LASIK Eye Surgery

The iLASIK™ method is The Custom Blade-Free IntraLase Method™ with Iris Registration™. Meaning it is a 100% laser (blade-free) approach to custom LASIK treatment, using the very latest in software and hardware upgrades currently available.In order for LASIK to be considered iLASIK™ it must consist of the following:

Intralase® laser blade-free flap creation instead of a mechanical microkeratome blade.

Advanced CustomVue® Wavefront technology by VISX™.

VISX™ Star 4 with Activetrak® technology that tracks eye movement to ensure treatment accuracy.

Iris Registration® software is the fully automated way to accurately align and register treatments independent of changes in the pupil center or eye movement from the initial measurement.

Want more information? Visit iLASIK

With the iLASIK 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 treatment is complete, the flap created is uniquely able to “lock” back into place. Your eye then begins to rapidly heal.

If you do not like the thought of a blade and instead prefer an all-laser LASIK experience that virtually eliminates the most severe, sight-threatening complications, the answer is yes. To have this procedure done, please talk to your physician about it.

iLASIK™ also delivers outstanding visual results: more patients achieve vision that is 20/20 or better 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.

Not all facilities use a stationary ‘laser-on-site’ or one that is permanently housed on location. At Piedmont Eye Center, our lasers are permanently stationed and ‘on-premises’….meaning they are never trucked in. In fact, we house our lasers in a state-of-the-art climate controlled laser suite for added peace of mind.

Clinical study results¹ showed that one year after treatment: 100% of nearsighted patients and more than 95% of all clinical study patients could pass a driving test without glasses or contact lenses. 98% of mild-to-moderate nearsighted patients could see 20/20 or better without glasses or contact lenses. Four times as many mild-to-moderate nearsighted participants were very satisfied with their night vision after treatment compared to their night vision before treatment with glasses or contacts.

Source:

1.Date on file. VISX, Inc. FDA CustomVue procedure clinical trials; 2003, 2004, 2005, 2007

2.Durrie DS. Randomized prospective clinic study of LASIK: IntraLase vs. mechanical keratome

There is very little discomfort associated with the iLASIK™ procedure. Prior to creating the flap, the doctor applies drops to numb the eye, and then applies a special device to gently hold the eye still to prevent you from blinking or moving.  Its normal to feel some pressure during this time but it lasts no more than 30-40 seconds.  After the surgery, your eyes may feel scratchy uncomfortable for a few hours, but with some rest the healing process takes over and symptoms lessen typically after 2-3 hours. 

Nearly 32 million LASIK procedures have been safely performed since the start of LASIK treatments. LASIK has proven to be a safe and effective method in laser vision correction and has even been shown to be safer than wearing contacts alone. In fact, a recent study found that one in 2,000 contact lens wearers are at risk for serious visual loss (i.e. from infection) just from wearing contacts, compared to just one in 10,000 for LASIK patients¹

Source:

¹Mathers W, et al. Risk of LASIK surgery vs contact lenses. Arch Ophthalmology. 2006.

The creation of the flap only takes 20-30 seconds per eye. Including preparation time, the entire LASIK procedure takes 10-15 minutes.

Epi-LASIK is yet another technique in LASIK surgery promoted by Moria™. The technique utilizes the Epi-K® mechanical (non-laser) device to separate the outer epithelial layer of the cornea from the underlying layers. Although sometimes touted as a ‘blade-free’ procedure, according to one publication off of Moria’s own website…. ‘ The disposable head encases a pre-assembled non-cutting blade.’

* Some surgeons like to refer to the device as an epithelial separator. Only iLASIK™ using IntraLase® offers 100% laser and is totally blade-free. **Euro Times Publication, 2006 from www.moria-surgical.com website.

Since laser upgrades and software will continue to develop, patients should insist on having the very latest technology. Some upgrades cost extra for the doctor to acquire and therefore one cannot assume a practice has the very latest.. At Piedmont Eye Center, you can be sure we have the very latest and keep current with upgrades. We offer iLASIK™ which includes the IntraLase Method™ blade-free approach, Advanced CustomVue® treatment with ActiveTrak® software, Iris Registration® and iDesign™ software…..all the very latest in LASIK technology! When it comes to LASIK, make sure you have the very best that technology has to offer… iLASIK™ For more information, visit iLASIK’s website. 

All LASIK procedures are performed by Dr. Darin K. Bowers, one of the region’s most experienced LASIK surgeons. Dr. Bowers’ experience in refractive surgery spans more than 20 years and thousands of patients. He was the first to introduce Intralase® and iLASIK™ to Lynchburg.  Dr. Bowers has provided LASIK to family, friends, eye doctors and professional athletes.

Piedmont Eye Center offers flexible payment plans through CareCredit® to make LASIK affordable since most insurance companies do not cover laser vision correction.  LASIK is an investment into your personal well being and quality alike.  For this reason, we believe that financial considerations should not be an obstacle and provide the following options for payment:

• Check or Cash
• VISA, DISCOVER, MASTERCARD
• Flexible Payment Plans through CareCredit® for those eligible.  

To find out if CareCredit is an option for you, apply below.