Laser Vision Center

What is LASIK?

LASIK is similar to PRK, however the laser procedure is done under the surface of the cornea rather than on the surface. An instrument called a micokeratome is used to elevate the front third of the cornea allowing the laser to be done underneath the surface. The front "flap" is then gently laid back down and attaches spontaneously. LASIK is our preferred method of vision correction because it allows for rapid return of vision with little discomfort and time off work. It has also allowed the patient to have both eyes done on the same day for added convenience.

Are all the lasers the same?

The excimer laser is a unique and incredibly precise high tech "cold laser" that was developed in the 1980's and is now used to gently reshape the surface of the cornea in order to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. The laser passed ardous clinic trials in the late 1980's and 1990's before gaining final approval in this country in 1995. Today's laser vision correction procedures are done with this instrument and since the laser is fully computer controlled it provides a greater degree of accuracy than surgeons have ever had in the past. This translates to an unprecedented level of success for our patients. We currently use the VISX Star/S4 and Alcon Ladarvision excimer lasers.

What is farsightedness?

Farsightedness or hyperopia is the opposite of myopia. The eyeball is either too short or the focusing power of the lens or the cornea is too weak not allowing light to focus sharply enough. As a consequence, the retina receives a blurred image. In the normal situation the cornea is spherical or round, similar to a basketball. Farsightedness can be corrected with glasses, contact lenses or refractive surgery.

What is nearsightedness?

Nearsightedness is also known as myopia and describes the condition where the eye focuses light too sharply either due to the length of the eyeball or the focusing power of the cornea or lens. As a consequence the retina received a blurred image. Nearsightedness can be corrected with glasses, contact lenses or refractive surgery.

What is astigmatism?

Astigmatism is the term to describe how oval the cornea is. This "football shape" causes light to be streaked into a smeared or double image. Astigmatism can be corrected with glasses, contact lenses or refractive surgery.

What is photorefractive keratectomy (PRK)?

PRK is a procedure that uses the excimer laser to gently sculpt the surface of the cornea into a new shape in order to correct either myopia, hyperopia or astigmatism. Results with PRK have been excellent and we now have data extending back nearly 12 years.

What is refractive surgery?

Refractive surgery is surgery that changes the way that light is focused by the eye. This can be done either manually or with a new laser vision correction technique such as PRK or LASIK. Refractive surgery's goal is to decrease one's dependency on glasses or contacts and in many cases to eliminate the need altogether.

Eye Associates of New Mexico's Farmington Clinic uses the VISX Star S4(tm) excimer laser system to provide the highest level of customized patient care. The VISX Star S4(tm) excimer laser system uses the WaveScan(r) wavefront analyzer.

Custom LASIK provides an additional level of precise data about your vision requirements using wavefront technology. The wavefront analyzer measures the way light travels through your eye and compares it to the way light travels through an eye with perfect vision. This device then creates a 3-D wavefront map that is unique in the same way that your DNA is unique to you. Your wavefront map provides a detailed diagram of your vision that allows your doctor to provide you with truly personalized vision correction.

If you are seeking LASIK in New Mexico please read the information below:

Each individual person has extremely unique eyes. Not all people are candidates for the LASIK eye surgery procedure. No two cornea maps are the same just like with a DNA sample or fingerprint. This is why a pre-operative exam is absolutely necessary. Before LASIK is performed you will be required to undergo a series of diagnostic tests to determine the stability of your vision. After a thorough evaluation of your cornea, the doctors will be able to determine if you are a candidate. This thorough diagnostic evaluation is the first step in creating a positive outcome for your pest possible visual outcome or personal best vision.

The doctors at Eye Associates of New Mexico will provide the pre-operative eye exam that will set you on a path for determining your LASIK candidacy. ALL refractive surgery or LASIK candidates will be required to undergo this exam. Many patients ask what is involved with this type of examination. Feel at ease that the LASIK pre-operative evaluation will not hurt. Below is a list of some items that are typically involved with the evaluation process.

• The measurement of corneal thickness, including corneal topography
• Complete review of overall eye health
• The measurement of your prescription or refractive errors
• Custom LASIK measurement for higher order aberrations.
• Dry eye test
• Complete dilation to view the back of the eye or the retina
• Glasses or contact lens history review
• Measurement of pupil size

As part of your initial pre-operative LASIK evaluation, the doctors of Eye Associates of New Mexico will give you thorough education of LASIK eye surgery. This will involve the history of refractive surgery, any risks, the procedure process itself, and the successes of this amazing eye surgery. If you have been told in the past that you are not a candidate for LASIK eye surgery you might want to call us about the latest advancements. Depending on your unique visual situation you may now be a candidate for the surgery.

Expectations

Your decision to have LASIK laser vision correction is a serious decision. Ultimately, you will be the one to make the final decision. When electing a LASIK surgeon it is important to select a surgeon that can honestly explain your visual needs. In 98% of lasik cases the visual outcome is 20/40 or better, however, this is a surgical procedure and risk is still involved. This is why selecting a surgeon with a vast amount experience is important. The ultimate goal of LASIK is to reduce your dependence on glasses and contact lenses. LASIK does not always create perfect 20/20 vision, though most cases are successful in improving vision. Ask the right questions before selecting you surgeon. Make sure that your surgeon of choice has the right answers, the best technology and the experience under his belt to ensure a safe and effective procedure. It is possible that this is one of the most important decisions that you will ever make. This is your eyes and your life.

Selecting a Surgeon: Questions to Ask?

• How many laservision correction procedures have you performed
• Is your practice and doctors credentialed with the American Academy of Ophthalmology?
• What type of excimer laser do you use for LASIK eye surgery? Is this laser approved by the FDA and how does it compare to other excimer lasers?
• How old is the excimer laser that you use in LASIK surgery?
• Is the surgery painful? What can I expect after the LASIK surgery?
• Do you have any LASIK references that I could talk to?

What is LASIK?

LASIK is similar to PRK, however the laser procedure is done under the surface of the cornea rather than on the surface. An instrument called a micokeratome is used to elevate the front third of the cornea allowing the laser to be done underneath the surface. The front "flap" is then gently laid back down and attaches spontaneously. LASIK is our preferred method of vision correction because it allows for rapid return of vision with little discomfort and time off work. It has also allowed the patient to have both eyes done on the same day for added convenience.

Are all the lasers the same?

The excimer laser is a unique and incredibly precise high tech "cold laser" that was developed in the 1980's and is now used to gently reshape the surface of the cornea in order to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. The laser passed ardous clinic trials in the late 1980's and 1990's before gaining final approval in this country in 1995. Today's laser vision correction procedures are done with this instrument and since the laser is fully computer controlled it provides a greater degree of accuracy than surgeons have ever had in the past. This translates to an unprecedented level of success for our patients. We currently use the VISX Star/S4 and Alcon Ladarvision excimer lasers.

What is farsightedness?

Farsightedness or hyperopia is the opposite of myopia. The eyeball is either too short or the focusing power of the lens or the cornea is too weak not allowing light to focus sharply enough. As a consequence, the retina receives a blurred image. In the normal situation the cornea is spherical or round, similar to a basketball. Farsightedness can be corrected with glasses, contact lenses or refractive surgery.

What is nearsightedness?

Nearsightedness is also known as myopia and describes the condition where the eye focuses light too sharply either due to the length of the eyeball or the focusing power of the cornea or lens. As a consequence the retina received a blurred image. Nearsightedness can be corrected with glasses, contact lenses or refractive surgery

What is astigmatism?

Astigmatism is the term to describe how oval the cornea is. This "football shape" causes light to be streaked into a smeared or double image. Astigmatism can be corrected with glasses, contact lenses or refractive surgery.

What is photorefractive keratectomy?

PRK is a procedure that uses the excimer laser to gently sculpt the surface of the cornea into a new shape in order to correct either myopia, hyperopia or astigmatism. Results with PRK have been excellent and we now have data extending back nearly 12 years.

What is refractive surgery?

Refractive surgery is surgery that changes the way that light is focused by the eye. This can be done either manually or with a new laser vision correction technique such as PRK or LASIK. Refractive surgery's goal is to decrease one's dependency on glasses or contacts and in many cases to eliminate the need altogether.

FDA Approval

The Difference You've Been Waiting For

The FDA has recently approved a new technology that will change how your eye doctor views your vision problems. It’s called Custom LASIK. Custom LASIK is a laser vision correction procedure that uses the unique visual characteristics of your eye to customize your treatment.

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The Procedure

What is Custom LASIK?

Custom LASIK is the latest vision correction procedure that provides your doctor with the tools to take a precise measurement of your eyes, like a “fingerprint” of your vision. This custom “fingerprint” is then transmitted to the laser, enabling your surgeon to customize the LASIK procedure to your individual vision requirements. Custom LASIK is a technological advancement in laser vision correction that is necessary for some and desirable for many.

A Personalized Approach to Vision Correction with VISX Star S4 Laser

Eye Associates of New Mexico's Farmington Clinic uses the VISX Star S4™ excimer laser  system to provide the highest level of customized patient care. The VISX Star S4™ excimer laser system uses the WaveScan® wavefront analyzer.

Custom LASIK provides an additional level of precise data about your vision requirements using wavefront technology. The wavefront analyzer measures the way light travels through your eye and compares it to the way light travels through an eye with perfect vision. This device then creates a 3-D wavefront map that is unique in the same way that your DNA is unique to you. Your wavefront map provides a detailed diagram of your vision that allows your doctor to provide you with truly personalized vision correction.

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Quality of Vision

What will Custom LASIK do for me?

Custom LASIK may provide you with better quality of vision. By measuring and addressing visual distortions, previous technology couldn’t detect.

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Sophisticated Technology

Why is Custom LASIK more expensive?

Just like any product on the market, the most expensive sophisticated technology is always a bit more expensive, the excimer laser systems and wave front technology are state-of-the-art in vision correction technology. Simply put, this technology is capable of producing the highest quality of vision with laser vision correction that is available today. The wavefront analyzer performs specific measurements required to customize the treatment for YOUR eyes.

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Results

Why should I have Custom LASIK if Conventional LASIK worked just fine for my friend?

Results for Conventional LASIK have been and continue to be excellent. However, results for LASIK vary for everyone; it really depends on your eyes. Everyone’s eyes are different and while your friend may have responded to conventional LASIK perfectly, results may be different for you. The best thing to do is to come in for a free consultation. Together, the doctor and you can determine which procedure would be best for your eyes.