Lasik Dallas – Dr William Boothe

Boothe Laser Center Discusses Unpleasant Facts About Contact Lenses

Contact lenses are considered by many perfect alternative to eyeglasses. They make it possible to avoid common “foureyes” issues such as a visual field reduction, optical distortions, eyeglasses lens breathing, and giving up some sports. Not to mention the pressure on the nose and ears as well as appearance issues.

However, recently ophthalmologists often notice negative consequences connected with improper or long-term use of contact lens.

Colored contact lenses

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently announced a public warning regarding the use of colored contact lenses that became very popular among people all over the United States, especially teenagers and young adults. For some reason, many people feel that this type of contacts are intended only for changing their eyes’ color rather than for vision correction, and they can buy and wear them without a proper ophthalmology consultation (as well as without sunglasses). Meanwhile, according to FDA data, some of these contact lenses, which are sold for less than $50 on beaches, in markets and on the Internet, lead to corneal inflammation. Dr. Boothe added that in the worst cases the eye infection and other complications caused by the use of such contacts may lead to blindness. Other complaints made by wearers include suffering from conjunctivitis, corneal edema, allergic reactions and deterioration of contrast sensitivity.

Contact lens can scratch your eye

Dr. Boothe says that wearing of soft contact lenses may lead to the damage of outer eye layers even if you properly take care of them. Researchers of Ohio University have found that more than half of contact lens wearers experience corneal damage of at least in one eye. One in every thirteen “scratches” represents a danger to vision.

During research, experts of twenty leading clinics examined five hundred people who was wearing contacts lenses eight hours a day, five days a week. To detect superficial damages a special fluorescent-containing probe was used. The fact is that fluorescent lingers on the damaged areas of epithelium and can be easily discovered with special examination light.

The coloration of epithelium, which was indicative of corneal erosion, was detected in almost fifty six percent of examined lens wearers, at least in one eye. Eight percent of examined people were found with moderate to severe corneal damages. According to the researchers, this can lead to infection as well as to formation of sores and scars. Scientists revealed differences in frequency of erosion formations depending on frequency of both contact lens replacement and thoroughness of care. Also, the dependence on contact lens optical power was revealed: people with farsightedness and moderate to severe nearsightedness suffered from corneal damages more often than others.

Excimer Laser Photo Refractive Keratectomy (PRK) is a laser vision correction surgery efficacious for correcting myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness) and astigmatism. This type of refractive procedure has been performed worldwide for nearly twenty years. Although Lasik is the popular vision surgery in the United States, many patients that are not suitable for Lasik due to thin corneas may be good candidates for PRK procedure. If you want to know if you are suitable candidate for PRK, you can call the Boothe EyeСare for a free initial screening.

While performing PRK, Dr. Boothe utilizes the excimer laser to vaporize away some of the outer corneal tissue. Basically, only 5 to 15% of the corneal thickness is vaporized. By remodeling the shape of the cornea, the beams of light can focus properly onto the retina, allowing patients to see clearly after the procedure. PRK involves less intervention than Lasik since the surgeon does not need to create the corneal flap. The PRK surgery itself takes about fifteen minutes, and the actual laser treatment takes only one minute.

To correct myopia, the excimer laser vaporizes central part of the cornea to decrease its curvature so beams of light will focus and reach the retina. In the process of correcting farsightedness, the laser alters the contour of the cornea. To correct astigmatism, the laser reshapes specified areas to achieve the proper curvature of the cornea so light can focus correctly on the retina.

Post-PRK period

Post-op recovery varies from five to seven days to achieve good functional eyesight after the procedure. Patients’ vision is quite blurred right after the PRK surgery since the epithelium (the outer protective layer) must grow back and become glossy again to enable clear eyesight. The eyesight becomes gradually better once the corneal epithelium is restored. If recovery speed is an issue, you should consider Intralase that does not require much rest and lets you go back to your regular activities the next day.

Most PRK patients see well enough to drive themselves and return to work in a week without the use of eyeglasses or contact lenses. To fully achieve stabilized vision, patients will need to wait within one to four months. Boothe EyeCare patients are given antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops to use for at least the first week following the procedure.

PRK is a very safe and effective procedure. Complications following PRK are rare. Even if they occur, they are not serious and can be resolved using medications or revision treatment. After a year, most patients experience a significant improvement in their eyesight, and 80 percent of patients achieve 20/20 vision and have no complaints as to the process and the outcome.

Thanks to various financing plans offered at the Boothe EyeCare, the cost of procedures is affordable for most patients.