CUSTOMIZED iLASIK FAQs
Why should I consider iLASIK?
You should consider iLASIK because it is the safest, most accurate and precise method available for laser vision correction. While complications of traditional LASIK are rare, they do occur and are generally related to making the corneal flap with a keratome blade. iLASIK utilizes an all laser solution, and no blade or surgical instrument is utilized, avoiding 95% of potential risk associated with standard LASIK. The advanced, computer controlled technology of iLASIK gives patients confidence that the safest and most accurate procedure has been available at Christenbury Eye Center since January 2002.
How is iLASIK different from traditional LASIK?
LASIK is a two-step process. First, a flap of corneal tissue is made, and second, the flap is lifted and an excimer laser is used to reshape the cornea to the desired shape, then the flap is replaced.
In traditional LASIK the cornea flap is created with an oscillating mechanical keratome blade. The quality of the cornea flap, thickness, and dimensions of the flap are influenced on how each individual patient’s eye interacts with the mechanical keratome. Significant variability of the cornea flap occurs with a mechanical instrument, which is also the source of most reported LASIK complications.
With iLASIK, the IntraLase femtosecond laser is used to make the cornea flap. The dimensions of the laser created flap is software driven, flap creation is delivered in micron accuracy, and the flap is perfect every time. This not only improves the safety of the procedure, but also the precision and accuracy of vision outcomes with all laser iLASIK. The precision of iLASIK is unprecedented in laser technology. The IntraLase laser pulses 15,000 times per second, each pulse duration is 10 -15 seconds in duration, and the laser separates tissue with gentle bubbles. Studies have shown the flap thickness to be within +/- 10 microns of the desired thickness, many times more accurate than a mechanical instrument. This technology gives Dr. Christenbury unprecedented control of customizing the cornea flap for each laser vision correction and, the confidence that the cornea flap created by the laser is exactly as planned. It is a known fact from clinical studies that the precise flap dimensions are critical factor in the visual outcome in laser vision correction.
Is iLASIK safer?
Yes, in Dr. Christenbury’s experience all-laser iLASIK is far safer than traditional LASIK with a blade. The majority of sight-threatening complications possible with traditional LASIK are totally avoided, and those non-sight threatening side effects that are self-limited are markedly reduced. The reason for the safety is the micron level precision in creating the cornea flap with a laser, compared to a mechanical blade it is probably 100 times safer and more accurate than a blade.
Can iLASIK help patients that were not candidates for traditional LASIK?
Yes. In Dr. Christenbury’s experience, making a thinner and more accurate cornea flap allows some patients with thinner corneas or those with higher corrections qualify as a candidate for laser vision correction with iLASIK compared to traditional LASIK. Many of these patients were correctly told they were not candidates for traditional LASIK due to the thickness of their corneas or due to the amount of correction. Upon reevaluation, many of these same patients are excellent candidates for iLASIK.
Is iLASIK new?
The FDA approved the IntraLase laser in 2001, and Dr. Christenbury converted totally to iLASIK in January 2002. Dr. Christenbury is part of an elite group of opinion leaders in the U.S. who continually evaluate advanced technologies and adopt them into clinical practice. For more than 2 years now, he has exclusively performed iLASIK with excellent results. Dr. Christenbury has performed approximately 50,000 LASIK procedures in his career, and more than 15,000 iLASIK procedure more than any other surgeon in the world. Dr. Christenbury has trained more ophthalmologists in the use of iLASIK than any other surgeon in the world. Christenbury Eye Center has frequent visitors from clinics worldwide.
How does the iLASIK vision outcome compare to traditional LASIK?
Visual outcomes are better with iLASIK. More patients are 20/20 or better, and with WaveFront-Guided Customized iLASIK, 95% or more are 20/20 or better. A higher percentage of patients are 20/15. iLASIK is rapidly becoming known as the key ingredient to optimizing vision results in laser vision correction. Surgeons now may offer a new level of predictability to each patient in all parts of the procedure: customized diagnosis with WaveFront mapping, a custom corneal flap procedure with IntraLase, and a customized WaveFront treatment. We believe iLASIK is the essential ingredient of this strategy to obtain you best vision while maintaining the highest standards for safety and patient care.
Is an advertisement for “all laser vision correction” the same as all laser iLASIK?
No, this is probably a misrepresentation. PRK could be technically called “all laser vision correction,” but this does not involve making a cornea flap and does not utilize the precision of iLASIK. Be sure to ask for iLASIK by name. Only iLASIK offers the safety of micron level precision of a truly all-laser surgical approach. Patients must be sure that only the IntraLase FS pulsion laser is used to create the corneal flap in iLASIK.
Is iLASIK more expensive?
In general, offering the most advanced technology is costly. The two most advanced technologies offered by Christenbury Eye Center are: IntraLase laser to create the cornea flap, and WaveFront-Guided Customized vision correction. Our center has two IntraLase lasers, and all three FDA approved excimer lasers for WaveFront-Guided Customized treatments. However, because our clinic specializes in laser vision correction, our fees are highly competitive and our patients tell us the added level of safety and assurance offered by Christenbury Eye Center is well worth the cost when considering laser vision correction surgery.
Compared to the lifetime cost of glasses, contact lens, and general lens care over the course of 5-6 years, iLASIK pays for itself. Patients can eliminate glasses in most cases and have clear, natural vision. Most insurance companies do not cover laser vision correction. With easy payment options, patients can have iLASIK for as little as $50 a month.
What is LASIK?
LASIK is an outpatient surgical procedure that uses a cool laser beam to reshape the surface of the cornea. This causes little or no discomfort and improves vision. It can treat farsightedness, nearsightedness, and astigmatism. The laser beam gently pulses to remove a microscopic amount of tissue, allowing images to be more sharply focuses on the retina.
How is LASIK different from PRK?
PRK is laser treatment on the surface of the eye without a cornea flap. This is reserved for special patients — for example a patient with thin corneas. It takes longer to heal and vision recovery is delayed compared to LASIK. Doctors and patients prefer LASIK because of the quick recovery of vision and comfort. LASIK offers faster vision recovery, less discomfort, less risk of cornea haze/scarring, less need for prolonged topical steroid drops, and there is a wider range of corrections possible with LASIK.
Am I a good candidate for iLASIK?
Yes, if your eye and general health are normal, you are 18 years or older, your refraction (spectacle correction) has been stable for the past 18-24 months, and if you have myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness) or astigmatism in the FDA approved range. If you have cataracts diagnosed, which affects vision, keratoconus, or any uncontrolled ocular disease, you are not a candidate. Age is not generally a factor. Many patients who have been dependent on glasses after cataract or cornea surgery have iLASIK to lessen their dependence on glasses or contact lens.
Does the procedure hurt?
The iLASIK procedure causes little or no discomfort and no needles or shots are required. Topical anesthetic drops are used. After the procedure, the eyes can feel irritated with a gritty sensation the first day, but with quick healing and medication, the eyes are generally comfortable by the next day.
What kind of results can I expect?
While laser vision correction has proven overwhelmingly successful, how well and how quickly your vision improves depends on how well you heal and the degree of correction required. In patients in the low to moderate range of correction having WaveFront-Guided Customized iLASIK, 95% are 20/20 or better, or are within one line of their best-corrected vision. This means they no longer need glasses or contacts to drive, play sports, watch TV, and participate in careers requiring excellent vision such as being a pilot, police officer, or firefighter. In a recent study, 98% of patients treated with the Visx Star laser could pass their drivers license test almost immediately.
What if I am not 20/20? How permanent are the results?
Approximately 5% of low to moderate corrections under respond to the laser treatment and are not 20/20. Few would actually need glasses for their temporary vision needs. All of these patients are reevaluated at 3-6 months for and additional laser treatment, called an “enhancement.” Almost everyone is 20/20 after an enhancement procedure. A person rarely shows under correction many months or years later, and this under correction can also be treated with an “enhancement.” Once the vision is stable at the 6-12 month point, less than 1% of patients would ever need to come back for more laser treatment.
How well will I see after having WaveFront-Guided Customized iLASIK performed?
Although results vary depending on each individual, the majority of patients say that the quality of their vision is better after the procedure than with their prior glasses or contact lens. This is proving to be the case in both clinical studies where patients report by questionnaire before and after the procedure, as well as research where subtle contrast sensitivity (vision in dim illumination) is measured before and after the procedure. Because “higher order aberrations” are corrected with WaveFront-Guided Customized iLASIK, patients categorically report improved night vision and less glare or halos than with traditional LASIK.
What are “higher order aberrations” and WaveFront?
Glasses, contacts, and traditional LASIK only correct lower order aberrations, which include nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. There are other “higher order aberrations” that are subtle focusing abnormalities that are unique for each person’s eye. Left untreated, these aberrations can affect the quality of vision and night vision. The testing of these aberrations provides a “WaveFront Map” that is downloaded into the excimer laser to customize the treatment for each patient’s eye. When the WaveFront Map is treated, a higher percentage of patients are 20/20, more patients are better than 20/20, and the night vision is markedly improved.
How soon can I return to work?
Although some patients return to work the next day, two days are suggested. Thursday and Friday are popular days to have iLASIK, and almost all patients can return to work by Monday. Patients can exercise in 2 days, swim within a week. Women can even wear makeup after 1 week.
Are there any risks or side effects with iLASIK?
Yes, as with any procedure there are risks, however rare, and laser vision correction involves a low degree of risk. Dr. Christenbury will discuss these with you, and as well give you a booklet he has written titled “Understanding Refractive Surgery” which reviews risks, benefits, and alternatives. Results of clinical studies indicate the chance of vision-reducing complication to be < 1%. Dr. Christenbury has performed approximately 50,000 LASIK procedures, and this give patients the confidence that he is knowledgeable, experienced, and will care properly for each patient.
What is the first step in finding out if I am a candidate?
Call 877-702-2020 for an appointment. Try to leave out hard or gas permeable contacts for 3 weeks, or soft contacts for 2 weeks before the appointment. Bring either an old pair of glasses, old glasses prescription, or copy of you last eye exam with you. You are welcome to bring a friend or companion for the consultation. Get ready for the most comprehensive eye examination you have ever experienced, and you may be on your way to vision freedom.
