Causes of Focusing Problems

Crisp vision is achieved when light rays are focused and processed by the many parts of the eye. Incoming light rays are focused on the retina by both the cornea and lens. The cornea is the transparent "window" located at the front of the eye. It is responsible for 2/3 of the "bending" of light rays. Inside the eye the lens provides the additional 1/3 of the bending of the image. The retina, located in the back of the eye, is the portion of the eye that receives focused images and translates them into vision. All of the eye's parts must be correctly shaped for images to be clearly focused on the retina. The eye's shape is important in determining clear vision. If the eye is either too short or too long, light rays are not focused properly on the retina. Images will also be blurry if the cornea has an uneven shape.
Nearsightedness (Myopia)	Nearsightedness is the most common focusing problem in the United States, affecting 25-30% of our population.Nearsighted individuals can see things better up close than they can in the distance. The most common reason for nearsightedness is the eye is too long in relation to its focusing parts, or the cornea is to steep. As a result, the cornea and lens focus light rays from distant objects too quickly, and they are blurred by the time they reach the retina.
Farsightedness (Hyperopia)	Farsightedness affects about 10% of the U.S. population. Farsightedness is a focusing problem usually resulting from an eye that is too small, or a cornea that is too flat. As a result, the cornea and lens cannot focus the light rays quickly enough to achieve a focused image on the retina. The effects of hyperopia vary with age because of the loss of flexibility of the natural lens. Young people may not notice any effects until their thirties, but as they begin to age, near objects begin to become blurry. Over time, farsighted individuals usually have blurry vision for both near and far objects.
Astigmatism	Astigmatism is an inability of the eye to clearly focus images from any distance. This can occur because the shape of the cornea is not perfectly spherical. Instead of being spherical, corneas with astigmatism have a steeper curvature in one direction than another. This results in two different radii of curvatures. Corneas with pronounced astigmatism are shaped more like a football (with a steeper curvature in one direction and a flatter curvature in the other) than a well-rounded basketball (with the same curvature in all directions). Most individuals have some degree of astigmatism that is usually small enough not to significantly affect the quality of vision. However, if the amount of astigmatism is greater it can cause a focusing problem. It is common to see astigmatism associated with both nearsightedness and farsightedness.
Presbyopia	Presbyopia is a focusing problem that occurs in most people when they reach their mid-forties. In younger individuals the natural lens of the eye is soft and pliable. This flexibility permits the natural lens to change its shape, allowing it to focus on objects up close. However, as we age the lens loses its flexibility and can no longer focus clearly on near objects. Even people with perfect distance vision will need reading glasses when presbyopia develops. Therefore even if you achieve excellent distance vision through surgery, reading glasses are usually necessary beginning around forty years of age. The effects of presbyopia can be masked with LASIK surgery by a procedure know as monovision. Monovision can offer both near and distance vision to a person with presbyopia, and this option should be discussed with our staff.

	Who Qualifies for LASIK
Ages from 18-70 years old You must have stable vision (minor fluctuations may not disqualify you) Have healthy eyes (assessed individually) Must not be pregnant or nursing Must have a correctable problem Not Sure? Call today for your FREE LASIK consultation at 1-602-26 LASIK

What Does it Cost

Nationwide Vision Laser and Medical Eye Center uses the latest technology for laser surgery.

NIDEK-EC5000

VISX STAR4

IntraLase® bladeless LASIK

CK (Conductive Keratoplasty)

Traditional LASIK: Starting at $599 per eye, call for details

Custom Vue LASIK: Starting at $1,599 per eye, call for details

IntraLase® bladeless LASIK (All laser LASIK), aka iLASIK: Starting at $1,999 per eye, call for details

LASIK & PRK Pricing Includes:

Procedure
Pre-operative and post operative care with our staff and your surgeon.
All follow-up visits related to your surgery for up to 1 year

Payment Options: To make your payment as easy as possible we offer several payment options:

Cash
Credit card (AMEX, VISA, MasterCard, or Discover)
Affordable financing plans are available.

How Does LASIK Work / The History Of LASIK

LASIK was first performed in the early 1990's in Greece. However, the two main components of LASIK were performed separately many years prior. Doctors in South America began performing corneal flap surgery in the 1960's to correct myopia.

Excimer laser correction on the corneal surface was first performed in 1987, and since then over 2 million procedures have been performed worldwide. LASIK combines the benefits of corneal flap surgery with the accuracy of the excimer laser.

How Does LASIK Work?

LASIK combines the proven techniques of both corneal flap and excimer laser surgery, resulting in dramatic results and rapid visual recovery. LASIK is effective for correcting most cases of nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Every Nationwide Vision patient undergoes a comprehensive series of tests and eyeglass examinations and has a consultation. During the consultation the patient and surgeon discuss and plan the procedure that best suits the individual patient.

On the day of the surgery, the patient is brought to the laser suite and positioned upon a comfortable chair that reclines. Topical anesthetic drops are provided to "numb" the eye. TheLASIK flap is created with a precise instrument called a microkeratome (pictured at left). The microkeratome makes a corneal flap that is approximately 1/4 to 1/3 of the corneal thickness. The surgeon lifts the corneal flap and folds it over (still securely attached to the eye by its hinge).

Next, the surgeon uses the excimer laser to reshape microscopic amounts of corneal stromal tissue to provide precise correction of the patient's refractive error. When the laser portion of the procedure is complete (usually less than one minute) the corneal flap is returned to its original position where it seals back into its proper position within minutes, and continues to heal with increasing strength over the next few weeks.

What Should I Expect After Surgery?

Visual recovery is usually very quick after LASIK. Most patients see clearly and are back at work within the first 24 to 48 hours. Since LASIK does not remove the surface layer of the cornea (called the epithelium) there is rapid healing with minimal discomfort. Temporary side effects following LASIK are generally minimal.

Patients may experience temporary symptoms such as slightly drier eyes and minor increases in light scattering. These effects are more common in people with very large pupils and high refractive corrections. These side effects generally diminish as the eye heals with time. Other rare, but possible complications are discussed with all of our patients during their refractive assessment appointment.

What to Expect

EXPECT COMPLETE CARE.

A GLANCE AT WHAT TO EXPECT IN THE PROCEDURE

At the Nationwide Vision Laser and Medical Eye Center, it is our goal to make you comfortable during this quick and painless process. LASIK is an outpatient procedure, meaning you walk into the center, have the procedure, and walk out. In fact the actual surgery usually takes less than a minute, and you will be awake throughout the procedure.

First, your eyes will be fully anesthetized with special drops. then, your surgeon will position your eye directly under the laser. A lidholder will be placed in your eye to keep you eyelids open. A suction ring will keep your eye pressurized, this allows the surgeon to access the cornea. One eye will be operated on at a time. The surgeon will use an ink marker to mark where the corneal flap will be created. During the procedure, you will not actually see the creation of the corneal flap, for it is extremely thin.

The doctor uses a computer to adjust the laser to meet your particular prescription. You will be asked to look at the target light for a short time. While the doctor watches your eye through a microscope the laser uses pulses of light to reshape your cornea. These laser pulses will painlessly remove the tissue. The higher your prescription, the more time the surgery will take. The surgeon has full control over the laser and con stop the procedure at any time if necessary.

After the procedure is finished, you will need to rest for a little while. The doctor may prescribe medication for any postoperative pain, but most people feel no more than a mild discomfort following a LASIK procedure.

It's as simple as that. In less than 15 minutes, the procedure will be over and you will have the ability to see more clearly.

The Process

EXPECT PERSONAL ATTENTION.SEE FOR YOURSELF.

A GLANCE AT WHAT TO EXPECT IN THE PROCESS

During your initial informational session at the Nationwide Vision Laser and Medical Eye Center, a first examination will be given by an Optometrist to decide whether or not you are a good candidate for LASIK.

In this process, we examine your eyes to determine their health and what kind of vision correction you need. Just as in regular eye exam, we use instruments to determine your prescription, to look into the back of the eye for retinal problems, and to determine intraocular pressure to detect any early signs of glaucoma. In addition, during this initial examination, we look for signs of dry eye disease, which must be treated and cleared up before LASIK can be performed.

At the Nationwide Vision Laser and Medical Eye Center, we use a Bausch + Lomb OrbScan corneal topographer to evaluate your eye and create a "map" of your cornea. The topographer will display the corneal irregularities and the steepness or flatness that the surgeon must correct.

finally, we will question you about any health problems you have or medications you take. Some health conditions will disqualify you altogether fro LASIK, but others may just postpone the procedure until a later date.

LASIK FAQ's

SEE FOR YOURSELF.

GET YOUR ANSWERS TO FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is LASIK and how does it work?

LASIK procedures are a type of laser vision correction. With LASIK, a thin flap of the cornea is lifted. Pulses of a cool beam laser precisely sculpt the eye's surface. After the laser is applied, which takes approximately 15-60 seconds, the corneal flap is repositioned. Corneal tissue has extraordinary natural bonding qualities, so no stitches are needed.

What are the side effects of LASIK?

For a few weeks, until the eye heals, patients may experience glare or halos around lights. Patients also may experience some blurring within the first few days following the procedure. Laser vision correction was first performed in the late eighties and no proven loin-term negative effects have been found to affect the eye's strength.

How long does the whole LASIK procedure take?

On average, the laser operates less than a minute upon each eye. Time spent in the laser room usually is less than 15 minutes, and the total time spent in a Nationwide Vision and Eye Center in the day of surgery is generally less than two hours.

How long will it take for me to achieve stable vision?

Individual patients' healing responses vary. Many patients will achieve markedly-improved vision overnight. Most patients return to their normal activity schedule within a day or two.

Can I have both eye treated on the same day?

Most patients do elect to have both eyes treated on the same day. The advantage include convenience, less total time spent away from work, and balanced vision.

Traditional LASIK vs. Custom LASIK

LOOK INTO IT.

TRADITIONAL LASIK VS. CUSTOM LASIK

Vision conditions are grouped into two classes: higher-order aberrations, and lower-order aberrations.

Traditional LASIK surgery treats only lower-order aberrations, which satisfies the need of most patients prescriptions.

Custom LASIK is designated to correct both lower- and higher -order aberrations, and may improve night vision. If you are a better candidate for Custom LASIK, both the counselor and the doctor will discuss this with you.

The major difference in the two technologies is found in how the eye is measured. In Traditional LASIK, the surface cornea is viewed by a topographical eye measurement system. In Custom LASIK, a light beam is used to measure more than just the surface of the cornea to detect higher-order aberrations.

Traditional LASIK surgery uses your prescription to determine the laser settings. Custom LASIK is designed to treat all eyes differently, as each eye is unique.

Custom LASIK treatments may deliver sharper post-operative vision and fewer nighttime side effects than traditional LASIK. Problems such as nighttime glare, halos, quality of vision issues, and even residual refractive error may be reduced with Custom LASIK.

LASIK Technology

SEE THE DIFFERENCE.

NATIONWIDE VISION LASER AND MEDICAL EYE CENTERS

The nationwide Vsion Laser and Medical Eye Centers are equipped with some of the latest FDA approved technologies and equipment to offer the best in laser correction, including custom LASIK.

We also utilize the WaveScan WvaeFront System to obtain unprecidented levels of measuerment accuracy and outstanding treatment precision essential to the CustomVue procedure. this allows us to determine with greater certainty whether you are a good candidate for laser vision correction.

We offer different laswers for varying eye conditions. Your physician will recommend which treatment and technology will be the most effective for your indovidual eye care needs.c To deliver the most complete and effective resultsm we utilize the following FDA-Approved technologies includind:

VISX Star4 with CustomVue
NIDEK EC 5000

CK - Conductive Keratoplasty
FREEDOM FROM READING GLASSES

Conductive Keratoplasty (CK) is the only procedure designed for farsightedness that uses radio frequency energy instead of a laser to correct your vision. Approved by the FDA in 2002 after five years of successful clinical trials in the US and abroad, CK has proven to be a safe, effective alternative to laser surgery.

How does CK work?

CK uses a pen-shaped instrument with a cool tip as a thin as a human hair. After application of a topical anesthetic (eye drops), the Physician will apply radio frequency energy in a circular pattern. This pattern is along the periphery of the cornea and therefore minimizes interference with your line of sight.

CK is considered painless, Once finished, you don;t have to wear a patch and can usually return to work the next day. Vision continues to improve over the course of the first week.

What results can I expect?

Near Vision Improvement Two-thirds of our patients have good distance vision and want to improve their near vision. As a result, they only require CK in one eye. While this sounds odd, it is a technique used widely in contact lenses and LASIK for patients over the age of 40.

Which Procedure is Right for You

LASIK/Refractive Surgery

Advances in refractive surgery treatments have provided patients with a number of options that allow them to reduce or eliminate their dependency on glasses and contact lenses. The most popular refractive surgery procedure, LASIK, has successfully been performed on millions of patients worldwide. However, many individuals are not good candidates for LASIK surgery, and the evolution of refractive surgery technology has led to additional methods used to treat refractive errors. Today, patients have a range of vision correction options available to them, from the insertion of implantable contact lenses to several variations of the LASIK technique. Learn more about the refractive surgery treatments available today, and consult refractive surgeons in your area to find out which options are best for you. What is Refractive Surgery?

Refractive surgery includes any procedure designed to treat the refractive errors myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism. There are a number of refractive surgery treatments currently on the market; however, the techniques employed can vary greatly. Procedures such as LASIK, PRK, and LASEK involve corneal ablation through use of an excimer laser. During these procedures, the cornea is reshaped to improve visual acuity. Ask us about our myopia treatment, hyperopia treatment, and astigmatism treatment options to find out which procedures are specifically designed to correct each type of refractive error. To learn more about refractive surgery treatments in general, read the sections below.

LASIK

During the LASIK procedure, refractive surgeons reshape the cornea by removing precise amounts of corneal tissue to correct the patient's degree of refractive error. The most popular refractive surgery procedure employed today, LASIK surgery only takes about 15 minutes to perform, and costs have decreased significantly since an increased number of refractive surgeons have become experienced with the treatment. Learn more about LASIK vision correction to find out if it is the right procedure for you.

Since the advent of traditional LASIK surgery, refractive surgeons have been searching for ways to further improve the treatment. Today, custom LASIK provides patients with an option that boasts even more precise results. Because the custom LASIK procedure incorporates use of a wavefront map, which provides the LASIK surgeon with a 3-D map of the eye that can be transferred directly to the laser, there is no guess work involved. Learn more about custom LASIK surgery and the benefits this treatment provides.

Custom LASIK

IntraLASIK

The IntraLASIK procedure is similar to traditional LASIK in that it involves corneal reshaping. The difference, however, is the method used to create the flap during the first part of the procedure. During traditional LASIK surgery, refractive surgeons use the microkeratome, a blade, to create the corneal flap. In the IntraLASIK procedure, the surgeon uses the Intralase® laser to separate the flap. Learn more about the IntraLASIK procedure and how it differs from traditional LASIK refractive surgery.

Advances in implantable contact lens technology continues to provide patients with superior forms of vision correction. The implantable contact lens procedure involves the insertion of a lens in the eye. The new lens provides patients with improved vision and most patients no longer need to rely on glasses and contact lenses to see clearly. Learn more about implantable contact lenses.

Implantable Contact Lenses

Conductive Keratoplasty, or CK, is a treatment used to improve vision in patients suffering from hyperopia and presbyopia. Like LASIK, the CK procedure is designed to alter the way light enters the eye. During the CK procedure, radio waves are utilized to steepen the cornea, thereby producing clearer vision. Although many patients opt to undergo the LASIK procedure instead of CK, conductive keratoplasty is still an excellent treatment option for appropriate candidates. Learn more about CK.

The LASEK procedure is another variation of LASIK. The main difference between LASIK and LASEK takes place when the flap is created. During LASEK, a thin epithelial flap is detached using an alcohol solution rather than the microkeratome used in the traditional LASIK procedure. The flap is then replaced. This allows the refractive surgeons to save more corneal tissue, making it a great refractive surgery treatment option for patients with thin corneas. Learn more about the LASEK procedure and who qualifies as a good candidate.

LASEK

PRK

In the past, PRK was the most common refractive surgery performed on patients. The procedure is similar to both LASIK and LASEK. Again, the major difference in the PRK procedure involves the creation, or in this case removal, of the corneal flap. During PRK, the epithelial layer is removed altogether, and later regenerates. This results in a longer recovery time for patients who undergo PRK. However, the PRK procedure is still an excellent treatment option for certain patients, especially those with thin corneas. Learn more about PRK and the benefits it offers patients.

Epi- LASIK is yet another variation of the LASIK procedure. During Epi- LASIK, an epikeratome is used to detach a thin layer of tissue in the epithelium. Once this layer of tissue is moved aside, the refractive surgeon can reshape the cornea as done in the traditional LASIK procedure. Once corneal reshaping is complete, the refractive surgeon replaces the epithelial tissue and a special contact lens is placed to promote healing. Like PRK and LASEK, Epi- LASIK is a great refractive surgery treatment for patients with thin corneas. Learn more about the Epi- LASIK procedure.

Epi-LASIK

Monovision

Monovision can be achieved with glasses, contact lenses, and refractive surgery, and is typically used to treat patients suffering from presbyopia. It involves the use of one eye for distance vision and one eye for near vision. Some patients find it difficult to adjust to this change; however, some patients experience improved visual acuity after having their eyeglasses and contact lenses prescription changed. Patients can also achieve monovision by having one eye corrected for up close vision and one eye corrected for distance vision through LASIK. Learn more about monovision and how this treatment works.

Traditional LASIK starting at $599.00 per eye, - Financing Available at Nationwide Vison

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Receive $500.00 Off All Custom iLasik at Nationwide Vison

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Causes of Focusing Problems

Nearsightedness (Myopia)

Farsightedness (Hyperopia)

Astigmatism

Presbyopia

Who Qualifies for LASIK

Call today for your FREE LASIK consultation at 1-602-26 LASIK