IQ Lasik Blog.com

The answer mostly depends on you but all contact lenses reduce the amount of oxygen reaching the clear front surface of the eye (the cornea) and thereby increase the risk of eye problems to some degree.  Potentially serious contact lens complications include corneal abrasions, eye infection (including Acanthamoeba keratitis and fungal eye infections), dry eyes and corneal ulcers.  Some of these complications can cause permanent vision loss.

Your best defense against eye damage from contact lens wear is to follow the advice of your optometrist or ophthalmologist about how long to wear your contacts and how frequently you should replace them.  Your eye doctor will also tell you how long you can wear your lenses safely and whether your eyes can tolerate using extended wear contacts on a continuous basis or if you should wear contact lenses only for limited periods during the day.

Also, be sure to care for your lenses as directed, and use only the contact lens solutions your eye doctor recommends.  If there is a chance you might not keep up the daily lens care, ask about daily disposable contacts or you should consider Lasik. 

To avoid serious contact lens-related eye problems, ask yourself this three-part question at the start of each day of contact lens wear:

Do my eyes look good, see good and feel good?

1.  If your eyes are red or bloodshot, you may be developing dry eyes or an eye infection from your contacts.
2.  If your vision is not as clear as it once was, your lenses may be dirty, or your eyes may be swollen from lack of oxygen.
3.  And if your eyes are uncomfortable, you may have a corneal abrasion, the beginnings of a corneal ulcer, dry eyes or an eye infection.

If your daily self-assessment suggests you have a contact lens-related eye problem, remove your lenses immediately and call your eye doctor for an urgent appointment. If you do have an eye problem caused by your contacts, the sooner it is evaluated and treated by an eye care professional, the better.

You can often see floaters or spots when looking at a plain background, like a blank wall or blue sky. Floaters are small clumps of condensed protein or cells that form in the vitreous, the clear fluid that fills the interior cavity of the eye.   Floaters may appear as specks, strands, webs or other shapes moving into your field of vision. You don’t see the floater itself but its shadow cast onto the retina, the light sensitive film at the back of the eye.  Since the floater is within your eye, and moves with it, any effort to look directly at the floater causes it to constantly “run away” as your eye turns.
 
Light Flashes
 
Flashes of light lasting a few seconds may appear in your vision when the vitreous gel pulls or tugs on the retina. This may happen as a natural result of aging or it may occur temporarily if you receive a blow to the head or eye. Usually these flashes, which are often described as lightning streaks, are noticed at night.
 
The onset of new light flashes of short duration at night, especially when accompanied by the appearance of many new floaters or a blackening out of part of your field of vision, may indicate a retinal tear or detachment. If you experience light flashes in combination with these symptoms, you should contact your eye doctor immediately.
 
What Causes Eye Floaters and Spots?
 
In most cases, floaters are part of the natural aging process. As we grow older, the vitreous shrinks causing the development of cloudy clumps of vitreous which are seen as floaters. The shrinking vitreous gel in the eye sometimes pulls free of its attachment to the back of the eye at the optic nerve. When this happens, a large floater is usually seen which can resemble a cobweb. This is frequently associated with the sensation of flashing lights as a result of the vitreous pulling on the retina.
 
Treatment for Spots and Floaters
 
Most spots and eye floaters are annoying but harmless and the vast majority of people with floaters do not develop retinal detachment. Whether you see clusters, specks, black dots or cobwebs, most floaters go away over time. Either the gel completely dissolves, or the chunks settle down to the bottom of the eye or (most likely) your brain learns to simply ignore them. There is no drug therapy available to eliminate floaters. People are sometimes interested in surgery to remove floaters but many doctors are unwilling to perform such surgery except in severe cases.  If you suddenly see new floaters or floaters accompanied by flashes of light or peripheral vision loss, it could indicate serious conditions such as diabetic retinopathy; vascular abnormalities such as retinal hemorrhages or carotid artery disease, in addition to the beginning of a retinal detachment.  Whenever you experience an increase in the number of floaters, with or without light flashes, you should call your eye doctor immediately.

It is important to protect your eyes against damage from the sun.  Much like protecting your skin from harmful UV rays of the sun with sunscreen, sunglasses are a must when on the beach or ski slopes and when driving to prevent glare.  In general, everyone should get in the habit of wearing sunglasses anytime their eyes are exposed to sunlight.  Everyone is at risk for eye damage from the sun year-round.  The risk is greatest from about 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Excessive sun exposure can cause loss of vision, cataracts, and even cancer of the eye.

UV rays are a part of sunlight that is an invisible form of radiation which can penetrate and change the structure of skin and eye cells, they are commonly divided into UVB and UVA rays, your sunglasses should block both forms.  UVB rays have shorter wavelengths and are the principle cause of sunburn, skin cancer, and premature aging of the skin.  UVA rays have longer wavelengths and penetrate more deeply, contributing to skin cancer and aging.   People who wear contact lenses that offer UV protection should still wear sunglasses.
 
There are many options to choose from when selecting sunglasses.  Primary concerns are usually fashion related but keep in mind that the main purpose of sunglasses are to protect your eyes.  Children should also wear sunglasses and not the toy versions, but real sunglasses that indicate the UV-protection level just as with adults.  Polycarbonate lenses are generally recommended for children because they are the most shatter-resistant.  Polarized sunglasses can be used for driving and, in fact, can reduce glare from a long, flat surface such as the hood of the car or the road’s surface.  Lightly tinted lenses block roughly 70 percent of UVB and 20 percent of UVA.  Medium-tinted lenses block about 95 percent of UVB and 60 percent of UVA.  Dark-tinted lenses block an average of 99 percent of UVB and 60 percent of UVA.  Sunglasses that wrap around or have side pieces sides offer protection from rays creeping in around the edges.  You could also ask an eye-care professional to test your sunglasses if you’re not sure of their level of UV protection. Any protection is better than no protection

With the recent e-waste recycling event held at the IQ Laser Vision Center, IQ Laser Vision continued with ongoing efforts by upgrading all computer systems throughout all their multiple office locations in Southern California with Dell Energy Smart workstations.

Let’s all make an effort to be environmentally friendly in 2010!

Congressman Adam Schiff meets with IQ Laser Vision’s Medical Director to discuss health care reform.

Burbank, CA – California’s 29th District Congressman Adam Schiff (D) met with Dr. Robert Lin of the Vision Institute of Southern California for breakfast in Burbank Sunday morning.

Congressman Adam Schiff continues on his quest to enact health care reform that will reduce individual and national costs.  In his mission to find a comprehensive health care reform that will: reduce cost, expand access, and ensure quality, Congressman Adam Schiff met with Dr. Lin to discuss and gain some insight into the medical industry.

Dr. Lin is the Medical Director of the Vision Institute of Southern California, better known as IQ Laser Vision in City of Industry, CA.  He is a world renowned ophthalmologist, providing vision correction services in Southern California.  IQ Laser Vision recently celebrated their 10-year anniversary this past December.  For more information, please visit:  www.iqlaservision.com

A Flexible Spending Account (FSA), (also called flex plan, reimbursement account, Flex 125, Tax Saving Plan, Medical Spending Account, a Section 125, or a Cafeteria Plan), is an employer-sponsored benefit that allows you to pay for eligible medical expenses on a pre-tax basis. Each year your employer will have an open enrollment period when you can sign up for an FSA. Once your FSA is in place, you can use those pre-tax dollars to pay for qualifying medical expenses. All funds you set aside must be used within a specified amount of time.
Since your contribution is deducted pre-tax, it effectively lowers your taxable income and saves you money. Depending on your tax bracket, you may save up to several thousand dollars. Please take a look at the following chart.

A Flexible Spending Account is a great way to save, but there are some regulations. First of all, there are certain medical expenses that do not qualify under the FSA. Cosmetic and “general health” procedures and treatments and health insurance premiums are some examples. Second of all, there is a time limit on when you can use the funds you sent aside in your FSA. Once the time limit is passed, you will no longer have access to funds.
You will need to plan your contribution carefully to ensure that you maximize your savings without allotting an amount that you will not be able to use. LASIK is perfect for a Flexible Spending Account. Unlike other medical expenses, you can plan ahead for LASIK and you know relatively what the cost will be.
Now is a great time to be setting aside those tax-free “flex” dollars.

http://www.iqlaservision.com/free_consultation_form.htm

Click the link above to schedule your free consultation.

Los Angeles, CA – December 10th, 2009 marked the ten year anniversary of Southern California’s renowned vision correction facility, IQ Laser Vision. IQ Laser Vision hosted an exclusive affair to celebrate its 10-year anniversary at the Pacific Palms Resort in City of Industry, CA. Prominent guests, past patients and celebrities feted the affair in celebration of IQ Laser Vision’s profound success. Guests included Assemblymember Mike Eng, 49th California State Assembly District and Mayor of Walnut Mary Su.

IQ Laser Vision’s Medical Director and founder, Robert T. Lin, M.D. delivered a heart-warming speech about IQ Laser Vision’s humble beginnings and through the dedication and hard work of the entire staff evolved to what it is today. With over 25,000 successful procedures and satisfied patients it is no surprise that IQ Laser Vision continues to thrive and expand; with locations throughout Los Angeles County and Orange County.

Surprise celebrity guest, Juliette Zhuo toasted the success of IQ Laser Vision and attested to her newfound way of life without glasses and contacts. Also on hand was the Executive Director from the Industry Manufacturing Council, Donald Sachs, who shared his experience about IQ Laser Vision.

IQ Laser Vision was founded in 1999 under the supervision of Dr. Robert T. Lin. Dr. Lin received his Bachelors Degree at the University of California, Berkeley and Medical Degree at University of California, Los Angeles. He completed his residency in ophthalmology at one of the world’s most preeminent programs, Jules Stein Eye Institute at the University of California, Los Angeles. Dr. Lin has been featured in various articles, newsletters, magazines and on the Discovery Health Channel – HealthWatch. He continues to publish numerous research articles in the field of ophthalmology. Since 1999, IQ Laser Vision has evolved to one of the most prominent and advanced refractive facilities, with patients traveling from various parts of the world to have their vision corrected with Dr. Robert T. Lin and his patented Micro-Lasik® procedure (Trademark #2681144, US Patent Office).

The Center boasts a multi-lingual staff, including Spanish, Korean, Vietnamese, Mandarin Chinese, Taiwanese, Cantonese and Thai. Consultations are always free for prospective patients to learn more about the various vision correction procedures without the pressure of feeling any obligation. Affordability continues to be one of the top priorities of the Center, in pursuit of its belief that everyone deserves to receive quality medical care. With flexible payment plans, interest-free financing and even offering in-house financing to those who qualify, IQ Laser Vision strives to provide the gift of clear vision to all those in need.

IQ Laser Vision’s Clinical Director, Jarrod Bradley, closed the evening’s festivities with a speech in which he announced the Center’s continued commitment and dedication to the community for the next ten years, focusing on patients in need, offering services to low-income families, and partnering with local associations, non-profit organizations and other charitable causes. “For the past 10 years we have been blessed with our success, to reciprocate we believe in continually giving back to the community that has supported us for the last decade.”

With that we all wish IQ Laser Vision continued prosperity and may the next ten years prove to be equally, if not more, fruitful than the last.

IQ Laser Vision may be contacted at 1-888-539-2211 or you may visit us at www.iqlaservision.com

Tired of wearing eyeglasses or contact lenses? Laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis, more commonly known as LASIK, is an increasingly popular alternative to glasses or contacts. LASIK is a type of refractive eye procedure, during which an eye surgeon uses a laser to reshape your cornea and correct focusing problems in your eyes.

Over the last two decades, LASIK has become the most popular surgical procedure providing long-term results to treat conditions such as farsightedness, nearsightedness, and astigmatism. Patients who have undergone the LASIK procedure will attest to its life-changing benefits and results.

LASIK is the most advanced procedure available and is the procedure of choice amongst refractive surgeons worldwide. LASIK uses an excimer laser to treat many levels of nearsightedness as well as farsightedness and astigmatism with incredible accuracy and precision. Patients’ eyes can be corrected in just a single visit. Patients’ experience minor post-operative discomfort and visual recovery is rapid –patients are often able to return to work and other normal activities the next day.

At the age of forty most people experience a decline in the quality of their reading vision. The natural aging process within the eye slowly decreases your ability to see objects up close. This problem is age related and is due to a weakening of the focusing mechanism of the lens of the eye. LASIK can provide good distance and reading vision to many patients by readjusting the focus of their eyes.

In general, patients who see well with glasses or contact lenses are good candidates for laser vision correction. To determine if the LASIK procedure is right for you is a decision that should be made after a comprehensive exam by a skilled ophthalmologist who specializes in laser vision correction. Some of the tests surgeons may perform to assess your candidacy may include measurements of the curvature of your cornea and surface scans to detect aberrations or vision problems. Your doctor will also take a comprehensive medical history.

The procedure takes only 15 minutes for both eyes with the actual laser treatment time approximately one minute per eye. Your eyes will be fully anesthetized with eye drops and patients’ are ensured comfort throughout the procedure. Medication will be provided to patients’ that experience mild discomfort. Patients commonly describe this mild discomfort as a “scratchy feeling” that often disappears within a few hours post-procedure. LASIK has been clinically proven to permanently change the shape of your cornea, correcting nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.

When choosing a refractive surgeon for your treatment candidates should consider the following criteria: the surgeon should be a Board Certified Ophthalmologist and have extensive training and expertise in the refractive field with knowledge of the most up-to-date procedures and technology. Most importantly, request that your actual surgeon sit down and meet with you directly to discuss all your LASIK options.

IQ Laser Vision offers a complimentary consultation to meet with Dr. Lin and discuss your options. Call today to book your appointment at 1-888-539-2211

The cost of laser vision correction has steadily risen in recent years due to increased use of Wavefront technology.  In 2002, leading industry survey revealed an average price of around $1550 per eye, and by late 2005, the average price had just risen over $1950 (Marketscope).  Although there are Centers that advertise Lasik for $299 an eye, a look at the financial reports of these Centers will show that the actual average price of Lasik per eye is $1,350. 

When analyzing the cost of LASIK, it is first necessary to clearly define exactly what is included in the price and then to understand the factors that influence LASIK prices.  For example, a preoperative examination is an obvious necessity.  However, some discount centers charge separately for the examination in order to quote a lower price for the surgery, so it’s important to verify that the preoperative examination is not an extra charge.  This applies to postoperative care as well.

The outside factors that influence the cost of LASIK are numerous, such as office overhead, staffing, the type of equipment used and maintenance of the equipment.  The excimer lasers used in laser vision correction are expensive.  We contract maintenance service directly with the manufacturer using OEM parts with periodic upgrades that are often priced in excess of $100,000.  Many low-cost centers use 3rd party repair service companies that use aftermarket parts.  These parts may come from a source without any credibility and are not warranted by the laser manufacturers.  Practices that invest in the latest technology and utilize parts and service directly from the manufacturers typically charge higher fees.

There has been an increasing trend in the number of cheap centers that cut corners to maintain the lowest price.  These centers rely on scheduling in as many patients as possible in a given day.  Just because a center is crowded does not signify that it is a genuinely good and busy center.  Crowded centers most often lack quality level of personal service.  Centers that genuinely care about each of their individual patients provide undivided one-on-one attention.  This level of VIP treatment ensures that a patient is comfortable throughout the whole process and comfortable before, during and after the procedure with no unexpected surprises.  After all, this is a procedure for the only pair of eyes you have and many would agree that a few hundred dollars saved is not worth giving up for a safe, sound and personable experience.

Perhaps it is a testament to laser vision correction’s high rate of success that some patients shop for discount surgery.  After all, who shops for discount heart or brain surgery?  With the right knowledge on the many factors that influence prices, patients can now go in with confidence and be selective on what they are willing to spend their money on; the fancy Beverly Hills office or the modest facility with the most advanced technology? The discount center that charges per service or the thorough post-operative patient care of a well-known facility?  Patients have the power to make an informed decision and understand that you really do get what you pay for!  If faced with a decision between a more experienced surgeon with a higher price and a less experienced surgeon with a lower price, always choose the better surgeon and obtain financing, if necessary.  Virtually all LASIK practices now offer financing and even some places offer interest-free financing making monthly payments quite affordable!

At IQ Laser Vision our staff is dedicated to providing you with a positive experience and thorough care.  We are committed to holding your hand every step of the way to ensure your satisfaction with our services and dedication to our patients.  We currently offer up to 24-month deferred interest financing OAC.  Our initial consultation is always free with absolutely no obligation, so there is nothing to lose.  We hope you find an opportunity to visit and learn more about the vision correction procedure and free yourself from the daily hassles of contacts, glasses or both!

City of Industry, CA, April 23, 2009 – Dr. Robert T. Lin of IQ Laser Vision, located in City of Industry, received recognition for his exemplary successful career and for being named Taiwan’s Top 20 Overseas Entrepreneur and selected as one of America’s Top Ophthalmologist for 2009 by the Consumer’s Research Council of America. Dr. Lin received his Taiwan’s Top 20 Overseas Entrepreneur Award January of this year during a meeting with Taiwan president, President Ma Ying-Jeou.

A LASIK patient himself, Dr. Lin is a distinguished Lasik surgeon and has successfully performed over 15,000 refractive procedures to date. He is the pioneer of the MICRO-Lasik, which allows more patients to benefit from Wavefront-Guided Custom LASIK.  The City of Industry recognized Dr. Lin with this award as the “…founder and medical director of IQ Laser Vision, one of the most sought after LASIK doctors in the Los Angeles and Orange County areas, and locally recognized by the City of Walnut’s Mayor, Mary Su”.   City of Industry Mayor, David Perez, honored Dr. Lin with the award as a City of Industry business owner who not only established an outstanding career but provides a service that benefits many people – by providing them the gift of sight.

Over the last two decades, LASIK has become the most popular surgical procedure to treat conditions such as farsightedness, nearsightedness, and astigmatism. Boasting long-term results, patients who have undergone laser eye surgery will commonly share that their LASIK procedure was a life-changing experience for them. With the incredible technological advances in LASIK vision correction there is no reason to deal with the hassles of glasses or contacts.

Dr. Lin established his own practice, IQ Laser Vision, where he is currently the Medical Director in 1999. With over 15,000 successful procedures performed and over 10 years of experience, Dr. Lin received his undergraduate education from UC Berkeley. Upon graduation, Dr. Lin completed his medical training at UCLA and ophthalmology residency at one of the world’s most preeminent programs, Jules Stein Eye Institute of UCLA, where he is currently a clinical professor.

Dr. Lin pioneered the Micro-LASIK® procedure which allows more patients to benefit from “Wavefront-Guided Custom LASIK”. Dr. Lin’s Micro-LASIK® procedure was recently featured on HealthWatch on the Discovery Health Channel. As a Lasik patient himself, Dr. Lin continues to be one of the nation’s most preferred professionals in the fields of LASIK eye correction and ophthalmology.

Dr. Robert Lin can be contacted at 626-854-2020 or www.iqlaservision.com