| MRSA can be a serious post-operative complication
In particular, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), which has been found in many healthcare settings, can be a serious post-operative complication. In a study published in the April issue of the American Journal of Ophthalmology, researchers found MRSA infections in the eyes of 12 patients after refractive surgery. These are the first cases of MRSA infectious keratitis following refractive surgery, the first reports of MRSA keratitis after refractive surgery in patients with no known exposure to a healthcare facility, the first report of MRSA keratitis after a laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) enhancement, and the first reports of MRSA keratitis after prophylaxis with fourth generation fluoroquinolones. Colonization of MRSA has been found in 1.5% of the general population, but as many as 9.4% of those were exposed to a healthcare facility.
Clouding can follow laser eye treatment
Laser-based vision correction, such as LASIK, usually results in greatly improved visual acuity, but occasionally it can be followed by a clouding in the center of the cornea and poorer vision. Fortunately, the corneal opacification resolves on its own within a matter of months, according to two ophthalmologists in Los Angeles, and the related vision problem is safely reversed with a repeat laser treatment. Dr Baris Sonmez from the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and Dr Robert K Maloney from the Maloney Vision Institute describe their experience with what they term "central toxic keratopathy" following laser refractive surgery in the American Journal of Ophthalmology. The eye specialists note that such cases have been reported since 1998. To better characterise the condition, Sonmez and Maloney reviewed the charts and clinical photographs of 14 affected patients they had treated.
Vision needed by Province on eye care
A newcomer to our community could be forgiven for thinking the only health-care services offered in Ontario are cataract surgery, cardiac procedures, cancer surgery, hip and knee replacements and MRI and CT exams. That's because the bulk of the discussion surrounding health care revolves around wait times for these five services. Our politicians have embraced the concept of wait-time management as a means to ensure that our overburdened health-care system is able to respond effectively and efficiently to patient needs. It's hard to disagree with this kind of investment in life-altering and life-saving procedures, but as wait times for these services continue to decrease, it's time for the government to take a second look at their investment in preventive eye care. As an optometrist in Oshawa, I provide community-based eye care services every day.
Surgery plan labelled band-aid solution
Doctors and the Queensland opposition say a move by the state government to send public patients to private hospitals for elective surgery is a band-aid solution to cut waiting lists. Health Minister Stephen Robertson has announced the state government would throw the surgery waiting lists open to tender, allowing around 10,000 Queensland public hospital patients to have their operations sooner at a cost of $8.5 million. The service, called Surgery Connect, will target elective surgery for procedures such as hip and knee replacements, hysterectomies and corrective eye surgery. "Queenslanders who have been identified as waiting too long for their elective surgery will be offered to this brokerage service, who will then go around private hospitals to see who is prepared to take that patient," Mr Robertson said.
Ameritas Group to begin offering insurance coverage of laser ...
LINCOLN, Neb. Ameritas Group, a division of Ameritas Life Insurance Corp., will begin offering its policyholders an optional benefit covering laser vision correction, the company announced in a press release. The new benefit, called LASIK Advantage, will be available to customers beginning June 1, according to the release. LASIK Advantage will be available with almost all Ameritas Group dental plans within the entire spectrum of funding, from fully insured to self-insured. Customers will have several coverage option to choose from, with benefit amounts automatically increasing the longer a person is enrolled in the plan, the release said. The optional coverage will cover various types of LASIK procedures and PRK procedures.
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