LASIK

This may be useful:


MyPyramid replaces the Food Guide Pyramid introduced in 1992. MyPyramid is part of an overall food guidance system that emphasizes the need for a more individualized approach to improving diet and lifestyle. It incorporates recommendations from the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in January 2005. The MyPyramid symbol represents the recommended proportion of foods from each food group and focuses on the importance of making smart food choices in every food group, every day. Physical activity is a new element in the symbol.
The new food guidance system utilizes interactive technology found on http://mypyramid.gov/. The interactive activities make it easy for individuals to enter their age, gender and physical activity level to obtain a more personalized recommendation on their daily calorie level based on the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The Web site features MyPyramid Plan, MyPryamid Tracker and Inside MyPyramid, plus tips, resources and a worksheet.
A child-friendly version of MyPyramid for teachers and children, MyPyramid for Kids, has been developed for children six to 11 years old More information can be found at http://mypyramid.gov/kids/index.html.

An interesting article from the New York Times.

Microsoft plans to offer software tailored for the health care industry, a change from its usual strategy of encouraging others to create industry-specific products using its operating system and programming tools.
The company’s first step, announced today is to purchase clinical health care software developed by doctors and researchers at a nonprofit hospital in Washington. Microsoft is also hiring two of the three doctors who created the software system and 40 members of the development team at Washington Hospital Center.
It may be a small deal for Microsoft, but the company has larger ambitions in the fast-growing market for health care information technology. Hospitals, doctors and policymakers worldwide have high hopes for saving money and improving the quality of care by moving health care into the digital age and handling patient records and tracking treatments electronically.
“This represents a change in our strategy,” said Peter Neupert, Microsoft’s vice president for health strategy. “This is the start for Microsoft. We’re just getting started.”

Q: I am 54 years old and my vision has really deteriorated over the last year or so. I was told that I may have cataracts. Can you tell me a little bit about them, what they are and if I have them, What are my options? I am concerned.

A: Cataracts

The lens of your eye works much like a lens of a camera. Made mostly of protein and water, the lens focuses light images onto the retina, where signals are converted and signals are then sent onto the brain. Cataracts, a clouding of the natural lens can keep light and images from reaching the retina. Sharp images become blurry, bright colors become dull and seeing at night can become much more difficult. Cataracts can be caused by eye injury, diseases, chemicals or medications, but 90% of the cases are caused by the simple process of aging. More than 50% of people over the age of 60, as well as many younger than that suffer from this ailment. There is no medical treatment to reverse or prevent the development of cataracts. The best way to treat a cataract is to remove the old, clouded lens, and replace or exchange it with a new clear one.

In 1949, Intra-Ocular Lens or IOL’s were first introduced. These lenses were of a “single-vision” type, meaning that they could correct for middle or distance vision, but patients probably would still need glasses for full range vision such as reading or middle distance vision. Cataract surgery was considered risky and required a lengthy hospital stay.

Cataract surgery has undergone tremendous technological advances since the days of your parents and grandparents. IOL’s are still used very successfully today, but the advances in surgery, lens and visual quality as well as patient satisfaction have increased tremendously.

At the Khanna Institute of LASIK & Refractive Surgery, Rajesh Khanna, MD is an internationally recognized cataract surgeon and has been noted for his skills and use of ultra-small incisions which measure less than 1 mm in diameter. Dr. Khanna has been using the latest generation IOL’s, such as the Acrysof ReSTOR lens that rely on advanced multi-focal technology that allow patients to see both near and far objects without glasses! In a clinical study, 80% of patients receiving the ReSTOR lens reported that they no longer wore glasses for any activities at all. Dr. Khanna has found that combing these new lenses with the small incision procedure, there is no need for stitches, can provide reduced healing time and thereby significantly increases patient comfort.

If you suspect the development of cataracts and would like more information on the lens replacement procedure or the multi-focal lens, you can contact the Khanna Institute at 877-2-KHANNA or on the web at http://www.khannainstitute.com/cataracts.html

Q: Is intralase any safer than microkeratome? I am a perfect candidiate for lasik. I am myopic and have a slight astigmatism. Should I be worried about the micokeratome blade?

A: For your questions about microkeratome safety, in short - you should not worry. There are a lot of elements that contribute to or enhance the safety of a LASIK procedure. Beyond the fact that all lasers are not created equal (I just found one on the ebay for $2,500!) and not to mention the contributions to accuracy that the new wavescans bring.

Here are some of the differences in flap thickness and methodology of the procedure. Dr. Khanna has preferred the "cut" from the microkeratome blade as a"cleaner" more even cut than that from a series of laser pulses. A smoother cut would indicate a cleaner heal and less chance of post-operative halos, due to less light refraction from the ridge.

The following is from a report published in Ophthalmology Management (April 06) documenting the results of one study:

"Sanjay V. Patel, M.D. and a team from the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., performed LASIK for myopia or myopic astigmatism on 20 patients. For each patient, the flap for one eye was cut with a Hansatome microkeratome (Bausch & Lomb, Rochester, N.Y.) and the flap for the second eye was cut with the IntraLase FS (IntraLase Corp., Irvine, Calif.).

Visual results were measured comprehensively at 1, 3 and 6 months following surgery. Patients were also asked if they preferred the vision in either eye.
Researchers found corneal backscatter higher in the IntraLase eye at 6 months, but no difference in high-contrast visual acuity and contrast sensitivity. At 3 months following surgery, seven patients preferred the microkeratome eye, five patients preferred the IntraLase eye and eight had no preference. Researchers concluded that there was no significant difference in vision perceived by patients between the two flap-cutting methods."

I'd go with the preferece of the doctor.

The thickness of the flap can also be an issue, whereas a standard LASIK flap may have a deeper penetration into the cornea. These flaps may range between 100 and 160 microns. A shallower flap will reduce the effect on the eyes structural integrity, better for higher astigmatisms and patients with thin corneas, but may increase the instance of post-operative haze. In both of these cases there is a slight risk of flap complication due to tearing, slippage or separation of the flap after the surgery.

Dr. Khanna specializes in a 50 micron deep SUPERLASIK procedure that uses an epi-keratome. This method separates the top epithelial layer without cutting a flap! This procedure reduces if not eliminates the risk of most flap complications.

Q: Hi, I am interested in getting LASIK. I am an amateur boxer. Will I able to continue boxing after the procedure or is LASIK not for me?

A: Actually a number of boxers, kick boxers and extreme fighters have had their vision corrected with Dr. Khanna.
First we start with a few pictures and measurements. This consultation is free. Once we know what we are working with, Dr. Khanna can recommend a procedure that is right for you.
Call our offices in Westlake Village when you have a moment and we will schedule you for the free consultation.

Q: I am a F, 45 yrs and have worn glasses since childhood. Occasionally wear semi perm hard lens about 1-2x months. My last prescription reads: R 7.50-0.75 x 165 L-5.50-0.50x015 PD62.I am breastfeeding now and have been for past 6 yrs, even thru pregnancies. What type of correction is best for me? How long would I have to stop wearing contacts and breastfeeding before I am eligible for surgery? What determines this? Thank you.

A: We will need to see what we are working with. I would like to review previous exam records and take some pictures and measurements. Can you stop by?

Q: Hi. I am a podiatrist in the next building from your westlake Office. I would like to find out about Lasik surgery for me, the problem is finding the time during the week to come in for the consult. What are your hours in Westlake?

A: We can fit you in most anytime. We will need about 35 - 45 minutes. Call our office when you can get away and we will confirm. Are you wearing contacts? If so, I would like to have you out of them for at least 3 days.

Q: I was just curious what the average cost of eye surgery for someone who is near sighted. Thank you.

A: LASIK prices often vary with procedure and technology. National averages are between $2,000 and $2,500 per eye for latest technology. Financing can account for as much as 12% in administration charges.

Certain surface ablation techniques may require additional follow-up as well.

We like to start by taking a few pictures and some measurements to know just exactly what we are working with. Based on your needs we can then suggest appropriate procedures.

Q: I'm interested in this new procedure because I have thin corneas and was told PRK is more appropriate for me. I live in Hawaii and don't think anyone here does this procedure. I saw a segment on the Today Show demonstrating Epilasik. The patient was like me, very myopic with thin corneas. I'd appreciate any information you can share with me regarding this procedure.

A: Epi-lasik or superlasik is often used on patients when corenas are thin, irregular or if astigmatism is present. We typically start with a few measurements and pictures to know what we are dealing with.

Any mathematician or numerologist or code breaker can help?
9/11/2001 - WTC NY Blast
3/11/2004 - Spanish Train Blast
7/11/2006- Indian train blast

We salute the brave people who weather these terrorist atttacks and help their bretheren. There is no religion like humanity.

On reviewing qulifications of different surgeons we have realized there are a lot of uncertified surgeons claiming to be experts. Before you entrust your eyes to anyone make sure they are certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology.

This July 4th Space shuttle went up, fireworks in US and North Korea.
The visual phenomenon, of light and colors was splendid.
Lets celebrate freedom and great vision. Hope the politicians have a great long term vision.