Conductive Keratoplasty (CK)

CK (Conductive Keratoplasty) is the latest refractive surgery procedure approved by the FDA for hyperopic patients. CK is a remarkable alternative for people over 40 who have enjoyed good vision all of their lives and have now developed reading problems as a result of the natural aging process. This innovative new procedure uses radio frequency (RF) energy instead of a laser to reshape the contours of your eye. By changing the way your cornea (the clear front surface of your eye) directs light to the rest of your eye, CK effectively reduces the need for reading glasses.

CK is an effective, minimally invasive procedure for patients with low to moderate hyperopia (0.75 to 3.0 diopters). It takes only a few minutes to perform. With this procedure, there is no cutting or removing of tissue. Because the surgeon does not create a corneal flap, patients are less likely to develop common LASIK associated complications such as epithelial trauma and dry eye.

How Progressive Lenses Work?

Progressive lenses sometimes referred to as "no-line bifocals," not only provide visual correction for distances that traditional bifocals can't, but they also hide the fact that you even need reading glasses. No one else has to know whether you're sporting a pair of glasses just for fashion — or because your arms have "grown too Pshort" to allow you to see up close.
Progressive lenses are the closest to how natural vision is (before the onset of presbyopia) that you can get in a pair of eyeglasses. They are more than just a defined near and distance correction in one lens. Rather, progressives provide a smooth transition from distance through intermediate to near, with all the in-between corrections included as well. This constant graduation of the prescription means that you can look up to see in the distance, look ahead to view things such as the computer in the intermediate zone, and drop your gaze downward to read and do fine work comfortably close up.
You get the best vision through the lens when looking directly at the object of focus. There is a "corridor" of optimum vision that runs vertically down each lens. Your eye care practitioner will measure both eyes in relation to the position of the frame in order to place the corridor in just the right location for you. So you'll get the best vision when you point your nose directly at whatever you want to see.

If You Got Something In Your Eye!

When a particle of dust or other foreign object gets stuck in your eye, don't rub your eye, advises the British Columbia Ministry of Health. This could scratch the cornea.

Here's what you should do:

1.If you wear contact lenses, take them out before trying to remove the object.

2.If the particle is over the dark center or colored part of your eye, try gently flushing it out with water. If it doesn't come out, put on dark glasses and get medical help.

3.If the object is on the white part of your eye or inside the lower lid, use a moistened tissue to gently remove it.

4.If it is stuck or embedded in the eyeball, cover your eye lightly with a clean dressing and get immediate medical help.

The Do’s & Don’ts for Contact Lenses Wearers

Contact lenses are a common staple for many Americans, but there are many do's and don'ts to successful contact wear, the American Optometric Association says.

Here's a list of do's for contact users:

1.Practice the instructions given by your optometrist.

2.Follow lens care and wearing instructions.

3.Wash hands before handling contacts.

4.Handle contacts over a clean towel.

5.Store the contacts in the case provided and keep the case clean.

6.Here's a list of don'ts:

7.Don't use cream soaps, as the film will affect contacts.

8.Don't contaminate the lenses with bacteria from saliva.

9.Don't use homemade saline solutions.

Your Choices when It Comes to Contacts.

Whether you're wearing contact lenses for the first time or you're a current wearer seeking a new option, the choices have never been so diverse and plentiful.
The technology and designs available will make you're contact lenses wearing experience a comfortable and convenient one. Some of the wonderful contact lens types include; disposable contact lenses, colored contact lenses, rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses, toric and bifocal lenses and extended wear lenses.
The first step for anyone wanting to wear contact lenses is a visit to an eye care practitioner, even if you just want to change eye color. Ophthalmologists, optometrists and in some states opticians are considered to be eye care practitioners and can write a valid contact lenses prescription. In the United States contact lenses can only be legally purchased with a written contact lens prescription.

Benefits of Wearing Contacts: There are many benefits to wearing contact lenses. Contact lenses are so delicately designed that the wearer doesn't even know they are there. Contact lenses eliminate the barriers that eyeglasses provide with the line of sight from above, below and the sides of the eyes, allowing for incredible peripheral vision while reducing and often eliminating image distortion often caused by eyeglasses.

Disposable Contacts: Disposable contacts are the most common type of discount contact lenses. They offer both health and convenience benefits, and are a favorite among eye care practitioners and consumers alike, because of the wonderful health benefits and convenience they offer. Disposable lenses designs should be worn for a certain amount of time, thrown out and replaced with a fresh pair of lenses. There are three main types of disposable contact lenses; disposable contact lenses which can be discarded and replaced every two weeks or sooner (some are daily); the traditional or reusable contact lenses that are replaced approximately every six months or longer and the frequent replacement contacts which are replaced monthly or quarterly. There can be confusion between what is known as the replacement schedule and the wearing schedule. The replacement schedule is the difference between disposable, traditional or reusable and frequent lenses, and exactly how often they are discarded and replaced. Whereas the wearing schedule refers to how often you're contact lenses are removed but not necessarily discarded. Usually the name of the contacts such as daily wear or extended wear will refer to how often the lenses should be removed.

Color Contact Lenses: Color contact lenses are a great way to either give yourself a subtle or dramatic change to your look. The color contact lenses are available in both prescription and Plano (non prescription) form. There are four types of colored contact lenses; visibility tints, enhancement tints, opaque color tints and light-filtering tints. The visibility tints usually come with a green or light blue tint added to the lens, and this is primarily so you can see well during insertion and removal or if the contact lenses are dropped. The visibility tints do not affect eye color. Enhancement tints are a solid (yet translucent) tint that also does not affect eye color. What they do as the name implies is enhance the existing eye color of the wearer.
Color tints are the deeper, opaque tints that dramatically change the wearer’s eye color. These lenses are great for anyone wanting a dramatic change in their eye color and appearance. The color contacts are available in a wide variety of colors, including green, hazel, violet, blue, amethyst and gray. Lastly the light-filtering tints are a great option for sports enthusiasts. These special contact lenses are designed for specific sports use as they enhance certain colors. One color of the light-filtering tints is the optic yellow, because this is the color of tennis balls and some golf and softballs the lenses enhance the yellow while muting other colors, making the ball stand out against the background.

Rigid Gas Permeable Lenses: Rigid gas permeable lenses (RGP) are probably the highest quality lenses available today. They offer excellent quality of vision (some will say crisper vision), durability, and retain their shape better when blinking. The lenses allow for oxygen to reach your eye therefore creating more comfort and better eye health. The lenses have a more lengthy adjustment period than the soft lenses and must be worn everyday to maintain the comfort level; otherwise if not worn everyday it will take time to adjust to again.

Bifocal and Toric Lenses: A comfortable and convenient way to correct presbyopia (aging eyes) is with bifocal contact lenses. These contact lenses can replace the bifocal eyeglasses that we are used to seeing on people. The bifocal contacts are available in both soft and rigid gas permeable lenses, and in disposable or frequent replacement wear. Toric contact lenses treat the eye condition known as astigmatism (irregularly shaped cornea). The toric contact lenses have only become available recently in soft contact options. The lenses are available in disposable, frequent replacement, multifocal and color varieties of lenses.

Extended Wear Lenses: Extended wear contact lenses are the most convenient of all the contact lenses. Extended wear allows for overnight wear up to thirty days. Most of the extended wear contact lenses available can be worn without removal for up to seven days, there are only a couple of brands that can be worn for up to thirty days of continuous wear. There is a higher health risk compared with the nightly removal lenses. The nice thing about the extended wear lenses is you don't have to worry about lens care, you must be sure however to discard and replace your lenses according to their wear schedule to avoid any risk of infection. A nice option in the extended wear lenses is the flexible wear lenses. This allows you to nap or occasionally sleep in your lenses, perhaps on a weekend trip, while only wearing the lenses on a daily wear basis.

Conclusion Everyone's individual needs and preferences will come into play when selecting their contact lenses. With the wonderful assortment of contact lenses available there is a lens that will offer both comfort and convenience to the most particular of consumers.

Lasik Eye Surgery Information.

WHAT IS LASIK?

LASIK is a refractive surgery procedure that reshapes the cornea of the eye, producing clearer vision and reducing an individual’s need for glasses or contact lenses. Short for Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis, LASIK eye surgery is used to correct myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. These refractive errors hinder the focusing power of the eye, resulting in blurred vision. LASIK eye surgery is a customized treatment that resculpts the cornea, removing an exact amount of tissue to improve a patient’s visual acuity.
Recent advances in LASIK surgery include using new wavefront-guided technology in the Custom LASIK system. Custom LASIK provides for even more personalized LASIK results, as both higher and lower order aberrations can be corrected.

THE LASIK PROCEDURE

LASIK surgery is an outpatient procedure performed by an ophthalmologist to reshape the cornea. The procedure begins with the surgeon creating a hinged flap on the outer portion of eye, exposing the underlying cornea. Traditionally, the corneal flap is cut with a microkeratome, an oscillating blade guided by the surgeon.
This portion of LASIK can discourage some patients from undergoing the vision correction treatment. However, recent developments in LASIK surgery offer a safer method of creating the flap. The introduction of the Intralase® laser allows the LASIK surgeon to use a computer-guided beam of light to create the flap. Many patients who feel apprehensive about undergoing surgery prefer the bladeless method of LASIK.
After the flap is created, the cornea is sculpted with a laser to improve the eye’s focusing ability. Once the precise amount of corneal tissue has been removed, the flap is replaced. No stitches are required as the flap will heal naturally.
LASIK eye surgery generally takes less than 15 minutes to perform, and patients experience improved vision immediately. However, it can take up to six months for optimal visual acuity to stabilize. Learn more about LASIK vision correction surgery, or find out if you are a LASIK candidate.

LASIK RISKS AND BENEFITS

It is important for patients to be aware of important LASIK eye surgery information, such as the complications and benefits associated with the procedure.
As with any surgery, there are risks when undergoing LASIK eye surgery. There is a possibility that you could be under-treated or over-treated, requiring additional treatment or the need for glasses or contacts after surgery. In addition, side effects of LASIK can include dry eye, glare, or halos with night vision, and in rare cases, permanent vision loss.
However, in the majority of cases, LASIK eye surgery produces excellent results in patients. Many individuals who undergo the LASIK procedure experience 20/20 vision or better and eliminate their need for contact lenses or glasses. This freedom allows patients to swim, play sports, enjoy a day at the beach, and participate in a range of other activities, with no restrictions. The procedure is considered both safe and effective, with more than a million people undergoing LASIK eye surgery each year. Get more information about the risks and benefits of LASIK.

FIND A LASIK SURGEON FOR MORE INFORMATION

This LASIK information is intended to provide a brief overview of the procedure. Contact a qualified ophthalmologist for more LASIK eye surgery information specific to your case, or to learn about other laser vision correction treatments that may be right for you. Since LASIK is surgery, it is important that you choose your LASIK surgeon with care. Extensive research and visits to several LASIK surgeons are recommended.

The Cataract Information.

People don't generally worry about cataracts until they develop them. But in truth, cataracts are serious business. Ignoring care against such could result in the loss of vision. In the United States, cataract operations are among the most common surgeries performed with over 1.5 million performed every year.
A cataract is any opacity which develops in the crystalline lens of the eye or in its envelope. This impairs sight by blocking the light that goes through them. They may be hard to spot since they are painless and are unaccompanied by inflammation.
Cataracts form for a variety of reasons like long term ultraviolet exposure, secondary effects of diseases such as diabetes, or simply due to advanced age. Cataracts are usually a result of the denaturation of lens proteins.
Genetic factors are often a cause of congenital cataracts and may also play a role in predisposing someone to cataracts. People over 70 often have some cataract formation. Fully half of all people between the ages of 65 and 74 and about 70% of those over 75 have some cataract formation.
This type of cataract is called senile cataract. This is the most common type of cataract around.
Cataracts can also be caused by eye injury or physical trauma. Physical trauma may puncture the lens capsule. Subsequently, the lens become opaque and light cannot pass through the lens anymore.
In the early days cataracts were removed through a technique called couching. Couching involves using a thin needle or stick to remove the clouding in the lens.
Couching was practiced during the Roman times and, surprisingly enough, is still used in some of the underprivileged countries in the world today.
Fortunately, with the advent of modern medicine, better and more effective methods are now employed.
The most common and effective treatment for cataracts is surgery to remove the cloudy lens. Two types of surgery to remove cataracts exist, extra-capsular and intra-capsular surgery. Extra-capsular surgery removes the lens, but leaves the majority of the lens capsule intact.
Intra-capsular surgery removes the entire lens of the eye along with the lens capsule. This, however, is rarely performed in today's medical practice.
The lens is then replaced with a plastic lens which remains permanently in the eye. Such an implant may be the best treatment for senile cataracts.
Operation for such is not that risky. The operation is performed under a local anesthetic. The patient is usually discharged later the same day. Most patients report an increase in the quality in their vision after operations.
However, early diagnosis is crucial in treating cataracts. If not caught early, cataracts may advance to a stage where even surgery might not be a satisfactory type of treatment.
Doctors assess cataract cases and suggest surgery only when the cataract has reached a stage where it is said to be ripe, or mature. This is when the fluid of the lens is absorbed and the lens is separated from the lens capsule.
There are, however, alternatives to operation. Some doctors recommend the use of special eyeglasses or contact lens. Surgery however, is the last resort, and the only resort available to those suffering from senile cataracts.
Proper eye care is often neglected by most people. But contrary to this line of thinking, the eyes are a very precious and delicate organ. Proper care for such will reap rewards especially as one ages.

How is it treated?

Treatment for glaucoma focuses on preserving eyesight by slowing the damage to the nerve in the back of the eye (optic nerve). Most treatment aims to prevent further damage to the optic nerve by lowering the pressure in the eyes (intraocular pressure, or IOP).
Glaucoma is usually treated with medications such as eye drops. Laser treatment or surgery is often needed.

How is glaucoma diagnosed?

Your health professional will take a medical history and do a physical exam. If glaucoma is suspected, you usually will be referred to an eye specialist (ophthalmologist) for further testing and treatment. The initial evaluation by a specialist may require up to 3 visits

What causes glaucoma?

Damage to the optic nerve is thought to be caused by increased pressure in the eye (intraocular pressure, or IOP). This may result from excess fluid, called aqueous humor, building up in the eye because the eye produces too much or drains too little of the fluid. However, many cases of glaucoma develop without increased IOP. In these cases, decreased blood flow to the optic nerve may cause the damage.
Glaucoma may develop after an eye injury, after eye surgery, from the growth of an eye tumor, or as a complication of a medical condition such as diabetes. Certain medications (corticosteroids) may cause glaucoma when they are used to treat eye inflammation or other diseases. Glaucoma that develops as a result of another condition is called secondary glaucom

What is glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases in which damage to the nerve located in the back of the eye (optic nerve) results in loss of eyesight. At first, side (peripheral) vision is lost. If glaucoma is not treated, vision loss may continue, leading to total blindness over time.
There are three basic types of glaucoma.
Open-angle glaucoma (OAG) is the most common form of glaucoma in the United States. In open-angle glaucoma, the optic nerve is slowly damaged, usually causing gradual loss of vision. Both eyes can be affected at the same time, although one may be affected more than the other. Sometimes much of your eyesight can be affected before you notice a change.
Closed-angle glaucoma (CAG) is less common, accounting for about 10% of all glaucoma cases in the United States. In closed-angle glaucoma, the colored part of the eye (iris) and the lens block the movement of fluid between the chambers of the eye, causing pressure to build up and the iris to press on the drainage system (trabecular meshwork) of the eye. (See an illustration of the iris and lens.) It may cause sudden blurred vision with pain and redness, usually in one eye first; symptoms may also include nausea and vomiting. A related type, acute closed-angle glaucoma, is often an emergency situation and needs immediate medical care to prevent permanent damage to the eye.
Congenital glaucoma is a rare form of glaucoma that is present in some infants at birth. Glaucoma that develops during the first few years of life is called infantile glaucoma. Infants with congenital or infantile glaucoma usually have cloudy eyes that are sensitive to light and have excessive tearing. Symptoms may not develop until 6 months to 1 year after birth. If the problem is not detected early and treated, the child may have severe vision loss and may go blind. People between the age of 3 years and young adulthood can develop a similar type of glaucoma called juvenile glaucoma.

How often should you get an Exam?

For Glasses: I personnaly recommend getting an examination done every 24 months in you are fairly healthy. (most insurence companies only cover you for an exams every 24 months). If you have health problems such as Diabetes, Cancer then a yearly exams is a must.

For Contact Lenses: Contact Lenes patients are required to get an exam done every 12 months. However the eye care professional may change it up to a year depending on patient's wear schedule. If you order your contact lenses online, please refer to that provider.

Vision Screening or Regular Exam.

Vision screenings are general eye tests that are meant to help identify people who are at risk for vision problems. These are the brief vision tests performed by the school nurse, the pediatrician or screeners in the workplace.
The eye test that you take when you get your driver's license renewed is another example of a vision screening.
Comprehensive eye examination is performed by an eye doctor and will involve careful testing of all aspects of your vision. Based upon the results of your exam, the eye doctor will then recommend a treatment plan for your individual needs. Remember, only an eye doctor can provide a comprehensive eye exam — most family physicians and pediatricians are not fully trained to do this, and studies have shown that they can miss important vision problems that require treatment.

Why Are Eye Exams Important?

Regardless of your age or physical health, it is important for everyone to have regular eye exams.
When an eye doctor examines your eyes, he or she is doing more than checking to see if you need glasses. During a complete eye exam, your eye doctor will not only determine your prescription for glasses or contacts, but will also check your eyes for common eye diseases, assess how your eyes work together as a team and evaluate your eyes as an indicator of your overall health.
Eye examinations are an important part of health maintenance for everyone. Adults should have their eyes tested to keep their prescriptions current and to check for early signs of eye disease. For children, eye exams can play an important role in normal development.