Archive for the ‘Treatments’ Category

Presbyopia…what’s that?

Presbyopia is an age related condition which makes near vision become blurry. It usually occurs around the age of 40, hence the name ‘Presbyopia’ which literally means ‘old eye’ – ‘presbys’ means ‘old man’ or ‘elder’ in Greek and ‘opia’ is the Latin word for ‘eye’.

Presbyopia is a completely natural part of ageing. It occurs when the natural lens within the eye gradually thickens and starts to lose flexibility. The focusing power of your eyes is very much dependent on the elasticity of the lens. This is why, if you suffer from presbyopia, you probably find yourself having to hold reading materials further away in order to see them clearly. Reading and other close work can also cause headaches and eyestrain.

The condition has in the past been treated with reading glasses, bifocals, or contact lenses. This can be a pain for those who already need glasses to correct their vision, as it means carrying two pairs of glasses around with them!

Now there’s another treatment that can make life just that little bit easier – Conductive Keratoplasty. It’s a non-laser treatment, specifically designed for being with presbyopia that literally takes 3 minutes.

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Lawrence Gardiner’s AVC Testimonial

Name: Lawrence Gardiner

Treatment received at AVC: Clear Lens Exchange (CLE with IOL)

Why you decided to have treatment:

The main reason I decided to go for treatment was to have the convenience of having clear vision.

How was the AVC experience?

I was extremely happy with my experience at AVC, all the way from consultation to post-treatment. I was recommended to go and see the AVC team by a colleague, and I would definitely recommend them to others.

How has your life changed post-treatment?

As the MD of an engineering company, I have to travel a lot and not having to take glasses around with me everywhere makes life a lot simpler. I can read better, work on my computer and I can take up more hobbies. I am able to work on my computer for much longer periods of time without suffering from dry eyes and headaches. Everything I do is just that little bit easier now. I was also always terrible at misplacing and losing my glasses, so that’s one less thing to worry about!

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Douglas Hall’s AVC Testimonial

Name: Douglas Hall

Treatment received at AVC: LASEK

 

Why you decided to have treatment:

I have played rugby for a number of years with contact lenses which would constantly fall out during games which can cause stress and obvious problems in high level sport. I decided that something had to be done and the best solution by far was laser eye surgery.

How was the AVC Experience?

From start to finish I was delighted with the level of service I received from AVC. Laser eye surgery can be a daunting prospect and I was aware that as with any surgery things can go wrong and with my career on the line it was important to me that I should have absolute faith in the surgeon who would be performing my operation. In Mr Pillai I knew I had found my man and the confidence he gave me along with his realistic appraisal of the risks involved meant I could go ahead with the surgery in the knowledge I was in a very safe pair of hands.

How has your life changed post-treatment?

Absolutely the best thing about the laser eye surgery is that sometimes I forget that I even had to wear glasses. Not only are my contact lens problems a thing of the past, but the simple pleasure of waking up in the morning and not having to reach for my glasses is brilliant. I can’t recommend AVC and laser eye surgery enough.

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Amanda Mealing’s AVC Testimonial

Name: Amanda Mealing

Treatment received at AVC: LASIK

Why you decided to have treatment:

I had an astigmatism, so contact lenses never sat properly in my eyes, but I had to wear them as it was difficult to work, drive, live without them. On set, the heat from the studio lights along with tiredness and sore eyes would make daily contacts wither which made focussing tough later in the day. Also, for premieres and charity functions the option of wearing glasses wasn’t mine.

How was the AVC Experience?

I was very nervous of having laser treatment. So much so I cancelled my appointment twice. Third time lucky though. When I finally plucked up the courage I couldn’t have been happier. Instantly I felt happy and secure in the evident experience and confidence of the team at AVC. I was informed of every detail and reassured that if at any point I was worried, we would stop. I was in control, but I never needed to be.

How has your life changed post-treatment?

Within hours of the treatment my vision was amazing. It makes me realise how much of my life I have missed by not seeing well enough. All the searching and panic over lost glasses or contacts are gone. I an just get up in the morning and go! I can buy sunglasses off the shelf. I’m so much freer. I just wish I had done it sooner.

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AVC’s Top Tips: Eye Exercises!

Most people recognise the importance of exercising the mind,  body and soul to stay healthy, but many do not realise that you can exercise the eyes as well. In fact, carrying out unique exercises specifically for them is a great way of keeping them in tip-top condition post surgery because it tones the eye muscles that help you focus,  ensuring that you’ll reduce the risk of experiencing common problems such as eye strain.

Here our Medical Director Mr.C.T.Pillai shares his exercise suggestions:

  • Imagine that you are looking at a large clock ahead of you. Look at the centre of the clock, then look at any hour mark, without turning your head. Look back at the centre, then look at another hour mark. Work your way around each hour mark of the clock
  • Focus on an object in the distance for several seconds before slowly re-focusing on a nearby object that’s in the same direction. Try this exercise for up to 3 minutes every half hour or so. It can help to maintain the quality of your eyesight during the day, and prevent further deterioration of your eyesight. It is particularly useful if you sit in front of a computer screen all day
  • Close your eyes tightly for around 3 to 5 seconds and then open them for 3 to 5 seconds. Repeat this exercise seven or eight times

It’s more important to carry out the exercises regularly than it is to perfrom each one for a long period of time,  so we recommend around 30 to 60 seconds of eye exercise every hour.

You might want to find a private place to carry them out to avoid strange looks, but what are you waiting for? Get pumping that eye iron!

If you’d like to find out more about the different eye exercises you can try, and the range of treatments we offer at AVC, just give us a call on 020 7935 7497, send us an email at enquiries@advancedvisioncare.co.uk or simply fill out our enquiry form to the right of the page.

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David Thomas’ AVC Testimonial

Name: David Thomas

Treatment received at AVC: Clear Lens Exchange with toric IOL

Why you decided to have treatment:

I have been wearing glasses for years, and always found them really inconvenient. I am a real keen motorbike rider and have been riding pretty much all of my life.  It is really uncomfortable having to wear glasses under your helmet when riding, and I have always wanted to change this.

How was the AVC experience?

As soon as I went to meet Mr. Pillai at AVC I had absolutely no apprehension on getting the treatment done. I spoke to the team and I was really impressed by their knowledge – they were clearly experts in their field. I was comfortable throughout the whole process and I knew I was safe in their hands.

How has your life change post-treatment?

For me, I am so happy to be able to ride my motorbike with such clear vision and when riding on a race track I have fantastic vision now. Generally, it is great to see everything so much clearer. I am really happy with my results.

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Dry Eye Syndrome

Dry eyes are a common side effect of laser eye surgery, and although uncomfortable, are nothing to become concerned about. Typically, symptoms include a feeling of ‘grittiness’, irritation in the eye and a burning sensation. Fortunately, dry eyes can be managed with treatment, and surgery side effects clear up after three months.

It’s worth noting that Dry Eye Syndrome is not always an inconvenient side-effect of  surgery. You may also suffer from the condition if you use a computer day-to-day for long periods of time, if  you become affected by environmental factors (such as extreme heat or a windy climate), if you are undergoing any hormonal changes or if you wear contact lenses.

In the first instance dry eyes are normally treatable with lubricating drops, gels and ointments. But if  symptoms are severe or persistent, there are other treatments that can be used.

At AVC, we have helped many patients combat the symptoms of dry eyes by using something called Punctal Plugs. These silicone plugs are inserted into tear drainage ducts in the eyelids. This helps to keep the eye moisturised by preventing tears on the eye from draining away too quickly. The procedure is entirely painless, and you will not feel the plugs once they are inserted.

In extremely rare cases AVC will prescribe you Restatis drops , to be used for 3-4 months. However,  in all his years as a laser refractive surgeon, our Medical Director Mr C.T. Pillai can count on one hand the number of instances this has been required! You can be rest assured that you’ll be in safe hands at AVC.

If you’d like to find out more about Dry Eye Syndrome and the range of treatments we offer at AVC, just give us a call on 020 7935 7497, send us an email at enquiries@advancedvisioncare.co.uk or simply fill out our enquiry form to the right of the page.

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Lucy Pond’s AVC Testimonial

Name: Lucy Pond

Treatment received at AVC: Laser Eye Surgery in both eyes

Why you decided to have treatment:

It was something I had always thought about and always wanted to do,but I never felt confident enough to actually do it. I finally decided to have the treatment when it was recommended to me by a friend in the army who had his treatment done with AVC and was really pleased with the results.

How was the AVC experience?

I was very impressed with the surgeons at AVC and it was so much easier than what I expected. It was actually a really easy process. I would recommended AVC to any of my friends with poor eyesight.

How has your life changed post-treatment?

It has changed my life dramatically. Since having the treatment I can be better at my job. I am an Officer Commander in The Royal Logistic Corps and being able to see clearly without wearing glasses or contact lenses enables me to be better in the role. My job is obviously very active and involves a lot of training, and wearing contact lenses or glasses makes it very difficult. Often one of my contact lenses would fall out meaning I would basically have to work with vision only in one eye.

I would recommend anyone in the army who has eyesight problems to have Laser-Eye Treatment. I wish I had done it sooner as I cannot stress enough what I difference it has made.

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Learning to Relax – The AVC Way

There’s something about the thought of a medical procedure that brings out the gibbering wreck in all of us. Even the most composed and rationally-minded person can experience the dreaded nerves, and eyesight is so precious that it’s no wonder that treatment for them can be daunting.

So, with that in mind, here are some of our best de-stressing tips to help put you in the right frame of mind before and during your time at AVC:

  • Envision the outcome of your procedure; try to imagine how having better eyesight will make you feel, and how more confident you’ll be
  • Know what will happen on the day – there’s no fear in the expected! Familiarise yourself with the information AVC will already have sent you, and if in doubt about any element, get in touch. We’d be more than happy to talk you through any step – from your arrival to the end of the procedure
  • Eat properly before your appointment. You’ll feel much better for having a good breakfast or a light lunch inside you. Avoid caffeine which can make you jittery, and drink plenty of water
  • Control your breathing. Prior to your appointment spend a good ten minutes sitting quietly, away from any distractions. Close your eyes and start to breathe deeply, focusing on the air coming in and out of your lungs. Relax your muscles. Don’t resist any thoughts that come into your mind but try not to dwell too much on any one. Some scientists have suggested that this kind of meditation is much more effective in relaxing you than a twenty minute nap!
  • Bring some support. We actually advise all of our patients to bring with them some moral support on the day. Knowing that you have someone close waiting outside for you – with whom you can share a joke afterwards – is a mood booster
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Beverley Pennekett’s AVC Testimonial

Name: Beverley Pennekett

Treatment received at AVC: Clear Lens Exchange Multifocal

Why you decided to have treatment

I have worn contact lenses for around 30 years. I was perfectly happy with my vision, although I had started to need to wear glasses occasionally for close work. I thought that surgery probably wasn’t worthwhile as I expected that I would still need to wear glasses for close work. However, my eyes suddenly became intolerant to the gas permeable lenses, and although I was able to wear soft lenses, I found that the vision was poor and my eyes were very dry. I made an appointment with AVC to investigate the possibility of laser treatment and learned that, while this wasn’t really an option for me, Clear Lens Exchange was.

How was the AVC experience?

The treatment was painless and very easy. The procedure was explained carefully so that I was fully aware of what to expect. I was perfectly comfortable during the procedure itself (30 years of wearing contact lenses have left me with very little squeamishness about my eyes!) which took around 20 minutes. I left the operating room perfectly conscious and I had immediate improvement in my vision.

How has your life changed post-treatment?

I love my new eyes! I can wake in the morning and see the clock and admire the pattern on the curtains without having to search for my specs (although that particular habit took a little time to lose). At work I can read presentations. Plus, (added bonus!), I can read any paperwork I’m given. When I play golf I can see my ball rather than having to rely on others to spot it for me. When I swim I don’t have to worry about getting my face wet and possibly losing a lens.

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