Griffin & Reed Eye Care Vision Information

In Sacramento, Roseville, & Stockton, California

Safety and LASIK

July 14, 2008 – 9:34 pm

A patient’s safety is the eye doctor’s first priority in laser vision correction. Not only must the health of the eyes and the health of the patient be considered while critical standards of eligibility must be met. Eye testing with non-routine scans and devices help to inform patients of their eligibility for laser eye surgery, ensuring the safest possible choice for each patient.

Since laser vision correction involves the cornea, the health and integrity of the cornea is critical for safe and predictable outcomes. Previously, doctors only had scans such as corneal topography, as a method of measuring the shape of the cornea. While topography scans are capable of showing possible problem areas, they are limited to a front surface view of the cornea only. Subtle abnormalities of posterior surface, or back, of the cornea are impossible to measure with conventional instruments. These subtle abnormalities are often responsible for unpredictable and sometimes very poor visual outcomes after laser eye surgery.

The inability to generate exact measurements has been the frustration of many eye care professionals. Worse yet, patients were sometimes told they were not candidates for LASIK based on incorrect information. Even more critically, some patients who were poor candidates for LASIK surgery underwent the procedure, due to unreliable measurements.

To the relief of eye care professionals, Germany’s Oculus company developed the Pentacam, heralded as the Next Wave in Comprehensive Eye Scanner Technology.

Sacramento LASIK eye surgeons Griffin & Reed Eye Care believe that the Pentacam is the ultimate diagnostic tool for laser vision correction. Utilizing a sophisticated Scheipmflug camera system that scans the anterior eye (cornea, anterior chamber, iris, and lens), the Pentacam takes up to 25,000 measured data points in a scan time of 2 seconds per eye. From all this data a 3D model of the eye is constructed that can be viewed and analyzed by the doctor, allowing viewing of the eye from 25 different angles with a three dimensional analysis of all the structures mentioned above. (www.oculususa.com)

Most importantly for potential LASIK patients, it allows doctors a precise elevation map of the back surface of the cornea, unparalleled by any previous technology, so that recommendations can be made for the safest possible laser vision correction.

The 3D capability of the image allows doctors to determine if lens implants for very nearsighted or farsighted patients might be a better option than laser surgery. Doctors can also grade the level of cataract development in the lens of the eye and follow its progress with subsequent scans.

For patients who have undergone previous laser vision correction who are in need of cataract surgery, doctors can more accurately calculate the lens implant replacement power with the true corneal curvature measurements provided by the Pentacam.

In addition some corneal conditions such as keratoconus, pellucid degeneration, or corneal ectasia can be monitored for stability or progression with the Pentacam. This allows surgeons to help these patients with the best contact lens or other vision correction option for their particular need.

Griffin & Reed Eye Care is the first ophthalmology group in the greater Sacramento area to offer patients the benefits of the Pentacam. The enthusiasm of these Sacramento LASIK surgeons for this advanced eye care device means that many patients contemplating laser eye surgery or lens replacement surgery can receive the safest and most accurate treatment choices. In the opinion of the eye care professionals at Griffin & Reed Eye Care, there is no instrument more detailed, accurate, and helpful as a diagnostic device in determining a patient’s candidacy for laser vision correction than the Pentacam.

By Admin | Posted in lasik, lasik eye surgery, safety, vision correction | Comments (0)

Roseville Practice Open

June 6, 2008 – 1:43 am

Hello everyone.

We are pleased to announce that our permanent Roseville practice is now up and running. It is easy to find in the Sutter Roseville Medical Center at the end of North Sunrise. We are in building number 5 on the second floor. The same eye vision care services offered at our Sacramento location are now available in Placer County. Many patients are already commenting on how much they enjoy the new close proximity of the care we offer our patients. If you are interested in making an appointment in Roseville, you can reach that office direct by calling 784-2020 or by calling our Sacramento location at 485-2020.

We look forward to seeing you soon.

Brad Mitchell
COO

By Admin | Posted in eye surgery, lasik, Roseville, vision correction | Comments (0)

ReStor clinical results

June 3, 2008 – 7:03 pm

AcrySof ReSTOR lens is a breakthrough in vision surgery, allowing patients who have had cataract surgery to stop wearing glasses. The AcrySof ReSTOR intraocular lens (IOL), improves vision up close, far away and at all distances in-between, so that cataract patients can once again enjoy life without the bother of corrective lenses.

If you’ve been told you have cataracts, it may sound frightening. But statistics show cataract surgery is very safe, effective and successful. Once you and your doctor have made the decision to go forward with cataract surgery, you’ll need to decide on the correct intraocular lens (IOL) that is best for you. Your doctor will measure your eye to determine this.

The AcrySof ReSTOR IOL is an advanced type of multifocal IOL that may be exactly what you need. During clinical studies, four out of five patients with the AcrySof ReSTOR IOL reported never needing to wear glasses following cataract surgery, compared to only 1 out of 10 patients with monofocal lenses. This is the highest level of freedom from corrective lenses ever demonstrated in an IOL clinical trial. In fact, nearly 94% of the study subjects were so satisfied with their new vision, they emthusiastically stated they would have the AcrySof ReSTOR IOL implanted again if necessary.

If you’re facing cataract surgery, be sure to talk to your eye doctor or the Sacramento LASIK eye surgeons at Griffin & Reed Eye Care about AcrySof ReSTOR IOL.

By Admin | Posted in cataract surgery, cataracts, ICL, implantable contact lens, intraocular lens, IOL, ReSTOR, vision correction | Comments (0)

How is the AcrySof ReSTOR IOL different from monofocal lenses?

May 8, 2008 – 9:59 pm

If you’re considering the prospect of cataract surgery, you’ve probably discussed your options with your eye doctor. Perhaps he or she has mentioned the ‘monofocal lens’ as one type of intraocular lens (IOL) that could be used. But what really is the difference between monofocal lenses and the AcrySof(R) ReSTOR(R) IOL?

Monofocal IOLs focus on one distance only, meaning that even after your cataract surgery, you will likely need glasses to see far away or close up – perhaps even both. The AcrySof ReSTOR IOL focuses on both distance and close up objects, meaning you might be able to enjoy a lifestyle that is glasses-free, regardless of your visual acuity issues.

When discussing your cataract surgery options with your eye doctor, be sure to ask whether you are a suitable candidate for the AcrySof ReSTOR IOL. If freedom from glasses is at the top of your wish list, the AcrySof ReSTOR IOL is often the best choice in allowing better distance and up close vision without glasses.

A wealth of information can be found by visiting the Sacramento LASIK web site of Griffin & Reed Eye Care. This group of highly trained pysicians knows that laser vision correction can be very confusing due to all of the hype and misinformation that exists. Their goal is not to see how many surgeries they can perform but how they can best assist you in understanding the best options for treating your eyes.

By Admin | Posted in cataracts, catract surgery, IOL, ReSTOR, vision correction | Comments (0)

How Does the LASIK Flap Heal?

April 16, 2008 – 8:41 pm

If you’ve ever lost your glasses only to find them perched on your head, you’ve probably considered LASIK surgery. But the idea of having a doctor perform such a delicate procedure on a body part as precious as your eyes may be keeping you from taking advantage of this amazing technology.

For most of us, some type of visual issue, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism, means we need corrective lenses. But the time-tested technology of LASIK, along with the fine-tuned surgical skill of highly trained ophthalmologists, like the eye care professionals at Sacramento LASIK surgery group Griffin & Reed Eye Care, makes LASIK one of the safest, most effective eye treatments available.

Traditional LASIK surgery is used principally for individuals who are very shortsighted (nearsighted) or very longsighted (farsighted). LASIK surgery uses ultraviolet beams of excimer lasers to correct visual acuity.

At Griffin & Reed Eye Care, the state-of-the-art VISX Star S4 IR Excimer Laser produces a cool ultraviolet light, removing a small amount of corneal tissue – typically less than the thickness of a human hair – and allowing light to be more sharply focused on the retina. Then, the flap is gently folded back to expose the next level of tissue, called the stroma. The laser is directed precisely onto the stroma, vaporizing tiny areas and removing the irregularities causing your defective vision. The flap is replaced and the eye generally heals itself in a day or two.

Many wonder whether the flap ever really heals completely. Even though your Sacramento LASIK professional can potentially raise the flap again in future procedures if necessary, this is not a problem for those who have the LASIK procedure, as they do not feel the flap. So although it is never truly “healed”, the flap stays in position during healing, remaining so throughout the next 30 days it takes to completely heal, and beyond.

By Admin | Posted in lasik, lasik eye surgery, vision correction | Comments (0)

UC Davis Children's Hospital Fundraiser

March 11, 2008 – 8:57 pm

We recently had the opportunity to help once again kick off the UC Davis Children’s Hospital fundraiser on Entercom radio with the Rob, Arnie and Dawn show during their 29 hour straight RAD-a-thon. We are honored to have the opportunity to give back to the community with efforts such as this with the UC Davis Children’s Hospital. From 7-8AM we matched all donations that came in during the Rob, Arnie and Dawn show. It was a great opportunity to answer questions some listeners had about laser vision correction and help out with a great cause. We are pleased that the matching hour was, once again, the best hour during the event bringing in over $16,000 for the hospital. We look forward to next year! Below is a picture taken during the matching hour.

By Admin | Posted in charity, lasik, vision correction | Comments (0)

Floaters – What Are They and Why They Occur

March 11, 2008 – 6:52 pm

Floaters are small specks in your field of vision. You might see them when you look at a plain background, like a blank wall. The vitreous humor of your eye- the clear gel that fills the inside of your eye – is where floaters originate, in the form of tiny bits of gel or cells. You aren’t actually seeing these bits, but are really seeing their shadows as they are cast on your eye’s retina, which is light sensitive. As your eye moves, the floater moves too, because it is inside your eye.

Older people at risk for detached retina sometimes see flashes of light, an early warning sign.

Migraine sufferers see flashes of light that look like jagged lines that last as long as 10-20 minutes. These are caused by the migraine, a blood vessel spasm in the brain. This symptom is often followed by a severe, debilitating headache and nausea.

Middle-aged people who are nearsighted, or have had cataract surgery, YAG laser eye surgery or inflammation of the eye are more likely to have floaters.

Floaters are generally no cause for alarm. However, if you see many floaters all of a sudden and experience light flashes or other visual disturbances, this could indicate retinal detachment or other serious eye problems for which you should contact your doctor immediately.

If you are considering LASIK surgery but have a concern about floaters, your first step is a thorough eye examination. The Sacramento LASIK surgeons at Griffin & Reed Eye Care would be happy to consult with you about your vision needs and answer all your questions about LASIK procedures and other options to improve your visual acuity.
By Admin | Posted in cataract surgery, cataracts, eye surgery, IOL, lasik | Comments (0)

Custom LASIK – is there a difference and when do you recommend it?

February 11, 2008 – 7:55 pm

Custom laser vision correction, using sophisticated iris tracking, is the latest advance in the field of laser vision correction. We all have unique imperfections in our eyes, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism, sometimes in combination. Irregularities happen because of the way our eye bends light, and these unique imperfections are known by eye care professionals as ‘wavefront abnormalities’.

With the very latest CustomVue or Wavefront treatments, Sacramento LASIK eye care professionals can treat what glasses and contact lenses correct as well as the unique abnormalities that cannot be corrected with corrective lenses.

Within the field of LASIK surgery, surgeons sometimes must retreat patients whose LASIK procedure did not provide optimum results. Surgeons work hard to keep their retreatment rates low and automatically recommend the more expensive CustomVue or Wavefront treatments to their patients when, in actuality, traditional LASIK might work just as well. This is done in an effort to reduce the surgeon’s retreatment rate, because the patient has as much as a 35% better chance of achieving 20/25 vision with custom LASIK.

Approximately one third of all nearsighted and astigmatic patients truly do need custom laser vision correction, which offers these specific patients more benefits. The best way for you to know about all of your options is to discuss every available treatment and its costs with your LASIK professional so you can be an informed and educated patient when making the decision that is right for you.

By Admin | Posted in customvue, eye surgery, lasik, lasik eye surgery, vision correction, wavefront | Comments (0)

Age = cataracts and presbyopia

January 15, 2008 – 9:50 pm

As we age, changes occur in our vision that may lead to a number of conditions, such as cataracts and presbyopia.

A cataract is an opaque or cloudy area that forms within the eye’s lens, making vision difficult. Cataracts occur with aging or trauma. The treatment for cataracts is to remove the lens and implant an artificial lens, called an intraocular lens (IOL).

Presbyopia is an age-related vision impairment. As the tiny muscles controlling the crystalline lens become weaker, the lens cannot be shaped to accommodate changes in distance. Vision becomes blurry for near objects and the individual ends up needing reading glasses. While presbyopia cannot be treated by LASIK, an intraocular lens, also called an artificial lens, can solve the problem.

The IOL is implanted in the eye to replace the natural crystalline lens. The newest types of intraocular lenses are multifocal, helping patients to see both near and far.

While none of us enjoys the changes in our vision that occur as we become older, it’s comforting to know medical science has found ways to correct some of these issues so we can continue to lead healthy and productive lives.

If you are experiencing vision changes or it’s time for a thorough eye exam, visit the eye care professionals at Griffin & Reed Eye Care, specialists in visual care and leading providers of Sacramento LASIK.

More About presbyopia
Presbyopia is the inability to adjust vision to see close up due to weakening eye muscles and loss of eye flexibility. It happens to everyone to some degree as we age.

Around the age of 40, some people notice they cannot see as well close up as they once could. Their eyes feel more tired when they read, do needlepoint or work on the computer, and they may choose reading glasses to help with their failing vision.

While presbyopia is commonly treated with prescription eyewear, (bifocals, progressive lenses, or reading glasses) other treatments are available:

  • Conductive Keratoplasty (CK) corrects presbyopia and creates monovision, adjusting one eye for near vision and the other eye for distance vision.
  • ReStor and ReZoom are also intraocular replacement procedures with the added benefit of preventing cataracts in the future.

Brand new procedures, not yet approved by the FDA, may soon be available as well. Your Sacramento LASIK professional can tell you more about these promising options.

If you’re over 40 years old, be sure that every visit to your eye doctor includes presbyopia testing. If it’s been some time since you’ve had a thorough eye examination, schedule one today to give yourself the chance to see the world in a new light!

By Admin | Posted in cataracts, CK, intraocular lens, IOL, lasik, presbyopia, ReSTOR, vision correction | Comments (0)

Who makes a good lasik candidate?

December 30, 2007 – 8:59 pm

If you’re considering LASIK surgery, you’ll meet with an experienced ophthalmologist to check your vision and review your medical history. The ophthalmologist will discuss traditional and custom LASIK options.

The requirements for LASIK are:

  • Over 18
  • Good overall health
  • Good vision health
  • Vision errors within the FDA’s approved range
  • Stable eyesight for 18-24 months

Before your LASIK procedure begins, you will receive a thorough eye examination, in which the amount of refractive error and corneal thickness will be measured to determine your risk of tear problems and unstable vision.

Several existing medical conditions can create poor results, such as rheumatoid arthritis, advanced glaucoma, keratoconus, untreated cataracts, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and autoimmune disorders. Age and vision stability are also key when considering LASIK.

Many over 40 years of age require reading glasses and can see at a distance but not up close (‘hyperopia‘). For nearsighted individuals, the problem is reversed. They wear glasses to see far away, and remove them to see close up (‘myopia‘). But LASIK will change all of that and, for most nearsighted individuals who do not wish to adjust their close up vision, monovision is an option. In this procedure only one eye is corrected for distance and the other for close up vision, reducing the need for reading glasses.

LASIK risks include:

  • Insufficient corneal tissue- resulting in a less-than-optimal result
  • Regression- requiring a second procedure
  • Glare or haloes – seen around objects at night
  • Dry eyes- caused by regenerating sensory nerves

Avoid choosing a LASIK surgeon based on price alone. Many who offer low prices perform surgery all day, every day in order to meet their bottom lines. These physicians won’t have the time to be concerned with your individual circumstances, so avoid price shopping for something as precious as your sight. Instead, choose a LASIK surgeon with proven training and experience, like the professionals at Sacramento LASIK group Griffin & Reed Eye Care.

By Admin | Posted in eye surgery, lasik, lasik eye surgery, vision correction | Comments (0)

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