2007 saw the very first Global Keratoconus Symposium.  For the very first time, a joint international meeting focused solely on the condition known as Keratoconus came together.  Keratoconus, for those who don't know, is a condition that thins the cornea causing devastation to vision.  Please  read more about Keratoconus by clicking here.  

 

The Orthokeratology Academy of America (OAA) held the definitive event with respect to Orthokeratology this past year.   The OAA put together an absolutely incredible international Orthokeratology program with Orthokeratologists from approximately fifty countries in attendance.  Meetings like this are responsible for uniting and advancing the art and science of Orthokeratology.  I was very happy and honored to participate as a lecturer at this meeting.   Learn more about Orthokeratology and how this wonderful procedure might benefit you, a member of your family, or just someone that you know, by eliminating the need for glasses or contact lenses - without surgery. 

 

The refractive surgical procedures continue to be marketed to the general public and unfortunately the advertising gives the impression that refractive surgery is just like getting a new hair style.  The refractive surgical procedures i.e. PRK, LASIK, LASEK, etc. are invasive, permanently altering corneal procedures that can carry significant risk during, immediately after, and for the rest of the individual's life.  Although many people are satisfied with their results, entirely too many people have had visually debilitating results.  Worse yet, these people didn't really understand the extent a negative result could impact their lives prior to having the procedure.  The "focus" of my practice is almost exclusively centered around the irregular cornea, bringing many of these post-refractive surgical casualties to me for care.  The problems created by the refractive surgical procedures are among the most challenging to solve which is the reason I have seen people from all around the country and even several patients that have traveled to see me from other countries.  Some of these people have taken the time to relay their stories which can be found here on the website.  If you or someone you know are considering a refractive surgical procedure, please read these stories to understand a more balanced view of what this type of surgery can mean.

 

Contact lenses and their use have continued to advance.  Wave and Zwave have continued to advance with software refinements.  Due to improved design and manufacture as well as increased need, Scleral contact lenses are seeing more use now.  Studies have been done examining some soft contact lenses and solution compatibility which shows that not all solutions are compatible with all contact lenses.  Hybrid contact lenses have resurfaced and are better than ever.  They are now available, in addition to the "normal corneal" designs, advanced designs for Presbyopia , Keratoconus , and post-refractive surgical corneas.

 

I hope that 2007 brought you everything you needed and even all of the things that you wanted.  I also want to take this time to wish you an even better 2008.  I look forward to seeing you in the new year!

 

Happy and safe holidays.

 

Sometimes while on the web, I will come across some item that is just fun. I have incorporated this into the website because everyone should have a little fun occasionally. I have decided to put at least one "fun" thing into each newsletter. I hope that you enjoy it. This particular item is called Planarity. This is a puzzle game that requires extreme patience and focused thought. The instructions are on the page. The timer starts and runs while on the level but stops once you finish the level. The quicker you solve the puzzle, the greater the point value for the bonus. Get your mouse clicking finger ready and make certain your eyes are well rested before starting. Good Luck! You can find this puzzle at Planarity.