Phakic IOLs, An Alternative For Patients Not Suitable For Laser Vision Correction

By Dr James Genge

LASIK is a safe and accurate method of achieving freedom from eyeglasses or contact lenses. There tend to be however a subset of individuals who are unsuitable for laser eye surgery. In general, a lot of these patients are either too shortsighted (myopic) and fall outside the solution possible with laser, possess overly thin corneas, or have corneas that are shaped atypically. Patients' eyesight can sometimes get worse if treated with LASIK in these circumstances and conscientious pre-operative testing detects them.

In instances where the patient has too high a level of myopia (shortsightedness) but still have a typical corneal shape, the most appropriate treatment is the implantation of a Cachet lens, or a Phakic Intra-ocular Lens. This process only takes 10 minutes long, is pain free and the patient can see clearly the day after. It has the capability to fix even the most excessive myopia completely. This lens' safety and efficacy has been followed up on for over 10 years, reflecting its terrific long-term stability and safety. The lens, however, is unable to correct for astigmatism, for that reason some patients have a 'bioptics' treatment in which fine-tuning of the patient's eyesight is achieved with the help of a tiny laser touch-up.

In the event the individual's cornea is abnormal or the individual has extensive astigmatism, the most suited choice of procedure is an ICL (Intra-ocular Contact Lens) implantation. An ICL can correct for astigmatism and also either myopia (shortsighted) or hyperopia (longsighted). A recently available study researched quality of vision in high myopia (over -8 diopters) and observed it was superior in patients who had an ICL implantation in comparison to Laser eye surgery.

With the Intra-ocular Contact Lens, over 95% of patients are able to see at the vision standard necessary for driving or even better, and simple and easy, fast and painless enhancement procedures can be performed for many patients who are'nt initially at this standard. There tends to be around a 1.7% chance of a cataract forming, which in these circumstances is a quick correction nevertheless, by carrying out a cataract extraction / Intra-ocular Lens Implantation. This cataract / lens implantation is usually the only viable substitute to an ICL regardless.

This thrilling cutting edge technology of Phakic IOL Implantation is an exciting improvement, providing independence from eyeglasses and contact lenses in men and women who would by no means be able to acquire this otherwise, in a safe, brief and painless procedure with visual recovery inside of a day.

About the Author:

Dr. James Genge is a trusted LASIK surgeon and ophthalmologist from Sydney Australia. Want to learn more about laser eye surgery? Visit his website at Laser Eye Surgery Sydney.

Why Choose Blade-Free LASIK Over Blade Laser Eye Surgery?

By Dr James Genge

Blade free Laser Vision Correction presents the pinnacle of technologies for LASIK eye surgery. Blade-free allows LASIK to attain high degrees of precision, comfort and safeness for patients. In blade-free Laser Vision Correction, the corneal flap is produced by using a Femtosecond Laser rather than a Microkeratome (a blade) that is used in classic Lasik surgery.

The reasons Blade Free (Femtosecond Laser) LASIK is more advanced than Blade (Microkeratome) LASIK are multiple:

1. Blade-free Laser Vision Correction creates a flawless flap on every occasion; this is not the case when using a blade. A blade can sometimes cause a 'button hole' flap that doesn't allow treatment to carry on and carries a risk of scarring the cornea. Using a Femtosecond Laser all but eliminates this risk. A flawless flap equals better vision.

2. The more delicate flaps that a Femtosecond Laser produces are safer in the long run compared to blade flaps as the cornea post operative has greater stability as it's thicker. This minimizes the chances of a problem called Ectasia, where the cornea can bulge forward after a period of time, potentially needing a transplant of the cornea to fix.

3. Blade free (Femtosecond Laser) Laser Eye Surgery reliably outperforms blade (Microkeratome) lasers in clinical studies looking at quality of vision. The flap profile and level of smoothness is better, offering vision as good as or better than their eyeglasses. A flap created by means of a blade is thinner peripherally and thicker centrally, this kind of unevenness may blur vision. A Femtosecond laser (blade free) produced flap is a reliable thickness across its entire diameter, decreasing the likelihood of micro-wrinkles, the perfect flap profile offering the very best vision in Laser Vision Correction.

4. Blade free (Femtosecond Laser) Laser Eye Surgery allows the placement of the flap to be produced perfectly, something that's unachievable with a blade. The ophthalmologist provides a virtual image of the flap placement superimposed on top of the patient's cornea and before creating it he or she may adjust and optimize the flap placement so it is centred correctly each and every time. This gives improved vision and safety.

5. A Laser flap is created with a vertical side cut, which is once again a feat not achievable with a blade or Microkeratome flap. This immensely cuts down on the risk of a problem called epithelial ingrowth, where the tissue on the surface of the cornea get seeded underneath the flap. It also allows a better flap profile as the flap slots back downward similar to a small manhole cover. Laser Vision Correction has evolved in an exciting new direction with the introduction of blade-free femtosecond laser flaps; it is finally delivering on its assurance of the best and most exacting course of action attainable.

About the Author:

Feel free to ask Dr. Genge any questions you may have regarding laser eye surgery, or any other vision related issues, by visiting his website at Laser Eye Surgery Sydney.

Laser Surgery or Hassle-Free Vision Exercises - The Final Decision is Yours

By Joel Sherman

There are only a few folk who have spent sufficient time studying eye-care to understand the notion that the choice between Lasik surgery and eye exercises to boost vision is a perfectly legit one.

To be fair, neither did I until it was too late. Several years gone, I had a Laser process at one of the biggest, most respected practices in the country. As well as all of the stories that are written about laser eye surgery risks, which the release I signed before my process also enunciated in serious detail, and the patients acknowledge that they are comfy assuming those risks.

I think way too many folks view this as purely procedural, and do not spend enough time considering the potential outcomes and workable options. In addition, this does not even take under consideration laser eye surgery costs, which if performed at a reputable practice, remain a serious investment, particularly during the current economic crisis.

As I go back and review the release which I signed, the scale of the cautions finally struck me.

- The correction you experience might be less than or larger than the required result

- Your correction may or may not be permanent

- Visual effects of the procedure may include misty vision, double vision, varying vision, dry eyes, burning eyes, increased sensitiveness to light, and the risk of a halo effect with night vision.

- You may still need correcting lenses after the procedure to gain optimal vision.

- And last, but most certainly not least, You May Lose Your Vision

My personal private experience was that I experienced one or two of these problems, yet fortunately none of those approached the solemnity of total vision loss. I should clarify, in the interest of not making an attempt to shock anyone, that the odds of total vision loss are unimportant, but they do exist, and so should be mentioned. At the end of the day, beyond all the clear risks , is that the squeamishness of many people will just not make allowance for manipulation of their eyeballs, without any regard for who is doing it or how safe and efficient it is.

Since then, I have spent all of my free time studying about non surgical procedures that were open to me, and are available to you to which actually can deliver better eyesight without glasses, contacts, or Lasik. If you are considering Lasik, or are getting ready for that new stronger prescription for your glasses or contacts, take a short few moments and have a look at easy, natural options such as eye exercises can offer the same or better outcomes.

About the Author:

Joel Sherman has been studying and writing about how to improve eyesight naturally with natural vision improvement techniques for a number of years. If you're faced with the chance of glasses contacts or perhaps Lasik surgery and have an interest in the easy way to improve eyesight naturally instead including eye fortifying methodologies using eye exercises head to the site and milk his years of expertise.

How Femtosecond LASIK Is The Safest And Most Precise Way To Perform Laser Vision Correction

By Dr James Genge

Laser eye surgery has continually improved over the past 23 years. The very apex of solutions out there is Femtosecond Laser vision correction which offers unrivalled safety and dependability in Laser eye surgery. I believe Laser vision correction can provide my patients with the best quality possible outcome with a fast and painless solution.

Scraping the front surface layer of cells off the cornea, then using lasik procedure on the layer underneath is called PRK or photo-refractive kerarectomy, and this was the 1st method used in Laser Eye Surgery. It is an appropriate procedure for small-scale myopic or shortsighted modifications. There is on the other hand significant pain in the days following the operation and the remaining correction of eyesight takes 6 to 8 weeks.

The subsequent phase in the advancement of Laser Eye Surgery was LASIK, in which a blade known as a microkeratome is used to create a partial thickness flap in the cornea. By conserving the front surface layer of cell, the healing period of vision is fast, usually 1-2 days, and the procedure is pain-free post-operatively. The obstacle of LASIK performed with a microkeratome blade is the possibility of producing an irregular flap with the procedure such as a button-hole flap. If this develops the laser treatment cannot be performed. The depth of the flap is also slightly unpredictable. There is a rare complication of LASIK surgery called ectasia, in which the cornea becomes unstable and bulges forward over time, extreme cases requiring a corneal transplant to rectify. Making too deep a flap increases the chance of ectasia.

The most sophisticated method to perform LASIK surgery is to take advantage of a laser, referred to as a Femtosecond Laser, to make the flap on the cornea instead of a blade. There are many pros to doing this. The flap width is much reduced in a Femtosecond laser created flap when compared to that made with a blade; this substantially reduces the chances of the rare ectasisa risk I described before. As the laser creates a top to bottom cut on the side on the flap, when this is repositioned the flap profile rests more precisely resulting in better quality sight. The risk of having an abnormally sliced flap is also eradicated.

The Most leading-edge laser system in the world for Laser vision correctionusing a Femtosecond Laser is the Alcon Refractive Suite. It includes all the features provided by Femtosecond laser vision correction in addition to capabilities that make it more advanced than other femtosecond LASIK systems. It is the fastest Femtosecond laser in the world, offering the greatest safety profile and the most secure procedure for the patient. It is the world's fastest Excimer Laser also; the laser that literally does the reshaping. A faster treatment means a more accurate treatment, as there is reduced dehydration of the corneal bed for the duration of the procedure,which results in in excellent results. The system also has the World's Fastest Eye Tracker, making sure the treatment at all times goes precisely where it is should.

About the Author:

Dr. James Genge is an ophthalmologist and trusted eye surgeon from Sydney Australia. Want to learn more about laser eye surgery? Visit his website at Laser Eye Surgery Sydney.

Lasik Laser Eye Surgery Complications

By Sajeena Ali

Complications are common in all medical surgeries, irrespective of the the technology use or Doctor's years of experience in the surgical field. Lasik Eye Surgery side effects may arise because of patient's health at the time of LASIK surgery, patient's history of health habits, immunity, healing rate and individual's varying susceptibility to complications. In a report on the complications of LASIK in the issue of survey of Ophthalmology it was stated that preventing and managing LASIK complications has become a challenging task for an ophthalmic surgeon.

Eye Flap Complications: LASIK procedure is associated with complications in the creation and replacement of the hinged flap. During the LASIK procedure, the surgeon slices a thin layer of the eye covering to lift for re-shaping of the eye and after that replaces once the laser blades treat the area. If the flap is not precisely cut, if it is too thin or thick, it may not adhere to the eye's surface during replacement. Sometimes, after the flap is placed back on the eye's surface, it may form microscopic wrinkles called Corneal Striae, which results in an irregularly shaped cornea. The patient has to undergo an enhancement surgery to treat this problem.

Irregular astigmatism: This is one of the worst side effects of LASIK procedures. This happens when the laser-assisted correction is not done in the correct manner or when the correction is not centered properly on the eye. This problem is also noted to arise due to less than smooth corneal surface. The more uneven the surface created by laser, bigger is the image distortion. Patient's with this problem would experience double vision or 'ghost images' and may need rectifying surgery. LASIK procedure induced irregular astigmatism results in the loss of two or more lines of best corrected visual acuity. The major problem associated with irregular astigmatism is that specs will not give improved vision and one will need a rigid, gas-permeable contact lens. Thus LASIK induced irregular astigmatism is difficult to correct.

Infections: This is risk of infection of the eye after the LASIK surgery for some patients. This is more common when the patient has a low resistance or if there was a procedure induced infection. If the infection is not discovered until the late stages, the patient may have to undergo another surgery to remove the flap to treat the infection. The infection leaves a permanent scar in the corneal bed and results in corneal transplant. Untreated infection may enter the eye and can result in vision loss.

Keratectasia: This problem arises when the flap is cut too deeply or when too much corneal tissue is removed during the LASIK procedure. It leads to weakening and bulging of the cornea and results in permanently distorted vision. Correction of distorted vision cannot be done with laser enhancement and requires gas-permeable contact lens or corneal implants may be suggested to hold the cornea in place. This also occurs among people who have been detected with an underlying weak cornea prior to LASIK and still proceeds with the surgery.

Sands of Sahara : This condition occurs as a result of excessive inflammation between the flap and corneal bed. This condition interferes with the healing of the cornea and may cause loss of vision. Patients are treated with antibiotics and potent steroidal eye drops to eliminate the condition. If patient does not respond to this treatment the flap is raised in order to clean the inner side and the surface of corneal bed. The inflammatory cells are rinsed and removed to prevent tissue damage. The flap is then repositioned to prevent corneal melt and irregular astigmatism.

About the Author:

What are the 19 Must-ask Tough Questions to ask your LASIK Surgeon? Read in Donna Healer's recent book on Lasik Eye Surgery Risks.

Ways To Improve Eyesight Naturally Utilizing Basic Eye Strengthening Exercises

By Joel Sherman

Rarely when we think about our eyes and our eyesight do we think about them like we'd think about other muscles in our body. Nevertheless if one takes the time to look at the true medical facts about the eye "muscle", they might find that the eyes are in many ways just like every other muscle in the body.

Whether you realize it at this time or not, that is phenomenally good news for everyone. What it implies is that just like every other muscle in the body, the eye can be reinforced naturally. Additionally, an eye muscle, like every other muscle, that it fatigued of stressed, can be treated naturally, and not automatically be directed to glasses, or contacts, or Lasik surgery, all of which are choices which treat the symptoms, and not the fundamental cause or causes.

So when we are faced with the problem of how to improve eyesight, we think that any alternative strategies definitely has to be more complicated, more expensive, and not as effective as the normal techniques. You'd be shocked at some of the straightforward steps which you can take which are simple yet effective methods to begin to counteract stress or tension on the eye muscle. For instance, as counter-intuitive as it might appear, keeping your eyes fixed on one object for an extended period of time does much more to stress the eye muscle than to chill it. Those individuals with the best vision habits are people who practice shifting, continually changing their focus from one object to another, never remaining staring at any one object for any material period.

The other eye muscle stressor which might surprise a lot of folk is how targeting the bigger picture of something in our perspective. While you imagine that it might be less stressed, it is in truth much more healthy for our vision care and development to focus more directly on a more centralised part of whatever we may be looking at. For example, if we are in a soccer stadium watching a game, it is way more stressful on the eyes to try and keep all of the players concerned in a selected play in our perspective. It is really less stressed to follow one position player such as the quarterback or the running back, and not try and have your eyes soak up the complete field of play.

Just as surprising as some of our traditional sentiments re the utilisation of our eyes, are the sentiments which we have had, and still have about glasses, contacts, and the newest trend of laser surgery. Most folks believe that they are curing their vision with these possibilities, when in fact they are only treating the poor vision through vision correction.

If you are someone who now wears glasses or contacts, is about to begin wearing glasses or contacts, or at an extraordinary, considering Lasik surgery, you owe it to oneself to visit us and learn more about how it's possible for you to forget any of these synthetic and more expensive choices, and improve you eyesight naturally, with little cost, compared with these other techniques.

Ultimately, and perhaps most importantly, each step you take down the natural trail is a step in the direction of healing and buttressing the eye muscle permanently, and not just a short lived fix until you need that stronger prescription or perhaps Lasik Surgery.

About the Author:

Joel Sherman has been studying and writing about how to improve eyesight with natural vision improvement strategies for several years. If you are faced with the possibility of glasses contacts or even Lasik surgery and have an interest in how to improve eyesight naturally instead including eye bracing methodologies using eye exercises head to the site and milk his years of experience.