What Is ILASIK?
Many improvements have been made in LASIK eye surgery procedures. Among the newest and most advanced improvement is iLASIK, which is the exclusive combination of IntraLase and CustomVue technologies to produce the best possible vision enhancement for patients.
Benefits of iLASIK Over Regular LASIK
Benefits of iLASIK at Southside Eye Care in Chesapeake, VA include:
- Uses wavefront diagnostic technology
- Creates custom-designed corneal flaps
- Provides an accuracy for ablation
What is IntraLase®?
IntraLase® has redefined the world of LASIK eye surgery. Also known as blade-free LASIK vision correction, the IntraLase® all-laser procedure eliminates the need for a metal blade during surgery, helping bring clear vision to many people who feel uneasy about going "under the knife" during LASIK.
The state-of-the-art IntraLase® laser technology replaces the microkeratome blade that has traditionally been used to create the corneal flap needed for the LASIK procedure. The IntraLase laser applies rapid pulses of laser energy to the top outer layers of the cornea.
The IntraLase laser moves back and forth across the cornea creating microscopic bubbles at a specified depth and position just below the corneal surface. The bubbles under the cornea eventually create a perforation which is then lifted aside by the surgeon. The surgeon is then able to continue with the next step of the laser vision correction procedure.
Chesapeake LASIK Patient Testimonials
"I went to see Dr. Hallberg and he referred me to Dr. Keverline for LASIK surgery. Dr. Keverline was very professional and extremely thorough. Preparing for LASIK was simple and the procedure took no time at all. My results are flawless!"
"This was my first visit to the practice. Everyone was extremely nice and professional. I would definitely recommend this practice to my friends and relatives."
What is Advanced CustomVue?
The Advanced CustomVue laser combines the technologies of the WaveScan WaveFront with the STAR S4 Excimer Laser system to provide patients with a high-definition, high-accuracy LASIK vision correction.
Advanced CustomVue technology makes it possible to perform customized refractive surgeries using information gathered from the patients eyes. This allows for the correction of the very specific refractive errors so patients can enjoy the best post-operative vision quality possible. The FDA has approved both the STAR S4 Excimer Laser and the WaveScan WaveFront for the following refractive errors:
- Myopia - up to -11.0 diopters, with or without astigmatism, up to -3.0 diopters
- Hyperopia - up to 3.00 diopters, with or without astigmatism, up to 2.0 diopters
- Mixed astigmatism - up to 5.0 diopters
Frequently Asked Questions About ILASIK
What Are The Advantages of ILASIK?
Because of the low risk of complications and high level of precision it provides, blade-free LASIK treatment has become the standard of care among leading LASIK surgeons and ophthalmic teaching institutions worldwide.
Compared to LASIK methods that use a microkeratome blade, this minimally invasive and incredibly precise procedure decreases the occurrence of partial flaps, holes in the flap, and other traumatic flap complications.
Other benefits of the iLASIK procedure in Chesapeake VA include a faster treatment time and no need to dilate the pupils.
Who is a Candidate for ILASIK?
A thorough medical eye examination is required to determine if you are a candidate for LASIK vision correction. Candidates must be at least 18 years old to ensure that their eyes have matured. Also, vision must have remained stable without an infection or injury for one year prior to the LASIK surgery.
Patients not eligible for iLASIK in Chesapeake VA include those with the following conditions:
- Dry eye syndrome
- Autoimmune disorder such as lupus or Sjogren’s syndrome
- Corneal edema or lesions
- Glaucoma
- Corneal implant
- Keratoconus
Is ILASIK In Chesapeake VA Covered By Insurance?
iLASIK and all other LASIK and PRK procedures are considered to be elective procedures, so they are not covered by your medical insurance. However, you should check with your provider, as some companies do offer certain incentives for these surgeries.
What Should I Expect The Day Of My LASIK Surgery?
You won’t feel any pain during the 20-minute procedure, but you may feel some slight pressure on your eye when the flap is created. This feeling lasts less than a minute.
After the LASIK procedure, you will experience mild to moderate pain or discomfort that may last up to 3 days. You will need someone to drive you home, as your vision will be blurry. When you return home after surgery, plan to take an extended nap as keeping your eyes closed for the first 4 or more hours after surgery will be beneficial for you. We will provide you an eye shield to use while resting that will prevent any inadvertent rubbing or bumping of your eyes while you sleep.
What Happens During The ILASIK Procedure?
During this LASIK procedure, the laser uses quick pulses of laser energy to create a flap in the cornea that is needed for the second step of the procedure. The computer-guided laser pulses travel through the outer layers of the cornea, moving back and forth across the eye to create microscopic bubbles at a specified depth. The bubbles under the cornea eventually create a perforation which is then lifted aside by the surgeon.
With computer guidance, the LASIK eye surgery procedure is carried out with extreme precision to create the optimal depth, position, and diameter for the flap specific to each patient. The entire process of creating the corneal flap takes about 15 seconds for each eye.
What Happens After The ILASIK Procedure?
Discomfort is usually minimal following iLASIK and LASIK eye surgery in Chesapeake VA. You can expect to notice a significant improvement in vision the very next day. Most patients are able to resume normal daily activities, including driving and returning to work, at this time. You should, however, avoid using any eye makeup following the LASIK procedure and avoid swimming and rubbing your eyes for two weeks.
Some patients experience increased sensitivity to bright light in the weeks following iLASIK. Patients sometimes also report seeing halos around lights at night. On occasion, patients may experience dry eyes and require eye drops to increase moisture. These symptoms typically decrease shortly after the surgery.
Follow-up visits are required to make sure that the LASIK procedure went well and your vision remains crisp and clear.
What If I Move During LASIK Eye Surgery?
This seems to be a natural concern, but it really isn’t an issue. First, your eyes will have numbing eye drops in them. The drops keep eyes comfortable and decrease your natural urge to blink. Also, a small device will hold your eyelids open during the LASIK procedure. This device will prevent accidental blinking and eyelid interference during surgery.
Sudden movements will be prevented by positioning you, laying down on a comfortable, flat, cushioned surface. Your head will be cradled in a contoured headrest to keep your head steady. In addition, our iLASIK lasers have an advanced feature known as an “eye tracker” which automatically monitors the position of your eye and adjusts the laser treatment to compensate for any small, involuntary movements your eyes might make during LASIK eye surgery.
Will I Still Need Reading Glasses After My ILASIK Procedure?
Presbyopia is the condition that affects just about everyone after they turn 40. At around this age, the lenses of our eyes lose some elasticity and therefore have difficulty focusing on objects up-close. LASIK eye surgery in Chesapeake VA does not correct for presbyopia, as it is not a refractive error. You may still need reading glasses as you get older.
How Long Will Results Last after LASIK Eye Surgery?
In the vast majority of cases, the improved vision delivered by iLASIK in Chesapeake VA is permanent. You’ll enjoy your excellent vision for the duration.
LASIK corrections are not curative for presbyopia. Presbyopia is the condition in which many people over 40 begin to require reading glasses because the lenses in their eyes become increasingly less elastic. Presbyopia is not a refractive error and is not corrected with LASIK in Chesapeake VA.
In a limited number of cases — usually due to changes that can occur in the lens inside the eye, with or without iLASIK surgery in Chesapeake VA — some nearsightedness, farsightedness, and/or astigmatism can return over time, causing blurry vision. If this type of regression occurs, a follow-up iLASIK enhancement can be performed to adjust for these changes and restore clear vision.
What Are The Risks And Complications Of The ILASIK Procedure?
The iLASIK procedure has proven to be extremely safe and effective. Nevertheless, no surgery is entirely free from risks and complications. Some patients experience light sensitivity after LASIK eye surgery. This is often temporary and can be successfully treated using eye drops for a few weeks.
Inflammation can occur in the cornea. While microscopic, this swelling can lead to blurred vision. This should correct itself over time. Dry eyes may also be experienced, in which case eye drops or ointments may be recommended to lubricate the eyes.
Read what our patients are saying!
"To anyone that is reading this, I’ll say this: If you’re a candidate for the Lasik procedure and you’ve the monetary funds to afford it, I’d would highly recommend it. I shouldn’t have waited the 10 plus years I did going back and forth on considering getting it done."
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Schedule a Chesapeake iLASIK and LASIK Eye Surgery Consultation
Southside Eye Care proudly serves Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk and Virginia Beach Virginia as well as the surrounding areas. For more information on how we perform iLASIK / LASIK eye surgery call us at {tel} today or fill out our contact form for more information.
