LASIK | Laser Vision Surgery

LASIK (Laser-Assisted-In-Situ Keratomileusis) is currently one of the most frequently performed elective procedures in the United States. It is a highly effective outpatient procedure used to correct most ranges of nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. The lifestyle benefits can be tremendous for active and social people. These benefits can enable people to more freely pursue their hobbies, sports activities, or career options.

Achieving an excellent visual outcome is dependent on the right choice of treatment and technology, which is why Advanced Laser Vision and Surgical Institute utilizes iLASIK. iLASIK is the most premium LASIK procedure available in the world, with results that are uniquely precise, safe and effective. LASIK combines the advanced WaveScan® system to capture an in-depth evaluation of your eyes, the innovative blade-free Intralase method to create the flap, and the sophisticated VISX Star S4 Excimer Laser system to reshape the cornea. These state-of-the-art technology options, along with our extensive surgical expertise, create an advantage that offers each LASIK patient increased predictability, a safer procedure, and a more precise visual outcome. This new combination of technology is also approved by NASA, the military, and law enforcement - attributing to LASIK's results.

Understanding LASIK
LASIK surgery corrects or greatly improves three common refractive errors in vision: myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness) and astigmatism (irregular curvature of the cornea). In each of these conditions, light entering the eye through the cornea and lens fails to focus properly on the back of the eye (the retina). The result is blurred vision. LASIK reshapes the cornea and restores good eyesight without the need for glasses or contact lenses.

LASIK Candidates
One of the biggest advantages of LASIK eye surgery is that it is safe and effective for the majority of adults. LASIK patients must be at least 18 years old to ensure that the eye has developed fully. The candidate's vision must have been stable for at least one year before eye surgery, with no eye infection or injury during that time. If there is scarring on the cornea, LASIK is not a good option.

In order to be a good candidate for LASIK, the patient cannot have an autoimmune disorder or a history of herpes infections in the eye. Women who are pregnant or nursing should wait to have eye surgery until after pregnancy and nursing are complete. Individuals with pupils that dilate beyond seven millimeters should explore other eye surgery options, as LASIK will not work well for them.

LASIK Screening
During your FREE LASIK screening, we will perform comprehensive testing to make sure that pursuing LASIK is appropriate you. iLASIK Patient

A medical and eye history will be taken and several tests will be performed, including:

Once the pre-operative testing is complete, you will meet with a LASIK Counselor to schedule your procedure and discuss fees and payment options.

The First Step
The first step in the LASIK procedure is to perform a series of tests to determine the individual characteristics of your vision, including the use of our CustomVue WaveScanT technology. The CustomVue WaveScan system creates a 3-D map of the unique imperfections of your eyes. The CustomVue WavePrint Map provides a precise, more detailed analysis of the way your entire optical system operates. With the CustomVue WavePrint Map, Dr. Lipsky can create a detailed understanding of your vision correction needs for the development of your personalized laser vision plan. The CustomVue WaveScan Wavefront® System acts as the guidance system for our VISX Star S4 Excimer Laser. This allows Dr. Lipsky to provide you with laser vision corrections based on measurements 25 times more accurate than are possible with any system used to produce glasses or contact lenses. The final result is a treatment as unique as your DNA or your fingerprint.

Day of Surgery
The LASIK procedure is quick, safe, and generally described as pain-free. The eye surgery itself typically takes no more than 15 minutes, though the whole process takes about an hour. On the day of the procedure, your unique correction information is transferred directly from the CustomVue WaveScan to the VISX Star S4 Excimer Laser. You will receive a mild oral sedative to help you relax, but you will remain alert and comfortable during the procedure. Before the procedure, we will administer numbing eye drops to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure. You will lie on a table beneath the laser equipment during the procedure. Each eye will be treated individually while being held open by a speculum.

LASIK Surgery Is A Two-Step Process
Step 1 Dr. Lipsky creates a tiny-hinged flap in the surface of the cornea -- a minute window that allows access to the inner eye. LASIK surgery utilizes the IntraLase Laser which is a new state of the art femtosecond laser treatment that creates the LASIK corneal flap by using a blade-free computerized laser technique. With the IntraLase Method, tiny pulses of laser light pass harmlessly through the outer surface of the cornea, forming a uniform layer of microscopic bubbles just under the surface. Dr. Lipsky determines the exact dimensions of the bubble layer and this is all computer controlled for maximum precision. He is then able to gently separate the layers, creating the flap.

iLASIK Procedure

Step 2 Dr. Lipsky lifts the corneal flap, the 3-D Auto-Tracker is engaged, and Iris Registration is confirmed. After this confirmation, the actual laser vision correction is performed. The cornea is reshaped in a way that is uniquely safe and predictable, employing the Advanced CustomVue WaveScan method on the VISX Star S4 Excimer Laser. When this reshaping is complete after several seconds of treatment, the flap is gently replaced in its original position, where it literally "locks" back into place due to its precise shape, and your eye heals very quickly over the next several hours.

After Surgery
Once the LASIK procedure is completed, you are advised to go home and rest, keeping your eyes closed as much as possible for the remainder of the day. Antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, and lubricating eye drops will be prescribed. Activities that strain the eyes - reading and computer - should be avoided for 24-48 hours. You may watch TV or movies after six hours. You will have a follow-up appointment the day after surgery.

While each person's comfort level may differ, you may experience mild side effects that include tearing, sensitivity to bright lights and a feeling of "scratchiness". Your vision may be somewhat hazy at first, but over time, these side effects should disappear. You can enjoy your normal activities with dramatically improved vision!

Our office offers free evaluations for this procedure and our staff will discuss refractive options with you.

Our pricing is all inclusive and includes pre operative and post operative care, all facility fees, and surgeon fees.

Ask about our cash discount.

Please call our office at (281) 464-9616 to schedule your appointment today.