Refractive Surgery Blog

Earlier this month (April 21), Dr. Lewis appeared on FOX 31's Good Day Colorado to discuss the effects of ultraviolet light on the eye. Due to the success of that broadcast, he has been re-invited to appear on the show on May 13. This time, the conversation is scheduled to be about LASIK and the new advances associated with the evolution of the most common surgical procedure performed today. Specifically, Dr. Lewis will be discussing wave-front technology and the use of the femtosecond laser in this form of refractive surgery.

If you have the opportunity to watch the broadcast, Dr. Lewis is scheduled to be on during the first half hour of the show that begins at 9:00 am, May 13.

To view Dr. Lewis' appearance on April 21st, click here.

Labels: Good Day Colorado on FOX 31 News

According to recent news reports and wire stories, The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) held a public meeting on Friday, April 25th to discuss patient satisfaction with laser eye surgery, commonly referred to as LASIK (Laser Assisted in-Situ Keratomileusis). Various national print and broadcast media outlets have published this story.

Despite a recent study by the American Academy of Ophthalmology in which 95% of Lasik patients expressed satisfaction with the procedure, the FDA has been prompted to hold these meetings due to complaints received regarding side effects such as dry eye, blurred or double vision, and poor night time vision.

"The FDA has determined that the LASIK procedure is safe and effective for the hundreds of thousands of patients treated every year. Most of these people often have fantastic vision the day after their procedure. However, as with any surgical procedure, there is the potential for an adverse outcome," says Stuart Lewis, MD, the laser eye surgeon at Cherry Creek Eye Physicians & Surgeons, PC.

The number of complaints about LASIK outcomes reported to the FDA from 1998 through 2006 was 140. During this period, between 6 and 7 million patients underwent laser vision correction in the United States. Dr. Lewis elaborated that, "Our patients are concerned about the safety of the procedure, and they are reassured that only 0.002% of the LASIK cases during this time resulted in a complaint to the FDA. This is proof of how successful LASIK is as a surgical procedure. In fact, with the newer technologies available, the complication rate today is significantly lower that that of the past."

Dr. Lewis stated that there are a few patients that experience minor dry eye problems after the procedure, but this is often for a short period of time. "We have known about this particular problem for many years, and we fully inform our patients prior to their surgery via a video and discussions with our staff and physicians that we can alleviate dry eye symptoms with drops and other methods. In addition, we have noted fewer dry eye problems since we have been using the Intralase technology to create the corneal flap."

Dr. Lewis stated that the vast majority of his LASIK patients absolutely love their glasses-free vision. "Once patients learn about how safe and easy LASIK is at Boling Vision Center, they realize that life without glasses or contacts is worth the possibility of a minor complication such as dry eye."

Dr. Lewis reports that he has performed several thousand LASIK procedures since 1996. In fact, Dr. Lewis was one of the first ophthalmologists in the Denver area to perform the procedure. "Patients find that experience reassuring," he said.

Cherry Creek Eye Physicians & Surgeons, PC, is a full service eye care provider that has been in the Denver Community for almost 60 years. With offices in the Cherry Creek Eye Center on East Kentucky Ave. in Denver, Cherry Creek Eye Physicians & Surgeons, PC is one of the leading providers of LASIK in the Denver Metropolitan area. More information can be found at www.cherrycreekeye.com.

Labels: LASIK Complications

This morning Dr. Lewis was interviewed on Good Day Colorado by Shaul Turner. "We are trying to educate Coloradans about the harmful and cumulative effects of ultraviolet (UV) light." The interview was done in response to a new product - Fitovers - non-prescription sunglasses that fit over a standard pair of glasses.

Fitovers have several positive features: They block UV light in the 400nm range and thus help protect the retina/macula, diminish glare because they are polarized, are made of polycarbonate and are, therefore, shatter proof, protect the skin around the eyes due to their size, are fashionable and are inexpensive (~$50.00). The lenses are a great substitute for buying a separate pair of prescription sunglasses and have been particularly well received by fishermen and other sports enthusiasts.

You will be surprised at Fitovers' comfort and convenience. Visit the Cherry Creek Optical located on the first floor of the Cherry Creek Eye Center to look at your Fitover options.

Labels: Ultraviolet Light

Recently, while purchasing an item via the internet, I took the opportunity to read several reviews of other shoppers who had bought and commented on the product in question. Not only did I feel their praise and criticisms to by useful, they were very important in helping me make my shopping decision. I appreciated both the honesty of the reviewers and straight forward business approach of the vendor. I decided that that form of transparency was exactly what my practice needed for patients who wanted another form of information.

At the end of February, I opened a new section on my website - a "Patient Blog." It is a forum where patients are able to candidly express opinions about how they decided to choose us as healthcare providers, how they were treated and, in general, their experiences in my office. The blog is meant to provide an inside look into the way my office performs from the patient's perspective.

I invite you to read and write reviews about my office.

Labels: Patient Blog