VISION

BETTER
HASSLE-FREE BETTER VISION
comparisons are dramatic. In the wintertime my glasses would fog up. Thats Batharea farmer Dale Boynton, who also works as operations manager for House of Glass in Aberdeen. The fogging problem prompted his switch to contacts. But Boynton found that putting in and taking out his contacts was a bother. And, imagine, he says, wearing them during harvest.
310 EIGHTH AVENUE NW ABERDEEN, SD 57401 605 226-2108 1-800-255-7448

Ophthalmology Associates of Aberdeen

Spend more than a few minutes talking with anyone who has worn glasses, contact lenses (or both!), then later opted for LASIK and the before-and-after

Contacts with a combine are itchy, dirty. Boynton, 49, was delighted when Dr. Curt Wischmeier told him he was a candidate for LASIK. And now that hes had with this years harvest.
Dale Boynton

the procedure? Believe me," Boynton says with conviction, "it was a world of difference

WINTER 2007
CURT WISCHMEIER, M.D. JOHN BORMES, M.D.

Dave and Greg Merkel run Merkels Foods in Mobridge. I thought wearing soft lenses was the best I could do for comfort outdoors, says Dave, who spends as much time as possible hunting and fishing.

OPHTHALMOLOGY ASSOCIATES OF ABERDEEN OFFERS THE LATEST ADVANCE IN LASIK TECHNOLOGY: THE VISX STAR S4 IR EXCIMER LASER

Glasses fog up. Contacts get dry. Now 53, Dave had LASIK more than a year ago. And the result? It gives me great accuracy for my shooting. Dave says he had his best year ever deer hunting. No complaints about walleye fishing either and he got his limit turkey hunting. But, Bad year for pheasants, he reports, though that had nothing to do with his vision. Pheasant numbers were just down because of

the drought. And even so, he says, Its just fun to go!

Brother Greg, 46, shares Daves passion for hunting and hes an avid golfer as well. You cant golf in the rain with glasses, Greg observes. LASIK solved that. And, he adds with a good-natured laugh, Now I can see my pretty wife in the morning.And while Dave knew from the outset that he'd probably have to wear glasses for reading, I'd have LASIK again in a minute, because it turned out so well. Excellent vision depends on the ability of the cornea and lens to bend refract light rays to focus on the retina at the back of the eye. When light rays dont focus on the retina, vision is blurred. Refractive errors include farsightedness (hyperopia), nearsightedness (myopia) and astigmatism, which is vision that is blurred and distorted both up close and at a distance. All three conditions can be corrected with glasses or contact lenses that focus light rays on the retina. But without eyewear or contact lenses, the world shifts out of focus. With LASIK, a physician trained in the procedure permaGreg Merkel

WHAT DOES LASIK DO?

nently changes the shape of the cornea the clear covering of the front of the eye. A thin sheet of cells is

lifted to permit the laser to modify the shape of the cornea beneath. The cells are replaced and heal quickly without sutures. Some patients, including Greg Merkel, notice some eye irritation immediately after the surgery. It felt like Id been swimming in a chlorine pool," he says. Others report burning, itching or a feeling that something is in the eye. Like all LASIK patients, even those who live just minutes away, Greg arranged for someone to drive him home after surgery. He says he napped for about 50 miles on the way back to Mobridge and when he awoke, The irritation was gone. There are proven new LASIK procedures available at Ophthalmology Associates of Aberdeen. VISX laser systems have been used to perform more than 2 million laser vision corrections. With ActiveTrak 3D eye-tracking technology, the laser detects and compensates for

I WOULD DO IT AGAIN IN A SECOND BECAUSE IT TURNED OUT SO WELL. . .

GREG MERKEL

THE VISX STAR LASER SYSTEM

small eye movements by keeping the laser beam centered precisely over the treatment area. The STAR S4 IR laser enables physicians to adapt the size and shape of the laser beam to treat patients with greater precision that is guided by the individuals visual needs. The system promotes better visual outcomes, including reduced problems with night vision. While the STAR S4 IR is the most recent innovation in LASIK surgery, it may not be effective for every patient. Everyones eyes are different. Only you, in consultation with your surgeon, can decide if the STAR S4 IR, CustomVue LASIK or another of the procedures offered by Ophthalmology Associates is right for you and your eyes.
Dave Merkel

ASK OTHERS ABOUT LASIK

If youre thinking about LASIK, talk to an eye-care professional. A doctor can evaluate your prospects and explain what to expect during the procedure, as well as anticipate the outcome.

When he consulted Dr. John Bormes, Dave Merkel learned he had another condition. The LASIK was put on hold till that was taken care of, Dave explains.

LASIK MAY BE

In the meantime, Greg Merkel had the procedure and his experience further encouraged

You are older than 21, Your vision is stable (glasses or contact lens prescription hasnt changed for at least two years), You do not suffer from any disease vision-related or otherwise that could affect the ability to heal properly and quickly, You are not pregnant or nursing.

his brother, Dave. I'm the meat-cutter at the store, which means messy hands. I got tired of fighting glasses that slid down my nose. "That's why I went to contacts. And LASIK is even better," Dave says. "Definitely a step better!" Boynton says that initially he

talked to some nurse friends who'd had the procedure with excellent results.

And that was the first of a number of testimonials. After you start saying youre going to have it done, youd be surprised how many have already had LASIK! Ask around and find out for yourself! For complete information about LASIK in Aberdeen, call for an appointment with Dr. Curt Wischmeier or Dr. John Bormes of Ophthalmology Associates at (605) 226-2108 or 1-800-255-7448.
How is your vision now? How much did the procedure cost?

IF YOU ARE CONSIDERING LASIK ...

First, have a complete vision screening with an ophthalmologist to discuss potential benefits, risks and complications. Talk with people who have had any type of LASIK surgery. Ask: Who performed your procedure? Were you satisfied with the care you received?

Ophthalmology Associates: With offices in Aberdeen, Britton, Eureka, Faulkton, Gettysburg, Huron, Milbank, Miller, Mobridge, Redfield, Webster; in North Dakota at Bismarck, Ellendale and Oakes; in Minnesota at Graceville, Ortonville and Wheaton.

TO YOUR GOOD HEALTH! CURB THE CAFFEINE:

You know that coffee contains caffeine, which can intensify stress by causing nervousness and tension. But pop also contains large amounts of caffeine. Go to http://wilstar.com/caffeine.htm online for the caffeine count of your favorite beverage. A better choice? Water.

COUNT THE WAYS:

Exercise has benefits that are mental as well as physical. A regular workout program can help you feel and sleep better and to reduce the risk of

stroke, diabetes, dementia, fractures, breast and colon cancer. Exercise also promotes strong bones, better joint function, muscle tone and cardiovascular health.

CURB CARB CRAVINGS:

Don't skip meals. Plan small meals every three or four hours throughout the day that combine carbs with protein: cereal and milk or cheese and crackers. Stock

up on carb alternatives like fruit, yogurt and low-fat cheese.

Copyright 2007 by Curt Wischmeier, M.D. and John Bormes, M.D. No portion of these printed materials may be reproduced for any purpose without written permission.