LASIK and PRK are both laser vision correction procedures, which correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Both procedures can also be used to treat presbyopia with an option known as monovision .  With so much information available on the internet, many of our patients come in already educated with the knowledge that there’s more than just one option available to correct their vision.  Since LASIK and PRK are two of the most widely used techniques, this is a question we hear frequently from …
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Punctal plugs are microscopic blockers that are inserted into the tiny openings in the inner eyelids known as punctae, where the tears drain.  These can be helpful for patients who suffer from dry eye symptoms due to reduced quanity of tears and which eye drops alone cannot relieve.  In order to understand how punctal plugs work to alleviate the symptoms of dry eye, it’s helpful to know a little about the anatomy of the eye. Natural tears in the eye …
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Here at Mandel Vision, one of the most rewarding things about specializing in LASIK and PRK laser vision correction is impacting the lives of our patients.  LASIK and PRK have truly been life-changing experiences for many of our patients and we never tire of hearing their stories.  Since uplifting stories are so rare in the news cycle these days, we decided to share these great stories. Steve Witting, Actor LASIK patient Steve struggled with the annoyance of contact lenses drying …
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What is a cataract?  A cataract is an opacity or cloudiness of the natural lens of the eye.  The lens is located behind the iris, or colored part of the eye and is one of the many refractive structures in the eye that contribute to the power of the eye and thus to overall vision.  The lens of the eye also changes shape to help view near objects. What symptoms do cataracts cause? Symptoms may include: Blurred vision Cloudy vision …
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A decreased volume of tears may not be the cause of dry eye symptoms for all patients.  Many patients with dry eyes have underlying factors which cause dryness. One of the most common of these factors is meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), also known as posterior blepharitis .  Employing treatments that target the root cause of dry eye symptoms is the most effective way to treat dry eye. What are the meibomian glands? The meibomian glands are located in the eyelid margins, near the lashes.  …
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February is ARMD (aka:  AMD) awareness month, so it’s a great time to familiarize yourself with the signs and symptoms of this degenerative eye disease.  ARMD affects more than 10 million Americans and is the leading cause of central vision loss for those aged 55 and older in the United States. What is ARMD? ARMD is a painless eye disease which is marked by degeneration of the macula.  The macula of the eye is the part of the retina responsible …
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What is Latisse? Latisse® is a prescription medication that is used as a treatment for a condition known as hypotrichosis (inadequte eyelashes).  Latisse helps grow eyelashes longer, fuller and darker and has been available since the FDA approved it in December of 2008. The actual formula is bimatoprost 0.03% which was originally used as a glaucoma medication.  Patients who used this eye drop to treat glaucoma, and their ophthalmologists, noticed a side effect of longer eyelashes which is what ultimately …
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Technology is amazing.  Futuristic devices that we’ve seen in movies for the past decade or so are now a reality.  Some are even affordable enough for the masses.  Although arguably not very affordable, at $1,500.00 apiece, Google Glass is certainly a revolution in “wearable” technology.  In our busy world when we all struggle to do 3 things at once, this is a major advantage.   You can send a text or email, take a picture or video, post on social media, …
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At Mandel Vision, we often see patients who come in complaining of seeing floating spots in front of their eyes.  Occasionally, these spots are accompanied by flashes of light.  This can be a little disconcerting, to say the least.  In order to understand this phenomenon, it’s helpful to know a bit about the anatomy of the eye. The vitreous is a jelly-like substance that gives the eye its spherical shape and acts as a sort of shock-absorber for the eye.  …
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Yes, it’s flexible spending time again!  The good news for those of you considering LASIK is that you can use money from your flexible spending account (FSA) to pay for a portion of your LASIK procedure.  But, you have to plan ahead!  So, if your goal is to have LASIK in 2015, you’ll need to contribute to your FSA very soon in order to use those tax-free dollars in 2015. Not sure if you have an FSA?  Check with your …
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