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 | Laser vision correction is a procedure that improves vision by permanently changing the shape of the cornea (the clear covering of the front of the eye) with a laser. Often referred to as LASIK (an acronym for the medical term laser assisted in-situ keratomileusis), it is the most commonly performed type of laser procedure and an effective treatment for a wide range of vision problems. |
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| A laser is a technology that utilizes ultraviolet light to precisely reshape the inner layers of the cornea. This reshaping is capable of correcting nearsighted and astigmatism conditions using the CustomVue procedure. |
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| Laser vision correction is based on precise measurements of the imperfections in your vision. These measurements are taken with a powerful measurement tool known as the WaveScan®. The WaveScan information is transferred to the laser to guide the treatment. |
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| WaveScan technology provides a measurement and a visual representation of your vision based on the behavior of light waves. It compares light passing through your eye to the same light pattern from an eye that needs no vision correction. The WavePrint Map is the output of the WaveScan, it captures the unique imperfections of a person’s visual path. |
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| WaveScan technology identifies and measures imperfections in an individual’s vision 25 times more precisely than standard methods used for glasses and contact lenses. |
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| No, the WaveScan is a measurement device that you simply gaze into while it measures the vision imperfections in your eye. |
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| VISX CustomVue™ is an individualized laser vision correction treatment that is WaveScan-guided. This enables a doctor to measure and correct unique imperfections in each individual’s vision that could never be measured before with standard methods used for glasses and contact lenses. With the CustomVue procedure, nearsighted and astigmatic individuals have the potential to achieve a new level of vision that we call Personal Best Vision. |
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| Personal Best Vision refers to the new level of laser vision correction that can be achieved with the CustomVue procedure. Since WaveScan technology can measure and correct imperfections that are unique to each individual’s vision with 25 times more precision than standard measurements for glasses and contact lenses, individuals can potentially achieve the best possible vision for their eyes. |
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| First, the WaveScan technology measures the imperfections in the eyes and produces a WavePrint® Map. Much like a fingerprint, no two WavePrint maps are alike. Then, the treatment information is transferred to the VISX STAR S4™ laser. The doctor then uses that information to fine-tune the procedure thereby providing a new level of precision and accuracy. |
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| As shown in the clinical study, CustomVue has the potential to produce better vision than is possible with glasses and contact lenses. It tailors a distinct correction for each individual–in fact each treatment is “designed” by the unique characteristics of your individual eye. |
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| Based on the clinical study, the U.S. FDA has approved the CustomVue procedure as safe and effective for treating nearsightedness and astigmatism. |
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| In the FDA study, one year after the VISX CustomVue™ procedure:
100% of participants could pass a driving test without glasses or contact lenses
98% of participants could see 20/20 or better without glasses or contact lenses
70% of participants could see better than 20/20 without glasses or contact lenses
In addition, many participants reported that they had clearer, better vision both during the day and at night, compared to their vision with glasses or contact lenses before the procedure.
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| 20/20 is the current standard for excellence in vision. But, as shown in a clinical study, individuals with the CustomVue procedure have the potential to see even better than 20/20. In fact, one year after the CustomVue procedure nearly 70 percent of clinical study participants saw 20/16 or better.
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| Yes, potentially. In the clinical study, four times as many people were very satisfied with their vision at night after the procedure as compared to their night vision before the procedure with glasses and contact lenses. |
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| Only your doctor can determine if you are a candidate, but with today’s technology, over 90% of patients can now have laser vision correction to improve their distance vision. |
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| Although LASIK in its current form has been around about 15 years, there is nearly forty years of data from the precursor to LASIK called Automated Lamellar Keratoplasty (ALK). We have learned that with the careful selection of patients for an ALK procedure, long term results have been generally very good. Since LASIK is essentially the same procedure as ALK with the added refinement of a computer, a laser, and more sophisticated measurement devices, we expect the long term results to be similar. |
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| Numbing eye drops are used during the procedure, so the patient usually feels nothing more than a little pressure during the first part of the procedure. After the procedure your eye may feel a little scratchy for 3-6 hours. Patients who previously wore contact lenses usually describe the discomfort as similar to wearing a dirty lens. Generally a single dose of Tylenol is all that is needed. |
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| Although you will spend approximately an hour and a half in our facility, the procedure only lasts a few minutes. |
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| Many people are nervous about this; however, most patients have no problem keeping their eyes still during the procedure. Our laser is also equipped with a computerized eye tracker which will follow the tiniest motions of your eye so you can relax during your procedure knowing that the treatment will be delivered accurately. |
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| The procedure is done right here in a specially constructed suite in our office using what we believe is the best equipment available. You may see it at any time as we have designed our procedure room with a special viewing room with floor to ceiling glass so your family and friends can watch your procedure live if they wish. |
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| Although all surgery carries some element of risk, the vast majority of patients worldwide achieve excellent results without serious complications. While the laser vision correction informed consent form can be confusing and intimidating, patients usually want to know what is the worst that can happen. Blindness is of course a possibility, but we are not aware of a single case in the millions of laser vision corrections that have been performed. Other, less debilitating complications can occur infrequently, but the majority can be repaired with additional treatments. You should read the informed consent carefully, take notes, and ask us any questions you have. |
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| Visit http://www.personalbestvision.com for more information, and discuss the procedure with
your doctor.
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| A cataract is the clouding of the lens inside the eye. Normally the lens, which is the focusing part of the eye, is crystal clear. However, when it becomes cloudy or discolored, this is known as a cataract. Cataracts block the passage of light through the eye and cause a person's vision to become dim and fuzzy. |
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| Cataracts are usually caused by the normal aging process. Much like wrinkles and gray hair, most people will develop them if they live long enough. However in less common instances, cataracts may result from injuries, infections, some drugs and some diseases, such as diabetes. |
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| At present, the only way to restore visual loss from a cataract is surgical removal of the cloudy lens. Fortunately, with today's modern techniques, cataract surgery has become one of the most effective, common, and safest operations performed today. The nationwide success rate for cataract surgery is over 95% and our own internal quality assurance studies have indicated that our success rate is even higher. The Montgomery Eye Center has been on the leading edge of cataract surgery technology since 1970 and is now performing the latest advanced no-stitch cataract surgery with no needle and no patch. |
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| No. Once the cloudy lens has been removed, it cannot grow back. The cataract is replaced by an artificial lens called an intraocular lens; however, in a certain percentage of people who have cataract surgery, the thin membrane behind the artificial lens will become cloudy, reducing vision. This condition is called a secondary cataract or an after cataract. The good news is that this is very easy to correct by use of an ophthalmic laser. This painless procedure usually takes less than five minutes and is done right in the office. |
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| Glaucoma is a fairly common eye disease which is a leading cause of blindness, especially when not diagnosed early and treated regularly. Glaucoma is known as the "sneak thief of sight" because extensive irreparable damage can be done to a person's sight before they notice that anything is wrong. The most common types of glaucoma cause no pain and changes usually occur so slowly and subtly at first that they are not noticed until they are far advanced. |
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| Glaucoma is caused by a build-up of pressure in the eye which can damage the nerve cells in the back of the eye. Aqueous humor, a clear liquid, continually flows through the inner eye. When the drainage system through which this liquid flows becomes either partly or completely blocked, the aqueous humor backs up, putting pressure on the delicate nerve cells and fibers on the back of the eye. As their blood supply is reduced, gradually the nerves are destroyed and lose their ability to send visual images to the brain. Side vision is usually affected first. |
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| Damage caused by glaucoma to the nerve cells and fibers cannot be reversed. This is why it is important to diagnose and begin treatment for this disease early. Blindness can almost always be prevented if the disease is diagnosed early and treated regularly. |
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| Although anyone can get glaucoma, the risk of developing glaucoma increases with age. It usually occurs in people over 35 years of age. People at a higher risk include people who have a blood relative with glaucoma, diabetics, and African Americans. |
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| Although the most common form of glaucoma cannot be cured, it can usually be controlled. The first line of defense is usually eye drops or pills. This treatment works for the majority of patients; however, they can lose their effectiveness over time or may cause side effects. In this case, laser treatment is usually performed to open up the drainage within the eye. This is a simple, painless operation performed in the office. However, in rare cases, usually when all other options have been exhausted, surgery may be performed to make a new drainage system in the eye. The Montgomery Eye Center has more experience with glaucoma than any one else in Collier County. |
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| AAAHC stands for Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care Inc. AAAHC is an organization which performs surprise inspections on outpatient surgery facilities who request accreditation. AAAHC is widely respected in the medical community for having the highest quality standards for accreditation of outpatient surgery facilities. In fact, in Florida, Medicare recently concluded that AAAHC standards are so high that AAAHC certified facilities no longer need to be inspected and certified by Medicare. The Montgomery Eye Center has not only consistently received the highest level of accreditation by AAAHC each time we have been inspected, but they were so impressed the first time, that they asked Dr. Montgomery to become an inspector. |
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| The Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (JCAHPO) is the certifying agency for ophthalmic medical personnel. It serves to enhance the quality and availability of ophthalmic patient care by providing certification and continuing education of health personnel. Certification demonstrates that a standard of excellence has been achieved and is proof of having fulfilled certain requirements of academic and clinical education and of having successfully completed the appropriate examinations, conducted under the authority of JCAHPO. |
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