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Laser Vision Correction: The
Miracle of the 21st Century
By: Mark A. Sibley, M.D., F.A.C.S
Jack Sibley, my
father, got his first pair of eyeglasses in first grade. His
glasses were as thick as coke bottles in every picture I have ever
seen of him. Without his glasses he could not even see the lint in
his navel. Today he sees 20/20 without glasses.
My brother, Paul Sibley, M.D., a surgeon, got his first eyeglasses
in junior high. He graduated to contact lenses a year later. His
vision was never clear, and his eyes were never comfortable and
always irritated. His eyes would dry out on airplanes, and he
feared losing a contact lens every time he went scuba diving.
Today his vision also is 20/20 without glasses.
Both my father and brother used to joke about having to listen to
people on the beach to know which way to swim to shore when they
were in the ocean. They laugh about the "old days" when they could
not find their own beach towel coming out of the water in Daytona
Beach where we grew up. Now they sit around comparing who has the
best vision and whose eyes are more "bionic." They laugh about the
time they spent with "four eyes" instead of two.
Besides being father and son, what they have in common is that
both of them decided to abandon their glasses (visual crutches)
with a treatment called refractive surgery.
Millions of people could soon be free of their glasses thanks to
refractive surgery. Vision correction with laser or R.K. has
become very simple, safe and successful. The treatment can mean
the end of cumbersome eye-wear (glasses or contact lenses) for
those with nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism.
Over 60 million Americans could receive this treatment. I predict
that refractive surgery will become the world's most common
surgical procedure within two years.
This could be called the "eye laser miracle." We are finally
reaching a point where people feel comfortable with the idea of
having it done.
There are three ways to get clear vision: eyeglasses, contact
lenses, or refractive treatment. Refractive treatment options have
now increased. The three main procedures available are R.K., P.R.K.
(excimer laser) and LASIK.
Option one includes R.K. Using a diamond scalpel; the surgeon
makes a series of microscopic radial, spoke-like incisions. There
is no laser involved. There is a high success rate, but this is
limited to nearsightedness or astigmatism correction only. This
has been successfully performed in the United States since 1978.
Option two is PRK (excimer laser). A computer-guided laser
vaporizes tissue across the surface of the cornea. It is as if the
contact lens prescription was being engraved on the surface of the
eye instead of wearing a contact lens. The FDA approved this in
1995.
Option three is LASIK. The eye surgeon has to cut and lift the
thin, protective flap. The computer-guided laser then vaporizes
the tissue similar to PRK at this middle level and the flap is
repositioned in place.
The PRK and the LASIK can treat farsightedness in addition to
nearsightedness and astigmatism. The FDA just approved this in
July of 1999.
Laser vision correction/refractive surgery could free millions
from their glasses. My father and brother were two of those
patients. Fortunately, their results were 20/20 vision in both
eyes. Each one says, "I am seeing better than ever before."
If you've been thinking that Custom
LASIK laser vision correction surgery could transform your life,
come to our free seminar and learn more about how this amazing
procedure has freed millions of patients from the need to wear
glasses or contact lenses!
Our Seminars last about an hour and
refreshments will be served. Seating is limited so RSVP today by
calling (727) 895-2020. Our next seminar is November 28, 2006 at
6:00 p.m.
For more
information
www.floridaeyecenter.com or call Florida Eye Center at
727-895-2020. Dr. Sibley has over 20 years of experience in the
ever-evolving field of ophthalmology. He is a board-certified
ophthalmologist, F.A.C.S., and he is highly trained to perform the
advanced operations offered by the Florida Eye Center. He is
medical advisor to the Society to Prevent Blindness and to the
American Diabetes Association, and is team ophthalmologist for the
Devil Rays. Send Dr. Sibley an email:
DrSibley@FloridaEyeCenter.com
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