Top 4 Questions Before Fortified LASIK

If you are getting ready for LASIK in Los Angeles or considering your options, you probably have many questions you need answered. There are several myths and misconceptions about the LASIK procedure and it is often hard to decide whether or not this procedure is right for you. The following questions and answers below may help you prepare.

Top 4 questions to ask before LASIK Surgery:

When you are interested in or preparing for LASIK surgery you probably have questions regarding procedure, recovery, or even how it feels during surgery. Below are the top 4 questions you might ask your eye care specialist before your surgery.

How long will the procedure take?

The procedure itself takes only around 15 minutes per eye. The overall amount of time you will spend in the office will most likely be around 4 hours for completing paperwork, signing consent forms, repeating any testing, and postop observation.

How long is the recovery process?

Around 24 hours after your procedure you will be able to continue your daily activities. Your doctor will likely to want to see you 24-48 hours after the procedure for follow up exam. After a week or two you should fully recover from your procedure. Most of these protocols are for your safety, and each patient is different so you will need to pay attention to the specific details provided to you.

What are some side effects of LASIK?

There are a few possible side effects from the procedure such as dry eyes, glare & halos, and some partial loss of vision which is very rare. If you think you are having any side effects it is important to see your eye care professional right away.

What are some of the benefits of getting the LASIK procedure?

There are many benefits of LASIK – the major one being freedom from glasses or contact lenses. Additional benefits of LASIK procedures are little pain during the procedure, ability to be performed in combination with other treatments, and has a quicker recovery time.

Priscilla grew tired of her itchy eyes and contact lenses ripping, so she couldn’t be happier with her LASIK experience. Watch her story:

LASIK Eye Surgery, Improving Vision

Fortified LASIK Eye Surgery

LASIK Eye Surgery

If you are looking to be lessen the burden of eye glasses or contact lenses there are several options to help you. In the past most people with vision issues had to rely on glasses or contact lenses to get the vision they desired, however there have been many changes and improvements when it comes to vision correction.

While recent treatments including traditional LASIK procedures, not all people are good candidates and it often causes disturbances in the patient’s vision after the procedure is performed. Luckily now there are new alternatives. One procedure, known as Fortified LASIK, is an advanced form of the traditional LASIK procedure which also includes an accelerated version of Dr. Brian’s patented Holcomb C3-R corneal crosslinking.  This treatment helps to strengthen the cornea and helps to extend the longevity of the LASIK procedure results

Below you will find more information regarding the Fortified LASIK procedure and you can make the choice for yourself.

Fortified LASIK Eye Surgery:

Fortified LASIK accommodates those that have somewhat thinner cornea or slight irregular shape, because it strengthens the cornea right after the procedure.

Fortified LASIK is only available at the Boxer Wachler Vision Institute.  Dr. Brian developed this procedure to increasing the longevity and safety of the LASIK.

May people searching our LASIK in Los Angeles have found Dr. Brian’s procedure to be comfortable and effective in providing visual freedom.

Below are some of the benefits of Fortified LASIK Eye Surgery:

  • Can improve overall quality of vision
  • Can  improve night vision
  • Can achieve 20/20 vision (in some cases)
  • Quick recovery
  • Repairs some cornea distortions
  • Can replace or reduce the need for your glasses or contact lenses
  • Strengthens the cornea and reduces risk of developing Ectasia

Clear and precise quality of vision is important in our everyday lives, for both work and personal reasons. Ask a friendly patient concierge about the Fortified LASIK procedure. For more information regarding Fortified LASIK.

Watch this clip from the Emmy award daytime talk show The Doctors:

Top Procedures for Vision Correction

There are several new treatment options that can assist with your vision. In many cases these procedures can reduce the need for glasses/contact lenses.

Over the past two decades several new procedures have been developed that are making changes in the lives of many who suffer with vision issues.

For those who are suffering with Astigmatism, Farsightedness, Nearsightedness, Dry Eye, or even Keratoconus there is hope for your vision. Minimally-invasive procedures like LASIK, PRK and ICL can help your vision drastically,

Below you will see some procedures that can assist you in finding visual freedom:

LASIK – The most well-known vision correction procedure. LASIK uses a laser to carefully shave away cornea tissue to create a smooth surface, and therefore correct the vision.

PRK – The procedure involves gently moving the surface skin of the cornea and applying a laser to reshape the outer cornea. PRK was the first type of laser eye surgery for vision correction. PRK preceded development of LASIK.

ICL – ICL is a small implanted lens that can reduce or eliminate your need for contacts or glasses. The goal of ICL is to reduce overall prescription. A patient can consider the ICL procedure if they have a high prescription, and may have conditions such as thin corneas which make them not candidates for other procedures.

For more information on vision correction, click the link below to watch a special episode of The Doctors.

Improved LASIK Treatments for Vision Correction

LASIK has had a stigma associated with its name for years. And there have been a number of issues in the past when it comes to this type of treatment, however they are not for the reasons that have been circulating. While LASIK helps with several eye conditions, not everyone makes a good candidate and may be misinformed, which is where many problems come in.

If you are considering LASIK as a treatment for astigmatism, nearsightedness or farsightedness, getting a complete and detailed evaluation should be your main priority. There are several people who shouldn’t get this procedure due to large pupils, or thinner corneas. For those with these problems, other options are available.

The new Wavefront LASIK is a more precise and accurate procedure allowing the doctor to guide the laser throughout the entire procedure. This ensures that the procedure is done correctly with minimal if any post-procedure symptoms such as halos, double vision, or the need to repeat the procedure as some have in the past.

The procedure allows the doctor to see the eye on the computer screen and gives them the ability to adjust it even if the eye is in motion. It takes less than 30 minutes and provides the patient with incredible results. Below are some benefits of using this type of procedure.

  • Patient can get both eyes done at the same day
  • Patient can have the procedure in combination with other procedures
  • There is little to no pain
  • Procedure can repair previous LASIK issues
  • Procedure has reduced recovery time

If you are looking to have freedom from glasses or contacts and don’t want a long recovery period, or symptoms afterward. Trying the new wave-front LASIK maybe a great treatment option for you. For more information on this procedure and to hear a first-hand experience, visit http://tiny.cc/qlh0ix

Is LASIK the Right Choice for You?

Even though the LASIK procedure has been around a few decades surely some of you are still wondering how this procedure can help my vision. Although we  often settle for what we get with our glasses and contact lenses a new view into what is LASIK may change your mind. There are probably many questions you want to ask in regards to LASIK hopefully this will help you with a few.

What is LASIK?

LASIK also known as In-situ Keratomileusis is a vision correction procedure that uses a laser to reshape your cornea and decrease your need for contacts/glasses. LASIK can help correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. These conditions often cause the patient to need glasses or contact lenses, which requires a lot of maintenance. The everyday maintenance and reduction in lack of overall vision can cause some to look for other options. LASIK can give the patient a view of the world less dependent on the use of contacts or glasses.

How do I Know if I am a Good Candidate?

Often people ask the question “Who can get LASIK Surgery?” The truth is there are tests that need to be done to determine if you are a candidate. There are some people to which this procedure is not an option. Determining if you are a candidate would require a few tests.  These tests include:

  • Cornea Mapping, knows as Corneal Topographical: this procedure will help determine if there are any irregularities that would exclude you from being a candidate
  • Pupil size: this test is important to ensure that your pupil size is not too large. Large pupils can cause reduced night vision and visual halos/glare making driving difficult at night.
  • Cornea Thickness, knows as Pachymetry: ensuring your cornea has sufficient thickness for LASIK is important. Individuals whose corneas are thin can develop a vision threatening condition if they undergo LASIK. 
  • Prescription know as manifest refraction: determines the strength of your prescription and if this can be programmed into the laser.  If you prescription is too high, you will not get the desired results since the laser can only correct to a certain point. 

These tests will give a better overview of your eyes.

Those with conditions caused by a thinning of the cornea, too high of a prescription and or large pupil size will be told and the eye care professionals will explain other options.

What will the Procedure be Like?

This procedure is performed usually in a procedure room at your doctor’s office. The procedure takes about 7-10 minutes per eye. The doctor will use drops to numb your eyes. Currently many are using wavefront guided procedures to be sure that you are getting the best quality vision. Wavefront guided procedures can help correct other imperfections that caused declined quality of vision. Talk to your eye care professional about more on this common procedure.

Remember LASIK vision correction surgery is there to improve your overall vision. It is important you know all the facts before agreeing to this type of procedure. If you have questions be sure to ask your eye care professional.

Effects of High Altitudes After LASIK?

For those who love the wilderness ensuring our eyes are at 100% is top priority. The worry of vision correction can be a scary thought. There are many procedures that have benefited us in the past and even more in the present. So how do we know which ones are safe, and what effects it will have after-wards?

In the past RK or Radial Keratoplasty was a wide spread treatment much like today’s LASIK procedure. This was a concern for Mountain climbers because of the scare on Mt. Everest. Since then procedures have changed and now LASIK has become a more advanced and successful procedure in the world of vision correction. Continual climbing or reaching high altitudes over 16,000ft can cause mild symptoms like dry eyes. But most climbers have no significant changes.

LASIK

The LASIK procedure has more accurate lasers, and provide a better clarity to the patients vision. In the past the RK procedure used tiny incisions to reshape the eye and improve the vision, it’s accuracy was dependent more on the doctor holding the surgical instrument. The problem with RK and altitude is that the incisions seem to almost flex at high altitudes cause the vision to change. Research over the past 2 decades has allowed us to use better more capable lasers, as in custom wavefront LASIK. Other LASIK procedures are All Laser LASIK, and PRK.

Benefits of LASIK in High Altitudes:

 LASIK improves clarity
 Quick recovery after LASIK procedures
 Can return to climbing in as little as 2 weeks after procedure
 Less risk of fluctuation to the cornea after LASIK versus RK
 Little pain

If you are worried about whether or not you can return to climbing after LASIK, that shouldn’t be an issue. LASIK will give you a clearer view of the world around you in the air or on the ground. Remember improving your quality of vision will improve your quality of life.

Dr. Brian Boxer Wachler, MD is a renowned eye surgeon specializing in LASIK treatment and other procedures.

For more information on Dr. Brian’s LASIK procedure visit http://www.allaboutvision.com/lasik-surgeons/los-angeles-boxer-wachler.htm

The 9 most important topics you need to know about LASIK are covered in the LASIK CONSUMER REPORT. Because of it’s “straight-talk”, informative approach, the REPORT is one of the most trusted consumer publications on LASIK: http://lasikconsumerreport.com/lcr.html

To learn more on Altitude & LASIK visit: http://www.basecampmd.com/expguide/snowblind.shtml

Should You Consider LASIK Vision Correction

The most common reasons for blurry vision are nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. All three of these problems can be easily fixed with LASIK.

While contacts and glasses can sometimes do the trick, they sometimes get in the way of activities and require upkeep that many would like to avoid.

For other patients who simply do not want to have to wear glasses or use contact, they may resort to LASIK as well.

LASIK is an eye treatment that is used to correct an individual’s vision. A laser is used to reshape the outer cornea.

Before your procedure, you are going to need to be evaluated by your doctor to see if you are a good candidate.

The good news is this procedure only takes about 20 minutes.

First, numbing drops will be placed in your eyes, and a eyelid holder will be placed in between your eyelids to hold your eyes open. Your doctor will then use a special instrument to make a tiny flap in your cornea. The cornea flap will then folded back so the laser can reshape the inner cornea to improve your vision.  It is like the laser is sculpturing the prescription onto the inner cornea. During the procedure, you will be comfortable and mostly only be aware of flashings lights on the microscope.  You may experience burning sensations after the procedure but it will subside within a few hours. Overall most patients say the procedure was easier than a visit to the dentist.

Dr. Brian Boxer Wachler, MD is a renowned eye surgeon specializing in LASIK treatment and other procedures.

For more information on Dr. Brian’s LASIK procedure visit http://www.allaboutvision.com/lasik-surgeons/los-angeles-boxer-wachler.htm

 

Do You Need An Alternative to Traditional LASIK?

If you have been rejected for the LASIK procedure in the past there may be an alternative treatment for you today.

The No Cut LASEK procedure is not new but is less well known compared to LASIK, but it yields great results.

The No Cut LASEK procedure allows those with larger pupils, or thinner corneas to have the procedure unlike with traditional LASIK. The No Cut LASEK procedure can also repair damage caused by previous procedures.

Below are 3 benefits of the No Cut LASEK treatment:

No Cutting – Unlike other procedures the LASEK procedure doesn’t require any cutting therefore there is less risk.

Less invasive than LASIK – no flap creation required, helps reduce the risk of halos and provides option for thin corneas to have treatment.

Short procedure time- The LASEK procedure is much easier and requires less procedure time. Generally between 5-10 minutes per eye.

With the No Cut LASEK procedure it allows others who didn’t have the alternative new options. The No Cut LASEK procedure also helps Astigmatism, Nearsightedness, and Farsightedness. The benefits of having this procedure far outweigh the risks of other procedures when they have larger pupils or thin conreas and it allows many more people to get the treatment they desire.

Advancements in treatments for nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism are on the rise. Alternatives for better quality of vision are a possibility for most of the population.

Dr. Brian Boxer Wachler, MD is a renowned eye surgeon specializing in LASIK treatment and other procedures.

For more information on Dr. Brian’s LASIK procedure visit http://www.allaboutvision.com/lasik-surgeons/los-angeles-boxer-wachler.htm

Climbing Mountains After LASIK

For those of us who love mountain climbing, vision correction can be a scary topic. So what about all the rumors of problems related to Mountain climbing and vision correction? There was a bit of a problem with a few climbers when it came to RK vision correction and mountain climbing. The extenuating circumstances; they didn’t inform their doctor they would be climbing (Mt. Everest) nor did they inform the guide they had a procedure- a couple of “no-no’s” in the realm of climbing.  RK is the one vision correction procedure that can be impacted by high altitude.

So what height is too great to climb after you have LASIK vision correction procedures? To be honest whether you’re at 18,000ft on the MexicanVolcanoes, or at 29,000ft to the top of Mt. Everest you should have minimal effects from your LASIK vision correction procedure. The approximate time to wait for climbing after LASIK is generally 2 weeks. But be sure to talk it over with your eye care professional.

The Most Common Procedures:

 Custom Wavefront LASIK
 Epi-On LASIK
 PRK

The Most Common Complications:

 Dry eyes
 Lack of Oxygen to the Cornea
 Fluctuation of Vision

Even if you are still questioning the idea of mountain climbing after LASIK a quick conversation with your eye care professional can help put the aftercare in perspective. Remember that it takes at least two weeks of recovery time in most cases before you should climb. See your eye care professional to be sure. Something you are interested in doing should be top priority. Making sure that you will be able to do the things you love with your new vision comes next.

So whether you are interested in climbing the 22,500 ft of the Aconcogua or you want to make it only half the way to the top of the Mexican Volcanoes check out what vision correction procedure will best suit you and your situation.

For more information regarding LASIK visit: http://www.usaeyes.org/lasik/faq/lasik.htm