Posts Tagged ‘eye care’

Tips On How To Search For An Experienced LASIK Eye Surgeon To Cure Astigmatism

Tuesday, April 27th, 2010

Residents of Houston with blurry vision will need to look for a well equipped Houston LASIK eye surgery center to get their eye problems corrected. One such problem is astigmatism that typically causes a person’s vision to become blurred. This is due to a disorder where the cornea is abnormally curved. In order to remove the blurriness, the first step is to visit an ophthalmologist and get an exam to determine if the problem can be treated by Lasik surgery.

When it comes to using Lasik surgery, the good news is that this procedure can do wonders for people that are suffering from astigmatism, even if the condition is extremely severe. If Lasik cannot entirely remove astigmatism, it can at least reduce the severity of the condition so that you will not be bothered by it. This is made possible by the laser being used to make the flap instead of a traditional knife in the LASIK procedure.

Before you actually get LASIK eye surgery in Houston, it is important to learn how to choose the best specialist in LASIK. You should be prepared to ask the specialist many questions because your eyes need to be in the most competent hands. The LASIK procedure is painless and is typically very quick but you still need a very experienced and reputable surgeon.

The good news is that there are many Houston LASIK doctors and so no matter which part of the city you look in; there will be many an option for you to choose from. To find the right doctor, you must be well informed about what laser eye surgery is and who should perform it.

Before you choose the LASIK surgeon that you want to operate on your eyes, it is important to get a consultation in order to find out whether you are eligible to undergo this surgery. This can only be determined after the doctor has thoroughly analyzed and diagnosed your condition and found that you can indeed benefit from undergoing Lasik surgery.

Some of the questions to ask the laser eye surgeon are how long have they been performing refractive surgery and how many LASIK surgeries have they performed in the past 12 months. Their answers to these questions will help you better understand their expertise as LASIK eye surgeons. It is suggested to get your procedure done by a Houston laser eye surgeon that has been performing refractive surgeries for over 3 years and has performed over 250 in the last 12 months.

The best Houston LASIK doctors will thoroughly review the entire process of the procedure so that you will know what to expect when you arrive for the procedure and in the days and weeks following the procedure. They will also advice you of any risks or complications that are associated with laser eye surgery.

Finally, make sure not to pick a LASIK surgeon based on price. Your eyes are very important and should not be put in the hands of an experienced surgeon just because they are less expensive than a more experienced surgeon. Think about the happiness that you have while being able to see without the assistance of glasses or contact lenses.

Michael B. Caplan, M.D. is acknowledged locally and nationally as an outstanding ophthalmic surgeon and Houston LASIK expert. If you are searching for the best LASIK in Houston, visit the Berkeley Eye Center website at www.BerkeleyEye.com.

Using Laser Eye Surgery To Improve Vision

Tuesday, April 20th, 2010

In Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis, also known as LASIK eye surgery, a patient’s vision is corrected from requiring wear of eye glasses or contact lenses to that of not requiring corrective lenses, at all. The surgery is conducted by a specially licensed physician who changes the shape of the cornea using an excimer laser. More patients are qualifying for and requesting this procedure, as advances are made and risks lessened.

The cornea of the eye plays a vital role in the quality of eyesight. When the cornea is imperfectly curved, as most are to varying degrees, resulting vision is blurred. This is because the cornea works much like a camera does, focusing light to create the image on the retina. Historically, eye glasses have been worn by those with blurred vision, just as contact lenses have become popular in the last forty years. Scientists have since turned their own sight toward developing surgical procedures to correct eyesight permanently through adjustment of the cornea into a more perfect curvature. LASIK is one such surgery.

The cornea is soft tissue and adjusts to the shape of a contact lens. When lenses are worn in the eye, it may take several weeks following that wear for the cornea to readjust back to its normal shape. This is important to remember, as one of the first steps in preparing for LASIK eye surgery is to visit the eye doctor. There, the physician measures the curvature of the cornea to determine how much correction will need to be made. If contact lenses have recently been worn, the measurements will be inaccurate and surgical results will not be as accurate as desired.

To ensure the best outcome from LASIK eye surgery, the doctor will conduct an initial eye exam during which the patient will be asked questions about their health history, eye health, allergies and medications they are taking. Also discussed will be issues such as the potential results of LASIK eye surgery, risks, benefits, options, and what the patient can expect in regard to their surgical and post-operative experience. The surgery will not be conducted on the same day, so the patient will have time to evaluate all of the information their doctor presented to determine if they wish to proceed with the vision correction operation.

Leading up to the LASIK procedure, the patient should not use creams, makeup, lotions, or perfumes for at least 24 hours. Beauty products such as mascara and eyeliner, as well as other products, can remain around the eye even after washing. So, the doctor may request that the patient scrubs their eyes and eyelashes clean for several days before coming in for surgery. This attention to cleanliness will aid in ensuring risk for operative and post-operative eye infection is minimized.

Patients of LASIK eye surgery are not able to drive following their operation or to the first follow-up visit. This is due both to the procedure itself and medications which may be prescribed to aid in relaxation during surgery. As vision will be blurry and the medications inhibit driving, arrangements should be made for someone else to provide transportation for the patient.

A mild pain reliever may be prescribed by the eye doctor following LASIK eye surgery, for patients who experience slight pain. Other irritations post-operation include itching, burning, and other discomforts, as well as the expected haziness and blurriness which will run its course over the next days. Vision should be expected to fluctuate over the period of three to six months following the eye operation. But, most patients are very pleased to notice the immediate, drastic improvement in their eyesight from the days following surgery.

Final instructions from the doctor following surgery will likely include avoidance of strenuous activity such as sports and swimming for several months. The patient will likely be told to not use any makeup, creams, or lotions around the eyes for a few weeks, too. Each patient’s doctor is the most qualified adviser for what the individual who is recovering from LASIK eye surgery should and should not do following their procedure.

Hopefully you have learned enough to assist you to make your decision about LASIK. Check this resource for Vallejo lasik. Check out this link for facts and information about LASIK in Eugene .

Results of Laser Eye Surgery

Wednesday, April 14th, 2010

LASIK is a procedure that was invented in the late 1990s to ease the suffering of contact wearers. It replaced the much riskier procedure of radial keratotomy. Still, there are still side effects to this new procedure, and all surgeries pose risks. Anyone contemplating this procedure should be aware of its potential hazards.

The word LASIK is a shortening of “laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis.” WIth a high-intensity laser, the cornea of the eye is reshaped. In near-sighted people, it is flattened; in farsighted people, steepened. This helps light to focus better on the retina. Usually lasting only five minutes, the procedure is short. Both eyes can be corrected at the same time, or a patient can spread out the procedure over time.

Immediately after surgery, all patients see blurry. Someone else must drive you home. Other immediate symptoms include light sensitivity and eye irritation. Even tearing of the eye is possible. However, many of these symptoms are normal.

It is important for the eye to heal. Many doctors prohibit strenuous exercise for over a week. Rest is extremely important, almost as important as the surgery itself, so patients must be willing to make time in their lives for that. Swimming is prohibited. Touching or rubbing the eye can lead to the cornea becoming displaced, and the entire surgery being undone or even leading to further damage. Even wearing makeup is discouraged. The short-term effects of the surgery only last a few weeks. The long-term risks are more disappointing and dangerous.

There is no guarantee that a patient will achieve 20/20 vision, and many have to continue to wear corrective lenses. Some people even experience a gradual decline in vision after it has been improved, and surgery is required to fix this problem. This symptom, known as regression, is rare.

Other post-operative complications include infection. Patients must take antibiotics after surgery, but rarely, and devastatingly, infection can occur. It must be treated or it can lead to a scarred cornea or even the loss of the eye. Although corneal transplants are possible, an infection is extremely painful.

A more common long-term side-effect of the surgery may be night glare. This symptom occurs when one looks into lights and sees spots or halos. It can have a debilitative effect on night driving. The FDA even warns that LASIK patients may be lose their ability to drive at night completely.

Many patients wish the procedure to be a cure for losing vision due to old age. However, such age-related loss will not be cured by LASIK. Presbyopia, or the inability to see near things after a certain age, is not curable through LASIK. However, other procedures are being studied to combat the condition.

Many people believe there have not been enough studies on LASIK and its long-term risks. In late 2009, a study was initiated to survey the national population of patients to determine how their quality of life has changed. This study is funded by the FDA, the U. S. Department of Defense, and the National Eye Institute (NEI). By 2012, the study should be complete. Many patients do not wish to wait this long, but should be aware that all the risks of the surgery are not yet known.

Ideally you will have figured out enough to assist you to make your decision about Laser eye surgery. Visit here for Colorado Springs lasik. Check out this link for facts and information about laser eye surgery in Fort Collins.

Deciding on Laser Eye Surgery

Friday, April 9th, 2010

Glasses and contacts can be a burden in everyday life. Lasik surgery is a way to reduce dependency on glasses or contacts. It stands for Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis. It permanently changes the curve of the cornea.

As with any surgical procedure, there are risks. This is potentially not for all people. Most medical insurance doesn’t cover the procedure, so cost can be a limiting factor. Prices have been coming down, but it is still not cheap.

It is important that there has not been any change in the contact or eyeglass prescription in the last year. This indicates that the eye is still changing shape and the effects of surgery will not last.

Before deciding on the procedure there are many things you need to think about. It is important to compare. The procedure will differ between doctor to doctor as well as device to device and procedure to procedure. Experience of the surgeon will also play a large part in the procedure.

Don’t make this decision solely based on price. Over the long run differences in cost will probably not make a big difference. Keep in mind that this is a procedure that lasts for a lifetime. Don’t settle for the first eye center or doctor you investigate.

Make sure to play your part and educate yourself. Read all the information your doctor gives you, and ask questions. You are paying for a service, so be sure you are getting what you are paying for. Any doctor you choose should be willing to talk about everything, including past successes and complications.

Before and after the procedure there are things that you are responsible for. Getting a baseline eye exam is the first step. This exam is essential for measuring the baseline curve of the eye and determining if you are a suitable candidate for surgery.

Contact lenses must be removed before the initial exam. Since contacts change the curvature of the eye, the baseline measurement won’t be accurate until the eye settles back to its normal curvature. The whole idea of the surgery is to reshape the eye. If the baseline measurement isn’t correct, the surgery won’t be correct.

Hard contacts need to be removed 4 weeks before baseline measurement. Rigid gas permeable lenses need to be taken out 3 weeks before and soft contacts have to come out 2 weeks before measurement. Depending on the timing, more than one baseline measurement may be made.

Any product used around the eye should be stopped the day before surgery. Lotions, makeup, creams, and perfumes can harbor germs and increase the likelihood of complications from infection. Debris along eyelashes can also cause problems and will be washed away before the procedure.

The day of the surgery you may have to take medication to relax you, so have transportation to and from the procedure. The process itself only takes about 30 minutes while you are conscious. The eye is numbed with drops and held open. You will stare at a light to hold the eye in place and the laser will cut. After the procedure a shield is placed over the eye for protection.

After surgery there should be regular visits with your doctor within the first 6 months. It may take up to six months for vision to stabilize after the surgery. Contact sports and strenuous activity should be avoided for 4 weeks after surgery. Hot tubs and swimming should be avoided for 8 weeks after the procedure.

Most people who have the procedure are satisfied with it, 92-98% of patients. Occasionally glasses or retreatment are needed later in life, but people are still happy. Lasik is not for all, but those who are good candidates are usually happy.

Ideally you will have figured out enough to help you to make your decision about LASIK. Look here for Corona California lasik. Check out this link for facts and information about LASIK in Beaumont.

Lasik Surgery Is It A Must?

Wednesday, December 30th, 2009

Take a moment and consider this question “do you appreciate and take care of your eyes?” In most cases the answer is regrettably “no”. For some of us we have the limitless pleasure of outstanding eyesight but have you really taken the time to truly understand the extraordinary splendor of such an astounding yet complicated organ? Unfortunately for most us such appreciate or attention is only given when damage has already occurred.

Cataracts, stigmatisms, glaucoma, nearsightedness and farsightedness are just a few examples of some of the most common visual impairments that seem prevalent in today’s society regardless of age. Nevertheless contributing factors play a major role such as high stress levels, injury, both mental and physical worries and disease. In certain cases pregnancy has played a part.

Fashion

Fashion, you read correctly. Not all of us look good wearing glasses and for some it’s the simple case of “who really wants to spend time coordinating eyewear and wardrobes?” Having said this some simply find it too hard to adjust to the alternate lifestyle of wearing glasses or for that matter contact lenses.

Great Vision

For some the idea of living life spontaneously without the inconvenience of having to consider glasses or contact lenses seems like a benefit one really should take advantage of.

Job

For many of us our profession absorbs most of our time and attention on both a weekly and monthly basis. Having said this imagine such times, hassle free from the daily troubles of otherwise vital eye wear.

Regardless of your personal reasons LASIK surgery is an important decision to make and should be researched well before making your first step. It is essential that you understand the procedure, the initial cost as well as further surgery in case of under treatment or over treatment that may occur. A good question to answer is “are you eligible?” Fortunately the FDA has provided a checklist worthy of consideration. With this in mind may all things go well for you.

To get more information about the best LASIK eye surgery in Sacramento, California go here to hear some of our testimonials LASIK eye surgery in Sacramento, California

Where To Go For Eye Surgery

Thursday, December 3rd, 2009

Eye surgery is a serious matter. There is a lot involved in the process. It is not just you involved. There are other people, such as friends and relatives that are affected. They are the one who are going to be helping you. This is both before and after the surgery.

Do not skimp on this surgery. This is not the time to go bargain basement shopping. Therefore it is important to find the best laser vision correction specialist around. Although all operations are serious, remember that it is your eyesight that is going to be affected. One slip up and you could be blind for life.

After years of test, Lasik surgery has evolved to quite an easy affair. Now while it is a simple procedure, care should be taken. You should look for the top of the line. Laser Vision Correction is simple for a trained surgeon, but make sure that he is qualified. Go with the best. Don’t stress over it, but go with the best. Do not go with with just a random doctor.

We should take caution too since we will be dealing with one of the most precious senses that we have-our eyes. There are different points to consider when hiring or getting a surgeon’s services.

The surgeons reputation is very important. Also find out how many surgeries he or she has preformed. How many of those surgeries were successful? Was the any negative feedback from prior patients? All of these things are important in considering who you are going to go with. Think of it like this, would you recommend your mom going to this person.

Find referrals. Go with someone that you have heard a good reputation about. The surgeon needs to be open, trustworthy, and respected. I hate to say it but the person needs to have the reputation of a scout. Only go with someone who seems professional. Check him out, and go with your instincts. Look for someone that you would refer a friend to. That is the person you want to have working on your vision.

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My Best Friend’s Journey to Oakland California for Laser Vision Correction

Monday, November 23rd, 2009

While there may be a lot of mediocre people in the world, a friend of mine is much more than that. He began life quite ordinary. What I mean is that he never tried to excel at anything. That is, however until after graduating college. So much had changed after that.

While I majored in physics, he majored in mathematics. Both of us had a strong love of science and technology. Quickly, he rose to be one of the top students at the university. Math became his passion. His teachers were well aware of his strength and math.

He attended a highly prestigious university. He wanted to attend this school for his love of math. The school was well known for sharpening the knowledge of budding mathematicians. Students from there, become renowned and their work. They are also known for their contributions to society.

He continued his research at this university. Trying to learn everything that he could while he was there, he was an excellent student. I think in applied mathematics or something high sounding like that and since there were more facilities abroad. Although he could have gone anywhere, the consumed student he was. He decided that he wanted to go to the United States. He ended up in California. Perhaps due to his constant work, his vision was impaired and he underwent an eye surgery in Oakland.

When he was alone in California busy with his research, his wife remained living with his parents. Probably, his wife did not like that this life lacked excitement. One day, I heard that he killed himself. A bright mathematician’s life thus ended. I do not understand why God makes the lives of the gifted so miserable.

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categories: Health,eye care,vision care,medical,lasik surgery,laser eye surgery,eye surgery

The Potential Types of Lasik Surgery Procedures

Saturday, October 17th, 2009

Feeling extra bored of your glasses? You can reduce the use of your spectacles or contacts by getting Lasik surgery. This eye surgery may even allow you to stop needing them permanently. Lasik stands for laser in situ keratomileusis. The procedure involves the use of a laser that goes beneath the cornea flap (in situ) to alter the shape of the cornea (keratomileusis). Lasik is performed to perfect your vision and also helps address issues of refractive problems.

The basic process for this surgery is the same. The surgeon uses a particular type of laser which is safe for your eyes. Some of the prominent companies that manufacture this laser are Alcon, Wavelight and Bausch & Lomb. The various different types of lasik surgery are the traditional laser surgery, wave front-optimized treatment and wave front-guided treatment.

The regular laser treatment is the most typically performed surgical procedure used. The procedure is based on the level of the glasses previously worn by the patient. Specific parameters are used for the surgery for different patients. Though this is a very popular and typically used surgical process, it has a couple possible side effects.

Second, the wave-front optimized procedure is available. This one is performed using the Wavelight laser. Along with the method of the conventional technique this surgery type enables even further details to be incorporated into the procedure. Your cornea’s thickness and curvature is evaluated and a dose of laser energy is used in the corneal area. Most of all, it has been rated much higher than the former laser procedure because many of the usual side effects are non existent.

Lastly, there is the wave front guided surgical procedure. It is also known as custom Lasik. Severe issues in the optical system can be diagnosed even before the surgery is carried out. This is done by the technique called wave front mapping.

Like all treatments Lasik surgery does have some risks and complications which you should know and be prepared for. There is potential for over-correction or under-correction. You might still need to use your glasses or lenses. Impermanence of the vision correction can occur. There can also be remaining problems with your vision. Worst case scenario, you can potentially lose your vision.

Although there are risks, this surgical procedure is considered very safe. The procedure’s accuracy level is extremely high for the correction of myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism. It needs much less time and the hospital stay is minimal. The surgery is not painful. Most of the time, a single procedure totally resolves the eyesight issue. It also makes the feeling of visibility better and sometimes also improves your vision.

There are a few additional things that you should be aware of when you opt for lasik surgery: Your refractive error, treatment options, type of laser prescribed and reason for your chosen surgery type. Bring with you to your appointment your corneal shape and curvature, career issues, vision stability, age, corneal thickness, medical or eye diseases, pupil size, dry eyes and any prior eye surgeries, for discussion of them with a Lasik professional.

Be smart and educated when choosing the ophthalmologist who will perform your surgery. The eye doctor must be experienced, well reputed, use up-to-date technology, and have good availability after your surgical procedure.

Talk with your Lasik center to determine if a Lasik procedure is the right treatment for you.

Read about vision correction procedures like LASIK.

categories: lasik surgery,lasik,vision,eye care,health care,contacts,contact lenses,glasses,health,surgery,fitness,sports

Should You Wear Contact Lenses Instead of Glasses?

Monday, June 29th, 2009

Are you tired and annoyed with wearing eyeglasses? Are you thinking about maybe switching to wearing contacts instead? Wearing contact lenses probably isn’t as difficult as you may think and there are a number of advantages as well. Find out more by taking a minute to read this short article about wearing contact lenses.

A Little History

Early contact lenses amazingly date back into the 19th century. At that time, they were made of brown glass and were not easy to wear. They were, however, helpful to people that could not wear eyeglasses. Contact lens technology improved in the 1940s and 1950 when they were able to make them from plastic instead. These were made out of a plastic material called polymethyl methacrylte and worked well. The only problem was that they did not allow oxygen to easily pass through them. Since then, the plastic material has improved and is now rigid gas permeable, allowing oxygen to get to your corneas. This is necessary because your corneas get the oxygen they need from the air, not your bloodstream.

Even in the last few years there have been an increase in technology in contact lenses as lenses are now being made for people with astigmatism and even for people who need bifocal lenses.

Why is it Good to Wear Contact Lenses?

People wear contact lenses for cosmetic advantages as well as:

* Unlike glasses, the lens moves with your eye so there is no image distortion.

* The frame of glassescan block your side / peripheral vision.

* It’s annoying when eyeglasses steam up when you come from the cold outside into a warm room.

* Sometimes contact lenses are the only solution for people who need vastly different lenses for each eye.

* An injured cornea can heal faster when its protected by contact lenses.

How Do You Go About Getting Contacts?

The next step, if you’re interested, is to to see your eye care professional to get a prescription for contact lenses since you can’t order contacts with a prescription for glasses. You’ll go through some easy vision tests that only take about 15 minutes or so. You should also get the test for Glaucoma, which is the one where there’s a tiny puff of air that gets shot into your eye. Jennifer Aniston’s character, Rachel, from Friends made a big deal about it, but it’s actually no big deal at all.

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Five Common Questions About Lasik Eye Surgery

Tuesday, May 19th, 2009

If you are wondering whether you should have lasik eye surgery or not, you most likely have several questions. This article examines some of the more common questions potential lasik patients are likely to ask. For a more thorough discussion and to get all of your questions regarding corrective eye surgery answered, consult with your doctor.

Will I no longer have to rely on eyeglasses or contacts following lasik surgery? Almost all lasik patients will have 20/40 vision or better with most ending up at 20/20 or better following lasik. 20/20 is considered perfect. To put 20/40 in perspective, 20/40 is generally good enough to be issued an unrestricted driving license. You may find, however, that you still need reading glasses or that you need to wear eyeglasses when driving at night

How much does lasik surgery hurt? While you may experience some discomfort during the operation, there should be no pain. After surgery, your eyes may feel dry and be more sensitive to bright light. Your doctor will give you eye drops and detailed instructions on aftercare that will help you avoid any pain and expedite the healing process following the procedure.

What does lasik eye surgery cost? Since your health insurance likely will not cover lasik surgery, it is a good idea to get a sense of price. There is no standard price, however, and a number of factors could affect what you ultimately end up paying. For example, it might cost less if your vision requires only minor correction, but it might cost more if you opt for wavefront or custom lasik. Expect to pay between $1500 and $2500 per eye.

Can I be blinded as a result of lasik surgery? While blindness is, in theory, possible, there have been no known instances of blindness being caused by lasik eye surgery. Other risks include infection and chronic dryness of the eyes. Your surgeon will fully explain the risks involved with the procedure and address any questions or concerns you may have.

Will I be prohibited from participating in any activities following lasik treatment? Most patients are able to return to work within a day or two of their surgery. You won’t be driving until your vision permits it and you will have to take certain precautions to ensure proper healing. You will be instructed to protect your eyes from sunlight, refrain from using eye makeup and avoid getting water in your eyes in the days following your procedure. Your doctor will explain what you can or cannot do and answer any questions you have.

In this article, we looked at five very common questions about lasik eye surgery. If you are considering the procedure, you probably have quite a few more. Your doctor will discuss these issues and answer any additional questions you have about lasik surgery.

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