The simple solution to all of these problems could very well be Lasik eye surgery. Lasik is a type of surgery that corrects and perfects many vision problems and acts as a very attractive alternative to wearing eyewear. Lasik is not for everyone with vision problems, such as pregnant women, young adults and children under the age of 18, or those who have very strong prescriptions. For the majority of people though, the only real issue regarding whether or not Lasik is right for them is the price. Although some people would not care what the price is to rid themselves of their eyewear, the cost of Lasik can be a real issue for most. Lets take a look at the costs involved with Lasik and whether or not its right for you.

The cost of Lasik varies widely depending on the provider, and the only thing you can count on for sure is that each eye will be quoted separately. So basically, you will pay a separate price for each eye that you wish to have the surgery on. Also, there are different types of the surgery that may have different costs as well. There is a method that uses a blade to create a flap on the front of the eye, as well as a method that strictly works with the laser. The average price of the laser based Lasik method for one eye is around $2,140, while the average price of the method with the blade runs at a little less expensive price of $1,748. Either way, you are probably looking at between $3,500 to $5,000 on average to have both eyes done.

You may see ads for “bargain deals” on Lasik eye surgery, but its important to be aware of the fine print as these types of bargain prices probably only affect those who have very minor problems with their eyes and would not require any sort of follow up. Lasik may not be the answer for everyone, but there are many people who would attest to the fact that Lasik changed their lives in a very positive manner and was well worth the price.

Accuvision have found that by not attempting to correct the whole optical defect of the eye caused by the effects of keratoconus, the T-CAT treatment offered at Accuvision can be kept to a small degree of ablation with the maximum depth of tissue loss typically being less than 50 microns. The C3-R® cross-linking treatment is applied immediately after the laser treatment. Any residual spherical or regular astigmatic optical defect remaining after the T-CAT treatment can then be corrected by contact lens wear or by phakic intra-ocular lens implantation.

Symptoms of Keratoconus

Keratoconus leads to myopia (short sight) and, if the steepening is uneven, also astigmatism (distortion of vision). Keratoconus symptoms usually start with blurring of vision and people usually seek corrective lenses at first for driving or reading. Keratoconus at this stage is difficult to differentiate from other more common vision defects.

As keratoconus develops, visual acuity can diminish very quickly in some cases. Changes can occur more rapidly in one eye than another. Keratoconus can also cause eye irritation, sensitivity to light but usually no pain. Visual distortion can become difficult to correct.

Severe extasia and central corneal scarring in advanced keratoconus can significantly limit the amount of visual rehabilitation that can be achieved by rigid lenses. There is also growing evidence to suggest that repeated trauma caused by the wearing of rigid contact lenses may in some cases be responsible for the acceleration of the condition.

How is Keratoconus C3-R® treatment given?

The keratoconus C3-R® treatment is carried out with topical anaesthesia (eye drops). The surface epithelial cell layer is removed from the central part of the cornea, and the riboflavin drops applied. Once the riboflavin has penetrated well into the eye, the UV light is focused onto the central area of the cornea for 30 minutes.

Finally a bandage soft contact lens is applied. The contact lens is worn for three or four days until the surface epithelial cell layer has re-grown. During the first few days the eye will be sore and watery. Sometimes there is slight haziness under the epithelial layer for the first few months after treatment, but the vision stabilises within a month or so of the treatment.

C3-R® is a registered trademark of Boxer Wachler Vision Institute.

Very few people can claim to have 20/20 vision. Perhaps people who train on fighter planes can make that claim. Having the eyes of an eagle is a rare gift!

In scientific terms, 20/20 vision relates to VA or visual acuity. It refers to clarity and to the retinas ability to sharply focus on objects. The brain helps to accurately define the object being viewed.

When you hear of blind people struggling with their handicap, it suddenly makes you think how fortunate you are to be born with a normal pair of eyes. It also motivates you to think more seriously about eye care. Caring for your eyes should start at a young age, not later in adulthood when you begin to experience disturbed or impaired vision.

Eye problems vary. They go from the very moderate and temporary to the more severe ones. If you think you have a serious problem, you should consult a professional to make sure that its not a deteriorating condition or one that could lead to a more serious problem.

Types of Eye Problems

A frequent complaint is itching. When your eyes are itchy, they can also be red, giving you a burning sensation. Your vision could be blurred from too much rubbing. If you have no other health problem like diabetes, itchy eyes occur when youre exposed to pollutants in the environment. If the itching persists even when youre indoors, have them examined as they can be a sign of an underlying health condition like diabetes; itching could also be the result of certain medications youre taking, or because of an allergy like chlorinated water (pool).

Dryness a type of eye problem where the eyes are not producing sufficient liquid or are not getting lubricated properly. Dry eyes can be the result of wearing the wrong kind of contact lenses or using the wrong kind of contact lens solution. Older adults, particularly women who have reached menopause, tend to have dry eyes. Diabetes could be another cause.

A third type of eye problem is conjunctivitis. This happens when the membrane surrounding the eyes is inflamed. Signs are redness, itching, tears or swelling. In the home, pet hair or mold or dust mites can trigger conjunctivitis.

A stye another eye problem looks like a pea-sized swelling or protrusion on the edge of the eyelid. It can swell and cause pain. Blinking can be painful. There is also increased sensitivity to light.

Eye Care Tips

Wash your hands frequently.

Do not use your fingers to remove dirt from your eyes. Use a tissue.

Get rid of eye make-up that is over a year old, especially old eye shadow and mascaras. They are breeding grounds for bacteria. Do not use someone elses eye make-up or brushes.

Remove eye make-up completely before going to bed.

Rest your eyes frequently if you work on your computer all day.

Protect your eyes when going under the sun, swimming, or working with equipment.

Avoid smoke-filled environments or places where there are allergens (like a discotheque, woodworking shop or a pet farm).

Do not use your contact lens while sleeping.

Supplement your eye care regime by taking natural dietary products.

Natural Supplements for Eye Care

When looking for natural supplements for eye care, select your products carefully. Choose products that contain L-Glutathione, an antioxidant that prevents oxidation of proteins in the eyes.

There are eye care products that also contain Pycnogenol otherwise known as pine bark extract – a natural ingredient. Other helpful ingredients to watch out for are Vitamin C, cellulose, and magnesium carbonate.

You can also try products that have beta carotene as an ingredient. Beta carotene is converted into Vitamin A which everyone knows is an essential vitamin for healthy eyes.