What is iLASIK and how does it work?

The iLASIK Procedure is one of the most precise medical procedures performed today. iLASIK surgeons now have precise tools to painlessly measure and map the uniqueness of both of your eyes – down to the most minute characteristics individual to you. 3D mapping technology literally creates a blueprint (or fingerprint) of your eye, allowing the iLASIK surgeon to then custom-fit the iLASIK Procedure for each of your eyes.

The iLASIK Procedure itself is revolutionized by the use of two computer-guided lasers – instead of one as in earlier generations of LASIK. The first, ultra-fast laser creates a thin corneal flap, which is then folded back to allow the second laser to correct your vision based on the exact specification/measurements of your eye(s). The procedure takes just minutes. Patients experience a quick virtually painless procedure with the potential of 20/20 or better vision and outstanding safety as a result of reduced flap complications. * **

Final post-op visits are conducted with your iLASIK surgeon one day, one month and three months later. You are free to resume your active lifestyle, now with the potential of 20/20 or better vision.† Remember, it was the very same technology advances used in the iLASIK Procedure that convinced the military and NASA that LASIK was finally good enough for their mission critical personnel. Even your most-extreme lifestyle is nothing compared to being ejected from an F-16 or the G-Forces of shuttle rocket blast-off.

* Davis EA, Lindstrom RL. IntraLase vs. Microkeratome: Complications. “Early Experience with the 30 kHz IntraLase,” 2005. Presented at Ocular Surgery News; September 16-18, 2005; New York, NY

** Schallhorn SC and Tanzer DJ. “Comparison of visual outcomes with femtosecond and mechanical microkeratomes for wavefront guided LASIK“ Presented at the American Academy of Ophthalmology annual meeting; November 13, 2006; Las Vegas, NV.

Why should I choose iLASIK over other vision correction options?

Just like the tailoring of a fine suit or couture fashion, the iLASIK Procedure is tailor-made for you, your vision and the unique characteristics of your two, individual eyes. 3-D mapping, precise measurement and the use of two of the most advanced lasers differentiate the iLASIK Procedure from all others. Consumers not only require 20/20 (or better) vision for their active lifestyles, but also prefer not be bothered with the daily inconvenience of glasses and contacts.

Is there anything new or different? Has any part of the procedure changed?

iLASIK is the final frontier of LASIK: NASA allowed the LASIK procedure for its astronauts following review of extensive military clinical data, which showed the use of two lasers (femtosecond & wavefront-guided) provides superior safety and vision as compared to earlier forms of the procedure.

Isn’t this just the same procedure wrapped in a new brand name?

iLASIK is a decade in the making and combines extensive medical expertise and your surgeon’s commitment to innovation to make the most advanced LASIK procedure available to you today.

Who are candidates for the iLASIK Procedure?

There are 290 million candidates for iLASIK around the world. If you are 21 years of age or older and wear glasses or contact lenses to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism or mixed astigmatism, you may benefit from the iLASIK Procedure. See your ophthalmologist for more information and to determine if you are a candidate for iLASIK.

What is a cataract?

With the formation of a cataract, activities like reading, bowling, or driving can be difficult. Fortunately, vision can be restored quickly, allowing the patient to return home within a few hours. With new advances in cataract surgery, vision improvement begins almost immediately, and an eye patch isn't even needed.

So What is a Cataract? A Cataract is the clouding of the lens of the eye. Normally, light passes through the clear lens and is focused onto the Retina. However, the natural aging process can cause the lens to become cloudy. The Cataract or cloudy lens blocks the passage of light through the eye and causes distorted or blurred vision, glare, or difficulty seeing in poor lighting conditions.

Cataract surgery is the most common operation in the world. According to the National Institutes of Health, in the United States, more than 2.7 million procedures are performed annually.   

There are 20.5 million cases of early cataracts among Americans aged 40 and older, and 50 percent of people older than 65 have developed significant cataracts.

What are the symptoms?

You may not notice a slight change in your vision, as cataract starts out very tiny, but as it grows from the size of a pin head, you may notice that your vision is becoming blurry, and you may feel as if you are looking through dirty eyeglasses. Object edges may appear to fade into one another and colors may not appear as bright as they should.
The most common symptoms of a cataract are:
Cloudy or blurry vision.
Problems with light, such as headlights that seem too bright, glare from lamps or very bright sunlight.
Colors that seem faded.
Poor night vision.
Double or multiple vision.
Frequent changes in glasses or contact lenses.
Optical aids such as eyeglasses or contact lenses are no longer effective.

How is a cataract treated?

Cataract surgery is a selective and successful solution to restoring vision when the cataracts seriously impair your vision and affect your daily life. Cataract surgery is the most frequently performed surgery in the United States, with millions of surgeries done each year. Cataract surgery is a routine and relatively painless procedure.
Cataract surgery is generally performed on an out patient basis. You will not need to be hospitalized or put to sleep for for your doctor to perform your surgery. The procedure normally takes less then 15 minutes and you can return home shortly after your procedure. Most people will enjoy improved vision by the day after surgery or within a few days following the procedure.
To begin, your surgeon will administer a light sedative which will relax your nerves and keep you comfortable during the procedure. Anesthetic eye drops will be used to completely numb the eye. The entire procedure is performed through an incision that is smaller the 1/8 or an inch and does not require stitches to heal.
Once the cataract is removed, an intra-ocular lens (IOL) is placed where the cataract lens was removed, to restore your sight. Most patients will not require an eye patch and will not have any discomfort.
Most patients can return to their normal daily routines; including reading, driving, and exercise, the day after surgery.

What Causes a Cataract?

It is not completely known why cataracts occur in all instances, but studies on the cause of cataracts will soon teach us on how to more successfully treat and prevent them.
The most commonly known type of cataract is age related.
Ultraviolet light is a known catalyst for the formation of cataracts, so we recommend wearing 100% UV blocking sunglasses which will lessen your exposure over time.
Other studies point to people with diabetes as a higher risk group for cataract development than those who do not suffer from diabetes.
Cigarettes, air pollution, heavy drug usage and severe alcohol consumption may also contribute to your chances of developing cataracts.

Can I be too young or old for Cataract Surgery?

Any patient who can undergo a thorough eye examination can undergo surgery if the procedure is performed with a topical anesthetic-drops alone.

How soon can I drive after the surgery?

We will require that you have someone drive you home following your procedure. However, you may drive when you feel comfortable enough to drive safely, possibly the next day.

Do I have to avoid all activities post-operatively?

No. We typically demonstrate to the patients that they can bend over immediately after surgery, pick up 20-30 pounds, and shower, provided they don't get water into their operative eye. We do ask that they wear an eye shield at bedtime for the first few weeks after surgery so they do not inadvertently rub the eye during sleep. Typical follow-up evaluations are scheduled at 1 day, 1 week, 3 weeks, and 6 weeks, with glasses being prescribed between the 3rd and 6th week visit.

Does Cataract surgery hurt?

The treatment itself is painless. We will place a few numbing drops in your eye(s) to make you more comfortable.

Will I be able to have both eyes treated at the same time?

Surgery can be performed on both eyes on the same day if we conclude you are a good candidate. Should you wish to have one eye done at a time, the doctor will discuss this with you and we can accommodate this as well.

Do you offer payment options?

Our Refractive Surgery Coordinator will be happy to discuss financing information based on your personal needs. Check with your human resources department for any insurance plan or pre-tax dollars options which may help pay for surgery.

Will I still need glasses or contact lenses?

You may need glasses or other corrective lenses after the procedure on a temporary or permanent basis. Cataract surgery will not prevent, and may unmask, the need for reading glasses

What is  Visian ICL?

The Visian ICL is an implantable contact lens that works with the eye to correct vision. Unlike traditional contact lenses that go on the surface of the eye, Visian ICL is surgically inserted into the eye where it provides excellent quality of vision for a wide range of correction needs.

Who are candidates for Visian ICL?

If you are between 21 and 45 and nearsighted, you are an excellent candidate for Visian ICL. It is preferable that you have had no previous ophthalmic surgery or history of ophthalmic disease such as glaucoma, iritis, or diabetic retinopathy.

Exactly where is Visian ICL placed in the eye?

Visian ICL is placed in the "posterior chamber," behind the iris and in front of the eye's crystalline lens. The lens does not touch any internal eye structures and stays in position.

What is the track record of Visian ICL?

Extensive research and development preceded the introduction of Visian ICL. It is now being used by more than 50,000 patients world-wide. The satisfaction rate among patients is extremely high--above 99% (FDA US Clinical Trial). Visian ICL provides excellent and stable outcomes.

What is Visian ICL made of?

The Visian ICL is made of Collamer, an advanced lens material that is highly biocompatible. Collamer does not cause a reaction inside the eye and contains an ultraviolet filter that provides protection to the eye.

What if your vision changes?

Visian ICL offers treatment flexibility. If your vision changes dramatically, the lens can be removed and replaced, or another procedure can be performed at any time. With Visian ICL, you can wear glasses or contact lenses if necessary. Visian ICL does not help presbyopia (difficulty with reading in people over 40), but you can add reading glasses if needed.

What is involved in the Visian ICL procedure?

One to two weeks prior to surgery, your doctor will make a small opening with a laser to allow fluid to pass between the lens and the front chamber of the eye. The actual Visian ICL procedure typically takes approximately 15 minutes and is performed on an outpatient basis. (Please note that someone will have to drive you to and from surgery.) Normally, very little discomfort is associated with this procedure. A light topical or local anesthetic is administered and a mild sedative may be given. Eye drops or oral medication may be prescribed. You will come back the next day for a follow-up visit.

Can they dry out or get dirty like a contact lens?

No. Visian ICL avoids problems experienced with traditional contact lenses. It is designed to remain in place inside your eye, without maintenance. A routine, annual visit with your eye doctor is recommended to make sure everything is fine.

How long does Visian ICL stay in my eye?

The Visian ICL is intended to remain in place in the eye without maintenance. Should it become necessary, the lens can be removed by a certified ophthalmologist.

Can Visian ICL be seen or felt once it is in place?

No. The lens is positioned behind the iris where it is invisible to both you and observers. You enjoy a cosmetic appearance that is natural. Only your doctor will be able to tell that vision correction has taken place. The lens is not noticeable after it is put in place. It does not attach to any structures within the eye and stays in position.