Eye Problems and Diabetes

Posted on June 21, 2013 by Laser Locators

If you have diabetes, regular visits to your ophthalmologist for eye exams are important to avoid eye problems. High blood sugar (glucose) increases the risk of diabetes eye problems. In fact, diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in adults age 20 to 74. High blood sugar in diabetes causes the lens of the eye to swell, which changes your ability to see. To correct this kind of eye problem, you need to get your blood sugar back into the target range (90-130 milligrams per deciliter or mg/dL before meals, and less than 180 mg/dL one to two hours after a meal). It may take as long as three months after your blood sugar is well controlled for your vision to fully get back to normal. Blurred vision can also be a symptom of more serious eye problem with diabetes. The three major eye problems that people with diabetes may develop and should be aware of are cataracts, glaucoma, and retinopathy.

Diabetic Retinopathy

The retina is a group of specialized cells that convert light as it enters though the lens into images. The eye nerve or optic nerve transmits visual information to the brain. Diabetic retinopathy is one of the vascular (blood-vessel related) complications related to diabetes. This diabetes eye problem is due to damage of small vessels and is called a “microvascular complication.” Kidney disease and nerve damage due to diabetes are also microvascular complications. Large blood vessel damage (also called macrovascular complications) includes complications like heart disease and stroke.

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Laser for cataract & corneal procedures gets 510(k) clearance

Posted on March 28, 2013 by Laser Locators

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted 510(k) clearance to the Victus femtosecond laser platform, designed to be used in both cataract and corneal procedures, according to a news release from Bausch + Lomb and Technolas Perfect Vision.

The platform is cleared for creation of a corneal flap for LASIK surgery or other treatment requiring initial lamellar resection of the cornea and anterior capsulotomy during cataract surgery, the release said.

“Cataract surgery, in its traditional form, delivers excellent results, and is arguably one of the safest and most successful surgical procedures performed anywhere in the body. The opportunity to further improve the outcomes of cataract surgery is something I am proud to be a part of,” Steven J. Dell, MD, of Dell Laser Consultants in Austin, Texas, said in the release.

The Victus platform may offer greater precision compared to manual cataract surgery techniques by allowing for more precise, controllable and centered capsulotomy, according to the release.

“The Victus platform represents a major advancement for ophthalmic surgeons that can potentially enhance patient outcomes,” Kristian Hohla, PhD, chief executive officer of Technolas, said in the release. “We look forward to the continued commercialization of the technology around the world, so that ophthalmic surgeons can experience its potential for themselves.”

The platform received CE mark approval in Europe in December and is now available for shipment in the United States. The companies plan to submit additional indications to the FDA.

At Laser Locators we carry the top name surgical and diagnostic ophthalmic equipment manufacturers you can trust, like Acon, Nidek, Lumenis and more for preforming all of your precise ophthalmic procedures. Contact us at www.laserlocators.com or call 1-877-924-2020 and let one of our expert equipment locators help you today.

The sun and cataracts

Posted on August 29, 2012 by Laser Locators

Just like when you have a smear on your sunglasses, having cataracts can feel like the same thing. Ageing is the main reason for the clouding of the eye lens, but excessive UV radiation is another major contributor. The World Health Organization estimates that cataracts account for almost 15 million blind people worldwide. About 20{0730eed075b45d9e50c00d6cd42dd08773e0164f29a45151808bf89051290974}, or 3 million, of these are most likely caused by UV radiation.

The lens is not solid, instead it is a soft capsule filled with water and protein fiber. The protein fibers are normally crystal clear but can wear out with age. They can become opaque, and UV radiation can also alter the protein prematurely.

Cataract development can be variable amongst individuals regardless of gender or race. The process is generally slow and initially may affect only part of the lens. In some cases it develops from the lens’s rim and grows inside, and in another the lens begins to cloud from the center. In any case, the growing cataract will eventually severely impair vision and frequently lead to blindness.

In the early stages, a cataract is viewed as only a nuisance. But soon extra lighting, different eyeglasses and protection from glare is needed. UV radiation protection should help slow the process.

Once the cataract interferes too much with the daily life, surgery should be considered. Eye surgeons replace millions of cloudy lenses with substitutes every year, and this safe procedure returns better vision to as much as 90{0730eed075b45d9e50c00d6cd42dd08773e0164f29a45151808bf89051290974} of patients.

Everything You Need to Know About Cataracts

Posted on July 17, 2012November 8, 2023 by Laser Locators

A cataract is a discoloration of the lens of the eye which causes the loss of its transparency causing visual disturbances. The chances of developing cataracts increases with age. Most people older than 65 can expect to have a cataract in at least one eye. Other contributors to cataract development include genetics, malnutrition, diabetes, infection or trauma to the eyes. Recognition of early symptoms of cataracts is essential for prevention of serious vision problems.

Experts have estimated that visual disability associated with cataracts accounts for over 8 million physician office visits a year in the United States. This number will likely continue to increase as the proportion of people over the age of 60 rises. When people develop cataracts, they begin to have difficulty doing activities they need to do for daily living or for enjoyment. Some of the most common complaints include difficulty driving at night, reading, participating in activities, or traveling to unfamiliar areas; all activities where clear vision is essential.

Cataract Causes
The lens is made mostly of water and protein. Specific proteins within the lens are responsible for maintaining its clarity. Over many years, the structures of these lens proteins are altered, ultimately leading to a gradual clouding of the lens. Over time, glasses and contacts may no longer work as well to help you see clearly. Contacting an ophthalmologist should always be the first step after noticing any vision changes or impairments. A thorough eye exam can determine the problem and what vision correction surgeries are recommended. Cataract surgery is one of the most frequently performed, safest and most successful surgeries in the United States that is covered by insurance.

Many people don’t even recognize the early signs of cataracts, they just know they do not see as good anymore. Some patients begin having early cataract symptoms as early as 40. However, cataracts may also develop in those much younger than 40. Most insurance plans pay for cataract surgery procedures using standard lenses, subject to deductibles and co-pays.

Intraocular lens or Smart Lens such as ReSTOR® or CrystaLens®, replace the old lens in an eye. Ultrasound energy is used to remove cataracts. An instrument called a phaco probe is used to remove the natural lens before being replaced with an artificial lens. These premium lenses can almost eliminate the need to wear glasses, both for reading and distance vision.

Cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure and takes just minutes to perform. The advanced technology has grown leaps and bounds and is being performed more and more each year. Most people notice an immediate improvement in their vision following surgery. People resume normal activities the day after surgery. In fact with the new technologies, your dependence on glasses can be greatly reduced or nearly eliminated.

Signs of Cataracts
Cloudy vision A cataract occurs when the lens of the eye becomes cloudy.
Lens discoloration Your lens slowly changes to a yellowish or brownish color.
Myopic shift When you used to be able to see really well far away but needed reading glasses, then suddenly you don’t need reading glasses anymore, but your distance vision has gotten much worse.
Poor night vision
Glare and halos Cataracts can cause you to see glare or halos around the light sources.
Double vision
Vision changes Your prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses need frequent updating.

For top name manufacturers you can trust, like Acon and Zeiss for precision cataract surgical equipment contact us at laserlocators.com and let one of our equipment experts help.

Study Suggests That Lenses Laced With Pain Meds Could One Day Replace Regular Eye Drops

Posted on January 30, 2012 by Laser Locators

Researchers are developing contact lenses that rely on nanotechnology that are designed for slow delivery of painkilling/anesthetic drugs directly to the cornea after laser eye surgery, eliminating the need for frequent post-LASIK and PRK numbing eye drops.

“This would represent a version of time-release which would reduce the number of drops that a patient would need,” says Robert F. Steinert, MD, an eye surgeon who is professor and chair of the department of ophthalmology at the University of California at Irvine, and a spokesman for the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery. Webmd.com “I think it would add convenience, but it probably isn’t a game changer,” he says, noting that most patients are currently able to control their pain after PRK by using eye drops every couple of hours for the first three days or so, and they already have to wear bandage contact lenses while their eyes heal.

For more information on the latest ophthalmic equipment to help your practice expand contact us at laserlocators.com and let one of our industry experts help.