Colored contact lenses have become the order of the day. This fashion rage has almost captured imagination of almost all Americans. No body wants to remain out of this fashion trend that has become highly personalized with growing genres of colored contact lenses. A new genre of colored contact lenses have received incredible acceptance from youth. These are crazy contact lenses that you can dawn in fun parties or wild parties.

Market of this crazy colored contact lenses is growing every day. These fun lenses happen to be disposable in nature. Crazy lenses too come in various genres. It could be a scary colored contact lens or a funny contact lens.

Eccentric youngsters are madly in love for these crazy fun lenses across America. They would simply love to wear these scary lenses for playing pranks on their friends or they may wear lenses to possess a distinct eye color.

Most often these crazy lenses happen to be special effect lenses or Halloween lenses. These lenses are offered in a wide range to make you choose the perfect one for yourself as per your need. The lens could be a black out lens that would make even your eye ball white and give you very dreadful appearance. In crazy parties you may find folks wearing such lens. This lens happens to be a regular part of Hollywood horror flicks.

The other possible crazy contact happens to a scleral black colored contact. It makes your eyes completely black including your sclera.

So these lenses could be scaring yet endearing at the same time. You can have a collection of these lenses to be used for various occasions. Crazy lenses may suit your unconventional theme dress parties. Contact lenses that happen to be based on eyes of wild creatures are craziest of all crazy contacts and are most sought after by youngsters.

So folks! Give these lenses a try. I am sure you would have fun with these lenses on your eyes. To buy these lenses, you don’t even need to go to nearby optician; manufacturers are offering amazing contacts offers online. All the more, the pair would be delivered to your place without any charge.

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

The cost of laser eye surgery depends on different factors related to your eye as well as on the geographical location of the surgical center in which you are going to have the surgery done. Normally the laser eye surgery price is given for one eye. This is actually the international standard by which it is quoted.

LASIK Laser eye Surgery Cost

The price of the lasik surgery procedure that is advertised varies widely. You might not get it done for the advertised price since any complication you might enter into as well as after surgery treatments are normally not included in this price. So, just be prepared that you might fall into a category that is not eligible for that price. As a matter of fact, it has been shown that only about three percent of all LASIK providers have a laser eye surgery cost lower than $1000 per eye. Therefore, I recommend that you look for any hidden costs or the fine print if you come across any advertisement that promises laser surgery for bargain prices.

During the last few years the eye surgery cost has increased. The costs listed below give you an idea of such an increase in the price.

o In 2002, the average LASIK laser eye surgery cost ranged between $1,550 and $1,600.

o By October 2003, it had already increased to approximately $1,710.

o At the end of 2004, LASIK laser eye surgery cost raised above $1,800.

o In the first half of 2005, the average price was $1,965.

The figures above include several types of businesses, from individual surgeons use rented equipment to those who own it. It also includes every type of clinic from regional clinical centers to nationwide eye surgery provider networks.

You could see the increase in the price of laser surgery for example in the TLC Laser Eye Centers, a leading LASIK provider. They had an average price of $1,800 in 2002 but at the end of 2004, the average LASIK laser eye surgery cost rose to $1,957 and at the beginning of 2005 the price was $1,983.

The same is the case of a company called LasikPlus, another famous nationwide provider, which reports an average price of $1,344 per eye in 2005, which is slightly lower than $1,351 at the end of 2004, but much higher than $1,173 at the beginning of 2003.

Costs for Other Types of Eye Surgery

The costs of the other types of eye surgery also vary depending on various factors. The surgeon who is performing the surgery as well as the place of surgery play a role in the price. Here are the average prices per eye for other common eye surgery procedures:

o Corneal inserts: $2,800 to $3,800

o CK: $1,200 to $2,500

o PRK: $1,000 to $1,800

o LASEK: approximately the same prices as for LASIK

Newest Technology Laser Eye Surgery Cost

Laser eye surgery procedures that use the newest technologies are also more expensive. In LASIK with the IntraLase technology, the surgeon cuts a flap form the cornea with a laser, not a microkeratome. On average, an increase of $250 to $500 is there in these procedures. This increase is partly explained by the fact that the surgeon has to cover the cost for the system. Patients paying for this procedure are said to have less flap complications and require less treatments after surgery. It is found that they have a better chance to achieve a 20/20 or even higher acuity.

You can reduce your burden on the cost of laser eye surgery by going for a good financing option. There are many companies that finance you for such a procedure. Fixed rates and long term plans are available from many finance companies. Most of the laser eye surgery centers, and the surgeons co-operate with some finance companies so that the patients who come for surgery can get a good financing option.

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.

The definition of dry eye syndrome is that it is a common condition that occurs when the eyes do not produce enough tears to keep the eye moist and comfortable. Dry eye cases have nearly doubled over the last seven years and the list of lifestyle factors that can dry out your eyes is pretty long.

It can be caused due to central heating, air conditioners, hair dryers, car windscreen demisting, air travel, altitudes, dry climate, saunas, use of contact lenses, spicy foods, alcohol, smoking, activities decreasing blinking rate like driving, reading a lot, working on the computer for a long time, etc.

The main cause is that of normal aging where the volume of the lubricating background is less than half. People with wider eyes and those taking dehydrating medicines are more at risk. Older women going through their menopause are also susceptible due to hormonal changes. Medicines like antidepressants, tranquillizers, oral contraceptives or those taken for blood pressure also increase the risk of dry eyes. Parkinson’s disease too can be cited as a cause.

While we are awake, our eyes produce a mixture of antibiotic lubricants. Blinking spreads these over the eye’s surface before draining into the two tear ducts openings. If the eye cannot make sufficient tears or the tears are too thinly spread or are chemically imbalanced, then they evaporate easily before the next blink. This causes dry spots causing sore eyes.

There are three layers of tears – the first is the mucous layer which serves as a bio-glue. It is formed by the secretion of tiny conjuctival cells in the white of the eye and inner lid. The second layer is called the aqueous layer which is produced by the lachrymal gland below the eyebrow and produces tears according to environmental conditions. When there is an irritant, extra tears are made in a reflex action to combat injury. Hence it is ironic to know that those suffering from dry eye syndrome experience watery eyes. The last layer is called the lipid layer which is oily and seals the tear film by preventing evaporation. The oily substance is derived from a gland along the edges of the eyelids. Blocked glands cause deficiency in tear lipids and dry eyes by excessive evaporation.

Usually, people understand that they are suffering from dry eye syndrome due to redness of eyes, itchiness, etc but it’s better to get it confirmed by the doctor as he is able to measure the tear production and how soon the tears evaporate.

This condition can be treated through artificial tears but it’s a temporary and short term cure that can actually worsen the dry eye condition in the long run. A more permanent cure would be to inject collagen or silicon plugs that can be inserted easily into the tear ducts which work like a plug in the drainage sink in the kitchen. These plugs prevent the tears from draining and hence the human tears are preserved. These can also be removed as easily as they are inserted under local anesthesia. This takes a short time in the clinic of the ophthalmologist.

Drinking eight to ten glasses of water daily, avoiding constant rubbing of eyes and blinking often helps to relieve the pain, stinging, itchiness, burning and intermittent blurring of vision that are some of the symptoms of dry eye syndrome.

To find out more about dry eyes and nutrition and vitamins for eyes visit http://www.vision-care-guide.com/index.php

Contact lenses have undergone various innovations to suit vision correction as well as fashion needs. They are demanded to serve specific nature of eyes. The lenses meant for watery eyes are different from one the ones used by people with dry eyes.

Herein, in this article I would throw light on lenses that have been introduced for dry eyes. These dry eyes contacts happen to be highly comfortable for folks with dry eyes. Yes, people with dry eyes can use lenses even for extended hours.

These special purpose lenses are soft lenses that keep a check over dryness of eye by curbing excess evaporation of water from eyes. With advent of silicone hydrogel lenses, dry eyes got a good pair of lens that is soothing to their eyes. These silicone hydrogel lenses contain less water but are greatly helpful in offering the eye much needed moisture. Even if you wear these lenses for extended hours it’s not going to give you much of the discomfort.

If you are really looking for one such lens, first of all you should consult eye doctor to get your eye tested against your dry eye needs. Once the doctor approve off the usage of contact lenses that are specifically meant for dry eyes, you can go ahead with a good pair of contacts of a reputed brand approved by doctors.

Always choose the lenses that contain comparatively lesser water content. Various new polymer lenses with little amount of water have come on the block to serve the purpose of dry eyes.

Omafilcon A is one such polymer that is being used by leading contact lens manufacturing companies. The polymer is greatly suited for dry eyes. It helps retain water in eyes.

Certain biocompatible lenses too have surfaced to solve the problem of dry eyes. These lenses get adjusted to the nature of eye and respond accordingly to offer comfort to the eye. Proclear Compatibilities is a leading producer of biocompatible lenses. You can also pick Acuvue Oasis lenses if you are especially looking for good quality lenses for dry eyes.

So, dry eyes no longer intend you to deprive off from contact lenses. You can definitely go for those contacts that are suited to your eye condition.

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

One of the most common eyesight problems is myopia or nearsightedness. Myopia afflicts almost one third of the population. Myopia or nearsightedness is a condition wherein the person cannot see distant objects clearly without glasses. Usually, nearsighted people can see up-close objects clearly but have problems reading far-away signs and other objects at a distance.

The signs and symptoms of myopia may include headache, eyestrain and fatigue when doing some tasks that require distance vision like driving and playing sports. People with myopia often squint and strain their eyes, which usually cause headaches. For nearsighted and myopic people, far objects appear blurry and indistinct.

Myopia occurs when the eyeball is slightly longer than usual from front to back. Because of this defect, the light rays focus at a point in front of the retina rather than directly on its surface. Myopia is hereditary and usually shows its symptoms in childhood. Although myopia may stabilize at some point, it can also worsen with age, a condition known as myopic creep. Fortunately, myopia or nearsightedness is a mildly debilitating condition that is easily correctible. Nevertheless, there are also cases where myopia is severe and is considered pathologic. Pathologic or degenerative myopia develops in those with extraordinarily elongated eyeballs. This type of myopia typically starts by age twelve and can worsen with age, resulting in progressive or severe loss of vision.

Myopia can be corrected or treated in several ways. Glasses and contact lenses are the most common ways of correcting myopia. Some myopic persons may need to wear glasses and contact lenses all the time. People with myopia have a negative prescription number. The higher the numeral, the stronger the lenses are. Myopia can also be treated through surgery. Refractive surgery can reduce or even eliminate the need for glasses or contacts. The most common refractive surgery is laser-assisted in LASIK. In this procedure, a flap is cut through the top of the cornea. Then a laser removes some corneal tissue and afterwards the flap is put back in place.

Another surgical procedure is PRK. In this procedure, a laser removes a layer of corneal tissue. This flattens the cornea and allows light rays to focus properly on the retina. A surgical method for correcting mild myopia is by implanting plastic corneal rings, which alter the shape of the cornea. They can either be removed or adjusted or can be left in place permanently. There are also non surgical procedures available for persons with myopia. In orthokeratology, the patient wears special contact lenses that slowly reshape the cornea over time. The cornea temporarily retains the new shape allowing the patient to see clearly. Until recently, there have been no medications available to help people with myopia. However, in 2001, a new FDA-approved photosensitive drug called Vysudine was introduced as a treatment for revascularization or the abnormal growth of blood vessels in pathologic myopia.

Myopia is the most common eyesight problem in the world. Almost a third of the population of the United States has myopia. Fortunately, myopia can be corrected and treated. An eye examination is highly recommended for people experiencing signs and symptoms of myopia. Regularly visiting an ophthalmologist is the best way to know if you have myopia. It is also recommended so that you can get your myopia treated and corrected as soon as possible.

Dirk Wagner is the author of the ebook called Cure Myopia Naturally. Visit his website for more information about Myopia and Lasik

If you are like most people, you constantly find yourself looking for ways in which you can save money on those products that you use the most. In this regard, you may be interested in identifying resources that you can use in order to save money when you purchase your contact lenses. Through this brief article, you will be given an overview of resources that are available to you when it comes to finding a low cost resource to purchase contact lenses.

As with so many things in this day and age, the Internet and World Wide Web is proving to be a solid resource when it comes to finding places when you can purchase contact lenses at lower cost. For example, there are now websites in operation that exist specifically to provide people the ability to purchase contact lenses at discount prices. In many instances, these websites provide a person with a significant opportunity to save money when it comes to the task of being able to purchase contact lenses at reduced costs.

In addition, there are more generalized eye care and vision services sites in operation on the Net today that provide consumers everything from eye glasses to contact lenses. In many instances, these consumers can realize a significant savings when they buy eyewear at these more general websites online. Consumers can obtain precisely the contact lenses they need at a price that is most affordable.

Of course, in the brick and mortar world there are a number of different resources available to a consumer through which discounts can be realized when it comes to the need to purchase contact lenses. There are discount eyewear and vision care center chains in operation today, merchants that have outlets in many, many different communities. Through these outlets, a person normally will be able to purchase contact lenses at discounted or reduced prices.

Many eye doctors also maintain a selection of glasses and contact lenses available for sale within their own offices. In many instances, an eye doctor will work out a special deal when it comes to a patient who needs to purchase contact lenses.

While eye doctors many be the best solution for new contact lens users, you can definitely save money by purchasing your contact lenses online.

Warning…shopping for contact lenses can make your eyes go blurry! Are you tired of visiting pharmacy after pharmacy only to realize that they don’t have the contact lenses you need? Save time and money, visit Contact Lenses For Less to get a great deal on the most popular contact lenses and accessories!

Somewhere around 1200-1300A.D. a well known philosopher and scientist by the name of Roger Bacon made his mark in history when he recorded the first known use of lenses. While teaching at Oxford he worked hard on research and experiments. Later Pope Clement IV convinced him to write books about his theories and experiments. Pope Nicholas IV had him imprisoned because he didn’t agree with Bacon. Before his life ended Bacon made many discoveries and wrote many more books.

The Romans have been said to have used water filled glasses to read with and while watching those who were less fortunate to be in an arena they used some stones of various colors to shield their eyes. Romans were known for wanting the best out of life so its no surprise that they used stones like quartz to enhance vision or reduce glare

Salvino D’Armate invented the first known official pair of eyeglasses around 1284 in Italy. Alessandro Spina has been also said to be the first. Italians introduced eyeglasses to the Chinese and folk loar says Chinese judges used green eyeglasses to hide their expressions while passing judgment.

Eyeglass designer and maker of scientific devices James Ayscough developed a set of eyeglasses that used clear or green lenses in 1752. Ayscough thought that the green lenses helped vision some and relieved some eye fatigue. He was an apprentice to James Mann. The two became partners in developing microscopes and the publishing of articles.

By the early part of the 1900’s well known figures helped inspire the production and use of sunglasses. In 1929 Sam Foster started selling his version of sunglasses called Foster Grants.

The polarization of sunglasses was accomplished by Edwin H. Land. Land invented polarized material that he used on sunglasses. George Wheelright and Land became partners and started in 1937 the Polaroid Corporation. Lands polarized sheeting material was use in sunglasses, 3-D movies and for military use. Later the polaroid camera came along another of Lands products.

By the 1950’s sunglasses were exploding on the scene with great stride and to present time sunglasses have become more popular than ever. Manufacturers now have improved sunglasses greatly not only providing great styles, but now sunglasses protect against UVA & UVB Lights Rays and from eye problems such as macular degeneration. So make sure you protect your eyes and your childrens.

Online retailer of sunglasses, goggles, sunglass accessories for men, women, and children for any season and all occasions. Offered are 100s of styles and colors in discount sunglasses with free shipping on 2 pair or more. Check us out at http://www.superflysunglasses.com

More and more people with vision problems are turning to LASIK to correct their vision. LASIK, which stands for Laser In Situ Keratomileusis, is generally a safe, reliable and painless way to improve vision without the need for glasses or contact lenses. Thanks to new advances in laser technology, LASIK is the most commonly performed refractive surgery procedure that is used to correct refractive errors in the eye, such as moderate to high degrees of myopia or nearsightedness, hyperopia or farsightedness, and astigmatism or distorted vision.

LASIK helps change the shape of the cornea with the use of excimer laser. The knife that is used in the operation to remove a flap in the cornea is called microkeratome. There are several techniques that are employed to reshape the cornea. After the laser has reshaped the cornea, the flap is repositioned over the treatment area by the surgeon.

There are several advantages to this procedure:

* LASIK is considered as one of the greatest ophthalmologic breakthroughs in recent times. Many eye surgeons believe that even the most complicated refractive errors can be treated with the help of LASIK. This is a relatively simple procedure that allows a patient to go home right away after the operation and ensures a renewed vision within a week.

* LASIK is an almost painless procedure with the use of anesthesia to the eye and the cornea. A very small number of patients have complained of little discomfort during surgery, much like a "scratchy feeling." After the effect of anesthetic wears off, there is a varying degree of discomfort among the patients. But even if there is any irritation, it is usually minor and does not last beyond a few hours. However your eyes may be very sensitive to light for a few days.

* As LASIK is a relatively simple procedure, it can be performed at the clinic, instead of at a hospital. Most laser treatments do not take more than 15 to 40 seconds, depending on the degree of correction required. Recovery time is also minimal, and most patients are able to go back home after 30 minutes. Within 3 to 5 days following LASIK treatment, you will notice a dramatic improvement in your vision.

* LASIK treatment of your vision is more or less permanent. With age however some degree of re-treatment may become necessary.

Thus LASIK is a safe way of correcting your vision. So take advantage of this advancement in ophthalmology and start seeing the world like you once did with your new vision.

Tired of using glasses and contact lenses? Get your vision corrected with LASIK. Visit lasikcorrections.info for more information.

In our office, one of the most frequently asked questions is "So Doc, am I a candidate for laser vision correction?". Our answers below are not a substitute for a consultation with your eye doctor, however, the more you know the easier it is to make an informed decision.

Is Laser Vision Correction safe?

The FDA has determined that Laser Vision Correction is a safe and effective means of treating myopia, hyperopia or astigmatism. It is, however, not without risks or potential complications.

What Are The Long-Term Effects Of LASIK?

Excimer laser procedures have been prevalent in many countries around the world since the late 1980’s. Many clinical studies have investigated the long-term effects (15 years) of the Excimer laser on the cornea. All of these studies, without exception, have failed to demonstrate any long-term negative effects on the integrity of the eye. Patients who require an enhancement procedure or develop a complication will typically do so within the first few months following the procedure, not years later.

It is essential that a patient considering a refractive surgery understand as much as possible about the risks associated with the Excimer laser procedure. The Excimer laser procedure, like all surgical procedures, has limitations and risks. However, the risk of having a serious vision-threatening complication with LASIK is less than 1%.

Will I Have Perfect Vision After The Procedure? Will I Still Need My Glasses?

Experience has shown us that Laser Vision Correction has been overwhelmingly successful in significantly reducing nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism. While vision improves significantly following the procedure, the degree of improvement may vary from individual to individual. Overall, studies have shown that 98% of patients achieve 20/40 vision or better after one procedure (i.e. before any enhancements) which means they can drive legally, enjoy sports, and join the police or fire departments, all without their glasses.

Does The Procedure Hurt?

No, the procedure is painless, however, some people notice a sensation of pressure.

After the procedure, most patients experience only some irritation (usually reported as a burning sensation), light sensitivity, and watering of their eyes for a day or two.

Can Anyone Have LASIK? Am I A Candidate?

LASIK and PRK will not work for everyone, however, most nearsighted patients are candidates as well as many patients with astigmatism and/or farsightedness. An evaluation for refractive surgery should include counseling as to the risks and benefits of the procedure as well as a presentation of alternative options. Some of the criteria used to determine if a patient is a candidate for refractive surgery includes their prescription, corneal thickness, post surgical expectations of visual acuity, occupation and contraindicating ocular and medical conditions.

Patients over 40 often hope that LASIK will allow them to see clearly at both near and far without reading glasses (like when they were 30). In most cases this is not possible. Typically a patient over 40 will need reading glasses when their eyes are corrected for distance regardless of whether that correction is achieved via contacts or refractive surgery. Most patients are familiar with monovision (one eye corrected for distance and one eye corrected for near), however monovision is usually best achieved through contact lenses, not refractive surgery.

Does Insurance Cover The Costs Of Laser Vision Correction?

Typically, very few insurance companies will cover the cost of refractive surgery. Insurance companies usually look at refractive surgery as an elective procedure. Many employers have "flex accounts" or cafeteria plans for unreimbursed medical expenses. Flex plans cover laser vision correction as a reimbursable expense.

Can I Wear My Contact Lenses Before The Procedure?

The use of contact lenses directly affects the shape and hydration of the cornea. Therefore, it is necessary to remove contact lenses prior to both the pre-operative eye exam and prior to surgery.

Soft contact lens wearers should remove their contacts one to two weeks prior to both the pre-operative exam and surgery.

Rigid contact lenses (gas permeable and standard hard lenses) should be removed for approximately four to six weeks (or until your eye doctor says that your refractive error is stable) prior to both the pre-operative examination and surgery. Many patients are reluctant to wear glasses for this period of time, therefore, we can usually fit patients with soft contact lenses to help with the transition.

What Is Presbyopia? (Or, Why Do I Need Reading Glasses Or Bifocals?)

As we mature, the crystalline lens of the eye loses its elasticity, thus reducing our ability to focus on near objects. You will notice this as your "arms get too short". This change is called presbyopia, meaning that a different correction is needed for close work than for distance vision. Presbyopia usually occurs in the early to mid-forties. Laser vision surgery will not affect the progression of presbyopia, however, it will change how one copes with it. Typically a nearsighted person can remove their glasses to see up close. After refractive surgery, they will no longer be nearsighted, thus they will not be able to remove their glasses to read.

Patients in their forties or older will most likely require reading glasses after refractive surgery. The need for reading glasses would be necessary regardless of whether they have laser vision correction surgery.

Laser vision correction is one of the many options available to patients wishing to correct their vision. A consultation with an eye doctor will give an unbiased opinion as to the many options available

Dr. Richard Driscoll is a therapeutic optometrist and optometric glaucoma specialist practicing at Total Eye Care, with offices in Keller and Colleyville, Texas. Dr. Driscoll had LASIK performed on his own eyes in 1999. More information is available at http://www.TotalEyeCare.net .

Copyright 2006 - Richard A. Driscoll, O.D.

‘Dry eyes’ refers literally to what it means - the eyes not having enough of hydration. Why does this happen? It could be because of a lack of the watery secretion of the tear glands. It could be because of a lack of mucin secretion which is the mucous layer in the eye and the third reason could be a lack of lipids, which means the tears evaporate as fast as they are made!

Your tear glands are also called lachrymal glands and they are constantly releasing a watery substance to keep your eyes moist and hydrated. Of course, when you laugh too much or cry, these glands go berserk and go into an overproduction mode so you find yourself wiping away a copious flow of tears. As long as your eyes are hydrated, you face a lowered risk of any infections in the eye. So when the tear glands start producing less, there’s cause to worry. How do you know that it isn’t enough? Besides the itchy, irritable feeling? There is a test that your eye physician will probably subject you to in order to measure how dry your eyes are. This is a sort of litmus test for the eyes and the measurement of the aqueous fluid in them. It involves testing with a strip of paper that measures the amount of hydration. If the score you get is less than 10, it means you have a dry eye problem. Of course, how much below 10 shows you how serious the problem is.

The other problem could be the lack of enough secretion of the mucin layer in your eye. This is the layer that lies between the eye surface and the inside watery layer. When this mucous-like fluid is deficient, there is not enough of this slightly sticky substance to keep the eyes moist. This, too, could result in an uncomfortable or scratchy feeling in the eye. Sometimes, a lack of mucin makes one feel like there is a piece of grit in the eye that won’t go away. Measuring this is not common but one can deduce that if it isn’t any other cause, it could be a mucin deficiency.

The third problem could be a lack of lipids. When this happens, the tears that are made by your tear glands evaporate so fast that you are left with dry eyes. This can be determined by doing a ‘tear break-up time test’ where a little bit of dye is put into your eye and the evaporation time monitored. As the tears evaporate, the dye gets deposited as spots and this is how the physician knows that the tears are disappearing from your eyes. This process is observed through a special lamp and the time taken for the dye spots to appear is how they calculate just how bad your problem is. In normal eyes, it takes about 10 to 15 seconds for the dye spots to appear. Anything less than this and it’s a deficiency. This, too results in the usual itchy feeling and sometimes a constant feeling of discomfort.

More information on dry eyes
dry eyes

http://www.dryeyecomfort.com