Dr. Howard R. Krauss, M.D.

Some people purport to have done so, but I have not seen convincing evidence.

For most myopes, onset is in childhood or adolescence, and there is generally a 10-15 year progression. LASIK doesn't arrest the progression; it simply grinds the prescription into the cornea, so, if LASIK is done before the natural progression has stopped, the myopia returns, but, in most cases, not to the same severity as that before the LASIK. Each case is different, and one should ask one's eye care provider, What is my risk of recurrent myopia?

It should rest for 2 minutes, but the patient undergoing surgery generally “rests” for the remainder of the day. On the other hand, precise post-op instructions vary for each patient, each variety of cataract surgery (not every eye and every surgery are the same) and for each surgeon. It is always best to seek clarification from your own surgeon’s staff.

Howard R. Krauss, MD

In some cases it is helpful; you should ask you eye care practitioner if it may be helpful in your case.

“Lazy eye” is a lay term which covers a variety of different ophthalmic and visual disorders, but in and of itself does not preclude the use of contact lenses. Fitting, prescribing, dispensing and monitoring contact lens use is done via evaluation and management by an Optometrist or Ophthalmologist, and one may appoint to see either for assessment of candidacy for contact lens use.

In general, the eye with the weaker vision, but there is no absolute; choosing the sequence of surgeries generally calls for a discussion between patient and surgeon discussing the pros and cons for each specific patient – in many cases the sequence is of little to no consequence.

Please see this response from the American Academy of Ophthalmology: https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/home-eye-test-children-adults

There are a few brave surgeons and patients doing this. Certainly there are other surgeries wherein both eyes are operated on the same day, such as strabismus (eye muscle) surgery, blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), and some others. Although rare, the most dreaded complication of cataract surgery is endophthalmitis (infection in the eye), which may lead to blindness and sometimes loss of the eye. The thought of having this occur to both eyes is the primary reason the two eyes are not operated on the same day, but although cataract surgery is safe and effective, there is about a 2% incidence of other complications, but if a complication occurs following surgery in one eye, there is a much higher likelihood of the same complication in the other eye. So, in most cases, one eye is operated and the second eye is planned for surgery days to weeks later, to allow the surgeon and patient to feel reasonably assured that there is no significant complication of the first surgery, before the second is done. On the other hand, in many cases, “standard of care” evolves in part by what is dictated by Medicare or Insurance Companies; as soon as the “payers” determine that is less expensive to have patients have both eyes operated on the same day, they will require it, and that will become the new “standard of care,” even though it may not be the safest care.

In most cases, yes, with proper use. An examination and continuing care with an eye doctor (Optometrist or Ophthalmologist) is required to determine your candidacy, perform your fitting and supervise your use.

Yes. As needed, or desired, use over-the-counter preservative-free lubricating drops for comfort. Some people prefer to refrigerate them.

Hi,

Sounds more like “subconjunctival hemorrhage” than “conjunctivitis,” but “a picture is worth a thousand words;” google each term to see which it more resembles. 1%-2% of COVID-19 patients have been reported to have an associated conjunctivitis, but not in isolation; it has been observed in patients with other manifestations of COVID-19.

Dr. K

Everything has potential adverse effects! A prudent decision as to the use of a vitamin, supplement, medication or eye drop is best to be based on a balance of risk and benefit. Each FDA-approved eye drop has published information regarding potential adverse effects.

Hi, there are MANY causes of “swollen bags” under the eye, ranging from congenital to normal aging to infection or cancer, and then some. Even if your Dad states it’s not a bother to him, if you have noted that this is a change from his usual appearance then evaluation by an ophthalmologist is warranted.

There is no single “best” vision correction surgery, but the “best” for you may be determined after a thorough screening evaluation by a Board-certified Ophthalmologist who specializes in Refractive Surgery, but you wish to be assured prior to appointing for consultation, that your examination and consultation is with the surgeon, and not with other affiliated health care professionals, who may be there to “feed the machine.” It’s worth the effort to find an expert surgeon who takes the time to personally evaluate and counsel each patient.

The main concerns will be inadvertent injury, exposure to dust, fumes or infectious material. Guidance varies in accordance with the health of the individual and his or her underlying eye conditions, as well as the specific nature of the laser eye surgery and the preferences of the surgeon.

LASIK will not change eye color. There are some investigational lasers, which are not yet FDA-approved, which have been used to lighten eye color.

Many circumstances may cause changes globally or focally in apparent iris coloration. The apparent color of the iris is variable in association with direction, intensity and wavelength of light. Changes in corneal clarity will appear to change the iris color. Inflammation of the cornea or iris will appear to change iris color. Pigment deposits, nevi or tumors will appear to change iris color. If you notice a change globally or focally in eye color, you should obtain an evaluation by an eye care professional.

Howard R. Krauss, MD

The good news about your son needing glasses, is that indicates he is under professional eye care, in which case you may depend that if there were an underlying medical, nutritional or other factor impairing his vision that this would likely have been detected in the course of his examination. There are some cases in which vision and eye health may be improved “naturally,” but there is no single recommendation for all, and some recommendations which may be beneficial to some may be harmful to others. Ideally, you have engaged in a physician-patient relationship with an eye care professional who is ready to respond to these questions and offer you the proper recommendations for your child.

Hi. You are not too young for laser eye surgery, but the general recommendation is to postpone surgery until your eyeglass or contact lens prescription has not changed significantly over a two year period. Furthermore, most people who are “farsighted” are hyperopic and sometimes have not yet “revealed” what their full corrective lens need may be; this is best determined by what is known as a cycloplegic refraction. So, if your correction is stable and not very different from your cycloplegic refraction and you otherwise pass the screening tests for candidacy for laser eye surgery, you may be ready now.

The best way to mitigate damage to your eyes is to begin with a comprehensive vision and eye health evaluation and then seek specific recommendations from the eye care professional who supervised and conducted your examinations and evaluation.

Howard R Krauss MD