A healthy, young eye is able to focus light from both far and near objects to create a clear image at all distances. By age 45, the eye’s natural lens is too stiff to focus on near points. As a result, near tasks like reading or computer work are blurry. This is a natural occurrence that affects us the rest of our life. The clinical term for the loss of near vision is presbyopia (prez-bee-‘O-pee-uh). It is possible to have poor near vision, but good distance vision.

Buying a pair of reading glasses is a quick way to improve near vision. While “readers” will help you read a book or dial a telephone number, they will not help you see far objects. Some find putting glasses on to see near and taking off to see far inconvenient.

The ACI Corneal Inlay is an investigational device. A no-cost clinical research study is currently underway. The purpose of the study is to examine the safety and effectiveness of the inlay.

The ACI Corneal Inlay no-cost research study.

Smaller than a contact lens, the ACI Corneal Inlay looks like a black ring. There is a tiny aperture or hole in the center of the inlay. The inlay may help to improve vision in two ways.

1. Creates a pinhole effect so near objects are clearer.
2. Focuses light rays so you can see a wider range of vision – near, intermediate (computer) and distance. During an out-patient procedure, the research doctor will implant the inlay in one eye. If needed, the ACI Corneal Inlay can be surgically removed.

You may be eligible to participate in the study if you are…

• Between the ages of 45 and 60.
• Using reading glasses to read or work on the computer.
• Not using glasses or contacts to see far objects.
• In good physical health.
• Able to meet other medical criteria determined by the research doctor.

Improvement in near vision.

The amount of time it takes to see an improvement in near vision varies. Some see better in a few days. For others, it takes several months, or there may be no improvement at all.

You can help your eye heal faster by using eye drops as prescribed. You will also be asked to practice reading without glasses. This activity will help train your inlay eye how to see near again.

The goal of the inlay is to reduce your need for reading glasses. You may continue to need glasses for reading very small print or in dim light.

Next steps.

If you are interested in learning if the ACI Corneal Inlay can reduce your dependence on reading glasses, contact Gordon & Weiss Vision Institute by telephone (858-455-6800) or email (gbwvi@gordonweissvision.com). You can also visit www.NearVisionStudy.com for more information.

The information about the ACI Corneal Inlay clinical research study is not intended to provide medical advice. Always consult your doctor for medical advice and treatment.

Caution: Investigational device. Limited by United States federal law to investigational use.

Misusing these contacts or buying them from an unauthorized seller can lead to some serious problems such as infection, irritation, and scarring. Some costume contacts are sold under the name of “Theatrical” contacts which are hand-painted. While theatrical contacts can give you an amazingly scary look they are often hand painted with paints that irritate the eye. Our recommendation is to stay away from theatrical contacts as these are not sold by certified optometrists.

Here are some tips on how to ensure your contact lenses do not lead to serious eye issues:

A) Don’t wear the contacts for longer than a few hours

B) Don’t swap them with other people

C) Schedule a fitting with your optometrist.

D) Order your lenses from your doctor’s office. Contacts sold in costume shops or flea markets might be of questionable quality.

E) Clean your lenses properly!!!! As with normal contact lenses, putting contacts on with unwashed hands, leaving them in too long, and swapping them with others can increase your risk of a serious infection.

With these tips we wish you a great Halloween!

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Contact Gordon & Weiss Vision Institute for your prescription.

Baby Boomers are the largest growing population segment in the United States. Every eight seconds a person turns 50. By 2011, 25% of our population will be over 40. Baby Boomers are taking better care of themselves physically and are much more active than in generations past. However, they are growing increasingly frustrated by Presbyopia – or their need for reading glasses.

Due to recent advances in science and technology, many surgical remedies are now available for those who are qualified candidates. Several of these procedures are available exclusively in San Diego at Gordon & Weiss Vision Institute. We offer more Presbyopia correcting options than any other center in the country.

You want to see as young as you feel so why be limited by your need for eyeglasses or contacts.  See how the expert surgeons at Gordon & Weiss Vision Institute can help you make a positive difference in your life.

Visit www.seeasyoungasyoufeel.com for more information.

The popularity of LASIK has risen with advances in technology and the FDA has stated that LASIK is safe and effective and nearly all patients are satisfied with the procedure.  Patients have continually reported life-changing results allowing them freedom from the constraints of their glasses and contact lenses.  According to the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS), 12.4 million LASIK procedures have been performed in the U.S. and about 95 percent of patients are satisfied with the procedure.  LASIK has even been approved for use by NASA astronauts and U.S. Military Personnel, including Air Force Pilots.

Gordon & Weiss Vision Institute uses multiple lasers, and is one of only a few practices in the U.S. using the combination of the Intralase blade free LASIK with the Allegretto Wave & VISX S4 lasers.  The use of the Intralase laser, unlike the traditional LASIK using a hand-held mechanical blade, is clinically proven to improve safety and deliver more results to 20/20 vision or better.  Also, the Allegretto Wave and VISX S4 lasers have the broadest range of custom treatments and provide excellent vision day and night – reducing the risk of experiencing glare and halos at night.

LASIK surgery isn’t for everyone – according to ASCRS approximately 20-25% of individuals seeking LASIK are not eligible to receive the surgery.  “The common conditions that can make someone a poor candidate for LASIK are dry eyes, thin or irregular corneas, cataracts and certain medical conditions.  In these patients there may be other options besides LASIK to correct their vision; a thorough evaluation by an eye care professional is needed to determine the best option for a patient.”

There are numerous available options, including Advance Surface Ablation and premium intraocular lens implants (implantable contact lenses), for those patients who are not candidates for LASIK.

The FDA is now enlisting the help of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery – organizations in which the Gordon & Weiss Vision Institute are active – as well as the National Eye Institute to conduct a study to focus on how a patients’ quality of life is affected by laser eye surgery.

Dr. Michael Gordon and Dr. Jack L. Weiss are corneal specialists who perform refractive, corneal and cataract surgery at the Gordon & Weiss Vision Institute. They are among the most experienced and well-trained surgeons in the world and together they have performed thousands of successful surgical and laser vision correction procedures.

Gordon & Weiss Vision Institute has been a trusted provider of eye care and eye surgery in the San Diego area for over 15 years.  With the highly-trained and skilled surgeons, a top-notch optometrist, and the latest in surgical technology, Gordon & Weiss Vision Institute is committed to the highest in quality patient care.