LASIK
Laser Vision Correction – LASIK is a procedure that reshapes the front part of the eye so that light rays are focused correctly on the back of the eye. It can be performed for conditions such as near-sightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.
At Center for Sight, your consultation, pretreatment exam, surgery and postoperative visits are all performed by your surgeon.
On the initial visit to our office, you are evaluated to determine whether you are a candidate for the procedure. At this point the procedure is explained and the risks and benefits are reviewed. This is called the LASIK consultation. Once the decision to proceed with the surgery has been made by both you and the doctor, arrangements are made for the next visit, the LASIK pretreatment evaluation. During this evaluation, multiple measurements are taken and consent for the procedure discussed.
The most important thing about the Carmel LASIK procedure is a full understanding of the risks, options and benefits of the procedure as well as good communication between patient and physician regarding the expectations of the procedure. This can only be accomplished through an open dialogue between the patient and surgeon during the consultation and pretreatment evaluation.
In the rapidly changing field of corrective laser surgery, Center for Sight has kept at the leading edge of technology. Currently we are using laser technology for creation of the corneal flap. This is an innovative way to create a corneal flap without the use of a blade. This technique makes our Carmel LASIK procedures truly “all laser” LASIK.
Our current “Corrective” laser is the WaveLight Allegretto, which has many advantages over the older generation lasers. These include maintenance of the normal corneal curvature, a quicker procedure and less need for enhancements (a second procedure).
PRK
PRK is a procedure used to reduce or eliminate the need for glasses in those patients who are not ideal candidates for LASIK. This could be due to many reasons including severe dry eye, thin corneas, irregular astigmatism and previous surgeries. In this procedure a thin layer of corneal tissue is gently removed. The laser procedure is then completed and a clear bandage contact lens is placed on the eye for 4-5 days to help with healing and mild discomfort. The body then naturally replaces the skin on the surface of the eye underneath the contact lens. The visual results with PRK are the same as with Carmel LASIK.
MonoVision LASIK
MonoVision LASIK is available for patients who are experiencing the natural effects of aging and are dependent on reading glasses. Dr. Behforouz will correct one eye for distance vision and the other eye for near vision. This method takes some time for the brain to accomodate. The best candidates are those patients who have used MonoVision successfully in the past although many patients have chosen MonoVision after a contact lens trial period.