Can Man's Best Friend Achieve Improved Vision Through LASIK Surgery?

Vision Experts Explore Dogs As Possible LASIK Eye Surgery Candidates

MIAMI, FL – (July 2009) – Myth verses fact has sparked controversial conversations about the "true" visual capacity of a dog's eyes. General notions conclude dogs are color blind and have sharper vision than that of humans. VISO LASIK MEDSPAS, the experts in providing vision excellence in the form of refractive human eye surgery, have called upon the expert veterinary knowledge of Dr. Anne Gemensky-Metzler, DVM, MS, DACVO, Associate Professor in the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences at The Ohio State University, to further explore a dog’s visual capacity and determine if "Fido" is an eligible candidate for LASIK.

"We do many [eye] surgeries on animals," says Dr. Gemensky-Metzler. "In dogs, cataract removal is the most common surgery that we do. The procedure is called phacoemulsification and is very similar to the procedure done in humans. Success rates for long-term vision [improvement] are about 90% or better."

Many veterinary ophthalmologists across the country perform laser eye surgery to treat diseases such as glaucoma, though corneal refractive surgery for dogs is not currently being performed in the United States.

"The doctors at VISO LASIK MEDSPAS have managed and overseen more than 300,000 laser vision corrections," says Dr. Salvatore DeCanio, Chief Medical Director, VISO LASIK MEDSPAS. "With more than 45.6 million U.S. households owning pets* and a success rate of vision improvement following cataract surgery in dogs peaking at more than 90%, refractive eye surgery for pets naturally lends itself to further research."

While behavioral estimates of dogs' visual acuity suggest their vision may be at least six times poorer than that of humans, certain features of their vision are adapted to their environment and lifestyle. Theoretical calculations weigh-in on several elements that comprise dogs' vision with studies showing that:

• Dogs are red-green color blind. They see a brighter and less detailed world when compared to humans.**
• Dogs' peripheral vision is better than humans (dogs see more of the world), but distance is not judged quite as well.**
• Dogs excel at night vision and the detection of moving objects as a result of more rods (a photoreceptor located in the retina) and have a structure called the Tapetum Lucidum (reflective surface behind the retina) that reflects light back through it.**

"Refractive error is uncommon in dogs, however in cases where dogs are near-sighted or far-sighted, corrective contact lenses or Doggles® with corrective lenses have occasionally been used," says Dr. Gemensky-Metzler. "One example of where refractive surgery could theoretically be indicated is in a patient that has undergone extraction of a luxated (displaced) lens. Without a lens, the eye is hyperopic (far-sighted) and near vision is poor. It has been in cases such as this where Doggles® with corrective lenses have been used."

It is stating the obvious that animal lovers want the best for their pets. Who wouldn't want their dog to see clearly?

"If I could give Conchita the chance to have better vision, I would," says socialite Gail Posner, owner of the famed one pound Chihuahua. "She leads the life of a human - weekly spa appointments, lunch at the Shore Club, a body guard and full-time nanny. If I could see that 'the boss,' as I call her, could have the procedure done safely, which would result in better vision, why wouldn't I give her LASIK?"

Continued research from experts like Dr. Gemensky-Metzler will in time tell if LASIK surgery becomes a new frontier in animal vision improvement.

ABOUT VISO LASIK MEDSPAS

VISO LASIK MEDSPAS' mantra is "Vision Excellence," providing every client the very best in vision correction procedures and technologies through a highly experienced medical staff comprised of board-certified surgeons, doctors, and medical support staff whose primary concern is safe, comfortable and successful vision correction experiences. Their doctors have managed and overseen more than 300,000 laser vision corrections offering progressive medical attention with superior concierge-style service. This newly integrated concept of LASIK center and MedSpa features a relaxation room, concierge services and added beauty incentives through their VIP Passport program. VISO LASIK MEDSPAS' LASIK surgeons provide vision excellence with blade-free custom LASIK; an unconditional, no-cost Lifetime Guarantee and complimentary 3-D eye examinations for all potential candidates. Experience the difference with vision excellence. For more information visit www.visolasikmedspas.com.

Sources/Editor's Notes
* http://www.americanpetproducts.org/press_industrytrends.asp
** http://psychlops.psy.uconn.edu/eric/class/dogvision.html

To learn more about the Viso Advantage comprehensive program on the web visit http://www.visolasikmedspas.com/lasik-costs/the-viso-advantage.html

Could LASIK work for your family pet? Contact Viso Lasik Medspas today for your free LASIK evaluation.