Lasik Las Vegas

LASIK LAS VEGAS – Come And SEE

2012-02-14T21:13:00.001-08:00

No one wants to visit the Entertainment Capital of the World without being able to enjoy all the beautiful sights to the fullest extent. If you live here, or are just visiting, lasik Las Vegas surgery centers are staffed with knowledgable and experienced surgeons that are waiting to help you. If you are 18 years or older and are nearsighted, farsighted, or have an astigmatism, lasik may be a procedure you should consider.

Pursuing an active healthy lifestyle can be challenging for those who have to stuggle with wearing glasses or contacts. If you are an athlete having precise vision is critical for ultimate performance. Entertainers, salespeople, or those in public relations can significantly increase marketability by choosing a laser eye surgery Las Vegas procedure. Perhaps you simply desire the ability of getting up in the morning and not having to fumble around looking for your glasses before you can see anything, lasik eye surgery can give you that clear view you are looking for.

Now that you are pondering the idea of laser eye surgery, you may be thinking about cost. Yes, lasik, like any surgery, is expensive but you have to put it in perspective. People that wear contacts spend hundreds of dollars a year on contacts alone, not including doctor visits and contact solution, etc. Even if you wear glasses it is can be hundreds of dollars a frame depending on the brand you choose. The average person needs to maintain their corrective eyewear for about fifty years, so you can do the math. Beyond cost, contacts and glasses can be very uncomfortable and inconvenient for daily wear. If proper care is not taken with contact wear you can easily develop eye infections which can of course be dangerous to your health.

All of these problems listed can be easily remedied with laser eye surgery in Las Vegas. Another added bonus of lasik surgery is that it can provide you with at least 20/20 vision and usually better than that. Glasses and contacts wearers might experience less than that at times due to bad positioning of the lenses. Who wants to see the world as a big blurry blob, when you don’t have to? Imagine seeing clearly without having to deal with the constant care of cleaning glasses and contact lenses. Imagine seeing clearly 24/7. With lasik Las Vegas eye surgery, you can!

Las Vegas Cataract Surgery– Correcting Vision Problems in Las Vegas

2012-01-17T20:43:00.000-08:00

Las Vegas is a delight for the eyes. Dubbed the "Entertainment Capital of the World," the Las Vegas area is a sparkling wonderland of resorts, casinos, restaurants, and theaters. The surrounding landscape is gorgeous too, with the mystique of the desert and the enchantment of the mountains. More and more people who come to visit Las Vegas are deciding to stick around and make it their home. The population segments that are growing most quickly are the retirement crowd and young families. To fully enjoy the wonderful sights of Las Vegas, you need your eyes to be fully functioning. If you have cataracts, surgeons skilled in Las Vegas Lasik are experienced and ready help. Las Vegas Lasik eye surgeons also offer improved eyesight for those who are vision impaired.

When a person develops cataracts, the natural lens of the eye becomes cloudy, obscuring vision. Cataract surgery Las Vegas professionals say, can remove this opaque natural lens and replace it with a synthetic lens, restoring vision to cataracts sufferers. In contrast, Las Vegas Lasik eye surgeons correct vision problems like nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. Lasers are used to shape the cornea in the eye during this refractive surgery, adjusting vision in whichever direction is needed for a specific patient.

When Las Vegas Lasik eye surgeons perform this procedure to correct your vision, you are awake and aware. A local anesthetic in the form of eye drops is used, usually in combination with a very mild sedative. The anesthetic application for Las Vegas cataract surgery is similar to that of Lasik surgery. Local anesthetic eye drops or injections are used to prevent pain during surgery. A mild sedative is usually used as well mostly to relieve anxiety in patients. For children, mentally unstable patients, or other unpredictable surgery candidates, a general anesthetic may be necessary.

Las Vegas Lasik eye surgeons have been performing refractive surgeries for decades, refining the process and technology. Now, it is an outpatient surgery with an extremely short recovery period. Las Vegas cataract surgery has also benefitted from years of specialists making the surgery techniques and tools better and better. It is now an outpatient procedure with a short recovery period. In no time at all, patients can be out enjoying the amazing sights and opulence of the largest city in Nevada. During the decades in which the surgeries have been improved, the casinos and resorts on Las Vegas Boulevard have sought to out-do one another with their architecture and décor. Now, even those who have impaired vision can enjoy the strip's sights.

Getting Las Vegas Cataract Surgery in the Gambling Capital of the United States

2011-12-21T03:58:00.000-08:00

When most people think about Las Vegas, Nevada, they think about gambling and last minute quickie marriages in tacky wedding chapels performed by an Elvis impersonator. However, there is more to this city than just tourists. There are actual people who live here on a permanent basis. There are 1,951,269 people who live in this city as per the 2010 census. Of all those residents, there are plenty of people who need Las Vegas cataract surgery or are in need of a good Las Vegas Lasik eye surgeon.

When it comes to needing Las Vegas cataract surgery, there are plenty of options to choose from. The trick is knowing which doctor you need to go to for your surgical procedure. Since this type of eye procedure involves a more invasive technique with your eye, you want to get the best eye surgeon that you money or insurance will buy. The best way to go about finding the best doctor for your Las Vegas cataract surgery is to ask around. You are bound to have some friends who had had this procedure done and can point you in the right direction. Of course, you have to make sure that the doctor takes your insurance, otherwise you may have to hit the slot machines in order to come up with the money to pay for the procedure.

If you need a good Las Vegas Lasik eye surgeon, you will also want the best one that your money or insurance can afford you. This type of procedure involves lasers and your eyes, so you really want someone who knows what they are doing. This type of procedure is becoming more and more common these days, so you are likely to know of at least one person who has had it. Just ask around and someone is sure to let you know who the best Las Vegas Lasik eye surgeon is.

As with any type of surgical procedure, you will want to consult with at least two doctors when it comes to your Las Vegas cataract surgery or when finding the perfect Las Vegas Lasik eye surgeon. That is really the only way that you can feel more secure with the doctor that you choose to do the procedure. It can also never hurt to get a second opinion about needing to have the procedure done in the first place. Doctors have been wrong before and it is best to find out if the procedure is really needed before you go through with it.

Find the Resources to Preserve Your Vision

2011-11-08T20:53:00.000-08:00

The popularity of LASIK surgery is rapidly growing. The amazing,hassle-free alternative to glasses or contact lenses is LASIK Las Vegas. Aside from the occasional complications, the benefits of Lasik surgery are limitless. If contact lenses or glasses are becoming more inconvenient and/or expensive, Lasik may be the right choice for you.

One of the main concerns associated with the LASIK procedure is the cost. People who wear glasses or contacts will be spending money on preserving their sight for an average of 50 years. What many people do not know is that the overall cost in expenses for glasses and contacts easily surpasses the amount that could have been spent on the one-time procedure of LASIK surgery

The typical cost of contact lenses per year comes out to around $200-$300. This is not including costs for examinations or contact solution. In many cases contacts tend to be more expensive than glasses. With glasses, you don’t need to have a new pair every month. However, the cost for a pair of basic frames averages out to around $100 AU or over $500 AU and more depending on how expensive the frames are.

Contacts may seem more convenient if you don’t want to wear glasses. However, infections can develop without proper sterilization of contacts; this can very dangerous for the overall health of your eyes. In severe cases these infections can lead to blindness. Many people simply cannot wear contacts because of the discomfort. For older people developing cataracts, contacts and glasses provide little assistance, whereas Las Vegas Cataract Surgeons can eliminate such obstructions in the eye by performing surgery. This is usually the only option for older people with cataracts who find that contacts and glasses offer no relief.

Cataract development can be very startling to many people, especially for those experiencing the gradual deterioration of their sight. Cataract Surgeon Las Vegas can be very helpful in completely restoring your sight and eradicating cataracts. There are several causes for the development of cataracts. The eye is very intricate and sometimes the slightest changes can severely alter your vision. Inside the eye is the lens made of proteins and fluid. In the case of cataract development, the fluid gradually begins to turn white, blurring vision and sometimes causing blindness. Cataract Surgery Las Vegas uses a laser to clear the lens of the white fluid causing blindness, eliminating the cataract all together.

Many people who wear glasses or contacts may sometimes experience less than 20/20 sight. After an eye exam they may still notice a bit of blurred vision; this may be caused by an incorrect positioning of the glasses or contact lens. In many cases, LASIK has provided better than 20/20 vision. The issues associated with wearing glasses and contacts can be eliminated with LASIK surgery. Forget the hassles of sanitizing contacts or removing glasses, with LASIK you’ll have clear sight 24 hours a day.

Cataract Surgeon Las Vegas- LASIK and Other Solutions

2011-09-07T21:53:00.000-07:00

Cataract surgery and LASIK procedures are getting much more advanced today, and they are also much more readily available than ever before. You have to make sure that you do whatever it takes to find the best providers if you are going to have these kinds of procedures done. If you are looking for the best cataract surgeon Las Vegas has plenty for you to choose from. With almost 2 million residents in Sin City, there is a big demand for medical professionals. Taking the time to figure out your options will ensure that you get the best results every time.

When you are searching for LASIK Las Vegas surgeons are also plentiful. Both procedures are popular because they offer advances in technology that give people the vision improvement that they are looking for, no matter what that might be. If you are able to take the time to explore all of the different solutions that are out there, you can get more from your cataract procedures and LASIK surgery every single time. Start your search by finding providers that have upstanding reputation. This is going to be the best way to get started.

When it comes to cataract surgery Las Vegas residents are able to pick and choose from the best professionals in the city, no matter what they might be looking for. Eye surgery solutions are something that you need to take seriously, but it isn't hard to find what you need if you take the time to look. If you have insurance, you'll have to check out whether the procedures are covered or not. In many cases, LASIK might be covered by insurance because it's often considered an optional surgical procedure. However, it never hurts to ask.

Choosing the best Las Vegas cataract surgeon or LASIK surgeon takes a little time. However, with research and preparation it will be easy for you to get what you need. A good reputation, the right procedures, and affordable solutions are a must. If procedures aren't covered by insurance, you'll want to make sure that they are within your budget or that payment plans are offered so that you can get the work done that you need without worrying too much about the expense involved. As long as you keep these things in mind, you'll have the best surgeon in Las Vegas for your eye care needs in no time at all.

Cataract Surgery Lens – Now Available to More Prescriptions

2011-08-29T22:23:00.000-07:00

Cataract Surgery is a common procedure in the U.S. Las Vegas Cataract surgery specialists see a variety of patients with varying degrees of vision loss due to cataracts. One common treatment for cataracts is an IOL or Intraocular lens replacement.Most patients undergoing cataract surgery have options regarding the type of IOL to be implanted in their eyes. The choice may depend largely on which type of vision correction will be most convenient for one’s lifestyle. In other cases, co-existing eye conditions limit the effectiveness of certain IOLs, leaving the patient with one clearly best option.

Cataract formation is among the leading causes of blindness. It is characterized by cloudy or opaque areas in the eye's natural lens that usually develop gradually with advancing age (environmental factors, metabolic diseases and certain medications can also accelerate cataract formation). In Las Vegas cataract surgery is often the preferred treatment in which an IOL is used to replace the damaged natural crystalline lens.

The goal of cataract surgery with a multifocal IOL is to restore some of the near focusing ability of your eye. There is no guarantee that all of the near focusing ability of your eye will be restored. Other factors affect the visual outcome of cataract surgery Las Vegas experts say, including the power of the lens implant, your individual healing response, pre-existing astigmatism, and the function of the ciliary muscles in your eyes. While a multifocal IOL can reduce dependence on glasses, it might result in less sharp vision, which may become worse in dim light or fog. It may also cause some visual side effects such as haloes around lights at night and faint double images when reading. Driving at night may be affected.

Prior to surgery, a number of measurements are done, called biometry, to calculate the power of the intraocular lens that will be implanted in the eye. While the methods used to calculate the power of the IOL implant are very accurate in the vast majority of patients, some inaccuracy may occasionally occur. As the eye heals, the implant can shift very slightly toward the front or back of the eye before a stable position is reached. The amount of this shift is not the same in everyone, and may cause you to see differently from what may have been predicted by the measurements taken before surgery. Patients who are highly nearsighted or highly farsighted have the greatest risk of inaccuracies. Patients who have had Las Vegas LASIK, PRK, or Radial Keratotomy (RK) are especially difficult to calculate precisely. Residual refractive error after surgery may be amenable to correction with eyeglasses, contact lenses, refractive surgery, or repositioning or replacement of the IOL itself.

News from Lenstec however, a provider of technologically advanced lenses for treating vision disorders – today announced that its Precision Series Softec HD Intraocular Lens (IOL) Implant for treating cataracts is available in an expanded range of prescriptions.The expansion announced today makes the Softec HD PS available to cataract patients throughout the most popular range of prescriptions.

Lenstec improves predictability with Precision Series IOLs by reducing the manufacturing variability (i.e., tolerance or margin of error) inherent in any manufactured lensThis reduced variability enables Las Vegas Cataract surgeons to more accurately match IOLs to each cataract patient's prescription.

3D Image Technology Could Soon Lead in LASIK and Cataract Surgery

2011-07-14T22:21:00.000-07:00

TrueVision Systems, Inc. announced in March 2011 it has received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to market the company’s TrueVision 3D Visualization and Guidance System to cataract surgeons in the United States.

Originally launched in 2008, the TrueVision 3D Visualization System displays high-definition three-dimensional images in real-time on a flat-panel display in the operating room to assist surgeons performing microsurgery procedures. Local Las Vegas cataract surgeons are already taking advantage of this groundbreaking technology to assist them in performing refractive cataract surgery.

3D cataract surgery Las Vegas ophthalmologists say, could soon become the standard in refractive surgery, as the advanced system provides computer-assisted surgical guidance for specific procedures such as anterior capsulotomy (also called capsulorhexis), refractive IOL positioning and creating limbal relaxing incisions in the cornea to correct astigmatism, and even during pre-operative eye exams for surgical planning.

With the new 3D image-guided, microsurgical technology, accuracy is achieved as never before. As opposed to standard procedures such as LASIK surgery Las Vegas eye specialists say that the image you see is basically what you get. For the new 3D image-guided LASIK and cataract surgeries, the surgeon wears a pair of 3D glasses, and uses a high-definition, microsurgical system which provides a stereoscopic and signal-enhanced view of the entire surgical field. With the new technology the image is highly enhanced, improving precision and the overall quality of the LASIK or Cataract Surgery Las Vegas surgeons say.

As for the future of standardized refractive surgery technology, one expert said that most likely, the microscope will eventually become a thing of the past. Other experts say that at present this technology has not yet reached its potential, but does offer some advantages for ease of strain on the surgeon’s back and neck, since they would be able to watch a screen instead of bending over the patient laying down. Also, since the 3DHD video recording is able to capture the surgical view, it could be used as a teaching tool, letting surgeons, residents, and staff view what traditionally only one surgeon could view through the microscope.

Common Myths about Cataracts & Cataract Surgery

2011-06-07T21:47:00.000-07:00

Many people in the United States assume that cataracts only plague the elderly. However, it is important to recognize the signs & take preventative measures against cataracts at a much earlier age than you might suspect. Some men & women in their 40s, 50s, & even 30s may experience some vision abnormalities due to cataracts without knowing the cause. If the problem persists, cataract surgery may be necessary in order to save the patients’ vision.

In Las Vegas cataract surgery is very common and has progressed greatly since the older days. Now with newer technology, the surgery takes less than an hour and is minimally-invasive, so healing takes much less time. Still thousands of Americans suffer from cataracts without knowing what they are, why they appeared, & how or when they need to be removed.

A cataract is the clouding of the natural clear lens inside the eye. Symptoms include blurred vision, difficulty with glare and other visual changes. A Las Vegas Cataract Surgeon described vision with cataracts as looking through a dirty windshield.

The truth is, almost everyone will have some type of vision loss due to aging. The natural lens is mostly made of water and protein arranged in a way that keeps the lens clear and lets light pass through it so that we can see clearly. As we age, some of the protein can clump together and start to cloud the lens. This is a cataract, and if it is left untreated, it expands in size, it makes it harder to see. Early-stage cataracts are generally treated with glasses, however if a cataract fully clouds the lens, surgery is usually required.

In Las Vegas cataract surgeons have refined techniques for removing mature, or “ripe” cataracts easily. Intravenous sedation is given for relaxation & the eye is anesthetized. The cataract surgery is done through a tiny incision of about 2 mm. The old, clouded lens is removed and replaced with a new intraocular lens that can correct and restore vision. Older patients may still need reading glasses, though some opt for multifocal intraocular lenses that can address near, intermediate and far distances simultaneously, in order to eliminate the need for glasses.

Cataract myths have been around for ages, though you cannot always trust what you hear. Some common myths include:

Eye drops or vitamins can cure cataracts. False! Surgery is the only cure for cataracts.
Recovery is long. False! Cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure with many patients experiencing better vision within two days
Lasers are used. False! It is actually ultrasound energy which is used to loosen and remove cataracts.
Suturing is required. False! There are no sutures - the lens is replaced and the eye heals naturally.
Cataracts only occur in older people. False! They can form at any age.

You will still need to wear glasses after surgery. False! If you choose a multifocal intraocular lens, you may not need to.

Is LASIK for Astigmatism Safe after Cataract Surgery?

2011-05-23T23:58:00.000-07:00

Cataract surgery is a well known and popular procedure for older patients who suffer from vision loss after cataracts. Those familiar with LASIK surgery know that it is possible to have cataracts after LASIK. What some don’t know is if LASIK is possible after cataract surgery Las Vegas eye doctors say that it is possible.

LASIK after Cataract Surgery to correct astigmatism is an option for those people who have residual astigmatism after their Cataract operation. Your current prescription indicates that you have preexisting astigmatism along with presbyopia-a common condition whereby the crystalline lens loses its ability to change focus causing you to have difficulty with near vision. It is possible to have a monofocal lens implant and NOT correct the preexisting astigmatism which would probably necessitate either wearing glasses or a second surgery-either LASIK Surgery or Limbal Relaxing Incisions (LRI) in order to see clearly at distance. A possible better solution might be to have a toric lens implant that would correct your astigmatism as part of the Cataract removal all in one procedure. However the decision to have a toric lens implant is based on several factors in addition to the prescription. If you are a good candidate for an astigmatism correcting lens implant (IOL) and you would not typically elect NOT to have one so as to require a second surgery such as LASIK. The best next step for you is to find a local Las Vegas Cataract Surgeon who is also a top Las Vegas LASIK Surgeon who will provide an examination that includes some additional measurements including evaluation of the shape of your cornea and help you determine what the best options might be for you.

Astigmatism and Toric IOL’s: Astigmatism is a very common imperfection of the eye and is present when the cornea is not spherical like a basketball. An asymmetrically curved object, such as a football, is said to have a “toric” shape. When a cornea (the front curved surface of the eye) is toric, light rays passing through it do not focus to a single point. The result is “astigmatism” (Greek: not to a point). Glasses and contacts can be made in toric shapes to compensate for the imperfect curvature of the cornea. Likewise, a toric IOL can be implanted instead of spherical one to neutralize astigmatism of the cornea, thereby providing better focusing without glasses than spherical IOLs. In this way, astigmatism can be reduced or eliminated at the time of cataract surgery. If you have a significant degree of astigmatism, this IOL option may be discussed with you.

The use of a toric IOL necessitates additional specific measurements, planning, surgical execution and post-operative considerations not required when implanting traditional spherical IOLs. As Medicare and most other insurance companies do not provide payment for the surgical correction of astigmatism, patients are responsible for payment of these non-covered services. Toric IOLs, like toric eyeglasses, must be oriented correctly within the optical system of the eye to improve astigmatism maximally. It is possible, although unlikely, that a toric IOL may shift in position during the first few weeks following implantation, since it takes some time for the tissue inside the eye to firmly affix an IOL in position. In the case of significant IOL shift and reduction in vision, a second brief procedure to reposition the IOL may be necessary a few weeks after implantation.

Think You Need a Stronger Prescription? Could be Cataracts Vegas Doctors Say

2011-04-20T22:30:00.000-07:00

Cataracts are common in the senior citizen community. What many people don’t know however is that cataracts are becoming more prevalent in men and women in their 40s and 50s. While most middle-aged people do not need to worry about cataracts Las Vegas doctors say that blurred vision, washed-out colors and problems seeing at night which would normally signal time to get a stronger prescription, could actually be signs of cataracts in otherwise healthy individuals.

Incredibly, as many as one in seven 40-50 year-olds could suffer from cataracts and not even know it! They may attributed their impaired vision is to age-related deterioration that can be corrected with reading glasses without knowing that their symptoms could get much more severe.

Las Vegas Cataract surgeons are saying that a few decades ago it was very rare to see cataracts in patients younger than 60, but now they are seeing perfectly healthy patients in their 40s and 50s with this condition – which happens to be the leading cause of blindness in the US.

A cataract is a clouding of the lens - normally clear tissue found behind the iris (the coloured part of the eye) which helps to focus light on the retina at the back of the eye to form an image. The lens sits inside a capsule filled with water and protein fibres. Usually these fibres are clear, but a cataract occurs when the fibres become opaque, making vision blurred and cloudy. This condition starts off as a small patch, however if left untreated this clouding can develop across the entire lens, causing blindness.

Although the reason for this change in demographics is not yet known, higher-risk groups include asthmatics on steroid medicines, those who suffer from severe short-sightedness, have a family history of the disease or who have sustained a trauma to the eye. Heavy drinking and smoking also raise the risk.

Some Las Vegas Cataract Specialists suspect it is because with new technology it is easier to detect cataracts early on, whereas before cataracts were only detected after some vision deterioration had occurred, but this is only speculation.

In Las Vegas Cataract Surgery is commonly employed to correct the problem. Surgery is carried out under local anesthetic and takes about 40 minutes. A tiny probe is inserted into the capsule surrounding the lens which emits high-frequency sound waves that break down the opaque proteins which inhibit vision. These fragments are then removed from the capsule using another probe, and the lens is replaced with a plastic implant that should last the rest of the patient's life. For more information on cataracts, please visit your local ophthalmologist.

This Summer Make it a Point to Take Care of Your Vision

2011-03-15T22:38:00.000-07:00

As the days get longer and warmer, most people are eager to get outside and spend some time at the park, beach, or poolside. While we always remember what our mothers and the American Cancer Society have warned us about the sun’s harmful UV rays and pack up the sunscreen to prevent our skin from burning, we don’t always realize the dangerous effects the sun can have on our eyes too.

Excessive exposure to UV radiation over a short period of time cannot only cause sunburns of the skin but can also cause photokeratitis, which is like sunburn of the eyes. Symptoms include painful, red eyes, extreme sensitivity to light, excessive tearing and itching. Photokeratitis rarely causes permanent damage, but long-term exposure to the sun can be even more harmful. Research has shown long-term exposure to ultraviolet radiation over many years can lead to Cataracts, macular degeneration and damage of the retina. With spring break approaching, Cataract Surgeon Las Vegas specialist Dr. Hiss & the Eye Care Associates of Nevada are warning those flocking to nearby resorts for vacation, to take note of some important vision safety tips before heading out into the hot desert sun:

Help protect your children’s eyes from chlorine by having them wear goggles when swimming in pools or hot tubs.
Always wear sunglasses or eye protection when tanning. UV rays from the sun or a tanning bed can cause age-related macular degeneration.
Choose lenses that block out 100 percent of UV-A and UV-B rays and that wrap all the way around to your temples so sunrays can't damage your eyes.
Keep in mind that the sun's rays are strongest between 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Make sure you wear a hat/sunglasses during these peak hours of potential UV damage.
Research shows UV radiation increases the risk of developing certain kinds of cataracts. Millions of Americans develop cataracts and cost billions of dollars to treat each year.
New Cataract implants (IOLs) can block the sun's harmful rays. Speak with your local doctor before having your Las Vegas cataract surgery.
Protective eyewear also helps prevent: macular degeneration, skin cancer around the eyes and pterygium (tissue growth that can block vision).
Overexposure to UV radiation can weaken the body's immune system, reducing the skin's ability to protect against cancers and infections.

Vision Correction Options in Las Vegas

2011-02-04T21:15:00.000-08:00

LASIK (Laser In-Situ Keratomileusis)
In Las Vegas LASIK is the most advanced refractive surgical procedure available today and can correct low to severe degrees of myopia and astigmatism and moderate degrees of hyperopia (farsightedness). It also requires a higher degree of skill and experience on behalf of the surgeon.

Clear Lens Extraction
Clear Lens Extraction involves removing the internal lens of the eye, just like in a typical Las Vegas cataract surgery. This is done with a special ultrasound instrument and may be done with eye-drop anesthesia (similar to LASIK). The procedure can be performed without the need for stitches. A flexible synthetic lens implant of the proper power is then placed inside the eye through an extremely small incision to correct the refractive error.

This procedure is more commonly performed for treating higher levels of farsightedness in patients over age forty. The optical results are excellent and the visual recovery period is brief. Clear Lens Extraction may also be used to correct higher levels of nearsightedness and may be fine tuned with LASIK if a small refractive error remains. Your doctor may discuss this procedure with you if you are not a candidate for PRK or LASIK.

PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy)
Photorefractive Keratectomy is performed to correct mild to moderate degrees of myopia and astigmatism, and requires no incisions. With PRK, the surgeon uses the computer-assisted Excimer Laser to flatten the cornea by removing a layer approximately the thickness of a human hair. There is no pain during the procedure, as anesthetic eye drops insure maximum comfort.

The laser is a cool, non-thermal form of light energy that does not burn or damage the delicate tissue surrounding the treated area. The surface of the eye heals within three days, during which time a protective contact lens is worn.

The eye is anesthetized with eye drops. Rather than removing the corneal surface layers as described for PRK, a precision instrument called a “microkeratome” is used to create a thin flap of corneal tissue that remains attached to the eye in a hinge-like fashion. After the Excimer laser sculpts the deeper corneal layers, the flap is replaced to its original position. In this way, the healing time needed for the surface cells to regenerate is eliminated and post-operative comfort is maximized.

Wavefront – Guided LASIK
Wavefront-guided LASIK is a variation of LASIK surgery in Las Vegas where, rather than applying a simple correction of focusing power to the cornea (as in traditional LASIK), our surgeon applies a spatially varying correction, guiding the computer controlled excimer laser with measurements from the wavefront sensor. The goal is to achieve a more optically perfect eye, however, the final outcome of this technology depends on the success of the surgeon in predicting changes which will occur during healing. Las Vegas LASIK surgeon, Dr. Hiss, has successfully calculated thousands of LASIK outcomes using the Wavefront-guided technology with lowered incidence of “halos” and higher patient satisfaction.

Common Cataract Surgery Procedures in Las Vegas

2011-01-19T21:17:00.000-08:00

In Las Vegas Cataracts are a common problem in people over the age of 60. This eye defect is characterized by the development of protein clouding the eye’s clear lens. Although their cause is unknown, cataracts can become a big problem and interfere with daily life, especially if left untreated, as vision becomes more and more impaired.

Blurred vision and increase of nearsightedness are common symptoms of cataracts Las Vegas eye experts often suggest different types of treatments. Cataracts may be removed surgically, however which procedure is employed will be at the discretion of your doctor. Once the cataract has been removed an artificial lens must replace it, so that the eye can have the ability to focus.

In Las Vegas cataract surgery almost always involves making an incision in the surface of the eye. Depending upon the severity, size, location and development of the cataract, this incision will be either near or directly on the cornea.

Phacoemulsification is considered the preferred method of cataract surgery in Las Vegas and is also the most common. This type of cataract removal surgery is ideal because it requires both the smallest incision and the shortest recovery time. Another advantages of this procedure is that no stitches are required after surgery. An ultrasonic probe is used to create vibrations, which when emitted will dissolve the cataract. The cataract is then removed from the eye using suction.

Extracapsular cataract surgery is a more involved technique which may be suggested when the cataract has advanced to the point where it must be taken out in one piece. An anesthetic injection, some suturing and an eye patch are required, to help the healing process. With extracapsular cataract surgery Las Vegas experts say the recovery time is generally longer than phacoemulsification because of the larger incision required.

Intracapsular surgery is the most invasive type of cataract treatment. With this technique, which is generally only employed in the most severe cases, not only the capsule, but the lens itself is also removed. This type of surgery requires the longest amount of time to heal. If you live in the Las Vegas, or Reno, Nevada area and are interested in learning more about which type of cataract treatment may be right for you, visit your local eye care specialist, or call 775-674-1100.

Treatment for Cataracts in Las Vegas

2010-12-05T23:26:00.000-08:00

The best treatment for cataracts in Las Vegas is a relatively simple operation to remove the cloudy lens which can cause vision blur. In the past, surgeons often waited to remove the cataract until vision was very poor. Nowadays however, the operation is usually performed as soon as eyesight affects everyday activities.

In Las Vegas cataract surgery is performed on a regular basis, usually patients are over 60. Before the operation, an eye and vision assessment is done by the doctor. Usually a local anaesthetic is given. The patient will be awake but will feel nothing. During the operation, the eye specialist should be telling the patient what is happening throughout the entire procedure. It is his or her job to make sure that the patient is feeling relaxed and comfortable.

In Las Vegas cataract surgery is done with the aid of a microscope, through a tiny opening in the eye. The procedure relatively quick, taking about 15 to 20 minutes, though sometimes a longer operation may be needed.

The most common Las Vegas cataract treatment is a clear lens replacement, or intraocular lens implant. The lens with the cataract is removed and a clear plastic lens is substituted so that vision is restored. The intraocular lens implant (IOL) remains permanently in the eye and is made from a substance which will never be rejected by the body.

After the operation there is usually an instant improvement in vision, though it will take several months to complete the healing. Since most IOLs are used normally for distance rather than near vision, eye-glasses may still need to be used for reading.

Patients will need to use medicated eye drops for up to two months after the operation. Most people will be able to return home on the same day. Recovering patients should not rub or touch the eyes, refrain from heavy lifting, avoid unnecessary sunlight, eye makeup or getting soap in the eye.

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What Happens During Cataract Surgery?

2010-11-16T23:58:00.000-08:00

By the age of 40 to 45, most people begin to experience some of the visual effects that result from changes in the eyes crystalline lens. Even patients who have had normal vision throughout life will notice that their vision begins to change.

A cataract is a loss of transparency, or clouding, of the normally clear lens of the eye, most commonly caused by the normal aging process. As one gets older, chemical changes occur in the lens that make it less transparent. When the lens gets cloudy enough to obstruct vision to any significant degree, it is called a cataract. When a cataract occurs, glasses or contact lenses cannot sharpen your vision completely. The only remedy is surgical removal of the cataract combined with implantation of a synthetic lens implant.

The aim of cataract surgery is to remove the cloudy natural lens on the iris. After the removal process, the natural lens is replaced with a permanent intraocular lens (IOL) implant. The decision of having cataract surgery depends on how well a person can see during daily activities. One will be able to watch television, be in front of computer and drive several hours even after developing cataracts. Las Vegas eye care specialists at Eye Care Associates Nevada can help diagnose and correct vision affected by cataracts and other eye problems.

A person who has cataracts undergoes visual problems such as ghost images and declining visual clarity, which cannot be solved with contact lens or glasses. Some may also experience color fade. If one feels that his or her functional vision has declined significantly and he or she cannot carry on regular activities with ease, then cataract surgery can be a viable option.

In Las Vegas cataract surgery is carried out in an outpatient basis. The patient will be asked to avoid breakfast and drinking fluids, depending on the time of the surgery. Eye makeup should also be avoided on the day of the surgery. Once the patient arrives at the operating site, he or she will be given eye drops to dilate the pupils and sometimes mild sedative to become more relaxed. To make the operation painless, local or topical anesthetic is often used.

A detailed cleaning will take place in the skin near the eye and the eye and head will be covered with sterile coverings. One incision will be made into the eye using the help of an operating microscope. Then the surgeon will remove the cloudy lens. The same operation can also be performed using an ultrasonic driven instrument that breaks up the cataract sonically as it is taken out from the eye. Another surgical method includes the breaking of the cloudy lens mechanically into small pieces and removing them from the eye through a small incision with a help of special instruments.

Then the surgeon will replace the natural lens that was removed with a plastic or silicon IOL inside the eye. Although most of the incisions are self sealing, some incisions may need to be sutured occasionally. If stitches are used, they hardly need to be removed. In Las Vegas IOL implantation is a relatively simple and successful procedure when all the proper care is administered.

After cataract surgery Las Vegas specialists recommend a very strict recovery process. A protective shield is placed over the eye once the surgery is over. After a short time staying in the recovery area, the patient can return home, but only with the help of someone else driving for him. During the next few weeks he need to take eye drops several times a day as prescribed by the surgeon. He will also have to be careful while sleeping, and it is recommended that he should use eye protective shield for a week or so. To protect the eye from sun’s bright light, he will be provided with sun shades.

Cataract Rate in Men Increases with Height, Waist Size and BMI

2010-10-29T22:17:00.000-07:00

Across the globe Cataracts are the leading cause of preventable blindness, and cataract surgery is among the most common surgical procedures in people over 65 years of age in the United States. Last year, 2,775,000 procedures were performed in the U.S. A cataract is the clouding of the normally clear, natural crystalline lens of the eye. As cataracts increase in size and density, they reduce the amount of light passing through the lens, which results in blindness if not treated. With modern cataract treatment Las Vegas physicians like Dr. Paul Hiss surgically remove the damaged lens and replace it with an artificial one.

In a 14 year study performed by Debra Schaumberg and other prominent physicians it was found that greater height and waist size ratio were proven independent risk factors for cataracts in men. Cataracts are a major public health problem in the United States, with an incidence of 20% of people aged 65-74 and 50% of people aged 75+.

After adjustment for age, lifestyle and other factors, men with the highest waist-to-hip ratios (WHR) were 1.55 times more likely to develop cataracts as those with the lowest WHR. The tallest men in the study (at least 6 feet and taller) were 1.23 times more likely to develop cataract than shorter men, and 1.5 times more likely to undergo cataract surgery. Chief surgeon for Eye Care Associates of Nevada Dr. Paul Hiss regularly performs Las Vegas cataract surgery on patients of a similar nature.

The 17,150 participants of this study were a subset of the larger Physician's Health Study. All subjects were healthy male U.S. physicians aged 40-84 in 1982 and were grouped into samples based on their BMI, height, and WHR. The subjects self-reported any and all incidents of cataract and cataract surgery which were then confirmed with medical records. Higher BMI, greater height, and higher WHR were consistently associated with a greater relative risk of cataract, even when adjusting for as many as eight potentially confusing variables.

Las Vegas Cataract specialist Dr. Hiss, along with the authors of the study suggests a possible genetic susceptibility in the case of height. WHR, which was consistently associated with higher risk of cataract in the study, is a valid measure of abdominal fat which is also a strong risk factor for Type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. Diabetes causes earlier cataract formation, and thus several pathways are suggested to account for the relationship between abdominal fat deposition and development of cataracts.

Information supplied by The American Society for Clinical Nutrition. This information should not be construed as medical advice. For more information, consult your local Las Vegas Cataract Surgeon. To see the complete text of this article, please go to: http://www.faseb.org/ajcn/December/(11579)-Schaumberg.PDF or http:// www.faseb.org/ajcn/December/(12242)-Taylor.PDF

*Schaumberg, Debra et al. Relations of body fat distribution and height with cataract in men. Am J Clin Nutr 2000;72:1495-1502.