Clarity Eye Group

Clarity Eye Group, an NVISION Eye Center partner, has helped numerous Orange County cataracts patients restore clear, crisp vision. Our doctors specialize in advanced forms of cataract surgery and use many of the latest technologies and techniques for excellent outcomes. We provide care to patients throughout Orange County, including Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, Fountain Valley, Westminster, Costa Mesa and Seal Beach. Cataract: What Is It? A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s natural lens, the part of the eye thta acts like a camera lens and focuses light coming into the eye onto the retina at the back of the eye. Cataracts appear when protein and dead cells inside the eye build up on the lens, much like a dirty window inside your eye. The buildup makes it very difficult for light to pass through, in turn making vision appear foggy or partially obscured in spots. Over time, the lens can become so cloudy that it needs to be replaced. Cataracts cannot be prevented or reversed. However, they can be removed by a surgical procedure in which the clouded lens is removed and replaced with a clear, artificial one that is implanted in the eye. The artificial lens is known as an intraocular lens, or IOL. The highly experienced Orange County cataracts surgeons at Clarity Eye Group perform cataract surgery in one of two ways: extracapsular cataract surgery or intracapsular cataract surgery. With extracapsular cataract surgery, the lens is removed and the capsule holding it is left partially intact to support the artificial lens. With intracapsular surgery, the lens and capsule are removed in one piece. What Happens During Cataract Surgery? Step 1 – A small incision is made in the cornea of the eye. The blurry lens is broken up with ultrasound energy and removed from the eye. Step 2 – The cataract is replaced with an artificial lens. Step 3 – The surgeon correctly positions the lens to restore the patient’s vision. Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery Until 2011, cataract surgery was performed using a blade. While traditional cataract surgery is a safe and effective way to improve your vision, state-of-the-art femtosecond lasers allow for a customized procedure with enhanced computer-controlled precision. This results in some key benefits that include: Minimally invasive procedure Outpatient surgery completed in under one hour Significantly reduced recovery time Excellent results Clarity Eye Group utilizes only the best in femtosecond technology: the Catalys® Precision Laser System. Both traditional and laser-assisted cataract surgery are relatively short procedures, usually taking less than an hour to complete. They are performed under local anesthesia, most often without a hospital stay. ORA System If you have astigmatism, Clarity Eye Group also offers the ORA system, a state-of-the-art technology that provides our surgeons an added level of precision and safety for an optimal outcome. The ORA system evaluates your optical system and its unique imperfections after the cataract is removed; these on-demand measurements help us to determine the correct IOL power and position to give you the best possible visual result. Thanks to the ORA system, we can reduce or eliminate your need to wear glasses after surgery. Enhanced Quality of Vision With Lifestyle Lenses Clarity Eye Group is home to some of the most highly regarded Orange County multifocal IOL specialists. Our surgeons offer many types of premium IOLs, including ReStor, Tecnis, Crystalens and Panoptix multifocal lenses, to provide our patients with the best overall vision results. Over the years, Clarity Eye Group’s eye surgeons have become renowned as leading Orange County experts — a reputation that attracts numerous patients every year, including individuals from Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, Fountain Valley and Westminster. During your consultation, our surgeons will educate you on how each type of IOL works, and recommend the perfect premium IOL to provide you with the results to meet your vison goals and reduce or possibly eliminate your dependence on glasses. How a Premium IOL Can Enhance Your Vison After Cataract Surgery Cataract Surgery Recovering From Cataract Surgery Recovering from cataract surgery is usually a rapid and relatively painless process. Your eyes may feel slightly itchy or uncomfortable immediately after surgery. You may have some sensitivity to light, and will be given a pair of sunglasses to wear on the ride home from the surgery center. Initially after surgery, your vision may be blurry or cloudy as your visual system adjusts to your new IOL. Some patients describe temporarily “wavy” or otherwise distorted vision. You may recover clear vision within a few days or it could take up to a week or two to see clearly. Don’t worry — several days of discomfort and blurry vision are well worth the many years of clear vision you will enjoy after cataract surgery!

Laser-based refractive surgeries like LASIK and PRK get a lot of attention, but not all patients are suited to these procedures. One popular alternative is refractive lens exchange (RLE). Like cataract surgery, RLE involves removing your eye’s natural lens and replacing it with an intraocular lens (IOL) that can permanently correct nearsightedness and/or farsightedness. Who Is a Good Candidate for Refractive Lens Exchange? While LASIK works best for patients who are under the age of 40, RLE is suitable for people over 40. During middle age, the lens goes through some natural changes that make an IOL a more practical and effective treatment. Age is not the only factor. RLE is also the better option for patients with weak or irregular corneas that should not be reshaped with a laser. In cases where a patient’s myopia or hyperopia is severe enough to be outside the recommended limits for LASIK, a high-quality IOL can often handle the correction. RLE Long-Term Benefits There are some long-term benefits to the procedure as well. While in some cases the effects of laser correction can fade a bit over time, refractive lens exchange is indefinitely. Moreover, cataracts — which affect about half of all Americans over the age of 75 — are unable to form on these lenses. During a consultation, the expert doctors at Clarity Eye Group can evaluate your vision and determine your candidacy for RLE or an alternative procedure. RLE Intraocular Lens Options Clarity Eye Group offers an extensive selection of premium IOL brands: Crystalens Symfony ReSTOR Tecnis Alcon PanOptix Alcon AcrySof IQ Vivity While some eye centers only offer one or two choices, our doctors prefer to have an array of options so that we can best treat your unique vision needs. We use state-of-the-art technology to get precise measurements of your sight and will make a professional recommendation based on these tests. Refractive Lens Exchange Procedure Details Ahead of your surgery, you will receive numbing eye drops to help keep the procedure pain-free. Your surgeon will start by cutting a small slit in your eye. Through that opening, the surgeon will perform phacoemulsification to break apart and pull out the eye’s natural lens. Next, the surgeon will replace the lens with an IOL where it will remain in place permanently. The whole procedure is completed in about half an hour. A week later, you will return to the office to treat the other eye. We intentionally separate these procedures so that you are never completely visually impaired during your recovery. It is also wise to verify that there have been no complications with the first eye before proceeding with the other one. Recovery from Refractive Lens Exchange Refractive Lens Exchange in Huntington Beach, CAMost patients will be able to see better as soon as the eyedrops wear off, though it will probably take multiple weeks before the full results manifest with the quality of vision fluctuating in the interim. You should plan to have someone else drive you home from the procedure and look after you for the first day. Focus on resting and relaxing rather than engaging in strenuous activity for at least two days. While the eye is healing, you may experience small side effects like blurry vision halos around light or glare. You may also notice some slight discomfort, though that can be managed with pain medication. Refractive Lens Exchange FAQ Refractive Lens Exchange Huntington Beach How do I choose which type of IOL to use? Prior to scheduling your RLE procedure, our doctors will conduct a comprehensive vision exam to get precise measurements of all refractive errors in your eyes. They can then recommend the types of intraocular lenses that will best address your vision imperfections. Usually, if your distance is blurry at only one distance (near, middle, far), then monofocal lenses are the best option. When you need to correct your vision for multiple distances, then multifocal or accommodating IOLs are a more appropriate choice. Since multifocal lenses are pricier, some patients with blurry near and far vision decide to get monofocal lenses for their distance vision and wear reading glasses occasionally for near vision. How much does refractive lens exchange cost? Is RLE covered by insurance? Since each type of IOL has a different price, the total cost of RLE depends on which premium lens you use to correct your vision. The team at Clarity Eye Group provides a quote during the consultation phase so that you may make an informed decision about your vision care. Because glasses or contact lenses can also help you to overcome your refractive errors, RLE is considered an elective surgery. Accordingly, insurance plans do not typically cover RLE. Fortunately, we do accept financing plans through CareCredit, a leading medical lender, so you can make payments toward the total cost of the procedure if you would find that helpful.

shoes, jewelry and handbags, it is common now to also have coordinating options in eye-wear. Whether it be sporty, casual, sophisticated, or dressy, there are styles to go with any look you are trying to achieve. Our skilled opticians are always here to assist you with the frame and lens options that best fit your lifestyle needs. Complimentary Services Our patients also are welcome to come in for complimentary lens cleaning and frame adjustments. Competitive Pricing Our optical shop offers competitive prices on both quality ophthalmic frames, lenses and contact lenses. We also work with a variety of vision insurance plans. Visit them to compare prices and see what great options are available for you. Also, be sure to ask about our seasonal promotions offered. FAQs What is nearsightedness? Also called myopia, nearsightedness is a type of refractive error that makes objects appear blurry at a distance, while objects that are within close range appear clear. Squinting is a common indicator that someone may be nearsighted. Glasses and contact lenses can correct nearsightedness in children and adults; other refractive surgeries may also be an option for clear distance vision. What are eye floaters and when should I be concerned about them? Eye floaters can be described as tiny specs that float across your field of vision and may be noticeable while looking at a clear sky, a plain, light-colored wall, or a blank piece of paper. They are caused by changes in the thickness of the vitreous humor of the eye. Some people may experience eye floaters and eye flashes at the same time. Generally, floaters are not a cause of concern and are a typical effect of aging, but if you experience a sudden increase in floaters and flashes, you should seek medical attention. What are the best sunglasses to help protect my eyes? Choosing the right pair of sunglasses comes down to more than their appearance; they are an important type of eye wear that can protect the eyes from harmful ultraviolet rays. Unprotected sun exposure can damage the structures in the eye, including the lens and cornea. It can also lead to cataracts. To get the most out of your sunglasses, ensure that you are selecting ones with the following features: UV protection: Look for sunglasses that offer 100% UV protection. You should also regularly inspect your sunglasses for scratches and chips since any damage to the coating can make the sunglasses less effective. Size: Correctly sized sunglasses should fit comfortably and cover a large portion of the face, which allows for more protection. How often should I schedule eye examinations? Adults should get a complete eye exam at least every two years, or as recommended by a qualified optometrist. Patients 65 and older and those at risk for certain eye conditions may need more frequent visits for optimal optical health. What are the symptoms of dry eye? Dry eye can cause several disruptive symptoms, including: A gritty sensation in the eyes Eye redness and inflammation Feeling as if something is in your eye Eye discharge Sensitivity to light Change in vision Burning or stinging sensation Dry eye is the result of the eyes not making an adequate amount of tears, quick evaporation of tears, or a combination of the two. Certain factors can put you at higher risk of experiencing dry eye, such as your environment and certain medical conditions. For dry eye relief, schedule your appointment at Clarity Eye Group. How can I protect my eyes from digital strain? Digital screens are a significant part of many people’s lives today. If you find your eyes becoming tired after staring at a phone screen, television, digital tablet, or laptop for extended amounts of time, you may be experiencing computer vision syndrome. Protect your eyes with specialized glasses that are intended for use with digital screens, take frequent eye rest breaks while using digital devices, and limit screen time whenever possible.

Serving Orange County for over fifty years, the award-winning team of ophthalmologists and optometrists at Clarity Eye Group have a diverse set of skills that allow us to help all our patients’ needs. In addition to cataract surgery and refractive surgery, we offer advanced procedures that allow us to treat a wide range of eye conditions, including: Glaucoma Glaucoma is a condition where fluid is unable to drain from the eye in a normal manner. This fluid buildup puts undue pressure on the optic nerve. If left untreated, this pressure can eventually lead to blindness. Multiple types of glaucoma surgery are available to relieve the pressure and prevent vision loss. Astigmatism Astigmatism describes a cornea or lens with an imperfect shape. Because light rays do not refract properly on a distorted curve, astigmatism has an impact on the clarity of a person’s vision. While eyewear like glasses or contacts can correct for these irregularities, some patients may prefer a permanent solution like limbal relaxing incisions, which surgically correct the shape of the cornea. Pterygium & Pingueculum Pterygium is a growth that forms on the sclera and stretches to the cornea, usually after prolonged periods of sun and/or wind exposure. Pterygium can be surgically removed to avoid it impairing eyesight. Pingueculum grows on the side of the eye, but it does not obstruct the cornea. Surgery is rarely warranted for pingueculum, but eye drops can help alleviate any irritation. Eyelid Surgery Blepharoplasty is a cosmetic surgery that addresses unwanted signs of aging around the eyes. Lower eyelid surgery deals with the skin just beneath the eye to treat the dark circles that make a person look tired. Upper eyelid surgery handles the fat and loose skin just above the eye that pushes down on the upper eyelid and causes it to droop. Both procedures provide for long-lasting facial rejuvenation. Chalazion When an oil gland on the eyelid becomes inflamed, a bump known as a chalazion can form. After a few days, the chalazion can harden, redden and become painful. In most cases, chalazions will go away on their own, but Clarity Eye doctors can also drain the eye and provide medication to treat persistent cases. Droopy Eyelid & Ptosis When the muscles tasked with lifting the eyelids weaken, the resulting drooping eyelid is known as eyelid ptosis. In its most serious stages, a drooping eyelid can limit one’s field of vision. Eyelid surgery, which removes excess skin so that the eyelid can open more easily, is usually the best solution. Entropion & Ectropion Entropion describes when the eyelid turns inward, causing it to rub against the cornea. Ectropion is when the eyelid turns outward. Both conditions generally occur when the tissue around the eye softens due to aging. For both, surgery is usually the best solution, although artificial tears may be able to relieve some of the symptoms. Eyelid Biopsy A suspicious growth on the eyelid should be examined to determine whether it is cancerous. Clarity Eye Group will remove the tissue and inspect it in a laboratory to check it for cancer. To see an eye doctor who specializes in these procedures, please call (714) 842-0651 to schedule a consultation. Eye Procedures FAQs How long is the recovery period for each procedure? Recovery time varies depending on the specific condition and treatment administered. Minor procedures, such as chalazion removal or in-office laser treatments, usually involve minimal downtime, with most patients resuming their regular activities within a day or two. More involved procedures, like blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), may require up to 1–2 weeks for swelling and bruising to subside. Our team provides detailed post-treatment instructions and recovery timelines tailored to each patient’s specific procedure and eye health. What are the cost factors associated with these procedures, and are they covered by insurance? Close-up of a woman's healthy eyes after receiving eye care in Huntington BeachCosts vary depending on the complexity of the condition, the type of procedure, and whether advanced technologies are used. Many medically necessary treatments, such as glaucoma laser therapy, eyelid lesion removal, or certain injections for retinal disease, are typically covered by insurance or Medicare. Cosmetic procedures or elective treatments, like eyelid lift, may not be covered. We’re happy to help patients understand their coverage and provide cost estimates during consultation. What qualifications and experience do your surgeons have in performing these procedures? Clarity Eye Group is staffed by a team of board-certified ophthalmologists with decades of combined experience. Our doctors are highly trained in both minimally invasive and surgical eye care, including procedures involving the eyelids, cornea, retina, and optic nerve.

What Is LASIK? LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) is a laser eye surgery procedure intended to reduce a person’s dependency on glasses or contact lenses. It is by far the most commonly performed refractive surgery procedure in the United States. Millions of Americans have undergone this surgery and enjoyed immediate, dramatic improvement in their vision. The procedure is quick – taking just about 15 minutes to perform – but the result can be a lifetime of clearer vision. Are You a Candidate for LASIK? Here are some general guidelines to help you determine if you are a good candidate for LASIK surgery: Must be over 18. Should not be pregnant, nursing, or planning to become pregnant. Must have had a stable eye wear prescription for at least one year prior to the procedure. Must be those afflicted with nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and/or higher order visual aberrations. Must be free from any eye disease such as cataract or glaucoma. Must have sufficient corneal thickness. You may be a candidate for Lasik even if you had a prior corrective surgery. Some eye conditions or diseases may preclude an individual from being a Custom LASIK candidate. For those individuals, there are various other options that can yield effective results. These alternatives can be discussed in detail with Dr. Fahd during your consultation. Alternatives to LASIK include PRK and refractive lens exchange, a procedure that removes the eye’s natural lens and replaces it with an artificial prescription lens (also known as a premium IOL) to help the patient to overcome myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism. The best way to find out if you are a good candidate is to schedule your complimentary VIP consultation with Dr. Fahd. Click here to contact us. LASIK Procedure Huntington Beach CA LASIK Procedure During the procedure at our Orange County LASIK facility, the surgeon uses a precise laser instrument to create a tiny flap in the surface of the eye. He then pulls back the flap to expose the underlying corneal tissue. Following that, a highly-concentrated, “cool” beam of UV light emitted from a computer-guided Excimer laser is used to gently reshape the cornea with exquisite precision. This step is carried out without pain, heating, injuring, shrinking or otherwise distorting surrounding tissue. By permanently reforming the misshapen surface of the cornea, the surgeon is able to reduce the Huntington Beach, Orange County or Newport Beach LASIK patient’s degree of refractive error and dramatically improve vision. Illustration of a LASIK procedure in Huntington BeachOnce the correction procedure is completed, the surgeon gently repositions the flap onto the underlying cornea without sutures. Recovery After the LASIK Procedure Healing after laser eye surgery usually occurs very rapidly, with most patients noticing improved vision within a few hours after the procedure. You should arrange for someone to take you home after the LASIK procedure because your vision will be slightly blurred from the medication used to protect your eyes. You may experience a small degree of discomfort over the next day, however, this can be alleviated with medication. In addition, some patients experience light sensitivity, swelling, or tearing for a few hours after the procedure. Most patients are able to return to their normal daily routines one day after surgery, however, you should wait to drive until after your follow-up examination and our doctor give you the okay. Let us look at the LASIK recovery time in stages: * First Day After Surgery – A follow-up exam at our Orange County LASIK facility should be scheduled the day after the procedure. You will need to regularly use the doctor-prescribed antibiotics, steroids, and other medications to prevent infection and keep your eyes moist. Do not use any eye drops not approved by your ophthalmologist. Do not rub your eyes for the first 7 days and, while showering, do not let the water strike you on the face directly. Soap and shampoo in the eyes should be avoided strictly. Computer work, watching TV, and reading are acceptable, provided you lubricate your eyes regularly, and blink frequently. Light exercises are OK, but keep the sweat out of your eyes. In addition, most patients resume driving and work without any difficulties. * One Week After Surgery – Avoid touching your eyes, and try to keep sweat out of your eyes. Exercising is fine, but avoid swimming, whirlpools and hot tubs. Keep your eyes well lubricated, and use lotions, creams and eye makeup with care, unless advised to the contrary by your doctor. *Two Weeks After Surgery – Strenuous sports, including swimming, can be started, but with eye protection. You can start outdoor activities, but ensure that your eyes are well protected.

Clarity Eye Group’s highly talented eye surgeons offer several other forms of laser eye surgery in Orange County, Newport Beach and Huntington Beach. They have multiple years’ experience performing LTK surgery in Orange County, as well as PRK procedure. Please peruse the paragraphs below to learn more about laser eye surgery and the results Orange County patients can achieve through it. PRK in Orange County Photo refractive keratectomy (PRK) is a refractive surgical procedure in which a cool beam of ultraviolet light emitted from a computer-guided laser is used to vaporize microscopic layers of the cornea, leaving the clear outer covering of the eye’s lens smooth and allowing for clearer vision. The laser does not come into contact with the eye, and the use of a cool beam of light precise enough to cut notches into a strand of hair means only tiny areas of tissue are affected. Are you a good PRK candidate? At Clarity Eye Group in Southern California we are dedicated to making it our priority that you are matched with the right type of laser eye surgery. With various eye procedures to choose from at our eye clinic we are here to help inform you of who is a good candidate for PRK. At Clarity Eye Group we look for good PRK candidates who have the following traits: Individuals with corneas that are too thin for LASIK Individuals who have nearsightedness (also known as myopia) tend to be well fitted for PRK Patients who are in generally good health PRK is a relatively new procedure, first offered in the United States in 1996, but it is increasing in popularity among people looking for an alternative to LASIK surgery. While it usually takes longer to fully recover from PRK surgery, the procedure is still popular because patients who are not candidates for LASIK due to certain corneal conditions or corneal scarring may be good candidates for PRK surgery. Both procedures result in essentially the same degree of vision correction. PRK Procedure Details Prior to the surgery, numbing eye drops are placed into your eyes to keep you comfortable throughout the procedure. A special device holds your eyelids open to prevent blinking while your ophthalmologist performs PRK. Once this preparation is complete, the ophthalmologist gently removes the epithelium, or outermost cells of the cornea, with a laser. Next, he uses a separate, computer-guided laser to reshape the cornea so that it can refract light in a normal manner. The computer follows a digitized map of your unique eye shape to produce the maximum benefits. This entire procedure is typically completed in less than 15 minutes. A “bandage” contact lens that promotes better healing will be placed over your eye. Recovering from PRK Though the recovery from PRK is slower than that of LASIK, when you look back on it, it will not seem that long. Many patients are able to resume work and most of their regular activities within several days. PRK is performed on an outpatient basis. After your procedure, we will monitor you for a short period of time to ensure your vitals are stable. Then, we will release you into the care of a companion, who should drive you home. Once home, plan to rest for the remainder of the day. Your eyes need time to recuperate, so clear your schedule and arrange for someone else to handle childcare, pet care and other household responsibilities. You will wear special bandage contact lenses to protect your eyes as the epithelial cells grow back. Follow all of our instructions for wearing the lenses and do not remove them until our doctors advise it is safe to do so. We will also ask you to wear an eye shield during sleep to avoid accidentally scratching your eyes. Precautions to Take After PRK Surgery For the first day or two, refrain from overusing your eyes with excessive screen time or reading. You can watch television and read in moderation, but do not overdo it. Podcasts and audiobooks are good entertainment alternatives that do not require looking at a screen. You can shower the day after surgery, as long as you avoid getting water in your eyes. You can resume driving when you feel comfortable enough in the clarity of your vision to get behind the wheel. Some patients are slightly uncomfortable after PRK because their healing eyes are highly sensitive to light. We usually recommend wearing sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat outside if the light is very bright. Pain and significant discomfort after PRK are very rare. Dry, itchy eyes may occur; our team will prescribe eye drops to lubricate and soothe your eyes after PRK. We will also prescribe antibiotic eye drops to reduce the risk of infection. Please use the drops as directed.