LETTERS AND E-MAIL

Is LASIK Really OK for Kids?

Editor:

Dr. Jonathan Davidorf must have some secret about amblyopia that the literature hasn't revealed (see Cornea & Contact Lens Q&A, "Is LASIK OK for Kids?" July 2000). Namely, that children younger than 7 are good candidates for LASIK to reverse true amblyopia resulting from anisemetropia.

The Academy of Ophthalmology states that the earlier the diagnosis and treatment of anisemetropia, the better the prognosis. It is the Academy's position that treatment begin as early as possible.

So does "under 7" to Dr. Davidorf mean age 12 months or 24 months? It seems to me that by the time children reach "under 7" (age 6-7), they either have or have not achieved binocularity. And now, Dr. Davidorf is going for the "under eighters."

Seeing that the youngster wears contact lenses or glasses is the parent's responsibility. Dr. Davidorf insinuates his LASIK rationale will relieve parents from this responsibility by allowing the youngster to decide not to wear correction so by the time he or she is "under 7," Dr. Davidorf can "zap 'em." Is binocularity the key word? Did I miss something?

-Ronald L. Goldstein, O.D., Thousand Oaks/Westlake, Calif., eyedoc1@gte.net.

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Dr. Maino's Recommendation Of Palm Program Rocks

Editor:

Being something of a techno junkie, I always look forward to Dr. Dominick Maino's Technology Review column. He outdid himself with his August column "Power to the Palm: Drug Data in Your Pocket," in which he reviewed the Epocrates program.

I've used a Palm Vx for four months and it has become indispensable, but this is the first useful medical program I've encountered. Thanks.

-Thomas Weshfsky, O.D., North Bergen, N.J., advancedvision@worldnet.att.net.

Dr. Maino replies: Thanks for you comments. I've used Epocrates for weeks now and consider it as much of an optometric tool as my retinoscope.

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