New Drug for Longer Lashes

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

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

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

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.

Thin Flap LASIK

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

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

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.