When a laser light is projected onto a patients retina, a wavefront is created by the reflection back out of the eye. This reflected light can be measured and analyzed by computers, creating a unique waveprint of your eye. Originally developed for use in high-powered telescopes, this amazing new technology produces a "fingerprint" of your eyes vision, measuring the eyes errors with an accuracy that is 25 times higher than conventional measurements. This individualized representation of your optical system is used by Dr. Ply to create a customized treatment that is unique to you, and provides an even higher percentage of patients that achieve 20/20 vision or better, and even higher patient satisfactions. For more information about wavefront technology, please click here. Dr. Ply is the only local ophthalmologist to offer this most advanced technology.
Laser in-Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK)
LASIK treats refractive errors by removing corneal tissue just beneath the surface of the cornea. This procedure combines the accuracy of the excimer laser with the benefits of Lamellar Keratoplasty (LK).
With LASIK, a microkeratome is used to create a flap of corneal tissue. The excimer laser then removes the proper amounts of corneal tissue with much greater accuracy. How much tissue removed is controlled by the number of pulses and the size and shape of the laser beam. The thin flap of corneal tissue is then placed back into its original position where it bonds after only a few minutes of drying. No stitches or eye patches are required after the procedure.
Visual recovery is typically quite rapid following LASIK, and patients report little or no post-operative pain. LASIK treats low to very high levels
of refractive errors, both with or without astigmatism.
At Atlantic Eye, you can be assured of receiving the most up-to-date advancements, as we are committed to providing patients with the benefits of the latest technology and most advanced techniques.
Advanced Surface Ablation (ASA)
ASA treats refractive errors by removing tissue from the surface of the cornea, without creation of a flap, as in LASIK. First, your eye is
numbed using numbed using a topical, or eye drop anesthesia. Then, the surgeon removes the epithelium, a thin layer of protective skin that
covers the cornea.This may be done with either a corneal brush, ethonal or the excimer laser. During the actual procedure, the patient stares
at a
fixation light. In less than a minute, the laser removes the proper amount of tissue while it reshapes the surface of the cornea.
Oftentimes
a medication called mitomycin is applied to affect healing and promote clarity. After ASA, a bandage contact lens is placed on the eye to aid
in healing. Because the epithelium was removed, patients may experience blurry vision for three to five days and some mild discomfort until
the epithelium heals and covers the treated area. Eye drops, pain relievers and a bandage contact lens are effective in reducing any
post-operative discomfort. Final visual results may be fully realized anywhere from several days to a few weeks or more as the surface heals in accordance to each individual's healing tendencies. ASA is available to treat low to high amounts of nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. Today, most patients can choose LASIK or ASA depending upon their individual situation.
Are You A Candidate For Laser Vision Correction?
In general, the ideal patient has a healthy cornea, and must not have had a significant change in their prescription in the last year. People
with certain medical conditions, eye disease that is not under control, or pregnant women may not be good candidates, and in general
patients need to be 18 years of age or older.
Realistic Expectations
The decision to have Laser Vision Correction is an important one that ultimately, only you can make. It is important that you have realistic expectations and that your decision is based on facts, not hopes or misconceptions. In general, 95% of patients will achieve 20/30 or better
vision without glasses. The goal of any refractive surgical procedure is to reduce your dependence on corrective lenses. Many patients do
achieve 20/20 vision or better, but Laser Vision Correction does not always create 20/20 or even 20/30 vision. It cannot correct a condition
known as presbyopia, or aging of the eye, that normally occurs around age 40 and may require the use of reading glasses. In fact, people over 40 who have their nearsightedness reduced with surgery may find they need reading glasses after the procedure. "Monovision" is an option
that many patients over the age of 40 choose, which does allow close (near) vision without glasses. Atlantic Eye will provide you with
additional information that will allow you to make an informed decision.
