Archive for November, 2008

Implantable Contact Lenses Are An Excellent Alternative to LASIK Eye Surgery

Not everybody is an acceptable prospect for LASIK eye surgery There is however an alternative to lasik surgery.

A common alternative to LASIK surgery are Implantable Contact Lenses, also occasionally referred to as a permanent contact lens or ICl. An ICL is a soft lens that’s affixed to the eye for correcting nearsightedness. An Implanted Contact Lens is meant to be lasting, but it could be replaced if changes are called for in the future. Contrary to  LASIK eye surgery, the ICL operation is totally reversible.

In that respect there are definite advantages to ICL over LASIK. For instance, with LASIK eye surgery, permanent alterations are made to your eye and those alterations are something you will have to live with. If everything went well with the LASIK procedure then clearly there is no issue, however occasionally it does not go as hoped and as such you’re stuck with it. In complete contrast, Implantable Contact Lenses may removedt at any time if rectifications are required.

If you have previously worn contact lenses, you already live with  the bothers of normal contacts – cleaning, soaking, removing and replacing, etc. But with implantable contact lenses, all those annoying tasks immediately disappear. The implants are lasting and ought never need any tending unless your vision changes as you age. Implantable contact lenses offer the same vision improvements as normal temporary contact lenses, only they call for none of the attention and upkeep of standard contact lenses.

The ICL routine is generally executed on an outpatient basis and you will feel little or no pain. A gentle sedative is dispensed to provide a calming effect and a 1/8 inch surgical incision is created for insertion of the lens. When inserted, the lens is properly positioned. In virtually all cases, sutures are not needed to close the incision point. If you are getting the operation performed on both eyes, they will both be accomplished in a single session. The whole process is normally accomplished within about 30 minutes.

Upon completion of the ICL procedure, you will be directed to a ‘post-op’ area for recovery. When staff members ascertain that you’re stable, you will be sent off home to unwind for the rest of the day. You will need to come back the following day for a follow-up exam, just to make certain that everything is alright.

On that point may be some mild haziness upon completion of the implantation, but this typically clears itself within a brief time period. Most patients experience fast improvements in vision, with approximately 90% of normal vision restored within the first 24 hours. Usually, your vision on the second day will be good decent to allow you to drive yourself to the examination.

The primary issue of worry with implantable contact lenses is the risk of infection. Once detected it will be sorted out, so it is important to keep in touch with your medical team.

Implantable contact lenses are a sensible alternative to LASIK eye surgery for patients who have trouble with distance vision. Notwithstanding this , ICL does not help you if you require reading glasses.

An alternitive to Lasik Surgery could be natural vision correction

Today more and more people are choosing Lasik Surgery as an option for improving their eyesight.  This may be a good option for you; but it’s always best to know your options, the risks, and anything else that might help you make this decision.

When considering your Lasik Surgery procedures here are some things to consider;

There is time needed for recovery-pain is a typical occurrence.  Most cases are mild to moderate pain.  This is often controlled by prescription pain medications in some cases.

The time you take to recover, may leave you with blurry vision; this can take a few days in some cases.  In older individuals, you may still need your glasses for a few days after surgery while you heal.

It may be good to know that it’s not always successful.  Sometimes, the procedure doesn’t work and you could regress back to the state you were before the surgery.  In this case it’s good to know your chances before proceeding.

Not a permanent fix; sometimes it lasts only for a time period.  As we get older the need to wear glasses or contact lenses may return.  Those over 40 will likely have this occur.

What should I do?

Talk to you doctor; this is a good place to start.  Make sure he/she informs you of all that it entails.  Don’t be sold on a sales pitch; you want a doctor who is going to benefit you, not look at you as the next payment on his car.

Research your options.  Knowledge is power-so it is said-you can feel better when you weigh the facts.  Get some concrete literature on the process, what it entails, anything that will give you a clear and unbiased and informative view of the procedure and what you as the patient can expect.

Talk to people; if you have questions, it may be of help to talk to people who’ve had it done.  Get some feedback.  Not all cases will be the same, so keep that in mind.  It is however, a good idea to know the facts, whether they’re good or bad.

Overall, the Lasik surgery process appears to be helping many people annually see things more clearly.  Although it’s not for everyone, if it’s something you are thinking about, get informed before you make the leap.  Be sure to ask questions even if they seem silly.  Your best source of information is your doctor, don’t be shy when asking questions, this is your sight, and it’s in his/her hands.  You have the right to know.

Talk to your doctor and do your research, then you will have a better idea of your options before you take this step in sight improvement.

Ruth’s passions are people and pet health. She is a wife, a stepmom a dog owner and a business person. Naturally Rebuilding Vision is a new interest Ruth has delved into. Get A Free Report And Join Our Free Lesson-Vision Tip Series:
http://www.rebuild-your-vision.com

This article is not meant to diagnose or treat.  This article is strictly for your information.  Always consult a professional.

What Not To Do  After LASIK Eye Surgery

LASIK eye surgery is probably the safest, quickest and easiest way to improve your vision. The healing process happens quickly and for most patients, the process is uneventful. However, in spite of all the cards being stacked in your favor, it is important that you follow the recovery procedure your doctor has outlined for you in order to insure a speedy recovery without any complications.

First and foremost, you’ll need to apply the medications prescribed by your doctor according to the established schedule. In most cases, you’ll have a steroid based medication that you’ll apply quite frequently during the first four hours after LASIK eye surgery. Also, you may have antibiotic eye drops that will help prevent any infection. Be sure to adhere to the schedule with these medications, especially during the first four hours.

After the first four hours, you’ll still use these same medications, but the frequency will be reduced to one every six hours.

You should also have a supply of artificial tears to provide lubrication to your eye. Use these drops according to the established schedule and also at anytime your eyes feel dry. Keeping your eyes moist greatly enhances the healing process, so don’t skimp on the artificial tears.

As you start to get back into your normal daily activities, there are certain things you’ll need to avoid -

– Don’t get involved in any activities that could result in an object coming into contact with your eyes.
– When you shower, don’t allow the water stream to hit your eyes.
– Don’t get soap or shampoo in your eyes.
– Don’t get dust or pet hair in your eyes.
– Don’t rub your eyes.
– Don’t go out in bright sunlight without sun glasses.
– Don’t let your eyes get too dry – use the artificial tears as often as needed.
– Don’t rub your eyes while you’re sleeping – a special mask, provided by your doctor will protect your eyes while sleeping.

It is absolutely imperative that you faithfully follow your doctor’s schedule for medications, especially during the first week after your procedure. You’ve probably been given a steroid based medication to promote quick healing, so be sure to use it. Also, you may have been prescribed antibiotic eye drops to prevent an infection, so be sure to use them as recommended.

Your eyes are important and you’ll want to protect them thru the healing process. Be absolutely sure to follow your doctor’s instructions and you should have a quick, successful recovery!