Tag: LASIK

Laser Vision Correction

Karen Griffith 1 Comment

Clear View

Laser vision correction has been performed for more than twenty years. Procedures and lasers have improved to allow better results and correction for higher refractive errors. Wavefront technology was introduced fifteen years ago. The result was less glare and distortion after the procedure.
Laser vision correction works by removing corneal tissue to correct refractive error. For example, someone who is nearsighted or myopic typically has a longer eye and/or steeper cornea. The laser removes tissue to flatten the cornea and focus light accurately on the retina. In someone with astigmatism the tissue is removed to create corneal symmetry that will eliminate blur.
LASIK (laser in-situ keratomileusis) is the most common refractive laser procedure. It combines the accuracy of the Excimer laser with the quick-healing characteristics of Lamellar Keratoplasty. Lamellar keratoplasty is a procedure where a hinged flap of the cornea is created. The excimer laser is used to treat the underlying cornea. The hinged flap is set back in place where it securely bonds without stitches.
Who is a candidate for LASIK?
A good candidate for LASIK has a stable prescription, realistic expectations and thick enough corneas. The decision to have laser vision correction is important. Outcomes are very good, but complications do occur and 20/20 vision isn’t a guarantee. Ask about laser vision correction at your next visit with us.

2014 Eye Resolutions

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[big_heading centered=”no”]Your vision and eye health  are important every day of the year. Make changes now for a lifetime of good vision.[/big_heading]

Eat Smart. Diet and nutritional supplements go a long way in promoting eye health. Studies show a diet rich in fruits, leafy vegetables and omega-3 fatty acids may reduce your risk of eye problems like macular degeneration and dry eye syndrome.

Get Moving. Research has shown higher levels of physical exercise can reduce certain risk factors for glaucoma, as well as macular degeneration. iStock_000023582367Small
Quit smoking. Put simply, smoking harms your vision. Studies show smoking dramatically increases the likelihood of developing cataracts, macular degeneration,uveitis and diabetic retinopathy.
Wear Sunglasses. Protect your eyes from the sun (and make sure your kids do, too). Always wear sunglasses with UV protection when outdoors — no matter what time of year — to shield your eyes from UV rays. This may reduce your risk for cataracts and macular degeneration.
Start using safety eyewear for lawn-mowing, home repairs and other chores. Experts say 90 percent of eye injuries requiring a visit to the emergency room can be prevented with proper safety eyewear.

Properly Care for your Contact Lenses. Dirty contact lenses, even if they are not uncomfortable, can cause serious eye infections. Clean your contact lenses and contact lens case properly, and always replace your contacts as recommended.
Reduce Computer Eye Strain. Rest your eyes from computer work every 20 minutes to relieve computer vision syndrome and avoid dry, red eyes. Also, ask Dr. Griffith or Staton about stress-relieving computer glasses.
Improve Your Vision. If you’ve been putting up with contact lens discomfort, dry eyes, eye allergies or blurry vision, talk to us about changes you can make to improve or eliminate these problems.

Upgrade your contact lenses. Contact lenses come in a wide variety of materials, replacement schedules and wearing times — not to mention the array of color contact lenses and special effect contacts available. With the advancement in contact lens technology, there’s sure to be a type of contact lens that suits your individual requirements and lifestyle.

Improve Your Appearance. Upgrade your eyewear. Get with the times and refresh your look, as well as take advantage of the latest in lens and frame technologies. Try eyeglass lens coatings. Various lens coatings keep your field of view clear by reducing reflections, fogging and scratches. And eliminate glare during outdoor activities with polarized sunglasses. If you have a strong prescription, try high index eyeglass lenses. High index lenses provide the same optical power as regular ones, but are thinner and lighter.

Considering LASIK? If you’re tired of wearing glasses or contacts, ask your us if you are a good candidate for LASIK or other vision correction surgery.

Schedule an Eye Exam for everyone in your family. Kids and seniors, especially, should have comprehensive annual eye exams to monitor vision changes. Also, have your family doctor screen you for diabetes and hypertension — if left untreated, these diseases can lead to serious eye problems. (707)762-8643.

Is LASIK Right for Me?

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I discuss LASIK with several patients each week and realize I have never written about it. LASIK is a refractive procedure that quickly, painlessly and permanently changes the corneal topography (shape of the front of the eye) to correct a person’s vision. Many people are candidates for the procedure, but some are “better” candidates than others. My strongest recommendation goes to people with astigmatism. This refractive condition is usually caused by the shape of the cornea and often makes contact lens use challenging or impossible. My second favorite candidate for LASIK are people with myopia or  nearsightedness. I do want to qualify this because some myopes are not great candidates. Someone who reads and works at the computer comfortably without glasses or contact lenses will require more education about future vision changes and glasses. The other end of the myopic spectrum are people who are really really nearsighted and too much corneal tissue would have to be removed to be safe. Otherwise most nearsighted people are very good candidates and enjoy the results.

Other important criteria include stable vision. LASIK will not prevent  the prescription from changing. I like to see no changes in the distance vision for at least 12 months, preferably 2 years. If the vision is going to change, it will, with or without the refractive procedure. If you have the procedure, you can expect good vision without glasses for a very longtime.

The actual laser procedure takes 2 minutes or less per eye. Many precise measurements are taken before the procedure. Proper alignment with the laser is made in all axes. A super thin flap of cornea is created with the Intralase Method which uses tiny, ultra-precise pulses of light. It is laid back while the surgeon lasers the tissue underneath it to correct the refractive error. The flap is carefully replaced and smoothed into place. And that is the extent of the actual LASIK. The rest is healing and post-operative care. Some lifestyle modifications are required initially, but most people are surprised how much they can do and see right after surgery.

If you have any questions or comments about refractive surgery, please leave a comment or call the office (707)762-8643.