Seeing Eye To Eye

LASIK safer than contact lenses

Written By: Mujtaba Qazi | December 20, 2011

A review of recent research has led investigators to conclude that LASIK may be the safer option, especially in the long run.

Like any surgery, LASIK has its risks, including fluctuating vision, dryness and halos, particularly during the early healing period. However, the risk of significant loss of vision was calculated at 1 in 10,000 (0.01%).

The risk for developing a serious contact lens infection was calculated to be significantly higher, at approximately 1 in 100 (1.0%) over 30 years of use, with the risk of serious vision loss at 1 in 2,000 (0.05%).

Direct comparison is difficult, as complications due to surgery usually are noted shortly after surgery, whereas the risks associated with contact lens wear – eye sensitivity, chronic allergies, dry eye syndrome, contact lens intolerance – accumulate over years. Unsafe practices, such as wearing contact lenses overnight, using contacts longer than recommended, or using tap water to store contacts can significantly increase the risk of infection and other complications.

For these reasons, contact lens are considered a medical device by the FDA and a yearly examination is required for renewal of contact lens prescriptions.

Beware of Halloween Contact Lenses (on the internet)

Written By: Carrie Gaines | October 13, 2011

Halloween is right around the corner.  Special effect and “circle-tinted” contact lenses popularized by the Twilight Saga movies and Lady Gaga are being sold on the internet.  This is a concern.

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classified all contact lenses, whether they correct vision or are simply cosmetic, as medical devices in 2005.  In the United States, contact lenses cannot be obtained legally without a prescription.

Contact lenses of all types obtained without a prescription and without appropriate fitting, training and follow-up present risks to the eye that include corneal abrasion, corneal ulcers, vision impairment and blindness.

If you want special effect contact lenses,

• Get an eye examination from an eye care professional.
• Get a valid prescription that includes the brand and the lens specifications.
• Buy the lenses from an eye care professional or a vendor that requires prescription information.
• Follow directions for wearing, cleaning, disinfecting and replacing the lenses.
• Visit your eye care professional for follow-up eye examinations.
• And, never share your contact lenses.

Specialty Contact Lenses

Written By: James Rieger | September 15, 2011

At Pepose Vision Institute not only do we have surgical solutions to treat visual problems, but we also fit specialty contact lenses that can enhance your vision and comfort. Before considering LASIK, most people use some sort of correction in the form of glasses or contact lenses to help them see at distance, near or both. As of March 2008, 34 million Americans wear contact lenses. Most people can be fit into regular soft or rigid contacts; however, some people have problems that can not be helped with these standard types of lenses.
Some of the more common eye problems that require special contacts that we see and treat at Pepose Vision Institute are: Astigmatism, Presbyopia, Keratoconus, Corneal Scars, Eye Trauma, Eye Disease, Corneal Transplants, Irregular Corneas, Severely Dry Eyes and other eye conditions.
To help determine which lens would work the best requires advanced testing and measurements. At Pepose Vision Institute we have the latest and greatest testing equipment to evaluate vision potential and Topography, (Topography measures corneal surface irregularities.) We also have the most advanced trial contact lenses to evaluate the proper fit and power for best vision and comfort.
These are some of the lenses we have available, in addition to regular soft disposable and rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) contacts. Toric contact lenses to correct for astigmatism. Bifocal and multifocal contacts. Prosthetic contacts to hide corneal scars or irregular pupils. Hybrid contact lenses that have a rigid center with better optics for clear vision and a soft skirt for comfort and stabilization. Scleral contact lenses which are a larger rigid lens that is designed to vault over the entire cornea to provide good comfort and vision for patients with sever corneal issues.
If you, or someone you know, have any special issues with their eyes, or just need contact lenses feel free to set up an appointment for a thorough evaluation at our clinic. Call 636-728-0111 to schedule your appointment

Treatments for Dry Eye Conditions

Written By: James Rieger | May 16, 2011

Pepose Vision Institute is not just a premier destination for LASIK vision correction and other types of refractive surgery. We also offer a full range of primary eye care services. These include annual eye health examinations, contact lenses (including specialty contact lens fittings), and treatment of ocular disease such as cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and dry eyes.

Whether you suffer from cataracts or dry eye syndrome or you simply desire to maintain your ocular health, our eye care clinics provide the most advanced care available. We continually invest in the most state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment to provide unsurpassed care for our patients.

Dry Eye Syndrome

Dry eye disease, also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca, is a condition that results in the inflammation of the eye and the tear-producing glands. This inflammation decreases the eye’s ability to produce normal tears that protect the eye from irritation and keep it moisturized and lubricated. The tear film is composed of three intermingling layers:

• Oily layer – outermost layer prevents evaporation
• Watery layer – middle layer moisturizes the eye
• Mucous layer – inner layer allows adherence between the eye and the watery layer

A disruption of the function of any one or more of these layers can cause dry eye symptoms.

It’s estimated that 20 percent of Americans, women more often than men, suffer from dry eyes, which can cause a range of uncomfortable symptoms. Dry eyes are characterized by a scratchy, gritty, or burning feeling, redness, stringy mucus, and increased sensitivity to light. Wind, dry air, and other environmental factors are but a few of the causes.

Surprisingly, dry eye syndrome can also cause excessive watering eyes due to the tears lacking the proper balance of mucous, water, and oil to coat the eyes properly. Chronic dry eyes can lead to damage of the eye’s surface, an increased risk of eye infections, and eventually, the inability to produce tears. Left untreated, severe forms of dry eyes can even damage your vision. At our St. Louis, Missouri centers, we can help patients determine potential causes of their dry eye syndrome and identify appropriate dry eyes treatments.

Causes of Dry Eyes

Some common causes of dry eyes include:

• Aging
• Hormonal changes, such as pregnancy or menopause
• Autoimmune diseases such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and Sjogren’s Syndrome
• Smoking
• Environmental factors (such as smoke, dry or windy weather, heaters, air conditioners, dust, contact lens wear, prolonged computer use)
• Allergies
• Contact lens wear
• Certain medications (such as decongestants, antihistamines, oral contraceptives, tranquilizers, diuretics)
• Vitamin A deficiency
• Inflammation of the eye’s tear-producing gland

LASIK or another type of refractive surgery can worsen or bring on dry eyes. Similarly, those with extreme dry eyes may be disqualified from undergoing LASIK surgery.

Treatments for Dry Eyes

Common treatment of dry eye syndrome includes the use of artificial tears or ointments. However, excessive or prolonged use of artificial tears can disrupt the natural production of tears, leading to further aggravation of the condition instead of providing desired relief.

Though there is no cure, those who suffer from dry eyes can come to our St. Louis, Missouri practice and learn about ways to manage the condition. We generally suggest a combination of the following dry eyes treatment options:

• Lubricating tears and ointments
• Punctal plugs, temporary or permanent
• Special eyewear while sleeping such as goggles or moisture chambers
• Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty Acid supplements such as HydroEye®
• Restasis® therapy

HydroEye® SoftGels: HydroEye® SoftGels are recommended by many doctors and can give patients continuing relief from dry eyes, whatever the cause of the condition. The SoftGels contain a proprietary blend of nutrients that fight inflammation and help your eyes maintain a healthier tear film. These supplements were developed by ophthalmologists and nutritional scientists, manufactured according to the premier quality standards, and made from the finest ingredients. With continued use, HydroEye® SoftGels may give you uninterrupted relief from dry eyes. The treatment contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and other ingredients that help you maintain healthy tear production.

Restasis®: Often, the root cause of dry eye syndrome is inflammation of the eyes’ tear-producing gland; this inflammation can be triggered or made worse by allergies, smoking, prolonged computer use, and other factors mentioned above. Unlike artificial tears, which only temporarily relieve dry eyes, Restasis® Ophthalmic Emulsion actually stimulates your eyes to produce more tears, addressing the root cause of discomfort. Restasis® is a prescription eye drop that, when used twice daily, causes a noticeable increase in natural tear production that will continue to improve with time. Restasis® can be used in conjunction with artificial tears, though non-prescription eye drops will become less necessary as healthy tear production is restored. Restasis® has been well-tolerated by patients and is currently the only dry eyes treatment to actually increase tear production.

For more information on Dry Eye treatments please check on line at www.PeposeVision.com or call us at 636-728-0111

Hybrid Contact Lenses-The Best of Both Worlds

Written By: Jennifer Redfern | March 11, 2011

Everyone has heard of a hybrid car, but have you heard of a hybrid contact lens? Most people have seen either a soft contact lens or a gas permeable (RGP) contact lens, but most have never seen a hybrid contact lens. Both soft and RGP lenses have pros and cons, and hybrid lenses are the latest technology that allows you to have the best attributes of both types of lenses.  RGP lenses provide the most crisp, clear vision possible by masking any irregularities in the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye. However, some people are unable to adapt to the way the lenses feel. Soft lenses provide wonderful comfort, but do not always provide the sharpest vision possible. Hybrid lenses are a perfect combination of the two—an RGP center to provide crisp, clear vision, with a soft “skirt,” to provide the comfort of a soft lens. Never before have we had to ability to provide such high definition vision with an amazingly comfortable lens!

Do you wear bifocals? There is a hybrid lens for you too! RGP bifocals provide wonderful vision at distance, near, and for computer distance, but are dependent on the lens centering perfectly on the eye. The soft skirt of the hybrid bifocal ensures that the lens stays perfectly centered for increased clarity and stability at all distances. Imagine not having to constantly reach for your readers. Your contact lenses can provide you with great vision at all distances!

Pepose Vision Institute strives to provide the latest technology to grant the best possible vision for our patients, which is why we are happy to announce this wonderful contact lens technology in our office. If you are ready to see how vivid the world can really look, it might be time to try a hybrid lens. The only downfall—it won’t get you more miles per gallon.