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Relief for Chronic Dry Eyes

Posted by Laser Locators

Dry Eye Syndrome occurs when the normal flow of tears over the eyes is interrupted, or the tear film is abnormal and there are insufficient tears to lubricate the eye.  Dry eye syndrome is a chronic condition and can get worse with age.  You can relieve the symptoms, but not cure the original cause.

Artificial Tears

Artificial tear lubricants or in some cases blocking the tear ducts will concentrate the limited tears that are available. Artificial tears are eye drops that can be purchased over the counter to increase the amount of tears in the eye and improve the symptoms of the condition. There are many types available–from eye drops to gel formulations. The gel formulations can cause blurring of the vision but relief from the symptoms may last longer. Preservative-free eye drop formulations are popular because they have fewer additvives and may cause less irritation especially if the eye drops are used regularly.

Anti-inflammatory Eye Drops

Restasis eye drops are an ocular cyclosporine formulation that helps the eye increase tear production. This medication is only available by a prescription from an eye doctor. In more severe cases, some doctors may prescribe a short course of steroid eye drops to treat dry eye.

Punctal Occlusion

An eye doctor can also insert small silicone plugs into the drainage channels in the upper and lower eyelids to prevent the tears that are present in the eye from draining out of the eye. These plugs are temporary and can fall out over time. A minor surgical procedure can also be done in the office to permanently close the tear ducts.

Lacrisert

A small insert called Lacricert that is filled with medication (hydroxypropyl cellulose) can also be inserted into the tear duct. The eye medication is continually released from the insert during the day and improves the tear film of the eye. The insert is replaced daily and is applied by the patient at home. Care must be taken with insertion to prevent eye injury.

Your eye doctor can determine your best course of treatment for your particular case. With these simple and safe options available, you do not have to suffer with chronic dry eyes anymore.

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.

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Macular Degeneration and Acetyl-L-carnitine

Posted by Laser Locators

Macular Degeneration is a condition in which the central part of the back of the eye loses blood circulation.  It is considered a natural aging process.  There is a breakdown of retinal pigment epithelium cells in the macular region.  As the disease progresses, central vision diminishes.  It is believed that this breakdown may be due to a lack of nutrients being supplied to the region. Additional studies have found a genetic link to this disease.  Treatment can range from better nutritional management, sometimes to include a tablet containing the primary minerals and vitamins that are found lacking in many macular degenerated patients.

According to the American Health Assistance Foundation, macular degeneration is the leading cause of blindness in Americans 60 years of age and older. The disease may destroy your sharp, fine-detail, “straight ahead” vision required to do tasks such as reading and driving. Acetyl-L-carnitine alone or in combination with other nutritional supplements may reduce the risk of a person developing macular degeneration. Speak to your doctor before using acetyl-L-carnitine supplements for any health problems.

Acetyl-L-carnitine, one of the many forms of carnitine, is found naturally in your body. The nutrient transports fatty acids to cells’ mitochondria for the generation of metabolic energy. The antioxidant property of acetyl-L-carnitine may protect the eye’s retina from free radical damage. Free radicals are the damaging compounds in your body that may even cause cell death.

A study conducted by Italian researchers and published in May 2005 in “Ophthalmologica” found that supplementation with a proprietary blend of 200 mg acetyl-L-carnitine, 780 mg omega-3 fatty acids and 20 mg coenzyme Q10 daily may improve and subsequently stabilize visual functions in patients affected by early age-related macular degeneration. This double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted for 12 months in 106 patients with macular degeneration. According to researchers, this combination of nutrients may also improve the area of the eye’s fundus covered by drusen, yellow or white deposits in the retina of the eye

Metabolic therapy, a combination of omega-3 fatty acids, coenzyme Q10 and acetyl-L-carnitine may be the first choice for treating age-related macular degeneration, according to a Hungarian study published in December 2007. According to researchers, both clinical visual field and visual acuity in people with macular degeneration may show improvement after three or four days of treatment with this metabolic therapy. The efficacy of this combination of nutrients has been proved clinically.

Acetyl-L-carnitine supplements have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for safety and purity. Over-the-counter acetyl-L-carnitine supplements may cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting and abdominal cramps. A study published in June-July 2011 in “Revue Neurologique” found that acetyl-L-carnitine treatment may cause side effects such as diarrhea and fish odor syndrome, a genetic disorder associated with an offensive body odor.

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.

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LASIK is more than just seeing better- it’s choosing better as well

Posted by Laser Locators

Refractive surgical procedures have increased significantly in the past few years. The most recent surveys from the American Academy of Ophthalmology report that there were approximately 800,000 refractive surgical procedures performed in 2010, up more than 50,000 from 2009. As refractive and laser vision correction procedures continue to rise, choosing with the proper doctor is essential to achieving the best results for improving your vision. With procedures like LASIK and cataract surgery so popular, quality vision correction requires exact precision from a surgeon who is educated and knowledgeable of the latest technology.

Thanks to recent developments in laser correction technology, LASIK and refractive eye surgeons are able to significantly reduce the risks and side effects of procedures to a minimal amount. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, LASIK surgery complications now occur in less than 5{0730eed075b45d9e50c00d6cd42dd08773e0164f29a45151808bf89051290974} of all cases. But in order to maintain such a high degree of success, surgeons must pursue continued education in techniques and procedures in addition to their normal patient care. Patients should be sure to choose a qualified and experienced surgeon who is active in the ophthalmologic community isrs.org(International Society of Refractive Surgery) and who has a strict attention to detail, patient safety and health.

Another important step to take in your search for the right eye doctor is taking time to meet a surgeon and his or her staff while researching their credentials before undergoing any procedure. Through individualized and personal attention of each patient’s needs, while maintain open communication, is the best way to achieve the right results for each individual.

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

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Cataract Surgery- A growing business

Posted by Laser Locators

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.

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