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Is PRK Surgery the Superior Option for You?
LASIK surgery is the most popular surgery for correcting minor vision problems such as nearsightedness and farsightedness. More than 8 million people have received the surgery to date.
However, not all patients are candidates for LASIK surgery. In order to get the surgery, patients must have stable vision (meaning that their vision has not worsened in the previous year), they must have a minimum strength prescription, and they must have good overall eye health, as well as good general health.
Some patients who are not able to get LASIK surgery may qualify for PRK, or photorefractive keratectomy, surgery instead.
About PRK Surgery
Many vision problems are caused by a distortion in the shape of the cornea. The cornea focuses light that shines on the eye and transmits it to the retina, where it produces an image. If the cornea has an irregular shape, the light may not focus properly, contributing to blurry vision. In some cases, objects that are close may be blurry (farsightedness), objects that are far away may be blurry (nearsightedness), or all objects may be blurry in general (astigmatism).
Both LASIK surgery and PRK surgery work to correct vision by reshaping the cornea. In LASIK surgery, a flap is made by cutting into the cornea, allowing the laser to enter and remove tissue. In PRK surgery, no incision is made, and the cornea is resurfaced from the outside. Only tissue from the top layer of the cornea is removed for the reshaping. The top of the cornea is slightly flattened to address nearsightedness, while a steeper grade is created to address farsightedness. The surgery smooths out irregularities on the surface of the cornea to address astigmatism.
The whole procedure only takes a few minutes, and it is performed while numbing agents have been administered in the patient’s eye. A protective contact lens is placed over the eye while it heals.
The surgery can also be administered after cataract surgery to improve vision.
Who Should Get PRK Surgery?
Most patients who choose PRK surgery over LASIK are those who meet all the same qualifications for LASIK but who have thin corneas. With thin corneas, these patients would be at risk for major complications with LASIK, which requires cutting into the cornea.
Other qualifications for the surgery include:
• Stable vision. Patients should not have experienced any changes in their vision within the last year.
• Minimum prescription. Most patients should have a refractive error of between +5.00 and -12.00 diopters to qualify for PRK surgery.
• Good overall health.
Patients who are disqualified from LASIK because of their work or recreational activities may also find PRK surgery to be a good alternative. For example, athletes who participate in contact sports like wrestling or boxing cannot undergo LASIK surgery because the impact could damage the cornea after it has been opened. The PRK surgery is not as invasive, so it is available for athletes and all types of employees.
Who Can’t Get PRK Surgery
Just like with LASIK surgery, certain health conditions can disqualify people from getting PRK surgery. For example, those who have diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis may not be good candidates for the surgery. However, those who have an autoimmune disease are not necessarily disqualified from getting PRK surgery because the procedure does not require an incision.
Those who have herpes in the eye or other eye conditions may also be disqualified from the surgery.
Pregnant women may not be able to receive the surgery, depending on what stage of the pregnancy the woman is in when the surgery is requested. Some pregnant women may be able to have the surgery during the first trimester.
Risks of PRK Surgery
Though PRK surgery does not involve an incision in the cornea, the procedure still carries some risks. Like LASIK surgery, there is a risk of night glare after PRK surgery. Though this generally improves with time, some patients may find that they cannot drive at night because of it.
Other potential side effects include a haze in the vision or a risk of infection brought on by inflammation.
The risks of PRK surgery are very rare, and most patients experience no side effects whatsoever. Most patients are able to return to work within a few days, and medicine is given to control inflammation and reduce discomfort.
Ultimately, the only way for a patient to know if he or she is a good candidate for PRK surgery is to meet with a qualified optometrist and to be evaluated. An eye doctor will give you a complete eye exam, review your medical history and talk to you about your eye health and your concerns. Your doctor will be able to tell you whether you are a good candidate for the surgery and what you can expect from the surgery. If other options are available to correct your vision, your eye doctor will present them to you and explain the pros and cons of each for your particular needs.
It is absolutely essential that you find a qualified optometrist for your evaluation and to perform any corrective surgery that you choose. Look for an eye doctor who is board certified, and check the doctor’s credentials. Make sure the doctor has experience in performing PRK surgery (or whatever other procedure you choose). Search online and check with licensing agencies to look for any complaints or reports of malpractice. Choosing the right doctor will ensure that you get the surgery you need to correct your vision without increasing your risks.
Is Lasik the Superior Option for You?
Laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK) eye surgery has become a very popular option for corrective vision. In fact, Duke University says that more than 8 million people have gotten the surgery.
However, LASIK surgery is not for every person who experiences vision problems. To understand who should get the surgery, it is first important to understand how vision works and what the surgery entails.
The cornea is the part of the eye that helps to focus light, which is then routed to the retina, which produces an image. When the cornea is misshaped, it can cause problems with that process, leading to blurry images. LASIK surgery involves creating a flap in the cornea so that a laser can go inside and reshape the cornea, helping to create better focus in the eye.
Ideal LASIK Candidates
Determining who is the ideal LASIK candidate requires assessing a patient’s vision and overall health. Ideal LASIK candidates should:
1. Be at least 18 years of age.
2. Have a moderate degree of nearsightedness (only able to see objects clearly up close), farsightedness (only able to see objects clearly from a distance), or astigmatism (overall blurry vision). Candidates will have to have a prescription with a minimum strength.
3. Have pupils that are no more than 8.5 mm when measured in the dark.
4. Have experienced no changes in their vision or their prescription for at least one year.
5. Have a healthy retina and eye pressure.
6. Have the money to pay for the surgery. Most insurance companies do not pay for LASIK surgery, which can cost an average of $2,000 per eye.
7. Not be pregnant or nursing.
8. Not be engaged in contact sports, such as boxing, football, wrestling or martial arts.
Every candidate for LASIK surgery should be evaluated by an experienced eye doctor to determine his or her current vision issues, eye health and overall health. Only a qualified eye doctor can make the final determination on who is a good candidate for LASIK surgery.
Who Should Not Get LASIK
Though LASIK eye surgery has become common, it is still a surgery and there are still risks. Therefore, there is a much longer list of who should NOT get LASIK eye surgery.
You should not get LASIK eye surgery if you:
1. Have a problem with dry eyes. One of the potential side effects of LASIK surgery is that it can make your eyes dry. If you already have this problem, getting LASIK surgery can make it even worse, making them painful.
2. Have ongoing problems with your vision. If your vision is worsening, or if you are experiencing vision problems off and on, you won’t be able to get LASIK surgery. Your vision must be stable before the problem can be addressed. If the pressure in your eye is too high or is fluctuating, you also won’t be able to get LASIK surgery.
3. Have misshapen eyes. There are many problems with the shape or your eyes that could prevent you from being a candidate for LASIK. For example, if you have an irregularly shaped cornea, or if your cornea is too thin, you won’t be able to get LASIK. Also, if you have eyes that are set very deep or have oddly shaped lids that could be problematic during surgery, you will likely not be a candidate for LASIK eye surgery.
4. Have an autoimmune disease. With LASIK eye surgery, doctors will be cutting into your body. If you have an autoimmune disease, you may not be able to heal as quickly from the surgery, and you may be more at risk for infection. Autoimmune diseases include HIV, lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.
5. Have other poor health conditions. Those with diabetes and other conditions may not be good candidates for LASIK surgery.
Overall, it is important for those considering LASIK surgery to have an honest discussion with their eye care providers about the surgery and about the risks and benefits for their specific case. Some may realize that their vision has not yet progressed to the point where LASIK is a good option. Others may decide that the risks of LASIK surgery do not outweigh the potential benefits, such as those who have severe nearsightedness, who could wind up with even more severe vision problems from side effects of the surgery.
Risks of LASIK Surgery
Even those who are considered to be good candidates for LASIK surgery should still consider the risks before deciding whether to proceed with the surgery. Some risks of LASIK surgery include:
• Blepharitis. With this condition, the eyelids become inflamed and the eyelashes become crusty. The condition can increase the risk of infection or can contribute to inflammation of the cornea.
• Dry eyes. As previously noted, LASIK surgery can increase the risk of dry eyes, even if you did not experience the condition before the surgery.
• Enlarged pupils. After surgery, patients can experience double vision, glare, halos and starbursts. Not only can this be uncomfortable, but it can also take away from quality of life, such as inhibiting a patient’s ability to drive a car at night or in adverse weather conditions.
• Blindness. If you have thin corneas, having LASIK surgery can increase the risk of complications that could lead to blindness.
It is important to thoroughly evaluate all the risks associated with the surgery before making a decision. Though LASIK eye surgery can be life-changing, you must be sure that you are the right candidate for the procedure. Otherwise, you could suffer from debilitating side effects that could actually worsen your vision or bring down your quality of life. Make sure you work with your eye doctor to determine the best course of action for your eye health.
The Evolution and Development of Laser Eye Surgery
These days, if you experience issues with your vision, especially common ones such as refractive errors, you can quickly and easily get these corrected. These vision maladies include nearsightedness, astigmatism, and farsightedness. Once you visit with your ophthalmologist, you can receive a pair of eyeglasses or contacts to reverse the issue. Those who want to completely stop wearing any form of eyewear often turn towards laser eye surgery. While this treatment has remedied many an eye issue over the years, it only became a viable option in the 1990s.
Radial Keratotomy – The Early Days
The first steps made towards the laser eye surgery that you know today began back in 1898. That year, doctors developed the first form of the procedure called radial keratotomy, more commonly abbreviated as RK. Specifically, surgeons would use RK for patients suffering from nearsightedness. The procedure involved a surgeon cutting a few tiny openings around the patient’s cornea. The way that the surgeon would make these openings would allow the cornea, which had been raised, to smooth itself back out. Thus, the way that the retina sees light would also correct itself.
While this procedure sounded foolproof, it actually had several disadvantages. Doctors thought that it was a rather unstable procedure since the results weren’t always the same. Even when surgeons returned to RK in the 1960s, they still weren’t able to improve it to a point where it became the go-to option for patients with eye issues.
Automated Lamellar Keratoplasty Changes the Game
It wasn’t until the 1990s that a truly viable form of eye surgery came to light. Called automated lamellar keratoplasty or ALK, doctors had spent quite some time figuring out a better procedure in which to perform laser eye surgery. Patients considered ALK less invasive since it no longer involved as many incisions directly to the cornea. What it did entail involved a surgeon using a microkeratome, a type of cutting device, to slice the cornea once. Once again, the surgeon would then smooth the cornea. However, they would also take away some tissue in the area before resealing the incision.
The procedure completely changed the laser eye surgery game, as by the middle of the 1990s, ALK surgeons received permission to perform the procedure on a larger scale. ALK still lacked completely stable results. However, it had a much better track record than RK.
Photorefractive Keratectomy Continues the Advance in Methods
By 1995, surgeons developed photorefractive keractectomy, also known as PRK. This method truly defined itself as a laser eye surgery procedure given that it required no incisions at all. Up until this time, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had not allowed for surgeons to use excimer lasers in surgical procedures. It was only in 1995 that the FDA finally changed their minds and thus true laser eye surgery was born.
At that point, PRK could treat nearsightedness only by targeting the cornea. The laser would smooth this area out and improve vision. As the technology continued to evolve, PRK could also treat astigmatism and farsightedness. The only downside for the patients involved the very long recovery times after the procedure.
LASIK Goes Mainstream
By 1999, doctors found an even better laser eye surgery method than even PRK. Commonly called LASIK, laser assisted in-situ keratomileusis had actually existed as early as 1989 when Ioannis Pallikaris created it in Greece. It took a while for the procedure to migrate to the United States though, and even longer to receive the green light from the FDA.
Unlike PRK, LASIK does require a small incision in the cornea that thus allows the laser to work the most efficiently. These lasers would then smooth out the cornea. While this procedure seems like more of a hassle than even PRK, it has far more advantages. First of all, doctors had found the most predictable form of laser eye surgery yet. Also, due to the means in which surgeons performed LASIK, patients didn’t have to take nearly as long to recover. The process also was far less painful than getting over PRK surgery.
Visian ICL Presents another Viable Option for Vision Issues
In 2005, patients had yet another option at their disposal. Visian ICL or the phakic intraocular lenses have existed since 1992 where the Fyodorov Institute in Russia developed them. These lenses actually move alongside your eye’s natural lenses to improve vision. They only became available in the United States in 2005 since extensive testing was necessary to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the product. However, Visian ICL did pass these clinical trials and now anyone can use this vision option.
With this procedure, a surgeon makes a small cut to insert the lenses near your eye lens and cornea. However, the procedure doesn’t take long and patients tend to see better vision practically right after the surgery. You can keep the lenses in your eyes for as long as you like, and you can get them removed if you ever decide to. Of all the options, patients enjoy the speed and high rates of effectiveness of Visian ICL.
Laser Eye Surgery Today
As you can see, many different options exist today for a patient looking to undergo laser eye surgery. As the years have passed, doctors have improved LASIK and other procedures such as Visian ICL even more than when these procedures first existed. Therefore, you can feel assured that these surgeries are safer now than they’ve ever been. They treat eye issues effectively and permanently.
Should I Buy My Glasses Online?
Purchasing glasses online can seem like a more convenient way to buy as opposed to at a brick-and-mortar store, especially with such a large selection at your fingertips. It makes perfect sense, since most items can be quickly and safely delivered to your home without a single issue. However, don’t let the free shipping and discounts sway your choice because there are a few things you need to consider first. Read on to find out more about why buying glasses online isn’t necessarily better than going to the store or optician to choose a pair.
Finding the Perfect Fit
While it might be easy to purchase a video game, toaster, shirt or handbag from an online shop, remember that eye glasses require customization. This involves a complex and detailed process of shaping, polishing and edging the lens to ensure the proper thickness, curve, angle and wrap. If you buy glasses at an optician, the lenses will be customized for your eyes and generally high quality. With an online purchase, there’s no way of knowing how the glasses were handled or finished, and at what quality level. The frames are also customized. If the frames are too big, they can slide down or move around. Small frames might squeeze the sides of your head, or rub the bridge of your nose or behind your ears. Both of these things are a real annoyance and might cause headaches and eye strain. The frames should be a certain distance and the center should align with the center of your pupils. While you can find this measurement yourself, it might be difficult and frustrating to do so.
Matching the Lens Prescription
If you have your current prescription handy, you can choose or enter the information when you purchase the glasses online. While it seems convenient, there are often times that the company gets the prescription wrong or won’t have your specific prescription available. Since the process for finishing lenses is very precise, a small mistake can leave you unable to see properly and returns aren’t that easy to do. It would be extremely annoying to have to make a trip to the post office to ship back glasses that don’t have the proper lenses, since the entire purpose of ordering online was to avoid an extra trip. If you are ordering your glasses online, read the return policies carefully to prevent a headache in the future if you aren’t satisfied with your purchase. Many times, you’ll have to pay return shipping.
Special Considerations
One of the biggest pluses of buying glasses at an optometrist is the experience and knowledge they can offer you. If you are undecided, the optometrist might be able to recommend you certain styles that work well with your face shape and features. If you need a stronger prescription with heavier lenses, they might able to provide you with recommendations that provide more comfort without sacrificing style. An optometrist is there to assist you in the process, so you’re more likely to be satisfied with your selection in the future. If you wear bifocals or require special lenses for astigmatism, the chances of a perfect match with your prescription are not ask likely with an online purchase. You’ll have to answer more questions and provide more information, which can be confusing and result in an inaccurate match.
Styles and Choices
If you purchase your glasses online, you’ll likely have hundreds of thousands of choices at your disposal. Even though this is a big benefit, there is one big drawback to this – you can’t try them on. Some companies offer features that allow you to upload a photo of yourself to “try on” the glasses, but it’s not the same as looking at yourself from different angles. A photo is a flat view of yourself, and you won’t be able to see the subtle nuances and dimension or depth of your features when viewing the glasses in a photo. In addition, you can ask others for their opinion when trying on the glasses, and you might get a few suggestions. You’ll also be able to feel the weight of the frames, as well as compare comfort between pairs. Some sites might not have the best quality photos, so you might be surprised when you receive the package in the mail and the glasses aren’t exactly what you expected.
How Safe Are Eyeglasses that Were Ordered Online?
In many cases, eyeglasses ordered online don’t match with the prescription given. This can be a real problem, causing headaches, eye strain and blurry vision. In some cases, the lenses don’t meet the recommended impact resistance specifications, so that can be a dangerous situation if your lenses were to break. It is possible to have the glasses you ordered online adjusted at an optometrist. While not all glasses that you can buy online are unsafe, you’re more likely to encounter this type of problem that at an optician. If you’re skeptical of the quality of an online purchase, take them to an optician for adjustments. Remember, though, that all optical retailers are created equal. There are many corporate, independent and private practices out there and they all provide varying levels of service, so do some research before choosing one to visit. You can look online for reviews or ask friends and family to suggest an optician.
Exciting New Developments in Optometry
You probably hear about new breakthroughs in medical technology on a regular basis, but relatively little when it comes to optometry. New prescription drugs and other medical options seem to take center stage in public discussion, while many forget about eye and vision care, which is a very important thing we often take for granted. That doesn’t mean advancements in optometry are not happening, though. New developments in optometry are taking place at a fast rate, such as stem cell therapy for retinal, corneal and optic nerve problems and prosthesis. There are also more vast-reaching developments for contact lens wearers that affect millions of consumers around the world. Read further to learn more about some recent advancements and developments.
Antimicrobial Coatings for Contact Lenses
Right now, future developments are being made that involve protecting the lens surface itself from bacteria without the use of disinfectant solutions. The University of New South Wales is developing a coating for contact lenses made of a material called melimine. Melimine is a peptide that remains effective when applied to contact lenses and worn in your eyes. Like most consumers, you may be wary of placing a new material or chemical in your eyes. This coating is safe to use in the eyes and remains stable when exposed to heat or liquid. It doesn’t alter the contact lens dimension in any way, so lenses will remain their usual small dimensions. The coating is proven to be effective for reducing bacteria, fungi and other pathogens on the lenses. In addition, melimine is not toxic to mammals. Although this won’t completely take the place of proper lens care, this new melimine coating can reduce the number of eye infections even further.
Advancement for Diabetes-Related Eye Problems
As you probably know, more and more people are diagnosed with diabetes and pre-diabetes every year. This disease can affect the eyes and cause vision loss over time, especially with uncontrolled blood glucose levels and unhealthy lifestyle habits. Some things researchers are working on in the optometry world include treatments for eye disorders related to diabetes. Scatter laser treatment for diabetic retinopathy is one advancement that has been proven effective. Since diabetes is known to cause vision problems, researchers have found that strict control of blood glucose levels and proper nutrition can greatly reduce the risk of developing diabetes-related eye problems for both type 1 and type 2 diabetes patients. This is just another reason for people to adopt healthy lifestyle habits, whether they have diabetes or not.
Stem Cell Therapy for Eye Disorders
Researchers are working on stem cell therapy as a treatment for retinal and optic nerve problems. As you’ve likely heard, stem cell treatments enable to body to regenerate healthy cells that have been destroyed by certain conditions and restore proper function. This may eventually lead to a new way to treat patients altogether. Right now, stem cell advances provide a way to regrow retinal and optical nerve tissue. This can help patients with diseases such as age-related macular degeneration and glaucoma. Researchers are currently working on corneal regeneration to treat a whole other segment of eye disorders. Stem cell therapy will definitely be something to look forward to in the field of optometry.
Optiwave Refractive Analysis
Many advances are being made when it comes to eye surgery, especially in the realm of laser technology. If you had to have eye surgery in the past, its success was typically not determined immediately after the surgery. Surgeons were previously unable to assess patients’ focusing capabilities during surgery, and they had to wait for weeks until after the procedure to learn the final results. New technology called Optiwave Refractive Analysis allows surgeons to analyze the eyes during the procedure using a laser. The reflection of the laser off of the back of the eyes gives surgeons real time information about the condition of the patient’s eyes. This makes it easier to adjust the procedure according to the patient’s needs and provide them with the best possible results. You would typically know the results of your surgery immediately after instead of having an agonizing wait during recovery.
Optos Retinal Scanning
If you’ve ever had to receive dilating eye drops at the doctor’s office, you know how uncomfortable it can be. Irritated eyes and sensitivity to sunlight for hours make it a dreaded procedure for many people. This can even make you want to put off a visit to the eye doctor, even when you know it’s for the best. A new advancement in diagnostic tools, the Optos retinal scanning system, eliminates the need for those irritating drops. The doctor scans your eyes in a few seconds and can view a digital image of your retina and other parts of your eyes. The results allow eye doctors to diagnose many different eye diseases and conditions. Some things that can be found through Optos retinal scanning include macular degeneration, retinal tears or detachment, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and even diabetes, eye cancer and high blood pressure, which may show up in your eyes without previous symptoms. Eye doctors can also save the results and compare your eye’s condition over time. This makes future visits to the eye doctor less invasive and more comprehensive than before, hopefully leading to greater compliance of regular visits.