Multi Lx

• What is Multi Lx
• Multifocal IOL Technology
• The Multi Lx Procedure

LASIK

• Why is LASIK so popular?
• Why can't I see well?
• Reshaping the cornea with LASIK
• Is LASIK the only option?
• Am I a good candidate for LASIK?
• How soon can I return to my normal activities after LASIK?
• What will my vision be like after my procedure?
• Is LASIK safe?

Cataract

Multi-Lx is a term used to describe Multifocal Lens Exchange. Multi-Lx is a surgical procedure that uses the same successful techniques of modern cataract surgery to correct nearsightedness and farsightedness. Multi-Lx may be the procedure of choice for those candidates who are too nearsighted, too farsighted or have corneas that are too thin for LASIK. It is also a viable alternative for those who wish to eliminate their dependence on traditional or progressive bifocals and those who may be showing signs (even without symptoms) of developing cataracts.

Modern microsurgical techniques for removing cataracts have evolved and improved dramatically over the past 20 years. During this procedure, the eye's natural lens is removed because it became cloudy as a result of the natural aging process. In the early days, cataract surgery was performed only when a person could no longer see. The cloudy lens was removed in one piece through a large incision that required many stitches. Patients stayed in the hospital for days and after surgery they had to wear thick, distorting cataract glasses or deal with cumbersome contact lenses to see well enough to function. Cataracts are generally believed to be an unavoidable part of the aging process. But the good news is cataract surgery has undergone tremendous technological advances.

One of the most popular ways to correct vision is with a procedure called LASIK (laser in-situkeratomileusis), which uses a laser to change the curvature of the cornea (outer window of the eye). LASIK has quickly become the procedure of choice for most patients because they recover quickly, and have fewer side effects and complications than with other methods of vision correction. In fact, most LASIK patients notice a significant improvement in their vision soon after surgery.

Thanks to new advances in laser technology, LASIK is now an option for those who are nearsighted, farsighted, or who have astigmatism.

The cornea, which covers the front of the eye, bends light rays so they focus directly on the retina, a thin membrane at the back of the eye. The retina sends those images to the brain through the optic nerve, producing eyesight.

If the cornea is too steep, light focuses in front of the retina, causing nearsightedness. Nearsighted people usually see well up close without corrective lenses.
If the cornea is too flat, light focuses behind the retina, causing farsightedness. People who are farsighted usually see well at a distance but need glasses or contacts to see well up close.
Astigmatism results from a cornea with an oval or irregular surface. This results in multiple focus points within the eye. Many people have astigmatism in addition to nearsightedness or farsightedness.

LASIK is the most commonly performed vision correction procedure in the United States. Consistently excellent results and LASIK's rapid healing characteristics have made it extremely popular with patients, and widely accepted by thousands of eye doctors as a legitimate alternative to dependence on glasses and contact lenses.

There is no surgeon or surgical procedure that can guarantee perfect results. As with any surgery or medical procedure, there are possible risks. Your doctor will give you detailed information about LASIK's potential risks, complications, and side effects, and you should get all of your questions answered before giving your consent for surgery.

A cataract is a clouding or darkening that develops in the normally clear lens of the eye. This prevents the lens from properly focusing light on the retina, at the back of the eye, resulting in a loss of vision. It is not a film that grows over the surface of the eye.

No one is exactly sure what causes a cataract, but it is known that chemical changes within the lens cause it to become cloudy. This is often thought of as a part of the natural aging process, but it may also result from heredity, an injury or disease.

Cataracts are most often found in persons over age 55, but are also occasionally found in younger persons and even newborns. Cataracts usually develop in both eyes, but often at different rates. Some cataracts develop slowly over a period of years and others form rapidly within a few months.

In a comprehensive eye examination, your doctor of optometry can determine whether or not you have cataracts.

Cataracts vary in their development from person to person, so the symptoms may also vary. Here are some common symptoms that people experience:

Currently, there is no proven method to prevent cataracts from forming or to make the cloudy lens clear after a cataract has developed. Your doctor of optometry can prescribe changes in your glasses or contact lenses to help you see more clearly as your cataract develops.

Ultimately, if your cataract impairs your daily activities, your optometrist can refer you to an eye surgeon who may recommend surgical removal of the cataract. The surgery is relatively uncomplicated and has a 95% success rate.

When your eye's natural lens is removed during cataract surgery, some type of treatment is usually needed to achieve clear, comfortable vision.

Intra ocular lenses, contact lenses and glasses are all common forms of post-cataract vision correction. Intra ocular lens implants are inserted at the time of surgery and serve as "new" lenses. Daily wear and continuous wear contact lenses have also become increasingly popular as post-cataract vision correction.

Whatever the treatment, regular optometric follow up care is important in making sure you maintain good vision and eye health.

-American Optometic Association