by Robert Haverly | May 31, 2018 | News
Considering the financial investment required for LASIK, you’ve probably already compared the cost of the procedure versus the cost of years of continually replacing glasses and contacts. In case you haven’t, this article lays out the details — including a few you might not have thought of.
Based upon discount prices for a popular contact lens brand¹, let’s look at a few figures:
• 90 day supply of daily disposable contacts, per eye: $69.99
• Cost per year for both eyes: $560
• Cost of backup glasses, replaced every 5 years: $250 over 5 years
• Total cost per year for contacts and glasses: $3,000
• Time required for LASIK to pay for itself: less than 5 years
• 20-year savings: 12,198
• Return on investment: 306.6%
• Annual percentage return: 0.238%
If only the same could be said for every monetary decision. Think about how often you pay for convenience: pay more for groceries because the neighborhood store is closer than the discount warehouse, avoid the store altogether and pay for shipping to your door, or gladly hire someone else to do a job that would be inconvenient for you. And you’d never go without text messaging, wireless Internet or automatic car windows, would you? Use this table only as an example; actual figures will vary depending on the type of contacts you wear, how often you replace your glasses and the final cost of your procedure. However, the data suggests that for most patients, LASIK more than pays for itself and yields real savings over time.
None of these conveniences offer any real financial return — they just save time and reduce hassle in our busy lives. Yet, we’d never go without them. We don’t really consider the monetary cost because convenience is oftentimes more important. (Time is money, after all.)
When thinking about your eyesight, consider the toll that contacts and glasses take on your lifestyle. Think about the time you spend squeezing in last-minute eye appointments, ordering replacement contacts, and the small (but very real) drudgery of putting contacts in and taking them out every day. According to an independently-conducted survey, the average person spends 63 hours a year managing, changing and cleaning his or her glasses and contacts — that’s more than two days. ²
Glasses and contacts cause other major inconveniences that you simply grow used to. You’ve surely gone for a run or played sports with glasses sliding down your sweaty nose. You’ve messed with your contacts when you travel, because sleeping in them irritates your eyes. You’ve run out of contacts when something unexpected comes up. You’ve fumbled for your glasses before checking on your sick kids in the middle of the night. None of this sounds horrible by itself, but repeatedly and over time, you have to admit that relying on eyewear just to see the world around you is a real pain.
Others have been in your place. Tawnya G., a LASIK patient from Arizona, said, “I’ve worn glasses or contacts since I was nine years old. By the time I was 31, I was pretty much blind without glasses or contacts. I was sick of it! I was tired of stumbling around at night looking for my glasses to take care of my kids. I decided to get LASIK, and it was the best investment I’ve ever made! I made sure to have the procedure before a trip to the Havasupai Canyon. I experienced and saw things on that trip that I would have not been able to without LASIK. I truly feel LASIK changed my life.”
LASIK is one investment that improves your lifestyle and offers positive financial returns. The same can’t be said for most other purchases, where we’re usually faced with tough choices between convenience and cost.
Alex, a LASIK patient from Georgia, said, “My job as a firefighter required me to wear contacts 24/7. As you can imagine, that was often frustrating. I had LASIK in September 2010. My job — my entire well-being — has improved since then. The fact that I will be saving money in the long run also makes this the best decision I’ve ever made. You genuinely have a better attitude with perfect vision. I encourage anyone thinking about LASIK to get a consultation. They will work with you. It truly was a great experience.”
If you haven’t already, take some time to calculate your own numbers. Tally your personal expenditures on glasses and contacts. Schedule a LASIK consultation to get a better idea of the investment it requires. Then go beyond the numbers and recognize that your eyesight is more than just a convenience. LASIK often improves eyesight with one simple procedure. If your eyes are the windows to your soul, make sure yours are automatic car windows.
¹ Nichols, Jason J., OD, MPH, PhD, FAAO, and the staff of Contact Lens Spectrum: Annual Report: Contact Lenses 2010.
² Independent online study conducted by Empower MediaMarketing — January, 2012.
Prices from 1800Contacts.
by Robert Haverly | May 25, 2018 | News
Three Things Patients Should Know About Cataracts
Laser Eye Surgery shares facts about the eye condition and the surgery used to treat it
Erie, PA – Approximately 25 million Americans have cataracts, which causes cloudy, blurry or dim vision and often develops with advancing age. This June, Laser Eye Surgery of Erie joins the American Academy of Ophthalmology in observing Cataract Awareness Month by sharing three things everyone should know about the condition and its treatment.
As everyone grows older, the lenses of their eyes thicken and become cloudier. Eventually, they may find it more difficult to read street signs. Colors may seem dull. These symptoms may signal cataracts, which affect about 70 percent of people by age 75. Fortunately, cataracts can be corrected with surgery. Ophthalmologists, physicians who specialize in medical and surgical eye care, perform around three million cataract surgeries each year to restore vision to those patients. Get an idea of what someone with cataracts might experience with this cataract vision simulator. The following are facts people should know about the condition.
1. Age isn’t the only risk factor for cataracts. Though most everyone will develop cataracts with age, recent studies show that lifestyle and behavior can influence when and how severely you develop cataracts. Diabetes, extensive exposure to sunlight, smoking, obesity, high blood pressure and certain ethnicities have all been linked to increased risk of cataracts. Eye injuries, prior eye surgery and long-term use of steroid medication can also result in cataracts. If you have any of these or other risk factors, talk to an ophthalmologist.
2. Cataracts cannot be prevented, but you can lower your risk. Wearing UV-blocking sunglasses and brimmed hats when outside can help. Several studies suggest that eating more vitamin C-rich foods may delay how fast cataracts form. , Also, avoid smoking cigarettes, which have been shown to increase the risk of cataract development.
3. Surgery may help improve more than just your vision. During the procedure, the natural clouded lens is replaced with an artificial lens called an intraocular lens, which should improve your vision significantly. Patients have a variety of lenses to choose from, each with different benefits. Studies have shown that cataract surgery can improve quality of life and reduce the risk of falling. If cataracts are interfering with your ability to see well, consider asking your ophthalmologist about cataract surgery.
A life-changing surgery
At age 49, Michael Sargent’s vision had become so impaired by cataracts that he couldn’t distinguish shapes or colors without his glasses on, even if objects were right in front of him. His ophthalmologist recommended cataract surgery.
“Having the surgery was life-changing,” said Sargent, who lives in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. “I can see everything from the time on my alarm clock to a bird’s nest in a tree hundreds of feet away without glasses. It’s the most amazing experience I’ve ever had.”
Learn more about cataract symptoms, treatment and types of IOLs at www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-are-cataracts.
Seniors concerned that they may have cataracts may qualify for a no-cost eye exam through EyeCare America, one of largest public service programs in American medicine, is a program of the American Academy of Ophthalmology that provides eye care through a pool of more than 5,000 volunteer ophthalmologists. Ninety percent of the care provided is at no out-of-pocket cost to the patient. The program is co-sponsored by the Knights Templar Eye Foundation, Inc., with additional support provided by Alcon and Regeneron. For more information, visit eyecareamerica.org
by Robert Haverly | May 25, 2018 | News
No Fireworks Are Safe, Even “Innocent” Sparklers Can Cause Serious Eye Injuries
Laser Eye Surgery of Erie wants people to know the facts about fireworks so everyone has a fun and safe Fourth of July
Erie, PA – 5/25/2018 – Fireworks injuries cause approximately 10,000 visits to the emergency department each year, most of them involve children who suffer thousands of eye injuries.1 Though the most disabling injuries occur with illegal firecrackers, most injuries are caused by legal fireworks parents buy for their children, such as sparklers, firecrackers, bottle rockets, and Roman candles.
Every year, ophthalmologists – physicians who specialize in medical and surgical eye care – treat thousands of patients who suffer a range of fireworks-related injuries, from cuts and bruises to damaged corneas and ruptured eyeballs. To help reduce the number of potentially blinding fireworks accidents this holiday, Laser Eye Surgery of Erie joins the American Academy of Ophthalmology in working to share important information about fireworks injuries.
Here are five fireworks facts you should know:
1. Sparklers are NOT safe for young children. Sparklers burn at 1,800 degrees, hot enough to melt some metals. Sparklers are responsible for most of the injuries to children age 5 and younger.1
2. It’s not necessarily safer to view fireworks than it is to light or throw them. Bystanders are injured by fireworks as often as fireworks operators. Eye trauma contributes to an estimated 18 percent of the total number of fireworks injuries. 2
3. Consumer fireworks are not always safe. Sparklers and firecrackers each account for 1,400 injuries to the eyes. The parts of the body most often injured were hands and fingers (an estimated 36 percent); head, face, and ears (an estimated 19 percent); eyes (an estimated 19 percent); legs (an estimated 10 percent); and arms (an estimated 5 percent).1
4. It is not safe to pick up a firework after it has been lit. Even though it looks like a dud, it may not act like one. When Javonte McNair, 14, picked up a previously lit firework, it exploded, severing his hand and blasting hot debris into his eye, causing severe damage to his cornea.
5. The Fourth of July can still be a “blast” without using consumer fireworks. The Academy advises that the safest way to view fireworks is to watch a professional show.
If you experience a fireworks injury, ophthalmologists urge you to minimize the damage to the eye by doing the following:
• Seek medical attention immediately.
• Do not rub the eye. Rubbing may make the injury worse.
• Do not attempt to rinse the eye.
• Do not apply pressure to the eye.
• Do not remove objects from the eye,
• Do not apply ointments or take pain medications before seeking medical help.
To help ensure people get the facts about fireworks, the Academy also created an animated public service announcement titled “Fireworks: The Blinding Truth”. It encourages the public and media to view and share the PSA. Visit the Academy’s EyeSmart® website for more information about fireworks eye safety.
https://www.cpsc.gov/s3fs-public/pdfs/Fireworks_Report_2014.pdf
2http://bjo.bmj.com/content/bjophthalmol/early/2010/06/09/bjo.2009.168419.full.pdf?__EVENTTARGET=&__EVENTARGUMENT=&__VIEWSTATE=/wEPDwUJNDU1NDgwMTIyZGREl3EDvIK%2BoH75q0LCnvxrfaIJZQ%3D%3D&__VIEWSTATEGENERATOR=B320C6F8
by Robert Haverly | Apr 30, 2018 | News
Women Face Higher Risk of Blindness Than Men
Laser Eye Surgery of Erie and American Academy of Ophthalmology urges women to make eye health a top priority in May
5/1/2018 — Studies show there is a gender gap in eye disease. Women are more likely than men to suffer from sight-threatening conditions such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), cataracts, and glaucoma.1 In support of Healthy Vision Month in May, Laser Eye Surgery of Erie and the American Academy of Ophthalmology remind seniors to make vision a top priority.
Women make up 65 percent of AMD cases, 61 percent of glaucoma and cataract cases, and 66 percent of blind patients.2 Why the inequity? There are a few theories. On average, women live longer; many eye problems are age-related. Some eye conditions, such as dry eye, are more common in women, young and old. Social and economic factors affect women’s access to eye care, especially in developing countries.
Whatever the cause, there are a few unique vision problems women need to watch out for more than men. Dry eye occurs at double the rate in postmenopausal women.3 In general, women are more susceptible to autoimmune diseases than men, many of which affect vision, such as lupus, Sjögren’s syndrome and hyperthyroiditis. Also, pregnancy can cause vision changes due to hormone fluctuations.
Good news is most vision loss is preventable. The Academy offers five simple steps to take control of your eye health today:
• Get a comprehensive medical eye exam at age 40. Early signs of disease or changes in vision may begin at this age. An exam by an ophthalmologist – a physician who specializes in medical and surgical eye care – is an opportunity to carefully examine the eye for diseases and conditions that may have no symptoms in the early stages. For those concerned about the cost of an exam, the Academy’s EyeCare America® program may be able to help. More than 5,500 dedicated volunteer ophthalmologists provide eye exams and care, often at no out-of-pocket cost to eligible patients. Learn if you qualify at eyecareamerica.org.
• Know your family history. Certain eye diseases can be inherited. If you have a close relative with macular degeneration, you have a 50 percent chance of developing this condition. A family history of glaucoma increases your glaucoma risk by four to nine times. Talk to family members about their eye conditions. It can help you and your ophthalmologist evaluate your risk.
• Eat healthy foods. A diet low in fat and rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, benefits the entire body, including the eyes. Eye-healthy food choices include citrus fruits, vegetable oils, nuts, whole grains, dark green leafy vegetables and cold water fish.
• Stop smoking. Smoking increases the risk for eye diseases such as cataract and age-related macular degeneration. Smoking also raises the risk for cardiovascular diseases which can indirectly influence your eye health. Tobacco smoke, including second-hand smoke, also worsens dry eye.
• Wear sunglasses. Exposure to ultraviolet UV light raises the risk of eye diseases, including cataract, fleshy growths on the eye and cancer. Always wear a hat and sunglasses with 100 percent UV protection while outdoors.
“Eye exams aren’t only about checking a person’s visual acuity or sharpness, but also determining the overall health of their eyes,” said Rebecca J. Taylor, M.D., clinical spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology. “We encourage everyone, particularly if you’re over age 40, to get regular eye care. By making vision a priority, we can help protect our sight as we age.”
To learn more ways to keep your eyes healthy, visit the American Academy of Ophthalmology’s EyeSmart® website.
About the American Academy of Ophthalmology
The American Academy of Ophthalmology is the world’s largest association of eye physicians and surgeons. A global community of 32,000 medical doctors, we protect sight and empower lives by setting the standards for ophthalmic education and advocating for our patients and the public. We innovate to advance our profession and to ensure the delivery of the highest-quality eye care. Our EyeSmart® program provides the public with the most trusted information about eye health. For more information, visit aao.org.
About EyeCare America
EyeCare America, one of the country’s leading public service programs provides eye care through a pool of nearly 6,000 volunteer ophthalmologists. Since 1985, EyeCare America has helped more than 1.8 million people. Ninety percent of the care provided is at no out-of-pocket cost to the patient. For more information, visit eyecareamerica.org.
1. National Eye Institute
2. National Eye Institute
3. Am J Ophthalmol. 2003 Aug;136(2):318-26.
by Robert Haverly | Apr 20, 2018 | News
Nationally Military Appreciate Month falls in May each year. As its title suggests, this observance is meant to raise awareness and encourage celebration and appreciation of those who serve – are who have served – in the armed forces for their country. Every role in each military branch is honored this month, from the foot soldier to the navy chef, from the Air Force navigator to the Army general. This month is also meant to show appreciation for the families of servicewomen and servicemen, who tirelessly stand by and support their serving relative. Of course, Military Appreciation Month also honors the memory of military personnel who sacrificed their safety and ultimately their lives for their nation, and the war veterans of wars gone past who have now passed on.
For the first time ever Laser Eye Surgery of Erie would like to celebrate with a BIG announcement! If you are active or retired from the US Armed Forces, National Guard or Reserve, you could win a FREE LASIK procedure. Our highly skilled surgeons Dr. Haverly and Dr. Kuruvilla have helped thousands of patients achieve outstanding results with LASIK. Winner will be announced via Facebook Live on May 29th. Please share this sweepstakes with family and friends to help show your support this May. Thank you for your service.
Got to www.erielasereye.com/militarylasiksweepstakes/
See sweepstake official rules for entry. Individual results may vary and are not guaranteed. This procedure may not be suitable for all patients. Some restrictions may apply.
