Sacramento Lasik CaliforniaFriday, May 09, 2008

Diabetic Retinopathy Sacramento California

LASIK is now the vision correction procedure of choice for many ophthalmologists worldwide. Instead of removing the surface epithelium with the laser and exposing many nerve endings (as in PRK), the surgeon performing LASIK uses a motor-powered microkeratome to create a "flap." The flap is then lifted and reflected back, allowing a computer guided Excimer laser (cold laser) to use light pulses to remodel the corneal tissue underneath. Afterward, the flap is gently positioned back onto the cornea. Since this procedure is less traumatic to the outer surface of the eye, vision is restored more quickly and the patient's discomfort is reduced. Most patients report greater comfort after surgery and can generally drive two to three days after the surgery.

Diabetic retinopathy is a degenerative eye disease characterized by damaged blood vessels and abnormal blood vessel growth. In most cases, good management of diabetes will be enough to delay or prevent the onset of diabetic retinopathy. Yearly eye exams are recommended for all diabetic patients. These yearly eye exams will allow early treatment of damaged bloodvessels and help prevent significant loss of vision. Treatment includes: laser photocoagulation, steroid injections and vitrectomy.

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