Articles

Eggs Are Good For Your Eyes

Mon, 01 Aug 2011 05:01:00 GMT

Egg yolk contains a high concentration of lutein. Lutein is one of the essential visual pigments present in the human eye and is vital for visual processing.

In recent years, medical research has shown a strong correlation between high lutein dietary intake and improved visual function, as well as, protection against the development of visually disabling eye diseases.

Bionic Eye Tool Showing Promise For Visual Restoration

Wed, 06 Jul 2011 04:39:00 GMT

Until recently, eye physicians lacked any tools in their medical armamentarium to combat degenerative diseases of the eye that cause visual impairment. The Argus II Retinal Prosthesis System was recently approved by the European Union for sale throughout Europe. The visual prosthetic device was approved after a successful clinical trial involving 30 patients from around the world. Second Sight Medical Products, which manufactures the Argus II implant plans to apply for approval in the U.S. in the coming year. The Argus II is the first approved treatment commercially available for blindness for people suffering from advanced retinal degenerative diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa (RP).

The Argus II is an implantable device that converts video images captured from a miniature camera, housed in the patient’s glasses, into a series of small electrical pulses that are transmitted wirelessly to Argus II electrodes implanted in the retina. These pulses then stimulate the retina’s remaining cells resulting in the corresponding perception of patterns of light in the brain. Patients learn to interpret these visual patterns thereby gaining some functional vision.

Weight Loss Surgery May Pose a Risk to Your VIsion

Fri, 17 Jun 2011 04:46:00 GMT

Weight loss surgery has become relatively common place in recent years because of the growing incidence of obesity worldwide. The weight loss procedures currently being performed are classified into two main categories: restrictive and malabsorptive. Restrictive operations entail encircling the stomach with a compressive band to limit the amount of food that can be consumed at one time. Malabsorptive operations entail some form of intestinal bypass, which significantly alters the process of digestion. Of these two types of weight loss procedures, only the malabsorptive procedures have been associated with visual loss as a result of vitamin A deficiency. The gastric bypass, also known as Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, is the most common malabsorptive procedure performed today, and it has been linked to several cases of visual loss caused by severe vitamin A deficiency. In one case reported in the journal of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, a woman became legally blind 3 years after gastric bypass surgery. At the time she presented to an eye doctor, a blood test revealed that her vitamin A level was virtually zero. Liquid vitamin A supplementation over a 6 month period eventually restored her vision to 20/20. In another case just reported in the medical literature last year, a woman in Australia, who had undergone an intestinal bypass weight loss procedure 7 years prior to her pregnancy gave birth to a child with severe malformations of both eyes and poor vision. During the first trimester, she was diagnosed with severe vitamin deficiencies including vitamin A and despite aggressive supplementation, her vitamin A levels remained very low throughout the entire pregnancy.

Vitamin A is essential to eye metabolism and without it vision will decline precipitously. Vitamin A deficiency will lead to night blindness, severe dry eye, and an overall decrease in vision. In the vast majority of cases the visual loss is reversible with appropriate vitamin A supplementation.

Malabsorption of various nutrients after gastric bypass surgery is frequent, and vitamin A deficiency is one of the more common vitamin deficiencies reported. One study has shown that over 50% of gastric bypass patients will be vitamin A deficient within a year after their surgery and nearly 70 % by 4 years after their surgery.

In light of these facts, patients undergoing intestinal bypass weight loss procedures should receive ongoing vitamin supplementation following their surgery and have their vitamin levels checked at regular intervals, especially vitamin A.

Life Transformations with Laser Vision Correction

Fri, 10 Jun 2011 02:56:00 GMT

A quality of life study conducted several years ago demonstrated that LaserVision Correction had a profoundly positive impact on an individual’s quality of life. Study participants reported that their greatest gains occurred in their confidence level, overall happiness, willingness to try new things, freedom to do the things they want to, and looking their best. It is evident based on this list of quality of life issues that Laser Vision Correction is a transformative life event. Once freed from their visual impediment, study participants were infused with a greater sense of self worth and vitality, which in turn opened up new vistas of life exploration.

For the last 16 years, I have had the privilege of witnessing this transformation process on a weekly basis. Laser Vision Correction liberates the caterpillar confined by the cocoon of glasses and contact lenses to transform into a beautiful butterfly soaring to new possibilities. Transform your life today and contact our office if you desire to reduce your dependence on glasses and contact lenses.

Green Tea and Your Eyes

Fri, 03 Jun 2011 05:56:00 GMT

Researchers at the Chinese University of Hong Kong recently published the results of a study that suggests that drinking green tea may protect against common eye diseases like glaucoma or cataracts. Green tea contains very powerful antioxidants known as catechins. Antioxidants protect the body against compounds known as free radicals which damage the cells of the body and leave the body susceptible to cancer and degenerative diseases. In order for these green tea catechins to be of any benefit to the eye, they must be absorbed into the tissues of the eye following ingestion of green tea.

In their study, the researchers gave green tea to rats and tested their eyes to assess the level of catechin absorption into the vital structures of the eye, as well as any beneficial effects against free radical damage. They found that the rats’ eyes contained high levels of catechins following ingestion of green tea and reduced oxidative stress from free radicals for up to 20 hours.

Antidepressants Linked to Cataract Formation

Fri, 03 Jun 2011 06:01:00 GMT

A study recently published in the journal of the American Academy of Ophthalmology has found a potential link between the use of serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and cataract formation. SSRIs are the most commonly prescribed medications for the treatment of anxiety and depression. Medications in this drug class include Celexa, Lexapro, Luvox, Paxil, Prozac, and Zoloft. Antidepressant medications have become the most commonly prescribed drugs in the United States, thus the findings of this study are cause for concern. A cataract is a clouding of the internal lens of the eye such that light can no longer enter the eye. Thus, the visual effect of seeing with a cataract is similar to trying to see through foggy eyeglasses.

Researchers at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver evaluated 205,700 subjects in Quebec, Canada. During the course of their study, investigators found that people taking SSRIs were much more likely to be diagnosed with cataracts than those not taking these drugs. Based on their findings, this drug class of antidepressants increase the risk of cataracts by 15%.

An analysis of cataract risk for each of the medications in the SSRI class revealed that cataract risk appeared to be greatest for Luvox, and Paxil. Prozac, Celexa, and Zoloft did not appear to increase the risk of cataract development among study participants. Investigators found that users of Luvox had a 39% higher chance of developing cataracts and a 51% higher chance of having cataract surgery. Users of Paxil, similarly, had a 30% higher chance of developing cataracts and a 23% higher chance of undergoing cataract surgery.

Obviously, more research is warranted on this subject and other studies will need to corroborate these findings, but this study emphasizes the importance of patients informing their eye care provider of all medications they are taking.

Partnering With Our Patients

Thu, 26 May 2011 05:55:00 GMT

The decision to undergo Laser Vision Correction is not trivial. Studies have shown that from the time someone first considers undergoing Laser Vision Correction, it takes18 months on average before they follow through with the surgery.

Given the complexity of the decision making process, Dr. Flowers goes to great lengths to educate each patient about the procedure he determines will give them the best visual outcome. Dr. Flowers believes that one of the most critical elements of good patient care is extensive patient education. “I am convinced that one of the keys to my success in providing patients exceptional visual outcomes is the time I dedicate to educating them about their procedure and thus, making them an active participant/partner in their visual restoration,” says Dr. Flowers. Partnering for better vision provides CLEAR success!

Physical Therapy to Improve Vision

Thu, 26 May 2011 06:05:00 GMT

Is it possible to train your brain to see better? According to the developers of a novel vision therapy, people can be trained to improve their vision. RevitalVision^TM is a new vision treatment recently approved by the FDA designed to enhance vision through the use of various eye and brain exercises. RevitalVision^TM is the culmination of 20 years of research investigating the concept of neuroplasticity. Neuroplasticity refers to the brain’s natural ability to reorganize itself by forming new nerve cell connections to compensate for injury and disease and adjust brain processing in response to new situations, or changes in one’s environment. RevitalVision^TM utilizes computer generated visual training exercises to enhance the brain’s ability to process visual information and thus, improve vision.

Clinical studies have shown that RevitalVision^TM can improve both distance and near vision and is showing great promise as an adjunct to LASIK.

Laser Vision Correction - Proven Technology

Thu, 12 May 2011 04:55:00 GMT

When Laser Vision Correction entered clinical trials in the U.S. in 1988, many thought it would be nothing more than a fad procedure with a short life expectancy. Those initial predictions have proven false and now an entire generation has grown up with Laser Vision Correction woven into the fabric of their daily lives.

The technological breakthroughs and the proven results have silenced the critics of Laser Vision Correction. Moreover, in 2006 and 2008, the FDA conducted two extensive investigative reviews of the procedure and concluded beyond a shadow of a doubt that LASIK is both safe and effective. In fact, LASIK has one of the highest safety profiles of any elective procedure performed in the world today and an astounding satisfaction rate. Thus, more than 28.3 million people in the world today now enjoy freedom from contact lenses and glasses and so can you.

Adjustable Eyeglasses

Thu, 12 May 2011 04:57:00 GMT

More than 153 million people around the world with poor eyesight either don’t have access to or can’t afford vision correction. In an effort to solve this problem, British physicist, Josh Silver has developed a pair of fluid-filled adjustable glasses, which he is attempting to distribute throughout the third world for $1 a pair.

The adjustable glasses are comprised of round plastic frames that contain two fluid-filled lenses each of which are connected to a tube attached to a small syringe containing additional fluid. The fluid used in the lenses is silicon oil. The syringes attached to each of the fluid-filled lenses have adjustable dials, so that the eyeglass wearer can adjust the lenses to his or her precise prescription by turning the dials and increasing or decreasing the amount of fluid that fills the lenses. The lenses have flexible membranes that change curvature and hence focusing power in response to the amount of fluid contained.

Lasik in the U.S. Military

Thu, 07 Apr 2011 06:30:00 GMT

The U.S. Military began conducting studies of LASIK Eye Surgery in enlisted personnel in 1993. Their objective was to determine whether Laser Vision Correction could effectively enhance the performance of our military personnel on the battlefield. The findings from their studies were nothing short of amazing. Thus, in 2000 the U. S. Department of Defense adopted Laser Vision Correction for all branches of the military and to date 312,000 military personnel have undergone the procedure with an extraordinarily high rate of patient satisfaction.

Laser Vision Correction has been so well received by military personnel that it is considered a life saving procedure. In fact, in all branches of the U.S. military, Laser Vision Correction is known as a “force enhancer” or “force extender.” Laser Vision Correction has been shown to enhance battlefield safety and improve military personnel performance.

The U.S. Military has been researching Laser Vision Correction for over 17 years now and has provided invaluable insights into the procedure’s effect on quality of vision in visually demanding environments like underwater and flying fighter jets at night. U.S. Navy Seals, Air Force and Navy fighter pilots, and NASA astronauts have all undergone the procedure with overwhelming success. One of the more interesting anecdotes from these military studies recounts the experience of one of the investigating eye surgeons riding as a passenger in a plane piloted by the F-18 pilot he performed Laser Vision Correction on. The pilot successfully landed the plane on an aircraft carrier for a night re-qualifying run with his surgeon in the backseat. The pilot related to his eye surgeon during the flight that he saw the carrier and the landing lights much better following his laser eye surgery.

Army ground troops similarly praise the virtues of Laser Vision Correction in contrast to the life threatening hazards of wearing contact lenses or glasses during intense gun battles.

Sunglasses with a Video Camera and an MP3 Player

Tue, 29 Mar 2011 06:04:00 GMT

A pair of sunglasses recently developed allows you to video record your surroundings, take photos and listen to your favorite MP3 tracks. The sunglasses are known as Espionage Spyglasses and contain a pinhole camera in the nose bridge portion of the frame.

The sunglasses come with an impressive 8 GB of memory, so they have the capacity to store hours of high quality video and audio, or you can load your favorite MP3 files for listening. Moreover, these sunglasses come with Bluetooth connectivity for hands free cellphone communication when paired with a mobile phone, as well as a FM receiver for listening to your favorite radio broadcast.

The lenses are high quality polarized UVA/UVB blocking lenses providing excellent eye protection and comfort.

Eye Cosmetics and Your Eyes

Tue, 22 Mar 2011 06:11:00 GMT

A topic that rarely gets addressed is the hazards associated with the use of eye cosmetics. Patients often present to an eye care provider with an eye complaint that they initially attribute to some other cause when in fact, their eye problem is directly related to eye cosmetics. The eye problems associated with cosmetic use fall into one of three categories:

Infectious
Traumatic
Allergic/Toxic

INFECTIOUS
Cosmetics can easily become contaminated with bacteria or fungus. The sources of contamination include unwashed hands, product applicators, and various diluting agents like water. A study conducted by researchers at Rowan University in which they took bacterial cultures of makeup samples used at cosmetic counters and found that makeup samples at different periods showed between 67 and 100 % gross bacterial contamination. The research team gathered culture samples from various makeup counters on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays during a two year study period. Products sampled were from 20 different makeup companies, and all makeup samples cultured were open makeup samples used by women at the cosmetic counters. Their results revealed that on Fridays 67% of the samples contained bacterial contamination, on Saturdays 80%, and on Sundays 100%.

To prevent such contamination it is recommended that sharing eye makeup should be avoided. If you sample cosmetics at a store, be sure to use single-use applicators. Moreover, wash your hands before applying makeup, never place applicators or mascara wands on countertops, nor should makeup be left near toilets. Similarly, water or saliva should never be added to any eye cosmetic, and all liquid mascara should be replaced every 2-3 months.

TRAUMATIC
A sudden jarring during eye makeup application can lead to an eye abrasion. These abrasions can range from mild to severe, and there have been reports of women developing severe eye infections following mascara wand abrasions.

ALLERGIC/TOXIC
Products not intended for eye use should not be used around the eyes, such as body and face lotions, fragrances, and various cosmetics and beware of color additives.

Computer Vision Syndrome

Tue, 22 Mar 2011 06:19:00 GMT

Computer vision syndrome (CVS) refers to a condition characterized by a constellation of symptoms in which patients have one or more of the following complaints: dry or tired eyes, eyestrain, headaches, visual glare, pain, redness, or double vision. Dry or tired eyes, headache, and eyestrain are the most common symptoms. Given that the American workplace is dominated by computer use, occupational studies now report that over 50% of workers experience CVS like symptoms.

To alleviate these symptoms during prolonged computer use, the following measures should be implemented:

Take frequent short breaks (5min/hr)
Voluntarily blink frequently
Lubricate eyes often with tear drops
Make sure contact lens and/or glass prescription s are up to date
Place monitor below horizontal plane of your eyes (10 -20 degrees)
Place monitor at a distance of 50- 70cm
Use anti-glare filters
Use monitors with high refresh rates
Monitors with 90 dpi or > resolution

Vision Without Limitations

Tue, 15 Mar 2011 04:36:00 GMT

For millions of people worldwide, laser vision correction has afforded them vision without limitations. They no longer struggle to see the world through foggy or scratched lenses. They are no longer disqualified from pursuing certain career paths because of poor vision. They no longer have the fear of being stranded should they lose their eye glasses during a natural disaster or recreational outing. The hassles of contact lenses, and the associated risk of infection are things of the past. Moreover, they have been financially liberated from the recurring costs associated with eyeglass and contact lens wear. They are no longer visually handicapped and thus, life has no bounds and infinite possibilities.

Charting a Course to Super Vision

Thu, 07 Apr 2011 06:38:00 GMT

As I reflect upon the past 15 years that I have been performing LASIK surgery in San Diego, I marvel at the rate in which knowledge in this field is increasing. When I graduated from medical school in 1989 this field did not even exist. Yet today, there is literally a sea of information pertaining to Laser Vision Correction.

As society has moved from the Industrial Age into the Information Age, my primary task as a physician has been to navigate this sea of information and chart a course of therapy that will provide the best visual outcomes for my patients. Like our natural seas, the sea of information is filled with dangerous hazards. Thus, successful navigation through this sea requires vigilance and a high amount of skepticism. I continually reassess my coordinates and avoid any path that lacks evidence. The ultimate destination for this voyage is super vision and each week we get closer as I bring more and more people unto our ship and open their eyes to the sea (“see”) of possibilities. All aboard!

Changes in Retinal Blood Vessels Linked with Serious Systemic Diseases

Tue, 08 Mar 2011 06:55:00 GMT

Several studies have documented an association between changes in the blood vessels in the back of the eye (retinal blood vessels) with such diseases as high blood pressure, coronary heart disease, diabetes, and even heart attack. In a large population-based study conducted in 4 communities in the U.S., researchers found that narrowing of the retinal blood vessels was linked with the development of coronary artery disease and heart attack in women. This association was not found in men. In both men and women, however, it is well established that high blood pressure and high cholesterol can cause retinal blood vessel narrowing. These research findings simply stress the importance of annual eye exams for maintaining both visual and overall health.

The Magic of Laser Vision Correction

Thu, 07 Apr 2011 06:36:00 GMT

In a relatively short period of time, lasik surgery has profoundly changed the way we deliver eye care in the world today. We have gone from a temporary fix of nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism to a permanent solution. For hundreds of years, eyeglasses and contact lenses have only provided provisional correction of these visual problems.

Eye care providers and patients alike have been captivated by the rapid advances in technology that has moved laser vision correction from the fringes to the mainstream of eye care. Our quest for perfection is steadily improving visual outcomes and the procedure’s safety profile. Thus, a seemingly magical laser procedure is causing years of eyeglass and contact lens wear to disappear overnight. Presto!

Vigorous Exercise Reduces the Risk of Vision Loss

Wed, 02 Mar 2011 06:28:00 GMT

Two recent studies provide good evidence that exercise may play a key role in vision preservation.

In the first study, researchers at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory found that men with a lower body mass index (BMI), greater physical activity, and greater cardio-respiratory fitness had a significantly reduced risk of developing cataracts. A cataract is a clouding of the internal lens of the eye such that light cannot enter the eye to form an image. Cataracts are an important cause of reversible visual impairment and blindness in the United States, where it is predominantly a disease of aging. Fortunately, in the vast majority of cases of cataract formation, the vision can be fully restored with cataract surgery.

The cataract study was conducted among 29,025 nonvegetarian, nondiabetic, and nonsmoking male runners. The researchers found that the risk of cataract was significantly lower in men with lower body weight (BMI) and greater cardio-respiratory fitness. In fact, the researchers found that the risk of cataract declined significantly in relation to running distance. Men who ran about 40 miles per week had 35 percent lower risk for cataract, while men who ran about 10 miles per week had a 28 percent lower risk for cataract.

In the second study conducted by the same research group, exercise appeared to lower the risk for the development of age-related macular degeneration (ARMD), which is the leading cause of visual loss in the US in patients over 65. ARMD is a degenerative disease of the retina, which is the image capturing device of the eye.

When adjusted for age, sex, diet and smoking history, the risk of ARMD decreased by 10% for every kilometer in running distance per day. Men and women averaging 2-4 kilometers per day had a19% lower risk of developing ARMD, and those averaging greater than 4k per day had a 42 to 54 % lower risk.

Contact Lens with Built In Video Display

Wed, 02 Mar 2011 06:31:00 GMT

A contact lens with an embedded electronic circuit and lights has been created by engineers at the University of Washington. Such a lens could lead to wearable information displays or communication aids where a computer read-out could be superimposed on one’s vision. Possible applications of such a lens include video game play, Internet usage or information display.

Complex instrumentation can be placed at the edge to the lens, where it will not obstruct vision. Researchers intend to incorporate wireless communication capabilities and a power circuit with the addition of a small solar cell on the lens itself.

To date, the researchers have only tested a prototype lens in rabbits, which showed no adverse effects.

Eating Fruit Appears to Protect Against the Development of Glaucoma

Tue, 22 Feb 2011 04:12:00 GMT

In a recent nutritional study conducted among older black women, researchers at multiple centers in the United States found women who consumed three or more servings of any fruits or fruit juices decreased their odds of developing glaucoma by 79%. Moreover, two or more servings per week of fresh oranges or peaches also significantly reduced the risk of developing glaucoma.

The Recent Rise in Contact Lens Related Eye Infections Have Eye Care Providers on Alert

Tue, 22 Feb 2011 04:11:00 GMT

Two recent outbreaks of contact lens-related infections have been cause for great concern in the eye care community. In early 2006 an outbreak of fungus-related contact lens infections occurred followed shortly thereafter by an outbreak of amoeba-related contact lens infections. Both outbreaks were attributed to specific contact lens cleaning solutions. In the case of the fungal infections, Bausch & Lomb's Renu (TM) with MoistureLoc was implicated in the outbreak. In the case of the amoeba infections, Advanced Medical Optics’ CompleteTM MoisturePlus solution was implicated.

The most disturbing feature of both outbreaks is that intensive Epidemiologic and microbiologic studies failed to disclose contamination at either of the contact lens cleaning solutions manufacturing facilities. So what caused the outbreaks?

Investigators and eye care professionals worldwide believe that the convergence of several factors created a “perfect storm” for these microorganisms to thrive. The factors identified were:

These new multipurpose contact lens cleaning solutions had reduced disinfecting capability.
These solutions contained chemical agents that left a film on the contact lenses, which served as a nutritive source for both organisms.
The disinfecting chemicals in the solutions were somewhat toxic to the eye and led to a break down in the surface layer of the eye. Consequently, these organisms could readily penetrate into the eye.
The newer lens materials are somewhat stiffer and may be inhibiting the eye’s normal immune response to microorganisms.

Both solutions have been removed from the market, but continued vigilance on the part of eye care providers, contact lens wearers and contact lens manufacturers will be required to avert future infectious outbreaks.

Outdoor Activity May Benefit Vision in Children

Tue, 15 Feb 2011 06:35:00 GMT

A recent study published in the American Journal of Ophthalmology reported that outdoor activity appears to have a protective effect against the development of nearsightedness (myopia) in children. Researchers at the University of Sydney in Sydney Australia evaluated 4,132 school-aged children from 2003 to 2005.

During the study period, all children underwent comprehensive eye exams and parents completed extensive activity questionnaires. Based on their investigation, researchers found that high levels of total time spent outdoors, irrespective of sport, appeared to have a protective effect against the development of nearsightedness in children. Children who combined high levels of near- work with low levels of outdoor activity were more likely to become nearsighted. Whereas, children who had high levels of outdoor activity were least likely to develop nearsightedness irrespective of the level of near-work activity they engaged in. It is important to note that the researchers did make adjustments in their analysis to eliminate parental influences on the study results.

The results of this study have been corroborated by several previous studies and thus, it appears that this phenomenon is real. To explain the apparent protective effect of outdoor activity on vision in children, the researchers postulate that high light intensity from outdoor sunlight may be the key factor inducing this effect. Some studies have shown that high amounts of light causes the release of certain protective biochemical factors within the eye.

Based on these study findings, it is clear that encouraging parents and families to engage their children in a variety of outdoor pursuits, including sports is a must. Moreover, school curricula should also be modified to increase more outdoor learning activities.

New Therapy May Help Stroke and Traumatic Brain Injury Patients Regain Vision

Tue, 15 Feb 2011 06:37:00 GMT

A novel therapy recently approved by the FDA may help to restore vision in patients who have sustained visual loss as a result of strokes or traumatic brain injuries. Vision Restoration Therapy (VRT) patented by Nova Vision, of Boca Raton, Fla. is an at home computer-based vision therapy method. Several studies have shown promising results with VRT and the U.S. military is now using it in soldiers who sustain traumatic brain injuries during battle.

VRT is rooted in the principle of neuroplasticity: The brain is able to adapt and compensate for injury due to trauma by forming new connections. VRT is designed to stimulate the neurons in the brain responsible for vision. VRT is non-invasive, and thus, patients regain vision without the use of drugs or surgery.

Artificial Vision May Be Just Around the Corner

Tue, 08 Feb 2011 05:33:00 GMT

Research teams from around the world are developing devices to simulate vision in blind patients. The lead vision implant device being developed in the U.S. is called the Argus II being developed by Second Sight Medical Products in Sylmar CA.

The Argus II consists of an array of 60 electrodes implanted in the human retina. The retina is the image-capturing device of the eye and functions in much the same way as film in a camera. The electrodes receive visual information wirelessly from a tiny camera and transmitter mounted in eyeglasses. The implanted electrodes then send electrical impulses to the retina to produce a rudimentary form of sight. To date 10 patients have received the implants and all can detect light and object motion, as well as locate and differentiate basic objects in an environment.

Astaxanthin Reduces Eyestrain and Improves Vision

Tue, 08 Feb 2011 05:36:00 GMT

The results of numerous well-controlled clinical trials strongly suggests that a natural supplement known as astaxanthin may help prevent eyestrain, eye fatigue, and improve vision. Astaxanthin is one of a group of natural pigments made by plants and algae known as carotenoids. It is closely related to the carotenoid beta carotene found in carrots, but has significantly greater health benefits. The algae that produces astaxanthin is widely abundant in bodies of water and thus, salmon, shrimp, lobster, and other marine life that are colored pink and red owe their hues to their diet rich in astaxanthin. Its eye benefits appear to derive from its powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties as well as its ability to improve eye blood flow. Supplements are available in stores.

Laser Vision Correction Stable for 12 Years and Counting

Tue, 01 Feb 2011 07:41:00 GMT

One of the most frequently asked questions I receive when evaluating patients for laser vision correction is “Will the procedure last?” and “What are the long-term problems?” These are very important questions, given that laser vision correction was first approved for the general public in 1995, and thus, we do not have 20 - 30 year patient follow-up data to answer these questions definitively.

Based on our understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the eye, as well as the knowledge of laser tissue interactions we have acquired, it is generally believed that laser vision correction will last for a lifetime. Findings in a recent study published in the official journal of the American Academy of Ophthalmology lend strong support to this contention.

Investigators at the Rayne Institute in London followed patients who underwent laser vision correction in 1990 for 12 years. These patients were treated in one of the original laser vision correction trials. Their findings were as follows:

Visual stability achieved at 1 year was maintained up to 12 years
None of the patients studied showed any signs of late regression (lost of effect)
None of the patients studied experienced delayed or late-stage complications
Some patients experienced an improvement in their overall vision over the course of the 12-year follow-up period.

Beyond demonstrating the long-term effectiveness of laser-vision correction, the most encouraging aspect of the findings reported in this study is that the results were achieved with surgical techniques that have since become obsolete and laser systems that are far inferior to the laser systems in current use today. Current techniques and laser systems provide greater precision, enhanced safety, and better visual outcomes.

Laser Vision Correction Performed on LASIK Surgeons and their Family Members

Tue, 01 Feb 2011 08:04:00 GMT

A recent study conducted by the American Academy of Ophthalmology/International Society of Refractive Surgeons found that eye surgeons in the U.S. and their families have undergone laser vision correction about four times more frequently than the general U.S. population.

Richard J. Duffey, M.D. the lead investigator of the study attributed this trend to eye surgeons and their families knowing the benefits of laser vision correction more intimately than the general public. The study results also revealed that 30% of U.S. eye surgeons’ spouses, 21% of their children, and 40% of their siblings have had laser vision correction since the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the surgery in 1995. It is important to note that the study findings are based upon data collected over a cumulative 12 year period of time.

According to Dr. Duffey, the rate at which eye surgeons and their families have had laser vision correction is especially significant, because only 50% of the general population has a prescription within the correctable range and is eligible to have laser vision correction. Moreover, this data speaks volumes to the confidence that eye surgeons have in the safety and efficacy of laser vision correction, if they are willing to undergo the procedure themselves and allow family members to undergo the procedure. Dr. Duffey performed LASIK on his daughter in 2007. Similarly, Dr. Flowers has performed LASIK on his brother, an aunt, an uncle, four of his cousins, as well as numerous colleagues and coworkers.

Dr. Duffey also points out that thousands of physicians in other medical specialties have undergone LASIK as well and experienced a high level of satisfaction with the results.

Wavefront LASIK: Separating Marketing Hype from Reality

Tue, 01 Feb 2011 07:56:00 GMT

Every person’s eye has its unique optical defects, known as aberrations. These aberrations consist of those correctable by traditional lenses, such as nearsightedness or astigmatism, and other imperfections which cannot be corrected with lenses (called “higher-order” aberrations).

Newer technology now allows us to measure these higher-order aberrations. In addition, the newer lasers have the capability to correct some of these defects. Theoretically, one should see better when treated with Wavefront treatment. But often this is not the case. Many patients notice no better vision after Wavefront than they had with contacts or glasses. And paradoxically, some patients actually have worse vision than their glasses after Wavefront treatments.

Several studies have been published comparing the vision outcomes of traditional LASIK compared with Wavefront LASIK. Virtually all the studies show that there is no statistically significant difference in the visual outcomes between the two treatment options. Certainly some patients do get better outcomes, but when averaged out over a large sample, wavefront treatments provide no better outcomes than conventional LASIK treatments performed using current state-of-the-art laser vision correction systems. If one reviews the wavefront approval letters for all the major laser companies posted on the FDA website, www.fda.gov, it is readily apparent that the patient sample sizes utilized in the wavefront studies are infinitesimally small when compared to the over 40 million people in the United States for which these wavefront treatments would be applicable.

Dr. Flowers has observed results similar to that of the studies. Because of this fact, he uses Wavefront technology very selectively. Certainly any patient who wishes to have Wavefront may elect to do so, but we do not believe in automatically performing a Wavefront treatment unless we are convinced the patient will benefit from the treatment . Like any new technology, Wavefront has a long way to go before Dr. Flowers will feel comfortable treating every patient with it.

Here are some interesting facts you should be aware of concerning Wavefront:

The laser companies charge more for Wavefront treatments. Hence they are motivated to market Wavefront positively so they generate more profits.
Some higher-order aberrations might actually improve our vision. For instance, some new contact lens designs actually incorporate the higher-order aberration called “spherical aberration” because it improves the clarity. Wavefront treatments attempt to remove or reduce all aberrations from your eye. We are still learning about “good” and “bad” optical aberrations, and thus, our knowledge pertaining to this issue is still rather limited. Consequently, a wavefront treatment could remove a good optical aberrration and thus, lead to a poorer visual outcome.
In order to treat higher-order aberrations , the laser “spot” is made very small. But the cells on the surface of the cornea are actually about twice as large as the spot the laser uses, effectively canceling out the effect of some of the higher-order treatment anyway.
If you see very clearly (20/20 or 20/15) with your glasses or contacts, you probably do not have much higher-order aberration. If you did, then you would not correct so well with traditional lenses. If you do not correct well with regular lenses, then Wavefront might actually make a difference, and that is when we usually recommend its use.
Wavefront treatment means that a computer makes all the decisions about your correction the doctor’s measurements are discarded. This takes control from the surgeon and gives it to a machine. Sometimes this works out well, sometimes not.
We use the exact same laser to do Wavefront that we use for standard treatments. Wavefront is a refinement of existing laser technology, not a miraculous new laser device that the marketing hype would have you believe.

We do believe that Wavefront technology is a good technology when applied appropriately. We have the most up-to-date Wavefront system available. We also feel that Wavefront technology will continue to improve over the next five to ten years. It is ultimately up to you - we will gladly treat your eyes with Wavefront if you desire it. But we will also give you our honest opinion if we think you have nothing to gain from it.