By Peter Tolan

Like the rime in the title says, if youre looking for a good solution for your eyes, Cibavision is the first, who can help you. Being the leading contact lens brand, it has a solution for every possible problem that can occur with eyes.

It was made to help people experience lifes most precious gift, a healthy vision. For years this company tries to ensure people with eye problems the latest technology and the highest quality. Cibavision manufactures a lot of contact types, for a wide scale of problems.

For example, Cibavision manufactures the Air Optix family of highly breathable lenses. These lenses are famous for their high permeability, letting the eye to breath in an unusual way. Here we have to mention the Air Optix Aqua lenses that contain a balanced mix of oxygen and moisture, the Air Optix for Astigmatism lenses that corrects the vision of those who suffer from this illness, the Air Optix Multifocal contacts that helps those, who have problem with both far and near vision and the Air Optix Night & Day Aqua contacts that bring the Aqua moisture system for comfort and quality for day and night, for up to 30 nights.

Another family that can be mentioned is the Dailies family of daily disposable contact lenses. They provide comfort and quality every day, being a clean start every morning. Products in this family are the Dailies AquaComfort Plus with a unique triple action moisture, the Dailies Progressive that is the first bifocal disposable lenses for daily use and the Dailies Toric, the first toric lens with Aqua Release.

People like colored eyes, so Cibavision made a lens family for them, too. This family is the FreshLook family of colored contact lenses. If you don’t like the color of your eyes, or you want to enhance your eye’s color, this family is perfect for you. It contains the FreshLook ColorBlends lenses for enhancing or totally changing the eye color, the FreshLook One-Day lenses that use the same technology, but are disposable lenses and FreshLook Dimensions lenses that enhance the eye color and give it an extra dimension.

Now, if we have contact lenses, we have to clean them as well. No problem, Cibavision has thought about this, too. With high quality lenses come easy-to-use and effective cleaning solutions. For example there is the Clear Care product that is a powerful no-rub solution that contains peroxide. Or there is the AQuify multi-purpose solution for soft lenses, but the AQuify Long-Lasting Confort Drops are to be mentioned, too, these drops behave like human tears and help providing long-lasting comfort.

You can see now, that Cibavision is not kidding when talking about quality, durability and comfort. They really mean it.

LASIK is a commonly performed refractive procedure to reduce or eliminate the need for eye glasses. It involves creating a flap in the outer most layer of the cornea called the epithelium, lifting it up and then reshaping the inner layers employing a laser. By changing the shape of the cornea, light can be focused on to the retina thus eliminating the need for eye glasses or contact lenses.

A comprehensive visual evaluation must always be performed to ascertain if there are any pathological issues or dystrophies which can adversely affect the results of the refractive procedure. Misdiagnosis or missing a corneal dystrophy can have devastating consequences during the procedure.

The flap in LASIK can be created with the use of either a lathe or a laser called Intralase. Under normal circumstances the flap is made, and lifted without any problems; it retains its shape and form. If there is an underlying condition such as a “Map Dot Fingerprint” corneal dystrophy, then when the flap is lifted up it will fall apart and break into pieces like paper tissue in water. When this occurs the outer most layer of the cornea can be lost; resulting is a devastating surgical complication. The recuperation will be long, painful and may result in permanently reduced vision. Frequently, when a dystrophy is missed during the presurgical testing and a flap is created, the procedure must be aborted and a contact lens placed on the eye to keep the fragmented flap in place while it heals. Hopefully, the flap is never lifted up, and will therefore heal without incident. Once it is lifted, the trouble begins.

Therefore, it is critical that the surgeon very carefully evaluate the cornea prior to surgery to rule out any dystrophy that will destroy the flap. When such a condition is found, PRK is the procedure of choice. In that case, the epithelium is brushed away and there is no chance of a dystrophy causing any issues. As always, selecting an experienced well trained refractive surgeon is critical to achieving the best results.

Vitamin C, also known as Ascorbic Acid, was discovered in the 1930’s and is water soluble found easily in fruits and vegetables. It is an important agent as an antioxidant and in collagen synthesis. Vitamin C promotes stronger tissues, capillary growth; helps heal wounds and even aids the absorption of iron contributing to hemoglobin and red blood cell production in the bone marrow.

Vitamin C is found in large concentrations in many structures of the eye including the cornea, aqueous humor, natural lens, vitreous and retina. A Vitamin C deficiency will and often does result in changes in the ocular health and then the visual acuity. Systemic deficiencies result in scurvy, first discovered on ships as early as the 1600-1700’s. These symptoms include muscle weakness, bleeding gums, fatigue, black and blue marks and common infections.

With regards to the eyes, multiple studies have concluded that taking Vitamin C will prevent age related cataracts or at least slow their development and severity. It blocks the transformation of proteins that result in the yellowing of the nuclear part of the natural lens. According to the AREDS Study, when 500 mg of Vitamin C is taken regularly there was a slowing down in the progression of moderate to severe AMD and a corresponding improvement in visual acuity.

The bottom line is that Vitamin C is an important past of good ocular and general health and should never be overlooked.

By Peter Tolan

Contact lenses are normally classified into two categories; replacement contact lenses and disposable contact lenses. These are sorted according to the length of time it is worn. But do you know why there is a difference?

Replacement contact lenses are advantageous to wearers primarily because they are relatively cheaper. It is cheaper in the long run. Let`s say, you would spend a dollar a day for one-day disposables, in six months that is already 360 $ (give or take), but your 200 $ replacement is scheduled for six months. Now, you already saved money on that. The downside of cleaning replacement contact lenses is already simplified. For cleaning this type of lens are used multi-purpose cleaners that do not need several steps. If you are concerned about replacement contact lenses having deposits, there are already thermal cleaners that you would be able to use at least once a week.

Nevertheless, contact lens wearers are slowly shifting to disposable lenses. The primary reason is perhaps because they are convenient. The convenience sometimes outplays the cost of these lenses. There are times that these lenses could cost up to a hundred dollars in a month. Nevertheless, the convenience and the sanitary aspect are also important, especially for children who opt to wear these. In the same manner, contact lenses like focus dailies and focus night and day, can save you time, which could have been used for studies or other things. If you also tend to lose your contact lenses often, this is a better option, since replacements can tent to be more expensive.

Another important advantage of disposable contact lenses over frequent replacements is the development of less deposit. These deposits can reduce the amount of oxygen (for soft lenses) that enters the eye, this causes irritation. So in cases like monthly contact lens, deposits are usually less. There also reduce the chance of lens related corneal ulcer. For those that have sensitive or dry eyes, this is also a better option.

If you also tend to use contact lenses only on some occasions, then this is a better option than the expensive lens which you only intend to wear a couple of times. You may also opt for colored contact lenses that can enhance or completely change the color of your eyes.

Ultimately, which ever contact lens you may choose; remember to visit an eye specialist to avoid any eye-related disease and have a proper contact lens fitting.

Antidepressant drugs like Paxil, Celexa and Zoloft are commonly used in today’s society to treat depression. While their effectiveness may vary from patient to patient, their ocular side effects are well documented and may adversely affect one’s ability to function normally due to decreased visual abilities.

The most commonly reported negative visual reactions are dry eyes and blurred vision. According to Dr Jill Autry, an Optometrist and Pharmacist, these drugs and those prescribed to treat attention deficit hyperactivity (ADHD) will also cause focusing changes and Nystagmus; which is a side to side involuntary eye movement. In addition, headaches, occasional blur, and changes in light and color perception may result with continued use. In rare incidences inflamed and swollen optic nerves have been reported as well as detached retinas in the macular areas.

Lithium, a stronger antipsychotic drug, can raise intracranial pressure which will result in papilledema which is a blurred disc margin. While changes in the drug regimen should be considered in patients that exhibit these ocular manifestation; abruptly stopping the medications will result in serious mental consequences. Therefore a gradual alteration in the drug therapy must be employed by the prescribing doctor.

Diabetes is reaching epidemic proportions in the United States with more then 26 million Americans currently suffering with this serious disease. The most common of the eye complications are bleeding in the retina and macular swelling. Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness in young Americans, and the swelling of the retina is due to chronic, long term retinal inflammation.

In an attempt to treat this very serious inflammatory condition, steroid injections have been given directly into the affected eye. It should be noted that this therapeutic modality in not FDA approved, but doctors have continued to employ it since it has been effective in reducing the swelling. The problem has long been that this treatment has substantially increased risk of ocular complications. In addition, frequent injections every few months are required in order for the therapy to be effective.

The steroid injections reduce retinal thickness thus improving vision. The steroids inhibit this inflammation by suppressing the endothelial growth factor. This in turn decreases the vascular damage. These beneficial results only last about 3 months, but the potential side effects include cataracts, increased pressure in the eye, endophthalmitis (severe inflammation) and uveitis.

The goal is to increase the effectiveness of the steroid without increasing the negative side effects. Intraocular implants have been employed near the front of the eye, behind the natural lens, for treating multiple retinal conditions. These include cytomegalovirus (CMV) and posterior retinitis. These implants require sutures and thus have an increased risk of infection when used.

Iluvien is an injectable steroid that is currently under FDA investigation for Diabetic Macular Edema and will last up to 3 years after injection. It is injected with a 25 gauge needle which seals itself; not requiring any sutures. It can also be placed more posterior in the eye for higher effectively and thus better results; this will also decrease the chances of bad side effects so common with the other steroid injections.

New drug developments are exciting; they cure disease and often alleviate difficult problems. Such was the case when Viagra and Cialis were created to cure erectile dysfunction. For a little longer than forever, men who have suffered this personal and embarrassing disorder have had to either avoid sexual encounters or employ less then pleasant alternatives.

This innovation allowed men to engage, and enjoy sexual relations. However, with every advance, potential side effects can occur. Men with cardiovascular disease or who take certain medicines are at risk for serious systemic complications, with these medications.

This class of drugs is called selective phodiesterase type 5 inhibitors because they treat the erectile dysfunction by interfering with the action of this compound on the vasculature in the penis. The problem that arose was this same reaction takes place in the retina. Mild but transient blurry vision, altered light perception, and a blue hue in one’s vision are common complaints in men taking this class of drug. Long term use has resulted, in some cases, in non-arteritic anterior ischemic neuropathy, central serous chorioretinopathy, and other vascular related changes. Scientists have concluded that these side affects result from off target inhibition of PDE6 which is very similar to PDE5 and is involved in regulation of photo transduction.

The good news is that according to a study published in the April issue of Archives of Ophthalmology, conducted by Eli Lily Research Labs, these changes are temporary and transient. They stated that there is no long term damage to the retina or visual system when using this class of medication. It should be noted that the study only followed these men for a period of 6 months. As with all medications, follow the doctor’s instructions and guidelines, stop taking it if there are any problems and seek medical help if any symptom does not resolve in a reasonable period of time.

While all men are created equal, our corneas are not. Presurgical testing for refractive surgery must include corneal topographies, Orbscans and Pachometry to determine corneal thickness. Examination of these results must be done carefully to first; determine the correct measurements of the cornea second; evaluate corneal health, and third; differentiate between corneal disease and unusual but healthy corneas.

One such finding of an unusual but healthy cornea, is called Displaced Apex syndrome. Many eye care practitioners assume that a patient’s line of site, pupillary center and corneal apex are all in a straight line. This however, is not always the case. The importance of these findings can not be over emphasized. Each one must be determined and the surgical procedure must take them all into account in order to have a successful outcome.

Common mistakes include false positives for Keratoconus or irregular astigmatism. In order to properly evaluate the cornea its thickness must be determined, anterior and posterior elevations as well as anterior and posterior sagital curvatures are required. Comparison of elevation and curvature maps will permit the doctor to accurately differentiate true pathology from false positives.

Simply looking at the front surface of a cornea can lead one to falsely diagnose Keratoconus because of an irregular appearance and an inferior “conic appearance.” However, examining the posterior elevation maps will allow the practitioner to rule out a false positive. If the front surface shows this irregularity, then a true Keratoconus patient will demonstrate the same result on the back surface. However, if the posterior corneal surface is completely normal while demonstrating the steepening anterior surface then a true diagnosis of Displaced Apex Syndrome must be made. This is significant because there is no pathology, refractive surgery can be performed and the calculations must be made in order to account for the different shaped cornea.

Displaced Apex Syndrome results in the apex of the cornea not aligning with the line of sight and/or pupillary axis. Once the correct diagnosis is made; all the rest of the answers fall into place. Missing this very important anatomical characteristic will cause the patient to have terrible refractive surgical results. Most of the surgeons that I have spoken with will chose PRK for these patients as the best procedure.

As always, before having surgery make sure the doctor is very experienced and is familiar with all forms of testing AND knows how to read these results.

Science has known for a long time how important nutrition is to one’s general health. Recent studies have been more specific as to which foods may help and which may hurt various parts of our bodies. A recent study published in The American Journal of Epidemiology concluded that eating red meat increases an individual’s chances of contracting Age Related Macular Degeneration 50%. It also stated that eating chicken would decrease that same likelihood by 50%.

The research was conducted in Australia following over 6700 people and found that people that at red meat at least 10 times per week were 50% more likely to contract AMD then those who did not eat the red meat. By contracts it also found that folks that ate chicken at least 3 times per week were 50% less likely to contract AMD as compared to people who did not eat any chicken.

Red meat is known to be high in saturated fats that negatively affect the vascular system. These fats will cause blockages, obstructions and therefore decrease blood flow to all organs. While the researchers could not conclusively determine the exact reason for the correlation between red meat and AMD, they did conclude that it had to do with the saturated fats in the meat. They felt that the decreased blood flow to the macula would result in the increased incidence of the AMD in these patients. However, these same researchers did not have an answer as to why there was a decreased incidence in those chicken eaters. That finding will require further research.

In summary, eating red meat does introduce protein into our systems and does have positive effects on us. However, as with most things we must remember to moderate our intake. It is harder to digest then other sources of protein and can have negative affects on us as well. Sources like chicken and fish are healthier then red meat and as studies such as this one have shown can prevent certain serious ocular conditions.