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Archive for the ‘lasik’ Category

5 Tips to Consider Before Having LASIK

Monday, July 12th, 2010

1. PERSONALLY MEET WITH YOUR LASIK SURGEON BEFORE THE DAY OF SURGERY

This is important to see if there is a comfort level with the patient and surgeon. Is the surgeon rushed and seems like there are more important matters he/she needs to get to? If you have follow up questions, how easy is it to reach surgeon – is surgeons e-mail or cell phone made available for concerns or questions? People generally know their gut feeling when they meet someone else. If you get a bad gut feeling, listen to it and seek another doctor.

2. RESEARCH THE SURGEON’S EXPERIENCE

Run a Google search on the surgeon to find out if there are numerous complaints. Look up the surgeon on your state medical board to see if there are any issues with the medical license.

3. SEEK THIRD-PARTY ASSESSMENTS OF SURGEON AND LASIK CENTER

Are there just a few happy patients on the website or is there a plethora of patients commenting? Social media sites allow unbiased, unfiltered patient assessments of the LASIK center.

4. EVALUATE THE LASIK CENTER IN PERSON

When you visit the LASIK center, is it clean and tidy or does it look like the kitchen of a “greasy spoon” diner? The latter might be fine for bacon and eggs, but not for eye surgery! Are the staff caring, polite, and genuinely interested in helping you? Everything in a medical practice trickles from the top down, so if the staff is rude and insensitive you can bet the doctor probably is as well.

5. FOUR ESSENTIAL TESTS

1) Dry eye check – if dry eyes are found on LASIK testing and NOT addressed, it increases risk of dry eye problems after LASIK

2) Pupil size check – some studies have shown increase risk of halos and glare from large pupils, while other studies have failed to show an association. Either way, pupil checking is a must.

3) Corneal mapping (topography) – the shape of the cornea can eliminate a patient from being a LASIK candidate and indicate appropriate alternative procedures like PRK or Visian ICL. LASIK done on a misshapen cornea that was not evaluated with corneal mapping can lead to double vision.

4) Corneal thickness (pachymetry) – LASIK on corneas that are too thin can weaken the strength of the cornea causing it to bulge out and turn into a condition called keratoconus that may lead to triple or quadruple images in vision.

LASIK: Risks and Complications

Friday, June 18th, 2010

Today’s LASIK equipment produces amazingly accurate results and risks are minimal compared to the LASIK of 5 years ago.

The primary way to reduce risks and complications is to be sure you find a surgeon who has been fellowship trained – this is an additional training period after completion of residency. Also, be sure they specialize in the area of refractive surgery – for example they are performing LASIK consistently on a weekly basis.

Fully approved by the FDA, Custom Wavefront LASIK eye surgeries, although rare have certain postoperative risks associated including:

• Dry eyes;
• Reduced vision;
• Infection;
• Inflammation;
• Still having the need for corrective lenses;

◦ In such cases, the prescription for corrective lenses, most likely very low powered, would help to sharpen or increase crispness for fine print, prolonged periods of reading, or night time driving;

The ultra-modern equipment used to perform Custom Wavefront LASIK procedures precisely monitors the movement or your eyes 4000 times every second. Even if a patient shifts during the procedure, absolutely no damage will occur. In fact, the energy from the laser is so mild that it cannot even be felt on bare skin. The equipment is fully capable of treating large diameter corneas and features a computerized flap protector. Infrared pupil measuring equipment has been specially designed to minimize the possibility of glare/halos and other nighttime vision disorders.

Learn more today at: http://www.boxerwachler.com/lasikspecialist/lasikprocedures/wavefront.html

Ophthalmologists prefer microkeratome LASIK, study says

Tuesday, May 11th, 2010

Ocular Surgery news posed the question to Ophthalmologist performing LASIK: Do you prefer the traditional microkeratome instrumentor femtosecond microkeratome laser for creating the LASIK flap.

Overwhelming the top experts in the world responded that the traditional microkeratome instrument was preferred.

The reasons given were:

  • Femtosecond lasers produce a less regular surface
  • Femtosecond lasers create tiny bubbles which makes it difficult for eye trackers to engage 20% of the time
  • Femtosecond lasers create a tissue bridge making flap lifting more difficult
  • Femtosecond lasers causes more inflammation than a traditional microkeratome and delay visual recovery
  • Femtosecond lasers does not reduce ectasia risk
  • Femtosecond lasers cost more which is passed onto the patient

Two-thirds of all LASIK procedures performed in the world use the traditional microkeratome instrument for flap creation. 

Experts agreed that those using the femtosecond laser tend to be less experienced surgeons or surgeons who want to create an illusion that all laser LASIK is superior in their marketing materials.

Expert surgeons report the use of femtosecond lasers have an application for patients with map dot finger print epithelial dystrophy or less experienced surgeons with flap creation by the traditional microkeratome instrument.

Custom Wavefront LASIK Eye Surgery: Benefits and Facts

Friday, April 2nd, 2010

Custom Wavefront LASIK eye surgery involves a procedure that creates a small, thin flap in the outer layers of the patient’s corneas. These flaps are folded back to allow a flying spot laser to reshape the surfaces of the corneas. The flaps are then repositioned and bonded permanently without sutures. In most cases, the procedure requires only about 5 minutes per eye, is quite comfortable for patients, and requires no shots or needles of any kind. Only eye numbing drops are utilized to prepare the patient.

 

Custom Wavefront LASIK eye surgery corrects various vision imperfections including:

 

  • Myopia (nearsightedness);
  • Hyperopia (farsightedness);
  • Astigmatism;
  • Presbyopia (need for reading glasses);
  • Halo vision;
  • Glared vision;
  • Ringed vision;
  • Reduced night vision;
  • More…

 

Other facts about Custom Wavefront LASIK vision enhancement:

 

  • Patients normally return to work the day after the procedure;
  • Patients are requested to avoid swimming for 2 weeks;
  • Working out can normally be resumed in 2-7 days;
  • You may still need to wear contact lenses or glasses after healing;

 

The ultra-modern equipment used to perform Custom Wavefront LASIK procedures precisely monitors the movement or your eyes 4000 times every second. Even if a patient shifts during the procedure, absolutely no damage will occur. In fact, the energy from the laser is so mild that it cannot even be felt on bare skin. The equipment is fully capable of treating large diameter corneas and features a computerized flap protector. Infrared pupil measuring equipment has been specially designed to minimize the possibility of glare/halos and other nighttime vision disorders.

 

Learn more today at: http://www.boxerwachler.com/lasikspecialist/lasikprocedures/wavefront.html

5 Tips for Selecting a LASIK Eye Surgeon

Thursday, November 19th, 2009

     TIP 1 - Personally meet with the LASIK surgeon BEFORE day of surgery

This is important to see if there is a comfort level with the patient and surgeon.  Is the surgeon rushed and seems like there are more important matters he/she needs to get to?  If you have follow up questions, how easy is it to reach surgeon – is surgeon email or cell phone made available for concerns or questions?  People generally know their gut feeling when they meet someone else.  If you get a bad gut feeling, listen to it and seek another doctor. 

Tip 2 - Research the surgeon’s experience

Run a Google search on the surgeon to find out if there are numerous complaints.  Look up the surgeon on your state medical board to see if there are any issues with the medical license.

Tip 3 Seek third-party assessments of surgeon and lasik center

Are there just a few happy patients on the website or is there a plethora of patients commenting?  Social media sites allow unbias, unfiltered patient assessments of lasik center.

Tip 4 Evaluate the lasik center in person

When you visit the lasik center, is it clean and tidy or does it look like the kitchen of a “greasy spoon” diner?   The latter might be fine for bacon and eggs, but not for eye surgery.  Are the staff caring, polite, and genuinely interested in helping you?  Everything in a medical practice trickles from the top down, so if the staff are rude and insensitive you can bet the doctor probably is like that too.

Tip 5 - Make Sure these Four Essential Tests Are Part of the Evaluation

1) dry eye check – if dry eyes are found on lasik testing and NOT addressed, it increases risk of dry eye problems after lasik

2) pupil size check – some studies have shown increase risk of halos and glare from large pupils, while other studies have failed to show an association.  Either way, pupil checking is a must.

3) corneal mapping (topography) – the shape of the cornea can eliminate a patient from being a lasik candidate and indicate appropriate alternative procedures like PRK or Visian ICL.  Lasik done on a misshapen cornea that was not evaluated with corneal mapping can lead to double vision.

4) corneal thickness (pachymetry) – lasik on corneas that are too thin can weaken the strength of the cornea causing it to bulge out and turn into a condition called keratoconus that may lead to triple or quadruple images in vision.

Learn more at: www.BoxerWachler.com

True Testimonials: No Cut Lasik & PRK

Sunday, October 11th, 2009

According to USA Today & the Associated press about 700,000 Americans undergo laser eye surgery annually. According to the Association of Ophthalmology 95-99% of all Lasik procedures were successful with no complications. Over 12 million people to date have had corrective laser eye surgery.

The Boxer Wachler Vision Institute provides its patients with the highest quality of care. They have the most up to date medical equipment, caring and attentive staff, and a great surgeon to offer each person that walks through their door. The experience of working with them is like no other, but don’t take our word for it simply listen to the words of these patients:

Meet Michael-

Michael had a RK procedure done in 1986. RK was a procedure that quickly was abandoned with advent of lasers. RK was a procedure that involved making multiple incisions in the eye and over time those incisions would weaken causing the vision to change. In 1995 his vision started to breakdown and it became more and more difficult for him to function with normal daily activities. Dr. Boxer Wachler recommended that Michael undergo a PRK, now his vision is 20/20. Michael is no longer wearing glasses or contacts.

Michael says:

“I highly recommend these procedures for your vision needs, and I am thoroughly happy with my results”.

Meet Mathew Bencha- MMA Fighter

Mathew Bencha is an amateur fighter and was turning pro. However fighters can not fight with any eye glass wear or glasses and without it Mathew would not be able to see. After speaking with Dr. Boxer Wachler it was recommended he have PRK done, it would be the best procedure given his field of work and there would be no incision.

After the procedure Matt stated it took him about 4-6 weeks to fully recover, but he is absolutely thrilled with his results. Matt no longer needs to wear his contacts any longer and will be fighting in the Pros in no time.

Matt Says:

                                            “If you are getting the PRK, I recommend Dr. Boxer Wachler ”

 

*To listen to more patient stories or hear these for yourself visit www.boxerwachler.com

A Different Option Than Lasik Surgery

Friday, October 9th, 2009

PRK and No Cut LASEK:

Many of us are familiar with Lasik surgery. And for those of us who couldn’t get Lasik because your cornea thickness was too thin or you just had too many reservations on the procedure altogether PRK and No-Cut LASEK could be your answer. Both PRK and No-Cut LASEK can treat people with nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. It is a short procedure usually only taking 5-10 minutes to complete.

The procedures simply involve the doctor moving the surface layer of skin from the cornea and using a laser to reshape it. The new layer of skin grows back within a few days with little to no pain. In this procedure there is no flap creation making it much less involved, and an even faster recovery time.

Who Can Benefit from PRK and LASEK:

Patients that are apprehensive about Lasik

Patients that have thinner Cornea thickness and are good candidates for Lasik

Patients that have had previous RK (Radial Keratotomy)

Benefits of PK and LASEK:

Procedure is less involved

Is minimally invasive for Laser procedure

Can Correct height perceptions compared to Lasik

Dr. Boxer Wachler has performed many PK and LASEK procedures. If you have any additional questions you would like to ask him or his staff you can visit: www.boxerwachler.com

New Technology: Understanding Lasik Repair

Saturday, August 29th, 2009

Though lasik procedures have been around for a while now, the art of repairing damage from Lasik procedures is relatively new. Many patients who have had lasik by inexperienced surgeons or outdated equipment unfortunately suffered side effects or complications due to their lasik procedures. Technology has advanced since the day lasik procedures first started however the trust in most patients with complications due to lasik haven’t.

Learning that there are new technologies that can repair your complications is the first step, trusting another doctor with your eyes is a hard second step. The wonderful staff at the Boxer Wachler Vision Institute know this all too well. They provide new technologies that allow you to be relieved from your complication related conditions.

Dr. Boxer Wachler specializes in a technique called Wavefront-guided & Anti-halo Lasik which helps repair the complications of halos from former Lasik procedures. His staff provides a safe and inviting atmosphere to allow comfort and dependability in your doctors office.

Wavefront-Guided & Anti-Halo Lasik:

Wavefront Lasik is a new FDA approved procedure which allows the doctor to customize each procedure to the unique eyes of each patient. The procedure allows doctors to repair damage to the eyes due to prior lasik procedures or due to conditions suffered by the patients.

The new procedure takes about 10 minutes to preform and is done in the doctors office. There are many benefits to wavefront Lasik. Listed below are a few:

Benefits:

Procedure minimizes Halo or glare risks that occurred more frequently in Lasik procedures.

Specialized laser gives more accuracy & follows the eye more accurately during the procedure.

Specialists use a special flap-maker for each eye reducing the risk of infection during the procedure.

To find out more about anti-halo lasik or about the Boxer Wachler Vision Institute visit: www.boxerwachler.com

To view a free webinar visit: http://www.boxerwachler.com/freereport_popup2.htm

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Finding a Lasik Complications Support Group

Monday, April 27th, 2009

While many of us have gone through the struggles of Lasik complications we must understand that technologies are ever changing. The science of Corrective eye surgery is much more advanced now and Lasik has come a long way in making vision better for its patients. With new advances in technology often a treatment can be performed to help improve the vision after a complication.

It is important to find a group of people who have had the same complications as you and know what you are going through. Not just for your support but support of your family as well. Know that your complications affect your loved ones just as much as they affect you.

Below are 3 easy steps to finding your Lasik Support Group:

 

1.] Research, Research, Research: It is important that you do your homework and look for a group that is suitable for you. Think about location, group history, and schedule. Make sure they all are reasonable and fit with your needs.

2.] Investigate Your Group Leader: Find out what the leaders history is, talk with some of their former/current group members when possible; and find out what kind of leader they are.

3.]Attend a Trial Meeting: Sit in on one of the meetings to get an idea on what is talked about, if they are considerate of each others feelings, and what atmosphere the group has; this will help you see first hand if you are a fit for the group.

Realizing that there are support groups out there for you and your family is the first step. Getting up and going to one is the next!

To find out more on support groups for Lasik Complications & to watch videos on Dr. Boxer Wachler visit: http://www.righthealth.com

To find out more on Advanced Lasik Treatments to fix your complications visit: http://www.boxerwachler.com

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Custom Wave Front Lasik: What it can do For You

Wednesday, April 8th, 2009

The goal of the Lasik procedure is to improve the vision of the patient. Quite often the vision is stored to at least 20/30 in 90-97% of cases. With the new technologies that the Custom Wavefront Lasik provides the doctor can make the procedure more custom to each patient. Quite often with Lasik procedures the patient requires less need for their contacts or glasses. In some cases the patient rarely needs to use them having 20/20 vision restored in their eyes.

Custom Lasik:

The doctor will map or take what is called a “fingerprint” of the patients vision imperfections. The machine will also smooth out the fingerprint using a laser. There are many benefits to using Custom Wavefront Lasik:

 

    Reduces the chances of infection. The procedure is preformed in there air filtration room.

    Sterile flap maker reduces the risk of infection in the eye

    The Flying Spot Laser- Moves with the eye during treatment reducing the risk of halos, glares, or poor night vision.

 

Procedure:

The procedure generally takes about 5-10 minutes, and is requires no shots, uses numbing drops. The procedure is painless and 97-99% accurate. The use of the wavefront technologies laser helps provide greater accuracy and improve your chances of vision correction. The procedure has many safety features to assist in lessoning the chances of infection, or risk to the patient.

Benefits:

As I am sure all of you know Custom Wavefront Lasik is a very common procedure and provides many benefits to its patients. It is used to treat nearsightedness [myopia], farsightedness [hyperopia], and astigmatism. While the benefit of having vision correction should be all you need to get you moving in the right direction, Custom Wavefront Lasik can maximize the accuracy of your results and reduce your risk of infections.

If you would like to know more about Custom Wavefront Lasik Visit: http://www.boxerwachler.com

If you would like to view our free webinar visit: http://www.FixesYourKeratoconus.com

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