Eye Procedures | Eye Laser Clinic Blog | iLasik and Eye Surgery News

Regaining Sight: The Miracle of the Intraocular Lens

The intraocular lens implantation is one of the latest developments in eye-care; which is an aspect of health that is easily overlooked in the bustle of daily life. In addition to genetic deficits in quality of sight, increasing UV-damage is also spreading the prevalence of cataracts and deteriorating vision. Today, cataract surgery is one of the most commonly performed surgeries in the world. During cataract surgery the cloudy, natural lens of the eye is removed and replaced by an artificial, man-made intra-ocular lens (IOL) to restore clear vision.

IOL’s are available in a wide range of powers to compensate for any pre-existing degree of farsightedness or nearsightedness in order to provide good uncorrected vision post-operatively. The insertion of an intraocular lens is a surgical procedure performed by an experienced ophthalmologist and takes about 30 minutes. A pre-operative consultation and some tests are required to determine whether you are a suitable candidate for IOL implantation, and to determine what IOL type is best for you.

Monofocal lens
Monofocal IOL’s are designed to correct vision at one focal distance, i.e. either at near, intermediate or far. People who choose monofocal IOL’s will have good distance vision post-operatively, but will continue to use reading glasses for near activities. Alternatively the dominant eye can be corrected for far vision and the non-dominant eye for near vision. This is called monovision.

Multifocal or accommodative lenses
This advanced type of IOL can reduce spectacle or contact lens dependency for far and near vision. Using the multifocal lens allows the person to see both near and distant objects clearly. This is the direct result of the multifocal lens’s advanced design – it has a series of focal zones built into the lens itself that focus incoming light in such a way that allows both far and near vision.

Toric IOL for astigmatism
Astigmatism: This eye condition distorts or blurs the ability to see both near and distant objects. With astigmatism the cornea (the clear layer covering the front of the eye) is not perfectly round, but is curved or rugby ball shaped. Astigmatism correction is built into this Toric IOL and is the ideal option for people with varying degrees of astigmatism.

Protective IOL filters
In addition to the above mentioned options, IOL’s are also available with filters that protect the eyes from harmful UV rays.

If you are over 50 and suffer from cataracts, or if you are simply looking to dispel your dependence on glasses and contact lenses, then IOL implantation could be a viable option for you. The wide variety of options allow you to discuss your specific needs with your ophthalmologist. The idea of eye surgery may be daunting, so it is important to find an eye surgeon that you trust to do the procedure. Intraocular lens implantations in South Africa are becoming progressively more accessible, so take the first step to reclaiming your eyesight by researching intraocular lens implantations in your area to find the closest clinic to you.

Celebrity eye surgeries

Because of its stellar success rate and life-altering advantages, laser eye surgery has rapidly become a mainstream treatment for people with poor eyesight around the world. Having got the thumbs up from a host of celebrities – everyone from Spice Girls to billionaire entrepreneurs – it’s no wonder this treatment is performed so often.

Who hasn’t seen the famous pictures of Richard Branson throwing his glasses in the bin as a public show of support for laser eye surgery? The British billionaire had the procedure done many years ago when LASIK technology was still rather young but nonetheless, has been singing it praises ever since as he says it took him from blind as a bat to superb vision.

Actress Courtney Cox of Friends andCougarTownfame credits the procedure with saving her career. After struggling to correct her vision with contact lenses and glasses, the star was reportedly having trouble with reading cue cards and more – leading to poor vision disrupting her life. In 1999 she decided to have LASIK surgery and the results were staggering. Her vision improved significantly and she said ‘it was the easiest and most effortless thing I have ever done that provided the greatest reward.’

World renowned make-up artist and director Bobbi Brown is another celebrity that elected to have the procedure done when poor eyesight started affecting her life. Performed by a specialist in the U.S.A, the procedure helped this star to achieve excellent eyesight – an important thing to have in a profession where details and looks are everything.

Nicole Kidman had such bad eyesight that she was reputedly labelled as legally blind and had a terrible time of managing day to day things. She says that after undergoing quick and painless LASIK surgery she’s got perfect 20/20 vision and that everything looks so much better.

Other well known people that have undergone this procedure include Tiger Woods, Brad Pitt, Cindy Crawford, Drew Carey, Mel G, Ashlee Simpson and more – and the list grows longer every day. If you’re suffering from poor vision and would like to find out if you are a candidate for this procedure – speak to your specialist about improving your life today.

Other uses for laser technology – cataract removal

The technology used for creating the corneal flap during iLASIK surgery is now being used to aid cataract surgery in the United States.

Using an FDA approved device, known as the Femtosecond Laser, surgeons are able to make use of laser technology to help with the removal of cataracts. The machine uses the same laser technology that is used to cut the corneal flap in preparation for LASIK, and assists in performing some of the initial steps involved in cataract surgery. It is used to create the surgical incision in the cornea, to perform the capsulorexus and to break up the natural lens of the eye before removal. Femtosecond laser technology is already being used to treat corneal astigmatism, and Femtosecond-assisted astigmatic keratotomy will be possible to perform during cataract surgery.

Millions of people need cataract surgery each year and the new technology has given doctors a new way to perform the procedure. A computer-guided laser is programmed by a surgeon to provide high resolution imagery which helps in the process of removing cataracts. Laser pulses causing energy bursts move rapidly at one millionth of one billionth of a second and aid with performing an immensely safe, accurate and predictable procedure.

During cataract surgery, the eye’s naturally aged and cloudy lens is removed and an artificial replacement lens is then positioned by a surgeon using traditional techniques. Although the technique is still quite new, doctors have been giving it high praise for the potential it has to progress. Similarly to iLASIK surgery, anyone that wishes to undergo cataract surgery using the Femtosecond Laser needs to speak to their specialist in order to determine if they are a suitable candidate.

Watch this space so we can keep you updated on this technology as well as when you can expect to see it being used in South Africa.

Are the results of eye laser surgery permanent?

An understandable concern experienced by most people who are considering LASIK is how permanent the procedure is. The answer, simply, is that a large percentage of people who undergo this procedure will never have to wear glasses or contact lenses again in their lives.

Permanence of eye laser Surgery

It is, however, important to note that not all individuals are suitable candidates for this procedure and that the best results are usually gained when a person’s eye condition meets certain criteria.

Individuals who stand to benefit most from this procedure include people who suffer from moderate:

Myopia or near-sightedness
Hyperopia or farsightedness
Astigmatism

If your vision falls within these categories, it is best to consult for your local ophthalmologist to determine whether or not you are a suitable candidate, and he or she will advise you on the best course of action.

The basic procedure of LASIK is as follows:

Laser eye surgery involves the reshaping of the tissue of the cornea. The cornea makes up almost three quarters of the power of the eye and this is capable of bendi
ng a significant amount of light. If your cornea shape is too convex or too concave, it will bend light in a manner which does not focus it at the optimum point on the retina.

Thus, the ultimate goal of LASIK is to alter the shape of the cornea in such a way as to correct the focal point in your eye. In terms of permanence, the actual reshaping of the cornea effects a permanent change to its physical structure, but this will not prevent age related eyesight problems from happening. These include conditions such as macular degeneration, presbyopia, glaucoma and cataracts, to mention a few.

Age is an aspect that should also be taken into consideration and discussed with an ophthalmologist before undergoing this procedure. One’s eye continues to grow up to the age of approximately 21 and LASIK corrective surgery is therefore not advisable for people younger than 21. There is no upper-age restriction and Lasik can be performed very successfully on patients in their 80’s.

For more information on the procedure and to find out your suitability for LASIK, contact the Eye Laser Clinic and book an appointment today.

A Brief History Of LASIK

Earl LASIK development started with the use of microkeratome and keratomileusis procedures in the 1950’s allowing surgeons to cut extremely thin flaps in the cornea to change the shape of it.

Subsequent to this, the Russian scientist, Svyatoslav Fyodorov developed radial keratotomy during the 70’s, after which he designed the first phakic intraocular lens in the 80’s. The laser technology for this procedure was developed in 1968, in the USA, by the Northrop Corporation with the birth of the carbon-dioxide laser and this technology would eventually lead to the birth of the excimer laser, used in laser eye surgery.

The discovery in 1980, that an ultraviolet excimer laser can etch living tissue with no thermal damage to the surrounding area, was the beginnings of the exploration to find uses for this type of device. The precision with which it could cut human tissue without damage to the surrounding areas made it an ideal choice for use in eye surgery.

A patent was granted for LASIK in June 1989 in the USA and this resulted in its eventual introduction to the wider public. It was formally approved by the FDA in 1999 and soon became the most popular choice in refractive surgery. Since then, almost 30 million people worldwide have undergone this type of procedure.

Further developments in LASIK technology have resulted in advancements in the techniques used and the new standard of LASIK includes the use of a femtosecond laser and wavefront technology (CustomView System). A femtosecond laser reduces the potential disruptions to the ocular structure of the eye during the surgery. Wavefront-guided LASIK is a variation of the technique in which a computer controlled excimer laser guides the laser with the use of a wavefront sensor to achieve a more optically perfect eye.

If you would like to find out more about our procedures and whether you are a suitable candidate to undergo LASIK or related eye surgeries, contact our team at the Eye Laser Clinic. The team operates under the guidance of Dr Johan Krüger, a practicing Ophthalmologist with decades of experience in the eye care industry.

FINEVision Trifocal Intra-Ocualr Lens Implants

You might have noticed that as we approach our marvellous 50’s, reading becomes more difficult. This is referred to as Presbyopia and has to do with the crystalline lens in the eye becoming harder and larger. Due to this loss of flexibility, the accommodation mechanism of the eye is lost and reading glasses are required.

As time passes, you might notice that distance vision also becomes more difficult and that vision might even be a bit cloudy or “washed out”. This is due to opacification of the lens and is called a Cataract.

With advancing technology, we no longer wait till the cataract is completely dense and only replace the lens with monofocal distance lens powers. These days we have the option of bifocal and trifocal lens implants. This can add to the quality of your life by leaving you less spectacle dependant.

The latest addition to the Lens Options is the FINEVision Intra Ocualr Lens (IOL). Where most “multifocal” IOL’s offer distance and reading correction, FINEvision has an additional step for intermediate vision (e.g. computer) – thus making it a truly trifocal lens. More precisely the FINEVision optic combines two diffractive structures that are adjusted to offer the +3.5 D addition for near vision and +1.75 D addition for intermediate vision.

Trifocal Intra-ocualr lens

Not all patients are suitable for FINEvision and other alternatives may be better.

Selection criteria includes ocualr health, corneal shape, lifestyle requirements and the ability to tolerate some glare and halo’s at night (photic phenomena).

Various international Surgeons have published rave reviews of their research findings.

Should you have any further queries, please feel free to contact us on 021 9100 300 or go to our website www.eyelaserclinic.co.za

Keratoconus

At Tygervalley Eye Laser Clinic, we have taken advantage of technological developments and advancements in the field of ocular condition treatment to bring our patients a new treatment for Keratoconus. This condition is typically diagnosed during adolescence and usually becomes most severe between the ages of 20 and 40.

Keratoconus is a degenerative condition that occurs when the cornea, sometimes also referred to as the kerato, undergoes a thinning of collagen fibres and membranes that eventually deform into an irregular cone shape. The deforming of the cornea creates an irregular surface of the eye which results in a distorted visual image in the brain. Keratoconus is often genetic, and research has found that eye rubbing can contribute to its occurrence.

The disease is progressive, with most of the oxidative and mechanical damage increasing between the ages of 12 and 35. Spectacles cannot correct the vision of patients with this condition and hard contact lenses are often poorly tolerated, with little improvement in vision. At the Tygervalley Eye Laser Clinic, we can help you manage this condition effectively.

We use a Femtosecond Intralase laser that in our treatment of keratoconus. The laser is used to create intra-corneal channels for Ferrara rings placement. Ferrara rings act to flatten the cornea, giving it a more symmetrical and spherical shape. Prior to the introduction of the Intralase Femtosecond laser technology, manual techniques were used to create channels for the placement of Ferrara rings. This procedure often led to a number of complications due to inaccuracies.

The use of the Femtosecond laser allows the surgeon to create extremely accurate channels and, thus, reduces the risk of inflammation or infection. This type of laser is able to create a reproducible tunnel at 75% of the thinnest corneal thickness.

Advantages:

Process is reversible
The ring segments can be adjusted to correct vision further
Rings are biocompatible, meaning zero rejection
High satisfaction rate
Delay or stabilisation of cone progression
No minimum age for surgery
Compatible with other procedures
Zero interference with corneal transplants

For more information on this procedure, please contact us on 021 9100 300 or toll-free on 0860 EYELASER.

Every day hundreds of people start losing their sight…

…and when you take into account its considerable and irreplaceable value, it really is mind boggling that more people don’t take better care of their eyes. South African Eye Care Awareness Month is between September 24 and October 21 but there’s no better time than NOW to start giving them the care they deserve.

Can I Go Blind From Laser Eye Surgery?

Laser eye surgery has benefited from major innovations in control technology since the very first operation in 1992. While it is not entirely accurate to say that it is impossible to be blinded by laser eye surgery, the risk of such an occurrence is extremely small.

The technology used in laser eye surgery is now largely computer controlled, working within extremely small tolerances. Advanced procedures like the iLasik system allow completely bladeless procedures that produce even better results than older technology.

Remember, the process is very finely tailored to your own specific and exacting needs, it is not a generic process. Every patient’s needs are slightly different and the procedure affects only a very small section of the eye.

The procedure has become so safe and reliable that even NASA astronauts and U.S. fighter pilots can have it without any fear of compromising their visual acuity.

The Top 20 Antioxidant Rich Foods

Antioxidants act as the body’s major defense against free radicals and oxidative stress. They fight free radicals by supplying them with the electron they lack, and thus neutralize them. The body needs several types of antioxidants in order to function optimally and maintain good health. Adding more disease-fighting antioxidants into your diet will yield positive results. The following 20 foods contain very high antioxidant concentrations:

Pomegranates
Small red beans (dried)
Wild blueberries
Red kidney beans
Pinto beans
Blueberries (cultivated)
Cranberries
Artichokes (cooked)
Blackberries
Prunes
Raspberries
Strawberries
Red Delicious apples
Granny Smith apples
Pecans
Sweet cherries
Black plums
Gala apples
Black beans (dried)
Plums

Antioxidants occur naturally and are mostly drawn from the food that the body digests. Scientists believe that they can have positive effects on the body, in terms of reducing the risk of cancer, and the effects of ageing. Some antioxidants are more potent than others, but it is important to maintain a balance of the different types, by ensuring a varied diet. The potency of certain antioxidants contained in food can be affected by the method of cooking, as well as the digestion process. For example, the antioxidants in blueberries lose their potency when cooked, while the antioxidants in tomatoes become more potent when cooked.

So, if good health is one of your priorities, be sure to eat these antioxidant rich foods as part of a balanced and varied diet.