Enjoy March Madness Even More

March Madness begins March 18! Whether you plan to root for your college alma mater in the NCAA tournament or just love any kind of college basketball, you are bound to see exciting wins and devastating upsets. The question is, will you be watching the action through a corrective lens?

If you are nearsighted, farsighted or have astigmatism, you probably have to wear glasses or contacts to see clearly. And, let’s face it; glasses and contacts can get in the way of your celebrations. Wouldn't it be much better to watch your favorite teams with your own lens-free eyes?

Richmond LASIK vision correction just might be the ticket to visual freedom. Of course, not everyone will see with 20/20 vision after LASIK, but when you choose an eye doctor who has a great track record of success, uses advanced LASIK technology and performs a thorough LASIK screening process to ensure you’re a good candidate, the odds are definitely in your favor. Dr. Lipstock is that surgeon and he’s ready to help you take those first steps.

Make a fast break to improve your vision. Call Lipstock LASIK & Cataract Center today at 804-288-1543 or lipstocklaser.com to schedule a free LASIK Consultation. 

Tackle 2014 with Improved Self-Esteem

Most people associate the month of February with Valentine’s Day, love, romance, roses and chocolate. But did you know that February is also International Boost Self-Esteem Month? This is a great time to take a moment to think about how you feel about yourself. If you feel negative thoughts creeping in, stop those toxic thoughts and focus on something that is positive in your life. Or you can also take action to improve your current situation.

Sometimes a negative self-image can stem from a physical trait that causes you either physical or mental discomfort. Take, for example, bad vision. Some of the Richmond vision correction patients we see at Lipstock LASIK & Cataract Center are simply fed up with not being able to see clearly when they wake up in the morning. Some become frustrated because they can’t excel in sports (like water or snow skiing, basketball or football) because their glasses make it too difficult. Others find that the hassles of keeping track of glasses and contacts make their lives too stressful. And some just don’t like the way they look in glasses.

If your poor vision is lowering your self-esteem, LASIK eye surgery in Richmond, VA may be the magic boost you need. LASIK corrects the refractive errors that cause nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. Of course, not everyone’s vision problems can be corrected with LASIK. A specially-trained ophthalmologist must examine your eyes to determine if your corneas are thick enough, if you have the right medical history to support LASIK, and more.

LASIK Financing

If this type of self-esteem boost sounds too expensive, research your Richmond LASIK financing options. At Lipstock LASIK & Cataract Center we help make LASIK affordable for a variety of budgets.

Don’t let poor vision bring down your self-image. Take the first step in the LASIK process by completing our free online LASIK Self-Evaluation. If you are ready to start the process, contact us at Lipstock LASIK & Cataract Center today to schedule your free LASIK Consultation. Call 804-288-1543 or visit lipstocklaser.com to schedule an appointment online. 

What is a LASIK Self-Evaluation?

A LASIK Self-Evaluation is an interactive online tool to help you determine if you are a good candidate for LASIK vision correction surgery. While this is not a substitute for a full LASIK Consultation from an experienced ophthalmologist, it is a great first step in the LASIK research process.

The Self-Evaluation asks questions about what your vision is like right now, such as:

•      I can’t see things up close
•      I can’t see things far away
•      It’s difficult for me to drive
•      I’ve been diagnosed with astigmatism
•      I wear glasses / contacts / reading glasses

The Self-Evaluation also asks questions regarding your current medical health and your eye health. This information is kept strictly confidential.

When all of the details are submitted, the Evaluation tallies the information and provides an immediate, personalized result as to whether or not LASIK might produce the results you desire. You can use this information to further research your options or as back-up information to share during your full LASIK Consultation with a surgeon. The only way to know for sure if you are a candidate for LASIK is by having a complete eye exam to determine your corneal thickness and overall eye health.  

Dr. Lipstock at Lipstock LASIK & Cataract Center in Richmond offers a free LASIK Self-Evaluation on his website at lipstocklaser.com. If you are considering LASIK, we encourage you to take the quick assessment to see what might be best for your unique situation. 

Glasses, Contacts and Sports – How to Improve Your Game

Recently we read that September is National Little League Month. We’re not sure how many people actually celebrate this observance, but it got us thinking about all of those boys and girls on the field who wear corrective lenses as they play. In turn, this made us think of “vision-challenged” adults who continue playing sports of any kind.

Being nearsighted, farsighted or having astigmatism can become a real nuisance in life, especially if you are trying to see to hit a baseball/softball, swim laps in a pool, putt a golf ball into a hole or any other type of sport. Forced to wear glasses or contact lenses as you play, you can face different challenges than those with “near-perfect” vision. Sweaty noses can cause glasses to slide, dirt and debris can get underneath contacts, glasses can be broken and contacts lost.

Think of how much you could improve your game of choice if you were lens-free.

When you add LASIK vision correction to your pre-season training activities, you may be able to erase corrective lenses from your sports equipment list.

Dr. Lipstock at Lipsotck LASIK & Cataract Center is ready to be your vision trainer. Schedule your free LASIK Consultation with us today at lipstocklaser.com or 804-288-1543 to find out if your eyes are in the right physical condition to handle LASIK. You can also ask questions about LASIK and learn more about Dr. Lipstock's background and experience. 

LASIK Joke of the Day

In honor of National Tell a Joke Day on August 16, here’s a “cornea” one for your enjoyment:

It’s been said ophthalmology is a “contact” sport.

There is a bit of truth in this! Ophthalmologists do deal with patients who wear contact lenses and glasses. In fact, at Lipstock LASIK and Cataract Center we are concerned with helping people reduce or eliminate their need for these corrective lenses through LASIK eye surgery.

If you’ve been considering laser vision correction, remember that choosing the right ophthalmologist for your LASIK eye surgery is no joke. You should never choose a LASIK surgeon based solely on someone else’s recommendation. You should feel 100% confident in each one of the factors listed below by doing your own research before you put your trust into any doctor. You’ll want to determine things like:

·         The doctor’s medical training, certifications and professional organization affiliations

·         The doctor’s real world experience with LASIK

·         The doctor’s demeanor (do you feel a good rapport with him?)

·         The doctor’s LASIK success rate

·         Your confidence in the LASIK technology being used

·         The doctor’s willingness to discuss the potential risks or complications of LASIK

·         The friendliness and proficiency of the office and support staff

·         The cleanliness and comfort of the office

You can learn all about Dr. Lipstock at Lipstock LASIK & Cataract Center  by scheduling your free LASIK Consultation in Richmond. Not only will you find out if you are a good candidate for LASIK, you will also have the opportunity to ask as many questions as you want about Dr. Lipstock's credentials. Contact us today at lipstocklaser.com or 804-288-1543.

National Eye Exam Month Has Arrived

August is National Eye Exam Month. This observance is a good reminder about the importance of having regular eye exams. Often people take their vision for granted, especially if they don’t need to wear corrective lenses. Even those who are nearsighted, farsighted or have astigmatism might become complacent about exams if their vision is stable.

The Mayo Clinic recommends the following guidelines for a healthy eye exam schedule:

·         Children: before entering first grade, then every two years

·         Healthy adults up to age 40: every 5-10 years

·         Adults age 40-65: every 2-4 years

·         Adults over age 65: every 1-2 years

Of course, if you have any family history of eye disease or vision problems, you should schedule eye exams more frequently.

Why Eye Exams are Important                              

Eye exams can detect vision problems that you may be completely unaware of (like glaucoma or cataracts), and allow for the earliest treatment possible. Some vision conditions can lead to blindness if left untreated, so early detection gives you the opportunity to consider a wider range of treatment options.

You may also learn that you are a good candidate for a vision correction surgery, like LASIK, which could reduce or even eliminate your need for glasses or contact lenses.

Be honest: when was the last time you had an eye exam? Don’t put it off another year. Schedule your eye exam or a free LASIK Consultation at Lipstock LASIK & Cataract Center. You can schedule it online at lipstocklaser.com or by calling 804-288-1543.

How LASIK Works

You’ve undoubtedly heard the term LASIK eye surgery, and you may even know someone who has had the procedure done. But do you really know what steps are involved in a LASIK procedure?

Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis, commonly referred to as LASIK, is a procedure to treat farsightedness, nearsightedness and astigmatism. In these vision conditions, the cornea is shaped so light does not focus properly onto the retina so clear vision is not achieved. LASIK uses a laser to actually reshape the cornea so light does focus properly.

LASIK is not performed on a “whim.” An experienced LASIK surgeon will perform a detailed eye exam to determine your exact vision characteristics and determine if LASIK could help or hinder your vision. This procedure isn’t right for everyone; some people have corneas that are too thin to support the procedure…others have pre-existing eye health or medical conditions that will interfere with healing.

LASIK Steps

 

1.  Numbing drops are placed into your eye and a lid speculum keeps the eyelids open
2. A corneal flap is created using either a hand-held microkeratome surgical tool or a femtosecond laser. Once the flap is created it is gently folded back to give the surgeon access to the underlying corneal tissue
3. Corneal tissue is removed/reshaped using a computer-controlled excmier laser
4. The corneal flap is put back into place where it begins to heal without stitches.

The entire process only takes a few minutes per eye and most people report that it is virtually painless.

There is a whole lot more to know about LASIK! If you are curious, contact Lipstock LASIK and Cataract Center today at 804-288-1543 or lipstocklaser.com to schedule your free LASIK Consultation to get all of the facts about LASIK.

LASIK and Dry Eye

If you are considering LASIK vision correction surgery but have the pre-existing condition of Dry Eye Syndrome, it is advisable to get your Dry Eye condition under control before undergoing LASIK. One of the potential complications of LASIK is Dry Eye, as it can cause a temporary decrease in tear production and affect healing after surgery. If your eyes are already dry, LASIK could worsen your condition and cause your eyes to feel unusually dry and uncomfortable. This could last just temporarily or for months or years after surgery.

Ways to Treat Dry Eye

Your Dry Eye condition may be treatable so you can pursue LASIK eye surgery. Your doctor may order prescription eye drops to lubricate your eyes, help your body produce more tears or reduce inflammation. Punctal plugs, which are inserted to block tear drainage, may also help restore moisture to the eyes.

The Experts Agree

“Patients with pre-existing dry eye should be cautioned that refractive surgery, particularly laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK), may worsen their dry eye condition.” (Nettune & Pflugfelder, 2010)

“Patients who have dry eye and are considering refractive surgery should have the dry eye treated before surgery.” (American Academy of Ophthalmology Basic and Clinical Science Course Subcommittee, 2011)

The only way to know for sure if your eyes are ready for LASIK is by scheduling a comprehensive LASIK Consultation to identify Dry Eye and other conditions. Dr. Lipstock at Lipstock LASIK & Cataract Center offers free LASIK Consultations at his Richmond office. Schedule yours now at 804-288-1543 or lipstocklaser.com.