Dean Dornic, MD

Wavefront-guided, wavefront-optimized platforms for LASIK and PRK yield comparable results

2012-01-26T20:33:00.000-08:00

Wavefront-guided, wavefront-optimized platforms for LASIK and PRK yield comparable results

Laser Eye Surgery News: Raleigh LASIK Eye Surgeon to Present in Abu Dhabi

2012-01-11T04:19:00.000-08:00

Laser Eye Surgery News: Raleigh LASIK Eye Surgeon to Present in Abu Dhabi

LASIK Enhancements

2011-11-13T08:11:00.000-08:00

Most patients will enjoy excellent vision after their LASIK procedure. A study by the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery shows that more than 95 percent of patients who have undergone LASIK surgery are pleased with their new vision.
But not everyone will achieve perfect, 20/20 vision after just one procedure. And achieving perfect vision can be an illusive goal.
Each patient has unique variables and different degrees of vision needs that may affect their satisfaction with their visual outcome. Are you a perfectionist? Maybe you should consider a a pair of night time driving glasses if this is the only time you notice difficulty with your vision. If you are not satisfied with your vision after LASIK eye surgery, you are not necessarily "stuck" with the results after a single procedure. In some instances, an additional eye surgery — (often termed a "LASIK enhancement") — to give you the sharpness of vision you desire may be advisable..
LASIK enhancements are more common among patients over 40 years of age and those with high refractive errors. Because vision can fluctuate during the first few weeks after your LASIK procedure, (due to such factors as healing and dry eyes), it is usually advisable to wait at least 3 weeks before undergoing a LASIK enhancement.
Do not assume, that just because your vision is not "perfect" that you will need an enhancement. LASIK enhancements are generally quite successful but not always advisable. Seek the counsel of your LASIK eye surgeon and ask him what the risks and benefits of a second procedure are.

The LASIK Procedure.

2011-11-04T21:10:00.000-07:00

Dr. Dean Dornic explains the basics of the LASIK procedure.

2011-10-30T09:44:00.001-07:00

Newsweek Names Dr. Dean Dornic One of 15 Leaders in Laser Eye Surgery

Laser Eye Center Acquires New iFS Laser for Eye Surgery - PR.com

2011-09-29T10:37:00.000-07:00

Laser Eye Center Acquires New iFS Laser for Eye Surgery - PR.com

Dr. Dean Dornic Performs First Raleigh Area Laser-Enabled Corneal Transplant | Money Watch Finance

2011-07-14T03:50:00.000-07:00

Dr. Dean Dornic Performs First Raleigh Area Laser-Enabled Corneal Transplant | Money Watch Finance

Laser Eye Center Acquires New iFS Laser for Eye Surgery - PR.com

2011-07-02T09:01:00.000-07:00

Laser Eye Center Acquires New iFS Laser for Eye Surgery - PR.com

The LASIK Flap

2011-05-24T18:01:00.000-07:00

The first step of the LASIK procedure is to create a “flap”. The flap can be created by several different instruments including a microkeratome which is an instrument with a blade to cut a thin sheet of the cornea or a femtosecond laser which creates a flap through photodisruption and tissue separation. The creation of a flap does not contribute to the correction of refractive error. The LASIK flap simply serves as a lid under which the reshaping of the cornea takes place. Although the creation of a flap with a microkeratome (blade) is generally safe and for many years was the only way a LASIK flap was made, if a complication occurred during a LASIK procedure, it almost always was related to this first step of flap creation.
The IntraLase femtosecond laser was introduced as a safer way to create a flap several years ago. It offers unparalleled safety because it offers more precise thickness settings, is more customizable, is unaffected by the shape of the patients cornea, allows the surgeon to visualize flap creation and offers a “second chance feature” In addition the flap parameters can be adjusted to create a “manhole” configuration that causes the flap to fit snug decreasing the risk of flap slippage.
Raleigh LASIK patients may be confused by “cut-rate” LASIK centers offering blade-free or All-Laser Z-LASIK assuming this is the same as IntraLase. While Z-LASIK is indeed blade-free and does offer precise thickness settings like IntraLase, it offers none of the other safety features ie customization, lack of variability related to an individual patients starting cornea shape, the surgeon can not watch the flap being created and there is no second chance feature: basically you have only one chance to get it right.
Dr. Dean Dornic is the first Raleigh area ophthalmologist to perform IntraLase all-laser LASIK. He also has considerable experience with Z-LASIK. Dr. Dornic's experience with both types of all-laser LASIK proceures make him a sought-after authority. Dr. Dornic has written and lectured on IntraLase and Z-LASIK and his conclusion: IntraLase is far superior. So don't be fooled into thinking all LASIK procedures are the same or that all Blade-Free LASIK procedures are the same. Many patients seek out our services over cheaper providers because they took the time to study the difference in technology and value their safety over a couple hundred dollars in savings.

Newer Model of ReStor Outperforms Old Model

2011-04-24T05:34:00.000-07:00

The newer model of ReStor intraocular lens used in cataract surgery performs better than the older. A new study comparing the new model with the old model confirms what most ophthalmologists that implant these lenses have concluded. I have been implanting multifocal intraocular lenses for many years but have done so with caution. Multifocal intraocular lenses tended to have problems with night halos, limited range of vision, and problems with image quality (similar to the problems seen with bifocal contact lenses). The difference, of course, is patients unhappy with bifocal contacts just need to remove them or wear them at select times. Patients unhappy with multifocal implants require another surgery to replace them. Multifocal implants still aren't for everyone but the improvements in lens design significantly increase the chances of patient satisfaction and decrease the risk that an exchange will be necessary.

What's Different About IntraLase?

2011-04-22T04:01:00.000-07:00

IntraLase is superior to conventionalLASIK and Z-LASIK for several reasons. One reason is the ability of the surgeon to watch the flap being created. Here's a video of an IntraLase LASIK procedure. To watch it, click here.

Endothelial Keratoplasty: The Relationship between Donor Tissue Storage Time and Donor Endothelial Survival

2011-01-22T06:49:00.000-08:00

Endothelial Keratoplasty: The Relationship between Donor Tissue Storage Time and Donor Endothelial Survival

Minimizing Loss of Corneal Biomechanical Strength in Refractive Surgery

2011-01-21T17:36:00.000-08:00

Minimizing Loss of Corneal Biomechanical Strength in Refractive Surgery

Eye Doctor's Testimonial

2011-01-13T09:57:00.000-08:00

Preventing Infections in Eye Surgery

2011-01-07T17:05:00.000-08:00

One of the most devastating things that can happen from cataract surgery is a serious infection inside the eye (endophthalmitis). The most common source of infection is from bacteria in the tears or on the eyelids that find their way into the eye as a result of infection. Empirically, eye surgeons prescribe antibiotic eye drops to be utilized before and after surgery although this has never been conclusively shown to effect the rate of endophthalmitis. The only measures known to decrease the risk of eye infection from cataract surgery is the use of povidone iodine dropped into the eye just before surgery and the use of antibiotics injected into the eye at the time of surgery. I do both of these measures but many ophthalmologists do not inject antibiotics because there are no commercially available antibiotics specifically approved for this use. Hopefully this will eventually happen and the rate of serious eye infections will decrease. To watch a video of cataract surgery, visit my YouTube page.

The LASIK Lifetime Guarantee

2010-12-27T13:55:00.000-08:00

How valuable is a LASIK "lifetime guarantee"? Well not as valuable as you might think. Why? There tends to be a lot of strings.
What’s the catch?
1. The lifetime guarantee only applies to patients within certain parameters. They typically are not available for farsightedness, or for patients with more significant amounts of nearsightedness or astigmatism.
2. The lifetime guarantee only applies if you get an excellent outcome on your initial LASIK procedure. The guarantee is void if you need an enhancement or “touch-up” procedure.
3. The guarantee only applies if your vision changes to significantly more nearsightedness (worse than 20/40). What if you drift to 20/30 or become farsighted as you age? Sorry, you’re on your own.
4. The guarantee allows only for additional LASIK procedures. Of course, there is a limit to the number of times a LASIK procedure can be performed and the guarantee does not apply to procedures such as conductive keratoplasty which may be a better option for you as you age.
5. The center determines the advisability of further LASIK. This does not allow for the participation of the patient in the decision making.
6. The “lifetime” referred to may be the lifetime of the center. We have seen several patients who were patients of now defunct laser centers who found that their lifetime guarantees were worthless. And what happens if LASIK itself becomes defunct? Witness the history of the old RK procedure.
7. You may be required to undergo yearly exams at an affiliated doctor’s office. Miss one of these mandated exams and your guarantee becomes void. Such restrictions are an unnecessary burden and expense making it difficult and in some cases, impossible for a patient to meet their obligation under this arrangement.
Much more important than any type of guarantee is the reputation and trust you have in your surgeon. Be sure and ask "what happens if my eyes or vision needs change?" and make sure you are satisfied with the answer.

LASIK Cost

2010-12-25T13:28:00.000-08:00

One of the most common questions potential LASIK patients ask is that of cost. Patients are often befuddled by the wide variability in prices charged for a LASIK procedure. Consumers often make the mistake when inquiring about price that they are comparing apples to apples. But over the years the LASIK procedure has evolved and changed so that there are many different techniques and technologies available to correct vision with variable success and safety profiles. In addition there are variable amounts of service associated with the fees charged.

As a general rule, the lower the fee, the less surgeon-patient interaction there is. The reason is that lower fees mean that more patients need to be treated in order to generate the same level of income as fewer patients at a higher fee.

There are other factors that can account for differences in fees even if you meet the surgeon at every visit before and after surgery. The more experience of the surgeon, typically the higher the fee. In other words, the greater the expertise, the higher the fee. As with any profession, some surgeons are more skilled than others which includes not only surgical expertise, but also diagnostic expertise as well since LASIK is not always the best procedure for everyone. Some patients may be better suited for other procedures and some patients should not have surgery at all.

The equipment and physical plant is another cost factor. There are several studies that confirm that an environmentally controlled room is essential to good LASIK outcomes. The surgical suite should have a separate heating and cooling unit from the rest of the clinic. Humidity must be strictly controlled. An air filtration system may have some impact on outcomes. There are several different manufacturers of flap making devices and lasers to perform the procedure all with varied prices and associated costs just as there are different makes and models of automobiles. Which would you want: a Ferrari or a Hyundai? In general, an all-laser or blade-free LASIK procedure is safer and more precise than a standard LASIK but costs more. A wave-front guided procedure costs more than a wavefront-optimized procedure which costs more than a conventional LASIK. The more expensive techniques tend to give better results and fewer side-effects such as night-time driving difficulties.

There will always remain those patients who seek only the lowest price but the educated LASIK consumer should seek to investigate further before settling on their vision correction provider.

iLASIK using the Intralase Method™ Revolutionizes LASIK:

2010-08-08T18:04:00.000-07:00

• There are two steps in the LASIK procedure. Recent advancements in LASIK laser technology reveal that the first step – creating a corneal flap – plays a significant role in the overall success of the procedure, including safety and visual outcomes.

• The IntraLase® FS laser is the first technology for a truly all-laser, blade-free LASIK procedure, replacing the hand-held microkeratome blade historically used in the first step of the procedure with a computer-guided ultra-fast femtosecond (fem-to-second) laser.

• This revolutionary advancement, called LASIK with the IntraLase Method, dramatically improves the safety of corneal flap creation by virtually eliminating almost all of the most serious, sight-threatening microkeratome-related complications. It also has a superior safety profile to the other all-laser LASIK procedure: Z-LASIK.

o While LASIK is a successful and safe procedure, the use of the microkeratome blade accounts for the majority of severe complications.

• Clinical data reveal the IntraLase FS laser does more than create a safer, planar corneal flap. It also prepares an optimal corneal surface below the flap, providing for superior visual outcomes, especially among Custom/Wavefront patients.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration

2010-07-11T21:16:00.000-07:00

Age-Related Macular Degeneration

USA Board of Ophthalmological Freedom

2010-07-07T21:59:00.000-07:00

USA Board of Ophthalmological Freedom

What I Learned in Japan

2010-06-25T01:26:00.000-07:00

I went to Japan to lecture on LASIK but I'm the one who got an education. Today I ventured out to the Osaka Aquarium. I decided to take the subway, but of course, my first task was to find the station. I was surprised and delighted by the willingness of those around me who went out of their way to help without me asking. One lady riding a bike stopped to ask if she could help when she saw me studying my map. She got off her bike and walked with it several blocks so she could direct me to the station. She then left her bike at the entrance of the subway and walked me inside to make sure I got to the correct line. Another student made sure I got on the correct train. I had a great time at the Aquarium and was able to order my meal by pointing at pictures. All along the way I was greeted by a polite bow and a smile. I reflect back on my day with fond memories and am thankful that the only Japanese phrase I bothered to learn besides “kamichiwa” before leaving the hotel was “domo arigato” or thank-you.

Raleigh LASIK Eye Surgeon to Speak in Japan

2010-06-13T17:01:00.000-07:00

Raleigh LASIK Eye Surgeon to Speak in Japan

Dr Dean Dornic MD, Lasik Surgeon @ Laser Eye Center

2010-04-25T18:31:00.000-07:00

Here is a video featuring my good friend, Dr. Uwe Canting.
http://www.celebratelakepepin.org/cost-lasik-eye-surgery/dr-dean-dornic-md-lasik-surgeon-laser-eye-center

Z-LASIK is Not IntraLase

2010-04-25T12:18:00.000-07:00

Patients are often confused by LASIK terminology. IntraLase and Z-LASIK are both "All-Laser" LASIK but Z-LASIK is a lower priced IntraLase imitator without all the custom and safety features of IntraLase. Where price is not a determining factor, the military and major university eye centers have all chosen IntraLase over Z-LASIK. Dr. Dean Dornic of the Laser Eye Center of Carolina has performed both IntraLase and Z-LASIK. He agrees that IntraLase is better. Don't shortchange yourself; choose IntraLase and, in the Raleigh NC area, choose Laser Eye Center of Carolina.

Don't Limit Your Choices

2010-04-11T22:07:00.000-07:00

If you go to a LASIK Only Center you'll most likely get....LASIK. But wouldn't you feel better knowing that you were getting a procedure that was personalized for you.
Dr. Dean Dornic of the Laser Eye Center offers all available FDA approved vision correction procedures. So you can be confident knowing that you will be receiving the procedure most likely to result in success. Some patients may not be suitable for LASIK because of thin corneas, unusual corneal topography or coexisting medical conditions. Golfers use an assortment of clubs and mechanics a variety of tools, so why would you trust your eyes to a center that performs only one type of vision correction procedure?
Dr. Dean Dornic is one of the most experienced LASIK providers in the triangle and has recently been named a top 50 LASIK surgeon http://www.pr.com/press-release/224475 but he also has extensive experience in CK, PRK, SBK, Intacs and intraocular lenses. So if you want a truly customized vision correction solution, why not come in for a complimentary consultation with Dr. Dornic.

Crystalens for Cataract Surgery

2009-07-19T19:13:00.000-07:00

Quick facts on Crystalens®
During cataract surgery the cloudy cataractous lens is replaced with a clear artificial lens (implant). Many patients with cataracts are candidates for a flexible implant that can focus both at distance and near to reduce or eliminate the need for reading glasses.
Patients who are good candidates for standard monofocal IOLs are typically good candidates for Crystalens. If a patient has healthy eyes, has not had previous cataract surgery, and does not suffer from any major health problems, then he or she is likely to be a good candidate.
More than twice the number of patients implanted with Crystalens could see well at all distances compared to a standard IOL.
Most Crystalens patients have reduced their dependence on glasses and are able to read the newspaper or a phone book without glasses.
Most Crystalens patients are able to see their computers, dashboards and anything else at arm’s length without glasses.
Most Crystalens patients are able to see 20/40 or better after surgery, so the clock across the room and the TV in the corner are clearly within sight.
Many of our Crystalens patients can see well enough to do away with their reading glasses, bifocals, or contact lenses. The Crystalens procedure is highly successful and most people regain very good distance vision, somewhere between 20/20 and 20/40.

Custom LASIK Does Not Equal CustomVue

2009-07-14T20:22:00.000-07:00

Raleigh area LASIK candidates can be confused by advertisements for “custom LASIK”. Patients considering LASIK and who understand that the results of custom LASIK are in general, better than conventional LASIK, may mistakenly believe that all providers who offer custom LASIK are offering the same service.
Unfortunately, some providers of wavefront optimized LASIK advertise their procedure as “custom”. This is a distortion of the original meaning of custom LASIK which refers to wavefront guided LASIK.
Needless to say, the visual performance of wavefront guided LASIK tends to be better than wavefront optimized. This has been born out by numerous studies and is the reason that NASA and the Department of Defense prefers wavefront guided LASIK.
Vision problems can be categorized into lower order ones (nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism) and higher order aberrations: the type that cause visual distortions, night time halos and starbursts. Wavefront optimized LASIK simply means there is an effort made not to induce new aberrations. Wavefront guided LASIK means that there is an effort to correct any preexisting distortions /aberrations and is the reason some LASIK patients will note that there vision is actually better after LASIK than it was before with their best glasses or contact lenses.
Raleigh area LASIK candidates may want to investigate data submitted to the FDA on LASIK. They will discover that the LASIK technology with the highest ever rate of 20/20 results was accomplished by CustomVue on a VISX Star laser and is the same technology employed here at the Laser Eye Center of Carolina.

Crystalens HD

2009-05-22T21:04:00.000-07:00

The Crystalens HD is a fourth generation accomodating implant used during cataract surgery. It gives a better range of focus than previous models. The Crystalens implant is the only IOL of its kind approved by the FDA. Because it is flexible, patients are able to see both distance and near without the need for eyeglasses. As time goes on, I expect to see even better models with a still wider range of focus. See http://www.crystalens.com for more information.

Premium IOLs in Europe

2009-05-18T16:46:00.000-07:00

In what may appear to be contradictory facts, European patients have more choices of premium intraocular lenses to be used in their cataract surgery but fewer than 10% actually end up getting them.
There are more choices because the implants can be brought to market sooner with fewer regulations. Some of the implants currently being reviewed by our FDA are already being used in Europe.
But...because of the restrictive health care system, many of these implants are available only to patients who get their care outside of government provided health care. This is because many of the plans do not allow doctors additional compensation for the additional time and expense involved in providing these implants. They are even forbidden to attempt to collect any additional fees from the patient. This is a tremendous disincentive to providing these lenses. Why would a doctor take on the additional expense and spend additional time and still be reimbursed the same?
Likewise, hospitals and ASCs may be reimbursed a set fee for cataract surgery that include the cost of the implant. Hard strapped facilities would find it hard to justify providing a more expensive , premium product and still be reimbursed the same.
Fortunately, in our country, doctors and facilities are able to recoup the additional expense involved in providing these implants. As time goes on, more and more patients are choosing these implants as a means to reduce their dependence on glasses and that's worth something isn't it?

More Evidence of the Benefits of LASIK

2009-05-17T06:51:00.000-07:00

An article in the April issue of the Journal "Ophthalmology" highlights the benefits of new LASIK technology. The article described visual performance in simulated night driving conditions using two different LASIK technologies. One group of patients had conventional LASIK with a microkeratome the other group of patients had an all-laser Wafefront guided LASIK (custom, femtosecond flap)
The authors concluded that Wavefront-guided LASIK to correct myopia combined with a femtosecond laser flap significantly improved mean night driving visual performance and was significantly better than conventional LASIK using a mechanical keratome.
Potential LASIK patients may want to educate themselves on the distinction between different LASIK technologies to insure the best outcome. Think twice before trusting your eyes to a LASIK discounter who advertises a bare bones "out the door" price.
I can help you sort through the maze of articles and different studies. Readers are welcome to come in for a free LASIK consult. We even offer convenient evening hours. Concerned about cost? We participate in all insurance LASIK programs and offer interest free financing for up to 24 months.
Abstract of the article available by clicking on the link.
http://www.ophsource.org/periodicals/ophtha/article/S0161-6420(08)01338-9/abstract

Glaucoma and Alzheimer's Disease

2009-05-07T19:56:00.000-07:00

Open-angle glaucoma patients are at an increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease over time, a review of 12 years of Medicare claims found.
Researchers presented their findings at the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology meeting recently. To come to their conclusion, the investigators followed a group of glaucoma patients and compared them to a similar group of patients without glaucoma. The glaucoma patients were much more likely to eventually develop Alzheimer's disease.
http://www.osnsupersite.com/view.aspx?rid=39524

Changing Eye Color

2009-05-02T10:45:00.000-07:00

An ophthalmologist in Panama is currently implanting a colored implant in patients to change eye color. The cost is approximately $8000 plus airfare and accommodations. These implants may be of value to patients with albinism (lack of color) but patients who are receiving these for purely cosmetic reasons are cautioned about potential long term side effects. The lenses have the potential to cause cataract, glaucoma, corneal decompensation, infection and irreversible blindness. They are currently not approved for use in the US.

Changes in Corneal Thickness after LASIK and PRK

2009-05-02T10:34:00.000-07:00

Correcting vision by LASIK or PRK involves removal of corneal tissue. Therefore, the cornea is thinner after the procedure than before. Investigators in Denmark wanted to study what happens to the cornea in the months after refractive surgery. They followed patients for 36 months after LASIK or PRK and found a thickening in both the top (epithelial) layer and deeper (stromal) layers in the months after refractive surgery. Doctors and patients can feel more at ease knowing that the cornea does not continue to thin in later years after LASIK.

Preexisting Psychiatric and Personality Disorders Can be a Major Source of Dissatisfaction After LASIK

2009-04-24T22:27:00.000-07:00

A recent study done at the US Navy Refractive Center in San Diego was performed to determine the source of patient dissatisfaction after LASIK. The study confirmed that the overwhelming majority of patients were satisfied with the results of their LASIK surgery. An important predictor of dissatisfaction was the preexistence of psychiatric and personality disorders. Specifically mentioned was the presence of depression or a negative outlook. This study points out the importance of screening patients for these disorders and for patients to have realistic expectations. http://www.medpagetoday.com/MeetingCoverage/AAO/7323

Measurement of Depth of Intacs

2009-04-20T20:16:00.000-07:00

A recent article explores the use of Intacs in keratoconus:

Measurement of Depth of Intacs Implanted Via Femtosecond Laser Using Pentacam
Journal of Refractive Surgery Vol. 25 No. 4 April 2009

Günhal Kamburoglu, MD; Aylin Ertan, MD and Osman Saraçbasi, PhD

Thirty-two eyes of 23 keratoconic patients receiving Intacs intrastromal corneal ring segments implanted by femtosecond laser were included in the study. The depth of intracorneal channel and Intacs segments were measured for 7 predetermined points at 1 week and 1 year postoperatively using Scheimpflug images.
Mean achieved intrastromal channel depth exceeded the intended parameter by 6.5 µm to 69.0 µm. The standard deviation varied between ±13.5 µm and ±44.2 µm. The segment depth decreased at the end of the first postoperative year in all measured points, and the change was statistically significant at the superior, inferior, and temporal sides of the Intacs. The degree of change was not correlated with size of the Intacs, preoperative central corneal thickness, and mean keratometric values.

CONCLUSIONS
Intacs started out deeper than intended and tended to shallow over time. I had one patient who had erosion of their Intac segment into their anterior chamber which may have been a result of deeper than intended placement. This study has important implications for surgeons who perform Intacs in the treatment of keratoconus.

Ride for the Cure Today

2009-04-18T22:31:00.000-07:00

Today (Sunday) we are helping sponsor Ride for the Cure. The motorcycle ride begins at C and C Cycles and ends at Scooters Bar and Grill. http://rideforthecure.us for more info. Hope you can join us in helping find a cure for breast cancer. Next week we will be involved in the Fallen Heroes Run. More info to follow.

Treating Epithelial Ingrowth with the YAG Laser

2009-04-01T21:06:00.000-07:00

Jorge L. Alió, MD described the use of the YAG laser to treat epithelial ingrowth after LASIK as an alternative to flap lifts in a recent issue of Refractive Eyecare. Early treatment of mild-to-moderate epithelial ingrowth with the Nd:YAG laser promises a simple way to eliminate a vexing problem and, possibly, prevent the development of more serious problems.
Instead of lifting the LASIK flap, refractive surgeons can treat most moderate epithelial ingrowth and restore patients’ lost visual acuity with a laser commonly used after cataract surgery. This low-energy, effective procedure uses the workhorse of ophthalmic lasers to spare patients more invasive surgery and avoid the risks of further complications from a flap lift

Thin Corneas Not a Risk for LASIK

2009-03-17T21:12:00.000-07:00

Contrary to the assumption that eyes with thin corneas are poor candidates for LASIK because they are at increased risk of developing postoperative ectasia, scientific evidence fails to support preoperative central corneal thickness (CCT) as an independent risk factor for this complication, said William B. Trattler, MD, at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Individuals with thin corneas, however, are at risk for ectasia if an abnormality such as forme fruste keratoconus (FFKC) is found during preoperative topographic analysis, he said.
Time and time again I have seen patients told they are not a candidate for LASIK because of thin corneas. There are multiple studies that show that thin corneas are not an independent risk factor for LASIK and this is just one more report confirming this.

Outdoor Activities Decrease the Risk of Myopia

2009-03-11T20:58:00.000-07:00

Spending 2 to 3 hours a day outdoors can significantly lower a child’s risk of developing myopia, according to a new study.
A child’s chances of becoming nearsighted, if he or she has two nearsighted parents, are about six in 10 for children who spend 0 to 5 hours outside a week, but the risk drops to two in 10 when outdoor time exceeds 14 hours a week, according to researchers.
Researchers also said that the critical factor for reducing development of myopia in children seems to be total time spent outdoors; both active and passive outdoor activities equally protected child’s vision.

Botox

2009-03-07T14:12:00.000-08:00

Speaking of newer cosmetic uses of drugs, many readers may not be aware that the some of the original uses of Botox also were in ophthalmology. The muscle paralyzing properties were and continue to be used in blepharospasm, a benign but very disturbing forceful lid closing condition. Patients who suffer from blepharospasm experience uncontrolled forceful lid closure/spasms that can be quite debilitating. The injection of botox in and around the eyelids can give relief for approximately 6 months. Now the most common use of Botox is the relaxation of facial wrinkles. Newer indications continue to evolve and Botox has been used for relief of other muscle spasms and contractions, strabismus, severe sweating (hyperhidrosis), and headaches.

New Drug for Longer Lashes

2009-02-27T21:25:00.000-08:00

Doctors are always looking for new uses for existing drugs. What started out as a medication for a very serious eye problem is now making waves as the latest thing in cosmetics. It can make eyelashes longer & thicker.
Latisse contains bimatoprost, a compound from a glaucoma drug called Lumigan. It binds to receptors in the eyelashes that may be involved in the development and re-growth of hair follicles. Allergan has used bimatoprost since 2001 in Lumigan.
The company began studying the potential of using a lower dose of topical bimatoprost to stimulate eyelash growth after Lumigan users developed unusually lush lashes. It's specifically being marketed as a once-a-day medication to treat eyelash hypotrichosis, or lack of hair growth.
Latisse pushes more follicles into the growth phase, and lengthens the time they spend there. But you do need to be careful applying Latisse.
If it gets on other skin, it can cause discoloration.
And some users in the trial reported redness, or itching of the eyes.
The drug's effect isn't immediate. According to manufacturer Allergan, the drug usually brings results two to four months after users start it.
Latisse has been on the market for about two weeks now... And it's generated a lot of interest.
But it isn't cheap. It costs about $240 dollars for a year's supply. And you have to keep using it to keep your lashes full.
It's possible that the drug may also spur eyebrow and scalp hair growth, doctors told the Wall Street Journal. But Allergan spokesperson Heather Katt says the company hasn't explored using Latisse for those purposes

New Bifocal Intraocular Lens

2009-02-20T18:32:00.000-08:00

One of the main complaints that patients have had with the Alcon ReStor Intraocular Lens was the close working distance and poor intermediate vision found with this lens. The near focal point of this implant is around 13 inches which forced patients to hold reading material much closer than they may have been accustomed to. This lens also did not perform well at the computer or when used for other intermediate tasks such as looking at prices on store shelves etc. Alcon has addressed these problems with a new model ReStor which has a near focal length of approximately 16 inches. In the recent FDA clinical trial of the AcrySof IQ Restor IOL +3.0 D (Alcon Laboratories, Inc., Fort Worth, TX), patients achieved the same superb distance and near vision with this lens as those who received the AcrySof IQ Restor +4.0 D lens (Alcon Laboratories, Inc.). As an added benefit, compared with the +4.0 D model, the +3.0 D design dramatically improved patients' intermediate vision at 50, 60, and 70 cm .

Intacs for Keratoconus

2009-02-05T15:01:00.000-08:00

Keratoconus is a corneal disorder in which progressive astigmatism develops, probably because of weakening. Patients who suffer from keratoconus suffer from corneal thinning and vision loss. Ultimately patients may require a corneal transplant. Recently, surgeons have begun to implant plastic inserts (Intacs) to bolster the cornea and delay, perhaps indefinitely, the need for a corneal transplant. I have implanted Intacs in several keratoconus patients and have been impressed with the results. Patients have exhibited a reversal in their astigmatism and often show an improvement in best corrected vision. the original application for Intacs was for the correction of nearsightedness. Popularity has waned as the LASIK procedure improved but Intacs have enjoyed a resurrgence in interest for their use in keratoconus. For more information go to www.intacsforkeratoconus.com.

Toric implants for astigmatism

2009-01-31T13:32:00.000-08:00

Patients contemplating cataract surgery will have the choice of correcting their astigmatism with a newer implant developed by Alcon. The idea of the implant is to correct their astigmatism at the time of their surgery thus getting a "two for one" benefit. If you have astigmatism, ask your surgeon if this implant would be a good idea for you.

LASIK alternatives

2009-01-08T14:56:00.000-08:00

For patients who are not good LASIK candidates there are several good alternatives including PRK and implantable contact lenses. For more on these options visit the Visian website or view my video on Monkeysee.com http://www.monkeysee.com/play/11385-lasik-surgery-alternatives. More information can be found at: www.drdeandornic.com/implantable_lenses.

Thin Flap LASIK

2008-12-29T19:45:00.000-08:00

One of the technological advances that has improved the success rate and decreased complications is SubBowman's Keratomeliusis sometimes referred to as Thin Flap LASIK. By utilizing a very thin flap, the procedure becomes less invasive and therefore less prone to certain side effects such as dry eye. Thin Flap LASIK has all the benefits that LASIK is known for such as quick vision recovery and is superior to PRK or Epi-LASIK because Bowman's membrane is preserved, there is lower risk of corneal haze and there is less time off needed from work or school. In order to create a thin LASIK flap, the IntraLase laser is necessary. The Laser Eye Center has been performing IntraLase for several years and is one of the most established Laser Eye Center in the state of North Carolina.

Surgeons Believe in LASIK

2008-12-20T18:52:00.000-08:00

A recent survey by the International Society of refractive Surgery confirms that the surgeons who perform the surgery are confident enough in the procedure to have it performed on their eyes and the eyes of their family members. About fifty percent of the population could benefit from the LASIK procedure. Among refractive surgeons, about 35 percent have had LASIK performed on their own eyes. This is four times greater than the general public. In addition 30 percent of their spouses have had it done, 40 percent of their siblings and 21 percent of their children have had LASIK. I do not wear glasses but I have performed the procedure on my wife and sister. All surgical procedures carry some risk but the safety record of LASIK is so high that surgeons who perform the procedure and depend on their eyes for their livelihood seem to have little qualm about having the procedure performed on themselves and their loved ones.

Supplements for Men

2008-06-25T20:42:00.000-07:00

Navigating the maze of nutritional supplements can be tricky. Many manufacturers of supplements make claims that are not supported by good peer-reviewed studies. Beware the claims of weight loss, testosterone boosters, muscle builders and hair growing supplement manufacturers. One nutritional supplement that has withstood the scrutiny of good sound medical investigation is fish oil. The Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil is cardioprotective.

Omega-3 fatty acids keep blood pressure and triglyceride levels low and the heart beating regularly. They make blood slicker, reducing the risk of clots and blocked arteries. Studies show that men with the highest omega-3 levels have the lowest risk of dying of heart disease. I take 2000 mg a day. Those with heart problems may need more. Be sure to discuss the benefits of nutrional supplements with your doctor.