Just another Sleddoggin.com Blogs weblog


Lasik Eye surgery

laser eye surgeryMillions 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.

Taking precaution before and after Lasik

Los Angeles Lasik surgeonLos Angeles Lasik eye surgery is the most successful eye surgery invented. Most patients are thrilled with the result and experience little to no side affects. Complications from Lasik are very rare, but they are possible and minor side affects can occur these include: blurry vision, double vision, head aches from not seeing well and ghost vision. One can reduce their chances or feeling uncomfortable side affects and avoid other complication by choosing the right surgeon and team to perform ones Lasik eye surgery. To find a qualified Lasik eye surgeon one should begin by asking their regular optometrist for a referral to a Lasik eye surgeon. Most optometrists know very good Lasik surgeons and even partner with them at times.

One should visit several eye surgery facilities and make sure to take a look around the office. One must see that the office is clean and run professional and that the staff be available to meet with. In some facilities the patient does not meet with the Los Angeles eye surgeon performing their surgery till right before in which case leaves the patient feeling vulnerable, uncomfortable and very nervous. Avoid centers where there is visible staff conflict. Anyone looking to have Los Angeles vision correction surgery should have realistic expectations. If a patient has realistic expectations they understand their circumstance and know that it is best to steer clear of centers who offer perfection with no complications. A qualified, professional and experienced surgeon will never offer perfection because it is impossible guarantee.

Avoid centers who treat the procedure casually, and are willing to perform the surgery with little or no knowledge of the patients medical history or any current physical. The best Los Angeles Lasik surgeons make it difficult to obtain permission for Lasik, because it is such a serious procedure. Once the Lasik surgeon has verified your medical background and has verified that his patient is in good condition this then ensures the patient that he or she is a good candidate and reduces their chances of complications. When undergoing Lasik eye surgery the patient has a duty to verify that their surgeon is qualified, experienced, has a great track record. The patient should verify the surgeons’ credibility by obtaining references. Finding the right surgeon with the most experience the key to having a flawless surgery, because one should know most problematic surgeries are done by inexperienced surgeons. It is important to ask the surgeons himself about his professional background.

Following the surgery it is important that the patient stay in touch with their surgeon. The patient should attend all post operative exams in order to ensure that everything is healing properly and to early detect if something is not. If a complication is detected early on it is easier to treat and therefore can possibly save the entire surgery and put the patient back on the right track. Taking the right precautions before and after surgery will guarantee that ones eyes will be as good as possible.

Lasik Versus Implantable contacts

Los Angeles vision correctionMost people who have vision problems live a long time before deciding that glasses are no longer what they wish to wear for the rest of their lives. Vision correction surgeries all have different risk but similar reward. When opting to have vision correction surgery it is the patients job to identify which surgery is safest to pursue according to their vision problem. Lasik has been said to be the safest Laser eye procedure for patients who are near or farsightedness. Los Angeles eye surgeons say that no vision correction surgery goes with out risk including Lasik. Although Los Angles Lasik Surgeon say every year there is a great increase in the amount of Lasik patients and there is also a great increase in the success of Lasik. However for some patients who are not ideal candidates but still candidates can have serious complications for Lasik surgery. Lasik eye surgery consists of the eye surgeon reshaping the cornea so that the vision is nearly cleared. If done to harshly or not enough this can go terrible wrong and if the retina is too weak due to diabetes or other illnesses complications after surgery may arise.

Complications after Lasik can include blurred vision, extreme dry eyes, spotted vision, and ghost vision-shadowing. Leading Beverly Hills Lasik Surgeon inform us that although the chances for a candidate who is not ideal are higher these symptoms are very rare and generally go away in matter of weeks. However some vision correction patients shy away from Lasik with hearing but for others Lasik is not the best vision correction treatment for other patients. For example for patients with diabetes Implantable contacts may be the only way to have a Los Angeles vision correction surgery. Implantable contacts in a procedure in which a lens is placed inside the eye allowing perfect vision without having to replace every morning and take out every night.

Implantable contacts can be replaced and therefore that means the procedure can be reversed and unlike Lasik can not ruin a patient’s night vision. However implantable contacts can increase a patient’s chances of contracting cataract. Because some patients do not qualify to undergo Lasik eye surgery researches have been studying which is the safest of vision correction procedures, and although implantable contacts is the safest overall vision correction procedures Lasik is the safest in laser vision correction procedures. Lasik also has a higher success rate than implantable contacts and is more convenient for most patients.

Macular Degeneration as a Predictor for Heart Disease

Los Angeles Lasik SurgeonAge-related macular degeneration (AMD), while a common cause of decreased vision, is now routinely treated throughout developed countries. Recent research indicates that individuals with AMD are at least twice more likely to die from stroke or heart attack than those who do not have AMD. Beverly Hills Lasik eye surgeons tell that AMD is a progressive eye condition that slowly robes the patient of almost their entire vision leaving whole in there vision or making everything look severely dim.

Tan et al from the University of Sydney, Australia, prospectively studied the eyes of 3654 men and women 49 years of age who participated in the Blue Mountains Eye Study. Among the participants in the study, 2335 were reexamined at 5 years and 1952 were examined again at 10 years. Los Angeles eye surgeons were shocked by the numbers but the study went on to show more.

Patients with late-stage AMD who were 75 years of age at the beginning of the study were five times as likely to die from a heart attack and ten times as likely to die from stroke during the 10-year period of the study, compared with those without AMD. Patients with early-stage AMD who were 75 years of age at the start of the study were twice as likely to die from stroke or heart attack during the following 10-year period, the study found.

Because AMD is related to vascular abnormalities, leading Beverly Hills Lasik Surgeons said they were not completely surprised by the apparent link between AMD and potentially life-threatening vascular disease. Both atherosclerotic vascular disease and AMD share common risk factors, including smoking, hypertension and hyperlipidemia. Systematic inflammation is also thought to be a contributing factor common to both conditions.

In their study, the researchers noted and Los Angeles Lasik Surgeons agreed that physicians need to be aware of the potential link between cardiovascular disease and AMD, and need to initiate treatments to lower the risk threshold. Recognizing that this link exists may also have potential implications for new endothelial growth factor AMD therapies, the study’s authors concluded.

Laser Eye Surgery in Los Angeles and Beverly Hills

Laser eye surgeryLasik procedures have been perfected in recent years since the technique was introduced. If you’re considering the procedure for your eye correction you should first find out if you are a good candidate and if your health provider may be able to cover some of the cost.

Laser eye surgery has been correcting bad eye sight for many generations. There are many procedures that involve the correction of the eyes, however the Lasik procedure is the most popular by far.

Los Angeles eye surgeons can perform the Lasik procedure in state of the art medical facilities specially designed to perform the procedure. Not all medical facilities are equipped with the necessary technology to perform the procedure, therefore the medical facility that can actually perform the procedure has to include the cost of equipment with the cost of the procedure.

For the resident of Beverly Hills Lasik procedures have been helping them see better. In order to have the procedure performed you must first be qualified for the surgery. Once you have researched which eye doctor will be performing the procedure you must then have an in office consultation to have a tests, to communicate with the surgeon about your medical background and to consider your payment options.

After your operation the surgeon will place a dressing over your eye, it may be required for you to have a short stay in an outpatient recovery area. You will need to use eye drops as prescribed by your surgeon and they may be used several times daily during the following weeks. You will also need to wear a protective eye shield and sun glasses to shade your eyes from bright light.

Depending on your medical history your recovery time will differ, but with the use of modern technology and techniques, recovery times have been shortening dramatically.

What Makes A Good Lasik Candidate?

Los Angeles eye surgeonAs one of the most common outpatient vision correction procedures, Lasik surgery is a relatively straightforward process with the treatment itself taking only minutes. Los Angeles eye surgeons and surgeons in the world perform Lasik surgery on approximately one million eyes every year and it is no different than any other surgery

Laser Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis (Lasik) is intended to eliminate or reduce dependency on eyeglasses or contacts. Beverly Hills Lasik surgery has become more and more popular as the decades progress but still Laser Eye Surgery is not for everyone. Alternative surgery procedures like PRK and Lasik are excellent alternatives to glasses and contact lenses for patients suffering from myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism as well as a wide range of other vision conditions.

A procedure like this can permanently reshape the cornea, which is the clear covering of the front of the eye with the help of a laser. Most patients do not report any problems after the Los Angeles Lasik laser surgery. There are a wide variety of different optical lasers used in this procedure but common for all of them is that the laser will remove some tissue from the cornea.

Patients who have reached or are close to reaching the age of 40 should consider that their vision may be affected by conditions that cannot be treated with Lasik surgery, such as presbyopia. Patients with certain medical conditions or taking certain medications should not choose Lasik surgery because of the implication that it might give, according to top professional Beverly Hills Lasik surgeons. If you’re pregnant or nursing you will fall out of the ideal candidate classification and as it is advised to wait before considering laser vision correction. Patients with a condition called keratoconus are ineligible for the procedure and so are patients who have high levels of refractive error. Both parties are at a slightly higher risk for post-surgical astigmatism.

Laser vision correction surgery is an extraordinary procedure that has helped thousands of people see better and is an exciting opportunity for anyone who suffers from vision problems. Lasik surgery is the preferred vision correction surgery these days, despite its high cost. This type of surgery is however generally not the best option for older patients suffering from age-related conditions. Often these conditions can’t be treated with the Lasik procedure. To learn more about Lasik and laser eye surgery, contact you local Lasik eye specialists to learn more.

Three Things To Consider In Choosing The Right Laser Eye Surgeon

Los Angeles eye surgeonIt has been close to twenty years since the laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis procedure (Lasik) was first used in the US, and worldwide, about 3 million laser eye correction surgeries are performed annually. About 2 million to 2.5 million are in North America; about 1.6 million are in the United States alone. With the number of laser eye patients who go in to see their Los Angeles eye surgeon to undergo laser vision correction surgery steadily increasing, more and more people have questions about this vision correction procedure.

A $2-billion industry, Lasik technology in the hands of an experienced, expert Beverly Hills Lasik surgeon has consistently accommodated the needs of people to get rid of their glasses and contacts through laser eye surgery.

Whether it be in Los Angeles or Beverly Hills Lasik eye surgery has always been about the quality and the service of the surgeon providing the procedure. With regards to quality, it is very important to select a laser eye surgeon who is not only certified but experienced with completing numerous successful surgeries. Getting recommendations from known sources is also very useful in locating the right Lasik surgeon. And in terms of service, Los Angeles Lasik patients must consider the kind of care that their surgeon and staff offer before, during, and especially after the procedure.

Lastly and equally importantly, when considering laser eye correction, is what type of eye correction laser to have. Patients are encouraged to research and narrow down the kind of Lasik technology that is right for their needs and budget through consultations, customer testimonials, and personal research. It is advisable to inquire about the wide variety of treatments a laser eye surgeon offers, and select the most appropriate one for one’s own circumstance.

Laser Eye Surgery And Dry Eyes

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.

Which Laser Eye Correction Treatment Is Best For Me?

Los Angeles eye surgeon

The most popular variation of laser treatment is called Lasik (for “laser in-situ keratomileusis”). In this technique, the Los Angeles eye surgeon applies the laser upon the cornea, rather than near the corneal surface. This is accomplished by creating a protective flap in the front 20-25% of the cornea and then applying the laser treatment to the tissue beneath the flap. This protective flap can be made with a laser or with a keratome.

The vision correction treatment can also be applied near the surface of the cornea (instead of under a protective flap), in which case the technique is referred to as Advanced Surface Treatment, or “Lasik without a flap”. This technique has several minor variations, which include PRK (for “photo-refractive keratectomy”), Lasek, and Epi-Lasik.

In PRK, the thin layer of soft tissue coating the outside of the eye (the epithelium) is removed and the Beverly Hills Lasik surgeon applies the laser energy to the firm tissue underneath.

In Lasek–with an “e”–the soft tissue on the surface is replaced after the laser treatment. In Epi-Lasik, this thin layer of soft material is folded back using a machine. PRK, Lasek, and Epi-Lasik are very similar to each other.

When the laser treatment is applied to the tissue deep within the cornea (as in Lasik) instead of near the surface (as in Advanced Surface Treatment), the healing is quicker with more rapid vision recovery. Patients usually see quite well the next day after a Los Angeles Lasik treatment. In “Lasik without a flap” the intial healing takes about a week. However, after the healing period is complete, the results are the same with each of these techniques.

Lasik requires an additional surgical step, which is the creation of the protective flap. The flap is created with an instrument known as a keratome or with the IntraLase laser. Creation of the flap takes about 15 seconds and is virtually painless. Complications with the flap occur about 1% of the time. Almost all of the complications are mild and can be easily treated, often by lifting or repositioning the flap. The most serious complication would involve improper creation of the flap; when this occurs, the patient is asked to wait three months, and then can return for a repeat treatment.

With either Beverly Hills Lasik or “Lasik without a flap”, there are two types of computer software that can be used, known as conventional and Custom. Both of these use the same laser to perform the vision correction treatment. The conventional software works like glasses or a contact lens; there is one prescription that covers the entire eye. Obviously, this produces excellent vision, just as do glasses and contact lenses. With Custom treatment, an additional modification is made in the treatment to account for additional irregularities in the vision. On average, the Custom treatments produce slightly better vision than the conventional software.

At the Caster Eye Center, we perform all of the variations of laser vision correction. All of the variations produce excellent vision. During your consultation, we will obtain measurements of your eyes, and Dr. Caster will personally talk to you and determine which procedure is the best for your specific situation. In this careful way, we obtain the best vision possible for our patients.

Answers: Advanced Surface Treatment LASIK Without A Flap

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.