Are You Interested In LASIK?
Most people who wear glasses or contact lenses wish that they did not have to. Laser eye treatment is now one of America’s most frequently performed elective surgeries. Now thanks to advanced laser eye surgery, there are alternatives to reduce or completely eliminate your dependency on glasses or contact lenses. Laser eye surgery is not for everyone though and you should make a well informed decision when choosing this treatment.
What Is LASIK?
LASIK or Laser Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis is a type of laser eye surgery that is performed to correct nearsightedness,farsightedness, astigmatism or a combination thereof.
Dr. Adler’s LASIK History..
In 1991, LASIK was performed for the first time in the United States by Drs. Stephen Brint and Stephen Slade. Dr. Adler has been performing refractive procedures since 1993. he went to Panama in 1995 to train with Dr. Ernesto Calvo for PRK and LASIK. Dr. Adler was the first surgeon to perform LASIK in Manatee County Florida in 1996.
Are you a candidate for LASIK?
* Affected by one of the common types of refractive errors myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism or a combination thereof. You may also be a candidate if you are over forty and are wearing “monovision” with your contact lenses and are interested in decreasing your dependence on reading glasses.
* Over 18 years of age and have a stable glasses or contact lens prescription for at least a year.
* Have a sufficient corneal thickness to allow a clear corneal flap of appropriate depth.
* Adequately informed about the risks and benefits of the procedure. Candidates are required to thoroughly discuss the procedure with Dr. Adler and understand that for most people, the goal of refractive surgery should be the reduction of dependency on glasses and contact lenses and not always complete elimination.
Who is a less than ideal candidate?
Sometimes, factors exist that preclude a patient from being a candidate for LASIK. Patients who-
* Are being treated with medications such as steroids or immunosuppressants, which can prevent healing or are suffering from diseases that slow healing, such as autoimmune disorders.
* Are pregnant or nursing.
* Have a history of herpetic eye disease.
* Have refractive errors too severe for treatment with current technology.
* Have eye diseases such as advanced glaucoma, corneal disease, corneal thinning disorders (keratoconus or pellucid marginal degeneration) or certain other pre-existing eye diseases.
* Have unrealistic expectations. It is critical for candidates to understand that LASIK surgery, as all surgical procedures, involves some risk. In additon, both the final result and the rate of healing vary from person to person and even from eye to eye in each individual.
What to expect on initial consultation..
A thorough eye exam including-
1. Visual Acuity
2. Manifest and cycloplegic refraction
3. Ocular motility exam
4. Pupil Exam
5. Corneal topography
6. Corneal thickness exam (pachymetry)
7. Dilated fundus exam
8. Instructional video
9. Assessment of eye health history
10. In depth discussion with Dr. Adler
What type of LASER do we use?
Dr. Adler has been using the VISX laser since he started doing PRK and LASIK. VISX was the first laser to be approved for LASIK by the FDA. We also provide Wavefront Custom LASIK on those patients that are qualified candidates for no additional charge.
Those of you that have done your homework be it internet research, office consultations, seminars or just talking to people who have had LASIK know that the technology is very sophisticated. We believe in straight talk, candor, honest answers to difficult questions and complete accountability for the procedures we do.
If you have any additonal questions or are interested in attending one of our free seminars on LASIK please call our office and ask to speak to one of our LASIK coordinators, Shavon or Brianne.