Our Blog
By: Dr. Fitzgerald on January 24, 2012
An exciting article was published in the Lancet on January 23rd showing early results of stem cell implantation under the retina in 2 patients with 2 different types of Macular Degeneration. Thus far no negative results have been noted in the two patients, and there was even some vision improvement. The next step will be looking at implantation earlier in the disease process to see if vision loss can be slowed or averted.
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By: Dr. Fitzgerald on December 30, 2011
Can’t Find the Solution? Start the Year Right with LASIK
If you are a long-time wearer of contact lenses you may have found yourself in need of contact lens solution with none in sight
If you are a long-time wearer of contact lenses, than there is a good chance that you have found yourself out and about in desperate need of contact lens solution due to a smudged lens or maybe you accidentally rubbed your contact out of your eye and you think – can I use water? What should I do? Many people think saliva can do the trick but just think of all that bacteria in your mouth.
According to a new Bausch + Lomb study which polled 2,000 adults in the U.K., 20% reported using unconventional and even dangerous lubricants when putting contact lenses in their eyes.
When in a pinch use Saline Solution
Years ago saline solution was actually used to clean off contact lenses. Therefore, it is one option for those who are caught without contact cleaning solution in a tricky situation. This product is not recommended for everyday use but it will work until your regular solution becomes available again.
LASIK Surgery maybe the answer for you
You’ve spent your whole life dreaming of better vision. Clear, crisp eyesight - without the hassle of glasses or contacts. The Clavenna Vision Institute wants you to know there is finally a better way to see - iLASIK. With this advanced technology, iLASIK is safer and more precise than ever, so there has never been a better time to experience the freedom of iLASIK and there’s no better place than Clavenna Vision Institute. 100% blade free…100% personalized…iLASIK offers the peace of mind you’ve been waiting for. Carl F. Clavenna, M.D. and Gregory B. Fitzgerald, M.D. are among the very first doctors to be certified to do iLASIK, a groundbreaking laser correction procedure, at Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, MI.
In most who have LASIK, the procedure can help to improve many uncorrected vision problems, or one’s vision without the use of any corrective lenses. If you are interested in learning more about the many benefits of LASIK eye surgery, be sure to contact Clavenna Vision Institute today to set up your free vision consultation. In no time, you can ditch the contact solution once and for all and never again will you have to worry about finding a solution to your vision.
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By: Dr. Fitzgerald on November 29, 2011
I went to the Beaumont Department of Ophthalmology meeting on 11.28.11 for a presentation on new treatments for Keratoconus patients. Riboflavin collagen cross-linking in the cornea can help stabilize the tissue and hold back disease progression. This will most likely have treatment options for some non-LASIK candidates, or post RK patients as well in the future.
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By: Dr. Fitzgerald on October 10, 2011
Many of us are like a fine wine; as we age we only get better. Aging today has many benefits such as wisdom and knowledge of life experiences. However, the downside to aging is that the old machinery may not work as well as it once did. Our eyesight, without a doubt, gets negatively affected as we age. Perfect 20/20 vision frequently becomes blurred and all is not as crisp and clear as it once was.
On the flip side, there are a multitude of opportunities to correct your vision.
Refractive Lens Surgery
For those who have cataracts and would like to reduce their dependency on glasses for distance, astigmatism, reading or even all of these, multifocal implants can reduce the need for glasses. There are many options for premium implants which can be discussed with our doctors.
LASIK Surgery
LASIK eye surgery has always been a popular procedure among adults who wish to ditch their corrective lenses and have clearer vision. Many seniors do not realize that LASIK is also a great way to treat aging vision problems such as myopia and astigmatism.
In fact, a new study reported in the Journal of Ophthalmology stated that the safety and efficacy of LASIK procedures in patients over 70-years-old has greatly increased in recent years, and has continually improved to the point that it has less than 1% of problems occurring from complications.
While vision problems are a naturally occurring side-effect of the aging process for many people, that doesn’t mean that they have to be a lifelong problem for seniors. There are several treatment options available to correct significant vision problems that affect people over the age of 60, such as the ones mentioned above. If you have any questions about LASIK eye surgery or refractive eye surgery for seniors, be sure to contact our office to discuss your options with our doctors. In addition you can submit any questions you may have on our contact page of our website, http://www.cvi2020.com/contact-us/.
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By: Dr. Fitzgerald on September 16, 2011
September is Children’s eye health and safety month
While health and safety are important year round, the American Academy of Ophthalmology has designated September as Children’s eye health and safety month. We recommend that for health maintenance, children have their eyes examined with us at the age of 5 years old. Then every two years after that. This will ensure that your child’s vision is optimized for school, and ensurs that no health issues are occurring.
So in this busy back to school season, don’t forget to schedule your childs eye exam too.
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By: Dr. Fitzgerald on September 13, 2011
The most common way to measure visual acuity is with an eye chart of a certain size, viewed from 20 feet away. Most Ophthalmologists offices are not 20 feet long anymore, but will use mirrors to simulate a 20 foot distance.
The numbers 20/20 is a comparison of your vision to perfect or normal vision. Therefore, if what you can see at 20 feet away is the same as a person with perfect vision, you are considered 20/20. If what you can see at 20 feet away, a person with perfect vision can see at 40 feet away, your vision is 20/40, and so on. While 20/20 vision is considered “perfect” vision, it is possible to see better than 20/20.
While this convention works well for measuring distance vision, it does not work for measuring the ability to read at close range. Most Ophthalmologists use a scale called the Jaeger scale, which again is based on specific sized letters, held at approximately 16 to 18 inches away.
LASIK, glasses and contact lenses are all designed to improve your visual acuity, be it for distance or for near.
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By: Dr. Fitzgerald on July 7, 2011
Important suggestion for keeping your eye health in check:
Having a comprehensive dilated eye exam with a Board Certified Ophthalmologist every few years is key even if you think your vision is just fine.
As many eye diseases are hereditary it is best to be well informed about your family’s eye health history.
Always wear protective eyewear when playing physical sports, doing yard work, woodworking, etc.
Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful rays.
Be smart and eat healthy. Dark green leafy vegetables, fruit, and fish are very beneficial for your eye health. Don’t smoke cigarettes as it is bad for your overall health as well as your eyes.
To book your one-on-one consultation with a Michigan Board Certified Ophthalmologist, contact Clavenna Vision Institute today: 248-646-3733
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By: Dr. Fitzgerald on June 2, 2011
Have you ever wondered how some LASIK centers can advertise that they charge $499 per eye while other LASIK surgeons charge more for the procedure? Such centers often bring customers in with the promise of a low cost for LASIK surgery, while adding numerous fees such as facility charges and customization onto the final cost of the surgery. Some LASIK surgeons advertise a low price, but patients come to realize this low price applies only to those patients who need very minimal corrections. Furthermore, some surgeons may charge less for LASIK because they do not have the experience or technology which other eye surgeons have.
So how does one find the best LASIK surgeon in Michigan with the premium technology required to achieve the best results?
Technology, testimonials and trust are the key to knowing which surgeon is right for you. At Clavenna Vision Institute our LASIK surgeons are proud to offer iLASIK. This all LASER LASIK (bladeless) procedure is quick, virtually painless, and the results are outstanding. All branches of the U.S. military and NASA endorse iLASIK for their servicemen and woman after studies showed that this LASIK can provide better than 20/20 customized vision. Our patient testimonials speak for themselves and will put any LASIK candidate at ease. At our no fee-no obligation LASIK exams, our doctors will thoroughly determine if you are a candidate for LASIK and answer all the questions you may have to insure you are comfortable and feel confident about your LASIK options. To make an appointment call Clavenna Vision Institute in Birmingham, MI, 248-646-3733 or visit our website at www.cvi2020.com.
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By: Dr. Fitzgerald on February 22, 2011
Will I need reading glasses after LASIK?
Somewhere around the age of 45 we all become presbyopic. Presbyopia is the condition where our natural lens of the eye loses its ability to focus like the auto focus of a camera. What this means is that we need to go into either reading glasses or bifocals. LASIK does not change this in any way. Some people who are nearsighted and have presbyopia comment that they can’t read with their glasses on but can take them off to read, so why can’t they read without glasses after LASIK? You can’t take your LASIK off like you can your glasses. Depending on your eyes, there are some things we may be able to do to rid you of reading glasses too.
Is LASIK permanent? I heard that the effect does not last.
LASIK is very much a permanent procedure and the results do not wear off. People who have had LASIK can expect to benefit from the procedure for the rest of their lives. One of the many benefits of LASIK, which has made it so popular, is that it can also be adjusted later in life if your visual needs change. The adjustments do require an additional procedure.
What about glare at night?
The LASIK procedure has developed a bad reputation for causing glare at night. It is true that the procedure can cause glare but this is very rare. Glare was a problem years ago when the lasers used were not of the same quality as those used today. With today’s lasers, most people feel that they have less glare following LASIK than before with their contact lenses or glasses. Rarely, however, even when the procedure goes perfectly, some people experience an increase in glare.
How long does it take to recover from a vision correction procedure?
The majority of patients notice significantly improved vision the first day after surgery. Most people resume normal activities within 1-2 days.
Is LASIK painful?
A topical anesthetic is used during the procedure, so virtually no pain is felt. You may feel pressure on the eye. After the anesthetic wears off, most people experience a feeling like there is an eyelash stuck on your eyes. This usually goes away after 3 – 5 hours.
What kind of anesthetic is used?
Patients are given a mild oral sedative and eye drops to anesthetize or numb the eye.
Who is the ideal candidate for vision correction surgery?
The ideal candidate for vision correction surgery is age 18 or older with stable healthy eyes, and has the desire to enjoy the freedom of not having to wear glasses or contact lenses.
Are there any risks involved in vision correction procedures?
As with virtually any surgical procedure, there are certain potential risks and complications with vision correction procedures. The risk of a complication is less than 1% with vision loss occurring in less than 0.05% (one in two thousand). Dr. Clavenna and Dr. Fitzgerald would be happy to discuss with you the potential risks and any other concerns you may have in detail. They want you to be totally comfortable with your decision to have LASIK performed.
What kind of success rate has been achieved through vision correction surgery?
The overall results of vision correction surgery have been nothing short of excellent, with more than 99% of Clavenna Vision Institute’s patients satisfied with their results and our performance.
Why does Wavefront (CustomVue) LASIK cost more?
There are two reasons CustomVue LASIK is more expensive. First, the equipment required to perform CustomVue Lasik costs hundreds of thousands of dollars more. Second, there is a royalty fee paid to the inventors of the lasers and this fee is also higher for CustomVue than conventional LASIK.
Am I too young or old to have LASIK?
You have to be at least 18 years old to have LASIK due to the chance of your eyes changing too much at younger ages. There is no upper age limit for LASIK Troy, Birmingham, Royal Oak, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan candidates as long as your eyes are healthy.
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By: Dr. Fitzgerald on December 6, 2010
Not enough lashes? Ask one of our doctors about Latisse – the first and only FDA-approved treatment that grows lashes longer, fuller and darker.
We are offering for a limited time only 1 free month of Latisse when you buy a 2 month supply. Huge savings while supplies last. That is just $200 for a 3 month supply - They are going fast fast fast! Call us in Birmingham MI 248-646-3733 to book your consultation.
Also don’t forget that your Flex Spending Account will run out at the end of the Year. There are limited days to book your Complimentary Michigan Lasik
Consultation, to see if you are a candidate for this life changing procedure. Ditch your glasses in 2011!!
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