Showing posts with label Eye. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Eye. Show all posts
Why Soft Contact Lenses?
There are a few different options that a person has when they are told that there is something wrong with their vision. It is pretty much completely up to you as to what route you are going to want to take here. As long as you are doing something about your vision impairment and you are not just leaving it untreated and thinking that you will be okay and that everything will be fine.
Everything that you do in life from walking to driving to reading a book in the sunshine, you need to be able to see properly, or at least as best as you can, and so you need to take this very seriously.
Your Options
A lot of people still think that glasses are the only way to really improve your vision but this is not the case at all anymore. In fact, glasses are probably on the bottom of the totem pole when it comes to the different methods of improving your vision.
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Reading Glasses Make You More Attractive
With the increasing of age, especially after 40, you may find that one day we are easily reading a story in the newspaper and the next day you cant see the words clearly. Dont ignore them. You should take it seriously. They may cause presbyopia and cant see close things clearly. But you neednt worrying! Reading glasses available on the market will give you a hand.
You may be worried about people seeing you wear reading glasses or be afraid that they will make you appear older than you are. Its not necessary. Never fear because the large selection of frames on the market will make you look fabulous. You can find reading glasses for men, women and unisex. Bold frames, semi-rim and rimless ones are all applied to them. You can easily find one pair that fits your face beautifully.
You may be worried about people seeing you wear reading glasses or be afraid that they will make you appear older than you are. Its not necessary. Never fear because the large selection of frames on the market will make you look fabulous. You can find reading glasses for men, women and unisex. Bold frames, semi-rim and rimless ones are all applied to them. You can easily find one pair that fits your face beautifully.
Rapid Methods To Improve Your Visual Acuity Naturally
We often have the fixed pattern of thought that our parents eye problems would be inherited to us, but bad eyesight is not heredofamilial. In fact, its the strain because of poor sleep quality or working pressure that aggravate your eyesight. Here are some methods for you to change this situation and make perfect vision.
If you are a glasses-wearer, you will probably be considered as a smug in US, which is indeed vexing, not to mention the huge investment in eyeglasses. Moreover, the huge ugly frames on you face will make you look unappealing. Thats why many Beauty-conscious people choose contact lenses as the substitute, which is much cheaper and more beautiful. but contact lens has its own disadvantages, the eye dry caused by lenses and uncomfortableness make the two most prominent highlights.
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If you are a glasses-wearer, you will probably be considered as a smug in US, which is indeed vexing, not to mention the huge investment in eyeglasses. Moreover, the huge ugly frames on you face will make you look unappealing. Thats why many Beauty-conscious people choose contact lenses as the substitute, which is much cheaper and more beautiful. but contact lens has its own disadvantages, the eye dry caused by lenses and uncomfortableness make the two most prominent highlights.
Disadvantages We Should Know About Lasik Eye Surgery
Though LASIK eye surgery is reported to have several merits, such as no pain, less complications, higher successful rate and shorter recovery time, it also has disadvantages just as a coin has two sides. So before deciding to take this surgery, we must make ourselves fully notice these disadvantages, or else, we maybe dissatisfied with the treating result. Therefore, the following will introduce some disadvantages of LASIK eye surgery in order to help people to know more about it.
The first disadvantage is people may need to take repeat surgeries. After the first surgery, it may not achieve a satisfied treating effect, so people need to take follow-up procedures to further improve peoples vision. The advantage for the repeat surgeries is peoples vision can be further improved. And the down side is people have to face the pressure of repeat surgeries, and of course pay more money for the surgeries.
The first disadvantage is people may need to take repeat surgeries. After the first surgery, it may not achieve a satisfied treating effect, so people need to take follow-up procedures to further improve peoples vision. The advantage for the repeat surgeries is peoples vision can be further improved. And the down side is people have to face the pressure of repeat surgeries, and of course pay more money for the surgeries.
Eye Care: Useful Tips To Care For Your Eyes
There have been many developments in the field of technology. Thus, people are leading a very hectic and a stressful life. Ultimately, they also pass on a great strain to their eyes. With the use of computers, people encounter various eye problems and eye diseases. Thus, at this stage, neglecting eye care sometimes also leads to a permanent impairment of the vision.
In order to take proper care of our eyes, adopting a few beneficial tips is necessary. It includes various careful tips that help in avoiding various eye diseases as well as reduction of the eye problems.
A Few Useful Tips for Eye Care:
Drinking plenty of water daily is a very effective remedy to prevent eye disease.
In order to take proper care of our eyes, adopting a few beneficial tips is necessary. It includes various careful tips that help in avoiding various eye diseases as well as reduction of the eye problems.
A Few Useful Tips for Eye Care:
Drinking plenty of water daily is a very effective remedy to prevent eye disease.
Tips For Buying Glasses For Kids
As the number of options regarding children glasses are on the rise, the process of buying a pair for your kids has become a tedious. There are countless prescription glasses now available which a whole range of looks and colours and designs, and almost all of them are cheap. But while buying glasses for kids, the first concern should be safety. It is a known fact that children are more susceptible to accidents, whether in the playground or home or school. Thus, children needs prescription glasses which are strong and offer more protection to your eyesight than the regular prescription glasses.
To ensure the best safety for your children, you should always buy prescription glasses with polycarbonate lenses. More durable and stronger than the regular lenses, polycarbonate lenses carry the added advantage of being light-weight. These lenses are constructed out of materials which are almost similar to the material used to create bulletproof glass, and it makes the polycarbonate lenses shatter proof. The shatter proof nature of the lenses protects a childs eyes from pieces of flying glasses or plastics when they are hit by a ball or bat. Thats why polycarbonate lenses have become the preferred choice of many doctors when they suggest prescription glasses for children. Polycarbonate lenses also have built-in ultraviolet coating which offers protection from the harmful ultra-violet rays of the sun.
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What We Should Know About Lasik Eye Surgery?
Though a large number of people worldwide have been benefited from LASIK eye surgery, it is a pity that there are still some people who do not know much about it but want to take it. We know we can resort to LASIK eye surgery for help to get rid of our glasses or contact lenses in our later life. However, we dont know not everyone can be suitable for the surgery and the surgery can not treat all the eye problems. So before we decide to take LASIK eye surgery, what should we pay attention to?
No doubt that LASIK eye surgery can help us a lot with our eye problems, but this does not mean everybody can be suitable for the surgery. If we want to be a good and qualified candidate for LASIK eye surgery, we should bear in mind the following points:
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Taking Care Of Our Eyes
The eyes are small parts of the body. However, they provide one of the most important senses in the human body
- the sense of sight. Without which, people will not be able to appreciate the beauty of the world, read a book, watch movies and so on. Almost all activities of daily living depend on the eyesight for its proper performance. People should always remember that vision is a gift that should never be taken for granted.
Unfortunately, a lot of people ignore the importance of their eyes. Many abuse them through improper reading habits which strains the eyes. Others spend too much time in front of the TV or the computer which causes eye strain. Improper usage of glasses and contact lens can also damage this delicate but critical organ. In addition, fatigue, overexposure to bright lights and sometimes medications such as antihistamines can affect the vision. Moreover, the aging process naturally weakens the eyesight. These abuses to the eyes can lead to many eye diseases such as glaucoma, cataract, computer eye strain, muscular degeneration, night blindness, retinal detachment and so on.
Because of the need to better take care of the eye, optometry as a branch of medicine was developed. The development of optometry is related to the history of vision science and advancement of optical instruments. Until now the exact time when the first eye glasses were made still remains a mystery although it is believed that the first spectacles were made in the 13th century in Italy based on a manuscript. By 1300 AD, countries such a Italy, Germany and Netherlands were manufacturing eye glasses. In the US, optometry became a profession as opposed to being a business in 1922 when the American Optometric Association was founded.
In modern society, visiting an optometrist is very common, not only has those with eye problems but also those who want to maintain the health of their eyes. In the city of Indianapolis, there are many eye clinics which provide excellent service to clients. Many optometrists in Indianapolis are highly trained not only in helping clients solve their eye problems but also educate them in the proper eye care.
Optometrists Indianapolis can be found all over the city. There are many professional and highly qualified optometrists working in major hospitals and in private clinics. These optometrists offer various services from eye problem detection to treatment of the various diseases. They also perform eye operations such as Lasik and refractive surgeries. Not only that, the staff also assures excellent pre and post-operation care.
Optometrists Indianapolis are dedicated in providing the best care to their clients. In order to do this, the latest medical equipments are being used in many facilities. In addition, the number of optometrist is also increasing. Clients can be assured that these professionals are all knowledgeable and they are updated with the latest techniques in optometry. But more importantly, they treat all clients like members of their own family.
www.articlesnatch.com
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Important Information About Laser Eye Surgery
It seems as though there have been millions of seemingly successful procedures since laser eye surgery was first introduced in the United States in 1991. I see commercials for procedures all the time. I have not yet heard about any horror stories involving laser eye surgery nor have I heard about any class action lawsuits filed against the laser eye surgery industry. Unfortunately, I think that they will likely come one day. Like many people, I need a bit more convincing before I sign up for something that sounds as drastic as shaping your eyeball with a laser in order to see better.
You see, I have a light prescription for nearsightedness and would probably make a good candidate for this kind of procedure. I am still waiting for more evidence that this procedure is completely safe. It simply sounds illogical that a laser can be used to shape an eyeball without causing any residual damage. I am going to wait a good while to see if, even after decades, laser eye surgery causes any damage to the patient's eyes. I think that there should be many years of research and analysis completed before any procedure can be deemed harmless.
Laser eye surgery, like all surgeries or medical procedures, does have its complications. Some people experience double vision or a halo effect after the surgery. An important thing to keep in mind while trying to decide whether or not to go through with the procedure is that eye laser surgery is irreversible. There is no going back, folks. If getting laser eye surgery leaves you with unwanted or intolerable side effects, you may be stuck with them, forever.
Since its introduction, laser eye surgery has become more and more affordable which is a sign of a competitive market. It may also be a sign of waning standards in the young industry. Where I come from, you get what you pay for and this motto has served me well. I think that you are just asking for trouble if you sign up for any discount surgery. Those savings come at a price one away or another. Exactly what did they skimp on to save you money? That is one question that potential patients ought to ask themselves and their doctors.
I think that it is a good idea to wait a few more years before I give laser eye surgery much confidence. This is just one of those new things that have to have a while to sit before we can feel that we know all that we need to or should know about it. Laser eye surgery may be the lifesaver that many claim it to be but I think I'll wait a bit longer before I buy into it or bet my sight on it.
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You see, I have a light prescription for nearsightedness and would probably make a good candidate for this kind of procedure. I am still waiting for more evidence that this procedure is completely safe. It simply sounds illogical that a laser can be used to shape an eyeball without causing any residual damage. I am going to wait a good while to see if, even after decades, laser eye surgery causes any damage to the patient's eyes. I think that there should be many years of research and analysis completed before any procedure can be deemed harmless.
Laser eye surgery, like all surgeries or medical procedures, does have its complications. Some people experience double vision or a halo effect after the surgery. An important thing to keep in mind while trying to decide whether or not to go through with the procedure is that eye laser surgery is irreversible. There is no going back, folks. If getting laser eye surgery leaves you with unwanted or intolerable side effects, you may be stuck with them, forever.
Since its introduction, laser eye surgery has become more and more affordable which is a sign of a competitive market. It may also be a sign of waning standards in the young industry. Where I come from, you get what you pay for and this motto has served me well. I think that you are just asking for trouble if you sign up for any discount surgery. Those savings come at a price one away or another. Exactly what did they skimp on to save you money? That is one question that potential patients ought to ask themselves and their doctors.
I think that it is a good idea to wait a few more years before I give laser eye surgery much confidence. This is just one of those new things that have to have a while to sit before we can feel that we know all that we need to or should know about it. Laser eye surgery may be the lifesaver that many claim it to be but I think I'll wait a bit longer before I buy into it or bet my sight on it.
How Lasik Came to Be
Some people believe that the use of Lasik procedures has only occurred in very recent times. To most people Lasik and its associated technology are still novel concepts. However, Lasik's success is the result of improvements made on prior procedures.
Vision correction surgeries can be traced back over fifty years to when some of the first procedures were carried out. In 1948, Dr. Jose Barraquer developed a technique we would describe as barbaric and unethical by today's health care standards. Dr. Barraquer, who practiced in Bogota, Columbia, would remove and then freeze more than 50% of the patient's cornea. A lathe would then be used to carefully sculpt the surface of the cornea to increase the quality of vision. The cornea was then sewn back in place once it was redesigned.
The outcomes of this technique, which was known as MKM, or freeze myopic keratomileusis, were extremely variable and thus clinically unreliable. It could also be a very complicated and intricate surgery to perform. The technique seems barbaric, but Lasik's history is dependent upon the knowledge gained from those who came before. Today's Lasik can thank MKM's use of the basic version of microkeratome for advances in the industry.
Helping the development of the concept of vision correction was the understanding of some of the problems surrounding MKM. ALK was created over a decade later. To correct refractive errors, this technique used a modified microkeratome to create a flap at the front of the eye and then removed a wedge of corneal tissue. As happend with Doctor Barraquer's way of performing the surgeries, the effects of ALK could not be guaranteed.
Not long after the development of the automated lamellar keratoplasty method, a procedure known as radial keratotomy, or RK, was invented by a Russian physician. Doctor Fyodorov modified the prior procedure a little to produce more consistent results with a higher percentage of successful vision corrections. In an RK procedure, the cornea is sculpted using common, non-specialized surgical tools. Reshaping the cornea involved removing portions of the cornea in order to correct refractive errors, myopia (nearsightedness), and astigmatism.
Doctor Fyodorov's RK technique was more difficult but produced better results. However, it still produced poorer results than today's Lasik. His results were more reliable than previous techniques but still useless for refractive errors other than astigmatism or slight problems with nearsightedness.
For thirty years after Dr. Fyodorov's technique was applied to use in the eye, lasers were developed and used in correcting eye problems. The use of the excimer laser for the removal of corneal tissue was first described by the Steven Trokel in 1983. The laser was used in a procedure known as photorefractive keratectomy, which can now be used to treat up to 80% of the myopic population. PRK changes the shape of the anterior central cornea using a laser. PRK preceded the invention of Lasik, which affects the inner tissue of the cornea.
Lasik surgeries first appeared in 1991 when the procedure was first carried out in the United States. With this technique, predictable and accurate outcomes could be achieved for the first time. The first surgery to offer a speedy and often pain free surgery, Lasik can also boast a very short recovery period. Lasik's past has been a meaningful aid to the procedures we have today.
[read more]
Vision correction surgeries can be traced back over fifty years to when some of the first procedures were carried out. In 1948, Dr. Jose Barraquer developed a technique we would describe as barbaric and unethical by today's health care standards. Dr. Barraquer, who practiced in Bogota, Columbia, would remove and then freeze more than 50% of the patient's cornea. A lathe would then be used to carefully sculpt the surface of the cornea to increase the quality of vision. The cornea was then sewn back in place once it was redesigned.
The outcomes of this technique, which was known as MKM, or freeze myopic keratomileusis, were extremely variable and thus clinically unreliable. It could also be a very complicated and intricate surgery to perform. The technique seems barbaric, but Lasik's history is dependent upon the knowledge gained from those who came before. Today's Lasik can thank MKM's use of the basic version of microkeratome for advances in the industry.
Helping the development of the concept of vision correction was the understanding of some of the problems surrounding MKM. ALK was created over a decade later. To correct refractive errors, this technique used a modified microkeratome to create a flap at the front of the eye and then removed a wedge of corneal tissue. As happend with Doctor Barraquer's way of performing the surgeries, the effects of ALK could not be guaranteed.
Not long after the development of the automated lamellar keratoplasty method, a procedure known as radial keratotomy, or RK, was invented by a Russian physician. Doctor Fyodorov modified the prior procedure a little to produce more consistent results with a higher percentage of successful vision corrections. In an RK procedure, the cornea is sculpted using common, non-specialized surgical tools. Reshaping the cornea involved removing portions of the cornea in order to correct refractive errors, myopia (nearsightedness), and astigmatism.
Doctor Fyodorov's RK technique was more difficult but produced better results. However, it still produced poorer results than today's Lasik. His results were more reliable than previous techniques but still useless for refractive errors other than astigmatism or slight problems with nearsightedness.
For thirty years after Dr. Fyodorov's technique was applied to use in the eye, lasers were developed and used in correcting eye problems. The use of the excimer laser for the removal of corneal tissue was first described by the Steven Trokel in 1983. The laser was used in a procedure known as photorefractive keratectomy, which can now be used to treat up to 80% of the myopic population. PRK changes the shape of the anterior central cornea using a laser. PRK preceded the invention of Lasik, which affects the inner tissue of the cornea.
Lasik surgeries first appeared in 1991 when the procedure was first carried out in the United States. With this technique, predictable and accurate outcomes could be achieved for the first time. The first surgery to offer a speedy and often pain free surgery, Lasik can also boast a very short recovery period. Lasik's past has been a meaningful aid to the procedures we have today.
Protect Your Eyesight
The odds are 99 to 1 that you need eye care now or will need it in the future. Your life style, your occupation and even you life depend on good vision.
You get more information about the world through your eyes than all the other senses combined. Yet, vital as it is, you tend to take your vision for granted because most of the action takes place behind the scenes.
What do you really know about your eyes and how you see”?
Why do you have two eyes instead of one or three?
How do you see colors?
Why must the two eyes work together?
What can a cataract do to your sight?
Are your sunglasses” doing you more harm than good?
How do you know if your toddler or child has good vision?
You will find all these answers at www.protect-your-eyesight.com
You probably have less information about your vision than you do about vitamins, angioplasty, or diets. If you are the average person, you worry more about your teeth than about your eyes, probably because toothaches can be painful and teeth can fall out.
Well, poor vision doesn’t ordinarily hurt, although it may be disguised as a headache, fatigue or avoidance of near tasks (the child who hates” to read); and eyes rarely fall out.
Most parents will anxiously drag a protesting child to the dentist twice a year to check for cavities, poor bite, protruding teeth, etc.
But these same parents are not consciously aware that neglecting a Childs vision may lead to graver consequences than an impacted tooth namely, poor schoolwork, limited job choices later in life, or even blindness.
Consider this quote: The demands upon our eyes in our days have greatly increased over those made by our ancestors. The demands upon school children’s eyes have been excessively increased in the last years.”
Does this sound appropriate?
Dr. St. John Roose, Professor of Diseases of the Eye and Ear, New York Medical School and Hospital, wrote it in 1894, a century ago.
It was written before electric lighting made reading for many hours into the night a general practice, before television and movies, before automobiles, before fifteen years of schooling was common, before computer screens populated offices and homes, before the era of technological miniaturization and millimicron tolerances. All these activities are dependent on good vision.
Is extreme sharpness of sight necessary to milk a cow?
Do you need binocular vision to stomp on grapes to make wine?
Does a crossed or a lazy” eye prevent you from planting corn, feeding livestock, shoveling manure?
Undoubtedly, modern civilization puts demands on our eyes and visual system for which they we not naturally designed. There is not too much we can do about the way our modern technological society is run.
Modern civilization is here and we are stuck with it for better or for worse. But, we must carefully watch the abuse our eyes are taking in the process!
Small deficiencies in clarity, differences in the way the two eyes see, poor focusing ability, or lack of good stereoscopic vision many not matter much in a slow agrarian society.
They will however, play havoc with an individual’s effort to manage with the contemporary world of school, occupation, sports etc. So please learn how to Protect Your Eyesight. www.protect-your-eyesight.com
[read more]
You get more information about the world through your eyes than all the other senses combined. Yet, vital as it is, you tend to take your vision for granted because most of the action takes place behind the scenes.
What do you really know about your eyes and how you see”?
Why do you have two eyes instead of one or three?
How do you see colors?
Why must the two eyes work together?
What can a cataract do to your sight?
Are your sunglasses” doing you more harm than good?
How do you know if your toddler or child has good vision?
You will find all these answers at www.protect-your-eyesight.com
You probably have less information about your vision than you do about vitamins, angioplasty, or diets. If you are the average person, you worry more about your teeth than about your eyes, probably because toothaches can be painful and teeth can fall out.
Well, poor vision doesn’t ordinarily hurt, although it may be disguised as a headache, fatigue or avoidance of near tasks (the child who hates” to read); and eyes rarely fall out.
Most parents will anxiously drag a protesting child to the dentist twice a year to check for cavities, poor bite, protruding teeth, etc.
But these same parents are not consciously aware that neglecting a Childs vision may lead to graver consequences than an impacted tooth namely, poor schoolwork, limited job choices later in life, or even blindness.
Consider this quote: The demands upon our eyes in our days have greatly increased over those made by our ancestors. The demands upon school children’s eyes have been excessively increased in the last years.”
Does this sound appropriate?
Dr. St. John Roose, Professor of Diseases of the Eye and Ear, New York Medical School and Hospital, wrote it in 1894, a century ago.
It was written before electric lighting made reading for many hours into the night a general practice, before television and movies, before automobiles, before fifteen years of schooling was common, before computer screens populated offices and homes, before the era of technological miniaturization and millimicron tolerances. All these activities are dependent on good vision.
Is extreme sharpness of sight necessary to milk a cow?
Do you need binocular vision to stomp on grapes to make wine?
Does a crossed or a lazy” eye prevent you from planting corn, feeding livestock, shoveling manure?
Undoubtedly, modern civilization puts demands on our eyes and visual system for which they we not naturally designed. There is not too much we can do about the way our modern technological society is run.
Modern civilization is here and we are stuck with it for better or for worse. But, we must carefully watch the abuse our eyes are taking in the process!
Small deficiencies in clarity, differences in the way the two eyes see, poor focusing ability, or lack of good stereoscopic vision many not matter much in a slow agrarian society.
They will however, play havoc with an individual’s effort to manage with the contemporary world of school, occupation, sports etc. So please learn how to Protect Your Eyesight. www.protect-your-eyesight.com
Corneal Replacement Surgery Is it Right for You?
These days, there are countless advancements in the field of corrective vision. People suffering from all manner of sight-reducing ailments can often find assistance or complete cures for their problems. Recently, additional discoveries in the once radical practice of corneal replacements have further expanded the potential for people to have clear and crisp vision. Even those with corneas beyond repair can experience the benefits of corneal replacement, and they can enjoy a world with near-perfect sight.
There are two main types of corneal replacement: DLED and DSEAK. PKP used to be the core transplant procedure, but has been somewhat outdated by these newer, more effective treatments. Both produce impressive short-term results, but as they are new procedures, long-term successes are not yet completely known.
The distinct advantage of DLEK and DSAEK lies in their ability to replace only a small section of the cornea. The specific layer of cells targeted in these procedures is responsible for regulating the transfer of fluid into the cornea, which is directly related to the ability to see. Since these processes only work to replace a small portion of this cell layer, the risk of damage and the likelihood of error is greatly reduced.
Likewise, these procedures are far less invasive and can often be performed in a fraction of the time PKP once required.
If you suspect you might be a candidate for corneal replacement, your best bet is a comprehensive exam with your eye care professional. This doctor will fully assess your eyesight needs, and offer you the viable array of procedures and treatments. If corneal replacement is a possible alternative, he will explain all the related risks and benefits, giving you the full arsenal of information needed to make such a serious, potentially life-changing decision.
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There are two main types of corneal replacement: DLED and DSEAK. PKP used to be the core transplant procedure, but has been somewhat outdated by these newer, more effective treatments. Both produce impressive short-term results, but as they are new procedures, long-term successes are not yet completely known.
The distinct advantage of DLEK and DSAEK lies in their ability to replace only a small section of the cornea. The specific layer of cells targeted in these procedures is responsible for regulating the transfer of fluid into the cornea, which is directly related to the ability to see. Since these processes only work to replace a small portion of this cell layer, the risk of damage and the likelihood of error is greatly reduced.
Likewise, these procedures are far less invasive and can often be performed in a fraction of the time PKP once required.
If you suspect you might be a candidate for corneal replacement, your best bet is a comprehensive exam with your eye care professional. This doctor will fully assess your eyesight needs, and offer you the viable array of procedures and treatments. If corneal replacement is a possible alternative, he will explain all the related risks and benefits, giving you the full arsenal of information needed to make such a serious, potentially life-changing decision.
Corneal Transplant Surgery
The cornea is the clear front window of the eye. The cornea focuses light onto the retina, which is at the back of the eye. If the cornea is damaged it may become swollen or scarred. Scars, swelling or an irregular shape cause the cornea to scatter or distort light, which will result in glare or blurred vision. A corneal transplant may be needed when vision cannot be corrected satisfactorily using other procedures, or if painful swelling cannot be relieved by medications or special contact lenses. The following conditions may require corneal transplant: corneal failure after other eye surgery; keratoconus; hereditary corneal failure (Fuch’s); corneal dystrophies; scarring after infections; rejection after the first corneal transplant; or scarring after other eye surgery.
Of all the transplant surgery done today (hearts, lungs, kidneys, etc.) corneal transplants are by far the most common and successful.
Preparing for Surgery
Surgery is usually done with local anesthesia on an outpatient basis. You may be asked to skip breakfast, depending on the time of your surgery. Once you arrive at the operating room, you will be given eye drops and sometimes medications to help you relax.
Before a donor cornea is released for transplant, the eye bank tests the human donor for the viruses that cause hepatitis and AIDS. The cornea is then carefully checked for visual clarity. Your ophthalmologist may request that you have a physical examination and other special tests prior to surgery. If you usually take medications, ask your ophthalmologist if you should continue them.
During Surgery
The operation is painless. Anesthesia is either local or general, depending on your age, medical condition, and eye disease. You will not see the surgery while it is happening, and you will not have to worry about keeping your eye open or closed. After the anesthetic has taken effect, the eyelids are gently opened. Looking through a surgical microscope, your ophthalmologist will measure the eye to determine the size of the corneal transplant. The diseased or injured cornea is carefully removed from the eye. Any necessary additional work within the eye, such as removal of a cataract, is completed. Then the clear donor cornea is sewn into place. When the operation is over, the ophthalmologist will usually place a shield over the eye that has just received the transplanted cornea.
After Surgery
If you are an outpatient, you may go home after a short stay in the recovery area. You should plan to have someone else drive you home.
Follow-Up
Following your surgery, you will need to:
* Use the eye drops as prescribed;
* Be careful not to rub or press on your eye;
* Use over-the-counter pain medicine if necessary;
* Continue normal daily activities and moderate exercise;
* Ask your doctor when you can begin driving;
* Wear eyeglasses or an eye shield if advised by your doctor.
* Several postoperative visits are needed to check on the progress of the eye as it heals.
Potential Risks
Corneal transplants are rejected 5% to 30% of the time, depending on the reason for the transplant. The rejected cornea will cloud and vision will deteriorate. Most rejections, if treated promptly, can be stopped with minimal injury. Warning signs of rejection are persistent discomfort, light sensitivity, redness, or change in vision. Any of these symptoms should be promptly reported to your ophthalmologist.
Other treatable complications can include infection, bleeding, swelling, detachment of the retina, or glaucoma.
A corneal transplant can be repeated, usually with good results, but the overall rejection rates for repeated transplants are slightly higher than for the first transplant. Irregular curvature of the transplanted cornea (astigmatism) may slow the return of vision, but is treatable. Visual recovery takes at least a year after transplant surgery, and your vision may continue to improve up to two years after transplant surgery.
Even if the surgery is successful, any other underlying eye conditions such as macular degeneration, glaucoma, or diabetes (retina damage) may limit vision after surgery. Nevertheless, corneal transplantation may still be worthwhile. No other surgery has so much to offer when the cornea is deeply scarred or swollen.
Never forget that corneal transplant surgery would not be possible without the hundreds of thousands of generous donors and their families who have donated corneal tissue so that others may see!
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