Medical Ophthalmology » Myopia 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 Laser Vision Correction Surgery http://www.soe2007.org/laser-vision-correction-surgery http://www.soe2007.org/laser-vision-correction-surgery#comments Thu, 21 Jan 2010 14:07:32 +0000 admin http://www.soe2007.org/?p=269 If you are considering Laser vision correction surgery or Lasik you should find a good, reputable surgeon. They will examine your eyes to determine if you need the surgery and how much laser ablation would be required.

Laser vision surgery is done on an outpatient basis meaning you will be in and out of the hospital or clinic the same day. A computer is used to adjust the laser and you will be instructed to gaze at a target. The laser will then reshape your cornea and you will not feel any pain. The procedure usually takes no more than 5 minutes but the results will last a lifetime.

As an alternative to wearing glasses or contact lenses, laser correction surgery is being chooses by many people now that did not have the option just a few years ago. Advances in laser technology are now helping people that have myopia and hyperopic.

Myopia or nearsightedness is when objects nearby are clear and faraway objects are blurry. Hyperopic is when objects nearby are blurry and far away objects are seen clearly. Astigmatism is when the objects are distorted due to an irregular shape of the eye. These conditions previously required glasses or contact lenses but now can be treated with laser vision correction surgery.

Everyone that wants this procedure done may not be good candidates for it. Laser vision correction surgery may not be available for people with certain diseases, both medical and ocular and patients with seriously high refractive errors that the laser cannot correct. Potential candidates also must be at least 18 years old.

There can be a potential for complications to occur in laser vision correction surgery as in all types of medical procedures. In correction surgery it would be either intraoperatively, while the procedure is being done, or postoperatively, during the healing phase. Part of the procedure of laser vision corrective surgery is the making of the flap by the microkeratome. They can be incomplete or irregular and usually can be corrected with a follow-up treatment.

Laser vision correction surgery is an important decision and can have benefits for those with vision problems. Choosing the right doctor and discussing your options are part of the process. If the procedure is right for your vision problems you may be able to put those glasses away for good.

]]> http://www.soe2007.org/laser-vision-correction-surgery/feed 0 Carter Sinclair News Alzheimer’s, Myopia And Diabetic Retinopathy Risk http://www.soe2007.org/carter-sinclair-news-alzheimers-myopia-and-diabetic-retinopathy-risk http://www.soe2007.org/carter-sinclair-news-alzheimers-myopia-and-diabetic-retinopathy-risk#comments Thu, 21 Jan 2010 06:51:49 +0000 admin http://www.soe2007.org/carter-sinclair-news-alzheimers-myopia-and-diabetic-retinopathy-risk Carter Sinclair News : Two studies are of particular note in the Scientific Program of the 2009 Joint Meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) and the Pan-American Association of Ophthalmology (PAAO): a report by Swiss neuro-ophthalmic researchers about vision exam clues that should make ophthalmologists suspect an atypical variant of Alzheimer’s disease; and new evidence from a Singapore National Eye Center study that diabetics who are nearsighted may be less susceptible to diabetic retinopathy.

The AAO-PAAO meeting is in session October 24 through 27 at the Moscone Center, San Francisco, CA. As the largest, most comprehensive ophthalmic education conference in the world, it offers United States and international Eye M.D.s more than 2,000 scientifically-based, peer-reviewed presentations, including instruction courses, skills transfer labs, “Breakfast with the Experts” roundtables and 900 research papers and posters.

Is it a Visual Problem or Alzheimer’s? New Data Helps Doctors Make the Diagnosis. Sometimes when a patient tells his ophthalmologist that he “can’t see,” what he really means is “I can see, but I can no longer read or write.” In a minority of Alzheimer’s patients the disease shows up first as problems with vision rather than memory or other cognitive functions. But diagnosis can be difficult because standard eye exams are often inconclusive for these patients. Neuro-ophthalmologists Pierre-Francois Kaeser, MD, and Francois-Xavier Borruat, MD, Jules Gonin Eye Hospital, Switzerland, examined and followed 10 patients with unexplained vision loss who were ultimately diagnosed with the visual variant of Alzheimer’s disease (VVAD). Their study describes clinical clues that may improve ophthalmologists’ ability to detect VVAD and refer patients for further tests. When patients receive neurological assessment, treatment and family counseling early in the disease, outcomes may be better for all concerned.

VVAD patients differ from typical Alzheimer’s patients in a number of ways. At the time they report visual problems, many are younger than those for whom memory loss is the tell-tale sign. In Dr. Kaeser’s study the median patient age was 65, and only 3 of 10 reported memory loss. In comprehensive neuro-ophthalmic exams even though most patients’ visual acuity was adequate, all but one had difficulty with reading, 8 of 10 with writing, and 6 of 10 with basic calculations. The visual field was altered in 8 of 10 patients. All had trouble identifying colored numbers despite being able to name colors correctly, and, importantly, 8 of 10 patients had difficulty recognizing and interpreting components of a complex image (simultagnosia). This is an early indicator of the brain damage that prevents later-stage Alzheimer’s patients from recognizing people they know and navigating familiar surroundings. MRI and PET scans revealed neurological changes consistent with VVAD in all study patients. Though VVAD patients’ first symptoms are visual, Alzheimer’s memory and personality impairments eventually occur in most

Does Nearsightedness Reduce the Risk of Diabetic Retinopathy? To learn more about factors that may reduce diabetic retinopathy (DR) risk, Laurence Shen Lim, MRCS, and colleagues at the Singapore National Eye Centre, studied how refractive error (vision worse than 20/20, without glasses) relates to the presence and severity of DR. Earlier, smaller studies had suggested a protective effect for nearsightedness (myopia), but were inconclusive. Dr. Lim’s study is the first to include axial length (AL, measured from the front to back of the eye) in an analysis of the myopia-DR relationship. About 10 percent of people with diabetes develop DR, which damages the eye’s retina, the specialized tissue where images are focused for relay to the brain’s visual cortex. DR is a major cause of vision loss worldwide.

Reduced risk of DR, especially severe DR, was found in patients whose myopia resulted from two anatomical characteristics: longer axial length and deeper anterior eye chamber (anterior chamber depth, ACD). The findings held true for all degrees of refractive error in these patients. The 675 diabetics evaluated by Dr. Lim’s team were drawn from the Singapore Malay Eye Study, a population based study of adults aged 40 to 80.

Source: Mary Wade, American Academy of Ophthalmology

Carter Sinclair Org is non-profit organization that helps monitor health status, inform and educate people about health issues. Research for new approach and modern solutions to health problems. For more information please visit www.cartersinclair.org.  Email at info@cartersinclair.org




By: Carter Sinclair

]]> http://www.soe2007.org/carter-sinclair-news-alzheimers-myopia-and-diabetic-retinopathy-risk/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

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