Vision Correction Surgery Guide

Vision Correction Surgery Guide
Our Priority is Your Vision
At Wilmington Eye, we see it as our personal
mission to help you see 20/20 or better so
you can finally experience the joy of clear
vision! That’s why we offer our patients
the most advanced technology available
for the peace of mind you deserve.
Why is my vision poor?
Clear vision depends on how light rays are
focused, or “refracted,” through the eye.
The shape of the cornea, the power of the
lens and the length of the eyeball all
determine how well the eye refracts
light. In a normal eye, the light is focused sharply on the retina and a clear image is seen at all
distances. In people with refractive disorders, unless corrective spectacles or contact lenses are
worn, objects appear blurred.
There are 4 common types of refractive disorders.
Nearsightedness (myopia) occurs when the cornea is too steep or the eyeball is too long,
allowing light rays to focus in front of the retina. Images of distant objects are blurred, but close
objects are clear.
Farsightedness (hyperopia) results when the cornea is too flat or the eyeball is too short so that
light rays focus directly behind the retina, causing near objects to appear blurred. Some farsighted
people cannot focus on distant or near objects.
Astigmatism occurs when the curvature of the cornea is uneven and is shaped more like a football
than a round baseball. This irregularity creates multiple focal points in the eye and makes it
difficult to focus on objects clearly.
Presbyopia occurs in middle age when the lens inside the eye loses elasticity and is no longer able
to focus on near objects. The majority of people over age 40 will need reading glasses for small
print.
Wilmington Eye will customize a vision correction
plan specifically for you and your needs.
Know your options
With the incredible advancements in technology, a lot has changed over the years in the world
of vision correction. Patients who once were told they weren’t candidates for refractive surgery
may now be a fit for one of our procedures. We use state of the art testing equipment to
determine the options and our highly trained, board certified surgeons will customize a
procedure plan specific to each patient.
iLASIK
Wilmington Eye performs iLASIK, an all-laser vision correction
procedure that uses proprietary technology to measure the unique
characteristics of your eye and provide a completely customized
correction for exceptional visual clarity. Wilmington Eye was the
first to offer all-laser vision correction in Southeastern NC and is
pleased to be the only provider of iLASIK in Southeastern NC. The
blade-free, all laser iLASIK procedure has been the trusted choice
for over 15 million vision correction procedures around the world.
The iLASIK all-laser, blade-free procedure combines the advanced
Intralase Femtosecond Laser (Intralase) with the VISX Star S4
excimer laser to provide patients with a procedure so safe and
precise that even NASA has approved it for U.S. astronauts. This
advanced treatment platform can treat a broad range of vision
imperfections, including nearsightedness, farsightedness and
astigmatism. As part of this advanced procedure, CustomVue
technology allows every procedure to be completely personalized for each patients’ eyes, leading to
outstanding visual results.
The iLASIK procedure is performed on the cornea – the clear surface of the eye located in front of the pupil
and the colored iris. The cornea provides about 65-75% of the focusing power of the eye. The rest is provided
by the eye’s lens, which is located behind the pupil. The iLASIK procedure has two steps. The first step uses
the Intralase, an ultra-fast laser that creates a thin flap to prepare the cornea for treatment. The second step
uses an ultra-precise laser, the excimer laser, that gently reshapes the cornea based on the digital
information from a 100% personalized map.
Blade-Free Advantages
• Doctor and Patient Confidence: Over 5 million procedures have been performed safely and effectively
using the Intralase Method. In a clinical survey of LASIK patients who had their corneal flaps created
using a microkeratome (a blade) in one eye and the IntraLase Method in the other, patients preferred the
vision in the IntraLase treated eye 3:1 over the microkeratomes.1
• Truly Customized: The IntraLase laser enables your surgeon to tailor the LASIK flap according to the
shape of your eye. The VISX laser utilizes CustomVue technology to personalize your vision treatment.
• Better Outcomes: Clinical studies show excellent visual outcomes and high patient satisfaction with
all-laser LASIK.2,3
Other Refractive Vision Correction Options
For those who do not qualify for LASIK, there are alternative vision correction options. Most patients who are
over the age of 21 and in good health with no other eye conditions or diseases are generally considered good
candidates for LASIK. However, some people may not be good candidates for LASIK because of their unique
visual imperfections or because of the results of a comprehensive eye examination. Our doctors will discuss
the indications for having various refractive procedures with you during your consultation.
Wilmington Eye is pleased to offer the following types of vision correction procedures as LASIK alternatives
for those patients who do not qualify or would not receive optimal benefit from a LASIK procedure:
1. Mahdavi S. IntraLase: Coming of age. Cataract Refract Surg today. October 2005:117-120.
2. Donnenfeld E. Preservation of corneal innervations with femtosecond laser inverted sidecut flaps. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2010 51: EAbstract 2855.
3. Durrie DS, Kezirian GM. Femtosecond laser versus mechanical keratome flaps in wavefront-guided laser in-situ keratomileusis: prospective contralateral eye study. J Cataract Refract
Surg. 2005;31(1): 120-126.
PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy)
PRK is a type of laser vision correction procedure similar to LASIK. PRK is commonly known as “LASIK
without the flap.” Instead of making a thin flap in the cornea as is done in LASIK, the laser treatment in PRK
is applied to the surface of the cornea.
Visian ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens)
A vision correction procedure that works by implanting a soft
collamer lens behind the iris (the colored part of the eye).
Because the lens is positioned behind the iris, the lens itself is not
visible to the naked eye. The implantable collamer lens is the
newest and most exciting way to improve your vision. This
procedure has been used worldwide since 1995, and the
Visian ICL received FDA approval in the U.S. in 2006.
This state-of-the-art procedure is for patients with extremely high prescriptions or other eye findings that
cannot be treated with LASIK. The ideal candidate for the ICL is between the ages of 21 and 45, who has
moderate to severe nearsightedness.
The ICL procedure involves implanting a specifically designed collamer lens within the eye. The procedure
takes place at an outpatient facility. Most ICL procedures take less than 10 minutes to perform and both eyes
are generally done on the same day. Most ICL patients see quick, dramatic improvements in their eyesight,
with 80-90% of their vision restored with in the first 24 hours. ICL procedures have been a life-altering event
for patients around the world, many of whom are now able to drive, play sports and perform other daily
activities without glasses or contacts for the first time in their lives!
Refractive Lens Exchange
Unlike the LASIK procedure, which alters the shape of the cornea, refractive lens exchange changes the
focusing power of the eye with a lens implant. The refractive lens exchange procedure consists of removing
the eye’s natural lens and replacing it with a lens implant selected to provide clear focusing ability, much like
a modern cataract procedure.
Refractive Lens Exchange has a long history of predictable and successful outcomes, fast visual stabilization,
and minimal side effects. Refractive Lens Exchange procedures can be combined with laser options
to correct astigmatism. Additionally, Refractive Lens Exchange eliminates the need for cataract surgery in
the future, allowing patients to enjoy clear vision for many, many years, without ever needing cataract
surgery.
Refractive Lens Exchange and LASIK are two different procedures and are almost too different to compare
– they are like apples and oranges. However, both are types of vision correction procedures. LASIK is laser
vision correction surgery performed on the front surface of the eye. Refractive Lens Exchange corrects the
eye’s power from inside by replacing the nature lens located behind the iris.
Patients with signs of early cataract development and patients over 55 years of age who are dependent on
corrective lenses for distance vision and/or are dependent on reading glasses for up close vision can benefit
the most from Refractive Lens Exchange.
No matter what your vision is today, if you
are tired of wearing glasses and/or contact
lenses, talk to us about your options.
We offer FREE consultations and
are here to answer your questions
about vision correction.
www.WilmingtonEye.com
(910) 251-EYES (3937)
Meet our Surgeons
Kathleen C. Leone, MD, FACS
Dr. Kathleen Leone is a board certified ophthalmic surgeon
specializing in advanced cataract surgery, iStent, blade-free LASIK
surgery, PRK, refractive lens exchange, implantable collamer lens,
as well as aesthetic procedures. Practicing in Wilmington since
1998, Dr. Leone is an experienced surgeon who performs
procedures to correct a vast array of ophthalmic conditions.
• Residency in Ophthalmology at the National Naval Medical
Center in Bethesda, MD
• Internal Medicine Internship at the National Naval Medical
Center in Bethesda, MD
• Doctor of Medicine at Georgetown University School of
Medicine in Washington, DC
• Bachelor of Science in Biology at Georgetown University in
Washington, DC
• Member of the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society,
American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Society
of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons, American European
Congress of Ophthalmic Surgery and a Fellow of the American
College of Surgeons.
Matej Polomsky, MD
Dr. Matej Polomsky is a board certified ophthalmic surgeon
specializing in advanced cataract surgery, blade-free LASIK
surgery, PRK, refractive lens exchange and comprehensive
ophthalmology. Dr. Polomsky is experienced with all types of
conditions of the eye and can care for an array of ophthalmic
conditions.
• Fellowship in Laser Vision Correction at Beyer Laser Center
in Boulder, CO
• Residency in Ophthalmology at UNC Chapel Hill
• Internal Medicine Internship at Georgetown University
Hospital in Washington, DC
• Doctor of Medicine at New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY
• Bachelor of Arts in Biology and Psychology at Northwestern
University, Evanston, IL
• Member of American Academy of Ophthalmology and the
American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery
Christopher D. Covington, DO
Dr. Christopher Covington is a board certified ophthalmic surgeon
specializing in blade-free LASIK surgery, PRK, refractive lens
exchange, advanced cataract surgery and comprehensive
ophthalmology. Dr. Covington is experienced with all types
of conditions of the eye and can care for an array of ophthalmic
conditions.
• Residency in Ophthalmology at the Detroit Osteopathic
Ophthalmology Consortium in Detroit MI
• Internship at Genesys Regional Medical Center in Grand
Blanc, MI
• Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from Kansas City University of
Medicine and Bio-sciences
• Undergraduate studies in Biochemistry at Delta State
University in Cleveland, MS
• Member of the American Osteopathic Association, American
Academy of Ophthalmology, American Osteopathic College of
Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology, and American Society of
Cataract and Refractive Surgeons
Travis C. Jenkins, MD
Dr. Travis Jenkins is a fellowship trained cornea and external
disease specialist treating keratoconus, dry eye, corneal scarring,
corneal infection and corneal dystrophies, including Fuchs’
dystrophy. He performs cataract surgeries, corneal transplantation,
DSEK, pterygium excision, blade-free LASIK surgery, PRK and
refractive lens exchange.
• Fellowship in Cornea and External Disease at Wills Eye
Hospital, Philadelphia, PA
• Residency in Ophthalmology at New York Eye and Ear
Infirmary, New York, NY
• Internal Medicine Internship at New Hanover Regional Medical
Center, Wilmington, NC
• Doctor of Medicine at New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY
• Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology at College of Charleston,
Charleston, SC
• Member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the
American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, the
Cornea Society and the Operation Restore Vision Team
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I afford iLASIK?
Wilmington Eye offers complimentary consultations and works with CareCredit to offer many
affordable interest-free financing options. A variety of discounts are offered including corporate,
first responder, teacher and military discounts.
What happens during my consultation?
We will perform a complete eye examination, including dilating your pupils, as well as create a 3-D
map of the imperfections of your eye using wavefront eye-mapping technology. We will talk to you
about the risks and benefits of iLASIK and once we have determined you are a candidate we will
review pricing and payment options. Due to the extensive testing done at this appointment it takes
approximately 2 hours.
How long does the procedure take?
The entire procedure is completed in 20 minutes or less. However if you need additional testing on
the day of surgery, your driver should plan on being at the office about an hour.
What does having iLASIK feel like?
“Eye drop” anesthesia is used to numb your eyes, so your experience will not be painful. You will feel
a pressure sensation for a short time on each eye during the first 30-45 seconds of the treatment.
After surgery, your eyes may feel scratchy or watery, but these symptoms are temporary and most
patients’ eyes feel much more comfortable later in the day.
What if I blink during the procedure?
Both eyes will be numbed using anesthetic drops and a small eyelid holder will gently prevent you
from blinking.
How soon will I be able to see?
You may notice an improvement in your vision immediately after the procedure, but it will be
blurry. The biggest difference will occur overnight as you heal. Most patients comfortably drive
themselves to the office the next morning for their post-op appointment and some even choose
to work the next day. You will continue to experience a gradual improvement in the clarity of your
vision for several weeks after surgery.
We encourage you to research all of your surgical options. While consulting with other providers,
consider asking the following questions to fully understand the difference in technologies and
the methods of performing refractive surgery.
• What do you charge for the consultation?
• What diagnostic testing will be performed prior to determining my candidacy for LASIK?
• What technology do you use to create a surgery plan and for the LASIK procedure?
• How long have you been using the technology you’ve recommended for me?
• Do you offer iLASIK technology? If so, how many iLASIK procedures have you performed?
• Do you use roll on/off lasers?
• What does the procedure fee include (Number of post-ops, LASIK enhancement)?
• Are there additional charges for higher prescriptions, astigmatism, etc.?
1729 New Hanover Medical Park Drive
Wilmington, NC 28403
Telephone: 910-763-3601 • Fax 910-763-4608