ON THE NET

Places to point your patients for basic information on common eye disorders and diseases.

St. Luke's Eyecare Network

This comprehensive, attractive and user-friendly Web site is sponsored by one of Florida's largest ophthalmology practices, St. Luke's Cataract and Laser Institute, based in Tarpon Springs. One of the site's key features is an online, illustrated "encyclopedia," which clearly explains nearly 100 eye diseases and disorders and how they're treated. The site also provides regularly updated news stories outlining the latest advances in ophthalmology. Additionally, patients can access clear, basic information designed to answer frequently asked questions about what they can expect throughout the process if they undergo procedures such as LASIK and cataract surgery.

Visit www.stlukeseye.com

American Diabetes Association

The American Diabetes Association site is one of the best sources of basic information about the ocular diseases that can result from diabetes. Under the heading "complications/retinopathy," the site explains such diseases as diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and cataracts, and the increased risk diabetics face from these disorders. In addition, the site suggests preventive measures diabetics can take to limit those risks.

Visit www.diabetes.org

National Eye Institute

Though the National Eye Institute Web site isn't as attractive, or as easy to navigate as some others, it does provide excellent basic information on the most prevalent eye disorders under the "public and patients" heading. The site also features two interesting "Eye-Q" tests, one for knowledge of glaucoma and the other focusing on diabetic eye disease. Each test asks 10 basic questions about a disease and provides instant answers. A section outlining available resources for patients with low vision is also helpful.

Visit www.nei.nih.gov

If you've discovered a Web site or service that's been useful to you in practice or at home, we'd like to know about it. E-mail Jerry Helzner at helznergi@boucher1.com or call him at (215) 643-8013.