What is Custom LASIK?

by Matthew Pruitt

Matthew Pruitt is the owner of NuVision Medicenters, which has offices throughout the tri-state area. He has been working with LASIK technology since 1995 and has assisted in over 25,000 LASIK eye procedures over the course of his career. In this article, he helps us better understand the basics of Custom LASIK technology.
Custom LASIK Basics:
Thanks to the advent of new technology, Custom LASIK has managed to essentially eradicate many of the night vision issues like halo and glare that some patients who underwent LASIK experienced the past.
Custom LASIK is basically like taking a fingerprint of your eye because the shape of your corneas and my corneas are completely different. In fac,t your right eye is different than your left eye. What custom technology does is essentially map out the fingerprint of your cornea so that the laser can actually reshape the surface of the eye based on your specific characteristics. So what you end up with is vision that actually can be sharper than what you have with your glasses or contact lenses, and 25 times more precise than what you have with your glasses.
Three years ago, before the latest generation of Visx technology came out, which is the Visx Star S4 laser that reshapes the cornea, one of the common side effects of LASIK was problems with night vision. Those problems usually occurred for one of two reasons: Either patients had extremely high degrees of astigmatism-they were in a high-risk category for that type of problem-or they came into the procedure having large pupils.
Now, new Custom LASIK technology has erased many of those issues of the past. Whereas side effects effecting night vision once impacted roughly 25% of patients, today that figure is less than 3%. So Custom LASIK has been a huge gain in regards to eliminating complications for patients and increasing the likelihood of a favorable outcome, which is why the new technology has really improved the success of LASIK and the overall benefits that patients gain from it.
Patients now have a great likelihood of getting not just perfect results, but better than perfect results. Thanks to the use of new Custom LASIK technology, 75% of patients are now getting 20/15 outcomes. That's just a bit better than perfect vision. But when you're thinking about getting LASIK, and you are looking at getting something that's going to be permanent and investing your hard earned money to do it, these are the types of technological advancements you want your surgeon to be using.
Typically, the decision of whether to use traditional LASIK or custom LASIK technology in a patient's procedure comes out during the evaluation with the doctor. However, practices like Dr. Jackson's [NuVision's medical director] typically make it Custom LASIK a standard method of care. Commonly, other doctors may have a base fee for the LASIK surgery and then will charge additional add on fees or extra charges for patients who want something like Custom LASIK. However, because Custom LASIK is something that can only benefit patients, practices like NuVision and doctors like Dr. Jackson understand that it makes sense to use this new technology on everybody.
The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.

About the Author
Matthew Pruitt is a writer for Yodle, a business directory and online advertising company. Find a plastic surgeon or more plastic surgery articles at Yodle Consumer Guide. What is Custom LASIK?

Is LASIK Safe?

by Matthew Pruitt

Matthew Pruitt is the owner of NuVision Medicenters, with centers in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. An expert in the field of LASIK technology, Pruitt shared many of the biggest misconceptions he hears from patients contemplating LASIK.
What are the biggest worries people have about LASIK?
The biggest thing that keeps people from doing LASIK is fear. It's the thing that keeps people from having the presence of mind to actually have the LASIK procedure performed.
There was a study that was announced two years ago, which was actually a comparative long-term study looking at the safety of LASIK versus the safety of long-term contact lens wearers. Interestingly, LASIK came back being much safer than the long-term wearing of contact lenses. In fact, LASIK is the safest elective surgical procedure that is being performed anywhere in terms of success and safety.
In addition to that, it's also now time tested. We have been doing this procedure since 1996-when it was approved by the FDA-and we're getting pretty close to 15 years of data. What we're finding is: Patients are not having any adverse effects to LASIK, even decades after their surgery. Their vision is still holding consistent and it's not diminishing over time, so they are still enjoying the benefits of LASIK years down the road.
We even see that in our own office. Dr. Jerreyll Jackson [NuVision's medical director] has been performing this procedure for 10 years. And we still follow some of those patients who had surgery early on, only to find that they are still seeing perfectly and are very happy that they were some of the first innovators to pioneer the surgery and taking the chance to do it.
So LASIK is safe, and now it's proven. In fact, even NASA has recently approved the bladeless method of doing LASIK surgery for its astronauts who are going into space. So that is certainly another big feather in the cap of laser vision correction from the standpoint of safety.
How long does LASIK last?
Once it's done and you get the outcome that you are looking for, LASIK is permanent. It doesn't change. Especially for patients who have nearsightedness and astigmatism.
The misconception is that you end up having to wear reading glasses in the future, but the reality is that it's actually not because of LASIK. The thing that causes vision to change for reading as you get older has to do with muscles inside the eyes, and that condition is called presbyopia. Once we get into our mid-40s that is a condition that just happens to be a natural part of human nature and LASIK does not make a big change in terms of what you see from that standpoint. So for our patients who are in their 20s or 30s, when they get into their 40s they may need reading glasses but their distance vision is proving to hold up. And we have 15-year data for that.
Are there any other myths you commonly hear from patients?
Well the first thing that is on everybody's mind when they come in is: "Am I going to go blind if I do LASIK?" And the fact of the matter is that over this period of time that we have been doing laser vision correction across the country, there hasn't been a reported case of anybody going blind from LASIK.
LASIK is a really safe procedure, but it's safe for the right type of patient, with the right type of physical characteristic and the right prescription. And that's why it's really critical to have an evaluation by a LASIK surgeon and to make sure that surgeon has a lot of experience in selecting the right candidates. You also want a doctor who errs on the side of caution and works from a conservative point of view.
When you're searching for a doctor, you should look for someone who has done a lot of procedures-preferably in the thousands. And Dr. Jackson has done over 12,000 procedures. And you want a doctor who does specialized care, specifically in laser vision correction. So you're looking for a doctor who has fellowship training specifically in refractive surgery, somebody like Dr. Jackson who has that type of skill as well.
The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.

About the Author
Matthew Pruitt is a writer for Yodle, a business directory and online advertising company. Find a plastic surgeon or more plastic surgery articles at Yodle Consumer Guide. Is LASIK Safe?

About Bifocal Contact Lenses

by kim valerio

For a majority of us, presbyopia is something we have to live with. In definition, presbyopia is the lack of focusing on things in close range. The cause for this, is the lens in our eyes becoming less and less flexible as we grow older. The bad part is, most of us will need some type of corrective lenses, such as contact lenses or glasses and possibly even bifocals at some point in our lives as this condition gets worse.
Up until recently, those who wore bifocals had very limited options when they chose their corrective lenses. Years ago, glasses that contained bifocal lenses were just about the only option available. Over the years, no-line lenses were created, and glasses became a bit more attractive. This was a very definitive time for bifocal correction lenses, as they looked a lot better than they ever did in the past - eliminating the bulky and unattractive appearance they were well known for.
Now days, you can find many different types of bifocal contact lenses on the market. They are gaining in popularity, as they give those who wear bifocal glasses a very attractive alternative to wearing bulky glasses. They are very affordable as well - which makes them a more popular choice in the world of corrective lenses.
What many may not realize, is the fact that bifocal contacts are very similar to glass lenses in the way they work. With glass lenses, each separate lens provides a range of focus adjustments, one for distance and another for being close up on something. With bifocal contact lenses, both of the adjustments are included. There are different manufacturers that produce different types of bifocal contact lenses, meaning that it may take you a bit of research and experimenting to find which type works the best for you.
Some lenses however, are made with a unique design, known as concentric. Similar to concentric circles, there are two adjustments - one in the middle the other around the outside. These two adjustments in the contact lens are very distinct, with a sharp line between them. Even though they may sound hard to use, most people find that they are easy use with a little bit of practice.
One type of bifocal lens is the aspheric lens, which have a more gradual change of focus. Both power are in the central area of the pupil, and similar to the concentric lens, your eye will immediately adjust to these lenses and decide on the focus that is best to use.
The third and possibly best lens for bifocal use is the translating lens. Just like bifocal glass lenses, the near correction is found at the bottom of the lens, and the distance correction is found at the top. These lenses aren't able to shift when in the eye, as they are normally made so they aren't able to shift around. This can be great for older individuals, as these contacts won't move around no matter what you do.
When it comes to bifocal contact lenses, you should always ask your optician what he thinks is best for your eyes. If you meet the right criteria, chances are you'll be prescribed bifocal contact lenses. If you wear bifocal glasses, you may find these contacts to be the perfect alternative. You can get bifocal lenses in extended wear, daily disposable, or even conventional - which is great for anyone who likes plenty of choices. With a lot to choose from and a lot to offer - bifocal contact lenses are the ideal alternative for anyone who needs bifocal correction lenses.

About the Author
Check my new pick up truck rentals and Moving Trucks Rental web pages.

The Acuvue Advance Contact Lenses

by kim valerio

Just like any other contact lens from Acuvue, the Acuvue advance contact lenses offer you plenty of quality and reliability. They are a cut above the rest, offering you excellent quality and comfort for a very affordable price.
The first thing you'll notice about the Acuvue advance lenses is the addition of Hydroclear, made by Johnson and Johnson. Although other types of Acuvue lenses now offer Hydroclear, the advance lenses were the first. Hydraclear is a break through in contact lens technology, perfect for those who have problems with their lenses drying out. This technology is considered to be among the best - and ideal for anyone who wants the best for their eyes.
Hydraclear is a rich moisture type element that is found throughout the exterior and interior of Acuvue advance contact lenses, helping to give them a soft, silky feel. Once you put a pair of advance lenses in your eyes, you'll notice the benefits of Hydraclear immediately. It doesn't dry out like other contact lenses, keeping your eyes refreshed while you wear them.
Acuvue advance contacts also offer you great protection as well. They offer the highest type of UVA blocking and UV ray protection available for contact lenses. You can enjoy wearing these contacts anywhere you go, which is great for those who travel. If you like to go to the beach you can rest assured in knowing that the Acuvue advance lenses will keep your eyes protected from the sun while you enjoy the beauty of the beach.
Acuvue advance contacts are made from a soft yet flexible material, which makes them a breeze to put in your eyes. There shouldn't any trouble putting them in your eyes, which makes them ideal for anyone who wears contacts. Simply put them in your eyes, and they will automatically conform themselves to your pupils, feeling comfortable from the start.
The advance contact lenses from Acuvue work pretty much the same as other contacts. You need to clean them and soak them in contact solution overnight. They are good up to a month per pair, which makes them ideal for everyday use. They normally come in boxes of 6, meaning that a single pair will last you up to 3 months.
If you wear contacts, you should look into the Acuvue advance. You can buy them online, through your local optician, or anywhere else that sells contacts. They are available in virtually every subscription, which is perfect for anyone who needs a dependable pair of lenses. The Acuvue advance lenses are unlike any other type, for the simple fact that they are very comfortable, dependable - and easy to take care of. Once you give them a try - you'll never to use any other brand again.

About the Author
Check my new pick up truck rentals and hertz truck rental web pages.

About Acuvue Contact Lenses

by kim valerio

Its really no secret that Acuvue is one of the most popular and most dominant brands of contact lenses out there on the market. There are several different types of Acuvue contact lenses to choose from, including Advanced, Acuvue 2 Colors, and lenses that contain the very popular and innovative Hydraclear. Oasys is another type of Acuvue contact lens, although it is somewhat new and isn't as easy to find.
Just like other brands and types of contacts, Acuvue lenses were designed to correct many vision problems such as far sight, astigmatism, near sight, and the inability or lack of changing focus from far to near. Acuvue offers you options as well, such as hard lenses, soft lenses, and even toric contact lenses.
To make things better for you, Acuvue contacts have a few different periods of wear. Some of them, such as the Acuvue Advanced, are designed to be worn for a two week period, after which they need to be discarded and replaced with a fresh pair. Some types of Acuvue lenses are made for daily use, which means that you must use a fresh pair each day. Normally, Acuvue contacts are intended for daily use and need to be soaked in solution while you sleep, although there are types that can be left in while you sleep, although you'll need to clean them on a regular basis.
Although Acuvue contact lenses are considered to be the best contacts you can buy, you should always check with your optician first, as he can tell you which contacts will work best for your eyes. He can also tell you everything you need to know about contacts, and how to take care of them as well. You'll need to clean your contacts daily, unless you chose to go with the 1day Acuvue contacts, which you'll change out every day - eliminating the need for cleaning.
Among the many types of Acuvue lenses, those that contain Hydraclear are easily the most popular. Acuvue Advance with Hydraclear are preferred by many, as they are easily among the most comfortable. Hydraclear is a breakthrough in contact lens innovation, helping to prevent your eyes from drying out.
Acuvue contacts are also known for their appearance as well, as they are easily among the best in both comfort and style. Acuvue strives to be the best in contact lenses, which is why their contacts have very little problems. As long as you take care of them, the contacts shouldn't give you any problems. On the other hand, if you don't clean them or take care of them as you should, you'll more than likely encounter some problems.
You can find Acuvue contacts at your local optician's office, at your local department store (if they sell contacts), or online. Online is the best way to purchase, as you'll normally get amazing discounts and you'll find many types of Acuvue contacts that you won't be able to find locally.
All in all, Acuvue is considered to be the best brand in contact lenses. They have been around for many years, providing those who wear contacts the best in comfort and innovation. If you wear contacts, you are probably already familiar with Acuvue. If you wear contacts but haven't tried them yet, you really should. Acuvue has many different designs to offer you, and they can easily become your preferred brand if you give them the chance. They are very affordable as well - which makes them an ideal investment for any budget.

About the Author
Check my new pick up truck rentals and truck rentals for moving web pages.

See The Benefits Of Eye Tests

by Adam Singleton

If you don't currently wear glasses or contact lenses, you might find that when you think of an eye test the picture conjured up in your mind is the card and chart of your school days. While eye tests when you were a child were great for identifying those who might need help in correcting problems with their vision, eye tests have come a long way since.These days eyes tests combine traditional testing methods with new techniques and technologies to get an in-depth picture of the health of your eye. For those that do wear contacts or glasses, regular eye tests are essential for making sure that their prescription is up to date and best for their eyes. For those that don't at the moment, tests can identify if there are any signs of weakness in the eyes.While many people wouldn't consider having an eye test unless they are having problems with their vision or are experiencing commonly known side effects such as headaches, eye tests are for much more than checking whether you are long or short sighted. Advances in technology mean that these tests can now help spot the warning signs for other aspects of eye health.For example, an eye test will allow opticians to pick up on the early signs of eye diseases such as glaucoma and cataracts and can also be vital in the early detection of health problems such as diabetes or high blood pressure. This means that eye examinations are far more in-depth than ever before.When you go for an eye test, you'll find that your optometrist will be interested in much more than how clearly you can read the infamous letter chart. They will also compile a detailed history and details of your lifestyle, they will also use autorefraction to determine your baseline prescription and they will use tonometry to measure the pressure in your eyes - this is vital as it's a key factor in identifying glaucoma.Your optometrist will also conduct a slit lamp exam, allowing them to look at your cornea, conjunctiva, lids, iris and lens under high magnification with the help of a microscope and a small beam of light. They will also be examining the strength and flexibility of your eye muscles and carrying out a full retinal exam, to ensure that they have a broad and comprehensive picture of the health of your eyes.A modern eye test may sound complicated, but your optometrist will talk you through the process and ensure that you get the best out of your exam.

About the Author
Adam Singleton writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.

Why You Might Consider Enhancement After LASIK Laser Eye Surgery

by Yvone Corilla

Undoubtedly every patient and eye surgeon would want to accomplish the desired visual correction in the very first refractive surgery procedure. Surgeons typically conduct a comprehensive preoperative examination to determine whether the patient is a viable surgery candidate, and in order to predict the results of the refractive surgery. But unfortunately, it is difficult to accurately predict results in the case of higher refractive errors. Things gone awry during the preoperative examination or during the surgery itself may necessitate an enhancement surgery.
On certain occasions, the patient could well do without an enhancement surgery. Minor undercorrection and overcorrection can be treated through a technique called CLAPIKS (Contact Lens Assisted Pharmacologically Induced Kerato Steepening), which uses Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) contact lenses to reshape the cornea and eye drops to make the cornea more malleable. However, other major issues may typically require enhancement surgery.
Even if your eye surgeon gives you the slightest hint of the requirement of an enhancement surgery, it is advised that you dont hastily demand enhancement re-treatment. You must wait for the eyes to settle down to a fixed refraction, before you decide on having an enhancement. Most enhancements are carried out between 3 and 6 months after the first eye surgery. This is because it is common for the eye to regress back to a fixed refractive error, and enhancement should not be performed until the regression has resolved.
A hyperopic patient is more difficult to predictably correct via surgery when compared with a myopic patient. And therefore, a hyperopic patent is more likely to require an enhancement surgery. If your initial eye surgery was LASIK or IntraLASIK, the surgeon would typically lift the existing flap and cut out the corneal surface at the location of the original flap. Though the LASIK flap adheres to the stroma, it can still be lifted, thereby averting the need to create a new flap.
With the advances in laser technology and an increase in the experience of eye surgeons, enhancement cases have significantly dropped. However, some cases might still occur that necessitate enhancement surgery.
Enhancement surgery is not something to be anxious about, since an enhancement surgery would typically accomplish the desired results, which were somehow missed during the first surgery.
If you find a LASIK surgeon that you are confident with, you will be able to get more information about eye enhancement surgery.

About the Author
For more info, you can visit this page on www.lasika.org

Cheapest Contact Lenses Online Reviewed and Compared Here

by P.J. Rice

Have you been looking for the cheapest contact lenses online? Well you will be glad you found this article because I have found a website that shows you the current deals of the top 7 discount contact lens websites online. These sites offer a huge savings over what you would pay at the eye doctor, so make sure you just get a prescription from your eye doctor and use that same prescription to order the contacts online for much less. Often you can save as much as 30% off the normal price of buying them from your eye doctor's office, but since you are reading this article you probably already know that.So where can you buy the cheapest contact lenses online? Well it really depends on what brand and type of contacts you are looking to buy. And ti also depends on what week it is. You see, the prices will change constantly on these websites, so you really need to compare prices before you buy.That's why the best way to shop for contact lenses is to go to a website that compares all of the stores like 1-800 Contacts, Discount Contact Lenses, AC lenses, Lensmart and the others and find the best deal for that week.Some of the most popular contacts are the Acuvue Oasis, and the Acuvue 2. I have seen some amazing deals on the usually expensive Acuvue Oasis so now is a great time to compare prices from www.Lensdeals.net.Again, you need to make sure you have a prescription from your eye doctor before you can order the contacts online, and that needs to be a current prescription. I usually just got an appointment at my local Walmart and for $100 got the eye prescription I needed. When you place your order to buy your contacts you enter that same prescription information and that company will call or email your doctor's office to verify that the information is correct. Once it is approved your contacts will show up in a matter of a few days.Compare and review the cheapest contacts here!

About the Author
P.J. Rice is an expert on consumer reports and helping people find the best quality for the best price.

How Does Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) Work?

by Joseph L Matthews


Part B is the Medicare program that covers doctor bills and other outpatient costs. It's one of Medicaid benefits, or other sources.
Anyone is eligible if they're U.S. citizens or legal residents who have been in the country for five consecutive years. They don't need to have Medicare Part A in order to enroll in Part B.
Every individual enrolled in Medicare Part B pays a monthly premium for it. The premium goes up each year on January 1. The basic premium most people pay is $96.40 per person, per month. But Medicaid pays the Medicare Part B premium for those who are eligible for Medicaid benefits.
Single people (or a married person filing a separate tax return) with an adjusted gross income over $85,000 per year pay higher premiums, as do couples whose combined income exceeds $170,000.
Those with up to $107,000/$214,000 (single/couple) in yearly income pay a monthly premium of $134.90 per person.
Over those amounts and up to $160,000/$320,000 (single/couple), the monthly premium is $192.70 per person.
Over those amounts and up to $213,000/$426,000 (single/couple), the monthly premium is $250.50 per person.
Over $213,000/$426,000 (single/couple), the monthly premium is $238.40 per person.
Medicare bases these calculations on tax returns from two years before. If for any reason participants' actual income has dropped significantly in the past couple of years, they can contact Medicare with this information and request that their premiums be adjusted accordingly.
For those who don't enroll in Part B when first eligible for it at age 65 but do enroll later, the premiums will be 10 percent higher for every year of delay in enrollment.Yes -- doctor bills are probably the biggest chunk of outpatient expenses that are covered by Part B. The category includes any service by a doctor wherever it's provided -- hospital, doctor's office, clinic. It also covers any other work performed by the doctor's staff, as well as any drugs administered in the office.
The two basic coverage rules are that care must be medically necessary, and it must be performed by a doctor who accepts Medicare payment. This means that before participants see any new doctor, they must make sure that the doctor accepts Medicare.
With many limitations, Part B also covers some care by a chiropractor. This is only for short-term manipulation of out-of-place vertebrae -- neck and back -- by a Medicare-certified chiropractor. Before seeing a chiropractor, have the chiropractor's office check directly with Medicare to ensure coverage.
In addition to doctor bills, Part B covers many other types of outpatient care. This includes care at an emergency room or clinic, X-rays, and laboratory work. Ambulance service is also covered, in an emergency or other situation -- such as hospital discharge -- when regular transportation is not medically advisable.
Part B covers medical equipment and supplies, including splints, braces, bandages, prosthetics, walkers, and remedial shoes. It also includes such equipment as glucose monitors, ventilators, and pacemakers, as well as wheelchairs and hospital beds. For any of this to be covered, however, it must be prescribed by a doctor.
Part B also covers physical and speech therapy, if prescribed and regularly reviewed by a doctor. The therapist or facility providing the care must be Medicare-certified. How much Medicare pays for this care is determined by where the care is provided.
In general, Medicare coverage is biased against preventive medicine -- for example, the most basic preventive tool, the regular annual physical, isn't covered. But in recent years Part B has been expanding to include a number of preventive procedures.
Covered services include one initial routine physical (sometimes called an initial wellness exam) by a participant's own doctor when he or she first enrolls in Part B. Part B also covers a number of specific screening exams, though with certain restrictions -- required risk factors, for example, or limited test frequency. These exams include mammograms, pap smears and pelvic exams, colorectal cancer screening, bone density tests, blood glucose tests, prostate cancer screening, flu shots, glaucoma tests, and blood tests and other screening for diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers.
Part B covers a limited amount of home healthcare, under certain circumstances. But it's important to understand that Part B does not cover long-term home care, or care that consists only of nonmedical help (such as help with walking, bathing, eating, dressing).
Home care is covered by Part B only if a participant is confined to home and needs part-time skilled nursing care or physical or speech therapy. If someone qualifies for this skilled care, Part B can also cover some nonmedical help from a part-time aide, as well as medical supplies and equipment. Care must be provided by a Medicare-certified home health agency; individual caregivers aren't covered.Unlike home care rules under Medicare Part A, Part B home care doesn't require that participants first have had a minimum three-day hospital stay.
Although Part B covers most kinds of outpatient care, there are a few important exceptions. The first is routine physical exams (beyond the initial wellness exam), despite their preventive value. Similarly, Part B doesn't cover vaccinations or immunizations, except for pneumonia and flu shots.
Part B covers only care that is medically necessary, which Medicare interprets as excluding most chiropractic and other types of alternative care, such as acupuncture, acupressure, and homeopathy. It also excludes elective or cosmetic surgery or other treatments.
Nor is there any Part B coverage for routine eye or hearing exams, and none for hearing aids, eyeglasses, or contact lenses (except following cataract surgery). Treatment for diseases of the eye or ear, however, can be covered if provided by a medical doctor. Dental work is not covered.
Finally, Part B doesn't cover any drugs, prescription or otherwise, that participants take at home. Instead, prescription medication can be partially covered by a Medicare Part D insurance policy.
For each type of Medicare-covered care, Medicare approves only a specific amount, called an approved charge, of which Part B may pay all or only a portion, depending on the type of service.
Doctor visits: 80 percent of bills.
Laboratory costs: 100 percent of laboratory, X-ray, and other diagnostic charges.
Home healthcare: 100 percent of agency charges; 80 percent for medical equipment from the agency.
Outpatient therapy: The amount Part B pays for physical, speech, or occupational therapy depends on where a participant receives it. If it's given at home, as part of Medicare-approved home healthcare, Part B pays 100 percent; at a hospital outpatient department, 100 percent; at a doctor's or therapist's office, 80 percent.
Ambulance: 80 percent.
Flu and pneumonia vaccination: 100 percent.
Outpatient mental healthcare: 50 percent, regardless of who provides it.
In addition to their monthly premium (see Who's eligible for Medicare Part B coverage--and who pays? above), participants are likely to be responsible for a large portion of their doctor and other outpatient medical bills, despite Part B coverage. Why is this? First, there's a yearly deductible ($135) each participant has to pay before Medicare will pay anything. Also, when Part B pays only part (usually 80 percent) of an approved charge, participants are personally responsible for the unpaid remainder.
Participants may also be responsible for the difference between the Medicare-approved amount and what the doctor or other provider actually charges. By law, this can't exceed 15 percent more than the approved charge.
Whether someone is charged this extra 15 percent depends on whether the doctor or other provider accepts "assignment." This means the provider accepts the Medicare-approved charge as the entire amount of the bill. Most doctors accept assignment of Medicare charges -- but not all will do so, and many outpatient clinics do not. So participants need to check on their doctor's or provider's policy about assignment before beginning any care. To fill the unpaid gaps in Part B coverage and payment, participants may want to buy a Medicaid or other programs for low-income seniors for help paying these bills.
If they're already receiving any type of Social Security, Railroad Retirement, or federal civil service retirement system benefit when they turn 65, they'll automatically be enrolled in Medicare Part B. Medicare will send a membership card and information packet two to three months before they turn 65. Their premiums will be automatically deducted from their monthly Social Security or other government benefits check. If they don't want to be enrolled in Medicare Part B, they can notify Medicare on a form included in the packet.
Those who aren't automatically enrolled in Medicare Part B can enroll as early as three months before their 65th birthday, with coverage beginning when they turn 65. They can enroll at any local Social Security office.
Medicare's website has information about Part B eligibility, coverage, and enrollment. You can also call Medicare's toll-free phone number, (800)-MEDICARE ([800] 633-4227). Part B's day-to-day operations, however, are handled by large private insurance companies called Medicare Part B "carriers." Different carriers handle Part B in different regions of the country. If you have a question or complaint about a particular decision regarding someone's Part B coverage, contact the carrier directly. You can find the name and contact information for their carrier in the upper right-hand corner of the Medicare Summary Notice explaining the decision, which the carrier will have mailed to the participant. Or you can get the contact information from the Medicare website.
Navigating the Medicare bureaucracy may sound daunting, but the benefits of understanding the system can help participants get the best care possible -- and save a significant amount of money.
Resources:
Medicare Part B
Doctor Bills



About the Author
Joseph L. Matthews has been an attorney in the San Francisco Bay Area since 1971. From 1975 to 1977 he taught at the School of Law at the University of California, Berkeley. He is the author of numerous books, including Social Security, Medicare, and Government Pensions; Long-Term Care: How to Plan and Pay for It; How to Win Your Personal Injury Claim; and The Lawyer Who Blew up His Desk.

What Are the Most Popular Contact Lens Colors

by Bernard Osborn

Contact lens colors. There are so many different situations in which you could take advantage of color contact lenses. And there are so many contact lens colors to choose from. A fancy dress party, or a Halloween do, or just a major surprise on a date, a new eye color will have everyone talking. Whatever the case may be, if you want to get some color contact lenses this is a great, fun idea, and there are lots of different colors to choose from.You can turn your aveage blue into bright blue, boring brown into firey red, or average hazel into something really wacky like striped or zebra or yellow.You put these free color contact lenses in or paid for, whatever the case, the same as you would with your regular contact lenses. Some of the colored contacts you don't even need to have a prescription for if you don't want, if you are just looking to try them out for a bit of fun and you may not even have a vision problem at all.Look for the best deals. So for anyone who is interested in getting some color contact lenses, what are the best places to go shopping? Well there are a few that are known for their vast selections of colored lenses, such as Color Me Contacts, which is one of the most popular stores for the colored lenses as well as prescription lenses.These retailers are dead keen to help you find that unique product that will make you stand out - hot pink lenses, cats eyes, vampire lenses - you surely will be noticed. These providers will offer assistance in choosing the right color or design to suit your situation.There are a range of online providers of colored contact lenses. The best thing is to surf, test and trial and do your research. These sites have everything that you need to stay looking great and to get out to your next fancy dress party and really freak people out when you have zombie eyes.These items can be a lot of fun, just make sure you follow the manufacturers recommendations in keeping them clean.

About the Author
Bernard is an online publisher and webmaster. His latest site takes a look at eye care, bifocal contact lenses vision improvement and offers cheap colored contacts.

Cosmetic Eye Surgery

by Brenda Williams

Surgery on the eyelids is known as blepharoplasty. It is performed to correct several different problems. These may be reduction of creases around the eyes, heaviness above the lids, bags under the eyes, and extra skin. There is also a procedure that Asians often have done that changes the epicanthal fold and results in a rounder eye. Blepharoplasty cannot eradicate "crows feet" or do away with dark circles under the eyes. Sagging eyebrows cannot be helped by blepharoplasty but there is a separate surgery that will raise eyebrows. This is known as a brow lift or forehead lift. Older people sometimes need blepharoplasty for non-cosmetic purposes such as a drooping eyelid that obstructs their vision. Some people are born with a heavy eyelid that interferes with vision at any age. Those contemplating blepharoplasty should first have their eyes thoroughly examined by an ophthalmologist. The surgeon performing the blepharoplasty will need to know that your eyes are healthy and that you don't have any eye problems that could be affected by the surgery.
The surgeon will also want to know about your general health and especially if you have any chronic illnesses such as thyroid disease, congestive heart failure, kidney disease or diabetes mellitus that might cause changes in the tissues of the eye. Your surgery will probably be an outpatient type. You will be given a local anesthesia along with a sedative. If you are having both lids done the procedure requires about 1 1/2 to 2 hours. When doing the upper eyelid, the surgeon makes an incision that follows the crease of your lid. The incision for lower lid surgery is just below the eyelashes. The surgeon then removes the excess skin and fat and closes the incision with small stitches. If your bags are caused only by excess fat under your eyes and you don't have any excess skin, the surgeon may do a transconjunctival blepharoplasty. In this procedure, the incision is made inside your lower eyelid. Then the doctor removes the fat and closes the incision. There is no visible scar.
Once the incisions are closed, the surgeon will lubricate your eyes with an antibiotic ointment. You will be kept at the facility until the anesthesia wears off. When this happens you can expect your eyes will be sore and feel gummy due to the mixture of ointment, tears and blood. You may also have blurry vision. For about ten days following the operation, you can expect some swelling and bruising. Your eyes may be sensitive to light and tear excessively for a few weeks afterward. The site of the incision might also be numb. The incision site will not lose its redness for several months. But after three to six months the scar from the incision will be hardly noticeable if at all.
You will need to protect your eyes from the sunlight. Contact lens wearers may not be able to use their lenses for a month after the surgery. Complications from this surgery are rare. Any that do occur are usually due to bleeding.

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Contacts vs. Lasik

by Chelsea Francis

Have you considered LASIK surgery to correct your vision only to find out you are not a good candidate for the procedure? Does the whole idea of elective surgery on your eyes give you pause? Let's look at the viable contact lens alternative.
Why consider contacts when one of the reasons for having LASIK performed is to become free of lenses or eyeglasses? Because, in some cases, even successful LASIK recipients later need to be prescribed eyewear for the onset of presbyopia, the loss of near-focusing ability often associated with aging. Also, the time it takes for the corrected vision achieved by the laser procedure to stabilize can be somewhere between three and six months; and that vision is slightly less than perfect 90 % of the time for those with extreme prescriptions, falling within a range of 20/20 to 20/40. In these instances, a further procedure-known as enhancement-is called for. Unfortunately, there are some patients that cannot have this additional treatment if their cornea is too thin or other factors evolve resulting from the initial surgery. Contacts tend to give crisper vision and more immediate satisfaction at less risk.
Just as LASIK has advanced in the past decade, so have contacts. Some optometrists express amazement at how the field has progressed. New types of lenses, manufactured with materials that have improved comfort and convenience are prevalent. The introduction of silicone hydrogels, which allow more oxygen to permeate to the cornea, has extended contact wear time in some instances up to thirty days. For those who are able to tolerate overnight wear, these contacts approximate the same non-hassle 'freedom' that LASIK would give. It should be noted that proper care and commitment to a prescribed replacement regimen is still vital to avoid eye problems associated with lens use. As a contrast to extended or continual wear, daily disposables have seen a surge in favor among patients who like the handiness of just using their lenses once and discarding them at the end of the day.
LASIK can correct myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism (fuzzy vision due to an asymmetrical cornea). There is also a procedure for the aforementioned presbyopia. It involves the principle of monovision, where one eye (usually the dominant one) is corrected for distance vision and the other for near vision. Patients' adaptability plays a large part in the success of monovision and many must be prepared for a loss in depth perception. Contacts are available to treat presbyopia in addition to all the above-listed conditions. For presbyopia there are lenses manufactured using a bifocal or a multi-focal design or one can also use regular lenses specifically fitted in monovision. As with LASIK recipients, monovision contact-wearers have the same concerns regarding adaptability and depth perception. Multi-focals provide a full depth of field, with a gradual transition between near and far powers in the same lens.
Other considerations in choosing contact lenses include not having to worry about aggravated dry-eyes, which can occur with LASIK, necessitating ongoing medication to facilitate tear production. With the laser procedure there is also the possibility that employment may be affected (some jobs prohibit employees who have undergone refractive surgery). Though uncommon, reports of postoperative symptoms that do not go away (double vision, heightened sensitivity to light, and vision loss due to dramatic corneal reshaping) exist. Night driving vision performance has been diminished in a number of LASIK patients--especially those with myopia--due to glare, 'starbursts' and halos seen around lights.
So, the benefits of contact lens wear as an alternative to LASIK are well worth weighing. Of course any final decision can only be determined, as always, after a thorough discussion with

your eye care professional.

About the Author
I am a marketing and research analyst for Contact Lens King, an online discount contact lens retailer. We pride ourselves on providing our customers with high quality products, excellent service and the lowest possible price. Website: http://www.contactlensking.com

Laser Eye Surgery

by lifestyles

Laser eye surgeries have been gaining more and more popularity since it started. Today, there are different types of laser eye surgery for their specific purpose. Most laser eye surgeries correct more than one problem when present, and laser eye surgeries are getting cheaper by the minute and are safer than the procedures offered years ago. At present, there are two popular methods of laser eye surgery. The most commonly used form of laser treatment is Lasik. In Lasik, a small incision is made in the cornea to create a flap. Laser treatment can then be carried out. There may be vision loss of 20 to 30 seconds during the procedure. In Lasek the epithelium is removed before the cornea is reshaped with a laser. Laser eye treatment takes around 15 minutes in total. The most popular and safe type of laser eye surgery is the refractive LASIK eye surgery. LASIK stands for Laser assisted in-situ keratomileusis and is a very fast procedure that lasts about 5 to 15 minutes with immediate results. LASIK eye surgery is performed by reshaping the cornea of the eye with a laser; it corrects numerous types of refractive eye disorders and is very comfortable after its fast healing.
The procedure actually involves removing a hair thin part of your cornea for the best vision to be achieved. The good thing is it can cure imperfections in the eyes, nearsightedness, farsightedness or even astigmatism. It takes few days for recovery but after that your eyes are cured and you won't need any aid for vision. The risk is low with laser eye surgery because the decision is not in your hand. You can decide to get the eye surgery but if you are not the best candidate your surgeon will refuse to carry out because of the risks involved. The whole process of the Lasik laser eye surgery may take couple of hours but the surgery itself takes only a few minutes. In most cases, you will not have to be hospitalized. However, it is advisable to have a family member or friend to be along with you because you will be sedated and may not be able to drive or even see well right after the surgery.
Risks involved with laser eye surgery include Regression, Flap damage/loss, distorted flap, incomplete procedure, under-correction/over-correction, etc. However, these risks, if present, are easily corrected by a repeat procedure, a flap replacement/repair or with the continuous use of corrective lenses/glasses. In other cases, when a laser eye surgery goes perfectly, there might also be other risks, such as dissatisfaction by patients (especially older patients), etc. There is also no possible way to have good distance vision and good near vision for patients that are used to relying on their eye disorder (especially older patients that have been treated of myopia).
Like any surgery, there are definitely risks to LASIK laser eye surgery. First of all, it is still a somewhat new method, which means many things could still go wrong. However, almost in every case, only one eye is operated at each surgery. This is the make sure that if the operation turns out to be a failure, you are still not totally blind. This may sound scary but, in the vast majority of cases, there are no complications. Statistics show that approximately 92% of patients are happy with the Lasik laser eye surgery. People are simply able to see better, clearer and they do not have to rely on contact or glasses for the rest of their lives.
Even with the existence of risks, eye laser surgery is still something that has helped millions of people and it could help you too. If you are the right candidate for such procedure, it is something that worth considering.

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Read About Celebrity Gossips also Read about Laser Eye Surgery and Laser System

What's the best way to improve eyesight naturally? Bates method

by sarah john

Dr William Bates, a New York ophthalmologist practising at the beginning of the 20th century, attributed many eye problems to stress, tension and laziness and devised a series of eye exercises to improve eyesight without resorting to lenses or surgery.
Bates' exercises aim to 're-educate' the eye so that it adjusts its focus more efficiently - what he called 'central fixation.' The eye muscles need to be able to move freely in order to make the tiny adaptations necessary to centre on the object of your vision. But, according to Bates, many people habitually strain their eyes by keeping them in a fixed position, 'staring' at a whole scene rather than allowing constant movement. His exercises teach you to relax the eye muscles and optic nerve and use memory and imagination to improve co-ordination between the eyes and the brain. There are some Exercises that improve eyesight: 'Palming.' To rest and relax your eyes, sit comfortably in front of a table, resting your elbows on a stack of cushions high enough to bring your palms easily to your eyes without stooping forward or looking up. Close your eyes and cover them with your cupped palms to exclude light, avoiding pressure on the sockets. Breathe slowly and evenly, relaxing and imagining deep blackness. Begin by doing this for 10 minutes, two or three times a day.
'Swinging.' Relax and keep the eyes mobile. Stand up and focus on a distant point, swaying gently from side to side. Repeat 100 times daily, blinking as you sway. Blinking cleans and lubricates the eyes, which is especially important if you spend a lot of time in front of a computer.
'Colour day.' You may be asked to have a 'colour day.' Choose a colour and look out for it throughout the day. When you see it, be aware of the colour rather than the form. For example, if it's a red truck, experience the shade of red, not the truck.
'Sunning' try to do this once a day. It requires a sunny day, or a good desk lamp with an incandescent bulb. The exercise is simple. Close your eyes. Look directly at the sun through your closed eyes. While facing the sun, slowly rotate your head from side to side as far as you can. This gets the sunlight on the peripheral vision, and it helps bring more blood circulation to your neck. Do this for 3 to 5 minutes. It's amazing, even on a cold day, how warm the sun feels on your eyes. General tips when doing eye exercises Please take off your glasses or contact lenses, you will then feel more comfortable and relaxed. When doing the exercises, intensely concentrate on your eyes. Feel them working and coming to life again! Do them on a regular basis, e.g. ideally 3 times a day. The results will be better.

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Take the first step to make your eyesight improve without glasses, contact lenses or expensive surgery here: Improve eyesight

Bates techniques to improve eyesight

by sarah john

Good sight is thus the result of a relaxed state of mind and body, whereby the individual person feels a direct contact with the surrounding world through the five senses. Poor sight, on the other hand, is the result of tension, where the person is, to a greater or lesser extent, isolated from the outside world through being locked in a pattern of psycho-physical tensions, such as worry, anxiety, rigidity, day-dreaming, boredom, confusion, impatience, etc. The practical benefits of the Bates Method are imparted by means of a pupil-teacher relationship wherein the pupil is shown, first, relaxation of the eyes, then the body, and then the body and eyes, whilst seeing. As the relaxation progresses, the mind, the eyes and the body begin to focus together more harmoniously, allowing the sight to improve naturally, by itself, as does the health of the eyes, whilst already good sight can be preserved. Dr. Bates was a graduate of Cornell University and of the College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York. He worked at various times at Belleview, Harlem Hospitals, Manhatten Eye and Ear Hospital and New York Eye Infirmary. He also taught ophthalmology at the New York Post-Graduate Medical School and Hospital. It was as a result of this work, examining thousands of pairs of eyes a year and observing many cases where the sight either recovered spontaneously or changed it's form in inexplicable ways, that a burning desire was aroused to elucidate why the sight changed in these cases. It was from these researches that Dr. Bates discovered that the sight can be be intentionally improved by natural methods, without the use of glasses. In the succeeding years, he discovered and developed the principles and practices to realise this discovery and they became the basic foundation of the Bates Method as it is practised today throughout the world. Palming: "The simple idea of resting the eyes by closing them is basic to the Bates method. Dr. Bates coined for it the term 'palming'. The eyes are gently closed and covered with the palms in such a way that all light is excluded and no pressure is applied to the eyeballs. The heels of the hands rest lightly on the cheekbones and the fingers on the forehead. Palming is usually done while seated. The elbows should be supported, either on a table in front of you or on a thick cushion or two in your lap. While palming you should feel entirely comfortable, safe and warm. Choose if you can a quiet time and a place where you are not likely to be disturbed. Become conscious of and do your best to relax any undue tension in the muscles of your face, neck, shoulders, and the rest of your body. Listen to the radio if you wish, or just allow the mind to wander, keeping it away from anything unpleasant. If stressful thoughts intrude, push them aside to be dealt with later. Remain with the eyes shut for several minutes. The exact period that suits you best has to be found by trial and error; five minutes is about right, and four should be regarded as a minimum. It can be difficult to judge the passage of time, and some such device as a non-ticking cook's timer, or one of those electronic watches or pocket calculators which incorporate an alarm, is very useful. Palming like this should be repeated from three to five times in succession and forms the basis of your daily practice period. Once or twice in the period you might like, rather than merely allowing the mind to wander, to try some visualisation. Swinging: Long Swinging: "Rotate your body from left to right and back. Eyes, torso and head move together. Turning mostly around your waist. Don't look at anything as you swing; be aware of movement mainly. Let your eyes go, let your consciousness stay in front of you while you turn. Make sure to keep breathing." "There is another type of mobility swinging in the Bates method, sometimes called "long swinging", which has a rather different purpose [from regular swinging]. It is simple to do, and consists essentially of turning from side to side. Stand with the feet about 30 centimetres (12 inches) apart, the arms hanging loosely, and, lifting the right heel as you do so, turn to the left. When you have reached the limit of comfortable travel, turn to the right, letting the left heel rise and the right one return to the floor. Go on like this until you have performed 20 complete swings. The turning should involve your hips as well as your waist. Keep your arms relaxed so that they rise slightly as you swing. Do not go too fast; try to make the swings smooth, level, and rhythmical. Keep your eyes open and allow the image of your surroundings to rush past without trying to focus on anything in particular. Nearby objects will naturally seem to move faster than distant ones, and will probably be no more than a blur. Make no attempt to hold on to or fix any part of the image; notice only that everything seems to be moving in the direction opposite to that of your swing. Sunning: "The Bates technique for relieving photophobia is called sunning, and consists simply of taking sunshine on the closed lids. In this way the retina is accustomed to progressively brighter light, until the stage is reached where the eye can function efficiently over the entire range of normally encountered light intensities. The warmth of the sun and the therapeutic properties of its rays also have a profound and beneficial effect on the health of the eyes and on the ability to relax them "Practise giving half a dozen rapid and very light blinks, shut the eyes lightly for the space of two whole breaths, and repeat four times. This little routine, practised regularly, twice or more a day, will, especially if followed by a brief spell of palming, help to establish the correct tone in the muscles of the eyelids and develop better habits of blinking. No more than a few seconds should pass between one blink and the next. As a very rough guide, between two and four blinks in each period of ten seconds is about right. The Bates Method has proved that by practicing these simple methods, just about anyone can be helped. It's as simple as creating your own chart and placing it in your office. Just by glancing at the chart several times during the day will help keep the eyes relaxed which will alleviate strain on the eyes. By training your eyes to relax will help improve your vision today and for the rest of your life. Take the first step to make your eyesight improve without glasses, contact lenses or expensive surgery here: Improve eyesight

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Take the first step to make your eyesight improve without glasses, contact lenses or expensive surgery here: Improve eyesight

Sun Contacts?

by Donald Miller

Do you wear sun protection for your eyes? This means restricting total visible light and reducing ultra violet.
One of the major causes of cataracts (fogging of the cornea) is exposure to solar ultra violet. This was discovered by studies of progressing blindness among fishermen. Light bouncing from the ocean surface increases the risk over that experienced by farmers and other outdoor workers. UV also contributes to macular degeneration in the eye.
Fortunately, sun glasses are now easy to find, cover a wide price range, and can offer both tinted and polarized filtering. If you don't need focus correction, sun "glasses" (can be plastic) can be very light weight.
By the way, the "photochromic" sun specs which darken under UV exposure aren't quite the miracle claimed by their makers. They range between not dark enough in the sun and too dark when they should be clear. They also do poorly behind automotive windshields and in cold weather. The delay in color change can be long enough for the user to have changed spectacles.
Polarizing filters can reduce light polarized in one angle of rotation, such as happens when sunlight is reflected from water, shiny metal, snow, and so forth. Reduction of this random glare is extremely helpful for focus. Competitors in fishing, boating, golf, skiing often rave about the benefits. Light reflected from mostly flat water is polarized horizontally, so the sunglasses are polarized vertically.
When the Polaroid Company began making its first product, polarized sunglasses, the plastic was fairly resistant to scratching from dust and handling. Most polarized clip-ons now seem to be quite scratchable, unless you seek out a really good brand. Regular prescription spectacles can have lenses of glass or poly carbonate plastic plus scratch resistant coating, and both these lens types can have polarized filtration.
If you wear contact lenses, it is very simple to place sun spectacles in front of them. Several companies are now offering contact lenses with UV filtration. The UV contacts also protect the cornea from light coming from the top and sides, which can bounce off the inside of glasses. However, the contacts cannot protect the whites, nor filter as strongly as spectacles, nor is it practical for contacts to be polarized. Be skeptical of contacts which claim to offer better UV protection than spectacles. The ultimate UV protection comes from combination of UV contacts and spectacles with UV coating.
Eye damage from ultra violet is cumulative over many years. Therefore, the benefits of particular spectacles or contacts will be difficult to judge outside of large statistical studies.

About the Author
For more articles about safe and enjoyable use of contact lenses and spectacles, see http://3daycontacts.com/articlelist.htm by Dr. Don Miller.

What Can Optometrists do For You?

by Suzanne Hughes

An optometrist (eye-care professional), deals with the task of checking for eye problems in individuals. He or she checks your eyes and accordingly prescribes medication, surgery or corrective lenses or spectacles to remedy these problems.
These professionals go through three years of basic university education based on their specific field. During the following pre-registration period, they undergo about a year of training, following which they are to attempt to clear the qualifying exam.
After qualifying, these trainees can choose their particular area of specialization, and then obtain specific training to suit the needs of their practice. They can choose to specialize in contact lenses, eye treatment, and low vision detection etc.
Aside from their formal education and training, many of these qualified professionals, especially those who run their own private practice, are required to supervise the functioning of their offices and eye-care centers. They have to pay attention to details such as hiring efficient and dependable staff, making the right investments in equipment, and keeping up with technological developments in the field of eye-care.
A typical visit to an optometrist's office, involves having to take a vision exam to check vision acuity, after which it can be determined whether or not you have defective vision that must be corrected with lenses. After the extent of the defect has been determined, and Hyperopic or Myopic tendencies are identified, the optometrist will proceed to provide you with a variety of lenses in order to settle on whichever suits your vision the best.
Other factors relating to vision, including vision coordinates, vision depth, color viewing and recognition, and ability to focus, are also checked during a typical eye check-up. The Optometrist may also perform additional checks for eye-ailments, including glaucoma. Other health conditions like hypertension or high blood pressure, diabetes etc., can also adversely affect your vision, other serious diseases such as cancer can have an overall degenerating effect on the eyes. Your optometrist can suggest therapy options to improve your eyesight under such conditions, where surgery might not be an option.
Ophthalmologists and Optometrists are essentially different as professionals, although ultimately they both deal with vision related issues. One notable difference between the two, is that Ophthalmologists are qualified to perform surgery if and when necessary, aside from treating eye diseases, while an Optometrist is technically a general practitioner, who is entitled to diagnose problems and prescribe remedies, but does not perform therapy or surgery on a large scale.
Optometry is an immense and growing field, as more and more efficient professionals are trained, and begin practice. With abrupt and rapid changes in the lifestyles of the population, and less than healthy diets, together with excessive strain on the eyes due to over-exposure to television and computer screens as well as harmful sunrays etc., the demand for effective optometric treatment is also on the rise. To make sure that your eyes stay healthy, and your vision, perfect, remember to visit your Optometrist at regular intervals to have your eyes checked for problems.

About the Author
Suzanne Hughes is an eyewear style consultant who specializes in reading sunglasses. Visit her website for great glasses and styles from top fashion designers such as Clic reading glasses, Scojo Vision, Seeqa and Others.

When Do You Need Trifocals For Yourself?

by Suzanne Hughes

Eyeglasses with three divisions of correction in the lenses are called trifocals. These are considered to be better than bifocals even if it sounds harder to see through. The underlying principle is simple - when a person is progressing from one step to another, an intermediate step between the two steps makes it easier for the person. So do not think that having three different corrections will make tougher to see through.
People with acute presbyopia are usually prescribed trifocals. These people require vision correction at all three steps - long distance, intermediate and near/reading distance. The calculation for the intermediate correction is usually made by halving the reading addition. For example, if a presbyopia patient has -4 diopters with a +3 reading addition; the net power is -1 and hence the intermediate correction would be -2.5 diopters.
As can be understood, trifocals are different from bifocals. Bifocals only have two different corrections on each lens. Trifocals on the other hand have three different vision correction stages. So, trifocals offer more clarity in vision and less strain on the eye.
Trifocals belong to the multifocal classification on glasses.
Trifocals are similar to bifocal glasses. The only difference is that they are equipped with a three level vision correction lens on each lens instead of two level vision correction lenses.
In addition to the distance vision correction and near/reading vision correction like in bifocal lenses, trifocals have an intermediate correction field in each lens to give a better viewing experience.
The calculation for the intermediate area is simple enough. Let's say that a person has been found to have a power of -4 diopters and +3 addition for reading correction. With these numbers, we know that the net power is -1. The rule for finding out the intermediate is halving the reading addition. So with the given numbers, it would be -2.5 diopters.
The trifocals have the usual semi-circular area with the reading addition like bifocals. There is also the area for seeing things in the distance. And in addition to these two, there is a narrow band of intermediate correction viewing area in the middle of the lens for seeing things that aren't very far but are further than the reading distance. This is immensely useful for many people. For those who need this area more, like those who are constantly working on computers, it can be made bigger on demand.
People who suffer from acute presbyopia are usually prescribed trifocals. The term has been derived from Latin and it means 'ageing eyes'. This means that has the body ages, the eyes lose their capacity to adjust and focus on different things. This usually happens after a person reaches 40. Usually this can be countered with corrective glasses, refractive surgery or contact lenses.
But sometimes these measures are not enough and the person develops a condition where all three stages of vision need corrective glasses. So instead of using three different pairs of glasses all the time, people go for trifocals.
Now there are progressive lenses that have no lines to distinguish them from the usual lenses. These are called PALs (progressive addition lenses), progressive power lenses, graduated lenses, no-line bifocals and varifocal lenses.

About the Author
Suzanne Hughes is an eyewear style consultant specializing in reading glasses online. For more information about eyeglasses, vision, or great styles such as Scojo reading glasses, visit her online boutique.

Wearing Contact Lens the Right Way

by Suzanne Hughes

Although the use of contact lenses to correct eye problems has now become quite common, these are still a few common queries associated with the correct use of contact lenses shared by both those who use lenses for the first time, and those who have been using them for some time.
There are a few basic steps you must keep in mind while handling or using your contact lens, in order to keep them from getting damaged, and also for optimum comfort on your part.
One commonly asked question is whether or not it's possible to tell if the contact lens is inside out. There's a very simple way to do this, first place the lens on your finger so that an upturned cup is formed. Then bring the lens up to eye level so that you can see the rim of the convex surface clearly. If the top edges of the lens appear flared out, the lens in inside out, and if it just forms a cup, or a 'U' shape, you're holding the lens correctly.
Tinted lenses appear to have darker edges when held right side up, and some lenses have the brand name of the manufacturer etched onto the surface, which also assists in telling if the lens is inside out. However, there is no risk involved in applying the lens to your eye, inside out, you will only feel a slight discomfort.
Another important factor in using contact lenses is lens maintenance. Make sure you wash your hands thoroughly before applying the lens to your eye, or when removing it. However, it's best to avoid soaps that are oily or too scented, since these tend to contain substances that might interfere with the make-up of your lens, or end up damaging it.
Take special care to avoid using products containing lanolin.
The steps involved in cleansing and applying contact lenses are as follows: first, gently shake your lens case containing the contact lens immersed in storage solution, to loosen the contact lens should it be stuck. Avoid touching or pulling the lens with your fingers as much as possible since you might end up damaging it. Then place the lens on your palm and rinse thoroughly with the cleansing solution prescribed for your specific brand.
After cleaning out the lens, dry your hands and place the lens on the tip of your finger, use your other hand to hold the eye open, and gently put the lens in place. Roll your eyes, and blink in order to let the lens settle. If you experience any discomfort, chances are that the lens hasn't been positioned properly, in which case it has to be removed, rinsed and replaced properly. If you are stand in front of a sink while removing or applying a lens, cover the drain with a clean paper towel, since if you drop the lens into the drain by accident, it'll be irretrievable.
By adhering to a few simple rules of contact lens usage, you can obtain the best results from this extremely convenient device.

About the Author
Suzanne Hughes is an online eyewear style consultant who loves helping those new to eyeglasses find the perfect pair of reading glasses. For great styles of eyeglasses, including mens and womens reading glasses, sunglasses, and folding specs, be sure to visit her website.

Vision Insurance - Care For Your Eyes While You Save Money

by daniel.rayfield

Your vision is the most important part of your life as you see the beautiful world around you through your eyes. So make a note that you take proper care of your eyes and have regular check-up of your eyes. If you are affected with eye problems, then it is recommended to opt for vision care insurance as your eyes are very important. Although there are vision corrective procedures that you can go for, but it is advisable to insure your vision before indulging yourself in such heavy pocketed vision corrective surgeries.
Vision insurance is not simply putting on eye glasses. It's much more than that. Even if you have a severe eye disease, your vision coverage will provide you with eye prescriptions like glasses or contact lenses helping to reduce the costs you will have to bear yourself.
Vision insurance is a form of coverage that is often not included in many insurance plans offered by employers, although it is becoming more common today. These are benefit programs where the employee selects the coverage plan as desired and pays the premium. Most plans provide the minimum coverage, eye exam, glasses, contacts lenses and glaucoma testing with the amount paid depending on the terms of the policy.
Vision insurance policy not only covers eye care solutions and regular visits to the doctor, rather it also helps you to save money which can otherwise become a costly affair for you. Obtaining this value-added vision insurance, you will have access to a network of eye care providers including ophthalmologists and optometrists, optical laboratories, eyewear stores, and LASIK/PRK surgeons. Routine eye check-ups and preventive eye care services are also added in these insurance policies that are provided at reduced rates.
The best thing about vision insurance is that the insurance companies are bound to implement quality standards while choosing the service providers. This way you are assured of being taken care under a reputed eye doctor or eye care center.
There are mainly two vision insurance plans available. One is the benefits package and the other one is the discounted plan. While the former one requires an annual premium to be paid in exchange of eye care services, the latter provides you eye care services with a fixed discount rate after you pay annual premium and a deductible. You can opt for any plan that is suitable to your pocket.
The cost of vision insurance depends upon the design of the program and type of service available. You can obtain a vision insurance plan on individual basis or group basis. As an individual, you can select your own insurance plan. Group vision insurance can be acquired through your association, company or a government program like Medicare.

About the Author
Dr. Michael Ragen expert in laser eye surgery,lasik eye surgery,vision correction,eye surgery,lasik surgery,epilasik,ck eye surgery,eyelid surgery,cataract surgery.Visit: laser eye surgery, lasik eye surgery, vision

Easy Guide To LASIK and Laser Eye Surgery

by Mariah

If you have been wondering what LASIK is or what laser eye surgery is and what the cost of the surgery is, the following information may be of help to you. Basically LASIK constitutes the combining of two distinct processes: 1) creating a corneal flap, and 2) sculpting the cornea below the flap with a laser. LASIK may treat both myopia and hyperopia with or without astigmatism. Patients are treated and cared for from over 87 nations.
Although the excimer laser had been in use for several years earlier, the development of LASIK is usually credited to Ioannis Pallikaris from Greece about 1991. Prior to 1999, all LASIK was performed off-label, meaning the Food and Drug Administration didn't okay its practice. This next-generation LASIK addresses fundamental vision problems that previously comprised imperceptible and untreatable conditions.
In the U.S. exclusively, laser surgery is performed upon over a million patients each year, and it's presently the most popular refractive surgical procedure obtainable. If you're interested in laser sight correction, weigh what surgery could mean to you. And selecting the proper LASIK surgeon makes up a critical part of any eye surgical process. Your operating surgeon should be accessible to resolve your surgery queries well before the operation and after the procedure as well.
The surgical process is worthy for anyone who's miserable wearing eyeglasses or contact lenses and has eliminated any other solution to the problem. The surgical process is most suitable for hearty patients who are at least eighteen years old. The surgery could now also be an alternative for presbyopia correction; the surgery may correct one eye for distance vision and the opposite eye for close vision in a procedure called Monovision.
At the vision correction centers, surgery starts after the patient is comfortable with numbing anesthetic eye drops. The surgical procedure itself is usually painless or just about pain-free, and results may be experienced immediately. Those who experience LASIK eye surgery open their formerly bleary eyes and in the morning and are immediately able to see the alarm clock and the beautiful sunrise - no more glasses and no more contacts.
It is essential to be well aware that the surgical procedure is not a guarantee of faultless vision, and a few patients could necessitate more surgery to further heighten their vision. And there could be complications. We don't know the long-term effects or risks of the surgery. Nevertheless, the vast majority of patients who have experienced laser eye surgery are pleased with the outcome. In addition to comprehensive ophthalmology care and prescribed eye examinations, eye surgeons generally offer their patients the most advanced vision correction procedures, including LASIK, Custom LASIK, PRK, Intacs for Keratoconus, and Cataract Surgery.
If your vision insurance or health insurance policy or plan does not handle the cost of laser eye surgery or the cost of LASIK eye surgery or vision correction or any additional eye procedure you require, you could look at traveling to some other country to get the affordable laser eye surgery you require. Many other countries offer LASIK or laser eye surgery at a very low cost. Of course you need to take into account all your traveling expenses unless you combine it with a planned vacation besides.
LASIK eye surgery, or Laser assisted in-situ keratomileusis, has transformed the way millions of Americans have looked at the world for many years now. Before arriving at your decision, make sure to discover all you are able to about the LASIK eye procedure, its benefits, and its risks, as well as the cost of laser eye surgery, especially if it is not covered in an existing policy. Talk over any doubts you have with your ophthalmologist or surgeon well ahead of time. Ask others who have had the procedure done for some feedback. Ask your doctor for names of patients you can get feedback from. When you have done all your homework you will know you haven't made a hasty decision and can rest assured you have made the right one.

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Check out http://losangeleslasik.us/

Treating Amblyopia in Adults

by Dr Levinger

What is Amblyopia?
Amblyopia, otherwise known as "lazy eye", defines a condition that is characterized by the inadequacy of visual acuity classically occurring in one eye. Even with eyeglasses or contact lenses, visual acuity does not exceed 6/9. Amblyopia develops when the eye does not develop adequate visual acuity during early childhood. Several underlying causes can be responsible for the development of Amblyopia, strabismus (crossed eyes) being one of the major contributors. The condition itself is due to a failure of the brain to work in conjunction with the eyes for the purpose of developing clear visual images during early stages of development. (Amblyopia usually occurs in one eye but can occur in both.) As a result, the brain ignores a poor visual image received from the affected eye, and favors the eye that provides a clearer image.
What is the NeuroVision technique?
The NeuroVision technique is an effective non-surgical solution of treating Amblyopia for adults. The method is based on improving vision by visually stimulating the cells that comprise the image processing system in the brain, the primary visual cortex. Consequently, corrective channels are developed by the brain to receive a clear visual image, thereby enhancing visual acuity and quality. For many years there have been several attempts to develop an effective treatment for adults with Amblyopia. At first, the Neurovision technique was not considered as a method for treating adults with Amblyopia, but as of late, this method has proved extremely successful for just this purpose. The uniqueness of this non-invasive technique offers a safe and effective alternative to a population of people whose options for treatment were extremely limited.
Mode of Treatment
Once the information obtained during compatibility testing is entered, the NeuroVision system creates a personalized treatment plan and exercise program for the patient. The patient can conduct the majority of treatment sessions at home using his PC (computer). At the end of each treatment, the results are transmitted to Enaim's central control system via Internet. The control system processes the information and tailors each following treatment for the patient according to the rate of progress. The customized exercise sessions stimulate the visual centers of the brain to receive the visual images, thereby resulting in improved visual acuity and quality.
Compatibility Test
This comprehensive examination is essential for the success of the treatment. The examination includes a review of the patient's medical history, corneal topography, measuring of visual acuity and quality, an examination of three-dimensional vision, an review of a candidate's eyeglass prescription and a comprehensive examination by an expert ophthalmologist. At the conclusion of this process, the physician will summarize the findings, thereby creating an effective treatment plan.
Who is a suitable candidate?
People suffering from Amblyopia, aged 9-55 years, whose visual acuity ranges between 6/9-6/30. The treatment will not be suitable for people suffering from eye disorders such as cataract, glaucoma, keratoconus, corneal problems, nystagmus, and retinal problems. Additionally disqualified are those with epilepsy and pregnant women.
Advantages of the Technique
• The treatment is non-invasive. • The treatment is not painful. • The treatment provides flexibility - the majority of treatments can be conducted at home. • The treatment has received approvals from the Israeli Ministry of Health, the FDA, and the Mark CE (the European standard).
The NeuroVision technique for treating Amblyopia is exclusively offered by the Enaim Medical Centers.

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הסרת משקפיים בלייזר lasik surgery israel

Oakley Sunglasses - Fashion Men and Women Eyeglasses

by Mr. Jigney Bhachech

Oakley is the only brand renowned for its designer sunglasses and ski goggles. Jim Jannard, the founder of Oakley eyewear in USA first developed motor bike hand grips and sold them at the motor bike events. After gathering an innovative response to his product, he moved on to sunglasses line. At present Oakley sunglasses are creating a new trend in the fashion world. They gained a separate position in the field of fashion and are creating some exciting products by keeping pace with the changing trend.
Branded Oakley sunglasses are no way comparable with any other sunglasses. These designer sunglasses are offered for men, women and especially for sports persons. Oakley sunglasses are designed by infusing some special features like style, functionality and security resulting a cool pair of shades. Generally, Oakley sunglasses are available with feather weight materials and with impact protection feature. Of course, Oakley sunglasses are a little bit expensive but we assure that you can enjoy completely for what you have paid. The lenses are adjustable and can be replaced with various colors of your choice.
Plutonite lenses are common for the entire sunglasses line of Oakley. These lenses are made up of polycarbonate aiming towards superior comfort, luxury, vision clarity, UV protection and some other features. In fact, each and every piece of sunglass from Oakley offers 100 percent UVA and UVB protection. Even the non tinted fashion Oakley sunglasses offer the same UVA and UVB protection. In addition to this the extended design of the frame for protection against high velocity and high mass impact.
The polarization technology of designer Oakley sunglasses surpasses the international standards as they have the efficiency to block polarized light waves. Besides the regular techniques of incorporating polarization films and drop forming they use injection molding process to infuse the lens material around the filter.
Oakley sunglasses are specially designed for comfort and security of the users. These fashion eyeglasses are designed in such a way ensuring the frames contact only at the nose and at the two ears. This shows that each and every point is considered efficiently while engineering your sunglasses.
Branded-sunglasses.com in USA offers a huge collection of authentic designer sunglasses and eyeglasses. We offer the most popular designer sunglasses with 100 percent UVA and UVB protection as well as with 1 year warranty. At our online sunglasses store there is a possibility for you to choose from a wide variety of fashion and colors to absolutely satisfy your taste.
Be aware of some fake or replica Oakley sunglasses that are available in this open market. These replica sunglasses are best only in terms of price and no way comparable in other terms. Visit our online store to avoid this confusion between replica and authentic designer sunglasses.

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Branded Sunglasses located in California, USA offers designer wear authentic sunglasses. Branded-sunglasses.com is always up-to-date with today's trends like Bvlgari sunglasses, Carrera Sunglasses, Christian Dior Sunglasses. SEO services provided by Jigney Bhachech, CEO Opal Infotech, India.

Progressive Eyeglasses: A Step Ahead in Technology

by Article Expert

You must have heard of designer glasses, of contact lens, prescription glasses and bifocal glasses. Yet, have you heard of progressive glasses? Progressive glasses are a march ahead towards technology. Progressive eye glasses are one step ahead of bifocal glasses. They are made for elderly people mostly. Yet the young ones are equally eligible for them. Many online agencies are coming up with progressive eyeglasses at cheap rates. You can customize the frames according to your needs. Expect the eyeglasses to reach you within count of just few days with these online agencies.
What are progressive eyeglasses?
The eye muscles adjust to the object accordingly. In case you are watching something close by, the eye ball flattens yet if you are watching something far away the eye ball bulges. This muscle is like elastic. But with time this elasticity fades or else in case of weak muscles (in youths) resulting in troubles. The progressive eyeglasses with their theory of near, middle and far sightedness, work well for all age groups alike. Their lenses are made in such a way that the focal length of the eyes change according to the object. They are as good as healthy vision. You can also make them photo chromatic if you wish.
Where will you be getting one?
Many online agencies have sprung up in recent times that cater your need of buying a progressive eyeglass. All you need to do is simply place an order, online, of the frame of your choice. There are myriad colours, designs and material frames to choose from. You just have to mention the power of your eyes as per recommendation of the doctor. There are many agencies that can produce glasses even if you have special requests like- your frame to be made up of gold, silver, wood, leather or even bone! If you like frames of designer wear but want them to fit in your progressive eyeglasses lenses then you can definitely request to do that even! Search the net for such online agencies that provide you infinite choices at cut down prices. They also have tips reading which will let know what will look best on your face. Each type of frame assures different looks for you. Simply go and check out the best for you or else experiment something unusual. If you want to go in for more than one pair you can easily do so even.

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GlobalEyeGlasses.co.uk is one of the largest global online optician, which offers Progressive Reading Eyeglasses, Eyeglasses Lens and Eyeglass frame online, with the best quality. Buy Discount Eyeglasses from here according to requirements.

Sunglasses: No longer just for looking cool

by Melanie Cath

Sunglasses are a visual aid invented around the 12th century. At the time, they came with colored lenses to soften strong light and prevent it from coming in contact with the eyes. But over the years, sunglasses (also known as spectacles or shades) have evolved from just being practical solutions to the discomfort brought by the sun, to fashionable accessories. Now, as more and more people are becoming health conscious, sunglasses are slowly being regarded as, primarily, health gadgets again. After all, they were invented as such in the first place.
Price is not the only factor when choosing the right pair of sunglasses. Regardless of brand and price, the right pair of sunglasses should offer some level of eye protection. Guidelines in place in the USA state that effective sunglasses should block ultraviolet-B light (UVB) by 99% and ultraviolet-A light (UVA) by 95%. If the pair you choose has this level of ultraviolet protection, eye diseases like cataracts or macular degeneration can be prevented. So it is important to check the packaging of sunglasses for the level of protection they offer before you make your purchase. The said level can often be found indicated on the labels and leaflets, or on the stickers attached to the lenses themselves.
So before you buy the trendiest sunglasses being sported by the hottest celebrity of the moment, take time out to consider their real value. It is good to look fashionable but it is even better to have healthy eyes. Poor eyesight is totally not cool.

About the Author
Mel writes about sunglasses , pandora jewellery and other related topics.

Free Eye Exam Coupons

by Yan Susanto

Good eyes are essential for every situation in life. Eye problems can affect young and old alike. Although good glasses or good contact lenses can be expensive, you will very probably need them, since almost the whole population needs them at some point in their life.
If you want to save money, don't compromise the quality. Shop around for getting better deals. Go for special offers and coupons. Specially free eye exam coupons are very handy. They are more convenient that coupons for frames or contact lenses. That's mainly due to the fact that possibly you don't need glasses. If you get your eyes tested for free, you'll know if everything is OK for free.
In America many centers offer free eye exam coupons. A very known source of free eye exam coupons is the Wal-Mart Vision Center.
Although, the Wal-Mart Vision Center has more than 2,000 shops around the US, some people still want to shop around for even better offers. There is no problem in the offer of Walmart glasses. There are well-priced and fashionable, however, not everyone finds something appropriate for himself there.
Other options for free eye exam coupons can be found at Lens Crafters. The advantage of this chain is that they produce frames designed for each face type. They won't not only improve your sight, but also your looks.
Pearle Vision offer coupons on their site. The offers are not very common, but they are amazing. At least, you should get a free eye exam. Bookings can be made through the site.
Empire Vision Centers is perhaps the cheapest choice. And they have lots of offers on the top of their low prices. Check them out.
JC Penney Optical Center offer coupons for its products and services. You can buy frames, contacts or get an eye exams downloading a coupon from their site.
The Eye Care Club at America's Best is another retailers that can save you lots of money on eye exams, frames or contacts lenses. Just check out for their free eye exam coupons.

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There are also plenty of free eye exam coupons online where you can use them for purchases of eyeglasses for a lot less while some even offer free eye exams.

Clues that you may need to get an eye exam

by Jennifer Basset

Unless you are one of the fortunate people who will have perfect eyesight for their whole lives, eventually you may notice that your eyesight is not as sharp and accurate as it used to be, and you may need to get contact lenses or glasses.
There are some red flags you need to be conscious of that may be early warnings that your eyes may be in need of a checkup.
Discomfort - Occasional discomfort or pressure around the eyes is normal and not necessarily something to be worried about. Discomfort can also be induced by a bright light, having the flu or a cold, or a headache. Certain medications can also have eye discomfort as a side effect. If you ever experience eye discomfort or pain that persists or gets worse over time, it could be a warning sign that you need to visit an eye doctor.
Blurry vision - This is similar to eye discomfort in that in can happen from time to time and be totally normal and nothing out of the ordinary, such as when the ambient light in a room suddenly changes or if you rub your eyes really hard, or even from a cold or allergies. Because of this, people tend to ignore blurry vision. But if your blurry vision isn't caused by one of these things, and if it doesn't go away or gets worse over time, it may be a sign that something is wrong with your eyes and a visit to the eye doctor may be in order.
It is also a good idea to get regular eye exams because some conditions do not show symptoms early on, such as glaucoma. Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness in America and doesn't show symptoms in the beginning, although it can still be detected by an eye doctor at this time. Early detection and treatment is necessary.
It is important to see an eye doctor if you are having any of these symptoms with your eyes. It is also important to have annual checkups just to make sure there is nothing wrong with your eyes that you haven't noticed.

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To get information about saving money at the eye doctor, visit Eye Exam Coupons. You can also read a discussion about glasses vs. contacts here at Mylot or read about needing to get glasses at this blog entry.