LASIK is a true revolution in eye care. It is one
of the most commonly
performed operations in the world. Some
regard it as a modern “medical
miracle” because the results
are almost immediate with minimal discomfort.
At the end of the procedure, patients can
see across the room. By the next day, the
vast majority of patients can legally drive
to the first post operative visit free of
glasses or contact lenses.
After complete topical
anesthesia, a microkeratome is used to create
a very thin flap of corneal tissue. The
flap is gently laid back and the laser sculpts
the desired correction onto the corneal
bed. The flap is then placed back in position.
Patients are back to most normal activities the
next day.
Look
at the information on our Our
Laser and Custom
LASIK pages
to see the exciting advances available to
you. Laser Vision Correction can now be
performed more precisely than ever before.
Monovision
As
a person ages, the eye loses it’s
ability to focus. This is called presbyopia. It becomes noticeable in the 40’s
and progresses as you age. Reading glasses
or bifocals are one solution to this
inevitable
problem. Monovision is another.
Monovision is a method of creating clear vision
for distance and near. One eye is corrected
to see distance clearly and the other is corrected
for near. This is successful in 75% of people.
15% do not like it. 10% are able to adapt. It
depends on the ability of the visual part of
the brain to interpret visual information from
the eyes. It does not create nausea or dizziness.
If you are in your 40”s or older, we will
demonstrate monovision as part of your Vision
Consultation.
Our Laser
You
can feel confident in knowing that Dr. Wilmarth
and his staff use the most advanced and safest
technology available for your Laser Vision
Correction.
Dr. Wilmarth uses the VISX Star S4 with ActiveTrac, Variable
Spot Scanning and Iris Registration. Visx
is the world’s largest manufacturer
of lasers for vision correction. We feel it
is the best technology available.
The VISX Advanced CustomVue program uses Wavefront Technology to
create a unique treatment, like your fingerprint,
that surpasses standard laser treatments. VISX
Advanced CustomVue LASIK is the best
application of new technology to your Vision Correction.
To further improve your results, our CustomVue
Laser now includes Iris Registration.
The ActiveTrac 3-D Eye Tracker centers the laser beam in the middle of your
pupil and keeps it there during your entire
treatment. If your eye moves, it will move
the beam back to the middle of the pupil automatically.
You can feel comfortable in knowing the treatment
will always be in the proper place on your
eye.
Variable Spot Scanning changes
the diameter of the laser beam during treatment.
It delivers small, accurate spots in the center
of your cornea for sharp central vision and
larger spots towards the periphery of the
ablation for a larger treatment area.
Is LASIK for you? Call
one of our Vision Coordinators
and schedule a complimentary consultation.
LASIK
Frequently asked questions:
Q.
Am
I a candidate for refractive surgery?
Q.
How
soon after my consultation can my surgery
be scheduled?
Q.
What
is Custom LASIK?
Q.
Is
the surgery safe?
Q.
Is
there any pain?
Q.
Will
I be able to see right away?
Q.
When
can I go back to work?
Q.
Will
I need reading glasses after surgery?
Q.
What
is monovision?
Q.
Will
it last or will I need to have it done again?
Q.
What
is the success rate?
Q.
What
are the side effects?
Q.
How
many people have had refractive surgery?
Q.
How
old do I have to be for laser vision correction?
Q.
Is
financing available?
Q.
Am I a candidate for refractive surgery?
Candidates
for refractive surgery should have healthy eyes
and a refractive error that is in the range
of effective treatment. We will recommend the
treatment that is most appropriate to improve
your vision. Complimentary
Consultations are the best way
to answer your specific questions.
Top
Q.
How soon after consultation can my surgery be
scheduled?
This
varies but usually we treat you within 1 to
2 weeks of your consultation.
Top
Q.
What is Custom LASIK?
Custom
LASIK is an advanced form of LASIK
which uses Wavescan Technology to measure the
refractive error in your eyes. These measurements
are then used to create a personalized treatment
plan which is unique to your visual system.
The advantages of Custom LASIK can be discussed
with Dr. Wilmarth during your Complimentary
Consultation .
Q.
Is the surgery safe?
As
with all surgical procedures, Laser Vision Correction
has some degree of risk. There is less risk
if you are in the hands of an experienced surgeon.
All patients should be well informed of the
risks of surgery and follow all post operative
instructions.
Top
Q.
Is there any pain?
The
LASIK procedure is generally painless. There
will sometimes be a slight stinging sensation
or a feeling of dryness that can be relieved
by artificial tear drops.
Top
Q.
Will I be able to see right away?
Yes.
The improvement in your vision will be immediate
although a little blurry. The vast majority
of LASIK patients can legally drive the day
after surgery.
Top
Q.
When can I go back to work?
You may resume
most normal activities the day after surgery.
Most patients are back to work in one to three
days.
Top
Q.
Will I need reading glasses?
If you are
40 years old or under, you should be able to
read without glasses. Most patients over the
age of 40 need reading glasses. This is also
true for patients who have had refractive surgery
unless you have Monovision.
Top
Q.
What is Monovision?
Monovision
is a method of correcting your vision so that
one eye sees near and the other sees far. This
can eliminate or reduce the need for glasses
entirely. We can demonstrate Monovision with
special glasses during your Complimentary Consultation.
Top
Q.
Will it last or will I have to have it done
again?
LASIK
creates a permanent change in the shape of the
eye. It may change slightly with in a few months
of surgery. However, it doesn't stop the natural
aging process that may create changes in your
vision in the future.
Top
Q.
What is the success rate?
It
depends on the amount of refractive error that
you have. Patients with lower errors require
less surgery and have a higher percentage of
clear vision. The opposite is true for those
with high refractive errors. Custom
LASIK has a greater success rate
than conventional LASIK. At you Complimentary
Consultation Dr. Wilmarth can discuss your personal
situation and give you more accurate information.
Top
Q.
What are the side effects?
As
with any surgical procedure, there are risks.
However, refractive surgery is very safe and
commonly practiced throughout the world. The
serious complication rate is very low with an
experienced physician and a state-of-the-art
facility. The risks and benefits can be discussed
during your Complimentary
Consultation and as part of informed
consent during LASIK work up.
Top
Q.
How many people have had refractive surgery?
Over
three million patients have undergone refractive
surgery in the United States and many more millions
around the world.
Top
Q.
How old do I have to be for laser vision correction?
LASIK is approved for
those 18 years of age and older. In special
situations it may be performed earlier. If you
have questions about age limits call Dr. Wilmarth
or his Vision Coordinator.
Top
Q.
Is financing available?
Financing
is available at very reasonable terms with interest
free plans and other alternatives. Our Vision
Coordinator is always happy to discuss them
with you
Top
