New hybrid contact lens solves vision problems after LASIK
Over a million LASIK procedures are performed each year in the United States to restore people's vision and reduce or eliminate their need for eyeglasses.
For most people, the procedure is safe and effective. But in some cases, LASIK can cause vision problems that can't be corrected with eyeglasses or soft contact lenses.
Vision problems after LASIK
Estimates of vision loss after LASIK surgery vary, but according to the Eye Surgery Education Council (ESEC), approximately 0.8% to 3.0% of LASIK patients may see less clearly after LASIK – even with the aid of eyeglasses – compared to how well they could see with glasses prior to surgery.
(The ESEC is a consumer education initiative established by the American Society for Cataract and Refractive Surgery, a professional society of ophthalmologists dedicated to raising the standards and skills of eye surgeons and to promoting quality eye care.)
In many cases, vision problems after LASIK can be corrected with a follow-up laser procedure. But sometimes a second surgery isn't possible, leaving the person with sub-standard vision after LASIK, even when wearing eyeglasses.
Post-LASIK vision problems can include blurred vision, ghost images, halos around lights, and loss of contrast.
Contact lenses after LASIK
Persistent vision problems after LASIK can often be reduced or eliminated with rigid gas permeable (RGP or GP) contact lenses. But GP lenses can be less comfortable than soft contact lenses, and are difficult to wear on a part-time basis.
Soft contact lenses may be more comfortable, but they usually won't provide the same clarity of vision after LASIK that GP lenses can provide.
A new solution: SynergEyes® PS hybrid contact lenses
To solve the clarity vs. comfort dilemma, SynergEyes, Inc. (Carlsbad, CA) recently launched a "hybrid" contact lens designed for people who need further vision correction after LASIK and other refractive surgery.
SynergEyes PS ("post-surgical") lenses combine two materials – a rigid gas permeable center and a soft lens outer skirt. The hybrid design provides the crisp, clear vision of a GP lens and wearing comfort that rivals that of a soft contact lens.
Because vision correction surgery permanently alters the shape of the eye, the SynergEyes PS lens is specifically designed to provide optimum vision correction on surgically-altered corneas, according to the company.
Endorsed by contact lens specialists
"The SynergEyes PS lens has proven to be a safe, effective and comfortable lens for the restoration of post-surgical vision loss," says Dr. Edward Boshnick, an optometrist in Miami, Florida. "It has quickly become my first choice lens for the treatment of post-surgical patients who have experienced loss of quality vision and who are now seeing clearly and comfortably with the SynergEyes PS lens."
Until being fit with SynergEyes PS lenses, Gabriel Meneses, a patient of Dr. Boshnick, had been struggling with post-LASIK side effects, including blurry vision, ghosting and migraines after having the surgery six years ago. His vision could not be adequately corrected with eyeglasses or other contact lenses.
"Dr. Boshnick gave me the opportunity to be one of the first to try the new SynergEyes PS lens... all I can say is what a difference! As for vision quality, this lens has definitely offered me the best I've experienced so far."
How to find an eye doctor who fits SynergEyes PS lenses
For more information about SynergEyes PS hybrid contact lenses, including a directory of eye doctors who are certified to fit the lenses, visit the company's website at www.synergeyes.com.
SOURCE: "SynergEyes, Inc. Launches New Post-Surgical Hybrid Contact Lens." SynergEyes, Inc. press release. February 22, 2008.
Last updated: February, 2010
