Category: LASIK

Why am I Not a Good Candidate for LASIK?

Dr. Brian 0 Comment Astigmatism, Farsightedness, LASIK, Nearsightedness, PRK , , , ,

Often glasses and contact lenses can be a burden and those who have relied on them for years grow tired of the constant maintenance and careful planning it takes to deal with them on a daily basis. They are looking for alternatives.

For many individuals seeking a vision correction procedure, LASIK immediately comes to mind as it is the most widely-known procedure. Although it is the most known procedure, it is important to have a thorough assessment to find the right vision correction treatment for you. LASIK has promised millions over the years that vision correction can indeed change the need for glasses or contact lenses. However over 20% of those who obtain the LASIK procedure are not good candidates. Getting the LASIK procedure if you are not a good candidate can cause several side effects or complications after the procedure which often need to be corrected such as halos, double vision, and floaters in your line of sight. How do you know you’re not a good candidate?

There are many different reasons for different patients; however universally these are two most common disqualifiers:

• Thin cornea
• Large pupil diameter

There are many alternative procedures that can be safely performed on those with thinner corneas and larger pupils which can achieve the same degree of correction. One of the procedures is PRK, which uses a special computer to help guide the laser during the procedure. This allows for closer and more accurate measurements during your procedure.

When seeking a surgeon for your LASIK surgery in Los Angeles, find a surgeon who evaluates you personally

Watch Gino’s explain his experience with PRK:

How Wavefront LASIK is More Advanced than the Original LASIK

Dr. Brian 0 Comment LASIK

Wavefront LASIK vs. standard LASIK

In past decades the main treatment for vision correction surgery was the LASIK procedure. However as with most procedures there are some associated risks. Many people who were receiving this procedure were not the right candidates. For many who had it done there were problems with thinning corneas, oddly shaped corneas, and even conditions like Keratoconus which were not correctly diagnosed during their consultations.

Then came the Wavefront LASIK. This procedure uses a computer to guide them throughout the procedure to reduce visual distortions to provide improved quality of vision.

Wavefront LASIK can be used to repair complications from prior LASIK procedures as well.

Below are some of the benefits of Wavefront LASIK:

  • Can improve overall quality of vision
  • Can improve night vision
  • Can achieve 20/20 vision (in some cases)
  • Can repair some damage from prior LASIK procedures

Remember with all procedures there is a chance of risks or complications. Ask your eye care professional what your risks and benefits are in regard to Wavefront LASIK. If you are interested in alternatives to your eye glasses or contact lenses, Wavefront-LASIK maybe a good procedure for you.Clear and precise quality of vision is important in our everyday lives for work and personal reasons. Ask your eye care professional about the Custom Wavefront-LASIK procedure.

Watch an animation that explains Wavefront-LASIK procedure visit http://youtu.be/tzCfa7dhEw0

Concerns in Diabetics With Cataracts

Dr. Brian 0 Comment LASIK

Many people diagnosed with Diabetes have complications related to their condition. The eyes are at an especially high risk when it comes to diabetics. In fact, most insurance policies allow for a follow up appointment every 6 months for those with diabetes and pay for special services when it comes to diabetic patients. This includes preventive eye care exams.

One of the biggest complications of Diabetes is Cataracts. Early detection is the best way to prevent significant vision loss. Below are some of the symptoms of Cataracts and when to consult your eye care physician.

Cataracts:

The clouding of the lens of the eye is generally a gradual one. In those with Diabetes, the process can speed up due to the increased levels of sugar in the blood stream. Cataracts are a clouding of the lens of your eye. It causes declined vision and the patient often needs surgery to have the clouded lens removed and a replacement lens inserted.

Common Symptoms of Cataracts:

  • Blurred Vision
  • Poor night vision
  • Frequent glasses/contact prescription changes
  • Spots or Halos
  • Loss of color brightness
  • Yellow look to white paper

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is very important to have a thorough eye health exam to ensure there is no underlying medical issue.

For those who are diagnosed with Cataracts, their quality of vision will decline over time. In addition to cataracts, other complications of the eyes can form in Diabetic patients as well, such as bleeding in the retina.

Uncontrolled diabetes increases your risk factors to your health and the greater your chances of getting Cataracts. It is important to have regular visits to your eye care professional and let them know all your health issues. This can help them diagnose eye conditions early and get you the proper treatment.

Educating yourself on good eye health can not only improve your quality of vision but your quality of life as well.

Watch Carol’s story about undergoing Cataract surgery:

For more information on Cataracts visit: www.nei.nih.gov

Improved LASIK Treatments for Vision Correction

Dr. Brian 0 Comment LASIK ,

LASIK has had a stigma associated with its name for years. And there have been a number of issues in the past when it comes to this type of treatment, however they are not for the reasons that have been circulating. While LASIK helps with several eye conditions, not everyone makes a good candidate and may be misinformed, which is where many problems come in.

If you are considering LASIK as a treatment for astigmatism, nearsightedness or farsightedness, getting a complete and detailed evaluation should be your main priority. There are several people who shouldn’t get this procedure due to large pupils, or thinner corneas. For those with these problems, other options are available.

The new Wavefront LASIK is a more precise and accurate procedure allowing the doctor to guide the laser throughout the entire procedure. This ensures that the procedure is done correctly with minimal if any post-procedure symptoms such as halos, double vision, or the need to repeat the procedure as some have in the past.

The procedure allows the doctor to see the eye on the computer screen and gives them the ability to adjust it even if the eye is in motion. It takes less than 30 minutes and provides the patient with incredible results. Below are some benefits of using this type of procedure.

  • Patient can get both eyes done at the same day
  • Patient can have the procedure in combination with other procedures
  • There is little to no pain
  • Procedure can repair previous LASIK issues
  • Procedure has reduced recovery time

If you are looking to have freedom from glasses or contacts and don’t want a long recovery period, or symptoms afterward. Trying the new wave-front LASIK maybe a great treatment option for you. For more information on this procedure and to hear a first-hand experience, visit http://tiny.cc/qlh0ix

Top Summer Tips to Protect Your Eyes

Dr. Brian 0 Comment LASIK

Summer is in full swing and there are several reasons protecting the eyes is important, especially this season. We often enjoy the weather, but if we haven’t experienced problems with the eyes then protecting them can be overlooked. For those who have faced difficulty with the eyes, it’s frequently second nature however if eye problems are a new thing, even small things can be overlooked.

For instance the sun may be a problem if you are outside a lot or you’re involved in activities that require long periods of sun exposure. Remembering to get your eyes examined annually is only the first step. You can do things daily to improve or protect your vision. Below are 3 tips you should always remember when dealing with your eyes.

Tip 1: Wear protective eyewear:

This is important because the sun’s rays are hazardous to your vision. The type of eyewear you wear can be just as important as wearing them. Why? There are several types of sunglasses. Making sure you use the right kind will greatly reduce the exposure to the sun’s rays.

For instance: UV 400 + is the best degree to keep the sun’s rays out. Making sure you wear glasses with wrap around protection can also keep the rays from getting to your eyes on the sides of the lenses.

Tip 2: Daily Vitamins;

There are several types of vitamins that can help with vision care. Ensuring that you add a daily supplement can strengthen your eyes from the inside and improve your overall vision. Some vision supplements also assist with other health issues as well. Especially if you are active during the summer months, make sure you get the right mix of vitamins.

Tip 3: Reducing Dry Eye Symptoms:

One of the main causes of degenerative diseases such as Keratoconus is frequent rubbing of the eyes. This often happens when the patients are suffering from Dry Eye, dehydration,  or irritation from dust and debris in the air. If you are suffering from symptoms of dry eyes or your eyes are irritated, frequently talking to your eye care professional can help prevent further damage to your vision.

Over the counter eye drops, or artificial tears, are an important but temporary fix to this situation until an appointment can be obtained. It is important to have fun this summer but staying safe and protecting your eyes is equally important. For more information and tips on summer safety visit http://tiny.cc/gxh0ix

Astigmatism: Diagnosis and Treatment

Dr. Brian 0 Comment Astigmatism, Eye Health, LASIK, PRK

Diagnosing Astigmatism

Astigmatism is a common eye condition caused by the irregular shape of the patients eye. Astigmatism prevents the patient from getting a clear view of the object they are seeing. While it is a common condition it is not often known why someone gets Astigmatism. But there are several treatment options for those who are suffering from this condition.

What is it?

Astigmatism is created when the shape generally sphere becomes irregular or shaped more like a football. There are several levels of astigmatism. Many patients don’t even realize they have it. However if the condition is severe enough there are more extensive treatments to help the patient.

Symptoms:

Blurred vision
Fatigue
Eye strain

How is Astigmatism Diagnosed?

Astigmatism is often diagnosed during a routine eye examination through the use of equipment called a topographer and measuring your prescription with a phorpter. This condition and many other conditions can be diagnosed at your annual eye examination. Which is why it is so important to be sure to have this done each year. Astigmatism can develop very slowly so be sure to tell your eye care professional when there are any changes in your vision.

Treatments:

There are a few treatments for astigmatism.

Contact Lenses & Glasses

While the most common are glasses and contact lenses there are a special kind of contacts for those who have more severe astigmatism. Toric contact lenses or RGP contact lenses will help those with astigmatism. RGP (Rigid Gas Permeable) contact lenses are used to correct severe cases and will give the patient a much more clear vision of what is in front of them.

Refractive (vision correction) Surgery:

For those who want to be reduce the use of contact lenses or glasses refractive surgery is another option. You can ask your eye care professional what procedures are right for your degree of astigmatism. Procedures like LASIK and PRK can help those with astigmatism, but there are some criteria you need to meet before you are eligible. For further information contact your eye care professionals.

Is LASIK the Right Choice for You?

Dr. Brian 0 Comment LASIK , , , , , , , , , ,

Even though the LASIK procedure has been around a few decades surely some of you are still wondering how this procedure can help my vision. Although we  often settle for what we get with our glasses and contact lenses a new view into what is LASIK may change your mind. There are probably many questions you want to ask in regards to LASIK hopefully this will help you with a few.

What is LASIK?

LASIK also known as In-situ Keratomileusis is a vision correction procedure that uses a laser to reshape your cornea and decrease your need for contacts/glasses. LASIK can help correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. These conditions often cause the patient to need glasses or contact lenses, which requires a lot of maintenance. The everyday maintenance and reduction in lack of overall vision can cause some to look for other options. LASIK can give the patient a view of the world less dependent on the use of contacts or glasses.

How do I Know if I am a Good Candidate?

Often people ask the question “Who can get LASIK Surgery?” The truth is there are tests that need to be done to determine if you are a candidate. There are some people to which this procedure is not an option. Determining if you are a candidate would require a few tests.  These tests include:

  • Cornea Mapping, knows as Corneal Topographical: this procedure will help determine if there are any irregularities that would exclude you from being a candidate
  • Pupil size: this test is important to ensure that your pupil size is not too large. Large pupils can cause reduced night vision and visual halos/glare making driving difficult at night.
  • Cornea Thickness, knows as Pachymetry: ensuring your cornea has sufficient thickness for LASIK is important. Individuals whose corneas are thin can develop a vision threatening condition if they undergo LASIK. 
  • Prescription know as manifest refraction: determines the strength of your prescription and if this can be programmed into the laser.  If you prescription is too high, you will not get the desired results since the laser can only correct to a certain point. 

These tests will give a better overview of your eyes.

Those with conditions caused by a thinning of the cornea, too high of a prescription and or large pupil size will be told and the eye care professionals will explain other options.

What will the Procedure be Like?

This procedure is performed usually in a procedure room at your doctor’s office. The procedure takes about 7-10 minutes per eye. The doctor will use drops to numb your eyes. Currently many are using wavefront guided procedures to be sure that you are getting the best quality vision. Wavefront guided procedures can help correct other imperfections that caused declined quality of vision. Talk to your eye care professional about more on this common procedure.

Remember LASIK vision correction surgery is there to improve your overall vision. It is important you know all the facts before agreeing to this type of procedure. If you have questions be sure to ask your eye care professional.

Climbing Mountains After LASIK

Dr. Brian 0 Comment LASIK , , , , , ,

For those of us who love mountain climbing LASIKvision correction can be a scary topic. So what about all the rumors of problems related to mountain climbing and vision correction? There was a bit of a problem with a few climbers when it came to RK vision correction and mountain climbing. RK vision correction is a procedure that was primarily performed in the 1980’s and 1990’s.  RK vision correction involved tiny incisions in the outer lens of the eye (cornea). The extenuating circumstances? They didn’t inform their doctor they would be climbing (Mt. Everest) nor did they inform the guide they had a procedure- a couple of “no-no’s” in the realm of climbing. The problem with RK incisions is that high elevation can cause pressure on the eye and the RK incisions would flex causes the vision to become blurry.

So what height is great to climb after you have vision correction procedures? To be honest whether your at 18,000ft on the Mexican Volcanoes, or at 29,000ft to the top of Mt. Everest you should have minimal effects from modern vision correction procedures, such as LASIK, PRK or Insertable Contact Lenses. The approximate time to wait is generally 2 weeks. But be sure to talk it over with your eye care professional.

The Most Common Procedures:
  • Custom Wavefront LASIK
  • No Cut LASEK
  • PRK
  • Visian ICL
The Most Common Complications:
  • Dry eyes
  • Vision Fluctuation During Healing Period

Even if you are still questioning the idea of mountain climbing after LASIK a quick conversation with your eye care professional can help put the aftercare in perspective. Remember that it takes at least two weeks of recovery time in most cases before you should climb. See your eye care professional to be sure. Ensure that this is something you are interested in doing should be top priority. Making sure that you will be able to do the things you love with your new vision comes next.

So whether you are interested in climbing the 22,500 ft of the Aconcogua or you want to make it only half the way to the top of the Mexican Volcanoes check out what vision correction procedure will best suit you and your situation.

For more information regarding LASIK visit: http://www.allaboutvision.com/visionsurgery/

Advancing Treatments for Hyperopia (farsightedness)

Dr. Brian 0 Comment Farsightedness, LASIK, Reading Vision , , , , , , , , , ,

Finding the Benefits of NearVision CK (Conductive Keratoplasty) for Hyperopia/Farsightedness

Most patient’s over 40 begin to lose the ability to read without the use of reading glasses.  Many patients feel like reading glasses are “a weight around their neck”.

CK (Conductive Keratoplasty) helps to reduce the need for reading glasses for patients over the age of 40.

CK (Conductive Keratoplasty) is often referred to as NearVision CK. This is because the procedure improves the near vision in the non-dominant eye.

NearVision CK is done in the doctor’s office and requires only 5 minutes per eye. The procedure is minimally invasive and does not carry the risks of LASIK eye surgery. Patients can return to work and driving usually within 1 day.

Patients sometime ask, what’s the catch – a 5 minute procedure sounds too easy. Here is the rub, although NearVision CK improves a patient’s near vision immediately, the effect wears off as the eye continues to age.  The treatment may need to be repeated every 3-5 years.

Healing is easy, there are relatively few complaints.  Occasional patients might note during healing: slight irritation and glare from light sources at night.

Top Benefits of NearVision CK:

 Reduced recovery time compared to LASIK
 Reduced procedure time compared to LASIK
 Less invasive than LASIK – increases safety
 It can be completed in the doctor’s office
 Only takes 5 minutes per eye
 See Results relatively quickly

Dr. Brian Boxer Wachler, MD is a renowned eye surgeon specializing in reading vision treatments and other procedures.

For more information regarding CK and reducing your need for reading glasses visit:

http://www.allaboutvision.com/visionsurgery/ck_ltk_eye_surgery.htm

Effects of High Altitudes After LASIK?

Dr. Brian 0 Comment LASIK , , , , , , , , , , ,

For those who love the wilderness ensuring our eyes are at 100% is top priority. The worry of vision correction can be a scary thought. There are many procedures that have benefited us in the past and even more in the present. So how do we know which ones are safe, and what effects it will have after-wards?

In the past RK or Radial Keratoplasty was a wide spread treatment much like today’s LASIK procedure. This was a concern for Mountain climbers because of the scare on Mt. Everest. Since then procedures have changed and now LASIK has become a more advanced and successful procedure in the world of vision correction. Continual climbing or reaching high altitudes over 16,000ft can cause mild symptoms like dry eyes. But most climbers have no significant changes.

LASIK

The LASIK procedure has more accurate lasers, and provide a better clarity to the patients vision. In the past the RK procedure used tiny incisions to reshape the eye and improve the vision, it’s accuracy was dependent more on the doctor holding the surgical instrument. The problem with RK and altitude is that the incisions seem to almost flex at high altitudes cause the vision to change. Research over the past 2 decades has allowed us to use better more capable lasers, as in custom wavefront LASIK. Other LASIK procedures are All Laser LASIK, and PRK.

Benefits of LASIK in High Altitudes:

 LASIK improves clarity
 Quick recovery after LASIK procedures
 Can return to climbing in as little as 2 weeks after procedure
 Less risk of fluctuation to the cornea after LASIK versus RK
 Little pain

If you are worried about whether or not you can return to climbing after LASIK, that shouldn’t be an issue. LASIK will give you a clearer view of the world around you in the air or on the ground. Remember improving your quality of vision will improve your quality of life.

Dr. Brian Boxer Wachler, MD is a renowned eye surgeon specializing in LASIK treatment and other procedures.

For more information on Dr. Brian’s LASIK procedure visit http://www.allaboutvision.com/lasik-surgeons/los-angeles-boxer-wachler.htm

The 9 most important topics you need to know about LASIK are covered in the LASIK CONSUMER REPORT. Because of it’s “straight-talk”, informative approach, the REPORT is one of the most trusted consumer publications on LASIK: http://lasikconsumerreport.com/lcr.html

To learn more on Altitude & LASIK visit: http://www.basecampmd.com/expguide/snowblind.shtml

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