The LASIK Blog

Pole Vaulter Melinda Owen Joins LASIK for the Gold

Olympic hopeful pole vaulter, Melinda Owen, traveled to New Jersey this week from the Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista, California to get LASIK.  Hailing from Montana, one wouldn't expect Melinda to be such a proficient pole vaulter.  She was a 2007 NCAA All- American while attending Idaho.  Melinda placed 10th at the Olympic Trials and took a Bronze Metal at the 2009 National Indoor Championships. 

"From the mountains of Flathead Valley to the always sunny San Diego I am continuing my passion and dream of competing at the 2012 Olympic Games in London England!"

In this video, Melinda discusses the problems she has competing with contact lenses.  Our goal, eliminate that problem and help Melinda achieve her dream of competing in London in 2012!

Unemployment and Healthcare Insurance: Imperfect Together!

Since announcing The Vision Harvest 2009 free cataract surgery program, I have seen several patients in need of cataract surgery with no means to pay for it.  I am very much looking forward to providing free cataract surgery the day before Thanksgiving on these patients in need.

I saw a patient in the office today interested in the Vision Harvest 2009 program. John DeCamp heard about the program through his girlfriend's daughter.  He lives 2 hours from my office and drove up today.  His is a story of the vicious cycle we hear about all too frequently.  Here is his story:

John is a truck driver.  He had cataract surgery on one eye 4 years ago that went well.  John lost his job last year, and the health insurance that went with it.  He developed a cataract in his other eye.  This cataract got so bad that he recently failed his DOT exam.  Without the DOT license, John is unable to drive trucks, unable to get a job, and unable to afford insurance!

John will be getting his free cataract surgery on the day before Thanksgiving, November 25, 2009. , and hopefully his life will be on the road to recovery.

If you know anyone in need of cataract surgery, please direct them to the Vision Harvest 2009 hotline at 973-200-8250 or my ofice at 973-560-1500.  We are here to help!

The ICL Option: When LASIK Won't Correct Your Vision

Lisa Velasquez was very disappointed when she came in for her free LASIK screening last month after I told her she was not a good candidate for the procedure.  With a -11.0 diopter prescription, I determined that there was not enough corneal tissue to safely perform LASIK on her.  I went on to explain that I could treat this amount of nearsightedness by implanting an ICL into her eye.

The Visian ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens) is a Phakic intraocular lens. It is an alternative to laser eye surgery, and is similar to the intraocular lenses (IOLs) used in cataract surgery but does not permanently alter the structure of the eye. No corneal tissue is removed as in LASIK and other laser eye surgery procedures. The ICL resembles a traditional contact lens and is surgically placed behind  the iris, in front of one's natural lens. Unlike the intraocular lenses used in cataract surgery, ICLs do not replace the eye's natural lens, but work with it, to correct moderate to large amounts of myopia (nearsightedness). Though phakic IOLs are intended to be permanent implants, they can be removed if complications arise or if the patient's vision changes.The insertion of the Visian ICL™ Implantable Collamer® Lens is  made through a small incision in the surface of the cornea. The Visian ICL™ is folded, requiring a smaller incision than other implantable lenses. Once inserted, the lens unfolds to its full size. No sutures are required in the procedure.  The procedure takes about 10 minutes, and is performed on an out patient basis.  One eye is treated at a time, a week or two apart.  Visual acuity is remarkably good, even 1 day after the procedure.

Lisa had her surgery last week on her right eye, and "has never seen better!"  She is anxiously awaiting surgery on her left eye.

Arielle Martin's LASIK Rocks!!

Arielle Martin was in the office last week, 1 day after having her LASIK at EyeCare 20/20.  Her vision is already 20/20 and she is looking forward to her next competition next month after her broken hand heals.

Here is a video of Arielle discussing her new eye sight and prospects for her upcoming competitions.

BMX Cyclist Arielle Martin Joins LASIK for the Gold!

Arielle Martin is the current UCI World Cup SX Champion and headed for the 2012 Olympic Games with her sights set on GOLD. Known for her exceptional jumping skills, aggressive moves, and pure passion for riding, Arielle is a name to be reckoned with in BMX.
Arielle has recently been featured in this month's Bicycling Magazine in an article titled:   Leap of Faith.  She was also featured in an excellent New York Times article last year:  Quest Seperates Soldier and Olympic Hopeful. 

Arielle stopped by EyeCare 20/20 this week on her way home from competing in South Africa to join Team EyeCare 20/20 and LASIK for the Gold.  In this video, Arielle discusses what it takes to be a World BMX Champion, and how LASIK will hopefully improve her future performances.

After LASIK: "The Trees are Green, The Sky is Blue"

Mary Ellen Halbert was kind enough to discuss her LASIK experience at EyeCare 20/20.  She talks about how crisp her vision was the day after the procedure.  Mary Ellen's experience is very typical of our LASIK patients!

Throw Away Your Bifocals With the ReStor Implant

Joan Gellis has been wearing bifocal glasses and monovision contact lenses for the past few years.  When Joan developed cataracts, she learned that there was a possibility of eliminating both, with the implantation of the ReSTOR IOL at the time of her cataract surgery.

With the help of this multifocal implant, Joan is now able to read, work on the computer, and drive without the need for glasses or contact lenses!  Her only complaint, "I didn't do it sooner!"

Joan was kind enough to share her experience with the ReSTOR at EyeCare 20/20.

Olympian Dan Joye Enjoying His LASIK!

LASIK for the Gold member Dan Joye, of USA Luge, was in the office this week for his LASIK follow-up.  He said he is enjoying his new vision without contacts or glasses, and is looking forward to competing for the Gold in next year's winter games in Vancouver.

As a show of his appreciation, Dan presented me with the Luge suit that he wore during the 2006 Olympics in Torino!  The suit is being framed so that it can be hung in our office..

Dan also took some time to talk about his LASIK experience and his goals for the coming season.

ReStor IOL Implantation for Cataracts 15 Years After RK

Lucy Jenkins had RK surgery back in 1994, giving her excellent vision over the years.  She recently came in to my office complaining of a decrease in visual acuity.  She was diagnosed with cataracts and was in need of surgery.  After careful consultation it was decided to implant the ReStor IOL.

Lucy underwent cataract surgery in both eyes with excellent results.  She is now able to read, work on her computer, watch TV, and drive without the need for glasses or contact lenses.  In this video, Lucy discusses her experience at EyeCare 20/20.

Reading Road Signs on Drive Home From Cataract Surgery

Carol Manning was in my office today.  Carol underwent cataract surgery about 4 years ago at EyeCare 20/20.  She had a standard IOL implanted at the time of surgery.  Before the cataract surgery, Carol was a +8.0 hyperope, she was unable to see anything without glasses.  Like all my patients, she had cataract surgery under topical anesthesia, meaning she left the surgery center without an eye patch!  Carol told me she was amazed that she was reading road signs on the ride home following her surgery.  Here is her video testimonial: