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LASIK.LifeTips.com 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.