Procedures   What Makes the Excimer Laser Unique? The excimer laser is a computer-controlled ultraviolet beam of light that sculpts the cornea into the shape that is required to bring light to focus more directly onto the retina, thereby reducing or eliminating a variety of refractive errors, without creating any scar tissue. The excimer laser was invented in the early 1980's and has undergone numerous clinical trials since that time to refine its use and determine its safety and effectiveness. The excimer laser is now routinely used around the world to treat nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism, and is FDA approved. Several improvements in laser design, software, and microkeratome technology have taken place since its first introduction.   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.   Wavefront Lasik 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. Dr. Ply is the only local ophthalmologist to offer this most advanced technology.   For more information about wavefront technology, please click here.   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.   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.   Cataract Surgery Cataract surgery removes the clouded crystalline lens (cataract) inside the eye, clearing the path for light rays entering the eye. It is among the most highly perfected, safe, and successful operations in all of medicine. More than 2.5 million cataract operations are performed in this country every year.Intraocular lens implantation at the time of cataract surgery aids visual correction. During surgery, a small incision is made and a folded polished plastic lens is inserted and implanted into the eye to allow the eye to focus light. To date, more than 500 million IOLs have been implanted worldwide.Modern cataract surgery is performed under local or eye drop anesthesia supplemented with only minimal sedation. The procedure is painless and with Dr. Ply surgical time is usually less than fifteen minutes. In most cases Dr. Ply performs cataract surgery that does not require injections, sutures, or patches. Dr. Ply performs his cataract surgery at Atlantic Surgery Center at our clinic location in Murrells Inlet. Recently, Dr. Ply was awarded a “Center of Excellence” for cataract surgery and for the Crystalens Implant, and is the only center in South Carolina to receive this award.     Diabetes/Macular Degeneration Diabetes, macular degeneration, and other retinal disorders can slowly progress unknowingly, resulting in a loss of precious sight. Regular dilated eye exams are paramount to early detection. Early treatment of these diseases is so critical to maintaining good vision, that every patient at Atlantic Eye is screened for them. We will discuss with you what you can do to slow down these degenerative conditions. Laser surgery is often effective at reversing or halting progression of these conditionss as well.   Non-Laser Refractive Procedures   Refractive Lens Exchange See above paragraph on cataract surgery and RLE.   Implantable Contact Lenses (Phakic IOL's) These are very small biocompatible lenses designed to be placed permanently inside the eye to correct larger degrees of near and farsightedness. A laser iridotomy is performed in the clinic to help insure that placement of the lens will not cause blockage of fluids that flow in the front chamber of the eye. The lens implant is a simple outpatient procedure, and is removable at a later date if needed. Recovery of vision is typically very rapid.   Dr. Ply is currently offering this recently FDA approved procedure on site. It has been performed in Europe and Canada for years, with excellent results. We offer both the Verisyse and Artisan implantable contact lenses.   The First Step Finding out more about the health of your eye and your refractive error is your first step toward visual independence. This is accomplished by calling Atlantic Eye at 843-651-8200, and scheduling a personal consultation with Dr. Ply. You can discuss your individual situation and needs with Dr. Ply, at no cost to you, at your free consultation. A comprehensive eye exam can be scheduled if you have already made the decision to have your eyes corrected.