Will Glasses Stand the Test of Time?

Popular Mechanics recently published an online article titled “10 Things That Will Disappear in the Next 110 Years.” We thought we would share that list with you:

1. Eyeglasses
2. Video game consoles
3. Postage stamps
4. C batteries
5. Keys
6. Snow tires
7. Telephone poles
8. Band-Aids
9. Wallets
10. Flathead screwdrivers

The article didn’t go into any specifics on why the publication’s editors felt these items would no longer be relevant. However, at Lipstock LASIK & Cataract Center we can take a guess at one reason why the #1 item on the list might phase out: LASIK vision correction. LASIK is already helping thousands of people in our area eliminate their need for glasses or contacts. It’s a laser procedure that corrects vision for people who are nearsighted, farsighted or who have astigmatism, but it’s not for everyone. If a patient’s corneas are too thin or if other eye problems exist, an alternative to LASIK may be recommended. The only way to know for sure if LASIK might reduce or eliminate your need for eyeglasses is to schedule a free LASIK Consultation at Lipstock LASIK & Cataract Center by calling 804-288-1543 or visiting lipstocklaser.com.

It’s possible that no one reading this blog will know for sure if all of these 10 things will be gone in 110 years. But it’s going to be interesting to see what the future holds for all types of technology, including vision correction.

The Princess and the Laser

Once upon a time, there was a young and very imaginative blonde-haired girl who couldn’t see the white board at school. So her parents took her to the eye doctor and she got glasses to help her nearsightedness. When she wore her glasses, she pretended she was beautiful Princess Ivy who had x-ray vision. Sometimes she pretended her dog was a fire-breathing dragon, sent by the evil Queen Matilda to steal her spectacles.

As she got older, she realized that she had become pretty athletic after fighting all of those dragons. She joined the basketball team, the swim team and went skiing every chance she got. With all of these activities, she began to realize the adoration for her glasses was waning. They didn’t really give her x-ray vision, they slid down her nose in the heat and were impossible to wear during certain sports. Her contact lenses weren’t much better. Her eyes got irritated and the contacts often got lost. She guessed she could fill an entire castle with all of her lost contacts!

Finally, in her mid-twenties, she had had enough. She had LASIK laser vision correction (all of the grown-up princesses were doing it) and now she calls her ophthalmologist her Knight in Shining Armor. Her athletic ability is through the roof and her beautiful, uncovered eyes make her the Fairest of them All.

She found true love with her new vision. And so she lived happily ever after.

The End

We’ve spun this little yarn in honor of “Tell a Fairy Tale Day”. Even though it’s fictional, you might find a little bit of yourself in Princess Ivy. If you’re tired of wearing glasses, your Vision Knight in Shining Armor might just be waiting for you at Lipstock LASIK & Cataract Center. We provide LASIK vision correction using advanced techniques worthy of a King…or Queen. Call 804-288-1543 or visit lipstocklaser.com to schedule your free LASIK Consultation or to take a free online LASIK Self-Evaluation.

Is LASIK Better Than Contacts?

A recent study has measured patient satisfaction with LASIK compared to contact lenses for vision correction. The study found that LASIK results in fewer vision problems with night driving both with former contact lens wearers and former glasses wearers. However, complaints about dry eye were common among people who had LASIK as well as those who wore contact lenses or glasses.

     The study, led by Francis Price Jr., M.D., gathered patient satisfaction over a three-year period. Patients in the study were between 18 and 60 years of age and included:

• 356 participants who wore contacts only
• 448 participants who wore contacts then had LASIK
• 154 participants who wore glasses and then had LASIK

 Participants were asked if they would recommend LASIK or contacts to a friend or family member. The results were as follows:

• 53% of patients who wore contacts agreed that they would recommended contacts
• 87% of patients who wore contacts and then had LASIK agreed that they would recommend LASIK
• 77% of patients who wore glasses and then had LASIK agreed that they would recommend LASIK

Another question asked of the group was whether patients believed LASIK works better than wearing contact lenses; 96% answered that they either “agreed” or “strongly agreed.”

Still another question addressed night vision difficulties. The rate of night driving problems decreased after LASIK for those participants who had previously worn contacts or glasses. “Overall, LASIK improves night driving vision and that was very significant,” said Dr. Price.

If you have been “on the fence” about having LASIK vision correction this new study may help you decide to take the first step toward improved vision. At Lipstock LASIK and Cataract Center, we have performed thousands of LASIK procedures.

Learn more about the risks of LASIK, the benefits of LASIK and whether your eyes are right for LASIK by scheduling a free LASIK Consultation at Lipstock LASIK and Cataract Center. Call 804-288-1543 or visit lipstocklaser.com to schedule your appointment. Or take our free online LASIK Self-Evaluation here.

Can Diabetics Have LASIK?

Many people who have diabetes wonder if they can have LASIK to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism. There is no singular answer to this question; it depends on many different factors surrounding the patient’s eye health and overall health. Any reputable ophthalmologist will demand to know your medical history and current medical condition and will perform an extensive screening process before recommending LASIK.

LASIK should not be performed on diabetic patients who have:

• Diabetic Retinopathy, a disease that causes damage to the blood vessels in the retina (back of the eye)
• Uncontrolled blood sugar levels
• Unstable vision prescription

If you are a diabetic, the first step in finding out if it is safe for you to have LASIK is by scheduling a free LASIK Consultation at Lipstock LASIK and Cataract Center. Board certified ophthalmologist Dr. Lipstock will go to great lengths to ensure that your diabetes is controlled enough to support LASIK and allow for proper healing. It is possible for people with well-controlled diabetes to have successful LASIK procedures.

To learn more about diabetes and LASIK in Richmond, schedule a free LASIK Consultation by contacting Lipstock LASIK and Cataract Center at 804-288-1543 or lipstocklaser.com today.