The Ins and Outs of LASIK Eye Surgery Costs

By Kristen Mozayeni

     

    

Laser vision correction involves an integral part of your body - your eyes. Understandably, one of the first concerns a potential LASIK patient has involves the question, "How much does LASIK cost?" Honest pricing policies are the best to look for, as it minimizes confusion and promotes healthy patient to doctor communicaiton. If you have been deemed an ideal candidate, your eye care doctor will review pricing with you. When it comes to LASIK eye surgery, full disclosure is the best practice.

While discounts and coupons may seem like an attractive offer, these "deals" are typically too good to be true. More often than not, these offices operate using "bait and switch" tactics that lead patients to believe they are getting a better deal than actuality. Many times these offices charge less for LASIK eye surgery due to the sacrifices in technology, a less experienced surgeon, a surgeon who is not even located in that office, and not really caring about the patient as a person. Find a reputable specialist who rejects these "small print" pricing deals and instead remains straightforward in offering honest, competitive pricing after it's determined you are a fitting LASIK candidate.

Many people looking to undergo LASIK vision correction also deal with astigmatism or high prescriptions. These conditions increase LASIK bills in numerous offices. However, an extra fee due to astigmatism is not guaranteed when someone undergoes LASIK eye surgery.

It is possible for LASIK surgery to temporarily affect your finances. Therefore, it is imperative to plan accordingly. Luckily, there are several avenues patients take to pay for LASIK. A few viable financial solutions include:

1. Spending Accounts - Put your HSA (Health Savings account) or FSA (Flexible Spending Account) to work for you when the time for LASIK arrives.
2. Financing - Paying for anything up front is ideal, but if that is not possible, then third party financing is always a viable option.
3. Tax Refunds - Utilize tax refunds to make laser vision correction more affordable.
4. Save, Save, Save - Plan accordingly to pay for LASIK surgery further on down the road. By setting money aside over the span of several months or even a year, your LASIK bill will not stress your finances and will eliminate chances for medical debt.

Whether you're hoping to undergo LASIK or have already been identified as an ideal candidate, it is imperative to treat your body and eyes well. The most important thing someone can do before having laser vision correction is to see a reputable cornea specialist who does not condone sweeping pricing strategies under the rug for later. Be sure to find an office that uses state-of-the-art lasers, unmatched care and honesty and straightforward pricing.
 

More questions about LASIK eye surgery costs? Schedule an appointment with Providence Eye & Laser Specialists' today to see if you're an ideal candidate. We will be happy to discuss payment with you up front, should you be suitable for LASIK.
 

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kristen_Mozayeni

Find the Best Eyewear to Defeat Eye Issues

By Ramesh Kumarr

Causes of Computer Vision Syndrome

Most of the youth in today's world spends more than two to three hours consistently on a computer or a laptop. It has become a part of everyone's daily routine. For all those individuals who spend more than desired number of hours on a desktop shall soon face the signs and symptoms of computer vision syndrome. Most people complain about frequent headache, burning sensation in the eyes, dry eyes, blur vision, sensitivity in viewing, common strain on the eyes, etc. These are all symptoms of computer vision syndrome. Elongated hours of staring at the computer screen is one of the prime reasons for the cause of this syndrome. Hence, most opticians or eye specialists recommend special glasses for computer users.

Although most of you might not be able to realize the damage caused to our eyes due to extra exposure to the rays emitted by the screen in the short run, it is important to take out time and learn about it. Eyes constantly adjust to provide a clear vision as and when people move forward and backward against the desktop. In this process, eyes suffer constant pressure and strain. Under such circumstances, computer eyeglasses prove to be of significant use.

What eye specialists recommend?

Eye specialists recommend computer glasses for those diagnosed with computer vision syndrome and other allied side effects. These glasses are meant to be worn while working on the desktop. The functionality of these glasses works out significantly for most avid users of computer. Permanent changes in vision can be avoided with the help of these glasses. Such glasses are also used by people for other recommended activities such as playing piano or gun shooting, etc. Depending on every individual's eyesight, eye care specialists recommend a particular type of computer eye wear for different individuals.

Types of computer glasses for different individuals

Depending on the type of eyesight each individual has, specialists recommend different types of computer glasses. Some require Monofocal glasses also known as single vision glasses, while some individuals make use of Bifocal glasses as per the eyesight requirement. Trifocal glasses are also used by those who require both Bifocal as well as Monofocal lenses. Frequent eye tests can help you understand the health of your eyes and the required treatment for any ailment.

Choosing the right computer eyewear for your use

If constant exposure to desktop glares bothers you, then do not hesitate to get an eye test done. Buy computer glasses and stay free from any worries about your vision being damaged or hampered. Do not let the constant glare trouble your eye sight and worsen the matter. There are many stores online where you can find an exclusive range of computer glasses as well as fashion glasses for all your purposes. You can visit the online website and check out the wide range of attractive glasses available in various designs and colour combinations. Moreover, you can avail all your favourite designs of glasses at reasonable rates and protect your eyes from unnecessary troubles.

Looking Glasses For Computer Users? Buy Computer Glasses Online In India From Sunglassesindia.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ramesh_Kumarr

A Quick Guide To Cataract Diagnosis

By Jack Grandt

     

Cloudiness on the lens of the eye is known as cataract. The lens of the eye is normally transparent allowing light to pass through to the retina, a light-sensitive tissue that sends nerve signals to the brain, so you can see well-defined images. If part of the lens becomes cloudy, light cannot pass through easily to the retina and your vision becomes blurred. Cataract can occur in one or both eyes but does not spread from one eye to the other.

When you consult an ophthalmologist for cataract diagnosis, he carries out a detailed examination, along with a microscopic examination of your internal eyeballs. Additionally, he does an exam that is designed to spot the presence of cataract. In the process, the ophthalmologist asks questions in regards to your eye history. There is no pain and other conditions related to vision may be discovered.
The ophthalmologist will want to know the symptoms you present. When informing him, try to be as clear as you can. If you have impaired vision, explain the activities it interferes with.

The ophthalmologist will want to know how long ago your last eye exam was. You must inform him about any injuries, previous eye diseases or surgical procedures you have had. Communicate any eye medications you are taking. Additionally, inform the ophthalmologist if your family has a history of retinal detachment or glaucoma.

You must notice the ophthalmologist of major medical conditions you have. Diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, emphysema and asthma can affect your eye health and treatment decisions.
The ophthalmologist will start by examining the exterior surface of your eyeball with a slit lamp, a microscope mounted on a table that allows him to see both the surface and interior of the eyeball with a lot of detail. The slit lamp, for instance, allows him to look at tiny blood vessels in the retina.

Your vision is not affected by conditions that involve the exterior surface of the eye. However, they can be uncomfortable and affect the appearance of your eye. Take as example, a scratch on the surface of the cornea will cause a stinging pain when you blink.

It is during the examination of the interior of your eyeball that the ophthalmologist does a cataract diagnosis. Before this examination, he will use eye drops to dilate your pupils. The reason is that your lens of the eye is situated behind your iris and pupils. With light, your pupils shrink making it difficult for the ophthalmologist to look inside the eyeball. The eye drops evade this reaction temporarily.

In case your cataract diagnosis is positive, the slit lamp allows the ophthalmologist to determine the characteristics of your cataract. Is it diffuse, which means the whole lens is cloudy? Or is your cataract focal, with cloudy patches? To comprehend the process of cataract development, compare it to dust on a car windshield. A layer of dust may cover the whole windshield, and it may be thin or thick, or spots of dirty may appear throughout the windshield. The cloudiness created by cataract may take many shapes as well.
 

Cataract operation risks your eyes. Check out a cataract treatment that is completely safe for you.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jack_Grandt

How to Know If You Qualify for Lasik Surgery

By Chris P. Tan

     

Lasik (laser assisted in situ keratomileusis) surgery is a procedure that can help many individuals who have nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism regain back their lost vision. Before the surgery can take place, potential candidates need to undergo various tests to determine lasik surgery compatibility. These tests are not only painless but necessary as approximately 30% of people are not good candidates for lasik surgery.

Individuals who are scheduled for lasik surgery compatibility tests are asked to refrain from wearing their soft contacts for 48 hours or their hard contacts for one week before testing as contacts can alter the shape of the cornea, possibly affecting test results. The testing also involves dilating the pupils, so patients should arrange for transportation following the examination.

Tomography of the cornea
Tomography of the cornea, also known as optical coherence tomography (OCT), allows the ophthalmologist to thoroughly evaluate the anatomy of the cornea. The term "tomography" refers to the ability of the test to provide the clinician with sectional images of the cornea. This test is completely noninvasive, which means no contact is made with the eye. Instead, images of the cornea are produced using reflected light (near infrared light) from the eye's tissues.

Within just a few seconds, the ophthalmologist can get accurate three-dimensional images of the cornea that help determine whether the patient is a candidate for lasik surgery. Among the measurements taken is the coefficient of variation, which can reveal how much cell loss has occurred in the cornea. This information is critical for surgeons from which to base their decision.

Visual acuity and refraction examination
These quick tests are common during an optometry examination. A visual acuity test involves reading letters on a chart (Snellen chart) that is 20 feet away while covering one eye first before the other.
The refraction examination goes hand in hand with the visual acuity test. Also known as a vision test, the refraction test tells the doctor what prescription individuals need to achieve 20/20 vision. To conduct the test, individuals sit in a chair 20 feet away from the Snellen chart and look through a device that contains various lenses. The doctor changes the lenses and asks patients which ones allow them to see the letters most clearly.

Ophthalmology examination
The ophthalmology exam involves several quick tests. One is dilation of the pupils, which allows the ophthalmologist to evaluate the health of the retina and the optic nerve. Another is a measure of the intraocular pressure of the eyes. This test, known as tonometry, can be done in several different ways. The most common way is for patients to stare through an examination device while the doctor applies a rapid puff of air to the eye. The machine can determine eye pressure by measuring the light reflections off the eye.

Some doctors use a slit lamp. In this test, eye drops are administered to numb the eyes and a strip of paper containing dye is gently tapped on the cornea. Patients are then told to look through a device called a slit lamp. The doctor adjusts the tip of the tonometer until it barely touches the cornea to get a reading. Another test is done to check whether patients have an adequate amount of tears. After numbing the eyes, a tiny strip of paper is placed inside the lower eyelids.

After several minutes, the doctor removes the paper to determine how much moisture the eyes can produce. The results of these tests, plus additional information about a patient's overall health, are all taken into consideration when determining whether an individual is a candidate for lasik surgery.

Chris Tan is an expert on the latest advancements in eye surgeries such as Lasik Eye Surgery and the procedures that go hand in hand with them. He has also written many insightful articles about eye care, lasik side effects, its cost, and shared helpful tips pertaining to eye care. He recommends ClearVision Eye Clinic and LASIK Center, if you are ever in need of such services as they practice the utmost care in safety procedures during operations.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chris_P._Tan

Advice of Eye Doctors for Consumers Buying Contact Lenses

   

By Steve Lucia

Ask for professional guidance from accredited Eye Care Professionals before looking around for contacts. Get a check up and valid prescription in the process. You can refer to your insurance agent for a vision rider on your policy to find out if contact lenses are part of your benefit. This will ensure that you get the full benefit. Even if your insurance plan says you can receive price cuts from some retailers, it is possible to obtain discounts from those not included in the list. See to it that you inquire from the eye doctor if you have no vision insurance for a payment plan. Plenty of optometrists are willing to help patients, who are not covered by insurance, to get contact lenses.

Compare all the quotes and proposals from your eye doctor with offers from highly regarded contact lens sellers. You have to compare prices carefully before making a decision in purchasing contacts. Keep in mind that it is not also correct to presume that medical eye devices from an ECP will be more expensive. In fact, a number of eye care doctors offer bundled packages of products and services such as eye examinations.

You get additional service when you buy contact lenses from the optometrist since you are guaranteed that a professional will look into any problems with the lenses. Eye experts can give you premium value on any brand of contacts. Look at the following pointers if you want to purchase these lenses online:

• Place importance on the value, cost and customer service. The eye doctor should be your first option.
• Check all offers available and compare prices carefully. Buying from the eye doctor is not always expensive.
• Inquire about refunds and other possible discounts for lens supplies.
• Keep a copy of your contact lens prescription at all times. These are valid for one year.
• You can avoid shipping costs if you order supplies every year in volume.
• It is more practical to buy from online suppliers so you save on fuel expenses.
• Check your computations with that of your eye doctor or online store to make sure that your figures are correct.

It is possible that you will shift from standard eyeglasses to contact lenses like air optix aqua. However, it is important to study first the effects, benefits, disadvantages, care process and financial considerations before you see the ECP. The initial step is to get in touch with an ophthalmologist before deciding to use contact lenses. This eye doctor specializes in eye care. He or she can look into eye ailments, performs surgery on people's eyes, and dispenses prescriptions for eyeglasses and contact lenses. There are also helpful tips for safe use of contact lenses. You need to see a competent eye doctor who provides full-service care. You will undergo a thorough eye examination, assessment of your suitability for contact lens wear, appropriate lens care kits, individual instructions for wear and care and regular follow-up visits to the trustworthy eye doctor.

Make it a point to compare costs, benefits and quality before you buy contact lenses. Obtain the recommendations of a licensed ECP and get a valid prescription. Get the more relevant info on air optix aqua...

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steve_Lucia

5 Things Every Parent Needs to Know About Their Children's Eye Sight

By Martin Oguzie

Many parents are blissfully unaware of how important the first several years of child development are for eyes. These formative years are critical to the development of good eye sight in childhood and and also determine the quality of vision your child will have in adulthood. It is therefore important to pay particular attention to signs that may be unusual and, the following points are particularly noteworthy.

1. Kids need eye tests - Before your child reaches school age they should get their eyes tested by an optometrist at your local opticians. This means they should be tested by the age of 4 years old if not before this. This is important because any sight problems may hinder your child's learning. Don't assume that schools will screen for this or indeed detect any sight problems.

2. Don't expect your kids to know - Many parents assume that because their child hasn't indicated a problem with their sight, they must be seeing perfectly well. Well, the nature of many gradual sight changes means that many people will not be aware of the effect of this change to their sight. I examine many seemingly good sighted children who come to get their eyes tested only for their parents to learn that their child requires glasses. Make regular eye tests routine.

3. Children's eyes are not born fully developed - Up to the age of about 7-8 years of age the visual system and eyes of a child is still developing. This has several implications. Firstly - it means that any developmental problems with the child's sight discovered well before this age stands a good chance of being reversed with the right treatment or therapy. Secondly - it also means that any development problems discovered after this age is unlikely to be reversible because the visual system is believed to reach maturity around this age. Earlier testing and detection is therefore essential.

4. Computers do not damage sight - A statement that sounds a little controversial and counterintuitive, I know. However there is little if any significant research to support the notion that using computers a lot, or reading a lot for that matter, causes any damage to your child's eyes or the rate of change in their eye sight. Having said that, computers do cause known discomfort issues associated with eyestrain (over tired eye muscles) and dryness. As a result children should have regular breaks from too much computer use and reading. A minimum of 10 minutes every hour and periods of sitting back to change focus to look at objects further away should help deal with fatigue.

Of course, the fact that there is no conclusive evidence of damage or deterioration in sight, caused by excessive computer use, does not mean that caution shouldn't be applied until more is understood.

5. Look out for signs of problems - You should pay attention to signs that may point to your child having a sight or eye problem. Examples include: Holding reading material further away - this may indicate excessive long-sightedness, requiring glasses. Closing one eye - this may indicate that your child is experiencing double vision, requiring investigation urgently. White pupils in photographs - this could be evidence of the most common childhood retinal tumor retinoblastoma, requiring urgent investigation also. Any such suspicious signs are worthy of investigation by your optometrist, so don't delay.

Martin Oguzie is a UK based Optometrist, author and writer at http://www.formyeyes.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Martin_Oguzie

How to Protect Your Eyes - The Importance of Wearing Sunglasses

By Joel Travers King

 

Whether we are at the beach swimming or playing volleyball, at the park enjoying a delicious picnic, or taking the kids to summer camp, except for the heat and the humidity, we can all agree that the summer is a fun and enjoyable occasion for the whole family. However, in the midst of all the fun and games, it's essential to protect our eyes from the harmful U.V rays of the sun. As the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is better than cure and wearing sunglasses can protect our eyes from a series of eye problems and conditions.

Eye exercises are natural techniques used to protect and strengthen the eyes. An additional benefit of eye exercises is the fact that they reduce the eye's sensitivity to light. Sunglasses protect your eyes from the sun and as such, they are a good compliment to your eye exercise program.

A study by the New England Eye Institute revealed some surprising facts about the attitude of Americans to wearing sunglasses. The study stated that while 80% of Americans are aware of the harmful effects of U.V rays on the skin, only 5% are aware of its damaging effects on the eyes.

In a 2012 survey, the American Vision Council listed the reasons people don't wear sunglasses.

About 50% of the respondents said that they forget their sunglasses. Another 20% said that they didn't think that the U.V rays posed a serious risk to their eye health. 14% admitted that they have a tendency to break or lose their glasses often.

Here are some helpful tips to eliminate this problem:
Always have a few extra pairs handy. Have one specific place where you keep them regularly. This way you'll never forget where you put them.

Wearing sunglasses is important because repeated, excess, lonterm exposure to the U.V rays of the sun can cause cataracts, macular degeneration, and cancer of the eye, eye lid or tender skin around the eyes. Last but not the least of eye problems is a painful condition called Photokeratitis. This is defined as a painful sunburn of the eye that causes the symptom of temporary vision loss for a period of 2 days and Pterygiums which is described as a growth of tissue around the edge of the cornea that can only be corrected by surgical removal. Sunglasses should be worn regardless of weather conditions as the potential dangers of U.V rays are ever present in sunny weather and also cloudy weather.

In terms of choosing the right pair, it's important to ensure that they block 100% of U.V rays of the sun. An ideal pair of sunglasses that provide maximum protection from the sun would be a pair of sunglasses with the ANSI label on it. ANSI stands for the American National Standards Institute. It is a common misconception that the darker the shade of the sunglasses, the greater the protection. In fact, wearing a darker shade defeats the purpose of your sunglasses because they cause the pupils to dilate, causing more U.V rays to enter the eyes. It is not the shade of darkness that matters but it is the coating on the lenses that makes them safe. Store bought sunglasses are more reliable than those purchased from a street vendor.

Sunglasses are a good compliment to your eye exercise program. It's like having insurance for the eyes, safeguarding them from the dangers of the harmful U. V rays of the sun. Follow these tips and have a fun and happy summer season that is free from worries and stress.

I am a natural vision improvement success story. Having done extensive research in the field of natural vision improvement, I enjoy helping others protect and improve their vision. Take the next step to sharper, clearer, eyesight today! Visit http://betternaturalvision.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joel_Travers_King

 

MLA Style Citation:
King, Joel T. "How to Protect Your Eyes - The Importance of Wearing Sunglasses." How to Protect Your Eyes - The Importance of Wearing Sunglasses. 28 Jun. 2012 EzineArticles.com. 5 Jan. 2014 <http://ezinearticles.com/?How-­to-­Protect-­Your-­Eyes-­-­-­The-­Importance-­of-­Wearing-­Sunglasses&id=7149466>.

APA Style Citation:
King, J. T. (2012, June 28). How to Protect Your Eyes - The Importance of Wearing Sunglasses. Retrieved January 5, 2014, from http://ezinearticles.com/?How-­to-­Protect-­Your-­Eyes-­-­-­The-­Importance-­of-­Wearing-­Sunglasses&id=7149466

Chicago Style Citation:
King, Joel T. "How to Protect Your Eyes - The Importance of Wearing Sunglasses." How to Protect Your Eyes - The Importance of Wearing SunglassesEzineArticles.com. http://ezinearticles.com/?How-­to-­Protect-­Your-­Eyes-­-­-­The-­Importance-­of-­Wearing-­Sunglasses&id=7149466

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