Health Care and Medical Blogs » Andrew Caster MD

Glaucoma and Refractive Surgery

admin — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 05:44:06 +0000

Andrew Caster MD shares important information about patients at risk for developing glaucoma require special management when undergoing refractive surgery. Regular follow-up visits with an ophthalmologist can help ensure that these patients avoid potential complications later in life.

Diagnosing glaucoma requires an accurate measurement of an individual’s intraocular pressure (IOP). Dr. Andrew Caster believes when a patient undergoes refractive surgery, the thickness of the cornea is altered; as a result, the patient’s IOP may “read” lower than it actually is. While IOP is not the only factor used to diagnose glaucoma, an increase in IOP is arguably the most important risk factor indicating development and progression of glaucoma; an erroneous IOP reading – especially one that is artificially low — can cause a developing condition to be overlooked. Moreover, because treatment of glaucoma is aimed at reducing IOP, accurate measurement of pressure is essential for effective treatment of the disease.

Andrew Caster MD says, because refractive surgery can make it difficult for an ophthalmologist to set a target IOP for patients postoperatively, these patients must be followed closely, and additional tests must be used to monitor for changes in IOP. Although newer tonometers may prove more accurate in measuring IOP even in refractive patients, most ophthalmologists use other indicators to help determine if glaucoma is developing. These factors include changes in the optic disc, nerve fiber layer and visual fields. In addition, measuring the patient’s IOP prior to surgery and then again after the eye is stabilized may also be used as a new baseline.

Dr. Andrew caster says, patients undergoing refractive surgery should understand the possible changes that can result in an erroneously low IOP reading in future eye care visits. Also, they should be advised to let their ophthalmologist know during routine visits that they have undergone refractive surgery, so that the doctor may take extra precautions to carefully screen for the presence of glaucoma.

Risk of Vision Loss in Aging Adults Is Greater Than Risk of Breast or Prostate Cancer

admin — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 05:41:19 +0000

Significant visual impairment is a serious risk for older populations, with roughly 6.75% of adults ³60 years of age defined as being visually impaired or having best-corrected vision less that 20/40. As many as 1 in 3 men and women ³65 years of age will experience age-related vision loss. By comparison, the risks of the same age group’s developing prostate and breast cancer are about 1 in 6 and 1 in 9, respectively.

Multiple studies suggest the high risk of age-related vision conditions is due in part to a lack of proper screening and regular eye examinations. Because age-related eye diseases are often asymptomatic in their early stages and may progress slowly, an annual eye examination becomes a critical tool to detect and evaluate these conditions before they can cause loss of sight. Comorbidities, such as cognitive impairment, may also result in symptoms of vision loss being underreported by older adults. Additionally, many adults who wear corrective lenses wrongly believe regular examinations for visual acuity are sufficient when, in fact, to detect these eye diseases, a comprehensive examination is necessary.

Regular eye examinations can have an impact on more than eye health. Studies indicate that older individuals who are visually impaired are more likely to be in fair-to-poor health, with a significantly higher incidence of accidents, falls and hip fractures. Individuals with age-related vision loss also feel grief, anxiety, social isolation and depression more often that those without vision loss. These feelings can be exacerbated by a concomitant loss of mobility and an increased dependence on outside help to aid in the tasks of everyday living.

Because many age-related vision problems can be successfully treated or the progression of these diseases slowed when caught early, the American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends eye examinations for all adults ³65 years of age every 1 to 2 years.

To keep ones eyes healthy, one should schedule regular eye visits with an ophthalmologist such as Andrew Caster MD. Dr. Andrew Caster provides several services for the eyes and in one of the best Los Angeles Lasik surgeons. He has performed successful Lasik and many other vision correction procedures on many people including professional athletes.

Prenatal Factors May Be Crucial in Adult Vision

admin — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 05:35:48 +0000

Many studies have shown that visual impairment can have far-reaching consequences on an individual’s employment, socioeconomic status and general health. Until recently, however, the effects of prenatal and childhood biological and sociologic factors on adult vision were poorly understood.

A recent study by Rahi et al from University College London, United Kingdom, investigated whether adult visual function is influenced by early life biological and social factors. The authors found that specific determinants can have a marked effect on the eventual manifestation of adult visual impairment. Those determinants include low birth weight, intrauterine growth retardation, maternal smoking during pregnancy and certain markers of socioeconomic deprivation in childhood.

The population-based study gathered data from 9330 individuals from the 1958 British birth cohort. This unique database contains health information regarding every person born in Britain within a single week in 1958. In this vision study, the authors selected participants for whom medical information was available from medical examinations conducted from birth to middle age.

Study participants were examined at age 44 or 45 years for near, distance and stereo visual acuity. Examination results indicated the following:

1.3% had visual deficits that prevented them from passing a driving test and were defined as having socially significant visual impairment.

0.9% of the study participants had severe visual impairment or blindness.

Logistic regression and other methods were used to determine the relationships among vision functions, early-life influences, and health and social outcomes in middle age. The study’s authors said that the statistically significant results were repeated for all causes and levels of visual impairment.

Interestingly, the authors noted that the same early-life factors that appear to affect adult vision also correlate with other diseases and conditions, such as hypertension, as noted in other health studies. Because visual impairment can be devastating to an adult’s lifestyle and overall health, researchers said the findings are especially important and may lead to future studies to determine prevention strategies, as well as aid in early diagnosis of these conditions by better determining which young children might be at greatest risk. By identifying risk factors early, researchers hope to improve the eventual quality of life these individuals will experience when they reach adulthood.

In order to ensure that ones eyes are healthy He or she should see a leading Los Angeles Ophthalmologist, Dr. Andrew Caster runs a successful ophthalmology practice in Los Angeles. He is also a well known Los Angles Lasik Surgeon. If one is interested in the health of their eyes or needs more information about what laser vision correction Los Angeles procedures are available for ones condition please Andrew Caster MD.

Blindness Can Be Caused by Smoking

admin — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 05:32:26 +0000

Dr. Andrew Caster would like to inform people about age-related macular degeneration. (AMD) Age related macular degeneration is one of the most common causes of blindness in adults in the United States, affecting more than 1.75 million Americans. While some risk factors for AMD, such as cardiovascular disease and hypertension, are well known, recent studies indicate that smoking appears to have a significant impact on an individual’s chances of developing the condition.

In an editorial, the BMJ (British Medical Journal) cited studies finding that greater than 25% of all cases of AMD with visual impairment or blindness can be attributed to current or past smoking exposure, making it the leading modifiable risk factor for the condition. The editorial considered multiple studies conducted worldwide that evaluated the correlation between smoking habits and the eventual development of AMD, which involves degradation and eventual loss of central vision.

Treatment of AMD remains limited. Identifying and eliminating or reducing risk factors is currently the primary mode of prevention.

The analysis focused on data collected from 12,468 patients in 3 cross-sectional studies that indicated current smokers were 3-4x more likely to develop AMD as were men and women who had never smoked. By comparison, smokers are 1.6x as likely to develop ischemic heart disease as nonsmokers — about half the risk or less of developing AMD – although the association between ischemic heart disease and smoking is much more recognized.

In three additional and separate studies of AMD in smokers and non-smokers in North America, Australia and Europe, smoking emerged as the strongest environmental risk factor for developing the condition. Studies also revealed that smokers developed AMD about a decade earlier than nonsmokers.

The good news: Smoking cessation appears to have a positive effect, decreasing the risk of developing AMD over time. Despite the clear evidence supporting the correlation between smoking and the risk of AMD, the researchers also noted that public awareness of the link is lacking and added that physicians and other health-care professionals are in a prime positions to educate patients about the very real vision-related risks of smoking and visual impairment.

Andrew Caster MD agrees that one should be aware of how other behaviors may harm the vision. Staying cautious and keeping healthy habits may benefits ones eyesight or better their chances of being a candidate for Lasik or other laser vision correction Beverly Hills Procedures.

Lasik Might be Right for You

admin — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 07:59:41 +0000

Some struggle with extremely bad vision and have no hope for improvement because of the severity of their myopia or other vision problems. But for those who have hope for better vision there’s Lasik and other eye surgeries that have given us the technology and more ways into bettering ourselves.

There are plenty of different options to chose from when selecting a plan for vision correction, there are things like implantable contacts, custom corrections and natural lens replacement, all of which are great procedures. Implantable contacts are really great for those who have extremely bad eye sight that cannot be corrected with Lasik Los Angeles chooses Lasik because of its promising results and ever advancing technology.

Lasik eye surgery involves permanently reshaping the cornea, the clear covering in front of the eye. A little flap is cut into the side and then turned over exposing a new part of the cornea. Then lasers are used to reshape the cornea in order to improve your vision so you can see better than before without the use of glasses or contact lenses. Andrew Caster MD, who owns Caster Eye Center in Beverly Hills, has restored the Vision of so many patients that his technique has been admired in magazines like: Los Angeles Magazine, W Magazine and Best doctors. Lasik has shown amazing results with many of Andrew Caster MDs patience and expertise has restored vision with amazing results, to thousands of patients nearby and world-wide.

Out of all these different procedures for vision improvement, local patients seem to be much more comfortable with Lasik in Los Angles Lasik is being performed everyday with great results. The procedure takes only about five minutes and is said to have little to no complications. It’s quick and painless, and could be the right option for you if you have minor vision complications and hate wearing your glasses or contacts. Look into Lasik eye surgery today.

How to Finance Laser Surgery?

admin — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 06:03:29 +0000

Millions of people around the globe have laser vision correction every year. We probably have friends, colleagues, neighbours, and family members who’ve have undergone some type of vision correction procedure. One of the most common non invasive procedures is Lasik that is helping individuals to improve their vision.

Even though eye surgery is common, many people have considerations for financing it. Sometimes lack of time or money prohibits these people from moving forward. However, Andrew Caster MD, a leading eye surgeon suggests that with a little resourcefulness and creativity, those who believe that laser vision correction is too expensive will see just how affordable it can be.

Of course we are not suggesting choosing the cheapest clinic or surgeon. Instead you can opt for one of the programs from the following:

3rd Party Financing

There are numerous options when it comes to third party finance companies. Talking to credit union or local bank can give you some leads. If you have a health policy, you can also speak to you insurance company for assistance. There are some companies that provide fee-for-service programs as well for elective medical procedures. Other popular choices include CapitalOne and Care Credit Healthcare financing. These companies offer plan with 6, 9, 12 or more interest free financing schemes that support expenses of Lasik Surgeon Los Angeles and generally have lower rate of interest as compared to other credit cards.

Flexible Spending Accounts

Most employers give the option of flexi spending accounts to employees whose performances are at a better level than others. While with some you can use pre-tax money to pay for medical expenses, others reimburse it in the form of paying for your medical insurance premium. As the conditions of these accounts vary from one company to another, you can check with your human resource department for more details.

Health Savings Accounts (HSA)

Using the HSA is another option for which you can find details about with the HR of your company. Similar to flexible spending accounts, the money you take is deducted from your pay check in the form of monthly instalments. A point to remember here is that unlike the flexible spending accounts, you are the owner of the account and whatever money you don’t spend on medical expenses is yours to keep and rollover to the next plan year.

Medical Expenses Deduction

And last option is to ask Uncle Sam for a deduction on your IRS income tax return. Check if you qualify and for detailed procedure, talk to your tax adviser.
Andrew Caster is one of the top Lasik surgeons in the United States and runs a successful Laser Vision Correction Beverly Hills. So if you really want to correct your sight with a laser, you know whom to contact.