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# Optima Eye: Bay Area Ophthalmologists | Optima Eye | Dr. Mark R. Mandel

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## Posts
- [Living Well with Keratoconus – Tips for Daily Comfort and Visual Improvement](https://optimaeye.com/living-well-with-keratoconus-tips-for-daily-comfort-and-visual-improvement/): If you've recently undergone cataract surgery or are planning to, understanding what happens afterward is just as important as the procedure itself.
- [Lifestyle-Driven Lens Selection – Choosing IOLs for Reading, Driving, and Digital Use](https://optimaeye.com/lifestyle-driven-lens-selection-choosing-iols-for-reading-driving-and-digital-use/): If you've recently undergone cataract surgery or are planning to, understanding what happens afterward is just as important as the procedure itself.
- [Long-Term Vision Care – Maintaining Post‑LASIK Eye Health Over the Years](https://optimaeye.com/long-term-vision-care-maintaining-post-lasik-eye-health-over-the-years/): If you've recently undergone cataract surgery or are planning to, understanding what happens afterward is just as important as the procedure itself.
- [PRK for Thin Corneas – A Safe and Effective Alternative to LASIK](https://optimaeye.com/prk-for-thin-corneas-a-safe-and-effective-alternative-to-lasik/): If you've recently undergone cataract surgery or are planning to, understanding what happens afterward is just as important as the procedure itself.
- [PRK for Active Lifestyles: Exploring the Benefits](https://optimaeye.com/prk-for-active-lifestyles-exploring-the-benefits/): If you've recently undergone cataract surgery or are planning to, understanding what happens afterward is just as important as the procedure itself.
- [Navigating Pre‑LASIK Anxiety – What to Know Before Your Procedure](https://optimaeye.com/navigating-pre-lasik-anxiety-what-to-know-before-your-procedure/): If you've recently undergone cataract surgery or are planning to, understanding what happens afterward is just as important as the procedure itself.
- [Post-Cataract Surgery Care: Ensuring Optimal Healing and Vision](https://optimaeye.com/post-cataract-surgery-care-ensuring-optimal-healing-and-vision/): If you've recently undergone cataract surgery or are planning to, understanding what happens afterward is just as important as the procedure itself.
- [Intacs and CTAKS for Keratoconus: How They Work and Who They Help](https://optimaeye.com/intacs-and-ctaks-for-keratoconus-how-they-work-and-who-they-help/): If you’ve been diagnosed with keratoconus and are researching treatment options beyond glasses or contact lenses, you may have heard of Intacs or CTAKS.
- [Understanding the Differences Between Monofocal and Multifocal IOLs](https://optimaeye.com/understanding-the-differences-between-monofocal-and-multifocal-iols/): If you're exploring cataract surgery, you're likely researching your options for intraocular lenses (IOLs). Choosing the right type of lens is essential for achieving your best possible vision after surgery.
- [PRK Recovery Timeline: What to Expect After Surgery](https://optimaeye.com/prk-recovery-timeline-what-to-expect-after-surgery/): If you’re considering PRK surgery to improve your vision, knowing what to expect during your recovery is essential for peace of mind and optimal results. Mark Mandel, MD in the Bay Area, CA, has guided many patients through this journey, helping them achieve clearer vision with confidence.
- [Understanding Dry Eye and Its Impact](https://optimaeye.com/understanding-dry-eye-and-its-impact/): Dry eye is a common and often frustrating condition that affects your comfort, vision, and overall eye health. Whether you experience mild irritation or more persistent symptoms, you deserve answers and solutions that truly work for your unique needs.
- [Understanding Monovision LASIK: A Solution for Presbyopia](https://optimaeye.com/understanding-monovision-lasik-a-solution-for-presbyopia/): If you’re finding it increasingly difficult to focus on nearby objects, you’re not alone—this common age-related vision change is called presbyopia.
- [Understanding Your Keratoconus Treatment Options](https://optimaeye.com/understanding-your-keratoconus-treatment-options/): If you've recently been diagnosed with keratoconus or have been struggling with blurry vision, distorted eyesight, or sensitivity to light, you might wonder about your treatment options.
- [Lifestyle Benefits of LASIK](https://optimaeye.com/lifestyle-benefits-of-lasik/): Considering LASIK surgery is about more than simply correcting your vision—it's about enhancing your overall lifestyle. At Optima Ophthalmic in the Bay Area, Dr. Mandel understands the profound impact LASIK can have on your daily routine, freeing you from the limitations of glasses and contact lenses. Discover the remarkable ways LASIK can enrich your everyday life, and learn why countless patients view this procedure as life-changing.
- [What to Expect During PRK Recovery](https://optimaeye.com/what-to-expect-during-prk-recovery/): Undergoing Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) is an exciting step toward clearer vision without the need for glasses or contact lenses. At Optima Ophthalmic, led by Dr. Mandel, understanding the recovery process can help you approach your procedure with confidence. Here’s everything you need to know about PRK recovery, from what to expect immediately after the procedure to tips for a smooth healing journey.
- [Dr. Mandel Recognized as One of the “Best Cataract Surgeons in America](https://optimaeye.com/dr-mandel-recognized-as-one-of-the-best-cataract-surgeons-in-america/): If you've recently undergone cataract surgery or are planning to, understanding what happens afterward is just as important as the procedure itself.
- [Understanding the Different Types of Cataracts](https://optimaeye.com/understanding-the-different-types-of-cataracts/): Cataracts are a common concern, especially with age. Cataract-related vision changes can affect quality of life significantly. There are various types of cataracts, each affecting the eye differently.
- [Exploring the Benefits of the Light-Adjustable Lens](https://optimaeye.com/exploring-the-benefits-of-the-light-adjustable-lens/): If you're considering cataract surgery, a new option allows you to fine-tune your vision after surgery: the light-adjustable lens. Renowned Bay Area cataract surgeon Mark Mandel, MD, offers the latest cataract surgery technology, including the revolutionary light-adjustable lens.
- [Could Infection Be the Cause of Your Itchy, Red Eyes?](https://optimaeye.com/could-infection-be-the-cause-of-your-itchy-red-eyes/): If you've ever experienced itchy, red eyes, you know how uncomfortable it can be. Fellowship-trained Bay Area eye surgeon Mark Mandel, MD, performs advanced vision surgeries to correct vision and restore eye health. But, when it comes to eye infections, you can often avoid surgery if you recognize the signs of infection early.
- [Is CLR Worth It?](https://optimaeye.com/is-clr-worth-it/): Are you considering clear lens replacement (CLR) to improving your vision and overall quality of life? This is a significant decision that most patients give a lot of consideration to before surgery. Renowned CLR surgery specialist Mark Mandel, MD, often addresses the benefits and considerations of this procedure with his patients. This blog discusses whether it's worth it and what factors you should consider.
- [What’s the Difference Between CLR and ICL?](https://optimaeye.com/whats-the-difference-between-clr-and-icl/): We get it: If you’re considering vision correction surgery, the wide range of options might seem a bit dizzying. There is a lot of information to take in, so we’re here to break down the basics on some of the procedures you’re most likely curious about. Fellowship-trained Bay Area eye surgeon Mark Mandel, MD, is renowned for his surgical skills by doctors and patients alike: He’s called the “Doctor’s Doctor” because many other surgeons trust only him when they need eye surgery.
- [What’s the Difference Between LASIK and CLR?](https://optimaeye.com/whats-the-difference-between-lasik-and-clr/): Premier fellowship-trained ophthalmologist Mark Mandel, MD, a leading expert in advanced eye surgeries, is often called the "Doctor's Doctor" because many other physicians trust him for their own procedures. His decades of extensive refractive surgery experience give him a unique skillset and knowledge base to draw upon, which translates to the best patient outcomes.
- [Recovery Tips for Optimal Healing After CLR ](https://optimaeye.com/recovery-tips-for-optimal-healing-after-clr/): Clear lens replacement (CLR) is a big step toward improved long-term eyesight. Esteemed fellowship-trained Bay Area ophthalmologist Mark Mandel, MD, renowned for his expertise in CLR, is your surgeon and guide as you navigate a successful recovery. He emphasizes the importance of a well-structured recovery plan to reach the best possible vision outcomes. This blog explores some crucial recovery tips to help you heal after CLR.
- [Pros and Cons of CLR](https://optimaeye.com/pros-and-cons-of-clr/): Clear lens replacement (CLR) is a popular vision correction procedure that involves replacing your eye's natural lens with an artificial one. Fellowship-trained Bay Area ophthalmologist Mark Mandel, MD, is widely recognized for his expertise in performing CLR. In this blog, we explore the pros and cons of CLR to help you make an informed decision.
- [What’s the Difference Between CLR and Cataract Surgery?](https://optimaeye.com/whats-the-difference-between-clr-and-cataract-surgery-2/): When it comes to vision correction procedures, patients often encounter a range of options, each designed to address specific issues related to eye health and vision quality. Two popular procedures that often cause confusion due to their similarities are custom lens replacement (CLR) and cataract surgery. Although both procedures involve replacing the eye's natural lens with an artificial one, some differences are important to note. Mark Mandel, MD, a leading ophthalmologist in the Bay Area, sheds light on these differences to help patients make informed decisions about their vision correction options.
- [Keratoconus Treatment with iLink™ Corneal Cross-Linking](https://optimaeye.com/keratoconus-treatment-with-ilink-corneal-cross-linking/): When the shape of the cornea changes, your vision may suffer in the process. This is often the case with keratoconus, a condition that occurs when the cornea takes on a cone-like shape. Fortunately, iLink™ Corneal Cross-Linking is a treatment option for keratoconus. Bay area corneal specialist, Mark Mandel, MD, is a trusted professional with years of experience performing successful eye procedures. Learn more about this advanced procedure below.
- [Exploring the Benefits of Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK)](https://optimaeye.com/exploring-the-benefits-of-photorefractive-keratectomy-prk/): Refractive errors are a common type of vision problem that make it difficult to see clearly at certain distances. They occur when the shape of the eye does not allow light to correctly focus onto the retina. If you have this type of vision problem, you have likely considered your options for correction such as photorefractive keratectomy, or PRK. Mark Mandel, MD, has made a positive impact on many patients' lives with advanced vision correction procedures. Learn more about the advantages of PRK below.
- [Activities You Will Want to Experience with Improved Vision After Clear Lens Extraction](https://optimaeye.com/activities-you-will-want-to-experience-with-improved-vision-after-clear-lens-extraction/): Those who wear glasses and contact lenses understand the struggles that accompany them when engaging in certain activities, such as sports. Many patients achieve independence from eyewear after having vision correction surgery like clear lens extraction (CLE), which replaces the eye’s natural lens with a synthetic one to correct vision. Bay Area CLE and cornea specialist, Mark Mandel, MD, has achieved outstanding results for many satisfied patients. Ahead, explore the many exciting experiences that you can enjoy after CLE.
- [Customize Your Vision After Cataract Surgery with the Light Adjustable Lens](https://optimaeye.com/customize-your-vision-after-cataract-surgery-with-the-light-adjustable-lens-2/): For many patients, cataract surgery is a welcomed opportunity to regain clear, crisp vision. During the procedure, once the clouded lens of the eye is removed, an artificial lens is inserted in its place. While patients today have several options available to them in terms of the replacement lens, Mark Mandel, MD, wants patients to be aware of the unique benefits of the Light Adjustable Lens. Our team is ready to see you at one of our convenient locations in Hayward, Castro Valley, and San Jose. Contact our office at 877-210-2020 ext. 3 to schedule your consultation.
- [Treating Keratoconus with Intacs™: What You Should Know](https://optimaeye.com/treating-keratoconus-with-intacs-what-you-should-know/): Keratoconus is an eye condition characterized by the outward bulging of the cornea, which also gets thinner as this occurs. Once the cornea has morphed from a rounded shape to a cone shape, it can cause a host of other issues, such as blurry vision, light sensitivity, and contact lens intolerance. The condition often progresses slowly over the years but is generally detectable as early as the teenage years. Patients with this condition may be confused about their treatment options; however, a path to clear vision is possible, even with keratoconus. Mark Mandel, MD, treats keratoconus with Intacs™ to improve the vision with contact lenses and possibly the quality of life of keratoconus patients at our practice locations in Hayward, Castro Valley, San Jose, and Concord. Get in touch with us to schedule your consultation. Learn more about the procedure below.
- [What Are My Lens Options for Cataract Surgery?](https://optimaeye.com/what-are-my-lens-options-for-cataract-surgery/): Cataract surgery is a common, safe, and effective option for restoring crisp vision. The procedure is designed to remove the clouded lens of the eye, replacing it with an artificial one. Today, patients have a variety of intraocular lenses to choose from that can correct a range of vision problems. Bay Area cataract, LASIK, and cornea specialist Mark Mandel, MD, is eager to help cataract patients decide on the IOL that will most benefit them. Our practice has convenient locations in Hayward, Castro Valley, San Jose, and Concord. Get in touch with us to schedule your consultation.
- [Protect Your Eyes This Summer](https://optimaeye.com/protect-your-eyes-this-summer/): Warm weather often serves as an invitation to head outdoors and soak up the sun. While many people remember to wear sunscreen to protect their skin, many often forget that the eyes need protection from the sun as well. Unprotected sun exposure can pose some serious health risks that can impact the eyes for years to come. Mark Mandel, MD explains the best ways to protect your eyes this summer.
- [Not A LASIK Candidate? You Still Have Options](https://optimaeye.com/not-a-lasik-candidate-you-still-have-options/): If you have been dreaming of a life independent from glasses and contact lenses, it can be a disappointment to find out that you are not a candidate for LASIK. However, better vision is still possible. There are several vision correction options available to you at Optima Eye. Refractive and corneal specialist Mark Mandel, MD is committed to providing the best vision options for each unique patient. Ahead, he discusses LASIK alternatives.
- [The Impact of Blue Light: Protecting Your Eyes in a Digital Age](https://optimaeye.com/the-impact-of-blue-light-protecting-your-eyes-in-a-digital-age/): In this day and age, looking at a smartphone, laptop screen, or television for extended amounts of time is commonplace. In fact, spending hours in front of a screen could be required as part of your job, or these devices may be necessary to communicate with friends and family. But could the blue light emitted from these devices harm our eyes? Below, Mark Mandel, MD dives into how blue light affects our vision and what you can do to protect your eyes.
- [How the Eyes Change with Age](https://optimaeye.com/how-the-eyes-change-with-age/): Over time, our eyes age just like the rest of our bodies. Mark Mandel, MD explains what eye changes you can expect.
- [Cataract Surgery Recovery: 5 Things You Should Know](https://optimaeye.com/cataract-surgery-recovery-5-things-you-should-know/): Cataract surgery is a safe and effective procedure. These five useful tips can help you have a smooth and quick recovery.
- [How Diabetes Affects the Eyes](https://optimaeye.com/how-diabetes-affects-the-eyes/): Diabetes can impact the health of your eyes. Early intervention can help protect your vision.
- [How All-Laser LASIK May Reduce Laser Eye Surgery Complications](https://optimaeye.com/how-all-laser-lasik-may-reduce-laser-eye-surgery-complications/): LASIK is short for “Laser Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis.” LASIK is a surgical procedure that can reduce a person’s dependence on prescription glasses or contact lenses for their nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism.
- [3 Ways Your Diet Could Affect Your Vision and Eye Health](https://optimaeye.com/3-ways-your-diet-could-affect-your-vision-and-eye-health/): You probably know that your diet impacts your health and wellness. You may be surprised to learn that your diet can even impact your vision and eye health. Mark Mandel, MD, celebrates National Nutrition Month. Here, he discusses three ways your diet could affect your vision and eye health.
- [How LenSx Laser Cataract Surgery Improves the Traditional Technique](https://optimaeye.com/how-lensx-laser-cataract-surgery-improves-the-traditional-technique/): A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s natural lens, which can eventually impact vision. If cataracts are making it difficult for you to engage in your normal activities of daily living, your eye doctor may recommend cataract surgery.
- [Celebrate National Glaucoma Awareness Month By Understanding Your Risk Factors and Eye Health](https://optimaeye.com/celebrate-national-glaucoma-awareness-month-by-understanding-your-risk-factors-and-eye-health/): Glaucoma is the blanket term for a group of conditions that damage the optic nerve and affect vision, typically due to high intraocular pressure (IOP). Often called the silent thief of sight, glaucoma can cause vision loss before you experience symptoms and can't be restored.
- [When Is Corneal Cross-Linking Recommended for Keratoconus Patients?](https://optimaeye.com/when-is-corneal-cross-linking-recommended-for-keratoconus-patients/): Keratoconus is a non-inflammatory eye condition that warps the corneal shape into a dome, causing the tissue to weaken and bulge like a cone. People with keratoconus struggle to see clearly, and treatments are offered to slow the progression and improve the corneal shape.
- [Light Adjustable Lens (LAL) Offers Better Vision Correction with Revolutionary Implant](https://optimaeye.com/light-adjustable-lens-lal-offers-better-vision-correction-with-revolutionary-implant/): Cataracts form in the natural crystalline lenses of the eyes and cause them to harden and become clouded, leading to vision loss and other impairments. Cataract surgery is a highly successful procedure that replaces the cloudy natural eye lens with an intraocular lens (IOL) implant.
- [Preventing Eye Injuries at Home: Celebrate Home Eye Safety Month](https://optimaeye.com/preventing-eye-injuries-at-home-celebrate-home-eye-safety-month/): Almost half of all eye injuries occur in and around the home. Most of these accidents can be prevented. To help educate and prevent eye injuries at home, Bay Area corneal specialist Mark Mandel, MD, celebrates Home Eye Safety Month. Here he provides his top tips on how to prevent eye injuries at home. 
- [3 Benefits of Cataract Surgery for Early Cataracts](https://optimaeye.com/3-benefits-of-cataract-surgery-for-early-cataracts/): Your eye has a clear, natural lens which is crucial to vision. Over time, age and other factors can lead to your eye’s lens becoming cloudy. This cloudiness is known as cataracts. Cataracts can cause a number of issues, including blurred vision. Bay Area early cataract surgeon Mark Mandel, MD, recommends laser cataract surgery for patients suffering from blurry vision due to cataracts. Here, he discusses the three benefits of cataract surgery for early cataracts.
- [ICL vs LASIK Surgery: Which Is Better?](https://optimaeye.com/icl-vs-lasik-surgery-which-is-better/): If you find glasses or contacts hold you back, or they don’t offer the functional day-to-day vision that you desire, you may choose to undergo laser vision correction surgery (LASIK). Another alternative is to opt for a lesser-known treatment option: implantable contact lenses, or EVO ICLs.
- [Your LASIK Options and How These Surgical Techniques Benefit You](https://optimaeye.com/your-lasik-options-and-how-these-surgical-techniques-benefit-you/): LASIK has freed tens of millions of people worldwide from depending on corrective eyewear for good vision. The procedure offers a short surgery and quick recovery in the hands of a skilled LASIK surgeon. Advancements in laser technology have made this refractive surgery even more customizable.
- [Does Refractive Lens Exchange Eliminate the Need for Reading Glasses?](https://optimaeye.com/does-refractive-lens-exchange-eliminate-the-need-for-reading-glasses/): Refractive lens exchange (RLE) is also called clear lens extraction and is essentially cataract surgery, except that the removed lens is healthy and crystalline and is not a cataract per se. More and more people in their 40s and older are looking to RLE to reduce the need for distance and reading glasses.
- [Having Diabetes May Make You More Likely to Develop Cataracts Earlier](https://optimaeye.com/having-diabetes-may-make-you-more-likely-to-develop-cataracts-earlier/): Systemic diseases, including diabetes, are linked to many other conditions and affect many body areas. Diabetes, cataracts and other eye conditions are closely related as your overall health affects ocular wellness. San Jose cataract surgeon and cornea specialist Mark Mandel, MD, explains how diabetes and cataracts are connected.
- [What Happens If You Avoid Treating Your Keratoconus?](https://optimaeye.com/what-happens-if-you-avoid-treating-your-keratoconus/): Affecting about one out of every 2,000 people, keratoconus is a condition in which the cornea gets thinner and progressively bulges outward into a conical shape. While the exact cause of keratoconus is unknown, eye doctors are sure that its consequences can be devastating. In this blog, Bay Area LASIK and corneal specialist Mark Mandel,…
- [Why Winter Is a Great Time to Get LASIK](https://optimaeye.com/why-winter-is-a-great-time-to-get-lasik/): Patients who have decided to get LASIK will often ask the experts at Optima Eye when they should schedule the surgery. As Bay Area LASIK and corneal specialist Mark Mandel, MD, explains, the surgery is successful year-round, so what matters most is when the patient feels ready and comfortable. With that said, our team has…
- [How to Treat Dry Eye](https://optimaeye.com/how-to-treat-dry-eye/): Dry eye is a condition that occurs when your body is unable to produce enough tears to lubricate the eyes, or the tears you produce are of poor quality. If you experience dry eye, your eyes will feel itchy and uncomfortable. Having dry eye can also cause blurry vision and a sensitivity to light, and…
- [Can LASIK Save You Money in the Long Term?](https://optimaeye.com/can-lasik-save-you-money-in-the-long-term/): Before making any financial decision, it’s always a good idea to do a cost-benefit analysis. With this in mind, it’s a good idea to calculate the return on your investment in health care, including eye care. Here Bay Area LASIK and cornea specialist Mark Mandel, MD explains why getting LASIK will save you money in…
- [Why Some Patients Prefer Laser Cataract Surgery](https://optimaeye.com/why-some-patients-prefer-laser-cataract-surgery/): Cataracts are a visual impairment characterized by a clouding of the eye’s lens. While most cataracts go hand in hand with aging, others can result from an eye injury, a previous eye procedure or other causes. Cataracts are frustrating for anyone who has them, as symptoms can include: Poor distant or near vision Sensitivity to…
- [Solutions for Farsightedness](https://optimaeye.com/solutions-for-farsightedness/): Do you squint at your computer screen, but give movie screens a wide-eyed look? Do you need readers when you sit down to work, but can head out to sightsee with crystal clear vision? Do you have persistent headaches at the office, but notice the pain goes away in other settings? These are potential symptoms...
- [Foods That May Help Prevent Eye Disease](https://optimaeye.com/foods-that-may-help-prevent-eye-disease/): Although the treatments for eye disease have never been more successful, it is far better to avoid conditions like cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration in the first place. Multiple studies appearing in academic journals show a correlation between eating certain foods and preventing eye disease. Here Bay Area ophthalmologist Mark Mandel, MD, of Optima Eye,…
- [Reasons You Should Not Put Off LASIK](https://optimaeye.com/reasons-you-should-not-put-off-lasik/): Having performed over 70,000 LASIK procedures, LASIK and cornea specialist Mark Mandel, MD has been fortunate enough to hear many Bay Area LASIK patients tell him, “I wish I did this years ago!” Here he explains why — if you are already contemplating LASIK — logic states that you should act sooner than later. 
- [Answers to Common Questions about Astigmatism](https://optimaeye.com/answers-to-common-questions-about-astigmatism/): For a condition that affects roughly one-third of the United States population to a significant degree, it is surprising how many people do not have much of an understanding of astigmatism. Below, top Bay Area LASIK and cornea specialist Mark Mandel, MD, of Optima Eye, answers some of the most frequent questions about astigmatism.
- [Preserving a Clear, Healthy Cornea](https://optimaeye.com/preserving-a-clear-healthy-cornea/): The cornea is the transparent, convex shield that protects the eye’s pupil and iris. It plays a key role in ensuring sharp vision by focusing incoming light on the retina. If the cornea is misshapen or becomes damaged, your eyesight will lose its clarity. Here, Bay Area cornea and LASIK specialist Mark Mandel, MD reviews several conditions that can affect the health and integrity of your cornea.
- [How Quick Is LASIK Recovery?](https://optimaeye.com/how-quick-is-lasik-recovery/): Speed and limited downtime are two of the main benefits of ultra-convenient and comfortable LASIK vision correction. The surgical laser is in contact with the cornea for 40 seconds or less, and the entire procedure is over in about a half hour. Recovery is also rapid, and typically free of complications. Below, experienced Bay Area cornea and LASIK specialist Mark Mandel, MD outlines the phases of post-LASIK healing.
- [IOL Choices for Cataract Patients](https://optimaeye.com/iol-choices-for-cataract-patients/): More than ever before, cataract patients enjoy an incredibly wide selection of intraocular lenses (IOLs), the advanced lens implants that bring life into clear focus after cataract surgery.
- [Why You Should Stop Rubbing Your Eyes](https://optimaeye.com/why-you-should-stop-rubbing-your-eyes/): Rubbing your eyes is a natural response to itches, irritation and allergies. Most of us have been doing it for a very long time — since infancy, in fact. Watch a baby wake up in the morning and you’re very likely to observe this hardwired behavior.
- [Five Things That Are Better After LASIK](https://optimaeye.com/five-things-that-are-better-after-lasik/): Life after LASIK is all about clarity, convenience and freedom. Below, trusted Bay Area ophthalmologist Mark Mandel, MD outlines a few of the many life-changing benefits of today’s advanced LASIK.
- [What Is Life Like With Cataracts?](https://optimaeye.com/what-is-life-like-with-cataracts/): Patients who delay cataract surgery often find the world is a dull and hazy place. Images blur, colors fade and vision slowly dims. These effects have real consequences for the quality of life, and even the safety, of individuals whose cataracts have become advanced. Here, Bay Area ophthalmologist Mark Mandel, MD reviews some of the challenges presented by this limiting condition.
- [Benefits of LASIK for Athletes](https://optimaeye.com/benefits-of-lasik-for-athletes/): Tiger Woods, LeBron James and Lindsey Vonn are some of our country’s most decorated and celebrated athletes. They share something else in common: they have all turned to LASIK during their careers to reach their peak potential
- [Common Reasons Why You May Have Chronically Dry Eyes](https://optimaeye.com/common-reasons-why-you-may-have-chronically-dry-eyes/): Do your eyes constantly feel itchy, irritated or gritty? The problem may be dry eye, a condition that occurs when your eyes cannot maintain a healthy layer of tears. According to a report published in the American Journal of Ophthalmology, more than 16 million Americans experience the same uncomfortable symptoms of dry eye.
- [Qualities of a LASIK Candidate](https://optimaeye.com/qualities-of-a-lasik-candidate/): LASIK is one of the most exciting elective surgeries performed today. Millions of people have had their nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism corrected and achieved freedom from corrective eyewear, thanks to LASIK. If you would like to be one of them, you must meet a certain set of criteria to qualify for surgery. Read on as Bay Area ophthalmologist, corneal specialist and laser eye surgeon Mark Mandel, MD, outlines the important qualities of a LASIK candidate.
- [Does Cataract Surgery Cause Any Side Effects?](https://optimaeye.com/does-cataract-surgery-cause-any-side-effects/): Cataract surgery is one of the safest and most routine procedures performed today. Modern technology, such as the use of the LenSx laser, has improved the accuracy and precision of parts of the surgical procedure and provides exceptional treatment outcomes.
- [What Are Punctal Plugs?](https://optimaeye.com/what-are-punctal-plugs/): Usually the first line of defense against dry eye disease is to identify common lifestyle or environmental factors that could be contributing to symptoms, and then systematically eliminate those factors. If you see Bay Area ophthalmologist and cornea specialist Mark Mandel, MD, for dry eye
- [Is LASIK Safer Than Contact Lenses?](https://optimaeye.com/is-lasik-safer-than-contact-lenses/): Your eyes are one of your most precious assets, and understandably you want to do everything in your power to keep them safe and healthy. When considering LASIK or another type of laser eye surgery, you might have concerns about the safety of the procedure. Inaccurate information may lead you to second-guess whether LASIK is safer than your current means of vision correction (contacts).
- [Elevated Eye Pressure: Causes and Concerns](https://optimaeye.com/elevated-eye-pressure-causes-and-concerns/): Regularly checking your eye pressure is an important way you can help preserve your vision for a lifetime. Elevated eye pressure can occur without symptoms, and is as dangerous to your eyes as high blood pressure is to your organs. It is often the first sign that you may be developing glaucoma, a leading cause of blindness.
- [How Permanent Are the Results of LASIK?](https://optimaeye.com/how-permanent-are-the-results-of-lasik/): Clarity and convenience are among the top benefits of LASIK. In the minds of most consumers, convenience is measured in part by how long the improved vision will last. Fortunately, patients who have freed themselves from glasses or contacts do not have to subject themselves to a lifetime of vision correction surgeries. With LASIK, one procedure is all that is necessary in most cases.
- [Nutritional Optic Neuropathy Causes & Prevention](https://optimaeye.com/nutritional-optic-neuropathy-causes-prevention/): It’s not every day that a news story educates the public about the strong link between nutrition and ocular health. But it happened recently with the curious case of a British teen who survived for years on a diet centered on chips and crisps — or, as we like to call them in the U.S., French fries and Pringles. He rounded out his daily menu with white bread, sliced ham and sausages.
- [Healthy Aging Month: Tips for Eye Care Through the Years](https://optimaeye.com/healthy-aging-month-tips-for-eye-care-through-the-years/): It is normal to notice changes in your vision as you get older. These may include loss of focus, having trouble distinguishing colors, and needing more time to adjust changing levels of light. Still, it is important to take precaution to minimize the risk of serious eye problems as you get older.
- [Can I Have LASIK If I Have Keratoconus?](https://optimaeye.com/can-i-have-lasik-if-i-have-keratoconus/): LASIK is a laser vision correction procedure that reshapes the cornea to correct refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. During the reshaping of the cornea, some corneal tissue is removed, making the cornea thinner. As a result, LASIK is absolutely contraindicated for individuals with keratoconus, an eye condition characterized by thinning of the cornea.
- [Study Suggests Dry Eye Affects More Than Just the Eyes](https://optimaeye.com/study-suggests-dry-eye-affects-more-than-just-the-eyes/): People with dry eye have more than itchy, irritated red eyes to worry about. According to a recent study, those with dry eye report an overall lower quality of life. In addition, the group of over 1,000 dry eye patients report that they have difficulty performing everyday tasks and have higher levels of anxiety and worse overall health than individuals without dry eye.
- [5 Facts to Know During Cataract Awareness Month](https://optimaeye.com/5-facts-to-know-during-cataract-awareness-month/): According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, approximately 25 million Americans have cataracts, which is the clouding of the eye’s naturally clear lens. Over time, the clouded vision caused by cataracts worsens and if left untreated, can lead to blindness.
- [Common Eye Conditions Found in People Age 40 and Older](https://optimaeye.com/common-eye-conditions-found-in-people-age-40-and-older/): Your vision is an invaluable asset as it directly influences your quality of life. Unfortunately, vision tends to worsen with age and you become more susceptible to certain eye diseases. Below, trusted ophthalmologist and cornea specialist Mark Mandel, MD, discusses common eye diseases found in people age 40 and older.
- [Could Cataract Surgery Improve Brain Health?](https://optimaeye.com/could-cataract-surgery-improve-brain-health/): If you are considering cataract surgery, you are likely aware of the positive effects the surgical procedure can have on your everyday life. By restoring clear vision and sharp focus, cataract surgery can make everyday activities like reading text messages easier, computer work more comfortable and driving safer. Now a recent study has found that cataract surgery may improve mental function.
- [What Matters Most When Picking a LASIK Surgeon?](https://optimaeye.com/what-matters-most-when-picking-a-lasik-surgeon/): Working with a qualified LASIK surgeon is the best thing you can do to ensure that your laser vision correction procedure is both safe and successful. If you have just begun your search, you may be wondering what one factor matters most when picking your LASIK surgeon. The truth is that there are several factors you need to consider and qualifications your LASIK surgeon must possess.
- [What Happens If Cataracts Are Left Untreated?](https://optimaeye.com/what-happens-if-cataracts-are-left-untreated/): Currently, no medication or eyedrop has been shown to stop or reverse the formation or cataracts. The only way to treat a cataract is by surgically removing the eye’s natural lens and replacing it with an artificial lens.
- [What Can Cause Early Cataracts?](https://optimaeye.com/what-can-cause-early-cataracts/): Traditionally, cataracts have been considered a normal part of getting older. With advancing age, the proteins that make up the lens can clump together, creating cloudy areas that dull or blur vision. According to the National Eye Institute, more than half of all Americans have had a cataract or had cataract surgery by the age of 80. However, not all cataracts develop due to age-related changes inside the eye. There are other factors, including lifestyle and environmental factors, that may contribute to the early onset of cataracts. To help shed light on the issue, Mark Mandel, MD, discusses some of the factors that may expedite the formation of cataracts.
- [Are Light Eyes More Susceptible to UV Damage?](https://optimaeye.com/are-light-eyes-more-susceptible-to-uv-damage/): By now, you’re aware that wearing sunglasses is important to protect your eyes from the sun and harmful ultraviolet rays. But did you know not all eyes are created equal? Factors such as age and even eye color play a part in how much at risk a person is for UV damage. People with light-colored eyes, including hazel, green or blue eyes, are at higher risk for damage and eye diseases tied to UV exposure.
- [On-the-Job Benefits of Laser Vision Correction](https://optimaeye.com/on-the-job-benefits-of-laser-vision-correction/): When you think about the benefits of LASIK and other laser vision correction procedures, you probably imagine simple pleasures, like falling asleep without having to remove your contact lenses, or hugging your kids without worrying about breaking your glasses. Perhaps you think about the ease of exercising or playing sports without the hassle of corrective eyewear.
- [What Diabetes Can Do to Your Eyes](https://optimaeye.com/what-diabetes-can-do-to-your-eyes/): Despite the detrimental effect diabetes can have on ocular health, many people with diabetes are unaware of their risk. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recognizes November as “Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness Month” in an effort to familiarize the public with what diabetes can do to the eyes. Mark Mandel, MD, would like to join the AAO’s efforts and help make you aware of what diabetes can do to your eyes.
- [Is LASIK Possible with Keratoconus?](https://optimaeye.com/is-lasik-possible-with-keratoconus/): Keratoconus is an eye condition that normally develops sometime between the early teenage years and early twenties and gets worse over time. If you have been diagnosed with keratoconus, you may be curious how it impacts your LASIK prospects. Read on as Mark Mandel, MD, explains whether LASIK is possible with keratoconus.
- [Red Flags to Watch for In Your LASIK Consultation](https://optimaeye.com/red-flags-to-watch-for-in-your-lasik-consultation/): The chances of achieving satisfying LASIK outcomes increase exponentially when you select the right surgeon to perform the procedure. According to Mark Mandel, MD, a cornea specialist and laser eye surgeon serving the Bay Area, the success of your surgery depends on the experience and skills of your surgeon.
- [Could the Way You Sleep Contribute to Dry Eye?](https://optimaeye.com/could-the-way-you-sleep-contribute-to-dry-eye/): Could the way you sleep improve or worsen dry eye syndrome? A team of ophthalmologists from Long Island, N.Y., believes it might. A study discovered that patients who sleep on their sides tend to experience more severe dry eye symptoms, including burning, itching or stinging eyes, eye fatigue and sensitivity to light.
- [What LASIK Procedure Is Right for You?](https://optimaeye.com/what-lasik-procedure-is-right-for-you/): Many people considering LASIK don’t realize that there are several different types of laser vision correction to suit different visual needs. If you are interested in LASIK, you should be well informed about your options before making any decisions about your care. Here, Bay Area LASIK specialist Mark Mandel, MD, provides an overview of the laser vision correction options available at Optima Eye.
- [Questions to Ask Your Cataract Surgeon during Consultation](https://optimaeye.com/questions-to-ask-your-cataract-surgeon-during-consultation/): If blurry vision from cataracts is affecting your quality of life, it might be time to pursue cataract surgery. After gathering a list of reputable surgeons in your area and narrowing it down to a few, you should meet with them to learn more about the surgery and their approach. Ultimately, you want to select a doctor that answers all of your questions and makes you feel completely comfortable. To guide you during your
- [What Happens at a LASIK Consultation](https://optimaeye.com/happens-lasik-consultation/): If you are considering laser vision correction, the first step on your journey will be a LASIK consultation. The goal of the appointment is to educate you about your treatment options and collect information so we can determine whether you are a suitable candidate for surgery. In this post cornea and LASIK specialist Mark Mandel, MD, describes what happens during a typical consultation.
- [What to Know about Dry Eye](https://optimaeye.com/know-dry-eye/)
- [Can Cataract Surgery Prolong Your Life?](https://optimaeye.com/can-cataract-surgery-prolong-life/): Cataract surgery can improve vision and quality of life — but can it also help you live a longer life? According to a new study, the answer is yes. Below, Mark Mandel, MD, of Optima Eye breaks down the study in more detail. 
- [What to Expect Right after LASIK](https://optimaeye.com/expect-right-lasik/): If you are planning to have LASIK surgery, you may have questions about the recovery timeframe and what to expect as you recuperate. In general, the recovery process is quite short and usually free of complications. Here, Bay Area laser eye surgery specialist Mark Mandel, MD, shares some more information about what you can expect right after LASIK.
- [Telltale Signs of Cataracts](https://optimaeye.com/telltale-signs-cataracts/): According to the National Eye Institute, about half of Americans have a cataract or have had a cataract by the age of 75. Since cataracts are so common in older adults, Bay Area laser eye surgeon Mark Mandel, MD, thought it would be helpful to blog about some of the telltale warning signs.
- [Is Too Much Screen Time Hurting Your Eyes?](https://optimaeye.com/much-screen-time-hurting-eyes/): Take a moment to think about all the time you spend looking at screens throughout the day. Between your smartphone, tablet, laptop, desktop, gaming system and television, you may be spending more time looking at a screen than you do sleeping.
- [Timing Your Cataract Surgery](https://optimaeye.com/timing-cataract-surgery/): Not everyone with cataracts opts to have them removed right away. The decision to have cataract surgery is a personal one, and there is no universal right or wrong time for the surgical removal of cataracts. The decision to have your cataracts removed is best discussed with a trusted cataract surgeon that knows the particulars of your case.
However, there are some general indications that it might be an appropriate time to pursue cataract surgery. Mark Mandel, MD, of Optima Eye discusses more in this post.
- [Why Staring at the Sun during a Solar Eclipse Is So Dangerous](https://optimaeye.com/staring-sun-solar-eclipse-dangerous/): On August 21, North America experienced the first total solar eclipse in 99 years. The skies darkened from Oregon to South Carolina as the moon passed in between the sun and the Earth. Millions of people headed outside to catch a glimpse of the exciting natural phenomenon.
In the weeks leading up to the eclipse, national news outlets warned viewers about the dangers of staring directly into the sun during the eclipse. As a Bay Area vision specialist, Mark Mandel, MD, wants to explain why these warnings were so important, why it is dangerous to stare at the sun during a solar eclipse and how to take the proper precautions. With scientists predicting the next total eclipse for North America coming in 2024, it’s a good idea to know how to protect yourself!
- [People Are Happier, More Satisfied with Their Lives after Cataract Surgery](https://optimaeye.com/people-happier-satisfied-lives-cataract-surgery/): Mark Mandel, MD, of Optima Eye is acutely aware of the ways cataract surgery in the Bay Area can change his patients’ lives. A new study from Alcon, which manufactures cataract surgery technology, confirms what Dr. Mandel and his patients already know to be true: cataract surgery can have tremendously positive emotional and physical impacts on a person’s life.
Dr. Mandel hopes that by sharing more information about this study, prospective cataract surgery patients can feel confident and excited as they pursue their treatment options.
- [Top 5 Reasons to Choose LASIK](https://optimaeye.com/top-5-reasons-choose-lasik/): For the right candidates, LASIK laser vision correction can be life changing. And thanks to advances in technology, the surgery is becoming more popular among adults of all ages.
If you are on the fence about pursuing your LASIK options, this blog post is for you — Bay Area cornea and LASIK specialist Mark Mandel, MD, of Optima Eye is sharing five of the top reasons to consider LASIK.

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- [LenSx Laser Cataract Surgery in the Bay Area](https://optimaeye.com/lensx-technology/)
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- [Wavefront LASIK in the Bay Area](https://optimaeye.com/wave-front-lasik/): Offices in Hayward https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v3dzz0xVMnU https://youtu.be/TIfRV9u4z4c?si=Kzm9SJVcTOrw_F-H
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- [The Optima Team](https://optimaeye.com/team/)
- [Mark Mandel, MD – Ophthalmologist](https://optimaeye.com/dr-mandels-bio/): Mark Mandel, MD is known in the Bay Area as the "Doctor's Doctor" due to the fact that he is consistently selected by eye doctors and physicians to perform surgeries on them, their families, and their office staff. These physicians cite Dr. Mandel's experience, knowledge, surgical skill, and integrity as the reasons that they put their trust in him.
- [Homepage](https://optimaeye.com/): We provide a full range of laser eye surgery and laser vision correction procedures for patients in the East Bay, Hayward and throughout the Bay Area. The procedures that Mark R. Mandel, MD, and Robin Kuriakose, MD, offer include: