IntraLASIK®
What is Laser Assisted in-Situ Keratomileusis?
Laser Assisted in-Situ Keratomileusis (or IntraLASIK for short) is a procedure designed to reduce or eliminate nearsightedness or farsightedness with or without astigmatism. Nearsightedness, also called myopia, occurs when the shape of the eye is elongated so that light is focused in front of the retina (the "seeing" part of the back of the eye). Farsightedness, also called hyperopia, occurs when the shape of the eye is shortened so that light is focused behind the retina.
IntraLASIK corrects nearsightedness by flattening the cornea (the clear window in the front of the eye). It corrects farsightedness by steepening the cornea. In the first step of the procedure, a thin flap of tissue is partially lifted off the cornea with a laser (bladeless IntraLase). The IntraLase laser has replaced a razor-blade microkeratome, which had been used in the past to make the corneal flap. In the second step, a small amount of the cornea is ablated (vaporized) with the excimer laser under the flap. The flap is then placed back in its original position and remains in place without stitches.
IntraLASIK was developed over 15 years ago, and more than 10 million patients have now been successfully treated. It has gained widespread acceptance and is approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Who is a candidate for IntraLASIK?
Candidates for IntraLASIK may experience difficulty wearing glasses and contact lenses due to allergies, dryness of the eyes, astigmatism, or other irritants. Generally the best candidates have low to moderate levels of myopia (-1.00 to -9.00 diopters) or hyperopia (+1.00 to +2.00 diopters). In addition, their lifestyle or career may require good vision without the use of glasses or contact lenses to function well.
Candidates are encouraged to attend a free educational seminar or schedule a visit to the office for a Free Complementary Consultation. A thorough eye examination and evaluation is required prior to having IntraLASIK.
The IntraLASIK evaluation includes interpretation of computer mapping (computed topography) of the cornea, corneal thickness measurements (pachymetry), wavefront analysis (if indicated), and a counseling session. Computed topography provides a detailed surface map of the cornea to guide your surgeon in formulating a specific treatment plan. Wavefront analysis gives us an objective measurement of the entire visual system, including higher order aberrations, allowing a laser treatment as unique for you as your own fingerprint (this is known as "High Definition™ IntraLASIK®"). The evaluation session, including observation of a video tape, allows each patient the opportunity to have their questions answered.
No single formula can provide the perfect correction for everyone. This is why the individual evaluation with the surgeon is so important in planning for IntraLASIK.
For example, if you spend 8 hours a day working at a computer screen, your visual needs will differ from someone who spends much of the day driving. If you are over 40, you may experience problems with your near vision focusing up close. By leaving one eye slightly undercorrected (if you are nearsighted), or slightly overcorrecting one eye (if you are farsighted), the need for reading glasses can be reduced. This technique, called monovision, has proven successful in helping individuals cope with the natural aging process. Your specific needs in terms of lifestyle and career goals are taken into consideration when your surgical plan is developed.
How is the procedure performed?
IntraLASIK is performed in the professional atmosphere of a Laser Vision Center.
What if I have astigmatism?
Astigmatism is a condition in which light that enters the eye is focused at more than one place inside the eye. This is caused by a cornea that has different curvatures at different points (similar to the shape of a football). The excimer laser can be programmed to correct astigmatism of up to -4.00 diopters during the IntraLASIK procedure designed to correct nearsightedness at the same time. If a patient is farsighted, up to +4.00 diopters of astigmatism can be treated at the same time, as long as the total amount of correction does not exceed +6.00 diopters.
What is Custom High Definition IntraLASIK™?
Custom High Definition IntraLASIK™ is available to those who need a unique correction. It employs the VISX WaveScan™ system. The WaveScan™ captures a "fingerprint" of the eye which is 25 times more precise than what was previously measurable by standard methods. The WaveScan evaluates more specific imperfections in each individual's vision. This data is then used to generate an individualized treatment. Some patients do not need or do not qualify for Custom High Definition IntraLASIK™.
What happens before the day of IntraLASIK™?
Prior to your treatment date, you will receive a list of pre-operative instructions. No pre-operative history or physical examination is required by your family doctor.
You will be asked to wear comfortable clothing when you have your IntraLASIK treatment. You are required to make arrangements for a relative or friend to drive you home after the procedure.
You will be instructed to stop wearing your contact lenses 3 days prior to IntraLASIK if they are soft lenses, and at least 1-2 weeks, possibly longer, prior to IntraLASIK if they are hard or gas-permeable contact lenses. This is to ensure that your cornea resumes its natural shape prior to treatment.
What happens the day of IntraLASIK?
IntraLASIK is performed on an outpatient basis in the laser suite. In this relaxed atmosphere, you will receive professional experienced care. The staff is there to answer your questions and assist you during the procedure.
Before IntraLASIK, you will receive a pre-operative sedative (usually a Valium pill). A topical anesthetic (numbing drops) is all that is usually needed so that you will not feel discomfort during the procedure.
During the treatment you will be positioned on a reclining chair under a microscope. The microscope is used to view your eye during IntraLASIK. You may feel slight pressure from the instrument that keeps your eyelids open. The actual procedure will take about 5 to 10 minutes per eye.
If IntraLASIK cannot be done due to the shape of your eye, PRK may be performed as an alternative.
After IntraLASIK is completed, clear goggles will be placed over your eye(s). They will be removed the next day in the office. Do not remove the goggles for any reason prior to this office visit unless directed to do so to put in eye drops. Further written instructions will be given to you the next day.
How do I care for my eye(s) after IntraLASIK?
You should avoid rubbing or bumping the eye(s) after IntraLASIK. You may experience discomfort such as scratchiness, tearing, or other sensations in the eye(s). This is normal and may last for a few days. Pain relievers are occasionally needed and are prescribed if necessary. Women should refrain from wearing eye make-up for seven days.
The limitations on activities may vary from person to person. However, generally speaking, you may immediately resume normal activities like bending, watching TV, taking a shower, or reading. Contact and racquet sports should be avoided for 1 week after IntraLASIK. Water skiing/tubing can be resumed 1 month after IntraLASIK. Please note that we recommend that you wear protective eyewear anytime you participate in racquet sports, regardless of whether or not you have had IntraLASIK or other eye surgeries.
What follow-up care is necessary?
Patients are generally seen 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, and 6 months after IntraLASIK. More frequent visits may be necessary. Visits during the first 6 months after surgery are included in the treatment fee. Of course, regular eye examinations by your eye care provider are essential to maintain healthy eyes. IntraLASIK is usually performed on both eyes at the same time. Patients referred by their optometrist or ophthalmologist may receive part or all of their post-operative care from their doctor. There is no additional fee for this service.
What are the risks of IntraLASIK?
As with any surgery, there is always a slight risk of post-operative infection, although this is minimized by the use of pre-operative and post-operative antibiotics. Infections are very rare in our practice.
With IntraLASIK there is a chance that the eye will be overcorrected or undercorrected, which would mean that glasses, contact lenses, or an enhancement (additional laser treatment) would be needed to obtain your best possible vision.
In the first weeks after surgery, you may be sensitive to bright lights or see starbursts around lights at night (glare). This almost always decreases several weeks or months after treatment. You may also experience dry eyes, which could cause temporary blurring of vision. Additional lubricating drops, tear duct plugs, or Restasis™ drops usually takes care of this situation.
This list is not a complete list of all the potential unanticipated events of IntraLASIK. No guarantee or warranty can be made as to the results IntraLASIK.
Will I have "Perfect Vision"?
The goal of IntraLASIK is to reduce your dependence on glasses or other optical aids, although there are patients who see better after the procedure without glasses than they did before IntraLASIK with glasses, especially with High Definition IntraLASIK™. A small amount of correction may be needed for a patient's best near vision or far vision. Contact lenses can be used after IntraLASIK.
The results of IntraLASIK will depend on your cornea's response to the laser and the healing process. While the procedure can be done more than once, it cannot be performed an infinite number of times.
How much will IntraLASIK cost?
Your payment covers the surgeon's fee (paid to Valley Eye Associates), a facility fee, and if applicable, a co-management fee paid directly to your optometrist or ophthalmologist. Your payment also covers follow-up visits for the next six months.
Prior to IntraLASIK, you can meet with a financial counselor who will answer your questions about the fees. For our patients' convenience, we accept cashier checks, cash, MasterCard, VISA, and Discover. A discount for cash payment is available, as well as a 0% down, 0% interest financing plan.
Payment in full is required 5 business days before the procedure, unless a financing arrangement has been made. If payment is not received 5 business days before the procedure, the procedure will be postponed.
Very few insurance companies cover refractive surgery. However, we do encourage you to check with your insurance provider before the surgery.
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