Category: What’s New

Several high-profile LASIK research studies on safety and performance, including the FDA PROWL study, have been showing consistently high marks for the procedure. Notably, the surgery has rated high in safety, outcomes and overall patient satisfaction. What does this mean for people considering LASIK?

Well, for one, these studies support the idea that LASIK is a safe, long-lasting, and satisfying eye treatment for patients. For those who qualify, it is becoming increasingly clear that the efficacy of this surgery is only getting better as long-term studies release their data. Interestingly, many of these studies have reported that the procedure is more likely to help symptoms of dry eye, glare, halo, starbursts and ghosting than it is to cause symptoms.

The results of one study in particular, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration-sponsored “Patient Reported Outcomes with LASIK (PROWL)” has been much anticipated by vision correction surgeons. What makes this study particularly important? Read on to find out.

Patient Reported Outcomes with LASIK (PROWL)

The FDA PROWL research was designed to develop and evaluate a patient-reported outcome questionnaire for use post-LASIK surgery. Approximately 574 subjects (262 active duty military personnel, 312 civilians from five investigational sites) were enrolled and asked to fill out an online questionnaire before LASIK and three-months post-surgery to account for recovery time.

The results of this study revealed great news about side-effects and potential for recovery post-LASIK. Symptoms of dry eye for over half of the patients (59%) cleared up after the three-month recovery time. Those who continued to report dry eye symptoms saw a statistically significant decline in the severity of their symptoms at the three-month mark.

For patients with no symptoms of dry eye prior to surgery, approximately 30% reported experiencing symptoms at three-months after LASIK. The typical clinical experience with dry eye post LASIK is a gradual improvement of symptoms throughout the healing process up to one year after surgery. This means that over time, most dry-eye symptoms are expected to either disappear completely or be significantly reduced.

Those with visual symptoms such as glare, starbursts, ghosting and halos before surgery benefited from LASIK. More than twice the number of patients reported their preoperative visual symptoms were gone at three months than those who reported an increase in symptoms at three months. These results spell good tidings for the future of LASIK.

The Future of LASIK

The findings from this highly anticipated study have affirmed the consensus of previous research into LASIK performance:

1. LASIK has a satisfaction rate of up to 98%. Generally speaking, side-effects or not, the procedure is well-regarded by patients.
2. Nearly 100% of patients achieve at least 20/40 vision, and more than 90% achieve 20/20 vision.
3. Less than 1% of patients lose two or more lines of best corrected visual acuity (BCVA)

As more data comes forward from long-term studies of LASIK, the future of the procedure looks bright. If you’re wondering whether you’re eligible for LASIK, try taking this quick 5 question quiz or talking to your ophthalmologist about your options.

If you would like to schedule a consultation, reach out at https://salisburyvisio.wpengine.com/contact/.

The Implantable Collamer Lens, or ICL, is a popular option for people seeking clear vision but who are ineligible for LASIK. Are you curious about ICL? Wondering whether you should be nervous? Here’s what to expect from your ICL eye surgery.

The procedure:

Before you enter the operating room, your ophthalmologist will use anesthetic drops to numb your eye before performing the operation. This will ensure that the procedure is completely painless. Then, a small incision will be made to allow the insertion of the contact lens which will sit on top of your natural lens and below the colored iris. The incision is self-sealing and does not require any sutures to be placed. The lens works by bending light so it can be focused in your retina, just like a contact. The ICL lens will stay in place and work to give you clear vision until you develop cataracts later in life. ICL eye surgery gets rid of the daily maintenance and hassle of regular contacts while still aiding your vision. The whole procedure should take 20-30 minutes.

Recovery:

After the surgery, your vision may be a tad blurry for a few days as your eyes heal and adjust to the lens implant. Eye drops will be prescribed to help clear any residual blurriness.

For the first 24 hours after the procedure, try to take it easy. You will be given an eye shield to wear for protection to leave on overnight. Avoid any strenuous activities such as swimming or heavy exercise for 2 weeks after the surgery. You should expect to make a full recovery within a few weeks.

If your eye becomes swollen, sticky, or especially painful, you should consider contacting your doctor.

What may make someone ineligible for ICL?

• Being under 18 years old
• Having cataracts
• Having glaucoma
• Recurrent inflammation
• Being currently pregnant or breastfeeding
• Not having a stable prescription
• Not having enough room in front of the eye for the lens

Who IS eligible?

The ideal candidate for the EVO Visian ICL is between 21-45 years old and has nearsightedness with or without astigmatism. An estimated 100 million U.S. adults ages 21 to 45 who have myopia (nearsightedness) are potential candidates for ICL surgery.

Why ICL?

For patients unable or unwilling to get LASIK, ICL is a great option. Since it does not require the shape of the cornea to be altered, it preserves the natural shape of the eye and can be removed if there are any complications. Also, unlike LASIK, ICL does not cause or worsen dry eye issues.

What does ICL treat?

ICL can treat myopia (nearsightedness) and astigmatism. Since it effectively functions as a permanent contact lens, most people with a permanent contact prescription are eligible for ICL.

So… what now?

If ICL sounds like the right procedure for you, contact your eye doctor today! With ICL, you could have clear or mostly clear vision without having to deal with the daily hassles of cleaning your contacts or keeping track of your glasses. For more information about ICL, click here to read our blog post about the EVO Visian Implantable Contact Lens.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Salisbury, visit https://salisburyvisio.wpengine.com/contact/.

Ever wished you had clear vision, free from contacts or prescription eyeglasses? Maybe you’ve considered Laser-assisted in situ Keratomileusis (LASIK) but are nervous about the procedure. There are many common myths regarding LASIK’s risks and potential complications, so let’s debunk those misconceptions

• MYTH: I’m too old for LASIK!

FACT: Patients tend to be 18+, but there is not an upper age limit. There are some age-related eye complications that may hinder your eligibility for LASIK. If you’re curious about whether you’re eligible, take this quick, 5 question quiz to see if LASIK may be right for you. You’ll want to schedule an appointment with your ophthalmologist for further consultation regarding your specific situation pre-surgery too.

• MYTH: LASIK is a new surgery, so its long-term effects haven’t been studied!

FACT: LASIK has been performed for nearly 30 years! Several studies have propagated the safety and effectiveness of this procedure, so don’t fret about totally unexpected side-effects years down the line. There are some potential side-effects that may occur later on, but the risk of those is minimal.

• MYTH: I’m going to be in pain during the surgery!

FACT: The procedure is rarely accompanied by any pain for the patient, other than a slight pressure at the beginning of the surgery as the initial incision is performed. After the surgery, there may be some itching or discomfort for the first few days or weeks, which can be alleviated by eye drops.

• MYTH: Only nearsighted patients can get LASIK!

FACT: Actually, advancements in LASIK technology can be used to treat a variety of eye problems, ranging from astigmatism to myopia. There are also a variety of alternatives to LASIK which can treat all sorts of refractive errors.

• MYTH: I could go permanently blind because of LASIK!

FACT: There have never been any reports of blindness stemming from LASIK, and most side-effects tend to be mild and temporary. Since LASIK is a procedure aimed at reshaping the cornea of the eye, something would have to go seriously wrong on the part of your ophthalmologist’s part for you to go completely blind.

• MYTH: LASIK is very expensive, I can’t afford it!

FACT: Most insurance policies don’t cover the cost of LASIK, but there are a variety of different financing options available to help with the price. Plus, as the technology has become more advanced and widespread, the cost has decreased over the years to be more affordable for everyone!

• MYTH: I don’t have the time for full recovery from LASIK!

FACT: Eyesight improvement will generally be noted immediately after the procedure, although it may take 24-48 hours. Approximately 99% of patients are able to return to work and normal activities by the morning following the surgery. No eye patches, no stitches– just a couple of eye drops for around a week afterwards to help with dry eyes!

• MYTH: I’ll never need eyeglasses or contacts again after I get LASIK!

FACT: LASIK doesn’t prevent natural eye aging, which means that after you turn 40 your vision may naturally begin to decline. You may need reading glasses or ones specific to driving at night, but for day-to-day tasks you will definitely notice improvement.

If you are thinning about LASIK surgery, schedule a consultation with Dr. Salisbury today!

Planning on getting LASIK? Before you place the trust in someone to perform this life-changing procedure for you, it’s important to make sure that you are informed. Here are 12 important questions you should ask before getting LASIK. These are useful questions you can ask your surgeon about the procedure, coverage, complications, recovery and more.

1. What is included in the cost of my procedure?
2. Is this price based upon the type of laser vision correction procedure my surgeon and I have decided? Is it best for my current vision and lifestyle?
3. Are there any additional costs not included in the price of the procedure that I might not be thinking of?
4. Does the price cover the cost of the procedure for both my eyes?
5. Can my insurance reduce the cost of my procedure?
6. Is my surgeon in-network for my medical insurance or vision insurance plan?
7. Are there any prescription medications I may need that aren’t included in the cost of the procedure?
8. If I need a LASIK enhancement, is that included in the price?
9. What if I have a complication after LASIK? How are the costs of the follow-up visits and additional treatment handled?
10. How much would temporary contact lenses or glasses after the procedure cost if I need them?
11. What if I need additional follow-up visits during recovery from LASIK? How much should I expect to pay for each of those visits?
12. May I have a written and itemized quote that includes all of the costs associated with my procedure?

Understanding the benefits and risks of this procedure is just as important as understanding the costs associated. It is best to have a clear understanding of what is (and is not) included in the LASIK procedure before you make your decision. Knowing what questions to ask before LASIK can help you get the information you need to properly make your decision. A reputable LASIK practice should have no problem answering your questions thoughtfully and with respect for your needs. If you find that is not the case, you may want to consider finding a different LASIK surgeon to work with to achieve the clear vision that you deserve.

For children who need prescription glasses, putting those new frames on for the first time can feel like they’re seeing the world in a whole new way (no pun intended!). That said, adjusting to wearing and maintaining those glasses can be a challenge, particularly for younger patients. If you’re a parent or guardian with a child who has just gotten their first pair of glasses, here are a few tips to help make that transition just a tad smoother.

Engage your child in the process

It may be tempting to choose your child’s first frames on your own, especially when you see how cute they can look with that first pair on! However, your child may not like what you choose for them, and this can make adjusting to the glasses more difficult. Do your best to include your child in the process of picking out what style feels right for them. If they feel like they have a say in the matter, they’ll be more likely to want to wear those frames on a regular basis.

Be sure that the glasses fit properly and are comfortable

Ask your child about any discomfort they may feel after getting their glasses and watch for any signs that they don’t fit correctly. Consider investing in a strap or ear grips if the glasses seem to prefer slipping down your child’s nose rather than staying where they’re supposed to. This will help keep the glasses in place so that they can function correctly and be more comfortable

Make proper maintenance a part of their daily routine

Forming good habits is essential to keeping your child’s glasses well maintained in the long run. Try teaching them proper cleaning techniques and reminding them to practice after brushing their teeth or before getting ready for bed. Pretty soon you may find you won’t need to remind them anymore, and those glasses will last longer!

Show them that glasses are common in the world around them

Some kids may feel insecure about wearing glasses at first, so it is important to show them that glasses are being worn all over! If there’s a public figure, celebrity, or superhero your child looks up to, see if you can find any images of them wearing glasses. Over 60% of people wear glasses or contact lenses, so odds are you’ll find some examples to help your child feel less alienated.

Take breaks at home while their eyes adjust

For the first week or so after getting a new prescription, it’s common for there to be some slight discomfort and soreness as eyes get used to a new way of seeing the world. For kids, this means taking breaks will be important to give their eyes time to rest and recuperate. Things should get better after around a month, and if they don’t you should talk to your doctor about how to address any lingering effects or try a different prescription.

Stay encouraging and positive throughout the process

Change can be tough for children, but it is essential that you remain excited and encouraging throughout this process. Try positive reinforcement such as offering small rewards when you notice them acting responsibly with their glasses. Even just reminding them that you’re proud of how the glasses are being maintained can motivate better habits and make adjusting easier.

Listen to any concerns and work through them together

It’s imperative that you ensure your child feels seen and heard if something about their glasses is troubling them. Sometimes their concerns will be serious, sometimes not, but either way, you should let them know you care about any issues that may arise. Make this process as much of a team effort as you can.

Answer any questions as best you can

Kids ask a lot of questions! Be prepared for them to ask you everything from “what exactly do glasses do” to “who invented them in the first place” to “why do I even have to wear these things” ! You may not have all the answers and that’s okay! Do the best you can and if you need to consult ye olde Google every now and then, who’s looking?

Remind them of how much their glasses are helping them see the world

Children can forget the positives and focus solely on the negatives sometimes, especially when it comes to change. Explaining how much their glasses are helping them perceive the world around them may be an important aspect to keeping spirits high.

Keep it fun!

At the end of the day, kids love to have fun. If you can tie glasses-wearing into an engaging game or light-hearted competition, your child will be motivated to take proper care of their glasses and form lasting habits that you’ll be grateful for in the long run.

If you suspect your child may need glasses, we can ensure they have a beautiful window to the world. Reach out to Dr. Salisbury to schedule an appointment at https://salisburyvisio.wpengine.com/contact/

LASIK, or Laser-assisted in situ Keratomileusis, is an eye surgery that utilizes a technologically advanced form of laser vision correction to correct common vision problems. Around 600,000 LASIK surgeries are performed in the United States every year, and more than 19 million of these procedures have been performed in the 20+ years since LASIK has been FDA-approved. The vast majority of patients wind up with 20/20 vision after the surgery and most (95%) say that they’re happy with the results.

That said, getting LASIK comes with its own set of risks. Persistent symptoms, cost concerns, and the slim possibility of the procedure resulting in worse vision can discourage some patients from pursuing LASIK. Generally speaking, LASIK is a reliable procedure. However, it is important to weigh the pros and cons before pursuing it. Read on to determine whether LASIK is worth it for you.

The procedure:

LASIK can correct near-sightedness (myopia), far-sightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism. The procedure is considered a safe and effective procedure that enables you to leave behind your glasses or contacts and have a clear view of the world. 

There are two primary steps when it comes to performing a successful LASIK procedure. A superficial flap is created on the cornea which is subsequently lifted. Once lifted, an excimer laser is used to reshape the cornea beneath its surface in the bed of the flap. The flap is then repositioned to its original place, leaving minimal scarring once the flap has healed in place. The procedure takes around 10 minutes to perform and takes a few weeks to fully heal from.

As technology has become more advanced, so too has LASIK. The femtosecond laser, for example, has allowed for greater safety and precision when performing the procedure. Also, the ability to measure and create a customized map of the cornea allows for more precise vision correction and better outcomes. 

Pros:

• Significant vision improvement without the need for glasses and contacts
• Cost-effective in the long run (compared to prescription glasses/contacts)
• Less eye strain and irritation from contact lenses
• No more hassle with fogging glasses while wearing masks
• Advanced technology and techniques cause greater reliability in procedure
• Most side effects are mild and temporary

Cons:

• Initial cost (not usually covered by insurance, although there are options for financing the operation or using HSA accounts)
• Small risk of long-term issues such as dry eye symptoms or nighttime glare/halos
• Possible for LASIK not to completely correct your vision and glasses/contacts may still be necessary
• Prescription/vision can change over time as you age

Are you eligible?

There are several factors to consider when deciding whether LASIK is right for you. These include, but may not be limited to age, amount of prescription, dry eye, and previous eye surgery. Try taking this quiz to quickly find out if you may be eligible for LASIK. 

If you find that LASIK is not worth it for you, there are other options such as PRK, Refractive Lens Exchange, or the EVO Visian Implantable Contact Lens (ICL). Try talking to your ophthalmologist about the best options for you.

If LASIK is worth it for you, please contact us at Salisbury Vision. Dr. Salisbury is a cornea and refractive specialist who performs cataract surgery, LASIK, PRK, ICL, corneal transplants including PKP, DSAEK, DMEK, and DALK, and minimally invasive glaucoma surgery. He understands the importance of an eye doctor who truly cares about his patients.

Reach out today to find out if LASIK is right for you!

Most of us these days spend a lot of time on computers. Whether it is for work or personal business, it is all but unavoidable. And it takes a toll on our eyes. You probably notice signs by the end of the day – fatigue, blurry vision, etc. But did you know there are some solutions that can help? Read on to learn what you can do to work smarter.

Devices – All Day Every Day

On average, an American adult worker spends about seven hours every day working on a computer or digital device. This approximation fails to factor in any free time many spend staring at phone screens, tablets or personal computers after the workday is over. Exposing our eyes to this much screen time can cause digital eye strain, also known as “computer vision syndrome.”

Digital eye strain describes the harmful effects experienced after extended exposure to digital devices. Some symptoms only cause short-term discomfort, but others can have long-lasting effects.

Symptoms of Digital Eye Strain

Most symptoms of digital eye strain are temporary, but some can last up until significant lifestyle changes are enacted. Some examples of the symptoms include:

• Eye strain/fatigue
• Blurry vision
• Difficulty focusing between near and far distances
• Tired eyes
• Double vision
• Dry eyes
• Headaches
• Light sensitivity
• Neck/shoulder discomfort
• Disrupted sleep cycles
• Migraines

What Causes Digital Eye Strain?

While blue light exposure is the most widely credited cause of digital eye strain, according to the Cleveland Clinic, blue light is not as damaging to the eyes as people think. Many people do experience digital eye strain, but it is more the function of the following events than the blue light itself.

Digital devices such as computers, phones, and tablets emit a small amount of light and those with light sensitivity can feel bothered or fatigued over time.

Another potential cause of digital eye strain is a lack of blinking. Staring at a digital screen for a long time can cause your eyes to blink less. Blinking helps keep your eyes moist, so dry eyes often result from gratuitous screen time.

Distance to the screen is another factor. Looking at a screen from a short distance can also bring about digital eye strain. Holding your phone close to your face or leaning forward and squinting at a computer screen strains your eye muscles because doing so means they have to work harder to focus. Think about the difference between holding your hand a couple of inches from your face and trying to focus on your palm versus holding it a foot or so away. With normal vision, the eyes have a much easier time looking at the hand that is farther away than the hand situated extremely close by, and continuously trying to focus on the closer hand can cause your eyes discomfort and fatigue.

Finally, poor lighting can cause a glare effect on your screen as light bounces off the glass screen and into your eyes. This effect can be similar to looking at the sun without sunglasses.

How to Address Digital Eye Strain

There are some quick-fix solutions to addressing digital eye strain, but be aware that completely eradicating its effects may require significant lifestyle adjustments.

Eye drops:

Eye drops were made for reintroducing moisture into your eyes and helping reinitiate your natural tears. Using them regularly before, after, and/or while using your digital device can aid dry eye sufferers.

Humidifier:

Humidifiers help to reintroduce moisture into the air. Having one nearby, particularly in the winter when heaters dry out the air (and, by proxy, your eyes) may be a good choice.

Frequent blinking:

Simply reminding yourself to blink may seem silly, but it can significantly help with dry eyes. If you start to notice your eyes drying up, take a moment away from the screens and just blink. Doing so can help to prevent symptoms from worsening.

Wearing glasses instead of contact lenses:

For those with prescription eyeglasses who usually wear contacts when working at a computer, consider switching back to your glasses. For one, your contact lenses likely aid in drying out your eyes.

20-20-20 rule:

One useful trick to address digital eye strain is commonly referred to as the “20-20-20 rule”. The technique is simple: after every 20 minutes spent in front of a screen, you take at least 20 seconds to look at an object at least 20 feet away. This helps your eyes refocus and can reduce or rid you of any difficulty focusing on near or far distances as a result of digital eye strain.

• Adjusting text size:
• Changing the font size on your device can help you read easier without having to get closer to the screen. You could also zoom in on web pages that have tiny, difficult-to-read text rather than leaning into your computer screen.
• Taking breaks:

It is recommended that every 2 hours or so, you should take about 20 minutes to rest your eyes. If you’re at work and this isn’t an option for you, try avoiding digital devices for the first hour or so once you get home to give your eyes a break.

Busting the Myth of Blue Light Glasses

There is absolutely no harm in wearing blue light glasses while working on a screen, but evidence suggests they do not have much impact since blue light is not the culprit of digital eye strain. If you have a condition where light sensitivity is an issue, you can try lenses with an FL-41 tint, which is a better option than blue light glasses,

As a whole, digital eye strain can be addressed in a variety of ways. Although it has a wide array of symptoms and solutions, it has one root cause: prolonged exposure to digital devices. So, try taking a break from your phone, computer or tablet and rest your eyes. You may be surprised at how quickly your symptoms lessen or vanish entirely.

Studies have shown that over 24 million people aged 40 and up in the United States suffer from cataracts. Cataracts occur when the natural lens inside the eye becomes thickened, less transparent, and more rigid. This can cause cloudy vision, often compared to looking through a frosty or fogged-up window, and may make reading, driving, or seeing facial expressions difficult.

Until recently, standard cataract removal surgery was the only option to get rid of cataracts and restore a patient’s vision. For patients who suffered from refractive errors alongside cataracts, this procedure often required that patients wear prescription glasses after the surgery. Now, though, there is an alternative option to simultaneously eliminate cataracts and correct refractive errors. This alternative is refractive cataract surgery.

What are refractive errors?

A refractive error in the eye occurs when the light does not properly focus on the retina. Some examples include nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), astigmatism, and presbyopia. When there is no cataract present, refractive treatments such as LASIK and ICL eye surgery can help to restore vision.

If a person has both refractive error and cataracts and decides to undergo standard cataract surgery, they should expect to need glasses or cataracts after surgery. However, refractive cataract surgery offers another option. With refractive cataract surgery, patients can expect to have any clear vision without the need for glasses or contacts.

What is refractive cataract surgery?

The procedure is similar to standard cataract removal surgery in that the cataract lens is removed from the eye and replaced with an Intraocular lens implant, but the difference lies in the way that refractive cataract surgery uses advanced laser and lens technology to eliminate the need for glasses post-surgery.

One of the available options for reflective cataract surgery is LenSx® Laser Cataract Surgery, a “bladeless surgery”. While standard cataract surgery involves the use of a surgical blade to perform various incisions through the cornea and inside the eye, the LenSx® femtosecond laser performs these incisions more precisely, ultimately improving healing times and final outcomes for patients.

Another option is Multifocal IOLs, the most technologically advanced intraocular lens implant used in cataract surgery. These lenses provide clear distance, intermediate, and reading vision without having to wear any type of glasses or contacts afterwards. These implants can be placed at the time of cataract surgery or prior to the development of cataracts with a refractive lens exchange surgery.

Who is eligible?

If you are interested in refractive cataract surgery, there are some basic criteria that must be met to be eligible. Besides needing to have cataracts, you must have some reliance on glasses or contacts to see clearly. An assessment from an ophthalmologist to determine your eligibility for refractive cataract surgery is also necessary. Your eye surgeon may recommend that you pursue standard cataract surgery instead because not every patient is a candidate for refractive cataract surgery.

What to expect:

Refractive cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure that has an extremely high success rate. The latest technology of lasers and intraocular lens implants are used to give patients clear vision without the need for glasses or contacts. It is a painless procedure performed under conscious sedation with minimal recovery time.  After the surgery, you may experience some mild discomfort or irritation in your eye. The vision should be clear within a week of surgery.

What next?

If refractive cataract surgery sounds like right for you, next up is finding a qualified ophthalmologist. Dr. Salisbury is a cornea and refractive specialist who performs cataract surgery, LASIK, PRK, ICL, corneal transplants including PKP, DSAEK, DMEK, and DALK, and minimally invasive glaucoma surgery.

Reach out today to find out if you feel like you could be a candidate for refractive cataract surgery!