Newly Discovered Layer of the Eye may be Linked to Glaucoma

Harminder Dua, an academic professor at Nottingham University, discovered a new layer of the human cornea in 2013. Informally known as Dua’s layer, this newly discovered part of the cornea may play a significant role in the drainage of fluid from the eye, which could link it directly to glaucoma, the second leading cause of blindness in the world.

Dua’s layer is part of the trabecular meshwork in the periphery of the cornea. Improper drainage through the trabecular meshwork causes pressure in the eye and is a known cause of glaucoma. While the significance of Dua’s layer has yet to be seen, it is hoped that this discovery will lead to research that can identify the cause of drainage problems and, potentially, a cure for glaucoma.

Regular Visits to Your Eye Doctor

Symptoms of glaucoma are often slow to progress. Many people are unaware of the problem until vision loss has occurred. As an age-related disorder, glaucoma can be detected early through frequent visits to your eye doctor. After the age of 65, yearly visits are often recommended. Your eye doctor will better be able to instruct you as to the frequency with which your visits should occur.

If you would like to schedule a routine examination, please locate an experienced eye surgeon in your area today.

What Medical Conditions can Interfere with LASIK Candidacy?

With LASIK, a small flap is made in the outer layer of your cornea, enabling your eye surgeon to reshape the inner layer and perfect your vision. This procedure is a wonderful way to address issues such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, but is not right for everyone.

Medical conditions that can interfere with LASIK candidacy include:

·         Asthma

·         Certain autoimmune disorders

·         Diabetes

·         Lyme disease

Women who are pregnant or nursing are also not good candidates for LASIK surgery. However, surgery can be performed once you have finished nursing.

Eye Conditions

In addition to various systemic issues, some eye conditions may interfere with your LASIK candidacy. These include:

·         Acoustic Neuroma

·         Dry eye syndrome

·         Keloid

·         Glaucoma

·         Seborrhea

This is, of course, far from a comprehensive list of eye conditions that may prohibit LASIK surgery. The best way to learn if you are a good candidate for LASIK is through a one-on-one consultation with an experienced eye surgeon.

Your candidacy for LASIK surgery will be based on a number of factors unique to you. Your eye doctor can examine your eyes, review your medical history, and discuss your options for vision correction surgery during your appointment.

If you would like to learn if you are a good candidate for LASIK, please locate an experienced eye surgeon in your area today and schedule your initial consultation.

Can LASIK Treat Presbyopia?

Presbyopia is an age-related condition in which the gradual hardening of the crystalline lens diminishes vision. Everyone will experience presbyopia to some extent as they age, though to what degree varies.

Many people choose to address presbyopia through nonsurgical means such as using glasses to read and perform up close tasks. However, temporary solutions are not ideal for every lifestyle, leading some to look towards a more long-term option.

LASIK

LASIK reshapes the cornea allowing for clearer vision. LASIK does not deal with the muscles of the eye or the flexion of the crystalline lens. This makes LASIK largely ineffective at addressing presbyopia. However, if you are over the age of 40 and suffer from refractive error such as hyperopia, myopia, or astigmatism, LASIK may produce clear eyesight, even in the presence of presbyopia.

Each person has unique needs and it is difficult to determine which procedures will best enhance your vision without first meeting with an experienced eye doctor. Your eye doctor will be able to provide a full examination and inform you of all of your options, helping you achieve the best vision possible.

If you are looking for the best solution for perfecting your vision, please locate an experienced eye surgeon in your area today and schedule your comprehensive examination.

Tax Free LASIK

If your company offers a flexible spending account, you have an IRS-approved way to reserve money, tax-free, from your paycheck and use it to pay for your LASIK procedure. If you have always wanted to perfect your vision but held off due to finances, 2014 may be the perfect year to take advantage of your flexible spending account and get the crystal clear vision you’ve been dreaming about.

Money placed into a flexible spending account is lost if not used in the same calendar year. This means that you simply lose the money you have saved if you do not use it for medical expenses within the allotted time. If you have ever consider LASIK, now is the right time to talk to an eye surgeon in your area, learn more about your options and choose the best time to have your procedure.

Financing

If you do not have a flexible spending account or if you would simply prefer to pay for your surgery in another way, your eye doctor can discuss financing your LASIK procedure during your initial consultation. Your LASIK doctor will be able to help you choose a financing option that allows you to perfect your vision while working within your budget.

To learn more about financing your LASIK procedure, please locate an experienced eye surgeon in your area today.