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.
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What Is LASIK?
LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is a surgical procedure performed by Ophthalmologists to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. 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. Many patients choose LASIK as an alternative to wearing corrective glasses or contact lenses. Lasik is the fastest growing and most accepted form of laser vision correction. Benefits of LASIK are many, including fast visual recovery, little or no discomfort, lower risk of haze, glare and halos and most patients are very satisfied with the outstanding outcome results.
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.
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. Without cutting or burning, this excimer laser vaporizes tissue with no harm to the surrounding cells. Once the appropriate amount of corneal tissue is ablated, the flap is folded back over the eye.
The laser that Dr. Gupta uses for this step, Alcon LADARVision®, is one of the best FDA-approved lasers in existence. The LADARVision excels in precision, accuracy, and safety.
Precision. LADARVision employs a special small-spot laser beam measuring less than one millimeter in diameter that reshapes the cornea into an extremely smooth surface. Additionally, LADARVision can use a larger optical zone which minimizes potential nighttime side effects (such as glare and halos) and makes treatment possible for patients with large pupils.
Accuracy. LADARVision can correct vision beyond contacts and glasses when coupled with the LADARWave® wavefront measuring system. Practically, this means that most patients with this procedure see better than they ever did with their glasses or contact lenses. The LADARWave system can also detect not only nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, but also other imperfections that result in shadows, glare, halos, and double vision. When this sytem is used, the result of the surgery is improved vision with regard to distance, crispness, and clarity.
Safety. In order for the procedure to be successful, the laser must remain directly on the targeted area of the cornea. The eye makes involuntary jumping movements (called saccadic movements) that complicate the operation. However, LADARVision incorporates the use of the LADARTracker ™ which scans the eye movements 4,000 per second. Then it makes microadjustments at speeds of 100 times per second to reposition the pinpoint laser beam between pulses of light, tracking even the smallest and quickest movements of the eye during treatment.
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.
