Medical Ophthalmology » Farsightedness http://www.soe2007.org Mon, 19 Dec 2011 10:45:30 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3 How Laser Eye Surgery Works – Lasik and Photorefractive Eye Surgery http://www.soe2007.org/how-laser-eye-surgery-works-%e2%80%93-lasik-and-photorefractive-eye-surgery http://www.soe2007.org/how-laser-eye-surgery-works-%e2%80%93-lasik-and-photorefractive-eye-surgery#comments Fri, 29 Jan 2010 20:48:34 +0000 admin http://www.soe2007.org/how-laser-eye-surgery-works-%e2%80%93-lasik-and-photorefractive-eye-surgery People with eye-related problems are becoming more and more interested in laser eye surgery and its benefits because this is known to be the most exciting ophthalmologic procedure.

To be more precise, this is a refractive eye surgery that can correct all types of refractive errors such as: astigmatism (distorted vision), myopia (nearsightedness) and hyperopia (farsightedness).

Even if the medicine offers various types of surgical techniques for correcting refractive errors, the laser eye surgery was labelled by the American Academy of Ophthalmology the most technically advanced and precise one.

The excimer laser was the first laser ever approved for eye surgery and it’s used to correct myopia. Now, this laser is used in two different procedures: Laser in situ Keratomileusis (LASIK) and Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK).

Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK)

The surgeon maps and measures the patient’s eye before the procedure in order to analyse the problem. Then, he uses a few local anesthetic eye drops and reshapes the cornea eliminating tiny amounts of tissue from the outer surface.

Next, the doctor uses an ultra violet beam of light and cuts notches the size of human hair. Each pulse of light can remove a 39 millionth of an inch of cornel tissue in only 12 billionths of a second.

According to same studies, only 5% of the patients still use permanent glasses after the surgery while 15% need visual aids only when driving.

Laser in situ Keratomileusis (LASIK)

The LASIK procedure is more complicated than PRK but it’s a solution for solving all types of myopia.

The surgeon uses the Microkeratome to cut a corneal tissue flap in order to replace it. Everything depends on the doctor because with LASIK he has to make a very precise incision.

The patient only feels a little discomfort and sometimes an irritation but those won’t last too long. In most cases, the patients returned to their normal life in only two or three days.

With LASIK there can be only one side effect and that is occasional glare at night.

Anyway, everyone should know that even if the results are said to be permanent, the age can influence the final results and in some cases the doctor may even suggested re-surgery.




By: Ricky Lim

]]> http://www.soe2007.org/how-laser-eye-surgery-works-%e2%80%93-lasik-and-photorefractive-eye-surgery/feed 0 Throw Away Those Glasses: Go For Laser Eye Surgery http://www.soe2007.org/throw-away-those-glasses-go-for-laser-eye-surgery http://www.soe2007.org/throw-away-those-glasses-go-for-laser-eye-surgery#comments Sat, 16 Jan 2010 22:36:33 +0000 admin http://www.soe2007.org/throw-away-those-glasses-go-for-laser-eye-surgery For Julie, my best friend, world meant black without her spectacles. The poor myopic girl became the butt of social ridicules because of these thick glasses of hers. At twenty five she used to look like forty years old because of her glasses. Yes, she tried contact lenses once, but she wasn’t comfortable with them and the glasses were the only bridge between her and the world, until the summer of 2000, when she underwent laser eye surgery. Since then everything has changed for her. In her own words surgery brought her freedom; freedom to see the world with her own eyes without any kind of dependence.

Julie is not alone in her experience. There are thousands all across the USA, who are taking to Laser Eye Surgery, the most exciting advancement in ophthalmology. The traditional corrective measures for problematic eye sight involve using spectacles or contact lenses. But in recent years laser surgery seems to replace these traditional devices of correcting eye sight problem.

But what is laser eye surgery?

Laser eye surgery is a surgical procedure intended to correct common vision disorders, referred to as refractive disorders in ophthalmology which include myopia or nearsightedness, hyperopia or farsightedness and also astigmatism or distorted vision.

In this surgery, the laser is aimed at the cornea, which is the outer and clear round structure covering the iris, the colored part of the eye and the pupil. The surgery intends to gently reshape the cornea by changing the thickness of the tissues of cornea. No matter whether you are far sighted or near sighted, the surgery will help your eyes bring the images into proper focus.

Can you opt for different types of laser surgery?

Yes of course you can. Currently there are mainly three types of laser eye surgeries, which you can choose from depending on the type of your eye problem and your budget.

So far LASIK is the most popular type of eye laser surgery that uses the most advanced technological equipment. This is a procedure, which involves carving out of a thin layer of cornea to create a flap. The objective of this procedure is to direct the laser to the tissues lying underneath. The flap which is replaced grows back naturally. And you get an improved vision almost instantly.

The next option is EPIFLAP or LASEK surgery. In this process, the outer layer of cells on the eye is partially removed to expose the cornea. Then laser is applied to flatten or reshape the cornea and the outer cells are pushed back. Just a matter of few days and you get impeccable vision.

The last and oldest option is PRK, which is performed on an outpatient basis with local anaesthesia. In this refractive surgery, laser is applied to remove microscopic amounts of tissue from the outer surface to reshape cornea.

Is it safe?

The laser eye surgery is a surgical procedure, approved by The US Food and Drug Administration. So you can understand there can be no question regarding its safety. But of course there are certain differences of opinion relating to its result, because the procedure is relatively new and long term effects of this surgery are still unknown.

If you are still doubtful, let me share with you a piece of information: according to a certain estimate, more than one million Americans every year undergo laser eye surgery to get rid of their glasses and contact lenses and the number is still increasing. A more valid proof of its growing popularity is the diminishing cost of the procedure.

Find more info at http://www.laser-eye-advice.info




By: Lucy Bartlett

]]> http://www.soe2007.org/throw-away-those-glasses-go-for-laser-eye-surgery/feed 0 Lasik Surgery – Seeing The World Like You Once Did http://www.soe2007.org/lasik-surgery-seeing-the-world-like-you-once-did http://www.soe2007.org/lasik-surgery-seeing-the-world-like-you-once-did#comments Fri, 15 Jan 2010 02:24:17 +0000 admin http://www.soe2007.org/lasik-surgery-seeing-the-world-like-you-once-did More and more people with vision problems are turning to LASIK to correct their vision. LASIK, which stands for Laser In Situ Keratomileusis is generally a safe, reliable and painless way to improve vision without the need for glasses or contact lenses. Thanks to new advances in laser technology, LASIK is the most commonly performed refractive surgery procedure that is used to correct refractive errors in the eye, such as moderate to high degrees of myopia or nearsightedness, hyperopia or farsightedness, and astigmatism or distorted vision.

LASIK helps change the shape of the cornea with the use of excimer laser. The knife that is used in the operation to remove a flap in the cornea is called microkeratome. There are several techniques that are employed to reshape the cornea. After the laser has reshaped the cornea, the flap is repositioned over the treatment area by the surgeon.

There are several advantages to this procedure: LASIK is considered as one of the greatest ophthalmologic breakthroughs in recent times. Many eye surgeons believe that even the most complicated refractive errors can be treated with the help of LASIK. This is a relatively simple procedure that allows a patient to go home right away after the operation and ensures a renewed vision within a week.

LASIK is an almost painless procedure with the use of anesthesia to the eye and the cornea. A very small number of patients have complained of little discomfort during surgery, much like a “scratchy feeling.” After the effect of anesthetic wears off, there is a varying degree of discomfort among the patients. But even if there is any irritation, it is usually minor and does not last beyond a few hours. However your eyes may be very sensitive to light for a few days. As LASIK is a relatively simple procedure, it can be performed at the clinic, instead of at a hospital. Most laser treatments do not take more than 15 to 40 seconds, depending on the degree of correction required. Recovery time is also minimal, and most patients are able to go back home after 30 minutes. Within 3 to 5 days following LASIK treatment, you will notice a dramatic improvement in your vision. LASIK treatment of your vision is more or less permanent. With age however some degree of re-treatment may become necessary.

Thus LASIK is a safe way of correcting your vision. So take advantage of this advancement in ophthalmology and start seeing the world like you once did with your new vision.




By: Susan Jan

]]> http://www.soe2007.org/lasik-surgery-seeing-the-world-like-you-once-did/feed 0 What is Refractive Eye Surgery? http://www.soe2007.org/what-is-refractive-eye-surgery-2 http://www.soe2007.org/what-is-refractive-eye-surgery-2#comments Sun, 27 Dec 2009 20:31:10 +0000 admin http://www.soe2007.org/?p=242 Any surgery that is used to improve the refractive state of the eye and decrease the need for glasses and contact lenses is referred to as refractive eye surgery. Refractive eye surgery is most often used to treat the common vision disorders myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness) and astigmatism. There are many determining factors in choosing which refractive procedure is best for your vision needs:

• Age
• Type of refractive error
• Degree of refractive error
• Concern for reversibility

Types of Refractive Eye Surgery

The most popular types of refractive eye surgery are:

• Radial Keratotomy (RK)
• Photoreactive Keratectomy (PRK)
• LASIK (Laser-assisted in situ Keratomileusis
• LASEK
• Epi-LASIK
• Bladeless LASIK
• Wavefront LASIK
• Wavefront PRK

Unfortunately, not everyone is a good candidate for refractive eye surgery. What is Ophthalmology?

Ophthalmologists are specially trained to provide the full spectrum of eye care from prescribing eyeglasses and contact lenses to complex eye surgery. Many eye doctors are also involved in research of the eye and its conditions and diseases. • Ophthalmic Plastic Surgery: This specialty includes orbital surgery, eyelid and upper facial reconstructive procedures following trauma, tumors and cosmetic lid surgery. • Vitreoretinal Diseases: This involves both the medical and surgical treatment of retinal and vitreoretinal disease (retina and vitreous diseases).

]]> http://www.soe2007.org/what-is-refractive-eye-surgery-2/feed 0 Am I a Good Candidate for Lasik? http://www.soe2007.org/am-i-a-good-candidate-for-lasik http://www.soe2007.org/am-i-a-good-candidate-for-lasik#comments Sun, 20 Dec 2009 19:42:52 +0000 admin http://www.soe2007.org/am-i-a-good-candidate-for-lasik  

If you’re considering LASIK vision correction surgery, you may be surprised to know that your eye surgeon’s most important consideration is your overall eye health. Individuals with current or previous eye conditions or certain autoimmune disorders may not qualify for LASIK. That’s why it’s so important to begin your LASIK journey with a comprehensive eye examination and a frank discussion about your medical and vision history.

The best candidates for LASIK meet these criteria:

· Mild to moderate nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism

· A stable corrective lens prescription for the past 12 months

· Sufficient thickness of the cornea

· Good overall health condition

· 18 years of age or older

· Not currently pregnant or nursing

· Grounded, realistic expectations of surgical outcome

· Solid understanding of possible risks and complications





General Risks and Complications

Studies show that satisfaction rates for LASIK surgery are high. 98% of LASIK patients report excellent vision 12 months after surgery. But LASIK is surgery and, as with all surgery, LASIK carries some risks, including:

· Glare, halos, or double vision, worse at night or in low light

· Under- or over-correction

· Severe dry eyes. Surgery may temporarily or permanently reduce tear production, causing discomfort and reduced quality of vision

· Individuals with large pupils or thin corneas do not have good results

· You may still require glasses, reading glasses or contacts, regardless of the best surgical outcome



Understanding Monovision

Monovision treats presbyopia, correcting one eye for distance vision and the other eye for near vision. Some individuals cannot tolerate monovision and others do quite well. Most patients undergoing monovision still need to wear glasses or contacts when driving or reading small print to help both eyes see equally.

Presbyopia is an age related condition that continues to worsen despite LASIK surgery.

Choosing the Right Physician



The eye surgeon you choose to perform your LASIK procedure should be a board certified ophthalmologist with the training and experience in performing the LASIK procedure of your choice. Dr. Murad Sunalp is an international surgical vision expert board certified in ophthalmology and refractive surgery from the University of Southern California, Dr. Sunalp’s private practice began in 1985, and he has performed thousands of LASIK procedures for the residents of Tulare, CA and the surrounding areas, using the most advanced laser vision correction techniques and equipment.






By: Patricia Woloch

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