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Unfortunately, not everyone is gifted with perfect vision ...
...on the other hand, there are many different methods of vision correction currently available. Modern technology has had a hand in changing the natural state of our vision. But how can you learn which options are out there? How can you learn which technology is best suited for your lifestyle?
We at OCuSOFT® are here to help. Let us first start off by saying that your eye doctor is the one who will be the most knowledgeable on which type of vision correction is right for you, but it is always a good idea to be a little informed of some of your options.
Some of the current methods of improving vision include:
Glasses: glasses have been around for years, and most people are familiar with their benefits and shortcomings. Despite a few limitations to glasses, they are at times the best option.
Contact Lenses: New technologies have made contacts more comfortable than ever, Click here to find out more about the many types of contact lenses.
Laser Vision Correction: The new kid on the block. Is it safe? How effective is it? Click here to find out more.
Contact Lenses
So, you've decided to go with contacts. Don't think the decision-making is over. There are several different types of contact lenses, meaning even more choices for you to make. There are no right or wrong choices here, just choices that are right or wrong for you. |
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RGP Lenses
The first type of lenses available are rigid-gas-permeable (RGP) lenses, sometimes known as "hard" contact lenses. RGP lenses have been around for quite some time. These lenses are individually made and lathe-cut to your exact prescription. Earlier "hard" lenses were made from a material called
polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA). These contacts were very uncomfortable and impermeable to oxygen, which the cornea needs for health. This sometimes resulted in corneal edema (swelling), which required treatment and often led to discontinuing lens wear. New materials have now been developed which allow oxygen to "pass through" the lens, thus providing greater wearer comfort. While RGP lenses do require a "break-in" period and are often less comfortable during initial wearing, they are at times preferred due to their exceptional visual acuity features. For example, a pilot or an engineer might well be considered for RGP lenses. People who are extremely near-sighted or those with a high degree of astigmatism may only be able to wear RGP lenses, since they are made to fit your specific prescription. RGP lenses also tend to be difficult to keep clean, requiring several different contact lens solutions and a specific cleaning regimen.
Daily Wear Soft Lenses
Next we have Daily Wear soft contact lenses. Daily Wear lenses have been around for a while and tend to be more comfortable than most RGP lenses. Your doctor has numerous companies in which to choose the right lens for you. People with severe near-sightedness or astigmatism still may be able to wear Daily Wear soft lenses, depending on the severity of their case. These lenses are also relatively inexpensive, as they only need to be replaced approximately once a year. Daily Wear soft contact lenses must also be kept clean in order to avoid problems with infection and to maintain comfort, therefore requiring multiple contact lens solutions.
Planned Replacement/Disposable
More recently, other types of soft lenses have become available. Among these are Planned Replacement and Disposable Lenses. These lenses are meant to be used for a shorter period of time, and then discarded. Generally speaking, Disposable Lenses, which are designed to last about 1-2 weeks, cannot be used by patients with a high degree of astigmatism or with severe near-sightedness. Planned Replacement lenses, which are intended to last about 4-6 weeks, do offer a limited ability to correct astigmatism. Both of these types of lenses tend to be more expensive, yet since they are replaced frequently, patients are not as susceptible to infection when compared to RGP's and Daily Wear soft lenses. The cleaning regimen for Planned Replacement and Disposable Lenses usually only requires a single multi-purpose solution.
Also available on the market now are Daily Disposable Lenses. These lenses are designed to be worn for one day and then discarded. This practically eliminates the chance of infection or irritation and the need for any contact lens solutions. Daily Disposable Lenses are more convenient; they also tend to be more expensive.
Something new on the horizon in contact lenses is Disposable and Planned Replacement Bifocal Lenses. These lenses allow a person with bifocals to participate in outside activities when glasses are just too bothersome.
The only way to really find out what type of contact is best for you is to see your eye doctor. Most practitioners perform a patient profile to see which types of lenses are most suitable for their patients. If you need help locating an eye doctor in your area, please see our doctor referral page.
Laser Vision Correction (LVC)
Tired of fumbling around in the morning trying to find your glasses? Confused by which contact lens solution to use? Not any more. Say good-bye to glasses and contacts. Now there is Laser Vision Correction (LVC) and it seems like everybody is doing it--even Tiger Woods. Well, there is no question, LVC has much to offer but like any medical procedure, it is not without risks. You and your doctor are going to want to make sure you are knowledgeable about LVC and we're here to help. |
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LVC is simply one of several types of refractive surgical procedures available. In the past, vision correction was accomplished with either spectacles or contact lenses. Refractive surgery which also includes radial keratotomy (RK) now provides individuals with a range of options. Since LVC has become more popular than, say, RK, we will limit our discussion to the two most common types of LVC, Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) and Laser in-situ Keratomileusis (LASIK).
Who Benefits From PRK and/or LASIK?
Both procedures are considered to be safe and effective for individuals in all myopia (near-sightedness) ranges. Both procedures are safe and effective in the low to moderate hyperopia (far-sightedness) range but are not recommended for high hyperopia. If you are far-sighted, discuss with your doctor your specific situation to gauge a likely outcome.
How Do PRK and LASIK Differ?
In PRK, an excimer laser is used to target a thin layer of the cornea in order to "re-shape" the surface. Prior to laser use, measurements and markings are taken so that the laser beam can be specifically directed to correct any refractive (visual) error. LASIK also uses the excimer laser, however, rather than direct the laser beam to the corneal surface, the ophthalmologist uses a microkeratome (a type of blade), cuts a corneal section (called a flap), is then folded back so the laser can be directed to the underlying corneal tissue. The key difference in the two procedures being the laser application to surface corneal tissue in PRK versus underlying corneal tissue in LASIK. While both procedures have merit, many surgeons believe LASIK provides quicker healing time with less immediate post-operative discomfort. In addition with LASIK, optimum visual acuity is achieved more quickly.
What Kind of Complications Can I Expect?
First, Laser Vision Correction is generally very safe. That fact not withstanding, with PRK some patients experience halos (a circling band of light or glow around bright lights), over-correction or under-correction and glare. There may also be corneal swelling (edema) or a foreign body sensation (as if something were in the eye). A not-uncommon experience is that of Dry Eye or a sandy, gritty feeling. With LASIK, patients have similar complications including halos, glare, difficulty in operating a motor vehicle at night and vision that may fluctuate in the days following surgery. Patients may also experience Dry Eye symptoms. In both procedures, Dry Eye complications are usually remedied with lubricant eye drops, gels or ointments.
What's New?
Currently, controlled studies are evaluating a new type of cutting mechanism in lieu of the traditional blade microkeratome. This new technology uses high-pressure water-jet technology to cut corneal tissue more cleanly and with less drag when compared to a blade. Ask your doctor what he or she thinks!
Need Even More Information?
We suggest you contact the American Academy of Ophthalmology at their website, www.eyenet.org or the American Society of Cataract & Refractive Surgery at www.ascrs.org.
Can You Recommend a Skilled Surgeon?
Yes, we can. To clarify, we will not review specific doctors but rather we will be happy to recommend select doctors in your area. While we cannot guarantee a surgical result, as a Company serving the ophthalmic community, we know those doctors who are at the forefront of technology and whose record of care warrants your consideration. Please visit our doctor referral page for more information.
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