LASIK is a form of refractive surgery, also known as corrective eye surgery. Refractive surgery encompasses a multitude of procedures designed to treat and correct refractive errors including nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia) and astigmatism. Refractive errors cause patients to need eyeglasses or contact lenses in order to see nearby or in the distance. Correcting refractive errors through surgery helps patients naturally see clearly without eyeglasses or contact lenses. Laser in situ keratomileusis, or LASIK, is the most commonly performed refractive surgery procedure today and is the primary procedure of choice at Wolfe Eye Clinic. LASIK is considered a safe procedure for the right candidates that has many long-term advantages over other refractive surgeries, including a relative lack of pain and quick healing. Additionally, good vision is usually achieved almost immediately or in a very short period.
Simply put, LASIK reshapes the cornea’s curvature. Reshaping the cornea’s curvature allows light to accurately enter the eye and focus on the retina, thereby helping patients see clearly without eyeglasses or contacts. LASIK works in two steps, creating a corneal flap and then reshaping the underlying cornea’s curvature. Since 2002, Wolfe Eye Clinic surgeons have used all-laser, 100% bladeless technology to perform both steps of LASIK. Some other providers elsewhere still use a hand applied mechanical instrument with a motorized metal blade rather than modern laser-precision technology.
As you research more about LASIK laser eye surgery, you will come across several other types of vision correction surgeries and technologies available. This is an important consideration when determining what is best for you. Not only does Wolfe Eye Clinic use the most modern all-laser technology available but our LASIK surgeons listen to you about your vision goals and use the data gathered at your free LASIK consultation to recommend the best procedure for you and your eyes. Unlike some other providers, Wolfe Eye Clinic surgeons will not offer a “menu” of treatment options and technologies at various price ranges. We provide only the best available technology to all of our patients and never offer lesser technology for a lower price. We will not settle for anything less than the best for you!
Wolfe Eye Clinic performs all-laser LASIK, the modern approach to LASIK surgery. Unlike other providers, we own all components of the WaveLight® Refractive Suite including the laser-flap creator (WaveLight® FS200), vision correcting laser (WaveLight® EX500) and swivel bed. The Alcon WaveLight® Refractive Suite offers the fastest total refractive procedure in the United States and is housed in our climate-controlled operating rooms.
All-laser refers to using precise laser technology during both steps of LASIK to correct vision. Historically, a handheld motorized surgical blade was used. Some providers still use the blade technique to this day during step one of LASIK while creating corneal flaps, opting to forego laser precision and control, and while introducing more surgical risk. Whereas, in 2002, Wolfe Eye Clinic introduced Iowa to the modern approach of all-laser LASIK.
Our WaveLight® bladeless, all-laser technology offers our surgeons significant corneal flap precision to remove most of the surgical risk previously associated with making corneal flaps using a mechanical microkeratome blade. Additionally, this technology allows us to provide customized LASIK. Specifically, we collect your custom eye measurements during your LASIK evaluation and program your data into our WaveLight® technology. Using this data, our surgeons are able to provide you with the flap size and shape needed to perform treatments customized to your eyes.
For an even more customized treatment, Wolfe Eye Clinic offers Contoura® Vision, also known as topography-guided LASIK. Contoura Vision is the latest FDA approved evolution in advanced custom LASIK technology. It combines the WaveLight® EX500 Excimer Laser with the Wavelight Topolyzer Vario to improve upon traditional LASIK. Contoura Vision uses the unique topography of your cornea’s surface to adjust the treatment and smooth out any irregularities on the cornea. Not all patients qualify for Contoura Vision treatment though. Your surgeon will discuss with you whether you may be a good candidate for Contoura Vision.
Patients are not put under anesthesia for LASIK procedures. Rather, you are awake during LASIK, but given a relaxing medication to help relax and comfort you prior to surgery. Patients then lay on a swivel bed as part of Wolfe Eye Clinic’s WaveLight® Refractive Suite. Heavy numbing drops are placed on the operative eyes to reduce discomfort and the need to blink. A gentle device is used to assist with keeping your eyes open, which also assists in preventing blinking during laser eye surgery. LASIK eye surgery is not considered painful by most patients. Patients describe LASIK as feeling like a pressure that is being applied to their eye.
LASIK works in two steps, one eye at a time. Your LASIK surgeon talks you through each step as it is happening. You have a team of experts next to you throughout the procedure. If you would like, they can even hold your hand for comfort.
You do not need to worry about blinking or moving your eyes as the WaveLight® EX500 Excimer Laser uses multi-spatial eye-tracking technology that tracks movement ten times faster than that of your natural eye movements. We were the first in Iowa to obtain the Wave Eye-Q 400 Hz Excimer Laser in 2007, and most recently the Allegretto Wavelight® EX500. Benefits to our advanced technology include:
Following surgery, your surgeon provides clear eye shields to wear and you are instructed to rest. How long after laser eye surgery you can see improvement varies per patient. Some patients can see crisp and clear following a short rest after the procedure. Other patients require more time for vision to stabilize. You are typically able to return to work the following day and your vision may be even better just one day after surgery. Patients are able to watch TV after LASIK and perform normal activities within a day or two. You are instructed to avoid swimming and hot tubs for a couple of weeks and it is also important that you do not rub or bump your eyes during this time.
LASIK laser eye surgery is generally considered safe for the right candidate. As with any surgery, there are risks involved including dry eyes, vision fluctuations, glare, halos, corneal flap complications, or vision loss. It is important to note that the chance of having a serious vision-threatening complication is less than one percent. Your surgeon will discuss possible complications, risks and what vision results you can personally expect. At Wolfe Eye Clinic more than ninety-five percent of patients do not need any further corrections as our enhancement (i.e., touch up) rate is less than five percent. Most patients wish they would have done LASIK sooner and recommend their friends and family to come see the LASIK surgeons at Wolfe Eye Clinic.
To find out if you are a candidate for LASIK, please call one of our LASIK Coordinators at (833) 532-8809 or request an appointment online here to schedule a free LASIK consultation near you. Wolfe Eye Clinic has experienced LASIK surgeons across the state. We offer free LASIK consultations at our Ames, Ankeny, Cedar Falls, Cedar Rapids (Hiawatha), Des Moines, Fort Dodge, Iowa City, Marshalltown, Pleasant Hill and Waterloo clinics.
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Whether you need a routine eye exam or advanced surgical care, our team is here to help you see your best.
