LASIK

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LASIK
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LASIK, is one of the newest and most patient friendly refractive surgeries available today. It is a combination of two proven procedures, using the microkeratome and the Excimer laser. The microkeratome is used to make a flap in the cornea, the front clear surface of the eye. The microkeratome was first used in 1963 by Jose' Barraquer, M.D. He performed keratomileusis using a keratome very similar to the one used today. The Excimer laser for use in the PRK procedure was investigated thoroughly by the FDA and there are over ten years of clinical experience with this laser.

With LASIK a thin flap is made with the microkeratome. This flap is "folded back" to expose the inner layer of the cornea. The Excimer laser is then used to reshape this layer. The Excimer laser is a "cold" laser that breaks up the molecular bond between cells and vaporizes them. Since it is a cold laser, the tissue next to the treatment area is not damaged. Then the flap is replaced and the eye is dried for several minutes to make sure that the flap is adhering and in place. The natural suction mechanism of the cornea keeps the two layers together as they heal. By changing the shape of the cornea, the light rays that enter the eye are focused more on the retina reducing nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.

LASIK is very easy from the patient's perspective. It takes about 5 to 10 minutes per eye and is done under topical "eye drop" anesthesia. There is minimal discomfort and each eye can be done much closer together than PRK or RK, often at the same time. The post-operative course of medication is much less and there is usually no need for a bandage contact lens. Visual recovery is very fast, some patients reporting increased vision as soon as the procedure is finished. Patients often have 20/40 or better vision by the 24-hour postoperative visit.

The LASIK procedure requires more surgeon skill than PRK, because the flap must be made with the microkeratome before the laser can be performed. Therefore, having good microsurgical skills such as those required in cataract surgery helps in performing LASIK. Both procedures are a form of microsurgery. A skilled cataract surgeon can more easily make the transition to LASIK because of his or her experience.

As with any surgical procedure, there are some risks with LASIK. They include: undercorrection, overcorrection, corneal abrasion, infection, irregularities of the flap, halos and glare and other problems. Most complications can be treated and are not long term. The possible risks and complications will be discussed with you at the time of your consultation.

Laser Technology - Allegretto Wave, "The WAVE of the future"

The ALLEGRETTO WAVE offers a customized treatment that incorporates wavefront design to patients with nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.

What makes the Allegretto laser so precise and unique?

• Superior Results:
  High Performance Vision. Allegretto Wave produces some of the largest available optical zones. The optical zone is the area of the cornea that has been corrected by the laser. A larger than normal optical zone is extremely important for night vision, and for patients with very large pupils. If a patient's pupil is larger than the optical zone, they could experience negative side effects like poor peripheral vision, poor night vision, and a higher than normal incidence of halos and glare. In the past, this has been one of the biggest drawbacks to conventional laser correction surgery.
  
  Speed. To date, the Allegretto Wave is the fastest vision correction laser available in the United States. The Allegretto can treat 1 diopter in only 4 seconds. This rapid speed means less dehydration of the corneal bed and better refractive predictability. Faster speed equals less time under the laser, which equal more comfort to our patients.

• Eye Tracking
  The Allegretto uses a high speed, precise infrared system to track and neutralize even the most minimum amount of eye movement to assure quality treatment with increased safety to all of our patients.

LASIK is for those who:

• want to reduce or eliminate their dependence on glasses or contacts
• are at least 21 years of age
• have had a stable eye prescription for at least one year
• have no health issues affecting their eyes
• have no signs of glaucoma or cataracts

LASIK Surgery Fees and Financing

Refractive Surgery
With our own state of the art lasers, we can offer laser vision correction and pass along significant savings to you. We offer financing as low as $30/eye a month with 0% financing available as well as extended payment plans. The fees vary from time to time, depending on coverage or discounts by insurance plans such as Optic Blue, Superior vision, etc., and limited time promotional price reductions. Ask us what you may qualify for. We also provide a Corporate Vision Plan. Please ask if your company is a Raleigh Chamber of Commerce member or is interested in joining our program. Below is an explanation of everything included in the fee.

1. The primary LASIK surgery.
2. One-year follow-up care after the initial procedure. Any office visits after the initial one-year period will incur an office charge. Any office visits that are not related to the surgery will be charged at regular prices.
3. Enhancements for up to two years after the initial procedure with 90 days follow-up care.
4. All pre-operative and post-operative medications will be provided for the initial surgery and any enhancements at no charge. If a bandage contact lens is required, this will be provided at no charge.
5. The facility fee or operating room charge.
6. The royalty fee, if any, for use of the Excimer laser.

The preoperative exam is extensive and includes an undilated and dilated refraction, corneal measurements, as well as evaluation of the general eye health, and a comprehensive explanation of the procedure, risks and benefits. There is a charge of $125 for this service that is not included in the surgery fee. Some insurance companies do help in the cost of the exam.

Glasses/contact lens are available through our Optical Dispensary if needed.

1. The first spectacle lens, if needed will be charged to the patient.
2. Any additional lens change will be at no charge to the patient within 60 days of getting your glasses.
3. Contact lenses provided at the patient's expense.