LASIK is an acronym for Laser in-situ Keratolomileusis. It is a laser vision correction procedure used to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, or a combination of both. LASIK works by the creation of a small corneal flap either by a microkeratome blade or laser (Intralase), then the flap is folded back on its hinge and reshaped by a different type of laser called the excimer laser (VISX Star 4).
What is the difference between a corneal flap created with the IntraLase Method and one created with a microkeratome?
The microkeratome is a hand-held instrument, which contains a steel blade that moves back and forth and creates a cut as it travels across the cornea. At times the flap can be decentered, incomplete, and/or not cut to the physician’s specifications, which could affect your postoperative vision.
By the bladeless Intralase procedure, the flap is very precisely created according to the physician’s specifications, eliminating the variation in flap creation as seen with the blade microkeratome. A flap is created just beneath the surface of your eye, leaving a smooth, even surface after the flap is lifted. With the IntraLase Method, a blade never touches your eye.
How is the IntraLase Method (LASIK) different from Epi-LASIK, LASEK, or photo-refractive keratectomy (PRK)?
Epi-LASIK, LASEK, and PRK remove the top layer (epithelium or skin) of the cornea, only differing in the way they prepare the surface of the cornea for the second step of LASIK.
Epi-LASIK uses an epikeratome-a blunt separator-to make a superficial flap.
Similarly, photo-refractive keratectomy (PRK) is performed by gently scraping the surface layer of the cornea, either with a blade or laser.
LASEK uses alcohol to removed the superficial layer.
Epi-LASIK, PRK, and LASEK procedures can be painful and require more postoperative medication. In addition, the healing times are longer with these procedures than with LASIK. Functional vision with Epi-LASIK, PRK, and LASEK procedures is generally achieved after one week, but can fluctuate months after the procedure. In LASIK with the intralase method, good vision is achieved usually within the first several hours after surgery with minimal visual fluctuation.
What are the true benefits of the IntraLase Method?
Better vision. More patients in clinical trials achieved vision that was 20/20 or better when their LASIK procedure was performed with the IntraLase Method. Patients report better quality of vision overall, particularly in terms of their ability to see well in low light, such as at dusk or at night.
Ability to tailor the procedure to your eye.
The IntraLase Method gives your doctor the ability to tailor the dimensions of your corneal flap based on what is best for your eye. Everything from the diameter of your flap to the angle of its edges can be precisely determined. This is important because every eye is shaped differently. Having a corneal flap that is individualized to the patient contributes to the excellent postoperative outcomes. In addition, a corneal flap created with the IntraLase Method also “locks” back into position after the LASIK procedure is performed.
Is the IntraLase Method painful?
Prior to creating the flap, the doctor applies drops to numb the eye, and then applies a special ring and an instrument that gently flattens your cornea in preparation for the IntraLase Method. This part of the process is usually not painful. Patients report feeling slight pressure.
Is the IntraLase Method safe?
More than 1,000,000 procedures have been performed safely and effectively using the IntraLase Method.
How long does it take to create a flap using the IntraLase Method?
The creation of the flap itself only takes 15-30 seconds per eye. Including preparation time, the entire LASIK procedure generally takes 20 minutes.
What's the reaction of patients who have experienced the IntraLase Method?
In a clinical survey of LASIK patients who had their corneal flaps created using the microkeratome in one eye and the IntraLase Method in the other, the vision in the IntraLase-treated eye was preferred 3 to 1 (among those who stated preferences).
What is the recovery time associated with LASIK?
Usually, most patients will feel able to go to work the following day after their first day postoperative visit. Physical activity should be limited to allow adequate healing after the surgery. One should not swim for two weeks after surgery.
What is CustomLASIK?
A three dimensional map of your eye is acquired from a VISX Custom Vue computer. The information is like a fingerprint of your eye, measuring all the imperfections and unique shape. This fingerprint is programmed into the laser to personally tailor your cornea to achieve vision correction customized to your specific needs. Custom ablation tends to aid in helping patients achieve better night vision and contrast sensitivity.
Are there any patient information booklets regarding VISX Customvue?
VISX CustomVue Book for Nearsighted patients
VISX CustomVue for Farsighted Patients
VISX CustomVue for Mixed Astigmatism
VISX CustomVue for Severely Nearsighted Patients
How do I know if I am a candidate for LASIK?
Are there any payment plans available for the procedure?
| Bladeless LASIK, known as Intralase | ||
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| Tiny, rapid pulses of laser light creates a layer of overlapping air bubbles just beneath your corneal surface creating a precise corneal flap instead of using a blade. | The corneal flap is gently created by separating the tissue where the bubbles have formed. The corneal flap is folded back and the second step of the LASIK treatment is performed. | |
What is the difference between a corneal flap created with the IntraLase Method and one created with a microkeratome?
The microkeratome is a hand-held instrument, which contains a steel blade that moves back and forth and creates a cut as it travels across the cornea. At times the flap can be decentered, incomplete, and/or not cut to the physician’s specifications, which could affect your postoperative vision.
By the bladeless Intralase procedure, the flap is very precisely created according to the physician’s specifications, eliminating the variation in flap creation as seen with the blade microkeratome. A flap is created just beneath the surface of your eye, leaving a smooth, even surface after the flap is lifted. With the IntraLase Method, a blade never touches your eye.
How is the IntraLase Method (LASIK) different from Epi-LASIK, LASEK, or photo-refractive keratectomy (PRK)?
Epi-LASIK, LASEK, and PRK remove the top layer (epithelium or skin) of the cornea, only differing in the way they prepare the surface of the cornea for the second step of LASIK.
Epi-LASIK uses an epikeratome-a blunt separator-to make a superficial flap.
Similarly, photo-refractive keratectomy (PRK) is performed by gently scraping the surface layer of the cornea, either with a blade or laser.
LASEK uses alcohol to removed the superficial layer.
Epi-LASIK, PRK, and LASEK procedures can be painful and require more postoperative medication. In addition, the healing times are longer with these procedures than with LASIK. Functional vision with Epi-LASIK, PRK, and LASEK procedures is generally achieved after one week, but can fluctuate months after the procedure. In LASIK with the intralase method, good vision is achieved usually within the first several hours after surgery with minimal visual fluctuation.
What are the true benefits of the IntraLase Method?
Better vision. More patients in clinical trials achieved vision that was 20/20 or better when their LASIK procedure was performed with the IntraLase Method. Patients report better quality of vision overall, particularly in terms of their ability to see well in low light, such as at dusk or at night.
Ability to tailor the procedure to your eye.
The IntraLase Method gives your doctor the ability to tailor the dimensions of your corneal flap based on what is best for your eye. Everything from the diameter of your flap to the angle of its edges can be precisely determined. This is important because every eye is shaped differently. Having a corneal flap that is individualized to the patient contributes to the excellent postoperative outcomes. In addition, a corneal flap created with the IntraLase Method also “locks” back into position after the LASIK procedure is performed.
Is the IntraLase Method painful?
Prior to creating the flap, the doctor applies drops to numb the eye, and then applies a special ring and an instrument that gently flattens your cornea in preparation for the IntraLase Method. This part of the process is usually not painful. Patients report feeling slight pressure.
Is the IntraLase Method safe?
More than 1,000,000 procedures have been performed safely and effectively using the IntraLase Method.
How long does it take to create a flap using the IntraLase Method?
The creation of the flap itself only takes 15-30 seconds per eye. Including preparation time, the entire LASIK procedure generally takes 20 minutes.
What's the reaction of patients who have experienced the IntraLase Method?
In a clinical survey of LASIK patients who had their corneal flaps created using the microkeratome in one eye and the IntraLase Method in the other, the vision in the IntraLase-treated eye was preferred 3 to 1 (among those who stated preferences).
What is the recovery time associated with LASIK?
Usually, most patients will feel able to go to work the following day after their first day postoperative visit. Physical activity should be limited to allow adequate healing after the surgery. One should not swim for two weeks after surgery.
What is CustomLASIK?
A three dimensional map of your eye is acquired from a VISX Custom Vue computer. The information is like a fingerprint of your eye, measuring all the imperfections and unique shape. This fingerprint is programmed into the laser to personally tailor your cornea to achieve vision correction customized to your specific needs. Custom ablation tends to aid in helping patients achieve better night vision and contrast sensitivity.
Are there any patient information booklets regarding VISX Customvue?
VISX CustomVue Book for Nearsighted patients
VISX CustomVue for Farsighted Patients
VISX CustomVue for Mixed Astigmatism
VISX CustomVue for Severely Nearsighted Patients
How do I know if I am a candidate for LASIK?
- Most people are candidates.
- Ask during your eye examination if this procedure is right for you.
- Call the Deer Penick Eye Clinic and speak to our LASIK manager or doctors.
- Contact Dr. Edward Penick with your questions at.
- For more information, visit www.deerpenickeyeclinic.com.
Are there any payment plans available for the procedure?
- We offer payment plans available through
