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 Q. What is LASIK?
A. LASIK is an acronym for Laser in Situ Keratomileusis. It is a procedure to reshape the cornea, reducing or eliminating refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism, decreasing people’s dependence on glasses or contact lenses. The most advanced version of LASIK is CustomVue™ enriched with IntraLase®, the less-invasive, computer-controlled approach that is uniquely safe and uniquely precise.
Q. How does IntraLase change the LASIK procedure?
A. LASIK is actually a two-step process. In the first step, the surgeon creates a flap of corneal tissue and folds it back to prepare the eye for the second step, where an excimer laser is used on the inner corneal to correct vision. This two-step process allows for rapid visual recovery with little or no patient discomfort.
Traditionally, the corneal flap was created with a hand-held microkeratome blade. While this method has worked well over the years, the performance of these devices can be unpredictable and is frequently the source of a majority of LASIK complications.
With IntraLase, the surgeon uses the precision of a computer-guided laser to create the corneal flap. IntraLase delivers micron-level accuracy 100 times greater than that of a microkeratome, giving the surgeon more control during the procedure and the ability to establish precise dimensions and thickness of the corneal flap, factors critical to a successful LASIK outcome.
This level of precision is unparalleled by any other technology in vision correction surgery. IntraLase allows surgeons to tailor the corneal flap for each individual patient and each individual eye. Because of its consistent accuracy, IntraLase may make LASIK a viable option even for patients who previously didn’t qualify, such as those with thin corneas.
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Q. Is IntraLase safer?
A. Yes. IntraLase improves the safety, precision and visual results of LASIK, whether you chose to have a standard or custom procedure.
This is a result of the superior precision provided by the computer-guided IntraLase laser, as compared to that of a hand-held microkeratome, which houses a metal blade that cuts across the cornea to create the flap. In comparison, IntraLase uses the precision of a beam of light to create a laser flap.
Its precision is the source of its safety. Precise flap thickness is critical to a successful LASIK outcome, and IntraLase flaps feature a consistent thickness from edge to edge. To date, this degree of accuracy is unprecedented in flap creation technology. IntraLase flaps provide added assurance and peace of mind for our patients.
Q. Is the procedure painful?
A. It is generally painless. Expect a sensation of pressure during the procedure and perhaps some mild discomfort for 12-24 hours after.
Q. How long does the procedure take?
A. The actual procedure takes only 15-20 minutes. However, to allow time for prepping and then a post-op check, most patients are in and out of the center in approximately two hours.
Q. How much time will I miss from work?
A. The time missed from work is minimal. Most patients are back to work by the next day after the procedure.
Q. Will the results last?
A. Yes. Other normal aging changes will continue, but the changes in your refractive error resulting from surgery are permanent.
Q. What are the most common side effects? Can I go blind?
A. There are no reported cases of someone ever going blind from LASIK. Fluctuating vision, night glare, and dry eye, all of which usually only last for the first few weeks following surgery, are the most common side effects.
Q. How is VISX CustomVue™ enriched with IntraLase® technology better than other LASIK procedures?
A. CustomVue uses advanced WaveScan technology to map the unique imperfections in your vision that could not have been so accurately measured and corrected before. This first step gives your doctor treatment options that are individualized to your visual needs. WaveScan is remarkable in that it produces a detailed map of your eye that provides 25 times more precision than standard measurements for glasses and contacts. After WaveScan measurements, your data is transferred to the VISX S4 excimer laser, which provides a new level of precision and accuracy to guide your CustomVue procedure. The Star S4 laser utilizes ActiveTrak® 3-D Eye Tracker, ActiveTrak Automatic Centering, and Variable Spot Scanning to provide the safest and most accurate delivery of treatment.
In the first stage of the procedure, the precise, computer-controlled IntraLase® laser (rather than the traditional microkeratome – a bladed device held by the surgeon) creates a corneal flap of EXACT shape and thickness. IntraLase provides a uniquely safe, uniquely precise method of creating the corneal flap, which leads to predictably better vision. The physician can then access and reshape the inner cornea, correcting the imperfections in your vision.
Q. Is CustomVue enriched with IntraLase more expensive?
A. Yes. Most patients agree that the added level of safety, assurance and predictably better vision offered by CustomVue and IntraLase is worth the incremental cost. Surgeons utilizing these technologies are leaders in the field of ophthalmology who continually evaluate advances in refractive surgery. Our surgeons realize that CustomVue enriched with IntraLase is the most advanced form of laser vision correction available today. We understand that CustomVue is the most precise method for attaining the best outcomes and that the IntraLase is the most sophisticated and accurate system for flap creation. We have invested in these technologies to sustain our leadership in patient care.
Q. Does insurance cover the procedure?
A. Although most health insurance plans do not cover laser vision correction, it is best to check with your carrier. However, many flexible medical spending plans are available to pay for the procedure.
Q. Can I wear glasses or contact lenses after the procedure?
A. While this is not usually necessary, if required you should be able to after the procedure.
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