Thursday, September 13, 2007
1. What is the goal of the LASIK procedure?
The goal is to reduce or eliminate your dependence on glasses or contacts.
2. What kind of vision correction can be done with LASIK?
LASIK is a very flexible procedure, and can correct nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.
3. What about my need for reading glasses?
If you are over 40 and are using reading glasses or bifocals, there is no procedure for correcting this. Your distance prescription is corrected, which reduces your reading prescription. There are also ways to use laser vision correction to help reduce your reading glasses need further, these options will be discussed with you before your procedure.
4. Is there a right age to have LASIK done?
LASIK can be done from the age of 18 years old onwards without an upper age limit.
5. What if I am wearing contacts now?
If you wear soft contacts, they should be out for at least 24 hours (preferably 3 days) before your examination for LASIK. Hard or rigid gas permeable contacts should be take out for at least two weeks prior to your exam. The interesting fact that people forget about contact lenses is that they can also cause a significant number of problems including infections, allergies, and corneal epithelial scratches or breakdown.
6. What will my vision be like after the procedure?
Vision after LASIK is as clear as with good contact lenses.
7. Is the procedure difficult or painful?
The procedure is done using only anesthetic drops in the eyes, and is not painful. It takes about 15-20 minutes for both eyes to be done, and you are driving and back at work the next day.
8. Do I need to take time off from work?
Although it is probably wise to take off at least part of the day you have the procedure, you should be back at work by the next day.
9. Can both eyes be done at the same time?
Using the LASIK procedure, both eyes are done at the same time.
10. How long does it take?
The actual time to do the procedure on each eye is about 2-3 minutes, but the set up time actually makes the overall time about 15-20 minutes for both eyes.
11. Do I have to wear a patch?
No, just protective sunglasses during the day, and protective plastic shields at night.
12. Is laser vision correction permanent?
Yes, it is permanent. It has been shown that in small percentages of people (2-4%) it can have some loss of effect within the first 3-6 months, but Alpha Laser Centers guarantees its procedures for 12 months, and will enhance at no extra charge. Long-term data show no change in effect over many years.
13. Are there long term side effects?
LASIK has been performed in this country since 1995, and is actually a modification of a procedure called ALK which has been around for about 30 years. The excimer laser has been used for worldwide for about 10 years now, so there is an enormous amount of data concerning laser vision correction.
14. PRK or LASIK?
Although both procedures will get you good vision correction, LASIK will get you good clear vision much faster, in as little as hours. LASIK allows you to get both eyes done at the same time on the same day, and is more comfortable. LASIK also allows for much more flexibility in the type of correction done. Dr. Motwani performs his procedures almost exclusively using the LASIK procedure, and PRK is only used in the rare case that someone is a poor candidate for LASIK.
15. Why shouldn't I get this done for the lowest price I can find?
Unfortunately, because of the high cost of the most advanced equipment, you do get what you pay for, and the costs for the best equipped centers are considerably higher than for the mainstream. Currently, the latest and technologically most advanced excimer laser machine (the Nidek EC-5000, which we use) costs up to double what the other machines do. The latest devices used to make the flap cost about $70,000. Once you factor in the cost for the other equipment, annual service contracts, personnel, and for having a center that makes the client comfortable, the cost is high indeed. If someone is offering a lower cost, you are losing something in one of these factors. Fortunately, the majority of people interested in laser vision correction realize that this is a one-time procedure, and do not choose their laser center based on price alone.
16. How do I pick my laser center/doctor?
This is a really hard question to answer. Although most centers would have you believe that this is directly in relation to the mega-thousands of procedures their doctor has done, the answer is more complex than that. It has to do with the level of equipment, the attention to detail, determining the pre-operative parameters and in performing the procedures, and the center's commitment to patient satisfaction. In reality, most people pick the center and doctor that they feel the most comfortable with, one they feel be stable and there for them a year down the road, and one that specializes in refractive surgery only so they know the doctor's concentration is focused.
17. How do I get started if I am interested in LASIK?
If you have read this far, then you are pretty well informed. You can call our Point Loma location at 1-877-SEE-ALPHA to schedule a free consultation to find out more or come down to our center at:
8899 University Centre Lane
Suite 250
La Jolla-UTC
Frequently Asked LASIK Eye Surgery Questions
0 comments Posted by forfin at 11:17 PM Labels: Eyes and Vision, SurgeryHow do I know if I am a good candidate for LASIK Eye Surgery? A large percentage of nearsighted, farsighted, and astigmatic patients are potential candidates for LASIK. Patients who are 18 years of age or older, have healthy eyes that are free from retinal problems, corneal scars, and any eye disease are suitable. Along with being medically suitable, the best candidates are people with a lifestyle or occupation in which they are dissatisfied with their contact lenses or glasses. By having an evaluation, examination, and consultation with you, the doctor will be able to determine if you are a good lasik candidate. How Long Does LASIK Take? In our practices, LASIK is performed as an office procedure in the comfort and convenience of an excimer laser eye surgery suite. The entire treatment takes about 5 to 7 minutes per eye or approximately 15 minutes for both eyes. Is the Effect of LASIK Eye Surgery Permanent? Yes. Following an initial healing period of two to three months, the effect of the treatment is lifelong. Will I Need Reading Glasses After the Treatment? Generally, patients under 40 years of age read well without glasses following the treatment. Patients over 40 may need magnification for reading fine print. Presbyopia is the term that refers to the natural weakening of the focusing muscles that occurs in our early to mid 40s, causing us to need the magnification that reading glasses provide. The LASIK treatment does not correct or prevent presbyopia. We also will be glad to discuss another option called monovision. How Many Times Do I Need To be Seen Following the Treatment? Most patients are usually seen the day following the treatment and then at least 1 month and 3 months following the treatment. Some patients require more visits. Remember, we are available 24 hours a day when you have any questions, concerns or need attention. How Soon After The Treatment Can I Bathe or Take a Shower? Your LASIK Surgeon will advise you as to the specific, however typically you can bathe the same day as the treatment but you should not shower for 2 days after the treatment. As always, avoid getting soap or water directly into your eyes. Avoid rubbing your eyes during the first month after surgery. When Can I Drive After The Treatment? You should not drive the day of treatment. After that, you may drive when you feel confident that your visual acuity and eye comfort allow you to drive safely. How Soon Can I Use Eye Makeup? You may resume wearing eye makeup starting 1-2 weeks after your treatment. We strongly recommend that you purchase new eye makeup, specifically mascara, to avoid potential infection following your treatment. How Soon After The Treatment Can I Exercise? Non-contact sports can be resumed as soon as you feel capable. Eye protection is always recommended for racquet sports or rough sports where there is a risk of being hit in the eye. How Soon Can I Swim? You should stay out of swimming pools for one week after your treatment, and rivers, lakes and oceans for two weeks following your treatment. What Kind of Anesthesia is Used During the Treatment? Numbing eye drops are used. Sometimes an oral medication is used to help with relaxation. Don't worry -no needles or intravenous drugs are used. Can you Have Both Eyes Treated at the Same Time? LASIK Treatment can be performed on both eyes on the same day. This decreases the troublesome effect of being nearsighted in only one eye between the two treatments. You may elect to have one eye done at a time. Does LASIK hurt? The LASIK treatment itself is painless because we put a few numbing drops in your eyes to make you even more comfortable. You will feel pressure on and around the eye during treatment. With LASIK, some patients may experience a feeling of "something in the eye" for a day or so after treatment. Can I See the LASIK Treatment as it is Being Performed? You will be "awake" but very relaxed. You will not be able to see any of the details of the LASIK treatment. You will see a number of lights, but the images will be blurred. Will I Experience Pain after The LASIK Treatment? Some patients experience a feeling of burning or scratchiness. This feeling generally lasts from one to three hours following the treatment. Most people feel fine if they can take a nap soon after the treatment. How Soon After Surgery Will I See Well? Each patient is different. The eye drop medications cause some blurring, but most patients notice a dramatic improvement even as they leave the office. More than 4 out of 5 patients can pass a driving test without glasses or contact lenses after the treatment. Will My Eyes be Patched? No, but clear, protective eye shields will be placed over your treated eye(s) following the treatment, and will be removed in our office the next morning. You will continue to wear these eye shields at bedtime for 1 week for protection. When Can I Go Back To Work? Most patients are back to work full-time the day after treatment. An additional day or two is rarely required before returning to work. If you can we, recommend that you take it easy for a couple of days. Will I Need Glasses or Contact Lenses After The LASIK Treatment? The goal of refractive surgery is to reduce your dependence on glasses and/or contact lenses, but LASIK patients still may benefit from reading glasses or distance glasses when they desire perfect near or distance vision. A nominal percentage of patients wear a thin pair of prescription glasses for night driving. Should I have a Custom LASIK Eye Surgery Treatment or a Conventional Treatment? The best treatment for you depends on the measurements we take from the Aberrometer and your other clinical measurements and vision complaints. This will indicate the presence and severity of aberrations, or distortions, which will necessitate a Custom Laser Eye Surgery treatment. You may have specific complaints that are related to the optical aberrations that are not corrected by your current glasses or contact lenses. Finally, Custom Laser Eye Surgery is usually indicated for anyone who has had previous corneal surgery. Why should I have Custom LASIK Eye Surgery when conventional Lasik Eye Surgery worked fine for my friends? Conventional Lasik Eye Surgery has provided excellent results for literally millions of people. However, if you are a patient who has unusual aberrations not readily corrected by conventional Lasik Eye Surgery, customized laser eye surgery is the best choice for you. The best thing to do is to come in for a Complimentary Consultation and together, the LASIK surgeon and you, can determine which treatment option is necessary and best suited for your individual needs. What is the real difference between conventional Laser Eye Surgery and Custom LASIK Eye Surgery? Conventional Laser Eye Surgery treats the vast majority of common optical aberrations called "lower order" aberrations. These are responsible for causing nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. Custom LASIK Eye Surgery provides a more precise treatment for patients who have "higher order" aberrations, which we can now measure with the Aberrometer. For these patients, customized laser eye surgery may provide a better quality of vision by measuring and addressing all of these aberrations as part of the treatment plan. Why is Custom LASIK sometimes more expensive? Custom LASIK represents the application of advanced technology to conventional Lasik Eye Surgery and may provide a better quality of vision by measuring and addressing visual distortions that previously could not even be measured. Our practices have incorporated the advanced measurement technology, the Aberrometer measurement system, and the Custom LASIK Laser Eye Surgery software necessary to provide these treatments. This advanced technology adds a modest cost but may deliver the best vision quality. How Much Does Laser Vision Correction Cost? Can I Afford It? Our practice policy is to arrange affordable monthly payments in order to help fit LASIK into your budget. As compared with eyeglasses and contact lenses LASIK can pay for itself in a few years time. Eyeglasses usually have to be replaced once a year or so and contact lenses, depending on the type, can be extremely costly. Speak with our Refractive Surgery Coordinator for more financing information. In most cases you can qualify FOR AN AFFORDABLE MONTHLY PAYMENT PLAN. Your Company May Be Able To Help You Pay for LASIK! Many companies have implemented healthcare options that make elective surgeries such as LASIK an affordable alternative. These insurance programs are referred to as Flex Plans, cafeteria plans or alternative health plans. These plans designate a limited amount of pre tax dollars to pay for the employees predetermined elective surgery. Generally the employee must decide which surgery they are planning to have and declare this to their employer. You can contact your human resource office to find out when your company's enrollment period begins.
First Important Things To Know About Contact Lenses
0 comments Posted by forfin at 12:16 AM Labels: Eyes and VisionNowadays just about everybody can wear contact lenses, and there are more healthy and convenient contact lens choices than ever before. Contact lenses are medical devices designed to nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Eventough glasses are still fashionable more and more people prefer to wear contact lenses instead of them. Nowadays there is a wide range of cosmetic and special effect lenses without visual correction. These contact lenses are meant to cause a drastic change in one's appearance.
If you have never worn contact lenses before, the first step you have to make is to see an eye doctor and get a prescription for contacts. In 2004 legislation went into effect giving all U.S. consumers the right to a copy of their contact lens prescription. This way contact lenses can be purchased at local optical stores, opticians or why not, through the internet.
When buying lenses over the internet some advice should be considered:
never buy or order contact lenses with an expired prescription
make sure the site is reliable and the products are of good quality
if you receive other brand or a different prescription than the one ordered return the product for a refund.
There are different types of contact lenses , classified in many different manners.
According to their constructional material contact lenses can be of three types. The most common were the hard lenses but soon the soft and RGP or "oxygen permeable" lenses have overtaken it. Lately, new silicone hydrogel contact lenses have been introduced to the market. Many eye care practitioners are now using these types of lenses, because they allow more oxygen to pass through the lens to the eye, and they are less inclined to dehydration. According to the length of time a contact lens can be used, there are daily, monthly and extended wear contact lenses. Daily lenses must be removed nightly and they are said to be healthier than extended wear ones that can be worn overnight, usually for seven days successively without removal.
According to their function contact lenses are divided into three categories: corrective lenses, cosmetic lenses and therapeutic ones. A corrective contact lens is a lens designed to improve vision. A cosmetic contact lens is designed to alter the appearance of the eye. These lenses may also improve the vision, but some blurring or obstruction of vision may occur as a result of the color or design. These lenses are used mainly in the entertainment industry to make the eye appear agreeable, remarkable or unnatural in appearance. And last but not least therapeutic contact lenses are soft lenses that are often used in the treatment of non-refractive disorders of the eye. A bandage contact lens protects an injured or unhealthy cornea from the regular rubbing of blinking eyelids thereby permitting it to heal.
Once you have your lenses be careful how you insert and remove them and it is advisable for you to clean them on a regular basis. When wearing contact lenses cleaning and disinfecting is very important. Using contact lenses inappropriately may result in serious eye infections.
Source : www.readinstyle.com
Sunday, September 9, 2007
Frequent rubbing of the skin or prolonged fatigue will cause eye bags. Over dryness and improper eye care will contribute to appearance of wrinkles and crows feet. Towards middle age, the eye area will droop slightly if untreated.
Do eye padding exercise to strengthen the eye area and improve its circulation around that area. Use your third and fourth finger on each hand, using lightly press and padded movements under your eyes start from inside and then out until you reach the temple and pressed for 10 seconds. Repeat a few times. Do it everyday, during application of eye gel, cream or serum, or whenever necessary without make up.
In today’s changing lifestyle and pattern, you notice some students as young as teenagers have started developing eye puffiness and dark circles which is not so common in the past.
Use eye care products to repair and treat your eye area. Use an eye product daily, add it into your daily skin care regime and start a weekly DIY (Do-it-yourself) intensive eye treatment at home. You may do it alone or together with your DIY home facial treatment.
Use cooling cucumber slices and place it on each eye, rest for 10 minutes. Remove and wash your eye area with clean water. You can also substitute with potato slices or cooling tea bags.
Instead of using vegetables, you can opt to use light weight eye gel masque. Apply around the eyes, rest and leave it on for 10-15 minutes. Wash your eye area with clean water.
Apply a light weight eye gel around the eyes.
Do eye padding exercise to strengthen the eye area and improve its circulation around that area. Use your third and fourth finger on each hand, using lightly press and padded movements under your eyes start from inside and then out until you reach the temple and pressed for 10 seconds.
Your skin is still young and delicate. Do not use too strong eye products, use a gentle and mild eye product to de-puff your eye area.
Use cooling cucumber slices and place it on each eye, rest for 10 minutes. Remove and wash your eye area with clean water. You can also substitute with potato slices or cooling tea bags.
Pour rose floral water onto 2 facial cottons, place wet cottons onto each eyes covering the under eyes area. Leave it for 15 minutes. Rose floral water contains soothing properties and is suitable for sensitive skin.
Use a light weight eye gel or cream masque which does not cause milia seeds or oil seeds. Apply around the eyes, rest and leave it on for 10-15 minutes. Wash your eye area with clean water.
Use ready made at the counter eye pads masque. Leave it on eye area for 10-15 minutes or as instructed. Remove and wash your eye area with clean water after that.
Apply a light weight eye gel or cream around the eyes.
Do eye padding exercise to strengthen the eye area and improve its circulation around that area. Use your third and fourth finger on each hand, using lightly press and padded movements under your eyes start from inside and then out until you reach the temple and pressed for 10 seconds.
Your eye problems are not critical yet. Therefore, do not go for oil based, rich and nourishing eye care products provided you have a dry skin texture.
Juliet Cohen writes articles for http://www.beautymakeupblog.com/ and http://www.themakeuptips.com/. Article Source: Free Article Directory - http://www.articleManiac.com Search And Submit Articles
Thursday, September 6, 2007
How To Choose The Right Contact Lenses
0 comments Posted by forfin at 3:03 AM Labels: Eyes and VisionToday's contact lenses are used to correct specific vision
problems or to change eye color. With all of the advances
in technology, more people than ever before are able to
wear contacts. There are a variety of lenses available
including disposable, extended wear, flexible war, and gas
permeable and even contacts for special needs.
You can change or enhance your natural eye color, even if
you don't require vision correction. With color altering
lenses, you can achieve just the right look for a costume
or simply a magical pair of green eyes that will look
spectacular with a new dress. It gives a whole new meaning
to the lyric 'don't it make my brown eyes, blue.'
Disposable lenses are perfect for the person who doesn't
have time to do daily care and cleaning of their contacts.
Depending on the brand your optometrist recommends, you can
choose either a daily disposable or one that will last one
week or two weeks.
Disposables are exactly what their name implies; you take
them out and throw them away each day. Conveniently,
disposables are available for different eye types now
including those with astigmatism and if you were looking to
try out colored contacts for a while, disposable lenses
come in varying shades as well.
Gas permeable contacts are designed for people who require
a very specialized prescription. In some cases,
astigmatisms on the eye make it very hard to fit the
candidate with the right level of correction. A person
Here are four major skin care issues related .....
whose vision is 20/180 may not correct to 20/20 with other
types of lenses. Gas permeable is more expensive, but the
ultimate decision lies between the optometrist and the
patient.
Flexible wear and extended wear lenses are designed for
those who like to be able to sleep in their contacts rather
than deal with putting them in and taking them out several
times a day. These are especially useful for those who
travel a great deal or are frequently away from home. No
worries about having to carry your lens cleaning kit with
you everywhere you go.
More than 30 million people wear contact lenses and it
requires a visit to your eye care professional that can
then determine if you're a candidate for contacts. With so
much variety and so many advances, the chances are good
that your local optometrist has the right contact lens for
you.
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Discover important advice and information about contact
lenses. Are soft or hard best ' What's the best cleaning
solutions ' For a comprehensive guide visit
http://www.contact-lenses-special.com/
About the Author
Peter has worn contact lenses all his life. He's tested
different types, and explored all alternatives. In this
series of articles he shares his advice and experiences.
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
Protect Vision By Caring Your Contact Lenses!
0 comments Posted by forfin at 12:47 AM Labels: Eyes and VisionEye health is very essential. Your eyes indicate both the physical and mental status. It is your duty to have healthy eyes. Most people wear contact lenses for two reasons. One is to overcome eye problems and the other is just for fashion. But these contact lenses become vital part of most of the lives today. It is your responsibility to care of your contact lenses. Most people miss the lenses safety due to improper cleaning and disinfection.
How to get a contact lens? If you are interested to use contact lenses, just seek assistance form professional. They can only suggest you what to use and not to use. Get proper instructions from them if you are using lens for the first time.
How to clean the lens? If you do not care your contact lenses properly, it may affect your eyes badly. First carefully remove the lenses from your eyes. When you clean these lenses, you have to use a cleaner specially produced to clean lenses. Put few drops of this cleaner on the lens. Make use of your index finger for rubbing with the solution on the lenses. Do not be harsh, just wipe it smoothly.
These cleaner cleans your lenses and it also removes the dirt and debris. Try to keep your lenses by disinfecting your lenses from bacteria. If not, the infection will spread to your eyes too. It is not fair to use tap water instead of cleaners. The Bacteria can be transferred from the lens to your eyes by using the bacteria contented tap water.
Tips to be free from problems in connection with contact lenses
• When you do not care of lenses, your eyes will get dry and you may feel irritating.
• Computer users may not feel comfortable with these contact lenses.
• There are possibilities for eye infections due to the poor maintenance of contact lenses.
• If you wear disposable contact lenses, you have to wash them after every wear.
• Always keep your lenses in your lens case. It has to be keep away from dust particles.
• Check the maximum time permitted to wear these lenses. Some lenses can be used only for one week and some for month. Remove them after certain period.
• Always wear on or wear off your lenses with dry hands. The hands should be free from oils, perfumes, beauty creams, nail polish remover, sunscreen lotions etc. They may go inside your eyes and create eye problems.
• Your eyes have to be moisturized. If not use eye drops to moisturize your eyes before using lenses.
• Always put lenses after finishing all your face make ups.
Quite few UK Online Shopping sites offers cashback, discount for their members on online shopping of Cheap Sunglasses, shoes, watches and great deals on electrical stores from Currys Online Shopping.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Victor_Thomas
If you've always wanted to change your eye color, color contact lenses can provide baby blues, gorgeous greens, heavenly hazels - even patterns and designs. All contact lenses that are correcting must have a valid prescription from an ophthalmologist or optometrist. Among the many types of contact lenses you can buy are: novelty, colored, crazy, Halloween, special effects, theatrical, costume, scary, glow in the dark, wild eyes, mirrored, black, white, and red.
The sales of contact lenses are regulated by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and the FTC (Federal Trade Commission.) Always buy lenses from a reputable company; you can buy discount contact lenses without a prescription, but the company is selling a prescription device as if it were an over-the-counter device, in violation of FTC regulations - that is, selling you lenses without getting a prescription from you.
Extended wear lenses are usually soft contact lenses made of flexible plastics that allow oxygen to pass through to the cornea. There are also a few RGP (rigid gas permeable) lenses that are designed and approved for overnight wear. Some doctors prescribe disposables as planned-replacement lenses, which are removed, disinfected, and reused again before being discarded.
It is important for your eyes to rest without lenses, for at least one night following each scheduled removal. You can mark rigid lenses to show which lens is for which eye; they don't rip or tear, which makes them easy to handle. Disposable lenses don't come with instructions for cleaning and disinfecting, but those labeled specifically for planned replacement do.
There are two general types of contact lenses - soft and rigid gas permeable. Rigid gas permeable contact lenses are more durable, resistant to the buildup of deposits and generally give a clearer, crisper vision. Keep in mind contact lenses are often more complicated than they appear to be.
Rigid lenses generally give you a more clear vision. If you live an active lifestyle you can get breatheable lenses that will allow you 30 hours of continuous wear. When buying contacts beware of attempts to substitute a brand that is not the same as the one you want.
Get a feel for how the retailer handles the customer service calls, so you'll be prepared if you have a problem after your order arrives. Wherever you buy, shop for quality and value and don't forget that you want to do what is best for your eye health. And always ask what rebates are available.
You can buy contact lenses from an eye doctor, over the Internet, from an optical store or a warehouse club, etc. When you place your order make sure your lenses are available and not out of stock, because you'll want them right away. Buy your contact lenses from a supplier with name familiarity and know is reliable.
Be careful not to wear lenses any longer than they're prescribed for, nor when sleeping unless you are otherwise directed. Daily-wear lenses are removed each day for cleaning and are a safer choice, provided they aren't worn during sleep. The FDA has approved extended-wear lenses for use up to seven days before they are to be removed for cleaning; but there are risks with use of extended-wear lenses even for one night.
If your eyes become red or irritated, remove the lenses immediately and consult with your eye care doctor. Replace your contacts as recommended by your eye care professional because they wear out as time goes by. And extended-wear rigid lenses can cause unexpected, undesirable, reshaping of the cornea.
If you're planning to buy contact lenses, you should buy the best quality possible, even at a higher price; you don't want to skimp on quality when it comes to your precious eyes. And ordering contact lenses online has never been simpler, with or without, a credit card. If you lead a very active lifestyle, contact lenses can provide you with almost natural vision.
For more information on color contact lenses and where to buy discount contact lenses visit http://www.VisionNurse.com Helen Hecker R.N.'s popular website which offers tips, advice and resources, including information on LASIK eye surgery, sunglasses, eyeglasses and affordable quality contact lenses
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Helen_Hecker
Cost Of Laser Eye Surgery - How Much Are You Paying?
0 comments Posted by forfin at 12:41 AM Labels: Eyes and Vision, SurgeryThe cost of laser eye surgery has stabilized over the past 12 months after steadily increasing for a number of years.
For example, five years ago the average cost of laser eye surgery per eye was about $1500 and rose by about $100 a year. Today, that cost is about $2000 per eye. The steady rise is understandable considering the rapid increase in technology with more expensive and cutting edge equipment being used.
Bargain Based Prices
People considering laser eye surgery may be tempted by the apparent bargains being advertised, some as low as $500 however, be careful to check thoroughly what's involved with these procedures.
Low prices won't be available to everyone and the price can increase significantly when other factors are taken into account. There will, in most cases, be extras involved and these are things you need to discuss with your surgeon during the consultation stage.
Laser Eye Surgery Cost
There have been a number of new procedures introduced to laser eye surgery and this again is a big factor in the overall cost of procedures.Testing before surgery is very much recommended and anyone not going through some type of pre-operative testing would be putting themselves at risk.
With testing though comes cost in most cases and while a procedure is advertised at what appears to be a great price, by the time the the patient has gone from the initial consultation, the testing and then the actual procedure, the amount quoted on the bill is going to look a lot different than the original price which attracted their attention in the first place.
To safeguard yourself against any unnecessary stress and hardship from a large bill get all the facts from your surgeon before you even think about going under the laser.
Here are some compulsory questions you need to ask:
- Exactly what are you getting for the price advertised?
- Establish what's not involved in the actual price.
- What are the extras and how much will they cost?
_ Why are the extras needed? Will it be risky for you if you take shortcuts?
- How many follow up visits will be required and what type of medication is needed after the procedure?
- Is it expensive?
The cost of laser eye surgery in many cases is almost insignificant given the benefits obtained from the procedure. However, if you are on a tight budget then go in with "eyes wide open" and know what your bottom line will be.
Want to know how to avoid unnecessary laser eye surgery cost? Save yourself unnecessary stress! Plus, get the latest laser eye surgerytips and information.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dean_Caporella
How to Buy Complete Contact Lens Solution
0 comments Posted by forfin at 12:40 AM Labels: Eyes and VisionIf you wear contact lenses you SHOULD already know the importance of properly cleaning and disinfecting your contact lenses before and after wearing. Alas, a staggering 47% of contact lens wearers don’t follow cleaning instructions properly! Colored contacts and special effect Halloween contact lenses are also no exception so if you are thinking of trying a pair, pay close attention to the cleaning instructions provided through your eye doctor and contacts manufacturer.
Cleaning is an important step that removes dirt, oil and mucus from the lens surface, as well as protein deposits and bacteria. If any one of these factors is not adequately addressed in your contact lens cleaning system, you will end up with sore, irritated eyes.
Types of Contact Lens Solution
There are two basic types of contact lens cleaning solution. Daily care systems consist of several bottles or solutions that rinse, disinfect and lubricate. These products are usually peroxide-based, require several steps in the cleaning process but are highly effective in killing bacteria. The downside is they take a little more time to use.
Multi-purpose solutions on the other hand are all-in-one products that have the disinfectants, cleaners and protein removers in the same bottle. Multi-purpose solutions are popular because they are fast and convenient. However, if you have sensitive eyes, you may find these products cause irritation or an allergic reaction (the chemicals used in them prove too harsh for your eyes). There’s also some debate in the medical community as to whether multi-purpose solution cleans and disinfects as effectively as peroxide-based cleaners. Recent recalls of popular multi-purpose contact lens cleaners (AMO Complete Moisture Plus in May 2007) attest to the problems associated with these products.
Since everyone’s eyes are different, the only way to know which type is best for you is to consult with your eye doctor and try out a few different ones. If you react at all, then discontinue use. For sensitive eyes, look for solutions designed for sensitive eyes with little or no preservatives.
What Causes Reactions
Generally adverse reactions to lens cleaners are caused by the preservatives they contain, but also how you handle your lenses while inserting them plays a part. You should put your contacts in BEFORE applying makeup or hairspray or using any hand lotions.
Another no-no is topping up old solution with new product, or simply rinsing your contact lens case with water instead of disinfecting with the proper solution.
Complete contact lens solutions such as Healthy Eyes Multi Purpose Solution contains a natural formulation with natural plant substrates. The online retailer, Coastal Contacts states that it creates a "comfort cushion" around your contact lenses, making insertion noticeably more comfortable. Other complete solutions include AquaRefresh Multi-Purpose Solution, Renu Multiplus Solution from Bausch & Lomb. Peroxide-based cleaners include AOSEPT Clear Care.
Leanne Tremblay is a successful freelance technical writer and publisher of several successful web sites. She also writes numerous articles on gardening, outdoor living, and work-at-home topics, and publishes a site on colored contact lenses that features luscious new color contacts from brand names like Acuvue colored contacts and wild crazy eye contact lenses for Halloween and special events.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Leanne_Tremblay
Sunday, September 2, 2007
Five Reasons to Eat Carrots if You Carrot All About Your Health
0 comments Posted by forfin at 11:58 PM Labels: Eyes and Vision, Food and Drink, Heart Diseaseby SixWise.com
Whether they're baby-sized, cooked or eaten with ranch dressing, it's clear that Americans love their carrots. In just one year, each American eats almost 10 pounds of them -- that's a substantial increase from the 6 pounds eaten in the 1960s.
And they're more than just a quick snack food or a colorful addition to salads and stews -- they're full of health-promoting properties. So grab a few to snack on while you find out what Bugs Bunny must have known all along -- how incredibly healthy carrots can be.
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Carrots are a smart choice for a sweet-tasting healthy snack: Not only do they fight cancer, but they taste great too! |
1. Reduce the Risk of Cancer
A study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that carrots could cut the risk of cancer in rats by one-third. The compound is called falcarinol, and it's a natural toxin that protects carrots against fungal diseases. Researchers believe that falcarinol may stimulate the body's cancer-fighting mechanisms.
One of the study's researchers, Dr Kirsten Brandt, said, "We already know that carrots are good for us and can reduce the risk of cancer but until now we have not known which element of the vegetable has these special properties."
2. Fight Heart Disease
Carrots are a rich source of carotenoids, the metabolic precursors to vitamin A. In fact, just one cup of carrots contains 16,679 IUs of beta-carotene, which is more than 250 percent of the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA).
In one study of 1,300 elderly people, those who ate the most carotenoid-rich foods were 50 percent less likely to develop heart disease, and 75 percent less likely to have a heart attack, as those who ate the least. Need more incentive? The results included people who smoked and had high cholesterol levels!
| Fun Facts About Carrots
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Carrots are members of the parsley family, which includes parsnips, fennel, dill and celery.3. Protect Your Vision
Perhaps the most widely known benefit and the reason your mother told you to eat carrots: they're good for your eyes! Your body converts beta-carotene in carrots into vitamin A, which is essential for healthy eyes.
A deficiency in vitamin A can lead to night blindness, which, if left untreated, can lead to blindness. According to registered dietician Chris Rosenbloom, "Vitamin A is important in maintaining normal vision, and worldwide, vitamin A deficiency is a leading cause of blindness."
Additionally, vitamin A may help prevent cataracts from forming and may protect against blindness from macular degeneration -- the world's leading cause of blindness.
4. Protect Against Emphysema
"Some evidence suggests that vitamin C and beta-carotene may help protect against a decline in lung function," says Joel Schwartz, Ph.D., an epidemiologist and senior scientist at the Environmental Protection Agency. "It may be a very minimal effect in those with emphysema, but eating foods rich in these nutrients certainly won't hurt and may help."
Interestingly, it also appears that benzo(a)pyrene, a carcinogen in cigarette smoke, leads to vitamin A deficiency. In this way, smoking, or being around those who do, may make you vulnerable to diseases associated with a lack of vitamin A.
According to Richard Baybutt, associate professor of nutrition at Kansas State, "There are a lot of people who live to be 90 years old and are smokers," he said. "Why? Probably because of their diet ... The implications are that those who start smoking at an early age are more likely to become vitamin A deficient and develop complications associated with cancer and emphysema. And if they have a poor diet, forget it."
5. Lower Your Cholesterol
According to a study by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, eating carrots may lower cholesterol levels. This may be related to a type of fiber they contain called calcium pectate. Scottish researchers also found that people who ate two large carrots everyday for three weeks had an 11 percent decrease in their total cholesterol levels.
Source : www.sixwise.com
Saturday, September 1, 2007
A Beginner's Guide to Colored Contact Lenses
1 comments Posted by forfin at 7:32 PM Labels: Eyes and VisionToday, colored contact lenses has slowly become a fashion that aims to change your appearance. As the old saying goes, 'Eyes are the window to the soul'. With just a pair of colored contact lenses, you have the ability to transform your appearance with a pair of captivating eyes. Therefore, do not under-estimate the impact of a pair of colored contact lenses can really make. Today, colored contact lenses are not only used for cosmetic reason only but it can be used for people who has astigmatism and presbyopia problem.
Color contact lenses work by filtering all the color in the light except the desired color. There are few different categories of colored contact lenses:
Opaque lenses
Opaque lenses can dramatically change the natural color of your eyes regardless of how dark is your eyes color. It has a solid colored 'ring' that covers the iris while leaving a clear hole in the center to let the light passes through. Majority of colored contact lenses are opaque.
Enhancement tint
Enhancement tints lenses are translucent and are used to enhance your natural eye color (therefore, it also known as enhancer tints). If your natural eye color is dark color, enhancement tints lenses will be hard to make the color change visible. Therefore, enhancement tints lenses are recommended for light colored eyes only.
Visibility tints
Visibility tints do not change the eye color at all. It is slighted tinted for handling purpose so that you can remove and insert the lenses better. Also, it helps to find your contact lenses more easily if they are dropped or misplaced.
Light Filtering tints
Light filtering tints is the latest development in colored contact lenses. It is designed mainly to be used in sport such as tennis, golf or baseball. Light filtering tints can enhance certain colors while muting other colors. As a result, it is easier to target the balls that stands out against the background. For example, tennis players wearing light yellow or gold tint colored contact lenses would track the ball more easily by brightening the background. Recently, Nike's MaxSight Sport-Tinted contact lenses is the latest sport contact lenses that aims at athletes who are reluctant to use sunglasses due to fogging, scratching or inconvenience. This tinted contact lenses will give a devilish red-eyed appearance that function much like sunglasses by cutting down on glare.
Colored contact lenses are available as extended wear, disposable and daily disposable. Majority of colored contact lenses come in the form of soft lenses which are usually comfortable to wear and easy to adjust even for the first timer. In general, colored contact lenses are fun and safe to wear. However, if you feel uncomfortable and experience some irritation, you should contact your eye care practitioner immediately.
With continuing technology improvement in contact lenses industry, the price of contact lenses has become so affordable that you can simply try out various color contact lenses. You will probably look great on the popular bright blue eyes that everyone loves. Or you can try the green or lavender color contact lenses that create the exotic look. There are so many colored contact lenses to choose from that you probably have to try them all on to find the color that match your skin and hair tones.
Color contact lens is a fast growing market. Many large contact lenses manufacturers are producing a variety of new design and colors contact lenses every few months. In other words, you have more options to choose now. At present, Wesley-Jessen (acquired by CIBA Vision in 2000) is the market leader in colored contact lenses. They have produced a popular range of Freshlook colorblends contact lenses. In addition, you can also find wide selection of other popular colored contact lenses such as Acuvue 2 Colors, Focus Softcolors, Durasoft 2 Colorblends, CibaSoft SoftColors and many more.
Internet is an excellent place where you can buy colored contact lenses online. Unlike local eye-care shops, you are not geographically restricted to buy contact lenses online. Moreover, it is convenient and easy to make price and product comparison on the web that help you to save times and money. If you are looking to buy cheap colored contact lenses, online market is the right place for you. On the Internet, you can find many online stores with large collection of cheap colored contact lenses. But before you make your purchase, you should only order from reputable online contact lenses stores that offer money back guarantee or full refund should you not satisfy with your purchase.
Andrew is the owner of Color Contact Lenses Guide, a website that provides informational guide to colored contact lenses - how to choose the right colored contact lenses, where to buy discount colored contact lenses online, how to get free color contact lenses and more. Visit his website at:http://www.find-colored-contact-lenses.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andrew_Webb
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Contact Lenses on Vacation - 7 Simple Tips
0 comments Posted by forfin at 8:19 PM Labels: Eyes and VisionWhen you are on vacation, contact lenses are great convenience - they are invisible and you don�t have to take them off while swimming. However, contact lenses can also spoil your vacation, if you don�t take precautions. Here are some simple things you can do, to prevent it happening to you.
1. Make sure that you have a spare pair of lenses
Even if the lenses you wear aren�t frequent replacement lenses, it is always recommended that you have spares. A lens can get lost or damaged, and replacements might be difficult to find. If you wear daily disposable lenses, take the amount of lens you need for your vacation plus several extra - just in case.
2. Don�t forget your contact lens case and solution.
Most brand name solutions can be bought in smaller bottles, which are excellent for traveling. And you can get a case that clips onto a solution bottle, so the pieces don�t get separated in your luggage.
3. Don�t let water in your eyes when swimming
Contact lenses are great for swimming and all water sports, but it is best to prevent their contact with water. However, water contains myriads of bacteria, which can get onto your lens and cause keratitis. So it is best to wear tight goggles, when swimming. If seawater gets into your eyes anyway, you should take your lenses out as soon as possible and clean them before putting them back in.
4. You still need sunglasses
Most modern contact lenses, like all Acuvue or Focus lenses, block harmful UV rays. However, the lens only can protect the area it covers, which is not the entire surface of your eye. Also, contact lenses don�t reduce glare. So it is safest to wear sunglasses with high UV protection over your lenses, and a sunhat.
5. Don�t neglect caring for your lenses
If you are tired after a day of sightseeing, it might be tempting to fall asleep still wearing your contacts. This is not a good idea - unless you wear extended wear lenses, of course. No matter how tired and relaxed you feel, take your contact lenses out for the night. See tips for contact lens and eye health
If you don�t want to care for your contacts during vacations at all, ask your doctor if extended wear contacts would suit you. Acuvue 2 can be worn without removal for up to 7 days, and Focus Night and Day for up to 30 days; they are great for vacations.
6. Be careful with sunscreen creams and inset repellants
Be very careful to avoid getting sunscreen or insect repellant in your eyes. If it gets into your eyes, it can cause serious irritation. If this happens, take your lenses out and give them a good clean.
7. Wear glasses on long flights
During long flights, most contact lens wearers feel miserable. This is because in an airplane, both atmospheric pressure and humidity are low. As a result, your soft contact lenses dehydrate and draw moisture from your eyes. Many people also nap during a flight, and sleeping in contacts isn�t recommended. If you can wear glasses as well as contacts, it is a good idea to do so in the plane. If glasses are not an option, use special eye drops and make sure you drink plenty of water during your flight.
Keep these simple rules in mind when going on vacation, and your contacts shouldn�t cause any problems to prevent you enjoying your holidays.
About the Author
Tanya Turner is a contact lens expert and a founder of Contact Lenses Consumer Guide.com/, where you can find unbiased information about eye health and all types of contact lenses with reviews and pictures
By Christopher Chase
Until recently, contact lenses and dry eyes seemed to come hand in hand. Modern technology, however, has developed several ways for contact lens wearers to deal with dry eyes. When eyes become dry, they can be irritable, bloodshot and in severe cases, vision can become
impaired.
What Causes Dry Eyes?
Dry eyes occur for a number of reasons, although there is thought to be a particular link between extended contact lenses and dry eyes. Dry eyes are also prevalent with older contact lens wearers as tear ducts become less effective with age. Problems with contact lenses and dry
eyes become exacerbated when wearers spend a considerable length of time in front of a computer screen or in an air-conditioned environment.
Specific Contact Lenses for Dry Eyes
There are some manufacturers that deal specifically with the problem of contact lenses and dry eyes. For example biomedics offer their own range of frequency 55 contact lenses for dry eyes. The higher water content can be a real benefit for those suffering from irritated and dry eyes.
If you are looking for contact lenses for dry eyes, take some time to review and make a comparison before you select the best contact lenses for your circumstances. So many companies offer a range dealing specifically with contact lenses and dry eyes that it pays to
experiment and shop around and compare ratings.
Solutions for Contact Lenses and Dry Eyes
It's not only specific types of contact lenses that can help with dry eyes. There are solutions that are aimed at working alongside contact lenses and dry eyes to minimize the risks; theses include tear inducing solutions and artificial tears.
Those who suffer from problems with contact lenses and dry eyes need to pay particular attention to the various contact lens products on the market. By comparing brands and manufacturers, the perfect contact lens will be found.
If irritation of the eyes continues, the contact lenses should be removed immediately and a health care professional consulted.
With modern developments, there is no need for any contact lens wearer to suffer from dry eyes, so get help and remove the irritation. Contact lenses and dry eyes are soon to be a thing of the past!
About the Author
Christopher Chase publisher of MyContactLensGuide.com where you can find informative articles, buyings guides and news on every aspect of contact lenses. If you have a question about your contact lens this website may have the answer.
Contact Lenses : How to wear and not tear
0 comments Posted by forfin at 7:54 PM Labels: Eyes and VisionContact Lenses : How to wear and not tear
a long time and need a refresher, here's a few tips on what
to do and what not to do when wearing and caring for your
lenses.
First on the list, make sure to listen to what your doctor
tells you. When he or she prescribes the lenses in the
first place, they know what type of lenses they are giving
you as well as the type of care they will require.
Some people need to remove their lenses for a few hours
each day and let their eyes 'rest,' especially in the first
few weeks of wearing new lenses.
Learn to carry rewetting drops with you. Nothing like dry
eyes during work or a meeting will make you wish you had
stashed an extra bottle of solution in your car.
Avoid excessive rubbing at your eyes while wearing them and
wear sunglasses when you're in the bright sun. If your
eyes hurt excessively or you experience severe itching and
redness, call your doctor. These are signs you don't want
to ignore.
One thing your doctor will do on the day you pick up your
new contact lenses is to go over their care. You should
wash your hands every time you intend to handle the lenses.
Microscopic dirt and dust may not seem like much, but when
it is pressed between your eye and the lens, it can cause
discomfort and pain. You will be provided with a holder for
your lenses as well as solution to store them in, depending
on the type of lens you buy. For daily disposables, you
don't have to store them in anything.
Always handle the lenses with care and if by some
occurrence you should happen to tear a lens, never re-use
it. And, despite the urge when solution isn't available,
never use saliva to moisten dry contacts. Your mouth is
filled with bacteria that will contaminate the lens,
possible causing an infection in the eye.
For daily wear contacts, it's good to take them out and
clean them each evening and leave them in a solution over
night. This keeps the lens clean and lubricated. It's a
hard lesson the first time you insert a dirty lens on your
eye or an eyelash is dislodged during the insertion.
If that should happen, let your eye tear naturally - tears
will often wash dust particles or an eyelash out.
Another handy tip that is rarely mentioned (although some
people have certainly had a problem with it) is the drain
plug in the sink. When adjusting your lenses, be sure your
contact lens doesn't fall into the sink and go down the
drain.
Most people lean towards their mirror so they can see what
they are doing as they slip their contact lens into place.
The act of leaning forward places you over the sink. It's
a good idea to make sure the drain is in place, just in
case.
===========================================================
Discover important advice and information about contact
lenses. Are soft or hard best ? What's the best cleaning
solutions ? For a comprehensive guide, Click
http://www.contact-lenses-special.com/
About the Author
Peter has worn contact lenses all his life. He's tested
different types, and explored all alternatives. In this
series of articles he shares his advice and experiences.
How To Choose The Right Contact Lenses
0 comments Posted by forfin at 7:53 PM Labels: Eyes and VisionToday's contact lenses are used to correct specific vision
problems or to change eye color. With all of the advances
in technology, more people than ever before are able to
wear contacts. There are a variety of lenses available
including disposable, extended wear, flexible war, and gas
permeable and even contacts for special needs.
You can change or enhance your natural eye color, even if
you don't require vision correction. With color altering
lenses, you can achieve just the right look for a costume
or simply a magical pair of green eyes that will look
spectacular with a new dress. It gives a whole new meaning
to the lyric 'don't it make my brown eyes, blue.'
Disposable lenses are perfect for the person who doesn't
have time to do daily care and cleaning of their contacts.
Depending on the brand your optometrist recommends, you can
choose either a daily disposable or one that will last one
week or two weeks.
Disposables are exactly what their name implies; you take
them out and throw them away each day. Conveniently,
disposables are available for different eye types now
including those with astigmatism and if you were looking to
try out colored contacts for a while, disposable lenses
come in varying shades as well.
Gas permeable contacts are designed for people who require
a very specialized prescription. In some cases,
astigmatisms on the eye make it very hard to fit the
candidate with the right level of correction. A person
whose vision is 20/180 may not correct to 20/20 with other
types of lenses. Gas permeable is more expensive, but the
ultimate decision lies between the optometrist and the
patient.
Flexible wear and extended wear lenses are designed for
those who like to be able to sleep in their contacts rather
than deal with putting them in and taking them out several
times a day. These are especially useful for those who
travel a great deal or are frequently away from home. No
worries about having to carry your lens cleaning kit with
you everywhere you go.
More than 30 million people wear contact lenses and it
requires a visit to your eye care professional that can
then determine if you're a candidate for contacts. With so
much variety and so many advances, the chances are good
that your local optometrist has the right contact lens for
you.
===========================================================
Discover important advice and information about contact
lenses. Are soft or hard best ? What's the best cleaning
solutions ? For a comprehensive guide, Click
http://www.contact-lenses-special.com/
About the Author
Peter has worn contact lenses all his life. He's tested
different types, and explored all alternatives. In this
series of articles he shares his advice and experiences.
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
by Frank Drummond
Sometimes known as readers or cheaters (as hipsters called them), reading glasses help change the focal length of the eye to alleviate myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism. There's much debate on the year glasses were invented but by most accounts, they were in use in China in the 12th century. Wide use of reading glasses weren't reported in Europe until the late 13th century. Ben Franklin invented bifocal lenses in 1784 to prevent him from having to switch glasses. George Airy invented astigmatism glasses in 1827.
Diopters are the unit of measurement used for the power of a lens. Over the counter reading glasses are usually in the +1 to +3 diopter range. The diopter range for those with nearsightedness (myopia) will always be in the negative range. Prescription lenses are those that are prescribed to an individual by an ophthalmologist or optometrist. They're designed to conform to a specific level of myopia or hyperopia.
The only problem with off the shelf reading glasses is that both lenses are made exactly the same and don't take into account each individual's needs. Most people don't have the same exact impairment in each eye so the need to upgrade to a fitted pair from an optometrist may be needed.
Computer eyewear is another form of glasses taking the market by storm. With over 88 million people using a computer regularly for work or school, this type of vision correction is a burgeoning market. Computer glasses help to cut down on monitor glare as well as help prevent strain on they eyes since you read at a different distance and size than normal printed material.
Find out more on reading glasses at Wikipedia, the AC Lens vision care center, or contact your optometrist.
About the Author
Frank Drummond is a freelance writer from Cleveland, OH with a specialization in the health, sports, and technology fields. He can be contacted at frankdrummond63 ( at ) yahoo.com. This article on designer reading glasses was written on behalf of Arlington Contact Lenses.
Article Source : www.goarticles.comby Keith Barrett
If you are new to wearing contact lenses then the whole process can seem somewhat mysterious. In this article we take a look at some great tips to make wearing lenses that bit easier.
As more and more people have taken the plunge and moved from spectacles (glasses) to contact lenses, so a greater proportion of the population have seen the advantages that come from being a contact lens wearer.
Wearing contacts for the first time can be a little daunting and there are plenty of horror stories about new contact lens users trying to get to grips with their new purchases.
Don't worry though - things really needn't be too tricky at all. Let's take a look at what you can do to ease the process of wearing lenses.
The first thing to remember is that you should never wear you lenses for longer than prescribed. If you do, it's very likely that you'll find that wearing them is a much more uncomfortable situation that should be the case. When it comes to your eyes, it's never worth taking the risk of causing irritation.
Use a contact lens solution that has been recommended to you by your doctor or optician. Not all solutions are suitable for each different type of lens.
Under no circumstances attempt to clean your lenses with saliva, tap water or a non-sterile home-made solution.
Before handling your lenses it's always wise to wash your hands - hygiene is very important.
Ensure that your contact lens solution bottle does not become contaminated - avoid touching it with any other surface - or even with your lenses.
It's always best avoid applying make-up before inserting your contact lenses. Similarly, it's recommended that you remove your lenses before taking your make-up off.
By following these simple tips, you should be able to wear contact lenses safely and comfortably.
About the Author
Keith Barrett has written on many subjects, from color contact lens options to wider health issues. This article may be used by any website publisher, though this resource box must always be included in full.
Article Source : www.goarticles.comby Tanya Bradley
Cleaning your contacts is a necessary part of your eye care regimen, regardless of what type of contact lenses you wear. It is typical for most contact users to clean their contacts every night after removing them from their eyes. If you wear the night and day type of contact lenses, they will need to be removed and cleaned regularly. Cleaning your contacts is easy if you use the right products. Let's have a look at some of these products.Saline
For rinsing and storing, saline is one of the most commonly used products with contact lens hygiene. When you remove your contacts at night, store them in saline until they are used the next day. Though rinsing and storing is a perfect contact lens use for saline, it is not a suitable product for disinfecting or cleaning your contacts.
Daily Cleaners
Daily cleaners are solutions used for cleaning contact lenses on a daily basis. All it takes is a few drops of the cleaner into the palm of your hand. Then you gently rub the contact lenses in the cleaner. It takes approximately thirty seconds; you should ensure that you have cleaned both sides of the contacts. More specialized products are used for disinfecting and rinsing your contact lenses.
Multi-purpose Solutions
These products do it all. They have the ability to store, disinfect, rinse, and clean your contact lenses all at once. Multi-purpose Solutions are perhaps the most popular products amongst contact lens users; they can do everything for you. All you have to do is to store your contact lenses in this solution, clean them, rinse them, and you are ready to go. No other products are required.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen Peroxide performs the same duties as the multi-purpose solution; they can rinse, store, clean and disinfect your contact lenses. Rubbing the contacts in the solution is not necessary as they simply need to soak for just a few minutes. The great thing about hydrogen peroxide is that it won't burn the eyes and it is a no-rub product. However, when you place the contacts in your eyes, it is still a good idea to have used another product to rinse the lenses first.
Disinfection and Cleaning
This is a solution used to both clean and disinfect contact lenses, as the name implies. When it comes to cleaning, the method normally used is agitation or ultrasonic waves. To disinfect the lenses, a UV light or multi-purpose solution is used. The brand selected will provide you with specific instructions for their use; the instructions should be strictly followed to avoid damaging the contacts and your eyes.
Enzymatic Cleansers
Typically used weekly, this product is used to rid the contacts of protein. Available only in tablet form, they can be used with a disinfectant or saline.
Protein Removal
Protein removal is used in combination with another product such as a multi-purpose solution, and relieves the contact of protein build-up. Available in liquid form, it is typical to do a protein removal daily. Protein is removal is done by placing the normal solution in the contact lens case, then adding one to two drops of the protein remover into the case, and then inserting the contact lenses.
Eye Drops
For most contact lens wearers, eye drops are a necessity. They provide the lubrication your eyes need, relieves dryness, and moistens the contact lenses. Only use eye drop brands that are safe for use with contact lenses and are reliable at the same time.
Though there are many products used to take care of your contact lenses, the products listed above are among the most popular and commonly used by contact lens wearers. Your contact lens cleaners should be at the top of your list with every trip you make to the store, so you are never without them.
About the Author
Tanya Bradley writes extensively about Contact Lense. Find Biomedics 55 Contact Lenses and save by buying from a large online supplier.
Article Source : www.goarticles.com
Those wearing spectacles may at one time want to try out contact lenses. If you are one of them, you are sure to feel confused on where it is best to buy contact lenses, and how it is possible to buy contact lenses for the best price. You are sure to feel confused if it is possible to buy contact lenses from other dealers or from your own eye care practitioner.
The legislation passed in February 2004 now permits you to have your contact lenses and spectacle prescription copied with which it is possible to shop for your contact lenses in different stores. There is no need of buying contact lenses only from your own eye care practitioner; you can buy it from a place where you find contact lenses at your budget and specifications.
It is always better to compare prices and types of contact lenses between different stores before deciding on the right contact lenses for you. There are different types of contact lenses available depending on your usage and needs. When shopping for contact lenses, make it a point to not only focus on price but also on the value of the contact lenses.
When you talk about value, it includes the availability of your contacts and if your insurance company provides coverage for the contact lenses. Find out if you have to do all the paperwork for the insurance company or if it will be done for you. Also find out if the company will send the contact lenses to you or if you have to bring it yourself. Once you take all these considerations into account, you can decide on which company offers contact lenses at the best rate for you.
The best place to look for your contact lenses would be the eye specialists, internet, mail order houses and wholesale retailers. When looking for contact lenses, make sure that you know what type of contact lenses you need, and then make obligations. Enquire about their return policy if you find that the contact lenses you receive are not what you had ordered.
Find more about Contact Lens on http://www.LeanderNet.com/Contact_lens/Contact_lenses.php More useful content on LeanderNet - http://www.LeanderNet.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Oliver_Turner |  |
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Physical Exercise is an important routine in our lives. But imparting exercise to our eyes is not a well known practice. By exercising eyes you may not be able to improve your vision, but definitely it will keep the eyes healthy and reduce eye strain.
PROCEDURE
• Sit comfortably on a chair. Rub your palms until it is warm. Close your eyes and cover the closed eyes with your cupped palms. Make sure that the cupped palms are tight and no light rays enter the eyes. You may see lingering traces of colours. Imagine focus on the darkness. Breathe deeply and evenly. Think of some happy incident or visualise a distant scene. Remain in that position for 3 to 5 seconds and open the eyes for 3 to 5 seconds. Repeat palming for 3 times or more.
• Close your eyes tightly for 3 to 5 seconds and keep them opened for 3 to 5 seconds. Repeat this exercise for 7 to 8 times.
• Close your eyes and massage them with fingers in circular movements for 1 to 2 minutes. Make sure that you apply no pressure to avoid hurting the eyes.
• Press 3 fingers of each hand against your upper eyelids and fold them for 1 to 2 seconds and release. Repeat 5 times.
• Sit and relax. Role your eyes clockwise and then anti clockwise. Repeat 5 times. Blink in between.
• Sit about 6 inches from the window. Make a mark on the glass at your eye level. Look through this mark and focus on something far away for 10 to 15 seconds. Then focus on the mark again.
• Hold a pencil in front of you at arms length. Move your arm slowly to your nose and follow the pencil with your eyes until you cannot keep it in focus. Repeat 10 times.
• Look in front of you at the opposite wall imagining that you are righting with your eyes, without moving your head. Even though it will be difficult initially, with practice it will become easy. The bigger the letters, the better the effect.
• Imagine that you are standing in front of a really big clock. Look at the middle of the clock. Then look at any hour mark without moving your head. Look again at the centre, and then look at another hour mark. Repeat for at least 12 times. You can do this exercise with closed eyes also.
• Focus on a distant object about 150 feet away for a few seconds and slowly refocus your eyes on a nearby object less than 30 feet in the same direction. Focus for a few seconds and repeat the same for 5 times.
• Focus on an object (as far as possible) with low contrasting background. Do this for a few minutes in every half hour.
It is important that the exercise should be a regular routine. Even for 30 to 60 seconds every hour will be helpful. Even while working on the computer, you can exercise your eyes during the short breaks. Rotating you eyes and staring out to a distance will relieve the strain of your eyes while working in a computer.
WARNING:
• Consult your eye doctor before doing any of these exercises. Make sure that you have no inherent eye problems.
• Those who wear contact lenses should take precautions to prevent damage to the eye balls.
WASHING THE EYES:
SOME TIPS:
Eye washing kit that contains eye cup and sterile washing solution are available in good drug stores.
You can get relief from eye strains, caused by light by dripping a few drops of potatoes juice squeezed through a cheese cloth. If it hurts your eyes, rinse it out with lots of water.
Freeinuk.co.uk is a Free Sample website where you can find Free Bodyform Samples, Free Beauty Samples available in UK .
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Victor_Thomas
