Clearview Eye and Laser Medical Center

Monday, March 31, 2008

What is a subcapsular cataract?

The subcapsular cataracts are located at the back of the lens. Patients who have diabetes, farsightedness, retinitis pigmentosa or take steroid medications commonly have these types of cataracts.

posted by Clearview Staff at 10:22 PM 0 comments

What is a cortical cataract?

The cortical cataracts develop in the outside or cortex of the natural lens. Over time, they extend inward. These cataracts are common to diabetics. Contact us for more information.

posted by Clearview Staff at 10:09 PM 0 comments

What is a nuclear cataracts?

Nuclear cataracts can form in the nucleus or center the natural lens. A nuclear cataract typically develops as we age. Contact us for more information about cataracts.

posted by Clearview Staff at 9:49 PM 0 comments

What cataract lens does Clearview use?

We use advanced lens implants for our cataract patients that include crystalens, ReStor and ReZoom. For more information about cataract lens, contact us.

posted by Clearview Staff at 8:54 PM 0 comments

New Trial May Restore Vision

Six years after using the same method to restore sight in congenitally blind dogs, researchers at the universities of Florida and Pennsylvania have begun a human gene therapy trial. If it works as well as in humans as it has in dogs then it might one day give ophthalmologists the means to cure blindness caused by “missteps” along the eye’s molecular pathways.

The trial is a phase one human safety study, and there is a small chance that the first patients involved in the trial will have some of their vision restored. In puppies, the gene therapy actually showed results within one to two months.

In the next year, six adults and three children (8-17), with Leber’s congenital amaurosis are to receive the gene therapy over the next year. People with LCA often have severe loss of vision from birth or early childhood, complete night blindness, extinguished rod electroretinography and severely reduced cone responses.

To learn more about advances in ophthalmology or to see about having LASIK, please contact the office of Clearview Eye and Laser Medical Center in San Diego, California.

posted by Lynn at 9:00 AM 0 comments

Friday, March 28, 2008

How long does it take to heal from PRK?

Photorefractive keratectomy, known as PRK or its modern variants Advance Surface Ablation [ASA], take longer to heal than LASIK. Driving vision is usually obtained four days after PRK but may take three months for more complete healing. Contact us for more information on PRK.

posted by Clearview Staff at 7:01 PM 0 comments

Will LASIK stop my eyes from changing

Some people have small changes in their vision yearly. LASIK will not stop your eyes from changing which is why it is advisable for you to wait until your eyes have stabilized before getting LASIK. Stability will be assessed during the consultation! Contact us for a complimentary consultation.

posted by Clearview Staff at 6:43 PM 0 comments

Can anything be done to fix my reading vision

Monovision LASIK can be performed to enable both excellent distance and reading vision. While this sounds odd to most people, it is an excellent procedure for people whose reading vision is deteriorating. Contact us for more information about Monovision LASIK.

posted by Clearview Staff at 6:23 PM 0 comments

How long does if take to recover from implantable lens surgery

The recovery time from implantable lens surgery is quite rapid. Vision may be ideal the next day or take a few months to return.

posted by Clearview Staff at 6:05 PM 0 comments

Will I ever need glasses after LASIK surgery

While the effects of LASIK are considered permanent, our eyes still “age” and in some individuals, change. It is likely that one will need reading glasses at some point after LASIK surgery. If your eyes change small amounts, over 5-10 years, glasses may be needed for some distance activities, such as driving at night.

posted by Clearview Staff at 5:39 PM 1 comments

Can I have LASIK after implantable lens surgery to further improve my vision

In about 10% of patients, an enhancement with laser vision correction may be necessary. LASIK may be needed to correct astigmatism or small prescriptions.

posted by Clearview Staff at 5:16 PM 0 comments

Thursday, March 27, 2008

How long does an implantable lens last?

These lenses are made of inert materials and last one’s lifetime. In the case of the lenses inserted into one’s eye for nearsightedness, these lenses will need to be removed at the time of cataract surgery to be replaced with a cataract lense. For more information on implantable lense and cataract surgery, contact us.

posted by Clearview Staff at 7:37 PM 0 comments

What are the results of these lenses?

In the FDA clinical study of 294 patients implanted with the Visian ICL™, 95 percent had driving vision of 20/40 or better and 59 percent had 20/20 or better, after three years. Contact us for more information on the implantable lense.

posted by Clearview Staff at 7:01 PM 0 comments

Are there different types of implantable lenses?

Yes, there are a number of different types of implantable lenses. Two of them are used for people with high nearsightedness and differ in their position of placement. The VerisyseTM is attached to the colored part of the eye, iris, and is placed in the front of the eye while the VisianTM is placed behind the iris, just over the natural lens.

Other lens implants are used when the natural lens is removed in highly farsighted individuals. These include the Tecnis, Crystalens, ReStor and ReZoom.

posted by Clearview Staff at 6:28 PM 0 comments

How long does Implantable lens surgery take?

The implantable lens surgery takes about 10 minutes to perform. Usually, the procedures are performed on the two eyes on different days.

posted by Clearview Staff at 6:01 PM 0 comments

Who is a good candidate for implantable lenses?

Implantable lenses, like the Verisyse or Staar Visian lenses, are used for the correction of moderate nearsightedness with little astigmatism or reduction of extreme nearsightedness. Candidates for this procedure are adults at least 21 years of age who have a prescription that is not changing.

posted by Clearview Staff at 5:27 PM 0 comments

What is an implantable lens?

Implantable lenses are plastic lenses which are used to treat people with high prescriptions [moderate to severe nearsightedness] of the eye. The lens works similar to a contact lens within the eye. For more information on implantable lenses, contact us.

posted by Clearview Staff at 5:05 PM 0 comments

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

How long does the LASIK procedure take?

The LASIK procedure takes about 5-10 minutes per eye. While the procedure is short, the examination to obtain excellent measurements, assure candidacy and adequately educate and answer questions takes about 90 minutes. Contact us for a complimentary consultation.

posted by Clearview Staff at 8:00 PM 0 comments

Are dry eyes common after LASIK

Ten million people have dry eyes in the U.S. LASIK will temporarily worsen one’s dryness. For most people, their symptoms of dryness improve with time and with management of this condition by encouraging adequate hydration, use of topical non-preserved tear preparations, moisture ointment at bedtime and restasis eyedrops. Should eyedrops not be adequate, other treatments are used too.

posted by Clearview Staff at 7:01 PM 0 comments

Does LASIK cause halos or night vision?

Many patients are interested in LASIK, but afraid of having it cause Halos or night vision. Custom LASIK has greatly reduced the risk of night vision complaints after LASIK. With CustomVue LASIK, most patients report that haloes and/or night vision disturbances is less than with glasses or contact lenses before surgery. They were also more satisfied with their night vision.* Contact us for more information about Custom LASIK

*Source of data is FDA clinical studies

posted by Clearview Staff at 4:35 PM 0 comments

What is the Zyoptix laser

The Zyoptix laser is a proprietary name for the custom procedure which is wavefront driven by Bausch and Lomb.

posted by Clearview Staff at 4:12 PM 0 comments

Does insurance cover LASIK surgery?

Most health insurance companies do not cover LASIK surgery; however, it is considered a medical expense and one can use one’s HAS or FLEX spending account to pay for it. Click here for vision correction surgery financing options.

posted by Clearview Staff at 3:37 PM 0 comments

How long will the effects of LASIK last?

Ten year results show that patients still have good vision. It is important to note thet LASIK does not stop the normal aging process. Some people’s eyes change a small amount yearly, while others show no change! If the prescription does change, the amount usually is small and may require one to need glasses at night. Contact us for more information on LASIK.

posted by Clearview Staff at 2:48 PM 0 comments

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

What is astigmatism?

Astigmatism is a condition in the eye in which the cornea, or front surface, is oval and shaped like a football instead of being round, or shaped like a basketball. This causes blurry, ghosting and sometimes, doubling of one’s vision. Astigmatism is able to be treated with laser vision correction.

posted by Clearview Staff at 11:09 PM 0 comments

When can I start to wear eye makeup after LASIK?

We advise patients not to wear eye makeup for one week after LASIK. When one does resume to use cosmetics, make sure you clean your brushes, use new mascara, and rub gently with a liquid make up remover. For a complimentary LASIK consultation with Dr. Feldman, contact us.

posted by Clearview Staff at 10:44 PM 0 comments

Is there much discomfort or pain during LASIK surgery?

During LASIK surgery, one feels some pressure on their eyes for about 20 seconds. There is not much discomfort or pain, which is why LASIK is the most commonly elective procedure performed.

posted by Clearview Staff at 10:32 PM 0 comments

Does vitamin C help blurry vision?

Dr. Feldman prescribes Vitamin C before and after PRK and its modern equivalents, ASA and LASEK. Vitamin C has been shown to reduce the development of a haze of the cornea after PRK. If one develops a haze of the cornea, the vision will be blurred.

posted by Clearview Staff at 10:23 PM 0 comments

After my LASIK, I got a couple of little red blotches in the whites of my eyes. Is this normal? How long will they last?

Red blotches in the whites of one’s eye is very common following LASIK. The redness is temporary and usually lasts for one to two weeks after surgery. To schedule a complimentary LASIK consultation with Dr. Feldman, contact us.

posted by Clearview Staff at 10:03 PM 0 comments

A month after LASIK, my eyes seem to be light sensitive. Is this normal? What can I do for this?

There are many reasons for light sensitivity one month after LASIK. Sometimes, this can be caused by dryness and irritation of the eyes or an inflammatory condition which may occur, known as transient photosensitivity [light sensitivity] syndrome.

Both of these conditions can be treated and thus, illustrates the importance of the postoperative visits and the availability of your eye doctor after surgery. If this occurs, call the office and please be seen by your doctor. For more information on photosensitivity syndrone, contact us.

posted by Clearview Staff at 9:43 PM 0 comments

Monday, March 24, 2008

What is Restasis?

Restasis is a prescription eye drop that enables increases the production of tears and therefore, is very useful in patients with dry eyes following LASIK. For a complimentary LASIK consultation, contact us.

posted by Clearview Staff at 6:51 PM 0 comments

How long after LASIK can I go back to swimming?

Swimming can be resumed one week following LASIK with goggles in a pool. Due to pollution and runoff in the ocean water, I prefer patients to wait to resume ocean activities for two weeks. To set up a complimentary LASIK consultation, contact us.

posted by Clearview Staff at 6:15 PM 0 comments

What are floaters? And what causes them?

Floaters are spots that move about in your vision when you move the eye. They occur as we age and can be quite annoying. Unfortunately, there is no good treatment but the tincture of time for floaters.

However, if you have a new onset of floaters, your eyes should be checked and a dilated examination should be performed. A new onset of floaters with flashing lights that happens with one’s eyes closed, can indicate a serious ocular condition known as a retinal detachment and is an eye emergency! For more information, contact us.

posted by Clearview Staff at 5:45 PM 0 comments

Is it easier to enhance PRK or LASIK?

Enhancements or fine tuning of the results of laser vision correction can be performed with PRK or LASIK. LASIK enhancements, just as the original procedure, will have a shorter healing time than PRK; however, the ultimate results will be similar. For more information on LASIK or PRK, contact us.

posted by Clearview Staff at 5:12 PM 0 comments

Does PRK or LASIK experience better night vision?

Both PRK and LASIK procedures involve using the excimer laser to precisely contour the front surface of the eye known as the cornea. While healing is a little longer for PRK or modern surface procedures, known as ASA [advanced surface ablation] or LASEK, the results are similar. Better satisfaction with night vision has been documented in studies using customized ablation profiles like CustomVue.

posted by Clearview Staff at 4:25 PM 0 comments

Exciting Advances in Vision Correction

When LASIK procedures were first gaining recognition in the early to mid-1990s, LASIK technology was advanced enough to provide many people with corrected vision and very few side effects. In fact, of the thousands of people who chose to have LASIK performed when the technology was just beginning, only 5% of LASIK patients complained of post-operative side effects.

Now, LASIK technology has improved substantially, and the number of people choosing to have LASIK performed in order to correct their vision has grown from thousands to millions.

With advances in LASIK technology, as well as LASIK surgeons gaining experience, LASIK can now be performed with even less chance of complications or side effects. The percentage of people complaining of post-operative side effects has dropped to less than one percent.

One of the reasons LASIK is so successful and safe is the technology used in LASIK procedures. By using the latest advancements in LASIK technology, LASIK surgeons can ensure their patients that the chances of suffering from any side effects are very small. By combining advanced technology with years of experience, LASIK surgeons all over the country are able to provide patients with improved vision, so that they no longer have to use glasses or contacts.

LASIK can be used to correct vision in people suffering from nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, and the success rate for LASIK providing people with 20/20 vision or better is over 90%.

posted by JennyK at 11:19 AM 0 comments

Friday, March 21, 2008

iLASIK and the IntraLase Treatment

The second step in the iLASIK procedure is the IntraLase treatment. Intralase is then used to create an ideal LASIK flap using blade free technology. Then the Advance CustomVue treatment done, it provides a broad range of treatments for patients, even those with farsightedness and astigmatism.

posted by Clearview Staff at 8:23 PM 0 comments

How is iLASIK done?

The iLASIK procedure works by gently reshaping the cornea to correct the refractive imperfections in the eye combining the IntraLase and Advance CustomVue technologies. The first step is to do a WaveScanTM. The scan maps unique imperfections in each individual’s eye and is 25 times more precise than previous measurements. This gives physicians more information about vision measurements.

posted by Clearview Staff at 7:50 PM 0 comments

What is iLASIK?

Two customizable technologies, IntraLase with the Advanced CustomVue treatment, are combined in iLASIK. Dr. Sandy T. Feldman, a FDA clinical investigator and international corneal expert, is one of the first refractive surgeons in San Diego to offer the iLASIK procedure.

posted by Clearview Staff at 7:32 PM 0 comments

How is LASIK done, can it correct lazy eye?

LASIK is a refractive procedure which uses a laser to contours the front surface of the eye, called the cornea, just like a contact lens or glasses would. It is important to note that is if there is a problem in the eye which limits one's vision, like "lazy eye", LASIK and laser vision correction will not be able to correct that issue.

posted by Clearview Staff at 6:46 PM 0 comments

Can Laser Vision Correction surgery correct nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism?

Laser vision correction surgery can be used to correct nearsighted, farsightedness and astigmatism. If you are wearing contact lenses now, you might be a great candidate! We would recommend that you come in for a consultation to determine your candidacy.

posted by Clearview Staff at 6:04 PM 0 comments

Can LASIK be done for someone that wears bifocals?

Yes, LASIK recently has been FDA approved to correct presbyopia or "old eyes" in addition to nearsightedness with or without astigmatism. Many of our patients wear bifocals before having LASIK surgery and are thrilled after their procedure! To determine if you are a good candidate for vision correction surgery, schedule a complimentary consultation with us. This will educate you on your candidacy and whether or not you should consider laser vision correction.

posted by Clearview Staff at 4:33 PM 0 comments

Thursday, March 20, 2008

Can LASIK be used to correct astigmatism?

The FDA has approved the LASIK to correct astigmatism.

An astigmatism is a condition in which the front surface of the eye instead of being round, is shaped more like a football. LASIK can correct most prescriptions, including farsightedness, nearsightedness, astigmatism and mixed astigmatism.

Interested in seeing is LASIK is right for you? Contact us for an appointment.

posted by Clearview Staff at 10:00 PM 0 comments

Will I need glasses after LASIK surgery?

Some patients are concerned that their vision will be worse after LASIK surgery. However, the combination of an experienced surgeon with today’s vision correction technology has most patients achieving 20/20 or better uncorrected vision! It’s important that during your LASIK consultation, that your doctor should answer any and all questions you might have.

posted by Clearview Staff at 9:31 PM 0 comments

Correcting your vision after cataract surgery

After your cataracts have been removed and you should have good vision. If a slight prescription is needed, this could be enhanced with laser vision correction once stability is achieved.

posted by Clearview Staff at 8:23 PM 0 comments

Monovision Laser Vision Correction

While LASIK results are stable, our eyes change as we get older and lose the ability to see up close. Known as presbyopia, this causes most of us with perfect vision in our 40’s to have difficulty reading, seeing the menu in dimly lit restaurants or putting on make up.

With monovision, the dominant eye is treated for distance and the nondominant for upclose vision or reading. Monovision is a great option for those of us with “old” eyes. During a laser vision correction consultation, we’ll be able to determine whether you are a good candidate for this procedure.

posted by Clearview Staff at 8:19 PM 0 comments

Can patients with chronic dry eyes have LASIK?

People with chronic dry eyes often think that they are not candidates for LASIK. However, many times these patients can have LASIK surgery. Of course, each person’s eyes must be considered individually. About twelve million people have dryness naturally and it is important to note that LASIK can make dryness temporarily worse. The great news is that we have many ways of treating dry eyes! Contact us for more information.

posted by Clearview Staff at 7:28 PM 0 comments

ASA [modern PRK] vs. LASIK – Which is better after full recovery?

Both LASIK and PRK deliver clear, crisp vision especially with custom procedures. Healing can take longer for ASA patients but ultimately, the quality and quantity of vision will be similar. For some patients, surface procedures are better due to the thinness of their corneas, the sports they play or their occupation.

posted by Clearview Staff at 3:31 PM 0 comments

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

What is Advanced Surface Ablation [ASA]?

Advanced surface ablation or modern photorefractive keratectomy is a laser vision correction procedure that is almost like sculpting a contact lens directly on the surface of the eye instead of creating a flap like in the LASIK procedure. This procedure is often used for patients whose corneas are too thin for LASIK.

posted by Clearview Staff at 8:55 PM 0 comments

How long does the LASIK procedure take?

The LASIK procedure is fast, usually about 10-15 minutes per eye. However, the laser treatment of the eye is very quick, usually a matter of seconds.

posted by Clearview Staff at 8:35 PM 0 comments

Blurriness after LASIK

What if you your vision seems blurry after LASIK. Is having another LASIK procedure possible for that eye?

Definitely, however, you should go have your eyes checked to see what is causing the blurriness. Blurriness can be caused by the healing process, dryness, or a small residual prescription of the eye. Treatments aimed at the cause of the blurriness will usually help. Have questions about LASIK, contact us.

posted by Clearview Staff at 8:10 PM 0 comments

LASIK May Allow You to be Free From Glasses Forever

If you have ever needed to wear eyeglasses or contact lenses, you are well aware of how much of an annoyance they can be, especially for things such as playing sport, reading fine print and driving at night.

LASIK eye surgery can dramatically improve your vision by reshaping your corneas. Many people report perfect or near-perfect eyesight after LASIK, meaning they can throw away their glasses and contact lenses. I should point out, though, that patients over 40 will still need reading glasses to see up close.

LASIK eye surgery truly has the potential to change a person’s life. Indeed, this has been the case for the few people I know who have undergone the procedure.

Every surgical procedure poses inherent risks, and in this respect, LASIK is no different. According to the LASIK page on Wikipedia, the incidence of LASIK surgery patients having unresolved complications six months after surgery is estimated to be between 3% and 6%. Some potential complications include dry eyes, halos and double vision.

In regards to technology for eye surgery, there has never been a better time to have laser eye surgery as advancements in technology have made today’s procedures safer and more effective than those available just a few years back.

posted by Lynn at 7:37 AM 0 comments

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

I had LASIK 3 months ago and my left eye is still blurry. I would like to use my contacts for that eye. Is that possible?

Immediately after your LASIK, you should let your eyes heal. Should you feel you need a correction the majority of the time, an enhancement usually can be performed. Sometimes, contact lenses can be prescribed by the doctor to assist in the healing process after LASIK. With the new iLASIK procedure, that very rarely needs to happen.

posted by Clearview Staff at 4:49 PM 0 comments

When can I rub my eyes after LASIK?

After LASIK, you should not rub your eyes for one month. It is unlikely that you will rub your eyes after surgery since the anti-inflammatory often reduces the sensation of itch.

posted by Clearview Staff at 4:20 PM 0 comments

What are the dos and don’ts after LASIK?

Here are a few tips to follow after your LASIK surgery.

Do’s:
• Go home and rest after your surgery
• Showers and baths are fine after LASIK surgery, just avoid getting water in your eyes

Don’ts:
• Do not rub your eye at all
• Avoid swimming, hot tubs and gardening for seven days after surgery. Avoid swimming in the ocean for two weeks.
• Don’t wear make-up for about three days after surgery. Be sure to buy new mascara and eyeliner.
• Don’t drive after surgery until after your first day post operative appointment with Dr. Feldman.

Interested in having laser vision correction surgery, contact us.

posted by Clearview Staff at 3:08 PM 0 comments

Why was Epi-LASIK developed?

Epi-LASIK was developed to reduce the incidence of corneal haze associated with other surface ablation procedures, like PRK and LASEK. Unfortunately, this has not been proven. To see if laser vision correction is right for you, contact us.

posted by Clearview Staff at 2:43 PM 0 comments

What is EpiLASIK?

EpiLASIK is much like PRK, where the surface of the cornea is ablated after the epithelium, or flap, is lifted in a single sheet. The repositioned flap then is used along with a bandage contact lens while the cornea heals. For questions on EpiLASIK or PRK, contact us.

posted by Clearview Staff at 2:22 PM 0 comments

What is Intralase vision correction surgery?

The Intralase method for PRK or LASIK is a 100 percent blade-free technique used in the first step of the LASIK or PRK procedure, when the corneal flap is created. The Intralase laser creates tiny bubbles in the cornea which can then be separated to form a flap. This prepares the eyes for the next step in the treatment, when the excimer laser is used to correct the patient’s vision. When used with CustomVue, the procedure is known as iLASIK and tailors the treatment for the unique characteristics of one’s eye. For more information on iLASIK contact Clearview Eye and Laser Medical Center at http://www.clearvieweyes.com/contact.html.

posted by Clearview Staff at 12:57 PM 0 comments

Monday, March 17, 2008

Is it still possible to have LASIK surgery after cataracts?

While refractive surgery can be done on cataract patients, patients considering corneal refractive surgery may want to rely on the cataract surgery to correct their vision. Should astigmatism or the prescription not be adequately treated by removal of the cataract, LASIK can be performed. For more information on cataracts, click here http://www.clearvieweyes.com/procedures_cataracts.html.

posted by Clearview Staff at 5:11 PM 0 comments

What to do about extremely dry eyes after LASIK?

After LASIK or PRK, your eyes can be dry. This temporary complication can be treated with lubricating eye drops or sometimes with inserts or “plugs”. Dry eyes usually clear up within a few months. The key to treating dry eyes is to lubricate often, usually several times a day. For more information or questions about LASIK or dry eyes, contact us by clicking here http://www.clearvieweyes.com/contact.html.

posted by Clearview Staff at 4:46 PM 0 comments

How long after LASIK surgery do you have to use drops?

After LASIK or ASA [Advanced Surface Ablation] surgery patients are given a course of antibiotic and anti-inflammatory solutions. These drops are used for a number of days following LASIK and weeks following ASA to help prevent infection, reduce inflammation and scarring. For more information on caring for your eyes after LASIK or ASA surgery care, contact us at http://www.clearvieweyes.com/contact.html

posted by Clearview Staff at 4:14 PM 0 comments

LASIK statisfaction rates

Are patients satisfied after LASIK?

In a survey of our patients undergoing LASIK, 98% of would recommend ClearView again for their laser eye surgery. And, a report from the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery below looks at LASIK patient satisfaction worldwide and finds that LASIK is considered one of the most successful elective procedures available today.

For more information on vision correction surgery or for any questions, contact us at http://www.clearvieweyes.com/contact.html.

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March 6, 2008

LASIK PATIENTS REPORT MORE THAN 95 PERCENT SATISFACTION RATE WORLDWIDE, FIRST STUDY OF GLOBAL SCIENTIFIC LITERATURE REPORTS

Worldwide, an average 95.4 percent of LASIK patients are satisfied with their new vision, according to the first review of the world body of scientific literature, the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery announced today. With 16.3 million patients having had LASIK worldwide, and more than a decade of clinical study and technological innovation behind it, LASIK is considered among the most successful elective procedures available today.

“We find that there is solid evidence in the world’s scientific literature to affirm that there is an exceptionally high level of satisfaction in patients who have had LASIK surgery. While no surgery is perfect, certainly the 19 peer-reviewed studies of the 2,199 patients studied show extremely high satisfaction rates,” said Richard L. Lindstrom, M.D., president of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery. “While patient satisfaction is extremely high, we recognize that there are patients who have unsatisfactory outcomes. As surgeons, we have taken the Hippocratic Oath. The well being of all of our patients is central to what we do and what we are. As such, and as the history of medicine has shown, we are committed to advancing our technology, patient selection, and surgical techniques so that we can continue to enhance the quality of our patient’s lives,” Lindstrom added.

The meta-analysis, led by Kerry Solomon, M.D. at the Storm Eye Institute of the Medical Center of South Carolina, examines nearly 3,000 peer-reviewed articles published over the past 10 years in clinical journals from North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia. The research employed the Ovid and PubMed data bases using the term “LASIK” and similar search terms. A total of 2,915 articles were identified. “We wanted every article we could find, up to and including our last search, which was done on January 8, 2008,” Dr. Solomon said.

“This survey goes back to literature published 10 years ago. In that time, there have been major technological advances, such as wavefront-guided LASIK and the introduction of special lasers to form a flap on the surface of the eye in preparation for the laser treatment. Coupled with better surgical techniques, and improved patient selection, we can say that modern LASIK is a mature procedure.

It is important to note that its reliability and effectiveness have led to its adoption by the armed forces, in particular the US Navy, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration for improving the vision of its front-line pilots and astronauts,” Dr. Solomon said.


Key Findings from “LASIK: A Global Perspective on Patient Satisfaction”

· 95.4 percent of LASIK patients worldwide report satisfaction with the outcome of their procedure.

· Approximately the same percentage would recommend LASIK to a friend or would elect to undergo the procedure again.

· More than 95.2 percent of LASIK patients in the U.S. are satisfied with the outcome of their procedure.

· Outside the U.S., studies from France, India, Iran, Ireland, The Netherlands, Scotland, South Africa, Spain, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, and The United Kingdom, report very similar patient satisfaction rates of about 95.6 percent.

· The total range of satisfaction rates in individual studies was from 87.2 percent to 100 percent.

The first goal of the literature review is to assist in quantifying and qualifying aspects of LASIK patient satisfaction for a joint task force formed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and including the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS), the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), National Eye Institute (NEI), and other members of the health community.

“Not everyone is a good candidate for LASIK. As ophthalmologists, historically the determining factor for candidacy has been the health of the eye and the refractive correction,” said Dr. Solomon. “Along with continued technology advances, exploring a more holistic approach to patient screening, with considerations for both physical and psychodynamic factors, may be the answer to further increasing patient satisfaction.”

Breaking down the clinical history of LASIK:

· Approximately 2,915 published and peer-reviewed articles with a clinical focus on LASIK were identified from medical journals published from 1998 to January 2008. Follow-up of patients in these studies ranged from one month to 10 years.

· Rigorous quality criteria assigned the studies into two classifications: Level 1 (well-designed, well-conducted randomized clinical studies) and Level 2 (well-designed control or cohort case studies, either retrospective or prospective).

· From the original 2,915 articles, 308 studies of primary LASIK cases (patients who had LASIK performed to reduce dependence on glasses or contact lenses) that included patient satisfaction, patient quality of life post-LASIK and other factors in their methodology were selected.

· The meta-analysis aggregates the findings of 19 studies (2,199 patients in total) that specifically address the question of patient satisfaction. The remaining 289 articles are being studied to determine if and what additional valuable data can be obtained.

The final results of Dr. Solomon’s literature review will be presented at the annual Symposium and Congress of the ASCRS, April 4-9, in Chicago. His presentation will provide more specific data from the meta-analysis, including the factors associated with patient dissatisfaction.
“Once a technology matures to this point, a profession committed to continual improvement will naturally focus on improving patient satisfaction,” said Dr. Lindstrom. “As the number-one elective procedure in the world, with one of the highest safety profiles, LASIK has shown its appeal to patients, and, as a profession, we look forward to continuing its advancement.”

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posted by Clearview Staff at 3:22 PM 0 comments

What kind of drops do you use for dry eyes?

Dry eyes syndrome is defined as the chronic lack of lubrication or moisture in the eye. Dry eyes can cause irritation to eye in the form of constant foreign body sensation to the more serious condition of ocular inflammation of the tissues of the eye. To treat common eye dryness I use non-preserved tear drops, lubricating ointment at bedtime or for a more serious condition I might use Restasis, which acts to increase tears. Should drops not help one’s dryness, we can insert small devices known as punctual plugs into one’s tear ducts to retain moisture in the eye. If you think you have dry eyes, contact us at http://www.clearvieweyes.com/contact.html for an appointment.

posted by Clearview Staff at 10:30 AM 0 comments

German Company Introduces New Laser

The German company, Schwind, recently introduced a new high performance excimer laser that shortens times for procedures such as LASIK. Built-in features of the new laser include continuous measurements of the eye's surface (corneal) thickness.

Schwind officials say the new excimer laser can reshape an eye at the rate of less than 2.5 seconds per diopter of correction. An eye tracker that helps keep the laser beam on target has a response time of approximately three milliseconds.

The new excimer laser, known as Amaris, was unveiled in September 2007 at the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS) conference in Stockholm.

To learn more about LASIK and other refractive procedures, please contact Clearview Eye and Laser Medical Center in San Diego today.

posted by Lynn at 6:39 AM 0 comments

Tuesday, March 11, 2008

How is Wavefront Different From Traditional LASIK?

With all the buzzwords involved with refractive surgery these days, it can get confusing to know what’s what. Regarding LASIK and Wavefront LASIK, the primary difference between the two is the mapping system that guides the laser. Wavefront can be used for virtually all laser eye surgery techniques including All-Laser LASIK, LASIK, PRK, LASEK, and Epi-LASIK.

Wavefront is actually a very old technology that has only recently been applied to human vision. It has been used for years by astronomers who need to adjust the optics of their telescopes. A reflecting mirror within the telescope that can be deformed is adjusted using wavefront data to eliminate aberrations induced by the Earth's atmosphere. In wavefront custom Lasik, PRK, LASEK, and Epi-Lasik, the excimer laser uses wavefront information to change the shape of the cornea by ablating tissue.

Wavefront technology as a diagnostic device is unsurpassed. This technology can diagnose and measure aberrations that no other system can even see. It is important to understand that without a wavefront diagnosis, it is impossible for a doctor to accurately determine if wavefront-guided ablation is necessary for a good LASIK, PRK, or LASEK outcome. Also, without a wavefront diagnosis it is impossible for a doctor to accurately determine if a wavefront ablation is not necessary. In other words, virtually every person considering LASIK, LASEK, PRK, or Epi-Lasik should have a wavefront diagnostic evaluation.

However, f you are considering monovision correction, it will may be necessary to use conventional LASIK, PRK, LASEK, or Epi-Lasik rather than wavefront-guided. Current wavefront-guided lasers are very limited in their ability to undercorrect. It's full correction or nothing at this time. While the non-dominant eye will need to be undercorrected with a conventional ablation, the dominant eye may be fully corrected with a wavefront-guided ablation. Undoubtedly, each of the manufacturers will eventually allow their lasers to undercorrect in wavefront-guided mode.

posted by Lynn at 10:25 AM 0 comments

Monday, March 10, 2008

LASIK for a Clearer World

Our vision is one of the most important aspects of our life, as we view the world and our surroundings according to our sight. Our eyes are one of the most sensitive organs in our bodies, and any surgery of the eye is bound to be a difficult procedure. Therefore, make sure that you are well acquainted with all the effects and side effects of the procedure before you agree to the operation. Clarify all your doubts from the surgeon who will be conducting the operation, and only after you and your family are completely convinced about the process should you opt for such a surgery.

LASIK surgery involves the complete reshaping of the cornea for vision rectification with the use of laser and requires extreme skill on the part of the surgeon. Any kind of eyesight defect like long sightedness or short sightedness can be easily rectified with this form of surgery. The patient can easily get back to his regular lifestyle almost by the next day, and this short recovery period further adds to the advantage and convenience of the process.

For more information about LASIK, please contact ClearView Eye and Laser Medical Center today.

posted by Lynn at 10:25 AM 0 comments

Thursday, March 6, 2008

World Glaucoma Day Today!

Today, March 6, 2008, is the first global World Glaucoma Day, an initiative aimed at raising awareness of glaucoma, an eye disease of the optic nerve that affects 65 million people worldwide. Glaucoma is the second-leading cause of blindness in the United States and worldwide.

Unfortunately, at the present time, no cure exists for glaucoma, but early detection and treatment can certainly help preserve your eyesight.

People over the age of 40 are encouraged to have regular, comprehensive eye exams that include a careful examination of the optic nerve and measurement of eye pressure.

To learn more about glaucoma and how it can be treated to preserve eyesight, please contact Clearview Eye and Medical Laser Center today to schedule your initial appointment.

posted by Lynn at 6:48 AM 0 comments

Tuesday, March 4, 2008

Is LASIK Right for You?

The doctors and staff at Clearview Eye and Laser Medical Center in San Diego are proud to offer our patients the most advanced vision correction surgery available today. Unfortunately, however, not everyone is a good candidate for this type of surgery, especially LASIK.

You are probably not a good candidate for refractive surgery if:

You don’t like to take risks
Your job prohibits certain refractive procedures (ask your employer)
Money is a problem (insurance doesn’t cover LASIK typically)
You needed a change in your contact lens or glasses prescription in the last year
You have a disease such as diabetes or an autoimmune disease such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis
You actively participate in contact sports
You’re under the age of 18

We will discuss with you whether or not you’re a good candidate at the time of your consultation. Please contact our office today to schedule your initial appointment.

posted by Lynn at 5:44 AM 0 comments

Monday, March 3, 2008

Some Common Questions About LASIK

LASIK has quickly become one of the most common surgical procedures performed in the United States, and its huge popularity is due, mainly, because the procedure often frees you from having to wear your eyeglass or contact lenses ever again. However, LASIK surgery is not for everyone, and there are risks involved with this procedure, as with any surgical procedure. The following are some frequently asked questions about this popular refractive surgery procedure.

How do I know if I’m a good candidate for LASIK? This depends on many factors such as your health history, history of vision problems and whether or not you have certain health problems such as diabetes or autoimmune disease. If so, LASIK is not generally recommended. If you are under 18, most surgeons will not perform LASIK on you, and certain degenerative eye diseases may disqualify you from having the procedure.

Will LASIK eliminate my need for glasses? Most people who have the procedure done no longer have to wear corrective lenses, but many people will still need to wear some form of glasses or contact. This does not mean the surgery was unsuccessful. Keep in mind that LASIK is intended to improve vision, only.

What are the risks? Many people who undergo LASIK experience no complications whatsoever; however, as with any surgery, there are risks involved. The most commonly reported side effect is reduced low light vision, and this can cause glowing or halos around lit objects at night. In very rare cases, eyesight may be worse following LASIK.

Is LASIK painful? The procedure is very quick and painless for most patients ( each eye only takes a minute or two!).

Will I need to take time off work? Yes, depending on your job, you will need to take a short time off. Most patients return to work after two or three days, especially sedentary jobs. As you must rest your eyes following LASIK, computer work may bother your eyes. Your surgeon will explain the recovery time that is best for you.

Please contact Clearview Eye and Medical Laser Center in San Diego today to get all of your LASIK questions answered.

posted by Lynn at 6:21 AM 0 comments

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