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| Dr. Gold's Message
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For those of you who noticed a difference, yes I did grow my hair back in (LOL) In this issue I'm going to try to sort out for you all the recent news concerning the safety of Laser Vision Correction, in light of the FDA hearings and their conclusions. I'll also bring you some new information about ultraviolet.
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Greetings!
Everyone who has had or who is considering Laser Vision Correction has probably heard by now that there have been a small number of reports of post-op problems coming mostly on the Internet from some very vocal critics of Laser Vision Correction. The FDA, in response, has solicited and received input from both satisfied and unsatisfied patients. A hearing was held at the end of April and the FDA concluded, as they did back in 1997, that LASIK is a safe and effective procedure. In summary, the complication rate is about one in 10,000 cases with a problem.
In my own practice, with LASIK there have about 5 or 6 minor complications that healed without any long-term consequences and only one complication that required a corneal transplant. That's out of almost 10,000 cases of LASIK. If we look at PRK and epi-LASIK cases together, I have done about 1000 of these with no complications.
Jeffrey D. Gold, MD
Medical Director
Liberty Vision
203-281-5745
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| Is Laser Vision Correction Safer than Wearing Contact Lenses |
 Several studies seem to indicate that in the long-term, surgery may be safer than contact lenses.
As I reported to you in issue #1, over the course of the last three to four years numerous studies and reports have dealt with the increasing incidence of severe vision-threatening eye infections caused by poor hygeine, inadequate care of contact lenses, contaminated contact lens solutions, etc.
Last year the FDA and the CDC issued an alert about fungal eye infections traced to contaminated contact lens solutions from several different solution manufacturers. Most important however are the preventive guidelines advised by the FDA
> Wash your hands with soap and water and dry with a lint-free towel.
> Don't abuse your lenses; wear and replace according the schedule prescribed by your doctor.
> Follow all instructions from your doctor and the manufacturer of the solution.
> Clean your case and replace it every 6 months.
> If you experience pain, redness, tearing, increased light sensitivity, blurred vision, discharge, eyelid swelling, immediately remove the lenses and see your doctor.
> I differ with the FDA about so-called extended wear contact lenses. I DO NOT BELIEVE THERE IS A SAFE CONTACT LENS TO SLEEP IN!!
The above and other information about contact lens infections leads many to conclude that the risk of infection from contact lenses greatly exceeds the risk of infection from LASIK.
In my own practice, in over 10,000 Laser Vision Correction procedures, there have been zero infections, while I have seen numerous corneal ulcers from contacts over the years.
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| UltraViolet, Sunglasses and Your Eyes |
 Ultraviolet light linked to Cataracts and Macular Degeneration
Ophthalmologists have long known that ultraviolet light is hazardous to the eye. The specific problems that are linked to UVA and UVB light are cataracts and macular degeneration. The simple protection is to use sunglasses on bright or partially cloudy days.
There is a new use for programmed ultraviolet exposure however to strengthen weak corneas. The treatment is called corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) and it is in widespread use in Europe. It is under investigation in the US at this time. Certain people have familial weakness of their corneas such that the cornea will bulge over time, causing uncorrectable vision and leading to the need for corneal transplantation. The same condition can follow LASIK as a rare complication and CXL can be used to stabilize such corneas. As the investigations proceed, I will keep you posted.
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Please feel free to call or email me directly with any questions or concerns about your eyes.
For your information, the recommended frequency of routine Ophthalmologist eye exams for you and your family is as follows:
First exam prior to age 5
Next exam prior to age 10
Every 2-3 years during the teens
Every 2 years from age 20 to 35
Every 1 year thereafter
(School and/or pediatrician eye chart reading does not count!)
If at any time, of course, you suspect any problems, or if an emergency arises, you should call me right away .
Sincerely,
Jeffrey D. Gold, MD
Medical Director
Liberty Vision
203-281-5745
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