CALL 828.304.6611 | Hickory | Lincolnton | Lenoir | Boone

iLasik

iLASIK is a procedure that utilizes ultraviolet light energy from an excimer laser to reshape the cornea, allowing it to focus light rays properly to correct vision and eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses.

iLASIK includes the use of a second laser, the Intralase femtosecond laser, for creation of the corneal flap – the first step in LASIK. This allows for a safer more accurate 100% blade-free treatment. Our patients experience a faster visual recovery with fewer complications with the Intralase laser.

Prior to treatment, several measurements are taken to determine the unique focusing characteristics of your eye – including a high definition analysis of the corneal curvature. This information is then analyzed by advanced imaging software to create an ideal shape for your cornea to most accurately focus light rays as they enter your eye.

What to expect on the day of your iLASIK procedure

A mild sedative is given prior to treatment and anesthetic eye drops are administered to completely numb the eye. There is no pain and there are no needles. After creation of the corneal flap with the Intralase laser, the flap is gently lifted and cool laser energy from the Wavelight excimer laser is then used to precisely sculpt the cornea to create the new ideal curvature based on the preoperative analysis. This step takes less than 30 seconds and the patient does not see or feel the laser. A built-in high speed eye tracker ensures accurate placement of each laser pulse. The corneal flap is then replaced in its original position and seals without the need for stitches.

The entire iLASIK procedure takes approximately 20 minutes for both eyes from start to finish. Patients are required to have a driver with them and are asked to go home and rest for the remainder of the day. Most people will notice a dramatic improvement in vision within the first 24 hours and will be seeing well enough the next day to resume normal activities, including driving and working. Full visual recovery can take 2-3 months.

Are you a candidate for iLASIK?

Candidates for iLASIK must be at least 18 years of age, not currently pregnant, and have healthy eyes with a stable prescription. iLASIK is not always the best option for individuals over age 45 or 50 as they will still require reading glasses (see Refractive Lens Exchange). Your eye doctor will help you decide if iLASIK is right for you.

The iLASIK Procedure

Frequently Asked Questions About iLASIK

How do I know if I am a good candidate for iLASIK?

The best way to find out if you are a good candidate for iLASIK is to proceed with the free refractive consultation. During the consultation, Dr. Oursler will evaluate your current prescription, vision needs, and expectations. In addition, he will explain the iLASIK procedure and answer any questions you might have. It is crucial to understand individual vision needs and expectations, as well as provide professional guidance in recommending whether or not you should proceed with surgery.

How soon will I see after my surgery?

Most of our patients notice immediate improvement right after they step up off the table, but the visual recovery varies for each person. Most patients are seeing well enough to drive and go back to work within 24 to 48 hours. The speed at which your vision improves is due to the individual rates of healing and degree of correction. In most patients, the vision is stable by three months.

Does iLASIK hurt?

No. Anesthetic eye drops are used during surgery, so that the procedure is completely painless. Patients often do feel a moderate amount of pressure sensation during surgery, but pain is not a normal part of the procedure. If pain is experienced during surgery, the patient should notify Dr. Oursler, as it is not expected. After surgery, some patients may experience a gritty or sandy feeling in the eyes, some tearing and some light sensitivity, and small fluctuations in their vision, as well as halos around lights at night. These are all temporary and improve.

Will I still be a candidate if my prescription is really strong?

With iLASIK at Graystone Eye, we have the ability to correct a range of nearsightedness from approximately -1.00D to -8.00D or higher. Farsightedness is more limited. We typically are comfortable correcting up to +5.00 diopters. Sometimes, if the patient’s prescription is higher, refractive lens replacement may be a better option for correcting the vision.

Does iLASIK correct astigmatism?

Yes, we have the ability to correct astigmatism with the iLASIK procedure. It is important to remember that not every prescription is correctable with iLASIK and other factors are taken into consideration when evaluating a person for candidacy for iLASIK surgery. Please call 828-304-6611 or request a free consultation online.

Why the IntraLase™ method?

The Traditional Method utilizes a microkeratome (or blade) to create the flap, whereas the IntraLase Method™ uses a laser for a totally-blade free procedure. Due to its consistently predictable outcomes, Dr. Oursler utilizes the IntraLase Method™ exclusively.

I have thin corneas. Can I still have iLASIK?

Due to its precision, the IntraLase Method™ now allows treatment for people with thin corneas who were previously told they were not good candidates for iLASIK.

Why should I choose Graystone over another iLASIK provider?

Dr. Oursler spends an extensive amount of time educating his patients in the pre-operative evaluation and helping the patient decide what refractive procedure, if any, is right for them.

He is very thorough and detail oriented during surgery and does not rush patients through the surgery.

Dr. Oursler does all the pre- and postoperative evaluation himself. He has completed an iLASIK fellowship and has extensive experience identifying and correcting the complications that can occur with iLASIK.

Dr. Oursler has an excellent relationship with our network of Graystone affiliated eye doctors. While your postoperative care can be arranged through one of these doctors, Dr. Oursler is available to see you 5 days a week in the Hickory area if you have minor complications from the iLASIK procedure.

Graystone Eye has been a provider of quality eye care in the Hickory area for over 30 years and will continue to be in the area for long into the future. Some of our lower price competitors don’t have the same track record.

Our commitment to your final visual outcome is unparalleled by any of our competitors.

Our threshold for re-treating patients is very low, and we are available at a phone call for any postoperative concerns. Compare the Advantages.

What is an enhancement?

If the goal of the surgery was not achieved with the initial iLASIK procedure, we may want to fine tune your vision with another surgery called an enhancement. The enhancement is very similar to the first surgery. The existing flap is surgically lifted with a different instrument following the original incision line. The enhancement procedure is typically done no sooner than three months after the initial procedure.

Is an advertisement for "All Laser Correction" the same as All Laser iLASIK?

No, this is probably a misrepresentation. PRK could be technically called “all laser vision correction,” but this does not involve making a cornea flap and does not utilize the precision of iLASIK. Be sure to ask for iLASIK by name. Only iLASIK offers the safety of micron level precision of a truly all-laser surgical approach. Patients must be sure that only the IntraLase FS pulsion laser is used to create the corneal flap in iLASIK.

How do I pay for the iLASIK procedure?

We accept Visa, Mastercard, Checks, American Express, and Discover Card. We offer affordable payment plans through Care Credit and Alphaeon Credit with interest- free financing up to 24 months for those who qualify.

Does insurance pay for this procedure?

No.

Can I use my Flex Spending Account?

Yes.  Your company may offer a Flex Spending Account, which allows you to set aside pre-tax dollars to pay for your medical expenses such as iLASIK.

Graystone iLASIK
4.7
Based on 27 reviews
powered by Google
js_loader