical aberrations in both the lens and the human eye. Avaira is approved for daily wear but are to be removed overnight. To learn more about the rest of the products that Master Eye Associates recommends, or to schedule an appointment, visit them online at www.mastereyeassociates.com.

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