Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Thin Corneas Not a Risk for LASIK

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.

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Outdoor Activities Decrease the Risk of Myopia

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.

Saturday, March 7, 2009

Botox

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.