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DESCRIPTION
Vision may become blurred for any of a number of reasons. Refractive error (nearsightedness, farsightedness, and/or astigmatism) results in chronically blurry vision that can usually be overcome with corrective lenses. Eyestrain, fatigue, and excessive tearing can result in a temporary blurring of vision. A disturbance in the fluid balance in the body can also result in blurry vision.
A recurring tendency to periodic blurring can result from an inadequate supply of the light-sensitive pigment in the eye called rhodopsin, or visual purple, which is composed of vitamin A and protein. Any light that enters the eyes breaks down part of the visual purple, and the products of this purposeful breakdown set up nerve impulses that tell the brain what the eyes are seeing. If there is not enough pigment present, a time delay occurs between the time the eyes focus on an object and the time the brain forms an image of it. This is experienced as a blurring of vision.
CONSIDERATIONS
Laser surgery is an increasingly popular method for correcting refractive errors that cause myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism (distorted vision). Three laser surgery procedures may be used to correct mild to moderate nearsightedness.
Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK): Photorefractive Keratectomy, or PRK, is a type of laser eye surgery for people who suffer from nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness(hyperopia) or astigmatism. It is similar to LASIK in that it involves using an Excimer laser to reshape the cornea to minimize or eliminate your dependence on eyeglasses or contact lenses. It is different in that unlike LASIK the eye surgeon doesn't need to use a microkeratome to make a flap, but instead is able to apply the laser directly to the surface of the cornea to achieve the desired vision correction effect. PRK is better suited for people with thin corneas or certain other corneal abnormalities where using a microkeratome might not be the best choice. Also it may be preferred for those in the United States military where PRK is the approved procedure for those in active combat and certain other positions. PRK has been approved by the FDA for myopia since 1995 and for hyperopia since 1998 and enjoys an excellent safety profile. Since it does not use a microkeratome, there is no risk of flap complications. In PRK to correct myopia, the steep cornea is made flatter by removing tissue from the center of the cornea. To correct hyperopia, the flat cornea is made steeper by removing tissue from the outer edges of the cornea. To correct astigmatism, the cornea is transformed into a more spherical shape.
Photorefractive Keratectomy involves, much like LASIK, the reshaping of the cornea. Unlike LASIK which involves removing the inner tissue of the cornea, PRK applies laser energy to change the surface of the cornea. Before surgery you will need to have a careful review of your health and eye history. Then you will need to have a refraction to measure your actual prescription. This will need to be performed with eye drops; in order to get the best measurements. The shape of the surface of your eyes will be mapped using an instrument called a corneal topographer. Finally the thickness of your cornea will be measured using an instrument called a pachymeter.
On your day of surgery, a technician will clean the area around your eyes with a hygienic but gentle cleansing pad. The technician will place a series of drops into your eyes in order to get them ready for your treatment. Some of these drops, antibiotic drops, will prevent germs from entering your eye and therefore help to prevent any possibility of infection. Other drops will be placed in your eyes to lightly numb the cornea so that you are comfortable during your treatment. After you recline on the bed-like chair under the laser, an eyelid holder called a speculum, is gently placed between your eyelids to remind you not to blink. Next the epithelium, a thin, protective layer that covers the cornea, is removed. Since you have had numbing drops placed in your eyes, this will not be uncomfortable, but will feel like a slight pressure around your eyes. The surgeon will instruct you to look at a small light during your procedure. Don't worry if you cannot stay perfectly steady-just do your best. Today's laser technology uses a tracking system which will actually follow your eye movements if you can hold pretty still during your procedure. To correct nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism, your surgeon will use an Excimer laser. The Excimer laser is programmed based on calculations made from the measurements taken during your consultation. The laser then delivers the exact correction needed and send tiny spots of light beams to certain predetermined positions on your cornea in order to change the shape to what is required for you to see well. The eye surgeon has full control of the laser and monitors the position of the laser on the cornea as well as the tracking system monitoring the position of your eye in order to make sure the beam is in the correct place. The application of the laser usually takes 1-2 minutes per eye depending on the amount and complexity of the of correction that you need. A soft bandage contact lens may be placed over the eyes to help the epithelium heal. The technician will often place additional eye drops in your eyes as the procedure is finished just to give you some added comfort and protection and to help your eyes heal quickly. Most often a protective clear plastic shield will be applied-like safety glasses-to prevent you from rubbing your eyes or in case you get bumped accidentally. Pay careful attention to the detailed instructions your health care provider gives you regarding additional drops to use at home and when to return for your first visit.
You will need someone to drive you home. To be most comfortable, you should go home and take a long nap. When you awaken you will notice several things. First you will notice a dramatic improvement in your vision. It will most likely not be as good as it will get in a few days as your eyes will need to continue to heal. You should expect to feel some mild "grittiness" or like a little sand or dust has gotten into your eyes for up to a day or so. This is normal. As your eyes heal it is normal and expected to be a little sensitive to light and perhaps see some glare or even haloes around lights at night. This too will diminish as your eyes heal.
People are best suited for Photorefractive Keratectomy are people with moderate levels of myopia or hyperopia who have corneal abnormalities that make them not best suited for LASIK. However PRK may also be used for people with high prescription levels and for active military personnel.
Photorefractive Keratectomy Advantages
- Better for thin corneas.
- Good for low to high levels of myopia or hyperopia.
- Better for thin corneas.
- Good for low to high levels of myopia, hyperopia and/or astigmatism.
- Good for people in military service.
Photorefractive Keratectomy Disadvantages
- Longer healing time.
- Longer time for results.
Photorefractive Keratectomy is a less used procedure due to LASIK. However, it is still the procedure used when LASIK is not the best choice due to eye irregularities. As with all laser surgery, there is always a risk and side effects like light sensitivity and halos may not go away. It is important to talk with your eye care provider about the risks in your specific case.
Conductive Keratoplasty: Conductive Keratoplasty, or CK, is an alternative to typical laser surgeries for people who are over forty and have hyperopia, astigmatism, or presbyopia. Developed by Refractec, the process received FDA approval for reduction of hyperopia and in March 2004 received first and FDA approval for vision technology that improves presbyopia.
Conductive Keratoplasty uses heat from radio frequency wave instead of a laser to shrink the collagen fibers in order to steepen the cornea. After anesthetic drops have been applied and have taken affect, a probe with a special tip that transfers radio frequencies is used to administer eight to thirty-two uniform treatment spots around the periphery area of the cornea. In Refractec's NearVision CK, a foot pedal is used to transmit the radio frequency energy. The heat from the radio frequency is designed to shrink the collagen of the area and cause the cornea to steepen to a very high degree. Less regression is expected due to the uniform delivery of heat and deep shrinkage of collagen.
People are best suited for Conductive Keratoplasty if they are over 40, have healthy eyes, have had stable vision for at least six months, and have hyperopia in the range from +0.75 to +3.00 diopters. There maybe other reasons why you could be a good or bad candidate and its best to ask your eye care provider.
Laser In Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK): LASIK eye surgery is the most popular refractive laser eye surgery. LASIK involves the use of a laser to change the shape of the cornea to correct refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. LASIK is a permanent vision correction procedure since it is a type of surgery which is not reversible. Thanks to advanced technology, LASIK provides an excellent safety profile and results when performed by experienced LASIK Surgeons for carefully selected patients.
LASIK is not right for everyone and requires careful evaluation and consultation. Today more people are routinely electing to have LASIK to correct their vision as it is a suitable substitute for eyeglasses and contact lenses for most common vision problems. LASIK is a quick eye surgery procedure that provides good vision with few postoperative complications for most people. LASIK is not suited for everyone including people with certain health problems, eye diseases, and other situations that an eye care professional can help to explain in detail as part of your consultation.
The LASIK eye surgery process requires that a series of careful measurements be taken to be sure that you are a good candidate. This process should begin with a discussion regarding what your expectations are and what you wish to achieve by being less dependent or eliminating eyeglasses or contact lenses. Then a careful review of you health and eye history should be taken by the doctor's office. Next, in order to determine the exact prescription that will need to be treated, a refraction should be performed to measure the amount of nearsightedness or farsightedness and astigmatism. This will require the use of eye drops to get the best possible measurements. It will be necessary to map the surface of the eye, called the cornea, with a corneal topographer that gives the health care provider a blueprint of the shape of your eye. An important step is to measure the corneal thickness, called pachymetry, in order to help determine whether the anatomy of your corneal is appropriate for LASIK or perhaps another laser eye surgery procedure. Once all of these steps have been completed, the health care provider will examine the health of the retina and inside structures of your eyes as a final check.
On your day of surgery, a technician will clean the area around your eyes with a hygienic but gentle cleansing pad. The technician will place a series of drops into your eyes in order to get them ready for your treatment. Some of these drops, antibiotic drops, will prevent germs from entering your eye and therefore help to prevent any possibility of infection. Other drops will be placed in your eyes to lightly numb the cornea so that you are comfortable during your treatment. After you recline on the bed-like chair under the laser, an eyelid holder called a speculum, is gently placed between your eyelids to remind you not to blink. Next the LASIK surgeon will use an instrument called a microkeratome to create a very thin, circular layer, called a flap on the front of the cornea. Since you have had numbing drops placed in your eyes, this will not be uncomfortable, but will feel like a slight pressure around your eyes. The surgeon will instruct you to look at a small light during your procedure. Don't worry if you cannot stay perfectly steady-just do your best. Today's laser technology uses a tracking system which will actually follow your eye movements if you can hold pretty still during your procedure. To correct nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism, your surgeon will use an Excimer laser. The Excimer laser is programmed based on calculations made from the measurements taken during your consultation. The laser then delivers the exact correction needed and send tiny spots of light beams to certain predetermined positions on your cornea in order to change the shape to what is required for you to see well. The eye surgeon has full control of the laser and monitors the position of the laser on the cornea as well as the tracking system monitoring the position of your eye in order to make sure the beam is in the correct place. The creation of the flap and the application of the laser usually takes 5-7 minutes per eye depending on the complexity of the of correction that you need. Finally, the flap is replaced in its original position and because it has extraordinary bonding properties, it acts like Velcro to just stick right back down in place without the need for sutures. The technician will often place additional eye drops in your eyes as the procedure is finished just to give you some added comfort and protection and to help your eyes heal quickly. Most often a protective clear plastic shield will be applied-like safety glasses-to prevent you from rubbing your eyes or in case you get bumped accidentally. Pay careful attention to the detailed instructions your health care provider gives you regarding additional drops to use at home and when to return for your first visit.
You will need someone to drive you home. To be most comfortable, you should go home and take a long nap. When you awaken you will notice several things. First you will notice a dramatic improvement in your vision. It will most likely not be as good as it will get in a few days as your eyes will need to continue to heal. You should expect to feel some mild "grittiness" or like a little sand or dust has gotten into your eyes for up to a day or so. This is normal. As your eyes heal it is normal and expected to be a little sensitive to light and perhaps see some glare or even haloes around lights at night. This too will diminish as your eyes heal.
The best candidates for LASIK Eye Surgery are people with healthy eyes have not had previous eye surgery and are looking to correct myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism. They must also have stable vision for at least a year. People with medical conditions and taking certain medication may not be eligible for LASIK eye surgery. Also some people with thin corneas may best be suited for other laser surgeries.
Wavefront technology is major advance in LASIK laser eye surgery, especially for people who have complicated prescriptions. It may sound a bit funny, but your eyes are like your feet. Shoes usually just come in sizes that measure how long the feet are. With normal LASIK surgery, vision correction is measured by the visual acuity of a person, 20/20, 20/40, 20/100 and how it is altered by the refraction of their eye. This method corrects how much a person can see but not the details of everything else. Imagine if shoes were made exactly for your feet by measuring how wide, how long, comfort level, arch, and so on. The result would be a great pair of shoes that fit perfectly. Wavefront technology does this for the eyes by measuring the whole eye and providing a three-dimensional corneal map. All abnormalities and irregularities, called optical aberrations, from front to back are present in this map and allow the eye surgeon to correct your vision to a "perfect fit". This allows correction for not only nearsightedness or farsightedness and astigmatism and its impact on visual acuity, but also for other aberrations that can affect contrast sensitivity, night vision, depth perception, and light sensitivity. By correcting all these factors, each individual's vision can be improved dramatically by correcting for the individual's specific problems.
These are outpatient procedures with relatively short recovery times. They also have very high rates of success, but neither procedure is foolproof. Some people have improved vision as a result of laser surgery, but still have to wear corrective lenses afterward. Others have to have follow-up surgery to improve results. In rare cases, people who have laser surgery end up with worse vision. People who tend to heal slowly or who have ongoing medical problems such as glaucoma or diabetes are not good candidates for laser surgery. The same is true of those with uncontrolled high blood pressure, autoimmune diseases, or certain eye diseases involving the cornea or retina. Pregnant women should not have refractive surgery of any kind because the refraction of the eye may change during pregnancy.
HOLISTIC RECOMMENDATIONS & NUTRITION
NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS FOR HEALTHY EYES - RECOMMENDATIONS
The following nutrients are important for healing once appropriate local treatment has been administered. Unless otherwise specified, the following recommended doses are for those over the age of 18. For a child between 12 and 17 years old, reduce the dose to 3/4 the recommended amount. For a child between 6 and 12 years old, use 1/2 the recommended dose, and for a child under 6, use 1/4 the recommended amount.
EYE CARE SUPPLEMENTS & PRODUCTS
Information, supplements and products for eye-related problems.
Beta Carotene (Natural Dunaliella Salina), 100% Natural, Nature's Way, 25,000 IU, 100 Softgels
Nature's Way Beta Carotene is 100% all natural from Dunaliella Salina.CamoClear Soothing Eye Wash, Herbal Eye Wash, CamoCare, 10 Single Use Droppers
CamoClear Soothing Herbal Eye wash gives you instant, natural and long lasting relief for dry, tired or irritated eyes, due to dust, pollen, pollution, smoke irritants, sun glare, wind, swimming, air conditioning/heating and computer work.Clear Eye Herbal Tea, 20 Tea Bags
To nurture the eye and pacify the nervous system, protect retina, and improve eyesight.Clear Eye & Sharp Ear, TCM Formula, Shanze Xiaozhi, 60 Caps
Clear Eye & Sharp Ear Chinese Formulas are made of extracts from astragalus root, pueraria root, seashore vitex, common peony root, cimicifuge, phellodendron, licorice, cnidium, Chinese angelica root (Dong Quai) and ginseng.Digestive Enzymes, 750 mg, 100 Caps
Since cooking destroys many of the digestive enzymes in food, taking plant fiber-based digestive enzymes aids in digesting even the heaviest meal.Dry Eye Relief Eye Drops, Homeopathic, 0.33 fl. oz.
Eye Doctor recommended Similasan Eye Drops for dry, red eyes stimulate the eye's natural ability to fight dryness and clear redness due to smog, stress, age, contact lens wear, etc.Essential Fatty Acids, By Deborah Lee
"Woodland Health Series". Describes the benefits and functions of the three essential fatty acids, linoleic acid, linolenic acid and arachidonic acid.EyeFactor HAÖ for Healthy Vision with HA, Hyalogic, 120 Count
Hyaluronic acid makes up 95% of the fluid inside the eye. Acts as a shock absorber for the eye and also serves to transport nutrients into the eye.Eye Support Formula With Bilberry, Lutein & Antioxidants, NOW Foods, 60 Caps
NOW "Health Care Provider Recommended" Eye Support Formula eye supplement offers a full range of antioxidant nutrients which may aid in maintaining some visual functions with Lutein and Bilberry.Fisol Fish Oil Supplement, EPA DHA, Enteric Coated, Nature's Way, 500 mg, 90 Softgels
Fisol, enteric coated, fish oil supplement delivers 30% EPA and 20% DHA. The unique coating withstands stomach acid so Fisol dissolves in the small intestine and maximizes the body's absorption of Omega-3 Essential Fatty Acids.Magnesium Citrate Complex, Nature's Way, 250 mg, 100 Caps
Nature's Way Magnesium Citrate is an advanced chelate from which enhances absorption of magnesium by providing excellent solubility.Nature's Way Ginkgold Eyes Plus Lutein, 20 mg, Vegetarian, Eye Supplement, 60 Caps
Nature's Way Ginkgold eye supplement supports visual function and is the only Ginkgo extract shown to stimulate activity in all areas of the brainNeuromins DHA Supplement (Docosahexaenoic Acid), Nature's Way, 100 mg, 60 Softgels
Neuromins brand high quality DHA Supplement is sourced from microalgae and fortified with Vitamin C and E.Once Daily Multi-Vitamin With Iron, All Natural, Lactose Free, Nature's Way, 100 Tabs
Nature's Way Daily Multi Vitamin with Iron provides many of the essential nutrients that modern diets may lack. They are useful for protection, growth and maintenance of body systems as they age.Selenium, 100% Natural, 200 mcg, 100 Caps
Selenium is an essential component of glutathione, the body's most potent natural antioxidant system. It is a popular choice in many antioxidant regimens.Synthovial Seven, Pure Hyaluronic Acid, Hyalogic, 1 oz.
Hyaluronic Acid (HA) has been proven by numerous medical studies to alleviate pain and suffering from arthritis of the knee and other joints.Taurine, Free Form, NOW Foods, 500 mg, 100 Caps
Taurine is a conditionally essential amino acid which is not utilized in protein synthesis, but is mainly found free in most tissues, especially throughout the nervous system.Visi Clear With Lutein, Bilberry, Zeaxanthin & Lycopene, 60 Caps
Visi Clear Eye Vitamin with Lutein and Bilberry is one of the few products that provide both lutein and whole kale and Zeaxanthin, another powerful carotenoid, to maximize antioxidant activity.Vision Formula With Lutein & Bilberry, Eye Supplement, 60 Caps
Vision formula with Lutein & Bilberry Eye Supplement supports normal eye function by utilizing Lutein, a key carotenoid found in fruits and vegetables, which protects the retina by blocking harmful blue light.Vitamin A, 100% Natural, Nature's Way, 100 Softgels
Nature's Way Vitamin A is 100% natural from fish liver oil. It contains no artificial ingredients or preservatives.Vitamin B-12 Supplements & Products
An assortment of various B-12 products.Zinc Chelate, 100% Natural, Zinc Supplement, Nature's Way, 30 mg, 100 Caps
Nature's Way chelated Zinc supplement is 100% natural chelated with an advanced amino acid complex for superior absorption.
HerbalRemedies: Eye Problem Information
HerbalRemedies: Conjunctivitis Information
HerbalRemedies: Stye Information
NOTIFY YOUR MIDWIFE OR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER IF...
You or a family member (such as a child) is having problems distinguishing colors or find colors confusing. This member may need to be tested for color blindness.
You or a family member are having problems with vision and/or you suspect an infection. Call your health care provider immediately if you experience severe eye pain or a sudden change in your vision, such as loss of vision or double vision.
You have any increase of symptoms. You may need frequent changes in your eyeglass prescription. If you have blurred or double vision that develops slowly; are having a problem seeing because of daytime glare or have difficulty driving at night because of glare from headlights, you need to see your health care provider.
You have any unexpected or unusual symptoms. There may be underlying health issues that need to be addressed.
Are having vision problems that are affecting your ability to perform daily activities.
Call your child's health care provider if your baby does not look directly at or respond readily to faces or large, colorful objects by age 2 to 3 months or if your child scowls, squints, or shields his or her eyes more than expected when in sunlight, or light seems to hurt your child's eyes.
You and your family members should have your eyesight checked regularly by your health care provider to rule out any problems and to receive a prescription for contacts or eyeglasses, if they are needed. Preserve you vision... it is very important.
TYPES OF EYE PROBLEMS & DISORDERS
Maintaining Healthy Eyes
HELPFUL RELATED LINKS
MoonDragon's Health & Wellness: Nutrition Basics - Vitamin A
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HELPFUL PRODUCTS & FURTHER EDUCATION
Prescription for Nutritional Healing: The A-To-Z Guide To Supplements
-- by Phyllis A. Balch, James F. Balch - 2nd Edition
Prescription for Nutritional Healing: The A-To-Z Guide To Supplements
-- by Phyllis A. Balch, James F. Balch - 4th Edition
Prescription for Herbal Healing: The A-To-Z Reference To Common Disorders
-- by Phyllis A. Balch
The Complete Guide to Natural Healing
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