Thursday, November 01, 2007

What to Expect After Laser Eye Surgery

Just as each person is different in many ways, the symptoms after laser eye surgery can be different for each person. Many people are now opting for this procedure as a way to see clearly without the aid of glasses or contact lenses, but some expect to walk out of the office with perfect vision and no complications or symptoms. The one thing that you must remember is this is a surgery procedure and all surgeries have risks.

The most common symptoms following laser eye surgery include the fluctuation of vision. During the first few hours after surgery, your vision will not be clear. It can fluctuate from clear to blurry for at least the first couple of hours and in some cases a bit longer.

Dry eyes are another complaint of some patients. The eyes will not have the natural tear producing characteristics for a few hours. This is the most common problem and can last for several days.

Many individuals see an indifference to light as well. When exposed to bright lights indoors or outdoors the eyes can feel aggravated. Your eye doctor will normally recommend that you wear an eye shield the first few hours after surgery to aid in helping the cornea to heal and to shield the eye from bright lighting.

Some individuals notice a glare or halo effect after surgery. In some cases, a second procedure must be done to correct this problem. However, in most cases, this symptom will also disappear over time.

If the eyes are not protected after surgery with an eye shield, dust and other objects can cause an eye infection, which will cause the eye to burn and itch.

Right after laser eye surgery, most individuals with farsightedness see a major improvement within 24 hours. Objects that are far away may still seem a bit blurry but over the next few days, this will improve. Persons with nearsightedness have noted improvement in their vision within one hour after surgery. However, some have had a few problems in reading shortly after surgery until their eyes have had time to heal. In some cases, reading glasses are prescribed until the eyes have had sufficient time to heal.

Bring someone along with you the day of your laser eye surgery. You will not be able to drive for a few hours after surgery. A flap is created in your cornea so surgery can be accomplished and this flap needs time to heal properly before you can take off the protective eye shield.

Remember, to keep all your appointments with your eye doctor to ensure that your vision is better.
Author: Nicky Pilkington

What is the Procedure of Lasik Surgery

Though lasik surgery is immense news it also comes with some side effects. The lasik surgery entails the formation of a flap in one’s cornea. Consequently laser rays are used to redesign the corneal interiors. Lasik surgery is deemed an explanation to Myopia, Hypermetropia and Astigmatism.

Note that one cannot merely go in for a lasik surgery. A sequence of tests of the eyes and the general health of the patient has to be undertaken. These comprise three-dimensional pictures of the cornea taken to check how it is tolerant light. The doctors will then assess them for alterations and decide on how to continue.

You need to be at least 18 years of age to go in for the procedure and if you are, then, here’s a checklist to test your appropriateness for lasik:




Can you afford the costs? Know that one lasik surgery designates operating on one eye and if both eyes need alteration, the costs will robotically double.

You are ineligible if you are pregnant or nursing, have cataract, or are suffering from diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, glaucoma, or herpes contaminations of the eyes or if you take medicines like Accutane® or oral Prednisone.

Does a refractive surgery like lasik impact your career negatively?

Do you endure from the dry eye syndrome and have you ever had troubles except for the eyes entailing glasses or contact lenses? Has your eye recommendation altered over the last one year?

Are your cornea and pupils of the optimal size and thickness? If not, then are you still eager to go under the surgeon’s knife?

Know that lasik may not be the everlasting answer to your vision tribulations. Infact many side effects do subsists to this process and there are cases of people having mislaid their sight totally.

Be aware of the hazards of undertaking the surgery for both eyes concurrently.

Discern whether your doctor is qualified, skilled enough and if he has the mandatory instruments for such delicate operations?


Lasik in San Diego and Lasik in Los Angeles are perhaps the best alternatives for most people keen on this method. Both cities come highly suggested for their outstanding lasik doctors, lasik institutes, pre and post operative concern and follow-ups. So killing a time in looking for other alternative is such a waste, act smart, and go for Lasik surgery.

Author: Arvind

Weight Loss Surgery - is Surgery Rellay Helpful

As a society, we have become more health conscious and concerned with weight gain so it comes as no surprise that there is a plethora of weight loss options, from dieting to elective weight loss surgery. However, for many obese individuals, it is not only an issue of aesthetics. Weight loss surgery limits the amount of food you can take in. Some operations also restrict the amount of food you can digest. Many people who have the surgery lose weight quickly. If you follow diet and exercise recommendations, you can keep most of the weight off. The surgery has risks and complications, however, including infections, hernias and blood clots.

Weight Loss Surgery: For

* Quick weight loss
* Improved health
* Increased longevity
* Psychosocial adjustment
* Decrease in economic costs

There are several categories of weight loss surgery:

* Restrictive – Reduces the amount of food the stomach can hold but doesn’t interfere with normal digestion of food and nutrients.
* Malabsorptive – Shortens the digestive tract to limit the number of calories and nutrients that can be absorbed.
* Combination – Restricts the amount of food the stomach can hold and reduces the number of calories absorbed by altering the digestive tract.

Which Surgical Procedures Are Considered To Be Successful?

The surgical procedures in which the patients are able to lose about 50% of the extra body weight are said to be successful and the patients will be able to maintain the weight loss for the next five year period of time. The results still depend on the clinical condition of the patient and how skillful the surgeon is.

s a society we tend to view obesity as being something of a "personal problem" which most people could have avoided if they had taken better care of themselves. Weight loss surgery is also all too often viewed as a "cosmetic" procedure designed to make people look and feel better and to allow them to get back to leading the active and enjoyable lifestyle which they enjoyed before they put on so much weight.

It is all too easy to ignore the fact that we as a society have created many of the conditions which all too frequently lead to obesity and that those suffering from severe obesity face the very real possibility of death without the ability to get the help they need.
Author: Alien

Tuesday, October 30, 2007

Choosing a Doctor for Knee Surgery



Choosing a doctor for knee surgery is a serious issue to contemplate. Knee surgery is a complex and invasive form of surgery and many people need to be well informed and understand the risks of surgery and the possible use of their knee after knee surgery has taken place. If you are contemplating knee surgery, here are some tips on choosing a doctor for knee surgery.

Choosing a doctor for knee surgery may be a lengthy process. There are many factors that should go into choosing a doctor for knee surgery. Is the doctor experienced with the specific type of surgery that you require, do you feel the doctor has the qualifications to complete your surgery successfully and without complications. Is the doctor’s office accessible for surgery as well as after surgery visits. Does the doctor have the latest tools and technology to perform the necessary procedure. As you can see it can be difficult choosing a doctor for knee surgery.

Many people choose a doctor for knee surgery through word of mouth or through a referral from their doctor. Most people usually see a few specialists that can help determine how severe the knee ailments are and what kind of procedures are necessary. Many people usually build up a relationship and respect for a specific doctor and feel comfortable with them conducting the procedure.

There are also referral agencies that can help you choose a doctor for knee surgery. Referral agencies have a large database of doctors and their qualifications and recommend a doctor or surgeon in a specific area usually free of charge. So if you have knee troubles, look at the above tips for choosing a doctor for knee surgery.
By Eric Gehler

Monday, October 29, 2007

Cosmetic Ear Surgery Available for Children

For many of us Dumbo is an early childhood favorite. A delightful tale with engaging characters and songs, it teaches the value of a mother's love and care, the value of friendship, and the value of self-confidence. Unfortunately, that self-confidence can be hard to maintain if a child is unfortunate enough to be born with large or protruding ears.

Because Dumbo is such an early favorite that children watch with indulgent grandparents on lazy Sunday afternoons, it becomes a powerful model of behavior, and, unfortunately, not all children are taught to model themselves after the best characters in the movie. Some children become like the teasing boys or snooty elephant matrons who tease Dumbo mercilessly. If your child has large or protruding ears, they can be subject to teasing at a very young age, at preschool or in kindergarten, beyond the eye or control of teachers and caregivers.

Ear Pinning Available as early as Age 4

Otoplasty, or ear pinning, is the only cosmetic surgery regularly performed on children. This is because the ears are a special case. Unlike most of our bodies, our ears have achieved close to their full size and shape by age 4. This makes them ideal sites for early intervention on the part of a skilled and sensitive plastic surgeon.

Much of children's bodies are constantly changing. They grow right out of clothes and shoes. They lose their baby teeth to get adult teeth and even wisdom teeth. Not to mention all the changes of puberty and beyond, so most cosmetic procedures are not recommended for children. On the other hand, our ears reach their full size and shape very early, which means they often stand out and could benefit from corrective surgery. Not only this, but the cartilage in children's ears is more easily shaped, making this a procedure that is best done at a young age.

Otoplasty is a safe and permanent solution

Otoplasty will not affect your child's hearing because only surface-level changes are made on the ears. The surgery begins with an incision in the natural fold where the ear joins the head. The surgeon then may remove skin and cartilage to achieve the desired effect. At this time, the ear can also be reshaped as well. Sometimes, it is not necessary to remove any tissue, but simply to move the ear and hold it in its new position with sutures until it heals permanently in place.

The child will have to wear bandages for a few days, and if he or she is a side-sleeper, there may be some disruption of sleeping for a week, but the surgery heals quickly and children are allowed to return to their normal activities as soon as they feel able. And when they return to their play, they will be happier without the teasing they had experienced. The scarring is very slight and well concealed in the natural fold behind the ear.

Because the ears have finished growing before the procedure is performed, the changes are for life and need never be redone. As the child grows and moves on to higher grades and new schools and finds new friends, the unpleasant memories of their early days will be forgotten, and you can watch them grow knowing that you have done your duty as a parent to make sure they are happy in their childhood.

Choose Your Surgeon Carefully

It is always crucial to make sure you feel fully comfortable with your plastic surgeon before beginning any procedure. Make sure to thoroughly question any prospective surgeons. However, it is especially important that you do this when the patient is a child. Select a doctor with whom you have good feelings, one who seems positive and upbeat about the surgery and its potential, one with experience, and, in this case, one with a strong notion of the value of family ties and family legacies.

And, of course, otoplasty can also be performed on adults, either by itself or in combination with other plastic surgery procedures.
by Patricia Woloch

Contact Lenses For Children: Should Parents Allow It?

There are times when it is more beneficial for your children to wear contact lenses for their vision difficulties instead of wearing glasses. Even infants can be prescribed with contact lenses for certain vision conditions that may have been present at birth. Some babies are born with one eye or both that are underdeveloped and have a type of cataract. Many times, surgery is required. However, if the cataract is only a white dot on the eye, the ophthalmologist may have the infant wear contacts in order to dilate the eye to allow more light in and assist the eye to heal itself.

Many studies are being conducted where Rigid Gas Permeable contact lenses are used for children of any age who are suffering from myopia or nearsightedness. The results of those studies have been astounding. They are finding that myopia in children who wear the Rigid Gas Permeable lenses develops much slower than myopia in children who wear soft contact lenses or glasses. In fact, they are finding that Rigid Gas Permeable contact lenses may keep children's myopia from progressing as far as it normally would if the child only wore glasses.

Another great benefit for your children when wearing contacts instead of glasses is if they are active in sports. Besides allowing your child better vision than glasses, contact lenses are safer. There are no glasses to fog up and contribute to collisions. Glasses can also cause even more damage to your child's face if he or she is hit during a game. Glasses can fall off and get damaged. It is very hard for a properly fitted contact lens to pop off of the eye.

Deciding what age is best for your children to wear contact lenses is a mutual one made between your child, you and your ophthalmologist. There is no exact age when contact lenses are prescribed for children. Many factors contribute to this decision. How responsible is your child? If your child still needs to be reminded to complete nearly every daily task, then he probably isn't ready for contact lenses. Or, you may have a child who is very responsible, but lacks the delicate skills necessary to properly clean and store the lenses every night. For those children a doctor may prescribe daily wear disposable contact lenses. This way your child can take the lenses out every night, throw them away and put in a brand new pair the next day.

No matter what age your children are and no matter what level of responsibility they possess, it is always up to you, as the parent, to ensure that they are following the guidelines. Children must realize that if they don't clean their lenses properly or if they leave them in longer than is recommended they are jeopardizing the health of their eyes. Deciding on contact lenses for children isn't one that should be considered lightly. When everyone lives up to their responsibilities, this decision can have positive effects on one and all.

mark(at)contactlensesguideonline.com
by Mark Clifton

Sunday, October 28, 2007

Lasik Plus--Boon For Eyes

Lasik is a surgical operation supposed to abbreviate a person's dependency on glasses or contact lenses. It is actually the concoction of Photorefractive keratectomy and automated lamellar keratoplasty.

LASIK PLUS is the latest addition to the achievement of science. With the development of eye sight problems, the type of correcting measures are also becoming more and more advanced these days. LASIK PLUS is case in a point. Lasik can heal people who are undergoing vision problems. This procedure improves vision by correcting refractory errors. This technology is basically invented for the patients who have problems of astigmatism, farsightedness and nearsightedness. This technique is boon for such patients.

Lasik eye treatment was pioneered in 1990 by Dr Lucio Buratto of Italy and Dr. Loan of Greece. Lasik takes less than one per min to correct the vision. The device of Lasik is developed by Dr. Jose Barrquer in 1990 in Colombia. This device cuts thin flaps in the corneas and reshapes it. The name of the device is Microkeratome and the method is known as Keratomileusis. However, there are certain conditions which should be kept in mind before going for Lasik plus surgery.


Person should at least be of 18 years of age and should be healthy.
Person's eye should be free from infection.
Refraction of the eyeball should be steady for at least one year.
Person should not be addicted to drugs such as oral prednisone.
Now the question comes on how this treatment undergoes..... The Lasik plus surgery is performed in two steps. Firstly ring is placed on the eye. Then high force is applied to it, so as to develop suction on the cornea. Second step involves the vaporization of stromal tissue. This is done by using Eximer Laser. While pursuing these step lots of precautions need to be taken to prevent the damage of adjacent stroma.

Well if you are really going for it then there are certain things which are mandatory before and after Lasik. This includes post operative care measures which is further divided into two more groups.

Short term care
Long term care
Short term care--rubbing of eyes should be avoided if irritation occurs in order not to dislodge the corneal flap. Doctor should be consulted immediately if pain is experienced.

Long term care--avoid using contact lens. The Lasik process is irrevocable but secure. The problem occurs rarely, approximately 10 out of 1000 patients. The protracted difficulties of the surgical procedure are still to be completely acknowledged.

by Arvind Singh

LASIK Facts to Know

LASIK is the acronym for laser assisted in situ Keratomileusis. It is a laser eye surgery that helps to reshape the cornea so that a person can see without the use of corrective lenses.

LASIK is a very popular surgery and many people are considering getting LASIK. If you are one of them then read on for some LASIK facts that you should know before surgery.

- LASIK was invented in 1950 by Jose Barraquer. He developed the microkeratome machine used in LASIK surgery.

- The Excimer laser, the main laser used in LASIK surgery, was invented in 1968 at the Northup Corporation Research and Technology Center at the university of California.

- LASIK has a lower pain and complication rate then other forms of laser eye surgery.

- The laser is not used in every part of the surgery. In most LASIK surgeries the initial flap in the cornea is made with a scalpel.

- The flap cut in the cornea is not secured in any way after surgery. It is simply laid back into place and left to heal naturally.

- Contact lenses can cause the cornea to be reshaped and so patients are recommended to stop wearing them for six or more weeks, depending on how long the patient has worn contacts, before surgery for the best LASIK results.

- Antibiotics are often prescribed prior to surgery to help prevent infection after surgery.

- A patient is awake during LASIK surgery.

- Wearing the dark glasses after surgery is important to protecting the eyes from bright lights.

- Pupil size can cause side effects after the surgery which can cause vision problems.

- Subconjunctival hemorrhage, where blood vessels in the eye rupture and bleed into the whites of the eyes, is a common side effect of LASIK, but is minor and corrects itself within days after the surgery.

- A slipped flap is one of the most common complications of LASIK. A person can minimize their risk by following all doctors orders after surgery.

- Some patients may still need to wear reading glasses after LASIK surgery because this condition is not related to the cornea or shape of the cornea and is, instead, an age related occurrence.

- High heat and humidity can effect the results of LASIK surgery and recovery process.

- LASIK is used for correcting myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism only.

- Satisfaction with LASIK results ranges from 92 to 98%.
by Joseph Then

LASIK Cost: Get Rid Of Blurred Vision

If you want to get yourself rid of vision problems, then newer technologies in the field of ophthalmic industry like the new LASIK eye surgery can help you tremendously. LASIK in medical terminology is known as Laser Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis. It helps treat vision problems such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism. After having several pre-surgery sessions with the patient, the LASIK surgeon decides on the best treatment plan that suits the patient's needs. Requirements and results vary form person to person.

But it is amongst the most acceptable treatment procedures for vision correction, because normally not much complication is involved. The recovery period is also very fast, and normally even driving can be resumed after a short period of time. LASIK cost also though varying across different parts of the country, but averages around $2099. Tough it looks quite pinching at first look but actually LASIK cost is quite nominal when compared to the life long and excellent results are obtained within a short span of time.

Several LASIK vision institutes have sprawled up across the nation, but choosing a one that is just ideal for you is a task by itself. It becomes all the more daunting when each institute puts up the claim of being the best in the industry. They offer a variety of LASIK cost packages, payment options, and other guarantee schemes, so going through these details becomes important. It helps you in deciding over the one that is best suited to your needs and capacities. Even more than these nuances that are involved, what becomes of utmost importance is to check the reputation, history, and client service of the institute from a reliable source.

Get to know more about your doctor. See how patiently they listen to you, how dedicated are they towards getting the best possible result for you, what is their attitude in general. Check for your doctor's educational background, experience, and reputation in the industry. Talk to those people who have been treated by him earlier. As this process unfolds, you surely start getting the picture right. You will just know what is best suited for you. And then without wasting further time, just go and get the surgery procedure started through various sessions that are involved in the process. Mostly, the LASIK cost is required to be deposited with the eye institute before the surgery is done. But it is always better to sort out these details in the beginning to avoid any confusion later. Go and enjoy clear vision!

by Arvind Singh

What to ask about lower eyelid surgery

Blepharoplasty is defined as "any operation which corrects a defect in the eyelids." This can be an upper eyelid procedure or a lower eyelid procedure. While it is important to know about both, lower eyelid surgery poses a greater challenge. Lower eyelid blepharoplasty usually aims to get rid of bags under the eyelids and produce a less tired look. It is important to consult with a qualified surgeon before undergoing any surgical procedure and this article poses a few questions to ask the surgeon during a consultation.

What type of incisions will you use?

There are several approaches that can be used to access the lower eyelid. Some incisions are made on the inside of the lower eyelid and are not visible. Others are made just below the lash line and when healed, are nearly imperceptible. The approach used depends on many factors and the surgeon can discuss these thoroughly.

Is my lower eyelid loose?

When performing lower eyelid surgery, it is important to ensure that the lower eyelid is tight enough. If the eyelid is not tight enough, there is a greater risk of pull down of the eyelid after surgery and resulting dry eyes and eye exposure. To test if the lower eyelid is loose, the surgeon will pinch the lower eyelid and pull it out. If it takes a long time to retract or requires a blink or two to return to a position against the eye, the lower eyelid is loose. If the lower eyelid is loose, a procedure can be performed to tighten the lower eyelid. This can be performed at the same time as lower eyelid surgery and should be discussed before proceeding with surgery.

Will this surgery take away the bags and lines under my eyes?

Most patients who have bags under the eyes have what is called pseudoherniation of fat. This means that the fat that normally exists around the eyeball has pushed out past the edge of the bone of the eye socket, producing the bags. In some patients, the bags under the eyes are actually on the cheek and lower eyelid surgery will not fix this. In addition, if discoloration of the skin is a concern, it is important to ask the surgeon if just operating on the lower eyelid will fix the discoloration. Most of the time, the dark circles under the eyes are due to shadows from the fat. At times though, this discoloration is due to pigment in the skin. If pigment is the problem, additional procedures may be required to address just the discoloration below the eyes.

What is my recovery time?

While every patient is different, bruising, swelling, and bleeding are generally the limiting steps for return to normal activities. Different approaches to the lower eyelid will produce different amounts of bruising and swelling. Be sure to consult with your surgeon about expected time away from normal activities.

Above all, research the procedures you are thinking of having and research the credentials of the surgeon you are considering. While this is not a complete list of questions you might want to ask, it is a starting point. It is of utmost importance to discuss your expectations with your surgeon to ensure that your goals can be reached.

D.J. Verret, MD Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery www.innovationsfps.com
by D.J. Verret, MD

LASIK Facts That You Need to Know

LASIK is the acronym for laser assisted in situ Keratomileusis. It is a laser eye surgery that helps to reshape the cornea so that a person can see without the use of corrective lenses.

LASIK is a very popular surgery and many people are considering getting LASIK. If you are one of them then read on for some LASIK facts that you should know before surgery.

· LASIK was invented in 1950 by Jose Barraquer. He developed the microkeratome machine used in LASIK surgery. · The Excimer laser, the main laser used in LASIK surgery, was invented in 1968 at the Northup Corporation Research and Technology Center at the university of California. · LASIK has a lower pain and complication rate then other forms of laser eye surgery. · The laser is not used in every part of the surgery. In most LASIK surgeries the initial flap in the cornea is made with a scalpel. · The flap cut in the cornea is not secured in any way after surgery. It is simply laid back into place and left to heal naturally. · Contact lenses can cause the cornea to be reshaped and so patients are recommended to stop wearing them for six or more weeks, depending on how long the patient has worn contacts, before surgery for the best LASIK results. · Antibiotics are often prescribed prior to surgery to help prevent infection after surgery. · A patient is awake during LASIK surgery. · Wearing the dark glasses after surgery is important to protecting the eyes from bright lights. · Pupil size can cause side effects after the surgery which can cause vision problems. · Subconjunctival hemorrhage, where blood vessels in the eye rupture and bleed into the whites of the eyes, is a common side effect of LASIK, but is minor and corrects itself within days after the surgery. · A slipped flap is one of the most common complications of LASIK. A person can minimize their risk by following all doctors orders after surgery. · Some patients may still need to wear reading glasses after LASIK surgery because this condition is not related to the cornea or shape of the cornea and is, instead, an age related occurrence. · High heat and humidity can effect the results of LASIK surgery and recovery process. · LASIK is used for correcting myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism only. · Satisfaction with LASIK results ranges from 92 to 98%.
by Joseph Then

Lasik Vision Institute: Enhance Your Vision

If blurred vision is what is troubling you and decreasing your work output and those bulky spectacles are also not doing any good to your self esteem, and then it is time that you try LASIK.

LASIK is a clinical term that denotes a type of eye surgery that is done by focusing the laser beam in the affected area in your eye that requires to be resurfaced. And in this process your vision problems such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism get corrected. There is no limit to the number and variety of LASIK vision institutes that have sprawled up across the whole of country. It is true that variety always help as you have the option of choosing the one that is best suited for you, but this in itself is quite a daunting task. Each LASIK vision institute comes up with variety of packages and offers, so it is important that you study them in detail and then only decide what to choose. Do not let procrastination come in between you and your effective, sharp vision. You do not want to repent later, right?

These LASIK vision institutes give variety of vision correction procedures besides LASIK. These are different versions of the traditional LASIK technique, such as LASIK plus Wavefront technology, LASEK, Intralase LASIK etc. Any efficient LASIK center would take care to prepare you well for the surgery. These are the indicators that differentiate a good LASIK vision institute with a meager one. They will state in an easy and direct way what exactly has to be done, both by them and you. This clears the confusion and makes the whole process a cake walk. so take the benefits of it now!

Any LASIK vision institute can adapt to such efficiency. For example, distributing amongst its patients at their first appointment itself, a leaflet of important points to remember, puts a good impression on the patients. They feel good and feel the confidence of being under responsible and experienced care. This relieves them of the profound mental agony that goes with any surgery. Providing them with the pointers that they have to work upon such as getting insurance approval for dry eyes, or to get their prescribed eye drops on every visit so that not to confuse regarding which bottle they had a query in mind, further directions regarding taking care after the surgery such as wearing UV protected sunglasses for six months, taking regularly all the eye drops, sticking to the post-treatment follow up examinations, and the like. These steps help any patient feel better and relieved.
by Arvind Singh