Bausch and Lomb Launches New IOL to Treat Cataracts

Bausch and Lomb has just released the Crystalens Aspheric Optic (AO), a lens to be used in the treatment of cataracts. The new Crystalens AO is the first aberration-free accommodating intraocular lens with aspheric optics.

A primary benefit of this product is that it enhances retinal image quality without sacrificing depth of field. Bausch and Lomb executives have released statements claiming that the Crystalens AO will soon become a leader in cataract treatment technology.

Cataracts are one of the most common age-related visual disorders affecting Americans today. As part of the aging process, the proteins in your eye's lens may deteriorate and clump together, forming cataracts. The result is a clouding of your eye's lens which reduces the amount of light that hits the retina.

If untreated, cataracts will eventually lead to blindness. The condition can be treated through cataract surgery, which generally involves removing your damaged lens and replacing it with an artificial intraocular lens. The new Crystalens AO from Bausch and Lomb is the latest IOL to be released for use in cataract surgery.

Please contact the LASIK Directory today to find a qualified ophthalmologist in your area.

January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month

January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month. As a result, many eye care organizations are increasing their efforts to educate the general population about the dangers of glaucoma
and the need for preventative screenings.

Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness among elderly people in the United States. Increased pressure in your eye results in damage to the optic nerve, which relays information from your eyes to your brain. At first, peripheral vision diminishes. However, over time, untreated glaucoma will lead to blindness.

Early detection is crucial to successful treatment of glaucoma. By treating the disease in its early stages, you can greatly reduce the damage to your vision.

As the baby boomer generation enters their 60s, the health care costs associated with treating the degenerative eye disease are expected to skyrocket. Glaucoma already costs the U.S. economy $2.86 billion a year in medical expenses and prescription drug services, and this figure will most likely increase in the upcoming years. Glaucoma patients between the ages of 40 and 64 generally spend more than $3,000 a year on treatment, and patients over the age of 65 spend more than $5,000.

Ophthalmologists recommend going for regular eye exams that include a glaucoma screening at least once every two years once you reach the age of 40. The stakes are too high to put off these screenings. If you fail to catch glaucoma in time, you risk losing your eyesight forever.

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

Questions to Ask Your Cataract Surgeon at Your Consultation

Cataracts are one of the leading causes of blindness in the world today. Cataracts are created when protein in the lens of your eye builds up and creates blurry vision. Sometimes cataracts can have a cloudy appearance on your pupil.

Currently, there is no conclusive answer to the question: What causes cataracts? Some studies show that exposure to UV radiation or diseases such as diabetes can contribute to developing cataracts.

When you are meeting with your cataract surgeon, ask how the procedure is going to take place. Cataract surgery has become more advanced in recent years, and what used to require needles to anesthetize the eye now only requires anesthetic drops. If you are considering having cataract surgery at a facility where they still use needles to anesthetize, you should look elsewhere!

Make sure you familiarize yourself with the procedure and ask your cataract surgeon about the type of lens replacements they use. Some of the more advanced options include Crystalens accommodating lens and Tecnis Multifocal lenses, which unlike traditional lens replacements, can be used to focus near far and everywhere in between. Crystalens is the first and only FDA-approved accommodating intraocular lens that uses the natural focusing ability of the eye.

Please contact the LASIK Directory today to find a qualified cataract surgeon in your area.