LASIK, Contact Lenses & Dry Eyes

“Contact lenses of all types can cause dry eyes and this should be addressed as part of your LASIK consultation,” said Birmingham LASIK Surgeon & Corneal Specialist Marc Michelson, M.D. of Michelson Laser Vision. This is important information to know about contact lenses and dry eyes for contact lens wearers considering LASIK. “Dry eyes can be a very real problem for both rigid and soft contact lens wearers. Researchers reporting in the Eye & Contact Lens: Science & Clinical Practice showed that both rigid and soft contact lenses negatively impact the tear film surface quality,” said Dr. Michelson. “This research is important to keep in mind when contact lens wearers present for LASIK consultations since the evaluation of the tear film quality and quantity is a critical consideration of determining the patient’s candidacy for any type of Laser Vision Correction-but especially for LASIK surgery,” further explained LASIK Specialist Dr. Michelson “Given that a considerable number of our patients having LASIK are contact lens wearers, we need to be aware that some of the tear film abnormalities that we find during a consultation are actually due to their contact lens wear. Fortunately, with a sufficient amount of time without contact lens wear many contact lens wearers who want LASIK will recover a normal tear film surface quality and be able to proceed with Laser Vision Correction,” noted Dr. Michelson.

Contact lens patients considering LASIK or any type of Laser Eye Surgery for vision correction are encouraged to find the best LASIK Surgeons in their area and have a thorough evaluation, examination and consultation in order to find out if they are good candidates.

If you or someone you know has a question about LASIK, contact lenses, dry eyes or would like to schedule a Free LASIK Consultation please call Michelson Laser Vision at 205-969-8100, visit Michelson Laser Vision or facebook.com/michelsonlaservision.

Michelson Laser Vision are leading Birmingham eye care practices with offices at 327 Summit Boulevard, Birmingham, Alabama 35243, and Alabama Eye & Cataract Center, 1201 11th Avenue S., Suite 501, Birmingham, Alabama 35205.

LASIK for Alabama Motorcycle Riders

With some caveats, LASIK is a good potential choice of vision correction for motorcycle riders in Alabama who wear glasses or contact lens wearers. “Contact lenses and eyeglasses can be a real challenge for motorcycle riders-so more and more ask about LASIK,” stated Marc Michelson, M.D., a Birmingham LASIK Surgeon & Corneal Specialist at Michelson Laser Vision. “I do take the opportunity to discuss with motorcycle riders who want LASIK that they should always use proper eye protection from the sun, bugs, small rocks and pebbles and especially the wind, which can really contribute to dry eye symptoms,” he explained. “Further I always remind bike enthusiasts about the potential for eye irritation and motorcycle dry eye caused by the wind, exhaust fumes, pollen and pollution-as well as the Alabama sun and heat.”

At your LASIK consultation the staff will be exploring your lifestyle needs and activities. As a potential LASIK patient we want to take the time necessary so that we can carefully counsel you in order to get the best results and help meet your expectations. Please take the time to tell us about your motorcycle riding interest as well as all of the ways in which you are hoping to benefit from LASIK.

If you or someone you know would like to learn more about LASIK or any Laser Eye Surgery for vision correction please schedule a Free LASIK 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.

Dry Eye and LASIK

After LASIK some patients may experience dry eyes. Dry eyes may result in blurred vision and mild discomfort. Dry eyes following LASIK can generally be managed with artificial tears but some patients may require more intensive therapy. Fish oil tablets containing Omega-3 fatty acids taken by mouth will generally relieve the symptoms of dry eyes following LASIK. Additionally, patients may be placed on Restasis eye drops to improve tear production and help relieve symptoms.

It is important that you inform your doctor if you have previously been diagnosed to have dry eyes prior to considering LASIK surgery. Patients with tear gland dysfunction- caused by Sjogren’s syndrome, scarring on the surface of the eye or Omega-3 deficiency may not be considered good candidates for LASIK. Other potential contraindications include:

• increased eye exposure as a result of thyroid dysfunction
• eyelid oil gland dysfunction
• inflammation of the eyelid
• decreased corneal sensation- resulting from wear of contact lenses,
  diabetes, viruses, and corneal surgery procedures

A patient considering LASIK should have a thorough examination to ensure they do not currently suffer from acute or chronic dry eye. If a patient does have this condition, a dry eye therapy regime should be implemented until the symptoms subside. Discuss this information with your LASIK surgeon to determine which regime will best fit your eye care needs.

If you suffer with dry eyes, this condition may not keep you from becoming a viable LASIK candidate. Our experienced physicians and staff at Michelson Laser Vision will take every measure necessary to treat your dry eye condition in preparation for LASIK. If your condition improves to a level that is considered satisfactory, Dr. Michelson will determine if it is safe to proceed with LASIK surgery. Feel free to contact our office at 205-.969-8100 to schedule a free consultation.