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3D printing is reimagining the way we live today

2018-10-17T07:01:00

(BPT) – When additive manufacturing technology — better known as 3D printing — was first invented more than 30 years ago it was intended to make the product design and manufacturing process more efficient. At that time, 3D printing was used primarily as a way to create prototypes to validate and perfect product design, but the inventor, Chuck Hull, had no idea how it would change the way we live.

Today, 3D printing has evolved beyond product prototypes only used by industrial designers and engineers. Manufacturers all over the world now rely on additive manufacturing to produce final parts and products that are purchased and experienced by mainstream consumers across the marketplace. This includes parts in automobiles and appliances, medical and dental implants, custom prosthetic limbs and food, and has also become an important component in interior design, reinventing what you think is possible.

The 3D printed future

When Kallista, a division of Kohler, sought to execute its new Grid Sink Faucet design, the company quickly realized the idea could not be executed via traditional manufacturing methods. Rather than sacrifice the design, the team turned to 3D printing. Working with 3rd Dimension — an additive manufacturing services provider — Kallista employed a layer-by-layer production approach on 3D Systems 3D printing technology to manufacture the faucet to the exacting specifications of the designer. The resulting faucet is significantly stronger and more durable than if it had been produced using traditional manufacturing methods. By carrying through the designer’s vision, Kallista created a faucet that shifted away from excessive decoration and materials to instead expose a design that boasts the clean, understated lines of minimalist form.

The result was a faucet that delivers on its design without compromising functionality.

Additional benefits of 3D printing

While 3D printing solutions are inspiring designers everywhere, giving them the opportunity to expand their creativity, 3D printing also offers several other benefits to companies and consumers, including:

* A single source of efficiency and strength. “Some assembly required” is a catchphrase synonymous with traditional manufacturing and it is that assembly that also exposes the end product to errors in the pieces, poor construction and added time to fabricate the object. However, because 3D printed objects are made in one solid piece, they solve many of these issues. They are structurally stronger, free of connection weaknesses and expertly assembled to specifications.

* Environmental consciousness. While traditional manufacturing takes raw materials and trims them down to the finished product, 3D printing builds the desired piece by adding material as the process goes along. This means it essentially utilizes only the amount of material necessary to create the object. The result is less waste and a reduced environmental impact.

* Faster results, favorable returns. The 3D printing process offers a new level of accuracy and rapid part production with the ability to reduce — and in many cases, eliminate — material waste, which also favorably impacts a project’s overall bottom line.

Reimagining what’s possible

Since its creation, the Kallista Grid Faucet has been nominated for and won seven awards, including “Best In Show” at the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show in 2018. It is proof that the technology of 3D printing is reimagining the rules for manufacturing and design. As 3D printing continues to evolve, it will push the boundaries in product design and production. 3D printing is transforming manufacturing and the doors to what is possible are suddenly wide open.

To learn more, visit www.kallista.com.


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Respite care: What it is and how it can change your life

2018-10-17T07:01:00

(BPT) – Caring for an aging loved one, especially a parent, can take more commitment than any full-time job. Being on call 24 hours a day is physically and emotionally draining. In many cases, caregivers soldier on without complaint while their stress grows, their relationships weaken and their own health often suffers. If you are your parent’s primary caregiver, you likely already know how hard it is to find time to look after yourself and other family members, run errands or simply rest. Chances are, you just need a break.

That’s where respite care can help. Many caregivers don’t know that respite care is an option, or how this service can change their lives. Most importantly, respite care can help improve the relationship you have with your loved one, while providing a new perspective on how to care for them.

“Respite care taught me a lot about how to care for my mom,” said Sherrie Matteson, who cared for her mother for nearly six years before her mom moved into a Brookdale Senior Living community. “I learned things about caregiving I didn’t know. I recommend respite care for parents and caregivers.”

1. What is respite care?

Respite care offers short-term relief to caregivers, allowing them to recharge, take a vacation or just a short break. It typically involves bringing your loved one to a senior living or skilled nursing community, but professional at-home care can also be arranged. Respite care can also be utilized after a short stay in a rehabilitation facility, a hospital stay or visit to an emergency room. A senior living community can meet your loved one’s care, social and nutritional needs. Respite care stays in a senior living community could last a couple of weeks, while respite care arranged in your home could be as short as a few hours or a full day.

“I felt good about leaving my mom in respite care because I knew she was in good hands and I wouldn’t have to worry about her,” Matteson said.

2. When can respite care be used?

Respite care can be used whenever you need a break or you are planning a larger event like a long vacation. In addition, it can be a valuable resource to use when your loved one’s health further deteriorates or a new complication requires special assistance. Respite care can also be used as a resource to help caregivers think about long-term care. Recognizing you may no longer be able to care for your loved one in a few years, you can use respite care to provide an introduction to a full-time care community.

“Respite care gave me an idea of what to ask and look for when researching long-term memory care,” Matteson said. “I knew what I did and didn’t want for my mom. It helped me make the best senior living decision possible.”

3. How do caregivers know when they need respite care support?

Besides vacations and other date-specific events, you should look for a respite care backup solution whenever the quality of the care you are providing or your own health suffers because of the obligation. Choosing to move forward despite these hardships is only jeopardizing the health of yourself and your loved one. It can also cause friction in your relationship, sometimes leading to resentment. Taking a break — and ideally relaxing and having some fun — will allow you to come back and apply more passion to the care you provide.

4. Where can you find respite care resources?

Many senior living communities, including Brookdale Senior Living, offer respite care services, so they should be your first point of search. Look for senior living communities that are close to you, allowing for easier transportation and visiting opportunities. You can also ask your loved one’s doctor for respite care options in your area. It may even be possible to obtain respite care in your home from a qualified provider. Research your options thoroughly and look for the solution that best matches your need.

5. How much does respite care cost and does insurance cover it?

Not all insurance plans will cover respite care services, so be sure to read your policy. Visit the senior living communities that interest you to learn more about the services they provide and the expenses involved. If possible, bring your loved one to visit the community with you. They will be more positive about the decision if they have a say in where their care is provided.

To learn more about respite care services at Brookdale Senior Living, visit Brookdale.com.


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Tech tricks: 5 digital improvements helping millennials reach life goals

2018-10-16T12:01:01

(BPT) – As innovation and technology drive our world forward, millennial consumers expect seamless experiences more-so than their older peers. This desire is motivating businesses to make processes and experiences more efficient through digital tools so they can ultimately meet the expectations of their customers.

Becoming adults in a world dependent on smartphones, social media and search engines, young people gravitate to instant and accessible information to manage their daily lives, whether it is at work or on a personal level.

“Technology is essentially baked into every millennial’s DNA,” explains a recent Nielsen report. “Given their fluency and comfort with technology, millennials have more of a positive view of how it is affecting their lives than any other generation. More than 74 percent feel new technology makes their lives easier.”

Fortunately, technology continues to evolve to meet the expectations of young consumers. Here are five examples of how advancements in technology are efficiently helping millennials reach important life milestones.

  • Online degrees. In the past, prospective students who couldn’t physically attend on-site college classes were out of luck. Now, the number of schools offering online degrees and certifications is staggering, with 5.8 million U.S. students (28 percent of higher-ed students nationwide) taking online classes in 2016 alone, according to the Online Learning Consortium.
  • Lightning-fast mortgages. Financial institutions understand millennials don’t have time to waste once they’ve found the home of their dreams. Bank of America recently launched the Digital Mortgage Experience, which seamlessly guides consumers through the mortgage process. In many cases, customers may only have to invest 15 minutes before learning whether they are approved for a loan within the same day.
  • Digital job sites. Previous generations used newspaper ads and hand-typed cover letters to find and apply for jobs. Now, invaluable tools such as Indeed.com, CareerBuilder.com and ZipRecruiter.com automatically sift through jobs fitting your skills and preferences, alerting you to close matches, then forwarding your resume on command.
  • Digital savings tools. Millennials use apps for just about anything you can think of including as handy tools that help them save money. Popular choices include Chime, Clarity Money or Digit, which reviews each user’s payment history and spending habits before devising ways for him to stash away money.
  • Informed and efficient travel. Studies show millennials highly value life experiences, and as such they’re making travel a priority in their lives. Conveniently, Instagram and other social channels let users follow global travel trends in real time, and search engines instantly identify the most cost-effective options. Mobile apps can be used for room service and itinerary planning, digital assistants are being installed as hotel room concierges and facial recognition is getting you through airport lines faster.

In this advanced digital age, there’s no need to settle for old-school ways that could slow you down and keep you from achieving your goals. Visit Bank of America for more details about quickly and easily securing a customized home mortgage on demand via your smartphone, tablet, laptop or desktop.


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5 tips for staying calm, cool and collected when you’re always on the go

2018-10-16T16:25:00

(BPT) – No matter what you’re chasing or up against — goals, bargains, chores, deadlines, your kids, etc. — life can be crazy. There never seems to be enough time to check everything off your to-do list, especially if you’re always on the go. Here are some tips and tricks for keeping your sanity while managing your busy lifestyle:

Plan ahead for meals and snacks

You have enough to think about during your busy days, so don’t overload yourself with any extra, unnecessary decision-making. When it comes to eating, shop for all your weekday meals at the beginning of the week and prep them in bulk ahead of time. Try pre-packaged smoothie bags for a healthy breakfast, and prep veggies and your favorite proteins to build out your meals for the entire week. For moments when you need a quick and convenient burst of energy, keep ready-made, protein-packed snacks on hand. Tired of rotating the same old yogurts and granola? Try something new like SeaPak’s great-tasting On-the-Go Shrimp Cocktail. This hassle-free snack can be thawed overnight in your refrigerator for the ultimate grab-and-go convenience.

Sneak in a workout

Truthfully, you don’t need more than 20 minutes to fit in a great workout. Short bursts of high-intensity exercise, like interval training, can actually be more effective. If you’re stuck at a desk for most of the day, try a few sets of pushups or crunches in between meetings. Or how about taking the stairs instead of the elevator, or parking farther away from your office — the extra steps add up. If you’re traveling, take your workout on the road with you by downloading a fitness app. With one tap, your hotel room becomes a gym!

Make music part of your routine

If you’re feeling mentally tense or worn out, music’s always a wonderful way to collect oneself or reinvigorate your state of mind. Stressed at work? Chill out by listening to a relaxing playlist or the sounds of nature in the background. Driving to pick up the kids across town? Turn on your favorite artist and rock out until you get home. You’ll feel your mood shift in no time!

Schedule some me time

In the middle of your busy schedule, don’t forget to prioritize some time for yourself. Block off time on your calendar to work on a hobby or to take in that movie you’ve been wanting to see with your significant other. Pick up your favorite treat at the grocery store and indulge yourself. Take it a step further and get a massage or start planning the perfect vacation. “Me time” gives you a chance to recharge your batteries before returning to your everyday routines. You’ll be able to tackle the next day’s agenda with a clear head.

Don’t push yourself too hard

An active, on-the-go lifestyle can be exciting and fulfilling, but don’t overdo it. Pushing yourself to the limit is good occasionally, but it’s not something you should do all the time. If you’re feeling stressed, take some time to evaluate the situation. You might need to ask for help or move something off your plate. Also, be sure to make time for what matters most to you.

No matter how packed your schedule is, there’s always room for peace and calm. With these tips, you’ll be able to wave away any stress in favor of a more chillaxed frame of mind.


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Oh deer! How to keep hungry herbivores out of your yard all year-round

2018-10-16T10:11:00

(BPT) – Few sights make homeowners more furious than an attractive landscape destroyed virtually overnight by hungry deer. Rose bushes and ornamentals? Nipped off every bud. Expensive shrubs? Browsed within an inch of their lives. Trees? Damaged, disfigured and sometimes dead.

Deer — and their wilder relatives, moose and elk — usually leave a path of destruction in their wake, and even winter can’t calm the carnage. In fact, as cold weather descends, deer shift their sights to your most expensive and difficult-to-replace trees, evergreens and shrubbery.

However, you can strike a blow against deer’s voracious appetites by maintaining a year-round program of defense with easy-to-use Bobbex Deer Repellent foliar spray. The product is an environmentally friendly, nontoxic and long-lasting deer deterrent that’s safe for people, pets, wildlife and aquatic life. Ingredients include putrescent eggs, fishmeal, fish oil, garlic and other natural ingredients — all materials that offend a deer’s sensitive sense of smell and taste. Additional ingredients such as urea and Epsom contain natural fertilizer components which are beneficial for all plantings.

The product mimics predator scents, which deer have an aversion to, and is classified a fear repellent, but it also tastes terrible to deer, adding another layer of protection for plants. Because it contains effective sticking agents, the repellent won’t wash off even in harsh winter weather. And it’s been 3rd party tested against 10 other like-repellents and is rated #1 for protection against deer browse.

The experts at Bobbex recommend a steady course of repellent application in every season as deer shift their feeding patterns. Since we know deer learn from experience, maintaining repellent applications throughout the year will “school” them to continually bypass your yard in favor of less objectionable fare elsewhere.

Fall

Fall is a particularly active time for deer as the mating season begins, and bucks and does seek each other out. In addition, bucks begin to repeatedly scrape their antlers against trees to remove summer’s “velvet” growth from their antlers. They can kill a tree quickly with this repetitive motion, even girdling a trunk in a single night. Keep destructive deer away from your prized plantings by regularly spraying deterrent on deciduous trees, evergreens, shrubbery and perennials throughout the fall.

Winter

Although you might imagine winter brings a break from deer destruction, you would be dead wrong — and expensively so. When some food sources die off and deep snow covers preferred food, deer reach up, often nibbling up to a half-bushel worth of twigs or other tree material per day. This can quickly deform or even kill landscape plantings. The continuous re-application of Bobbex Deer as seasons turn will help safeguard against inevitable, expensive deer browse.

Even though we’re approaching winter weather’s doorstep, you’ll need to factor spring and summer into your year-round application process so you don’t interrupt protection.

Spring

Since food is not as readily available for deer in the winter, their appetites are strong in spring.

Tender shoots of new, green growth entice bucks, does and fawns, all ravenous after the ravages of winter. Because deer will return to areas where they found tempting fodder again and again, keep them on the move by applying Bobbex Deer on all stem, flower, leaf and bud growth in your yard and garden. During this peak growing season, spray repellent about every two weeks or when one to two inches of new growth appears.

Summer

Unlike during the winter, it’s atypical for deer to start gnawing the bark off trees during the summer months, since available, natural food choices are easier to find. Although deer will find food in fields and forests, your yard is not out of the woods. When hot, dry summertime weather becomes the norm and natural vegetation turns brown and dies off, deer will venture out of the woods and into your yard, in search of the green, healthy plants that you’ve watered and kept thriving. Once deer find your foliage and flowers, they’ll keep coming back unless you continue to protect your plants and teach them to stay away.

Persuading hungry deer that your yard and garden is not their personal produce bar takes vigilance. With a year-round deterrent spray program, deer will soon learn to take their hungry habits elsewhere. Visit Bobbex on Facebook.


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Make your tailgating party the hotspot

2018-10-16T08:01:00

(BPT) – Tailgates down! Portable grills are full of mascot-stamped brats ready to be washed down by the contents of ice cold coolers. The scene includes enough family and friends to leave no leftovers behind. Rivalry-fueled rhetoric, bag toss tournaments and face painting mark one of the most anticipated traditions of the year.

The fall brings out the best of the weekend tailgating warriors! From the most serious of fans to the folks that don’t quite manage to get in the gates, generations merge in an unparalleled congregation that spans from college communities to the biggest cities in America. And these fans can now watch the game from that very tailgate.

Gridiron battles and ballpark miracles generate cherished memories. From the days of listening to the score updates of conference rivals already in action via AM radio, to trying desperately to get that connection on a smartphone to follow live streaming, the interest in the status of the games you’re not at has always been there.

Holding the key to that game may make you the most popular member of your tailgating party. With a few tips, your tailgating party can become the most popular “hotspot,” where your friends and family can connect and enjoy the pregame or even the game, if they don’t have tickets. Here are five tailgating scenarios and tips to keep you connected, safe and ready to enjoy your tailgating experience!

1. Collapsible kitchen kits, retractable cutting boards and disinfecting wipes provide a simple prepping and serving system for tailgating on the go. After the big game when it’s time to retrieve your gear, you’ve got a clean and secure tote ready for action the next weekend.

2. “The Grove” is where Ole Miss fans have tailgated in its breathtaking, tree-lined, 10-acre field for generations. But this beautiful tailgating spot also has all types of cellular and WiFi signal disruptions, and north of 100,000 people vying for a WiFi connection. Winegard(R) Company’s ConnecT(TM) 2.0 WiFi/4G LTE extender improves exclusive connectivity for your party. Waterproof and backed by a warranty, this device is less than two feet in diameter but gets the signals you need to be the quarterback of your tailgating team.

3. The Washington Huskies boast another unique tailgating scene. On the shores of Washington Lake, many fans “tailgate” in the multiple harbors. Often folks hop from one boat slip to the next. However, the most crowded of slips will be those that have a portable HDTV system to watch the best games live. The DISH(R) Playmaker(TM) portable satellite TV antenna powered by Winegard enables you to follow every team, from the Huskies in the Northwest, to the Maryland Terrapins in the Northeast, and never miss a moment of all the conference action on Saturdays. And setting up is easy, with several mounting options for your convenience, from a tripod for easy positioning on the dock, to a window attachment for your vehicle or placement on your RV. Bring your DISH(R) Wally receiver from home if you already have DISH, or sign up for Pay As You Go programming and only pay for TV during football season.

4. Aboard any tailgating vessel, fire extinguishers are a requirement, and first aid kits are also a great idea. Having these things on hand, water or land, will save the day of a loved one or a fellow fan.

5. What about night games? A waterproof flashlight or lantern can provide even the weariest of fans an opportunity to pack up camp after the big game safely and efficiently. Using lights with clamps leaves both hands available to avoid an amateur one-handed acrobatic packing effort. Don’t forget a set of extra batteries to ensure your light shines and you all can depart safely.

The season is upon us! Given these tips, fans will stay safe and connected. With cherished memories engraved forever, your tailgating experience will now be the “hotspot.” Good luck to your team, and have a great season!


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5 tips to plan the perfect game day

2018-10-16T07:01:01

(BPT) – You’ve waited all summer for this but now it’s finally here again — the sports season trifecta. That’s right, football season, post-season baseball, the return of hockey and new professional and college basketball seasons on the horizon are all happening at once. It’s a sports-lover’s dream and for you there’s no better way to spend the upcoming weekends than at home watching your favorite team play. But is the environment in which you and your friends enjoy the game up to the level of the event itself? If it isn’t, consider these five tips to up your in-home game-day experience this year:

* Get creative with your seating. Chairs around the television set is amateur stuff. This year give your home that true game-day feel by setting up designated seating for your friends based on team affiliation. You can also build a simple stage to create a stadium seating environment, perfect for rooms that are deeper than they are wide. Add plenty of table space to place food and drinks and your viewing room will be perfectly suited for game day.

* Upgrade your viewing experience. Watching games at home is hotter than ever because of the experience a top television provides. If you don’t have one, then make a new TV your first round pick this year. The LG 2018 OLED TV lineup features sophisticated designs and super brain power to complement its stunning picture quality. With an Alpha 9 intelligent processor — LG’s most powerful ever — LG’s OLED AI provides true-to-life images coupled with rich colors, sharpness and depth. Even more, these TVs are smart! They have LG’s ThinQ technology, Google Assistant built right in and are also compatible with Amazon Alexa so you can use voice commands to control TV functions, search for content or tap other connected IoT devices like lights, robo-vacs and a lot more all from the comfort of your couch. Don’t want to wait for the ticker to get updated on other game scores? Ask the TV and it will update you immediately without you missing a second of your game. The LG Super UHD lineup also offers some of the best televisions available with screen sizes from 49 to a stunning 86 inches and superior viewing angles for your ticket to the best seat away from the game.

* Focus on food. Having tables ready to hold food is a great first step but now what food will you place on them? Instead of game-day mainstays this year, opt for healthier choices that don’t sacrifice on taste. Bake your chicken wings instead of frying them and enjoy potato skins made with sweet potatoes instead of conventional ones. Subtle choices like these will allow you to enjoy all the game-day staples in a healthy, delicious fashion.

* Set a game within the game. A little multi-tasking on game day can be fun. If you play in a fantasy league you’re probably already invested in the performance of certain players, but you can make the entire game more interesting by challenging your friends to guess the score at the end of each quarter or challenge your friends to competitions based on team stats that you all can follow throughout the game.

* Have plans for halftime. Halftime, the 7th inning stretch, and the break between periods is normally downtime, so put a little excitement into it. Plan a mini game to take place during halftime, get new food from the kitchen or simply go outside and throw a football around for a while. Any of these activities will keep you in the spirit of the game and get you ready to go for the second half.

To learn more about how LG’s 2018 OLED TV lineup can reinvent your sports viewing experience, visit www.lg.com.


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Forget ‘wine rules’: 4 unconventional wine pairings for guys

2018-10-15T11:19:00

(BPT) – Have you ever looked at a wine list and wished it actually told you what the wine tastes like? Have you ever wanted wine connoisseurs to stop swirling and sniffing, and just take a big sip? Well, you’re not alone. And American craft wine, The Federalist, and Dan Dunn want to do something about it.

Dunn — media personality, former Playboy wine and spirits columnist and author of American Wino: A Tale of Reds, Whites and One Man’s Blues — is on a mission in the name of all things craft to take the stuffiness out of wine, make it more approachable for men, and let people know it’s not about the glass you drink it out of, it’s what’s in it that matters. Better yet, buck tradition, ditch the fancy stemmed glass and grab a rocks glass.

“Bourbon barrel-aged wines are trending right now, and they are a great gateway for guys who typically drink craft beer and bourbon,” says Dunn.

Forget everything you’ve heard about pairing wines with Brie and apples, he says. In the man’s own words, here are Dunn’s pairings with two things American guys are actually interested in: Elvis and meat.

1. With Elvis’ Christmas Album

Few endeavors make me happier during the holidays than listening to Elvis’ Christmas Album while sipping on The Federalist. I’ve got the pairings down to an art form. Here are a few:

“Here Comes Santa Claus” with the Honest Red Blend. Like Jolly Ol’ St. Nick, this North Coast California wine is timeless, big, red and revered. Don’t get naughty and lie to Santa, or he might not leave you a bottle of this delicious blend of merlot, zinfandel and cabernet sauvignon.

“White Christmas” with the chardonnay. Like Elvis’ voice, it’s silky smooth and has big, rich fruit flavors.

2. With a big, juicy burger

After all of those holiday meals, guys really get a hankering for a burger. Think of a great hamburger as you would a classic artist such as Paul Simon. Both are something special on their own, but when paired with the right partner — be it a robust cabernet sauvignon or a spindly, curly-haired tenor from Queens — well, that’s when the real magic happens. Alas, Simon and Garfunkel called it quits a long time ago, but I’m happy to report that cab and burgers are still making beautiful music together.

3. With pork

The pig is indeed, as Homer Simpson once put it, “a wonderful, magical animal.” You should know going in, though, that pairing with pig is a delicate dance. You’re looking for subtlety here. Swinging around a bombastic red or a too-tart white can easily drown out the natural sweet and salty flavor of ham or the delicate middle notes of roast pork. A lot depends on how it’s been prepared.

For smoky roasted pork, a popular dish around the holidays, you can go with a little richer, heavier red — say, cabernet sauvignon — but try the same thing with a honey or maple-glazed ham and you’ve got a mouthful of clash. For sweeter preparations, think mid-bodied reds like a bourbon barrel-aged red blend, aged in charred bourbon barrels for 6 months, delivering a finish as smoky as it is smooth.

4. With lamb

Lamb is most often associated with Easter. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves, eh? There promises to be plenty of lamb in the offing over these festive final weeks of the nothing-if-not-extraordinarily interesting year that was 2018. No matter how it’s cooked — grilled, braised or roasted — that rich, savory meat demands robust red wine at its side, like a nice zinfandel, with its larger-than-life berry fruit character.


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LASIK: Why it’s important to talk with your eye doctor

2018-10-15T08:01:00

(BPT) – If you’re thinking about LASIK, or any other vision correction procedure, you’ve probably come across this advice: “Talk to your doctor.”

In fact, that advice comes up with just about any medical or surgical procedure.

Why? Because medical treatment is serious business, even when it’s something like LASIK that has the potential to transform your life for the better. Before you commit to it, you need to make sure you understand it. And the best way to do that is to sit down, one on one, with the medical expert who’s going to provide the treatment.

People who are considering LASIK, or who are about to commit to it, often become enthusiastic and develop high expectations. They’re ready to walk out of surgery, throw away their glasses or contact lenses, and enjoy pinpoint-sharp vision on day one. But that may not be what you experience. Your surgeon can help you understand what the procedure will involve, whether it’s a good idea for you to have it, and what it will feel like to go through it.

There are many reasons to talk with your surgeon:

  • To find out if you’re a good candidate for LASIK, and if it’s right for you. Unfortunately, it isn’t right for everyone. A variety of conditions — for example, thin corneas — mean that you might not benefit from LASIK. It’s possible that, after a thorough screening, your surgeon might guide you toward other vision correction options. In addition, LASIK is surgery, and like any surgery has risks as well as benefits. Your surgeon will explain those risks so that you can make a fully informed choice.
  • To find out what LASIK can and can’t do. LASIK can improve your vision dramatically. And it can free you up from the burden of eyeglasses or contact lenses, so you can pursue a more active lifestyle. But it doesn’t always result in perfect vision. And even after LASIK, your eyes will continue to age and change. Its not unusual for people who’ve had LASIK to eventually need eyeglasses or contacts, either for specialized tasks like reading, or as their eyes age over time.
  • To understand what will happen before, during and after the procedure. Having surgery can be stressful, and LASIK is no exception. Your surgeon can help you understand what you’ll experience on the day you have the procedure — in the office and after you go home — and in the days and weeks that follow.
  • To understand the healing process. You probably won’t experience the full benefits of LASIK immediately. As with any surgery, there’s a healing process. In the case of LASIK, it can involve side effects, such as blurry vision, distortions such as glare and halos, and sensations such as dry eye. In nearly all cases, these go away over time — usually in the space of a few weeks, out to perhaps three months, but sometimes as much as a year. Knowing this in advance might make the process easier to bear. And you’ll know what to bring to your surgeon’s attention after you have the procedure.
  • To understand that you might need additional treatment, and you might still need glasses. Most people who have LASIK will get the full benefit of vision correction without any additional treatments. But in a few cases, the desired results aren’t achieved at once. An additional procedure — called a retreatment — is needed in order to adjust your vision. This is usually performed free of charge. Retreatment might also be needed in a few cases to help relieve side effects such as glare and halos to higher-order aberrations.

Your conversations with your surgeon should continue in the days, weeks and months after your surgery. “After laser vision correction it is important to keep all of your post-op appointments and follow the recommended treatments,” says Dr. Kerry Solomon, past president of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery. “During those visits, you should talk with your ophthalmologist about your concerns during the healing process. Once your healing is complete and your eyes and vision are stabilized, you and your ophthalmologist can continue mapping out a plan for achieving your healthy vision goals.”

What all of this comes down to is that talking with your surgeon is the way to set the right expectations — to understand all the benefits of LASIK but also what you’ll experience on your LASIK journey. Having the right, realistic expectations is the best way to make sure that at the end of the day, you’re happy and satisfied with the results of your LASIK, and with everything that happened on the way.

Your ophthalmologist is the best resource for learning about LASIK, its risks and benefits and what to expect. But if you’re just starting to think about LASIK, you can visit the Refractive Surgery Council website at https://americanrefractivesurgerycouncil.org/blog to learn more.