LASIK Cost Decision Was Tough

We received the following note about the decision to have LASIK from one of our patients…..

“For a very long time I considered LASIK. I wasn’t nervous about the procedure at all.  Being a long time patient of Dr. Buck I was confident that he would do a great job.  My issue was justifying spending the money on it.  I will be honest in that I am somewhat of a frugal person.  Not one to spend money frivolously. I had put off having LASIK.  I had worn glasses and contacts for what seemed like forever. I was actually in the waiting room of Dr. Buck’s office waiting to be called back for my exam.  I overheard a patient, who recently had LASIK done, and she was ecstatic at the quality of her vision and couldn’t believe she waited so long to have it done.  Right then I made the decision to talk to Dr. Buck about the procedure and see if I was a good candidate.  Low and behold I was.  Less than three weeks later I was no longer wearing glasses and couldn’t be happier.  It is worth every penny and wish I had it done sooner!"
 If you or someone you know has a question about LASIK or would like to schedule a Free LASIK Consultation, please call Northwest Indiana Eye & Laser Center at 219-464-8223, or visit Northwest Indiana Eye & Laser Center or facebook.com/nwindianaeyeandlaser. 

Northwest Indiana Eye & Laser Center offices are located at 502 Marquette Street, Valparaiso, Indiana 46383 and 1001 South Edgewood Drive, Knox, Indiana 46354. 

Early Cataracts May Indicate Cancer Risk

The early onset of cataracts is linked to an insufficient antioxidative activity in one’s metabolism-which is also a known factor for increasing the risk of cancer. There has been a suspicion about whether there was an association between the early onset of cataracts-in patients under 55 years old and the potential risk for developing cancer.

Research on Early Cataracts & Cancer Risk

Scientists reporting in the journal Cancer Science, the official journal of the Japanese Cancer Association investigated the risk of cancer after being diagnosed with early onset cataract. The researchers examined claims from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) of patients with early onset cataract, aged 20-55 and also compared it to a group of the same age range without cataracts. By using powerful statistical analysis they found that the overall incidence rate of all cancers was 2.19-fold higher in the early onset cataract group as compared to those without cataracts.  Further they were able to analyze where these patients were at greatest risk of developing cancer and found head and neck areas highest, followed by liver cancer and then breast cancer. This study suggests that patients with early onset cataract are at an increased risk of being diagnosed with cancer in subsequent years.

If you or someone you know is concerned about early cataract development or needs a regular eye exam where do a routine cataract screening and exam, please share this information with them and ask them to call Northwest Indiana Eye & Laser Center at 219-464-8223, or visit Northwest Indiana Eye & LaserCenter or facebook.com/nwindianaeyeandlaser. 

Northwest Indiana Eye & Laser Center offices are located at 502 Marquette Street, Valparaiso, Indiana 46383 and 1001 South Edgewood Drive, Knox, Indiana 46354. 

“Pink Eye” Conjunctivitis Questions

Patients call us at Northwest Indiana Eye & Laser Center just about every day asking questions and seeking information about whether they might have “pink eye” conjunctivitis. It is pretty much impossible to tell anyone over the phone whether or not they have “pink eye” conjunctivitis as a proper diagnosis really requires an office visit and an external eye exam at the minimum. When you come in the eye doctors will look for and discuss your signs and symptoms and help determine exactly why you are having them. Here is some information that they consider and that might be useful for you.

Bacterial Conjunctivitis

If you have a bacterial infection causing pink eye conjunctivitis, you will usually have very red eyes. You may find crusting on your eyelids that can make them stick together as well as a heavy, pus-like discharge from your eyes that may be greenish at times. This infection may spread to both eyes.

Viral Conjunctivitis

If you have a viral conjunctivitis we often will find a very red, swollen eye, crusty eyelids and a more watery discharge. This discharge can also have strands of mucus or white, ropy strands. While many cases of viral pink eye infect only one eye, this infection can also spread to the other eye.

Allergic Conjunctivitis

If you have an allergic conjunctivitis and your allergies are causing your conjunctivitis, it will often look similar to viral conjunctivitis. Your eyes will be red and tearing. However, they will also be itchy. It is likely you may have a stuffy, runny or itchy nose as well.

Treatment of Pink Eye Conjunctivitis

The treatment of conjunctivitis is typically supportive. Antibiotics do not treat viral infections but do work well in treating bacterial conjunctivitis. Regardless of the cause, it is important to minimize exposure of others by washing your hands frequently and throwing away used tissues. Do not share towels or pillow cases. Consider staying home from work or school until you are symptom-free for 24 hours. If you are a contact lens wearer, you should discontinue their use and stick with glasses until your infection clears. Then start with a fresh pair of lenses and a clean lens case.

If you or someone you know has a question about pink eye conjunctivitis, please call Northwest Indiana Eye & Laser Center at 219-464-8223, or visit Northwest Indiana Eye & LaserCenter or facebook.com/nwindianaeyeandlaser. 

Northwest Indiana Eye & Laser Center offices are located at 502 Marquette Street, Valparaiso, Indiana 46383 and 1001 South Edgewood Drive, Knox, Indiana 46354.