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Category: Conductive Keratoplasty (CK)
Subcategory: CK Tips
Tip: CK and The FDA
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved conductive keroplasty in 2004 as a
safe procedure to treat mild to moderate hyperopia. It is also being studied
internationally in clinical trials to treat astigmatism. At this time, CK is FDA approved as
a safe procedure for those who are appropriate candidates for the procedure. You
should speak with your doctor or eye surgeon about the benefits of CK or other laser
eye procedures that may enhance your vision.
Tip: CK Not Okay For Myopia?
Conductive Keratoplasty (CK) is a procedure commonly done in a doctor's office. It does
not require you to go to an outpatient surgical center. It is a very quick procedure, taking
about three minutes. The goal of CK is to reshape the cornea by making it steeper. CK
is great for patients who are older than 40 and need glasses for reading purposes.
Myopia is considered to be a vision problem often referred to as nearsightedness.
Unfortunately, to correct myopia, the cornea must be flattened. CK is a procedure that
bends the cornea rather than flattens it. Therefore, conductive keratoplasty is not a
procedure that will improve the vision of those with myopia, or nearsightedness.
Tip: CK Technical Specs
Why is CK so non-invasive as opposed to other forms of vision correction? You know
the answer: radio waves. But how does the same medium that carries your kids' hip-hop
music hits help your vision? Your CK eye surgeon will use dye to plot up to 32 treatment
points, after your eye has been numbed with anesthetic eye drops. The conductive
keratoplasty probe will radiate the treatment points with heat from radio frequency
waves in concentrated bursts. What do you do while CK radio waves correct your
vision? You recline comfortably in an eye exam chair, just as you would for your regular
eye exam, and focus on the light from a microscope. Your eyelids will be propped open
with a speculum-like tool that helps ground the radio frequency and acts as a return
path while the radio waves are bouncing around. Sound complex? It isn't--the procedure
takes 15 minutes, and you can have both eyes treated at once if the CK is performed to
correct hyperopia. Remember that if you have CK to treat hyperopia, your range needs
to be between +0.75 and +3.25 diopters of refractive error and at most +.075 diopters
astigmatism. In any case, you'll find that radio waves simplify eye surgery and make
vision correction after 40 easier.
Tip: Contacts and CK
Your ophthalmologist wants you to wear special monovision contact lenses. But you
thought the whole point of conductive keratoplasty was to get rid of the contacts. What
gives?
CK eye surgery typically corrects presbyopia by creating monovision, in which one eye
sees distance and one eye sees close-up. Contact lenses do the same thing.
Fortunately, CK achieves better results--a study done at the Unversity of Kansas tested
presbyopic patients 50 and over that had 20/20 uncorrected vision and disliked wearing
reading glasses. These patients achieved better distance and near vision with CK rather
than contacts.
However, don't think you've said adios to contacts just yet. Sometimes in CK eye
surgery, surgeons will treat the non-dominant eye, or the eye that doesn't do the work of
focusing on objects, so that it sees up close, while the dominant eye sees distance.
Your eyes may not adjust well, which is why your CK eye surgeon will test you with
special contact lenses that produce the effects of monovision. Test lenses may either:
* correct for near vision in one eye and far in the other, and be worn for a trial period
before the surgery.
* function as a one-shot test of your dominant eye to make sure your distance vision will
be unaffected--note that the surgeon will use a single lens for this.
This is just one of the diagnostic tests your CK eye surgeon will perform. You'll also
need your eyes evaluated by a diagnostic instrument called a corneal topographer. The
contact lenses and the corneal exam will help your doctor give you the results you want.
You may, however, have to wear contact lens bandages to diminish the pain. Patients
choose to accept the special contacts so they can be free of inserting those regular
contacts every day.
Tip: Read the Fine Print on CK
If you want to read legal documents with small print after having conductive
keratoplasty, read your CK eye surgeon's disclaimer first. While 87 percent of patients
could read phone book-sized print (and could see long distance) after the 2004 FDA
clinical trial of CK eye surgery to treat presbyopia, some patients can't read fine print
with complete clarity. Some patients may still need reading glasses for books, but
results in any surgery may vary from patient to patient. Your ophthalmologist may tell
you that you'll need to hang on to your reading glasses two years after the procedure.
You can do that to hedge your bets, but your corneas may be stable five, seven or ten
years from now. Again, conductive keratoplasty results do depend on the individual
patient.
Category: Benefits of Lasik Surgery
Subcategory: Benefits of Lasik Surgery
Tip: Poor Candidates for LASIK
While LASIK can produce incredible results in terms of vision correction, not all patients
with poor vision are good candidates for the procedure. Patients who are considering
LASIK should consult with their eye surgeon to determine whether or not they are an
ideal candidate for LASIK surgery. Some of the conditions which may make a patient a
poor candidate for LASIK include the following: Thin corneaA cornea with an abnormal
structurePregnancyCataractCorneal DystrophiesOcular Herpetic KeratitisDiabetic
RetinopathySevere dry eye Patients with the above conditions may not be ideal
candidates for LASIK but may find that other types of vision correction may be
beneficial.
Category: Blade Free Lasik
Subcategory: Blade Free Lasik
Tip: All Laser LASIK Surgery for Military Pilots
Military pilots have previously been considered ineligible for LASIK surgery because of
the potential for complications which may result from the extreme conditions they may
experience while in flight, such as wind, high altitude, dry air and gravitational forces. It
was believed these extreme conditions could compromise the pilot's vision in the event
that the corneal flap did not heal fully and completely. However, new technology which
allows for all laser LASIK surgery is causing the military to rethink the exclusion of pilots
who have undergone LASIK procedures.The U.S. Navy instituted a new program which
enables military aviators to undergo all laser LASIK surgery. These procedures are
performed with the aid of an infrared laser which cuts a flap in the cornea precisely and
allows for a greatly decreased risk for potential complications. As a result of this
improved technology, hopeful military pilots who were previously held back by poor
vision now have the potential to pursue the career of their dreams.
Tip: The Ideal Blade Free LASIK Patient
Patients who were either previously told they were not a good candidate for traditional
LASIK or who were apprehensive about undergoing LASIK with a microkeratome blade
may find blade free LASIK technology is right for them. This is because the more
precise cutting method reduces some of the risk involved with the procedure and makes
the procedure possible for patients who have conditions which previously made them
poor candidates for LASIK. During blade free LASIK surgery, an infrared laser is used to
make a precise cut in the cornea to create a flap which enables the surgeon to reshape
the cornea. This laser is controlled by a computer and can be tailored specifically to the
patient with precise accuracy, detailing the thickness of the flap as well as the location
of the flap. This increased level of precision makes it possible to perform LASIK surgery
on some patients who have thinner corneas, larger pupils and greater than moderate
astigmatism.
Subcategory: Blade Free Lasik Tips
Tip: Benefits of Intralase
While Intralase isn't right for everyone, the blade-free lasik vision correction surgery can
produce real benefits for some patients. They include: -- Decreased risk of flap
complications. -- Decreased incidence of postoperative dry eye -- Unlike other
alternatives to LASIK, it preserves many of the benefits of LASIK including a short and
largely pain-free recovery. -- More accurate outcomes in terms of patients' postoperative
vision. -- Benefits of vision correction surgery are available to those who might have
previously been poor candidates. -- Less pressure on the eye during the surgery. -Reduced incidence of patients needing a second operation to correct their vision. -Flaps created with a laser are less likely to become dislodged later.
Tip: Precision Vision Correction
The actual vision correction provided in blade-free LASIK -- the part done by the
excimer laser inside the cornea -- is exactly the same as in standard LASIK. However,
some studies suggest that the blade-free technology helps prevent occasional
complications with the flap that interfere with visual acuity. Indeed, several studies of
patients who had standard LASIK in one eye and Intralase in the other found that they
tended strongly to prefer the Intralase eye. The blade-free procedure may also help
reduce patient anxiety about the operation. At least LASIK surgeon reports that when
given a choice, three-quarters of their patients prefer the Intralase before any surgery is
even performed.
Tip: Restrictions After Bladeless Laser Surgery
If you choose to have Intralase, or bladeless laser surgery, there are certain restrictions
for after the procedure that you need to be aware of including: -You must not wear any
eye makeup for three days following the procedure. -You must not go swimming for two
weeks after the procedure. -You should not rub your eyes for two weeks following the
procedure. -You need to wear sports goggles for one month after surgery when
participating in contact sports. -You will need to use eye drops to prevent infection for
one week after the surgery. -You will most likely see your eye surgeon for check-up's
one day after the surgery, one week after the surgery and three months after the
surgery. The above restrictions are typically standard protocol for an eye surgeon to
follow after Intralase. Your surgeon may not follow each timeline. It is best to discuss
any restrictions with your eye surgeon prior to having the bladeless LASIK procedure
done.
Category: Choosing a Lasik Surgeon
Subcategory: Choosing a Lasik Surgeon
Tip: Celebrity LASIK Patients
Your doctor has a photo and testimonial from Tiger Woods or Rodney Peete or Troy
Aikman. That's well and good, you think, but what about complications that don't make it
into the news, such as comedienne Kathy Griffin's continuing education about the perils
of LASIK? In that case, a celebrity client can backfire on your LASIK surgeon. Beware
of a LASIK eye surgeon who constantly brags about famous people he or she has
treated. Celebrity clientele shouldn't be your only criterion in choosing a LASIK
doctor--although Tiger Woods' visual acuity in a sport that demands better than 20/20
uncorrected vision is a strong signal that your LASIK doctor is skilled. Still star-struck, or
skeptical? You can't call up a celebrity and ask about the procedure, but you can do
research on the Internet and, if your celebrity is vocal about the procedure, read about
the experience on, say, Tiger's official Web site. You should also ask to talk to the
LASIK surgeon's non-celebrity patients. Don't let star power dazzle you--the LASIK
surgeon herself should be the main attraction, second, of course, to your vision.
Tip: Questions to Ask Your Laser Eye Surgeon
The-Lasik-Directory.com Tip: When selecting a laser eye surgeon, it is important to ask
questions about the eye surgeon's experience and equipment. It is important to ask
questions from both of these categories to ensure you are selecting the laser eye
surgeon who is right for you. The surgeon you select should be well qualified and use
state of the art equipment in the most safe and effective manner. Some of the questions
you should ask a laser eye surgeon related to his qualifications and level of experience
include:How many laser eye surgeries have you performed?How long have you been
performing laser eye surgeries?What type of training do you have?What is the success
rate of your patients?Can you provide references from previous patients?Are the
procedures you perform customized for each individual patient? Some of the questions
you should ask a laser eye surgeon related to his equipment include:What kind of laser
do you use?How often is your laser calibrated?Is your microkeratome incisor changed
after each patient? In evaluating the answers to these questions, it is important to
determine which laser eye surgeon provides you with answers which are not only
accurate and honest, but also match well with your expectations for the procedure.
Tip: Sports Vision Specialist
You play football, basketball, and do mountain biking as well as rappelling. You're
headed for the championships, where contact lenses and glasses might mean the
difference between defeat and the gold. When an athlete is choosing a LASIK doctor,
the athlete should ask a coach or trainer for referrals to sports vision doctors. A sports
vision specialist is aware of the special vision needs of athletes, particularly
hand-eye-body coordination. Your sports ophthalmologist should ideally be a LASIK
doctor as well. If your coach or trainer can't recommend a sports vision specialist, try the
American Optometric Association Sports Vision Section for referrals. Choosing a LASIK
surgeon who is a sports vision specialist combination is a great way to get your game
on and go for the gold.
Category: Custom Lasik
Subcategory: Custom Lasik
Tip: Advantages of Wavefront LASIK
The-Lasik-Directory.com Tip: Wavefront LASIK offers a tremendous advantage
especially for patients who suffer from higher level abnormalities which cannot be
corrected with eyeglasses, contact lenses or even traditional LASIK procedures.
However, wavefront technology enables the surgeon to measure the eye from the front
to the back in an effort to create a 3D image of the cornea. This information enables the
surgeon to create a custom LASIK procedure which will result in a higher quality of
vision. With the use of the 3D image created by the wavefront technology, the surgeon
is able to tailor the procedure and guide the laser to correct both lower level
abnormalities, which cause myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism, as well as higher level
abnormalities, which cause blurring, halos and difficulty seeing in low light situations.
Some of the advantages of wavefront LASIK include:An increased possibility of the
procedure resulting in 20/20 vision or betterDiminished potential for the loss of visual
quality or contrast sensitivityDiminished potential for night vision problems
Tip: Custom LASIK Surgery Equipment
Patients who are considering undergoing custom LASIK surgery might be interested in
learning more about the pieces of equipment which are approved for use in these
procedures. These approved pieces of equipment include the LADARVision System,
VISX Star 4 and Bausch & Lomb's Zyoptix. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
approves equipment for custom LASIK surgery with certain restrictions. The
LADARVision System by Alcon is approved by the FDA for patients who have up to
-7.00 D of nearsightedness and less than -0.50 D of astigmatism. The VISX Star 4 is
approved by the FDA for patients 21 years of older who have myopic astigmatism up to
-6.00 D. Zyoptix is approved for patients with -7.00 D of nearsightedness and less than
-3.00 D of astigmatism.
Tip: Wavefront Laser Eye Surgery Success Rate Statistics
In clinical studies, wavefront laser eye surgery success rates indicated the procedure
was an overwhelming success. An overwhelming 90 percent of the participants in the
study obtained vision of 20/20 or better after the procedure, while 74 percent obtained
vision of 20/16 or better and 27 percent of the participants obtained vision of 20/15 or
better. Additionally, 70 percent of the participants in the study reported their vision after
the procedure was better than their vision with eyeglasses or contact lenses before the
surgery. These statistics make it clear that wavefront laser eye surgery produces
incredible results for patients.
Subcategory: Custom Lasik Tips
Tip: Costs of Custom LASIK
Custom LASIK typically costs more than traditional LASIK, in part because the
manufacturers of wavefront devices take a royalty from the surgeon on each procedure
performed. This extra cost -- perhaps $400 or $500 per eye -- is one reason patients are
warned not to shop for laser eye surgery on price alone. If your eyes require a custom
procedure for maximum visual benefit, you may not be happy with the results from a
cheaper procedure. Even with custom LASIK, there is a chance that you will require
enhancement surgery afterward to fully correct your vision. As part of your research
before the surgery, you should ask your surgeon what the cost of such enhancements
will be if they are needed. Many practices offer them free or for a reduced cost.
Category: Epi-LASIK Tips
Subcategory: Epi-LASIK Tips
Tip: Differences between LASIK and Epi-LASIK
In LASIK surgery, a flap is cut in the cornea with a blade or laser. Epi-LASIK surgery is
gentler on the cornea, using a blunt plastic oscillating blade. Because it is less invasive,
it is possible to achieve good results with epi-LASIK in people whose corneas are too
thin or unusually shaped, making them poor candidates for LASIK. Standard LASIK
surgery has a shorter recovery time with less pain than epi-LASIK. Epi-LASIK eye
surgery may also be an option for those who are at risk of being struck in the eye -police officers and athletes, for example. This risk makes them poor candidates for
standard LASIK, because a blow to the eye could dislodge the cut flap.
Tip: Is Epi-LASIK the Next Big Thing?
Is Epi-LASIK the next big thing in laser eye surgery? No one knows for sure, but what is
known is that Epi-LASIK is rising in popularity. Epi-LASIK combines the best parts of
LASIK eye surgery and LASEK and PRK eye surgery. Epi-LASIK is becoming more
popular for a variety of reasons. The recovery time is quicker and the vision restoration
is said to happen faster than with other laser eye surgeries. This, combined with very
low risk factors, is making Epi-LASIK very popular with those whom the surgery is
appropriate for.
Category: Laser Eye Surgery
Subcategory: Laser Eye Surgery Tips
Tip: Alternatives to Laser Eye Surgery
You've rejected LASIK and custom LASIK options such as VISX, LADARWave and
LADARVision. Where do you go from here? Your laser eye surgeon may recommend
LASEK, which saves 160 microns more corneal tissue, or PRK, especially if you have
thin corneas. But you have other laser eye surgery and vision correction options:
* Intacs Corneal Implants and lens implants such as Clear Lens Exchange (reversible
procedure)
* RK (not allowed if you're also a candidate for the military, and just reduces myopia)
* Automated Lamellar Keratoplasty (ALK--unpredictable)
* Astigmatic Keratotomy (AK, rarely performed and only for oval corneas)
* Conductive Keratoplasty (CK, for patients over forty, temporary reduction of
farsightedness without a laser)
When weighing laser vision correction and non-laser eye surgery procedures, you need
to ask your surgeon about the risks and benefits. If you're under 40 years old, you may
discover that you're willing to take the laser vision correction plunge.
Category: Lasik Costs & Financing
Subcategory: Lasik Costs & Financing
Tip: Financing LASIK Surgery
LASIK surgery can be a very worthwhile procedure, but it is also one which can be very
expensive and which is not often covered by insurance plans. Fortunately, there are a
number of methods for financing LASIK surgery including arranging a payment plan with
the surgeon and taking out a personal loan. Many LASIK surgeons offer financing
options to patients who cannot afford to pay the full cost of LASIK surgery immediately.
In most cases this financing is in the form of a payment plan which is arranged between
the surgeon and the patient prior to the procedure. Some surgeons will require a
specific percentage of the total cost be paid prior to the procedure, while other surgeons
will only require a small down payment before the procedure. Additionally, the interest
rates, if applicable, may also vary from one surgeon to another. For these reasons, it is
important to fully understand the financing options before undergoing the procedure.
Patients interested in financing LASIK surgery may also do so through loans from
commercial lenders. Personal loans, as well as home equity loans, can both be used for
this purpose. However, it is important to note the patient will likely receive more
favorable loan terms if his credit score is above average than he would receive if his
credit rating was poor.
Tip: Hidden Laser Eye Surgery Costs
When evaluating laser eye surgery costs, it is important to carefully consider all of the
costs associated with the procedure. This is important because there may be hidden
costs associated with the procedure. Some of the hidden laser eye surgery costs may
include temporary corrective eyewear, prescriptions, office visits and emergency care.
In some cases, temporary corrective eyewear may be necessary. Most patients enjoy
the benefits of corrected vision within days of undergoing the procedure, however, some
patients do not see immediate results and may have to wear contact lenses or
eyeglasses for a short period of time. Some surgeons may include this cost, while
others may require patients to pay for these items separately. The cost of prescriptions
can also increase the overall costs of laser eye surgery. Again, some surgeons may
include these prescriptions with the cost of the procedure while others may require
patients to purchase these prescriptions separately. Therefore, it is important to
understand how much these prescriptions will cost and whether or not they are included
in the price the surgeon quotes for each eye. Office visits can also be a factor to
consider when considering laser eye surgery costs. Patients will likely be required to
attend a number of pre-operative and post-operative office visits. If these visits are not
included in the cost of the surgery, they can add up very quickly. Finally, emergency
care and follow up procedures can increase the overall costs of laser eye surgery if they
are needed. It is important to discuss the possibility for the need for emergency care
and follow up procedures beforehand to be sure you understand your surgeon's policies
on the cost of these services.
Tip: LASIK Financing Options
The-Lasik-Directory.com Tip: For many patients considering LASIK surgery, there is a
need for LASIK financing options. This includes patients who are interested in the
procedure, but are unable to pay the complete cost of the procedure upfront. Patients
may be tempted to select a surgeon based on cost, but it is more important to choose
the surgeon based on qualifications and experience and consider cost only as a
deciding factor between equally qualified surgeons. These surgeons may charge higher
fees, but financing options can make it possible for patients to afford these types of
procedures. When interviewing potential LASIK surgeons, it is important to ask about
the financing options available. A patient may have to delay the surgery indefinitely until
he can save up for the procedure if there are no financing options available with a highly
qualified surgeon. However, this is typically not the case as most surgeons offer some
type of financing options. The most popular LASIK financing option includes allowing
the patient to pay a small deposit before the procedure and repay the remaining portion
over time. There may or may not be interest payments associated with the repayment
schedule. When evaluating LASIK financing options, the patient should consider all of
the terms of the repayment plan to determine which option is most cost effective for the
patient.
Tip: LASIK Insurance Considerations
It is important to understand your insurance providers LASIK insurance policy before
assuming the procedure will be fully covered. This is significant because the vast
majority of insurance providers consider vision correction procedures to be cosmetic in
nature and are therefore not likely to provide insurance coverage for these procedures.
However, patients often have other options available to them including special rates
offered on LASIK surgery by their employers and the ability to put money in a flexible
spending account for use in paying for LASIK surgery. Many employers allow
employees to put pre-tax dollars into a flexible spending account for use for approved
medical expenses. LASIK surgery may be included in these approved expenses, but
care should be taken to ensure this is possible before putting money into these
accounts. However, if LASIK surgery is one of the approved medical expenses, the
patient can have money removed from their paychecks before taxes and stored in a
flexible spending account until needed. This money can then be used to cover the cost
of LASIK surgery so the patient does not have to worry about financing the procedure.
Subcategory: Lasik Financing Tips
Tip: LASIK: Tax-Deductible?
Finally, good news from the IRS: if paying for LASIK surgery means a tighter checkbook
afterwards, Uncle Sam might offer some relief. With your renewed eyesight, thanks to
your LASIK surgery, you'll be able to see the fine print on your tax forms more clearly. In
2003, the IRS ruled that LASIK is a tax-deductible medical expense. This is yet another
tax break for you if you're weighing LASIK financing options. Even if your employer
offers tax-free flexible spending accounts, you can pay for LASIK surgery on your own
and reap the benefits when tax time rolls around. There's a catch: To be eligible for a
tax deduction, your health care expenses need to exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross
income. If your health care expenses aren't that steep, you might consider your flexible
spending account offered through your employer, which is tax-free and you can reduce
your state income tax payments as well. Ask your accountant or tax attorney whether
you qualify for a LASIK surgery deduction.
Category: Lasik Procedure
Subcategory: Lasik Procedure
Tip: Are You Right for LASIK?
Is LASIK surgery right for you? Ask yourself these questions to find out. -Are you
healthy and have no medical conditions that should interfere with healing? -Are you
ready to have your nearsightedness, astigmatism or farsightedness corrected? -Are you
ready for a minimal recovery time? Generally less than 24 hours. -Are you ready for any
refractive errors to be corrected? -Are you ready to participate in outdoor activities or
sports without worrying about your glasses or contacts? -Are you ready to eliminate the
expense that comes with contact lenses or glasses? -Are you ready for any potential
side effects or complications that may come with LASIK? If you answered yes to these
questions, you may be the right candidate for LASIK. Please consult with a laser eye
surgeon for more information.
Tip: LASIK Eye Surgery and Children
LASIK eye surgery is not recommended for most children and teenagers, no matter
what their eye problems. Most reputable surgeons will not perform LASIK vision
correction on patients who have not reached their late teens. The reason for this is
simple. The eye changes as we mature, and does not reach a stable state until our late
teens or early 20s. If the LASIK surgery is performed too soon, patients run the risk of
having to have more surgery when their eyes change. Most eye doctors recommend
waiting until a patient has had the same glasses or contact lens prescription for two
years before considering LASIK vision correction because of the risks of correcting too
soon.
Tip: LASIK Eye Surgery Procedure
The-Lasik-Directory.com Tip: Many prospective patients might be surprised to learn the
entire LASIK eye surgery can be completed within 15 minutes. Even more surprising is
the fact that the laser used in the procedure is in use for less than one minute for each
eye. During this time the cornea can be reshaped in a manner which will sufficiently
correct the patient's vision. Although LASIK eye surgery should preferably always begin
with a consultation in which the surgeon examines the patient, learns about the patient's
medical history and takes measurements required for the completion of the surgery, the
actual surgical procedure is relatively simple and straightforward. The first step in the
LASIK eye surgery procedure is for the surgeon to cut a flap in the surface of the
patient's cornea. This is done with the use of a handheld blade and the flap is then
peeled back to expose the cornea. The laser is then employed to remove corneal tissue
to correct abnormalities which adversely affect the patient's vision. This part of the
procedure happens relatively quickly and is typically complete in less than one minute.
Once the cornea has been reshaped, the flap is replaced in the original position and
adheres to the surface without the need for any type of binding material.
Tip: Types of LASIK Procedures
There are three main types of LASIK procedures available for patients, each with its
own benefits and indications, as well as contraindications. These three procedures are
known as PRK, LASEK and Epi-LASIK. PRK is a procedure which involved scraping
surface cells off the cornea and using a laser to reshape the cornea and correct
abnormalities which cause visual problems. LASEK surgery is very similar to LASIK with
one important difference. This difference is the thickness of the corneal flap which is cut.
During LASEK a finer blade is used to reduce the thickness of the blade. Epi-LASIK is
also very similar to traditional LASIK, but again the corneal flap is much thinner than the
flap cut during traditional LASIK.
Category: Lasik Risks & Complications
Subcategory: Lasik Risks & Complications
Tip: Avoiding Problems with LASIK
Complications with LASIK surgery are on the decline, but there is still the potential for
problems with these procedures. In the late 1990s, as many as 5 percent of LASIK
patients suffered from complications but currently less than 1 percent have
complications following the procedure. In addition to the already low probability of
complications, patients can help to avoid problems with LASIK with a few simple
precautions including selecting a surgeon carefully, ensuring you are an ideal candidate
for the procedure and carefully following the recovery guidelines. The tips listed above
are all beneficial in reducing the potential for problems with LASIK in different ways.
Selecting the surgeon carefully is very important because it can help to prevent
problems. LASIK surgery is a delicate procedure requiring a surgeon who is not only
well qualified to perform the procedure, but also has a great deal of experience.
Selecting a sub par surgeon can put the patient at risk for complications resulting from
mistakes made by the surgeon. Patients should also confirm they are an ideal candidate
for the procedure they select as well because failure to do so can put them at risk for
problems which result from pre-existing conditions. Finally, failure to follow the recovery
guidelines outlined by the surgeon puts the patient at risk for complications which stem
from the eye not healing properly.
Category: Lasik Surgery Recovery
Subcategory: Lasik Surgery Recovery
Tip: Evaluating Vision after LASIK
Patients who undergo LASIK surgery will likely already have a good indication of
whether or not the procedure was successful relatively soon after the procedure is
completed. However, it is important for patients to attend post-operative visits after the
procedure so their vision can be properly evaluated. During these appointments the
patient's vision after LASIK surgery will be evaluated for both visual acuity, as well as
quality of vision. The process of evaluating the patient's vision after LASIK surgery will
include both routine eye examinations to determine the patient's visual acuity, as well as
a series of questions designed to evaluate the quality of the patient's vision. Patients will
be asked questions which relate to factors such as their vision in dimly lit situations,
presence of blurring, double vision and halos. With this information the surgeon can
determine how successful the procedure was and whether there is a need for additional
care and treatments.
Tip: The Importance of LASIK Post-Op Visits
Attending all LASIK post-op visits is absolutely critical to the recovery process. Most
surgeons schedule a series of these appointments for each surgery patient before the
procedure is completed. These post-op visits are very important because they enable
the surgeon to evaluate the way in which the eye is healing and determine whether or
not there is the need for emergency aftercare or follow up procedures. Most surgeons
require patients to keep a post-op appointment one day after the surgery to enable the
surgeon to evaluate the early healing and the health of the eye. After this initial LASIK
post-op visit the surgeon will also likely require regular appointments during the next six
months.
Category: Ophthalmology
Subcategory: Ophthalmology
Tip: Choosing an Ophthalmologist
The-Lasik-Directory.com Tip: An ophthalmologist is essentially a doctor who helps to
care for the eyes and prevent eye diseases. An ophthalmologist also treats eye injuries.
Visiting an ophthalmologist for annual checkups is recommended to ensure the health
of your vision. However, it is also important to choose your ophthalmologist wisely to
ensure you are receiving quality care from your eye care specialist. This is especially
important if you have a pre-existing condition or are concerned about the health of your
eyes. When choosing an ophthalmologist, it is important to consider the doctor's
qualifications and experience as well as his client satisfaction record. The
ophthalmologist you select should not only have the necessary required experience but
should also have sufficient experience to enable you to trust his level of expertise. It is
also important to seek out references to gauge how well previous clients viewed the
doctor's abilities. Another factor to consider when choosing an ophthalmologist is the
services offered by the doctor. This is especially important if you have specific eye care
concerns because not all ophthalmologists offer all eye care services.
Tip: Common Eye Disorders
The-Lasik-Directory.com Tip: Some of the most common disorders in opthamology
include astigmatism, cataract, glaucoma, hyperopia, myopia, and presbyopia. There are
many other eye disorders which may affect patients and regular eye examinations are
recommended for those who want to ensure optimal eye health. Regular eye
examinations can help the eye doctor recognize eye problems early on so they can treat
the disorder accordingly. This will not only keep the patient comfortable, but will also
help to avoid complications which may develop from failure to treat the original disorder.
Listed below are some definitions for some common opthamology
disorders:Astigmatism – a condition in which objects which are close as well as
objects which are far away appear blurry as a result of an abnormal curvature of the
corneaCataract – a condition in which the lens of the eye becomes
cloudyGlaucoma – damage to the optic nerve which occurs when pressure and
fluid build up in the eyeHyperopia – a condition in which the vision of objects at a
close distance is not optimal; also called farsightednessMyopia – a condition in
which the vision of objects at a distance is not optimal; also called
nearsightednessPresbyopia – a condition in which the eye's lens becomes rigid
making it difficult for the patient to focus on objects which are near
Subcategory: Ophthalmology Tips
Tip: Ophthalmology Advice
Your family care physician or internal medicine (or alternative medicine) specialist gives
you guidelines: exercise, eat right, and so on. It's no surprise that clinical ophthalmology
has words of medical wisdom, too.
If your ophthalmologist will perform LASIK, EpiLASIK, LASEK, PRK, or custom LASIK
on you, she will probably give you some advice to better the your outcome. The
American Academy of Opthalmology Web site points you to "Basik Lasik," a brochure
produced by the FTC and the AAO.
"Basik Lasik," available at www.ftc.gov, advises that you:
* Not take Accutane or oral prednisone
* For myopia patients: Postpone LASIK until your myopic refraction has stabilized in
your mid to late 20s
* Be in good general health, and discuss any diabetes, high blood pressure and other
medical conditions with your opthalmologist
* Not be pregnant or breastfeeding since hormone changes can affect the outcome
Also, other risk factors such as smoking can affect LASIK results, so you have an
excellent reason to follow your regular physician's admonitions. Besides, you want to
get rid of your glasses and don't want to be out of breath when you're boogie boarding.
Tip: Optometrists Practicing Surgery?
You may have heard about a 2003 case at a Veterans' Affairs hospital in Kansas in
which an optometrist was granted privileges to perform laser eye surgery. Remember,
an optometrist typically does not perform laser eye surgery.
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, in 2004 the Department of
Veterans Affairs responded to calls for patient safety from professionals licensed and
trained in clinical ophthalmology and laser eye surgery, as well as from associations
such as the American Medical Association, American College of Surgeons, the
American Osteopathic Association, the American Academy of Family Physicians and
American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons. The VA revoked optometrists'
privileges to perform laser eye surgery.
If an optometrist tells you he or she has hospital privileges to conduct laser eye surgery
treatments, opt for an ophthalmologist's care instead. Therapeutic laser surgery, which
is complex and delicate, should only be performed by a qualified ophthalmologist. Our
country's respected veterans and its civilians deserve the best care from a qualified
doctor certified in clinical ophthalmology.
Category: Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK)
Subcategory: Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK)
Tip: Ideal Candidates for PRK Surgery
An eye doctor can help a patient to determine whether or not he is a good candidate for
PRK surgery. Patients who are considering this procedure should visit the eye doctor for
a thorough examination in order to determine if they are an ideal candidate and if the
procedure is likely to be successful. In general, good candidates for PRK surgery
include those who have mild to moderate myopia or hyperopia, those who have career
or leisure requirements which make having a cut flap impossible and patients who are
not eligible for LASIK based on the shape or thickness of their cornea.
Tip: Is PRK Eye Surgery Safe?
Complications resulting from PRK eye surgery are relatively rare, making the procedure
fairly safe. However, as with any type of procedure, patients should be aware that there
is the potential for complications. Some of the complications which may result from PRK
surgery include infection, corneal hazing and the development of astigmatism. Patients
considering the procedure should discuss the risks associated with the procedure with
their surgeon before making the decision to undergo the procedure. Patients should
also consider the risks involved in conjunction with statistics regarding the results of this
procedure. Based on this information, patients can determine whether or not the
potential for success is greater than the risk of complications. 65 percent to 70 percent
of patients who fall within the ideal range for the procedure obtain visual acuity of 20/20
or better while 90 percent to 95 percent of the same group obtain visual acuity of 20/40
or better.
Tip: PRK versus LASIK
Comparisons of PRK versus LASIK are necessary for some patients to determine which
procedure to undergo. This decision should also be discussed carefully with the
patient's eye doctor to ensure the correct decision is made. Listed below is some basic
comparison information for PRK versus LASIK, but ultimately the patient should rely on
the recommendation from a qualified ophthalmologist before making a decision.Neither
procedure requires the use of stitches. LASIK requires a flap to be cut in the cornea but
a flap is not required for PRK. LASIK patients use eye drop medications and are usually
able to return to non-strenuous activities within three days after the procedure. Although
vision may not stabilize for up to six months, the majority of the healing occurs within
the first week with LASIK. In addition to eye drop medications, PRK patients must also
wear clear contact lenses for two to five days. Healing for PRK patients can take three
to four months while the surface of the regenerates itself.The discomfort associated with
LASIK typically subsides within five to six hours while PRK patients may require pain
medication for one to two weeks after the procedure.
Subcategory: PRK Tips
Tip: PRK and The Active Career and Lifestyle
Do you have a career that requires a lot of activity such as military, police officer,
firefighter, or other types of highly involved action based careers? Do you enjoy a very
active lifestyle by doing things such as swimming, skydiving, or scuba diving? Do you
have to wear glasses in order to do those things? If so, PRK may be the laser surgery
for you! People with active lifestyles or careers are said to have been recommended to
have PRK because you may be more vulnerable to eye injuries. With PRK there is no
flap made during the surgery so there would be less of a chance of eye damage should
something come into contact with the eye. Therefore, if you lead an active lifestyle or
have a career that is demanding physically, then PRK may be for you.
Tip: PRK and the Excimer Laser
PRK is a non-invasive procedure that users a laser to reshape the cornea. The laser
used in this procedure is called an Excimer laser. The laser produces a cold ultraviolet
beam of light during the PRK procedure. The Excimer has been determined to be able
to remove tiny tissues as small as a molecule without damaging the surface of the eye
and is able reshape the cornea. During the PRK procedure the surgeon will direct the
laser beam towards the cornea. This laser beam will be able to evaporate tissue so tiny
(1/1000th mm) in the front part of the cornea, making the cornea less steep. This
steeping of the cornea changes the shape of it and allows the eye to focus properly,
improving vision.
Tip: What to Expect Before PRK Surgery
You should have a thorough consultation with your optometrist, and understand what
correction is needed and why PRK is the best choice for you. You should also consult
with your surgeon and understand the process and the risks. You may also have your
eyes tested for tear production -- if you have "dry eye," you can still have PRK, but may
need to take extra steps to ensure your eyes are hydrated. You will be asked not to
wear your contact lenses for one to three weeks before the procedure, so that the error
in your eyes can be measured accurately on the day of the surgery. In addition, you
should be asked to refrain from wearing any scented product, hair spray, or makeup on
the day of the surgery. Finally, you should arrange for someone to bring you home from
the surgery and perhaps be available for a day or two afterwards -- some patients have
reported they are unable to see well enough to take their medications until their eyes
have healed a bit.
Category: Presbyopia
Subcategory: Presbyopia
Tip: Presbyopia Explained
The-Lasik-Directory.com Tip: Presbyopia is a condition in which the lens of the eye
becomes stiff and is no longer able to change shape to focus on near objects. With
normal vision, the lens of the eye is able to change shape as necessary to enable the
eye to focus on objects at different lengths. However, at approximately age 40, most
people begin to experience stiffening of this lens and find they have difficulty seeing
near objects. Presbyopia usually occurs gradually and patients may not realize the
source of the problem because they get accustomed to near vision which is less and
less clear. However, symptoms such as the inability to focus on near objects, fatigue,
eye strain and headaches after work requiring close vision and the inability to read
clearly at night are all symptoms of presbyopia. Patients experiencing these symptoms
should undergo an eye exam to determine if they require treatment for presbyopia.
Subcategory: Presbyopia Tips
Tip: Signs of Presbyopia
Presbyopia is not a disease and cannot be prevented. It usually becomes noticeable
after age 40, and tends to manifest at first as difficulty seeing close objects. Many
people first notice it when they have trouble reading menus in dimly lit restaurants, or
when it seems their arms aren't long enough to hold a book or magazine far enough
away. Many people also notice that they begin suffering from headaches when doing
close work, or that their eyes get tired more quickly than they used to. If these
symptoms sound familiar, it may be time to see your optometrist to begin presbyopia
treatment.
Tip: Types of Presbyopia Surgery
Doctors will sometimes use ordinary LASIK to create a "monovision" effect by correcting
one eye (usually the dominant one) for distances and the other for reading. It is
recommended that patients try this first with contact lenses before having the surgery.
Some people take readily to the new way of seeing, but others find it difficult to tolerate.
In 2004 the FDA approved a new type of presbyopia surgery called conductive
keratoplasty (CK). CK is a less invasive procedure that takes just three minutes to
perform. Instead of cutting into the eye, the surgeon uses radio waves to shrink collagen
in specific parts of the eye, making it more suitable for near vision. This is another
monovision technique -- the second eye is left alone and corrected with a contact lens if
need be for distances. Several other treatments are in experimental phases and have
not yet been approved.
Category: Refractive Surgery
Subcategory: Refractive Surgery Tips
Tip: Alternatives to Refractive Surgery
After investigating your options, you may choose not to have refractive surgery.
Perhaps you have a medical condition that makes you a poor candidate for the surgery.
Perhaps you have a military or aviation career and are not permitted to have it and keep
your job. Or perhaps you have studied the side effects and possible risks and decided
you're not prepared to take them. Of course you still have the option of glasses or
contact lenses for vision correction. Newer forms of disposable lenses last 30 days and
in some cases do not need to be taken out at night. You may, however, be interested in
non-surgical alternatives to refractive surgery. One, Ortho-K, uses contact lenses worn
briefly each day to reshape the cornea. This does not produce any permanent
improvement, but is often used in young people whose eyes have not stabilized.
Beware of "vision therapists" and pseudo-scientific institutes who claim that vision can
be improved through exercises. Your eyes should be treated by a licensed professional.
Tip: Types of Refractive Surgery
Considering refractive surgery? Here are some popular options: PRK: Photorefractive
Keratectomy, a more recent development in refractive surgery. This involves using a
laser to remove outer layers of the cornea that ends in flatter shaped cornea. This
procedure is appropriate for this with nearsightedness and astigmatism. LASIK: Laser In
Situ Keratomileusis, uses a laser to reshape the cornea but rather than removing the
layers of the cornea, a flap is created with a special cutting instrument, the flap is then
pulled back to expose tissue and a laser is used to reshape the tissue. LASIK may be
acceptable for those with near or farsightedness and those with our without
astigmatism. LASEK: Laser epithelial keratomileusis, is a similar procedure to LASIK,
however during the surgery a much thinner layer of your cornea is cut and folded back
and then the flap is replaced. LASEK may be appropriate for those that aren't eligible for
LASIK. Please ask your doctor which refractive surgery may be right for you.
Tip: What You Need to Know Before Choosing Refractive Surgery
Before you seek refractive surgery, you should meet with your optometrist to go over
your options. Be aware that if your corrective lens prescription has changed in the past
year, you may be asked to wait till your eyes are more stable before pursuing surgery.
You will also need to consider on your own whether this surgery is affordable for you,
and whether you are prepared to accept the results. Positive outcomes are normal, but
not guaranteed, and even if you like the results, they may not be permanent, and you
may have to wear corrective lenses later on. You should also discuss the potential side
effects with your optometrist, and consider whether you are willing to accept them.
Many people, for example, experience difficulty in night driving after refractive surgery,
so if your job or lifestyle requires a lot of driving at night, you may choose to stick with
corrective lenses.
Tip: Why Have Refractive Surgery
There are several reasons why someone chooses refractive surgery. -If you have
nearsightedness, refractive surgery may help. -If you have farsightedness, refractive
surgery may be a choice. -If you have astigmatism, refractive surgery is an option. -If
you wish to have improved vision and not have to wear contact lenses or glasses
anymore, refractive surgery may be for you. If you are considering refractive surgery,
please speak to your doctor about the right choice for you.