The procedure for wavefront lasik eye surgery.

The procedure for wavefront lasik eye surgery.

Let's walk through what a client experiences when attending a Lasik center for a Wavefront Lasik procedure.  The procedure itself generally only takes between five and ten minutes for each eye in total, and both eyes are done during the same procedure.  The actual time to reshape the eye with the Lasik excimer laser is usually less than 15 seconds per eye.

Any person's vision problems are generated by small "aberrations" within the eye that prevents the light from focusing objects as they should.  The Lasik equipment locates and classifies these aberrations and then processes them so that the Lasik physician will correct these and allow the light to focus properly once the eye has healed.

In a Wavefront Lasik procedure, the patient stares at one point while a light is sent into the eye, which is reflected back and read by a Lasik Wavefront sensor.  The distortions in this reflected light are mapped using a small computer within the Lasik system, and then this information is used to guide the laser that treats the eye.
Once the light creates the map for the eye, the Lasik surgeon has to create a small flap to access the cornea.  This is done using a laser (this type of Lasik procedure is known as IntraLasik, or bladeless Lasik) or a small blade known as a microkeratome.

This flap is then opened to allow the cornea to be reshaped by the Lasik system.The excimer laser actually reshapes the cornea, which is the crucial part of the Lasik procedure.  In order to determine exactly how to reshape it, the map created earlier by the Wavefront sensor is used to direct the beam of light accurately.  The Lasik physician uses these precise tools to get the clearest vision results possible.

This custom Lasik procedure can not only correct such standard problems as nearsightedness, but can also address aberrations that create light halos, glare, haze, or starburst patterns.  Once the Lasik physician determines that all relevant aberrations have been eliminated, he replaces the flap in its proper position, where it adheres normally and will heal naturally.

As mentioned earlier, this entire Lasik process takes between ten and fifteen minutes per eye.  A patient gets a mild sedative and eye numbing drops to make the procedure both relaxing and painless.  Most people notice an improvement in vision due to Lasik almost immediately.

Once the Lasik procedure is finished, you will get some eye drop medication to lubricate and protect your eyes.  This medication (and the liquid in the drops themselves) may cause some blurring, and so for this reason (and to avoid any eyestrain) you should arrange for someone else to drive you home.  It is also a good idea to go to sleep as soon as possible after the Lasik operation in order to promote even faster healing.

To promote optimal healing the Lasik physician often gives a plastic shield to wear over your eyes for the first night or two.  Follow closely any recommendations by the Lasik physician. Do further investigation into this great new Lasik procedure, and get a clearer focus on your future!    

The Facts About Intra Lasik Eye Surgery

The Facts About Intra Lasik Eye Surgery

Now that Lasik vision correction surgery has been accepted for a number of years, there are several popular options for the procedure.  One of these is IntraLasik, or Intralase, or bladeless Lasik.  As the name implies, there is no cutting of the eye with a blade, instead the flap in the eye is made using a laser.  Since bladeless Lasik is a newer procedure, there are a number of opinions around about how well this procedure works.  Let's look at several of these and determine which of these are true or false.

First, more Lasik clients get 20/20 vision or better using IntraLasik.  Any Lasik procedure cannot guarantee perfect vision for every client, though more than 90% get results to at least 20/40 vision.  However, it is true that the new techniques of IntraLasik do get even better statistics for giving clients clear vision.

Some are concerned that the laser that makes the corneal flap is standard, and cannot be tailored to each individual eye like can be done by the Lasik surgeon when using a blade.  This is not true.  The Lasik physician has control over the use of the laser for each individual in the same way that he can control the microkeratome blade.

IntraLasik can be used for both a standard and a custom Lasik procedure.  This is true.  Custom Lasik procedures using Wavefront technology (another somewhat recent advance in Lasik vision correction) can easily be used with a laser making the initial flap.  This custom Lasik procedure, though more costly, is of great benefit for people with unusual eye shapes or problems.

Some have heard that using the laser is less accurate than the standard Lasik procedure.  This is not true, since lasers can be controlled to micron level accuracy.  This gives the Lasik physician extreme control to create exactly the flap needed for this particular individual eye: the precise size, shape, and depth for successful completion of the Lasik procedure.  

Another common fallacy is that IntraLase has not been around long enough for trusted Lasik physicians to have confidence in it.  On the contrary, many of the most honored Lasik physicians strongly endorse IntraLase due to the track record of very good results from the Lasik procedures.  In addition, the quality of the machines and the precision that they give these Lasik physicians is very impressive.  Many of the top flight Lasik doctors recommend this as a procedure of choice, assuming cost is not a significant variable in the decision of which Lasik procedure to use.

Similar to the objection above, some people think that Intralase is not a sufficiently test Lasik procedure option.  On the contrary, more than one million of these procedures have been performed, and the impressive track record for this Lasik procedure has been discussed above.  More and more Lasik physicians are trained in this option, and we will see many more such Lasik procedures in the future.

We hope that this discussion of bladeless Lasik has given more accurate information to those considering this Lasik technique.  Please discuss this option with the professionals at your local Lasik center.

What is the Initial Lasik Eye Exam Like?

What is the Initial Lasik Eye Exam Like?

The first significant step before the Lasik surgery is to have a comprehensive eye examination, in order to be sure that you are a good candidate for the Lasik procedure.  A map of your eye will be created during this exam.  This map is used in order for the Lasik physician to determine how to reshape your eye to give you the clearest post-operative vision possible.

This eye exam will do several things.  Your eyes will be dilated in order to see if there are any irregularities within the eye itself.  The thickness of the cornea will be measured, and a precise map of the cornea will be generated.  The "refractive error" (or the reason why your vision isn't currently perfect) will be accurately analyzed in order for the Lasik procedure to get the best results possible.  Finally, how your eyes generate tears will be closely looked at, as good tear production is essential for the health of every eye.

Before or after these measurements, the Lasik physician will discuss your past medical history to see any previous operations or any ongoing health problems.  A few chronic conditions may make the Lasik procedure not a good option for some people, and also women currently expecting should wait for some time after delivery.  The physician also will discuss the expectations the Lasik client has about the operation and subsequent changes in their lifestyle.

Though most people pass through this Lasik eye exam with flying colors, be prepared for some suggestions or serious discussion.  Your eye map may indicate that a newer form of Lasik procedure might be better, such as one that generates a three dimensional waveform for each eye.  Tear production issues may indicate that the Lasik procedure is not the best option for you, and the Lasik physician may recommend another solution.

If all goes well and the Lasik procedure is scheduled, the physician will review the treatment plan and what the client should do to prepare for the Lasik surgery.  This plan may vary slightly between patients, but in general will look something like the schedule below.  Always follow the recommendations of your Lasik physician closely.
First, contact lenses should be avoided for several weeks prior to Lasik vision correction, since contacts can slightly affect the shape of your cornea.  It is important to let your eyes rest in order to get the most accurate Lasik vision improvement possible.  Hard contacts should be avoided for a month, soft contacts for at least two weeks.

Stop using any lotions, makeup, or anything else that could possibly get into the eye the day or two before surgery.  It is important to have your eyes as rested as possible before the Lasik operation.  Also, arrange for someone else to drive you home after the Lasik procedure itself.

These are the most common steps to prepare you for an easy and successful Lasik procedure.  Make sure you give the doctor all information needed for your case, and follow his directions closely.  The Lasik eye surgery will give you a new outlook in life!

The Lasik eye surgery pioneer!

The Lasik eye surgery pioneer!

One of the first publicized physicians that perform the Lasik eye corrective operation was Dr. Boothe, of Dallas Texas.  He has performed the Lasik operation for a number of different clients, including members of the NFL Dallas Cowboys football team.  There are countless testimonials of how satisfied his Lasik clients were with the surgery, even a number of years later.

One of the important considerations for any doctor is kindness, and Dr Boothe's Lasik patients comment on this trait after their procedures.  They all agree that Dr.  Boothe made them feel very relaxed about the procedure, and took time to answer any and all questions that they might have.  This is especially important with the Lasik process, as eye health is crucially important, and confidence in the doctor makes considering the Lasik option much more feasible.

Dr. Boothe became a specialist of the eye, and especially the cornea, in 1987.

He has performed more than 80,000 Lasik laser vision corrections in that time.  He has also contributed to the field of expanding Lasik practice, with the new VISX three dimensional wavefront procedures.  These procedures are especially useful for those people with unusual configurations of their eyes.

One of the other newer Lasik procedures uses only the laser, instead of the usual Lasik operation using both scalpel and laser.  He is the leader in the performance of this field, and has done more than 45,000 of these operations.  This type of Lasik procedure holds new promise for the field, and should be investigated by anyone considering any type of Lasik procedure.

Looking at some of Dr. Boothe's background will help prospective Lasik clients to look for a physician of similar quality in their area.  Dr.  Boothe's center itself is located in the Dallas metropolitan area, but there are many fine doctors that practice Lasik procedures in all parts of the country.  He has taught a number of other laser eye surgeons in the technique, and so one question that should be asked is where the physician received his training in the Lasik procedure, and which doctors taught the technique.

A most critical part of traditional Lasik surgery is using the microkeratome to make and lift a flap in the eye.  Dr. Boothe's love of medicine and absorption in furthering the techniques used in Lasik make him a pioneer in the field of ophthalmology.  He is board certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology, and emphasizes that any patient should check the board certification for any physician they are considering for performing the Lasik procedure in addition to standard medical certifications, such as the American Medical Association.

One reason that Dr. Boothe entered the field of Lasik surgery was because a good eye surgeon can dramatically improve the quality of life for his patients, as is attested by his many thousands of satisfied patients.  The doctor that a patient selects for the Lasik procedure should have high standards for safety, accuracy, and precision.  This should be reflected in the results and opinions of the patients that the doctor has.  Lasik can be a life improving procedure, and careful selection of a physician in the same mold as Dr. Boothe can make it much more certain.

What is Wavefront Lasik Eye Surgery ?

What is Wavefront Lasik Eye Surgery ?

The wonderful results of Lasik surgery have been improved by research adding new methods, such as Wavefront technology.  This technology gives a Lasik physician the ability to see and accurately map even slight variations in the surface of the eye.  This gives the physician the ability to more accurately tailor a Lasik operation to the individual, and result in even clearer vision.

The concept behind Wavefront technology was originally developed by astronomers, in order to indicate if a mirror or a lens had slight imperfections in it.  It is very important in astronomy to get near perfect optics in order to clearly see the small light sources million of miles away in the universe.  In the 1970s a sensor was created to electronically check these surfaces, and a type of this sensor is now used in the Wavefront guided Lasik procedures.

The idea to apply this technique, or to use this sensor, to the field of ophthalmology and later to the specific area of Lasik vision correction, was begun in Germany.  The physician Josef Bille began using the sensor in his practice, and this started others to refine the sensor and how it is used and to apply it to Lasik technology.  In 1997 the improved sensor, with greater accuracy and speed, was announced to the Lasik laser manufacturers.  This allowed the companies that manufacture the Lasik equipment to develop tools using the Wavefront concept for each of their own laser systems.

The FDA approved the first Wavefront guided Lasik vision correction system for general use.  Initially, the Wavefront sensor makes a map of the eye's imperfections, and this map is sent to the laser that is used in the Lasik vision correction portion of the operation.  This allows for precise eye alteration in order for Lasik to present the best vision correction possible.

The Wavefront technology used in Lasik can be described easily at an informal level.  A small, flat sheet of light (called a wavefront) is passed through the eye, reflected off of the retina, and passed back through the eye and is captured by the Wavefront machine.  If the eye were perfect, the light would return as a flat sheet and be captured that way by the Lasik machine.  However, any imperfections changes the way that the light returns, and this is detected by the Wavefront part of the Lasik process.

A number of these small, flat sheets of light are sent into each eye from various directions and the results returned generated a three dimensional map of the eye to be used in the Lasik vision correction process.  In addition to the commonly known problems of nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, there are more than 60 other patterns that are known and can possibly be corrected for.

All of this information generated by the Lasik sensor is converted by software into a set of directions to be carried out by the Lasik excimer laser.  Ask your doctor about this exciting advance in Lasik vision correction, and see if this procedure is right for you!

Is Lasik Eye Surgery for you?

Is Lasik Eye Surgery for you?

So many people are interested in the Lasik vision correction procedure, and want to know the benefits, the risks, and how the Lasik procedure works.  One of the first things to consider is what requirements a person should meet in order to have a successful Lasik procedure.  Though each individual case should be discussed with a qualified Lasik physician, here are some guidelines to see if you are a good candidate for Lasik vision correction.

First, the eye should be properly matured.  This means that anyone under the age of 18 really needs to wait before a Lasik procedure is done, for it is likely that the shape of their eye will continue to change for several years.  If the eye shape changes after the Lasik operation is done, the clarity of vision will be affected.  Some Lasik physicians recommend waiting until age 25 in some cases.

In addition to an age cutoff, the vision prescription for the Lasik candidate should be stable for at least one year, and preferably for longer than that.  This is for the same reason as above, that the Lasik procedure will only continue to be effective if the eye shape remains constant after surgery.

One comment about age cutoffs should be made with regard to Lasik surgery.  There is no maximum age, as many patients in their fifties to their eighties have had a very successful Lasik procedure.  The main consideration in these cases is enough tear production for successful healing and lubrication after the Lasik vision correction.

The eyes of the Lasik candidate should be healthy.  This means that any person undergoing a Lasik procedure should have had no eye infection or injury for at least a year, and must have no scarring on the cornea of the eye.  In addition, they must not have any recurring eye problem, such as a history of herpes infection in the eyes.

The medical history of a prospective Lasik client also plays an important part.  Some chronic conditions, such as autoimmune disorders like Lupus, will prevent some people from being able to schedule a Lasik procedure.  You should be very clear about any and all medical conditions that are current, or even completed ones in the past.  Also, women who are pregnant or nursing should wait to have a Lasik procedure scheduled.

A good Lasik physician will also not schedule people with dry eye syndrome for Lasik vision correction.  Having sufficient tear production is important, though for minor problems this may be aided by medication during the healing process.  In addition, those people with eyes that dilate very widely are not good candidates for Lasik. 

These are most of the most common reasons that a person should look at some other eye improvement choice other than Lasik.  Most generally healthy people with standard vision problems benefit greatly from a Lasik procedure done by a trained, professional Lasik physician.  Look for a good Lasik eye surgery center in your area and discuss your individual case in detail.

Eye Care

Eye Care

Regular eye exams are important even for people who are not having eye trouble. These are in-depth routines that are normally performed by either an Ophthalmologist or Optometrist. How often a person needs an eye exam hinges on a number of elements including age, overall health and whether or not eye disorders run in the family.

Kids with no eye trouble need only have their eyes checked out during regular visits to their pediatrician. This evaluation is ordinarily referred as a vision screening and ought happen at a minimum, every 2 years. A vision screening isn't as across-the-board as an eye exam, but it is priceless in noticing early signs of eye/vision trouble.

For grownups without eye trouble, eyes ought be tested once between the ages of 20-29, twice during the next 10 years, 2-4 times during the next 10 years and after age 65, eyes should be examined once every 1-2 years. People wearing corrective lenses should have their eyes tested annually. Those with eye disorders should work out an testing schedule with their eye doctors.

What is involved in  an eye exam

Employing a light source, an external examination ascertains that the eyes 'look' right. You will follow the doctor's pen (or other object) with your eyes to ensure the eye muscles function properly. Whilst you read the illuminated chart with letters that get smaller the further down you go, your doctor is checking out your visual acuity. If you need corrective lenses, you'll get a refractive appraisal, a test that determines how light wave bend. The outcomes of these tests help the doctor decide your prescription. He may put a Phoroptor, a device that resembles a big black mask, over your eyes in order to fine-tune these measurings.

Your peripheral vision will be screened. A slit lamp exam uses a microscope that emits a sharp ray of light to evaluate the cornea, lens and iris. The back of the eye is also analysed and lastly your eyes will be tested for glaucoma.


Differences between the eye care specialists.

Ophthalmologist vs. Optometrist

The duties and skills of an Ophthalmologist and an Optometrist are generally different, all the same just about most people erroneously use these terms interchangeably. Both professions involve eye care nonetheless the primary difference between the two is the presence of a medical degree. It's this degree that denominates an Ophthalmologist as a medical doctor who's been trained in all areas of eye care including the power to diagnose and care for eye disorders and diseases.

Ophthalmologists are qualified to perform eye surgery and they likewise know how to conduct proper eye measurements so they can precisely prescribe corrective lenses. Their training helps them administer advice for preventing blindness and also enables them to attend to those who are blind. In addition to advanced educational training, Ophthalmologists must be trained in clinical and surgical settings.

Optometrists routinely perform eye tests. During such eye examinations, Optometrists will also find out the need for, fit and prescribe corrective eyewear and/or lenses. Optometrists can likewise screen patients for certain eye disorders.