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The LASIK Directory Blog

Welcome to the LASIK Blog, a resource for people interested in LASIK surgery. This consumer-friendly blog is intended to be used as a central resource to answer common questions about LASIK and to point you in the right direction.

Thursday, February 26, 2009

Study Offers Possible Way to Prevent Age-Related Macular Degeneration

A new study has discovered a possible prevention for age-related macular degeneration (AMD). More than 5,400 women over the age of 40 participated in the 7 year study. Researchers found that women who took vitamins B6 and B12 along with folic acid supplements had a significantly lower risk of developing AMD. The women taking vitamin supplements were 34% less likely to develop any form of the degenerative eye condition and 41% less likely to develop a severe form of AMD.

While these results are very promising, researchers say that further studies are needed to conclusively establish the link between these vitamins and a reduced risk of AMD. Future studies should also include males to see if vitamins B6, B12 and folic acid are preventative tools for both genders.

Age-related macular degeneration generally affects people over the age of 60 and is marked by a deterioration of tissues in the retina. People suffering from AMD have difficulty seeing items in their direct vision and frequently experience problems with tasks such as reading and driving. While AMD does not cause blindness, it will seriously impact your vision and make many daily tasks very difficult.

Early detection increases the effectiveness of treatment. Therefore, it is important to go for regular eye screenings after age 40.

You can use the links at the bottom of this page to find a qualified ophthalmologist in your area.

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Nevada Bill Attempts to Eliminate Sub-Standard LASIK Procedures

The Nevada State Legislature is currently hearing a bill that will help prevent inferior LASIK surgery procedures by imposing harsh penalties on eye facilities that allow unlicensed ophthalmologists to perform laser eye surgery procedures.

This bill has been created in response to the discovery that Valley Eye Center in Las Vegas had been performing LASIK procedures with unlicensed physicians four days a week. One of these unlicensed physicians, Dr. Vikas Jain, had his Colorado medical license revoked after facing 22 medical malpractice claims for sub-par LASIK procedures.

Valley Eye Center has been closed down, and the licenses of the ophthalmologists working there have been suspended. The doctors are currently facing medical malpractice lawsuits related to 30 instances of patients whose LASIK procedures led to vision damage.

The Nevada bill will require all ophthalmology centers performing refractive surgery to have these procedures conducted by an eye surgeon licensed in the state of Nevada. If a refractive surgery center is operating without a license, it will be shut down.

While LASIK technology has advanced rapidly in recent years and the procedures have become very routine, it is still important to go to a highly skilled, experienced, and licensed ophthalmologist. If your surgery is performed by a doctor lacking the proper training and experience, you run the risk of suffering permanent vision damage.

You can use the links at the bottom of this page to find a qualified LASIK surgeon in your area.

Thursday, February 19, 2009

Running May Reduce Risk of Age-Related Vision Problems

It appears that running is good for your eyes as well as your body. While the link between activities such as running and better overall general health have long been established, new studies have also associated the activity with better vision as you age.

A recent study examined the health profiles of 41,000 runners over a seven year period. The evidence from the study indicated that running dramatically reduced the risk of age-related vision problems.

Men running 5.7 miles daily were 35% less likely to develop cataracts than men running fewer than 1.4 miles daily. A similar trend was found for age-related macular degeneration. Men and women who run at least 2.4 miles daily experienced a 54% reduction in the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration.

Cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration are all vision disorders that commonly develop as you age. It is important to go for regular eye screenings after age 40 in order to prevent the development of one of these degenerative eye conditions. Early treatment is essential with these disorders. Otherwise, you may run the risk of blindness.

You can use the links at the bottom of this page to find a qualified ophthalmologist in your area.

Monday, February 16, 2009

Zambrano's LASIK Surgery Delayed by Infection

The Chicago Cubs' ace pitcher, Carlos Zambrano, has delayed his LASIK surgery due to an eye infection. The pitcher was supposed to have undergone the procedure last week in preparation for the 2009 baseball season.

Zambrano is using eye drops to treat the infection. Currently, there is no time table for his laser eye surgery. While he is hoping to have the procedure before the start of the season, there is a chance he might have to wait until mid-season to undergo LASIK.

Due to advances in LASIK technology, more athletes than ever are opting for the procedure. It is important to wait until your eyes are completely healed before returning to athletic competition. If the flap on your eyelid is not completely healed before you return to play, you risk serious complications that may impact your vision for the long-term.

It is wise for athletes participating in contact sports to wait to get LASIK until the off-season. That will ensure that you will have proper time to heal before returning to action.

You can use the links at the bottom of this page to find a qualified LASIK surgeon in your area.

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Cataracts Increase your Risk of an Auto Accident

A recent study indicates that drivers suffering from cataracts are more likely to get into an auto accident. The study tested 186 drivers. "Cataract goggles" were used to simulate the vision impairment caused by cataracts. The study measured drivers' ability to anticipate hazardous situations and to detect objects on the road. Drivers exhibiting cataracts symptoms scored lower than drivers without cataracts.

Some of the main visual deficits found in cataracts patients are decreased visual acuity, susceptibility to glare, and decreased contrast sensitivity. All three have been linked to an increased risk of auto accidents.

Cataracts are a growing problem in the United States. As the baby boomer generation continues to age, this problem will only get worse. It is important to go for regular eye examinations after age 40 to detect the presence of degenerative conditions such as cataracts or glaucoma. If untreated, both of these conditions can lead to blindness.

Many people live with cataracts for years before seeking treatment. Since these people continue to drive, they are creating a hazard for the rest of the population. Drivers with cataracts are two and a half times more likely to cause an accident over a five year period.

Fortunately, your ophthalmologist can treat your cataracts. Early diagnosis will increase the likelihood of successful treatment. Our nation's drivers will be happy you took the time to correct your vision problem.

You can use the links at the bottom of this page to find a qualified ophthalmologist in your area.

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

World Glaucoma Day

Thursday March 12 is World Glaucoma Day. Its purpose is to improve global awareness about the degenerative eye disease affecting millions across the world. According to a 2005 report, more than 10 million people have gone blind as a result of glaucoma.

The United States is one of the leaders in diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma, yet approximately 50% of Americans suffering from the disease have not been diagnosed and therefore do not receive treatment. This is a staggering figure when you consider the population of our country.

Glaucoma is a degenerative eye condition that causes increased intraocular pressure. If untreated, it will permanently damage the optic nerve and eventually lead to irreversible blindness.

Fortunately, glaucoma is very treatable if detected early enough. Therefore, it is important to go for regular eye screenings once you reach the age of 40. By going to your ophthalmologist for an eye exam once every two years, you will severely reduce the likelihood of sustaining major eye damage from glaucoma.

World Glaucoma Day may still be a month away, but it is never too soon to start spreading the word about the dangers of this eye condition. The stakes are too high to ignore the issue.

You can use the links at the bottom of this page to find a qualified ophthalmologist in your area.

Thursday, February 05, 2009

LASIK and Athletes

Athletes need exceptional vision in order to excel in their sport. Most athletes need excellent distance vision to see the action downfield or across court, and with any activity requiring high levels of hand-eye coordination, it is important to possess strong near vision as well.

When LASIK was first available, the risks were too great for athletes. It simply wasn't worth risking a multi-million dollar career when contact lenses and glasses did an adequate job. But as LASIK technology continues to improve, more and more athletes are opting for laser eye surgery to correct their refractive issues.

More traditional vision correction options (glasses and contact lenses) are less than ideal for professional athletes. There is always the risk that eye glasses will shatter and damage the eyes. Glasses also limit peripheral vision, which will severely inhibit an athlete's ability to perform at the highest levels.

Contact lenses also pose problems for athletes. They can fall out or tear during a game, affecting performance. Sweat and dirt can also get underneath contacts, causing eye irritation and blurred vision. Rainy and snowy conditions will also adversely affect an athlete's vision when wearing glasses or contacts.

LASIK surgery offers many athletes a way to reduce the problems associated with wearing corrective lenses. However, athletes are also at a greater risk for LASIK complications than the general public. It is crucial that athletes follow their eye surgeon's instructions carefully during recovery. It is also advisable for athletes to wait until the off-season to get LASIK. This ensures that they will have enough time to heal before returning to action.

You can use the links at the bottom of this page to find a qualified LASIK surgeon in your area.

Tuesday, February 03, 2009

LASIK Guidelines for Pilots

Airline pilots shoulder a heavy responsibility every time they go to work. They must be held to the highest levels of performance in order to ensure that the lives of the people they carry are not put in jeopardy.

As a result, it is extremely important that pilots have excellent vision. They must read cockpit instruments, maps, and charts throughout the flight. They must also have strong distance vision that will allow them to notice any obstacles in the air or on the runway.

A growing number of pilots have been opting for LASIK surgery in order to make sure that their vision meets the standards needed to effectively perform their job. While laser eye surgery has become quite routine, it is still surgery and therefore is accompanied by certain risks. As a result, pilots who have gotten LASIK must meet strict criteria before they will be allowed to fly after their surgery.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has implemented several requirements for pilots to meet before they will be cleared to fly after LASIK. The laser eye surgeon must confirm that the pilot's surgery went successfully and did not result in any complications. He must also attest to the fact that the pilot's eyes have completely healed.

Each airline has imposed its own set of guidelines for pilots undergoing LASIK. Most airlines mandate that pilots must wait at least six weeks before returning to work, and many will also require the pilot to pass a series of vision tests to ensure that he can accurately carry out his flying responsibilities.

You can use the links at the bottom of this page to find a qualified LASIK surgeon in your area.

 
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