LASER VISION
LASIK - Laser Eye Surgery Charleston
Because we aim to please our patients, LASIK at Seltzer Laser Center is affordable. We offer advanced technology and one of the most experienced LASIK surgeons in Charleston or South Carolina. Lasik Eye Surgery
(also known as Laser Vision Correction and commonly called Laser Eye Surgery)
The LASIK procedure
In the LASIK procedure, the surgeon utilizes the Excimer Laser to precisely reshape corneal tissue, thereby, adjusting the way light is bent as it passes through the eye to the macula (focal point in the back of your eye, responsible for your detailed vision). The LASIK procedure operating time is only 10 minutes. The laser itself will only be functioning for 1 minute or less. In most cases, results are visually outstanding, and approximately 98% of LASIK patients no longer need glasses or contact lenses.
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LASIK Surgery: The Process
Prior to surgery, patients will take a tranquilizer in order to relax. Then they are taken into the laser room. The first eye is numbed by topical anesthetic drops, making the typical LASIK experience painless. Then, a lid holder is placed under the eyelids to keep the patient from blinking during the procedure. Next, a protective flap of corneal tissue is lifted, utilizing an automated microkeratome. Now the patient simply looks at the laser light. When the Excimer laser is operational, it emits a cool light beam which reshapes the corneal tissue at microscopic levels. Typically, the amount of tissue that is removed is far less than the thickness of a human hair.
Reshaping The Cornea
From start to finish, the entire LASIK surgery procedure takes only about 10 minutes per eye, the Excimer laser is only on for 1 minute or less. The measurements utilized are specific to each individual eye. Once the laser treatment is completed, the protective corneal flap is lowered back into position. Drops are then administered. Following both procedures, the patient will remain at the Seltzer Laser Center for 30 mins to 1 hour. Dr. Seltzer will then personally check them to ensure that everything is perfect. Then the patient may go home and begin enjoying their new vision. Patients are seen the next morning for their initial post-op examination. Results can be seen as early as 24 hours after surgery, which confirms that LASIK is an incredible procedure. Sometimes the results can take longer than 24 hours, depending on your specific vision.
LASIK patients generally experience rapid visual recovery, and most often no longer need prescriptive glasses or contact lenses. Despite the fact that most of our patients get rid of their glasses after surgery, the AAO prohibits any ophthalmologist from a guarantee that LASIK can permanently replace your glasses. In addition to the immediate visual results, most patients usually have little in the way of side effects. Following LASIK, patients should avoid contact sports, or other activities, which may result in an injury to the eye(s). Patients should avoid swimming for 4 weeks. Once a patient's eyes have healed, any and all desired activities are allowed. Beyond these few exceptions, patients typically resume most normal activities, work, recreation, and sports within 24 hours of having LASIK on both eyes.
Allegretto Wavefront LASIK
Seltzer Laser Center is dedicated to providing our patients with the most advanced technology in vision care. Seltzer Laser Center now offers the newest technology and most advanced laser system available, the ALLEGRETTO WAVE™ Excimer laser. The combination of this precise wavefront laser and the experienced surgical skills of Dr. Seltzer and Dr. Brody deliver a great solution for any lasik patients in South Carolina. The ALLEGRETTO WAVE™ Excimer Laser is the next generation of Excimer laser technology combining the wavefront analysis directly into the laser itself. Through years of rigorous studies and continued refinement the ALLEGRETTO WAVE™ Excimer Laser was launched. Due to the ALLEGRETTO WAVE™ wavefront-optimized ablation algorithm, the system delivers excellent results and a tremendous level of safety. Providing safe options for our patients is a major goal at this practice. The ALLEGRETTO WAVE™ Excimer laser can actually treat patients with larger pupils. This was a particular problem with conventional LASIK and many people with large pupils were turned away as potential patients. The expanded optical zones with ALLEGRETTO WAVE™ do allow for larger treatment zones. The benefits range from clear vision to better vision at night with reduced glare. Call us today to find out more information regarding the breakthrough Excimer laser. SEE our page on Allegretto LASIK for more detailed information.
Selecting a LASIK surgeon
Asking the right questions is so important when selecting a quality LASIK surgeon. We have included this list of questions on our website to better educate LASIK candidates as to what they should look for when selecting a LASIK surgeon.
- How many LASIK eye surgery procedures have you performed?
- Do you prefer performing PRK or LASIK and why?
- How long have you been doing Lasik Eye Surgery?
- What's your success rate with LASIK?
- What type of excimer laser does your surgeon use for LASIK eye surgery? Please make sure your surgeon is using a laser approved by the (FDA). SEE a list of approved lasers on the FDA LASIK website. The link is provided below.
- How much experience do you have with the Lasik Eye Surgery procedure and Laser Vision Correction?
- How do you define success with LASIK? What is the chance for me (with my correction) to achieve 20/20?
- How many of your patients have achieved 20/20 or 20/40 vision?
- How many patients return for LASIK eye surgery enhancements?
- What's involved with the Post Operative care? What usually happens post-operatively with LASIK patients?
- Does the lasik correction start to regress?
- Who will handle he Post Operative care?
- Can optometrists legitimately handle this type of post surgical care?
LASIK Facts: Get the real answers to LASIK eye surgery
Click here for a list of FDA approved lasers
Sources:
http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/LASIK/default.htm
http://www.aao.org/
LASIK Facts
http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/health/lasik.htm
Search4Lasik
http://www.search4lasik.com
ALLEGRETTO WAVE™ Wavefront-Optimized
http://www.allegretto.ca/patient/index.html
The Facts:
- Lasik is eye surgery to a very sensitive and delicate part of the eye.
- Hundreds of thousands of people have had Lasik, most very successfully.
- As with any surgery, there are risks and possible lasik related complications. Please feel free to do alternative research on the associated risks with this type of LASIK eye surgery.
- Lasik may not give you complete perfect vision. Unrealistic expectations are not a positive just because a friend has perfect vision from LASIK. If you have Lasik to correct your distance vision, you'll still need reading glasses around age 40 and above because you will naturally start to develop an inability to read.
- Lasik surgery cannot be reversed. You may consider some of the reversible refractive surgery techniques but always consult an ophthalmologist.
- The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) reports that seven out of 10 patients achieve 20/20 vision, but 20/20 does not always mean perfect vision.
