Lasik

LASIK (Laser Assisted In situ Keratomileusis )is an outpatient procedure that Doctor Campanella performs at his local surgery center. The operating rooms at the surgery center are truly sterile, making this an excellent place to perform all types of surgery, including LASIK. Patients usually remain in their street clothes for surgery, although they may be asked to don some protective clothing , such as a hat and gown.

Once in the operating room, the patient lies down on a table, and the equipment is positioned nearby. Anesthetic drops are applied to the eye. A shield is placed over the non-operative eye. We also give patients an oral sedative, to aid in their comfort during the procedure. Then a lid speculum (eyelid holder) is positioned to keep the operative eyelids immobile during surgery.

Step One:

First, the surgeon marks the cornea with surgical ink.  A device known as an automated microkeratome cuts a precision flap in the cornea. The flap measures between 160 and 180 microns thick (0.016 to 0.018 of a centimeter). The flap moves the first two corneal layers - the epithelium and Bowman's layer - out of the way of the laser, which works on the third layer, the stoma. The epithelium and the Bowman's layer are the critical layers for good vision and should be left relatively unchanged by the LASIK procedure.

Step Two:

Then the surgeon applies the excimer laser to the stroma beneath the flap. The excimer laser gently breaks the molecular bonds of the corneal stroma to reshape it in a process called ablation. The type and degree of reshaping will depend on the kind of vision enhancement the individual needs. The laser portion of the surgery takes only about 30 seconds to complete.

Step Three:

After ablation, the surgeon applies an irrigation solution to the eye and gently replaces the flap using the incision marks to ensure proper placement. After a few minutes, the flap stays in place without stitches, much like a suction cup. Both eyes can be treated on the same day, although some patients choose to schedule separate surgery days for each eye. Following surgery, the operative eyes are treated with antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eyedrops. A series of follow-up visits track the patients healing progress and ensure that no complications develop.

Dr. Campanella is now performing LASIK with the VISX S4 laser with CustomVue wavefront technology. This technology allows each individual's eye imperfections to be treated, not just the eyeglass prescription like in the traditional method. This allows for better results in those people who are candidates for Custom LASIK. Like a fingerprint, no two prescriptions are alike. Learn more about this technology at www.visx.com Call today to schedule your complimentary consultation with Dr. Campanella to see if you can benefit from this life changing technology!

For more information about our laser technology, please visit: www.intralase.com.