LASIK

Do your homework

Perhaps more than ever before, education is critical for patients who seek solutions for their vision problems. Flooded by media hype regarding new and exciting ways to correct vision through laser surgery, many people rush to a LASIK seminar only to find they are pressured into scheduling surgery by taking advantage of discount coupons, or “special offers”. Other offices frequently use out-of-town doctors who can’t provide follow-up care if an emergency or complication occurs. At Chico Eye Center, we don’t feel your eyes should be treated like inventory. They are one of the most valuable things you have. All patients should take the time necessary to explore the options and get the facts . We hope to help you accomplish this by having you attend one of our seminars, or by making an appointment with our LASIK coordinator. It’s important to find out what’s right for you.

Patients who elect LASIK surgery with Chico Eye Center receive the best service, newest technology, and quality care, from the educational process through the surgery and including the follow up care provided. Each patient has a chance to meet and develop a confidence with their surgeon, from patient education, personal consults and pre-op counseling. Developing a feeling of trust and a confident rapport can make all the difference for many people who, understandably, will feel vulnerable during the procedure. When your surgery is over, you can be secure in the knowledge that your surgeon will be there should any need arise.

2008 LASIK Seminars

For more information, please call our LASIK coordinator at (530) 895-1727, or email us at info@chicoeye.com.

» January 22, 2008
» February 26, 2008
» March 25, 2008
» April 22, 2008
» May 27, 2008
» June 24, 2008
» July 22, 2008
» August 26, 2008
» September 23, 2008
» October 28, 2008
» November 25, 2008
» December (no seminar)

LASIK Surgery
(Laser In Situ Keratomileusis)

For some patients, LASIK may be the best way to achieve clear and more natural vision. This procedure had its origins back in the 1960's and has evolved over the years. LASIK is the procedure of choice for the vast majority of patients. The current technique involves both the use of both conventional and laser surgery to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.

The keratome is used to create the corneal flap.

In performing LASIK, the surgeon first uses a special instrument called a keratome that makes a partial cut through the front surface of the cornea with extreme precision. This creates a flap of clear tissue over the central part of the eye.

The patient is then positioned under the excimer laser which is programmed to vaporize away some of the internal corneal tissue under the flap.

The corneal flap is lifted and the laser removes the selected tissue.

Central tissue is removed to change the curvature and correct nearsightedness. Astigmatism is  corrected by removing selected tissue to even out the curvature of the cornea. In addition, farsightedness is corrected by making the central part of the cornea steeper to better focus light on the retina. After the laser has removed the selected tissue, the flap is gently replaced over the eye. The cornea has extraordinary natural bonding qualities that allow effective healing without the use of stitches.

The corneal flap is carefully repositioned following the procedure.

The physicians at Chico Eye Center offer the newest development in LASIK surgery, which is “CustomVue WaveFront” technology. Because your eyes are unique, like a fingerprint, it’s now possible to “map” them much the same way. This “map,” like a blueprint, is then used to customize your LASIK procedure with the greatest  precision  possible. This new technology, along with our VISX Star S4 laser  includes ActiveTrack (infrared eye tracking to maintain centration and fixation even if the patient moves their eye) along with Iris Recognition (orients the laser and compensates for any rotational movement of the eye) to ensure the highest degree of safety, the fewest side effects and the best overall vision. During the procedure, patients remain awake with only the designated eye anesthetized with drops. Good vision is often possible on the day following the surgery. Prescription eye drops are used for approximately one week. Lubricating drops need to be used longer. Protective eye shields are recommended while sleeping during the first several nights to protect the flap.

The first LASIK procedure was done in 1990 in Italy and Greece. The first US procedure was done in 1991, but was not FDA approved in the US until 1998.

Risks and Side Effects

LASIK is a proven and safe surgical technique. However, as with any surgical procedure there are certain risks that prospective patients need to be aware of. Although most surgeries proceed without incident, your surgeon will discuss possible risks, including but not limited to those listed below.

Operative Risks:

• Damage to the flap - The creation of a perfect flap is necessary before we will proceed with a LASIK procedure. If there is a problem with the flap, the procedure will be aborted. The flap needs to be repositioned and allowed to heal for at least 90 days, at which time the procedure can be repeated.

Post-Operative Risks:

• Infection - very rare and usually controlled with medications.
• Epithelial growth underneath the flap - can usually be solved by lifting the flap and gently removing these tissue cells.
• Increased or decreased response to surgery - surgery can usually be modified by lifting the flap and removing more tissue with the laser.
• Possible risk of a decrease in best (spectacle) vision.
• Glare, halos, starbursts - usually temporary
• Dry eye sensation - usually temporary