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Laser Eye Surgery And Dry Eyes

October 28th, 2009 by andrewcaster

Los Angeles eye surgeonEveryday, a large number of people live with an actual, medical condition referred to as dry eye. When an person’s eyes don’t generate a sufficient amount of tears to maintain adequate lubrication, dry eye occurs and there are many ways people experience this condition depending on the individual. Los Angeles eye surgeons explain that individuals with dry eye may experience a feeling of scratchiness in the eyes, a burning sensation, large amounts of mucous, sensitivity to wind and smoke, and increased light sensitivity. Oddly, individuals with dry eye may also experience excessive tears as the lacrimal glands, which produce tears, try to compensate for the lack of lubrication.

Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis, also known as Los Angeles Lasik eye surgery, is a procedure to correct vision in patients who experience myopia or nearsightedness, hyperopia or farsightedness, and astigmatism.

Among most people who undergo this surgery by a qualified, experienced Lasik surgeon Los Angeles patients end up with 20/20 vision or better without complications, however, LASIK can sometimes leave some patients with dry eye. This is especially true if the patient had dry eye prior to the surgery. In those cases, candidate screening was inadequate and the surgery should not have been done.

During Beverly Hills Lasik eye surgery, the surgeon cuts a thin corneal flap so the cornea can be reshaped underneath the flap using a laser. Creation of the flap inevitably cuts some of the corneal nerve fibers related to tear production. The lacrimal glands are beneath the upper eyelids and just below the eyebrows. They produce tears which flow through a drainage system and flush debris from the eyes. When these nerves are disrupted by flap creation, tear production is reduced and this happens in all Lasik procedures. In most cases the nerves regenerate within a few months and tear production becomes normal. In the meantime, moisturizing eyedrops are prescribed.

Usually dry eyes are a disqualifying condition for Lasik. But an eye surgeon will assess each individual and make a judgment call. It can be treated or managed. Prescription eyedrops can help. Your eye surgeon may insert plugs into the tear duct openings (the puncta; singular is punctum). These openings are in the inner corners of the eyes and allow tears to drain from the eyes into the nasal passages. Punctal plugs reduce tear drainage to keep the eyes better lubricated. Special lubricating drops may also be prescribed for people with mild dryness prior to Lasik surgery to minimize potential complications.

When considering Lasik eye surgery, be sure to inform your Lasik surgeon of your medical history, including any previous diagnosis of dry eye, as well as medications you are currently taking. This will help the surgeon provide you with the most effective, comfortable post-op experience possible. To find out if you are a candidate for Lasik eye surgery, the first step is to contact an experienced Lasik surgeon to learn more.

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Answers: Advanced Surface Treatment LASIK Without A Flap

August 26th, 2009 by andrewcaster

Los Angeles eye surgeonMany of my friends have had Lasik. Why do you sometimes recommend “Lasik without a flap”?


According to a top qualified Los Angeles eye surgeon, there are certain people for whom “Lasik without a flap” is the preferred technique. In the following situations, “Lasik without a flap” is the safer choice: moderate to extreme dry eyes, very thin corneas, thin corneas combined with large corrections, irregular topography (curvature test) that may indicate an inherent weakness in the cornea, or hobbies or professions (such as boxing) where there is a very high likelihood of being hit in the eye. Safety needs to be our most important consideration, and for these certain people, “Lasik without a flap” is safest.

What Are The Disadvantages Of “Los Angeles Lasik Without A Flap”?

There are two disadvantages. The main disadvantage is that “Lasik without a flap” takes longer to heal. The vision is often around 20/40 to 20/50 during the first week. 20/40 vision is required to legally drive a car. You will certainly have adequate “walking around” vision to perform most daily tasks, but it is certainly possible that you will not see well enough to legally drive or see clearly enough to work at a computer or read extensively during the first week. Although most people choose to have both eyes treated on the same day, some people choose to have “Lasik without a flap” one eye at a time, and then they can work during the first week while the eye is healing. With Lasik, most people return to work the very next day. The second disadvantage is on and off discomfort during the first week, which is very well controlled with “comfort” drops as well as anti-inflammatory pills.

Do you perform other forms of laser vision correction in addition to
“Lasik without a flap”?

Among the many services provided by your experience Lasik doctor Los Angeles patients have all the variations of laser vision correction, including Lasik, IntraLasik (Lasik with a laser flap), and “Lasik without a flap” available as possible laser eye correction options.

I want the Custom Wavefront treatment. Can I have that with “Lasik without a flap”?

Yes, we can perform the Custom Wavefront treatment with Lasik, IntraLasik, and “Lasik without a flap”.

How is “Lasik without a flap” performed?

As explained by a top Lasik surgeon Los Angeles without a flap uses the exact same laser as Lasik or IntraLasik. However, instead of creating a flap (which is the thickness of a human hair) and then performing the treatment on the part of the eye under the flap, the treatment is performed near the surface of the eye. This is why this technique is often referred to as Advanced Surface Treatment. The thin layer of material covering the surface, which is very soft, is wiped away, and the laser treatment is then applied to the firmer material underneath.

Which gives better results: Lasik, IntraLasik, or “Lasik without a flap”?
In our hands, the final vision is the same with each of these variations. Lasik provides the most rapid return to excellent vision, followed by IntraLasik, and then “Lasik without a flap”. We want to make the recovery as easy and quick for you as possible, but our main concern is which technique will be the safest technique for your particular situation.

What care is required after “Lasik without a flap”?

A special contact lens, which we put in and later take out, is worn for 5-7 days. You will need to take antibiotic and anti-inflammatory drops, and we will give you anti-inflammatory pills.

Is “Lasik without a flap” very common?

About 10% of the laser treatments in the United States are “Lasik without a flap”. It has been performed since 1995, and very significant improvements have taken place over the years. Advanced Surface Treatment is becoming more popular each year, as doctors understand that for certain groups of people it is the safest choice.

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