LASIK or Contact Lenses for Swimming?

“Contact lenses are really quite safe when properly fit and cared for, but swimming with contacts is really not a good idea,” commented Dr. Stephen Buck, a Contact Lens Specialist at Northwest Indiana Eye & Laser Center in Valparaiso, IN. “The overall clinical experience and the recommendation of the FDA is that contact lenses not be exposed to any form of water in order to avoid eye health risk. For this reason, anyone who swims or participates in water sports or activities should give consideration to LASIK as the preferred method of vision correction today,” explained Dr. Buck.

LASIK Surgeon, Scott Buck, M.D. added, “It is generally known that wearing contact lenses for swimming and water sports and activities poses a risk of Acanthamoeba Keratitis, a potentially catastrophic eye infection of the cornea. Acanthamoeba Keratitis is caused by an organism present in all forms of impure water such as swimming pools, tap water, saunas, wells and even showers.

“Contact Lenses are really quite safe to wear if your follow proper care guidelines and instructions. However, if water restrictions such as swimming, bath tubs and showering are part of your daily routine, you do need to keep your lenses out. Many more patients-even very successful contact lens wearers-finds this to be a hassle and are now interested in discussing LASIK as an option,” said Dr. Scott Buck.

If you or someone you know has questions about swimming with contact lenses or participating in water sports with contact lenses or would like to learn more about LASIK or even schedule a Free LASIK Consultation please feel free to call Northwest Indiana Eye & Laser Center at 219-464-8223, or visit Northwest Indiana Eye & Laser Center or facebook.com/nwindianaeyeandlaser. Let us tell you if you are a good candidate for Laser Eye Surgery for Laser Vision Correction.

Northwest Indiana Eye & Laser Center in Valparaiso, IN is staffed by a team of Ophthalmologists, Optometrists, Opticians, technical and administrative staff who provide eye examinations for adults and children, cataract surgery and intraocular lens implants (IOL), laser vision correction such as LASIK, diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the retina including diabetes and age related macular degeneration and diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma as well as contact lenses, eyeglasses, eyewear and optical services. We are conveniently located for patients seeking eye care from throughout northern Indiana including La Porte, Mishawaka, South Bend, Michigan City, Crown Point, Merrillville, Chesterton, South Haven, Westville, Hebron, Lowell, Valparaiso and Walkerton as well as Chicago, Illinois suburban areas of Frankfurt, Calumet City, Monee and Crete.

LASIK in Indiana for Motorcycle Riding

“This is the time of year we start to see many Indiana motorcycle riders who are interested in LASIK,” commented LASIK Surgeon Scott Buck, M.D. of Northwest Indiana Eye & Laser Center in Valparaiso, IN. “Contact lenses and certainly eyeglasses can be a real challenge for motorcycle riders-so many consider LASIK about now. As motorcycle lovers start to think about the spring and summer motorcycle riding season, I try to remind them that eye safety and also dry eyes should top the list of things they think about as part of their readiness checklists along with the condition of their gear and bikes,” Dr. Buck further explained.

It is important to recognize the need for eye protection from the sun, bugs, small rocks and pebbles and especially the wind, which can really contribute to dry eye symptoms. LASIK patients as well as other recreational motorcycle riders sometimes overlook or are just not aware of the potential for eye irritation and motorcycle dry eye caused by the wind, exhaust fumes, pollen and pollution-as well as the summer sun and heat.

At your LASIK consultation the staff will be exploring your lifestyle needs and activities. As a potential LASIK patient we want to take the time necessary so that we can carefully counsel you in order to get the best results and help meet your expectations. Please take the time to tell us about your motorcycle riding interest as well as all of the ways in which you are hoping to benefit from LASIK.

If you or someone you know is thinking about LASIK, please have them schedule a Free LASIK consultation with Scott Buck, M.D at Northwest Indiana Eye & Laser Center at 219-464-8223, or visit Northwest Indiana Eye & Laser Center or facebook.com/nwindianaeyeandlaser. Let us tell you if you are a good candidate for Laser Eye Surgery for Laser Vision Correction.

Northwest Indiana Eye & Laser Center in Valparaiso, IN is staffed by a team of Ophthalmologists, Optometrists, Opticians, technical and administrative staff who provide eye examinations for adults and children, cataract surgery and intraocular lens implants (IOL), laser vision correction such as LASIK, diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the retina including diabetes and age related macular degeneration and diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma as well as contact lenses, eyeglasses, eyewear and optical services. We are conveniently located for patients seeking eye care from throughout northern Indiana including La Porte, Mishawaka, South Bend, Michigan City, Crown Point, Merrillville, Chesterton, South Haven, Westville, Hebron, Lowell, Valparaiso and Walkerton as well as Chicago, Illinois suburban areas of Frankfurt, Calumet City, Monee and Crete.

Astigmatism & LASIK at NW Indiana Eye & Laser

NW Indiana Eye & Laser Center offers correction of astigmatism with LASIK and other types of Laser Eye Surgery. “Astigmatism is something that is often confusing to patients. A lot of patients I speak with are under the incorrect impression that having astigmatism means you can’t have Laser Eye Surgery such as LASIK to correct your vision”, commented Indiana LASIK Surgeon Scott Buck, M.D. “In fact LASIK for astigmatism is not only possible-but we use it all the time as an excellent way to correct vision”, said Dr. Buck. Here is what you need to know about LASIK and astigmatism.

First, astigmatism is one of the common types of refractive problems that cause blurry vision. Common refractive-or eye focus problems-include nearsightedness or myopia, farsightedness or hyperopia, astigmatism and presbyopia. At Northwest Indiana Eye & Laser Center we can correct these types of eye problems with glasses, contact lenses or laser vision correction such as LASIK.

“Astigmatism usually results from an unequal curvature of the cornea-the outermost clear dome in the front of the eye-that causes the eye to have two different curvatures and thus two different focal points. This can make images look more blurry at a specific orientation so that things horizontally are blurred or things vertically are blurred, depending on the direction of the astigmatism,” explained Indiana Optometrist & Contact Lens Specialist Dr. Stephen Buck. "Astigmatism can be very annoying visually and can even cause headaches and many visual symptoms apart from the blurriness itself,” said Dr. Stephen Buck.

“Today, as LASIK surgeons, we are able to accurately measure and treat all types of astigmatism with high degrees of precision and predictability by using very fast tracking and scanning lasers like the Allegretto Wave Laser we have at Northwest Indiana Eye & Laser,” said Dr. Scott Buck.

If you or someone you know has astigmatism and would like to be less dependent or possibly even be free from the hassle of glasses and contact lenses for seeing at distance please call Northwest Indiana Eye & Laser Center to schedule a Free Consultation with LASIK Surgeon Scott Buck, M.D. at 866-522-3937, or visit Northwest Indiana Eye & Laser Center or facebook.com/nwindianaeyeandlaser.

Northwest Indiana Eye & Laser Center in Valparaiso, IN is staffed by a team of Ophthalmologists, Optometrists, Opticians, technical and administrative staff who provide eye examinations for adults and children, cataract surgery and intraocular lens implants (IOL), laser vision correction such as LASIK, diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the retina including diabetes and age related macular degeneration and diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma as well as contact lenses, eyeglasses, eyewear and optical services. We are conveniently located for patients seeking eye care from throughout northern Indiana including La Porte, Mishawaka, South Bend, Michigan City, Crown Point, Merrillville, Chesterton, South Haven, Westville, Hebron, Lowell, Valparaiso and Walkerton as well as Chicago, Illinois suburban areas of Frankfurt, Calumet City, Monee and Crete.

Indiana LASIK Surgeon on Good Candidates

LASIK Surgeon Scott Buck, M.D. of Northwest Indiana Eye & Laser Center in Valparaiso, IN explained how to tell if you might be a good LASIK candidate. “LASIK is not for everyone and so we want to be sure we carefully review who is potentially a good LASIK candidate,” said Scott Buck, M.D. Here are some things to think about to help you determine if you are a good candidate for LASIK.

 

• The great majority of patients who are nearsighted, farsighted or have astigmatism are potential candidates for LASIK.  
• Good LASIK candidates are at least 18 years of age or older and have stable vision. This means that their eyeglass or contact lens prescription has not changed much in the last year or so. Many people do not have "stable" vision until 21 years of age, however, so each person is a bit different. 
• Good LASIK candidates have healthy eyes that are free from retinal problems, corneal scars, and any other eye diseases. They have normal corneal shapes and thickness as well as healthy tears. 
• The best LASIK candidates are those with a lifestyle, activities or occupation in which they are dissatisfied with their contact lenses or glasses. 

“Being free of the hassle of eyeglasses or contact lenses for seeing at distance motivates millions of people-just like you-to consider LASIK,” said Dr. Buck. “But we want to be able to discuss your expectations and how you think having LASIK might benefit you-so think about that question as you get ready to come in and see us for a consultation.”

 

The best way for you or someone you know to find out if they are a good candidate for LASIK at Northwest Indiana Eye & Laser Center is to have an evaluation, examination and consultation with LASIK Surgeon Scott Buck, M.D. If you or someone you know is thinking about LASIK, please call Northwest Indiana Eye & Laser Center at 866-522-3937 and schedule a Free LASIK Consultation, or visit Northwest Indiana Eye & Laser Center or facebook.com/nwindianaeyeandlaser. Northwest Indiana Eye & Laser Center in Valparaiso, IN is staffed by a team of Ophthalmologists, Optometrists, Opticians, technical and administrative staff who provide eye examinations for adults and children, cataract surgery and intraocular lens implants (IOL), laser vision correction such as LASIK, diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the retina including diabetes and age related macular degeneration and diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma as well as contact lenses, eyeglasses, eyewear and optical services. We are conveniently located for patients seeking eye care from throughout northern Indiana including La Porte, Mishawaka, South Bend, Michigan City, Crown Point, Merrillville, Chesterton, South Haven, Westville, Hebron, Lowell, Valparaiso and Walkerton as well as Chicago, Illinois suburban areas of Frankfurt, Calumet City, Monee and Crete.