THE EYE

LASIK

 

LASIK Procedures Are Now  
Preformed In Our Office
By The Renowned

Dr. Jonathan Woolfson, MD
Founder & Medical Director

DISCOVER

THE FUTURE

IN VISION 

CORRECTION

 

For More Information Go To:

Woolfson Eye Institute

 

Are you wondering what life
would be like with clear vision?

Wondering what life would be like free of glasses or contact lenses? Then you owe it to yourself to consider LASIK. It is a comfortable, safe and effective outpatient procedure that corrects a wide range of vision problems. There's a reason so many people are getting LASIK these days. You can reduce or even eliminate your dependence on corrective lenses through this remarkable procedure.  Compared to other vision correction procedures, LASIK provides a number of very important advantages There's typically little or no post-operative discomfort.  Recovery is fast, complications are extremely rare and your vision returns quickly.  Take the first step to to better vision and schedule a complete LASIK evaluation today.

Understanding the most common vision
conditions that can be corrected with LASIK.


Clear vision is the result of light passing through a perfectly shaped eye so that it focuses clearly on the retina. Abnormal focusing conditions of the eye are called refractive errors. At Woolfson Eye Institute, we can treat most patients with the following conditions:

Nearsightedness
Nearsightedness occurs when the cornea is too curved. Light focuses before it reaches the retina, which causes distant objects to appear blurry.

Farsightness
Farsightness occurs when the cornea is too flat. Light focuses before it reaches the retina causing close-up objects and sometimes distant objects to appear blurry.
 
Astigmatism
Astigmatism occurs when the cornea is oval-shaped. When light passes through the cornea, it focuses in more than one place, which causes images near or far to appear blurred and distorted.

 

Over Two Million People Have Had LASIK!

 

What to expect the day you have LASIK.

Please plan on being at the Woolfson Eye Institute center for two to three hours. You will be in the laser suite for approximately fifteen minutes and most patients receive under a minute of actual laser time. Following the procedure, you will need a ride home and then we recommend that you spend the rest of the day relaxing. Many patients will experience significantly improved vision immediately. You will be provided drops, protective glasses and shields to wear during sleep for a few days.

 

LASIK STEP 1

LASIK

Using a microkeratome, the surgeon creates a small protective flap of corneal tissue that is gently lifted back.
LASIK

LASIK STEP 2

MYOPIA

The excimer laser applies a cool beam of light, which gently reshapes the cornea to correct your vision.
LASIK

LASIK STEP 3

The protective flap that was created in Step 1 is gently placed back in its original position and begins healing immediately.

Are you a good candidate for LASIK?

The criteria for the ideal LASIK patient is someone who is over 18 years of age and has  healthy corneas with a stable prescription.  People with certain medical conditions or pregnant and nursing women may not be good candidates. You should also have a good understanding of the risks and benefits of LASIK. The best way to find out if you are a good candidate is to arrange for a complete LASIK evaluation. During the evaluation, we will answer any questions you may have and discuss your post-surgery expectations.

At Woolfson Eye Institute, we stand behind our results with our Lifetime Assurance Plan. We offer this plan to our qualified patients because we are confident in the stability of our patient's visual outcome over the long term. The primary benefit of this program is Woolfson Eye Institute's assurance that in the event any enhancement procedure is needed, we will provide that procedure free of charge to the patient. In addition, we have affiliated with select doctors across the country to provide post-operative care and any necessary vision enhancement procedures to our patients at a nominal fee. Should your future plans include moving or extended travel, our Nationwide Continuing Care Program will provide quality coverage for you across the country.

 

Meet The Director and Founder

As Medical Director and founder of Woolfson Eye Institute, Dr. Woolfson has dedicated his career to refractive surgery. He has served as the Regional Medical Director for TLC Laser Eye Centers throughout the Southeast for several years

He is one of the most experienced LASIK surgeons in the country, having performed over 40,000 LASIK procedures. In fact, more than 200 eye doctors hay chosen him for their own LASIK surgery.

Dr. Woolfson has trained LASIK surgeons all over the United States and he specializes in the treatment of complex cases and LASIK complications from other facilities. He has been an FDA clinical investigator for several laser vision correction companies, including VISX, Inc. and Lasersight Technologies. In addition, has been the recipient of the prestigious VISX Star award for three consecutive years, placing him in the top 5% of LASIK surgeons in the country. He has been performing laser vision correction since 1995 after graduating medical school at Vanderbilt and completing his ophthalmology training at Emory.

When calling to schedule your free consultation for
LASIK, please also ask about
Woolfson Eye Institute's
Oculoplastic services, including...

· N-LITE LASER FOR SKIN REJUVENATION
· COOLTOUCH LASER FOR WRINKLE REDUCTION

· COSMETIC EYE SURGERY
· BOTOX

 


HERE'S WHY:

l Woolfson Eye Institute corrects nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism using proven laser technology to reduce or even eliminate our patients' dependence on glasses and contact lenses.
l Woolfson Eye Institute stands behind its results for life with The Woolfson Eye Institute Lifetime Commitment. Woolfson Eye Institute was the first company to offer this benefit to laser vision correction patients.
l More than 7,000 optometrists and ophthalmologists are affiliated with Woolfson Eye Institute - chances are, your own eye doctor is too. The best doctors work with Woolfson Eye Institute.
l Woolfson Eye Institute's doctors were the first in Canada and the U.S. to perform the LASIK procedure and were pioneers in its development.
l Woolfson Eye Institute performs more laser vision correction procedures than any other provider in North America. Many of our patients are referred from previous patients who are excited by their good results.
l With over 45 laser centers across Canada and the U.S., Woolfson Eye Institute is conveniently located for almost any patient.


Selections from Patient's Letters to
Woolfson Eye Institute

"I received LASIK surgery for my 20/400 vision ten days ago. I Sat Up on the table and immediately could read the clock, the posters on the wall, see people's faces, etc. Your staff advised me I may experience blurriness, soreness, etc. but I went home with 20/20 vision and haven't even had red eyes. I am so thrilled about the result . . ."   Ellen M.

"I don't exactly know how to express my feelings about the eye surgery you performed. You under promised and over delivered as far as I'm concerned! I'm so happy with my vision now. I think that the work you did is near magic! Of all the things I have had done in my life, this was the most significant quality of life enhancing one. I'm telling everyone!" R. M.
" . . . This procedure has truly changed my life in a profound manner. Since early childhood, I have dreamed of pursuing a career in Federal 1aw enforcement. I was convinced that the situation was helpless. The LASIK procedure changed all that. Within the space of ten minutes a vast number of career opportunities that I had long since thought were unavailable to me suddenly opened up . . ."  Matthew B.
"Thank you so much for changing my life. For the first time in 30 years I am seeing without glasses or contact lenses! I love to wake up in the mornings now. This surgery has been a miracle for me . . . " Lisa M.
" . . . I can't believe I don't have my contact lenses in my eyes. Everyone at your Center was so kind and friendly. You made a potentially very scary and stressful time much easier. I can't thank you enough for your kindness, professionalism, and understanding . . . "  Alice F.
"I feel so very fortunate to have the best team perform my LASIK surgery. It is a dream come true to be able to see this well without correction. I Thank you all so much."    Michelle A.
" . . . The procedure went so quickly and I was amazed that I was able to read the clock on the wall when it was completed - 4:50 PM. I'll always remember that as the time I was able to see again. I'm very aware of all the things I was unable to see before - like the shampoo bottle in the shower or the alarm clock at the bedside. It really gives you so much more freedom . . . " Dr. Sam S.
" . . . it has also made the actual results of only surgery that much rnore gratifying and precious to me. I am reading the eye chart at 20/15, What a joy. This is beyond what I had even dared hope for! After wearing glasses or contact lens for distance for over 40 years, it truly seems like a miracle to not need corrective lens except for close work . . . "   Judy G.
". . . They say your life changes drastically after this, and I can vouch for it. I feel born again! The whole car ride back to Pittsburgh, I felt like a little kid who just learned to read. . . " Justin L.



 

Q. How do I prepare for my procedure?

A. There are no restrictions on eating, drinking or medications immediately prior to your procedure. However, you should avoid alcohol and medications that cause drowsiness.

Contact lenses change the shape of your cornea. Since this is the area that's treated, it's important to allow time for your cornea to return to its normal curvature.

Removing Contact Lenses

l Hard or gas permeable contact lenses should be removed at least 4 to 6 weeks before your procedure.
l Patients who have worn rigid contact lenses for over 20 years may need to remove them for up to 8 to 12 weeks.
l Your eye doctor can help you make this determination and even fit you with disposable contact lenses or glasses in the interim.

 

Q. What happens on the day of my Procedure?

A. It's natural to feel a mixture of eager anticipation and nervousness before your procedure. On the day of your procedure, you should arrive at the Woolfson Eye Institute as rested and relaxed as possible. Please allow approximately two to four hours for the entire process. Wear comfortable clothing and avoid eye makeup, perfume, hair spray and earrings. Be sure to bring someone to drive you home, or make other arrangements for transportation.

The success of your laser procedure depends on the expertise of your doctors and also the safety, accuracy and sophistication of the equipment. At Woolfson Eye Institute, our primary objective is to provide you with the most advanced technology, best results, and greatest degree of safety. Automated equipment is used to test your vision, measure, and map your eye. Over 6,000 separate points on the eye are measured - creating a topographical map of your eye's shape.

We will review your clinical findings and explain what you can expect during and after your procedure. You will need to sign an informed consent prior to your procedure which we will go over with you. Most importantly, you will meet with your Woolfson Eye Institute surgeon to discuss any remaining questions or concerns. You will also arrange for payment of your procedure.

Immediately prior to your procedure, your eyelids and lashes will be cleaned and antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, and anesthetic drops will be placed in your eyes. A mild sedative may be given. Once you are prepared for your procedure, you will be escorted to the laser suite for treatment.

The information from your eye exam is used to program the advanced computer software. The computer calculates the required corneal change and directs the laser to make this change. Your Woolfson Eye Institute surgeon programs and operates the laser, maintaining control throughout your entire procedure.

Over 6,000 separate points on the eye are measured
by
Custom Laser Eye ophthalmic technicians using automated equipment
to create a topographical map of the eye's shape.

Q. What will my recovery be like?

A. Most patients notice dramatic visual results within the first few days following their procedure. However, the speed of visual recovery depends on personal healing patterns. LASIK patients usually see quite well the next day, but patients with higher prescriptions may recover more slowly from either procedure.

PRK patients are fitted with a bandage contact lens. This very thin, clear lens, along with eye drops, dramatically reduces any discomfort you may have. Don't be concerned if you've never used contact lenses before. We will insert and remove the lens for you. PRK patients may experience some irritation or discomfort for a few days. Sleep is strongly recommended shortly after your procedure.

LASIK patients do not receive a contact lens. They may receive an eye patch to protect the flap while sleeping during the first few days. LASIK patients may experience some irritation or discomfort, but this usually only lasts for a few hours. Sleep is strongly recommended after the procedure and most patients are quite comfortable after taking a short nap.

Along with resting, both LASIK and PRK patients often find that placing a cold compress over the eyes is soothing.

 

Q. Will my activities be restricted?

A. Many patients return to work the next day, others a few days later. You will need to restrict the activities mentioned below. Otherwise, as long as you follow your doctor's instructions, you should be free to resume all your normal activities.

l Wait one full day before taking a shower.
l Resume driving after one day to one week, as your doctor advises.
l Sunglasses should be worn for the first few days.
l Read and watch TV in moderation the first few days.
l Do not wear eye makeup for one week.
l Do not rub your eyes for one week.
l Do not exercise for one week.
l Avoid swimming, hot tubs, and whirlpools for one week.
l Avoid gardening and dusty environments for one week.
l Avoid contact sports that could result in an eye injury for one month.
l Smoking is allowed, but you will probably find smoke very irritating.

 

Q. How can the laser improve my vision?

A. Laser vision correction is the most technologically advanced method available today for treating the common vision problems of farsightedness, nearsightedness and astigmatism. Laser procedures can reduce your dependence on glasses and contact lenses, improving the quality of your life. If you have the condition of hyperopia (or farsightedness), you are able to see objects in the distance more clearly than objects that are close at hand.  Hyperopia affects one in four individuals.

NORMAL EYE
NORMAL EYE

HYPEROPIA EYE
HYPEROPIC EYE

With farsightedness or hyperopia, light entering the eye focuses at a point behind the retina. Farsightedness is frequently caused by an eye shape which is abnormally short or by an excessively flat cornea. The result of farsightedness is that objects near to the viewer appear blurry, while objects in the distance may be seen in focus.


Q. How long has hyperopic laser vision correction been available?

A. While laser technology has been used since the late 1980's to successfully improve distance vision, recent advances now give us the ability to treat hyperopia. Hyperopia correction has been performed as an investigational procedure since 1994. Woolfson Eye Institute doctors have worked closely with laser manufacturers to perfect the software that makes possible the outstanding clinical results we are now achieving. Hyperopia treatment has been commercially available at Woolfson Eye Institute's Canadian centers since 1997. It is also available at some sites in the United States.*

Q. Am I a good candidate?

A. Yes, if you're between 18 and 70 years of age, in good general health, and have good eye health with no diseases such as cataracts or glaucoma. Good candidates also have realistic expectations. How well and how quickly your vision improves depends on how well you heal and the severity of your prescription. To determine if laser vision correction is right for you, talk with your eye doctor at Dr. Dorothy Park & Associates.

Q. What is the success rate?

A. "I am thrilled with the results we are seeing with hyperopic laser vision correction," states Dr. Jonathan Woolfson, Founder of  Woolfson Eye Institute. "Patients are overwhelmingly pleased with their results. Typically, our patients notice a 60% to 70% improvement in their vision the day after their procedure with gradual daily improvement thereafter." Overall, the majority of typical candidates see well enough to perform most activities, including driving, without glasses or contacts after their procedure. Mild to moderate hyperopia can be treated most effectively in one treatment. Even severe hyperopia and hyperopic astigmatism can be treated, although a second treatment at no additional fee is often required.

Q. Is it a permanent correction?

A. Farsightedness may progress with age. However, the stability of laser vision correction results have been very impressive, and most experts feel these results will last a lifetime.

Q. Will I still need reading glasses?

A. Yes, but you'll be less dependent upon them. Many patients choose to have "monovision" which allows for good distance vision 'in one eye and good reading vision in the other, further reducing the need for reading glasses.  Hyperopia is often confused with presbyopia. Presbyopia is a condition that occurs as a normal part of the aging process. The lens of the eye begins to lose flexibility, making it difficult to read. This typically occurs between the ages of 40 and 50, requiring the use of reading glasses or bifocals. The laser has no effect on the lens or the focusing muscles attached to the lens. Patients with hyperopia often develop presbyopia earlier and benefit greatly from hyperopic laser vision correction. In general, patients who wear bifocals prior to the procedure will only need reading glasses (non-bifocals) after their procedure.

Q. Is this treatment different from PRK or LASIK?

A. PRK and LASIK are two different outpatient techniques that have been used to correct nearsightedness (or myopia) and now hyperopia. When treating hyperopia, LASIK is by far the most commonly used procedure. During LASIK, the surgeon creates a protective corneal flap revealing the inner corneal tissue. Using advanced scanning technology, the laser beam then gently reshapes the cornea to the desired prescription and the flap is closed without stitches. With LASIK, the surgeon treats the inner corneal layer allowing for a faster visual recovery. PRK works by correcting the prescription on the surface of your eye. The basic techniques used to correct hyperopia and myopia are almost identical, with the only difference being the pattern in which the laser pulses are applied.

PRK
PRK
LASIK
LASIK
The PRK Procedure corrects the prescription on the surface of the eye.  The LASIK procedure treats the inner corneal layer.
MYOPIA
MYOPIA
HYPEROPIA
HYPEROPIA
To correct myopia, the laser beam re-sculpts the center of the cornea.  To correct hyperopia, the laser bream re-sculpts the mid-periphery of the cornea.




Q. Will it hurt?

A. The procedure itself is painless and usually takes about 10 minutes. There are no needles. Anesthetic drops are used to numb the eye at the time of surgery. After surgery, the majority of patients may experience irritation or a foreign body sensation for a few hours. Dryness in eyes can last up to two days. Very rarely do patients experience pain. Most patients are able to resume normal activities within a few days.

Q. Is it covered by insurance?

A. Most insurance companies do not cover LASIK and PRK, but we encourage you to check with your provider. In Canada, while LASIK and PRK are deemed elective and not covered, they may be tax deductible. Please consult your accountant. Also, Woolfson Eye Institute can discuss the many financing options we make available to you.

Q. What are the risks?

A. While this is one of the safest surgical eye procedures performed today, any surgery has risks. In this case, risks include over corrections and under corrections, infections, haze, blurred vision, and glare. The vast majority of these complications can easily be treated, but up to 1% of patients may lose some visual sharpness related to poor or irregular healing. Most importantly, there has never been a case of blindness reported as a result of laser vision correction. And that includes over a million procedures, performed worldwide for more than 10 years.

Q. How do I get more information?

A. It is always best to visit your own eye doctor. Your doctor will fully examine your eyes and discuss all your options with you.  If you've ever wondered what life could be like without depending on glasses or contact lenses, find out more about laser vision correction, today.

Q. Why should I choose Custom Laser Eye?

A. Our commitment to giving each patient the highest quality of care possible has made us one of the largest provider of laser vision correction. Our network of highly-trained optometrists and ophthalmologists includes some of the world's most experienced laser vision correction doctors. Their vast clinical experience and impressive results have earned Woolfson Eye Institute a reputation for excellence. In fact, patients come from all around the world to our centers for treatment.

The doctors and staff in our centers understand how difficult the decision to have laser vision correction can be. Many of them have had the procedure themselves, and you can depend on them to provide their time, attention and information you need to make the choice that's right for you. You will feel relaxed, supported and informed each step of the way. You can be confident in our care not only today, but also tomorrow. 

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