Western Laser Eye Associates | Dr. Anderson Penno
Sunday, April 19, 2009
April is Sports Eye Safety Awareness Month
LASIK is still the most common laser vision correction procedure performed in Calgary and around the world, but surface treatment with PRK (photorefractive keratectomy) is becoming popular again along with a new surface treatment called Epi-LASIK. One of the reasons some surgeons in Calgary and elsewhere favor surface treatments over LASIK is the risk of flap dislocation following LASIK.
For many sports activities specialized eye wear is recommended. Unfortunately for some higher risk sports such as basketball safety glasses may not be routinely recommended. Other sports such as mountain biking or hunting may pose a risk when traveling through wooded areas. Recreational activities such as paint ball are also a risk for eye injury. More information about eye injuries can be found at www.geteyesmart.org .
Following LASIK the corneal flap heals around the superficial edge. It can be lifted surgically or shifted following an eye injury even years later. Although only a few people per year require treatment for shifted LASIK flaps, it can lead to a loss of vision if not properly treated within a short time. Epi-LASIK and PRK do not require the creation of a corneal flap. Instead just the very outer layer of cells called the epithelium is removed and the treatment is applied to the corneal surface. The long term results of Epi-LASIK and PRK equal to LASIK. The healing following surface laser treatments takes longer in the first few days to weeks, but there is no flap that could be damaged or shifted due to sports related or other eye injuries.
Whether you choose to undergo laser vision correction or not, always wear safety glasses for any activities where they are ordinarily recommended. For hockey a visor is recommended. When working in the yard with mowers or weed trimmers safety glasses will guard against stones that may be launched by these machines. Table saws, grinders, and other shop equipment also pose a risk for eye injuries. The few extra seconds it takes to put on a pair of safetly glasses can save you from a lifetime of poor vision.
For more information about your laser vision correction options contact us at www.westernlasereye.com or call 403-547- 9775 to book a complimentary assessment.
For many sports activities specialized eye wear is recommended. Unfortunately for some higher risk sports such as basketball safety glasses may not be routinely recommended. Other sports such as mountain biking or hunting may pose a risk when traveling through wooded areas. Recreational activities such as paint ball are also a risk for eye injury. More information about eye injuries can be found at www.geteyesmart.org .
Following LASIK the corneal flap heals around the superficial edge. It can be lifted surgically or shifted following an eye injury even years later. Although only a few people per year require treatment for shifted LASIK flaps, it can lead to a loss of vision if not properly treated within a short time. Epi-LASIK and PRK do not require the creation of a corneal flap. Instead just the very outer layer of cells called the epithelium is removed and the treatment is applied to the corneal surface. The long term results of Epi-LASIK and PRK equal to LASIK. The healing following surface laser treatments takes longer in the first few days to weeks, but there is no flap that could be damaged or shifted due to sports related or other eye injuries.
Whether you choose to undergo laser vision correction or not, always wear safety glasses for any activities where they are ordinarily recommended. For hockey a visor is recommended. When working in the yard with mowers or weed trimmers safety glasses will guard against stones that may be launched by these machines. Table saws, grinders, and other shop equipment also pose a risk for eye injuries. The few extra seconds it takes to put on a pair of safetly glasses can save you from a lifetime of poor vision.
For more information about your laser vision correction options contact us at www.westernlasereye.com or call 403-547- 9775 to book a complimentary assessment.
posted by
Western Laser Eye Staff
at
9:37 PM
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Saturday, April 11, 2009
Calgary LASIK: What is Epi-LASIK?
Western Laser Eye Associates is pleased to announce the acquisition of the Moria Epi-LASIK epikeratome. Epi-LASIK is the latest advancement in laser vision correction. Epi-LASIK combines the keratome technology of LASIK with the safety of surface PRK.
In Calgary as well as around the world LASIK has become very popular in the past decade due to the fact that there is more rapid recovery of vision and less discomfort in the first few days following surgery as compared to PRK. For LASIK corneal flap is made with a keratome blade or femtosecond laser in order to lift the flap and apply the laser energy to the deeper bed underneath the LASIK flap. Within the past few years some surgeons in Calgary have followed the worldwide trend to move back to surface treatments such as PRK due to the superior level of safety with equally good long term vision results.
Surface treatments like PRK and Epi-LASIK are safer because the surgery is simpler and avoids the possible flap related complications such as a buttonhole or partial flap that can occur with LASIK. Epi-LASIK and PRK are also safer than LASIK due to the fact that the treatment is not as deep and preserves more of the natural cornea to maintain the corneal strength and avoid the rare but serious complication called ectasia in which the cornea becomes unstable which results in poor vision within months or years following LASIK. This condition is uncommon following surface laser vision correction. Surface treatments such as PRK and Epi-LASIK also avoid the possible future risk of flap shifting which can occur even years after LASIK if there is an eye injury.
Surface laser vision correction eliminates the need to cut a LASIK flap. The surface cells are removed in order to apply the laser energy to the smooth membrane which is just underneath. For PRK these surface cells are either removed with a special brush or with a dilute alcohol solution (sometimes this technique is called alcohol assisted PRK). Both of these methods have been in use for many years and may be recommended for certain people with corneal scars or other conditions. Epi-LASIK uses an epikeratome with a blunt separator which can remove these surface cells more cleanly and without the use of chemicals.
For both Epi-LASIK and PRK a contact lens is placed for approximately 3 days. There is some discomfort with either of these treatments for those first few days until the contact lens is removed. The amount of discomfort varies from person to person with some people who need nothing more than frequent artificial tears and others who will need additional drops or oral medication such as Tylenol #3. It is important to rest and keep the eyes closed as much as possible for these first few days.
The difference between PRK and Epi-LASIK is most obvious after 3 days. There are more people who will be able to read the 20/20 line within 3 to 4 days following Epi-LASIK as compared to PRK where it may take 7 to 10 days to be within this range of vision. It is important to understand that surface laser vision correction involves a healing phase of up to 6 months over which time the vision continues to sharpen. Many people who have Epi-LASIK will be able to return to usual activities within 3 to 5 days, but it is important to keep in mind that while the vision may be in the legal range for driving it may still be somewhat blurred. Some people will limit their night time driving or have to take more frequent breaks from computer or other visually demanding work for a few weeks to a few months following Epi-LASIK.
Several studies have shown that the long term results are equally good for surface treatments like Epi-LASIK and PRK as they are for LASIK. Some studies have shown better results with surface laser vision correction than for LASIK for people having custom wavefront treatments such as CustomVue which is done at Western Laser Eye Associates.
Epi-LASIK offers excellent safety, more rapid recovery of vision compared to PRK, and outstanding long term results. For more information or to book a complimentary assessment call Western Laser Eye Associates at 403-547-9775.
In Calgary as well as around the world LASIK has become very popular in the past decade due to the fact that there is more rapid recovery of vision and less discomfort in the first few days following surgery as compared to PRK. For LASIK corneal flap is made with a keratome blade or femtosecond laser in order to lift the flap and apply the laser energy to the deeper bed underneath the LASIK flap. Within the past few years some surgeons in Calgary have followed the worldwide trend to move back to surface treatments such as PRK due to the superior level of safety with equally good long term vision results.
Surface treatments like PRK and Epi-LASIK are safer because the surgery is simpler and avoids the possible flap related complications such as a buttonhole or partial flap that can occur with LASIK. Epi-LASIK and PRK are also safer than LASIK due to the fact that the treatment is not as deep and preserves more of the natural cornea to maintain the corneal strength and avoid the rare but serious complication called ectasia in which the cornea becomes unstable which results in poor vision within months or years following LASIK. This condition is uncommon following surface laser vision correction. Surface treatments such as PRK and Epi-LASIK also avoid the possible future risk of flap shifting which can occur even years after LASIK if there is an eye injury.
Surface laser vision correction eliminates the need to cut a LASIK flap. The surface cells are removed in order to apply the laser energy to the smooth membrane which is just underneath. For PRK these surface cells are either removed with a special brush or with a dilute alcohol solution (sometimes this technique is called alcohol assisted PRK). Both of these methods have been in use for many years and may be recommended for certain people with corneal scars or other conditions. Epi-LASIK uses an epikeratome with a blunt separator which can remove these surface cells more cleanly and without the use of chemicals.
For both Epi-LASIK and PRK a contact lens is placed for approximately 3 days. There is some discomfort with either of these treatments for those first few days until the contact lens is removed. The amount of discomfort varies from person to person with some people who need nothing more than frequent artificial tears and others who will need additional drops or oral medication such as Tylenol #3. It is important to rest and keep the eyes closed as much as possible for these first few days.
The difference between PRK and Epi-LASIK is most obvious after 3 days. There are more people who will be able to read the 20/20 line within 3 to 4 days following Epi-LASIK as compared to PRK where it may take 7 to 10 days to be within this range of vision. It is important to understand that surface laser vision correction involves a healing phase of up to 6 months over which time the vision continues to sharpen. Many people who have Epi-LASIK will be able to return to usual activities within 3 to 5 days, but it is important to keep in mind that while the vision may be in the legal range for driving it may still be somewhat blurred. Some people will limit their night time driving or have to take more frequent breaks from computer or other visually demanding work for a few weeks to a few months following Epi-LASIK.
Several studies have shown that the long term results are equally good for surface treatments like Epi-LASIK and PRK as they are for LASIK. Some studies have shown better results with surface laser vision correction than for LASIK for people having custom wavefront treatments such as CustomVue which is done at Western Laser Eye Associates.
Epi-LASIK offers excellent safety, more rapid recovery of vision compared to PRK, and outstanding long term results. For more information or to book a complimentary assessment call Western Laser Eye Associates at 403-547-9775.
posted by
Western Laser Eye Staff
at
1:26 PM
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Tuesday, March 10, 2009
What is Epi-LASIK?
Epi-LASIK is an alternative to LASIK – another way to have laser vision correction. It is very similar to LASIK except for one important difference. It creates a thinner corneal flap. This makes it a good option for people with thin corneas.
LASIK and Epi-LASIK are both ways to reshape the cornea, the clear front part of the eye. By reshaping its curvature, they cause it to bend light differently so that it focuses clearly on the retina. When the light-sensitive retinal cells (at the back of the eye) receive a clear image, they send it to the brain for interpretation and naming, and the brain can give you a confident translation of what you are looking at. This is 20/20 vision.
When a person has thin corneas LASIK may not be safe. Corneal reshaping is done by removing tiny pieces of tissue from the right places. This is not done from the top level of the cornea, but from the middle layer, the stroma. A flap of surface tissue is folded back to give the laser access to the stroma.
In eyes with thin corneas the flap needs to be thinner. The epi-LASIK flap is only as thin as the top layer, the epithelium – hence the name “epi”-LASIK. None of the stromal tissue is included in an epi-LASIK flap.
Results from this way of doing laser vision correction are every bit as good as those from LASIK or from PRK. You can read more on Choosing Between PRK and LASIK, as this page also discusses Epi-LASIK.
LASIK, PRK and epi-LASIK can all be done using Wavefront Technology for the diagnosis. This will give you better night vision.
To determine which method of laser vision correction would be best for you, please call or email our LASIK office today for a free consultation.
LASIK and Epi-LASIK are both ways to reshape the cornea, the clear front part of the eye. By reshaping its curvature, they cause it to bend light differently so that it focuses clearly on the retina. When the light-sensitive retinal cells (at the back of the eye) receive a clear image, they send it to the brain for interpretation and naming, and the brain can give you a confident translation of what you are looking at. This is 20/20 vision.
When a person has thin corneas LASIK may not be safe. Corneal reshaping is done by removing tiny pieces of tissue from the right places. This is not done from the top level of the cornea, but from the middle layer, the stroma. A flap of surface tissue is folded back to give the laser access to the stroma.
In eyes with thin corneas the flap needs to be thinner. The epi-LASIK flap is only as thin as the top layer, the epithelium – hence the name “epi”-LASIK. None of the stromal tissue is included in an epi-LASIK flap.
Results from this way of doing laser vision correction are every bit as good as those from LASIK or from PRK. You can read more on Choosing Between PRK and LASIK, as this page also discusses Epi-LASIK.
LASIK, PRK and epi-LASIK can all be done using Wavefront Technology for the diagnosis. This will give you better night vision.
To determine which method of laser vision correction would be best for you, please call or email our LASIK office today for a free consultation.
posted by
Erica
at
1:59 PM
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Monday, March 9, 2009
LASIK and dry eye
Dry eye is a common side effect of LASIK eye surgery. Moisturizing eye drops are always prescribed after surgery to encourage tear production and help the eyes stabilize. Even with these drops, however, some patients experience dry eye symptoms such as:
• Itchiness
• Blurred vision
• Burning
• Redness
• Pain
The good news is that these symptoms are generally temporary and will subside in the weeks and months following surgery.
Why does LASIK produce dry eye?
During LASIK eye surgery, Dr. Penno cuts a thin flap on the cornea so she can use a laser to reshape the cornea underneath the flap. When the corneal flap is created, small nerves in the cornea are cut which supply impulses to the lacrimal, or tear-producing, gland.
As a result, the patient’s eyes are not able to produce the proper amount of lubrication. This is usually a temporary condition that corrects itself in the weeks following surgery as the nerves regrow.
Can I have LASIK surgery if I have dry eye?
If you already have symptoms of dry eye you may be able to undergo LASIK. During a thorough examination, Dr. Penno may determine that in your case it would be safe.
It may also be prudent to insert collagen or silicone punctal plugs into the openings where tears drain out of the eyes (called puncta, singular is punctum). These plugs can remain in the eyes for weeks or months and keep better lubrication on the eyes prior to surgery.
If you suffer from severe dry eye you may not be a good candidate for LASIK.
It is important to share your medical history with Dr. Penno during the consultation, including dry eye symptoms and all medications you are taking. This will help us to give you the best treatment options possible.
For a free evaluation, please contact our LASIK office today to see if you are a good candidate for this popular surgery.
• Itchiness
• Blurred vision
• Burning
• Redness
• Pain
The good news is that these symptoms are generally temporary and will subside in the weeks and months following surgery.
Why does LASIK produce dry eye?
During LASIK eye surgery, Dr. Penno cuts a thin flap on the cornea so she can use a laser to reshape the cornea underneath the flap. When the corneal flap is created, small nerves in the cornea are cut which supply impulses to the lacrimal, or tear-producing, gland.
As a result, the patient’s eyes are not able to produce the proper amount of lubrication. This is usually a temporary condition that corrects itself in the weeks following surgery as the nerves regrow.
Can I have LASIK surgery if I have dry eye?
If you already have symptoms of dry eye you may be able to undergo LASIK. During a thorough examination, Dr. Penno may determine that in your case it would be safe.
It may also be prudent to insert collagen or silicone punctal plugs into the openings where tears drain out of the eyes (called puncta, singular is punctum). These plugs can remain in the eyes for weeks or months and keep better lubrication on the eyes prior to surgery.
If you suffer from severe dry eye you may not be a good candidate for LASIK.
It is important to share your medical history with Dr. Penno during the consultation, including dry eye symptoms and all medications you are taking. This will help us to give you the best treatment options possible.
For a free evaluation, please contact our LASIK office today to see if you are a good candidate for this popular surgery.
posted by
Erica
at
9:24 AM
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Friday, February 6, 2009
LASIK and the military
Imagine being on an intense battlefield, fighting for your life and the lives of your troops. The last thing a soldier would want to think about is dropping or breaking eye glasses in a combat situation.
But many who are nearsighted or farsighted or who have astigmatism are forced to wear eye glasses or special goggles to correct their vision problems, even in combat. The ability to effectively complete missions under these circumstances can lead to injuries and lives lost. In addition, contact lenses in dusty landscapes can be hazardous to a soldier’s eyes, even when not in combat.
As a result of these hazards and to help protect the lives of military personnel, the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps now permit Wavefront LASIK eye surgery for most military personnel. One exception is that LASIK is not approved for military pilots at this time. The U.S. Navy did allow four of its aviators to undergo LASIK surgery in November of 2006, so this rule may change in the future. In addition, some Special Forces units are not permitted to undergo LASIK surgery.
Millions of people have had LASIK eye surgery since it was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1995. The fact that the military now accepts WaveFront LASIK eye surgery for its military personnel is a testament to the success of the procedure and how LASIK can help save lives on the warfront.
If you would like to learn more, please contact our LASIK office today to arrange a free evaluation.
But many who are nearsighted or farsighted or who have astigmatism are forced to wear eye glasses or special goggles to correct their vision problems, even in combat. The ability to effectively complete missions under these circumstances can lead to injuries and lives lost. In addition, contact lenses in dusty landscapes can be hazardous to a soldier’s eyes, even when not in combat.
As a result of these hazards and to help protect the lives of military personnel, the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps now permit Wavefront LASIK eye surgery for most military personnel. One exception is that LASIK is not approved for military pilots at this time. The U.S. Navy did allow four of its aviators to undergo LASIK surgery in November of 2006, so this rule may change in the future. In addition, some Special Forces units are not permitted to undergo LASIK surgery.
Millions of people have had LASIK eye surgery since it was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1995. The fact that the military now accepts WaveFront LASIK eye surgery for its military personnel is a testament to the success of the procedure and how LASIK can help save lives on the warfront.
If you would like to learn more, please contact our LASIK office today to arrange a free evaluation.
posted by
Patti
at
3:09 PM
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Friday, January 9, 2009
LASIK for pilots
Airline pilots rely on their sense of sight more than any other sense to safely transport people from location to location. The burden of wearing eye glasses or contact lenses to help correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism leads many pilots today to look into LASIK eye surgery.
While most people can resume work in a few days after LASIK eye surgery, it is recommended that pilots be especially cautious about their recovery time. In fact, many airlines require a six-week waiting period after LASIK surgery before piloting to ensure they meet Federal Aviation Administration vision standards.
As with any elective surgery, LASIK eye surgery does have potential risks and complications that could hinder a pilot’s ability to properly do his or her job. Those possibilities can include:
These risks are greatly reduced when your eye surgery is performed by a qualified, experienced surgeon like Dr. Anderson Penno. Dr. Penno has performed several thousand refractive surgeries since 1996 and personally takes time to ensure each patient is a good candidate for LASIK.
The possibility of a pilot losing or breaking glasses or contacts prior to a flight can have a potentially disastrous effect on the outcome of the flight. If you are a pilot and would like to learn if you are a candidate for LASIK, please contact our eye surgery office today to arrange a free LASIK evaluation.
While most people can resume work in a few days after LASIK eye surgery, it is recommended that pilots be especially cautious about their recovery time. In fact, many airlines require a six-week waiting period after LASIK surgery before piloting to ensure they meet Federal Aviation Administration vision standards.
As with any elective surgery, LASIK eye surgery does have potential risks and complications that could hinder a pilot’s ability to properly do his or her job. Those possibilities can include:
- Visual aberrations (double vision, glare, starbursts, etc.)
- Dry eye
- Blurring
- Haze
- Irregular flap healing
- Corneal scarring
- Infection
These risks are greatly reduced when your eye surgery is performed by a qualified, experienced surgeon like Dr. Anderson Penno. Dr. Penno has performed several thousand refractive surgeries since 1996 and personally takes time to ensure each patient is a good candidate for LASIK.
The possibility of a pilot losing or breaking glasses or contacts prior to a flight can have a potentially disastrous effect on the outcome of the flight. If you are a pilot and would like to learn if you are a candidate for LASIK, please contact our eye surgery office today to arrange a free LASIK evaluation.
posted by
PaulaB
at
9:00 AM
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Monday, December 29, 2008
LASIK for athletes
If you are an athlete and do not have perfect vision, you are probably all too familiar with the hassles of wearing eye glasses or contacts while playing sports. LASIK laser refractive eye surgery is a way for you to shed those burdens and let a 20/20 vision take your game to a new level.
At Western Laser Eye Associates, we are committed to helping patients gain the best eyesight possible. And for athletes this is especially important. The ability to play a sport without being hindered by eye glasses or contacts can not only improve your game, it can also help save you from possible harm.
Consider these situations:
Not every athlete is a good candidate for LASIK eye surgery. Those who play aggressive contact sports may be at a higher risk for infection or damage to the cornea. We will fully evaluate your eyes, medical history and lifestyle to determine if you are a good LASIK candidate. If you are not, there may well be another procedure that would work.
Please contact our LASIK office today to arrange a free evaluation.
At Western Laser Eye Associates, we are committed to helping patients gain the best eyesight possible. And for athletes this is especially important. The ability to play a sport without being hindered by eye glasses or contacts can not only improve your game, it can also help save you from possible harm.
Consider these situations:
- Eye injury: caused by shattered eye glasses, torn contact lenses, sweat or dirt underneath contacts, dry eyes due to contact lenses
- Lessened playing ability: caused by eye glasses limiting peripheral vision, contact lenses that fall out during play, rain or snow limiting vision in eye glasses
- Nearsightedness
- Farsightedness
- Astigmatism
Not every athlete is a good candidate for LASIK eye surgery. Those who play aggressive contact sports may be at a higher risk for infection or damage to the cornea. We will fully evaluate your eyes, medical history and lifestyle to determine if you are a good LASIK candidate. If you are not, there may well be another procedure that would work.
Please contact our LASIK office today to arrange a free evaluation.
posted by
PaulaB
at
3:35 PM
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comments
Previous Posts
- April is Sports Eye Safety Awareness Month
- Calgary LASIK: What is Epi-LASIK?
- What is Epi-LASIK?
- LASIK and dry eye
- LASIK and the military
- LASIK for pilots
- LASIK for athletes
- What is 20/20 Vision?
- LASIK and Pregnancy
- LASIK for Astigmatism
Archives
- March 2008
- April 2008
- May 2008
- June 2008
- July 2008
- August 2008
- September 2008
- November 2008
- December 2008
- January 2009
- February 2009
- March 2009
- April 2009
Dr. Anderson Penno can care for all of your general ophthalmology needs, and she personally evaluates each and every patient.
