Ultimate Eyes

The H Texas Ultimate Makeover continues with the doctors at the Diagnostic Eye Center, who have two offices, one in the Greenway Plaza area and one in the museum district. Our contestant Kathy was thrilled that an eye component had been added to the Ultimate Makeover, because, just recently, she’d noticed more difficulty seeing at night.

Although Lasik surgery is a big part of Diagnostic Eye Center’s founder Marc Sanders’ practice, he doesn’t think Kathy is a good candidate. Her eye sight is 20/30, which is good enough to see most things. Instead, he suggests a full eye exam and a set of contacts. Kathy is relieved to hear that Dr. Sanders says her eyesight isn’t too bad and admits she hasn’t had her eyes checked since she was 12. “Most people are like Kathy,” says Dr. Sanders. “They haven’t had their eyes checked since they were in school. Once you are out of school, you should have your eyes checked every five years; and if you have glasses, every year.”

A complete eye exam involves looking at the retina. “There can be eye problems that you’re not even aware of,” explains Dr. Sanders. A look at the retina can give insight into a patient’s general health – sometimes diabetes or high blood pressure can be detected. Also, due to the amount of computer work we do today, Dr. Sanders looks for signs of computer vision syndrome.

Dr. Sanders explains that the shape of the eye isn’t perfectly round; it curves more in one direction. Everyone’s eyes do this, but when it reaches a certain level, it needs to be corrected. Kathy has a slight astigmatism that causes her eyes to dilate and let in more light. Contacts can correct this. Overall, Dr. Sanders thinks Kathy’s eyes look great.

Now, it’s time for Dr. Aric Welton to fit Kathy for contact lenses. He briefly explains that soft lenses are more comfortable, and hard lenses offer enhanced clarity. He recommends soft lenses for Kathy. Once fitted with the lenses, he checks her vision once more to make sure the prescription is exactly correct. Since contact lenses are closer to the eye than glasses, this can affect the prescription slightly. You can actually leave the office with contact lenses the day you are fitted for them – unless you’re like Kathy, and you request a special color. She tries several shades until she finds a shade of green that really enhances her eye color. “Why not make a dramatic change?” asks Kathy.

Dr. Welton very patiently teaches Kathy how to put her contacts on. “When they first go in, it feels like you have an eyelash in your eye,” he says. Adding that the eyes will water, and things will be blurry, but it clears up quickly.

With her new lenses, Kathy sees better at night, and there is less glare while driving. And it’s fun to have a new eye color! H