| The latest LASIK technology has arrived in Lynchburg! Piedmont Eye Center is proud to be the first in the area to introduce IntraLase™ LASIK, the blade-free method of laser vision correction. The IntraLase™ laser replaces the conventional microkeratome blade still used in many practices to create the corneal flap in LASIK surgery. This method adds a new level of safety and precision that many patients are now enjoying. Already, over a million IntraLase™ procedures have been performed in the U.S. and has recently been recently adopted by the Military as the preferred method of laser vision correction.
IntraLase™ Facts:
*source on file at www.intralasefacts.com |
What is the IntraLase™ Method?
The IntraLase™ Method is a 100% laser (blade-free) approach to creating a very precise corneal flap; the outer corneal layer created and folded out of the way so your surgeon can apply further laser treatment. This method replaces the conventional microkeratome which involves using a surgical blade to create the flap. Although a safe and predictable method itself, there are uncommon complications that can occur such as an irregular flap. Having a flap of uniform thickness and size is vital in a successful LASIK outcome. The IntraLase™ technique adds further safety and precision in creating an ideal corneal flap. Many surgeons would agree that creating the flap is the most important step in any LASIK procedure.
How does it work?
With the IntraLase™ method, tiny pulses of laser light pass harmlessly through the outer portion of your cornea and form a uniform layer of microscopic bubbles just beneath the surface of the eye.
When it's time for your LASIK treatment to be performed, your doctor easily separates the tissue where the bubbles occur and then folds it back, creating your corneal flap.
When LASIK is complete, a flap created using the IntraLase Method is uniquely able to "lock" back into place. Your eye then begins to rapidly heal.
Is it right for me?
If you are looking for a 100% blade-free LASIK experience that virtually eliminates almost all the most severe, sight-threatening complications, the answer is yes. But to get this procedure, you have to ask your physician for the IntraLase™ Method™ by name.
The IntraLase™ Method also delivers outstanding visual results: more patients achieve vision that is 20/20 or better when the IntraLase™ Method is used. And patients report better quality of vision overall, particularly in terms of their ability to see well in low light, such as at dusk or at night.
Darin K. Bowers, M.D.
Trust your procedure with the IntraLase Method to an experienced LASIK doctor.
Dr. Bowers received his extensive training through Marshall University, West Virginia University, and Geisinger Medical Center, as well as special studies at Johns Hopkins Wilmer Eye Institute and Wills Eye Hospital. He obtained his VISX laser certification through Duke University and is one of the region’s busiest and most experienced LASIK surgeons. He also performs cataract and corneal transplant surgery using some of the latest methods and technology. Dr. Bowers has received board-certification in internal medicine as well as ophthalmology.
Question and Answers about the IntraLase Method
Is the IntraLase Method painful?
Prior to creating the flap, the doctor applies drops to numb the eye, and then applies a special ring and an instrument that gently flattens your cornea in preparation for the IntraLase Method. This part of the process is not painful—patients report feeling only slight pressure.
Is the IntraLase Method safe?
Over a million procedures have been performed safely and effectively using the Intralase Method.
Is the IntraLase™ Method used by all LASIK surgeons?
No. Some LASIK surgeons still use the microkeratome blade in creating the corneal flap in LASIK. Although still a very good method, we feel the ‘all-laser’ IntraLase™ Method to be superior in creating a more precise flap with added safety and predictability. Dr. Bowers was the first in Lynchburg to offer Intralase and the only iLASIK provider in the area.
How long does it take to create a flap using the IntraLase Method?
The creation of the flap itself takes only about 15-30 seconds per eye. Including preparation time, the entire LASIK procedure takes about 10 minutes.
What’s the reaction of patients who have experienced the IntraLase Method?
In a clinical survey of LASIK patients who had their corneal flaps created using a microkeratome in one eye and the IntraLase Method in the other, the vision in the IntraLase-treated eye was preferred 3-to-1 (among those who stated a preference).
Call Piedmont Eye Center today to schedule your free, no-obligation,
IntraLase™ LASIK evaluation.
Toll-free: (877) 684-2020,
or in Lynchburg: (434) 947-3984