Of
the thousands of eye surgeries I have performed, Laser Vision
Correction has consistently produced the most gratifying and exciting
results for my patients. Over the past decade, LASIK and other methods
of Laser Vision Correction (such as LASEK and PRK) have become the most
rapid, dependable, and remarkable way to improve uncorrected vision,
offering people freedom from glasses and contact lenses.
I
have personally performed Laser Vision Correction on hundreds of
patients. To optimize safety and results, I always aim to offer the
best of modern technology and techniques, which currently include both
conventional LASIK and INTRALASIK; fully-customized, Wavefront-guided
treatments (on two different lasers, the VISX Star S4 and the
Technolas); advanced eye-tracking and iris registration technology; and
ultra-safe surface ablation procedures. Patients can be treated either
in Manhattan or Westchester, and can be seen postoperatively at either
location.
How Does Laser Vision Correction Work, and Am I a Candidate? Laser
vision correction works by precisely reshaping the cornea with beams of
energy from an excimer laser. The new shape of the cornea allows light
rays to focus clearly on the retina, resulting in unaided clearer
vision. The actual procedure takes around 5-10 minutes per eye. Visual
recovery is rapid, with most patients having good vision immediately
after the procedure, and excellent vision by the next morning.
Postoperative eyedrops and office visits are necessary to assure proper
healing. Healing rates differ according to the specific procedure
received.
To qualify for the procedure, all patients must be at
least 18 years old or older; have good, stable vision in both eyes; and
undergo (and pass) a comprehensive preoperative eye exam as well as
special computerized testing.
While the treatment is quick, the
majority of time I spend with my Laser Vision patients is devoted to
finding out their visual needs and corneal conditions, and designing a
treatment that is best suited to them.
Is it Safe? As with
any surgery, there are some risks associated with laser vision
correction, and I discuss these issues with all patients
preoperatively. Even these small risks can be controlled and minimized
with careful planning and treatment. I only perform laser vision
correction on a patient when I know that the benefits will far outweigh
any risks, and I always tailor each treatment for safety.
Can I Afford It? Financing
plans, including zero-percent options, have made Laser Vision
Correction easily available to many patients who previously thought it
unaffordable. With payments as low as $75 per month, and the ability to
pay with tax-free dollars, LASIK is a natural and easy step for many
patients who want to achieve visual independence. The short-term
investment in LASIK replaces the long-term hassle of repeatedly paying
for glasses and contact lenses.
Where Can I Find Out More? Contact
Rosa Marques, our LASIK Coordinator, for a free LASIK Information
Packet, or to schedule a free LASIK evaluation. Because she had laser
vision correction herself (by me), she can give you first-hand
advice!You can reach her through our main number, or via email at
fleetwoodeye@yahoo.com.
This sheet will help you manage two related eye conditions known as blepharitis and dry eye.
SYMPTOMS. Patients usually complain of irritation, tearing, and a feeling that something is in the eye. They note occasional blurred vision that may momentarily clear with blinking. Later in the day, patients often note that their eyes feel "tired." Reading and watching TV may result in watery eyes or blurred vision. Lack of sleep may make any or all of these symptoms worse.
CAUSES. Blepharitis is usually caused by problems in small eyelid glands called meibomian glands. Under normal conditions, these glands secrete a thin layer of healthy oil that constantly bathes the surface of the eye. The glands can become inflamed, however, due to a variety of causes. When the inflamed glands become clogged, they make a thickened, more toxic oil that irritates the eyes, blurs the vision, and in some cases can injure the cornea (the clear shield on the front of the eye). Blepharitis can be made worse by lack of sleep, stress, exposure to toxins such as cigarette smoke, allergens such as pollen and pet dander, and medication such as Accutane. The skin condition rosacea, which is often made worse by certain foods, often accompanies blepharitis.
INITIAL TREATMENTS. MOIST HEAT will open the glands and allow them to secrete normal oils. Most patients find relief by soaking a clean washcloth in hot water (not so hot that it burns), and holding it over their closed eyes, reheating the washcloth when it cools. To create a more lasting effect, you can heat a moist washcloth in a microwave, or wrap a moist washcloth around a heated object, such as a microwave-heated potato. Always test the temperature before applying it to your eyes, in order to avoid burns. The heat should be applied from two to five minutes total, up to two to four times a day. Initially, this treatment should be kept up for one to two weeks. For longer-term prevention, the hot soaks should be applied once or twice a week indefinitely.
ARTIFICIAL TEARS help by moistening the ocular surface. Many brands of such tears are available at pharmacies, without need for prescriptions. Avoid drops that "get the red out." Brands that "get the dry out" are fine. If you find generic or store-name brands of artificial tears irritating, the brands Refresh(tm), Genteal(tm), and Theratears(tm) may be more tolerable. Endura(tm) and Systane(tm) may provide even more comfort. Similisan(tm), a homeopathic product, can also be effective. If irritation continues with all of these brands, select only Preservative-Free artificial tears (available in various brand names). You can use artificial tears either for acute episodes only, or long-term (months to years). The typical usage is up to four times a day routinely, and more often for acute episodes.
PUNCTAL PLUGS are sometimes necessary for patients with poor tear production who continue to have symptoms despite using the above treatments. A simple office test can determine whether these plugs would be beneficial. The plugs are made of non-toxic silicone, and are inserted easily (in about 10 seconds) into a small natural opening on the surface of the eyelid (not in the eye itself). This natural opening usually allows tears to drain into the nose. When a small plug is placed in this opening, more tears can remain on the eye, bathing and soothing the surface of the eye. The insertion is painless, and often brings rapid and lasting relief. Punctal plugs can be removed at any time.
v. 12/18/04 Copyright (c) 2004 Seth A. Biser, M.D.
