Our doctors offer a variety of laser refractive surgery procedures such as LASIK, CustomVue™ LASIK, and PRK, using the latest in vision correction technology so that patients can experience clearer vision.
LASIK, which stands for Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis, is a type of refractive surgery designed to reshape the cornea and produce clearer vision. It is done on an outpatient basis and involves laser surgery to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. LASIK can correct a much higher degree of nearsightedness with or without astigmatism than any other refractive procedure, with excellent results (95 percent of patients achieve 20/40 vision or better).
At the Bonner Eye Clinic, your Surgeon will be present from your initial consultation to your final follow-up exam. Before you undergo LASIK, Dr. Bonner or Dr. Mariano will perform a comprehensive eye exam. Your eye history will be thoroughly examined, and the doctor will make sure that your refractive error has been stable for at least one year. The exam will also include:
- Dilated exam to check for ocular irregularities
- Refractive error measurement
- Pupil and corneal thickness measurements
- Corneal topography map
- Tear function analysis
- Discussion of medical history, lifestyle, and expectations
- Wavefront analysis
LASIK begins with anesthetic eye drops used to numb the eye, a corneal flap is created and the eye is then positioned under the excimer laser, which has been computer programmed to your vision. Your job is to look at the flashing fixation light and the laser does the rest. It tracks all the movements your eye makes with a 3-D eye tracker to keep your treatment right on target.
You will remain awake during the procedure, which takes only a few minutes. Pre-operative preparation may extend surgery time to 30 minutes or more.
Often, improved vision is seen immediately following the surgery. Most of our patients are able to return to daily activities and will be able to drive to their post-operative appointment the following day. Eye drops and a protective eye shield will be necessary for a short period of time.
Advantages of LASIK include:
- Faster healing time
- Rapid visual recovery
- Less risk of scarring
- Less risk of corneal haze
- Less post-op discomfort
- Treatment of a wider range of nearsightedness
As with any surgery, there are risks associated with LASIK. Complications occur in approximately five percent of patients. These complications can include:
- Infection
- Light sensitivity
- Halos, glare, and starbursts - this occurs if light enters the eye around the edge of the treatment area and can usually be corrected with "touch-up" treatment
- Under-correction or over-correction
- Irregular astigmatism - this occurs if the cornea heals in a wavy configuration
- Regression
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At Bonner Eye Clinic we are proud to offer CustomVue™ LASIK, the newest, most advanced technology in custom laser vision correction. CustomVue™ is superior to conventional laser correction alone. Customized to your eyes’ unique vision needs, this technology also makes it easy to correct for higher order vision aberrations affecting vision in low light situations.
The CustomVue™ LASIK procedure is performed in three steps. First, each of your eyes’ unique irregularities are captured and mapped using a technology called wavefront. Next, each eye’s wavefront map is fed into a computer to guide the laser during the vision correction process. Finally, each cornea is reshaped by the specially programmed excimer laser.
Your vision is corrected more precisely and accurately using CustomVue™ technology. Because the wavefront map is a direct reflection of your eyes’ unique needs, the result is superior to other vision correction techniques. Using CustomVue™ LASIK technology during laser vision correction translates into fewer problems with glare and halos after the procedure.
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In 1996, the FDA approved the first excimer laser for use in photo refractive keratectomy (PRK). PRK is a form of refractive surgery that utilizes a laser to reshape the cornea. It is used to treat low degrees of myopia and astigmatism. PRK is often indicated for patients who are not good candidates for LASIK such as patients with thin corneas.
Our highly qualified, experienced surgeons will help you determine which procedure is best for you.
The difference between LASIK and PRK is that for PRK a corneal flap is not created.
Healing time takes longer with PRK and is also generally more uncomfortable than with LASIK. Improved vision is not noticeable for approximately one to two weeks.
The risks for PRK are the same as those for LASIK. In addition, PRK patients are at an increased risk for corneal haze. Corneal haze occurs when scar tissue develops on the cornea, impairing the quality of vision.
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At Bonner Eye Clinic, we believe patients who are well-educated about laser refractive surgery can make better informed decisions about their treatment options. We take the time to fully evaluate our patients and address their questions and concerns so we can help them choose the right refractive surgery procedure for their needs. For more information about laser refractive surgery, please contact our practice today.
What is laser refractive surgery?
Laser refractive surgery involves the use of a laser to correct vision problems such as myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. There are many types of refractive surgery such as LASIK and PRK.
What is LASIK?
LASIK is a type of refractive surgery that corrects for myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. A corneal flap is created, and a laser is used to reshape the cornea so that light entering the eye focuses on the retina. The flap is replaced which allows for fast visual recovery with minimal discomfort.
What is PRK?
PRK is a type of refractive surgery that corrects for low degrees of myopia and astigmatism. A laser is used to reshape the cornea so that light entering the eye focuses on the retina. Patients who are not good candidates for LASIK are often good candidates for PRK.
Can I get both eyes corrected at one time?
Yes, both eyes can be corrected on the same day.
Will I be asleep during the procedure?
Laser refractive surgery is usually performed under a local topical anesthetic and does not require the patient to be asleep. A light sedative may be used to help you relax.
How much does laser refractive surgery cost?
The cost of laser refractive surgery varies, depending on the procedure performed. Bonner Eye clinic offers no interest and low interest financing options through Capital One making Refractive Surgery an accessible procedure for a variety of people. Please contact us for more details.
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Before undergoing any laser refractive surgery procedure, it is important that you have realistic expectations regarding the outcome. Many of these procedures greatly help to improve your vision , your surgeon will be able to discuss with you, individually, what you can expect with laser refractive surgery.
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Linda Stram
"I've been wearing corrective lenses for almost 20 years. I cannot believe the freedom that laser vision correction has given me. I would recommend the procedure to anyone."
Bill Marshall
"The procedure was faster and caused less discomfort than I expected. I felt that I was given very adequate pre-operation information."
Debra Murphy
"You've made outdoor activities -- playing softball, kayaking, gardening, and coaching softball -- the way it should be, eye wear free!"
Michael Webber
"A lot of people would call this a miracle. It is a marvel and testimonial to modern medicine. The bottom line is: it really works!"
Angela Miller
"LASIK surgery has given me freedom from contacts and glasses! I no longer depend on them for my sight. It is amazing how well I can see now. I would recommend LASIK surgery to anyone who is vision impaired."
Karen Peterson
"The freedom with having laser correction is great. I don't have to carry sunglasses and regular glasses anymore. I can ride a snowmobile without getting my glasses fogged!"
April Stavig
My LASIK surgery went beyond my expectations. I am extremely satisfied with the results. Staff was very friendly and helpful. Dr. Mariano did a great job and follow up was very thorough.
Andy Vanguilder
"I wore glasses for most of my life, very dependant on them, and now I can wake up and see! No searching for glasses. I can see to swim. Its the best thing I ever did. Money well spent."
Bonner Eye Clinic offers free consultations and screenings, as well as weekly informational seminars. Contact us to register for a seminar, schedule an individual consult or to request an information packet.
Am I a Candidate for LASIK?
The only way to be sure that you qualify for LASIK surgery is to visit one of our highly qualified surgeons and have an eye examination. However, there are a few general requirements:
- You should be at least 18 years old - this ensures that the eye has fully developed properly
- Your vision must be stable for at least one year prior to surgery
- You must have gone one year without an eye infection or injury
- You must not suffer from an autoimmune disorder, such as Lupus
- You must have no history of herpes infection in the eye - LASIK may induce a recurrence
- There must be no scarring on the cornea
- You must understand the risks involved with LASIK surgery and have realistic expectations regarding the outcome
- You should not be pregnant or nursing at the time of surgery -- hormones cause tissue fluctuations within the eye, changing the refractive error
- If you have a history of dry eyes treatment may be needed before LASIK can be performed.
Am I a Candidate for PRK?
PRK is often indicated for patients who are not good candidates for LASIK. This includes:
- Patients with thin corneas
- Patients with other corneal irregularities that make LASIK inadvisable
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Bonner Eye Clinic use the VISX STAR S4 ActiveTrak™ Excimer Laser System. Using data collected by the WaveScan WaveFront System, the STAR S4 IR utilizes these exclusive VISX technologies to deliver precision custom ablations:
- Iris Registration (IR): The first FDA-approved, fully automated, non-contact method of alignment of the correct CustomVue treatment to the corneal site.
- Variable Spot Scanning (VSS): Variable beam sizes from as small as 0.65 mm up to 6.5 mm scanned over the treatment area, conserving tissue and optimizing treatment times.
- ActiveTrak 3-D Active Eye Tracking: Captures all 3 dimensions of intra-operative eye movements—no dilation required.
- ActiveTrak Automatic Centering: Locates, and then automatically sets the treatment center to the center of the pupil.
This new technology is especially helpful for patients who move their head and body around too much. The VISX excimer laser emits a "cool" or non-thermal light beam - this minimizes the possibility of thermal changes to surrounding tissue. We will discuss the VISX Star S4 IR excimer laser with you during your consultation.
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Cornea -- the clear surface of the eye that refracts light rays as they enter the eye.
Crystalline Lens -- the natural lens of the eye involved in focusing images onto the retina.
Excimer Laser -- laser used to perform refractive surgery.
Iris -- the colored portion of the eye that aids in controlling the amount of light that enters the eye.
IOL -- intraocular contact lens. IOLs are used to replace the natural lens of the eye.
Microkeratome -- instrument used to create the flap during LASIK surgery.
Phacoemulsification -- technique used to break up the lens of the eye during cataract surgery and clear lens extraction.
Phakic Lens -- the natural lens of the eye involved in focusing images onto the retina.
Pupil -- the open space in the center of the iris through which light passes to the lens of the eye.
Retina -- portion of the eye that images are focused onto before they are sent along the optic nerve and into the brain.
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For more information about LASIK, CustomVue™ LASIK, or PRK, or to schedule an appointment, please contact Dr. Bonner today.
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