Introduction to IntraLase LASIK Laser Eye Surgery
IntraLase is one of the most advanced laser eye surgery procedures available on the market today. It is also known as 'Bladeless LASIK' or 'All -Laser LASIK,
In normal LASIK surgery, a hand-held blade or microkeratome is used to create a flap on the cornea so that the Eximer laser can be used to work on the layer below. With the IntraLase procedure, a laser is also used for cutting the flap.
In place of the microkeratome blade, a femtosecond laser is used. With the use of this special laser, the flap that is cut can be more precise than the comparable manual methods.
By using the femtosecond laser any distortion and complications that arise from cutting the flap are significantly less than using traditional methods
How is the IntraLase procedure performed?
Sophisticated computer software is used to guide the femtosecobd laser beam as it creates tiny bubbles, less than three microns in diameter, on the outer layer of the cornea.
The flap in the cornea is created to the exact size and depth as planned by the surgeon. As with using a microkeratome to create the flap there is a small section of tissue that is not cut and retains contact with the cornea.
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Advantages of IntraLase over traditional LASIK?
There are a number of significant advantages that can be derived from using Intra Lase over traditional LASIK.
You will tend to heal quicker and your recovery from surgery will be speedier.
The surgery itself will be more accurate which makes for better results.
More patients have reported achieving twenty-twenty vision and less patients have reported deterioration in vision.
You will have better cornea flap cuts which will be cleaner and less prone to infections and inflammations
Patients with thin corneas were not suitable candidates for the LASIK surgery procedure but they can take advantage of the IntraLase procedure..
There are fewer complications with the LASIK procedure when it is used in conjunction with the IntraLase method.
When the IntraLase method is used, the curve of the cornea is followed.
The flap that is produced has vertical edges that are much easier for the surgeon to manage.
Since the IntraLase lasers are much more sterile than blades, the chances of infection and inflammation are virtually eliminated.
During the IntraLase procedure a low vacuum suction ring is used to hold the eye in place instead of the much stronger vacuum used in blade surgery.
With the reduced tension on the eye from the low vacuum suction, there may be slightly more chances of superficial bleeding.
This type of bleeding does not affect your vision and it resolves by itself quite quickly.
Latest developments in IntraLase technology?
Femtosecond treatment procedures are being combined with IntraLase and Wavefront technology to create what is being called. 'All Laser LASIK' or 'IntraLASIK'.
IntraLASIK may well develop into the next generation of laser eye surgery and could be the ultimate solution to correcting vision problems.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Laser vision correction The answer to so many dreams.....
Laser vision correction - a highly successful method of correcting long and short sightedness along with astigmatism, works by changing the shape of the cornea. More than 20 million worldwide have undergone laser vision correction to free themselves from glasses and contact lenses.
Centre for Sight surgeons have performed laser vision correction since 1991 and amongst the first to perform LASIK in the UK. Centre for Sight also introduced IntraLASIK to the United Kingdom in 2004 a safer and painless procedure carried out by our skilled consultants who are all Fellowship trained specialists in Cornea and Refractive Surgery.
LASIK is one of the most common procedures performed worldwide and in the right hands and with the right technology has a phenomenal success rate. IntraLASIK takes safety one step further by using a LASER (Intralase) instead of a cutting device with a blade to perform the first stage of the LASIK procedure.
The Intralase laser works by firing 1 micron (1/1000th of a mm) pulses into a specific area in the cornea. These pulses exand to 3 microns and in the process separate the cornea in a very precise and reprudicble manner. This level of precision enables surgeons to create thin flaps which are planar (equal in dimension throughout). Thin flap Lasik with Intralase also known as Sub-Bowman's Keratomileusis (SBK) has been demonstrated to produce improved outcomes and has been approved for use in US fighter pilots and NASA astronauts !
Centre for Sight surgeons understanding the benefits of IntraLASIK and Intralase technology were the first to invest by a head start and led the way in this type of eye surgery in the UK.
More on IntraLASIK →
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Other laser vision correction procedures not often performed at Centre for Sight include Photorefractive Keratectomy ( PRK ), LASEK (laser subepithelial keratectomy and epi-LASIK. This laser eye surgery is confusing and all three procedures are similar in that the procedures are performed on the surface of the cornea under the epithelium. Centre for Sight do not favor PRK, LASEK or epi-LASIK as this type of sye surgery is painful and visual recovery also takes longer. Of greater concern is the risk of haze which can be permanent. To avoid haze, some practitioners of advanced surface ablation as this is also referred use a toxic medication called Mitomycin C. The use of Mitomycin C for this purpose is highly controversial. Mitomycin C is used in the treatment of cancer and is not licensed for use on the eye. It is very toxic and acts like radiotherapy eliminating all cells. Centre for Sight only performs PRK, LASEK or epi-LASIK in those requiring very small levels of correction, for instance in those who have remaining shortsight, longsight or astigmatism following ICL or Artisan or multifocal and crystalens implants
IntraLase LASIK Laser Eye Surgery
IntraLase is a new state of the art laser treatment that cuts the LASIK corneal flap by using a femtosecond laser. Normal LASIK treatments use a mechanical device called a microkeratome which uses a blade to produce the LASIK flap.
This "No Blade" procedure produces a flap that is much more precise in depth, is cleaner, more accurate and is thinner. This results in many benefits to the LASIK patient.
Although advancements are made in laser eye treatment every year the introduction of IntraLASIK bladeless LASIK is the biggest leap in technology since the introduction of standard LASIK in the UK in 1998. It is a bigger advancement than the introduction of wavefront guided technology. Optimax were the first UK company to make IntraLase available nationally.
Benefits of Intralase Femtosecond Flaps
The major benefit is that all suitable prescriptions can now be treated with bladeless technology, thus eliminating the induced distortion and possibility of serious complications associated with the creation of the flap by manual blade. More patients achieve 20:20 vision or better; fewer patients lose sharpness of vision. Both short term and long term safety are improved upon. Increased confidence for both the doctor and patient lessens stress and anxiety. Both mechanical breakdown and human error are reduced.
Why have Intralase Femtosecond at Optimax?
Better Results More people achieve 20:20 or better than any other treatment
Better Prices Only modest extra charges, same treatment costs £4500 elsewhere
Better Vision Clarity of vision is often better than with glasses
Better Safety Short term flap complications are almost eliminated
Better Future Long term safety is improved due to tissue sparing
Better Confidence Doctors and patients like it resulting in less stress
Epi-LASEK verses Intralase Femtosecond LASIK
Optimax provides Epi-LASEK for low corrections because it is does not have the complications associated with the cutting of the flap by blade. Epi-LASEK treats the surface of the eye without cutting into it. In the early days of LASIK, most surgeons abandoned Epi-LASEK in favour of LASIK, but in the recent few years some surgeons drifted back to surface treatment because of safety grounds for mild cases, where the risk of complications are lowest. Epi-LASEK is very safe for low corrections, and now the "No Blade" treatment can claim similar safety levels for all levels of treatment.
Intralase Femtosecond and Wavefront (Combined)
Customised Wavefront treatment (CATZ) has been limited in its ability to eliminate optical imperfections in LASIK by its inability to correct induced imperfections caused by the mechanical cutting of the flap made after it had analysed the eye. Now that induced imperfections have been substantially reduced, wavefront promises to improve sharpness of vision patients above the quality of vision glasses can achieve.
Results
Our outstanding statistics based on 7,000 standard treatments during 2004 and 2005 are published on our website. These should be substantially improved upon when Intralase Femtosecond and Wavefront becomes the norm for suitable patients both in the number who achieve 20:20 or better vision and the reduction in complications.
Blade Induced Distortions
The blade is a mechanical instrument and can vary in its precise measurements and straightness. This always leaves microscopic imperfections in the surface of the cut as it passes over the eye. The Intralase Femto cut flap is much more precise and is as near as possible distortion free. Wavefront mapping is performed on the eye before the flap is cut and therefore can not take into account the blade induced distortions. It is for this reason that Intralase Femtosecond gives better result with standard (non Wavefront) treatment than Wavefront treatments with a flap created by a blade.
High Speed Tracking
During treatment the tracker on the laser videos the image of the iris 200 times per second. If you move your eye during treatment the laser follows it precisely. This is the faster tracker on any laser made.
Thinner Flaps (Tissue Sparing)
A major benefit of Intralase Femtosecond is that it is much more precise than a blade and therefore it can cut the flap at a position very close to the top surface of the cornea. By getting treatment closer to surface more tissue remains untouched below the flap. This improves the long term safety by maintaining the maximum structural strength of the eye following treatment. The depth of treatment is only marginally greater than Epi-LASEK.
Cleaner Flaps
Cutting the flap by laser gives a cleaner cut than a blade in terms of sterility. The incidence of infection and inflammations are almost eliminated as a result.
Optimax - Leaders in IntraLase Technology
Optimax leads with Intralase laser technology; with 18 lasers we were the first company to offer this technology nationwide.
Intralase, American made Equipment
We use the most advanced machine available in the world. Intralase are the leaders in this exciting new technology and are three years ahead of all the other manufacturers of similar equipment. They have sold over 99% of the worlds’ Femtosecond lasers, (approx 590 out of 600 installed and in use). Optimax have invested £5 million in bringing IntraLase to the UK national market first.
This "No Blade" procedure produces a flap that is much more precise in depth, is cleaner, more accurate and is thinner. This results in many benefits to the LASIK patient.
Although advancements are made in laser eye treatment every year the introduction of IntraLASIK bladeless LASIK is the biggest leap in technology since the introduction of standard LASIK in the UK in 1998. It is a bigger advancement than the introduction of wavefront guided technology. Optimax were the first UK company to make IntraLase available nationally.
Benefits of Intralase Femtosecond Flaps
The major benefit is that all suitable prescriptions can now be treated with bladeless technology, thus eliminating the induced distortion and possibility of serious complications associated with the creation of the flap by manual blade. More patients achieve 20:20 vision or better; fewer patients lose sharpness of vision. Both short term and long term safety are improved upon. Increased confidence for both the doctor and patient lessens stress and anxiety. Both mechanical breakdown and human error are reduced.
Why have Intralase Femtosecond at Optimax?
Better Results More people achieve 20:20 or better than any other treatment
Better Prices Only modest extra charges, same treatment costs £4500 elsewhere
Better Vision Clarity of vision is often better than with glasses
Better Safety Short term flap complications are almost eliminated
Better Future Long term safety is improved due to tissue sparing
Better Confidence Doctors and patients like it resulting in less stress
Epi-LASEK verses Intralase Femtosecond LASIK
Optimax provides Epi-LASEK for low corrections because it is does not have the complications associated with the cutting of the flap by blade. Epi-LASEK treats the surface of the eye without cutting into it. In the early days of LASIK, most surgeons abandoned Epi-LASEK in favour of LASIK, but in the recent few years some surgeons drifted back to surface treatment because of safety grounds for mild cases, where the risk of complications are lowest. Epi-LASEK is very safe for low corrections, and now the "No Blade" treatment can claim similar safety levels for all levels of treatment.
Intralase Femtosecond and Wavefront (Combined)
Customised Wavefront treatment (CATZ) has been limited in its ability to eliminate optical imperfections in LASIK by its inability to correct induced imperfections caused by the mechanical cutting of the flap made after it had analysed the eye. Now that induced imperfections have been substantially reduced, wavefront promises to improve sharpness of vision patients above the quality of vision glasses can achieve.
Results
Our outstanding statistics based on 7,000 standard treatments during 2004 and 2005 are published on our website. These should be substantially improved upon when Intralase Femtosecond and Wavefront becomes the norm for suitable patients both in the number who achieve 20:20 or better vision and the reduction in complications.
Blade Induced Distortions
The blade is a mechanical instrument and can vary in its precise measurements and straightness. This always leaves microscopic imperfections in the surface of the cut as it passes over the eye. The Intralase Femto cut flap is much more precise and is as near as possible distortion free. Wavefront mapping is performed on the eye before the flap is cut and therefore can not take into account the blade induced distortions. It is for this reason that Intralase Femtosecond gives better result with standard (non Wavefront) treatment than Wavefront treatments with a flap created by a blade.
High Speed Tracking
During treatment the tracker on the laser videos the image of the iris 200 times per second. If you move your eye during treatment the laser follows it precisely. This is the faster tracker on any laser made.
Thinner Flaps (Tissue Sparing)
A major benefit of Intralase Femtosecond is that it is much more precise than a blade and therefore it can cut the flap at a position very close to the top surface of the cornea. By getting treatment closer to surface more tissue remains untouched below the flap. This improves the long term safety by maintaining the maximum structural strength of the eye following treatment. The depth of treatment is only marginally greater than Epi-LASEK.
Cleaner Flaps
Cutting the flap by laser gives a cleaner cut than a blade in terms of sterility. The incidence of infection and inflammations are almost eliminated as a result.
Optimax - Leaders in IntraLase Technology
Optimax leads with Intralase laser technology; with 18 lasers we were the first company to offer this technology nationwide.
Intralase, American made Equipment
We use the most advanced machine available in the world. Intralase are the leaders in this exciting new technology and are three years ahead of all the other manufacturers of similar equipment. They have sold over 99% of the worlds’ Femtosecond lasers, (approx 590 out of 600 installed and in use). Optimax have invested £5 million in bringing IntraLase to the UK national market first.
LASIK vs. LASEK: new study compares laser eye surgery procedures
A recent study headed by Dr. Dimitri Azar, field chair of ophthalmologic research and professor and head of ophthalmology and visual sciences at UIC, brings into focus a wide variety of options in laser eye surgery.
Published in the December 2006 issue of the American Journal of Ophthalmology, Dr. Azar's study compares the short-term outcomes for two procedures, laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) and laser subepithelial keratomileusis (LASEK).
The study concluded that "although there were some differences in the visual and refractive results that favor the LASEK procedure, the differences were not clinically significant," said Azar. "These results are in line with previous smaller studies that we reviewed comparing the procedures."
According to "Yanoff: Ophthalmology," LASIK is performed first with a keratome to lift the anterior flap of the cornea and then an excimer laser to sculpt the stromal bed, changing the refractive error of the eye. LASEK is a surgical technique that combines features of photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) and LASIK in which a corneal epithelial flap, the top most layer of the eye-much thinner than the flap created by LASIK, is elevated by applying alcohol. The alcohol separates it from the layer beneath where it can be replaced at the end of the procedure. Both correct nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.
While only ophthalmologists, eye doctors who attended medical school and earned an MD, are qualified to perform the laser vision correction surgery, many discount chains use optometrists to examine and explain the procedures to patients. Their ophthalmologists act merely as highly trained technicians, coming in to cut and zap, and then zapping out.
Get at least one opinion from a consultation with an ophthalmologist. Ask how many surgeries your ophthalmologist has performed. Be aware that advertisements may intentionally proclaim a large number of surgeries, having first pooled together all procedures performed by affiliated surgeons, instead of listing the numbers by each individual surgeon.
Continued...
Published in the December 2006 issue of the American Journal of Ophthalmology, Dr. Azar's study compares the short-term outcomes for two procedures, laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) and laser subepithelial keratomileusis (LASEK).
The study concluded that "although there were some differences in the visual and refractive results that favor the LASEK procedure, the differences were not clinically significant," said Azar. "These results are in line with previous smaller studies that we reviewed comparing the procedures."
According to "Yanoff: Ophthalmology," LASIK is performed first with a keratome to lift the anterior flap of the cornea and then an excimer laser to sculpt the stromal bed, changing the refractive error of the eye. LASEK is a surgical technique that combines features of photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) and LASIK in which a corneal epithelial flap, the top most layer of the eye-much thinner than the flap created by LASIK, is elevated by applying alcohol. The alcohol separates it from the layer beneath where it can be replaced at the end of the procedure. Both correct nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.
While only ophthalmologists, eye doctors who attended medical school and earned an MD, are qualified to perform the laser vision correction surgery, many discount chains use optometrists to examine and explain the procedures to patients. Their ophthalmologists act merely as highly trained technicians, coming in to cut and zap, and then zapping out.
Get at least one opinion from a consultation with an ophthalmologist. Ask how many surgeries your ophthalmologist has performed. Be aware that advertisements may intentionally proclaim a large number of surgeries, having first pooled together all procedures performed by affiliated surgeons, instead of listing the numbers by each individual surgeon.
Continued...
Breaking News: Artificial Tissue May Impact LASIK Surgery
Researchers Use Artificial Tissues To Reshape Cornea
A new study published in the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery suggests that artificially manufactured human tissues or collagen may be used to reshape the cornea in patients with vision problems.
This discovery may introduce a new method of treating traditional problems including near and farsightedness as well as presbyopia.
Corneal Onlays The Future Of Eye Health
This new method of using manufactured eye tissue to reshape the cornea is known as "corneal onlays" and is still in experimental stages. Studies suggest that artificial tissue used to reshape the cornea works much in the same way an implantable or intraocular lens might, only the tissue placed on the cornea is permanent.
The benefit of using onlays is obvious. Because the corneal onlay is more natural than an artificial lens it conforms better to the natural shape of the cornea. The substance is made primarily of collagen and liquid.
Researchers claim this new method is less invasive than other procedures, including LASIK, because the surgeon does not remove any tissue from the eye. In traditional LASIK and other refractive procedures, typically a surgeon creates a corneal flap then reshapes the cornea by removing corneal tissue.
Corneal onlay surgery accomplishes just the opposite, by adding artificial tissue into the cornea to reshape it to provide better vision. One of the biggest advantages of this new technology is surgeons can easily remove the added tissue if adverse effects occur.
Other procedures, including LASIK are not reversible. This new procedure may also be used to correct errors occurring during refractive surgery, including over or under correction. Rather than re-laser the eye, a surgeon could use new technology to add more tissue to the cornea's surface and reshape the cornea to a more perfect shape. This in turn will produce optimal vision in patients.
How It All Works
Corneal onlays still require surgical intervention. During surgery the surgeon removes the epithelium, or thin covering, of the cornea, then places the onlay into a pocket the surgeon creates. The epithelium is then replaced so it can heal.
Right now researchers are battling with ways to keep the corneal onlay stable and in place while the epithelium reattaches to the new tissue. This is important to ensure long-term vision correction for the patient.
Corneal onlay surgery is not widely available, but is in the early testing stages. Hopefully full clinical trials will begin in a timely manner, providing eye care patients even more choices when it comes to correcting common vision problems.
If the researchers find the procedure works with minimal difficulty, the chances are high that it will receive FDA approval and provide a safe, non-invasive choice for patients that do not want LASIK or other refractive surgeries
LASIK Eye Surgery In Detail
If you are seeking LASIK in Denver, please contact our practice for a complete guide to LASIK eye surgery. Learn from the ophthalmologist who provides LASIK for the Denver Broncos, the Colorado Crush and many other professional and world class athletes about what LASIK can do for you!
William Hines, M.D., has performed more than 35,000 LASIK procedures at his practice in Denver, Colorado: As a LASIK eye surgeon, he reduces or eliminates the need for glasses with this simple, painless procedure. Dr. Hines has provided LASIK for many professional athletes in Denver, Colorado, from around the country. People choose Hines-Sight for LASIK surgery because of our vast experience, compassionate care, dedication to excellence and excellent results.
What is LASIK?
LASIK actually stands for Laser in-situ keratomileusis, which is the most commonly performed type of laser eye surgery. This procedure is generally safe, effective, and has very few side effects. LASIK is a great option for many individuals considering laser vision correction for a variety of personal and professional reasons. LASIK may not promise perfect vision, however; it is a highly successful procedure that can, at the very least, reduce a person’s dependence on glasses or contact lenses. The lifestyle benefits can be tremendous, enabling people to more freely pursue their hobbies, sports activities or careers. Many just want to be free of the hassle of glasses or contact lenses.
LASIK is a non-invasive, refractive procedure using the technology of the excimer laser along with a well-known instrument called a microkeratome (a sharp metal blade) or a femtosecond laser. LASIK uses a beam of cool light to reshape the surface of the cornea, so that images focus correctly on the retina. A computer, controlled by your LASIK eye surgeon, is used to precisely calculate the exact amount of cornea that needs to be removed for each individual's eyes. The data used to calculate the surgical procedure will be obtained during the LASIK exam.
During LASIK, the microkeratome will be used to create a thin cellophane flap from the surface of the cornea. The flap is then lifted to expose the deeper layer of cornea to be treated. This corneal flap stays attached to the rest of the cornea on one side by a thin hinge. The laser is then positioned into place, and delivers a programmed number of pulses of ultraviolet light onto the newly exposed part of the cornea. Each pulse of the laser removes a microscopic layer of cornea.
After LASIK surgery is complete, the corneal flap is put back in placeand aligned properly. This flap will naturally adhere to the treated cornea. No sutures are needed. Pressure from the eyelid and other factors will hold the flap in place as it heals. The center of the cornea now has been flattened, allowing light rays to be focused more precisely on the retina and images will be seen more clearly. Most LASIK patients notice a dramatic improvement in their vision immediately after the procedure. However, maximum improvement will occur over the next three to four weeks. Both antibiotic drops and steroid drops will be used for a period of two weeks following LASIK surgery to ensure proper healing. Artificial tears will also be used abundantly to help keep the cornea smooth and moist during the healing period.
Follow-Up after LASIK
The final outcome and speed of healing of the LASIK procedure is directly related to the care that is taken of the cornea after the procedure. It is very important to keep all postoperative appointments with your doctor. The recommended exam dates following LASIK are approximately:
•One Day
•One Week
•One Month
•Three Months
•One Year
These increments can be changed according to the rate of healing. Please contact Hines-Sight in Denver, Colorado, to discuss LASIK with an experienced LASIK consultant. To schedule your FREE laser vision correction evaluation call Hines-Sight at 303-777-3277 or toll free at 1-800-626-2156. Our LASIK counselors are standing by to give you a complete understanding of LASIK and the potential benefits this could bring to your life.
Are You a Candidate? If you would like to know if you are a LASIK candidate you can start by taking our LASIK Self-Evaluation TEST. Click HERE!
LASIK Facts
Did you know that LASIK eye surgery is performed with an excimer laser?
What is the Excimer LASER?
LASIK eye surgery involves the use of an excimer laser to permanently change the shape of the cornea, or the outer layer of the eye. The EXCIMER laser, which is a specific type of "cool" laser, generates its power from light in the ultraviolet range. This type of laser cannot be visualized by the human eye. Because the excimer laser does not generate any heat, there is no tissue damage as the result of the laser light. As the treatment with the laser proceeds, microscopic layers of tissue, approximately 1/10th the width of a human hair are removed. The laser is programmed to remove precisely the amount of tissue needed to achieve the desired result.
LASIK Risks
LASIK involves surgery! Potential LASIK patients need to understand the risks as well as the potential benefits. Many patients worry about complications or vision loss from LASIK eye surgery. New research by the AAO has concluded that after 10 years of monitoring LASIK results the procedure is considered safe and effective. No LASIK patient has ever gone blind, but there have been dissatisfied patients. Expectations regarding LASIK eye surgery need to be discussed with a surgeon. Your surgeon should make you feel comfortable and you should have a certain level of confidence in your surgeon before undergoing surgery. If you are considering lasik, you may find comfort in the fact that complications resulting from lasik surgery is very rare.
Possible LASIK Risks Include:
Flap complications, flap dislocation, corneal damage, corneal scarring, corneal swelling, droopy eyelid, contact lens intolerance, discomfort, difficulties with night driving, dry eyes, and vision that is not as good as the best corrected vision preoperatively.
William Hines M.D. - LASIK surgeon timeline
1969 - Completed Undergraduate Degree, BA in chemistry
@ Colorado College 1968
@ University of Colorado 1969
1972 - Married to wife, Ann
1973 - Completed Medical School at University of Colorado Health Science Center
1974 - Completed Internship at Alameda County Health Care Services At Highland General Hospital
1976 - Completed Residency in Internal Medicine
1977 - Board Certified American Board of Internal Medicine
1977 - 1980 - Clinical Instructor in ER Medicine at Denver General Hospital
1977 - 1986 Participated in USVBA Nationals in 6 man volley ball
1980 - Completed Ophthalmology Residency
1981 - Board Certified American Board of Ophthalmology
1981 - Board Certified American Board of Eye Surgery
1981 - present -- Assistant Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology At University of Colorado Health Science Center
1982 - Becomes Denver Bronco Team Ophthalmologist
1983 - One of first surgeons to perform RK in Denver
1988 - Becomes Denver Nuggets Team Ophthalmologist
1992 - First ALK (automated lamellar keratectomy), predecessor to LASIK
1996 - Colorado Avalanche Team Ophthalmologist
1995 - Certified in PRK
1996 - First Lasik
1997 - First Surgeon in Colorado to implant Premium IOLs
2000 - Nidek Laser National Certified Trainer
2004 - Becomes Team Ophthalmologist for the Colorado Crush
2004 - First Surgeon in Colorado to implant Verisyse IOL
2005 - First Surgeon to perform Epi Lasik in Colorado
2006 - First Custom Wavefront Lasik
2006 - First Surgeon in Colorado to implant Visian IOL
2006 - First Surgeon in Denver to perform DALK
William Hines, M.D., has performed more than 35,000 LASIK procedures at his practice in Denver, Colorado: As a LASIK eye surgeon, he reduces or eliminates the need for glasses with this simple, painless procedure. Dr. Hines has provided LASIK for many professional athletes in Denver, Colorado, from around the country. People choose Hines-Sight for LASIK surgery because of our vast experience, compassionate care, dedication to excellence and excellent results.
What is LASIK?
LASIK actually stands for Laser in-situ keratomileusis, which is the most commonly performed type of laser eye surgery. This procedure is generally safe, effective, and has very few side effects. LASIK is a great option for many individuals considering laser vision correction for a variety of personal and professional reasons. LASIK may not promise perfect vision, however; it is a highly successful procedure that can, at the very least, reduce a person’s dependence on glasses or contact lenses. The lifestyle benefits can be tremendous, enabling people to more freely pursue their hobbies, sports activities or careers. Many just want to be free of the hassle of glasses or contact lenses.
LASIK is a non-invasive, refractive procedure using the technology of the excimer laser along with a well-known instrument called a microkeratome (a sharp metal blade) or a femtosecond laser. LASIK uses a beam of cool light to reshape the surface of the cornea, so that images focus correctly on the retina. A computer, controlled by your LASIK eye surgeon, is used to precisely calculate the exact amount of cornea that needs to be removed for each individual's eyes. The data used to calculate the surgical procedure will be obtained during the LASIK exam.
During LASIK, the microkeratome will be used to create a thin cellophane flap from the surface of the cornea. The flap is then lifted to expose the deeper layer of cornea to be treated. This corneal flap stays attached to the rest of the cornea on one side by a thin hinge. The laser is then positioned into place, and delivers a programmed number of pulses of ultraviolet light onto the newly exposed part of the cornea. Each pulse of the laser removes a microscopic layer of cornea.
After LASIK surgery is complete, the corneal flap is put back in placeand aligned properly. This flap will naturally adhere to the treated cornea. No sutures are needed. Pressure from the eyelid and other factors will hold the flap in place as it heals. The center of the cornea now has been flattened, allowing light rays to be focused more precisely on the retina and images will be seen more clearly. Most LASIK patients notice a dramatic improvement in their vision immediately after the procedure. However, maximum improvement will occur over the next three to four weeks. Both antibiotic drops and steroid drops will be used for a period of two weeks following LASIK surgery to ensure proper healing. Artificial tears will also be used abundantly to help keep the cornea smooth and moist during the healing period.
Follow-Up after LASIK
The final outcome and speed of healing of the LASIK procedure is directly related to the care that is taken of the cornea after the procedure. It is very important to keep all postoperative appointments with your doctor. The recommended exam dates following LASIK are approximately:
•One Day
•One Week
•One Month
•Three Months
•One Year
These increments can be changed according to the rate of healing. Please contact Hines-Sight in Denver, Colorado, to discuss LASIK with an experienced LASIK consultant. To schedule your FREE laser vision correction evaluation call Hines-Sight at 303-777-3277 or toll free at 1-800-626-2156. Our LASIK counselors are standing by to give you a complete understanding of LASIK and the potential benefits this could bring to your life.
Are You a Candidate? If you would like to know if you are a LASIK candidate you can start by taking our LASIK Self-Evaluation TEST. Click HERE!
LASIK Facts
Did you know that LASIK eye surgery is performed with an excimer laser?
What is the Excimer LASER?
LASIK eye surgery involves the use of an excimer laser to permanently change the shape of the cornea, or the outer layer of the eye. The EXCIMER laser, which is a specific type of "cool" laser, generates its power from light in the ultraviolet range. This type of laser cannot be visualized by the human eye. Because the excimer laser does not generate any heat, there is no tissue damage as the result of the laser light. As the treatment with the laser proceeds, microscopic layers of tissue, approximately 1/10th the width of a human hair are removed. The laser is programmed to remove precisely the amount of tissue needed to achieve the desired result.
LASIK Risks
LASIK involves surgery! Potential LASIK patients need to understand the risks as well as the potential benefits. Many patients worry about complications or vision loss from LASIK eye surgery. New research by the AAO has concluded that after 10 years of monitoring LASIK results the procedure is considered safe and effective. No LASIK patient has ever gone blind, but there have been dissatisfied patients. Expectations regarding LASIK eye surgery need to be discussed with a surgeon. Your surgeon should make you feel comfortable and you should have a certain level of confidence in your surgeon before undergoing surgery. If you are considering lasik, you may find comfort in the fact that complications resulting from lasik surgery is very rare.
Possible LASIK Risks Include:
Flap complications, flap dislocation, corneal damage, corneal scarring, corneal swelling, droopy eyelid, contact lens intolerance, discomfort, difficulties with night driving, dry eyes, and vision that is not as good as the best corrected vision preoperatively.
William Hines M.D. - LASIK surgeon timeline
1969 - Completed Undergraduate Degree, BA in chemistry
@ Colorado College 1968
@ University of Colorado 1969
1972 - Married to wife, Ann
1973 - Completed Medical School at University of Colorado Health Science Center
1974 - Completed Internship at Alameda County Health Care Services At Highland General Hospital
1976 - Completed Residency in Internal Medicine
1977 - Board Certified American Board of Internal Medicine
1977 - 1980 - Clinical Instructor in ER Medicine at Denver General Hospital
1977 - 1986 Participated in USVBA Nationals in 6 man volley ball
1980 - Completed Ophthalmology Residency
1981 - Board Certified American Board of Ophthalmology
1981 - Board Certified American Board of Eye Surgery
1981 - present -- Assistant Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology At University of Colorado Health Science Center
1982 - Becomes Denver Bronco Team Ophthalmologist
1983 - One of first surgeons to perform RK in Denver
1988 - Becomes Denver Nuggets Team Ophthalmologist
1992 - First ALK (automated lamellar keratectomy), predecessor to LASIK
1996 - Colorado Avalanche Team Ophthalmologist
1995 - Certified in PRK
1996 - First Lasik
1997 - First Surgeon in Colorado to implant Premium IOLs
2000 - Nidek Laser National Certified Trainer
2004 - Becomes Team Ophthalmologist for the Colorado Crush
2004 - First Surgeon in Colorado to implant Verisyse IOL
2005 - First Surgeon to perform Epi Lasik in Colorado
2006 - First Custom Wavefront Lasik
2006 - First Surgeon in Colorado to implant Visian IOL
2006 - First Surgeon in Denver to perform DALK
Laser Eye Correction Explained
The front surface of the eye (cornea) acts as a lens. With perfect sight, the image is brought into sharp focus on the back surface of the eye (retina). Vision problems occur when the image is not accurately focused on the back of the eye and vision is blurred.
The usual method for correcting eyesight problems and disorders is with glasses or contact lenses. Their power is measured in dioptres, according to the strength of a round (spherical) lens that enables the clearest possible vision.
Laser Correction for Short Sight (Myopia)
Short sight is hereditary and develops through the teens, affecting 20% of the population. If you are short-sighted, the focusing power of your eyes is too strong. Objects at a distance appear blurred and close up vision is clear.
Your glasses will make things look smaller when held at arms length (a negative power lens is thinner in the middle). The laser is set to reduce the thickness of the cornea in the central zone, reducing its focusing power. Images are then brought into correct focus. Laser eye correction treatment for Myopia is very simple and effective. Example of a short sight prescription:
Eye Sphere CYL AXIS
Right Eye -2.50 -0.50 120
Left Eye -2.50 -0.25 45
Please note: the dash or minus sign in the sphere (SPH)
Laser Correction for Astigmatism
Astigmatism is caused by an unevenly shaped eyeball (like a rugby ball) and can be effectively treated by laser. About half of glasses wearers have this added problem.
When an astigmatic person looks at the spokes of a wheel, some spokes appear clearer than others. Because only parts of the image are correctly focused, distortion is caused at all distances. Astigmatism is shown on your glasses prescription in the box marked CYL and is measured by the strength of a cylindrical lens needed to achieve best vision.
AXIS shows the angle at which astigmatism lies across the eye. The laser is set to remove more tissue in the line of astigmatism. Laser eye correction treatment is given immediately after short/long sight treatment, without additional charge. Example of an astigmatic prescription:
Eye Sphere CYL AXIS
Right Eye -3.50 -1.50 120
Left Eye -4.00 +2.25 60
Please note: CYL can be measured as plus (+) or minus (-)
Laser Correction for Long Sight (Hyperopia)
If you are long-sighted, the focusing power of your eyes are too weak. You will be able to view objects more comfortably at a distance than close up (less than six feet).
If your glasses magnify print, you are long-sighted. In severe cases vision is not clear at any distance. Treatment is still considered experimental by many ophthalmic surgeons. Optimax offers long sight laser treatment only to those who are alerted to the risks and have moderate expectations. Example of a long sight prescription:
Eye Sphere CYL AXIS
Right Eye +2.00 -0.50 120
Left Eye +2.50 -0.25 45
Please note: the plus (+) sign for the sphere (SPH)
Reading Glasses (Presbyopia)
There is currently no laser vision correction treatment to eliminate the need for reading glasses. This need is not due to long sight or short sight it is the inability to focus close up when the eye muscles get older, after middle age.
Short-sighted people can remove their glasses for close up work. Long-sighted people will need reading glasses earlier in life. As with all normal-sighted people, treated patients will still require reading glasses from the age of about 45.
The Benefits of Laser Eye Surgery
Benefits of Laser Eye Surgery
There can be significant benefits from having laser eye surgery which can range from improvements to the quality and clarity of your eyesight to completely removing the need to wear contact lenses or glasses ever again.
Improving family life
The necessity of continually having to wear contact lenses or glasses can impact on your family life. Laser eye surgery can remove that need and with it the fear of breaking your glasses or losing your lenses whilst you are playing with the children.
Helping you enjoy your holidays
Not having to pack your contact lenses and cleaning solutions or constantly find your glasses can only make going on holiday an easier proposition.
The danger of getting sand or sea behind your lenses is eliminated and the spontaneity of taking a quick dip in the sea becomes possible without having to worry about losing your glasses.
Easing the pressures of work
Contact lenses at work can cause a drying effect in the eyes due to modern air conditioning systems and intensive sitting in front of computer screens.
Laser eye surgery can resolve that problem and also remove the need for glasses or contacts at work at all.
Enjoy playing sports
Leading an active lifestyle needn't be a problem after laser eye surgery.
Without the need to wear contact lenses or glasses you have far greater flexibility to enjoy the sport of your choice.
Many leading sports stars have undergone laser eye treatment and have found it to significantly benefit both their enjoyment of their sport and their ability to perform it at the highest level.
Making the most of everyday life
The ability to get on with life without having to put your contact lenses in or fumble around for your glasses is a significant benefit of laser eye surgery.
A lot of everyday things in life become easier following laser eye surgery and it can be a positive and life changing experience.
There can be significant benefits from having laser eye surgery which can range from improvements to the quality and clarity of your eyesight to completely removing the need to wear contact lenses or glasses ever again.
Improving family life
The necessity of continually having to wear contact lenses or glasses can impact on your family life. Laser eye surgery can remove that need and with it the fear of breaking your glasses or losing your lenses whilst you are playing with the children.
Helping you enjoy your holidays
Not having to pack your contact lenses and cleaning solutions or constantly find your glasses can only make going on holiday an easier proposition.
The danger of getting sand or sea behind your lenses is eliminated and the spontaneity of taking a quick dip in the sea becomes possible without having to worry about losing your glasses.
Easing the pressures of work
Contact lenses at work can cause a drying effect in the eyes due to modern air conditioning systems and intensive sitting in front of computer screens.
Laser eye surgery can resolve that problem and also remove the need for glasses or contacts at work at all.
Enjoy playing sports
Leading an active lifestyle needn't be a problem after laser eye surgery.
Without the need to wear contact lenses or glasses you have far greater flexibility to enjoy the sport of your choice.
Many leading sports stars have undergone laser eye treatment and have found it to significantly benefit both their enjoyment of their sport and their ability to perform it at the highest level.
Making the most of everyday life
The ability to get on with life without having to put your contact lenses in or fumble around for your glasses is a significant benefit of laser eye surgery.
A lot of everyday things in life become easier following laser eye surgery and it can be a positive and life changing experience.
Thin-flap LASIK provides faster results than PRK, study says
Though LASIK is the most popular laser vision correction surgery in the United States, photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) eliminates the risk of intra-operative and post-operative flap-related complications.
Recently, a variation of LASIK called sub-Bowman keratomileusis (SBK) or "thin-flap LASIK" has been gaining popularity among LASIK surgeons. A thinner corneal flap is created in SBK, which may reduce certain LASIK risks — particularly dry eyes and corneal ectasia.
To compare the outcomes produced by thin-flap LASIK with those produced by PRK, researchers Stephen G. Slade, MD, Daniel S. Durrie, MD, and Perry S. Binder, MD recently conducted a study of fifty patients, performing thin-flap LASIK on one eye and PRK on the other eye of each patient.
Thin-flap LASIK vs PRK: Study design and methods
Of the 100 eyes in the study, the mean pre-operative refractive error was -3.66 diopters (D) of nearsightedness and -0.66 D of astigmatism.
Eyes in the thin-flap LASIK group had a corneal flap created with a 60-Hz IntraLase femtosecond laser (Abbott Medical Optics, Santa Ana, CA). The intended flap thickness was 100 microns, which is about 20 to 40 percent thinner than conventional LASIK flaps.
All eyes in both groups underwent a customized laser ablation with a LADARVision 4000 CustomCornea excimer laser (Alcon Laboratories, Fort Worth, TX)
Follow-up exams were performed one, three and six months after surgery. Measurements performed at each visit included uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), contrast sensitivity, corneal topography and wavefront aberrometry.
Thin-flap LASIK vs PRK: Study results
Data gathered during the follow-up visits yielded the following results:
One month after surgery, 88 percent of thin-flap LASIK eyes achieved UCVA of 20/20 or better, compared with 48 percent of PRK eyes.
Six months after surgery, there was no significant difference in UCVA of eyes in the two groups: 92 percent of thin-flap LASIK eyes and 94 percent of PRK eyes had UCVA of 20/20 or better.
At one and three months, the thin-flap LASIK eyes had less significant higher-order aberrations (including spherical aberration) than the PRK eyes.
Six months after surgery, there was no significant difference in higher-order aberrations between the two groups.
Thin-flap LASIK vs PRK: Study results
The researchers concluded that quality of vision recovered faster in eyes undergoing thin-flap LASIK compared with eyes undergoing PRK, but at six months there were no significant visual differences between the two groups.
The results of the study show that both thin-flap LASIK and PRK produce excellent visual outcomes.
One implication of this study if you are considering laser vision correction and want no possible risk of LASIK flap complications, PRK provides comparable visual acuity to thin-flap LASIK, but you probably will have to wait a few weeks longer after surgery for optimum visual acuity.
Recently, a variation of LASIK called sub-Bowman keratomileusis (SBK) or "thin-flap LASIK" has been gaining popularity among LASIK surgeons. A thinner corneal flap is created in SBK, which may reduce certain LASIK risks — particularly dry eyes and corneal ectasia.
To compare the outcomes produced by thin-flap LASIK with those produced by PRK, researchers Stephen G. Slade, MD, Daniel S. Durrie, MD, and Perry S. Binder, MD recently conducted a study of fifty patients, performing thin-flap LASIK on one eye and PRK on the other eye of each patient.
Thin-flap LASIK vs PRK: Study design and methods
Of the 100 eyes in the study, the mean pre-operative refractive error was -3.66 diopters (D) of nearsightedness and -0.66 D of astigmatism.
Eyes in the thin-flap LASIK group had a corneal flap created with a 60-Hz IntraLase femtosecond laser (Abbott Medical Optics, Santa Ana, CA). The intended flap thickness was 100 microns, which is about 20 to 40 percent thinner than conventional LASIK flaps.
All eyes in both groups underwent a customized laser ablation with a LADARVision 4000 CustomCornea excimer laser (Alcon Laboratories, Fort Worth, TX)
Follow-up exams were performed one, three and six months after surgery. Measurements performed at each visit included uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), contrast sensitivity, corneal topography and wavefront aberrometry.
Thin-flap LASIK vs PRK: Study results
Data gathered during the follow-up visits yielded the following results:
One month after surgery, 88 percent of thin-flap LASIK eyes achieved UCVA of 20/20 or better, compared with 48 percent of PRK eyes.
Six months after surgery, there was no significant difference in UCVA of eyes in the two groups: 92 percent of thin-flap LASIK eyes and 94 percent of PRK eyes had UCVA of 20/20 or better.
At one and three months, the thin-flap LASIK eyes had less significant higher-order aberrations (including spherical aberration) than the PRK eyes.
Six months after surgery, there was no significant difference in higher-order aberrations between the two groups.
Thin-flap LASIK vs PRK: Study results
The researchers concluded that quality of vision recovered faster in eyes undergoing thin-flap LASIK compared with eyes undergoing PRK, but at six months there were no significant visual differences between the two groups.
The results of the study show that both thin-flap LASIK and PRK produce excellent visual outcomes.
One implication of this study if you are considering laser vision correction and want no possible risk of LASIK flap complications, PRK provides comparable visual acuity to thin-flap LASIK, but you probably will have to wait a few weeks longer after surgery for optimum visual acuity.
Karachi LASIK Eye Surgery Price Quotes and Much More
Find Karachi eye clinics, Karachi eye institutes and Karachi LASIK surgery centers. Receive information on laser eye surgery, laser vision correction and LASIK in Karachi. Book a consult with a Karachi LASIK surgeon, LASIK vision center, eye clinic or eye institute.
When analyzing the cost of LASIK in Karachi, it is first necessary to clearly define exactly what is included in the price and to learn the factors that influence LASIK prices. These issues are discussed in detail in the LASIK Costs section.
In late 2005, the average cost of LASIK was just over $1950 per eye - an increase of approximately $400 per eye over 2002 prices. The rise in price is the result of more frequent utilization of Intralase and wavefront technology, as illustrated in the Realistic LASIK Prices section.
In addition to detailed pricing information, Lasik MD features a comprehensive LASIK Guide that contains up-to-date information backed by published medical studies.
Lasik MD is pleased to provide you with Karachi LASIK eye surgery information. Since 1999, we’ve helped over 9000 web users find a local laser clinic, institute or vision correction center.
If you are seeking LASIK in Karachi, Pakistan, whether conventional corrective eye surgery or one of the newer custom wavefront treatments such as CustomVue or Custom Cornea, we can help you find a Karachi surgeon who will provide you with information on the cost of LASIK plus advice on your best benefit and lowest risk amongst the long list of procedures available today, including LASIK, custom wavefront LASIK, epi-LASIK, all laser LASIK, Intralase, IntraLASIK, lasek and prk.
Currently, the following Karachi LASIK doctors participate in our LASIK vision correction network:
Other LASIK centers in Karachi, Pakistan that you may wish to consider include
When analyzing the cost of LASIK in Karachi, it is first necessary to clearly define exactly what is included in the price and to learn the factors that influence LASIK prices. These issues are discussed in detail in the LASIK Costs section.
In late 2005, the average cost of LASIK was just over $1950 per eye - an increase of approximately $400 per eye over 2002 prices. The rise in price is the result of more frequent utilization of Intralase and wavefront technology, as illustrated in the Realistic LASIK Prices section.
In addition to detailed pricing information, Lasik MD features a comprehensive LASIK Guide that contains up-to-date information backed by published medical studies.
Lasik MD is pleased to provide you with Karachi LASIK eye surgery information. Since 1999, we’ve helped over 9000 web users find a local laser clinic, institute or vision correction center.
If you are seeking LASIK in Karachi, Pakistan, whether conventional corrective eye surgery or one of the newer custom wavefront treatments such as CustomVue or Custom Cornea, we can help you find a Karachi surgeon who will provide you with information on the cost of LASIK plus advice on your best benefit and lowest risk amongst the long list of procedures available today, including LASIK, custom wavefront LASIK, epi-LASIK, all laser LASIK, Intralase, IntraLASIK, lasek and prk.
Currently, the following Karachi LASIK doctors participate in our LASIK vision correction network:
Other LASIK centers in Karachi, Pakistan that you may wish to consider include
About LASIK
LASIK is a surgical procedure that uses a laser to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and/or astigmatism. In LASIK, a thin flap in the cornea is created using either a microkeratome blade or a femtosecond laser. The surgeon folds back the flap, then removes some corneal tissue underneath using an excimer laser. The flap is then laid back in place, covering the area where the corneal tissue was removed.
With nearsighted people, the goal of LASIK is to flatten the too-steep cornea; with farsighted people, a steeper cornea is desired. LASIK can also correct astigmatism by smoothing an irregular cornea into a more normal shape.
If you are considering LASIK eye surgery, your first step is to choose a good LASIK surgeon who can evaluate whether LASIK is right for you. Your LASIK surgeon will examine your eyes to determine their health, what kind of vision correction you need, and how much laser ablation (corneal tissue removal) is required. The doctor will also ask about any health conditions that may disqualify you altogether for LASIK surgery.
If you're not a candidate for LASIK, you may qualify for another laser eye surgery such as PRK (similar to LASIK but without the flap), LASEK, or epi-LASIK. There are also non-laser vision correction procedures. Your prescription and eye structure will be considered to help determine which procedure is best for you.
LASIK is an outpatient procedure, so you don't have to stay at the surgery center overnight. The LASIK surgeon uses a computer to adjust the laser for your particular prescription. You will be asked to look at a target light for a short time while the laser sends pulses of light to painlessly reshape your cornea. The actual LASIK surgery usually takes less than five minutes.
With nearsighted people, the goal of LASIK is to flatten the too-steep cornea; with farsighted people, a steeper cornea is desired. LASIK can also correct astigmatism by smoothing an irregular cornea into a more normal shape.
If you are considering LASIK eye surgery, your first step is to choose a good LASIK surgeon who can evaluate whether LASIK is right for you. Your LASIK surgeon will examine your eyes to determine their health, what kind of vision correction you need, and how much laser ablation (corneal tissue removal) is required. The doctor will also ask about any health conditions that may disqualify you altogether for LASIK surgery.
If you're not a candidate for LASIK, you may qualify for another laser eye surgery such as PRK (similar to LASIK but without the flap), LASEK, or epi-LASIK. There are also non-laser vision correction procedures. Your prescription and eye structure will be considered to help determine which procedure is best for you.
LASIK is an outpatient procedure, so you don't have to stay at the surgery center overnight. The LASIK surgeon uses a computer to adjust the laser for your particular prescription. You will be asked to look at a target light for a short time while the laser sends pulses of light to painlessly reshape your cornea. The actual LASIK surgery usually takes less than five minutes.
My LASIK Experience
Introduction
On Wednesday, June 12, 2002, I had LASIK surgery to correct my near sightedness (contact lense prescription -5.50). Since there were a number of things about LASIK I did not understand prior to experiencing them (particularly the nature of the surgery itself), I thought I would write this page to share my experiences with anyone else who is considering it.
LASIK stands for "laser assisted in situ keratomileusis". It is a surgical procedure used to correct certain types of refraction problems in eyes, such as my near sightedness. You can find additional information about LASIK at this web page.
Please note that this is only my experience and yours might be different. I am not a medical doctor and nothing in this page should be construed as medical advice. Please consult a physician for details on this or any other medical procedure.
Selecting a Doctor
My vision had been stable for over two years before I decided to get LASIK. I had a contact in the excimer laser business who supplied several surgeon recommendations. I also asked friends who had had the surgery for recommendations. It turns out that one of the friends who was most satisified with his surgery had used a doctor in the same practice as the person my laser company contact had identified as the top academic ophthalmologist in Chicago. This doctor was also affiliated with one of the top academic institutions in Chicago. So despite the higher cost of this doctor, I decided to give him a shot. Money is not the issue when my eyesight is concerned.
Pre-Surgery Process
I called to schedule an appointment as a referral from a previous patient. No referral from my optometrist was necessary. An initial screening visit consisted of a brief examination of how bad my vision was (as with a regular eye doctor) plus a brief measurement of the thickness of my cornea. This last bit was done with a thin metal probe touched to my eye after the application of some numbing drops. I didn't feel a thing.
The doctor explained the general nature of the surgery and asked me about my expectations. He particularly tried to set low expectations, saying that 90% of patients see 20/40 or better post surgery, that this was good enough for driving, even at night, and that probably it was good enough for most ordinary activities. He particuarly cited reading movie subtitles as a possible problem with 20/40 vision, something I was not happy to hear since I watch lots of foreign films. He also explained options for dealing with less than perfect vision after the surgery (do nothing, glasses, or a "touch up" procedure). He mentioned that nobody had ever gone blind from LASIK, but it was possible to end up with permanently distored vision that could not be corrected. He described possible post-operative complications, including a "halo effect" around lights at night (which he thought there was a very good chance of me getting) and eye dryness. All in all, it was a pretty good "scare job". The one area I thought was lacking was his description of the surgery itself. This was a common complaint among people I know who had LASIK. A common piece of advice would start "they won't tell you this before the surgery, but..."
After all this, I did ask the doctor about his experience and how his patients had fared. According to him, of all the patients treated by his practice, no one had ever gotten less than 20/40. After the surgery he confided that only about 1 in 20 gets less than 20/20 vision. Most of those the result of improper healing. He didn't say, but my guess is that many of those people did not care for themselves properly after the surgery.
I told him I wanted to go forward and so we scheduled an appointment for a very detailed exam that would determine my ultimate qualification for the surgery, as well as collect the measurements needed for the surgery itself. One thing that came as a surprise to me was that I could not wear contacts for two weeks prior to this exam. Apparently contact lenses distort the shape of the eye. Unfortunately, I did not even own a pair of glasses so I had to go out and buy one! Needless to say I got the cheapest one I could find that was even halfway decent looking.
The next visit was by far the most thorough eye exam I have ever had. It was mostly done with my eyes dilated, so reading and light sensitivity for a couple hours afterward were problems. He tested my vision several different ways. I wish I had taken notes that the time. One was through that normal periscope looking thing. Another was by adding a bunch of lenses to a set of glasses. The also made me stare into a flashing orange light for a while in order to take a detailed map of my cornea. My eye was examined using his microscope for quite some time. The thickness of my cornea was checked again. I was given a glaucoma test that involved actually touching a probe to my eye (not the usual awful puff of air).
After all this poking and peeking, I was pronounced fit for surgery, which I could schedule at any time. My wedding was upcoming in a month and recalling the small bloody looking splotches on my friend's eye after he got LASIK, I asked about that side effect, which he had previously not mentioned. He said, yes, often capillaries burst in the eye during surgery, resulting in that effect, which could last several weeks. It would probably be best to wait until after the wedding if I didn't want that in my photos.
The Procedure
The actual procedure takes approximately 15 minutes front to back. The evening before and the morning of surgery I was instructed to scrub my eyelids and eyelashes to remove excess oil. I arrived, signed in, and was escorted to the "operating room" after a typical wait. I had to initial a laundry list of horrors that could happen to me on a disclosure sheet and also sign another waiver form since I planned to do both eyes at the same time. My doctor recommended doing one at a time, but finding the schedule to do that was difficult as I was told I could not travel for a week after the surgery and travel is a big part of my job. So both eyes it was.
To start off, a medical assistant performed another eyelid scrub. I was given a funny little hat to wear to keep my hair out of your face. Kind of a joke for a buzz cut bald guy like me. Then I was seated in a reclining chair similar to that you'd find in a dentist office. My head was wedged between two adjustable arms that prevented excess head movement. My doctor gave me a teddy bear to squeeze for stress relief. Clear markings indicated that many previous patients had throttled its neck.
Starting the procedure, I was laid back horizontal in the chair. I could see a blinking red light (think a blinking HAL from 2001: A Space Odyssey) which is the light you are supposed to stare at from the laser. A patch was put over the eye that was not being operated on. A film simlar to scotch tape was used to tape down my eyelashes out of the way. Numbing drops were put into my eyes. A device was then put on my eyes to keep them pried open (think A Clockwork Orange), which involved some moderate pressure but little pain. My eyes are sunken behind a low forehead like some Neandertal so this was a bit complicated for my doctor. Once this was done, a suction device was placed on the eyeball and activated. On activation, I slowly went blind, which is a good thing since I probably didn't want to see what happened next, which is that a cutting intrument with a clearly audible blade noise cut a flap in my cornea. Once the flap was cut, the device was removed and vision restored. With the flap open, I could still see, but very, very poorly. The suction device put significant and very unpleasant (though not painful) pressure on my eye. The flap cutting procedure is IMO the worse part of the whole process. Going blind during the suction was something that everyone I talked to said their doctor had not mentioned prior to the surgery.
Above me the flashing red light of the laser guide was basically a blob. I was instructed to stare at that directly while the doctor activated the laser to vaporize a layer on the inside of the cornea. The laser itself makes a moderately loud "clacking" noise. Mine was on for about 30-40 seconds. I could clearly smell somthing burning. It could have been the smell of the vaporized cornea, or possibly it was just the ozone smell of some electrical component on the laser. A computer guidance system automatically keeps the laser focsed on the flap if you move your eye a bit. If you move it too far, the laser shuts off as a safety precaution. Once the lasering was complete, the flap was repositioned and the doctor used a little miniature squeegee to do detailed adjustments on it, which was as unpleasant as it sounds because you can actually see it being done.
All was well, so the devices on my eye were removed and the same procedure was completed on the other eye. When I was done with both eyes, I was told I could look around normally, but not to touch or rub my eyes. I could see, but there was a lot of distortion. My vision was clearly not 20/20, but I could see well enough to read the clock on the wall, something I never would have been able to do before. Driving was out of the question, so it is a good thing someone came with me to drive me home.
I found the whole procedure moderately freaky. As with most people I know who've done the surgery, I would suggest doing both eyes at the same time because once you get out of that chair you're not going to want to get back in it. Still, I only slightly mangled the teddy bear and nervously kicked by feet around a bit. According to my doctor, virtually no one freaks out completely. Only about 1 in 100 require a sedative to calm them.
Be sure you like your doctor's demeanor. Because you are fully conscious during the surgery, beside manner is critical. If the doctor says something like "Hurry up! We're going to lose him!" you'll probably freak out. My doctor was excellent in this regard, always appearing calm and in control. He was particularly good about never making a statement with any negative connotations. When an assistant botched something like prying my eyes open, he didn't correct them, but rather just issued calm instructions that made it seem like nothing had happened. He also was very good at telling me what was going to happen next, and giving constant encouragment.
Post-Surgery
After the surgery was over, I was given two types of medicated eye drops that needed to be put into my eyes four times daily for a week. One of these was an antibiotic. The other was a steroidal anti-inflamatory. I used them religiously. I was told, BE SURE NOT TO RUB YOUR EYES. Don't even touch them for the first couple days if you can avoid it. I was given goggles to wear when sleeping for the first week so that I didn't inadvertently rub my eyes in my sleep. I was also given a pair of very ugly sunglasses to wear outdoors for the first week as my eyes would be sensitive to light. If you don't have a pair, go buy some that you'd actually be seen in public with. You can use those. Otherwise you'll end up looking like an old lady who just had cataract surgery like I did.
When you go home, it is recommended that you take a nap. I'd did so (Be sure to wear your goggles). When I got up after this brief nap, I could see much, much better. My eyes felt a bit like they had some dust in them. Don't rub! This "scratchiness" is normal and generally wears off after a couple days. While sleeping during my post surgical nap and the first night, I also noticed a bit of stinging and burning in my eyes. I was instructed not to read or use a computer (anything where I was likely to stare and not blink) the first day.
The next morning, I woke up with very good vision, though I noticed my left eye could see far better than my right. The feeling of grit in my eyes was almost gone and by the end of the day had disappeared completely. I went for my followup and my right eye was definitely not seeing well. I could barely read the top line on the chart. The doctor described my eyes as "impressively dry" and said that dryness was causing the problems. I had been warned about dry eyes as a consequence of surgery but had only put in some artificial drops once. I was instructed to do so more regularly. In addition, the doctor inserted a microscopic plug into one of the drainage ducts on my right eye to keep any tears I was producing from draining into the nasal cavity.
From then on for the rest of the first week, I put in drops every two hours or so. By the time of my next followup visit a few days later, I was seeing 20/20, though my right eye was still slightly worse than my left. There are additional followups I will be required to make at the one month and six month points.
Eye dryness is the major side effect of LASIK surgery in my case. The surgery interferes with your eye's ability to sense dryness, thus you don't produce enough tears. Supposedly this is much improved by the one month mark and continues to get better. However, I know people who a couple years after their surgery are still occasionally using eye drops. Anyone contemplating surgery should expect to be regularly using artificial tears for at least a few months afterwards. I was told by an assistant to use their sample whenever I felt I needed it. However, I had great difficulty sensing dryness in my eyes most of the time, so bought an industrial sized bottle and just started putting them in regularly.
Another side effect is the previously described "halo effect". As I generally had this while wearing contacts at night, it was not a shock. I'm told this is also something that will diminish over time. Personally, I do not find it bothersome.
Conclusion
I hope anyone contemplating LASIK surgery finds this description of the process useful. I'm not completely through it all yet and may update this page as conditions warrant.
Good luck!
On Wednesday, June 12, 2002, I had LASIK surgery to correct my near sightedness (contact lense prescription -5.50). Since there were a number of things about LASIK I did not understand prior to experiencing them (particularly the nature of the surgery itself), I thought I would write this page to share my experiences with anyone else who is considering it.
LASIK stands for "laser assisted in situ keratomileusis". It is a surgical procedure used to correct certain types of refraction problems in eyes, such as my near sightedness. You can find additional information about LASIK at this web page.
Please note that this is only my experience and yours might be different. I am not a medical doctor and nothing in this page should be construed as medical advice. Please consult a physician for details on this or any other medical procedure.
Selecting a Doctor
My vision had been stable for over two years before I decided to get LASIK. I had a contact in the excimer laser business who supplied several surgeon recommendations. I also asked friends who had had the surgery for recommendations. It turns out that one of the friends who was most satisified with his surgery had used a doctor in the same practice as the person my laser company contact had identified as the top academic ophthalmologist in Chicago. This doctor was also affiliated with one of the top academic institutions in Chicago. So despite the higher cost of this doctor, I decided to give him a shot. Money is not the issue when my eyesight is concerned.
Pre-Surgery Process
I called to schedule an appointment as a referral from a previous patient. No referral from my optometrist was necessary. An initial screening visit consisted of a brief examination of how bad my vision was (as with a regular eye doctor) plus a brief measurement of the thickness of my cornea. This last bit was done with a thin metal probe touched to my eye after the application of some numbing drops. I didn't feel a thing.
The doctor explained the general nature of the surgery and asked me about my expectations. He particularly tried to set low expectations, saying that 90% of patients see 20/40 or better post surgery, that this was good enough for driving, even at night, and that probably it was good enough for most ordinary activities. He particuarly cited reading movie subtitles as a possible problem with 20/40 vision, something I was not happy to hear since I watch lots of foreign films. He also explained options for dealing with less than perfect vision after the surgery (do nothing, glasses, or a "touch up" procedure). He mentioned that nobody had ever gone blind from LASIK, but it was possible to end up with permanently distored vision that could not be corrected. He described possible post-operative complications, including a "halo effect" around lights at night (which he thought there was a very good chance of me getting) and eye dryness. All in all, it was a pretty good "scare job". The one area I thought was lacking was his description of the surgery itself. This was a common complaint among people I know who had LASIK. A common piece of advice would start "they won't tell you this before the surgery, but..."
After all this, I did ask the doctor about his experience and how his patients had fared. According to him, of all the patients treated by his practice, no one had ever gotten less than 20/40. After the surgery he confided that only about 1 in 20 gets less than 20/20 vision. Most of those the result of improper healing. He didn't say, but my guess is that many of those people did not care for themselves properly after the surgery.
I told him I wanted to go forward and so we scheduled an appointment for a very detailed exam that would determine my ultimate qualification for the surgery, as well as collect the measurements needed for the surgery itself. One thing that came as a surprise to me was that I could not wear contacts for two weeks prior to this exam. Apparently contact lenses distort the shape of the eye. Unfortunately, I did not even own a pair of glasses so I had to go out and buy one! Needless to say I got the cheapest one I could find that was even halfway decent looking.
The next visit was by far the most thorough eye exam I have ever had. It was mostly done with my eyes dilated, so reading and light sensitivity for a couple hours afterward were problems. He tested my vision several different ways. I wish I had taken notes that the time. One was through that normal periscope looking thing. Another was by adding a bunch of lenses to a set of glasses. The also made me stare into a flashing orange light for a while in order to take a detailed map of my cornea. My eye was examined using his microscope for quite some time. The thickness of my cornea was checked again. I was given a glaucoma test that involved actually touching a probe to my eye (not the usual awful puff of air).
After all this poking and peeking, I was pronounced fit for surgery, which I could schedule at any time. My wedding was upcoming in a month and recalling the small bloody looking splotches on my friend's eye after he got LASIK, I asked about that side effect, which he had previously not mentioned. He said, yes, often capillaries burst in the eye during surgery, resulting in that effect, which could last several weeks. It would probably be best to wait until after the wedding if I didn't want that in my photos.
The Procedure
The actual procedure takes approximately 15 minutes front to back. The evening before and the morning of surgery I was instructed to scrub my eyelids and eyelashes to remove excess oil. I arrived, signed in, and was escorted to the "operating room" after a typical wait. I had to initial a laundry list of horrors that could happen to me on a disclosure sheet and also sign another waiver form since I planned to do both eyes at the same time. My doctor recommended doing one at a time, but finding the schedule to do that was difficult as I was told I could not travel for a week after the surgery and travel is a big part of my job. So both eyes it was.
To start off, a medical assistant performed another eyelid scrub. I was given a funny little hat to wear to keep my hair out of your face. Kind of a joke for a buzz cut bald guy like me. Then I was seated in a reclining chair similar to that you'd find in a dentist office. My head was wedged between two adjustable arms that prevented excess head movement. My doctor gave me a teddy bear to squeeze for stress relief. Clear markings indicated that many previous patients had throttled its neck.
Starting the procedure, I was laid back horizontal in the chair. I could see a blinking red light (think a blinking HAL from 2001: A Space Odyssey) which is the light you are supposed to stare at from the laser. A patch was put over the eye that was not being operated on. A film simlar to scotch tape was used to tape down my eyelashes out of the way. Numbing drops were put into my eyes. A device was then put on my eyes to keep them pried open (think A Clockwork Orange), which involved some moderate pressure but little pain. My eyes are sunken behind a low forehead like some Neandertal so this was a bit complicated for my doctor. Once this was done, a suction device was placed on the eyeball and activated. On activation, I slowly went blind, which is a good thing since I probably didn't want to see what happened next, which is that a cutting intrument with a clearly audible blade noise cut a flap in my cornea. Once the flap was cut, the device was removed and vision restored. With the flap open, I could still see, but very, very poorly. The suction device put significant and very unpleasant (though not painful) pressure on my eye. The flap cutting procedure is IMO the worse part of the whole process. Going blind during the suction was something that everyone I talked to said their doctor had not mentioned prior to the surgery.
Above me the flashing red light of the laser guide was basically a blob. I was instructed to stare at that directly while the doctor activated the laser to vaporize a layer on the inside of the cornea. The laser itself makes a moderately loud "clacking" noise. Mine was on for about 30-40 seconds. I could clearly smell somthing burning. It could have been the smell of the vaporized cornea, or possibly it was just the ozone smell of some electrical component on the laser. A computer guidance system automatically keeps the laser focsed on the flap if you move your eye a bit. If you move it too far, the laser shuts off as a safety precaution. Once the lasering was complete, the flap was repositioned and the doctor used a little miniature squeegee to do detailed adjustments on it, which was as unpleasant as it sounds because you can actually see it being done.
All was well, so the devices on my eye were removed and the same procedure was completed on the other eye. When I was done with both eyes, I was told I could look around normally, but not to touch or rub my eyes. I could see, but there was a lot of distortion. My vision was clearly not 20/20, but I could see well enough to read the clock on the wall, something I never would have been able to do before. Driving was out of the question, so it is a good thing someone came with me to drive me home.
I found the whole procedure moderately freaky. As with most people I know who've done the surgery, I would suggest doing both eyes at the same time because once you get out of that chair you're not going to want to get back in it. Still, I only slightly mangled the teddy bear and nervously kicked by feet around a bit. According to my doctor, virtually no one freaks out completely. Only about 1 in 100 require a sedative to calm them.
Be sure you like your doctor's demeanor. Because you are fully conscious during the surgery, beside manner is critical. If the doctor says something like "Hurry up! We're going to lose him!" you'll probably freak out. My doctor was excellent in this regard, always appearing calm and in control. He was particularly good about never making a statement with any negative connotations. When an assistant botched something like prying my eyes open, he didn't correct them, but rather just issued calm instructions that made it seem like nothing had happened. He also was very good at telling me what was going to happen next, and giving constant encouragment.
Post-Surgery
After the surgery was over, I was given two types of medicated eye drops that needed to be put into my eyes four times daily for a week. One of these was an antibiotic. The other was a steroidal anti-inflamatory. I used them religiously. I was told, BE SURE NOT TO RUB YOUR EYES. Don't even touch them for the first couple days if you can avoid it. I was given goggles to wear when sleeping for the first week so that I didn't inadvertently rub my eyes in my sleep. I was also given a pair of very ugly sunglasses to wear outdoors for the first week as my eyes would be sensitive to light. If you don't have a pair, go buy some that you'd actually be seen in public with. You can use those. Otherwise you'll end up looking like an old lady who just had cataract surgery like I did.
When you go home, it is recommended that you take a nap. I'd did so (Be sure to wear your goggles). When I got up after this brief nap, I could see much, much better. My eyes felt a bit like they had some dust in them. Don't rub! This "scratchiness" is normal and generally wears off after a couple days. While sleeping during my post surgical nap and the first night, I also noticed a bit of stinging and burning in my eyes. I was instructed not to read or use a computer (anything where I was likely to stare and not blink) the first day.
The next morning, I woke up with very good vision, though I noticed my left eye could see far better than my right. The feeling of grit in my eyes was almost gone and by the end of the day had disappeared completely. I went for my followup and my right eye was definitely not seeing well. I could barely read the top line on the chart. The doctor described my eyes as "impressively dry" and said that dryness was causing the problems. I had been warned about dry eyes as a consequence of surgery but had only put in some artificial drops once. I was instructed to do so more regularly. In addition, the doctor inserted a microscopic plug into one of the drainage ducts on my right eye to keep any tears I was producing from draining into the nasal cavity.
From then on for the rest of the first week, I put in drops every two hours or so. By the time of my next followup visit a few days later, I was seeing 20/20, though my right eye was still slightly worse than my left. There are additional followups I will be required to make at the one month and six month points.
Eye dryness is the major side effect of LASIK surgery in my case. The surgery interferes with your eye's ability to sense dryness, thus you don't produce enough tears. Supposedly this is much improved by the one month mark and continues to get better. However, I know people who a couple years after their surgery are still occasionally using eye drops. Anyone contemplating surgery should expect to be regularly using artificial tears for at least a few months afterwards. I was told by an assistant to use their sample whenever I felt I needed it. However, I had great difficulty sensing dryness in my eyes most of the time, so bought an industrial sized bottle and just started putting them in regularly.
Another side effect is the previously described "halo effect". As I generally had this while wearing contacts at night, it was not a shock. I'm told this is also something that will diminish over time. Personally, I do not find it bothersome.
Conclusion
I hope anyone contemplating LASIK surgery finds this description of the process useful. I'm not completely through it all yet and may update this page as conditions warrant.
Good luck!
10 SEO Tips
It is not hard to be barking up the wrong tree when it comes to getting search engine traffic because there is so much out of date information being circulated.
That is why it is always best to also learn many other traffic generation methods like viral marketing for example.
Not only is there out of date or invalid SEO advice getting around, there is also information which if acted upon, can result in your pages being banned.
The SEO tips below should assist the reader in forming a basic understanding of how to create human friendly web pages which are easily understood by the most popular search engines.
Know this. There are thousands of search engines but only two of them will bring you most of the traffic. They are google and yahoo. Another search engine that brings me a little traffic is msn but I do not focus too much on tactics for that engine.
Focus your attention on the engines that will bring you the most visitors first and work your way down.
Basic SEO
1. Insert keywords within the title tag so that search engine robots will know what your page is about. The title tag is located right at the top of your document within the head tags. Inserting a keyword or key phrase will greatly improve your chances of bringing targeted traffic to your site.
Make sure that the title tag contains text which a human can relate to. The text within the title tag is what shows up in a search result. Treat it like a headline.
2. Use the same keywords as anchor text to link to the page from different pages on your site. This is especially useful if your site contains many pages. The more keywords that link to a specific page the better.
3. Make sure that the text within the title tag is also within the body of the page. It is unwise to have keywords in the title tag which are not contained within the body of the page.
Adding the exact same text for your h1 tag will tell the reader who clicks on your page from a search engine result that they have clicked on the correct link and have arrived at the page where they intended to visit. Robots like this too because now there is a relation between the title of your page and the headline.
Also, sprinkle your keywords throughout your article. The most important keywords can be bolded or colored in red. A good place to do this is once or twice in the body at the top of your article and in the sub-headings.
4. Do not use the exact same title tag on every page on your website. Search engine robots might determine that all your pages are the same if all your title tags are the same. If this happens, your pages might not get indexed.
I always use the headline of my pages as the title tag to help the robots know exactly what my page is about. A good place to insert the headline is within the h1 tag. So the headline is the same as the title tag text.
5. Do not spam the description or keyword meta tag by stuffing meaningless keywords or even spend too much time on this tag. SEO pros all agree that these tags are not as important today as they once were. I just place my headline once within the keywords and description tags.
6. Do not link to link-farms or other search engine unfriendly neighborhoods.
7. Do not use doorway pages. Doorway pages are designed for robots only, not humans. Search engines like to index human friendly pages which contain content which is relevant to the search.
8. Title tags for text links. Insert the title tag within the HTML of your text link to add weight to the link and the page where the link resides. This is like the alt tag for images.
My site contains navigation menus on the left and right of the page. The menu consists of links not images. When you hover over the link with your mouse, the title of the link appears. View the source of this page to see how to add this tag to your links.
9. Describe your images with the use of the alt tag. This will help search engines that index images to find your pages and will also help readers who use text only web browsers.
10. Submit to the search engines yourself. Do not use a submission service or submission software. Doing so could get your site penalized or even banned.
Here is the submission page for google: http://www.google.com/addurl.html
Submit only once. There is no need to submit every two weeks. There is no need to submit more than one page. Robots follow links. If your site has a nice link trail, your entire site will get indexed.
My site has a nice human friendly link trail which robots follow easily. All my pages get indexed without ever submitting more than the main index page once.
That is why it is always best to also learn many other traffic generation methods like viral marketing for example.
Not only is there out of date or invalid SEO advice getting around, there is also information which if acted upon, can result in your pages being banned.
The SEO tips below should assist the reader in forming a basic understanding of how to create human friendly web pages which are easily understood by the most popular search engines.
Know this. There are thousands of search engines but only two of them will bring you most of the traffic. They are google and yahoo. Another search engine that brings me a little traffic is msn but I do not focus too much on tactics for that engine.
Focus your attention on the engines that will bring you the most visitors first and work your way down.
Basic SEO
1. Insert keywords within the title tag so that search engine robots will know what your page is about. The title tag is located right at the top of your document within the head tags. Inserting a keyword or key phrase will greatly improve your chances of bringing targeted traffic to your site.
Make sure that the title tag contains text which a human can relate to. The text within the title tag is what shows up in a search result. Treat it like a headline.
2. Use the same keywords as anchor text to link to the page from different pages on your site. This is especially useful if your site contains many pages. The more keywords that link to a specific page the better.
3. Make sure that the text within the title tag is also within the body of the page. It is unwise to have keywords in the title tag which are not contained within the body of the page.
Adding the exact same text for your h1 tag will tell the reader who clicks on your page from a search engine result that they have clicked on the correct link and have arrived at the page where they intended to visit. Robots like this too because now there is a relation between the title of your page and the headline.
Also, sprinkle your keywords throughout your article. The most important keywords can be bolded or colored in red. A good place to do this is once or twice in the body at the top of your article and in the sub-headings.
4. Do not use the exact same title tag on every page on your website. Search engine robots might determine that all your pages are the same if all your title tags are the same. If this happens, your pages might not get indexed.
I always use the headline of my pages as the title tag to help the robots know exactly what my page is about. A good place to insert the headline is within the h1 tag. So the headline is the same as the title tag text.
5. Do not spam the description or keyword meta tag by stuffing meaningless keywords or even spend too much time on this tag. SEO pros all agree that these tags are not as important today as they once were. I just place my headline once within the keywords and description tags.
6. Do not link to link-farms or other search engine unfriendly neighborhoods.
7. Do not use doorway pages. Doorway pages are designed for robots only, not humans. Search engines like to index human friendly pages which contain content which is relevant to the search.
8. Title tags for text links. Insert the title tag within the HTML of your text link to add weight to the link and the page where the link resides. This is like the alt tag for images.
My site contains navigation menus on the left and right of the page. The menu consists of links not images. When you hover over the link with your mouse, the title of the link appears. View the source of this page to see how to add this tag to your links.
9. Describe your images with the use of the alt tag. This will help search engines that index images to find your pages and will also help readers who use text only web browsers.
10. Submit to the search engines yourself. Do not use a submission service or submission software. Doing so could get your site penalized or even banned.
Here is the submission page for google: http://www.google.com/addurl.html
Submit only once. There is no need to submit every two weeks. There is no need to submit more than one page. Robots follow links. If your site has a nice link trail, your entire site will get indexed.
My site has a nice human friendly link trail which robots follow easily. All my pages get indexed without ever submitting more than the main index page once.
Sedo, Your Domain Portfolio
Portfolio Management
Perhaps you’ve been managing a domain portfolio for years or maybe you’re just getting started with your plans to build a portfolio. We’ve seen a lot of changes in the domain industry over the last year, some positive, some challenging. Whether you’re an old pro or just beginning, this spring is a great time to take inventory and make sure your domain business is on the right track for success this year and beyond.
Business and personal finance gurus like T. Harv Eker, founder and president of Peak Potentials Training; and Robert Kiyosaki, author of the book Rich Dad, Poor Dad will stress a few pearls of wisdom over and over again. One of them is to always surround yourself with assets and limit your liabilities. Good domain portfolio management is just like that. In execution, of course, it gets more complicated. For those building their first domain portfolio it’s key to treat it like any business and always maintain a positive cash flow.
For those with an established portfolio who are looking to grow or liquidate, it’s important to maintain a portfolio that works with the current market trends.
Investing in undervalued domains
Beyond the .com market are several Country-Code Top-Level Domains (ccTLDs) such as .CO.UK, .CA and .ES, that continue to see growth in popularity, sales and parking revenue. In fact, many web savvy countries have chosen to invest in ccTLDs over .COM domains. As the world continues to get wired up it’d be wise to invest in these “emerging markets” by picking up a few good keyword ccTLDs while they’re still relatively cheap.
Of course great deals on .COMs, .NETs and other popular Top-Level Domains (TLDs) can still be found. However, since the competition for these domains is so high, we suggest that you jump on the chance to invest in them if the opportunity presents itself.
Selling overvalued domains
You never want to hold anything beyond its peak in value. If you know a certain segment of your portfolio is overvalued like your 3 letter .COMs for example then now may be a good time to put them on the market. Even if there isn’t something there to reinvest in immediately you’ll enjoy the flexibility that having cash reserves will give you. You don’t want to be in a position down the road where you NEED to sell in order to generate cash. Think of a mutual fund; even the most aggressive funds keep 3-4% of the value in cash.
You should always be on the look out to rebalance your portfolio by selling off some of the overvalued assets and reinvesting in undervalued assets to allow for future growth. A well balanced portfolio with a global traffic base and reseller appeal to buyers in Europe, Asia, South America and elsewhere will put you in a good position to sustain the challenging market conditions and allow you tp capitalize on your undervalued domains when their market sees growth.
Special projects to add value to your portfolio: Optimization, development
You’ll want to make sure you make the most of your portfolio. Doing so requires a good understanding of where your cash flow comes from and what kind of business model you want to pursue. If your business model is entirely based around monetizing traffic then your key concern will be finding a parking program or mix of programs that make the most out of your traffic.
If, on the other hand, you look for sales as well as parking to add to your cash flow you’ll want to make sure your domains are in the best possible position to receive offers from as many people as possible while pricing them accordingly to make sure you hit your sales quotas throughout the year.
At Sedo we’ve found the relationship between parking and sales to be quite strong. The first thing many buyers do before making an offer on a name is to type it in. When they get to a page that allows them to make an offer right away this dramatically improves the chance of getting a solid offer from the interested party. A stated price also helps.
Planning for an end game sale
If you’re in the game to move your entire portfolio than you’ll want to make sure you have all your ducks in a row before it’s time to actually make the sale. Portfolios are of interest to a relatively small number of investors and businesses that are active in the domain space. A well connected broker can save you lots of time in finding the right buyer with the capital to move on the sale immediately.
A good broker will also help you assess the current value for your portfolio. A broker with years of experience trading domains should have a firm grasp of current market conditions and an idea of industry trends. True value is difficult to assess. However, having a good understanding of the liquidity value before hand will help analyze offers as they come in.
Don’t let your deal die on the vine. If you’re preparing to sell a large portfolio make sure the transfer is easy for the buyer. Nothing is worse than having a large sum of money sit in escrow while pages of auth codes are sorted through and the logistics of moving domains from many different registrars are sorted out. If you can move your portfolio to one registrar account a transfer can be as easy as the exchange of a username and password. It will make your buyer happy and ensures the deal goes through without a hitch.
__________________
Perhaps you’ve been managing a domain portfolio for years or maybe you’re just getting started with your plans to build a portfolio. We’ve seen a lot of changes in the domain industry over the last year, some positive, some challenging. Whether you’re an old pro or just beginning, this spring is a great time to take inventory and make sure your domain business is on the right track for success this year and beyond.
Business and personal finance gurus like T. Harv Eker, founder and president of Peak Potentials Training; and Robert Kiyosaki, author of the book Rich Dad, Poor Dad will stress a few pearls of wisdom over and over again. One of them is to always surround yourself with assets and limit your liabilities. Good domain portfolio management is just like that. In execution, of course, it gets more complicated. For those building their first domain portfolio it’s key to treat it like any business and always maintain a positive cash flow.
For those with an established portfolio who are looking to grow or liquidate, it’s important to maintain a portfolio that works with the current market trends.
Investing in undervalued domains
Beyond the .com market are several Country-Code Top-Level Domains (ccTLDs) such as .CO.UK, .CA and .ES, that continue to see growth in popularity, sales and parking revenue. In fact, many web savvy countries have chosen to invest in ccTLDs over .COM domains. As the world continues to get wired up it’d be wise to invest in these “emerging markets” by picking up a few good keyword ccTLDs while they’re still relatively cheap.
Of course great deals on .COMs, .NETs and other popular Top-Level Domains (TLDs) can still be found. However, since the competition for these domains is so high, we suggest that you jump on the chance to invest in them if the opportunity presents itself.
Selling overvalued domains
You never want to hold anything beyond its peak in value. If you know a certain segment of your portfolio is overvalued like your 3 letter .COMs for example then now may be a good time to put them on the market. Even if there isn’t something there to reinvest in immediately you’ll enjoy the flexibility that having cash reserves will give you. You don’t want to be in a position down the road where you NEED to sell in order to generate cash. Think of a mutual fund; even the most aggressive funds keep 3-4% of the value in cash.
You should always be on the look out to rebalance your portfolio by selling off some of the overvalued assets and reinvesting in undervalued assets to allow for future growth. A well balanced portfolio with a global traffic base and reseller appeal to buyers in Europe, Asia, South America and elsewhere will put you in a good position to sustain the challenging market conditions and allow you tp capitalize on your undervalued domains when their market sees growth.
Special projects to add value to your portfolio: Optimization, development
You’ll want to make sure you make the most of your portfolio. Doing so requires a good understanding of where your cash flow comes from and what kind of business model you want to pursue. If your business model is entirely based around monetizing traffic then your key concern will be finding a parking program or mix of programs that make the most out of your traffic.
If, on the other hand, you look for sales as well as parking to add to your cash flow you’ll want to make sure your domains are in the best possible position to receive offers from as many people as possible while pricing them accordingly to make sure you hit your sales quotas throughout the year.
At Sedo we’ve found the relationship between parking and sales to be quite strong. The first thing many buyers do before making an offer on a name is to type it in. When they get to a page that allows them to make an offer right away this dramatically improves the chance of getting a solid offer from the interested party. A stated price also helps.
Planning for an end game sale
If you’re in the game to move your entire portfolio than you’ll want to make sure you have all your ducks in a row before it’s time to actually make the sale. Portfolios are of interest to a relatively small number of investors and businesses that are active in the domain space. A well connected broker can save you lots of time in finding the right buyer with the capital to move on the sale immediately.
A good broker will also help you assess the current value for your portfolio. A broker with years of experience trading domains should have a firm grasp of current market conditions and an idea of industry trends. True value is difficult to assess. However, having a good understanding of the liquidity value before hand will help analyze offers as they come in.
Don’t let your deal die on the vine. If you’re preparing to sell a large portfolio make sure the transfer is easy for the buyer. Nothing is worse than having a large sum of money sit in escrow while pages of auth codes are sorted through and the logistics of moving domains from many different registrars are sorted out. If you can move your portfolio to one registrar account a transfer can be as easy as the exchange of a username and password. It will make your buyer happy and ensures the deal goes through without a hitch.
__________________
DNS Forward / DNS Forwarding
When setting up a network, just getting a good ISP is never enough, since, when in a network, there are several ways you can speed up the performance. One of these ways, which is now almost a general practice, is to use a DNS forwarding server.
Table of Contents:
DNS Forwarding
DNS forwarding is the service that you should resort to if you need to speed up the DNS name resolution process. It is very useful in cases when a request for a domain name is sent by the user but the DNS server, responsible for converting the name into its corresponding IP address, can't locate the matching IP address in its cache and its zones of authority. Via the forward-DNS-resolution-request functionality the queries for a specific non-resolvable address can be directed to alternative name servers.
Using DNS forwarding can be of help to individuals and companies with large namespaces. It could also help collaborating companies resolve each other's namespace to ensure and even accelerate the DNS resolution process in case one of the companies has any resolving problems.
How does DNS forwarding work
When you set up your internal network and make a DNS query, if there is no DNS forwarder, the root hints of the DNS query server will be publicly transmitted online, which can cause a big security problem if the internal DNS information is private. Also, this can lead to a large external traffic, which can be costly if the prices of the current ISP provider are high or if the connection is slow.
When you have a DNS forwarder set up, it will be responsible for the external traffic. The forwarder will quickly build a large internal cache of external DNS data, and using the cached data, it will reduce the DNS traffic to a minimum.
Table of Contents:
DNS Forwarding
DNS forwarding is the service that you should resort to if you need to speed up the DNS name resolution process. It is very useful in cases when a request for a domain name is sent by the user but the DNS server, responsible for converting the name into its corresponding IP address, can't locate the matching IP address in its cache and its zones of authority. Via the forward-DNS-resolution-request functionality the queries for a specific non-resolvable address can be directed to alternative name servers.
Using DNS forwarding can be of help to individuals and companies with large namespaces. It could also help collaborating companies resolve each other's namespace to ensure and even accelerate the DNS resolution process in case one of the companies has any resolving problems.
How does DNS forwarding work
When you set up your internal network and make a DNS query, if there is no DNS forwarder, the root hints of the DNS query server will be publicly transmitted online, which can cause a big security problem if the internal DNS information is private. Also, this can lead to a large external traffic, which can be costly if the prices of the current ISP provider are high or if the connection is slow.
When you have a DNS forwarder set up, it will be responsible for the external traffic. The forwarder will quickly build a large internal cache of external DNS data, and using the cached data, it will reduce the DNS traffic to a minimum.
FreeDNS - Free DNS - Dynamic DNS - Static DNS subdomain and domain hosting
Free DNS Hosting, Dynamic DNS Hosting, Static DNS Hosting, subdomain and domain hosting.
Why is it free? It's quite simple. We wanted a challenge... that's it.
Possible Uses:
Host your own site on your own connection from home/work/school/etc
Access your computer with a name (like zeus.afraid.org or yourdomain.com) instead of a numeric IP address
Run your own http server, ftp server, or anything you want to install on your computer/server
Fetchable URL to update your IP instantly on our network if you have a dynamic address
Hosts even work for your LAN. If you have a LAN connected to the internet you can point hosts to private IP addresses (even private IPv6 addresses) and they will work within your network
Let your friends point theirname.yourdomain.com to their own connection
Use web forwarding to transparently redirect a hostname to another URL. Let our servers handle the redirection
afraid.org has been un-interrupted for hundreds of days at a time
afraid.org is operated from multiple redundant high capacity well connected servers
Feature List:
Free DNS, Dynamic DNS, Static DNS services
Free subdomain hosting, free domain hosting, free backup dns, reverse IPv6 DNS hosting (forward/reverse)
Free URL redirection [web forwarding]
Paid services available for increased account capacity
Unlimited number of domains per account (yes really)
5 free shared hostnames, use anywhere
20 free subdomains per domain, use on your own domains only
INSTANTLY point yourname.afraid.org or yourname.com to any IP or URL
Supports every TLD on the Internet
Currently 53,680 other domains besides afraid.org in our shared domain pool
Funding is supplied by the members who go premium. Funding goes directly to servers and high bandwidth connections they reside on
Robust support for CNAME, A, AAAA, MX, NS, TXT, LOC, RP, HINFO, SRV records
Are you a web developer? You can use nameserver branding to name our nameservers as your own! Let us worry about the maintenance/redundancy
Round robin DNS supported (Multiple IP addresses for 1 hostname)
IPv6 forward AND reverse (both .int and .arpa) supported
Dynamic DNS supported, several clients for Win32 and UNIX available
Forward your hosts to any existing URL on the internet (even to a different port if your ISP blocks 80) with the Web Forward system
URL cloaking redirection supported, optionally hide real URL of your site in the address bar
Allows you to change web hosting providers without messy DNS propigation delays
Simple, fast, flexible and reliable interface, feedback is welcome
Works with any existing web host you may already be using for both DNS and hosting
If your web host goes down, visitors will see a "timeout" error instead of a "site does not exist" error, e-mail will also remain queued for 5 days
If you put a domain in afraid.org, you can edit TTL, Minimum, Allow/Deny AXFR's, and approve/disapprove others from using hosts on your domain. You can also share your domain with the users of afraid.org, or your own web site visitors using our 'webclude' feature
Support for vanity dns hosts (example: i.knew.you.were.afraid.org) currently 53,680 domains in the shared pool
Fast and easy setup process. Setup an account in less then 5 minutes
Extremely reliable, fast, and redundant hosting, and interface
All updates go live instantaneously.
Why is it free? It's quite simple. We wanted a challenge... that's it.
Possible Uses:
Host your own site on your own connection from home/work/school/etc
Access your computer with a name (like zeus.afraid.org or yourdomain.com) instead of a numeric IP address
Run your own http server, ftp server, or anything you want to install on your computer/server
Fetchable URL to update your IP instantly on our network if you have a dynamic address
Hosts even work for your LAN. If you have a LAN connected to the internet you can point hosts to private IP addresses (even private IPv6 addresses) and they will work within your network
Let your friends point theirname.yourdomain.com to their own connection
Use web forwarding to transparently redirect a hostname to another URL. Let our servers handle the redirection
afraid.org has been un-interrupted for hundreds of days at a time
afraid.org is operated from multiple redundant high capacity well connected servers
Feature List:
Free DNS, Dynamic DNS, Static DNS services
Free subdomain hosting, free domain hosting, free backup dns, reverse IPv6 DNS hosting (forward/reverse)
Free URL redirection [web forwarding]
Paid services available for increased account capacity
Unlimited number of domains per account (yes really)
5 free shared hostnames, use anywhere
20 free subdomains per domain, use on your own domains only
INSTANTLY point yourname.afraid.org or yourname.com to any IP or URL
Supports every TLD on the Internet
Currently 53,680 other domains besides afraid.org in our shared domain pool
Funding is supplied by the members who go premium. Funding goes directly to servers and high bandwidth connections they reside on
Robust support for CNAME, A, AAAA, MX, NS, TXT, LOC, RP, HINFO, SRV records
Are you a web developer? You can use nameserver branding to name our nameservers as your own! Let us worry about the maintenance/redundancy
Round robin DNS supported (Multiple IP addresses for 1 hostname)
IPv6 forward AND reverse (both .int and .arpa) supported
Dynamic DNS supported, several clients for Win32 and UNIX available
Forward your hosts to any existing URL on the internet (even to a different port if your ISP blocks 80) with the Web Forward system
URL cloaking redirection supported, optionally hide real URL of your site in the address bar
Allows you to change web hosting providers without messy DNS propigation delays
Simple, fast, flexible and reliable interface, feedback is welcome
Works with any existing web host you may already be using for both DNS and hosting
If your web host goes down, visitors will see a "timeout" error instead of a "site does not exist" error, e-mail will also remain queued for 5 days
If you put a domain in afraid.org, you can edit TTL, Minimum, Allow/Deny AXFR's, and approve/disapprove others from using hosts on your domain. You can also share your domain with the users of afraid.org, or your own web site visitors using our 'webclude' feature
Support for vanity dns hosts (example: i.knew.you.were.afraid.org) currently 53,680 domains in the shared pool
Fast and easy setup process. Setup an account in less then 5 minutes
Extremely reliable, fast, and redundant hosting, and interface
All updates go live instantaneously.
Get a FREE Domain Name - www.YOU.co.nr !!!
CO.NR : Advantages of Premium Free Domain Name account
PREMIUM Free Domain Name package was designed to provide domain name free, subdomain services mainly for advanced internet users, who have some basic knowledge about the DNS (Domain Name System) and process of setting up name servers as well as other DNS records (NS, A, MX, CNAME, TXT, etc.) for the domain name to work properly.
The PREMIUM package includes a free domain, free subdomain of .co.nr domain name such as YOURNAME.CO.NR or COMPANY.CO.NR and the following features:
No Ads at all (no banners, no popups, etc.) on free CO.NR domain names;
use your own name servers and modify any DNS records you wish;
use e-mail forwarding with addresses like John@yourname.co.nr, etc.
setup free subdomains for your .co.nr domains like forum.yourname.co.nr, etc.
Check if your Premium Free Domain Name is still available:
Unfortunately, we do not setup Premium accounts with .co.nr domain at this time.
However, we can propose few free short domain and web hosting free services that do offer free domains and that you might consider as an alternative to Premium:
» Free Hosting in Europe by Hosting.eu.pn
Free .eu.pn domain, php4/php5 hosting, MySQL, setup forums, Mambo, Joomla.
» Free Hosting & Blog Builder by Biz.ly
Free .biz.ly domain + Easy Blog & Website Builder, Share Files, Photo Album, etc.
And you can also consider buying a very cheap domain name here:
» VERY Cheap Domain Names by WebHosting.co.nr
Register .com, .net, .org, .info, .biz, .us, .name, .asia, .co.uk, .eu, .me, .ca, .tv,
.de, .in, .cc, .cn, .mx, .tw and more domains at very low prices.
And, of course, you can always use Basic Free Domains URL Forwarding service.
Advantages of Premium Free Domain Name package:
It's ABSOLUTELY Free!
Yes! No setup fees, no monthly fees, no yearly fees, no renewal fees, etc.
NO ADS, NEVER ADS
And we are not going to add them in future. Because it is simply impossible :)
You have a TOTAL control over your free domain name
Yes, enjoy the total freedom of making any modifications in your domain DNS settings. Add, delete, modify all DNS records - A records, MX records, NS records, CNAME, etc.
Branded Free Email addresses
You can use your branded email addresses such as John@yourdomain.co.nr at your very own domain name. Create as many e-mail addresses as you wish.
Unlimited number of Free Subdomains
It is possible to create subdomains of your free domain name such as forums.yourdomain.co.nr and point them to your other websites or to another section of your current website.
Unlimited Free URL Forwarding
You can even host your website with a free web hosting provider that do not support domain names hosting. In this case you can use free url forwarding to point your free .co.nr web address to your webspace.
Unlimited Free Email Forwarding
Your free web hosting provider DONT provide email addresses? - Not a problem at all, just use free e-mail forwarding (yourname@yourdomain.co.nr) to forward all your emails to your free mailbox
And there might be some more advantages that we just forgot to mention here :)
To make domain name of conr open this website http://www.freedomain.co.nr/premium.php
PREMIUM Free Domain Name package was designed to provide domain name free, subdomain services mainly for advanced internet users, who have some basic knowledge about the DNS (Domain Name System) and process of setting up name servers as well as other DNS records (NS, A, MX, CNAME, TXT, etc.) for the domain name to work properly.
The PREMIUM package includes a free domain, free subdomain of .co.nr domain name such as YOURNAME.CO.NR or COMPANY.CO.NR and the following features:
No Ads at all (no banners, no popups, etc.) on free CO.NR domain names;
use your own name servers and modify any DNS records you wish;
use e-mail forwarding with addresses like John@yourname.co.nr, etc.
setup free subdomains for your .co.nr domains like forum.yourname.co.nr, etc.
Check if your Premium Free Domain Name is still available:
Unfortunately, we do not setup Premium accounts with .co.nr domain at this time.
However, we can propose few free short domain and web hosting free services that do offer free domains and that you might consider as an alternative to Premium:
» Free Hosting in Europe by Hosting.eu.pn
Free .eu.pn domain, php4/php5 hosting, MySQL, setup forums, Mambo, Joomla.
» Free Hosting & Blog Builder by Biz.ly
Free .biz.ly domain + Easy Blog & Website Builder, Share Files, Photo Album, etc.
And you can also consider buying a very cheap domain name here:
» VERY Cheap Domain Names by WebHosting.co.nr
Register .com, .net, .org, .info, .biz, .us, .name, .asia, .co.uk, .eu, .me, .ca, .tv,
.de, .in, .cc, .cn, .mx, .tw and more domains at very low prices.
And, of course, you can always use Basic Free Domains URL Forwarding service.
Advantages of Premium Free Domain Name package:
It's ABSOLUTELY Free!
Yes! No setup fees, no monthly fees, no yearly fees, no renewal fees, etc.
NO ADS, NEVER ADS
And we are not going to add them in future. Because it is simply impossible :)
You have a TOTAL control over your free domain name
Yes, enjoy the total freedom of making any modifications in your domain DNS settings. Add, delete, modify all DNS records - A records, MX records, NS records, CNAME, etc.
Branded Free Email addresses
You can use your branded email addresses such as John@yourdomain.co.nr at your very own domain name. Create as many e-mail addresses as you wish.
Unlimited number of Free Subdomains
It is possible to create subdomains of your free domain name such as forums.yourdomain.co.nr and point them to your other websites or to another section of your current website.
Unlimited Free URL Forwarding
You can even host your website with a free web hosting provider that do not support domain names hosting. In this case you can use free url forwarding to point your free .co.nr web address to your webspace.
Unlimited Free Email Forwarding
Your free web hosting provider DONT provide email addresses? - Not a problem at all, just use free e-mail forwarding (yourname@yourdomain.co.nr) to forward all your emails to your free mailbox
And there might be some more advantages that we just forgot to mention here :)
To make domain name of conr open this website http://www.freedomain.co.nr/premium.php
Domain Name For Free
Domain name of co.cc is free !Just click on the link below or check wheather its avaliable or not and make your domain name for free!!
http://www.co.cc/?id=177243
http://www.co.cc/?id=177243
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Security Camera Hack Conceals Heists Behind Dummy Video
LAS VEGAS -- Technology has caught up with Hollywood heist films in a new hack being demonstrated at DefCon Friday, which involves hijacking IP video streams and seamlessly replacing them with new content.
In its simplest form, the hack -- conducted with two free tools developed by researchers at Sipera Systems' Viper Lab -- allows someone [...]
Author: Kim Zetter
Category: Black Hat Conference BlackHat
Publish Date: Fri, 31 Jul 2009 11:00:03 +0000
LAS VEGAS -- Technology has caught up with Hollywood heist films in a new hack being demonstrated at DefCon Friday, which involves hijacking IP video streams and seamlessly replacing them with new content.
In its simplest form, the hack -- conducted with two free tools developed by researchers at Sipera Systems' Viper Lab -- allows someone to intercept and copy video from IP surveillance cameras to spy on the secured premises. But it would also allow the hacker to replace a legitimate video stream with a bogus stream, permitting a thief or corporate spy to enter an office while the security guard sees only a still-image of an empty room on his monitor.
"There are tools that can prevent this outright, but when you don't have security in place, you can run these types of attacks," said Jason Ostrom, director of Viper Lab. "Most of the enterprises we see don't have the security controls in place."
The intruder would have to gain physical access to a network over which the IP traffic is traveling, but Ostrom says this could conceivably occur through any Ethernet connection in a building, depending on the configuration.
IP video systems are becoming increasingly popular for security, and the attack has ramifications for corporations, museums, casinos and any one else who installs IP video surveillance.
The Dallas Cowboy Stadium recently installed Cisco's StadiumVision system, which consists of 3,000 IP TVs, each with its own IP address, to deliver targeted advertising, promotions and concert footage to fans. Each of the stadium's 300 luxury suits will also be able to choose video options from a touch-screen IP phone in the suite. The New York Yankees and Toronto Blue Jays are using the same Cisco system.
Ostrom said depending on how the network is configured, an attacker might be able to plug into the Ethernet jack in one of the Dallas Cowboys Stadium's luxury boxes and conduct an attack.
Ostrom demonstrated the hack for Threat Level in advance of a talk he's presenting at the DefCon hacker conference here on Friday. You can see the video at the bottom of this post.
Using an advanced VoIP sniffing tool the lab created called UCSniff, he captured a video stream from a Cisco IP video surveillance system. Once the stream is captured to a laptop, it's converted to a raw H.264 file and then to an .avi file.
Then using another tool the lab developed called VideoJak Ostrom inserted his own video into the stream by performing an ARP poisoning man-in-the-middle attack.
The original video showing part of an office desk and chair was replaced with a clip from the film The Italian Job. In the second part of the attack, as an arm reached in to steal a water bottle from the chair, Ostrom replaced the live feed with a still shot of the room taken before the thief appeared, and fed it through the system in a continuous loop.
A company that uses sophisticated monitoring software and diligently reads its logs would notice excessive ARP packets crossing the network from a specific Ethernet port as the attacker siphons the legitimate stream and inserts new video. But administrators wouldn't know what the extra packets indicate -- that data is being scooped up and replaced. If the increased traffic raised suspicion, an administrator could simply block the port where it's originating.
Sipera, which sells hardware to secure Unified Communications networks, conducted security assessments on the UC networks of more than 100 Fortune 500 companies in the banking, credit card processing, health care and financial services industries, and found that only five percent had proper security protections in place, such as enabling the encryption feature on their video systems.
Viper Lab says it will be releasing a new version of VideoJak that will support this attack shortly after DefCon ends.
1&isUI=1&publisherID=1564549380" bgcolor="#FFFFFF" flashVars="videoID=31005440001&playerID=15159818001&&domain=embed&" base="http://admin.brightcove.com" name="flashObj" width="650" height="630" seamlesstabbing="false" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowFullScreen="true" swLiveConnect="true" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/shockwave/download/index.cgi?P1_Prod_
In its simplest form, the hack -- conducted with two free tools developed by researchers at Sipera Systems' Viper Lab -- allows someone [...]
Author: Kim Zetter
Category: Black Hat Conference BlackHat
Publish Date: Fri, 31 Jul 2009 11:00:03 +0000
LAS VEGAS -- Technology has caught up with Hollywood heist films in a new hack being demonstrated at DefCon Friday, which involves hijacking IP video streams and seamlessly replacing them with new content.
In its simplest form, the hack -- conducted with two free tools developed by researchers at Sipera Systems' Viper Lab -- allows someone to intercept and copy video from IP surveillance cameras to spy on the secured premises. But it would also allow the hacker to replace a legitimate video stream with a bogus stream, permitting a thief or corporate spy to enter an office while the security guard sees only a still-image of an empty room on his monitor.
"There are tools that can prevent this outright, but when you don't have security in place, you can run these types of attacks," said Jason Ostrom, director of Viper Lab. "Most of the enterprises we see don't have the security controls in place."
The intruder would have to gain physical access to a network over which the IP traffic is traveling, but Ostrom says this could conceivably occur through any Ethernet connection in a building, depending on the configuration.
IP video systems are becoming increasingly popular for security, and the attack has ramifications for corporations, museums, casinos and any one else who installs IP video surveillance.
The Dallas Cowboy Stadium recently installed Cisco's StadiumVision system, which consists of 3,000 IP TVs, each with its own IP address, to deliver targeted advertising, promotions and concert footage to fans. Each of the stadium's 300 luxury suits will also be able to choose video options from a touch-screen IP phone in the suite. The New York Yankees and Toronto Blue Jays are using the same Cisco system.
Ostrom said depending on how the network is configured, an attacker might be able to plug into the Ethernet jack in one of the Dallas Cowboys Stadium's luxury boxes and conduct an attack.
Ostrom demonstrated the hack for Threat Level in advance of a talk he's presenting at the DefCon hacker conference here on Friday. You can see the video at the bottom of this post.
Using an advanced VoIP sniffing tool the lab created called UCSniff, he captured a video stream from a Cisco IP video surveillance system. Once the stream is captured to a laptop, it's converted to a raw H.264 file and then to an .avi file.
Then using another tool the lab developed called VideoJak Ostrom inserted his own video into the stream by performing an ARP poisoning man-in-the-middle attack.
The original video showing part of an office desk and chair was replaced with a clip from the film The Italian Job. In the second part of the attack, as an arm reached in to steal a water bottle from the chair, Ostrom replaced the live feed with a still shot of the room taken before the thief appeared, and fed it through the system in a continuous loop.
A company that uses sophisticated monitoring software and diligently reads its logs would notice excessive ARP packets crossing the network from a specific Ethernet port as the attacker siphons the legitimate stream and inserts new video. But administrators wouldn't know what the extra packets indicate -- that data is being scooped up and replaced. If the increased traffic raised suspicion, an administrator could simply block the port where it's originating.
Sipera, which sells hardware to secure Unified Communications networks, conducted security assessments on the UC networks of more than 100 Fortune 500 companies in the banking, credit card processing, health care and financial services industries, and found that only five percent had proper security protections in place, such as enabling the encryption feature on their video systems.
Viper Lab says it will be releasing a new version of VideoJak that will support this attack shortly after DefCon ends.
1&isUI=1&publisherID=1564549380" bgcolor="#FFFFFF" flashVars="videoID=31005440001&playerID=15159818001&&domain=embed&" base="http://admin.brightcove.com" name="flashObj" width="650" height="630" seamlesstabbing="false" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowFullScreen="true" swLiveConnect="true" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/shockwave/download/index.cgi?P1_Prod_
Top 15 Security/Hacking Tools & Utilities
I think everyone has heard of this one, recently evolved into the 4.x series.
Nmap (”Network Mapper”) is a free open source utility for network exploration or security auditing. It was designed to rapidly scan large networks, although it works fine against single hosts. Nmap uses raw IP packets in novel ways to determine what hosts are available on the network, what services (application name and version) those hosts are offering, what operating systems (and OS versions) they are running, what type of packet filters/firewalls are in use, and dozens of other characteristics. Nmap runs on most types of computers and both console and graphical versions are available. Nmap is free and open source.
Can be used by beginners (-sT) or by pros alike (–packet_trace). A very versatile tool, once you fully understand the results.
Get Nmap Here
2. Nessus Remote Security Scanner
Recently went closed source, but is still essentially free. Works with a client-server framework.
Nessus is the world’s most popular vulnerability scanner used in over 75,000 organizations world-wide. Many of the world’s largest organizations are realizing significant cost savings by using Nessus to audit business-critical enterprise devices and applications.
Get Nessus Here
3. John the Ripper
Yes, JTR 1.7 was recently released!
John the Ripper is a fast password cracker, currently available for many flavors of Unix (11 are officially supported, not counting different architectures), DOS, Win32, BeOS, and OpenVMS. Its primary purpose is to detect weak Unix passwords. Besides several crypt(3) password hash types most commonly found on various Unix flavors, supported out of the box are Kerberos AFS and Windows NT/2000/XP/2003 LM hashes, plus several more with contributed patches.
You can get JTR Here
4. Nikto
Nikto is an Open Source (GPL) web server scanner which performs comprehensive tests against web servers for multiple items, including over 3200 potentially dangerous files/CGIs, versions on over 625 servers, and version specific problems on over 230 servers. Scan items and plugins are frequently updated and can be automatically updated (if desired).
Nikto is a good CGI scanner, there are some other tools that go well with Nikto (focus on http fingerprinting or Google hacking/info gathering etc, another article for just those).
Get Nikto Here
5. SuperScan
Powerful TCP port scanner, pinger, resolver. SuperScan 4 is an update of the highly popular Windows port scanning tool, SuperScan.
If you need an alternative for nmap on Windows with a decent interface, I suggest you check this out, it’s pretty nice.
Get SuperScan Here
6. p0f
P0f v2 is a versatile passive OS fingerprinting tool. P0f can identify the operating system on:
– machines that connect to your box (SYN mode),
– machines you connect to (SYN+ACK mode),
– machine you cannot connect to (RST+ mode),
– machines whose communications you can observe.
Basically it can fingerprint anything, just by listening, it doesn’t make ANY active connections to the target machine.
Get p0f Here
7. Wireshark (Formely Ethereal)
Wireshark is a GTK+-based network protocol analyzer, or sniffer, that lets you capture and interactively browse the contents of network frames. The goal of the project is to create a commercial-quality analyzer for Unix and to give Wireshark features that are missing from closed-source sniffers.
Works great on both Linux and Windows (with a GUI), easy to use and can reconstruct TCP/IP Streams! Will do a tutorial on Wireshark later.
Get Wireshark Here
8. Yersinia
Yersinia is a network tool designed to take advantage of some weakeness in different Layer 2 protocols. It pretends to be a solid framework for analyzing and testing the deployed networks and systems. Currently, the following network protocols are implemented: Spanning Tree Protocol (STP), Cisco Discovery Protocol (CDP), Dynamic Trunking Protocol (DTP), Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP), Hot Standby Router Protocol (HSRP), IEEE 802.1q, Inter-Switch Link Protocol (ISL), VLAN Trunking Protocol (VTP).
The best Layer 2 kit there is.
Get Yersinia Here
9. Eraser
Eraser is an advanced security tool (for Windows), which allows you to completely remove sensitive data from your hard drive by overwriting it several times with carefully selected patterns. Works with Windows 95, 98, ME, NT, 2000, XP and DOS. Eraser is Free software and its source code is released under GNU General Public License.
An excellent tool for keeping your data really safe, if you’ve deleted it..make sure it’s really gone, you don’t want it hanging around to bite you in the ass.
10. PuTTY
PuTTY is a free implementation of Telnet and SSH for Win32 and Unix platforms, along with an xterm terminal emulator. A must have for any h4×0r wanting to telnet or SSH from Windows without having to use the crappy default MS command line clients.
Get PuTTY Here.
11. LCP
Main purpose of LCP program is user account passwords auditing and recovery in Windows NT/2000/XP/2003. Accounts information import, Passwords recovery, Brute force session distribution, Hashes computing.
A good free alternative to L0phtcrack.
LCP was briefly mentioned in our well read Rainbow Tables and RainbowCrack article.
Get LCP Here
12. Cain and Abel
My personal favourite for password cracking of any kind.
Cain & Abel is a password recovery tool for Microsoft Operating Systems. It allows easy recovery of various kind of passwords by sniffing the network, cracking encrypted passwords using Dictionary, Brute-Force and Cryptanalysis attacks, recording VoIP conversations, decoding scrambled passwords, revealing password boxes, uncovering cached passwords and analyzing routing protocols. The program does not exploit any software vulnerabilities or bugs that could not be fixed with little effort.
Get Cain and Abel Here
13. Kismet
Kismet is an 802.11 layer2 wireless network detector, sniffer, and intrusion detection system. Kismet will work with any wireless card which supports raw monitoring (rfmon) mode, and can sniff 802.11b, 802.11a, and 802.11g traffic.
A good wireless tool as long as your card supports rfmon (look for an orinocco gold).
Get Kismet Here
14. NetStumbler
Yes a decent wireless tool for Windows! Sadly not as powerful as it’s Linux counterparts, but it’s easy to use and has a nice interface, good for the basics of war-driving.
NetStumbler is a tool for Windows that allows you to detect Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs) using 802.11b, 802.11a and 802.11g. It has many uses:
•Verify that your network is set up the way you intended.
•Find locations with poor coverage in your WLAN.
•Detect other networks that may be causing interference on your network.
•Detect unauthorized “rogue” access points in your workplace.
•Help aim directional antennas for long-haul WLAN links.
•Use it recreationally for WarDriving.
Get NetStumbler Here
15. hping
To finish off, something a little more advanced if you want to test your TCP/IP packet monkey skills.
hping is a command-line oriented TCP/IP packet assembler/analyzer. The interface is inspired to the ping unix command, but hping isn’t only able to send ICMP echo requests. It supports TCP, UDP, ICMP and RAW-IP protocols, has a traceroute mode, the ability to send files between a covered channel, and many other features.
Nmap (”Network Mapper”) is a free open source utility for network exploration or security auditing. It was designed to rapidly scan large networks, although it works fine against single hosts. Nmap uses raw IP packets in novel ways to determine what hosts are available on the network, what services (application name and version) those hosts are offering, what operating systems (and OS versions) they are running, what type of packet filters/firewalls are in use, and dozens of other characteristics. Nmap runs on most types of computers and both console and graphical versions are available. Nmap is free and open source.
Can be used by beginners (-sT) or by pros alike (–packet_trace). A very versatile tool, once you fully understand the results.
Get Nmap Here
2. Nessus Remote Security Scanner
Recently went closed source, but is still essentially free. Works with a client-server framework.
Nessus is the world’s most popular vulnerability scanner used in over 75,000 organizations world-wide. Many of the world’s largest organizations are realizing significant cost savings by using Nessus to audit business-critical enterprise devices and applications.
Get Nessus Here
3. John the Ripper
Yes, JTR 1.7 was recently released!
John the Ripper is a fast password cracker, currently available for many flavors of Unix (11 are officially supported, not counting different architectures), DOS, Win32, BeOS, and OpenVMS. Its primary purpose is to detect weak Unix passwords. Besides several crypt(3) password hash types most commonly found on various Unix flavors, supported out of the box are Kerberos AFS and Windows NT/2000/XP/2003 LM hashes, plus several more with contributed patches.
You can get JTR Here
4. Nikto
Nikto is an Open Source (GPL) web server scanner which performs comprehensive tests against web servers for multiple items, including over 3200 potentially dangerous files/CGIs, versions on over 625 servers, and version specific problems on over 230 servers. Scan items and plugins are frequently updated and can be automatically updated (if desired).
Nikto is a good CGI scanner, there are some other tools that go well with Nikto (focus on http fingerprinting or Google hacking/info gathering etc, another article for just those).
Get Nikto Here
5. SuperScan
Powerful TCP port scanner, pinger, resolver. SuperScan 4 is an update of the highly popular Windows port scanning tool, SuperScan.
If you need an alternative for nmap on Windows with a decent interface, I suggest you check this out, it’s pretty nice.
Get SuperScan Here
6. p0f
P0f v2 is a versatile passive OS fingerprinting tool. P0f can identify the operating system on:
– machines that connect to your box (SYN mode),
– machines you connect to (SYN+ACK mode),
– machine you cannot connect to (RST+ mode),
– machines whose communications you can observe.
Basically it can fingerprint anything, just by listening, it doesn’t make ANY active connections to the target machine.
Get p0f Here
7. Wireshark (Formely Ethereal)
Wireshark is a GTK+-based network protocol analyzer, or sniffer, that lets you capture and interactively browse the contents of network frames. The goal of the project is to create a commercial-quality analyzer for Unix and to give Wireshark features that are missing from closed-source sniffers.
Works great on both Linux and Windows (with a GUI), easy to use and can reconstruct TCP/IP Streams! Will do a tutorial on Wireshark later.
Get Wireshark Here
8. Yersinia
Yersinia is a network tool designed to take advantage of some weakeness in different Layer 2 protocols. It pretends to be a solid framework for analyzing and testing the deployed networks and systems. Currently, the following network protocols are implemented: Spanning Tree Protocol (STP), Cisco Discovery Protocol (CDP), Dynamic Trunking Protocol (DTP), Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP), Hot Standby Router Protocol (HSRP), IEEE 802.1q, Inter-Switch Link Protocol (ISL), VLAN Trunking Protocol (VTP).
The best Layer 2 kit there is.
Get Yersinia Here
9. Eraser
Eraser is an advanced security tool (for Windows), which allows you to completely remove sensitive data from your hard drive by overwriting it several times with carefully selected patterns. Works with Windows 95, 98, ME, NT, 2000, XP and DOS. Eraser is Free software and its source code is released under GNU General Public License.
An excellent tool for keeping your data really safe, if you’ve deleted it..make sure it’s really gone, you don’t want it hanging around to bite you in the ass.
10. PuTTY
PuTTY is a free implementation of Telnet and SSH for Win32 and Unix platforms, along with an xterm terminal emulator. A must have for any h4×0r wanting to telnet or SSH from Windows without having to use the crappy default MS command line clients.
Get PuTTY Here.
11. LCP
Main purpose of LCP program is user account passwords auditing and recovery in Windows NT/2000/XP/2003. Accounts information import, Passwords recovery, Brute force session distribution, Hashes computing.
A good free alternative to L0phtcrack.
LCP was briefly mentioned in our well read Rainbow Tables and RainbowCrack article.
Get LCP Here
12. Cain and Abel
My personal favourite for password cracking of any kind.
Cain & Abel is a password recovery tool for Microsoft Operating Systems. It allows easy recovery of various kind of passwords by sniffing the network, cracking encrypted passwords using Dictionary, Brute-Force and Cryptanalysis attacks, recording VoIP conversations, decoding scrambled passwords, revealing password boxes, uncovering cached passwords and analyzing routing protocols. The program does not exploit any software vulnerabilities or bugs that could not be fixed with little effort.
Get Cain and Abel Here
13. Kismet
Kismet is an 802.11 layer2 wireless network detector, sniffer, and intrusion detection system. Kismet will work with any wireless card which supports raw monitoring (rfmon) mode, and can sniff 802.11b, 802.11a, and 802.11g traffic.
A good wireless tool as long as your card supports rfmon (look for an orinocco gold).
Get Kismet Here
14. NetStumbler
Yes a decent wireless tool for Windows! Sadly not as powerful as it’s Linux counterparts, but it’s easy to use and has a nice interface, good for the basics of war-driving.
NetStumbler is a tool for Windows that allows you to detect Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs) using 802.11b, 802.11a and 802.11g. It has many uses:
•Verify that your network is set up the way you intended.
•Find locations with poor coverage in your WLAN.
•Detect other networks that may be causing interference on your network.
•Detect unauthorized “rogue” access points in your workplace.
•Help aim directional antennas for long-haul WLAN links.
•Use it recreationally for WarDriving.
Get NetStumbler Here
15. hping
To finish off, something a little more advanced if you want to test your TCP/IP packet monkey skills.
hping is a command-line oriented TCP/IP packet assembler/analyzer. The interface is inspired to the ping unix command, but hping isn’t only able to send ICMP echo requests. It supports TCP, UDP, ICMP and RAW-IP protocols, has a traceroute mode, the ability to send files between a covered channel, and many other features.
Computer Hacking: Computer Systems
Hacking is breaking into computer systems, frequently with intentions to alter or modify existing settings. Sometimes malicious in nature, these break-ins may cause damage or disruption to computer systems or networks. People with malevolent intent are often referred to as "crackers"--as in "cracking" into computers. Source:
ncsl.org Hacking the power grid made front-page headlines in September when CNN aired a video showing an Idaho National Laboratory demonstration of a software attack on the computer system used to control a power generator. In the demonstration, the smoking generator was rendered inoperable. Source:
ztruth.typepad.com At least 155 federal computer systems -- some containing sensitive research information or personal data on Americans -- were temporarily taken over by hackers last year, according to a government review. The report found numerous weaknesses that permitted unauthorized access to the medical information of Medicare recipients. Director of the FBI's National Infrastructure Protection Center, said there are currently 102 open investigations of computer intrusions into government systems, and the bureau is keenly aware of the rise of state-sponsored hacking. Only 5 to 10 percent of federal agencies use automatic security detection programs and 80 percent of incidents go unreported. The government's lack of safeguards against domestic and foreign attackers who struck 32 federal agencies last year is "chilling," one congresswoman said. Source:
addsecure.net A certified ethical hacker primarily evaluates the security of a computer system or network by simulating an attack by a malicious hacker. The process involves an active analysis of the system for weaknesses, technical flaws or vulnerabilities. Source:
informatics.edu.ph The currently accepted view of a hacker is someone who uses a specialized knowledge of computer systems to obtain illegal access to them. Probably, too, once they have obtained access to a system, a hacker would be expected to steal and corrupt data (Langford 1995). Source:
cs.mdx.ac.uk
ncsl.org Hacking the power grid made front-page headlines in September when CNN aired a video showing an Idaho National Laboratory demonstration of a software attack on the computer system used to control a power generator. In the demonstration, the smoking generator was rendered inoperable. Source:
ztruth.typepad.com At least 155 federal computer systems -- some containing sensitive research information or personal data on Americans -- were temporarily taken over by hackers last year, according to a government review. The report found numerous weaknesses that permitted unauthorized access to the medical information of Medicare recipients. Director of the FBI's National Infrastructure Protection Center, said there are currently 102 open investigations of computer intrusions into government systems, and the bureau is keenly aware of the rise of state-sponsored hacking. Only 5 to 10 percent of federal agencies use automatic security detection programs and 80 percent of incidents go unreported. The government's lack of safeguards against domestic and foreign attackers who struck 32 federal agencies last year is "chilling," one congresswoman said. Source:
addsecure.net A certified ethical hacker primarily evaluates the security of a computer system or network by simulating an attack by a malicious hacker. The process involves an active analysis of the system for weaknesses, technical flaws or vulnerabilities. Source:
informatics.edu.ph The currently accepted view of a hacker is someone who uses a specialized knowledge of computer systems to obtain illegal access to them. Probably, too, once they have obtained access to a system, a hacker would be expected to steal and corrupt data (Langford 1995). Source:
cs.mdx.ac.uk
HACKING INTO COMPUTER SYSTEM ON LAN
For Cracker -
In this topic we will se that how we can get access to different user accounts on Local Area Network running Windows 98 / Windows XP.
Here we will discuss the simplest method to crack password i.e. the software way.
You need to have the following software’s –
1). Caine & Abel for Windows 98
2). LC5 for Windows XP
How to use these software’s?
SCENARIO - A LAN in which every system (not necessarily) is running on Windows 98.
Now in order to use the LAN features every user must have a Login Username and Password.
Whenever a user creates an account or enters his username and password (for login purpose) the value is stored or compared from a “PWL” file respectively. This file is saved in c:\windows directory and is easily accessible to every user on the LAN. E.g.: I am a user and my login name is “crack”, so the format or name of the pwl file will be “crack.pwl”.
So all you need to do is copy this pwl file on a floppy, cd, pen drive, or any other medium you desire.
Now open this pwl file in Caine & Abel and run the attack (dictionary or brute force). Depending upon the password length the software will take its time to break the code.
Never run this software on a slow machine as it would take weeks to crack a single password.
In Windows XP the case is little bit difficult. The password is stored in SAM file. There are three copies of SAM file in XP – One in Windows\system32\config, another in Windows\repair and the last one is stored in windows registry.
You will not be able to see or copy these files or values while Windows is running.
So Boot your system using a bootable disk i.e. in dos mode and copy the file.
Once you have the SAM file open it in LC5 and it will take care of the rest.
Another possible way is – Just install LC5 on the target system and it will tell u all the usernames and password stored in that particular system. But it’s not feasible because LC5 can also take days to crack a single password (depending upon the password length).
FOR USER –
In order to safe guard your account all you need to do is just set a lengthy password containing alphabets, numbers and one special character i.e. @#%^*&(*().
And kindly change your password on a periodic basis
In this topic we will se that how we can get access to different user accounts on Local Area Network running Windows 98 / Windows XP.
Here we will discuss the simplest method to crack password i.e. the software way.
You need to have the following software’s –
1). Caine & Abel for Windows 98
2). LC5 for Windows XP
How to use these software’s?
SCENARIO - A LAN in which every system (not necessarily) is running on Windows 98.
Now in order to use the LAN features every user must have a Login Username and Password.
Whenever a user creates an account or enters his username and password (for login purpose) the value is stored or compared from a “PWL” file respectively. This file is saved in c:\windows directory and is easily accessible to every user on the LAN. E.g.: I am a user and my login name is “crack”, so the format or name of the pwl file will be “crack.pwl”.
So all you need to do is copy this pwl file on a floppy, cd, pen drive, or any other medium you desire.
Now open this pwl file in Caine & Abel and run the attack (dictionary or brute force). Depending upon the password length the software will take its time to break the code.
Never run this software on a slow machine as it would take weeks to crack a single password.
In Windows XP the case is little bit difficult. The password is stored in SAM file. There are three copies of SAM file in XP – One in Windows\system32\config, another in Windows\repair and the last one is stored in windows registry.
You will not be able to see or copy these files or values while Windows is running.
So Boot your system using a bootable disk i.e. in dos mode and copy the file.
Once you have the SAM file open it in LC5 and it will take care of the rest.
Another possible way is – Just install LC5 on the target system and it will tell u all the usernames and password stored in that particular system. But it’s not feasible because LC5 can also take days to crack a single password (depending upon the password length).
FOR USER –
In order to safe guard your account all you need to do is just set a lengthy password containing alphabets, numbers and one special character i.e. @#%^*&(*().
And kindly change your password on a periodic basis
10 ways hacks how to speed up slow computer/pc perfomance
I see a lot of Windows users always complain "My computer/pc is too slow. How to speed up my pc speed performance?" and they need a new PC. Upgrading the PC is always a viable option for better performance, but here are things that you can do to keep your PC healthy and i am sure this will help you to make your PC faster. But changing pc everytime is a costly affair and hence i have listed below 10 perfect ways to help you improve your computer speed performance. Thus, you will be able to speed up your computer/pc for free.
The last time u installed Windows it worked very smoothly on your first boot right? The boot process was faster, applications were running quickly and smoothly, no errors. Now why does it takes such a long time to boot and takes lot of memory? What can i possibly do to restore my PC that earlier state?
Speed up windows computerThe answer is pretty simple. You have to take care of your pc and tweak a bit. Overclocking your PC is an option to try at your own risk which i don’t recommend hence not discussing in this post. You only have to understand why your pc is slowing down and do things to prevent from slowing down.
Here are 10 simple ways to speed your PC:
1. Using an Anti-Virus, Spyware and Adware removal program:
If you use Internet frequently, chances are that you pc is infected by any adware or spyware if you not using a good anti virus/anti-malware program. Most adware’s and spywares open multiple connections to access internet spreading infection all over the web. This may slow down your pc, other harmful viruses might crunch your memory and system resources mostly slowing down startup process. Therefore,
* Use a good antivirus, adware, spyware removal Software.
* Make sure you UPDATE it regularly.
* Enable the auto update mode for better security.
* Run regular scans (weekly scheduled scanning recommended).
2. Defragmenting Hard drives:
The files when moved or created on your PC are stored into small fragments randomly on your disk drive. When you open those files it takes time to gather all those chunks and put them back together to form that single file. When you defragment your drive all those scattered fragments are arranged properly on the drive thus loading application bit faster. There is a Disk Defragmenter utility in windows,
Open My Computer > Right click on the disk drive you want to defragment > Select Properties > Under Tools tab click Defragment Now. But i recommend Power Defragmenter a small free utility by sysinternals which is faster and with various options.
3. Clean Registry:
Windows registry is a database of information of all the files, folders and the windows configuration. This database grows as you use windows, can also become erroneous. Thus, it becomes necessary to clean and repair registry errors regularly. Use CCleaner, a tiny Freeware to scan and fix registry issues.
4. Delete Temporary, Junk and Obsolete files/Clear cache:
Clean all your drives for free space, i personally recommend keep atleast 20% of your drive space free. Also, you have to clear the windows TEMP files, the web browsers temporary files, caches files, etc. All web browsers has that option.CCleaner will be a good choice for the same, it will analyze and clean all unwanted internet files, Windows Explorer files and system files.
5. Check Disk for errors:
Scan your disk for errors regularly. There may be some lost fragments or links which may lead to error in application. Run Scandisk once a week to keep things running smoothly. the error checking utility in windows will scan and attempt to recover bad sectors. Open My Computer > Right click the drive > Properties > Tools > click Check Now Button. Else simply type chkdsk /r at the command prompt.
6. Remove Startup items:
Removing unwanted startup programs will speedup the windows boot process and your desktop will be ready quickly. some programs like Limewire or MSN messenger take time to load at startup, you can remove those and run them when needed.to remove Startup items: Start > Run > type msconfig > press OK. Now in the System Configuration Utility uncheck the unwanted programs (better Disable All).
7. Remove unnecessary Programs:
Remove those programs which you don’t use anymore. This will free disk space and even help windows perform better. Also, remove the windows unwanted components like Indexing services & Outlook Express from the Add/Remove windows programs.
8. Keep PC updated:
Look for regular updates, Enable Windows Updates, Updates includes major bugfixes which can be helpful. Look for new Service packs for better hardware compatibility. Update all device drivers, anti-virus programs and other applications. Hardware Manufactures keep updating their device drivers for better and smooth functioning. I have written earlier on a Free Software To Update Windows Device Drivers do read that.
9. Remove unwanted visual effects:
The animated windows and fading menus can slow down your pc unknowingly. You can remove those fading effects, Use windows classic style theme, remove the heavy graphic wallpaper(none), You can even lower the color quality( to medium 16-Bit) and lower the screen resolution. Lower the screen resolution, better the performance.
10.Use Lightweight programs:
Replace all those resource consuming programs and look for better alternatives, especially for those who have RAM less then 512 and an old PIII machine.
use Lightweight antivirus programs like Avira...the best i found, NOD32, AVG instead of Norton Antivirus.
This will really help you improve performance and helped me speed up my pc/computer.Try these out to improve your computer speed and performance.
Hey guys...if you have any additional tips to improve slow pc performance, then just mention it below in comments section.
Enjoy HaCkInG
The last time u installed Windows it worked very smoothly on your first boot right? The boot process was faster, applications were running quickly and smoothly, no errors. Now why does it takes such a long time to boot and takes lot of memory? What can i possibly do to restore my PC that earlier state?
Speed up windows computerThe answer is pretty simple. You have to take care of your pc and tweak a bit. Overclocking your PC is an option to try at your own risk which i don’t recommend hence not discussing in this post. You only have to understand why your pc is slowing down and do things to prevent from slowing down.
Here are 10 simple ways to speed your PC:
1. Using an Anti-Virus, Spyware and Adware removal program:
If you use Internet frequently, chances are that you pc is infected by any adware or spyware if you not using a good anti virus/anti-malware program. Most adware’s and spywares open multiple connections to access internet spreading infection all over the web. This may slow down your pc, other harmful viruses might crunch your memory and system resources mostly slowing down startup process. Therefore,
* Use a good antivirus, adware, spyware removal Software.
* Make sure you UPDATE it regularly.
* Enable the auto update mode for better security.
* Run regular scans (weekly scheduled scanning recommended).
2. Defragmenting Hard drives:
The files when moved or created on your PC are stored into small fragments randomly on your disk drive. When you open those files it takes time to gather all those chunks and put them back together to form that single file. When you defragment your drive all those scattered fragments are arranged properly on the drive thus loading application bit faster. There is a Disk Defragmenter utility in windows,
Open My Computer > Right click on the disk drive you want to defragment > Select Properties > Under Tools tab click Defragment Now. But i recommend Power Defragmenter a small free utility by sysinternals which is faster and with various options.
3. Clean Registry:
Windows registry is a database of information of all the files, folders and the windows configuration. This database grows as you use windows, can also become erroneous. Thus, it becomes necessary to clean and repair registry errors regularly. Use CCleaner, a tiny Freeware to scan and fix registry issues.
4. Delete Temporary, Junk and Obsolete files/Clear cache:
Clean all your drives for free space, i personally recommend keep atleast 20% of your drive space free. Also, you have to clear the windows TEMP files, the web browsers temporary files, caches files, etc. All web browsers has that option.CCleaner will be a good choice for the same, it will analyze and clean all unwanted internet files, Windows Explorer files and system files.
5. Check Disk for errors:
Scan your disk for errors regularly. There may be some lost fragments or links which may lead to error in application. Run Scandisk once a week to keep things running smoothly. the error checking utility in windows will scan and attempt to recover bad sectors. Open My Computer > Right click the drive > Properties > Tools > click Check Now Button. Else simply type chkdsk /r at the command prompt.
6. Remove Startup items:
Removing unwanted startup programs will speedup the windows boot process and your desktop will be ready quickly. some programs like Limewire or MSN messenger take time to load at startup, you can remove those and run them when needed.to remove Startup items: Start > Run > type msconfig > press OK. Now in the System Configuration Utility uncheck the unwanted programs (better Disable All).
7. Remove unnecessary Programs:
Remove those programs which you don’t use anymore. This will free disk space and even help windows perform better. Also, remove the windows unwanted components like Indexing services & Outlook Express from the Add/Remove windows programs.
8. Keep PC updated:
Look for regular updates, Enable Windows Updates, Updates includes major bugfixes which can be helpful. Look for new Service packs for better hardware compatibility. Update all device drivers, anti-virus programs and other applications. Hardware Manufactures keep updating their device drivers for better and smooth functioning. I have written earlier on a Free Software To Update Windows Device Drivers do read that.
9. Remove unwanted visual effects:
The animated windows and fading menus can slow down your pc unknowingly. You can remove those fading effects, Use windows classic style theme, remove the heavy graphic wallpaper(none), You can even lower the color quality( to medium 16-Bit) and lower the screen resolution. Lower the screen resolution, better the performance.
10.Use Lightweight programs:
Replace all those resource consuming programs and look for better alternatives, especially for those who have RAM less then 512 and an old PIII machine.
use Lightweight antivirus programs like Avira...the best i found, NOD32, AVG instead of Norton Antivirus.
This will really help you improve performance and helped me speed up my pc/computer.Try these out to improve your computer speed and performance.
Hey guys...if you have any additional tips to improve slow pc performance, then just mention it below in comments section.
Enjoy HaCkInG
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