LAS VEGAS, NV--(Marketwire - Nov 1, 2012) - In the U.S., ophthalmologists and eye surgeons performed over 800,000 total refractive surgical procedures last year according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO). While LASIK surgery is perhaps the most widely known vision correction treatment, Dr. Helga Pizio and her team of cataract and LASIK surgeons in Las Vegas say the implantable contact lens has become an increasingly popular option for patients at their New Eyes Las Vegas practice. Designed to help reduce patient dependency on contacts or glasses by inserting an advanced Collamer® lens directly in the eye, Dr. Pizio says the implantable contact lens (ICL) procedure can offer non-LASIK candidates an effective alternative for improving their vision.
Given that the AAO also reports over 150 million people currently wear some form of corrective eyewear, Dr. Helga Pizio says implantable contact lenses are a natural solution for patients who want to be able to see life more clearly without having to worry about the burdens of losing their glasses or changing out their contacts. In fact, she says the ICL procedure is often the only option for those who want better vision but do not qualify for LASIK or other procedures.
Dr. Aaron Waite, the refractive surgeon at New Eyes, says Visian ICL® surgery, or the implantable contact lens procedure, is intended for patients who have moderate to severe nearsightedness with little to no astigmatism, thin corneas, high prescriptions, a history of dry eye, or large pupils. The procedure typically takes between 10 and 15 minutes per eye, during which he creates a microscopic incision and places the Collamer® lens behind the iris, with visual results often noticeable immediately after surgery. Additionally, because the natural lens is kept in place, Dr. Waite says the procedure is ultimately reversible if necessary. Although there are certain published risks such as residual refractive error, cataracts, infection, and glaucoma, he says ICLs have proven to be just as safe as LASIK surgery.
"The risks associated with ICL surgery in an appropriate candidate are exceedingly rare," says Dr. Aaron Waite. "These risks can be minimized by a thorough screening process and careful surgical technique."
Regardless of which procedure is determined to be the right fit for them, Dr. Pizio and Dr. Waite say they recommend their Las Vegas LASIK surgery and implantable contact lens patients research each option extensively and consult with a board-certified ophthalmologist before undergoing any treatment. They say patients who take the time to ensure their treatment is performed with the proper commitment to safety and quality will be able to enjoy improved vision and greater independence from their corrective eyewear.
About Helga F. Pizio, MD, FACS
A graduate of the University of Miami School of Medicine, Dr. Helga Pizio completed her Ophthalmology residency at the Dean McGee Eye Institute in Oklahoma. She is board-certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. Dr. Pizio founded the New Eyes Las Vegas team in 2008 for providing patients with advanced eye surgery and comprehensive care. Dr. Pizio is also an active Professor at the University of Nevada School of Medicine, and has been selected as a Top Doctor in 2012 by Las Vegas Seven Magazine.
With several locations throughout the Las Vegas and Southern Nevada area, New Eyes can be reached at (702) 485-5000. Dr. Pizio and her team can also be contacted online via the website neweyeslasvegas.com.
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