Posts Tagged ‘eye care’

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.

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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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Lasik Surgery Payment Options

Monday, May 18th, 2009

When you have moved past the research stage and have concluded that you wish to pursue lasik surgery, paying for the procedure is one additional detail that needs to be worked out. If your insurance will not cover it and you don’t have enough in the bank to pay in cash, thankfully there are options.

As with almost all health insurance plans, my coverage provider considered vision correction surgery an elective operation and would not pay any part of the cost. Fortunately, I did have other options available to me. The choices which were available to me will probably be available for you as well so if you want to have lasik surgery it is still quite possible despite your health insurance not covering it.

The center where I had my lasik surgery offered me a payment plan. Their payment plan called for a reasonable down payment and they did not charge interest on the outstanding balance. There were a couple of lasik centers near my home that offered no down payment, no interest payment plans so make sure you discuss financing options and terms with your provider.

Third-party financing is also an option if the lasik center you choose does not offer a payment plan. Companies such as CareCredit will finance your lasik surgery. Having bad credit could be an obstacle if you are considering using a finance company, though. Your doctor may be able to recommend or provide you with a list of outside financing companies so ask if you are interested.

If you have enough available credit, your lasik provider most likely will accept credit cards. Many patients end up just using their credit card as it requires no additional paperwork or qualification. Before you hand over your credit card, though, compare the interest rate, late fees and minimum payment to those offered by the outside finance companies you doctor can recommend. You may find that your credit card is not the best deal.

Saving regularly until you have enough money to pay for the procedure is another option. You may be in no hurry to have lasik surgery. You may not wish to use credit to pay for your surgery. If you do not anticipate having surgery in the near term, then there is no reason not to put some funds aside to go toward it when you are ready.

If you participate in a flexible savings account offered by your employer, the money in your FSA can be used to pay for part or all of the cost of your lasik surgery. Flexible savings accounts are convenient and easy to set up so if you are not sure if your company offers them, ask at work.

As you can see, if you decide on lasik surgery, but your health plan does not cover it, you are not simply out of luck. You can save until you have enough or you can finance. There is a payment option that makes sense for everyone.

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An Overview of Lasik Surgery Risks

Friday, May 15th, 2009

When considering lasik surgery, it is critical to understand not just the potential benefits, but the risks involved as well. In this article, we will touch on some of the risks associated with having lasik surgery. In order to set your expectations and make the right choice, speak at length with your doctor until you fully understand all of the risks of lasik eye surgery.

20/20 vision is by no means guaranteed, particularly if your eyesight requires a high degree of correction. You may find after your initial lasik surgery that contacts or glasses or additional enhancements in the form of more surgery are required. Do not undergo the procedure with the expectation that your vision will be perfect afterward. It may be or it may not.

To maintain their health, your eyes require tears to keep them moist and comfortable. In some cases, patients develop chronic dry eye following lasik surgery due to their eyes being unable to produce tears sufficiently. While it is normal post lasik for your eyes to feel dry and require the use of drops, this condition can linger causing severe discomfort and requiring further treatment.

Seeing halos, starbursts and glares in darker settings such as at night is a possibility post lasik surgery. You may find yourself unable to drive at night without your eyeglasses. These issues may lessen as time passes or they may warrant additional surgery.

Lasik eye surgery is a newer type of surgery. The long term effects and effectiveness of the procedure are not altogether clear. You must be willing to accept the risk that comes with undergoing a procedure for which extensive data does not exist.

Most people who wear eyeglasses or contact lenses would be quite happy no longer having to rely on them all the time so the potential benefit of lasik surgery is easy to understand. It is extremely important, however, to understand the risks as well. If you are considering lasik eye surgery, speak with your doctor and weigh the potential benefits versus the risks before you make your decision.

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Healing Following Lasik Eye Surgery

Saturday, May 9th, 2009

People considering lasik surgery often wonder how long the healing process takes. Every individual is different so it really is not possible to precisely determine how long the healing process will take for you. Understanding the healing process and following your doctor’s instructions are the keys to ensuring that you heal quickly and safely following lasik eye surgery.

Following surgery, you may notice that your eyes are reverting slightly toward their earlier condition. For example, if you were nearsighted before surgery, after surgery you may notice your vision fluctuating slightly toward nearsightedness. Lasik surgeons account for this minor tendency so over time, as your eyes heal and your vision stabilizes, your eyesight will sharpen.

Some patients may experience a larger degree of regression than was expected. Such people will have sharp vision following surgery, but their eyesight will revert to such an extent that their eyesight was undercorrected. In these cases, vision can be improved with an adjustment, meaning another treatment.

Whether you have laser vision correction surgery or not, it is important to protect your eyes from potentially damaging ultraviolet rays. Following lasik, it is especially important to wear sunglasses during the day as excessive exposure can interfere with your healing. If you enjoy outdoor activities such as golfing, playing tennis or visiting the beach, it is not necessary to avoid these things altogether, but it is important to take care of your eyes while participating.

Having a good relationship with your lasik provider can also affect the healing process. One of the reasons choosing the right doctor for you is important is quality aftercare. You want to be able to thoroughly discuss any issues you may be having and get your questions answered both before and after surgery. If you are not comfortable with your doctor or you cannot attend your post-surgery appointments, the healing process is highly likely to be negatively impacted.

The healing rate and response vary from person to person. Your healing response will affect your results. Outside factors such as not following your doctor’s instructions or not attending follow-up visits can also impact healing after lasik surgery. While you heal, your vision may fluctuate and once you are fully healed you may need to pursue further treatment. Take care to choose the right doctor and stay in contact with your doctor following surgery. Make sure you do everything in your power to ensure a health recovery.

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Promises of Low Cost Lasik Eye Surgery

Friday, May 8th, 2009

I was charged slightly over two thousand dollars per eye for my lasik eye surgery, which I had in mid 2006. That price may seem high if you have seen ads in your local newspaper or online promising lasik surgery for a fraction of what I paid. My sincere advice is to view these ads with a great deal of skepticism. As we will see in this article, the advertised price is rarely the price you will pay.

Ads promising low priced lasik may be leaving out the cost of necessary services. Pre-surgical exams and aftercare may not be included in the advertised price. The promoted price may just be a tactic to lure you to their office.

If you call or respond to an advertisement offering rock bottom prices, they may refuse to discuss price and push for you to come in. Once they get you in for a visit, you may well be subjected to high pressure sales tactics. The “consultant” you meet with may have little or no medical training and may in fact just be an aggressive salesperson.

In addition to leaving out the costs of needed services, ads promising a low price on lasik surgery may be promoting a price that few people can actually get. As an example, the price you see may only apply to people who require a low degree of correction in order to achieve 20/20 vision. Only a small percentage of patients may be eligible to actually pay the lowest price.

At the end of it all, when the final price of your procedure and extras are added up, you could very well find that the price you are actually quoted is in line with or greater than other surgeons. The price that you end up paying may not even resemble the price in the ad that got your attention.

Certainly, the cost of your lasik eye surgery is a concern and cannot be ignored, but it is important to understand that there is a lot more to lasik surgery than price alone. Consult with your doctor. Speak with people who have undergone the procedure and try to gauge their satisfaction with their surgeon. Be crystal clear on cost and what the price you are quoted does and does not include. Remember the old adage: if it sounds too good to be true it probably is.

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