Facts about our Eyes

Nearsightedness (Myopia)- a vision defect in which objects are seen only when near to the our eye.

 

Farsightedness (Hyperopia)- a vision defect in which objects are seen only when far from the eye.

 

Astigmatism- an vision defect causing lines in some directions to be focused less sharply than lines in other directions.

 

Presbyopia ("My arms are too short " syndrome)

 

Cataracts -One of the most well-known eye diseases is cataracts. Cataracts are a "hazing" of the normally clear lens inside of the eye. The normal lens allows light to reach the retina for clear vision. Cataracts reduce vision, just as a dirty windshield diminishes a driver's view of the road. The number one cause of blindness in the world is cataracts. Although factors such as nutrition and genetics play a role in cataract formation, UV exposure is primarily responsible. The clouding of the lens is irreversible, and once the cataracts begin to impair daily activities, the only treatment available is surgical removal. The good news is that cataract surgery is relatively uncomplicated, and has a very high success rate.

Laser Vision Correction -for more information, click here

 

Dry Eyes - A functioning tear film is important for maintaining a healthy cornea and preserving clear vision. The tear film is an important source of eye nutrition, waste removal, and antibacterial action. Dry eye conditions can disrupt the tear film and compromise corneal health. These conditions can occur as a result of the normal aging process, of exposure to air pollution or other environmental factors, or in conjunction with systemic diseases such as Sjogrens Syndrome. Dry eyes can be a major impediment to contact lens wear.

 

Tears can be replaced by using eye drops called artificial tears. They replace the moisture that is missing and lubricate the eyes. They temporarily soothe dry eye symptoms. Artificial tears have provided a quick, short-term solution to dry eye. Today, tear-duct closure, which allows you to retain your own natural tears, may be the best solution. Closure of the tear drainage ducts involves the use of a non-disolvable, yet removable plug to seal the tear duct. This non-surgical procedure is painless and is performed in only a few minutes.

 

Macular Degeneration -In recent years, the public has become increasingly aware of this ocular disease that goes by many different names. Macular degeneration is a result of cell death in the central (macular) part of the retina. Like cataracts, it is thought to have nutritional, genetic, and UV exposure factors in development. It is rarely present before age 65, but increases to 20% prevalence between ages 75 to 85. It spares peripheral vision, but adversely affects central vision, similar to looking at a clock and seeing all the numbers, but not seeing the clock hands.

 

Laser Vision Correction - A New Option

 

For decades eyeglasses and contact lenses have done a phenomenal job of correcting vision problems. There is now a new option for correcting nearsightedness (myopia,) farsightedness (hyperopia,) and astigmatism. Laser vision correction (LVC) is a precise way to reshape the outermost part of the eye with a laser. Advanced technology and years of research allow surgeon-controlled lasers to help reduce or eliminate the need for eyeglasses and contact lenses for millions of people.

During the laser vision correction procedure, a cool-light beam reshapes the cornea by painlessly vaporizing microscopic amounts of tissue. Approximately 85% of the time, the result is 20/20 vision without glasses or contact lenses. Fewer than 10% of LVC patients receive additional benefit from an enhancement (a second laser procedure, at no additional charge) or mild part-time prescription for glasses after the first procedure.

 

PRE-OPERATIVE EXAMINATION

During this examination, your optometrist will determine your refractive error (prescription) and overall ocular health status. The laser correction options appropriate for you and your eyes will be presented, and your candidacy for the procedure will be discussed. If you elect to have the procedure, you will be referred to the surgeon for further evaluation and the procedure. Your optometrist will continue to examine and educate you during the pre- and post-operative periods.

 

THE DAY OF THE PROCEDURE

Laser vision correction is an outpatient procedure not requiring an overnight stay at a hospital or clinic. Two to four hours is the total expected time spent in the surgeon's office, though the procedure itself involves only seconds of laser time. Eye drops are used to numb the eyes, but you are awake and comfortable for the brief procedure. There are no needles or shots. Often, but not always, the improvement in vision is immediate. In other cases, the vision consistently improves during the first post-operative week.

 

POST-OPERATIVE CARE

Your optometrist or surgeon will examine you the first day following the procedure to assess your healing process and further counsel you. Ocular discomfort is usually mild and subsides within a few days of the surgery. Some patients experience blurry vision or gritty, dry eyes for a few days afterward. Generally patients return to work and resume most normal activities in one to two days. Five to six brief follow-up visits during the first post-operative year are important to ensure proper healing and visual improvement.

 

RISKS AND BENEFITS

As with any surgery, there are risks involved. Fewer than 2-3% of all LVC patients experience any unpleasant, long-term side effects. Some of these effects include under- or over-correction, glare, infection, or problems with vision at night. Undesirable side effects of any type are extremely rare, but can occur for anyone. Discuss these considerations with your eyecare provider prior to deciding if LVC is right for you. In the unlikely event that you do experience any of these effects after the procedure, your optometrist and surgeon can recommend ways to help decrease the effects.

 

AM I A CANDIDATE?

As individuals, we are all unique. To get personalized information specific to your eyes and prescription, a thorough examination is necessary. A competent LVC- trained doctor will not "sell" you on LVC, but will educate you on all of your option and help you come to your own decision. Discussion with your eyecare provider, and attending educational seminars are the first steps. The laser is capable of correcting approximately 90% of all prescriptions. Some extremely nearsighted or farsighted patients may not be good candidates for the procedure. Certain systemic disease such as severe arthritis, lupus, or uncontrolled diabetes can adversely affect proper healing and preclude your candidacy for LVC.

 

With the tremendous popularity and success of laser vision correction, chances are you know someone who's had the procedure. In 1999, nearly 950,000 LVC procedures were performed, and over 1.4 million procedures are estimated for 2000. Working closely with laser vision correction patients has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my profession. It is fascinating and exciting for both the patients and me. This is particularly true at the one day post-operative visit when the patient's vision is 20/20, and only one day prior they could not see "the big-E" on the eye-chart without glasses. Of course not every patient sees 20/20 on the first day after surgery, but the results are still dramatic enough to generate a great deal of enthusiasm on the part of the patient. In researching LVC, carefully consider the experience and training of the doctors you choose to work with, and your motivation for selecting LVC as an alternative to eyeglasses or contact lenses.

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