Archive for June, 2006

Posted on Jun 20th, 2006

The Acuvue brand is among the world’s most popular makers of disposable contact lenses. Their lenses include Acuvue 2, Acuvue 2 Colors, Acuvue Advance, and Acuvue Oasys, all designed to be replaced every two weeks. Other lines are 1-Day Acuvue Moist, Acuvue Bifocal and Acuvue Toric, which are all made with the plastic polymer etafilcon A.

Increased use of smaller, convenient work and recreational devices such as Personal Digital Assistants, laptops and cell phones used for text messaging and Web access may be contributing factors to the visual fatigue and discomfort experienced by millions, according to leading experts. Staring at a computer monitor or the small screens on most of these gadgets can bring about a range of disorders, including headaches, eyestrain, blurred vision, dry and irritated eyes, neck and/or backache and sensitivity to light.

Acuvue Oasys is a step forward for contact lens wearers whose eyes feel weary and dry in demanding situations, such as long hours of computer use, regular ground or air travel, or daily exposure to heated or air conditioned surroundings. Pat Cummings, OD, vice president of professional services at Vistakon, Acuvue’s parent company, says that contact lens wearers can now occasionally nap and even sleep in Acuvue Oasys and still get the same excellent health and comfort benefits they receive when it’s worn as a daily lens.

Buying Contact Lenses

Both the FDA and the Federal Trade Commission police contact lens sales. When buying contact lenses, consider the following:

- Is your prescription correct?

- You may have problems with your eyes that you may not be aware of if you have not had a checkup in the last one to two years, or your contact lenses may not correct your vision well.

- To be sure your eyes stay healthy you should not order lenses with a prescription that has expired or stock up on lenses right before it is about to expire.

It is clear that contact lenses are the favored option for a lot of people in the United States with vision correction needs: over 31 million people wear them in the US alone. Contacts provide people with close to perfect sight, after all, and there are so many different lenses available for a wide variety of needs and preferences. The flexibility and convenience that contact lenses offer are leading more and more people to contacts as science provides us with even better options.

Myth: Contact lenses are uncomfortable to wear.
Fact: Acuvue brand contact lenses are extremely comfortable.

Myth: People think it may hurt to put in and take out their contact lenses.
Fact: This fear rapidly disappears once you have learned how to properly insert and remove your lenses.

Myth: Teens are too young to wear contact lenses.
Fact: People of any age, including teens, can benefit from contact lenses.

Myth: Contact lenses can get lost behind the eye.
Fact: The eye has a protective barrier that would protect a contact lens from ever being lost behind it.

Myth: Taking care of contact lenses is hard
Fact: It’s important to clean and sterilize your lenses daily, and there are multi-use solutions that make lens care easy.

Mike Long writes about contact lenses at Contacts-Netguide.com and is currently writing about the new Acu Vue 2 Toric Contact Lens and how this may effect wearers of prescription-based lenses.

Posted on Jun 19th, 2006

A new and very popular vision correction method is Lasik eye correction surgery. What is it? Lasik eye correction surgery uses a laser beam to reshape the cornea.

The reshaping of the cornea allows it to do a better job of focusing images onto the retina. This reshaping can often improve vision to the normal 20/20 or better and the patient no longer needs the glasses or contacts to correct their vision.

Millions of people each year are choosing to have Lasik eye correction surgery. The results for most are fantastic. People who are farsighted, nearsighted or who have astigmatism may be good candidates for Lasik eye correction surgery. The only way to know for sure if you’re a good candidate is to see your ophthalmologist.

The goal of Lasik eye correction surgery is to change the shape the cornea so it does a better job of focusing images onto the retina, for sharper vision. An important thing to remember while making the decision whether to go through with the procedure is that the eye surgery is irreversible. In most cases laser eye surgery is safe, however just as with any other type of surgery, there are certain risks. These risks may vary from patient to patient.

Lasik Eye Correction Surgery- Making The Decision

To help with your decision take the time to learn exactly how the surgeon will perform the procedure. You should also investigate the experience level of your surgeon. The experience level can play an important role in the success of your surgery.

Lasik eye surgery is relatively pain free and a simple procedure. A small flap is cut on the surface of your eye. The laser is then used to perform the necessary re-shaping of the cornea. Once this is complete the flap is put back into place and the surgery is complete.

A few days for recovery are required. After that your eyes are fine and your vision is in most cases greatly improved. Most people no longer need their glasses or contacts. Thus far the most reported side-effect is dry eyes. This doesn’t occur in every case, but has been reported.

If you ‘re considering Lasik eye correction surgery, visit your doctor, get the necessary information, and take time to make your decision once its done it cannot be reversed.

Its great to be free of contacts and glasses.and still see better than you have in years. Lasik eye surgery is a great technology.

If you’re considering Lasik and need more information about how laser eye surgery works or are curious about Lasik eye surgery and risks that are associated, click on over the Mike Herman’s site http://www.FocusingOnLasik.com and find what you need.

Posted on Jun 18th, 2006

Learning about LASIK:

LASIK is a surgical procedure for reducing or removing a person’s dependency on glasses or contact lenses. In fact LASIK is the vision correction surgery, (i.e. eye surgeries for improving vision, refractive surgery).

LASIK stands for “Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis”. This procedure permanently changes the shape of the cornea. A knife microkeratome, is used to cut a flap in the cornea. A hinge is left at one end of this flap. The flap is folded back revealing the stroma, the middle section of the cornea. Pulses from a computer-controlled laser vaporize a portion of the stroma and the flap is replaced. a laser is used to reshape the cornea to alter the way light rays enter the eye for achieving focus.

LASIK, which requires more corneal tissue for success. It is a relatively new procedure. Epi-LASIK is like LASEK in that the flap is cut only in the epithelium, the surgeon only uses an epikeratome, a separator that creates an epithelial sheet. Patients feel less pain than alcohol procedures. All Laser LASIK An additional laser instead of a bladed instrument is used to create the flap in the front of the eye. Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) an excimer laser is used to remove tissue from the surface of the cornea. This removal results in a new shape, and reduces vision problem. PRK takes less than one minute per eye. No flap is cut as occurs with LASIK.

A) Only three percent of LASIK procedures are performed for less than $1,000 per eye.
B) Read the fine print for possible hidden costs.
C) Florida’s Attorney General has announced a settlement with New york Lasik Surgery Vision Institute about actual cost of eye surgeries as given in the company’s advertisements.In the first quarter of 2006 was $2,052.In 2002 it was $1,500 to $1,600. In 2003 it had risen to $1,700; and at the end of 2004, it was a little over $1,800; and in 2005 it was $2000.average price for LASIK is approximately $2,000. Average LASIK price increase is an increasing number of LASIK procedures:

A lot of care needed while choosing a surgeon. He or she should be associated with an academic medical center, such as a teaching hospital or one that is well-known for advanced technology. Try to choose a doctor who is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. You can ask for a referral from your regular eye care practitioner, whether an optometrist or an ophthalmologist. Call refractive surgery centers in your area; you’ll find them in the Yellow Pages.

Now while face to face talking to a surgeon, he can easily confuse you. Here are the lists of some questions that you can ask. Really hard to Ask but better if you do.

>How with the same equipment, and the same refractive error, has he performed many refractive procedures?
>Has he done more than 500 Procedures?
>Has he performing refractive surgery procedures more than three years.
>Can he provide the contact information of at least ten previous patients?
>Have you ever had malpractice insurance coverage denied?
>Have you been convicted of a felony?
License to perform refractive surgery revoked (should not be suspended or restricted)?

What percentage achieved 20/20 or better?

The laser treatment itself usually takes less than a minute, while the entire procedure takes around 15 minutes per eye. Most surgeons perform the procedure on both eyes at the same time; however, some patients prefer to wait a week between eyes.

But is it really safe. I mean some people don’t want to take even 5% Risk. difficulties such as dry eyes and nighttime glare is around 3% to 5%, while the risk of serious incidents such as lost vision is thought to be less than 1%. There are no known cases of blindness from LASIK or PRK. Dry eye, starbursts or halos around lights this effect disappears over time in 98% cases.

Anshu is a Sr. web content developer working for Healthcare & Law related websites. He has published quality articles on Austin Dwi, California Lemon Law and Lasik Surgery New York. All rights reserved.

Posted on Jun 17th, 2006

There are many forms of eye infection but many of them are commonly referred to as sore eyes. The most common ones are actually called conjunctivitis, periorbital cellulitis, Trauma and Stye. Other causes of eye infection are foreign bodies or chemicals in the eye.

Conjunctivitis (pink eye) may be viral or bacterial, and usually comes with a cold. The eye start to become reddish or yellowish discharge appears. This can usually be cured with antibiotic eye drops.

Someone with periorbital cellulitis has swollen and red tissue around the eye caused by bacterial infection. This could be due to a cold complication or an irritation to the eye caused by scratches, excessive rubbing, or insect bites.

Eye Trauma can be caused by a significant injury to the eye, caused by some small or sharp object.

A stye is a mild infection and swelling of the glands on the eyelid margin. Treatment to this condition consists of applying warm compress to the eye.

Common symptoms of eye infections are itchiness in the surrounding are of the eye. There is also a redness of the eye caused by the inflammation of the conjunctiva (a membrane). sometimes, the infection causes tears.

The discharge brought about by viral or bacterial infection is a salty mucous-like substance. When these discharges harden, they resembles large grains of salt.

Eye infections can can be easily transmitted. Persons with eye infections are advised to stay in isolation, avoiding unnecessary physical contact with other persons. Contamination can easily occur, and happens through touch–that is, eye to hand then hand to eye contamination. Viral and bacterial infection can easily be transmitted through the hands. When an individual rubs the sore eye, there is a high chance of some of the virus and bacteria to settle in the hands. Since the hand is used to touch things, it is easy to transfer the virus or bacteria to the environment. Thus, it becomes easier for other persons who touch the same things to also contract the virus or bacteria. It is not advisable to share eating utensils with persons who have eye infection.

Persons who have eye infection use shades when they meet other people. The reason for this is that many persons consider the red-eyed look to be not so appealing.

The recommended supplements for persons with eye infection are vitamins A and C, Colloidal Silver, Zinc, and Chamomile. Vitamin A is known to be good for the development of good eyesight and other eye functions. Vitamin C helps the body to fight infection. One may take Zinc, at moderate levels, to protect retinal cells from damages caused by antioxidants. Professional medical advice, however, may be necessary if one intends to take zinc supplements particularly targeted for the health of the eyes. Colloidal Silver is considered a natural antibiotic.

Peter Salazar’s source for quality supplements is http://www.utopiasilver.com

To read more information on eye infections & remedies go here: http://utopiasilver.com/testimonials/eye_infection.htm

All products have a MONEY BACK GUARANTEE!

Posted on Jun 16th, 2006

LASIK laser eye surgery is a complex surgery procedure used to treat all degrees of nearsightedness. The physician who performs it uses a small knife to cut a flap of the cornea, then removes part of the underneath tissue with a laser and put the flap back in its place.

In LASIK eye surgery, the skills of the physician or surgeon are more important than in the PRK procedure, where the computer does most of the work. This is the reason why it is mandatory to find a high-skilled and experienced surgeon who has done several such procedures before to perform it. The success of this procedure depends mainly on the doctor.

Advantages Of LASIK Eye Surgery

Most physicians agree that this kind of eye surgery is very appropriate for correcting very severe vision problems. It also allows a faster recovery than PRK and other procedures. In addition, patients who have undergone a LASIK laser eye surgery can see accurate enough to drive and read within just a week or so.

Does LASIK Laser Eye Surgery Have Risks?

For a limited number of patients, LASIK laser eye surgery can have some negative side effects, which include over or under-correction, scarring of the cornea, astigmatism, corneal infections, lower contrast sensitivity or problems with driving at night.

LASIK Laser Eye Surgery versus PRK & RK

There are physicians that still consider other surgical procedures as well. Some patients who had previously decided on LASIK laser eye surgery are often advised to undergo a so called PRK or RK procedure instead. After studying all the options they have and consider the possible side effects, many of them eventually agree on other methods.

Many clinical centers, while they do perform LASIK laser eye surgery in many situations, they claim that other procedures or methods are in some cases more suitable. For instance, some physicians believe that for a small number of patients with low or moderately nearsighted eye conditions, a RK (radial keratotomy) is more appropriate.

RK is an earlier eye correction surgery procedure that does not need an Excimer laser. The incisions are made radically along the exterior portion of the cornea with a hand-held scalpel. Such procedures are intended to help reshape the curvature of the cornea and allow light rays that enter the eye to focus properly on the retina. The success of the method depends on the length and number of these incisions. Some surgeons use this type of eye surgery for a small number of people with a disorder called mild myopia.

In contrast, other physicians and surgeons consider LASIK laser eye surgery as the best option whatsoever. While they do mention other options to their patients, such as PRK or RK, they don’t recommend them in favor of these procedures.

Other doctors claim that a RK procedure involves penetrating around 90 percent of the cornea, which can have negative impacts on the structure of the eye. Furthermore, once you have undergone a RK surgery, you can never repeat it or have a PRK. This is the reason why some physicians would never suggest this method to anyone.

Dean Brooks is an internet publisher who likes to publish eye surgery info. You can go to the website Eye Surgery101.net for more information.

Posted on Jun 15th, 2006

Most people have experience puffy eyes from crying. As your tear ducts produce tears, the sodium in the tears will cause your eyes to swell up. It is not actually the eye that becomes swollen, but the skin around your eyes including your eye lids. Not only is it uncomfortable, but it is also noticeable. Luckily, there are several remedies for puffy eyes that you can use.

How Long Will My Puffy Eyes From Crying Last?

How long do you have to endure those puffy eyes? Usually, the cure for puffy eyes is time. Your eyes need time to flush out the extra tears and to flush them. For most people, it only takes a few hours for them to get back to normal. If you go to sleep, though, just after crying, you can wake up to those puffy eyes because your eyelids were not moving to flush the eye clean.

How To Get Rid Of Puffy Eyes After Crying

There are many ways that you can reduce the puffy eyes that you are experiencing. You can try several of these solutions or all of them. But, remember, time is almost always a factor in lessening swollen eyes.

Water

Since your eyes need to flush themselves out, you need to increase the amount of water that you are drinking. This will help to remove anything that’s in your system that shouldn’t be, including puffy eyes.

Sleep

While sleeping right after crying isn’t a good thing, after being up for several hours, a good night sleep is a great remedy for curing puffy eyes. That’s because sleep allows the body to restore its balance and fluids. Once most of the puffiness is gone, get some sleep.

Cucumbers And Potatoes

Another helpful solution to your puffy eyes from crying is to place thin slices of cucumbers or potatoes over your closed eyes. Relax, lie down and allow them to sit there for several minutes, up to 15 minutes. These compresses will help to relieve the pain as well as the puffiness from your eyes.

Do You Need Medications?

In most cases, there is no reason to use any type of medication on puffy eyes. In fact, by the time most medications would kick in, the eyes will probably be back to normal. You can use eye creams and anti wrinkle creams to help reduce the effects of puffy eyes, but most of the time this too is not necessary.

Do you have puffy eyes from crying? Usually, this condition is one that will relieve itself far sooner then whatever you happen to be crying about. Take a few minutes to drink some extra clear fluids, get some rest and maybe try a few slices of your favorite vegetables to find relief from puffy eyes.

Rachel Ann is a webmaster and publisher in the field of makeup. There can be many causes for puffy eyes, which leads many of us to look for a puffy eye remedy. You can find a remedy among other information by going to eye-make-up-tips.com

Posted on Jun 14th, 2006

Does laser eye surgery work for every person, all of the time? Anyone who is thinking about getting laser eye surgery is worried that his or her surgery will be the one that the surgeon messes up on. No one wants to go in for laser vision correction surgery and come out unable to see. It is important to understand the risks involved with this type of surgery.

Laser surgery is not guaranteed to work every time and on every person. The surgeon’s job is to inform you of the possible risks and different outcomes that can occur with the type of surgery you will be having done. At the consultation, if you come prepared to ask questions, your doctor will be happy to answer them to the best of their ability. Your doctor wants you to feel comfortable with having the surgery, but they also want to know that you are fully informed about all the possible risks.

Although laser eye surgery is a fairly new surgical technique, thousands of doctors are doing this type of surgery on millions of patients every year. This is a rapidly growing field with a new clinic in almost every major city across the country.

The Consultation

Before your surgery and even before your consultation you should do some research of your own. Take some time to research the procedure you are thinking of having done as well as the ophthalmology surgeon.

Your surgeon is required to have attended specialized training on corrective eye surgery. You can ask the clinic to forward you the training information on your physician and also ask them for the contact information necessary to verify his licensure.

Trust

Many people do not want to be seen as not trusting their doctor so they do not look into their surgeon’s education or references. But it is important for you to do this. Although most laser eye surgeons are very reputable and extremely well trained, there are plenty of surgeons that are operating without the proper training.

Your surgeon does not mind you checking into their education and training. That is to say, a good surgeon will not mind. A good surgeon may even offer you this information up front without you ever asking. Just make sure and verify all the licensing and training information on your surgeon before the day of your operation.

Lawsuits

You can also ask your surgeon or just call the clinic and ask if they have any pending lawsuits against them. Because of the risks associated with this surgery it is extremely important for you to know how often your surgeon is being sued for something going wrong during the surgery process.

Even though laser eye surgery is extremely common practice you should still take the time to investigate if the surgery is right for you. You should be informed about the risks of the surgery as well as the possible benefits. You should also be informed as to your physicians history, education, and licensure before you decide to have laser vision correction surgery.

Finding the corrective eye surgery solution that is right for you can be a challenge. For helpful and informative articles, resources, facts and tips to assist you toward better vision please visit us at: http://www.yourcorrectiveeyesurgery.com

Posted on Jun 13th, 2006

Earlier contact lenses were only meant to serve the purpose of vision correction and people were hardly aware of the fact that these lenses could even serve the fashion or cosmetic purposes. However advent of colored contact lenses changed it. These lenses resulted in a fashion rage among women. Their want for highly personalized colored contact lenses to gel well with their outfit kept growing with time that finally led to emergence of a vast range of non prescription contact lenses.

You are not needed to consult eye specialist for usage of these lenses. These non-prescription colored contact lenses are very much in demand by people of all age groups in America. A good number of colored contact lenses producers are offering these non prescription lenses online.

These non prescription lenses are better known as cosmetic contact lenses. Women happen to be the main target of producers of such lenses. Although these non-prescription lenses usually don’t give way to any side effect, you should take care of eye while using them. Even a slight discomfort with the usage of these lenses should be taken care of.

Women must not go for cheap nonprescription lenses in order to save some bucks as these cheap lenses may affect your eyes adversely. Stick to brands that have earned repute and approval from eye care specialists.

While using these non prescription contacts you must take care of proper cleaning of lenses before and after use. You are also not suggested to use disposable non prescription lenses beyond its expiry period.

These non prescription lenses have been broadly categorized into two types. These two broad groups are enhancement lenses and opaque lenses.

Enhancement lenses meant to enhance existing color of your eye ball. Opaque lenses offer a different look to your eyes.

Freshlook and Durasoft non prescription contacts are very popular. There are good number of other firms that offer these lenses. Some new genres of non prescription lenses have also come on the block. These are crazy non prescription contacts and scary non prescription contacts. Wild eye non prescription colored contact lenses are also too popular among the youngsters.

So, sport these lenses but be conscious about the brand.

To get more information on best contact lenses, buying contact lenses and contact lens basics visit http://www.contactlenseclub.com/contacts/

Posted on Jun 12th, 2006

Over 100,000 people in the UK undergo laser eye treatment every year. The surgery corrects the patient’s vision by shaping the cornea, which controls how well the eye focuses, with a very precise laser. Between 80 and 98 percent of treatments improve the sight sufficiently for the patient to no longer require either glasses or contact lenses.

At present, there are two popular methods of laser eye surgery. The most commonly used form of laser treatment is Lasik. In Lasik, a small incision is made in the cornea to create a flap. Laser treatment can then be carried out. There may be vision loss of 20 to 30 seconds during the procedure. In Lasek the epithelium is removed before the cornea is reshaped with a laser. Laser eye treatment takes around 15 minutes in total.

For many patients, Lasik is a much more desirable option than Lasek treatment. After undergoing Lasek, the patient may experience moderate levels of pain for around 24 hours post surgery. Extreme sensitivity to light is also common for the first couple of days and you will be required to wear sunglasses outdoors for three months. Vision can also remain hazy or blurred for up to a week and it takes around a month before the patient’s vision will ‘settle down’ and the final results of the surgery are known. With Lasik treatment, there is very little post operative discomfort and the results of surgery are apparent much more quickly. Vision should initially be much less blurred than after undergoing Lasek, and the blurriness should dispel within 48 hours. A Lasik patient will probably be able to see well the day after treatment.

For a minority of patients, PRK will be recommended over Lasik or Lasek if the patient has a particularly thin cornea. PRK was the forerunner of Lasek and works by using an excimer laser to remove a thin layer of cells from the surface of the cornea to reshape the eye. No incision is required. The main difference between Lasek and PRK is that in PRK the cells are scraped off and the epithelium is left to grow back after the treatment, which takes several days. In Lasek, the epithelium is removed with a weak alcohol solution and then replaced immediately after surgery. A contact lens has to be worn for several days to hold it in place.

PRK has been around for over a decade and to date there seems to be no harmful long term effects. Lasek is also considered fairly low risk. This is largely due to the fact no incision is required for surgery in either of these laser eye treatments. Lasik, despite its benefits, is considered to be the riskiest form of laser eye surgery. The potential complications include corneal ectasia, where a build up of pressure occurs behind the weakened cornea. Further surgery is required to correct this otherwise a rapid degeneration may occur in the eye sight.

The effects of laser eye surgery are permanent, but the treatment cannot prevent further age-related deterioration.

If you are considering laser eye surgery, book a consultation at a reputable vision clinic where a doctor can assess the best treatment for you.

Leanne has had several articles published on the subject of laser eye surgery. http://www.lasereyesurgery.about-beauty.net

Posted on Jun 11th, 2006

"Gee whiz, look at his eyes"

"I can tell by the look in your eyes"

"Private eyes are watching you"

We talk about them, we sing about them, we remember them. Your eyes are indeed one of the most expressive parts of your body, why hide them behind glasses when it is not necessary?

"Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder" is a true statement when describing contact lenses.

Your eyes are your minds visual door to the world and they receive and give you information that is vital to your lifestyle.

Eyes are truly expressive, and when they are functioning at their best, we say we have perfect vision.

There are some fortunate enough to enjoy this gift, the rest of us have to compensate.

Before the development of contact lens as a practical application, if your vision was less than perfect, your only choice was to wear glasses.

Glasses are great and as time moved forward the styles increased and diversified.

In the eyewear market caught the eye of the fashion world’s top designers, and today Gucci, Ralph Lauren and Valentino eyeglass frames that cost as much as $800.

But style problem is that glasses obstruct a clear view of the face.

Sunglasses are the perfect eyewear to invest in a designer name, because protecting the eyes from harmful sun rays is the one area where contact lenses are less effective than glasses.

Contact lenses were first described and sketched by Leonardo da Vinci in the early 1500s, but with the introduction of modern contact lens technology everything changed.

In 1929, hard lenses were developed, becoming an official part of the practice of optometry in 1945 when the American Optometric Association formally recognized contact lens fitting as an integral part of their profession.

The development of soft lenses in 1960 and became available to the public in 1970.

In the past 25 years, contact lens research has provided the means for these two basic forms of vision correction to be significantly improved.

Today, there are millions of people world-wide that wear either hard or soft contact lenses.

And within those two groups, you will find subcategories of style and function.

In fact, now more than even five years ago, there are very few people who cannot wear contact lenses; regardless of what vision condition you have that you wear glasses to correct, there is a contact lens prescription that can replace them.

Your sense of style, revealing your true self is perceived and given through your eyes and you can use contact lenses to enhance the natural beauty of your eyes; the aesthetic quality of contact lenses allow you to change the color of your eyes as easily as you change the color of your wardrobe… (www.mycontact-lens.com)

Contact lenses open your eyes to beautiful sight and let you see yourself in a new way.

Ron Myers is the publisher of My Contact Lens news letter.

You can subscribe by visiting his web site at: http://www.mycontact-lens.com and receive updates related to the special contact lens sales and coupons.

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