Fouad Melamed, OD Los Angeles Eye Doctor

Los Angeles contact lens optometrist, Dr. Fouad Melamed fits complex contact lenses as well as simple ones. Simple contact lens fits include single vision lenses and colored lenses. Simple contact lens fittings are just as important as the complex lens fits. Contact lenses need to fit well to prevent any complications. So even if you just want to change your eye color, or go for some really wild lenses just for fun, the fit needs to be correct. Here is a link to Dr. Melamed’s Facebook site to see just a few of the really wild styles you can choose from:

Melamed Eye Care Fan Page Facebook

Most contact lenses are worn to improve vision. A thorough examination by a contact lens optometrist will ensure that the lens prescription will be correct. In addition to vision correction, Dr. Melamed will also examine the eyes to match the patient to the right contact lens product. There are many different types of contact products available. If you have tried contacts before and have had less than optimal results, talk with Dr. Melamed. You may have just tried the wrong lens.

Some of the more complex problems that Dr. Melamed works with include high astigmatism fits, multifocal contact lenses for patients over 40, and contacts for patients with irregular corneas after Lasik surgery. Another cornea problem that Dr. Melamed fits contacts for is keratoconus.

Astigmatism contacts in the past have had mixed results for patients. The technology has vastly improved and now wide arrays of contacts are available to correct astigmatism. Did you know the blurry vision that astigmatism causes is one of the most frequent cause of appointments to see the eye care professional? Astigmatism comes in varying degrees from very mild to severe. Dr. Melamed will examine your eyes and discuss with you the best contact lens for the clearest vision possible.

Sixty percent of children identified as problem learners actually suffer from undetected vision problems, according to a 2009 study by the American Optometric Association (AOA). Undetected and untreated eye disorders, such as amblyopia and strabismus, can result in delayed reading and poorer outcomes in school.

Studies indicate that visual factors are better predictors of academic success than race or socioeconomic status. However, one in four school-age children suffers from vision problems that could have been treated if the child had been properly examined.

Unfortunately most kids do not receive a comprehensive eye exam before they enter school. Many with vision disorders fall through the cracks of “pediatrician vision screenings” and assume an “eye exam” has been performed. Yet in fact, a comprehensive eye exam by an optometrist measures more than just visual acuity at distance. Optometrists not only measure vision at distance and near, but measure the child’s processing of letters numbers, movements of objects, and the abilitly to use the eyes together (a necessity for the 3D age we are in). In addition, the health of the eyes, a window into the internal health of a child is checked thoroughly with the retinal exam.

Children who are successfully treated for their eye problems show increased performance in school. Studies find that the provision of eye glasses and vision therapy to children is correlated with improved grades and higher scores on standardized tests.

The American Optometrist Association (AOA) based on science and studies, recommends that infants should have their first comprehensive eye exam at 6 months of age. This exam is a specialized exam that the optometrist can look for any abnormalities and risk factors with the parents. Children then should have additional eye exams at age 3, and just before they enter the first grade – at about age 5 or 6.

For school-aged children, the AOA recommends an eye exam every two years if no vision correction is required. Children who need eyeglasses or contact lenses should be examined annually or as recommended by their optometrist.

Sources:
Archives of Opthalmology 2003; 121:1141-1147
Vision Council of America.
American Optometric Association.

Does my health insurance cover vision? Does my vision insurance cover urgent eye visits? These are one of the many questions my staff and I get asked by patients. So here I am to clarify.

Vision insurances, such as Vision Service Plan (VSP), EyeMed, and Superior Vision are insurances usually granted by employers to employees for routine vision care. This includes comprehensive eye exams annually plus various coverage for frames, lenses, and contact lenses every 1-2  years.

What vision insurance generally does not cover are urgent eye visits or eye disease management such as swollen eyes, red eyes, dry eyes, glaucoma, eye infections, . . etc. These office visits would be covered by your medical health insurance (Anthem Blue Cross, Medicare, UnitedHealthcare, Blue Shield . .etc) if the doctor is a network provider for these health plans.

Dr. Fouad Melamed, is one of the few optometrist in Los Angeles, that is a network provider on most major medical health insurance plans PPO (and some minor ones too!). Your visit for urgent eye care needs will be billed to you health insurance plan and you would be responsible for the copay and deductable just like your other doctor’s visits.

So the next time you are having trouble with your eyes, understand that visits pertaining to the health of your eyes (not optically related), can be covered by your health insurance plan.

With the new Obama Health Insurance Law just passed, health insurance companies have been required in some cases to also provide routine vision care to their subscribers. If you have any questions regarding eligibility please send us an email or give us a call.

You have heard all the hype … LASIK Eye Surgery is THE way to go to not only see well but also get rid of your glasses and contact lenses forever.

But is LASIK safe? As with any medical procedure, you’ll want to be sure you have the most up to date information before investing in a new way of looking at the world at large.

As with any form of surgery, LASIK does carry with it some risks. It is important you seek the guidance of an experienced eye doctor to see if you are a good candidate and exactly what the procedure consists of. When it comes to your eye health, less expensive may not always be best. You want to be certain you select a LASIK surgeon with the appropriate credentials and experience performing LASIK procedures.

This will help reduce your risk of side effects and complications. Recent studies suggest that up to 5% of patients undergoing LASIK procedures will experience some mild side effects. Most of these side effects are usually gone within the first couple of months. Generally complication risks are minimized when patients for the procedure are carefully screened and selected. In fact, often the best doctors reject many patients, because they are not good candidates for the procedure.

Most of the side effects associated with LASIK treatments are relatively minor, and most not permanent. The most common LASIK side effects are glare and dry eye symptoms. These side effects have really gone down with the use IntraLase. And even now, these symptoms are temporary.

Other more common side effects include infection, irritation, some swelling or inflammation and temporary redness. These often resolve after a short time.

LASIK complications have dramatically been reduced with the lasers and technology. Most complications such as flap slips are dealt with in the first week, and the prognosis is generally excellent. At times the flap may be incorrectly cut or injured. Fortunately there is a new procedure that minimizes this risk known as IntraLase.

Fortunately in many cases the results of LASIK surgery are unquestionably positive. It is important your eye doctor screen you carefully to determine your eligibility for the procedure.

Patients over the age of 40 often feel they are not a candidate for LASIK. That is not the case. These patients can be a candidate for an altered form of LASIK. Patients should talk to their doctor about all their options.

Remember the most important determinant of your response is selection of an experienced surgeon. Hand technique and experience are important characteristics when choosing a surgeon. As an optometrist in West Hollywood, I am proud to work with the city’s finest surgeons. Our Free LASIK consultations give you a complete evaluation to see if you are a good candidate. You get one-on-one time with Dr. Melamed, who had the procedure done on him, 8 years ago. He will let you know himself, he doesn’t miss his glasses or contacts one bit!

Hi, my name is Fouad Melamed, O.D. , and I would like to dedicate this first blog to tell you a little about Melamed Eye Care of Los Angeles, CA. 

We provide comprehensive vision and eye health examinations.

Our complete health exams include a dilated exam for early detection of glaucoma, cataracts, retinal disease, diabetic eye disease, and other ocular diseases. 

Our patients know that we are their primary care providers for any eye condition including infections, allergies and dry eyes.  Our doctors also provide emergency care. 

Disease Management & Treatment

Dr. Fouad Melamed is licensed to treat most eye infections, allergies, and diseases. He is also one of the few optometrists in California that is certified to treat glaucoma, an optic nerve disease. Dr. Melamed is licensed to prescribe both topical and oral medications if the need may arise.

Consultations

Dr. Melamed performs consultations for dry eyes, cataracts, retinal problems and Free LASIK consultations. We are affiliated with only highly respected leaders in ophthalmology, including cataract, cornea and retina specialists.  We only refer to surgeons with the most extensive surgical experience.

Contact lens services

Our doctors are leaders in soft and rigid contact lens fits.  Our practice continues to grow because of referrals by satisfied patients and doctors in the Los Angeles area. 

Not only do we provide basic soft lens fittings, we also prescribe specialty contact lenses that include astigmatism and bifocal lenses.  Many of our patients who require bifocal glasses are also fit with soft or rigid multifocal (bifocal) contact lenses.