“Bionic Eye” Becomes Reality

If you remember television shows from the 1970s, you’re sure to remember The Six Million Dollar Man. Actor Lee Majors played Col. Steve Austin, an astronaut severely injured in a crash who was later rebuilt with bionic implants in his right arm, legs and left eye. The “bionic man” had super strength, speed and vision. Viewers of this series undoubtedly fantasized about how it would feel to be like the bionic man.

Approximately 40 years later, technology has made the “bionic eye” a reality for patients with the degenerative eye disease retinitis pigmentosa. This disease slowly causes damage to the retina (the back of the eye) and eventually leads to almost complete blindness. The Food and Drug Administration has approved an artificial retina procedure being dubbed as a “bionic eye.” The system uses a tiny camera and transmitter in special eyeglasses to transmit impulses to the retina’s healthy cells to allow for limited restored vision.

Researchers continue to develop new technologies to restore or improve eyesight. Good vision is often taken for granted; but when problems begin to occur, you want to take any measure necessary to protect your precious eyesight. 

Cataracts are another type of slowly progressing condition that can eventually cause blindness if left untreated. Luckily, treatment for cataracts in south Florida is not only available, but also quick, virtually painless and extremely effective.

Lake Dillon Eye Care surgeons use LenSx® technology to provide laser-based cataract surgery. This is a customizable 3-D surgical platform that allows the surgeons to visualize, customize and perform many of the most challenging steps of cataract surgery. Your affected lens is removed to make way for the implantation of an intraocular lens (IOL). 

Some of Lake Dillon Eye Cares’ cataract patients feel as though they have super-human eyesight when they choose cataract premium IOLs over standard monofocal IOLs. These artificial implants can correct other vision conditions, such as astigmatism and presbyopia (the need for reading glasses), often giving older patients the vision of their youth.

Bladeless cataract surgery in Lake Dillon Eye Care may not give you bionic vision, but it may help you eliminate cloudy vision and give you a new outlook on life. Schedule an eye exam in Lake Dillon at Lake Dillon Eye Care. Call 970-468-0389 or visit lakedilloneye.com to schedule an eye exam or Cataract Consultation.

New Year, New You: Make Up Your Mind Day

Now you have a deadline to stop being indecisive.

Dec. 31, 2014 is “Make Up Your Mind Day.” If you are known in your circle of friends for struggling to make any type of decision…from choosing a menu item to choosing a boyfriend, it’s time to stop wavering.

“Indecision may or may not be my problem.” – Jimmy Buffet

This wacky observation can apply to virtually any aspect of your life…including the decision to undergo a potentially positive life-changing procedure like Dillon LASIK vision correction.

How many times have you:

• Gotten frustrated with your contact lenses?
• Broken or lost your prescription glasses?
• Ran out of contact cleaning solution in the most inopportune times?
• Wished you could participate in sports without the hassles of glasses or contacts?

If you have wished for 20/20 vision and wondered if blade-free LASIK in Dillon, CO might be the answer, what is holding you back?

• Cost?
• Fear?
• Time?

“The risk of a wrong decision is preferable to the terror of indecision” - Maimonides

At Lake Dillon Eye Care, we can help you learn more about your own eye anatomy and tell you if LASIK is a possibility for achieving 20/20 vision during a free LASIK Consultation. We’ll also explain in detail how the procedure is accomplished and what potential risks exist, as well as give you LASIK financing options to make the procedure work within your budget.

But the ultimate decision is up to you.

Isn't it time you got decisive about your visual freedom?

Make Dec. 31, 2014 the day you decide to truly have a New Year, New You in 2015. Call 970-468-0389 or visit lakedilloneye.com to get started.

Does Your Computer Need Glasses?

If you are over age 40, you may be experiencing the effects of presbyopia on your eyesight. Presbyopia is the gradual stiffening of the eye lens that makes it more difficult for the eyes to focus on near objects. This condition happens to almost everyone as they age (even if you’ve had successful LASIK vision correction surgery) and is the reason why so many adults need reading glasses to read things like menus, books, tablets, computers and smart phones clearly.

But what if your computer screen wore your glasses for you?

Researchers at UC Berkeley are developing a technology that may, in essence, create glasses for your computer, tablet or other type of screen. They have developed a prototype of a vision-correcting display using a printed pinhole screen in between two layers of clear plastic to enhance image sharpness. The “computation” technique distorts the screen image based on each user’s unique visual impairment, allowing the image to look clear for that individual. The ultimate goal is to reduce or eliminate the need for glasses or contacts to read displays on screens.

Will this technology eventually replace LASIK in Lake Dillon? Probably not, because LASIK not only corrects farsightedness; it also corrects nearsightedness and astigmatism. However, it may help those individuals who have had successful LASIK surgery reduce their need for reading glasses later in life when presbyopia creeps in – at least when looking at displays. Time will tell.

If you are experiencing any changes in your vision or want to reduce your dependence on glasses or contacts, contact Lake Dillon Eye Care at 970-468-0389 or lakedilloneye.com to schedule an eye exam or a free LASIK Consultation in Lake Dillon. 

KaChoo! Is it a Cold or the Flu?

You know the feeling. It starts with a slight tickle in your throat, or the feeling that something “isn’t quite right.” Then…boom! You’re sick.

But how do you know if you have a common cold or the full-blown flu?

The flu typically comes on fast, while a cold can start slowly and gradually become worse. The symptoms of each condition are different, too.

Cold Symptoms

• Nasal congestion
• Runny nose
• Sneezing
• Cough
• Sore throat
•  Itchy throat
• Fatigue
• Mild cough

A cold typically lasts about three days, but congestion may continue a week or more. Sometimes cold complications develop, which can lead to sinus infections, bronchitis, ear infections or asthma attacks.

Flu Symptoms

• High fever
• Extreme muscle aching over your entire body
• Major fatigue
• Headache
• Sore throat
• Nasal discharge
• Dry cough
• Vomiting or stomach pain (in children)

Flu symptoms can last one to two weeks. Flu complications can lead to pneumonia, dehydration, sinus infections, ear infections, hospitalization or even death.

Whether you have the cold or flu, these illnesses can wipe you out and zap your strength. When you are sick, the last thing you want to worry about is fumbling for glasses to read medication bottles or make your way to the restroom in the middle of the night. Successful LASIK vision correction in Lake Dillon can help to minimize – or even eliminate – those added discomforts when you are ill. LASIK works by using a laser to correct your specific refractive error that causes blurry vision at near, distant or all vision distances. If you are nearsighted, farsighted or have astigmatism in Lake Dillon LASIK might be right for you. 

It is estimated that between 5% - 20% of people in the United States get the flu every year, and it’s safe to say that a large majority of those people wear corrective lenses. Flu season starts in the fall and really gains strength in January and February. But this pesky virus can continue wreaking havoc well into the spring months.

The flu is spread when flu germ droplets land on you via coughs, sneezes or by touching a surface that is laced with the virus. These germ droplets can be anywhere: on shopping cart handles, school desks, phones, books, door handles, etc. The flu virus can live on hard surfaces up to eight hours! To minimize your risk of getting the flu, keep your distance from people who are sick, frequently wash your hands and avoid touching your mouth, nose or eyes.

Your best defense against the flu? Get a flu vaccine! Seasonal flu vaccines work by causing antibodies to grow in the body two weeks after vaccination. This year’s vaccines protect against three types of viruses. The type of protection included in each year’s vaccination is different to keep up with the changing flu viruses. The flu vaccine is available as a flu shot or as a nasal spray. 

Your best defense against blurry vision caused by a refractive error? Get LASIK in Lake Dillon at Lake Dillon Eye Care! Our LASIK technology helps most patients achieve 20/20 vision, but the procedure is not right for everyone. Our doctors can determine if you are a good candidate for LASIK through a comprehensive eye exam.

Contact Lake Dillon Eye Care today to schedule a free LASIK Consultation…before flu season knocks you down. You can call 970-468-0389 or schedule an appointment anytime day or night by visiting lakedilloneye.com. 

Eyeglasses for Eyestrain

If you work long hours at a computer, you are probably no stranger to eye strain in Lake Dillon. This is an actual condition called computer vision syndrome (CVS) that can cause blurry vision, eye irritation, headaches neck pain and back pain.

Causes of Computer Vision Syndrome

CVS is like a repetitive stress injury that can worsen over time.

• Looking down at the keyboard and then back up to the monitor strains the eye muscles due to the constant shift of focus.
•  If you choose not to wear your prescription lenses as you work (to correct nearsightedness or astigmatism), you will be forced to strain to see the monitor clearly.
• If you do not keep your lens prescription up-to-date, you may be adding to the eye strain.
•   The onset of presbyopia (the need for reading glasses) beginning around age 40 can make it more difficult to focus on the computer monitor.  
•  Workstations that are not ergonomically-designed may cause you to crane your neck, slouch or arrange your body in an awkward position to compensate.

Look cool in your cubical!

Special computer glasses featuring lens coatings and tints that reduce glare can help to reduce the symptoms of CVS. These glasses can be purchased in non-prescription versions or in versions that support your specific refractive error. Before you invest in these glasses, be sure to read reviews online so you can make the best decision; these glasses don’t work for everyone.

Not surprisingly, prescription computer glasses cost more than non-prescription glasses. And if your prescription changes frequently, you will need to invest in new glasses regularly.

One way to combat the ongoing expense of glasses, contact lenses and cleaning solutions is by investing in the one-time cost of LASIK vision correction in Lake Dillon. Our doctors at Lake Dillon Eye Care can determine if your eyes are right for LASIK during a free LASIK Consultation. 

Other Ways to Control Eyestrain

•  Every 20 minutes on the computer look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This is known as the 20-20-20 rule.
• Set a timer to remind yourself to take breaks from your screen (it’s easy to lose track of time when you are focused!)
• Identify and implement the right ergonomics for your computer workstation by visiting the OSHA website.
• Adjust the brightness and contrast of your computer monitor and reduce the glare on your screen from lights or windows.

20/20 doesn’t mean an end to 20-20-20

Even if you have a successful LASIK procedure at Lake Dillon Eye Care and achieve 20/20 vision, it’s still important to practice the 20-20-20 rule! CVS can affect anyone who sits in front of a computer for long periods of time.

To learn more about blade-free LASIK in Lake dillon and find out about 0% LASIK financing, contact Lake Dillon Eye Care today at 970-468-0389 or lakedilloneye.com to schedule a free LASIK Consultation. 

LASIK: The Jelly Club Alternative

Your loved ones probably don’t want a “one year membership in the jelly-of-the-month club” this holiday…

And let’s face it: there are only so many bathrobes, coffee mugs, neckties and kitchen appliances a person needs. If you have a loved one who wears glasses or contacts, give the best gift ever this year: LASIK vision correction in Dillon, Colorado. 

“Clark, that’s the gift that keeps on givin’ the whole year.” – Cousin Eddie from National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation

Cousin Eddie was right! LASIK can reduce or eliminate your need for glasses or contacts by slightly changing the shape of the cornea so light focuses properly on the retina (the back of the eye). Some people can even achieve 20/20 vision after LASIK, allowing them to…

• Work
• Play sports
• Watch movies
• Shop
• Read
• Wake up in the morning

…without the hassles of corrective lenses…all year long.  

Every potential patient must have a proper LASIK Consultation to confirm candidacy for this popular procedure (there is no other way to know for sure). Lake Dillon Eye Care offers free LASIK Consultations in Dillon to help jump start this process. You can schedule an appointment for your loved one (or yourself) online at lakedilloneye.com or by calling 970-468-0389.

You may be thinking that LASIK is too extravagant a gift. But with 0% LASIK financing options available, this becomes a very affordable option. During the Consultation you will find out exactly how much the procedure will cost.

Imagine the look on your loved one’s eyes when they open the gift of better vision this holiday! Contact our doctors to mark one more shopping item off your “to do” list this holiday. 

Happy Thanksgiving from Lake Dillon Eye Care!

All year long the team at Lake Dillon Eye Care is grateful to have a prominent role in the health of our community. This Thanksgiving we want to share some of the specific reasons why we are so thankful:

• We have the in-house technologies that have helped enhance, protect and preserve eyesight for literally thousands of people in our community.

• We get the opportunity to spend time with our patients, getting to know them personally.

• Our practice is based on strong ethical standards; we only recommend LASIK and other procedures if we feel patients will truly achieve the vision results they desire.

• We help patients afford a better quality of life with improved vision through financing for LASIK in Dillon, Colorado and other elective procedures.

• We are able to provide our patients with a comfortable and caring environment for their eye care.

Happy Thanksgiving! Take time to think of the things you are thankful for this holiday season. If you are unhappy with any aspect of your current vision, or are experiencing vision changes in Dillon that are causing you stress, contact Lake Dillon Eye Care to schedule an eye exam or a free LASIK Consultation. Call 970-468-0389 or visit lakedilloneye.com.