Blade-Free CustomVue LASIK
WHAT IS BLADE-FREE CUSTOMVUE LASIK?
LASIK brings together the science of the Excimer Laser and skill of the surgeon to correct nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia) and astigmatism. LASIK is a brief, outpatient procedure that could significantly reduce or possibly eliminate your dependence on corrective lenses.
The shape of your cornea determines whether you have myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism or normal vision. LASIK (Laser In-situ Keratomileusis) involves reshaping the cornea with sophisticated laser technology.
Based on advanced calculations of your refractive error, (the amount and type of corrective power that optimizes your vision), Dr. Jason Darlington guides the laser to meticulously sculpt your corneas to help you achieve the best vision possible without correction. The Excimer Laser does this by emitting a "cool" laser light that removes microscopic amounts of tissue with extreme precision.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LASIK AND BLADE-FREE CUSTOMVUE LASIK?
- In Custom Vue Blade-Free LASIK we make the flap using a laser rather than a metal blade. This is a huge advance, it is more accurate and gives you a better quality of vision.
- We use a special measurement called wavefront aberrometry that creates a fingerprinted vision that is unique to your eye and allows us to get a better percentage of 20/20 compared to the older standard LASIK that is based on your glasses prescription.
HOW WILL WE DETERMINE IF YOU ARE A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR BLADE-FREE CUSTOMVUE LASIK?
To determine whether LASIK is right for you, you will be screened and ultimately have a comprehensive eye examination by Dr. Darlington and his staff. A comprehensive medical history will be taken and we will discuss your goals and expectations from the procedure.
- Your corneal thickness (pachymetry) will be evaluated.
- A precise mapping of the front window of your eye will be taken (corneal topography) to determine if you have astigmatism and, if so, to what degree.
- Your refractive error will be precisely determined via manifest (undilated) and cycloplegic (dilated) refraction and your degree of myopia, hyperopia and/or astigmatism will be reviewed with you.
- Dr. Darlington will perform a comprehensive examination to help ensure that you are free of any eye disease, and he will provide ample opportunity to discuss any questions or concerns you may have. He will explain the risks, benefits, alternatives, and likely outcomes you can expect from the procedures being contemplated.
- If you are a contact lens wearer, it is preferred that you remove your contact lenses and wear your eyeglasses on the day of your screening. If you do not have eyeglasses, you may wear your contact lenses, but we ask that you bring a case with you so that we can perform the corneal topography and pachymetry tests explained above.
- Following your screening, if it is determined that you are likely a good candidate for a vision correction procedure, you will be asked to return for more detailed measurements. This appointment is your consultation.
- On the day of your consultation, if you are a contact lens wearer, we ask that you stay out of your soft contact lenses for one week prior to your measurements. (If you wear rigid gas permeable or “hard” contact lenses, we ask that you remain out of your contact lenses for two weeks prior to the date of your measurements). All of this will be reviewed with you at the time of your screening.
WHAT HAPPENS DURING THE PROCEDURE?
You remain awake during LASIK. Numbing eye drops will be administered to keep you comfortable throughout the procedure and you will likely receive valium prior to having your procedure.
Next, using an automated instrument called a microkeratome, the surgeon creates a thin corneal flap. This layer is then gently lifted, and Dr. Darlington uses the Excimer Laser to reshape the inner layer of the cornea to achieve vision correction. Once this surface of the cornea has been treated, Dr. Darlington returns the "flap" to its original position.
AFTER THE PROCEDURE
You will leave with post operative instructions including the use of eye drops that will help heal your eyes. Generally, most patients return to work within 48 hours.
NEXT STEPS
If being less dependent on eyeglasses or contact lenses is your goal, please contact us at 321-722-4443 with questions or to schedule a screening to determine if LASIK, Blade-Free CustomVue LASIK, ICLs or Clear Lens Exchange may be the vision correction procedure that is right for you.