Is LASIK for Astigmatism Safe after Cataract Surgery?

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.

For More Informative Details Visit the Site:
 http://www.drhiss.com/laser-vision-correction-las-vegas.htm

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

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.

For More Informative Details Visit the site:
http://www.drhiss.com/laser-vision-correction-las-vegas.htm

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

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. For More Informative Details Visit the Site: http://www.drhiss.com/henderson-lasik-surgery-center.htm

Vision Correction Options in Las Vegas

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.

For More Informative Details You Can Visit the Site:
http://www.drhiss.com/glaucoma-las-vegas-reno-henderson.htm

Common Cataract Surgery Procedures in Las Vegas

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.


For More Details You Can Visit :
http://www.drhiss.com/lasik-surgery-las-vegas-reno-henderson.htm

Treatment for Cataracts in Las Vegas

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.

For Details Visit: http://www.drhiss.com/yag-laser-procedure.htm

What Happens During Cataract Surgery?

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.

For More Informative Details Visit:
http://www.drhiss.com/henderson-lasik-surgery-center.htm