LASIK versus Lasix: The Difference is Horses
LASIK versus Lasix: The Difference is Horses by Brian Chou, OD, FAAO, FSLS November 14, 2023 LASIK and Lasix are pronounced similarly and sometimes get confused with one another. Yet they are completely different. LASIK is a type of eye surgery. Lasix is the trade name of a drug called furosemide, used to reduce fluid in…
Where to Get Eyes Checked in San Diego?
Where to Get Eyes Checked in San Diego? by Brian Chou, OD, FAAO, FSLS October 29, 2023 Where should you and your family get eyes checked? There is ample choice in San Diego, serving the differing eye care needs of our population. In Southern California, there are two optometry schools and four ophthalmology institutions. These programs…
Does Myopia Prevention Exploit Your Anxiety?
Does Myopia Prevention Exploit Your Anxiety? by Brian Chou, OD, FAAO, FSLS September 19, 2023 Have you noticed more eye care practices advertising myopia prevention? This emerging service is also called “myopia control” and “myopia management”. The longstanding treatment for myopia improves vision using traditional glasses and contact lenses, or laser vision correction. Myopia prevention goes…
Getting Closure on Incomplete Blink
Getting Closure on Incomplete Blink by Brian Chou, OD, FAAO, FSLS August 12, 2023 Did you know that some people cannot fully close their eyes? This condition is called lagophthalmos. While you might believe that this is a biological curiosity – just like yawns and hiccups – lagophthalmos can cause miserable pain due to the sensitive…
Why Do New Contact Lenses Require Examination?
Why Do New Contact Lenses Require Examination? by Brian Chou, OD, FAAO, FSLS July 20, 2023 In the US, disposable contact lenses are Class II medical devices which require a prescription for purchase. Nonetheless, contact lens manufacturers market them directly to consumers as if no prescription is required. Despite the misleading suggestion that contact lenses are…
Why Are Scleral Lenses Expensive?
Why Are Scleral Lenses Expensive? by Brian Chou, OD, FAAO, FSLS June 18, 2023 If you wear scleral lenses, you likely discovered that disposable soft contact lenses will not bring you a satisfactory outcome. Scleral contact lens wearers have unique eye-related requirements where common treatment fails. Scleral lenses are expensive, often approaching $1,000 each. Highly customized…
Should I Wear Contacts to an Eye Exam?
Should I Wear Contacts to an Eye Exam? by Brian Chou, OD, FAAO, FSLS May 10, 2023 If you wear contact lenses, should you wear them to your eye exam? There is conflicting information online. But below is universal guidance. Ultimately, each clinic has their own preference. To be sure, ask a representative where you will…
Dot on Scleral Lens: What Does it Mean?
Dot on Scleral Lens: What Does it Mean? by Brian Chou, OD, FAAO, FSLS April 19, 2023 If you wear scleral lenses, there is a fair chance that one of your lenses has a black dot on it. The black dot serves two potential functions. First, it can help you identify the right from left lens….
Birth Control Glasses, According to ChatGPT
Birth Control Glasses, According to ChatGPT by Brian Chou, OD, FAAO, FSLS March 15, 2023 Ever hear of “birth control glasses”? Instead of asking Google what they are, today you might use the AI-powered ChatGPT bot. However, the result from ChatGPT is glaringly incorrect but admittedly quite humorous. The AI Chatbot’s Hilarious Response “Birth control glasses,…
How Contact Lens Power and Prescription Differ
How Contact Lens Power and Prescription Differ by Brian Chou, OD, FAAO, FSLS February 15, 2023 A contact lens prescription includes several parameters including power. Lens power describes light-bending efficacy. It is just one part of a contact lens prescription. Other elements of a contact lens prescription include material, diameter, and base curve. Custom scleral lenses…