7th Annual CLEI Center For Keratoconus Patient Seminar

On December 3, 2011, the CLEI Center for Keratoconus, a division of the Cornea and Laser Eye Institute-Hersh Vision Group in cooperation with the National Keratoconus Foundation will present the 7th Annual Keratoconus Patient Educational Seminar, “Keratoconus: A New Spectrum of Treatment Options” at the Glenpointe Marriott Hotel in Teaneck, New Jersey.

The seminar will be an interactive session between the participating doctors and attendees. Presentations will cover the entire gamut of keratoconus from diagnosis to new treatments currently under investigation.

Dr. Peter Hersh, M.D., founder of The Cornea and Laser Eye Institute and the CLEI Center for Keratoconus, will lead the program and lecture on new surgical strategies for KC. Intacs, Conductive Keratoplasty, new corneal inlays, and laser procedures to rehabilitate the cornea in select KC patients, will all be reviewed. Dr. Hersh will also discuss laser assisted corneal transplantation (IEK) and deep lamellar keratoplasty (DALK). These are newer methods of corneal transplantation that may be beneficial in keratoconus. IEK uses a femtosecond laser to prepare both the recipient and donor cornea to matching specifications. A zig-zag edge design may be made with the laser to improve graft-host fit. This may improve corneal strength, speed of visual rehabilitation, and improve astigmatism after the transplant procedure. It may also allow for the use of excimer laser PRK afterwards to correct residual refractive errors. DALK removes only the front part of the cornea, leaving the endothelium and Descemets membrane intact. This may have the advantage of decreasing the risk of corneal graft rejection in some cases. Dr. Hersh will also discuss work that his group is performing in collaboration with the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Princeton University.

Current clinical trials of Corneal Collagen Crosslinking (CXL) will be discussed in depth. Dr. Hersh will review the procedure and its mechanism of action. He will also present up-to-date results of the clinical trials of crosslinking. This procedure has not yet been approved in the U.S. by the FDA.

Dr. Hersh will review entry criteria for 2 clinical trials of collagen crosslinking that he and the CLEI Center for Keratoconus are currently sponsoring. Recruitment for these clinical trials is currently underway. One study is looking at crosslinking using 2 different types of riboflavin drops and the other is assessing CXL combined with Intacs. Further information about these trials can be obtained at www.clinicaltrials.gov, trial numbers NCT01112072 and NCT01152541. Information about enrollment for CXL can be obtained from the CLEI Center for Keratoconus at info@vision-institute.com or by calling 201-883-0505.

The CLEI Center for Keratoconus annual seminar is always well received and enjoyed by all participants. Such seminars, with the support of the National Keratoconus Foundation are meant to be educational and to keep those with keratoconus, as well as their family and friends, up to date with the latest advances on the disease. For information about attending this year's seminar please call us at 201-883-0505 or email info@vision-institute.com.

source: vision-institute.com

Understading the Different Types of LASIK Laser Eye Surgery

Lasik surgery cost ranges anywhere from $499 to $2,500. The cost of Lasik is based on your surgeon’s experience and the type of Lasik surgery performed. There are options when it comes to which Lasik procedure you can choose. Your decision should rest on an appropriate surgical procedure for your eye condition, a trusted Lasik surgeon and a price you’re comfortable paying. Understand the different types of Lasik eye surgery and decide which types of Lasik surgery is best for you.

Lasik Background

Lasik is among the most popular forms of laser eye surgery. Lasik eye surgery involves a procedure to permanently reshape the cornea and elicit vision correction. A microkeratome blade is used to create a flap in the thin outer layer of the cornea, called the epithelium. An excimer laser reshapes the cornea, and the flap is replaced. The procedure takes about 15 minutes and the recovery time is fairly fast. Most patients can return to normal activities the next day.

PRK as an Alternative to Lasik Surgery

PRK removes the epithelium with a metal surgical tool. The earliest form of laser eye surgery, PRK typically involves a longer recovery time, allowing for the epithelium to grow back. It can cause more discomfort than Lasik eye surgery. Results often take longer for PRK.

Though PRK involves a longer recovery process, it has been the preferred method for patients with thin corneas and large pupils. However, there are a number of newer variations to the original Lasik eye surgery. Many of these different types of Lasik surgery minimize the risk of original Lasik, and can be performed on patients with thin corneas and other eye conditions.

Lasek Surgery

Lasek is a refractive procedure that uses alcohol to separate the outer layer if the cornea, rather than a surgical blade. A laser reshapes the cornea and the epithelium is replaced. By eliminating the risk of a microkeratome blade, Lasek is an option for people with thin corneas.

Through its swift recovery process, Lasek may be a better alternative to PRK. However, Lasek is not without potential complication. The use of alcohol can cause eye irritation and inflammation.

Epi-Lasik

Epi-Lasik is similar to Lasik and Lasek, but employs a fine surgical blade, reducing the risk of a wide corneal flap. Instead of alcohol, a plastic cutting tool separates the epithelium from the eye. Epi-Lasek thereby eliminates possible irritation to the eye.

IntraLasik

IntraLasik, All-Laser Lasik, or Blade-Free Lasik very simply conducts the procedure through lasers, without the use of a microkeratome. IntraLasik is praised for precision through eliminating mistakes that can occur with a surgical blade.

While IntraLasik significantly lowers the risk associated with other refractive surgery, there are some possible complications to consider. The excimer laser is still subject to possible visual errors. A small percentage of patients have also reported issues with light sensitivity. The cost of IntraLasik can be substantially higher than other forms of Lasik surgery.

Wavefront Lasik

Wavefront Lasik is the most precise form of Lasik eye surgery. Much like IntraLasik, lasers replace blades during Wavefront Lasik. But where IntraLasik employs a freehand excimer laser, wavefront technology guides the excimer laser in Wavefront Lasik. The procedure also reduces the risk of night glare, a common complication associated with Lasik surgery. Though the most accurate, Wavefront Lasik is also the most costly among the different forms of Lasik.

source: lasiknewsonline.com

Laser Eye Surgery at Pamel Vision & Laser Group

As a leader in new forms of refractive surgery, Dr. Pamel offers the latest technologies in laser vision correction. He was the first eye surgeon in New York to use the Wavelight Allegretto laser and is recognized as one of the most experienced with this technology. Dr. Pamel was also the first surgeon to bring the state-of-the-art Ziemer LDV laser to New York City patients. This technology is the most advanced bladeless LASIK laser available today. In addition, Dr. Pamel performs PRK and LASEK vision correction procedures and has served as an FDA investigator in the development of implantable contact lenses, including Verisyse and Veriflex Phakic intraocular lens implants (IOLs), which are used to correct vision in patients who suffer from high myopia but may not qualify for LASIK.