In Hawaii, water is a way of life. With the ocean never too far out of reach, being in the water is one of the many joys of island life. Surfing, swimming, and other water sports are not without their dangers, however, including eye injury.

While wearing eye protection and taking precautionary measures to prevent injury is always best, sometimes accidents still happen. For those times, Hawaii Vision Clinic is here to help. With locations in Aiea and Ala Moana Center, ophthalmologists Dr. William K. Wong and Malcolm R. Ing,  themselves avid surfers, offer cutting-edge care and personalized attention to get you back on the water in no time. 

For water lovers who wear contact lenses, LASIK eye surgery can be a lifesaver. Exposing contact lenses to water allows bacteria to become attached to the surface, possibly resulting in serious infection. While prescription goggles and other eye protection are options, LASIK offers complete freedom from worry in the water.

Surfers risk some unique eye injuries, in particular trauma to the eyes and head from the sharp surfboard tip. Special watersports eye protection is available at our optical department. Designed as high performance sunglasses that will survive a gnarly wipeout, they will also protect from pterygium, or surfer’s eye. Exposure to sun, sand, wind and salt creates this growth of pink, fleshy tissue on the white of the eye. As this benign growth becomes larger, it can cause itchiness, irritation, redness, inflammation, burning and tearing. For some, it may even lead to vision problems. Treating pterygium requires surgical removal.

If an eye injury is keeping you off the waves, Hawaii Vision Clinic will have you back in the water in no time. With locations serving both the Central Oahu and Honolulu area, an experienced, trusted ophthalmologist is never far from your door. Visit their website today to learn more about how they can serve you, or call (808) 594-9194 to make an appointment.