Crucial Tips About Laser Eye Surgery That Most Folks Take For Granted

Whether you came upon the following writing when you looked for words such as "Best Lasik NY", "Laser Eye Surgery For Astigmatism" or even "Laser Eye Surgery Price" this piece will be incredibly instructive to you, as a result take the time to read it.

Your doctor will always explain to you that laser eye surgery is not really a single procedure. It comprises of different types. Basically, two types of laser eye surgery are being performed in most clinics that the operation is performed. These two types are LASIK and PRK.

The decision of recommending PRK to you for your laser eye surgery by your surgeon is not at all a bad idea. This is because this procedure uses laser beam. The accuracy that the pulse of the beam has to tissues may be one of the strong points of using the procedure. It is on record that for every 40 millionths tissues, 12billionth per second is used to remove them. Common medical ailments like glaucoma and diabetes may surely disqualify you from being a patient to undergo laser eye surgery. These conditions are related to the eyes and may alter the procedure. So, before you decide about undergoing laser eye surgery, your doctor will really carry out wide consultations about your eligibility.

Have you read it all regarding "Lasik Eye Surgery"? The other part of this piece contains much more interesting as well as necessary tips that can prove helpful to you, regardless of what your main search query was.

Using femtosecond laser may be effective for you as a patient of laser eye surgery but for the surgeon or specialist, it has its drawbacks. Most ophthalmologists have not really mastered how to use this instrument. For others also, the instrument could be quite costly for them to acquire. You really need the patient to restrict yourself from driving after laser eye surgery. The doctor for embarking on any rigorous activity days or there about usually recommends seven days. Is it a long time? Why not endure and soon enough you will never know if you did not drive for a week because your sight has been restored.

Most doctors do not know much about laser eye surgery. Would you accuse them? Not at all! The National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) does not cover laser eye surgery and these doctors work with NHIS. The details of this procedure really are not well known to most of them. So don’t be amazed if your physician cannot tell you much about laser eye surgery. He may be under NHIS

Colour Contact Lenses

A lot of people wear Coloured Contact lenses.  Contact lenses are a way for people who regularly wear glasses to be free of the glasses and still see just as well, if not better, than with their glasses.  Many years ago, contact lenses were hard and uncomfortable, often popping out unexpectedly and landing on the floor, much to the dismay of the wearer.  But, times have changed.  Contacts have become comfortable to wear, and available even as bifocals or for people with astigmatism. 

Contact lenses are even available in a variety of colours, for those who wish to see themselves with a different eye colour than they were born with.  These Coloured Contact lenses can be made for the wearer’s prescription just as regular contact lenses are. 

Coloured contact lenses are available from a person’s optometrist or ophthalmologist’s office, or to save money, prescriptions can be taken to many large stores or better still ordered from one of many online suppliers.  Be sure to check carefully before ordering online, to make sure the supplier you order from is legitimate.  The Better Business Bureau has a list of real companies, so you can check their website (www.bbb.org) before placing any online or telephone orders.

The contact lens wearer should be aware of some important things about Coloured contact lens use.  All Contacts need to be cleaned with a cleaning solution, and should not be worn overnight.  The eye needs oxygen, so lenses should not be kept in the eye over an entire 24 hour period.  Eyes that are deprived of oxygen for too long can get infected, and the vessels in the eye can swell for lack of oxygen.  This swelling can lead to permanent eye problems.So, you will need to clean your coloured Contacts often, also let your eyes rest during sleep.

Besides oxygen, the eye needs moisture.  Modern contact lenses are designed to act like sponges, retaining essential moisture in the eye.  Still, the Coloured contact lens wearer may experience dryness from staring at a computer screen, working in air conditioned places, or strain from reading.  There are many eye drop products that can help moisturize the eye while wearing Coloured contact lenses in these situations.

There are different types of Coloured contact lens.  Extended wear lenses can be used for a long time with regular cleaning and daytime only use.  Disposable lenses are thinner and therefore more comfortable, but accumulate dirt particles quicker and tear more easily.  They are designed to last for 2 weeks and then be replaced with a new, clean pair.  They are cheaper than extended wear, which need to be replaced every 3-6 months.The Latest lenses are made with a very high water content, which means longer and more comfort for the wearer.  Still, cleaning is essential to avoid infection.

If your eyes do become very irritated or infected while wearing your coloured contact lenses, give your eyes a few days to rest, and throw away your lenses to avoid re-infecting the eye.  It may be necessary to see your ophthalmologist for some antibiotic drops.  Contact lenses can be enjoyable and freeing to wear, when done responsibly for the eye health of the wearer.

Eye Care Professionals And Seeing Better

Eye care professionals are the people you turn to when you have a problem with your eyes. But even if you do not have a vision problem, you should still see an eye care professional at least once a year. They can help ensure that your eyesight is accurate and that your eyes are healthy. If you have never been to an eye care center, then you may have questions about who you are going to be seeing.

Eye care professionals are divided into three categories. You have the ophthalmologist, the optometrist and the optical technicians. The ophthalmologist can perform routine vision tests, give you an eye examination and even operate on your eyes. They are licensed to prescribe medical ointments for any type of eye problem. The optometrist is similar in all the job duties of the ophthalmologist, except they are not trained to operate on the eyes. The optical technicians are the ones who will get your glasses or contacts prepared and have you fitted.

For vision care to work you must have a vision care plan. The vision care plan is a scheduled set of visitations for routine checkups for the entire family. If something is found, such as glaucoma, then you will have to visit the doctor more often. He or she will probably want to see you at least every six months and sometimes as frequently as every three months just to check on the condition of the eyes.

Once you have seen the doctor, it may be time to get a fitting for glasses, custom lenses or a contact lens fitting. This is done by the optical technicians. They will measure your face to find out the specific measurements in order to fit you with glasses. In the case of contact lenses, the technician will take the doctor's orders and find you contacts based on your ocular fit. This is the point that you may be able to pick out certain brands and colors to wear but don't buy from here, you will find contact lenses far cheaper online.

Eye care professionals have many jobs but their number one priority is keeping your vision healthy. Certain diseases, such as diabetes, can affect your eyes. That is why it is important to let your ophthalmologist or optometrists know if you are having any problems with your vision or if you have problems with you health. It is also important to keep him or her apprised of any family history of macular degeneration, glaucoma or cataracts.

Have you had your eye care checkup this year? It is important to visit eye care professionals at least once a year to ensure that your vision is healthy and that you are wearing the right prescription for your needs. You may have to go to a local vision care specialist but that does not mean that it stops there. If you want to wear contacts then you need to do your shopping elsewhere. You will find huge discounts online not available from your local eye care specialist. To get more info: "Click Here"

Eye care Tips

Your eye care health is important to your entire well being. Your eyes are your most valuable resource and should be cared for properly. That is why it is important for people to visit an eye care professional each year to determine if their vision has changed or any diseases of the eye are present. As you probably know, the body ages and with it the eyes age too. Your vision may change and you might be required to wear corrective lenses. You are also in danger of developing such diseases as glaucoma or cataracts.

During eye care exams, you can expect a barrage of tests. The doctor will measure how accurately you can see with both eyes open and then he or she will measure to see how far or close you can see with each individual eye. Eye doctors will also peer into your eyes with a bright, magnified light called a slit lamp. It is used to view the cornea, iris and the optic nerve.

If there is a problem with the optic nerve being too large or irregular in size, then your doctor may wish to test for glaucoma. Should it turn out to be glaucoma, there is glaucoma treatment, such as operating on the eye itself to correct the problem. The doctor may decide to give you a field vision test to determine how advanced the glaucoma is and they will measure the pressure in the eye.

The vision field test is simple. You will be asked to stare into a machine and focus on one specific black area. It is important to keep your focus on this area. Then bright lights will flash in your peripheral vision. Each time you see the lights you will press a button that registers your response. This eye care test is very simple but can determine if optic nerve damage is present.

For vision care to be received you are either going to have to pay for it yourself, which can be costly, or you can have your vision insurance company pay for the treatments and the visits. It is important to have your eyes checked, so if you do not have insurance, then you may still want to invest your money in optical examinations. Getting the appropriate care for your eyes is very important and it should not be overlooked.

You need to schedule an eye care checkup at least once a year. If glaucoma is detected or if you have a family history of glaucoma, then your ophthalmologist may request to see you every six months to keep track of the disease. The earlier they can catch it, the easier it will be to fix it. Never forget to schedule an eye examination every year. Your vision will thank you for it.

It is easy to forget about your eye care needs. Even if you wear prescription lenses, it is easy to forget to schedule a yearly visit to an optometrist. Most people cannot afford to go to the eye doctor every year. The economy is forcing a lot of cutbacks in how people spend their hard earned money. If you wear contacts then you know how expensive they can be but have you tried shopping for your contacts online? Check out how much you can save: "Click Here"

Eyecare Advice

Your eyes are extremely sensitive and there are many diseases that can affect your eyesight. That is why it is very important to seek out professional eye care services on a regular basis. Eyecare is the basis to having healthy eyes that will allow you to see clearly. But what happens when something goes wrong? There are many conditions that affect the eyes. Some are simple and others are complex that require surgery. It is essential to know some of the basic optical eye care terminology.

An eye examination is pretty simple. Eye doctors will check for any number of conditions. One of the primary reasons why people seek out eye examinations is because they are having trouble seeing things at a distance or close up. If you are having trouble seeing, then it may be a case of myopia (nearsightedness) or hyperopia (farsightedness). Myopia means that you can see things close up but have trouble seeing things that are far away. Hyperopia is the exact opposite. You can see things far away but cannot see things close up.

There are certain conditions an eye care professional will look for. These conditions may be glaucoma, astigmatism, cataracts or even conjunctivitis. If glaucoma is present, then there will be a rise in the intraocular pressure found within the eyes. Glaucoma treatment usually involves careful monitoring of the pressure and surgery may be needed. Do not let age fool you. Many people are born with glaucoma and have to monitor it throughout their lives. An eyecare checkup will determine this for you.

Astigmatism is when the cornea is oval shaped instead of its natural round shape, yet it is generally not a major condition. Many people have this problem and must wear special glasses or contact lenses to correct it. Cataracts are definitely a problem. Cataracts occur when the lenses become cloudy and an eye doctor will have to operate to remove the cloudy material. This condition is fairly common in the elderly.

Next on the list of conditions is conjunctivitis. This is a condition where there is an infection of the conjunctiva. Many people know this condition as "pink eye." It can be treated by your family care physician or it can be treated by eye doctors. The usual method of curing this condition is to provide drops that will clear the infection. It should be noted that conjunctivitis is extremely transmittable.

There are many things that can happen to your eyes. The few conditions listed above are just some of many diseases that can afflict them. Even something as simple as dirt can ruin your vision. Take care of your eyesight by getting routine eyecare examinations performed. Your eyes will thank your for it.

Eye care is relatively simple. You make yearly check-up visits with your vision care specialist and you purchase the recommended eye glasses or more likely, contact lenses. However, are you aware that you can buy contact lenses online far cheaper than offered to you by your eye care specialist? Check out how much you can save: "Click Here"

Eye Diseases That Should Be Found With Annual Check ups

It would be great if everyone never had to worry about their vision. They would be able to lead their lives without worrying about wearing eye glasses or eye diseases that may rob them of their visual acuity. There would be no need for an eye care professional because everyone would have perfect vision. There would be no need to worry about acquiring an eye disease because perfect eyesight would abound.

There are many eye diseases that can affect your vision. This goes beyond the typical astigmatism, farsightedness or nearsightedness. There are some diseases that could mean the difference between keeping your vision and way of life and losing it. Only an eye examination can determine whether or not you may be showing signs of an eye disease.

There are a variety of diseases that affect the eye. These range from ocular herpes to macular degeneration. Ocular herpes occurs when the herpes virus makes its way to the surface of the eye. This condition could lead to clouded and scarred lenses or severe eye discomfort. It is generally treated by oral and topical, antiviral medications. Macular degeneration is another disease that affects eyesight. It is where the center of the eye thins, suffers atrophy or bleeding. This disease is treated with injections.

Eye examinations may also show whether or not you have glaucoma, cataracts, retinal detachment or diabetic retinopathy. If you have glaucoma, then the pressure of the inner eye increases and can lead to blindness. The only way to correct this problem is through surgery to eliminate the pressure. Cataracts develop when the lens becomes cloudy and you can no longer distinguish shapes from backgrounds. It can lead to blindness as well. The treatment for this disease involves an eye care professional removing the clouded lens and replacing it with a plastic lens.

Retinal detachment and diabetic retinopathy are diseases discovered through an in-depth eye examination. Retinal detachment occurs when the retina has detached from the rest of the eye. This condition is corrected by making a bridge so that the retina can heal. Diabetic retinopathy occurs when blood vessels are present in large numbers on the surface of the eye. Treatment by an eye care professional involves shrinking the blood vessels to help improve vision.

Eye diseases are nothing to laugh about. They are very serious conditions that can endanger your vision. Try to imagine life through a cloudy lens from having cataracts. Your quality of life would never be the same. You would no longer be able to drive or see clearly. That is why eye professionals eagerly advocate a yearly checkup to see if there are any problems developing. A simple eye examination can mean the difference between a life filled with color and clear objects or one that lurks in cloudy disarray.

It is easy to forget about your eye care needs. Even if you wear prescription lenses, it is easy to forget to schedule a yearly visit to an optometrist. Most people cannot afford to go to the eye doctor every year. The economy is forcing a lot of cutbacks in how people spend their hard earned money. If you wear contacts then you know how expensive they can be but have you tried shopping for your contacts online?

To compare just how much you can save on contact lenses by buying online: "Click Here"

What Is The Price For Laser Eye Surgery

If you are thinking about lasik laser eye surgery procedure, probably the next thing in your mind is how much does it going to cost you. Unfortunately the price is going to differ widely depending upon many different factors. There are a lot of factors that determine the price.

Geographical locations is one of them. Depends on where you are. For examples in the USA Beverly Hills laser eye surgery is going to cost differently from Pennsylvania lasik eye surgery.

Treatment facility is another factor. The cost of eye surgery at the hospital is going to be different from a specialized eye treatment center and again different from a small private clinic.

A treatment center with good reputation and famous eye doctors with cost you more than the regular hospital. Of course the treatment facility and the doctors credential will determine the price too.

You might be wondering, is there a typical price?

There is an average price above all the other factors. Normally for the laser procedure each eye would cost around $2000 dollars. This is the base price and you will not find much variation across the board.

Those factors that are mentioned above that makes the price differences.These factors such as local taxes, geographical locations, the qualifications of the surgeon performing the surgery and the royalties that the surgeon would have to pay. Nevertheless the lasik procedure price normally be within the range.

Would there be an extra cost?

Under normal circumstances, the cost that are quoted to you during consultation are pretty much the total cost that you would have to pay. Other additional cost incurred if any, would be the follow up treatments, post surgery medications if there is any complications involved.

Are there a Discount Price?

Well, eye surgeons are running a business. Just like any other business there are a lot of competition around and they have to be competitive in order to stay open. Therefore they do offer various forms of discounts to patients.

Check your local yellow pages, mail in coupons, newspapers or the internet for lasik eye surgery coupons and discounts. Find the one that you like and arrange for an appointment and consultation.

Some lasik surgery doctors may give discounts to patients who pay cash instead of arranging for financing.

If you are above 65 you might get a senior citizen discounts at some lasik surgery centers. Be sure to inquire about the discounts during consultation.

Can You Find a Bargain?

If you don't mind traveling to other cities to find bargain for lasik surgery, then internet is the best place for you to do bargain hunting. As mentioned above there is a price disparities between different geographical locations.

It would be great if you could get a bargain at a city that you always wanted to travel. You could kill two birds with one stone. Go for a vacation and come back with a new vision.

Vision Therapy

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Vision Therapy can be the most important choice you make.  Become pro-active in your eye care  Natural Vision Therapy Will Improve Your Vision - Just See.

Eye glasses are worn mainly to correct vision that has weakened;  mostly due to age.  Although, glasses can be worn for other eye problems, age related weakness is one of the top reasons for wearing glasses.

Our vision can be a complicated process, and optical illusions are actually part of our everyday visual life, even though we do not realize it. Read about these eye illusions in the wiki encyclopedia (such as wikipedia.com) they have some good information about this topic.

Your eyes are obviously very important.  They are considered "organs" and you need to be very aware of any changes that occur.  Immediately go to an eye doctor.  Do not wait.

The eye needs a lot of attention and yet, we often tend to overlook the eyes in our daily health care.
-First: we need to go for our eye exams on a regular basis.  This is nothing to fool with. We will get an eye exam to see if we are nearsighted, farsighted or normal sighted.  The chart used is mostly the Snellen eye chart.

Also, the eye doctor will be able to see if we are harboring any hidden eye problems or eye diseases.  Also, an eye doctor can even spy other non optical related diseases through our eyes. Ophthalmology is the branch of medicine which deals with the diseases and surgery of the visual pathways, including the eye, brain, and areas surrounding the eye, such as the lacrimal system and eyelids.

No some eye problems like eye floaters can be very aggravating, but not serious to our sight.  Laser eye surgery is one way to correct our vision, but, not the only way.

Natural vision therapy has become very popular.  Like alternative medicine vision therapy has its place in our eye care; eye exercises should be a part of your daily life.

Dry eye is another eye problem.  Dry eyes can range from aggravating to serious.  Again, always check any eye condtions with your eye doctor.

Some other eye problems / eye diseases: strabismus, eye infections, amblyopia.

Vision

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Sometimes we forget the importance of our eyes.  We have two eyes; imagine if we would lose the use one eye?  That would be devastating for us. It would be very scary to know that if something happened to the remaining eye we would be blind.
The eye is tested using an eye chart, mostly, the Snellen Eye Chart. This will show whether you have normal vision, or if you are far sighted or near sighted.

There can be many problems and diseases that occur with the eyes.  Some are not dangerous, and others can be very dangerous for our vision.  Many people suffer from eye floaters for instance, but, they pose no threat.  Eye twitching can be cause by many different reasons, some you need not worry about, others you do need to worry about. Night blindness is another vision condition.

I suggest you get in the habit of participating in your own eye care.  Be active in the health of your vision. Spend 10 to 20 minutes a day on your eyes alone.  It's worth it, isn't it?  And, if you want help, there is an online vision system you can use.  Check it out here, at Rebuild Your Vision.

Eye tests are important at regular intervals.  And make sure you go to a professional.  There are online eye tests available, but you will be better off at a professional eye doctor.  Get the right "eye facts" for your own eye safety.

And, make sure you do see an ophthalmologist on a regular basis.  Many diseases not related to the eyes can actually be spotted through the eyes. There are many eye care products available; From curing dry eyes to natural eye vitamins.

This article is not written for diagnosing or for treatment advice. It's purpose is to inform you of the many different aspects concerning your eyes.  Always see a professional concerning anything to do with your eyesight.

Natural Vision Therapy

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People often think of their eyes as a separate part of their body.  Eyes are often "just there" and people do not ever think of actually becoming pro-active in the care of their eyes.

Just as we exercise parts of our bodies, and just as we try to feed our bodies healthy food and even specific supplements, so we must do for our eyes.  There are natural eye vitamins that are made specifically for your eyes.

Now, it is true, that you cannot fix all your eye problems / diseases, the same as you can not work off all of your other body problems and diseases.  But, you work with what you CAN help.

Contacts are a great invention for the right person.  Your eye health status may preclude the wearing of contacts. Then you are stuck with wearing glasses.  And, if you are only wearing them to improve your sight, then natural vision therapy may be another option for you.

If you are living in a stressful situation, then your eyes will reflect this.  Eyes can be very sensitive to stress. Eye stress can cause many vision problems.

If you find that your reading glasses are starting to get stronger and stronger, go to the eye doctor.  You may be in the early stages of macular degeneration!

There are ways to improve your eyesight.  Natural vision therapy includes alternative health care for your eyes.  Natural vitamin is one alternative. Natural remedies have proven themselves in many ways. Holistic health in partnership with professional doctors is a strong combination.

And remember, that you should always check with a professional.  This article is not meant for diagnosis or treatment.  Simply to enlighten you to other natural and holistic alternatives.

Laser eye surgery may not always  be what you need, or want.  Check out all your options before you commit to this treatment.

Eye infections can be very serious, so do not fool around if you think you have this condition.  Go to the eye doctor right away.

Eye exercises are a great way to help improve your vision.  And, they can help in managing stress.  Becoming pro-active in your eye care is very important.

Most eye exams use the snellen eye chart to test your vision.

Natural Vision

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Contacts and glasses may not be needed if you practive natural vision improvement.  Your eyes are meant to be exercised as much as the rest of your body.  Think of your eye as a part of your whole body, and not an extension of it.  Contact lenses are good if they are for "you".  However, natural vision therapy may help you to even get rid of those. We think we see what there is...but, we don't.  Eye illusions, or optical illusions are everwhere in our daily lives.

Reading glasses are a great help, but be careful, needing glasses may be a sign of macular degeneration.  Check it out!  Eye glasses are a wonderful help but, do not use them as a crutch.  The same with laser surgery.  There are natural ways to help improve your eye sight.

The human eye is more complex than the biggest computer in the world.  Think about that.  Eye charts - or - snellen eye chart are used to measure the strenght of our eyesight.

There are many different eye problems, and some you can help improve and even get rid of, others you cannot. Eye infections can be simple, but, they can also be very serious.  Always check with an eye professional!

Laser eye surgery has become ver popular, but, when something goes wrong with this, it is devastating.  You need to think long and hard if you want to take this chance.

Some eye problems you can help are: lazy eye and dry eye.  However do yourself the favor and always see an eye doctor.

Eye surgery can  be used to improve your vision.  (Not laser surgery)  For the more serious problems there are now advanced surgeries to help you improve your sight.
Eye exercises help improve your vision.  Your eyes are like your body...they need exercise!

Eye health should be a very deep concern for you.  Especially as you age.  Catch the problems before they become too serious. Natural vitamins are available. These are vitamins chosen specifically for your eyes.

Stress can cause tremendous eye strain. It sounds simple, I know, but you need to control and get a handle on your stress.  There are ways to help your eyes during stressful times.  This is a whole different topic.

ps always check with an eye professional for any eye issues!

LASIK Eye Surgery Safer Than Ever

If your vision is imperfect, then you have probably considered lasik eye surgery at one point or another. Most people who are in this situation often pass this option up, however, because it seems expensive and time consuming. What people don't understand is that this surgery is not nearly as expensive and they think.

Indeed, in comparison to the expense of an annual change of eyeglasses or contact lenses, as well as the accompanying visits to your ophthalmologist, lasik eye surgery is not very expensive. You can spend a great deal of money throughout your life if you wear spectacles of any kind. And as you age, and your sight experiences deterioration, the cost involved only increases.

If you see the situation this way, laser vision correction appears to be one of the greatest things you can ever do. Many benefits come from this process, and the most vital is that you'll truly save money over the duration of your life. Once you've had lasik eye surgery, you won't have to worry any more about the costs of contacts or glasses.

This means that this form of vision correction might actually be the cheapest route to take. There are tons of deals going on through various eye doctors and professionals. If you get your surgery during one of these deals, you stand to save even more money. Call around your local area to see what doctors are offering there.

Because your vision is not something that you can ignore, you must put out some money for this at some point. If you want to drive, read, or participate in other activities in your daily life, then you need to be able to see. It is vital to your overall standard of living, that you know how to see both close up and far away.

On comparing lasik eye surgery with glasses and contacts you will find there is not much difference in their cost. The fact that you have to pay for the surgery upfront does not mean that over a period of your life time you will not be spending as much or even more otherwise.

LASIK is becoming a confusing topic among consumers thinking of this highly technical lasik eye surgery. Dr. Martinez of Bethesda Maryland has produced a FREE report titled: "How LASIK & PRK Can Help You See Clearly. Visit http://www.lasik-pages.com to get the insider details.

Pros and Cons for Lasik with IntraLase

Pros and Cons for Lasik with IntraLase

Those who have had a Lasik technique done, and those who are investigating having a Lasik vision correction procedure, know that the first step of that procedure is to create a small flap in order for the Lasik physician to reshape the cornea.  This flap is created by the surgeon, and can be done using a small blade or using a laser.  Using the laser is generally called a bladeless Lasik procedure, or IntraLasik, or IntraLase.

For those that are considering a Lasik procedure, this review should be helpful in order to determine the pros and cons of the Lasik procedure using IntraLase.  One comment to be made is that the risks and complications possible using the small blade are well known and documented, since that procedure has been done for years and has a database of millions of patients.

Granted, 90% or more of all Lasik patients have no serious side effects or even minor lasting side effects, but it is true that a large part of the complications from Lasik procedures stem from the flap made with the microkeratome blade.  Over the years additional techniques have been developed to further minimize such problems from the standard Lasik procedure.

The introduction of the laser to create the flap is a new frontier in the Lasik procedure.  The laser is used in combination with state of the art software to create a flap of a pre-programmed size at a specific depth and position.  During this process, a soft suction ring holds the eye in place, but this causes no discomfort to the Lasik client.  Generally the only effect noticed by most Lasik patients is a dimming of vision in the eye being worked on for the duration of the treatment of that eye.

The use of the laser creates very small bubbles of water and carbon dioxide that serve as a good buffer between the flap and the cornea itself, and so this Lasik procedure conserves the eye very carefully.  The whole process of creating a flap for one eye takes approximately one minute.

The advantages of using a laser to make the flap for the Lasik vision correction procedure is that there is no way that the cornea can be abraded, nor any chance of the wrong size or depth of flap, since it is all pre-programmed with Lasik software.  The exact vertical edges of the flap produced using this Lasik procedure help healing, and also decrease the possibility that the flap might slip or wrinkle if the eye is accidentally bumped or rubbed during the healing process.

There are very few cons to using a laser to create the flap during a Lasik procedure.  One is that the process takes a bit longer, up to a minute.  A second reason is that the low level suction during this phase of the Lasik operation does result in eye redness for about 5% of the patients, but this goes away within a few days.  The last reason is that there is still a difference in cost between intralase eye surgery and the traditional Lasik eye surgery, but hopefully that will decrease as the years progress.

Lasik Eye Surgery or ICL?

Lasik Eye Surgery or ICL?

A number of people who are considering the Lasik procedure to correct their nearsightedness or farsightedness have of some potential problems of Lasik, and are wondering if there are other options.  Though more than 95 percent of the Lasik patients have a very successful procedure without any major side effects, there are choices for people who wish to improve their vision.  Let's compare two, and discuss these choices with a reputable ophthalmologist.

Traditional Lasik surgery uses a scalpel to create a small flap in the eye, and then a laser reshapes the eye in order to focus accurately.  There are two more recent forms of Lasik, one that entirely uses a laser and does away with the scalpel.  Another variation uses a three dimension waveform for people with unusual eye shapes, and both of these are worth discussing with your ophthalmologist.

Those people with very thin corneas or other issues that make Lasik not a good candidate for their particular case can consider implantable contact lens surgery.  This is known as ICL in the eye surgeon's lingo, and is a good alternative to Lasik to permanently correct vision.  These lenses function in exactly the same way as removable lenses, except that they remain permanently in the eye.  Like Lasik, they reshape the eye in order for it to focus accurately.  The patient will not feel the lens once the operation has been performed.

Lasik and ICL are similar in several ways.  Lasik can improve vision affected by nearsightedness and astigmatism, and ICL can improve these vision deficiencies also.  Both Lasik and ICL also have some of the same risks, one of these being that the correction is not accurate after the first operation is done.  Lasik is a much more frequently performed procedure, and less than 3 percent (according to the FDA) of these patients need to undergo additional surgery to further correct vision after the first Lasik procedure is done.

Like any operation, there is a chance of infection in either a Lasik procedure or an ICL operation.  Good post-operative care by the patient will minimize this and regular checkups at the Lasik or eye care center will nearly always clear this up without further complication.  In a small percentage of the cases, either Lasik or ICL patients may not achieve perfect vision and may need to continue to wear corrective eyewear, though usually not at the same strength as the original eyewear.

One advantage of ICL over Lasik is that ICL is a reversible procedure, where the implanted lens can be removed later if that becomes necessary.  Lasik involves the reshaping of the cornea to bring objects accurately into focus, and is permanent.  However, for a typical, healthy patient either Lasik eye surgery or ICL will generally bring about the desired improvement in vision.

Lasik is generally a less invasive procedure, and this is reflected in the current cost of the operation.  The current price for a Lasik procedure is between $500 and $2500 per eye, depending on the type of procedure and the presiding physician.  A typical price for ICL is between $1500 and $3000 per eye.  Do some investigation into the options offered, and select the eye care procedure that is best for your personal case.

Why Do We BlinK So Often?

We blink so that our eyes are oiled, lubed and filtered.

Blinking, not batting, our eyes will automatically cause two forms of moisture to to develop for our eyes, thast is so they will not dry out and also so no foreign matter will enter our eyes.   Our eyelids, which are really our natural "eyeshield wipers" are really just folds of skin.  These are controlled by our muscles which are so capable of moving fast, that blinking does not even interrupt our vision.

Our eyelids have approximately 20-30 sebaceous, oil-producing glands, these are located between your eyelashes, and they are invisible to our eye. Blinking automatically puts a coating over our eyes.  Mother nature does it best!

Blinking also irrigates the eyes.  The eyelid automatically draws the same fluid we cry with from our tear duct over the eyeball, this irrigates and moisturizes the eyes.

Such an amazing and natural process, our eyes are more complicated than the biggest computer. And, natural vision care is possible.  Become pro-active with your vision care!

Of course the other benefit of blinking is that it stops any foreign object from irritating our eys. Our eyelashes serve as dust catchers.  Wow, the blinking reflex actually causes the eyelashes to automatically lower during exposure to harsh elements.

Also, you may be a "starer":  To break the habit of staring:

(1) Make sure you shift your eyes when focusing on an object. If you stare, you stop the blinking causing stress and eyestrain and eye irritation.

(2) When you find yourself staring, or focusing too long on an object, try to close your eyes for a few seconds (not during a time when it is dangerous to do this, of course).  This will re-establish your blinking pattern.

Do get yourself away from the habit of staring or intensely focusing on an object for long periods of time!

And, for more ways of looking after the health and care of your eyes check out this Rebuild Your Vision Site

Lasik Surgery Statistics

Lasik Surgery Statistics

The Lasik operation can be a wonderful, life-changing option for many people whose vision is less than perfect.  There are several different types of Lasik operations now available, from the original and well documented procedure to Lasik procedures done with three dimensional wavefronts, or done entirely with lasers.  Each of these variations of the Lasik procedure should be discussed with the physician that is to perform the operation.
Like any surgery, Lasik does have the potential for side effects.

Sometimes reading the horror stories of the outcomes of a Lasik procedure can deter people from seriously considering such a choice.  It is also true that the vast numbers of people who have a successful, trouble-free Lasik surgery tend not to report a long and detailed story of their experience, unlike those that have experienced trouble afterward.

However, it is good to know what the possible side effects of the Lasik procedure are, and also the likelihood that one of these side effects will occur for a particular patient.  Just like any medicine we take, each has a possible number of side effects, but we generally assume that the likelihood of a serious side effect is small, and we take the medicine anyway.  This article will hopefully put concerns of the prospective Lasik patient into perspective so that they can calmly and thoughtfully ponder having a Lasik procedure done in the future.

More than one million Lasik procedures are done in the US every year, according to the FDA.  This arm of the national government has accumulated the following statistics for the most common side effects of the Lasik procedure.  These statistics will also vary by the physician performing the surgery, so make sure to get as much information on the prospective Lasik physician as possible.

After Lasik surgery, 1.7 percent of patients experience some glare or sensitivity to light after the operation.   This varies by patient, but this sensitivity is especially noticeable when looking at a bright light, such as a streetlight when walking at night, or other strong light and dark contrast.  Another light related side effect is a halo around a light, and this occurs in 3.5 percent of Lasik patients.

The new, corrected vision can be noticed quickly by some Lasik patients, in as little as a few hours after surgery.  Most patients that have undergone the Lasik procedure find the change is permanent within a few days.  In 2.6 percent of clients that have had a Lasik procedure done, there is persistent visual fluctuation within at least a part of their sphere of vision.

Finally, some patients do not get a fully corrected sphere of vision after their Lasik procedure.  This happens with a small number of clients, and the FDA statistics are that only 3 percent of patients have this effect.  In all or nearly all cases, the physician in charge will perform an additional Lasik procedure to improve this.

This detailing of the major permanent side effects of the Lasik procedure should put any personal horror stories into perspective.  Notice that none of the percentages are above 3 percent, and this should bring comfort to most prospective Lasik clients.  However, it should also motivate them to look carefully at the Lasik eye surgeons personal record.

Stories From the Lasik Surgery Waiting Room

Stories From the Lasik Surgery Waiting Room

As an experienced Lasik patient I thought I might give a glimpse into the worst part of the Lasik procedure... the waiting room.   I have had a Lasik procedure twice, the second being a follow up since one of my eyes needed additional work after the healing procedure was complete.  I was distinctly less nervous about the second procedure, and observed and talked to a number of the other Lasik clients that were waiting with me.

One was a young woman in her early twenties who talked incessantly trying to keep her mind off of any of the Lasik brochures and information on the table.  She had been thoroughly oriented to both the Lasik operation and post-op procedures, but had brought along a few stuffed animals to keep her company during the operation.  Most Lasik physicians recommend a minimum age of 18 due to sufficient maturity of the eye, but maybe waiting for some emotional maturity might be another factor.  On the other hand, I wondered what I looked and sounded like waiting for my first Lasik operation.

Talking to a few of the other Lasik clients, I realized I was not the only one in for a second Lasik procedure.  Two others were like me in that they did not get sufficient improvement in their vision to satisfy themselves or the Lasik surgeon.  In all of our cases, our first Lasik procedure of several months earlier went well, and none of us were particularly nervous.

It did surprise me, considering that it was 6:30 AM, of the variety of clothing styles of the Lasik clients.  Most of us, considering the hour and the rather frigid temperature of the Lasik operating room and the waiting room, were dressed in snug and warm sweat suits or other comfortable wear.  One Lasik patient was dressed in formal business attire with full makeup.

This puzzled me for at least two reasons: any makeup, lotions, or other things that could get into the eye are forbidden for at least 24 hours before the surgery, and it is highly recommended to go home and sleep as quickly as possible after the Lasik procedure.  The only thing I could figure out was that she wasn't actually getting a Lasik procedure, but no one else is there at 6:30 AM.  Her dominating and withering look made me decide that any pre-Lasik conversation with her was better left unsaid.

I was probably the fourth person escorted into a waiting room for a final discussion on Lasik post-op procedures, but I could not tell how long I had been waiting.  I think they avoid clocks for a very good reason.  The lady two seats down from me was calm enough about her Lasik procedure to go back to sleep while waiting, which seemed like an eminently sensible idea.

Each patient is offered a mild sedative before the Lasik procedure starts.  It is mainly for psychological purposes, as my first Lasik experience was not painful at all.  I did take it for my first experience, but my own Lasik history and the others I have heard in the waiting room make me think that I don't need it.  But I take it anyway, just in case.

I hope that this window into a Lasik waiting room helps give the attitude that for most people it is not a dreaded procedure, and for those of us that have had Lasik eye surgery performed, a rather uneventful one.  

What Happens After the Lasik Procedure?

What Happens After the Lasik Procedure?

After you are fully prepared, the Lasik procedure takes less than fifteen minutes to complete for both eyes.  This will seem a remarkably short time to have a permanent change to your vision, and in this regard Lasik seems almost too good to be true.  In addition, most Lasik patients notice improved vision immediately or within a few hours after the Lasik procedure has been performed.

This does not mean that you should expect to walk out of the Lasik clinic with perfect vision and without any need to treat your eyes carefully for the next several days.  It also means that some Lasik patients will need more time to see the total results for the Lasik procedure, sometimes as much as six months for their vision to stabilize permanently.  Anticipate good vision, and take the time and care for the operation to produce its best result.

Usually the Lasik physician will give the post-procedure patient a protective shield for their eyes.  This should be worn as long as the physician specifies, and usually only at night for one or two nights.  He may also recommend sunglasses during the day if you experience sensitivity to light after the Lasik procedure is done.  Discuss these options in detail at the Lasik center before the operation, so you know how to best take care of your eyes.

Many patients at the Lasik centers often get eye drops to keep their eyes moist for some time after the Lasik procedure is done.  Again, this varies by patient and by physician, so ask about your particular situation, especially if you are prone to eye dryness on an occasional basis even before the Lasik procedure.  Also, it might be helpful to keep any ceiling fans or other air circulation devices off in the household for the first few days.

Most clients can return to work and normal daily activities the day after the Lasik procedure is done, and do not require any extra assistance from other friends or family members.  There is usually little to no post-operative discomfort after Lasik has been performed.  It is recommended that patients go to sleep as quickly as possible after the Lasik surgery in order to minimize any post-operative discomfort.  Upon waking, improved vision from the Lasik corrections should already start to be visible.

This improved vision may not be the final product of the Lasik eye surgery.  The improvement to nearsightedness after Lasik is usually quick and dramatic, though there may be some problems in reading easily for the first few days after the Lasik operation.  This is perfectly normal, and should clear up before the week is out.
Patients that use Lasik to improve their farsightedness usually find a dramatic improvement the day after the Lasik surgery.  It might be that there is a temporary blurring of objects in the distance, but this will resolve itself.  If this condition remains for more than a few days, the Lasik physician can recommend and prescribe temporary glasses until vision is stabilized.

These are all typical post-operative recommends for a Lasik patient, in order to feel comfortable with what to expect after the Lasik procedure.  As with any medical treatment, get all of your questions answered by the staff of your Lasik eye center for your individual case.

Talk to Your Lasik Surgeon!

Talk to Your Lasik Surgeon!

For anyone considering a Lasik procedure to correct vision, it is crucial to find a physician that is reputable and caring.  It is also very important that they are experienced and knowledgeable in the Lasik procedure, and that they have a track record of patients that are happy with the treatment they received and the results that they got.

This guide gives a number of basic questions that you should ask when deciding on which Lasik center and which doctor to select for your Lasik procedure.  The comfort you have during the process, and even the results that you receive, may depend on getting good answers to these questions.  It is important to realize that the answers to these questions will vary from physician to physician.

The first question to ask is "How many years have you been performing this type of Lasik surgery?"  There are several variations of the Lasik procedure, and the doctor should have a track record of at least three years in doing Lasik procedures.  This amount of time also allows the doctor to watch his patients and the long term success of their Lasik procedures.

Next, ask the physician for the number of Lasik procedures they have performed in the last two years.  The physician should do the operation frequently enough that he is well versed in current procedures.  Also, he should be successful enough that prospective Lasik patients feel comfortable in coming to the Lasik center.  The physician should perform at least 500 Lasik surgeries in the last two years.

At this point, ask what percent of his clients that underwent Lasik surgery ended up with 20/40 vision or better.  Notice that not all patients will achieve 20/20 vision, and that is acceptable.  However, it is important that 90 percent of the patients get at least a 20/40 correction after the first Lasik procedure.  Claims of much more than 90 percent might make him seem much better, but in this case ask for evidence that that number is true.  There are some exceptional physicians out there, but also a few Lasik doctors that make unfounded claims.  Asking the doctor what percentage of Lasik patients achieve 20/20 should run about 50 percent.  Again, if the number is greatly higher, ask for evidence.

Finally, ask about post-Lasik complications.  The percentage of patients that experience complications after 6 months is complete should be 3 percent or less.  If the physician claims that complications are so rare that he doesn't keep records, you should be very suspicious and ask for evidence, if any.  No doctor is perfect.  Similarly, when asked the percentage of patients that require an additional operation to achieve clear vision, the number should be less than 10 percent.

To wrap up the interview, ask the physician what types of Lasik procedures he recommends and practices, and under what circumstances he denied a Lasik procedure to a patient.  Not all vision challenged people are good candidates for a Lasik operation, and the doctor should at least have a few examples of people he dissuaded from the operation.

Finally, ask about the cost of the operation and if financing plans are available through the Lasik center.  A physician that is willing to sit down and discuss these questions is often a physician that will address any other medical issues that come up, and is a good prospect to perform your Lasik procedure.

Lasik Surgery - a personal view

Lasik Surgery - a personal view

I have noticed that more people I work with are talking about, or undergoing, the Lasik vision correction procedure.  I don't know really know why Lasik has suddenly become more popular in my company, but I do know that there are a number of rumors about Lasik that I am not sure are true.  Let me just talk about my long term experience with Lasik.

It has been more than eight years since I had the Lasik procedure, so I was one of the early and brave pioneers!  Perhaps I wasn't that brave when considering Lasik, for my vision in each eye was worse than -9.  Even now, Lasik physicians consider that a very strong case and do caution prospective clients that the Lasik process will likely improve their vision, but may not eliminate the total need for glasses.

The Lasik operation itself had mild pressure and some unusual feelings, but no real discomfort or pain.  This is still true in modern Lasik procedures, and hopefully they are even better at keeping the client comfortable.  I do notice that now Lasik physicians also give a mild sedative mainly for psychological reasons, which I think I would have appreciated back then.

Two or three days after the Lasik operation I was astounded to find I had VERY clear vision in each eye, at least 20/20.  Considering my previous prescription, you can imagine how fervently I thanked my Lasik physician.  However, I did also have temporary symptoms of considerable dryness in each eye (which was helped by eye drops), and also halos around lights at night.

A few months after the Lasik procedure I noticed my vision changing a bit, though very slightly.  The best way I can describe it is that the crisp edges no longer looked exceedingly crisp, but each object still seemed to be in focus.  At my one year Lasik correction anniversary my physician said that one eye was still at 20/20, but the other had changed slightly to 20/40.  However, I was still a great statistic for the Lasik correction procedure, and we were both still happy with the results.

In the years between the original Lasik procedure and now, my vision is still 20/20 in one eye and 20/40 in the other.  I do have a pair of glasses and one contact lens for that eye, but rarely bother with them unless I am doing something like watching a movie.  My long track record after the Lasik procedure has given hope to a number of other people in my office.  I do want to say though that I was over 35 when I had the operation, and my Lasik physician said that the stability of my eyes and my age were good indicators that the Lasik results would be long term.

I hope this encourages people with bad vision to talk to a local Lasik physician about scheduling a Lasik procedure.  Find a physician that has a good track record, and one that you trust, and I hope that your long term Lasik results will be as good as mine!

The procedure for wavefront lasik eye surgery.

The procedure for wavefront lasik eye surgery.

Let's walk through what a client experiences when attending a Lasik center for a Wavefront Lasik procedure.  The procedure itself generally only takes between five and ten minutes for each eye in total, and both eyes are done during the same procedure.  The actual time to reshape the eye with the Lasik excimer laser is usually less than 15 seconds per eye.

Any person's vision problems are generated by small "aberrations" within the eye that prevents the light from focusing objects as they should.  The Lasik equipment locates and classifies these aberrations and then processes them so that the Lasik physician will correct these and allow the light to focus properly once the eye has healed.

In a Wavefront Lasik procedure, the patient stares at one point while a light is sent into the eye, which is reflected back and read by a Lasik Wavefront sensor.  The distortions in this reflected light are mapped using a small computer within the Lasik system, and then this information is used to guide the laser that treats the eye.
Once the light creates the map for the eye, the Lasik surgeon has to create a small flap to access the cornea.  This is done using a laser (this type of Lasik procedure is known as IntraLasik, or bladeless Lasik) or a small blade known as a microkeratome.

This flap is then opened to allow the cornea to be reshaped by the Lasik system.The excimer laser actually reshapes the cornea, which is the crucial part of the Lasik procedure.  In order to determine exactly how to reshape it, the map created earlier by the Wavefront sensor is used to direct the beam of light accurately.  The Lasik physician uses these precise tools to get the clearest vision results possible.

This custom Lasik procedure can not only correct such standard problems as nearsightedness, but can also address aberrations that create light halos, glare, haze, or starburst patterns.  Once the Lasik physician determines that all relevant aberrations have been eliminated, he replaces the flap in its proper position, where it adheres normally and will heal naturally.

As mentioned earlier, this entire Lasik process takes between ten and fifteen minutes per eye.  A patient gets a mild sedative and eye numbing drops to make the procedure both relaxing and painless.  Most people notice an improvement in vision due to Lasik almost immediately.

Once the Lasik procedure is finished, you will get some eye drop medication to lubricate and protect your eyes.  This medication (and the liquid in the drops themselves) may cause some blurring, and so for this reason (and to avoid any eyestrain) you should arrange for someone else to drive you home.  It is also a good idea to go to sleep as soon as possible after the Lasik operation in order to promote even faster healing.

To promote optimal healing the Lasik physician often gives a plastic shield to wear over your eyes for the first night or two.  Follow closely any recommendations by the Lasik physician. Do further investigation into this great new Lasik procedure, and get a clearer focus on your future!    

The Facts About Intra Lasik Eye Surgery

The Facts About Intra Lasik Eye Surgery

Now that Lasik vision correction surgery has been accepted for a number of years, there are several popular options for the procedure.  One of these is IntraLasik, or Intralase, or bladeless Lasik.  As the name implies, there is no cutting of the eye with a blade, instead the flap in the eye is made using a laser.  Since bladeless Lasik is a newer procedure, there are a number of opinions around about how well this procedure works.  Let's look at several of these and determine which of these are true or false.

First, more Lasik clients get 20/20 vision or better using IntraLasik.  Any Lasik procedure cannot guarantee perfect vision for every client, though more than 90% get results to at least 20/40 vision.  However, it is true that the new techniques of IntraLasik do get even better statistics for giving clients clear vision.

Some are concerned that the laser that makes the corneal flap is standard, and cannot be tailored to each individual eye like can be done by the Lasik surgeon when using a blade.  This is not true.  The Lasik physician has control over the use of the laser for each individual in the same way that he can control the microkeratome blade.

IntraLasik can be used for both a standard and a custom Lasik procedure.  This is true.  Custom Lasik procedures using Wavefront technology (another somewhat recent advance in Lasik vision correction) can easily be used with a laser making the initial flap.  This custom Lasik procedure, though more costly, is of great benefit for people with unusual eye shapes or problems.

Some have heard that using the laser is less accurate than the standard Lasik procedure.  This is not true, since lasers can be controlled to micron level accuracy.  This gives the Lasik physician extreme control to create exactly the flap needed for this particular individual eye: the precise size, shape, and depth for successful completion of the Lasik procedure.  

Another common fallacy is that IntraLase has not been around long enough for trusted Lasik physicians to have confidence in it.  On the contrary, many of the most honored Lasik physicians strongly endorse IntraLase due to the track record of very good results from the Lasik procedures.  In addition, the quality of the machines and the precision that they give these Lasik physicians is very impressive.  Many of the top flight Lasik doctors recommend this as a procedure of choice, assuming cost is not a significant variable in the decision of which Lasik procedure to use.

Similar to the objection above, some people think that Intralase is not a sufficiently test Lasik procedure option.  On the contrary, more than one million of these procedures have been performed, and the impressive track record for this Lasik procedure has been discussed above.  More and more Lasik physicians are trained in this option, and we will see many more such Lasik procedures in the future.

We hope that this discussion of bladeless Lasik has given more accurate information to those considering this Lasik technique.  Please discuss this option with the professionals at your local Lasik center.

What is the Initial Lasik Eye Exam Like?

What is the Initial Lasik Eye Exam Like?

The first significant step before the Lasik surgery is to have a comprehensive eye examination, in order to be sure that you are a good candidate for the Lasik procedure.  A map of your eye will be created during this exam.  This map is used in order for the Lasik physician to determine how to reshape your eye to give you the clearest post-operative vision possible.

This eye exam will do several things.  Your eyes will be dilated in order to see if there are any irregularities within the eye itself.  The thickness of the cornea will be measured, and a precise map of the cornea will be generated.  The "refractive error" (or the reason why your vision isn't currently perfect) will be accurately analyzed in order for the Lasik procedure to get the best results possible.  Finally, how your eyes generate tears will be closely looked at, as good tear production is essential for the health of every eye.

Before or after these measurements, the Lasik physician will discuss your past medical history to see any previous operations or any ongoing health problems.  A few chronic conditions may make the Lasik procedure not a good option for some people, and also women currently expecting should wait for some time after delivery.  The physician also will discuss the expectations the Lasik client has about the operation and subsequent changes in their lifestyle.

Though most people pass through this Lasik eye exam with flying colors, be prepared for some suggestions or serious discussion.  Your eye map may indicate that a newer form of Lasik procedure might be better, such as one that generates a three dimensional waveform for each eye.  Tear production issues may indicate that the Lasik procedure is not the best option for you, and the Lasik physician may recommend another solution.

If all goes well and the Lasik procedure is scheduled, the physician will review the treatment plan and what the client should do to prepare for the Lasik surgery.  This plan may vary slightly between patients, but in general will look something like the schedule below.  Always follow the recommendations of your Lasik physician closely.
First, contact lenses should be avoided for several weeks prior to Lasik vision correction, since contacts can slightly affect the shape of your cornea.  It is important to let your eyes rest in order to get the most accurate Lasik vision improvement possible.  Hard contacts should be avoided for a month, soft contacts for at least two weeks.

Stop using any lotions, makeup, or anything else that could possibly get into the eye the day or two before surgery.  It is important to have your eyes as rested as possible before the Lasik operation.  Also, arrange for someone else to drive you home after the Lasik procedure itself.

These are the most common steps to prepare you for an easy and successful Lasik procedure.  Make sure you give the doctor all information needed for your case, and follow his directions closely.  The Lasik eye surgery will give you a new outlook in life!

The Lasik eye surgery pioneer!

The Lasik eye surgery pioneer!

One of the first publicized physicians that perform the Lasik eye corrective operation was Dr. Boothe, of Dallas Texas.  He has performed the Lasik operation for a number of different clients, including members of the NFL Dallas Cowboys football team.  There are countless testimonials of how satisfied his Lasik clients were with the surgery, even a number of years later.

One of the important considerations for any doctor is kindness, and Dr Boothe's Lasik patients comment on this trait after their procedures.  They all agree that Dr.  Boothe made them feel very relaxed about the procedure, and took time to answer any and all questions that they might have.  This is especially important with the Lasik process, as eye health is crucially important, and confidence in the doctor makes considering the Lasik option much more feasible.

Dr. Boothe became a specialist of the eye, and especially the cornea, in 1987.

He has performed more than 80,000 Lasik laser vision corrections in that time.  He has also contributed to the field of expanding Lasik practice, with the new VISX three dimensional wavefront procedures.  These procedures are especially useful for those people with unusual configurations of their eyes.

One of the other newer Lasik procedures uses only the laser, instead of the usual Lasik operation using both scalpel and laser.  He is the leader in the performance of this field, and has done more than 45,000 of these operations.  This type of Lasik procedure holds new promise for the field, and should be investigated by anyone considering any type of Lasik procedure.

Looking at some of Dr. Boothe's background will help prospective Lasik clients to look for a physician of similar quality in their area.  Dr.  Boothe's center itself is located in the Dallas metropolitan area, but there are many fine doctors that practice Lasik procedures in all parts of the country.  He has taught a number of other laser eye surgeons in the technique, and so one question that should be asked is where the physician received his training in the Lasik procedure, and which doctors taught the technique.

A most critical part of traditional Lasik surgery is using the microkeratome to make and lift a flap in the eye.  Dr. Boothe's love of medicine and absorption in furthering the techniques used in Lasik make him a pioneer in the field of ophthalmology.  He is board certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology, and emphasizes that any patient should check the board certification for any physician they are considering for performing the Lasik procedure in addition to standard medical certifications, such as the American Medical Association.

One reason that Dr. Boothe entered the field of Lasik surgery was because a good eye surgeon can dramatically improve the quality of life for his patients, as is attested by his many thousands of satisfied patients.  The doctor that a patient selects for the Lasik procedure should have high standards for safety, accuracy, and precision.  This should be reflected in the results and opinions of the patients that the doctor has.  Lasik can be a life improving procedure, and careful selection of a physician in the same mold as Dr. Boothe can make it much more certain.

What is Wavefront Lasik Eye Surgery ?

What is Wavefront Lasik Eye Surgery ?

The wonderful results of Lasik surgery have been improved by research adding new methods, such as Wavefront technology.  This technology gives a Lasik physician the ability to see and accurately map even slight variations in the surface of the eye.  This gives the physician the ability to more accurately tailor a Lasik operation to the individual, and result in even clearer vision.

The concept behind Wavefront technology was originally developed by astronomers, in order to indicate if a mirror or a lens had slight imperfections in it.  It is very important in astronomy to get near perfect optics in order to clearly see the small light sources million of miles away in the universe.  In the 1970s a sensor was created to electronically check these surfaces, and a type of this sensor is now used in the Wavefront guided Lasik procedures.

The idea to apply this technique, or to use this sensor, to the field of ophthalmology and later to the specific area of Lasik vision correction, was begun in Germany.  The physician Josef Bille began using the sensor in his practice, and this started others to refine the sensor and how it is used and to apply it to Lasik technology.  In 1997 the improved sensor, with greater accuracy and speed, was announced to the Lasik laser manufacturers.  This allowed the companies that manufacture the Lasik equipment to develop tools using the Wavefront concept for each of their own laser systems.

The FDA approved the first Wavefront guided Lasik vision correction system for general use.  Initially, the Wavefront sensor makes a map of the eye's imperfections, and this map is sent to the laser that is used in the Lasik vision correction portion of the operation.  This allows for precise eye alteration in order for Lasik to present the best vision correction possible.

The Wavefront technology used in Lasik can be described easily at an informal level.  A small, flat sheet of light (called a wavefront) is passed through the eye, reflected off of the retina, and passed back through the eye and is captured by the Wavefront machine.  If the eye were perfect, the light would return as a flat sheet and be captured that way by the Lasik machine.  However, any imperfections changes the way that the light returns, and this is detected by the Wavefront part of the Lasik process.

A number of these small, flat sheets of light are sent into each eye from various directions and the results returned generated a three dimensional map of the eye to be used in the Lasik vision correction process.  In addition to the commonly known problems of nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, there are more than 60 other patterns that are known and can possibly be corrected for.

All of this information generated by the Lasik sensor is converted by software into a set of directions to be carried out by the Lasik excimer laser.  Ask your doctor about this exciting advance in Lasik vision correction, and see if this procedure is right for you!

Is Lasik Eye Surgery for you?

Is Lasik Eye Surgery for you?

So many people are interested in the Lasik vision correction procedure, and want to know the benefits, the risks, and how the Lasik procedure works.  One of the first things to consider is what requirements a person should meet in order to have a successful Lasik procedure.  Though each individual case should be discussed with a qualified Lasik physician, here are some guidelines to see if you are a good candidate for Lasik vision correction.

First, the eye should be properly matured.  This means that anyone under the age of 18 really needs to wait before a Lasik procedure is done, for it is likely that the shape of their eye will continue to change for several years.  If the eye shape changes after the Lasik operation is done, the clarity of vision will be affected.  Some Lasik physicians recommend waiting until age 25 in some cases.

In addition to an age cutoff, the vision prescription for the Lasik candidate should be stable for at least one year, and preferably for longer than that.  This is for the same reason as above, that the Lasik procedure will only continue to be effective if the eye shape remains constant after surgery.

One comment about age cutoffs should be made with regard to Lasik surgery.  There is no maximum age, as many patients in their fifties to their eighties have had a very successful Lasik procedure.  The main consideration in these cases is enough tear production for successful healing and lubrication after the Lasik vision correction.

The eyes of the Lasik candidate should be healthy.  This means that any person undergoing a Lasik procedure should have had no eye infection or injury for at least a year, and must have no scarring on the cornea of the eye.  In addition, they must not have any recurring eye problem, such as a history of herpes infection in the eyes.

The medical history of a prospective Lasik client also plays an important part.  Some chronic conditions, such as autoimmune disorders like Lupus, will prevent some people from being able to schedule a Lasik procedure.  You should be very clear about any and all medical conditions that are current, or even completed ones in the past.  Also, women who are pregnant or nursing should wait to have a Lasik procedure scheduled.

A good Lasik physician will also not schedule people with dry eye syndrome for Lasik vision correction.  Having sufficient tear production is important, though for minor problems this may be aided by medication during the healing process.  In addition, those people with eyes that dilate very widely are not good candidates for Lasik. 

These are most of the most common reasons that a person should look at some other eye improvement choice other than Lasik.  Most generally healthy people with standard vision problems benefit greatly from a Lasik procedure done by a trained, professional Lasik physician.  Look for a good Lasik eye surgery center in your area and discuss your individual case in detail.

Eye Care

Eye Care

Regular eye exams are important even for people who are not having eye trouble. These are in-depth routines that are normally performed by either an Ophthalmologist or Optometrist. How often a person needs an eye exam hinges on a number of elements including age, overall health and whether or not eye disorders run in the family.

Kids with no eye trouble need only have their eyes checked out during regular visits to their pediatrician. This evaluation is ordinarily referred as a vision screening and ought happen at a minimum, every 2 years. A vision screening isn't as across-the-board as an eye exam, but it is priceless in noticing early signs of eye/vision trouble.

For grownups without eye trouble, eyes ought be tested once between the ages of 20-29, twice during the next 10 years, 2-4 times during the next 10 years and after age 65, eyes should be examined once every 1-2 years. People wearing corrective lenses should have their eyes tested annually. Those with eye disorders should work out an testing schedule with their eye doctors.

What is involved in  an eye exam

Employing a light source, an external examination ascertains that the eyes 'look' right. You will follow the doctor's pen (or other object) with your eyes to ensure the eye muscles function properly. Whilst you read the illuminated chart with letters that get smaller the further down you go, your doctor is checking out your visual acuity. If you need corrective lenses, you'll get a refractive appraisal, a test that determines how light wave bend. The outcomes of these tests help the doctor decide your prescription. He may put a Phoroptor, a device that resembles a big black mask, over your eyes in order to fine-tune these measurings.

Your peripheral vision will be screened. A slit lamp exam uses a microscope that emits a sharp ray of light to evaluate the cornea, lens and iris. The back of the eye is also analysed and lastly your eyes will be tested for glaucoma.


Differences between the eye care specialists.

Ophthalmologist vs. Optometrist

The duties and skills of an Ophthalmologist and an Optometrist are generally different, all the same just about most people erroneously use these terms interchangeably. Both professions involve eye care nonetheless the primary difference between the two is the presence of a medical degree. It's this degree that denominates an Ophthalmologist as a medical doctor who's been trained in all areas of eye care including the power to diagnose and care for eye disorders and diseases.

Ophthalmologists are qualified to perform eye surgery and they likewise know how to conduct proper eye measurements so they can precisely prescribe corrective lenses. Their training helps them administer advice for preventing blindness and also enables them to attend to those who are blind. In addition to advanced educational training, Ophthalmologists must be trained in clinical and surgical settings.

Optometrists routinely perform eye tests. During such eye examinations, Optometrists will also find out the need for, fit and prescribe corrective eyewear and/or lenses. Optometrists can likewise screen patients for certain eye disorders.

Choosing a good laser eye surgeon

Choosing a good laser eye surgeon

Improving your vision with a Lasik procedure could be one of the greatest gifts you could get for yourself.  However, as my mother used to say, "Your eyes are precious."  It is important to entrust the Lasik operation to a doctor that you trust and have confidence in.

Let's begin with three factors that should NOT be the sole reason you select a doctor for the Lasik procedure.  The location of the office is not particularly important, and a number of people travel long distances to have the Lasik procedure done, for a truly professional doctor will only need to be visited two or three times.  Also, cost or the type of Lasik technology used should not be the sole factor.  The range in surgical skill for a Lasik operation does vary, and there is the old saying "you get what you pay for."  Further, though the newer types of Lasik procedures do have their benefits; many eye doctors in a large metropolitan area often offer two or three Lasik variants.

There are several ways to determine which is the best doctor for you in your area.  One of the qualities to look for in a good Lasik physician is someone who can accurately assess your situation, and advise you if Lasik is even a good choice for you and your lifestyle.  A physician that takes the time to discuss your own physical condition and situation with you is a good indicator that this is a Lasik physician that you can rely on.

Look for a Lasik eye surgeon which has a solid reputation in the area, and has a good track record.  A physician that advertises in a magazine is not a sufficient recommendation to put your trust in that doctor, and needs more investigation before agreeing to have him do your Lasik procedure.  Sometimes a Lasik center with a large advertising campaign and discounted prices may be indicating that the quality of the surgery is not excellent, and this could be a red flag to avoid that center.

A good Lasik doctor should be involved in the entire Lasik process.  As mentioned above, he should take time to assess your particular case and discuss it with you.  Not only should he do the exam, but he should also perform most or all of the preoperative exam, and also should meet with you personally to monitor the success of the procedure at the dates for checkup.  There are stories from some Lasik centers of the patients never seeing the physician again after the operation until they complained strenuously of some particular problem.

Make sure the physician is honest in their assessment of the general Lasik procedure, and his track record in particular.  Ask for individual examples of patients that the physician dissuaded from having the Lasik operation, and why.  Ask how many Lasik procedures the doctor has done in total, and how many in the last two years.  An experienced surgeon should have performed in the neighborhood of 1000 Lasik procedures, with at least 500 of those in the last two years.

Use these questions as a starting point to investigate the Lasik eye centers in your area, and even the highly recommended ones in nearby major metropolitan areas.  It will be time well invested, and the first step to a clearer future.

Information on LASEK Laser Eye Surgery

Information on LASEK Laser Eye Surgery

LASEK (Laser Epithelial Keratomileusis) laser eye surgery takes the most beneficial elements of two other types of laser eye surgery and combines them into one very effective surgical procedure. These other two laser eye surgeries are LASIK and PRK.

Unlike the LASIK procedure which involves using a sharp blade to slice off the top of the cornea, LASEK uses a solution consisting of diluted alcohol to loosen a thin layer from the epithelium so that it can be moved off to the side.

Benefits of LASEK laser eye surgery

One benefit of LASEK laser eye surgery is that it eliminates the risks associated with the corneal flap. With LASIK surgery, a very sharp blade called a microkeratome is used to cut the corneal flap. There have been cases in which the flap was cut too deeply or cut off completely instead of leaving it attached with a hinge, both of which are capable of causing any number of serious vision problems.

Healing is faster with LASEK because there is no cutting and because the epithelial flap can be used somewhat as a natural bandage after the procedure is finished. And unlike PRK, the chances of developing a glare after the operation are greatly diminished when using LASEK.

Risks/disadvantages

Risks associated with LASEK laser eye surgery are greatly diminished mainly due to the fact that no sharp device is being used to cut the cornea. There is some pain but it is minimal and is most often treated with over the counter medicines. Also, it is not possible to guarantee any type of vision results and glare, halos and dry eyes are potential side effects.

The LASEK procedure

Prior to the LASEK procedure, a patient must provide the eye surgeon with a complete medical history. Eye tests and other diagnostic procedures are undertaken to ensure the patient is a good candidate for LASEK laser eye surgery. On the day of the procedure, the eye is cleaned and prepped and an eye drop to numb the eye is administered. A special tool will hold the eyelids in place, preventing them from blinking.

The diluted alcohol solution is applied, the epithelium loosens, and it is gently pushed out of the way. The pre-calculated beams of ultra violet light are then pulsed onto the cornea and in just a minute or so, the procedure is complete.

Most patients will have blurred vision at first and won't be able to drive home from the procedure. Most need a day or two to rest. Vision will vary over the ensuing months.

For best results, always use an eye surgeon who has experience with the LASEK laser eye surgery procedure. Never be afraid to ask a surgeon you're considering for the names and contact information of previous patients. If you get a list of contacts, be sure to call and ask about their experiences.

Lasik eye surgery

Lasik eye surgery

Advertisements for LASIK surgery are everywhere. Anyone who wears contact lenses and eye glasses can relate well to the feeling of finally being free of the maintenance and bother involved in wearing either. As tempting as the advertisements are, LASIK Surgery may not be right for everyone.

Understanding LASIK Surgery

LASIK is the acronym for laser in-situ keratomy, eye surgery involving use of a powerful laser called an Excimer. The Excimer has been designed especially for working in the delicate eye area. The laser works quickly to reshape a person's cornea, which generally is all that is needed to correct myopia (known also as nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness) and astigmatisms.

Reshaping the cornea generally is a simple matter of removing excess tissue from beneath the cornea. In order to get at this tissue, a tiny flap must be pulled back from the cornea's surface. The laser can create this flap, and so can a tool called a microkeratome blade.

Laser pulses zap as much excess tissue as the ophthalmologist determines after reviewing a very detailed image of the cornea called a corneal topography. In literally a matter of minutes and often without feeling any pain, the shape of the cornea is corrected and vision restored. In fact, vision is usually restored so quickly that a patient can drive him or herself home from the procedure.

Deciding on LASIK Surgery

One of the biggest decisions a person interested in LASIK Surgery needs to make is whether this type of eye surgery is affordable. It is categorized as a cosmetic type of surgery and therefore many health insurance plans won't provide coverage.

The costs for this surgery vary considerably, but generally the costs of using a reliable and knowledgeable ophthalmologist will run several thousand dollars – per eye! So cost is definitely one big consideration.

If it's decided that the costs are justifiable, there are some individuals for whom this type of surgery may not be effective. Only healthy eyes and eyes that have stopped changing can be operated on. There also are certain prescription limitations which automatically disqualify a patient from this type of surgery.

A comprehensive review of a prospective patient's medical history is undertaken prior to LASIK Surgery. A number of tests are also performed at an initial consultation for the purpose of detecting eye problems and/or diseases which could affect the surgery. Due to hormonal considerations, LASIK Surgery cannot take place when a woman is pregnant or when either a man or a woman has a compromised immune system as this condition could jeopardize the eye's recovery.

To summarize, if such a procedure is affordable and the eyes meet the procedure requirements, LASIK Surgery may be a good option to pursue. The surgery itself has a very high success rate and combined with the fact that it's practically painless, it probably makes sense to give it a try.

The next section will review the different types of LASIK eye Surgery that are available and the risks and possible complications of each.  

Contact lenses and children

Contacts lenses and children

There's no age restriction on contact lenses for kids. In fact, even very young children can wear them and many do for a variety of reasons. How can one decide whether contact lenses for kids make sense? Like any decision, it's important to consider the benefits against the disadvantages.

Contact lenses for kids make sense for the same reasons they do for adults. They help enhance appearance, they are comfortable to wear and they are a good choice for improving vision. Add to these reasons the facts that fitting a child isn't an issue and that children have all the same options as adults including daily wear, extended wear, continuous wear and disposable and it's difficult to argue against contact lenses for kids.

Kids who participate in sports find that wearing contact lenses is much easier than dealing with the hassle involved in wearing eyeglasses. Eyeglasses and sports aren't always a good match. They break more frequently and replacing children's eyeglasses isn't cheap!

Kids can be cruel, and children who wear eyeglasses find that they're frequently subjected to unnecessary taunting and name-calling. Such behavior can seriously impact a child's self-esteem and confidence, especially when they're young and don't know how to disregard the words being said.

Studies have shown that contact lenses for kids, in particular rigid gas permeable styles, have the added benefit of helping to keep nearsightedness from progressing. 

There is something else to consider before making a final decision, however. Although a child's age isn't necessarily a consideration, a parent may wish to consider a child's maturity level. With the decision to wear contact lenses comes an understanding that the wearer has certain responsibilities that must be upheld. Since no two children mature at the same pace, a parent really is the only person who can make this determination.

It helps to think about the ways in which the child does or does not currently show responsibility. For example, how is the child at caring for pets, or at finishing chores or at completing school assignments?

If a child isn't yet mature enough to handle the responsibility, the parent then has to determine whether he or she is willing to take responsibility for cleaning, maintenance, insertion and removal of the contact lenses and also for scheduling eye examinations and follow-up visits as necessary.

If a child is mature and is motivated, that child likely will be a good candidate. And since most children take instruction well, especially when someone other than a parent gives it, they generally are very good at wearing and caring for contact lenses as they've been instructed by the eye doctor.

Contact lenses for kids do present the same risks as adults have including a higher incidence of eye infection, dryness or abrasion. Some children, even though they may be very motivated, are not good candidates for wearing contact lenses either.

As always when in doubt, talk the decision over with someone who has experience prescribing contact lenses for kids.

How conjunctivitis affects your eyes.

Eye Care – Conjunctivitis

What is Conjunctivitis?

Conjunctivitis is an eye problem in which the conjunctiva, which is the mucous membrane that covers the eyelid and the white part of both eyes, becomes inflamed. There are two main types of Conjunctivitis, or pink eye as it is more commonly referred to. The first results from a bacterial or viral infection and the other results from an allergic reaction.

The infective form of Conjunctivitis, if it's caused by bacteria, is highly contagious with the hands being the primary vehicle for transmission. Conjunctivitis that results from an allergic reaction is typically a seasonal condition as are most allergies.

Conjunctivitis can also result when a person is sensitive to certain facial products and cosmetics. This latter form is sometimes referred to as irritant Conjunctivitis. Allergic and irritant Conjunctivitis are not contagious.

Symptoms of Conjunctivitis

The symptoms of the infective form of Conjunctivitis include discharge that is watery or sticky, eyes that water and feel gritty, and eyes that feel as if they have been glued together upon waking. Mild soreness is sometimes a symptom. The part of the eye that is normally white will also become red or pink, which is why Conjunctivitis has earned the nickname 'pink eye'. Because Conjunctivitis often develops along with a common cold, a person may also have symptoms of a cold including runny nose, mild fever and a sore throat.

With the allergic form of Conjunctivitis, eyes are itchy and the eyelids may appear puffy. There may also be a discharge from the eyes that appears white or watery or ropy.

Who is at risk?

Anyone is at risk of getting Conjunctivitis. Because it can be contagious, a person with Conjunctivitis needs to take measures not to spread it. It's difficult because it is normal to rub the infected eye as a way of providing temporary relief. However, if hands are not washed afterwards and the cause is bacterial, the bacteria can be transferred to another individual by coming into contact with the infected hands.

People who have a history of allergies, particularly hay fever, are at increased risk of developing the allergic form of conjunctivitis.

Early detection/treatment

Infective Conjunctivitis with its notable pink eye often will accompany a common cold making this eye problem rather easy to identify. Likewise a person with known allergies knows whether or not he has allergic Conjunctivitis.

Treatment for infective Conjunctivitis that is caused by bacteria includes the application of antibiotic ointment or antibiotic drops. If it is caused by a virus, typically the condition is left to heal on its own, much like a cold. Generally however, it is difficult to determine whether infective Conjunctivitis has resulted from bacteria or a virus so oftentimes, no treatment is prescribed.

In either case it is important to wash hands after coming into contact with the infected eyes using warm water and soap. Those with infective Conjunctivitis should not share their towels or pillows with others. Also when Conjunctivitis is present, contact lenses should not be worn until it has cleared.