LASIK with Glaucoma: Is it Possible?

Birmingham Alabama LASIK Surgeon Marc Michelson, M.D. commented, “There are many patients wearing eyeglasses that also have glaucoma or even elevated intraocular pressure and are glaucoma suspects, who would prefer to have LASIK and not be dependent on their glasses for seeing clearly at distance. We would consider performing LASIK for certain patients with glaucoma-but it is really quite an individual determination and depends a great deal on the stability of the glaucoma and whether and how much damage to the optic nerve the disease has caused,” explained Dr. Michelson of Michelson Laser Vision. Generally, unless the glaucoma is severe it is possible that LASIK could be an option for most patients. Other types of laser eye surgery for vision correction such as PRK might be preferred. In some cases it might actually be beneficial to have lens replacement surgery using advanced technology lens implants for vision correction.

If you or someone you know has glaucoma or is a glaucoma suspect and is considering LASIK, we would be happy to provide a free consultation to help determine if they are a LASIK candidate or perhaps a better candidate for another type of Laser Eye Surgery for vision correction or Lens Replacement Surgery please schedule a Free Consultation in Birmingham by calling 205-930-0930, visiting Michelson Laser Vision or facebook.com/michelsonlaservision.

Michelson Laser Vision and Alabama Eye & Cataract Center are leading eye care centers in Birmingham staffed by a team of specialists including eye doctors who are fellowship trained cornea specialists and cataract and lens implant specialists-all board certified Ophthalmologists & Corneal Specialists-as well as Optometrists, Opticians, technical and administrative staff who provide eye examinations for adults and children, cataract surgery and intraocular lens implants (IOL), laser eye surgery such as LASIK for laser vision correction, diagnosis and treatment of cornea disease including cornea transplants, care for diseases of the retina including diabetes and age related macular degeneration and diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma and fitting of eyeglasses and eyewear.

Contact Lens iPhone App for Birmingham Patients

“Birmingham contact lens wearers should take a look at the iPhone app to help them remember their contact lens replacement schedule,” commented Birmingham Optometrist Dr. Catherine Murphy at Alabama Eye & Cataract Center. The contact lens app is available for use on iPhones and iPads and provides a convenient way to keep track of how many times you have worn your reusable contact lenses. No more having to wonder if it's time to replace your contacts. This is a nice way to help keep your contact lenses safe and your eyes healthy,” commented Dr. Murphy. “Proper lens replacement is critical to your eyes' health when wearing contacts. The app is available at iTunes for contact lens wearers to have a look at.

If you or someone you know has questions about contact lens care, handling and disinfection please call Alabama Eye & Cataract Center in Birmingham at 205-930-0930, visiting Alabama Eye & Cataract Center or facebook.com/michelsonlaservision.

Michelson Laser Vision and Alabama Eye & Cataract Center are leading eye care centers in Birmingham staffed by a team of specialists including eye doctors who are fellowship trained cornea specialists and cataract and lens implant specialists-all board certified Ophthalmologists & Corneal Specialists-as well as Optometrists, Opticians, technical and administrative staff who provide eye examinations for adults and children, cataract surgery and intraocular lens implants (IOL), laser eye surgery such as LASIK for laser vision correction, diagnosis and treatment of cornea disease including cornea transplants, care for diseases of the retina including diabetes and age related macular degeneration and diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma and fitting of eyeglasses and eyewear.

Choose the Best Birmingham Sunglasses

“To choose the best sunglasses in Birmingham we help our patients understand that sunglasses are both a fashion accessory but also an important means of uv and sun protection against eye injury and damage,” commented Melindi Morton of Alabama Eye & Cataract Center. 

It's important for you to know what types of light you need to protect your eyes from and what types of light are not necessarily harmful. Here are some tips for picking the right pair of nonprescription sunglasses. 

• Choose Sunglasses that Block 99% of Ultraviolet (UV) Rays. This is the most important feature of your sunglasses, and you should always choose sunglasses that provide this protection. Long-term exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation in sunlight is linked to eye disease, including cataracts. Some manufacturers' labels say UV absorption up to 400nm. This is the same thing as 100 percent UV absorption. Some glasses make additional claims for blocking infrared rays, but research has not shown a close connection between infrared rays and eye disease. 
• Don't Rely on the Price. Many types of affordable sunglasses offer 99 to 100% UV protection, so you don't necessarily need to spend a lot of money on a pair of sunglasses. 
• Do Rely on the Quality. In addition to UV protection, you also want to check the optical quality of the lenses. You can easily test the quality of sunglasses by looking at something with a rectangular pattern, such as a floor tile. Hold the glasses at a comfortable distance and cover one eye. Move the glasses slowly from side to side, then up and down. If the lines stay straight, the lenses are fine. If the lines wiggle, especially in the center of the lens, try another pair. 
• Look for Impact-Resistant Lenses. All sunglasses must meet impact standards set by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for safety. No lens is truly unbreakable, but plastic lenses are less likely to shatter when hit by a ball or stone. Polycarbonate plastics, used in many sports sunglasses, are especially strong, but scratch easily. If you buy polycarbonate lenses, choose ones with a scratch-resistant coating.
• Use Protective Eyewear NOT Sunglasses for Hazardous Activities. If you are going to be engaged in outdoor activities like water or snow skiing that put your eye at risk for injury, don't count on your eyeglasses for protection. Protective eyewear is available with UV protection to shield your eyes from sunburn and glare. 
• Lens Color Tinting & Polarization are Personal Preferences. There's no medical reason to recommend one tint of lens over another. Likewise, while polarized lenses work better at deflecting glare, they're not blocking any more harmful UV light than non-polarized lenses. 

Once you have the right sunglasses, make sure you wear them, especially in the summer when UV levels are at least three times higher than in the winter. Also be sure to wear them when participating in winter sports, particularly at high elevations. 

If you or someone you know has a question or would like to learn more about choosing the right sunglasses please feel free to call Alabama Eye & Cataract Center in Birmingham at 205-930-0930, visit Alabama Eye & Cataract Center or facebook.com/michelsonlaservision. 

Michelson Laser Vision and Alabama Eye & Cataract Center are leading eye care centers in Birmingham staffed by a team of specialists including eye doctors who are fellowship trained cornea specialists and cataract and lens implant specialists-all board certified Ophthalmologists & Corneal Specialists-as well as Optometrists, Opticians, technical and administrative staff who provide eye examinations for adults and children, cataract surgery and intraocular lens implants (IOL), laser eye surgery such as LASIK for laser vision correction, diagnosis and treatment of cornea disease including cornea transplants, care for diseases of the retina including diabetes and age related macular degeneration and diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma and fitting of eyeglasses and eyewear.

Can Osteoporosis Medication Cause Eye Pain?

“Can osteoporosis medication cause eye pain and inflammation?” asked Marc Michelson, M.D. Birmingham Ophthalmologist & Corneal Specialist at Alabama Eye & Cataract Center. “We see many more patients today taking osteoporosis medications such as Fosamax®, Boniva® and Actonel®”, commented Dr. Michelson. “We always counsel these patients that they need to be aware of the potential for eye inflammation and associated eye pain.” 

According to a study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, users of oral bisphosphonates such as Fosamax®, Boniva® and Actonel® were 45% more likely to develop uveitis and 51% more likely to develop scleritis compared with patients who had never used these medications. 

If you take medicine for osteoporosis, you will also need to get enough calcium and vitamin D, eat a healthy diet, and exercise regularly. A large part of treating or reducing the effects of osteoporosis is getting enough calcium and vitamin D. “If your physician does start you on any type of osteoporosis medication you should not ignore the symptoms of eye pain no matter how mild they might seem. Even at your regular eye exam, make sure to tell your eye doctor if you have started bisphosphonates medication such as Fosamax®, Boniva® and Actonel®. We need to know as sometimes the associated side effects of these osteoporosis medications can be subtle-but they are important”, noted Dr. Michelson.

Michelson Laser Vision and Alabama Eye & Cataract Center are leading eye care centers in Birmingham staffed by a team of specialists including eye doctors who are fellowship trained cornea specialists and cataract and lens implant specialists-all board certified Ophthalmologists & Corneal Specialists-as well as Optometrists, Opticians, technical and administrative staff who provide eye examinations for adults and children, cataract surgery and intraocular lens implants (IOL), laser eye surgery such as LASIK for laser vision correction, diagnosis and treatment of cornea disease including cornea transplants, care for diseases of the retina including diabetes and age related macular degeneration and diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma and fitting of eyeglasses and eyewear. 

If you or someone you know has questions about eye pain, osteoporosis medication or eye inflammation please feel free to call Alabama Eye & Cataract Center in Birmingham at 205-930-0930, visit Alabama Eye & Cataract Center or facebook.com/michelsonlaservision. 

UV Eye Injury, Protection & Eyewear

It’s a good time to discuss UV eye injury, protection from the effects of our Alabama sun and the need to use proper eyewear and sunglasses as May marks Ultraviolet (UV) Eye Protection Awareness Month noted the Birmingham eye doctors at Alabama Eye & Cataract Center. “UV protective eyewear and common sense precautions are important for eye health. “As we approach the summer months it’s a great time to be outdoors-walking, hiking, swimming-going to the beach-and just enjoying all that Alabama has to offer,” commented Ophthalmologist & Corneal Specialist Tyler Hall, M.D. “Keep in mind that with more exposure to the sun and ultraviolet or UV rays on a daily basis, we need to use proper UV eye protection”, remarked Dr. Hall.

UV light-especially from the sun-is known to cause damage to the skin. But, UV exposure can also cause significant damage to eye health and vision. “One of the most concerning things about UV eye damage and injury is that it is cumulative and often doesn’t become noticeable to patients for many years,” said Dr. Hall.

Exposure to UV has been linked to many eye problems and in some instances is thought to quicken the onset of eye diseases such as cataract, age related macular degeneration (AMD), certain cancers on the delicate skin around the eye, Pterygia-a growth of white tissue on the surface of the eye-and even Photokeratitis, a type of sunburn of the cornea.

Some precautions regarding UV eye protection include: 

• Always wear sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays. Sunglasses without UV protection may shade the eyes but actually cause the pupils to dilate, allowing in even more harmful rays. 
• Wear a brimmed hat along with sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays. 
• Choose wrap-around sunglasses to protect the eyes and the skin around the eyes. 
• Be aware that although some contact lenses may offer UV protection, they cannot protect the entire eye and the skin around it. 
• Choose sunglasses made of unbreakable polycarbonate, especially for children and for those who lead active lifestyles. 
• Be sure to ask your doctor about the photosensitizing side effects of any medications that you might take. 
• Always wear eye protection when using a tanning bed. According the American Academy of Ophthalmology, tanning beds can produce UV levels up to 100 times more than the sun, which can cause serious damage to the external and internal structures of the eye and eyelids. 

Today we have wide range of UV protecting eyeglass lenses available to choose from. Eye protection from UV needs to be complete but doesn’t have to be overly expensive. High quality sunglasses should block out 99-100 percent of both UV-A and UV-B radiation. It is also important to have UV protection in everyday eyewear, which is readily available with a number of UV blocking eyeglass lens materials, specialized coatings and photochromic lenses.

Patients visiting Alabama Eye & Cataract Center can speak with our staff who will be able to provide the proper counseling and fitting of UV protecting lenses and eyewear. These eye care professionals can offer a wide variety of UV blocking lenses, coatings and color changing lenses to keep you safe. 

If you or someone you know has a question or concerns about ultraviolet (UV) eye damage and injury and how to select protective eyewear please feel free to call Alabama Eye & Cataract Center in Birmingham at 205-930-0930, visit Alabama Eye & Cataract Center or facebook.com/michelsonlaservision. 

Michelson Laser Vision and Alabama Eye & Cataract Center are leading eye care centers in Birmingham staffed by a team of specialists including eye doctors who are fellowship trained cornea specialists and cataract and lens implant specialists-all board certified Ophthalmologists & Corneal Specialists-as well as Optometrists, Opticians, technical and administrative staff who provide eye examinations for adults and children, cataract surgery and intraocular lens implants (IOL), laser eye surgery such as LASIK for laser vision correction, diagnosis and treatment of cornea disease including cornea transplants, care for diseases of the retina including diabetes and age related macular degeneration and diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma and fitting of eyeglasses and eyewear.

LASIK & Contact Lens Risk for Swimming

Birmingham LASIK Surgeon & Corneal Specialist Marc Michelson, M.D. commented on the risks and benefits of LASIK vs. contact lenses for swimming. “As a corneal specialist, based on my personal clinical experience as well as the recommendation of the FDA, contact lenses really should not be exposed to any form of water in order to avoid eye health risk,” expressed Dr. Michelson. “Again based on my experience as a corneal specialist and LASIK surgeon, anyone who swims or participates in water sports or activities should give consideration to LASIK as the preferred method of vision correction today,” explained Dr. Michelson. “Contact lenses and swimming are not a good combination. With a careful examination and thorough consultation, we have a good idea and a great deal of confidence in the safety of and what patients can expect from LASIK at Michelson Laser Vision.”

It is generally known that wearing contact lenses for swimming and water sports and activities poses a risk of Acanthamoeba Keratitis, a potentially catastrophic eye infection of the cornea. Acanthamoeba Keratitis is caused by an organism present in all forms of impure water such as swimming pools, tap water, saunas, wells and even showers.

“Contact Lenses are really quite safe to wear if your follow proper care guidelines and instructions. However, if water restrictions such as swimming, bath tubs and showering are part of your daily routine, you do need to keep your lenses out. Many more patients-even very successful contact lens wearers-finds this to be a hassle and are now interested in discussing LASIK as an option,” said Dr. Michelson.

If you or someone you know has questions about swimming with contact lenses or participating in water sports with contact lenses or would like to learn more about LASIK or even schedule a Free LASIK Consultation please feel free to call Michelson Laser Vision at 205-930-0930, visit Michelson Laser Vision or facebook.com/michelsonlaservision.

Michelson Laser Vision and Alabama Eye & Cataract Center are leading eye care centers in Birmingham staffed by a team of specialists including eye doctors who are fellowship trained cornea specialists and cataract and lens implant specialists-all board certified Ophthalmologists & Corneal Specialists-as well as Optometrists, Opticians, technical and administrative staff who provide eye examinations for adults and children, cataract surgery and intraocular lens implants (IOL), laser eye surgery such as LASIK for laser vision correction, diagnosis and treatment of cornea disease including cornea transplants, care for diseases of the retina including diabetes and age related macular degeneration and diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma and fitting of eyeglasses and eyewear.

Alabama Seniors Eyes Have Better Vision

“Alabama seniors have a reason to be pleased about their vision-their aging eyes have better vision than in the past,” stated Birmingham eye surgeon Marc Michelson, M.D. of Alabama Eye & Cataract Center. Studies presented in Ophthalmology-the official publication of the American Academy of Ophthalmology-show that there has been a significant decrease is vision loss in older Americans. “The prevalence of activity-limiting visual impairment has been and is continuing to decrease- this is really great news for Alabama seniors. I believe that better cataract surgery and lens implants, better diabetes treatment and control and a sharp decrease in smoking all play a role in why seniors now have better overall chances of preserving their eye health and vision,” Dr. Michelson stated. 

Modern cataract surgery-with advanced technology lens implants has become routine and complications are pretty unusual. Years ago, people waited until a cataract was so bad that even a poor surgical result was better than living with a cataract. Today, when the presence of a cataract impairs either the quality of vision or the quality of life, the techniques and procedures allow for safe and effective cataract surgery to be performed.

Today, only 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. smoke cigarettes as compared to 1 in 3 in the 1980s. Smoking is a major risk factor for macular degeneration, which is one of the most common vision impairing eye diseases in seniors.

Diabetes is a leading cause of blindness and age and obesity are leading risk factors for diabetes. Even though diabetes rates in the U.S. continue to climb, better therapies are now available to prevent and treat diabetes-related eye health vision problems. 

To some extent, seniors have helped preserve eye health and vision by taking the step of having regular eye exams which are quite important for everyone as they age, especially people with diabetes and other health conditions that can lead to vision loss. 

If you have questions about aging eyes senior vision care and eye problems and need an eye exam please call Alabama Eye & Cataract Center in Birmingham at 205-930-0930, visit Alabama Eye & Cataract Center or facebook.com/michelsonlaservision. 

Michelson Laser Vision and Alabama Eye & Cataract Center are leading eye care centers in Birmingham staffed by a team of specialists including eye doctors who are fellowship trained cornea specialists and cataract and lens implant specialists-all board certified Ophthalmologists & Corneal Specialists-as well as Optometrists, Opticians, technical and administrative staff who provide eye examinations for adults and children, cataract surgery and intraocular lens implants (IOL), laser eye surgery such as LASIK for laser vision correction, diagnosis and treatment of cornea disease including cornea transplants, care for diseases of the retina including diabetes and age related macular degeneration and diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma and fitting of eyeglasses and eyewear.