Laser Vision Correction (LASIK)

LASIK is a corneal reshaping procedure that combines the precision of Excimer Laser technology with the rapid visual recovery of making a corneal flap. Because of its improved accuracy, safety, and fast recovery time, LASIK is quickly becoming the procedure of choice for correcting a large variety of refractive errors throughout much of the world.

The LASIK flap is made either by an automated Microkeratome (the traditional technique) or the IntraLase, a new laser used to make a precise and very thin LASIK flap, avoiding the use of the Microkeratome high-speed surgical blade. Please visit our Glossary of LASIK Terms to find out more about these surgical terms, or for your convenience, read the LASIK questions and answers we have compiled. If you are interested in LASIK, request a free LASIK brochure. You may also request a free consultation at either office location.


The LASIK Procedure

The procedure consists of three steps. During the surgery, only anesthetic drops are required, and sutures are rarely needed. Once you arrive for your LASIK procedure at our LASIK Center, the entire procedure takes about 5 minutes per eye (both eyes are usually done the same day).

Imagine ...

A 5 minute procedure ...

A short restful nap after surgery and then ...

Start enjoying improved uncorrected vision!

Step 1: The IntraLase or Microkeratome is used to create a thin corneal flap, which is then carefully lifted and retracted (moved away from the area to be treated by the laser).

Step 2: This step involves the computer-driven cold beam Excimer Laser. The patient's refractive error is entered into the computer and the laser painlessly reshapes the underlying cornea through a series of pulses. The result is a smooth and precise correction of corneal curvature.

Dr. Breaux uses the most recent LASIK software upgrade for the VISX Excimer Laser, including Custom Wavefront Analysis. Correction Tracking and Iris Registration are available at his Pinole and Oakland eye surgery offices. In some clinical trials, Wavefront-guided LASIK systems have suggested higher treatment accuracy than conventional LASIK, and patients have reported increased contrast sensitivity, and fewer glare and halo effects. Iris Registration and Correction Tracking are custom components designed to compensate for any rotation of the iris during the procedure. They ensure that treatment is delivered to each eye accurately.

Step 3: The corneal flap is then placed back into position and carefully adjusted to ensure correct placement and rapid recovery of vision. All refractive errors, including myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism, can now be corrected through laser technology. There is no age limit for LASIK, but you should have a stable prescription for 1 year (stabilization usually occurs by age 21.) LASIK is a superior procedure because of the following advantages:

  • Rapid visual recovery
  • Little postoperative discomfort
  • Little chance for corneal haze or scarring
  • Little fluctuation of vision
  • Ability to correct a large range of refractive errors

Glossary Of LASIK Terms

  • Myopia-- nearsighted, patient can not see clearly at distance, especially at night.

  • Hyperopia-- farsighted, patient can not see clearly as objects get closer, especially at near reading distance.

  • Astigmatism-- irregular curvature of the cornea, usually with a different curvature, vertically versus horizontally.

  • Corneal Topography-- a photo of the cornea that graphically shows all areas of normal and abnormal curvature and shape.

  • WaveFront Analysis-- measurement of high order vision aberrations that can be corrected by LASIK to eliminate subtle distortions in vision, giving the patient vision and clarity sometimes not achievable with standard LASIK.

  • IntraLase-- laser device that creates a corneal flap prior to LASIK procedure without cutting tissue.

  • Microkeratome-- device that creates a corneal flap prior to LASIK procedure.

  • Ablation-- the actual lasering of corneal tissue to alter curvature during the LASIK procedure.

  • Enhancement-- a procedure to raise the flap and do a touch-up to improve the results/vision from a previous LASIK procedure.

  • DLK-- inflammation of the cornea that can occur after LASIK, usually treated with steroid and antibiotic drops.

To find out more about laser vision correction, contact Dr. Breaux, a board-certified Diplomat of the American Board of Ophthalmology, and schedule a free LASIK consultation today. Because of his dedication and belief in personalized service, each prospective LASIK candidate meets personally with Dr. Breaux to discuss their expectations and to have their LASIK pre-surgical evaluation. Patients will also be examined by Dr. Breaux, their personal LASIK surgeon, at their one-day post-op, one week and 6-week post-op, and 6-month appointments following LASIK, at no charge.

For a consultation, in Pinole, call (510) 724-8100 or in Oakland or Berkeley call (510) 655-6626.

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