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.

Using Flex Plans to Pay for LASIK

Tired of wearing glasses or contacts but not sure how to pay for LASIK? If your company offers a Flexible Spending Account, you can choose to place a portion of your pre-tax earnings into this short-term, tax-free savings account to use for non-reimbursable medical expenses, such as LASIK. You can save up to $2,500 on LASIK, depending on your annual income. This program lowers your taxable income.




Use it or Lose it! Most Flex Plans have strict usage rules. If you don't spend your money on your procedure within the specified timeframe, you will lose your savings.




Follow These Steps for Flex Plan Savings 

1. Find out if you are a candidate for LASIK by scheduling a Free LASIK Consultation at Lipstock LASIK and Cataract Center
2. Find out your company's deadline for open enrollment to sign up for Flexible Spending Accounts 
3. Find out how the cost of your LASIK procedure so you’ll know how much to set aside in your account. This will be determined during the Consultation. Dr. Lipstock cannot pre-determine what procedure will be best for you without examining your eyes first.

Combine Flex Plan Savings with LASIK Financing! Contact Lipstock LASIK and Cataract Center to learn more about our 0% interest LASIK financing program, how LASIK is performed and what advanced LASIK technologies Dr. Lipstock uses. Contact us today at 804-288-1543 or lipstocklaser.com.

Life-Changing LASIK

Recently we saw an article on BuzzFeed that listed out the “30 Life-Changing Things that are Worth Every Penny.” On that list were things like a good mattress, electric toothbrush, water flosser, high thread count sheets, good knife, fancy olive oil, good radar detector, good tires, plushy toilet paper and others.

We were excited to see that number 13 on the list was LASIK eye surgery! According to the article, “This short surgical procedure basically gives you a power-up in life, and you’ll save money in the long run.” We couldn’t agree more.

At Lipstock Laser & Cataract Center, we use advanced LASIK technology in Richmond to help as many patients as possible achieve 20/20 vision – or better. Dr. Lipstock ensures that every patient he ‘green lights’ for LASIK meets the right eye and physical health requirements; he simply won’t perform LASIK on patients if he doesn’t expect to have a good outcome.

We also help patients afford LASIK by offering 0% financing for up to 24 months. Studies have shown that you can spend up to $10,000 or more on glasses, contacts and supplies over a 10-year period; when you look at it that way, LASIK will save you money in the long run. Plus, you’ll definitely have that ‘power-up’ in life because of the visual freedom.

We should also mention that number 20 on the list was a high-quality pair of polarized sunglasses, which you could splurge on after you have LASIK (no need for prescription sunglasses).

Contact Lipstock LASIK & Cataract Center at 804-288-1543 or lipstocklaser.com to schedule your free LASIK Consultation in Richmond and find out for yourself if LASIK is worth every penny. We’re sure you will agree!

Save Your Vision Month

March is Save Your Vision Month. Sponsored by the American Optometric Association, this observance is to remind Americans about the importance of having regular eye exams to help preserve and maintain their eye health. The following is a general eye exam schedule for people with normal eye health and good overall health:

• Infants: Pediatrician screening at 6 months
• Preschool children: Pediatrician screenings from age 3 to 6
• School-age children: Regular vision screenings at school
• Adults: Every 2 years
• Adults over 60: Annually

If your child’s pediatrician or school suspects a vision problem, or if you have a history of eye disease or eye problems in your family, a full eye exam by an optometrist or ophthalmologist will be recommended. Children and adults who wear glasses or contacts should have an eye exam every year.

Even if you’ve had LASIK vision correction in Richmond and no longer need glasses or contacts, it’s important to maintain contact with your eye doctor in Richmond to preserve your eye health. You probably know that regular eye exams can identify common eye diseases, even those that have no outward symptoms, such as diabetic retinopathy. Even if you are not experiencing any vision changes, certain conditions like glaucoma or cataracts can be “silently” stealing your vision – even if you’ve had Ricmond LASIK. Early detection will help protect and preserve your vision.

Eye exams not only protect your eyes…they can also protect your overall health! By looking at the blood vessels in the eyes, your eye doctor can also identify chronic systemic diseases, such as diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure.

March is definitely the month to focus on your eye health; it’s also National Eye Donor Month (to promote cornea transplant awareness) and Workplace Eye Wellness Month (to promote reducing eye injuries while on the job).

Richmond eye exams are typically quick and painless, so there’s no excuse to put this health maintenance appointment on the back-burner. Schedule your eye exam today! Call Dr. Lipstock at Lipstock LASIK & Cataract Center to schedule an eye exam in Richmond. 

Things You Can't Do with Cataracts

Elephant Eyes

      In honor of National Elephant Appreciation Day on September 22, here are some facts about elephant eyes:

• Their eyes are very small, only about 1.5” in diameter
• The location of their eyes on the side of their heads allows for peripheral vision but not depth perception; the trunk creates a large blind spot in their vision
• They have three eyelids: an upper, lower and one that moves vertically for more protection
• Their long eyelashes keep foreign matter out of their eyes
• They have the same visual pigments as humans with red/green color-blindness
• Their range of vision is only about 30 feet - some people might say that elephants are nearsighted!

Because of their poor vision, elephants use their sensitive trunks to navigate. Their poor vision does not hinder their ability to orient themselves, and that’s a good thing since vision correction surgery just isn’t performed on elephants!

It is, however, performed on millions of Americans every year. At Lipstock LASIK and Cataract Center, we’ve performed many LASIK vision correction surgeries to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. LASIK in Richmond is considered to be one of the safest medical procedures when performed by an experienced surgeon like Dr. Lipstock. Of course, there are risks with any type of surgical procedure, so it’s always advisable to get all of the facts about LASIK before you decide to pursue this popular procedure.

One way to get the facts is by scheduling a free LASIK Consultation at Lipstock LASIK and Cataract Center. You can find out if your eyes have the right characteristics for LASIK and you can get all of your questions about LASIK answered.

So don’t forget to take a minute to appreciate elephants on September 22 (an elephant wouldn’t forget). And, if you’re stuck wearing glasses or contacts, contact us today to schedule your free LASIK Consultation at lipstocklaser.com or 804-288-1543.