Download on the cuttinG eDGe without the BLaDe! LasiK

W i n t e r 2008
O n T h e C u t t i n g Edg e
Without The Blade!
L
ASIK is the nation’s most-popular
vision correction procedure. Now,
Grutzmacher and Lewis is proud
to introduce IntraLase Laser – iLASIK,
the safest, most effective and only alllaser LASIK.
We’re very excited about this new technology because we are consistently looking for ways to improve the quality of the
care we provide for our patients.
There are two steps in the iLASIK procedure. The first step involves the creation
of a corneal flap (figure 1) that is folded
back to prepare the eye for the second
step where an excimer laser (figure 2) is
used to change the shape of the cornea
and correct the vision. In the past, a handheld oscillating surgical blade (microkeratome) was used to create the corneal
flap. In iLASIK, the flap is created with the
computer-guided precision of a laser.
While traditional LASIK is a successful
and safe procedure, the IntraLase Laser
(iLASIK) makes it even safer by virtually
eliminating the possibility of blade related complications. iLASIK provides unmatched precision and has become the
technology of choice among the nation’s
leading LASIK surgeons.
Studies have found significant differences in the vision that patients achieve
when iLASIK is used. Data shows:
n More patients achieve 20/20 or better
vision
n Less night glare and halos
n Reduced incidence of post-operative
dry eye symptoms
n Fewer enhancement procedures
The end result: a safer procedure and
better vision. Call us for more information.
Dr. Sierra on
Univision
D
r. Patricia Sierra, originally
from Honduras, recently made
several appearances on the
Spanish television, Univision. She has
been on Sacramento’s morning news
show, A Primera Hora, discussing common ocular conditions including laser
vision correction (LASIK), glaucoma,
and diabetic retinopathy. The show
also sent their camera crew to Capitol
City Surgical Center for close-up coverage of new technologies in cataract
and ocular surgery.
If you speak Spanish, stay tuned for
more eye-related topics. The show airs
every day from 6:00 to 7:00 am.
Inside this issue:
Eye-Myth Busters –
Fact or Fiction?- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - p2
G&L Office Update - - - - - - - - - - - - - p3
Websites- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - p3
Research Studies- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - p3
Advanced CustomVue™
Monovision LASIK- -- -- -- -- -- -- -p4
1515 River Park Drive, Suite 100
Sacramento CA 95815
916 649-1515
www.eyelasik.com
D r s. G r u t z m ac h e r & L e w i s
E y e - M y t h B u s t e r s – Fac t o r F i c t i o n ?
How is your Eye Knowledge? Test yourself with this information packed Quiz.
1. Marijuana is useful in the
treatment of glaucoma.
Fiction
Marijuana can help to lower eye pressure,
however, “...based on reviews by the National Eye Institute and the Institute of
Medicine and on available scientific evidence, the Task Force on Complementary
Therapies believes that no scientific evidence has been found that demonstrates
increased benefits and/or diminished
risks of marijuana use to treat glaucoma
compared with the wide variety of pharmaceutical agents now available.” Taken
from www.aao.org abstract Complementary Therapy Assessment Marijuana in the
Treatment of Glaucoma May 2003.
2. For some people drug store
reading glasses are just as good
as prescription glasses.
Fact
Drug store reading glasses can be an excellent alternative for someone with presbyopia (someone who suffers from “My
arm’s not long enough”) and requires little or no distance prescription. However,
S
3. Prescription eyeglasses will
provide adequate protection
while working around the house
and yard.
FICTION
Hazardous situations require the use of
eyewear with both lenses and frames that
meet high-level safety standards. Lenses
made from polycarbonate materials provide the highest level of impact protection. Check to see what type of material
your glasses’ lenses are made of. You may
want to use goggles that fit over your
glasses when working in hazardous situations. They could protect both your eyes
and your prescription glasses.
4. Looking straight at the sun
can damage your sight.
Fact
Looking at the sun may cause headache
and distort your vision temporarily, but it
can also cause permanent eye damage.
Any exposure to sunlight adds to the cu-
mulative effects of ultraviolet radiation
(UV) on your eyes. UV exposure has been
linked to eye disorders such as macular
degeneration, solar retinitis, and corneal
dystrophies.
4. Natural, preservative-free eye
makeup is best to use.
FICTION
Bacteria are more likely to thrive in natural, preservative-free eye makeup products therefore increasing your risk of eye
infection. When skin or eye sensitivities
are present, choose an eye makeup that is
hypoallergenic and/or fragrance free and
use disposable applicators.
5. Reading in poor lighting will
permanently damage your eyes.
Fiction
Although reading in low or poor lighting
can cause some eye strain or a headache,
it will not cause permanent damage to
your eyes. Good lighting is important to
see your best when you are focusing on a
printed page and/or detailed work.
S e a s o n a l O c u l a r All e r g i e s
pring is just around the corner and
while many are looking forward to
getting outside and enjoying the
nice warm weather, millions of allergy
sufferers are dreading the times when the
trees, grass and weeds begin to pollinate.
Seasonal allergies impact those who
are susceptible during certain months of
the year and typically have their strongest allergic reactions during the spring
and fall. They are caused by plants that
release pollen and mold spores into the
air. While most people associate allergies
with runny noses, sinus congestion and
sneezing, allergies can also affect various
organs including the eyes. Symptoms of
ocular allergies include itching, redness
and tearing of the eye and eyelid swell-
2
if both eyes do not have the same near or
distance vision, prescription glasses are a
better option.
ing. If symptoms are mild to moderate, try
applying cold compresses to the eyes and
using over-the-counter medications such
as artificial tears.
By minimizing exposure to allergens
during allergy season, sufferers can do
much to manage the severity of their
symptoms. However, if one is outdoors,
avoidance of pollen is often impossible
so medical treatment might become necessary.
Recently, a prescription eyedrop for the
treatment of eye allergies has become
over-the-counter. Zaditor (ketotifen fumarate) can be purchased at your local
pharmacy and used twice a day as needed. Be sure to follow the instructions.
Above and beyond these methods, you
should speak with your eyecare provider
regarding prescription eyedrops. Pataday (Olopatadine), Optivar (Azelastine)
and Elestat (Epinastine), are newer ophthalmic medications that can provide fast
relief of multiple allergy symptoms. Keep
in mind that in order to prevent allergic
reactions, treatment should be continued
until pollen season is over.
Common Seasonal Allergens
Spring - Tree Pollens, Flower
Pollens
Summer - Grass Pollens
Fall - Ragweed, Flower
Pollens, Mold Spores
Winter - Tree Pollen
S t a ff Upd a t e
G
rutzmacher & Lewis is pleased
to announce the addition of our
new Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA), Alice M. She has been
active in the medical field for 25 years
W e b s i t e Upd a t e
G
lacial Multimedia Inc. (www.
glacialmultimedia.com) has been
working hard to update our web
site. Our site, www.eyelasik.com, will be
a powerful and informative website full of
animations, descriptions and information
designed to keep you informed and to
ease your decision-making process. Soon
you will be able to visit us on the web and
see our new features.
Let us know what you think!
W e App r e c i a t e
Your Referr als!
T
hank you for choosing Grutzmacher
& Lewis for your eye healthcare.
spending the past 20 years in Ophthalmology. Alice’s experience is broad, serving practices with multi-specialties such
as cornea, retina and oculoplastics.
When she’s not working here, Alice enjoys
spending time with her grandchildren.
The next time you’re in, please help us
welcome Alice!
If someone you know is also in need of
an eye doctor, we would be happy to offer our services. Your referral is the greatest compliment we could receive. Be sure
to have your family or friends let us know
you sent them. We would like to personally thank you for referring your friends
and loved ones to our care.
Websites
To assist you in your research,
we suggest the following
websites:
Grutzmacher & Lewis
www.eyelasik.com
Glaucoma
www.glaucomaweb.org
www.glaucoma.org
http://www.medrounds.org/glaucoma-guide/2006/02/table-of-contents-patients-guide-to.html
Multi-Focal Lens &
Implantable Contacts
Verisyse and Rezoom Lens
www.visioninfocus.com
Alcon Restor
www.cataractsurgery.com
Visian
www.staar.com
Wavefront LASIK
www.visx.com/patients
LASIK
www.fda.gov/cdrh/lasik
www.lasikinstitute.com
Food & Drug Administration
www.fda.gov
CURRENT O F F ICE C L INICA L TRIA L S
W
e are currently enrolling for an
Allergan Ocular Lubricant
study to assess the effectiveness of two artificial tear products in the
treatment of dry eye symptoms post
LASIK surgery. To qualify for this study
you must be a candidate for LASIK refractive surgery with no prior history of eye
surgery. Participants will be compensated for their time and study drops will be
provided at no cost.
A second device trial is in the start-up
phase in our office. AcuFocus ACI 7000,
is a corneal inlay designed to correct
presbyopia. It requires a 30-minute out
patient procedure along with follow up
visits over three years. To qualify for this
study, you must be between the ages of
45-55 years old, no prior eye surgery and
meet other medical criteria that will be
evaluated by your doctor.
Our office will be an investigational site
for the upcoming CORE study which is
slated to begin enrollment in the second
quarter. This is a device study using a new
punctal plug delivery system of the
glaucoma drug Xalatan which will allow
for a slow-release delivery of the medication without the need for use of daily
drops. We are looking for subjects with
glaucoma or those who are considered
a glaucoma suspect and are currently using Xalatan, Travatan or Lumigan.
If you are interested in being a subject in any of these clinical trials, please
call Dr. Monica Robinson or Wendy
McElrath at (916) 649-1515.
Cataracts
www.eyesurgeryeducation.com
Low Vision
Society for the Blind
www.societyfortheblind.org
General Eye Health
www.aao.org/public
Check out the
Grutzmacher & Lewis website!
When you want to know more
about your eye health, condition,
surgical procedure or our doctors
visit us first:
www.eyelasik.com
We provide up-to-date information about much of what you
want to know.
3
S e r v i c e s o ff e r e d
at G r u t z m a c h e r &
Lewis:
■■ Annual Eye Exams
■■ Cataract Evaluation and
Surgery
■■ ReSTOR IOL
■■ ReZoom IOL
■■ Diabetic Eye Exams
■■ Plaquenil Eye Exams
■■ Second Opinions
■■ Allergy & Dry Eye Care
■■ Glaucoma Evaluation, Therapy
and Surgery
■■ Glaucoma Study Participation
■■ Corneal Transplants
■■ Visual Fields
■■ CustomVue LASIK & PRK
■■ Verisyse ICL
■■ Staar Visian ICL
■■ DSEK
Ad v a n c e d C u s t o m V u e ™ M o n o v i s i o n L ASI K
I
f you are over the age of 40 and contemplating laser vision correction, a
new approved procedure may give
you the freedom from distance and reading glasses you were waiting for. The U.S.
Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
has approved Advanced CustomVue™
Monovision, the first wavefront-guided
laser vision correction procedure for the
visual correction of both nearsightedness
and presbyopia.
Presbyopia is part of the natural aging process and affects most people
sometime in their 40s. The person’s ability to focus on objects up close gradually diminishes and they start to require
reading glasses to see clearly. The term,
monovision, refers to a common method of vision correction in which one eye
is corrected for distance vision, and the
other eye for near vision. The brain learns
to adapt in a short period of time.
Advanced CustomVue™ Monovision
LASIK treatment provides the highest
and most effective level of laser correc-
tion, resulting in decreased dependency
on glasses for distance and reading. According to the clinical trial results, six
months after being treated more than 96
percent of patients decreased or eliminated their use of corrective lenses for
both distance and near vision.
NASA Endorsement for
LASIK and PRK
T
his is HUGE news! In July 2007
NASA announced its expanded
candidacy requirements regarding
vision. Like other military branches
that have relaxed the vision requirements necessary to apply for pilot
training, NASA now accepts applications from those men and women
who have previously undergone
LASIK or PRK.
For more information you can visit
www.nasa.gov.
Presorted Standard
U.S. Postage
PAID
Sacramento CA
Permit No. 1704
1515 River Park Drive, Suite 100
Sacramento CA 95815