iLASIK FAQs
Why Should I Consider iLASIK?
Traditional LASIK is an excellent procedure. In fact, Dr. Christenbury has performed over 50,000 LASIK procedures with the traditional approach and technology. While the risks of complications in his hands are very minimal, all surgery carries some degree of risk. With iLASIK, the first all-laser, blade-free LASIK, Dr. Christenbury feels he can further reduce the risk of complication and give his patients a new level of confidence in vision correction surgery.
How is iLASIK different from traditional LASIK?
LASIK surgery is actually a 2-step process. First, a flap of corneal tissue must be created and then folded back. The cornea is the transparent dome-like structure that covers the iris and pupil of your eye. By creating a flap in the cornea, Dr. Christenbury is able to perform the laser vision correction treatment on the inner layer of the cornea, which practically eliminates any patient discomfort and allows for a rapid visual recovery.
Traditionally, Dr. Christenbury created the corneal flap with a hand-held mechanical device that utilizes a metal blade called a microkeratome. This method has worked well over the years; however, the performance of these devices can be unpredictable. And, although LASIK complications are extremely rare, this mechanical device is frequently the source for many of the reported complications.
With iLASIK, Dr. Christenbury uses the precision of a laser to create the corneal flap. The accuracy of the laser (+/- 10 microns) is unparalleled by any other technology in vision correction surgery. This advanced technology puts unprecedented control in the hands of Dr. Christenbury, and even allows him to customize the corneal flap for every individual patient. Because of its consistent accuracy, iLASIK now makes it possible to treat many patients who were dismissed as candidates for laser vision correction due to thin corneas.
Is iLASIK safer?
iLASIK is considered by many to provide a safer approach to vision correction surgery. This is a result of the superior precision of a computer-controlled laser as compared to that of a hand-held mechanical device. The mechanical device houses a metal blade, which cuts across the cornea to create the flap. iLASIK accomplishes the flap procedure with a laser instead of a blade, and does not travel across the cornea; these features reduce the risk of complications.
iLASIK provides a safer procedure because of its precision. This precision was documented in studies conducted for the FDA clearance of the laser, where the accuracy of flap thickness was demonstrated at +/- 10 microns. Precise flap thickness is critical to a successful LASIK outcome, and iLASIK created flaps feature a consistent thickness from edge to edge. Again, this degree of accuracy is unprecedented in flap creation technology to date.
Finally, greater flap stability was also demonstrated with iLASIK flaps in studies for the laser’s FDA submission. Although the incidence of flap slippage is rare in LASIK, the consequences can be quite problematical. The assurance that the iLASIK created flap will be securely repositioned without incident provides added peace of mind for many patients.
Is traditional LASIK unsafe?
No, but iLASIK seems to reduce the risk of complications reported with traditional LASIK and we feel that is very important for our patients.
Is iLASIK new?
The IntraLase FS Laser has been cleared by the FDA and became commercially available on a limited basis in 2001. The IntraLase FS Laser is the only laser that provides iLASIK. To date, over 22,000 procedures have been completed with no significant complications reported. Dr. Christenbury was the first doctor to introduce iLASIK on the East Coast and is among an elite group of key opinion leaders in ophthalmology who continually evaluate advanced technologies and adopt them into practice as soon as they become available.
How would you compare the visual outcomes using iLASIK with those of traditional LASIK?
Today, it is known that visual outcomes with iLASIK are comparable with those of traditional LASIK. Studies are now underway to evaluate whether results with iLASIK might be even better, as has been anecdotally reported.
I have seen several advertisements for “All-Laser LASIK.” Is this 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. Other providers may advertise all-laser, but you should ensure that iLASIK is indeed being used to create your flap. At this time, there are only two physicians who use iLASIK in the Charlotte area. Dr. Christenbury would be happy to answer any questions you may have about your procedure in great detail.
Can you perform monovision correction with iLASIK?
Yes. Many of our patients have chosen monovision, which enables one eye to focus on objects at near, while the other eye focuses on distant objects. Some of our patients have chosen this type of surgical correction and have eliminated the need for reading glasses even when they reach presbyopia. Some patients are bothered by the difference in their eyes with this type of correction. These patients choose to have their myopia only slightly under corrected or fully corrected. They would then need glasses for reading or close work when they become presbyopic. If myopia is partially reduced in one eye (as in monovision) that myopia can be fully reduced if the patient chooses.
When can I return to work?
There is minimal “down time” associated with iLASIK. You should realistically plan to spend approximately 2-3 hours at Christenbury Eye Center on the day of your iLASIK procedure. Please arrive 30 minutes before your appointment time. You will need someone to drive you to and from your surgery. After your iLASIK laser vision correction surgery, you will go home to rest and sleep the remainder of the day. The day following your surgery, you will come in for your postoperative appointment that will last about an hour. You will experience much improved vision and your vision will continue to improve over the next few days. You may return to work the day after your surgery.
How can I find out more about iLASIK?
For the most accurate information about iLASIK, please visit our website at www.christenbury.com and download the Understanding Refractive Surgery handbook that will answer any of your questions and address your concerns about iLASIK laser vision correction. You may also schedule a time to observe an actual demonstration by attending one of our seminars. At any time, you may schedule a complimentary screening appointment to determine if you are a candidate for this life changing procedure.
What is the most recent advancement in LASIK that makes it safer and more accurate?
iLASIK has made LASIK many times safer. Rather than a keratome blade, we use the IntraLase FS laser to make the corneal flap, the first step in LASIK.
What advance in technology made iLASIK vision results better?
WaveFront Guided CUSTOMIZED iLASIK correction has made vision results even better.
