What Makes A Good Lasik Candidate?

11.25.09 (10:18 pm)   [edit]
Los Angeles eye surgeonAs one of the most common outpatient vision correction procedures, Lasik surgery is a relatively straightforward process with the treatment itself taking only minutes. Los Angeles eye surgeons and surgeons in the world perform Lasik surgery on approximately one million eyes every year and it is no different than any other surgery Laser Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis (Lasik) is intended to eliminate or reduce dependency on eyeglasses or contacts. Beverly Hills Lasik surgery has become more and more popular as the decades progress but still Laser Eye Surgery is not for everyone. Alternative surgery procedures like PRK and Lasik are excellent alternatives to glasses and contact lenses for patients suffering from myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism as well as a wide range of other vision conditions. A procedure like this can permanently reshape the cornea, which is the clear covering of the front of the eye with the help of a laser. Most patients do not report any problems after the Los Angeles Lasik laser surgery. There are a wide variety of different optical lasers used in this procedure but common for all of them is that the laser will remove some tissue from the cornea. Patients who have reached or are close to reaching the age of 40 should consider that their vision may be affected by conditions that cannot be treated with Lasik surgery, such as presbyopia. Patients with certain medical conditions or taking certain medications should not choose Lasik surgery because of the implication that it might give, according to top professional Beverly Hills Lasik surgeons. If you’re pregnant or nursing you will fall out of the ideal candidate classification and as it is advised to wait before considering laser vision correction. Patients with a condition called keratoconus are ineligible for the procedure and so are patients who have high levels of refractive error. Both parties are at a slightly higher risk for post-surgical astigmatism. Laser vision correction surgery is an extraordinary procedure that has helped thousands of people see better and is an exciting opportunity for anyone who suffers from vision problems. Lasik surgery is the preferred vision correction surgery these days, despite its high cost. This type of surgery is however generally not the best option for older patients suffering from age-related conditions. Often these conditions can’t be treated with the Lasik procedure. To learn more about Lasik and laser eye surgery, contact you local Lasik eye specialists to learn more.

Three Things To Consider In Choosing The Right Laser Eye Surgeon

11.25.09 (10:06 pm)   [edit]
Los Angeles eye surgeonIt has been close to twenty years since the laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis procedure (Lasik) was first used in the US, and worldwide, about 3 million laser eye correction surgeries are performed annually. About 2 million to 2.5 million are in North America; about 1.6 million are in the United States alone. With the number of laser eye patients who go in to see their Los Angeles eye surgeon to undergo laser vision correction surgery steadily increasing, more and more people have questions about this vision correction procedure. A $2-billion industry, Lasik technology in the hands of an experienced, expert Beverly Hills Lasik surgeon has consistently accommodated the needs of people to get rid of their glasses and contacts through laser eye surgery. Whether it be in Los Angeles or Beverly Hills Lasik eye surgery has always been about the quality and the service of the surgeon providing the procedure. With regards to quality, it is very important to select a laser eye surgeon who is not only certified but experienced with completing numerous successful surgeries. Getting recommendations from known sources is also very useful in locating the right Lasik surgeon. And in terms of service, Los Angeles Lasik patients must consider the kind of care that their surgeon and staff offer before, during, and especially after the procedure. Lastly and equally importantly, when considering laser eye correction, is what type of eye correction laser to have. Patients are encouraged to research and narrow down the kind of Lasik technology that is right for their needs and budget through consultations, customer testimonials, and personal research. It is advisable to inquire about the wide variety of treatments a laser eye surgeon offers, and select the most appropriate one for one’s own circumstance.

Laser Eye Surgery And Dry Eyes

10.28.09 (10:58 pm)   [edit]
Los Angeles eye surgeonEveryday, a large number of people live with an actual, medical condition referred to as dry eye. When an person’s eyes don’t generate a sufficient amount of tears to maintain adequate lubrication, dry eye occurs and there are many ways people experience this condition depending on the individual. Los Angeles eye surgeons explain that individuals with dry eye may experience a feeling of scratchiness in the eyes, a burning sensation, large amounts of mucous, sensitivity to wind and smoke, and increased light sensitivity. Oddly, individuals with dry eye may also experience excessive tears as the lacrimal glands, which produce tears, try to compensate for the lack of lubrication.


Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis, also known as Los Angeles Lasik eye surgery, is a procedure to correct vision in patients who experience myopia or nearsightedness, hyperopia or farsightedness, and astigmatism.


Among most people who undergo this surgery by a qualified, experienced Lasik surgeon Los Angeles patients end up with 20/20 vision or better without complications, however, LASIK can sometimes leave some patients with dry eye. This is especially true if the patient had dry eye prior to the surgery. In those cases, candidate screening was inadequate and the surgery should not have been done.


During Beverly Hills Lasik eye surgery, the surgeon cuts a thin corneal flap so the cornea can be reshaped underneath the flap using a laser. Creation of the flap inevitably cuts some of the corneal nerve fibers related to tear production. The lacrimal glands are beneath the upper eyelids and just below the eyebrows. They produce tears which flow through a drainage system and flush debris from the eyes. When these nerves are disrupted by flap creation, tear production is reduced and this happens in all Lasik procedures. In most cases the nerves regenerate within a few months and tear production becomes normal. In the meantime, moisturizing eyedrops are prescribed.


Usually dry eyes are a disqualifying condition for Lasik. But an eye surgeon will assess each individual and make a judgment call. It can be treated or managed. Prescription eyedrops can help. Your eye surgeon may insert plugs into the tear duct openings (the puncta; singular is punctum). These openings are in the inner corners of the eyes and allow tears to drain from the eyes into the nasal passages. Punctal plugs reduce tear drainage to keep the eyes better lubricated. Special lubricating drops may also be prescribed for people with mild dryness prior to Lasik surgery to minimize potential complications.


When considering Lasik eye surgery, be sure to inform your Lasik surgeon of your medical history, including any previous diagnosis of dry eye, as well as medications you are currently taking. This will help the surgeon provide you with the most effective, comfortable post-op experience possible. To find out if you are a candidate for Lasik eye surgery, the first step is to contact an experienced Lasik surgeon to learn more.

Which Laser Eye Correction Treatment Is Best For Me?

10.07.09 (10:14 pm)   [edit]
Los Angeles eye surgeon

The most popular variation of laser treatment is called Lasik (for "laser in-situ keratomileusis"). In this technique, the Los Angeles eye surgeon applies the laser upon the cornea, rather than near the corneal surface. This is accomplished by creating a protective flap in the front 20-25% of the cornea and then applying the laser treatment to the tissue beneath the flap. This protective flap can be made with a laser or with a keratome.

The vision correction treatment can also be applied near the surface of the cornea (instead of under a protective flap), in which case the technique is referred to as Advanced Surface Treatment, or "Lasik without a flap". This technique has several minor variations, which include PRK (for "photo-refractive keratectomy"), Lasek, and Epi-Lasik.

In PRK, the thin layer of soft tissue coating the outside of the eye (the epithelium) is removed and the Beverly Hills Lasik surgeon applies the laser energy to the firm tissue underneath.

In Lasek--with an "e"--the soft tissue on the surface is replaced after the laser treatment. In Epi-Lasik, this thin layer of soft material is folded back using a machine. PRK, Lasek, and Epi-Lasik are very similar to each other.

When the laser treatment is applied to the tissue deep within the cornea (as in Lasik) instead of near the surface (as in Advanced Surface Treatment), the healing is quicker with more rapid vision recovery. Patients usually see quite well the next day after a Los Angeles Lasik treatment. In "Lasik without a flap" the intial healing takes about a week. However, after the healing period is complete, the results are the same with each of these techniques.

Lasik requires an additional surgical step, which is the creation of the protective flap. The flap is created with an instrument known as a keratome or with the IntraLase laser. Creation of the flap takes about 15 seconds and is virtually painless. Complications with the flap occur about 1% of the time. Almost all of the complications are mild and can be easily treated, often by lifting or repositioning the flap. The most serious complication would involve improper creation of the flap; when this occurs, the patient is asked to wait three months, and then can return for a repeat treatment.

With either Beverly Hills Lasik or "Lasik without a flap", there are two types of computer software that can be used, known as conventional and Custom. Both of these use the same laser to perform the vision correction treatment. The conventional software works like glasses or a contact lens; there is one prescription that covers the entire eye. Obviously, this produces excellent vision, just as do glasses and contact lenses. With Custom treatment, an additional modification is made in the treatment to account for additional irregularities in the vision. On average, the Custom treatments produce slightly better vision than the conventional software.

At the Caster Eye Center, we perform all of the variations of laser vision correction. All of the variations produce excellent vision. During your consultation, we will obtain measurements of your eyes, and Dr. Caster will personally talk to you and determine which procedure is the best for your specific situation. In this careful way, we obtain the best vision possible for our patients.

LASIK Eye Surgery: Important Q and A Information

09.05.09 (1:04 am)   [edit]
Beverly Hills Lasik surgeonThrough modern technology and medicine, Beverly Hills Lasik surgeons have been able to improve vision and do away with spectacles or contact lenses. According to The Jakarta Post, LASIK (short for laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) has gained wide popularity over recent years, whether for aesthetics or for practical reasons. The following are questions and answers commonly discussed regarding laser eye correction surgery.
 

Question: Can Beverly Hills Lasik be individualized?
Answer: LASIK can be tailored to an individual's eyes and requirements, according to The Jakarta Post. Newer technology means that treatments can be much more accurate and for a higher degree level of correction, although some of these still need evaluation to determine their true benefits. In the past, the higher degree a person had, the more cornea had to be removed. With new LASIK technology, less tissue needs to be removed for higher levels of vision correction. It is important to choose a center with a wide range of femtosecond laser and excimer laser machines to find the best match in technology to an individual's requirement. Some refractive intraocular implants are also now available to treat extremes of myopia not amenable to LASIK surgery.

Question: Does LASIK use heat energy and can people smell the cornea being burned?
Answer: The excimer is a "cool" laser and does not use heat energy to remodel the cornea. However, there may still be an element of tissue vaporization that may result in some smell during the treatment.

Question: Is LASIK still a new technology and are there any long-term studies out there?
Answer: LASIK was first performed 20 years ago in 1989 by an ophthalmologist in Greece and then introduced to America in 1990. Since then, peer reviewed publications have shown excellent safety, efficacy and stability results for eyes up to 10 years after LASIK was first performed, and millions of LASIK treatments worldwide have shown no unexpected long-term complications.

Question: It is possible to target the LASIK laser accurately all the time as eyeballs will make involuntary movement and is there a risk of the laser zapping the wrong areas of the eye?
Answer: Most Los Angeles Lasik platforms have highly advanced eye-tracking devices that compensate for any minor eye movements during the procedure. These active tracking systems follow the patient's eye position at a speed of up to 4,000 times per second and redirect the laser pulses precisely.

According to a top local Lasik surgeon Los Angeles patients can refer to their local laser eye correction center for more information regarding Lasik and other surgical eye procedures.

Lasik Eye Surgery or Contacts?

07.19.08 (12:42 am)   [edit]

When it comes to choosing between lasik eye surgery and contact lenses, my friends are split down the middle. Some swear by lasik, while others are hell bent on contacts. But finally I see a break, with advent of technology and more comforting ads, the fear factor and squeamishness seem to be reducing.

I asked the question to Dr. Andrew Caster, Los Angeles Lasik Surgeon. I told him about fear, an all encompassing trait that overrides everything else.
My opinion is Lasik laser vision correction is one of the great medical advances of our time. There is really no other procedure in all of medicine that combines such profound improvement with lack of pain and very rapid recovery.

Now there are a plethora of different lasers to choose from, including my favorite, the WaveLight Allegretto. Talk to your doctor. There are so many procedures now including Lasik, IntraLase, PRK, and Lasek. Choose something which is good for you.

Having said that, Laser vision correction is not right for everyone. Only perform the procedure if your doctor is confident that excellent results can be obtained. For the 30% odd unsuitable candidates, I guess contacts is the answer.

There we go again!

The views are my own and is not medical advice. Please talk to your eye doctor for your specific case.

Disclaimer: This blog or article is for information purpose only, and should not be treated a professional advise or price protection guarantee. This blog is mainly used for search engine optimization and other commercial purposes and it is advised that readers seek professional consultation in the field of interest for more information.

Review of The Eye Laser Miracle written by Dr Andrew Caster MD, FACS

07.19.08 (12:41 am)   [edit]

I came across the Eye Laser Miracle, written by Andrew Caster MD, FACS recently. It has all the facts about the new Lasik treatment for nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. In short, it is what the name suggests, a complete guide to better vision.
 

While eyesight in general and vision correction in particular have been talked about for a long, long time, lasik eye surgery is still a novel concept to many. This book revolves around the excimer laser treatment – commonly known as LASIK and PRK – a painless procedure that takes less than five minutes, according to Dr Andrew Caster
 

What makes the book interesting is its personalized style. Dr Andrew Caster, a leading Los Angeles Lasik Surgeon, takes you through the entire process highlighting the experiences of patients who have undergone the procedure – their frailties, their fears, their questions, and ultimately their incredible joy.

As the book suggests, the Eye Laser Miracle is the guide for anyone who wants better vision. Please visit www.castervision.com for more information.


 Disclaimer: This blog or article is for information purpose only, and should not be treated a professional advise or price protection guarantee. This blog is mainly used for search engine optimization and other commercial purposes and it is advised that readers seek professional consultation in the field of interest for more information.

Can people above 40 undergo LASIK?

06.28.08 (12:47 am)   [edit]

Dr. Andrew Caster of the Caster Eye Center in Los Angeles says yes. Myopic people who are in their mid- to late-forties may find that they still require reading glasses despite having undergone LASIK.

They generally require reading glasses or bifocal eyeglasses at a later age than people who are emmetropic (those who can see without eyeglasses), but this benefit is lost if they undergo LASIK.

This is not a complication, but an expected result of the physical laws of optics.

Although there is currently no method to completely eradicate the need for reading glasses in this group, it may be minimized by performing a variation of the LASIK Los Angeles procedure called “monovision”.

In this procedure, which is performed exactly like distance-vision-correctio n LASIK, the dominant eye is set for distance vision, while the non-dominant eye is set to the prescription of the patient’s reading glasses. This allows the patient to achieve a similar effect as wearing bifocals.

The majority of patients take to this procedure very well and do not notice any shift between near and distance viewing, although a small number of patients have trouble adjusting to the monovision effect.

Andrew Caster MD added, “The main advantage of monovision is that people over 40-50 years old often will not use glasses for distance or near vision. The main disadvantage is that the person is relying on one eye at a time, and some people do not like this. About half the people 45 or above choose some degree of monovision, and about half choose not to have monovision at all. It is quite easy to determine if monovision is a good choice for you using some simple tests in the office…” Dr. Andrew Caster also noted that this can be tested for several days prior to surgery by wearing contact lenses that mimic the monovision effect.

Disclaimer: This blog or article is for information purpose only, and should not be treated a professional advise or price protection guarantee. This blog is mainly used for search engine optimization and other commercial purposes and it is advised that readers seek professional consultation in the field of interest for more information.

Wavefront Technology Brings Even More Precision to Lasik Eye Surgery

04.24.08 (2:44 am)   [edit]
Wavefront-guided-technolo gy had become the flagship of Los Angeles Laser eye surgery procedures. Because of its precision and better results for patients with higher-order aberrations, Dr. Andrew Caster, Los Angeles Lasik Eye Surgeon, has performed hundreds of Wavefront procedures, and recommends it to those who qualify. Dr. Caster says that "while people with glasses or contacts get one prescription for each eye, Wavefront applies as many as 200 prescriptions for each eye." In the conventional Lasik procedure, of which 1.5 million Americans receive every year, doctors use a laser to sculpt the cornea.

Whereas in Wavefront, doctors use a light beam and computer to create a more delicate and detailed view of abnormalities in the eye, which is applied to the reshaping laser, similar to that of
Los Angeles Lasik eye surgery. Dr. Andrew Caster has performed over 14,000 Los Angeles laser vision correction procedures at the Caster Eye Center in Beverly Hills. He warns those who are considering either Lasik or Wavefront laser eye surgery, not to fall for the disreputable ads that offer perfect vision at too-good-to-be-true prices. It is important that you have a full consultation, because Lasik and Wavefront procedures should only be performed on good candidates. The procedures aren't for everyone, but your doctor can suggest which is the best course of action for you, in attaining the best vision possible for your unique eyes.

Disclaimer: This blog or article is for information purpose only, and should not be treated a professional advise or price protection guarantee. This blog is mainly used for
search engine optimization and other commercial purposes and it is advised that readers seek professional consultation in the field of interest for more information.

Out-of-towners Flock to Caster Eye Center in Beverly Hills

03.26.08 (10:21 pm)   [edit]

Named "Best Laser eye surgeon in Los Angeles" by Los Angeles Magazine, Dr. Andrew Caster of Caster Eye Center Beverly Hills, has performed over 14,000 Los Angeles Lasik - laser vision correction procedures. Many world-class professional athletes, including top professionals in basketball, baseball, tennis, golf, boxing, and soccer, have entrusted Dr. Caster to improve their vision and performance with Lasik. Perhaps it is because of Dr. Caster's high caliber of patients, or his many commendations from top doctors and publications, or his dedicated use of the most advanced and up-to-date technology, Dr. Caster is receiving constant national recognition for his excellence in Los Angeles custom Lasik-laser vision correction. Dr. Caster has had patients travel from all over the United States, as well as Europe, Asia, and Central and South America. Many out of town patients who come for Los Angeles Lasik Laser eye surgery receive the best vision correction treatment available in the U.S. and then enjoy the best sights in Southern California, glasses/contact lens free, the very next day! Samiya Ahsan from Faisalabad, Pakistan writes.

Dear Dr. Caster, This is the first time in my life that I can see with my own EYES, without the assistance of glasses or contact lenses, and I'm so very much thankful to Dr. Caster for giving me such a beautiful gift. I was nearsighted and my power was –8.50 and it was impossible for me to look without the glasses or the contact lenses. And now after getting the LASIK Wavefront done my vision is almost 20/20. I thank Dr. Caster and his staff members to let me get rid of my ugly glasses and irritating contact lenses. I'm very thankful and grateful to you. Samiya Ahsan, Faisalabad, Pakistan

For more testimonials from Dr. Caster's many satisfied customers world-wide, visit http://castervision.com/out_of_town_comments.php" title="http://castervision.com/out_of_town_comments.php" target="_blank"http://castervision.com/out_o....

Disclaimer: This blog or article is for information purpose only, and should not be treated a professional advise or price protection guarantee. This blog is mainly used for search engine optimization and other commercial purposes and it is advised that readers seek professional consultation in the field of interest for more information.

Wow, Freedom from Glasses

01.28.08 (10:15 pm)   [edit]

If you are like me, Glasses are a perennial hazard. Remember the countless times you woke up bleary eyed and cannot see the clock? How about the distant street signs or the hassle of contact lenses? Yes, I can hear the groans already.

Lasik Eye Surgery provides individuals with an effective treatment option

where predetermined amount of corneal tissue as removed.  The reshaping of the cornea improves eye’s focusing power and enhances the patients vision. Los Angeles Lasik Eye Surgery specialist Dr. Andrew Caster point out however, that lasik is not for everyone.

Who can get Lasik Surgery?

A good candidate for Lasik Eye Surgery must meet several general requisites.  Patients who have experienced an eye infection or injury in the past year should not consider Lasik.  If you are interested in Lasik, your eye surgeon or ophthalmologist can determine if you are a candidate for the Procedure, the ophthalmologist will conduct pre-Lasik eye examination. After the examination is conducted, the patient should follow certain guidelines in the days and weeks preceding Lasik Vision correction.After Lasik eye surgery, many patients experience significant improvement in their vision clarity and sharpness. I asked a Los Angeles Lasik patient and she replied that the most striking part of her vision correction is to look at the beautiful scenery near her Beverly Hills home. Most patients are extremely pleased with their lasik results.Lasik eye surgery benefits includes  improved visual activity , freedom

from corrective eyewear and possibly new career opportunities .  Patients who achieve a successful lasik  outcome can eliminate their need glasses or contact lenses and enjoy the freedom of clear vision at all times. Patients can play sports, swim, spend a day at the beach and participate in outdoor activities without any inhibitions. Yes, the lasik procedure is expensive, and if I were you, I will not exactly run to the lowest bidder. After all, these are eyes which you are talking about.

But then, you can stare at your shower head and get out of bed clear eyed. Now that’s priceless, right?

Disclaimer: This blog or article is for information purpose only, and should not be treated a professional advise or price protection guarantee. This blog is mainly used for search engine optimization and other commercial purposes and it is advised that readers seek professional consultation in the field of interest for more information.

Is Lasik Surgery good for the eyes?

01.28.08 (10:07 pm)   [edit]
In first glance, it does look good as the cornea is reshaped (instead of any concave or convex lenses). But does it stay that way? Is there some long term problems faced by patients of lasik surgery?

From what I have found researching on Los Angles Lasik Eye Surgery patients, there seem to be not much evidence to the complications theory. In my personal experience, two of my friends had theirs done eight years ago and both of them are doing fine.

If you ask any Los Angeles lasik surgeon, Dr. Andrew Caster for example, I think you will get the same response, that machines and experience have not made it a safe exercise. But that is not to say that complications do not occur, but if you go to a good eye doctor, then she or he will (or at least should) examine your eligibility and reject you for lasik if you are unsuitable. For example, you cornea might be too thin or your eyesight may be too poor, in which case they might recommend contacts.

Also, there are many types of lasik. For people like me who are touching forty, monovision might be the way to go. In Los Angeles Monovision is becoming quite popular with one eye corrected for long distance while other one is for reading.

The most important point for any potential patient is : do your homework and don't be afraid to ask questions.

Disclaimer: This blog or article is for information purpose only, and should not be treated a professional advise or price protection guarantee. This blog is mainly used for search engine optimization and other commercial purposes and it is advised that readers seek professional consultation in the field of interest for more information.

Is Lasik Surgery good for the eyes?

01.28.08 (9:49 pm)   [edit]
In first glance, it does look good as the cornea is reshaped (instead of any concave or convex lenses). But does it stay that way? Is there some long term problems faced by patients of lasik surgery?
 
From what I have found researching on Los Angles Lasik Eye Surgery patients, there seem to be not much evidence to the complications theory. In my personal experience, two of my friends had theirs done eight years ago and both of them are doing fine.
 
If you ask any Los Angeles lasik surgeon, Dr. Andrew Caster for example, I think you will get the same response, that machines and experience have not made it a safe exercise. But that is not to say that complications do not occur, but if you go to a good eye doctor, then she or he will (or at least should) examine your eligibility and reject you for lasik if you are unsuitable. For example, you cornea might be too thin or your eyesight may be too poor, in which case they might recommend contacts.
 
Also, there are many types of lasik. For people like me who are touching forty, monovision might be the way to go. In Los Angeles Monovision is becoming quite popular with one eye corrected for long distance while other one is for reading.

The most important point for any potential patient is : do your homework and don't be afraid to ask questions.

Disclaimer: This blog or article is for information purpose only, and should not be treated a professional advise or price protection guarantee. This blog is mainly used for search engine optimization and other commercial purposes and it is advised that readers seek professional consultation in the field of interest for more information.