5 Money Saving Tips To Lower The Cost Of LASIK Surgery

By Micah J Thompson   

 

    

Let me ask you something: when you go to buy a car, do you just accept the first price that comes out of the salesperson's mouth? Chances are, you said "no, of course not!". You haggle it down to what you think is a reasonable price, because you did your research. Well, the same ideas apply when choosing a LASIK surgeon as well. Here are 5 tips to lower the cost of laser eye surgery:

1.) Shop Around. There are multiple reasons to do this, but I think the main reason to not just go with the first eye center you come across is that you have nothing to compare it to. After you get a price quote from each place, play them off of each other. If they really want your business (and believe me, they do!), they will match the price or even go lower than a competitor you are looking at. Say something like this: "I really love your company and would love to do business with you, but the price is holding me back. I checked out so-and-so LASIK company and they are $800 cheaper, do you think you could match that?".

2.) Ask For A Discount. Yes, it really is that easy. Most surgery centers have promotions going on at some point in the year. It's best to be blunt with them - ask if they ever do big promotions, such as: Groupon, Mother's Day/Father's Day discount, etc. Find out when these promotions are and then plan your LASIK surgery around that.

3.) Ask The LASIK Center Gives Insurance Discounts. While it's true that insurance companies rarely cover laser eye surgeries, they will sometimes give a small discount. Usually, this amounts to 10-15% off the total amount. It's definitely worth asking about.

4.) Use a Flexible Spending Account. Using an FSA allows you to pay for your LASIK surgery with tax-free dollars. This little trick could end up saving you $100's.

5.) Pick A Reputable Surgeon. This may sound counter-intuitive, but it could actually end up saving you money. Just like you want to go to a good car mechanic, who will fix it right the first time, you also want to choose a great surgeon who has many years of experience. This could potentially save you $1000's in future costs - not to mention give you better vision.

If you give a few of these ideas a try, I'm positive you can cut your LASIK surgery cost by $100's or even $1000's. Good luck on your journey to 20/20 vision!

Micah J Thompson researches the cost of LASIK eye surgery, and posts the findings on his website. He has been a proponent of laser eye surgery for a long time, but suggests doing all your homework before committing to any one surgeon.

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Eye Care Career Options Comparison

By Elizabeth R Hahn

 

The vision industry is a unique healthcare specialty because it has both a medical and retail branch. Individuals who work in the industry have many options in terms of which career path they wish to pursue based on their personal employment preferences. Those who are considering a career in eye care and who are unfamiliar with the options available to them are encouraged to learn more about the role of the optometrist, ophthalmologist, optician, and optical assistant. Each of these professionals provides unique services to patients and must complete a different course of education and training. Understanding the differences between these specialists will allow individuals to make a more informed decision about which career path to pursue.

An optometrist and ophthalmologist both work primarily on the medical side of vision care, but may have some influence and business interests that stem from owning a retail optical dispensary. The ophthalmologist offers the most advanced medical services due to the fact that they are required to graduate from medical school and must complete a rigorous post-graduate training program. Most eye surgeries are performed by ophthalmologists and they can often be found working in hospitals as well as independent eye care clinics.

The optometrist specializes in prescription eye exams and basic management of eye diseases. Optometrists complete a less demanding graduate training program that requires eight years of college education and the option of a one year post-graduate fellowship. Most opticians begin working right out of graduate school and may choose to seek employment or open their own office. Both of these career options are excellent choices for individuals who want to provide medical services to patients and who are willing to subject themselves to many years of education, training, and financial hardship.

For those who are more interested in helping patients select and fit eyeglasses and contact lenses, the optician career path is a more appropriate option. Opticians are trained to identify each patient's particular sense of style so that they can direct patients to eyeglasses that are complementary to that style. In addition, an optician has the knowledge and skills required to ensure that a particular pair of frames fits comfortably on the face. The road to becoming an optician is far less demanding than that of an optometrist or ophthalmologist. Currently, there are only about 25 states that have regulations requiring opticians to complete formal education and training. In these states, an optician is generally expected to complete a two-year degree program or an apprenticeship followed by successful completion of a national certifying exam.

Unregulated states typically allow optical employers to establish their own expectations for opticians. In these states, standards for practice vary a lot and are often reflective of the particular tasks that each employer wants an optician to perform. Individuals who plan to pursue the optician career path are well-advised to voluntarily complete the certification process regardless of state requirements and employer expectations. Studies have shown that certified opticians are able to command a higher salary, obtain better benefits, pursue more career opportunities, and transfer credentials between regulated and unregulated states in the event that they decide to move. While it does require some time and effort to perform well on the certification exams, most opticians discover that the investment is well worth it.

Individuals who plan to work in regulated states will often need to decide between completing a two-year degree program or an apprenticeship. There are very few optician degree programs available and many opticians find that an apprenticeship is more convenient and provides more value. An apprenticeship is essentially an extended period of supervised training during which individuals acquire the knowledge and skills required to provide competent and comprehensive care to patients. Some states require opticians to register with the state prior to beginning the training process. Individuals who plan to complete an apprenticeship should research regulations that affect them prior to setting up an apprenticeship through a local optical employer.

Readers who want to gain experience in the vision industry prior to selecting an advanced career path may want to consider an entry-level position as an optical assistant or technician. Individuals who are employed as an assistant or technician work very closely with all other eye care providers. In most cases, the assistant is hired to work in either the medical or retail side of the business, but some individuals choose to spend some time working in both areas of the industry so that they can make a more informed career choice. This is an excellent way to observe each of the vision specialists in real-world settings.

Those who feel that they may be interested in a career as an optician are encouraged to visit http://www.opticiantraining.org/optician-salary/ where they will find additional details about the influence of optician education, training, and certification on an individual's earning power. This site also provides information on state specific education and training requirements along with links to important government offices and forms.

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

Vision Care Basics - Keep Your Eyes Healthy

By Mirabelle Potter   

 

Do not put off visiting a vision care specialist until you experience severe problems with your eyesight. You should see an eye doctor as soon as you begin having symptoms of vision defects. Early detection helps you avoid more serious problems that can arise from neglect.

A good number of children experience visual impairment during their early years. Prescription lenses can correct most childhood eyesight problems quickly. An ophthalmologist or an optometrist may prescribe corrective lenses your child will use for a given time frame. You will have different needs as you get older. Make sure you visit a specialist every now and then to check the health of your eyes.
What causes visual impairment?

Many factors can cause eyesight problems. Some conditions are hereditary and will manifest over time, while others may be a congenital defect. Myopia or nearsightedness is a very good example of a problem that may stem from genetics.

Other problems arise from neglect and bad habits. Your eyes need vitamin A and lutein. Vitamin A helps maintain your eyesight, while lutein keeps your eyes lubricated and protects it from the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays. Not having enough of these two hastens the deterioration of your vision.
Reading habits such as reading in poorly-lit places, reading for extended periods of time, and reading at an uncomfortable angle makes your hereditary condition worse.

Aging affects your eyesight dramatically. Your body's capacity to retain the nutrients needed for healthy eyesight decreases as you get older. This can lead to nearsightedness and farsightedness, astigmatism, and more serious conditions like glaucoma, retinal detachment, and cataracts.


What types of treatment are available?

Prescription lenses correct most eyesight problems. You either have to wear it for a limited time or wear it for the rest of your life. This will depend on what condition you have. Most people begin with corrective lenses as children, and move on to reading glasses once they start aging. You will need to see an optometrist or an ophthalmologist for proper diagnosis of more serious conditions. They will give you an eyeglass prescription and tell you whether or not your condition is still reversible.

Other disorders may require surgical procedures. Those with advanced myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism may qualify for LASIK eye surgery. It involves the use of laser to reshape and remodel your cornea. Conditions like cataracts and glaucoma require traditional surgical procedures. Retinal detachment, meanwhile, will need emergency surgery to stop the retina from detaching completely.


Tips on Caring for Your Eyes

Make sure you eat a healthy diet rich in vitamin A and lutein. Squash, broccoli and spinach are good examples of lutein-rich food, while red pepper and carrots are rich in vitamin A. You should also mind your reading habits. Read at a comfortable angle and ensure you have ample light. Rest your eyes every now and then when reading for an extended period of time. You can exercise your eyeballs by looking up, down and sideways. Finally, make sure you visit a vision care specialist every two years, and that you keep your prescription updated. Wearing the wrong prescription lenses does more damage than good.

Mirabelle Potter shares vision care tips and proper selection of prescription lenses in an online magazine.

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

7 Ways to Reduce Computer Eye Strain

By Nicholas Fraser

 

Computer eye strain was coined when it seemed the computer was omnipresent and would always be, I assume. It should really be called digital eye strain because the issue applies to our interaction with digital screens. The computer is now only one of these and a diminishing one.

Efforts to reduce computer eye strain are a bit of a misnomer as we are talking about strain from all digital devices. It will probably be updated when our ability to categorize catches up with our ability to innovate. We have an almost never-ending river of digital data flowing at us every day with new options coming along all the time. No wonder our eyes get tired!

Blurred vision, dry eyes, double vision, light sensitivity and headaches are all symptoms. The official name for computer eye strain is Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS). CVS is a repetitive visual stress disorder, as described by the American Optometric Association. According to the Vision Council of America, nearly 90 percent of those who use a computer, (and we can replace this with digital device), at least 3 hours a day suffer vision problems associated with computer related eye strain.

So this is not a small problem and, with the continuing growth in digital capabilities, it is likely to be with us for a while yet. The good news is that there are numbers of simple and effective actions we can take to reduce or dispose of the symptoms.
 
7 Ways to Reduce Computer Eye Strain

1. Keep your screen clean giving it a daily dusting and cleaning any smudges or finger marks. A dirty computer screen forces you to strain to see what you are trying to read.

2. Position your monitor correctly; don't keep the computer at an odd angle that makes it difficult to see the screen. Best position is directly in front of you, 20 to 24 inches away, with the center of the screen four to nine inches below your straight-ahead gaze.

3. Sit up straight. Slouching or leaning forwards or backwards while sitting at a computer puts your eyes at a disadvantage, forcing them to strain to see the screen. Your arms should be parallel to the floor when you type and your feet should be flat on the floor (or on a footstool).

4. Take frequent breaks to look away to the distance and blink frequently. The unblinking focus engendered by digital screens drys out the eyes. The 20/20/20 rule is the most popular rendition of this suggestion - every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and focus on something 20 feet away.

5. Use eye drops regularly to lubricate the eyes and to keep the eyes moist.

6. Adjust lighting in your environment to provide the optimal combination of brightness and contrast.

7. Get some reputable digital eyewear.
Digital eyewear will eliminate the constant refocusing effort that the eyes go through when viewing the screen and address all the symptoms of CVS. Computer eyeglasses increase comfort during computer use, and recent studies have shown that they can increase computer worker productivity, with cost savings to employers who provide the eyewear.

From computer screens to hand helds, workstations to digital entertainment devices, the flow of information is only growing. What are all those hours staring at a screen doing to your eyes? Click http://digitaleyewearinfo.blogspot.com/ to find out. To prevent or remedy computer eye strain, headaches, blurred vision, dry eyes, and neck/back pain get eye equipment that can protect you AND help you to be more productive - http://digitaleyewearinfo.blogspot.com.

- Nicholas Fraser

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How Much Does Lasik Eye Surgery Cost?

By Joseph A Stevenson

 

    

A big factor when choosing to do lasik surgery is the cost that it will bring on you. A lot of people will make their decision on whether or not to do lasik solely on how much it is going to cost them. Although lasik is pretty expensive, there are a lot of options out there to help you pay for it.

First of all lasik usually costs around 1,000 per eye in most cases. After everything is finished you can plan on paying around two thousand to twenty five hundred dollars for the whole procedure. This is pretty expensive but you have to remember that you will be able to see much better without the aid of glasses or contact lenses.

So if you have decided that you would like to have lasik done but you really just can't afford it, what are your options? Well first of all you can finance your lasik through one of the many health credit agencies. Most lasik offices will give you some options such as care credit to finance your surgery. The different health credit agencies will have standard interest rates and payment plans that won't kill you.

Another thing you should think about when you are going to get lasik done is how much money you will be saving in the long run. Lasik will last you your entire life so your cost savings can be much better getting lasik than not. Lets say you are thirty years old right now and need lasik or glasses. If you stick with glasses you will probably spend around $200 every other year on prescriptions and doctors visits if you are lucky. This means that in around ten years when you are forty you will not only have spent around the same as lasik on glasses but you will also have had to put up with wearing glasses or contacts for the last ten years.

Besides prices you should think about the price that convenience and quality of life is to you. If you like to golf or ski or do anything outside that is difficult with glasses then lasik will not only benefit you but it will also create a more enriching lifestyle that you deserve.

Whatever you choose to do to correct your vision as long as you factor in all of the pros and cons, costs and benefits you will be sure to have better vision if you just plan it out right.

Joseph Stevenson is a Las Vegas Lasik Doctor consultant and Las Vegas Eye Doctor Advocate.

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

Three Steps to Slow Down Age-Related Macular Degeneration

By David Woodford

 

    

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness among individuals who are over the age of 65. It can cause a difficulty with vision that eventually progresses to the point where an individual may be blind in the center of their vision.

It affects the macula of the eye, which is a part of your retina that helps you to see sharp images in the center of your vision.

There is a lot that has to be learned about AMD and most doctors will admit they know very little about what causes the problem, other than the possibility that it is genetically tied. That doesn't mean that you are unable to prevent the problem from occurring or at the very least, to slow the degeneration that is being experienced.

1. One of the most important things for you to keep in mind if you are concerned about AMD is the effect that smoking can have on the condition. If you smoke, now is the time for you to stop. Of course, it would be better for you to avoid smoking from a very young age but it is never too late to stop and you may be able to slow the progression of AMD to a certain extent when you do so.


2. Eating a healthy diet and exercising are also an important part of reducing your risk of AMD and delaying its onset. You should include plenty of healthy nuts and fruits in your diet, as well as leafy green vegetables. Try to eat spinach, kale and other dark greens several times per week. As for your exercise, trying to do some type of physical activity for a half hour several times a week is going to help you to keep as healthy as possible. Keep in mind, if you are going to be exercising outdoors, make sure that you are wearing sunglasses to block the UV rays that could potentially damage your eyesight.


3. Finally, there may be some supplements that are available which will help to slow the degeneration that is taking place in the macula. Taking a multivitamin on a daily basis is always a good idea but make sure that it is as natural as possible. It is also considered to be beneficial if you take a fish oil supplement or try to get some fish in your diet regularly.

Although none of these tips are going to cure AMD, taking good care of your health and following these simple steps may help you to reduce the problem.

(The above suggestions are not meant to be authoritative and you should do your own due diligence before adopting any of them. In ALL cases of eye problems, seek the advice of a medical professional before adopting any procedures (including the above). We accept no responsibility if you do not follow this advice).

David Woodford suffers from AMD and has done much research on the subject. This series of articles summarizes some of the main conclusions he has found.

Visit David's website: http://www.UnderstandingAMD.com for more good ideas and recommendations.

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The LASIK Eye Surgery Basics

By Daniel Laurel

 

LASIK, also called laser in-situ keratomileusis, is a form of eye surgery renown for correcting refractive errors in the eye. Refractive errors happen when the eye doesn't focus the way it should. In normal vision, the image falls through the eye and focuses precisely on the retina, the membrane in the back of the eyeball. If a person is nearsighted, the image focuses in front of the retina. If the person is farsighted, the images focus on the back of the retina. In another problem called astigmatism the cornea, or the front surface of the eye, is somehow irregular.

Why LASIK?
LASIK has become popular because it works very well in correcting vision problems. The treatment is not terribly painful, though there's some discomfort a day or two after the operation. The procedure doesn't require stitches or bandaging. Best of all, patients report that their vision improves right away. Most people who have LASIK have such improved vision that they no longer need to wear contacts or glasses.

Considerations
However, LASIK still isn't a miracle cure. The surgery is complicated and mishaps can happen. A corneal flap needs to be cut very accurately in the eye. If this procedure is done incorrectly, it can impair a patient's vision. Other side effects can be patients experiencing glare or halos. They can lose some of their night vision and develop dry eyes. Indeed, a person who wants LASIK and already has dry eyes will probably be dissuaded from having the operation. Other conditions that might rule against a patient having LASIK surgery are autoimmune diseases like HIV or rheumatoid arthritis.

People with a condition called keratoconus might also not be good candidates for LASIK surgery. This is where the cornea is so irregular that it's actually cone shaped. People with very unstable vision should also not have LASIK. Women who are pregnant or nursing should wait until they've given birth or stopped nursing to have LASIK.

Before the eye surgery, a patient will meet with an ophthalmologist or a member of his or her staff to make sure they're a good candidate. The patient will have a medical history taken and be examined.

He or she will also have tests conducted on his or her eyes.

The Surgery and After Before the LASIK surgery the patient is given eyedrops to numb their eye. Some patients are also sedated. Then, a very precise laser called a femtosecond laser makes a flap in the cornea. It's then peeled back like a lid and another type of laser is used to sculpt the eye tissue to make sure that the light can focus properly on the retina. Then, the flap is replaced. The operation takes about ten minutes.

After the patient is taken home, he or she should rest for a few days. The ophthalmologist will prescribe eye drops, because the eyes will be dry afterwards. The patient will then have follow-up visits to the ophthalmologist. The first might be a day or two after the surgery. Other visits will follow over a span of six months or so.

Crystal Clear Vision 33 Hazelton Ave Toronto, ON M5R 2E3 (416) 928-0777 offering premium LASIK procedures, KAMRA Reading correction and many more. For more information on our services, visit. http://www.crystalclearvision.com/

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