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Lasik Eye Surgery: Know before you go


LasikBefore undergoing any surgery one should always be sure and know exactly what their reasons are. There are reasons that are not good reasons to go under the knife. Although many people do not see Lasik eye surgery as a crucial procedure which one should do their homework, it is one very crucial procedure. Having bad vision is no joke one must wear corrective eyewear no matter where they may go and if one forgets their glasses or is in a hurry and can’t find their contacts they will definitely be uncomfortable all day long. Aside from being uncomfortable and struggling to see all day it is more than likely one will end up with a migraine.

Those who battle everyday with bad eyesight have the greatest reason to undergo surgery. There is several different Los Angeles vision Correction procedures one can choose from. The most common laser vision correction procedure as one may know is Lasik. Lasik eye surgery grows in popularity every year because of its track record. It is known to be the safest and fastest vision correction procedure out there. Although this information is true if one does not research their surgeon or if they truly are candidate for the procedure the outcome may not be a good one.

To be a candidate of Lasik one can have nearsightedness or farsightedness and a mild form of astigmatism. One must always share with their Lasik surgery there medical history. Patients with serious health problems and diabetes are not candidate for Laser vision Correction Los Angeles. There are examinations done to be certain but patients with these problems generally have a very thin cornea. This health problems puts them at high risks of having Lasik side effects. Side effects including; blurry vision, ghost vision, blindness and several other problems, one should speak to their Lasik surgeon about.

Finding the best Los Angeles Lasik surgeon is also crucial to the surgery. Patients who do experience bad side effects generally only experience them temporarily, and those who unfortunate have the side effects long term had their Lasik done by an inexperienced surgeon. Make sure to verify the surgeons credentials, experience, and where he studied. If possible find some past patients online you will be surprised what you hear. Picking the best surgeon also must mean that one feels comfortable and trust the surgeon for a job well done. Remember that one must follow their orders before and after surgery, and will be seeing this surgeon a lot so it is important.

Lasik : Common Lasik Questions


LasikLasik eye surgery is the most commonly performed laser eye surgery in America. Every year the number of people who desire Lasik eye surgery and the number of people who undergo the procedure increases in large numbers. Many people are aware of the procedure is out there and know what the goal of it but are not sure how the Lasik procedure is performed and have several questions which are common for prospective Lasik candidates.

The Lasik procedure beings with the creation of a hinged corneal flap. After the Los Angeles Lasik surgeon has set drops of anesthesia in the eye, he creates the flap on the outer surface of the eye to expose the underlying cornea. The cornea is then reshaped using an excimer laser and the flap is replaced. After the surgery some patients experience immediate improved vision, but the vision can take up to six months to stabilize.

Here are some of the common questions asked about Lasik eye surgery:

Is Lasik safe?
Lasik and all other laser vision correction Los Angeles procedures are safe provided that one is a good candidate for the surgery. Lasik eye surgery holds a success rate of about 95% for most experienced Lasik eye surgeons. One must always do their own research apart from what the surgeons says to identify if he or she is a good candidate. Remember that if one undergoes such procedure and is not a good candidate the risk of having bad side effects run high.

What are the risks associated with Lasik?
One’s Lasik surgeon Los Angeles should discuss the risk of Lasik eye surgery with the patient prior to the procedure andmay even give them a sheet with a list of side effects. The risks include:

  • Starburst
  • Difficulty with glare and night vision
  • Foreign body sensation
  • Ghost vision
  • Blurry vision

Most of these side effects are temporary and do past within a few days and sometimes weeks after surgery. Approximately one to two patients have permanent side effects.

Is Lasik eye surgery painful?
Because there is a very small amount of tissue involved in the procedure it is usually painless for most patients although some patients do complain of some discomfort. Other patients say it feels as if pressure is being applied to the eye; however it is not painful.

What Results should I expect from Lasik?
Although many surgeons say they can ensure 20/20 they cannot. Statistics show that every patient does not have applied 20/20. One should expect better vision and in most cases reduced or no dependencies on corrective eye wear.

Lasik Eye surgery Candidates


LasikThe most commonly performed laser vision correction surgery is Lasik. Lasik surgery is known to be very safe and highly effective for several refractive problems. During Lasik eye surgery the surgeon will reshape the cornea in a fast and painless procedure. The procedure generally takes no longer than fifteen minutes and is done with machinery. Some patients say claim they feel a bit uncomfortable because of the drops and tool to keep the eyes open, but no pain at all. The Lasik procedure reduces the patient’s dependency on corrective eye wear often leaving the patient with 20/20 or 20/40 vision. Although the Lasik procedure has great success rates it is conducted on a very delicate part of the eye where several things can go wrong especially if one is not a candidate.

A patient should always understand the importance of a thorough screening and maintain realistic expectations about their procedure. There are people who do not fit the required medical criteria to ensure that Lasik or another laser vision correction Los Angeles procedure can be performed with success. In some cases patients who are deemed as not being good candidates for Lasik due to the current technology may be able to have the surgery in the future, as technology makes significant advances and techniques are further perfected. Anyone interested in undergoing Lasik eye surgery must go through an examination where a Los Angeles eye surgeon will determine if he or she is a candidate for surgery; each candidate will fall into one of three categories. These categories are:

The ideal Lasik Candidate:

  • Eighteen years of age and has had a stable prescription for glasses or contacts for two or more years.
  • Must have sufficient corneal thickness. Lasik patients must have a cornea that is thick enough to allow the surgeon to safely create a clean corneal flap of appropriate depth.
  • Are affected by one of the most common refractive errors, nearsightedness, farsightedness, astig-matism or a combination of three. Many lasers are no approved by the U.S. food and drug administration as safe and effective for Lasik, but the scope of each laser’s approved indication and treatment range is limited to specified degrees or refractive error.
  • Does not suffer from any disease vision or non-vision related because it still may affect the effectiveness of the surgery or prevent the eyes from healing properly.
  • Are properly informed about the risks and reward of the surgery had realistic expectations and understanding.

The less than ideal Candidate:

  • History of dry eyes – The chances that the condition may worsen after surgery is too high.
  • Have scarring of the cornea
  • Under the age of eighteen
  • Being treated with medications such as steroids or other medications which may prevent the healing process from properly taking place.
  • Are pregnant or nursing
  • Have a refractive error to severe which make the cornea to thin and too risky to operate.
  • History of herpes
  • The Non- Lasik Candidate: There are conditions that may eliminate an individual from undergoing Lasik with the current technology to protect their eye sight from being further damaged.
  • Disease such as cataracts, advanced glaucoma, corneal diseases, corneal thinning disorders, and other types of disease that threaten the vision
  • Do not signed consent allowing the surgeon to perform Lasik. Patients must understand the risk and procedure in detail. Signed consent is required to perform the surgery and verify that the patient clearly understood.

Unrealistic expectations. Often times when patients have unrealistic expectations they are very disappointed although the Lasik doctor Los Angeles may have done an impeccable job.

laser eye surgery: The Price for Lasik Eye Surgery


laser eye surgeryLasik vision correction surgery is one of the most popular ways to treat to treat vision errors among many people especially those people who hate to struggle with glasses and or contacts. The cost of Lasik eye surgery however increases every as the surgery gains more popularity every year. When compared to other daily gadgets that help a person see clear in the moment the cost for Lasik is relatively high.

The cost of Lasik has several determining factors. The first thing that comes into play for Lasik cost is the cost is location. Individuals may find that Lasik varies from price not only in different states but also in different cities. If one chooses to have Lasik in a city such as Beverly Hills he or she should expect for the cost to be significantly higher than in several other areas of California. The second cost that comes into play is the cost of equipment, which greatly varies because there are several clinics with greatly advanced equipment that certainly cost more. Thirdly, surgeon fees always vary in price. Certified surgeons with large amounts of experience are going to cost a lot more than those starting out and those who are not qualified. Make sure to search for a Los Angeles eye surgeon who is qualified and experience, no matter what the cost is your eyes are worth it.

Although there are several factors that contribute to the cost of Lasik there is still a reasonable range for Lasik. Most Lasik Doctor Los Angeles charge about $2500 per eye, this is the average Lasik cost in 2010; however, this cost inflates yearly. This is generally expensive for most patients and because it is an elective procedure it is not covered by insurance. Lasik cost is most often financed or is worked out with the surgeon on a sort of payment plan that makes Lasik eyes surgery more affordable for patients. Although this surgery may sound costly to some its long term benefits keeps individuals interested in the procedure.

If one is interested in vision correction surgery he or she should consult with a Lasik eye surgeon such as Andrew caster, to find out if he or she is a Lasik candidate and learn more about the procedure. Lasik is one of the safest and simplest ways to regain ones in some cases completely, but some illness may disqualify an individual from obtaining the procedure. If one is in overall good condition and looking in to Lasik he or she should educate themselves on the procedure and all it entails.

Blindness Can Be Caused by Smoking


LasikDr. Andrew Caster would like to inform people about age-related macular degeneration. (AMD) Age related macular degeneration is one of the most common causes of blindness in adults in the United States, affecting more than 1.75 million Americans. While some risk factors for AMD, such as cardiovascular disease and hypertension, are well known, recent studies indicate that smoking appears to have a significant impact on an individual’s chances of developing the condition.
In an editorial, the BMJ (British Medical Journal) cited studies finding that greater than 25% of all cases of AMD with visual impairment or blindness can be attributed to current or past smoking exposure, making it the leading modifiable risk factor for the condition.The editorial considered multiple studies conducted worldwide that evaluated the correlation between smoking habits and the eventual development of AMD, which involves degradation and eventual loss of central vision.
Treatment of AMD remains limited. Identifying and eliminating or reducing risk factors is currently the primary mode of prevention.
The analysis focused on data collected from 12,468 patients in 3 cross-sectional studies that indicated current smokers were 3-4x more likely to develop AMD as were men and women who had never smoked. By comparison, smokers are 1.6x as likely to develop ischemic heart disease as nonsmokers — about half the risk or less of developing AMD – although the association between ischemic heart disease and smoking is much more recognized.
In three additional and separate studies of AMD in smokers and non-smokers in North America, Australia and Europe, smoking emerged as the strongest environmental risk factor for developing the condition. Studies also revealed that smokers developed AMD about a decade earlier than nonsmokers.
The good news: Smoking cessation appears to have a positive effect, decreasing the risk of developing AMD over time. Despite the clear evidence supporting the correlation between smoking and the risk of AMD, the researchers also noted that public awareness of the link is lacking and added that physicians and other health-care professionals are in a prime positions to educate patients about the very real vision-related risks of smoking and visual impairment.
Andrew Caster MD agrees that one should be aware of how other behaviors may harm the vision. Staying cautious and keeping healthy habits may benefits ones eyesight or better their chances of being a candidate for Lasik or other laser vision correction Beverly Hills Procedures.

Prenatal Factors May Be Crucial in Adult Vision


laser vision correction Los AngelesMany studies have shown that visual impairment can have far-reaching consequences on an individual’s employment, socioeconomic status and general health. Until recently, however, the effects of prenatal and childhood biological and sociologic factors on adult vision were poorly understood.
A recent study by Rahi et al from University College London, United Kingdom, investigated whether adult visual function is influenced by early life biological and social factors. The authors found that specific determinants can have a marked effect on the eventual manifestation of adult visual impairment. Those determinants include low birth weight, intrauterine growth retardation, maternal smoking during pregnancy and certain markers of socioeconomic deprivation in childhood.
The population-based study gathered data from 9330 individuals from the 1958 British birth cohort. This unique database contains health information regarding every person born in Britain within a single week in 1958. In this vision study, the authors selected participants for whom medical information was available from medical examinations conducted from birth to middle age.
Study participants were examined at age 44 or 45 years for near, distance and stereo visual acuity. Examination results indicated the following:
1.3% had visual deficits that prevented them from passing a driving test and were defined as having socially significant visual impairment.
0.9% of the study participants had severe visual impairment or blindness. Logistic regression and other methods were used to determine the relationships among vision functions, early-life influences, and health and social outcomes in middle age. The study’s authors said that the statistically significant results were repeated for all causes and levels of visual impairment.
Interestingly, the authors noted that the same early-life factors that appear to affect adult vision also correlate with other diseases and conditions, such as hypertension, as noted in other health studies. Because visual impairment can be devastating to an adult’s lifestyle and overall health, researchers said the findings are especially important and may lead to future studies to determine prevention strategies, as well as aid in early diagnosis of these conditions by better determining which young children might be at greatest risk. By identifying risk factors early, researchers hope to improve the eventual quality of life these individuals will experience when they reach adulthood.
In order to ensure that ones eyes are healthy He or she should see a leading Los Angeles Ophthalmologist, Dr. Andrew Caster runs a successful ophthalmology practice in Los Angeles. He is also a well known Los Angles Lasik Surgeon. If one is interested in the health of their eyes or needs more information about what laser vision correction Los Angeles procedures are available for ones condition please Andrew Caster MD.

Risk of Vision Loss in Aging Adults Is Greater Than Risk of Breast or Prostate Cancer


LasikSignificant visual impairment is a serious risk for older populations, with roughly 6.75% of adults ³60 years of age defined as being visually impaired or having best-corrected vision less that 20/40. As many as 1 in 3 men and women ³65 years of age will experience age-related vision loss. By comparison, the risks of the same age group’s developing prostate and breast cancer are about 1 in 6 and 1 in 9, respectively.
Multiple studies suggest the high risk of age-related vision conditions is due in part to a lack of proper screening and regular eye examinations. Because age-related eye diseases are often asymptomatic in their early stages and may progress slowly, an annual eye examination becomes a critical tool to detect and evaluate these conditions before they can cause loss of sight. Comorbidities, such as cognitive impairment, may also result in symptoms of vision loss being underreported by older adults. Additionally, many adults who wear corrective lenses wrongly believe regular examinations for visual acuity are sufficient when, in fact, to detect these eye diseases, a comprehensive examination is necessary.
Regular eye examinations can have an impact on more than eye health. Studies indicate that older individuals who are visually impaired are more likely to be in fair-to-poor health, with a significantly higher incidence of accidents, falls and hip fractures. Individuals with age-related vision loss also feel grief, anxiety, social isolation and depression more often that those without vision loss. These feelings can be exacerbated by a concomitant loss of mobility and an increased dependence on outside help to aid in the tasks of everyday living.
Because many age-related vision problems can be successfully treated or the progression of these diseases slowed when caught early, the American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends eye examinations for all adults ³65 years of age every 1 to 2 years.
To keep ones eyes healthy, one should schedule regular eye visits with an ophthalmologist such as Andrew Caster MD. Dr. Andrew Caster provides several services for the eyes and in one of the best Los Angeles Lasik surgeons. He has performed successful Lasik and many other vision correction procedures on many people including professional athletes.

Glaucoma and Refractive Surgery


Andrew Caster MD shares important information about patients at risk for developing glaucoma require special management when undergoing refractive surgery. Regular follow-up visits with an ophthalmologist can help ensure that these patients avoid potential complications later in life.
Diagnosing glaucoma requires an accurate measurement of an individual’s intraocular pressure (IOP). Dr. Andrew Caster believes when a patient undergoes refractive surgery, the thickness of the cornea is altered; as a result, the patient’s IOP may “read” lower than it actually is. While IOP is not the only factor used to diagnose glaucoma, an increase in IOP is arguably the most important risk factor indicating development and progression of glaucoma; an erroneous IOP reading – especially one that is artificially low — can cause a developing condition to be overlooked. Moreover, because treatment of glaucoma is aimed at reducing IOP, accurate measurement of pressure is essential for effective treatment of the disease.
Andrew Caster MD says, because refractive surgery can make it difficult for an ophthalmologist to set a target IOP for patients postoperatively, these patients must be followed closely, and additional tests must be used to monitor for changes in IOP. Although newer tonometers may prove more accurate in measuring IOP even in refractive patients, most ophthalmologists use other indicators to help determine if glaucoma is developing. These factors include changes in the optic disc, nerve fiber layer and visual fields. In addition, measuring the patient’s IOP prior to surgery and then again after the eye is stabilized may also be used as a new baseline.
Dr. Andrew caster says, patients undergoing refractive surgery should understand the possible changes that can result in an erroneously low IOP reading in future eye care visits. Also, they should be advised to let their ophthalmologist know during routine visits that they have undergone refractive surgery, so that the doctor may take extra precautions to carefully screen for the presence of glaucoma.

The Benefits of Lasik Eye Surgery


Lasik has an incredibly high success rate, and many more people opt to have Lasik every year. Even in this bad economy the price of Lasik goes up more every year. Some people may fear having a surgeon poke and proud in ones eyes but the fact is that surgery is known to last twenty minutes at most. Besides the procedure being very short most patients and surgeons agree that the only thing felt during the surgery is a bit of pressure on the eye as if someone was pushing down on their eye. During the surgery the surgeon will add numbing drops to the eye and have it held open with two prong like devices and it should be more or less painless, however doctor Andrew caster MD says patients complain of feeling a bit of an uncomfortable feeling but generally no pain and the procedure is always done faster than the patient expected. Apart from Lasik being a very simple surgery with minimal risk because of new technology it also has great benefits including:

  • Freedom- Studies have shown that most Laser vision correction Beverly Hills patients have 20/20 to 20/40 vision, this is enough to eliminate the worry of losing or breaking glasses and having to fill expensive contact prescriptions. Although Lasik is a costly option after some time of filling contact prescriptions the amount of money spent is the same. One does not have to worry about things like swimming or golfing with the worry of glasses or contact there eyes will be free and clear.
  • Immediate results- Most patients can see a vast amount of difference in their eyesight immediately following surgery. The patients eyesight will continue to improve every day as they heal.
  • Quick procedure-As I mentioned above the procedure is safe and quick. Most surgeons say it last the duration of fifteen minutes.
  • Improved confidence- Many Beverly Hills Lasik patients say after their Lasik surgery they experience everything feeling a completely new away about it. Surveys and research have shown that seeing clearly can make a person more outgoing and comfortable in social situations boosting their confidence levels.

Lasik is not the only laser vision correction procedure that can have great results. Some may not qualify for Lasik due to weak and fragile corneas or extreme dry eyes and for those there are other procedures that can be done for the same great results. If one is not candidate to have a laser correction procedure he or she should look into implantable contacts, which also has a great success rates and several benefits.

Lasik Eye surgery


Millions of people suffer from refractive errors that prevent them from doing everyday things without difficulty. Those who suffer from nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism must like to know how nice it would be to wake up, play sports and swim without having to worry about breaking or chipping glass or struggling with contracts. Having to worry about glasses and or contacts can be hassle especially in summer time when one would like to go swimming but getting water in the eyes might be painful with contacts or cause dry eyes. If one suffers from a curved cornea which results in blurry vision and is unhappy with contacts and glasses he or she should consider having Lasik.

The Lasik is an outpatient procedure that is often referred to as simple and fast. During Lasik a Los Angeles eye surgeon will reshape the cornea with a laser. The cornea is the transparent tissue that covers the colored part of the eye the pupil and the dark part in the center of the eye. The cornea is a clear and smooth glass as tough and durable as plastic. The procedure generally takes about fifteen to thirty minutes. Numbing drops are placed inside the eye, so while some patients complain of an uncomfortable feeling others feel nothing but pressure on the eye. Reshaping the cornea results in improved vision, in fact over ninety percent of Lasik patients realize somewhere between 20/20 and 20/40 vision after surgery.

In order to consider having laser eye surgery the patient must be eighteen years or older, is in good overall health, have had a stable vision prescription for at least a year, have no eye disease, sufficient corneal thickness, and has available down time. Although Lasik eye surgery is referred to as simple and easy one must be a fully qualifying candidate to obtain minimal risk and have the best possible results. When undergoing any surgery one should be aware of all the possible side affects. After surgery the patient may be asked to wear a transparent eye shield to prevent rubbing. When it comes to laser vision correction Los Angeles surgery side affects are not permanent and generally only last two to three days. For Lasik eye surgery the ESEC places serious vision threatening problems at less than one percent. Other side affects that can be cured with medication include eye infection, chronic dry eye and Lasik cornea flap problems. After surgery some patients complain of blurry vision, dry eyes, discomfort or pain, pink or red patches on the white of the eye, ghost vision, star burst around light and scratchiness. These side affects generally disappear with the healing process; however, if the symptoms persist a second surgery may be required but is rare.