The LASIK Directory Blog

PRK Reduces the Risk of Epithelial Ingrowth after LASIK Regression

2012-01-23T15:22:00.000-08:00

The PRK procedure reduces the risk of epithelial ingrowth when the procedure is used to correct for regression after LASIK, according to a report from Ocular Surgery News. Regression occurs when your cornea begins to return to its original vision error. Serious regression after LASIK occurs to only a small percentage of patients, and most often to patients with farsightedness (hyperopia). Some

LASIK Candidacy for People with Glaucoma

2012-01-10T12:20:00.000-08:00

Glaucoma – a collection of eye diseases affecting more than 60 million people worldwide – is receiving special attention this January, which is Glaucoma Awareness Month. Glaucoma damages the optic nerve of your eye and causes vision loss. In some cases, glaucoma leads to blindness. Glaucoma does not necessarily make you a poor candidate for LASIK; however, there are often several vision

More Health Services, including LASIK, Popping Up on Daily Deal Sites

2012-01-04T14:26:00.000-08:00

According to a recent Associated Press story, daily deal websites like Groupon and LivingSocial are offering more health-related deals, and people are using them. These discounts are even being offered for LASIK eye surgery. Traditionally, these sites offer limited-time discounts at participating restaurants, hotels, spas, and for other goods and services. Consumers purchase the deal online,

Supplemental Lidocaine Gel may Lessen Pain related to LASIK Surgery

2011-12-28T09:13:00.000-08:00

Supplementing topical anesthetic with lidocaine gel during LASIK surgery may reduce pain, according to a recent study. The study measured the pain scores of 51 LASIK patients during the surgery and in the 45 minutes following surgery. Significantly lower pain scores were reported in the group who received lidocaine gel in addition to topical anesthetic, compared to the pain scores reported by

New Lasers May Allow High Myopia Patients to be Treated by LASIK

2011-12-21T09:56:00.001-08:00

For many people with very high myopia, LASIK is simply not an option. While there are other laser vision correction surgeries or lens replacements that may be possible, the success rate of LASIK is more appealing. So, their disappointment is palpable and understandable. However, a new generation excimer laser and aberration-free ablation profiles may allow these people to undergo LASIK

New Vision for the New Year: LASIK Results

2011-12-20T09:47:00.000-08:00

If you are considering whether it is finally time for a LASIK procedure, you may be wondering about the results possible. In general, LASIK improves vision and reduces dependency on corrective eyewear (glasses and contact lenses). Of all LASIK patients, about 56 percent will experience 20/20 vision after the procedure. More than 90 percent of all LASIK patients will experience 20/40 vision or

What if I Move or Blink during my LASIK Surgery?

2011-12-09T14:12:00.000-08:00

Common among LASIK patients – and among people considering LASIK – is a concern that their eyes will be horrifically mangled if they accidentally blink or move during surgery. Although this concern is understandable, blinking and moving is not problematic in modern LASIK procedures. Your eye and body position are secured by: A speculum holding your eyelids open. A contoured, cushioned

Giants' Baseman Pablo Sandoval Receives LASIK for Astigmatism

2011-11-29T08:03:00.001-08:00

Earlier this month, San Francisco Giants' third baseman Pablo Sandoval underwent LASIK eye surgery. Sandoval received LASIK only in his left eye. He had been experiencing vision problems in that eye since 2010. Allegedly, Sandoval has a slight degree of astigmatism in his left eye. Sandoval has tried contact lenses and prescription goggles to correct his vision. LASIK will allow him to continue

When Shouldn’t You Get LASIK?

2011-11-28T12:54:00.001-08:00

For all intents and purposes, LASIK is very safe and effective for nearly every qualified patient. With the advent of so many new state-of-the-art technologies, there's a customized LASIK just for you. This has made millions of people very happy. These are people who see (pardon the pun) that the benefit of LASIK far outweighs the risks. Beyond the risks of what those who undergo the LASIK

Why is Refractive Stability Neccessary before LASIK?

2011-11-28T08:19:00.000-08:00

Continually adapted and developed over the years, LASIK has provided many people with a safe and effective way to improve vision. LASIK is safest and most effective for people who are good candidates for the procedure. An important aspect of candidacy is refractive stability.Refractive stability means your glasses or contact lens prescription has not changed for at least a year. Some LASIK

LASIK for Athletes

2011-11-09T14:33:00.000-08:00

LASIK is a great vision solution for many athletes with nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. Many athletes have received LASIK and experienced outstanding results. Professional athletes who have received LASIK include: Tiger Woods LeBron James Greg Maddux A common concern for athletes interested in LASIK is corneal flap displacement. Contact sports like football carry

Oh, the Horror! LASIK Risks and Complications

2011-10-31T13:00:00.001-07:00

First, it is highly unlikely that your ophthalmologist will burn your eye out with LASIK. And, unlike Final Destination 5, the laser will not literally kill you. However, there are serious risks with LASIK, albeit small. In fact, over hundreds of thousands of LASIK procedures, the success rate is over 95%. When looking at difficulties and risks, many studies from the '90s continue to be cited.

Preventing Epithelial Ingrowth after LASIK

2011-10-25T09:00:00.000-07:00

A new technique may better prevent the recurrence of epithelial ingrowth after LASIK. Following the American Academy of Ophthalmology meeting this month, Dr. John A. Hovanesian presented a slightly different surgical technique to remove ingrowth and prevent it from recurring. In a study of 38 patients with ingrowth, almost 80 percent had no recurrence when Dr. Hovanesian’s technique was used.

LASIK and Today's Economy

2011-10-17T15:45:00.000-07:00

In times of economic hardship, including times of high unemployment, there is often a decrease in elective procedures like LASIK. Other elective procedures fall under the categories of plastic surgery and cosmetic dentistry. These services often become cost prohibitive when people are struggling to meet their monthly expenses. The cost of LASIK has remained somewhat stable over the last few

Common LASIK Myths

2011-10-12T10:40:00.000-07:00

Many people do not consider LASIK as an option because of the myths and misconceptions surrounding the vision correction procedure. Myth: LASIK surgery is dangerous. Fact: Risk is inherent in any surgical procedure. Although there are rare cases of LASIK surgeries gone wrong, most LASIK procedures (when performed by a qualified and experienced LASIK surgeon) do not end with irreparable eye

Modern Use of ‘Myopia’ Not So Myopic

2011-09-27T07:30:00.000-07:00

We hear the word every day, though rarely applied as originally defined except in clinical settings. “Myopia,” rather, has become the root of an insult most often slung at politicians and sports officials. While not exactly a stretch from the intended medical definition of nearsightedness, modern use of myopia’s adjectival form, which is often accompanied by an expletive, is anything but

FDA Warns LASIK Providers about Misleading Ads

2011-09-26T09:12:00.000-07:00

On Sept. 23, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) sent a letter to eye care professionals who offer LASIK surgery warning them against deceptively marketing the procedure and the FDA-approved lasers involved. The letter came in follow-up to warnings regarding complaints that some LASIK providers’ “advertising and promotion often failed to properly inform consumers of the indications,

The Differences between LASIK and PRK

2011-09-09T09:53:00.000-07:00

Both LASIK and PRK are laser-based vision correction procedures that offer patients a high success rate and can be used to treat conditions including:Hyperopia (farsightedness) Myopia (nearsightedness) Astigmatism Both procedures entail the use of an FDA-approved laser to reshape the surface of your cornea, and both are accompanied by similar results and risks. However, there are

LASIK FAQ

2011-09-06T10:15:00.000-07:00

There is a wealth of information available about LASIK, the popular and effective laser vision correction procedure. But there are also a number of questions that potential LASIK patients commonly ask when just beginning to consider the procedure. What conditions can LASIK be used to treat? LASIK can often prove effective in correcting: Myopia (nearsightedness) Hyperopia (

LASIK Considerations for Diabetics

2011-08-29T13:28:00.001-07:00

For many people suffering from vision disorders such as hyperopia, myopia or astigmatism, LASIK is an effective way to achieve clear vision. If you have diabetes, however, it’s wise to learn about the potential risks before committing to the procedure. Diabetes causes changes in your blood-glucose levels, which can lead to short-term changes in your vision, including temporary blurriness. Unlike

Dry Eye Research May Lead to Watershed Treatment

2011-08-25T13:23:00.000-07:00

Millions of Americans suffer the dry, scratchy sensation and blurred vision that are symptoms of dry eye syndrome. Dry eye syndrome is the uncomfortable condition in which your eyes are unable to produce sufficient tears to keep your eyes lubricated and help you maintain clear vision. In addition to defective tear production, hormonal changes, certain autoimmune diseases and some medications can

AAO Views Horror Movie LASIK Scene with Humor, Perspective

2011-08-18T11:29:00.001-07:00

Perhaps there really is no such thing as bad publicity. When the moderately successful summer film Final Destination 5 launched its marketing campaign in the spring, the trailers focused on a scene that in turn focused on death by LASIK. One might think an organization such as the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) would be concerned about such a scene—even one so far-fetched—tarnishing the

New NASA Technology May Benefit Vision Correction Treatments

2011-08-02T15:49:00.000-07:00

The recent mothballing of the space shuttle program may have made big headlines, but NASA continues to innovate, and technology being utilized in the agency’s James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is already showing applications in the field of eye health. The JWST is an infrared telescope 100 times more powerful than the Hubble Space Telescope and with a projected launch date of 2018. The JWST

American LASIK Pioneer Dies

2011-07-29T12:53:00.000-07:00

The June 16 death of Dr. Thomas J. Pangia, a Florida ophthalmologist who died at home at the age of 67 after a battle with cancer, was not widely reported. Yet millions of Americans benefitted from a trip Pangia and several other ophthalmologists took to Russia in 1980 to learn about an innovative surgery known as radial keratotomy. Pangia and the others were not only the first United States

LASIK for Athletes

2011-07-25T07:48:00.000-07:00

If you are an athlete—be it professional, intramural, little league, or weekends at the park—there’s no doubt that you’d rather be focused on your game than on your vision troubles. Many athletes have chosen LASIK to improve their performance, but before you decide to go under the laser beam, it is important to be informed about the procedure. Recovery Time Though you may notice improved

Wade Latest Pro Athlete to Undergo LASIK

2011-07-18T10:42:00.000-07:00

The fundamental benefits of LASIK—clear vision without the use of glasses or contacts—can be especially valuable to those with physically demanding professions or lifestyles. Last week, Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade became the latest in a long line of pro athletes to undergo LASIK in an attempt to rid himself of the necessity of wearing corrective lenses on the field of play. Wade, who has been

All-Star Catcher Takes Rare Second Swing at LASIK

2011-07-15T13:41:00.001-07:00

“Baseball fans are junkies, and their heroin is the statistic.”—Robert S. Weider, In Praise of the Second Season “Statistics are about as interesting as first base coaches.”—Former Major League Baseball pitcher Jim Bouton Statistically speaking, LASIK is among the safest and most effective elective surgeries. Most studies report that at least 95 percent of LASIK patients achieve 20/20 vision or

New Contacts May Offer Hope for Children with Myopia

2011-06-30T09:54:00.000-07:00

Although LASIK has proven effective in treating myopia (nearsightedness), children—among whom myopia is one of the most common vision problems—are not eligible for LASIK surgery because their eyes have not fully matured. However, an innovative type of contact lens may slow the progression of myopia in children. The lenses are being developed by a joint team of researchers from the University

Preventing Myopia in Children May be as Simple as Stepping Outside

2011-06-23T07:20:00.000-07:00

It has long been thought that spending too much time hunched over books and video games can contribute to myopia, or nearsightedness. Researchers have looked to areas of East Asia where academics are a focus and society stresses academic competition in children. In cities like Hong Kong and Singapore, 80 to 90 percent of children are nearsighted. There has also been speculation that genetics

Glaring Night Vision Problems May be Fixed with LASIK

2011-06-17T12:40:00.000-07:00

If you wear glasses or contacts, you may have experienced frustrating vision abnormalities, especially at night. Common night vision difficulties include seeing rings called halos around light sources and problems seeing in bright light, called glare. These conditions are caused when the pupil dilates to take in more light. If you are driving at night and see headlights coming toward you,

A Closer Look at Astigmatism

2011-06-15T13:52:00.000-07:00

Astigmatism is a common vision problem that is thought to affect about one in three people. While not everyone with astigmatism—which is caused by a misshaped cornea—require corrective eyewear, those with more extreme astigmatism can experience blurred vision at all distances in addition to headaches, eye strain and fatigue.Although many people have irregularly shaped corneas to some extent, a “

Eye Chart Exams May not Provide Clear Diagnosis in Teens

2011-06-01T09:12:00.001-07:00

The National Eye Institute hailed May as Healthy Vision Month, encouraging people to be aware of their eye health and to schedule comprehensive eye exams. These exams include dilating the eye to check for damage on the retina, tonometry tests to detect glaucoma, and the ever familiar eye chart exam, long the standard test for visual acuity. Each of these exams is valuable in diagnosing vision

LASIK Weathers Pop from Culture

2011-05-31T08:50:00.000-07:00

Lately, LASIK has suffered something of a black eye (a condition, alas, it can’t treat with itself). First, there is the ongoing quest by a former Food and Drug Administration (FDA) official who was instrumental in the agency’s approval for laser vision correction surgery to now have the FDA crack down on LASIK and warn the public about “the epidemic of permanent vision problems” resulting from

Focus on Your Ocular Well-Being during Healthy Vision Month

2011-05-17T15:21:00.001-07:00

May is Healthy Vision Month, and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Eye Institute (NEI) are encouraging individuals and organizations to make vision health a priority. In an effort to prompt more Americans to consider the value of sight, the NEI released what are perhaps some jarring statistics regarding the nation’s overall ocular health: Some 14 million

Fear the Reaper, Not LASIK

2011-05-11T13:22:00.000-07:00

In a scene that aspires to do for LASIK procedures what Psycho did for showers and Jaws did for the ocean, the upcoming horror film Final Destination 5 features death by laser corrective eye surgery. Not only does the movie manage an entire scene about the use of a surgical laser as an instrument of annihilation, the studio marketing types were so confident in the primal terror stirred by

Researchers Find Genetic Link to Severe Form of Glaucoma

2011-05-03T10:15:00.001-07:00

Angle-closure glaucoma (ACG) is a severe form of glaucoma in which intraocular pressure can build quickly and damage the optic nerve. Unlike the more common open-angle glaucoma, which progresses slowly, ACG can strike quickly and is a medical emergency; without prompt attention, rapid vision loss can occur. Although ACG is treatable via various means, including laser surgery and eye

Vegans May See Reduced Cataract Risk

2011-04-29T11:53:00.000-07:00

A number of studies in recent years have shown that vegetarians and vegans are less likely to suffer strokes or develop heart disease, cancer and diabetes. But a new study conducted by the University of Oxford and published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition indicates that vegans and vegetarians also have a lower risk of developing cataracts. The study included more than 27,000

Eye on the Ball: Glasses Sparked Player to Late Career Surge

2011-04-18T12:29:00.000-07:00