Dr. Ants Haavel
Ophthalmologist, CEO of KSA Vision Clinic
Dr. Ants Haavel is an ophthalmologist and founder of KSA Vision Clinic with over 25 years of clinical experience. He has performed more than 55,000 eye procedures, including Flow3 laser correction, dry eye diagnostics and treatment, and cataract surgery. Dr. Haavel is one of Estonia's most recognised refractive surgery specialists. He regularly presents at international ophthalmology conferences and practises evidence-based medicine. All medical claims on the KSA blog are reviewed and approved by him.
107 articles
Kelly Nevolihhin’s Decade of Clear Vision: Why a Glasses-Free Life is the Ultimate Gift for a Young Mother and Elite Athlete
Ten years post-surgery, Estonian runner Kelly Nevolihhin says clear vision has helped parenting more than racing. She also debunks the pregnancy myth, reporting stable sight through two pregnancies and breastfeeding.
The Forgotten Guardian: Why a "Mysterious" Organ is the New Key to Longevity
The thymus, dismissed as useless once it shrinks, keeps training immune cells against cancer. A 2023 NEJM study found adults who had it removed faced higher cancer risk and mortality.
Blurry Vision but Normal Eye Exams – What Could Be the Cause?
Blurry vision, halos around lights, or constantly tired eyes — yet your eye exam comes back completely normal. Here is what could actually be behind your symptoms.
The Very Good News About Presbyopia: Why Life After 40 No Longer Revolves Around Reading Glasses
Presbyopia, a normal lens change from age 40, now affects over a billion people. Tech can ease the strain, but glasses, contacts or surgery still need an eye exam.
Born Blurry: How Your Child's Eyes and Brain Learn to See Together
The brain wires a child's vision during a critical window from 3 months to 3 years, based on each eye's signal clarity. Uncorrected blur then can cause amblyopia with no visible sign, so screening at ages 3-5 is recommended regardless of symptoms.
The Surprising Spring Superfood: How Dandelions Act as "Internal Sunglasses" for Your Eyes
Dandelion flowers contain lutein and zeaxanthin, pigments that filter blue light and UV in the retina's macula. These carotenoids are fat-soluble, so pairing them with avocado boosts absorption.
How to Protect Your Child's Eyes in the Digital Age: A Complete Guide for Parents
Children rarely report blurred vision, so school screenings can miss serious problems, as one boy discovered only as a teen. Breaks, screen distance, exams from infancy and concussion checks catch what a chart test can't.
A Clear Future: Eye Health and Laser Surgery After Cancer Recovery
Cancer treatments can cause temporary dry eye, blurred or watery vision. Laser surgery remains possible after waiting months for the eye surface to stabilise.
Getting Ready for Laser Eye Surgery? Why Your Doctor Needs to Know About Every Pill You Take
Ibuprofen can dry the tear film that laser surgery relies on, while aspirin matters less but still needs disclosing. Never stop prescribed medication without your doctor’s guidance.
The Secret Link Between Your Hormones and Dry Eyes (And What to Do About It!)
Estrogen-only birth control and HRT dry eyes more than combined regimens. This can skew pre-laser surgery measurements and healing, so disclose all medications to your eye doctor.
Why Your Modern Offices are Secretly Exhausting Your Eyes (And How to Fight Back)
Sun outside and AC inside thin the tear film, causing stinging and mid-afternoon watering. The 20-20-20 rule and preservative-free drops help, but contact lens wearers strain most.
Polarized vs. Regular Sunglasses: Is the Upgrade Really Worth It?
Polarized lenses cut horizontal glare off water and roads, sharpening contrast better than tints, but can blank LCD screens and mask ice glare. UV protection is separate, worth checking after laser eye surgery.