LASIK and Eye Surgery Blog - Clearview Eye and Laser Medical Center
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
What should I ask during my LASIK consultation?
Some questions to ask during your LASIK consult include:
- Are you comfortable with the doctor?
- Have you met the surgeon who will be performing your procedure during the initial consultation?
- Is the doctor a specialist in the field of laser vision correction? How many procedures have they performed?
See if you are a candidate for LASIK surgery, contact Clearview Eye and Laser Medical Center for a complimentary consultation.
posted by Clearview Staff at 10:29 PM
Wavefront LASIK, a personalized laser vision correction treatment
Wavefront LASIK is a procedure which enables the surgeon to tailor LASIK to the unique characteristics of the patient’s eyes. Wavefront or
CustomVue LASIK allows for better vision after the procedure. For more information on Wavefront LASIK
contact us.
posted by Clearview Staff at 10:13 PM
Leave your glasses behind with LASIK
LASIK surgery is the most common elective surgery performed and helps patients reduce dependence on glasses and/or contact lenses. With visual results showing 98% of people achieving 20/20 or better vision after the procedure (for individuals with mild to moderate amounts of nearsightedness with or without astigmatism) this is a procedure to consider. See if you are a candidate for LASIK surgery, contact
Clearview Eye and Laser Medical Center for a complimentary consultation.
posted by Clearview Staff at 10:00 PM
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
More contact lense options for presbyopia
Another contact lens option for treating presbyopia is “monovision†contact lenses. Dr. Feldman can prescribe two different contact lenses, so one of your eyes can see well at a distance and the other eye can see clearly close up. Although monovision lenses can treat
presbyopia, they can also decrease depth perception and sharpness of vision overall. Contact
ClearView Eye and Laser Medical Center for more information on MonoVision corrective lenses.
posted by Clearview Staff at 11:44 PM
Bi-focal Contact Lenses for Presbyopia Patients
For
presbyopia patients who are not candidates for laser vision correction, Dr. Sandy T. Feldman can prescribe contact lenses to improve your near vision.
One option is a bifocal-style contact lens, these lenses specifically are designed to help the eyes see both up close and far away. This is done by blending different prescriptive powers onto separate areas of the contact lens.
Contact
ClearView Eye and Laser Medical Center for more information on MonoVision corrective lenses.
posted by Clearview Staff at 11:13 PM
Are you a candidate for Monovision Laser Vision Correction?
Monovision laser vision correction candidates will need to meet these requirements:
• The patient will have presbyopia
• Their vision prescription is stable
• Will discontinue soft contact lenses for a minimum of three to fourteen days before surgery
• If need be, will discontinue hard or rigid type contact lenses until stabilization of the eyes before surgery
• Have no eye or systemic abnormalities that will affect the healing process
Contact us for more information on Monovision Laser Vision Correction.
posted by Clearview Staff at 10:52 PM
Monday, April 28, 2008
Determining if Monovision laser vision correction is right for you
Dr. Sandy T. Feldman will be able to determine if you are a candidate for monovision laser eye surgery during your
complimentary consultation. During your consultation, Dr. Feldman will evaluate your vision by running several tests, reviewing your current prescription and discussing your current vision goals. She will also address any questions you may have on
monovision laser vision correction surgery and other vision procedures.
posted by Clearview Staff at 11:51 PM
Monovision Laser Vision Correction
Like Custom LASIK and PRK, wavefront-guided
Monovision laser vision correction utilizes a custom "map of the eye" to give patients precise, clear vision.
With a Monovision correction,
Dr. Sandy T. Feldman carefully reshapes the cornea so that one eye has great distance vision and the other eye has great close vision without the need for glasses or contacts. Contact
ClearView Eye and Laser Medical Center for more information on Monovision Laser Vision Correction.
posted by Clearview Staff at 10:55 PM
Symptoms of Presbyopia
A common symptom of
presbyopia includes when an object is very close to you, it looks blurred. Presbyopia makes it hard to read and causes discomfort and fatigue when the patient tries to focus on nearby objects, like a newspaper or computer screen, for extended periods of time.
Some patients also mention that their vision can remain blurred for a few seconds or even a few minutes when they move their focus from a near object to an object that is further away. For more information on presbyopia,
contact us.
posted by Clearview Staff at 9:42 PM
What is Presbyopia
Presbyopia, or old eyes, is often experienced by adults starting around the age of forty or fifty. When you are presbyopic reading and seeing details becomes difficult without the use of reading glasses. There are both non-surgical and surgical solutions for presbyopia. Contact
ClearView Eye and Laser Medical Center for more information on laser vision surgery for presbyopia.
posted by Clearview Staff at 9:10 PM
LASIK 101
LASIK
eye surgery simply means that an ophthalmic surgeon will reshape your cornea in order to correct or enhance eyesight. Gone are the days of having to wear glasses or contact lenses for the rest of your life as this simple surgical procedure is transforming the way that people view the world. LASIK can be effective in treating patients with the very common eye problems of myopia, hyperopia, presbyopia, and astigmatism.
You may, however, have heard of other surgeries like PRK or LASEK that can be used for the treatment of sight disorders but healing times for patients that undergo LASIK are significantly shorter. This surgery will have you back living life to the fullest in just two to three days.
How It's Done
Before the surgery you will need to have a consult with your ophthalmologist who will do some tests as well as take the necessary measurements in order to ensure that the precise amount of LASIK correction you need has been calculated.
During your surgery, an instrument called the microkeratome will be used to create a tiny corneal flap of corneal tissue from the surface of the eye. An excimer laser will then used to sculpt the bed of the cornea to match to the precise dimensions determined during your consult.
Once this has been completed, the flap will be replaced and nature allowed to take its course. Within a few hours of your surgery the flap will be sealed back into position and the eyes will be completely healed within a week.
Many people are afraid of eye surgery, but they shouldn't be as these short procedures are conducted by the top trained professionals and can eliminate the need to wear glasses or contact lenses completely.
To learn more about LASIK, please
contact Clearview Eye and Laser Medical Center in San Diego today.
posted by Lynn at 6:44 AM
Friday, April 25, 2008
LASIK For Astigmatism
Asigmatism is when the cornea is more of an oblong shape rather than a rounded shape means the person with it will have trouble distinguishing vertical, horizontal, and diagonal lines. LASIK surgery is an ideal treatment for astigmatism in treating the areas of blurry vision.
The shape of the cornea will give a clue as to whether someone has nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. LASIK can help fix astigmatism as it will eliminate the need to wear glasses or contact lenses and is a painless procedure that only takes ten to twenty minutes.
The procedure involves the surgeon lifting the thin layer of the cornea with an instrument called a microkeratome that glides across the cornea. Then, taking less than one minute, cool and ultraviolet laser pulses emanating from the excimer laser will help to reform the internal cornea with accuracy levels of up to 0.25 microns.
Through the adjustment of the pattern of the laser beam with the help of a computer, it becomes possible to treat high levels of astigmatism. After reshaping the tissue, the flap gets put back in its original position and due to the cornea’s natural Velcro-like bonding qualities, the process of healing is very quick and also may not require any stitches.
The procedure is usually quick in terms of surgical procedures and can take anywhere from 20-30 minutes to perform. There is always a risk of complication but the risk is minimal. Some discomfort may be present for the patient following LASIK.
To learn more about LASIK, please
contact Clearview Eye and Laser Medical Center in San Diego today.
posted by Lynn at 6:15 AM
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Preparing for LASIK surgery
Once a patient has decided on a vision correction procedure or treatment, some preparation will be needed before scheduling the actual
LASIK or vision correction procedure. Dr. Sandy T. Feldman may advise patients that they are a great candidate for LASIK or that they may need to wait for their vision prescription to stabilize. Some patients will need to remove their contact lenses for a period of time before their procedure. Contact
ClearView Eye and Laser Medical Center for a complimentary vision correction consult.
posted by Clearview Staff at 10:37 PM
What to expect at a LASIK consult
At your initial
LASIK consult, you will review your vision goals and the procedures available to achieve them.
Dr. Sandy T. Feldman will answer any initial questions you might have. Then some basic tests on your eyes will be done. Using that information, your medical history and Dr. Feldman’s extensive experience, a vision correction procedure will be recommended for you. Contact
ClearView Eye and Laser Medical Center for a complimentary vision correction consultation.
posted by Clearview Staff at 10:11 PM
Iris registration and LASIK
Iris registration during LASIK is another way to insure crisp, clear vision. Eyes can change position from sitting to lying down; our eyes can rotate or move a little. The iris registration feature keeps track of the movement of the eyes and adjusts for it during the laser treatment. Iris registration also enables the laser to properly center the custom treatment within the center of the pupil, even if the pupil changes size under different light levels. For more information on LASIK, contact
ClearView Eye and Laser Medical Center.
posted by Clearview Staff at 9:17 PM
Affordable options for LASIK
To help you along the way, Clearview Eye and Laser Medical Center has several payment options to help ensure vision correction surgery is affordable for every budget. This includes our most popular financing plan -
No Money Down, No Interest and No Payments for 12 months. To find out more about any of these options, just
contact us.
posted by Clearview Staff at 8:45 PM
Monday, April 21, 2008
Is LASIK possible after implantable contact lens surgery to further improve vision?
In about 10% of patients, an enhancement with laser vision correction may be necessary after
implantable contact lense surgery. In some cases,
LASIK is needed to correct astigmatism or small prescriptions after the lenses are implanted. For more information on implantable contact lens surgery, contact
ClearView Eye and Laser Medical Center.
posted by Clearview Staff at 11:04 PM
How long is recovery from implantable contact lens surgery?
posted by Clearview Staff at 10:48 PM
How long do implantable contact lens last?
The
implantable contact lenses are made of inert materials and are meant to last the patient's lifetime. When lenses inserted into the patient’s eye for nearsightedness the lenses will need to be removed if cataract surgery is indicated.
posted by Clearview Staff at 10:30 PM
Are there different types of implantable lenses?
Yes, there are several different
implantable contact lenses. Two types are used for patients who are highly nearsighted. The lenses differ as to where they are positioned in the eye. The Verisyse lens is attached to the iris in the front of the eye. The Visian lens is placed behind the iris, just over the natural lens of the eye.
posted by Clearview Staff at 10:02 PM
Dry Eye Incidence Can Be Lowered by UV Protection During LASIK
Some people experience dry eye after
LASIK, and this can be the result of ultraviolent light exposure from the excimer laser that is used during the procedure. Actually, UV protection during the excimer laser ablation can reduce the incidence of post-LASIK dry eye by 70%.
To have all of your LASIK questions answered, please
contact Clearview Eye and Laser Medical Center today to schedule your initial consultation.
posted by Lynn at 12:00 PM
Friday, April 18, 2008
How long is Implantable contact lens surgery?
Implantable contact lens surgery is very fast, it takes about ten minutes to perform. However, the procedures are performed on the two eyes on different days. To see if you are a candidate for implantable lens surgery, contact
ClearView Eye and Laser Medical Center.
posted by Clearview Staff at 6:25 PM
Who are good candidates for implantable contact lens surgery
Implantable contact lens candidates:
• Are extremely nearsighted with little or no astigmatism
• Should be 21 years of age or older
• Need to have a stable prescription
Contact
ClearView Eye and Laser Medical Center for more information on implantable contact lenses.
posted by Clearview Staff at 6:10 PM
What prescriptions do implantable contact lens treat?
Implantable contact lenses are made of plastic. Patients with high prescriptions like moderate to severe nearsightedness can use these implantable lenses. Once the implantable lenses are placed; they work similarly to traditional contact lenses.
posted by Clearview Staff at 5:45 PM
How long does it take to have LASIK?
LASIK is a very fast procedure, taking only five to ten minutes per eye. Before LASIK can be done an in-depth examination will need to be completed.
During the exam, the
ClearView Eye and Laser Medical Center will take a number of precise eye measurements, confirm if you are a candidate, answer all of you questions and be sure you are educated about your choices for vision correction surgery.
posted by Clearview Staff at 5:13 PM
Does LASIK commonly cause dry eye?
Some ten million people in the US have dry eyes.
LASIK can temporarily increase the occurrence of dryness in a patient’s eyes. For many patients, their dry eyes improve over time with proper management of the condition with plenty of hydration, using topical –non-preserved tear preparations, moisture ointment at bedtime and Restatis eye drops. If eye drops alone are not adequate, other treatments are available.
Contact us for more information.
posted by Clearview Staff at 4:52 PM
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Choosing the right vision correction surgery for you
At your consultation, a through eye exam will be done along with a discussion on any medical conditions that may pertain to selecting the best vision correction treatment option available. Then,
Dr. Feldman will go over her vision correction recommendation for you. Contact
ClearView Eye and Laser Medical Center to see if you are a good candidate for vision correction surgery.
posted by Clearview Staff at 10:05 PM
Your consultation with ClearView Eye and Laser Medical Center
Your first consultation with your vision correction specialist is important for many reasons. At ClearView Eye and Laser Medical Center, it is
Dr. Sandy T. Feldman’s chance to learn about your vision, your questions and answer any questions you have about
vision correction surgery.
posted by Clearview Staff at 9:50 PM
Looking for the right LASIK surgeon for your vision correction procedure?
• Find an office and a doctor that makes you feel comfortable and relaxed
• See if the doctor offers references with whom you can speak
• Success is not measured by the number of patients quickly bustled in and out of the doors
Contact
ClearView Eye and Laser Medical Center to see if you are a good candidate for vision correction surgery.
posted by Clearview Staff at 9:36 PM
What to look for in a LASIK surgeon
• Choose a surgeon that specializes in
Custom LASIK with IntraLase and also offers advanced intraocular lenses for the treatment of cataracts
• Look for a surgeon that explains all of your options to you in detail
• Be sure that all of your questions are addressed
posted by Clearview Staff at 9:18 PM
Clearview Eye and Medical Laser Center, we measure our success by our patients' statisfaction
ClearView Eye and Medical Laser Center utilizes the most advanced laser vision correction technology when treating our patients’ eyes, but we measure our success by our patients’ satisfaction and comfort. Our practice has been built on the referrals and positive feedback we receive everyday.
posted by Clearview Staff at 8:55 PM
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Is LASIK surgery covered by insurance?
Most medical insurance companies do not cover LASIK surgery. Because it is considered a medical expense, patients can use their HAS or FLEX spending accounts to pay for their procedure. Contact
ClearView Eye and Laser Medical Center for a complimentary laser vision correction consultation.
posted by Clearview Staff at 11:55 PM
How long does LASIK last?
Ten year study results have shown that patients still have good vision. It is important to note that
LASIK does not stop the normal aging process of the eye. Some patient’s eyes change a small amount yearly, while other patients do not change at all. If the patient’s prescription does change, it is usually only a small amount and may require the patient to need glasses at night or an enhancement.
posted by Clearview Staff at 10:27 PM
How does astigmatism affect a patient's vision?
Astigmatism is a condition of the eye in which the cornea, or front surface of the eye, is shaped like and oval or a football instead of being round shaped. Astigmatism causes blurry, ghosting and sometimes, doubling of the patient’s vision. Astigmatism can be corrected with
laser vision correction. Contact
ClearView Eye and Laser Medical Center for a complimentary laser vision correction consultation.
posted by Clearview Staff at 10:13 PM
When can patients start to wear eye makeup again after vision correction surgery?
Dr. Sandy T. Feldman advises patients to wait to for a week after their
LASIK procedure before starting to wear eye makeup again. She also lets patients know to make sure they use clean brushes, new mascara, and be careful to only gently rub their eyes when using liquid make up remover.
posted by Clearview Staff at 9:57 PM
Is there pain during LASIK surgery?
During
LASIK surgery, the patient feels some pressure on their eyes for about 20 seconds. However, there is not a lot of pain or discomfort with the LASIK procedure, which is one of the reasons it is one of the most common elective procedures performed.
posted by Clearview Staff at 9:41 PM
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Can vitamin C help blurry vision?
Dr. Sandy T. Feldman prescribes Vitamin C before and after
PRK and its modern equivalents, ASA and LASEK. In studies, vitamin C has been shown to reduce the development of a haze of the cornea after PRK. This is important because if one develops a haze of the cornea, the vision will be blurred.
posted by Clearview Staff at 9:59 PM
Are little red blotches in the whites of my eyes normal after LASIK? How long will they last?
Having 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, according to
Dr. Sandy T. Feldman.
posted by Clearview Staff at 9:43 PM
Is it normal that eyes are light sensitive after LASIK?
There are many reasons eye to be sensitive to light a month after
LASIK. This can be caused by dryness and irritation of the eyes. Light sensitivity can be due to an inflammatory condition called transient photosensitivity [light sensitivity] syndrome.
These conditions can be treated; which is why postoperative visits and the availability of your eye doctor after surgery are so important, according to
Dr. Sandy T. Feldman. If this occurs, call the office and please be seen by your doctor.
posted by Clearview Staff at 9:24 PM
What are Restasis drops?
Restasis is a prescription eye drop. Restatis works by increasing the production of tears in the eyes. These eye drops can be very useful in patients with dry eyes following
LASIK.
posted by Clearview Staff at 8:48 PM
When can you swim after LASIK?
We recommend that patient wait a week before going swimming in a pool with goggles after having
LASIK. For patients that swim in the ocean or surf, we recommend that they wait two weeks after their LASIK procedure before resuming their normal ocean activities. This is due to pollution and runoff in the ocean water. Contact
ClearView Eye and Laser Medical Center for more information on LASIK.
posted by Clearview Staff at 8:30 PM
LASIK News
One way of determining visual function following
LASIK is using an eye chart to measure visual functioning. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is currently working to clarify whether or not LASIK does improve one’s quality of life. To do this, the agency will undertake a major study in 2009 with the National Eye Institute, American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery and the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
The FDA study will assess quality of life following LASIK based on factors such as general satisfaction beyond how eyesight is generally assessed.
To learn more bout LASIK and customer satisfaction, please
contact Clearview Eye and Laser Medical Center in San Diego today to schedule your initial appointment.
posted by Lynn at 8:15 AM
Monday, April 14, 2008
What are eye floaters and what can cause them?
As we age we often get floaters, or spots, that move around in our vision as we move the eye. Floaters are annoying and, unfortunately, there is not a good treatment for them, according to
Dr. Sandy T. Feldman.
posted by Clearview Staff at 9:21 PM
Is PRK or LASIK easier to enhance?
From time to time a patient will need to have their LASIK or
PRK vision correction procedure enhanced, possibly due to a change in the patient’s vision. Both are equally easy procedures to do and have similar results. Much like the original procedure,
LASIK has a shorter healing time than PRK.
posted by Clearview Staff at 9:05 PM
Which gives patients better night vision, PRK or LASIK?
Both
LASIK and
PRK procedures use an excimer laser to contour the cornea or front surface of the eye. Healing from a PRK procedure takes longer a LASIK procedure, however, the results are similar. A better satisfaction rate with night vision has been documented in studies using customized ablation profiles. For a complimentary laser vision consultation,
contact ClearView Eye and Laser Medical Center.
posted by Clearview Staff at 7:43 PM
Man’s Sight Restored 66 Years After Losing It
A staggering 66 years after losing his sight in one eye, 87-year-old John Gray can now see with the eye he has not used in over six decades and is sufficiently sighted to take a driving test.
Mr. Gray was badly injured during Luftwaffe’s bombing raid and was told he would never see with his right eye again. However, when he started to go blind in his left eye, also, specialists decided to see what they could do for this war-time wound. An eye surgeon at Glasgow’s Southern General replaced the scarred lens allowing the man to see again.
After the 1941 bombing World War II bombing, Gray had an injury to his head which took the sight away from his left eye. He says, "I didn’t know at the time it was gone for good but they told me it was a traumatic cataract formed by a blog and they said there was nothing could be done about it."
But more than six decades later, the sight in his left eye was restored after it was discovered that the lens was scarred but the retina was still healthy. He underwent surgery to repair the damaged and is, of course, delighted with the outcome.
To learn more about the
wonders of eye surgery, please
contact Clearview Eye and Laser Medical Center in San Diego, California today.
posted by Lynn at 8:11 AM
Friday, April 11, 2008
How is EpiLASIK done?
EpiLASIK is similar to the
PRK procedure. The surface of the cornea is ablated after the epithelium, or flap, is lifted in a single sheet. Once the flap is repositioned a bandage contact lens is applied to the eye while the cornea heals. For a complimentary LASIK consultation contact
ClearView Eye and Laser Medical Center.
posted by Clearview Staff at 4:45 AM
What is the Intralase method?
The
Intralase method can be used for both
PRK and
LASIK. It is a 100 percent blade-free technique that is used in the first step of the LASIK or PRK procedure to create the corneal flap. The Intralase laser creates tiny bubbles in the cornea, the bubbles are carefully separated to form a flap. After the flap is created, the next step is to treat the cornea with the excimer laser to correct the patient’s vision. When Intralase is used with CustomVue TM, the procedure is known as iLASIK, a tailored treatment for the unique characteristics of the patient’s eye. Contact
ClearView Eye and Laser Medical Center for a complimentary vision correction consultation.
posted by Clearview Staff at 4:18 AM
Can a patient have LASIK after cataract surgery?
Cataract surgery often corrects a patient’s vision, without the need for
LASIK. However, if the patient has astigmatism or if their prescription is not be adequately treated by removal of the cataract, LASIK surgery can be performed. Contact
ClearView Eye and Laser Medical Center for more information on LASIK and cataract surgery.
posted by Clearview Staff at 3:43 AM
What if my eyes are extremely dry after LASIK?
After
LASIK, or even
PRK, a patient’s eyes can be dry. While this is a temporary complication, it can be treated with lubricating eye drops. If the eyes are still dry after being treated with lubricating drops, then inserts or “plugs†can be used. Dry eyes usually clear up within a few months after LASIK or PRK. The best thing a patient can do to help treat their dry eyes is to lubricate often, usually several times a day.
Contact us for more information on LASIK.
posted by Clearview Staff at 3:19 AM
After LASIK surgery, how long do I have to use eye drops?
After
LASIK patients are given both antibiotic and anti-inflammatory solutions for their eyes. The drops are used for a number of days following LASIK and are used to prevent infection and scarring as well as to reduce inflammation. Contact
ClearView Eye and Laser Medical Center for more information on LASIK.
posted by Clearview Staff at 1:54 AM
What if I have dry eyes and drops aren’t helping?
For dry eyes that are not responding to eye drops or lubricating ointment treatments,
Dr. Sandy T. Feldman can insert a small punctual plug into the tear duct. This helps to retain moisture in the eye.
Contact us for more information on LASIK and dry eyes.
posted by Clearview Staff at 1:00 AM
Thursday, April 10, 2008
If I have dry eyes, what kind of drops should I use?
Dry eyes syndrome is identified as the chronic lack of lubrication or moisture in the eyes. When you have dry eyes it causes the eyes to be irritated. The eyes feel as if they constantly have some thing in them. A more serious condition of ocular inflammation of the eye can also occur. Common eye dryness can be treated with non-preserved eye drops or lubricating ointment at night. More serious conditions might be treated with Restatis, which increases tear production.
posted by Clearview Staff at 9:43 PM
What happens if I hit my eye after having LASIK or PRK?
Usually, your eye will feel uncomfortable if you inadvertently hit your eye after
LASIK. Stop for a minute and evaluate your vision. If you have severe pain that does not dissipate and/or your vision has changed, call your doctor.
posted by Clearview Staff at 8:15 PM
My eyes get itchy during the spring, what can I do to make them feel better
According to
Dr. Feldman, seasonally itchy eyes may be due to an allergy. The use of eye drops, which will help the allergic reaction, cold compresses and systemic medications is helpful for treating itchy eyes. Another tip is to avoid rubbing of your eyes.
posted by Clearview Staff at 7:55 PM
Is Visine good for your eyes?
Visine contains a substance which “gets the red out†of people’s eyes. Sometimes, this feels so good that people get addicted to it, according to
Dr. Sandy T. Feldman. It is advisable to use eye drops without preservatives to care for the eyes.
posted by Clearview Staff at 7:27 PM
What kind of eye drops do I need to use after LASIK?
After
LASIK, you will need to use antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops for four to seven days after surgery.
posted by Clearview Staff at 7:07 PM
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Will my eyes feel scratchy after LASIK
Your eyes will feel scratchy after
LASIK, especially in the first few hours. It is important to take a nap after the surgery to rest your eyes and use the prescribed drops as directed by
Dr. Feldman. For a complimentary LASIK consultation, contact
Clearview Eye and Laser Medical Center.
posted by Clearview Staff at 10:36 PM
Can highly nearsighted patients have LASIK?
Highly nearsighted patients can have
LASIK if their cornea is thick enough. High prescriptions require more tissue removal and the doctor must always weigh the best procedure for a person. Doctors aim to keep a certain thickness remaining under the flap in LASIK.
posted by Clearview Staff at 10:24 PM
What is considered a high level of nearsightedness?
Severe nearsightedness is considered above 6D of prescription. Patients with a high degree of nearsightedness many not be good candidates for LASIK due to their high prescription. They can still achieve surgical vision correction with
implantable contact lenses.
posted by Clearview Staff at 10:10 PM
Do I need to have my eye dilated before LASIK, if so why?
It is important for you to undergo ocular dilation before
LASIK eye surgery. During dilation, we check the prescription of the eye when you cannot strain. This is especially important in young people, so we can measure your true prescription. Also, it is important to check the back of the eye, the retina, during dilation. Contact
Clearview Eye and Medical Laser Center for more information on LASIK.
posted by Clearview Staff at 9:53 PM
How long do contact lenses need to be removed before having LASIK?
Patients that wear contact lenses need to remove them for a period of time before their
LASIK procedure. Soft contact lenses will need to be out for approximately one to two weeks before LASIK. Rigid or hard contact lenses need to be removed for at least four to six weeks or until stability of your eyes is achieved.
Dr. Feldman will be able to advise you about your contact lenses during the consultation process.
posted by Clearview Staff at 9:30 PM
Implantanble Contact Lenses Can Change Lives
In the news recently was the story of a 17-year-old boy named David Riley who could barely see anything unless it was right in front of his face. He could not see to drive and he could not see the chalkboard in his classes. But then his life changed dramatically. David had Visian ICL (implantable collamer lenses) inserted into his eyes, and his world came into focus.
Unlike traditional contact lenses that are placed on the surface of the eye, these implants are actually surgically placed inside the eye permanently, unless the patient requires cataract surgery later in life. This life-changing procedure was approved by the
Food and Drug Administration in 2005 and has been changing the way people see the world ever since.
The implant is a thin, rectangular lens smaller than a traditional contact lens, and it fits in the space right behind the iris and in front of the eye’s natural lens. An ophthalmologist in our office will make a microscopic incision where the cornea meets the white part of the eye and he will insert the foldable lens, which then unfolds into place.
To learn more about how ICL’s can change your view of the world, please
contact Clearview Eye and Laser Medical Center in San Diego, California today to schedule your initial appointment.
posted by Lynn at 8:21 AM
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Do I have to wear eye protection after LASIK?
Yes, it is important to wear eye protection after LASIK for the first day and at night for the first week as you are recovering for your procedure. For more information on caring for your eyes after LASIK, contact
Clearview Eye and Laser Medical Center.
posted by Clearview Staff at 9:22 PM
What type of laser is used for LASIK?
An excimer laser is used to contour the front surface of the eye in
LASIK. There are different manufacturers of excimer lasers. The VISX Star S4 with IR, iris registration, is the latest state of the art laser. For a complimentary LASIK consultation,
contact us.
posted by Clearview Staff at 9:04 PM
Why is Intralase better than traditional LASIK?
The
Intralase is an all laser method to create the flap. As it is computer controlled, we can now customize the flaps for patients. According to
Dr. Feldman, "We can better center the flaps, use smaller flaps which may have less of an affect on dryness of the eyes, and have afforded another level of safety and precision." Contact
Clearview Eye and Laser Medical Center for more information on Intralase.
posted by Clearview Staff at 4:48 PM
What is the Intralase procedure?
The
Intralase is a femtosecond laser which is used to create a flap during the LASIK procedure. In the past, a semiautoautomated mechanical instrument, known as a microkeratome, was used to create a flap.
Contact us for more information on LASIK and Intralase.
posted by Clearview Staff at 4:30 PM
Why would I have PRK instead of LASIK?
PRK, or Advanced Surface Ablation, is recommended for individuals who have thin corneas, people who participate in contact sports or have professions in which they are likely to get hit in the eye. For some branches of the military, one cannot have LASIK, so PRK is a good option. Contact
Clearview Eye and Laser Medical Center for more information on PRK vision correction surgery.
posted by Clearview Staff at 3:57 PM
Scotomas and Vision Loss
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if, as we age, we could find out quickly and easily if we have early glaucoma damage or incipient age-related macular degeneration? Most would answer with a resounding "yes." The "twinkle after" effect is a visual illusion that foils the brain’s automatic filling in of small blind spots in the visual field and offers the possibility that patients could notice their scotomas earlier. Detecting scotomas early could lead to early drug treatment and some
preservation of vision.According to Peter J. Bex, Ph.D. and assistant professor of ophthalmology at Harvard University, "We have built-in mechanisms that prevent us from being aware of loss of vision. Even if you close one eye, the location of the physiological blind spot is filled in." He continues by saying, "Even when you have a real disease with a blind spot, you may not be aware of it because filling in takes over."
Dr. Bex and two colleagues recruited eight patients with scotomas (most of them caused by macular degeneration) and performed tests to map their scotomas. Four of the patients’ scotomas could not be measured because of filling in.
They then tested the "twinkle after effect" by first showing the patients a large, touch-sensitive display screen for 15 seconds, followed by a solid gray screen for 15 seconds. After several cycles of this, the patient was told to look at the gray screen and draw around any area that appeared unusual. They described what they saw as a "twinkling" or a "moving cloud." The twinkling areas corresponded well with the scotomas measured. Of the four patients who could not be measured with conventional tests, three experienced the twinkle after effect.
The goal of this study is to adapt the system so that people can have a simple test to check their own vision at home. This may ensure they see an ophthalmologist in time for any possible treatment, and giving them a chance to preserve their vision.
To learn more about vision loss and what can be done about it, please
contact Clearview Eye and Laser Medical Center in San Diego, California today.
posted by Lynn at 8:37 AM
Monday, April 7, 2008
Can I have LASIK after cataract surgery?
Yes, according to
Dr. Feldman, LASIK is being performed more often than in the past after
cataract surgery with premium intraocular lens implants. Sometimes, people have large prescriptions that need to be treated where a combination of
LASIK and cataract surgery can help.
Contact us for more information on LASIK and cataract surgery.
posted by Clearview Staff at 10:40 PM
Can diabetics have LASIK?
Yes, diabetics can have LASIK. However, your doctor will determine whether or not you are a good candidate for LASIK. It is important to remember that diabetes is a disease which can affect the eyes.
posted by Clearview Staff at 10:23 PM
Can you be too old to have LASIK
There is no upper age limit for
LASIK. It is advisable that your eyes be healthy and have no ocular diseases. For more on LASIK,
contact us.
posted by Clearview Staff at 10:08 PM
How old do you have to be to have LASIK?
It is advisable to wait to have LASIK when your eyes have stabilized. This is usually above the age of 21. For a complimentary LASIK consultation,
contact us.
posted by Clearview Staff at 9:53 PM
When can I drive after PRK?
Most patients can drive the fourth day after
PRK surgery, when the front layer of the eye has healed.
PRK can be a better choice than LASIK for patients who:
- Have thin corneas
- Have larger pupils
- Planning to have careers or play sport that carry a higher risk of eye injury
posted by Clearview Staff at 9:39 PM
When can I drive after LASIK?
Most patients can definitely pass a driver’s test the day after LASIK surgery. However, we advise you to wait until your eyes have been tested and you feel comfortable to drive.
Contact us for a complimentary LASIK consultation.
posted by Clearview Staff at 9:29 PM
Friday, April 4, 2008
What is the recovery process like for PRK, should I take time off of work after surgery?
According to
Dr. Feldman, the recovery process for
PRK is longer than for
LASIK. You should plan on resting for about three days after PRK. On the fourth day, when the front layer of the cornea is fully healed, you can return to work. For more information on PRK or LASIK,
contact us.
posted by Clearview Staff at 9:49 PM
After my LASIK surgery, how soon will I be able to see well, will it take a few days?
Most nearsighted patients achieve 20/25 or better vision the day after
LASIK surgery. However, the time to full recovery can vary depending upon one’s prescription. Farsighted and highly nearsighted individuals may require more time to heal.
Contact us for more information on LASIK.
posted by Clearview Staff at 9:14 PM
What if I move or blink during LASIK?
Although people worry about blinking or moving, have confidence in your abilities! We use an instrument to hold your eyelids so you cannot blink during the procedure. There are a lot of safety mechanisms on the laser. Even if you did move, the laser would automatically stop.
Contact us if you have more questions on
LASIK.
posted by Clearview Staff at 8:13 PM
Does LASIK hurt during surgery, what about as I am healing?
LASIK surgery is not painful. The procedure is easier than going to the dentist for a tooth cleaning!
Most patients experience watery eyes and a foreign body sensation for a few hours after the procedure. When one sleeps, they miss any discomfort which might occur. Upon awakening from the recommended nap, the patient notices a marked improvement in vision!
Contact us for a complimentary LASIK consultation.
posted by Clearview Staff at 7:41 PM
How do contacts work for monovision?
For patients that are used to wearing contact lenses, we give them special contact lenses to simulate
monovision. With these lenses, the dominant eye is corrected fully for distance and the nondominant eye is partially corrected, which enables reading vision. When both eyes are open, the patient is able to see both distance and near and can read a menu again!
posted by Clearview Staff at 6:53 PM
If I don’t like my monovision correction, can it be changed
Yes, if one has
monovision, but cannot adapt, it can be changed for distance vision. We usually wait for three months to make sure that adaptation does not occur before changing. At
Clearview Eye and Laser Medical Center, almost all patients adapt to monovision surgically once they have met Dr. Feldman's criteria for performing monovision surgically.
posted by Clearview Staff at 6:05 PM
Thursday, April 3, 2008
How do you test to see if you are a good candidate for monovision
During the consultation, testing will be performed to determine if you are a good candidate for monovision. This can be performed by treating the full correction in the dominant eye for distance and by partially correcting the nondominant eye for reading. Sometimes, this is done in the office and at others, patients are given contact lenses to simulate it.
Contact us for a complimentary consultation.
posted by Clearview Staff at 6:44 PM
Why would I have Intacs instead of LASIK?
Intacs used to be performed for mild nearsightedness. Today, it is mostly used to treat eyes with keratoconus.
Contact us for more information.
posted by Clearview Staff at 6:17 PM
What are intacs?
Intacs or implantable corneal rings are inserted into the cornea to correct nearsightedness and/or keratoconus.
Contact us for questions on intacs.
posted by Clearview Staff at 6:02 PM
How long is the recovery from implantable lens surgery?
The recovery time is very rapid with implantable lens surgery. Many patients achieve driving vision or better the first day. Some patients experience longer visual recovery as they have astigmatism, which needs to be corrected.
Contact us for more information on implantable lens surgery.
posted by Clearview Staff at 5:48 PM
Will I be unconscious during implantable lens surgery?
posted by Clearview Staff at 5:27 PM
How long is an implantable lens surgery?
posted by Clearview Staff at 5:09 PM
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Intralase Studies
Studies have shown that more patients achieve 20/20 vision and experience less trouble seeing in dim lighting after their surgery when the
IntraLase® Method is used.
Contact us for a complimentary consultation.
posted by Clearview Staff at 11:02 PM
Positioning the corneal flap
When using the
IntraLase laser, the corneal flap re-positions smoothly after the LASIK surgery is finished. Typically, the flap heals without any wrinkles or other complications.
Contact us for more information on LASIK.
posted by Clearview Staff at 10:41 PM
Patients that have thin corneas are not good candidates for traditional LASIK surgery. However, they may be able to have LASIK if the
IntraLase® Method is used. This is due to the enhanced precision of the computer-controlled laser.
posted by Clearview Staff at 10:24 PM
Creating a flap with Intralase?
The
Intralase method produces a very smooth surface for the laser treat. A microkeratome moves back and forth very rapidly to create the flap, which can leave a slightly roughened surface.
posted by Clearview Staff at 10:11 PM
How is the IntraLase method done?
The IntraLase laser is used to create the corneal flap before the LASIK treatment is done. In order to create the flap, the laser emits fast little bursts of energy and pulses of light. The pulses create tiny bubbles on the eye’s surface at a predetermined microscopic depth until they cover the treatment surface.
posted by Clearview Staff at 8:40 PM
Why is the corneal flp made during LASIK?
The first step in the
LASIK procedure is making the corneal flap. The surface flap is created and then folded back in order to access the corneal tissue that’s located beneath the surface. The laser is then used to correct the vision of the eye. When the treatment is completed, the flap is folded into position. This flap acts as a bandage over the treated eye.
posted by Clearview Staff at 7:58 PM
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Custom LASIK for your personalized prescription
Custom LASIK offers patients a personalized way to reduce their dependency on glasses and contact lenses. Dr.
Feldman uses the
excimer laser to carefully reshape the cornea, essentially sculpting a contact lens onto the cornea of the eye. This procedure gives patients freedom from wearing glasses.
Contact us for your complimentary LASIK consultation.
posted by Clearview Staff at 10:51 PM
Vision correction choices for cataract patients
According to the National Eye Institute, more than half of all Americans have had a cataract or cataract surgery by age 80. Dr. Feldman and Clearview Eye and Laser Center offer several solutions for patients with
cataracts. Traditional and advanced intraocular lenses many times will restore a patient’s vision.
Contact us for more information on cataracts.
posted by Clearview Staff at 10:44 PM
Intacs may be a good, vision correction option
Some patients are unable to have LASIK because of thin corneas. For them,
Intacs offer another vision correction procedure. An Intac is a small, crescent-shaped plastic segment that are implants in the periphery of the cornea. They are used to treat nearsightedness, astigmatism and keratoconus.
Contact us for more information on Intacs.
posted by Clearview Staff at 10:32 PM
Treating presbyopia with LASIK or Intraocular Lenses
As we get older, so does our up-close or reading vision. This condition is called
presbyopia and is a common problem for patients over 40. With LASIK monovision or advanced intraocular lens technology, patients now have several options to get rid of their reading glasses or bifocals. For more information,
contact us.
posted by Clearview Staff at 10:23 PM
Correcting your vision with Implantable Contact Lenses
For some patients, LASIK, or other laser vision correction procedures, is not an option. However, there are still ways to correct your vision and get rid of your glasses. For patients who have high degrees of nearsightedness, they may be good candidates for
implantable contact lenses.
posted by Clearview Staff at 10:13 PM
Off-Label Drugs Popular in Opthalmology
Off-label drugs use is popular in all types of medicine, but it is especially popular in ophthalmology. In most recent news, there are reports of ocular medications being incorporated into cosmetic products to enhance the growth of eyelashes. The products contain bimatoprost, a prostaglandin analog. Bimatoprost, when used as a glaucoma drug, has the side effects of causing changes to pigmentation of the iris, eyelashes and periorbital tissue, as well as causing eyelash growth.
In November 2007, the Food and Drug Administration seized over 12,000 applicator tubes of one product over concerns that it may cause decreased vision. The FDA posted a letter on its website stating that people using the drug as both an IOP-lowering medication (intra-ocular pressure) and for cosmetic reasons may be at increased risk of optic nerve damage. Other adverse effects the FDA warned about were macular edema and uveitis.
To learn more about how these products can affect your vision, please
contact the medical team at Clearview Eye and Laser Medical Center today to schedule your initial appointment.
posted by Lynn at 7:50 AM

Sandy T. Feldman, M.D., M.S. :: ClearView Eye and Laser Medical Center
6255 Lusk Blvd., Suite 100 :: San Diego, California 92121
“She’s the Surgeon to See”