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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's) About LASIK and iLASIK
Does iLASIK Hurt?
There is minimal discomfort with the procedure. Patients are usually aware of the creation of the protective flap when the eye is pressurized with the suction ring. The eyes may also feel 'scratchy' for the first few days.
How long does the procedure take?
The procedure takes about 20-30 minutes for both eyes.
Can both eyes be done at the same time?
Yes.
Will I be rid of my glasses or contacts completely?
iLASIK will greatly reduced or eliminate your dependence on glasses and contacts. Patients over 40 years old may still need reading glasses. Like any medical procedure, there are no guarantees, but over 99% of our patients can pass their drivers license test without glasses.
How soon can I resume driving?
Obviously iLASIK patients should not drive until they are confident their vision is clear and stable. Typically most patients drive themselves to our office the next day without the need for their glasses or contacts.
How soon can I return to work?
Most people return to work within one to two days following the completion of their procedure.
When can I wear makeup?
You should wait three weeks before applying eye mascara.
When can I swim following iLASIK?
You should not swim or use a hot tub for about two weeks following LASIK.
What are Dr. Moretsky and Dr. Cassidy's results with iLASIK?
Our doctor's results are consistent and speak for themselves. With iLASIK our results are even better. Now over 99% of our patients can pass a driving test, 98% of our patients are seeing 20/20 or better, and 81% of our patients are able to see 20/15 or better. Our doctor's enhancement rate is only 3% utilizing the iLASIK platform through a full range of correction.
What is the definition of iLASIK?
The iLASIK procedure is one of the most precise medical procedures performed today. Dr. Moretsky and Dr. Cassidy now have precise tools to measure and map the uniqueness of both of your eyes - down to the most minute characteristics individual to you. The 3D mapping technology literally creates a blueprint (or fingerprint) of your eye, allowing Dr. Moretsky and Dr. Cassidy to then custom-fit the iLASIK procedure for each of your eyes.
The iLASIK procedure itself is revolutionized by the use of two computer-guided lasers - instead of one as in earlier generations of LASIK. The first, ultra-fast IntraLase Femtosecond laser, creates a thin corneal flap, which is then folded back to allow the second laser the Visx Star S4 with 3D eye tracking and iris registration, to correct your vision based on the exact specification/measurements of your eye(s). The procedure takes just minutes. Patients experience a quick virtually painless procedure with the potential of 20/20 or better vision and outstanding safety as a result of reduced flap complications. Final post-op visits will be conducted with Dr Moretsky or Dr. Cassidy one day, one week, one month, three months, six months and 12 months later. You are free to resume your active lifestyle, now with the potential of 20/20 or better vision. Remember, this is the very same technology advances used in the iLASIK procedure that convinced the military and NASA that iLASIK was finally good enough for their mission critical personnel. The Air Force has approved iLASIK for their pilots and the Navy has approved iLASIK for their naval aviators. Even your most extreme lifestyle is nothing compared to being ejected from an F-16 or the G-Forces of shuttle rocket blast-off.
Why should I choose iLASIK over other vision correction options?
Just like the tailoring of a fine suit or couture fashion, the iLASIK procedure is tailor-made for you, your vision, and the unique characteristics of your two individual eyes. The 3-D mapping, precise measurement, and the use of two of the most advanced lasers differentiate the iLASIK procedure from all others. Consumers not only require 20/20 (or better) vision for their active lifestyles, but also prefer not to be bothered with the daily inconvenience of glasses and contacts.
Is there anything new or better?
iLASIK is the final frontier of LASIK since NASA approved the iLASIK procedure for its astronauts following review of extensive military clinical data, which showed the use of two lasers (Femtosecond & Wavefront-guided) provides superior safety and vision as compared to earlier forms of the procedure. You should rest assured there is nothing better.
FAQ's About iLASIK Regarding the First Part of the Procedure Using the Ultra-Fast IntraLase Femtosecond Laser
What is IntraLase or the IntraLase Method?
The IntraLase method is a 100% blade-free approach to creating your corneal flap, the thin flap of tissue that the doctor lies back in order to perform your LASIK procedure.
Why choose IntraLase?
The IntraLase Femtosecond laser is the first and only blade-free laser technology available for performing the critical first step in the LASIK procedure: creating the corneal flap. The IntraLase laser virtually eliminates the severe complications seen with the microkeratome, improving safety and precision while providing predictably better visual results for the patient. The IntraLase laser is the most sophisticated and accurate technology for corneal flap creation available today and should give many patients greater confidence and assurance in choosing laser vision correction.
Is IntraLase Safer?
Yes. IntraLase improves the safety and visual results of LASIK. This is a result of the superior precision provided by the computer-guided IntraLase laser, as compared to that of a hand-held microkeratome. Its precision is the source of its safety. Accuracy of flap thickness has been demonstrated at +/- 10 microns. Precise flap thickness is critical to a successful LASIK outcome. The degree of accuracy is unprecedented in flap creation technology to date. IntraLase flaps provide added assurance and peace of mind for many patients.
Is IntraLase the same as the Custom LASIK procedure I've heard about?
No. Custom LASIK generally refers to an individualized visual diagnosis using technology called Wavefront, which allows for customized treatment with the Excimer laser. The most exciting part is now while the patient has the opportunity for a Custom visual result, it can be done with unprecedented safety and precision. Now all steps of laser vision correction procedure may be personalized to the individual: Custom diagnosis with Wavefront technology, personalized flap creation with IntraLase, and Custom laser vision correction with Custom ablation.
I have seen advertisements for "All-Laser" Laser Vision Correction. Is this IntraLase?
Maybe, contrary to popular belief, LASIK is not an "all-laser" procedure, due to the use of the microkeratome blade. Only LASIK procedures that use IntraLase can be considered "all-laser". The doctors can explain the difference between other procedures that may be advertised as "all-laser", such as LASEK and Epi-LASIK, all of which are surface ablations similar to PRK.
Is IntraLase more expensive?
Yes. Most patients agree that the added level of safety, assurance, and predictably better vision offered by IntraLase is worth the incremental cost. Typically IntraLase surgeons are leaders in the field of ophthalmology who continually evaluate advances in technology. They've determined that the IntraLase is the most sophisticated and accurate system today for flap creation and have invested heavily in the technology to provide their patient's the best care. Like all technology the IntraLase has gradually and significantly improved since its introduction four years ago. We now have the 5th generation advanced version. Although mechanical keratomes have also improved, we believe the IntraLase undoubtedly has surpassed even the most advanced mechanical keratomes available today. The IntraLase is now faster, allowing us to create the flap with the need for less energy, which makes it even safer than before.
FAQ's About iLASIK Regarding the Second Part of the Procedure Using the Ultra-Precise VISX CustomVue Laser with Wavefront Technology
What about the laser technology?
We rely on a combination of all laser 'blade-free' IntraLase and exclusive VISX CustomVue technology for all of patients who are candidates. The VISX CustomVue laser is a Wavefront "guided" Excimer laser delivering "true" Custom LASIK treatments. This technology enables correction of all higher order aberrations (imperfections) and not just lower order aberrations such as those used to identify nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. VISX CustomVue technology enables steepening of the peripheral cornea, maintaining its normal shape, plus correcting subtle imperfections in vision that are identified by the "fingerprint" analysis of the visual system of the eye. Unlike the Allegretto Wavelight laser, which only corrects for the peripheral steepening effect, the VISX Wavefront system measures and corrects all aberrations in the patient's eyes 25 times more precisely than standard methods used for glasses and contact lenses. The data obtained from the visual analysis is captured and digitally transferred to the laser for a high definition vision correction never before possible. VISX CustomVue Star S4IR laser relies on both eye tracking and iris registration to better correct for astigmatism. The laser also corrects for pupil centration, unlike other excimer lasers currently available.
What is the difference between Conventional LASIK and CustomVue iLASIK?
Conventional LASIK treats the majority of common aberrations or imperfections called "lower order aberrations." These aberrations are responsible for causing nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. CustomVue LASIK provides a more precise treatment for "higher order aberrations," which we can now measure with the WaveScan aberrometer. This allows us to provide patients with a better quality of vision by measuring and addressing all of these aberrations as part of the treatment plan.
What is Wavefront Technology?
Wavefront technology was originally developed for use in high-powered telescopes to reduce distortions when viewing distant objects in space. This technology has now been applied to laser vision correction, measuring imperfections in the eye never before measured, when using standard methods for glasses and contact lenses. Wavefront based digital technology identifies and measures imperfections in an individual's eye 25 times more precisely than the standard method. Dr. Moretsky and Dr. Cassidy use this information to treat individuals with the CustomVue procedure.
Why is Wavefront technology so important to the CustomVue iLASIK procedure?
Until now, physicians have been forced to practice one-size-fits-all vision. An off-the-shelf lens corrects an individual's vision fairly well, but it doesn't correct it precisely because it's not uniquely tailored to that person's fingerprint of their vision. Now, with Wavefront technology, we can customize a tailor made correction for the unique characteristics of each individual's vision.
How is the information transferred from the Wavefront/WaveScan to the laser?
The WaveScan information is recorded onto a computer memory stick and then digitally transferred to the laser, providing a new level of precision and accuracy. Is VISX CustomVue better than glasses and contacts? Yes. As shown in the FDA clinical study, VISX CustomVue can produce better vision than is possible with glasses and contact lenses. Glasses and contacts are limited in their ability to correct unique imperfections in each patient's vision. In fact, thousands of individuals have the same prescription. With the CustomVue procedure, no two prescriptions are identical. What does better than 20/20 mean? The current standard for excellence in vision is 20/20. But, with the CustomVue procedure, individuals have the potential to see even better than 20/20. In fact, one year after the CustomVue procedure more than 70% of clinical study participants saw 20/16 or better.
How does the CustomVue procedure affect my night vision?
Because CustomVue corrects the unique imperfections in each individual's vision, it is likely that night vision will be improved. In fact, in the clinical study, four times as many patients were very satisfied with their night vision after the procedure, as compared to their night vision before with glasses or contacts.
Summation:
Moretsky Cassidy Vision correction has listed a number of general questions in regards to iLASIK but understands that these may not answer all the questions you may have. If there are other questions you would like to address you are free to speak to one of our LASIK counselors or the doctors themselves.
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