Bellevue LASIK & Cornea Blog | Dr. Leavitt and Dr. Farag

Choosing the Right Eye Doctor

noreply@blogger.com (Tiffany) — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 23:35:00 +0000

Whether you need corrective lenses or eye surgery your eye doctor will be your partner in every decision you have to make. So it makes sense to choose the right eye doctor before you invest time and money.

People are often confused about the difference between an optometrist and an ophthalmologist. Optometrists are best known for providing eye exams for the purpose of prescribing glasses or contact lenses. Although most are referred to as doctors, they are doctors of optometry, abbreviated O.D., and are not medical doctors. Their scope of practice is limited to diagnosing and treating refractive disorders. Some states extend their practice to include treating glaucoma, cataracts and retinal diseases.

Ophthalmologists are medical doctors who, like Dr. Kent Leavitt, have degrees either as an M.D. or like Dr. Christina Farag, who is a doctor of osteopathy, abbreviated D.O. Ophthalmologists can diagnose and treat any disease or disorder of the eyes, and the effects systemic diseases, such as diabetes, have on the eyes. Ophthalmologists are well-known as eye surgeons, providing laser surgery, cataract surgery and other surgeries, treatments, and lenses with the goal of improving vision.

Please contact Dr. Kent Leavitt at Bellevue LASIK & Cornea serving patients in Seattle, Bellevue, Everett, Olympia, and Tacoma, Washington, for a complimentary consultation about how to improve your vision.

Longer Eyelashes Using Latisse™

noreply@blogger.com (Tiffany) — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 20:07:00 +0000

Great news! Bellevue LASIK & Cornea is now offering a cosmetic enhancement for the eyes – Latisse™, an easy way to thicken and lengthen your eyelashes.

Latisse has received FDA approval to treat the condition known as hypotrichosis – inadequate eyelashes. Dr. Leavitt can prescribe this for you and you can apply it to your eyelashes very easily each night.

Hair, including eyelashes, grows only part of the time. It has a growth phase and then a resting phase. Latisse works by extending the growth phase, which allows more eyelashes to grow, and enables them to grow longer. Latisse also increases the amount of melanin in the eyelashes – the pigment that gives them their color.

How to Use Latisse
Latisse is supplied in a kit with a container of solution and a number of sterile applicators. You place a drop of solution on an applicator and draw it gently across the base of your upper eyelashes. Use a separate applicator for each eye to avoid any cross-contamination. Do this every evening as part of your preparations for sleep.

After four weeks you will notice your eyelashes becoming longer, thicker, and darker. Because Latisse operates only during the hair’s growth phase, about four months are needed for your full results. They will be quite dramatic.

If you are getting ready to have LASIK you may be able to stop wearing glasses. That in itself will change your facial appearance a lot. Think of the increased attractiveness if your eyelashes are darker, thicker, and longer. Women have used eye makeup since ancient times because beautiful eyes have always been a great asset. You will not need to use mascara or eyeliner any more if you use Latisse instead.

If you would like to learn more about Latisse, please call or email our office today and we will schedule a personal consultation for you with Dr. Kent Leavitt.

Crystalens: Advanced Technology Leads the Way

noreply@blogger.com (Tiffany) — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 23:05:00 +0000

If you are considering an intraocular lens implant, you might feel confused about the differences, benefits and disadvantages of each type. Today's advanced technology has provided excellent options for lens implantation, but Crystalens, made by Eyeonics, Inc., offers some unique advantages over other types like ReZoom and ReSTOR.

The most important feature of the Crystalens implant is autofocusing, the ability of the lens to move back and forth, controlled by the eye's ciliary muscles. The natural lens changes its own curvature according to how distant objects are. This is known as accommodation. The Crystalens mimics this, being attached to those same ciliary muscles.

Crystalens is the only IOL that offers this feature.

The best candidates for Crystalens are young, active individuals who need clear nighttime vision for driving but don't mind wearing reading glasses. There is a bit of a learning curve as the eye muscles learn to refocus. Crystalens is also an excellent option for lens replacement for cataract patients.

At Bellevue Lasik and Cornea, leading LASIK surgeon Dr. Kent Leavitt works closely with patients to provide a thorough vision evaluation and determine which IOL offers the best outcome. If you are considering Crystalens, it makes sense to schedule a no-cost consultation with Dr. Leavitt.

What Do You Want in an Eye Doctor?

noreply@blogger.com (Tiffany) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 17:28:00 +0000

As part of the May 2009 Healthy Vision Month, ophthalmologists around the country attempted to help people become more aware of the dangers of refractive vision problems, as well as solutions. Around 60% of all Americans have such problems, which if left untreated can negatively impact school performance, work performance, driving, reading, and more.

The first step to ensuring healthy eyes, of course, is to seek quality care from a licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist. An ophthalmologist, or doctor who provides total eye care, may ultimately conduct surgery on your eyes, and so it’s especially important to choose your eye doctor with care. Check credentials, make sure the ophthalmologist is board-certified, and don’t be afraid to ask questions about how long the doctor has practiced, surgeries he or she regularly performs, and so on. You may even wish to contact current or former patients for testimonials or recommendations.

Regardless of your choice, you should feel comfortable with and confident in both the care and guidance your eye doctor provides. If you already have an ophthalmologist, ask yourself, “Do I feel like I am getting the best possible care for my eyes? What am I looking for an eye doctor?” Don’t settle for anything less than a doctor you have complete faith in.

If you live in the Seattle area and are trying to find the best ophthalmologist for you, please contact the licensed staff at the Bellevue LASIK & Cornea Center today.

Epi-LASIK Helps Us Extend Care to More Patients

noreply@blogger.com (Tiffany) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 17:19:00 +0000

Many people who have vision problems or impairments come to our clinic asking about LASIK procedures. In the past, the unfortunate truth was that not everyone was a good candidate for this surgery. Some – particularly those with thin corneas or smaller amounts of tissue – were simply not eligible for LASIK because of the nature of the procedure.

Thanks to Epi-LASIK, times have changed somewhat. Whereas LASIK involves cutting a flap in the cornea that would be too deep for some patients, Epi-LASK involves using a dull blade to create the flap in only the cornea’s outer layer, which is then lifted away. As with LASIK, the surgeon then uses a laser to sculpt corneal tissue. Because the surgery is like a cross between two different procedures (LASIK and LASEK, namely), it helps us accommodate more patients with different needs.

Some patients remain more suitable candidates for LASIK, but for those who were previously ineligible for this surgery, Epi-LASIK just might provide a relatively comfortable and highly effective solution.

If you live in the Seattle area and would like to learn more about Epi-LASIK, please contact the licensed ophthalmologists at the Bellevue LASIK & Cornea Center today.

SBK Increasing in Popularity as LASIK Alternative

noreply@blogger.com (Erica) — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 22:17:00 +0000

For years, patients have come into our clinic requesting or asking about LASIK surgery. The procedure has become so popular, in fact, that many even understand how LASIK is generally conducted. (The surgeon creates and lifts a thin flap in the cornea, allowing him or her to reshape corneal tissue using a laser, resulting in greater focusing power.) Increasingly, however, SBK, or sub-Bowman's keratomileusis, is emerging as a tempting alternative to traditional LASIK surgery.

The biggest difference between SBK and LASIK is in the size of the flap. In SBK, the surgeon uses something called a femtosecond laser to create a thinner, smaller flap. This flap reportedly reduces the change for such complications as dry eye in patients after the surgery.

SBK has steadily increased in popularity, to the point where some estimate that nearly half of all refractive surgeries in the United States are now SBK procedures. At the same time, the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery has reported that the ophthalmologists are showing increasing preference for the femtosecond lasers used in SBK procedures.

If you live in the Seattle area and would like to learn more about LASIK and SBK, please contact the licensed ophthalmologists at the Bellevue LASIK & Cornea Center today.

Astigmatism: Common But Treatable

noreply@blogger.com (Evan Langsted) — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 15:46:00 +0000

Astigmatism is a common vision problem caused by an irregularly shaped cornea or an irregularly shaped crystalline lens. Astigmatism produces blurry vision, accompanies farsightedness or nearsightedness and can occur in adults and children.

Most people with astigmatism rely on eyeglasses or contact lenses to correct their eyesight. For those who wish to reduce their dependence on eyeglasses and contact lenses, refractive surgery is an excellent option available at Bellevue Lasik and Cornea in Seattle, Washington.

Mild astigmatism causes no symptoms other than slightly blurry vision. Moderate astigmatism may cause eyestrain and headaches. Regular vision examinations are needed to detect astigmatism in the early stages. In most cases, astigmatism is hereditary. In some cases, it can be caused by:

Corneal scarring due to an eye injury
Eye diseases like keratoconus
Certain types of eye surgery

For severe astigmatism, rigid contact lenses (RGPs) were once the only treatment. Today, soft toric contact lenses offer special correction for both astigmatism and near- or farsightedness and work well for mild to moderate astigmatism.

Various types of refractive surgery, such as Conventional or custom Wavefront LASIK, IntraLase, LASEK, Epi-LASIK and Conductive Keratoplasty (CK) are popular treatments offering fast, safe, effective and long-lasting correction of astigmatism as well as near- or farsightedness.

To learn more about astigmatism or to schedule a vision evaluation with Dr. Leavitt in Seattle, Washington, please contact Bellevue Lasik and Cornea today.

Glaucoma: A Silent Sight Killer

noreply@blogger.com (Evan Langsted) — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 22:27:00 +0000

The eye disorder known as glaucoma can destroy a person’s sight before they even know they have the disease. Glaucoma occurs when intraocular pressure (IOP) builds to a point where it damages the optic nerve. Left untreated, this can eventually cause blindness. That is why it is so important to schedule regular vision examinations with a qualified ophthalmologist to ensure the health of your eyes throughout your life.

There are several different kinds of glaucoma. Acute angle-closure glaucoma includes painful and frightening symptoms that occur suddenly. Blurry vision, severe eye pain, halos around lights, dilated pupils and sudden headaches may be the warning signs that emergency help is needed.

Primary open-angle glaucoma slowly and silently reduces peripheral vision and, left untreated, leads to tunnel vision – the inability to see objects that are not straight ahead in the visual field.

At Bellevue Lasik and Cornea in Seattle, Washington, leading LASIK surgeon Dr. Kent Leavitt uses the very latest diagnostic procedures to thoroughly and carefully evaluate your eyes for glaucoma. Using tools such as a tonometer, optic nerve imaging, visual field testing, an ophthalmoscope, ultrasound and gonioscopy, Dr. Leavitt can assess your eye health to ensure your vision is not in danger.

If you live in Seattle or the surrounding communities, please contact Dr. Kent Leavitt at Bellevue Lasik and Cornea for a consultation.

Why Choose Dr. Leavitt

noreply@blogger.com (Evan Langsted) — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 22:06:00 +0000

Have you been thinking about LASIK laser vision correction? If so, you are not alone. Millions of people turn to LASIK each year to restore their vision. Since we only have one pair of eyes, it makes sense to choose wisely when selecting a LASIK surgeon. Rather than basing your decision on some external factor like cost or location, the most important considerations are the surgeon’s training, expertise, reputation and years of experience.

Access to sophisticated technologies is also high on the list and affordable financing always makes it easier to get the vision correction you need at a price you can afford.

At Bellevue Lasik and Cornea in Seattle, Washington, Dr. Kent Leavitt offers these excellent qualities and is considered among his peers as a pioneer in the field of LASIK eye surgery. Dr. Leavitt has successfully performed thousands of LASIK surgeries, featuring LASIK as a major part of his practice and remaining personally involved in every aspect of your laser vision surgery. His patients appreciate his warm, compassionate manner, and the time he personally takes to answer every question and ensure your total comfort.

If LASIK sounds right for you, Dr. Leavitt offers a no-cost initial consultation to evaluate your candidacy using the most progressive diagnostics. To schedule your vision consultation in Seattle, Washington, please contact Bellevue Lasik and Cornea today and learn why LASIK patients in Seattle and surrounding communities choose Dr. Leavitt for their vision correction needs.

Conductive Keratoplasty for Better Vision

noreply@blogger.com (Evan Langsted) — Mon, 25 May 2009 16:59:00 +0000

Struggling with presbyopia or farsightedness? Conductive Keratoplasty (CK) may be a great solution for you.

Conductive Keratoplasty is a newer type of refractive surgery that uses radio waves. It received approval from the Food and Drug Administration in 2002 as a method for correcting nearsightedness in individuals over age 40. Two years later, the procedure was approved as a treatment for presbyopia, a condition that accompanies aging and causes a loss of close-up vision.

To treat nearsightedness, the tiny probe directs the radio waves to the cornea’s center areas to flatten the curvature and improve distance vision. To treat farsightedness or presbyopia, the radio waves are directed to the corneal edges. This steepens the curvature, giving clearer close-up vision. Either way, the procedure is brief, taking only about fifteen-minutes.

Dr. Leavitt may also discuss a procedure known as monovision, where one eye is corrected for near vision and the other eye is left untreated for far vision. Some patients tolerate monovision well while others decide it is not right for them. Dr. Leavitt may provide special contact lenses to allow you to try monovision first before undergoing the procedure.

If you are in Seattle, Washington or surrounding areas, and are ready to end your frustration with poor vision, please schedule a vision consultation with Dr. Kent Leavitt.

ReZoom Restores a Full Range of Vision

noreply@blogger.com (Evan Langsted) — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 15:05:00 +0000

The ReZoom multifocal lens, made by Advanced Medical Optics, Inc., is a non-moving lens implant with three focusing zones that offer immediate improvement to both distance and reading vision. For individuals diagnosed with presbyopia or cataracts who wish to reduce their dependence on glasses or contacts and restore a full range of vision, ReZoom may be ideal.

Presbyopia occurs as the eye ages. Most people begin to notice symptoms after the age of 40. The natural lens starts to harden and lose flexibility, reducing the eye's ability to change focus. When you begin to have difficulty seeing things up close and must hold the object further away from your eyes to read it, this may be the first signs of presbyopia.

Cataracts are also a natural part of aging. They cause the eye’s natural lens to become cloudy. Vision grows blurry, and colors appear more dull. Over time, if left untreated, cataracts can lead to blindness. A lens with cataracts must be removed and replaced with an intraocular lens.

With Balanced View Optics™ Technology, ReZOOM offers a major advantage over other lens implants. Five uniquely proportioned visual zones are designed for varying light and focal distances. Some zones offer better vision in low lighting, some for distance vision and others for nighttime driving conditions.

If you are frustrated by poor vision or think you may have cataracts, schedule a vision consultation with Dr. Kent Leavitt at Bellevue Lasik and Cornea in Seattle, Washington. If you are a good candidate for the ReZOOM™ Multifocal IOL, we will discuss your options, risk and financing and will answer your questions to ensure ReZoom will help you achieve your very best vision.

Can ReSTOR Help You See Better?

noreply@blogger.com (Evan Langsted) — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 15:04:00 +0000

For a truly advanced method of vision correction for cataract patients, ReSTOR is an intraocular lens implant (IOL) that offers excellent close-up vision.

ReSTOR is a non-moving lens implant that provides distance and near vision simultaneously. Unlike ReZoom, which offers three separate focusing zones, ReSTOR uses an "apodized" surface to focus vision for a gradual blend of focusing power across the entire surface of the lens.

The best candidates for ReSTOR are patients who spend much of their time reading and do not mind wearing eyeglasses for tasks such as computer use. Distance vision results after the ReSTOR procedure are immediate, but intermediate and near vision results may take several weeks to fully develop.

Ninety-seven percent of ReSTOR patients can see both distance and near objects without difficulty, even in dim light. Arm’s length vision tasks (for example, viewing a computer screen) are less clear and may require glasses. Five percent of ReSTOR patients note significant halos or glare at night.

With ReSTOR, you can look forward to living life without total dependence on reading glasses or bifocals. This unique innovation in vision correction offers quality vision throughout the entire vision spectrum and a second opportunity at excellent vision.

To make an informed decision about which IOL is right for you, please contact Bellevue Lasik and Cornea to schedule a vision consultation with Dr. Kent Leavitt.

Welcome

noreply@blogger.com (CrystalY) — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 21:23:00 +0000

Welcome to our blog. Please come back soon to read more about our services.

An Excellent LASIK Alternative: Advanced Surface Ablation

noreply@blogger.com (Evan Langsted) — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 19:50:00 +0000

Advanced Surface Ablation (ASA) is an excellent option for people who engage in contact sports, for individuals who suffer from dry eyes, and for those who cannot undergo traditional LASIK due to thin corneas.

The ASA procedure does not require the creation of a corneal flap and no microkeratome blade is used as in other laser vision correction surgeries. Instead, a small section of corneal cells is gently polished away using a diluted alcohol solution. Laser reshaping takes place on the corneal layer below. Since no flap was created, a bandage contact lens is applied to the treated area and worn for several weeks to protect the corneal surface.

Patients undergoing Advanced Surface Ablation report some discomfort and the recovery period is somewhat longer than that for LASIK. However, no flap creation means many typical LASIK risks are avoided, including flap wrinkles, infection beneath the flap, or a flap that is too deeply cut.

Advanced Surface Ablation is a great choice for the treatment of nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.

The best candidates for ASA:

• Are over 18
• Have a stable prescription
• Have healthy eyes
• Have a desire to reduce their dependence on glasses or contacts
• Do not qualify for LASIK

ASA offers yet another superior alternative for many people to enjoy their best vision. Why not schedule your vision consultation with Dr. Kent Leavitt in Seattle, Washington to find out if Advanced Surface Ablation is right for you?

Intraocular Lens Implants for Cataract Treatment

noreply@blogger.com (Evan Langsted) — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 16:05:00 +0000

If you are plagued with cataracts, an ophthalmologist may have advised you to wait until your cataracts grow larger before seeking treatment. You may be surprised to learn that early treatment of your cataracts is a wise idea. And with today’s technologically advanced treatment options for cataracts, you can resolve your cataracts quickly, easily and affordably. Why wait until tomorrow if you can enjoy your very best vision today?

Cataract treatments offer three types of intraocular lens implants (IOLs):

Crystalens™ -- the only IOL that attaches to the eye’s ciliary muscles and allows movement that mimics accommodation and provides clear vision at all distances.

ReZoom™ -- a highly-refractive acrylic material gives this intraocular lens five multifocal zones for clear vision at all distances.

ReSTOR® – using apodized diffractive technology, ReSTOR diffracts incoming light to various focal points for clear near and distance vision images.

Which IOL is best for your cataract treatment? In the Seattle, Washington area, you and leading LASIK surgeon Dr. Kent Leavitt can make that decision together during your complimentary vision evaluation in Dr. Leavitt’s comfortable office at Bellevue Lasik and Cornea. With today’s sophisticated vision correction and eye surgeries, there is no need to live with poor vision.

Please contact us today to schedule your vision evaluation.