Vision Loss

Learn more about vision loss from an eye doctor in your area!

InfoCenter
February 05, 2012 Vision loss info and access to doctors who specialize in vision loss!

Vision Loss News
Vision Loss Doctors
Vision Loss Information
Diabetic Retinopathy Treatment
Macular Degeneration Treatment
Glaucoma Treatment
Cataracts Treatment
Vision Loss Resources
Contact Us

About Vision Loss InfoCenter
Vision Loss InfoCenter is an Internet resource that offers you information about vision loss. Vision Loss InfoCenter does not offer medical advice or referrals.

Frequently Asked Questions about LASIK Laser Vision Correction

January 31st, 2011

If you are considering becoming one of the many Canadians who undergo LASIK laser vision correction in Toronto each year, you may have questions regarding the procedure. Read on to learn the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about LASIK or contact a Toronto ophthalmologist today to schedule an appointment.

What does LASIK treat?

LASIK corrects the imperfections of the cornea that are responsible for producing the symptoms of myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism.

Who is a good candidate for LASIK?

To be a good candidate for laser vision correction, a person should be in general good health. His or her eyes should be free of any injury or
condition. A patient who has an eye condition such as glaucoma, cataracts, or keratoconus may be disqualified from having LASIK. The ideal candidate is over the age of 18 and has had a stable corrective lenses prescription for at least a year. He or she must also have a degree of correction that can be corrected with LASIK surgery. Women who are pregnant should wait until their eyes have normalized after pregnancy before having LASIK laser vision correction, since hormonal fluctuations may cause changes in the eyes.

What happens during the LASIK procedure?

After the patient’s eye has been prepared with soothing, anesthetizing eye drops, a speculum is positioned to hold his or her eyelids open. The next step is to create a corneal flap — a flap of corneal tissue that will is lifted aside while the surgeon reshapes the underlying tissue and replaced to form a natural bandage. The surgeon uses a sophisticated excimer laser to reshape the corneal tissue, correcting imperfections that cause poor vision. Once this is complete, the corneal flap is put back in place. The flap protects the surgical site and facilitates quick healing.

On the Surgeries for Aesthetically Enhancing Your Breasts

January 5th, 2011

There are many different ways that you can improve the appearance of your body, and one such way is getting breast enhancement surgery. Breast enhancement surgery provides you with many options to enhance your overall appearance. When it comes to these options, it is important that you speak with a skilled breast implant surgeon in Chicago in order to learn more. Below, however, for your edification, we have included some brief information on the different surgery options that are available to you.

Aesthetically Enhancing Your Breasts with Breast Lift Surgery

Breast lift surgery is a great way for you to enhance the appearance of your breasts if they are too saggy or droopy due to age, weight fluctuation, or other issues. The surgery will involve the removal of some breast tissue to enhance breast firmness.

Aesthetically Enhancing Your Breasts with Breast Reduction Surgery

When you have breasts that are too large and cause you physical discomfort and pain as well as undue self-consciousness, breast reduction surgery is the best option to consider. The surgery will use similar incisions as breast lift surgery.

Aesthetically Enhancing Your Breasts with Breast Reconstruction Surgery

When a woman loses her breast or both breasts to an injury or a health condition like breast cancer, this can greatly alter her own sense of self and her own body. Breast reconstruction surgery is a great surgical option to restore the breast mound as well as the areola and nipple.

Aesthetically Enhancing Your Breasts with Breast Augmentation Surgery

One of the most well known of the breast enhancement options is breast augmentation surgery. Breast augmentation surgery will involve the use of breast implants that are placed into the breast mound in order to increase breast size and alter breast shape.

Which Surgery Should You Choose to Aesthetically Enhance Your Breasts

For more information on your options for breast enhancement in Chicago and if breast augmentation, breast lift, breast reduction, or breast reconstruction is best for you, speak with a surgeon in your neck of the woods as soon as possible.

Body Lift – Cost and Tips on Payment and Financing Options

December 27th, 2010

A body lift is a procedure where excess skin and fat or just excess skin is removed from the lower body to lift the buttocks and tighten the thighs and abdomen, restoring shape and contour to the body. It will involve numerous surgeries, including tummy tuck in Pueblo. While sometimes this procedure is medically necessary, it is often an elective surgery for cosmetic reasons. A body lift is not often covered by medical insurance so the patient must bear the burden of the cost on his or her own. As mentioned above, it can be quite expensive depending on the extent of the surgery, how much fat and skin that is being removed and the health of the patient.

Of course the cheapest method is having the procedure on an outpatient basis with an IV sedation. This eliminates the cost of a facility fee at the hospital, an overnight stay at the hospital and the fee for general anesthesia. However, not all patients are candidates are for outpatient surgery. Those with pre-existing health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and other ailments may be required to have their procedure at a hospital and required to be monitored during an overnight stay. Other reasons for a mandatory or recommended hospitalized procedure is the extent of the surgery. The more fat and skin being removed the more blood loss, bruising, swelling and complications may occur.

Some physicians and hospitals offer payment plans that work with the patient to arrange for surgery. With a decided upon down payment, the patient will continue to make payments to the physician or hospital on a monthly basis following surgery. If this is not an option, there are ways to finance the surgery through loans by companies such as Care Credit or others that your hospital or surgeon works with. These outside companies take care of the financing by billing you on a monthly basis after a deposit is made. It works like a credit card. Both, payment plan options with the hospital or physician direct or through their outside companies require good credit and can damage your credit if payments are late or if you default on your loan.

Be sure to speak with your surgeon to learn more about liposuction in Pueblo as well as body lift surgery.

Cosmetic Nose Surgery (Rhinoplasty)

December 1st, 2010

The nose is the central feature of the face. When the nose is too large, crooked, or otherwise disproportionate to the rest of the face it can significantly detract from a person’s appearance. It is also common for people to have functional problems with the nose which can make it difficult to breathe and lead to snoring and conditions like sleep apnea. The solution to all of these cosmetic and functional concerns is a plastic surgery procedure called rhinoplasty.

Rhinoplasty, also referred to as nose contouring surgery, nasal surgery, and a nose job, is a type of cosmetic surgery procedure used to alter the size or shape of the nose. During rhinoplasty surgeon, a plastic surgeon removes cartilage and/or bone or reshapes cartilage and bone in roder to change the appearance of the nose. Of all of the plastic surgery procedures available, rhinoplasty can potentially produce the most dramatic results. But keep in mind it can also be sued to make minor alterations to enhance the appearance of the nose.

For people who are considering undergoing rhinoplasty surgery, the road to a new nose begins with an initial plastic surgery consultation. This meeting with a plastic surgeon will include a health screening as well as a frank discussion of the risks and benefits of the procedure. One of the most exciting parts of a rhinoplasty consultation is that patients can see a digitally altered photo of themselves with their nose altered to get an idea of what they will look like after surgery.

Like most cosmetic surgery procedures, rhinoplasty is an outpatient surgery that can be performed in a hospital or at a surgical facility. The surgery usually takes about one to two hours to complete. The surgeon begins by making an incision either between the nostrils or inside the nostrils. Using small instruments they then shave off bone or trim cartilage to produce the desired shape. The nose is then packed with gauze and wrapped to protect it in the days following surgery.

Find a plastic surgery center in Pittsburgh or contact a rhinoplasty surgeon in Pittsburgh.

Cataract Surgery FAQs – Answering Questions

December 1st, 2010

If you have been diagnosed with cataracts, you probably have quite a few questions about how they develop and how they are treated. This article will answer some of the most commonly asked questions about cataracts. For further information, talk to your eye doctor.

What is a cataract?

A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye. The cataract itself is actually a clump of proteins that develop in the eye. Cataracts obscure vision and can eventually cause blindness if left untreated.

Cataracts only affect the elderly right?

Wrong. Cataracts can develop at any age. Certain medical conditions can lead to early development of cataracts, but it is true that most people will develop cataracts when they reach age 65 or so.

Are cataracts progressive in nature?

Yes. However, sometimes it can take years for a small cataract to progress. Many people live with cataracts for years, even decades without needing any treatment. It is only when cataracts interfere with vision that it becomes necessary to submit to treatment.

Can eyeglasses or medications treat cataracts?

Unfortunately, no. There is no medication that can eliminate cataracts or even stop their progression. Eyeglasses are completely ineffectual when it comes to cataracts. The only treatment option is surgical removal of the clouded lens and replacement with an artificial lens.

What happens during cataract surgery?

During cataract surgery the eye doctor uses ultrasound technology to break up the affected lens of the eye then it is suctioned out from the eye. The next step is to replace the missing lens with an artificial lens, either a monofocal or multifocal lens.

Is cataract surgery safe?

All surgical procedures have risks. The incidence of complications from cataract surgery is extremely low. There is a risk of infection and side effects include swelling, pain, and bleeding.

Find Texas LASIK doctors or contact Texas cataract surgery providers.

Custom or Wavefront LASIK Surgery - Refractive Surgery Options

November 19th, 2010

Conventional LASIK represents a revolution in the world of vision correction. Custom LASIK technologies go even further, allowing your eye surgeon to further customize the LASIK procedure to suit your individual eyes. The difference between conventional and custom LASIK surgery is that custom methods result in even clearer and sharper vision than ever before. When you choose custom laser eye surgery in Puerto Rico over conventional methods, you’ll have a greater chance of 20/20 vision, and the incidence of glare and halos is reduced.

Custom LASIK improves not only what you can see, but also how well you can see it. Vision is improved at all distances, not just very close or very distant images. Custom LASIK procedures are designed to correct small aberrations in the cornea that cannot be corrected using conventional LASIK methods. Previously, only significant aberrations (distortions created by the shape of the eye) such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism could be measured and treated. Other issues caused by the shape of the cornea, however, can also significantly impact vision. Custom LASIK procedures, which are constantly improving, can treat such aberrations.

One type of custom LASIK, known as wavefront LASIK, measures the way that light travels through the eye, using a system known as an Aberrometer, to create a 3D map of the eye’s surface. This level of data allows the eye surgeon to customize the laser treatment to better target your particular eye issues. Unlike nearsightedness and farsightedness, treating these distortions (known as higher-order aberrations) requires a custom-designed laser procedure, since they occur in a manner that is entirely unique to each patient. Custom LASIK is able to treat eye irregularities that are not addressed with conventional LASIK procedures, including those that cause decreased contrast sensitivity, poor night vision, glare, halos, or other vision quality problems.

The process used to measure the eye’s unique shape allows the laser beam to create a much more accurate surface on your eye. Although custom LASIK procedures offer the opportunity for fine-tuning of the eye’s surface, they are not necessary in every procedure. Most people who have astigmatism or are nearsighted or farsighted will find that conventional LASIK delivers the results they want. Custom LASIK in Puerto Rico can be more expensive because of the additional measurement steps, but your eye’s condition may warrant this procedure.

Exploring the Causes of TMJ Disorders

November 10th, 2010

TMJ stands for temporo mandibular joint. Disorders of the TMJ joint are caused by a variety of factors. Dental problems may contribute to deterioration of the TMJ joint; for example, tooth loss, occlusal disorders, and tooth misalignment can all lead to problems with the TMJ joint. Arthritis can also lead to premature deterioration of the TMJ joint. The TMJ joint is responsible for the function and movement of the jaw; any problem associated with the TMJ joint can lead to pain and discomfort and can interfere with chewing and biting.

Dentists and physicians sometimes have a hard time identifying TMJ disorders because the symptoms are so varied. Patients often complain of everything from difficulty chewing to pain in the jaw, a popping noise coming from the jaw, neck pain, tooth pain, and even facial swelling. After TMJ disorders are diagnosed, it is essential for physicians to locate the causes of the disorder. It is important to rule out arthritis right away as a cause of TMJ problems. After that it becomes more difficult, because TMJ issues can be caused by everything from stress to teeth grinding, muscle tension, and even genetics.

If you are having problems chewing or biting or if you are experiencing pain in the jaw, it is important to track your symptoms so you can communicate them to your dentist or physician. A physician can help you get to the bottom of your TMJ problems. They may recommend everything from stress reduction therapy to muscle relaxants. Another common treatment option is a night guard to prevent your from clenching or grinding your teeth at night. These guards can be purchased at a pharmacy or your dentist may need to create a custom guard for you at the dental office.

Find a sedation dentist in McKinney or contact a TMJ provider in McKinney.

Information on Vision Correction and Various Eye Care Treatments

November 5th, 2010

There are many different vision problems that a person may face. This may include cataracts or glaucoma, or may be as simple to solve as refractive errors. It is important for you to speak with an eye care specialist about your options for vision enhancement treatment or laser eye surgery in Oregon. Below is some basic information on three eye health and vision issues that many people have dealt with.

Cataracts

Cataracts occur when the proteins inside the lenses of the eye solidify and clump together. This will cause the lens of the eye to become opaque. This will make seeing more difficult. Cataracts often occur as a result of advanced age, though smoking, radiation exposure, and dietary deficiencies can cause cataracts to occur in younger people as well.

Treatments for Cataracts

The best treatment for cataracts is to have the clouded lens of the eye removed and replaced by a clear artificial lens. This will improve vision and quality of life.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a condition that is caused by increased pressure within the eye. If this goes untreated or undetected, the pressure within the eyes will build and build, pinching the optic nerve and eventually causing total blindness.

Treatment for Glaucoma

Glaucoma can never be cured in total, but the pressure within the eyes can be relieved in various ways. For one, there are some surgeries that can reduce pressure. Drainage methods can also help, as can certain medications.

Refractive Errors

Refractive errors are common vision problems related to the way that light passes through the eye and focuses (or misfocuses) on the retina at the back of the eye. Myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism are all the types of refractive errors you can face.

Treatments for Refractive Errors

Getting corrective lenses is a common way to deal with refractive errors, though many people also opt for LASIK eye surgery in Portland. LASIK is a fine method of altering the corneal shape in order to ensure that light passes through the eyes properly.

Some Basic Information on the Causes of Gum Disease

October 2nd, 2010

Statistics show that eighty percent of American adults have experienced or are experiencing some form of gum disease. With these numbers in mind, knowing the causes of gum disease should be important to all Americans so that we can prevent it. Your dentist in Bloomington can help you.

Gum disease, or periodontal disease, can range from inflamed gums to more severe symptoms like major damage to the gums and mouth. When gum disease has set in, the bone and soft tissues of your mouth can be greatly damaged, which will result in the loss of teeth. If you are one of the many people who has been diagnosed with a form of gum disease, you will want to take special care of your mouth and teeth to stop or slow the damage as much as possible. To prevent gum disease from setting in, it is wise to know the various causes of gum disease.

It is well known that the human mouth is full of bacteria and mucus. These two work together to form plaque on your teeth. Of course, the best defense against this build up is daily brushing and flossing of one’s teeth. Some mouthwashes may also help a person to prevent excessive plaque build-up. When this plaque is not removed by brushing and flossing, it hardens up to form tartar. Once tartar has formed, brushing your teeth will not help to remove it.

Only a dentist will be able to remove tartar from your teeth. If tartar is not properly removed from the teeth, gingivitis will soon develop. This will cause your gums to swell and become red. This is due to the gingivitis causing bacteria that forms in your mouth. Gingivitis is sometimes painful and one should consult their doctor if they think they have gingivitis.

If gingivitis goes unchecked, it will develop into periodontitis. Periodontitis will cause the gums to pull away from the teeth and become infected. The bone and tissues in the mouth that hold the teeth in their place will be slowly damaged as the infection spreads around the mouth. If this goes untreated, teeth will continue to loosen until they need to be removed or fall out on their own.

The causes of gum disease are very simple. Bacteria that forms in your mouth will lead to the rise of gum disease. If you want to fight gum disease, you must eat properly, take care of your teeth and live a healthy lifestyle. If you lose your teeth due to gum disease, dental implants in Bloomington may be the best option for your needs.

Cataracts, Cataract Surgery, and What You Should Know

October 1st, 2010

If you have been diagnosed with cataracts you may be a candidate for cataract surgery. This procedure is an outpatient surgery known as a permanent intraocular lens implant. It is important to understand what happens during this procedure. You eye surgeon in London will be able to discuss this more in greater detail.

When a person has cataracts the lens on their eye is clouded over and it is virtually impossible to see out of the eye. Only one eye may have bad cataracts or both eyes may be clouded over. When the clouding over occurs, the lens needs to be removed from the eye and completely replaced. The surgery is usually subjective depending on how much the vision loss affects you.

The lens the doctor will use to replace your natural eye lens may depend on the power you need. There are two lenses used to replace the eye’s natural lens. One type of lens used in the surgery that might be right for your eye is a monofocal or single vision lenses. This is a regular lens. There is also a multifocal lens known as the Presbyopia-correcting intraocular lens. Determining which lens is right for your eye is done through an exam by your doctor.

When the cataract surgery is performed it is an outpatient procedure. You will be given a local anesthetic in the eye through the form of an eye drop so you won’t fee anything. A doctor will use an ultrasound driven instrument that will break up the cataract and suction it off of the eye. This method is known as phacoemulsification. Another procedure a doctor may use for cataract surgery is known as phacofracture. In this method the doctor will use special instruments to mechanically break up the cataracts and the entire lens into small pieces and remove them by making an incision.

After the lens is removed the new lens will be replaced where the natural eye lens was before. The incision for the cataract surgery is self healing and does not need to be sutured.

One thing to keep in mind about cataract surgery in London is that it is painless, it only needs to be done once in a lifetime if it needs to be performed and it is a quick procedure. However, this surgery does not use lasers and there is pain involved. The healing process can take a few weeks.