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Thank you very much for taking the time to sign up for the No Blur! EyeMail Newsletter. The No Blur! EyeMail Newsletter is sent out approximately four times per year. The newsletter will contain the most recent developments in eyecare today, interesting information about your eyes, as well as a fun item. You can view the previous No Blur! EyeMails by clicking the online archive icon above. You can also send any comments or suggestions about the No Blur! EyeMail down in the related links section below.

 
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A Message From Dr. Maller

We are coming swiftly to the close of 2007 and this will be the last newsletter for this year. Looking back at this year, it has certainly been very busy with some fine advances for eyes.

2007 saw the very first Global Keratoconus Symposium. For the very first time, a joint international meeting focused solely on the condition known as Keratoconus came together. Keratoconus, for those who don't know, is a condition that thins the cornea causing devastation to vision. Please read more about Keratoconus by clicking here.

The Orthokeratology Academy of America (OAA) held the definitive event with respect to Orthokeratology this past year. The OAA put together an absolutely incredible international Orthokeratology program with Orthokeratologists from approximately fifty countries in attendance. Meetings like this are responsible for uniting and advancing the art and science of Orthokeratology. I was very happy and honored to participate as a lecturer at this meeting. Learn more about Orthokeratology and how this wonderful procedure might benefit you, a member of your family, or just someone that you know, by eliminating the need for glasses or contact lenses - without surgery.

The refractive surgical procedures continue to be marketed to the general public and unfortunately the advertising gives the impression that refractive surgery is just like getting a new hair style. The refractive surgical procedures i.e. PRK, LASIK, LASEK, etc. are invasive, permanently altering corneal procedures that can carry significant risk during, immediately after, and for the rest of the individual's life. Although many people are satisfied with their results, entirely too many people have had visually debilitating results. Worse yet, these people didn't really understand the extent a negative result could impact their lives prior to having the procedure. The "focus" of my practice is almost exclusively centered around the irregular cornea, bringing many of these post-refractive surgical casualties to me for care. The problems created by the refractive surgical procedures are among the most challenging to solve which is the reason I have seen people from all around the country and even several patients that have traveled to see me from other countries. Some of these people have taken the time to relay their stories which can be found here on the website. If you or someone you know are considering a refractive surgical procedure, please read these stories to understand a more balanced view of what this type of surgery can mean.

Contact lenses and their use have continued to advance. Wave and Zwave have continued to advance with software refinements. Due to improved design and manufacture as well as increased need, Scleral contact lenses are seeing more use now. Studies have been done examining some soft contact lenses and solution compatibility which shows that not all solutions are compatible with all contact lenses. Hybrid contact lenses have resurfaced and are better than ever. They are now available, in addition to the "normal corneal" designs, advanced designs for Presbyopia , Keratoconus , and post-refractive surgical corneas.

I hope that 2007 brought you everything you needed and even all of the things that you wanted. I also want to take this time to wish you an even better 2008. I look forward to seeing you in the new year!

Happy and safe holidays.

Dr. Maller

 

Dry Eye and Corneal Sensitivity after High Myopic LASIK

Dry eye is a commonly reported symptom following LASIK surgery, but a study was done to assess the subjective symptoms and clinical signs of dry eye and corneal sensitivity after high myopic LASIK surgery. The majority of the patients in the study reported ongoing dry eye symptoms although objective tear insufficiency and decreased corneal sensation were not observed. It is possible that with the disruption of corneal nerves by the LASIK procedure that these reported dry eye symptoms may represent a type of corneal neuropathy as opposed to a true dry eye syndrome.

 

The Effect of Cataract Surgery on Falls, Mobility and Balance

Cataracts are certainly very common as we age. When cataract surgery is done, in addition to the clouded vision from the cataract becoming very clear, there can be significant prescription change that could significantly impact perception. The effect of cataract surgery on falls and mobility was studied in people 55 and older. Over the period of one year people with and without cataract surgery were compared for the occurrence of falls, as well as information on problems with mobility and balance. The conclusion of the study demonstrated no association with cataract surgery on falls, mobility or balance for independently living older adults.

 

Cosmetic Colored Contacts for Abnormal Appearing Eyes

The use of a cosmetic colored contact lens for the purpose of making both eyes look similar after one eye has sustained some type of event making it look abnormal, was examined by questionnaire. Twenty-five replies came from thirty-three patients. Eighty-eight percent of the patients wore the lens for only cosmetic reasons while twelve percent wore the lens for cosmetic and refractive reasons. They were questioned on both comfort and satisfaction with the color. Seventy-six percent were happy with the comfort while eighty-eight percent were happy with the color. The average wearing time was 11.3 hours. Clearly this is a very useful, effective, and successful modality to address a visibly abnormal appearing eye.

 

High Myopia and Retinal Detachment

There is a strong correlation between high myopia and retinal detachment. A study examined 56 patients with high myopia in both eyes, each who had a retinal detachment associated with a macular hole in one eye, to determine the risk of a retinal detachment in the other eye. The results of the study showed that when both eyes have high myopia and one eye has had a macular hole associated detachment, the other eye is at increased risk for retinal detachment. This underscores the importance of routine dilated eye examination, especially for patients with high myopia.

 

The American Eye-Q Survey

A survey conducted by the American Optometric Association (AOA) evaluated adults' level of eye knowledge and behaviors associated with eyecare. Forty-four percent of parents are unaware that behavioral problems can be an indication of vision impairment in children. Additionally, many Americans are apparently unaware what they should do to preserve vision and eye health. The American Eye-Q survey showed that there is a great need for public education regarding eyecare, vision, children's special needs, and eye health.

 

Just For Fun - Planarity

Sometimes while on the web, I will come across some item that is just fun. I have incorporated this into the website because everyone should have a little fun occasionally. I have decided to put at least one "fun" thing into each newsletter. I hope that you enjoy it. This particular item is called Planarity. This is a puzzle game that requires extreme patience and focused thought. The instructions are on the page. The timer starts and runs while on the level but stops once you finish the level. The quicker you solve the puzzle, the greater the point value for the bonus. Get your mouse clicking finger ready and make certain your eyes are well rested before starting. Good Luck! You can find this puzzle at Planarity.