LASIK is a surgical procedure which is aimed at helping an individual depend less on contact lenses and glasses. It is usually used as a solution to problems of astigmatism, Hyperopia (farsightedness) as well as myopia (nearsightedness). This procedure is performed with a laser and it can only be performed perfectly by a well-trained and qualified ophthalmologist. An ophthalmologist is experienced at all the physiology, anatomy and possible diseases and infections of the eye. Ideally you want to find an Ophthalmologist who completed a fellowship in Cornea/Refractive Surgery. A Cornea/Refractive Surgery Fellowship is a 1- year program after the completion of residency.

The cornea is a very important part of the eye which is responsible for ensuring that there is focus of light so that an image can be created on the retina. This experience can be linked to the lens of the camera which also focuses light so that an image can be created. However, sometimes, the cornea is shaped wrong and cannot produce the image right on the retina. This image might turn out to be unclear or blurred. These problems of the eye are known as refractive errors. LASIK is used to correct some of these refractive errors.

There are quite a number of preparatory stages that have to be carried out before the exact procedure is carried out. For instance, if you wear contact lenses, you will be required not to wear them at least between 3 to 21 days prior to the day of the surgery. Prior to the surgery, there is close observation of the cornea to find out thickness as well as the surface contour. Additionally, your pupil size should be measured to rule out a risk of glare or halos after LASIK.

The LASIK procedure is quick, usually 5 minutes per eye. Although the patient is awake there is no need to worry because the procedure is quite easy, mostly you will be staring at a blinking light. Eye drops (numbing drops) are used as anesthetic and there is no need for a shot. The three steps of LASIK include the flap creation, laser remodeling and then flap repositioning.

Dr. Brian Boxer Wachler, MD is a renowned eye surgeon specializing in LASIK Treatments, and other procedures. For more information on LASIK procedures visit www.BoxerWachler.com

The most common concern with LASIK is the price. A several thousand dollar procedure is not someone considers without deliberating over the cost. Often people get trapped by the idea, my contacts only cost me $75-$100 every 6 months. However, when one considers all the other incidentals in maintaining contacts and wearing them for a lifetime, the relative cost of LASIK diminishes.

Cost Analysis

LASIK ranges from $4900 - $6900 depending on the location in the United States and the experience/quality of the center. The average person will wear contacts for 25 years. When you compare the cost of LASIK to the cost of 25 years of contacts, the cost becomes relatively inexpensive.

Cost of contacts: average cost of contact lenses for a 1 year supply Is $200, that’s $5,000.00 for 25 years.

Contact Lens Solutions: average cost of contact lens solution per month is $10, that’s $3,000.00 over 25 years

Glasses: average contact lens wearer will replace glasses every 3 years at a cost of $200, that’s about $1600 over 25 years.

Supplies: average cost of miscellaneous supplies, such as extra cleaning solution, rewetting drops, contact lens cases, ripped or lost contact lens replacement $25 a year, that’s $625.00 over 25 years.

Recap the cost over a lifetime:

1. Contact lenses - $5,000.00

2. Contact Lens Solutions - $3,000.00

3. Glasses - $1,600.00

4. Supplies - $625.00

Total Lifetime Cost $10,225.00 = LASIK at $6900.00, not too expensive

For more information on selecting a LASIK doctor visit www.LASIKConsumerReport.com

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

Learn more about vision correction options at www.BoxerWachler.com

Several of us get blurred vision daily, thousands have blurred vision at some point in their life. While several of us think that blurred vision is not a sign to be alarmed it could be a sign of an underlying condition. Getting it check out early can often prevent serious problems later.

When you are visiting your doctor it is best to let he/she know that you are having problems with blurred vision they can do a much more thorough check of your vision and tell you if you should be concerned.

Below you will find several reasons you maybe experiencing blurred vision:

Blurred vision is a symptom of Diabetes: Over 50% of those with Diabetes Melitius are unaware that they have it. The diagnosis can be done with simple tests through blood, or urine. Many people dismiss this symptom because it doesn’t generally accompany pain or stop you from seeing necessarily. However if there is a chance that it could be diabetes or you have a family history it is wise to tell your eye care professional or primary care physician.

Blurred vision is a symptom of Keratoconus: Keratoconus is a progressive condition that can lead to decline in vision. While Keratoconus is a serious diagnosis if found early it can be controlled. New technologies have recently helped those with Keratoconus stop the progression and in some cases reverse the damage done by this progressive disease. Reporting your symptoms to your eye care professional can catch it when there is time to improve the quality of your vision.

Blurred Vision can also be a symptoms of:

Cataracts

Glaucoma

Nearsightedness

Farsightedness

Astigmatism

Migraines

Dry Eyes

Although many of these conditions seem serious blurred vision can also be a sign of something as simple as dry eyes. Getting a regular yearly eye exam will help detect problems before they become issues. The true is many of these conditions can be corrected and treated by your general eye care professional. For more information visit www.boxerwachler.com

Many of us think that we must only protect our eyes in the summer, but nothing could be farther from the truth. In the winter the air is generally cold and dry. This can cause drying or irritation of the eye. Our eyes need moisture to function and move properly. When they do not get enough they can cause redness, and become sore. Below are some eye tips you should remember when it gets cold or the air becomes dry.

Investing in a Humidifier- Often our eyes take a beating from the cold winter wind, or dry heat from indoors. Using a humidifier adds moisture to the air providing your eyes with the relief they need to maintain their moisture.

Using sunglasses all year around- It probably sounds funny to most people but the sunglasses protect the wind from getting to your eyes and drying them out in the first place. If you can do something as simple as remembering to put on a pair of sunglasses to help your eyes, wouldn’t you?

Switching from Contacts to glasses- This will help give your eyes a break. Constant use of contact lenses may dry your eyes out. Giving the contacts a break until your eyes feel a bit better and are more moisturized may help you in the long run.

Taking Flaxseed Oil Capsules- Recent research has shown taking 3000mg – 6000mg of Flaxseed oil capsules daily can help decrease dry eyes. Organic cold pressed Flaxseed Oil seems to have the best results.

Instill Artificial Tears- When your eyes feel dry and/or achy a simple solution can be to use artificial tears. There are many brands available in your local pharmacy eye care aisle. A preservative free verson can often provide good soothing relief.

While there are many preventative steps you can take to help prevent dry eyes, or irritation in the winter months there are also many treatments for dry eyes including the use of artificial tears which is the most common. Below are a few symptoms of Dry eyes.

Symptoms of Dry Eyes:

Sensitivity to light

Burning

Itching

Mucus in the eye (generally in strings or lines)

Excessive tearing

Eye fatigue

Redness

Irritation from smoke or wind

Dr. Brian Boxer Wachler, MD is a renowned eye surgeon specializing in Keratoconus Treatments, LASIK, I-Brite eye whitening, and other procedures. For more helpful information visit www.KeratoconusInserts.com

There are many treatments for nearsightedness, astigmatism, and farsightedness, in the past LASIK has been a popular one. However it hasn’t always been the most effective with patients who have high prescriptions, large pupils, previous eye surgery, or irregular corneas. Several people struggled with the idea that LASIK might not be an option, especially if they were told that it could cause halos or glares in the patients vision.

But now with advancements many people are opting for No-Cut LASEK. No cut LASEK, similar to PRK, has been more effective for certain patients and a less invasive procedure yielding positive results in the area of nearsightedness, farsightedness, Mild Keratoconus, and astigmatism. No-cut LASEK also provides improvement for those who suffered complications with the classic procedure of LASIK.

Those that may not be able to get the original LASIK procedure can often benefit from the No Cut LASEK now available.

Below are some benefits of the No Cut LASEK Treatment:

No Cutting

Less Invasive

No Sutures

Little to no pain

Can be performed on people who are not candidates for LASIK

Takes only 5-10 minutes per eye

Advancements in treatments for nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism are on the rise. Alternatives for better quality of vision are a possibility for many.

Dr. Brian Boxer Wachler is a renowned eye surgeon specializing in LASIK, and other procedures. More helpful information is available at www.BoxerWachler.com

Many people over the years have grown skeptical of Classic Lasik procedures that though the procedure has advanced in many ways don’t feel comfortable with the option of Lasik in any form. PRK or No Cut LASEK can benefit those with apprehension over Lasik, or have thinner corneas and are not good candidates for the Lasik procedure all together. These procedures have also benefited those who have had RK (Radial Keratotomy) or Cornea Transplant.

Individuals with Keratoconus who have had their Keratoconus stabilized by Holcomb C3R ®, but have a residual can sometimes consider this less invasive laser treatment.

Below are more benefits of PRK or No Cut LASEK:

Less Invasive than Lasik procedure

Avoids deep flap created during traditional Lasik that could weaken the eye

Procedure takes about 5-10 minutes

No cuts

The PRK or No Cut LASEK procedure takes only 5-10 minutes per eye and involves the doctor removing a small layer of the surface of the cornea to reshape it. No flap is created, meaning no cuts and allows for peace of mind for many patients. The procedure can treat patients with nearsightedness, farsightedness, mild prescription after other Keratoconus treatments, or astigmatism.

The PRK or No Cut LASEK procedure has many benefits and can help those who are to afraid to have traditional Lasik procedure or do not make a good candidate for that procedure.

Dr. Brian Boxer-Wachler, MD is a renowned eye surgeon specializing in Keratoconus treatments, I-Brite eye whitening, Lasik, and other procedures. More helpful information is available at www.FixesYourKeratoconus.com and www.LasikConsumerReport.com and www.BoxerWachler.com

     TIP 1 - Personally meet with the LASIK surgeon BEFORE day of surgery

This is important to see if there is a comfort level with the patient and surgeon.  Is the surgeon rushed and seems like there are more important matters he/she needs to get to?  If you have follow up questions, how easy is it to reach surgeon – is surgeon email or cell phone made available for concerns or questions?  People generally know their gut feeling when they meet someone else.  If you get a bad gut feeling, listen to it and seek another doctor. 

Tip 2 - Research the surgeon’s experience

Run a Google search on the surgeon to find out if there are numerous complaints.  Look up the surgeon on your state medical board to see if there are any issues with the medical license.

Tip 3 -  Seek third-party assessments of surgeon and lasik center

Are there just a few happy patients on the website or is there a plethora of patients commenting?  Social media sites allow unbias, unfiltered patient assessments of lasik center.

Tip 4 -  Evaluate the lasik center in person

When you visit the lasik center, is it clean and tidy or does it look like the kitchen of a “greasy spoon” diner?   The latter might be fine for bacon and eggs, but not for eye surgery.  Are the staff caring, polite, and genuinely interested in helping you?  Everything in a medical practice trickles from the top down, so if the staff are rude and insensitive you can bet the doctor probably is like that too.

Tip 5 - Make Sure these Four Essential Tests Are Part of the Evaluation

1) dry eye check – if dry eyes are found on lasik testing and NOT addressed, it increases risk of dry eye problems after lasik

2) pupil size check – some studies have shown increase risk of halos and glare from large pupils, while other studies have failed to show an association.  Either way, pupil checking is a must.

3) corneal mapping (topography) – the shape of the cornea can eliminate a patient from being a lasik candidate and indicate appropriate alternative procedures like PRK or Visian ICL.  Lasik done on a misshapen cornea that was not evaluated with corneal mapping can lead to double vision.

4) corneal thickness (pachymetry) – lasik on corneas that are too thin can weaken the strength of the cornea causing it to bulge out and turn into a condition called keratoconus that may lead to triple or quadruple images in vision.

Learn more at: www.BoxerWachler.com