Frequently Asked Questions
Why IntraLase?
How does IntraLase change the LASIK procedure?
Is this the same as the customized procedure I have heard so much about?
How do the visual outcomes using IntraLase compare with those of traditional LASIK with a microkeratome?
Is IntraLase safer?
Is traditional LASIK unsafe?
I have seen several advertisements for "All-Laser LASIK." Is this IntraLase?
Is IntraLase more expensive?
How much do you charge?
How do I know if I am a candidate?
Does insurance cover LASIK?
Is the LASIK procedure painful?
Can I drive myself home after my procedure?
Why IntraLase?
LASIK (Laser Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis) has proven to be a very successful procedure, freeing millions of the daily dependence on glasses and contact lenses. Yet, while LASIK complications are rare, all surgery carries some degree of risk. Now, advances in laser technology have made it possible to significantly reduce the majority of LASIK complications. This advancement is known as IntraLase.
IntraLase is the first blade-free laser technology for performing the critical first step in the LASIK procedure: creating the corneal flap. Prior to IntraLase, this first step was done manually using a hand-held device with an oscillating metal razor blade, called a microkeratome.
IntraLase eliminates severe sight-threatening complications seen with the microkeratome, improving safety and precision while providing predictably better visual results for the patient. IntraLase is the most sophisticated and accurate technology for corneal flap creation available today and has given many patients greater confidence and assurance in choosing laser vision correction.
How does IntraLase change the LASIK procedure?
LASIK is actually a two-step process. In the first step, the surgeon creates a flap of corneal tissue and folds it back to prepare the eye for the second step, where an excimer laser is used on the inner cornea to correct vision. This two-step process allows for rapid visual recovery with little or no patient discomfort.
Traditionally, the corneal flap was created with a hand-held microkeratome blade. While this method has worked well over the years, the performance of these devices can be unpredictable and are frequently the source of a majority of LASIK complications.
With IntraLase, the surgeon uses the precision of a computer-guided laser to create the corneal flap. IntraLase delivers micron-level accuracy over 100 times greater than that of a microkeratome , giving the surgeon more control during the procedure and the ability to establish precise dimensions and thickness of the corneal flap, factors which are critical to a successful LASIK outcome.
This level of precision is unparalleled by any other technology in vision correction surgery. IntraLase allows surgeons to tailor the corneal flap for each individual patient, and each individual eye. Because of its consistent accuracy, IntraLase may make LASIK a viable option even for patients who previously didn't qualify, such as those with thin corneas.
Is this the same as the customized procedure I have heard so much about?
No. Custom LASIK generally refers to individualized visual diagnosis with technology called "wavefront," which allows for customized treatment with the excimer laser. Advocate Illinois Masonic Vision Correction Center offers the CustomCorneaź system. The most exciting part is that while the patient has the opportunity for an optimized visual result, it can be done with unprecedented safety and precision.
Every patient's eyes are different and therefore need to be evaluated independently and treated uniquely. Now all steps of the laser vision correction procedure may be personalized to the individual: custom diagnosis with wavefront, personalized flap creation with IntraLase, and custom laser vision correction with custom ablation.
How do the visual outcomes using IntraLase compare with those of traditional LASIK with a microkeratome?
Clinical studies confirm that patients see better following IntraLase-initiated LASIK than with the hand-held microkeratome blade.
- More patients achieve 20/20 or better vision with IntraLase-initiated LASIK.
- Patients stating a preference preferred the post-operative vision of their IntraLase-treated eye
3-to-1 over their blade-treated eye.
- IntraLase creates fewer high- and low-order aberrations, thought to be associated with glare and halos at night.
- IntraLase patients have a reduced incidence of post-operative dry eye symptoms.
- IntraLase patients required fewer enhancement procedures following LASIK
- The precision of the IntraLase flap significantly reduces the incidence of post-operative induced astigmatism as compared with a microkeratome-created flap.
Is IntraLase safer?
Yes. IntraLase improves the safety, precision and visual results of LASIK, whether you choose to have a standard or custom procedure.
This is a result of the superior precision provided by the computer-guided IntraLase laser, as compared to that of a hand-held microkeratome, which houses a metal razor blade that cuts across the cornea to create the flap. In comparison, IntraLase uses the precision of a beam of light to create a laser flap without traveling across the cornea, virtually eliminating severe sight-threatening complications as a result.
Its precision is the source of its safety. Accuracy of flap thickness has been demonstrated at +/- 10 microns.* Precise flap thickness is critical to a successful LASIK outcome, and IntraLase flaps feature a consistent thickness from edge to edge. This degree of accuracy is unprecedented in flap creation technology to date.
Flap stability is also an important factor, as the consequences of flap slippage can be quite problematic. IntraLase flaps provide added assurance and peace of mind for many patients.
*Data on file, IntraLase Corp.
Is traditional LASIK unsafe?
No, but IntraLase reduces the risk of complications reported with the microkeratome and has given many patients more confidence in choosing laser vision correction.
I have seen several advertisements for "All-Laser LASIK." Is this IntraLase?
Maybe. Contrary to popular belief, LASIK is not an "all-laser" procedure, due to the use of the microkeratome blade. Only LASIK procedures that use IntraLase can be considered "all-laser."
Your doctor can explain the difference between other procedures that may be advertised as "all laser," such as LASEK, PRK or epi-LASIK - all of which are surface ablation procedures. Because they are performed without creating a corneal flap, these procedures generally require longer healing time and frequently involve more discomfort and a delay in visual recovery.
Is IntraLase more expensive?
Yes. Most patients agree that the added level of safety, assurance and predictably better vision offered by IntraLase is worth the incremental cost. IntraLase surgeons are leaders in the field of ophthalmology who continually evaluate advances in technology. They've determined that the IntraLase is the most sophisticated and accurate system available today for flap creation and have invested in the technology to sustain their leadership in patient care.
How much do you charge?
The prices for vision correction procedures vary, depending on the type of procedure your physician recommends and based on whether your medical plan, vision plan or union plan covers vision correction procedures or offers discounts. After the complete consultation, your physician will recommend the appropriate procedure and will be able to give you the price.
How do I know if I am a candidate?
LASIK is largely a safe procedure that has helped millions of people worldwide. The guidelines were created to help potential candidates make an educated decision about whether the procedure is best for them. The Eye Surgery Education Council of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) has provided a set of screening guidelines to inform consumers about the criteria they should meet before deciding to have the procedure.
The ideal candidate meets all of these criteria:
- Is over age 18 with a stable prescription for glasses or contact lenses for at least two years
- Has corneas (the clear outer covering of the eye) that have sufficient thickness to allow the creation of the corneal flap
- Is affected by one of the common types of vision problems or refractive errors: myopia (nearsightedness), astigmatism (blurred vision caused by an irregularly shaped cornea), hyperopia (farsightedness) or a combination of two of the three.
- Has nearsightedness up to minus-12 diopters, astigmatism up to 6 diopters or farsightedness up to plus-6 diopters
- Has no other diseases or conditions -- vision-related or otherwise -- that might reduce the effectiveness of the surgery or the patient's ability to heal properly and quickly
- Is fully informed about the surgery's benefits and risks, and that they may still need to wear glasses or contacts
- Has thoroughly discussed the benefits and risks with their physicians
The less-than-ideal candidate can still undergo the procedure, but factors may exist that preclude a candidate from having the best outcome. They may still choose LASIK but must understand the risks. The less-than-ideal candidate meets the following criteria:
- Has a history of dry eyes, which the surgery may seriously worsen
- Is being treated with steroids or other medications that suppress the immune system or delay healing, or has other diseases (such as diabetes or autoimmune disorders) that do the same
- Has a scarred cornea
Those who should postpone:
There may be factors that prevent potential candidates from having the surgery immediately, but that don't necessarily preclude them from having it in the future. This group includes anyone who:
- Is under age 18
- Has an eyeglass prescription that has changed in the past two years
- Is pregnant or nursing
- Had ocular herpes within the last year
People who are not a candidate include:
- Those with cataracts, glaucoma, corneal diseases or a thin cornea or certain other diseases that affect vision.
- Those with unrealistic expectations. Candidates must understand there is a risk of serious vision-altering side effects.
Every potential candidate must undergo comprehensive eye exams that could rule out surgery. Ensure your exam includes:
- A history of vision, including past eye disease or injury, and amount of correction needed.
- A discussion of contact lens use. Contacts change the cornea's shape, and thus cannot be worn for at least three days, and sometimes for several months, before LASIK.
- Mapping the cornea's shape and thickness. Reshaping a cornea that is too thin or has too few cells lining its back surface can seriously harm vision. Irregularities in shape also can produce poor outcomes. Accurate shape measurements are vital to determining how much correction to attempt and where to aim the laser.
- Measuring pupil size in both dim light and room light. People with large pupils are more prone to glare and other problems, particularly with night vision, after surgery.
- Dilating the eye to examine the retina, optic nerve and surrounding blood vessels for disease. Other exams must ensure eye muscles, eyelids and the eye's outer surface are healthy, and rule out cataracts and glaucoma.
Does insurance cover LASIK?
No, most insurances do not cover this procedure. Although you can bring in your insurance card and our office can verify any coverage or discount that your insurance may offer.
Is the LASIK procedure painful?
No, LASIK procedure is not painful. You may experience some discomfort during the procedure while that Intralase portion is done but you should not have any pain.
Can I drive myself home after my procedure?
No you can not drive yourself home. Your vision will be as if looking underwater. You will need to have someone take you home.
|
