Learn the Latest on Lasik Technology Used in Lasik Eye Surgeries
Monica Keller asked:
We live in a time of seemingly endless innovation and rapid technological progress. It is hard enough to keep up on the latest e-mail filters and cell phone video cameras, much less such specialized medical procedures as LASIK eye surgery.
But if you are considering laser vision correction of any kind—the popular and effective LASIK procedure or, if you are not a good candidate for that, an alternative such as LASEK or PRK—then it is no longer just a matter of passing interest. It is your responsibility to be an informed, prepared patient for any kind of surgery, so you need to learn the latest on LASIK technology used in LASIK eye surgeries as part of that preparation.
The best doctors and clinics want to ensure the very best possible results for their LASIK eye surgery patients, which often means having not one but several different kinds of equipment. There are technologies that are more appropriate for some patient conditions than others, which is why many practices are equipped with several examples of the latest equipment available.
There are at least five or six kinds of laser eye surgery equipment being used widely in the field today, and others are being developed all the time. Medical research and technology continues to make breakthroughs that improve and maintain people’s quality of life, and the last few years have been particularly good ones for advances in LASIK treatment.
The VISX® Star S4™ laser, according to many of its proponents, brings a new standard of accuracy to laser vision correction with a combination of two different systems known as Variable Spot Scanning and 3D ActiveTrak®. With a laser calibrated to .25 microns, this hybrid system offers astonishing precision, and can treat many borderline conditions that were once beyond the scope of other technologies. (For comparison, human hairs are 60-80 microns in diameter.)
CustomVue™ systems match a specially created profile (again, a kind of “fingerprint”) of your vision to an “ideal” optical system. Once again using the VISX® Star S4™ laser, this profile data ensures precise, uniquely personalized LASIK eye surgery. If you are one of the particular LASIK patients who qualify for this kind of procedure, CustomVue™ allows the surgeon to eliminate microscopic flaws in your vision that cannot be corrected with either glasses or contact lenses.
One of the newest developments on the LASIK eye surgery scene is the IntraLase® laser. It uses a special technology and method for creating the corneal flap required in laser vision correction surgery. Replacing a standard metal blade, the IntraLase® laser produces a very precise flap.
We live in a time of seemingly endless innovation and rapid technological progress. It is hard enough to keep up on the latest e-mail filters and cell phone video cameras, much less such specialized medical procedures as LASIK eye surgery.
But if you are considering laser vision correction of any kind—the popular and effective LASIK procedure or, if you are not a good candidate for that, an alternative such as LASEK or PRK—then it is no longer just a matter of passing interest. It is your responsibility to be an informed, prepared patient for any kind of surgery, so you need to learn the latest on LASIK technology used in LASIK eye surgeries as part of that preparation.
The best doctors and clinics want to ensure the very best possible results for their LASIK eye surgery patients, which often means having not one but several different kinds of equipment. There are technologies that are more appropriate for some patient conditions than others, which is why many practices are equipped with several examples of the latest equipment available.
There are at least five or six kinds of laser eye surgery equipment being used widely in the field today, and others are being developed all the time. Medical research and technology continues to make breakthroughs that improve and maintain people’s quality of life, and the last few years have been particularly good ones for advances in LASIK treatment.
The VISX® Star S4™ laser, according to many of its proponents, brings a new standard of accuracy to laser vision correction with a combination of two different systems known as Variable Spot Scanning and 3D ActiveTrak®. With a laser calibrated to .25 microns, this hybrid system offers astonishing precision, and can treat many borderline conditions that were once beyond the scope of other technologies. (For comparison, human hairs are 60-80 microns in diameter.)
CustomVue™ systems match a specially created profile (again, a kind of “fingerprint”) of your vision to an “ideal” optical system. Once again using the VISX® Star S4™ laser, this profile data ensures precise, uniquely personalized LASIK eye surgery. If you are one of the particular LASIK patients who qualify for this kind of procedure, CustomVue™ allows the surgeon to eliminate microscopic flaws in your vision that cannot be corrected with either glasses or contact lenses.
One of the newest developments on the LASIK eye surgery scene is the IntraLase® laser. It uses a special technology and method for creating the corneal flap required in laser vision correction surgery. Replacing a standard metal blade, the IntraLase® laser produces a very precise flap.
Lasik Eye Surgery or Contacts?
November 15, 2009 by admin
Filed under Plastic Surgeries
Andrew Caster asked:
When it comes to choosing between lasik eye surgery and contact lenses, my friends are split down the middle. Some swear by lasik, while others are hell bent on contacts. But finally I see a break, with advent of technology and more comforting ads, the fear factor and squeamishness seem to be reducing.
I asked the question to Dr. Andrew Caster, Los Angeles Lasik Surgeon. I told him about fear, an all encompassing trait that overrides everything else.
My opinion is Lasik laser vision correction is one of the great medical advances of our time. There is really no other procedure in all of medicine that combines such profound improvement with lack of pain and very rapid recovery.
Now there are a plethora of different lasers to choose from, including my favorite, the WaveLight Allegretto. Talk to your doctor. There are so many procedures now including Lasik, IntraLase, PRK, and Lasek. Choose something which is good for you.
Having said that, Laser vision correction is not right for everyone. Only perform the procedure if your doctor is confident that excellent results can be obtained. For the 30% odd unsuitable candidates, I guess contacts is the answer.
There we go again!
The views are my own and is not medical advice. Please talk to your eye doctor for your specific case.
Disclaimer: This blog or article is for information purpose only, and should not be treated a professional advise or price protection guarantee. This blog is mainly used for search engine optimization and other commercial purposes and it is advised that readers seek professional consultation in the field of interest for more information.
When it comes to choosing between lasik eye surgery and contact lenses, my friends are split down the middle. Some swear by lasik, while others are hell bent on contacts. But finally I see a break, with advent of technology and more comforting ads, the fear factor and squeamishness seem to be reducing.
I asked the question to Dr. Andrew Caster, Los Angeles Lasik Surgeon. I told him about fear, an all encompassing trait that overrides everything else.
My opinion is Lasik laser vision correction is one of the great medical advances of our time. There is really no other procedure in all of medicine that combines such profound improvement with lack of pain and very rapid recovery.
Now there are a plethora of different lasers to choose from, including my favorite, the WaveLight Allegretto. Talk to your doctor. There are so many procedures now including Lasik, IntraLase, PRK, and Lasek. Choose something which is good for you.
Having said that, Laser vision correction is not right for everyone. Only perform the procedure if your doctor is confident that excellent results can be obtained. For the 30% odd unsuitable candidates, I guess contacts is the answer.
There we go again!
The views are my own and is not medical advice. Please talk to your eye doctor for your specific case.
Disclaimer: This blog or article is for information purpose only, and should not be treated a professional advise or price protection guarantee. This blog is mainly used for search engine optimization and other commercial purposes and it is advised that readers seek professional consultation in the field of interest for more information.
Lasik Eye Surgery – A Boon For Everyone
Kevin Pederson asked:
Lasik Eye surgery is a surgical process that is aimed at reducing a person’s dependency on glasses or contact lenses. The article provides basic information on LASIK eye surgery.
LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) surgery permanently changes the shape of the cornea, the clear covering of the front of the eye, using an excimer laser. A flap in the cornea is cut using an special knife called microkeratome. A hinge is left at one end of this flap. The flap is folded back revealing the stroma, the middlesection of the cornea. Pulses from a computer-controlled laser vaporize a portion of the stroma and the flap is replaced. This is just one of the techniques of Lasik.
Lasik Eye Surgery: Is this the right time? Examine your eyes with your eye doctor to start with. You must be in good general health and should be over 18 years of age. You should not have any eye diseases of concern like cataracts or glaucoma. Laser vision correction can treat a very broad range of nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.
Does the Lasik eye surgery hurt? Is it painful? The surgery may be a bit uncomfortable for a few patients. One good way to learn more about how it might feel is to talk to someone who has had the procedure, such as a friend or relative, or a staff member at the doctor’s office. Most of the times, its just the fear of the unknown. Anesthetic drops are used to numb the eye just before surgery begins and you may be given a mild sedative. After your procedure, your eye may feel a foreign body sensation or irritation for a few hours, but most patients are quite comfortable after taking a short nap. You will be given drops for your eyes to counteract the potential dryness you may experience for several days following the surgery.
Recovery period after Lasik Most Lasik patients usually see quite well the day following their procedure and may be able to resume most of their normal daily activities, but patients with higher prescriptions may recover more slowly. Although the speed of visual recovery depends on personal healing patterns, most patients notice dramatic visual results within the first few days following their procedure.
What are the risks from Lasik surgery? There are very few risks with the laser vision correction procedure. However, the chances of having a vision reducing complication have been documented in a number of clinical studies to be minimal. Do not forget that millions of people have had excellent results from laser vision correction.
Lasik Eye surgery is a surgical process that is aimed at reducing a person’s dependency on glasses or contact lenses. The article provides basic information on LASIK eye surgery.
LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) surgery permanently changes the shape of the cornea, the clear covering of the front of the eye, using an excimer laser. A flap in the cornea is cut using an special knife called microkeratome. A hinge is left at one end of this flap. The flap is folded back revealing the stroma, the middlesection of the cornea. Pulses from a computer-controlled laser vaporize a portion of the stroma and the flap is replaced. This is just one of the techniques of Lasik.
Lasik Eye Surgery: Is this the right time? Examine your eyes with your eye doctor to start with. You must be in good general health and should be over 18 years of age. You should not have any eye diseases of concern like cataracts or glaucoma. Laser vision correction can treat a very broad range of nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.
Does the Lasik eye surgery hurt? Is it painful? The surgery may be a bit uncomfortable for a few patients. One good way to learn more about how it might feel is to talk to someone who has had the procedure, such as a friend or relative, or a staff member at the doctor’s office. Most of the times, its just the fear of the unknown. Anesthetic drops are used to numb the eye just before surgery begins and you may be given a mild sedative. After your procedure, your eye may feel a foreign body sensation or irritation for a few hours, but most patients are quite comfortable after taking a short nap. You will be given drops for your eyes to counteract the potential dryness you may experience for several days following the surgery.
Recovery period after Lasik Most Lasik patients usually see quite well the day following their procedure and may be able to resume most of their normal daily activities, but patients with higher prescriptions may recover more slowly. Although the speed of visual recovery depends on personal healing patterns, most patients notice dramatic visual results within the first few days following their procedure.
What are the risks from Lasik surgery? There are very few risks with the laser vision correction procedure. However, the chances of having a vision reducing complication have been documented in a number of clinical studies to be minimal. Do not forget that millions of people have had excellent results from laser vision correction.
LASIK Eye Surgery — A Practical Guide to Laser Vision Correction
August 7, 2009 by admin
Filed under Non Fiction
Louis Zhang asked:
LASIK eye surgery is a procedure that treats nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. LASIK stands for Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis.
A laser or a surgical blade is used to cut a flap in the cornea. Then, a laser removes tissue beneath the flap, permanently changing the focusing power of the cornea, thereby improving vision.
Laser eye surgery is relatively painless, quick and convenient. There are two surgical methods from which to choose.
Do your research, ask lots of questions and follow all of the surgeon’s directives both prior to and following the lasik procedure to improve its effectiveness.
The Lasik Procedure In order to access the stroma, the surgeon cuts a flap in the upper portion of the cornea, right above the pupil. Numbing drops are put into the eye, the cornea is marked to aid in replacing the flap, and then the eye area is cleaned.
A lid speculum holds the eye open. High pressure is applied to the eye with a suction ring that is briefly placed directly on the eye. Then the flap is cut. This is called a keratectomy, which may be done by either of two methods.
The time-tested way uses a microkeratome, a cutting instrument or blade. The newer method of cutting the flap is by “laser-only” or femtosecond lasik, sometimes known by the brand name “IntraLase”.
After the suction ring is removed, both lasik methods are nearly identical.
The corneal flap is folded back, and the exposed tissue is allowed to dry. Then, the patient is asked to stare at a light for about sixty seconds to help keep the eye fixed and immobile.
In less than one minute, the lasik computer pulses high-energy ultraviolet light removing the tissue that was previously determined to reshape the cornea most effectively and accurately.
The lasik laser makes clicking sounds, and there may be a smell of burning tissue. After very precise amounts of tissue are removed from the stroma, the surgeon lays the flap back into place. The eye is observed for a few minutes to make sure that proper bonding is taking place.
After Lasik Eye Surgery Once the surgery is complete, a protective shield is placed over the eye, to prevent pressure and anything from bumping the eye. Since there are no stitches in lasik surgery, these precautions must be taken to ensure that the flap remains in place.
Some patients return to work the next day, but most doctors recommend that you wait a few days. Strenuous activity, and non-contact sports should be avoided for up to three days.
Facial products and makeup are out for up to two weeks. The eyelashes may need to be scrubbed fairly often during this time to help prevent infection.
No contact sports are allowed for at least four weeks. Expect to leave off swimming, hot tubs, whirlpools and saunas for up to eight weeks.
Expected Outcomes from Lasik Most lasik patients see huge improvements in their vision by the next day. Vision may continue to improve for three to six months post-operatively. While visual fluctuations may occur temporarily throughout the day, this tendency diminishes over time.
Lasik eye surgery is not for everyone. Most good candidates follow their surgeon’s pre and post-operative directives faithfully. They find their vision, and therefore their lifestyle, greatly enhanced by this laser procedure.
LASIK eye surgery is a procedure that treats nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. LASIK stands for Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis.
A laser or a surgical blade is used to cut a flap in the cornea. Then, a laser removes tissue beneath the flap, permanently changing the focusing power of the cornea, thereby improving vision.
Laser eye surgery is relatively painless, quick and convenient. There are two surgical methods from which to choose.
Do your research, ask lots of questions and follow all of the surgeon’s directives both prior to and following the lasik procedure to improve its effectiveness.
The Lasik Procedure In order to access the stroma, the surgeon cuts a flap in the upper portion of the cornea, right above the pupil. Numbing drops are put into the eye, the cornea is marked to aid in replacing the flap, and then the eye area is cleaned.
A lid speculum holds the eye open. High pressure is applied to the eye with a suction ring that is briefly placed directly on the eye. Then the flap is cut. This is called a keratectomy, which may be done by either of two methods.
The time-tested way uses a microkeratome, a cutting instrument or blade. The newer method of cutting the flap is by “laser-only” or femtosecond lasik, sometimes known by the brand name “IntraLase”.
After the suction ring is removed, both lasik methods are nearly identical.
The corneal flap is folded back, and the exposed tissue is allowed to dry. Then, the patient is asked to stare at a light for about sixty seconds to help keep the eye fixed and immobile.
In less than one minute, the lasik computer pulses high-energy ultraviolet light removing the tissue that was previously determined to reshape the cornea most effectively and accurately.
The lasik laser makes clicking sounds, and there may be a smell of burning tissue. After very precise amounts of tissue are removed from the stroma, the surgeon lays the flap back into place. The eye is observed for a few minutes to make sure that proper bonding is taking place.
After Lasik Eye Surgery Once the surgery is complete, a protective shield is placed over the eye, to prevent pressure and anything from bumping the eye. Since there are no stitches in lasik surgery, these precautions must be taken to ensure that the flap remains in place.
Some patients return to work the next day, but most doctors recommend that you wait a few days. Strenuous activity, and non-contact sports should be avoided for up to three days.
Facial products and makeup are out for up to two weeks. The eyelashes may need to be scrubbed fairly often during this time to help prevent infection.
No contact sports are allowed for at least four weeks. Expect to leave off swimming, hot tubs, whirlpools and saunas for up to eight weeks.
Expected Outcomes from Lasik Most lasik patients see huge improvements in their vision by the next day. Vision may continue to improve for three to six months post-operatively. While visual fluctuations may occur temporarily throughout the day, this tendency diminishes over time.
Lasik eye surgery is not for everyone. Most good candidates follow their surgeon’s pre and post-operative directives faithfully. They find their vision, and therefore their lifestyle, greatly enhanced by this laser procedure.
