In general, surgery is considered more dangerous than non-surgical solutions to problems. But is this always true? In the case of eye surgery, the answer may actually be NO! LASIK surgery in Michigan causes vision-threatening problems less often than contact lenses. This may be surprising to some, but any eye doctor will tell you the facts!
Most problems caused by contact lenses are due to overwear. Patients should strive to limit wear time to 12 hours each day, and then switch to glasses. Even lenses that are FDA approved for overnight wear can be dangerous. A British study showed that overnight wear increases the risk of serious infection fourteen times over daily wear!
Contact lenses can cause infection, corneal ulcers, corneal abrasions, punctate keratopathy, and sub-epithelial infiiltrates. Commonly, a specific problem called Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis (GPC) is caused by overwear, and may be difficult to cure.
It is very rare for LASIK to result in any form of infection, and when performed on proper candidates for surgery, results in excellent vision within 24 hours. Scarring, abrasions and ulcers are also very rare.
Consider LASIK surgery, for the safety of your eyes! Call Dr. Goldstein's office to arrange a free evaluation 586-323-2020, and check out his website, too!
Monday, July 25, 2011
Monday, July 18, 2011
Cataract Diagnosis and Preventiom
Cataract diagnosis is usually not a very difficult problem, but it can be challenging in areas where access to a doctor isn't easy. This is true in rural areas of the United States, and in lesser developed countries.
CNN reported recently that smartphones may be the answer to this problem! A small device is attached to the phone, and the phone is held up to each eye individually. The software focuses beams of light into the eye, and the patient presses a button when the light appears faded. Next, the software analyzes the information, and provides a virtual map of the cataract in the patient's eye!
This information may be used to guide patients in their need for surgery, or to counsel them to avoid smoking or ultraviolet light. These are two of the biggest promoters of cataracts, and moderation can slow down the progression of cataracts.
Ultimately, cataract surgery is usually needed to cure the problem, and is very successful. A quick, painless outpatient procedure is performed, and vision is restored.
For more information, call Dr. Goldstein's office for an appointment at 586-323-2020, or go to his website.
CNN reported recently that smartphones may be the answer to this problem! A small device is attached to the phone, and the phone is held up to each eye individually. The software focuses beams of light into the eye, and the patient presses a button when the light appears faded. Next, the software analyzes the information, and provides a virtual map of the cataract in the patient's eye!
This information may be used to guide patients in their need for surgery, or to counsel them to avoid smoking or ultraviolet light. These are two of the biggest promoters of cataracts, and moderation can slow down the progression of cataracts.
Ultimately, cataract surgery is usually needed to cure the problem, and is very successful. A quick, painless outpatient procedure is performed, and vision is restored.
For more information, call Dr. Goldstein's office for an appointment at 586-323-2020, or go to his website.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Cataract Surgery Safety
A recent article in the Journal "Ophthalmology" indicates that cataract surgery is safe, even after the age of 90!
The study actually compared outcomes and complications in 80 year olds and 90 year olds, and found no statistical difference in the safety of surgery in these 2 age groups. Interesting, because many patients believe that, once they get 'too old', they should not have surgery because it won't go well. They are worried that it is too risky.
Cataract surgery is the most commonly performed surgery in the U.S. today, and is also the most successful surgery performed in the U.S. today. As an added benefit, cataract patients are benefitting from new technology that allows more freedom from glasses. With the use of such advanced technology implants as the crystalens implant, most patients are completely free of glasses.
More information is available from Dr. William Goldstein, who performs a dozen or more cataract surgeries each week. You can make an appointment by calling 586-323-2020, or visiting the website, 2020vision.com
The study actually compared outcomes and complications in 80 year olds and 90 year olds, and found no statistical difference in the safety of surgery in these 2 age groups. Interesting, because many patients believe that, once they get 'too old', they should not have surgery because it won't go well. They are worried that it is too risky.
Cataract surgery is the most commonly performed surgery in the U.S. today, and is also the most successful surgery performed in the U.S. today. As an added benefit, cataract patients are benefitting from new technology that allows more freedom from glasses. With the use of such advanced technology implants as the crystalens implant, most patients are completely free of glasses.
More information is available from Dr. William Goldstein, who performs a dozen or more cataract surgeries each week. You can make an appointment by calling 586-323-2020, or visiting the website, 2020vision.com
Thursday, July 07, 2011
Macular degeneration treatment
Macular degeneration is one of the leading causes of blindness in the world, and is the number one cause of blindness in the older population in the Unted States. There is treatment for some of the forms of macular degeneration, and there are a few preventative measures that people can employ as well.
Patients with wet macular degeneration, where bleeding is occuring under the retina, may benefit from medications that are injected into the eye. These medications, known as anti-VEGF's, cause the abnormal bleeding vessels to shrink down and stop bleeding. These medications may not only stop the vision loss, but may actually lead to an improvement in vision in many patients. Injections usually need to be repeated several times to bring about reduction of swelling and bleeding. These injections may take several months to complete, and improvement in vision may take much longer.
Several surgical options have been used in the past, including removal of the leaking blood vessels, and use of laser to shrink them. Unfortunately, these options often cause severe immediate decreases in vision.
Patients with risk factors for macular degeneration will benefit from vitamins that follow the AREDS study, and will also benefit from the use of sunglasses and hats to prevent exposure to ultraviolet light.
Dr. William Goldstein helps patients with vision problems such as macular degeneration maintain good vision. Call for an appointment, 586-323-2020, or go to www.2020vision.com for more information
Patients with wet macular degeneration, where bleeding is occuring under the retina, may benefit from medications that are injected into the eye. These medications, known as anti-VEGF's, cause the abnormal bleeding vessels to shrink down and stop bleeding. These medications may not only stop the vision loss, but may actually lead to an improvement in vision in many patients. Injections usually need to be repeated several times to bring about reduction of swelling and bleeding. These injections may take several months to complete, and improvement in vision may take much longer.
Several surgical options have been used in the past, including removal of the leaking blood vessels, and use of laser to shrink them. Unfortunately, these options often cause severe immediate decreases in vision.
Patients with risk factors for macular degeneration will benefit from vitamins that follow the AREDS study, and will also benefit from the use of sunglasses and hats to prevent exposure to ultraviolet light.
Dr. William Goldstein helps patients with vision problems such as macular degeneration maintain good vision. Call for an appointment, 586-323-2020, or go to www.2020vision.com for more information
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