Which Laser Vision Correction Procedure Is Right for You?

Both Epi-LASIK and LASIK are procedures for corrective eye surgery. The Epi-Lasik procedure was developed in response to certain complications resulting from the PRK and LASIK techniques. The good news, as you consider which procedure is best for you, is that there are options. Your LASIK surgeon will work with you to determine the best procedure for your needs.

Understanding the differences between the procedures can help you as you discuss your corrective surgery options with your surgeon:

• LASIK – Laser vision correction is made to the underlying layer of the cornea after a hinged flap has been created. No stitches are required since the flap seals itself naturally following the procedure. Recovery time seems fairly quick and you should see almost immediate improvement in your vision. However, healing continues and should not be considered complete for several months after your procedure.
  
• PRK – Laser vision correction is made on the surface of the eye. A thin outer layer of the eye is completely removed but will grow back naturally over time. Initial recovery time is longer than with LASIK and may take several weeks before you get the clear vision you desire.
  
• Epi-LASIK – Laser vision correction is also made to the underlying layer of the cornea but the hinged flap is much thinner. Following the procedure, contacts are worn to protect the eye during the healing process. Initial results will be evident quicker than with PRK, but like other refractive procedures will actually be complete in several months.
  

Each type of laser vision correction is designed for specific reasons. For example, if you have thin corneas, or work in a job where your eye may be hit or bumped, Epi-LASIK might be best for you. Being an informed consumer is an essential ingredient to receive the outcome you're looking for from your corrective eye surgery.

Please contact the LASIK Directory today to find an experienced LASIK surgeon in your area.

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Older Drivers and Their Eyesight

Study results regarding older drivers were recently published in Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science. The Salisbury Eye Evaluation and Driving Study (SEEDS) was conducted by scientists affiliated with Johns Hopkins University and looked at the vision, cognition and general health of licensed drivers aged 67 – 87.

There are over 30 million drivers in the U.S. aged 65 and over, which is also the fastest growing group of all licensed drivers in the country. As drivers age, their cognitive and visual function decreases impacting driving ability. The SEEDS research shows that a decrease in vision function is a key factor in an older driver's decision to restrict or discontinue driving. The most common conditions that bring about that decision include:

• Slow visual scanning
  
• Reaction time and attention
  
• Decreased ability to discern distances
  
• Contrast sensitivity loss (commonly associated with cataracts)
  

Each of these skills is necessary to help drivers to be aware of and appropriately respond to other vehicles, road conditions and road signs. Not associated with a decision to limit driving was a loss of visual field, commonly associated with glaucoma or age-related macular degeneration.

The study noted that women were four times more likely than men to stop or restrict their driving. Those who prefer to be driven were also four times more likely to self-limit driving than those who like to drive.

Self monitoring and regulation by aging drivers are essential ingredients in ensuring their safety and the safety of those with whom they share the road. The results of this study show that aging drivers are more apt to respond to some conditions than others, which might recommend increased education about the effect of visual field loss on the ability to drive.

Please contact the LASIK Directory today to find an experienced ophthalmologist in your area.

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Choosing a LASIK Surgeon

There are two primary factors that will impact the success of your LASIK procedure – the technology used and the skill of your surgeon. Therefore, it is important to choose your LASIK provider wisely to ensure that you achieve the best possible results.

Your LASIK surgeon should have extensive experience performing laser eye surgery – he should have performed hundreds of procedures on patients with a similar refractive error to yours. Your LASIK surgeon should also utilize the most advanced technology available, such as Custom LASIK and IntraLase technology, to provide you with the most precise results.

It is important to ask your potential surgeon the following questions at your initial consultation to make sure he possesses the qualifications to deliver the exceptional care you deserve:

• How long have you been performing LASIK procedures? (at least three years)
  
• How many refractive procedures have you performed throughout your career? (at least 500)
  
• How many refractive procedures have you performed in the last 12 months? (at least 250)
  
• How many refractive procedures of the exact type you intend to use for me, with the same equipment, and the same refractive error, have you performed? (at least 100)
  
• What percentage of patients achieve 20/40 vision or better? (90% is the norm – if the surgeon quotes a higher number, you should be skeptical)
  
• What percentage of patients achieve 20/20 vision or better? (65% is the norm)
  
• What percentage of patients report unresolved complications six months after surgery? (should be less than 3%)
  
• Will you perform a Wavefront technology diagnostic of my higher order aberrations prior to recommending refractive surgery? (this answer should always be yes)
  

If you are interested in refractive surgery in the Chicago, Illinois area, please contact the Chicago LASIK surgeons at Doctors for Visual Freedom today to schedule your initial consultation.

There’s an App for That

It seems like no matter what area of interest or topic of discussion, the answer these days is often "there's an app for that." There is even an iPhone app that you can use to conduct your own eye test.

The app, called EyeXam was developed by two optometrists and is designed to perform a number of functions including:

• Tests for visual acuity at distance and near
  
• Test for the ability to distinguish colors
  
• An Amsler grid that helps to identify possible blind spots in your visual field
  
• A test to help find your dominant eye
  
• An astigmatism test
  

Also included with the app is an eye exercise that is designed to help you improve your ability to converge your eyes and an eye alignment test that evaluates eye posture (inward, outward or normal).

Like many apps, this one is designed to be an educational tool. The app is not intended to replace a comprehensive eye exam but can help you identify issues to be discussed with your eye doctor.

As an informational tool, the app helps bring focus to the essential nature of having regular eye exams. Whether or not you are technology to conduct a self exam, you should find an eye doctor who can evaluate your vision. To locate a doctor and learn what options are available to you, including LASIK vision correction, please contact us today.

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Minimum Age for LASIK Candidates

Jordanian researchers recently conducted a retrospective study at a single outpatient clinic in Amman. The study evaluated the refractive errors of 46,384 consecutive patients. The patients, ages 3 to 82, were separated into four groups based on refractive error:

• Emmetropia
  
• Low to moderate myopia
  
• High myopia
  
• Hyperopia
  

Based on the findings of the study, the researchers concluded that the minimum age of patients undergoing LASIK for a correction of less than -3.00 diopters of myopia can be safely lowered. It was concluded that lowering the age from 20 to 18 years provided little risk of progression of myopia after surgery.

Eighteen is the minimum age for most LASIK applications. The chronological age of the patient is not the primary concern. In all cases, the eyes must be stable having no change for at least two years. The FDA has approved the excimer laser for patients over the age of 18. Patients under age 18 may have the surgery if their doctor determines that LASIK would be appropriate.

Patients of any age considering laser vision correction should be educated about the risks and complications of LASIK prior to the surgery including the risk of progression of refractive error.

At any age, choosing a Lasik doctor with a proven track record is the key to the outcome you desire. To find a doctor in your area, please contact us today.

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