Blade-FREE LASIK (also called femtosecond LASIK)
Is LASIK Safe?
As with any surgery, there are risks associated with LASIK. However, because LASIK is performed with a computer-controlled beam of cool light, the chance of error is very low. As a procedure that has been performed in the United States over a million times, LASIK is an established, safe practice. According to recent studies, 98% of nearsighted and astigmatic patients who underwent LASIK were able to see well enough to pass their driver's test without glasses or contact lenses. Studies have also shown that LASIK with a femtosecond laser, known as Blade-FREE LASIK, instead of LASIK with a microkeratome is actually safer and reduces the risk of flap complications.
When LASIK first arrived as a laser vision correction procedure, a microkeratome was used to create the corneal flap. Over the years ophthalmologists have found that when complications arise from LASIK they are typically from a poorly created corneal flap. Unlike mechanical instruments, the blade-free LASIK technology is uniquely able to program the dimensions of your flap based on what's best for your eye(s). Then the femtosecond bladeless laser creates your flap from below the surface of the cornea-without ever cutting it. This process is done in a series of steps:
• Ultra-fast pulses of laser light position microscopic bubbles at a precise depth predetermined by your doctor.
• The laser light passes harmlessly through your cornea. Then the laser creates rows of these bubbles just beneath your corneal surface as it moves back and forth across your eye in a uniform plane.
• Next, the femtosecondlaser stacks bubbles around your corneal diameter to create the edges of your flap. These bubbles are stacked at an angle that is determined by your doctor and is individualized to the way your eye is shaped.
• The process takes only about 30 seconds from start to finish.
• Your doctor then gently lifts the flap to allow for the second step of your LASIK treatment. When treatment is complete, the flap is gently put back into position and the healing process begins.
Did You Know?
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) said for the first time it will consider applicants who have undergone two common types of vision-correction surgery: laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis, known as LASIK; and photorefractive keratectomy, or PRK.
Why Choose Blade-FREE LASIK?
If you are researching LASIK at this point you are thinking about life without the hassles of glasses and contacts but what about Blade-FREE LASIK? Why would Blade-FREE LASIK be a better choice than conventional LASIK?
Not only do patients prefer the femtosecond bladeless LASIK experience, but there is clinical evidence that bladeless LASIK method provides more patients with 20/20 vision than mechanical microkeratome methods. When making your decision about LASIK there are numerous advantages of LASIK without a Blade.
One of the biggest advantages of the Blade-FREE LASIK method is that is SIMPLY safer. SAFETY must play a role in your decision to have LASIK eye surgery, after all, these are your only eyes. There has been millions of procedures successfully performed using the blade-free LASIK system.
Is LASIK painful?
There is no pain associated with LASIK eye surgery. You might feel pressure and some slight discomfort during the treatment but going for a dental cleaning is actually more painful. Discomfort is sometimes common after LASIK and perhaps some itchiness and dry eyes. This is completely normal and taking eyedrops will assist in a more comfortable healing process. You will be given medicated eye drops to use during the first days of recovery to help with the healing process. As the weeks go by, you should keep regular moisturizing eye drops handy in case of itchiness or redness. Liquid tears can help stop attacks of dry eye before they become more serious.
What is the cost of Bladefree LASIK eye surgery?
The cost of Bladeless LASIK varies widely from the discount LASIK chains that offer of $299 per eye, to the expensive $5,000 per eye centers. The cost of Custom Bladeless LASIK (the type doctors and patients prefer for its advanced safety) is typically going to be more expensive than traditional LASIK and a little more than that in larger cities with a higher cost of living. Please be sure to contact our office for exact LASIK price information and to have a pre-operative LASIK exam to determine your candidacy. With the care of Alice Epitropoulos, M.D. you will receive excellent treatment from an Ohio native passionate about improving the vision of her Columbus neighbors.
Victus Bladeless LASIK Technology
The VICTUS Femtosecond Laser Platform by Bausch + Lomb
The VICTUS™ Femtosecond Laser Platform, has been created by Bausch + Lomb and is the first femtosecond laser that can be used for both LASIK eye surgery and cataract surgery. The VICTUS platform was cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in July 2012 for creation of a corneal flap in patients undergoing LASIK surgery or other treatment requiring initial lamellar resection of the cornea and anterior capsulotomy during cataract surgery. Dr. Epitropolous is proud to announce that our Columbus eye center is now utilizing this amazing technology for delivering a safer LASIK experience.
Is the VICTUS™ Femtosecond Laser better than other femtosecond lasers?
There are some technical elements that may lead one to believe that this femtosecond laser has some advantages. Very little is written as to whether this laser is technically superior, but the advantage that this machine can be used for both LASIK and cataract surgery is what sets it apart from the competition. For more information regarding the Victus femtosecond LASIK laser and how this can make LASIK safer for you contact us today.
Dr. Epitropoulos has been recognized as one of America's Best Doctors.
Dr. Epitropoulos has been voted as one of the top refractive surgeons by fellow physicians in the Central Ohio.
