Can You Have Keratoconus in One Eye?
Can You Have Keratoconus in One Eye? by Brian Chou, OD, FAAO, FSLS January 21, 2024 The short answer is that keratoconus naturally affects both eyes. But this is a trick question. There are unusual and unexpected instances of keratoconus in just one eye! Read on to learn how. Keratoconus Affects Both Eyes As a…
Soft Contacts for Keratoconus: Fantasy or Possibility?
Soft Contacts for Keratoconus: Fantasy or Possibility? by Brian Chou, OD, FAAO, FSLS December 27, 2023 Most keratoconus patients have custom rigid surface contact lenses as their lifeline to navigate the world. For mild corneal distortion, glasses and soft disposable contact lenses sometimes will afford adequate vision. Yet in most cases of keratoconus with more corneal…
The Digital Rear-View Mirror: Impractical for Most Over 50
The Digital Rear-View Mirror: Impractical for Most Over 50 by Brian Chou, OD, FAAO, FSLS December 12, 2023 In 2019, Toyota introduced their digital rear-view mirror. Unlike a traditional rearview mirror, this electronic version is a screen which displays a real-time video feed of what’s behind your car. Is it worth getting? Benefits of Digital Rear-View Mirrors If…
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…