LASIK - Some Wounds Never Heal

This is going right up front so there is no misunderstanding:

1. I do not think LASIK is bad surgery.
2. I do not think every patient is a good candidate for LASIK.
3. I do not think every patient fully understands what happens during LASIK.

Regarding that third point, many LASIK patients are surprised to learn (months, years following LASIK) that their LASIK flap never heals. That's right! That slender layer of superficial cornea never forms a scar to bind it to the remaining cornea.

The LASIK flap is necessary in order to expose the deeper corneal layers to the laser energy that reverses the refractive power of the eye. But there's a catch - that flap never heals after it is gently repositioned. Because there is no scarring the LASIK surgeon can retreat the eye if more laser is needed. Lots of accidental injuries can also lift that flap: shrubbery, children's fingers, spray from water skiing, eye-pokes from sports competition, etc. LASIK flap trauma can cause the flap to completely come off the eye...bad news!

This information is not intended to frighten anyone away from LASIK - just be sure you know all of the potential risks of complications. After LASIK be sure to always wear quality protective eyewear whenever you are involved in any activity that might jeopardize those precious LASIK flaps. Whether operating a weed whacker or water skiing be sure to take the necessary precautions in order that you can continue to enjoy crisp eyesight.

Related Topics: Discount laser centers, LASIK for children

Technorati Tags: LASIK,eye surgery

Diabetic Grace Period? Don't Count On It!

Diabetes is a much bigger problem than you think. There are 21 million diabetics in our country and one-third of these people are unaware that they are diabetic! Nearly every organ of the body is damaged by the abnormal metabolic changes caused by chronic elevation of blood glucose, and the eyes often suffer terribly.

Did you know that vision symptoms typically precede the diagnosis of diabetes? Wild fluctuations in blood glucose change the water content of the crystalline lens inside the eye, and this abrupt shift alters the focusing power of the lens. If you experience intermittent fluctuations in vision check with your doctor and make sure you do not have diabetes.

Full-blown diabetics are susceptible to a long list of eye complications: cataract, glaucoma, bleeding, retinal edema, as well as the proliferation of abnormal blood vessels attempting to rescue the starving retina. Juvenile diabetics rarely have eye problems during the first twenty years. Adult diabetics usually coast for ten years, longer if they rigorously control their blood glucose. Oh, just one thing...there's a catch.

When do those 20-year and 10-year clocks start? Since we know one-third of all diabetics are unaware of their condition, the actual clinical diagnosis may not be established until year 2, year 5, maybe later. To further complicate things, more and more overweight teens are developing insulin-resistant Type 2 diabetes and never get that 20-year grace period.

So, what does this all mean? All diabetics need regular periodic visits to the eye doctor in order that any diabetic eye changes are promptly identified and treated. WebMD is loaded with helpful advice for diabetics and their families.


Related Topics: Prediabetes: 2 million US children, Childhood Obesity Epidemic

Does BLOG stand for 'Bill Lloyd Ophthalmic Geek'?

Welcome to my first WebMD weblog entry!

I will try to use this small granule of the blogosphere to share some useful ideas about better vision, better health, and better living.

Why on earth do we need another blog?

Whereas the popular WebMD message board devoted to Vision & Eye Disorders specifically addresses concerns of individual visitors, this forum will offer more general information on how to improve and protect your precious eyesight.

Sure, from time to time I will stray and mention medical topics that at first glance (pun intended) appear unrelated to the eyes and eyecare, but as a practicing physician I encounter all kinds of interesting things outside of the eye clinic.

In the meantime you can learn more about me by visiting my WebMD biography.

Related Topics: Frequently Asked Questions about Eyes, Search Results for "Eyes"