LASIK TECHNOLOGY
LASIK is the leading global choice for reducing or eliminating reliance on glasses and contact lenses, and we offer the latest LASIK technology available! Since the first LASIK procedure over 17 years ago, more than 14 million procedures have been conducted in the United States alone.
LASIK effectively addresses varying degrees of nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. The procedure involves reshaping the corneal tissue beneath the eye’s surface to correct vision. Most patients experience minimal discomfort and enjoy a rapid recovery, as the procedure is virtually painless. We use numbing drops instead of needles, ensuring a comfortable experience without any pain sensations.
LASIK: TWO STEPS FOR BETTER VISION
In the first step, a corneal flap is created—this is a thin, hinged layer of tissue lifted back like opening the hood of a car. This procedure is performed with exceptional accuracy using a computer-guided laser known as Intralase. The Intralase technology allows for custom-designed flaps tailored to the unique parameters of each patient’s eye, making it the safest and most precise flap creation method available today.
The second step involves correcting vision by using an excimer laser treatment. This laser emits a cool, invisible beam that precisely removes the prescription from the cornea. The treatment, which lasts between 15 to 45 seconds, is pain-free. The excimer laser offers unprecedented precision, removing 0.25 microns of corneal tissue with each pulse.
These treatments are personalized through a technique called Wavefront Analysis, which takes into account the specific prescription characteristics of each patient. This method ensures the highest level of precision in laser vision correction, leading to better visual outcomes.
RECOVERY
Recovery from LASIK is typically straightforward. Many patients experience noticeable improvements in their vision, often without the need for glasses, by the evening of their surgery. Functional vision generally returns within 24 to 48 hours. The recovery process is usually painless.
LEARN MORE ABOUT LASIK TECHNOLOGY
The initial crucial step in the iLASIK procedure involves the use of the Intralase Femtosecond Laser. This advanced technology, the Intralase FS Laser System, represents a significant advancement over the traditional manual microkeratome by employing a computer-guided laser beam to create a precise corneal flap. The primary benefits of the Intralase system are enhanced safety and improved visual outcomes, which have been demonstrated through its use.
Because your vision is as unique as your fingerprint, Dr. Eisner uses the WaveScan Wavefront System to create a detailed WavePrint Map. This map does more than just chart the surface of your cornea; it captures how your entire optical system processes light, identifying even the smallest imperfections in your eye’s focusing system.
With this comprehensive data, Dr. Eisner can:
- Determine with precision if you are a suitable candidate for laser vision correction.
- Develop a tailored treatment plan based on your specific vision requirements, using insights from other diagnostic tests.
The WavePrint Map employs technology originally designed to correct light distortions in astronomical observations, allowing researchers to view distant stars and planets clearly. Similarly, this advanced technology measures light waves as they pass through your eye, providing a highly accurate and detailed analysis of your vision.
The Pentacam Anterior Chamber Mapping System plays a crucial role in assessing LASIK candidacy by evaluating the overall health of the cornea. Corneal topography, which measures the elevations and curvature of the corneal surface, helps identify healthy corneas as well as any irregularities or pathologies that may contraindicate LASIK.
The Pentacam employs Sheimpflug Imagery to provide Dr. Eisner with a 3-D view of both the front and back surfaces of the cornea. It scans and measures the entire cornea and anterior chamber in under two seconds, offering a more detailed and precise assessment of your optical system than previously possible.
With over four and a half years of experience using the Pentacam, Dr. Eisner is exceptionally skilled in evaluating candidacy. This evaluation is a vital component of the pre-operative process, ensuring that all potential patients receive a thorough Pentacam assessment.
The STAR S4 IR Excimer Laser System is engineered to deliver Advanced CustomVue laser vision correction with unparalleled precision. This advanced system enables surgeons to offer a wide range of wavefront-guided treatments tailored to each patient’s unique visual needs.
Advantages of the Advanced CustomVue Procedure:
- Enhanced refractive measurement accuracy
- More detailed measurement data than traditional glasses and contact lenses
- Customization for achieving optimal personal vision
- Clinical studies suggest it may provide superior vision compared to glasses and contact lenses
- Custom laser vision correction often yields better visual outcomes compared to conventional methods
The STAR S4 IR Excimer Laser System uses digital data from the WaveScan System to perform the Advanced CustomVue procedure, specifically targeting the unique imperfections in each individual’s eyes.
Additional VISX Benefits:
- Minimizes pupil centroid shift
- Compensates for cyclotorsional movement
- Eliminates the need for manual marking
- Supports all wavefront-guided laser vision correction procedures
- Utilizes multiple reference points for each iris
Enhanced Precision with Iris Registration (IR):
IR significantly improves alignment accuracy by integrating diagnostic wavefront data with the treatment process. This ensures precise placement of the laser treatment. During the procedure, IR:
- Identifies and unwraps the iris in both preoperative and operative images
- Selects key reference points
- Uses advanced algorithms to find multiple matching reference points for each iris
- Calculates and adjusts the ablation torsional angle based on these points
- Automatically verifies solution quality to prevent errors
Achieving Optimal Results with IR:
To address pupil movement relative to the iris boundary in varying environments, IR:
- Records the iris boundary at both the WaveScan and laser stages
- Aligns the WaveScan pupil center with the iris boundary
- Tracks and compares the pupil center relative to the iris boundary during laser application
- Ensures that the laser ablation is centered over the WaveScan pupil center for precise correction
LASIK isn’t the ideal solution for everyone. Dr. Eisner provides a range of surgical options to enhance your vision. One alternative is Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK), a laser procedure that differs from LASIK by not creating a corneal flap. Instead, it uses a different method to prepare the cornea. Although the visual results are comparable, the recovery time for PRK may be longer. PRK is suitable for various conditions.
If LASIK isn’t suitable for you, PRK might be an excellent alternative. Conditions such as dry eyes, previous surgeries, or thin corneas may make PRK the better choice. We’ll explore PRK in detail during your free consultation to determine if it’s the right option for you.