The ability to see is dependent on the actions of several components in and around the eye.
When looking at an object, light rays are reflected from the object to the cornea. The lights rays are refracted and focused by the cornea and the lens. The lens allows the light rays to focus sharply on the retina, and results as an upside-down image. The retina then converts the light rays into electrical impulses which are transmitted through the optic nerve to the brain. The brain translates the image and the result is an image in the upright position.
The human eye is similar to a camera. A camera needs a lens to focus an image and film to produce an image. In that way, the eye needs a lens (cornea, lens) to refract and focus light and a film (retina) on which to focus the light rays. If any one or more of these components is not functions properly, the result is a poor image. The retina, representing the film in a camera, captures the image and sends the picture to the brain to be developed. The macula is the highly sensitive central area of our retina that is responsible for our central focusing vision. It is the most used part of the retina
MYOPIA: Nearsightedness
Myopia, also known as nearsightedness is when the light entering the eye focuses in front of the retina rather than on the retina. Nearsighted people typically see well up close but poorly at a distance. This is caused by the eye being longer than a normal eye.
HYPEROPIA: Farsightedness
Hyperopia, also known as farsightedness, is when the light entering the eye focuses behind the retina rather than on the retina. Farsighted people typically have difficulty seeing up close and at a distance. This is caused by the eye being shorter than a normal eye.
ASTIGMATISM:
Astigmatism is when the front surface of the eye called the cornea is oval like a football rather than spherical like basketball. The cornea has 2 points of focus, a steeper point and a flatter point that causes light to focus at one or more points onto the retina, resulting in blurry vision for distance and near.
Lifetime Choices All Laser Percision Intralase Lasik
All Laser Percision Intralase Lasik Thank you for choosing the Sugarbush Eye and Laser Centre. It has always been our goal to provide our patients with the latest and best technology available. We would like to take a few minutes to introduce you to some important information about this procedure.
What Is LASIK?
How Is LASIK Done?
LASIK is performed in two steps:
Step 1. Flap Formation with Microkeratome: The initial step involves the creation of a micro-thin flap of tissue on the corneal surface. This flap can be made with a specialized instrument called a microkeratome. After the surgeon has removed deeper layers of the cornea, the flap can fold down again, creating a natural bandage which promotes healing.
Flap Formation with Laser: Dr. Gupta is proud to present a new option for this first stage using the IntraLase® Laser, a product of the most advanced research in the ultrafast laser science. IntraLase develops the flaps using an inside-out process that takes place under the surface of the cornea. The light pulses from the laser, as fast as one-quadrillionth of a second, create thousands of microscopic bubbles made of water vapor and carbon dioxide. These bubbles disappear helping the flap of pre-determined thickness to be created.
This laser safely and precisely designs a flap that suits your cornea to the exact diameter, depth, hinge location, and overall make-up your eye needs for a successful operation. It is impossible to match this accuracy with a manual blade, such as the microkeratome. Independent studies have shown that more patients achieved 20/20 vision or better with IntraLase compared to a microkeratome, with 78% of LASIK patients choosing the IntraLase method. IntraLase patients have a reduced incidence of dry eye symptoms and require fewer touch-up procedures. IntraLase is approved by the FDA and is used by premier institutions such as the Cleveland Clinic.
Intralase Wave Front LASIK and Wave Front PRK are now approved by the United States Bureau of Naval Aviation and the U.S. Air Force to be performed on Naval Aviators and Air Craft Carrier Pilots.
As of June 2007, more than 1000 Naval Aviators, including Air Craft Carrier Pilots, have undergone Wave Front guided intralase LASIK or Wave Front PRK.
Step 2. Tissue Ablation (Removal): After the flap is created, the next step is to remove corneal tissue below. This is performed with an excimer laser that uses a beam of cool ultraviolet light to reshape the cornea. LASIK benefits both nearsighted and farsighted people. For those who are nearsighted, the goal of the operation is to flatten the cornea; for farsighted people the goal is to make the cornea steeper. Astigmatism can be corrected by smoothing an irregularly shaped cornea.
At Sugarbush Eye & Laser Centre we believe in providing our patients with the best possible options to improve their vision. Therefore we invest in great technology to reach that goal.
We have recently acquired the VISX STAR S4 IR Excimer Laser System and Custom Vue Wavefront. Our FDA approved VISX STAR S4 IR laser represents the most advanced laser technology platform available today. The VISX laser system has been used to perform more than two million laser vision correction procedures. VISX STAR S4 IR combines Variable Spot Scanning (VSS) and Infrared ActiveTrak 3-D Active Eye Tracking along with waves providing Dr. Gupta with the newest and best treatment options for our patients. VISX STAR S4 IR adds a new level of precision, comfort and safety.
Precision.VISX STAR S4 IR Laser System produces seven variable sized beams giving your doctor greater flexibility and allowing for a fast, smooth treatment with precise corneal shaping. VISX STAR S4 IR Laser System incorporates a sophisticated array of seven beam diameters to give you a personalized treatment which may result in reduced problems with night vision (patients with large pupils).
Accuracy. VISX STAR S4 IR Laser System can correct vision beyond contacts and glasses when coupled with the VISX Custom VueWaveScan and Iris Registration and ActiveTrak technologies. Practically, this means that most patients with this technology see better than they ever did with their glasses or contact lenses. The VISXWaveScanaberometer, a powerful diagnostic tool which helps determine your treatment plan, uses over 200 points of light reflected off your retina to map the imperfections throughout your entire visual pathway. It creates a “fingerprint” of your vision 25 times more precise than previously possible. The data from the WaveScanaberometer is downloaded to the VISX STAR S4 IR Laser System providing an automated transfer of data on the day of surgery. With this technology, the end result of surgery means not only having improved vision with regard to distance, but also crispness and clarity.
Comfort. VISX STAR S4 allows your doctor to track eye movement during laser treatment with no dilation leading to improved comfort and greater recovery time.
Safety. In order for the procedure to be successful, the laser must remain directly in the targeted area of the cornea. Our eyes make involuntary jumping movements (called “saccadic movements”) which complicate the operation; however, VISX STAR S4 IR incorporates the use of infrared 3-D eye tracking technology. The laser detects and compensates for small eye movements by guiding the laser beam to keep it centered precisely over the treatment area.
Summary. VISX with its array of seven variable spot scanning beams, 3-D infrared tracking and large ablation zones, provides our patients with uncompromising quality in surgical outcomes.
How to Take Your First Step Toward Freedom from Glasses and Contacts
Free Screening. The first step is to deterimine if you are a suitable candidate for laser vision correction. This is done through a short medical history, vision exam, and a test that measures the thickness of the cornea (using Pentacam). Once you are found to be a good candidate for LASIK, we will ascertain the exact cost of your procedure based on your vision tests and discuss various payment options. You can learn more about the procedure by watching a short video about LASIK. Then we can schedule your surgical date. We accept cash, checks, and credit cards, as well as an excellent financing program though Unicorn Financing.
If you use soft contact lenses, they must be removed no later than one week before your consultation visit. Softtoric, hard, or gas-permeable contact lenses must be removed for an extended period of time to allow your eyes to return to their natural state so they can be measured accurately. You will have two or more sets of vision measurements taken prior to your surgery. Your contact lenses must be removed at least four weeks before your first vision evaluation.
Consultation. A more detailed eye examination is required before having the operation. The preoperative exam takes approximately 90 minutes and requires dilating drops (which may interfere with driving home).
LASIK Consent. Once you have decided that you wish to proceed with the surgery, you will be asked to read and sign a consent form. At this time you will be shown a detailed video about LASIK benefits, alternatives, risks, and complications. Your payment must be made in full during this visit.
The success of your procedure and your overall satisfaction depends not only on the doctor's surgical skill, but also on the knowledge and expertise of the support staff who perform preop evaluations, assist in the operating suite, and handle postop care and recovery. The staff at Sugarbush Eye and Laser Centre are highly trained professionals with a long track record of excellence. We are excited that you are considering this life-changing procedure and we would like to assist you in your decision and planning in any way possible. If you have further questions or comments, we encourage you to call 1-800-340-6466 to speak with a LASIK Coordinator.
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