If you're tired of relying on glasses or contacts to see clearly, iLASIK can give you the freedom you've been looking for. This advanced, bladeless vision correction procedure uses laser technology to sharpen your eyesight and correct common vision problems.
Shenandoah LASIK & Cataract Center is proud to offer the latest in iLASIK technology to our patients in Winchester, Virginia. Our team goes above and beyond to deliver outstanding results in all our services. Whether you are seeking vision correction or comprehensive eye care, we can help you see the world clearly and confidently.
What is iLasik?
The iLASIK procedure is one of the safest eye surgeries in the world to date. Unlike traditional LASIK, iLASIK is completely bladeless, using a laser to create the corneal flap necessary for reshaping the eye. This FDA-approved procedure customizes treatment to your eye structure more accurately than older methods.
By mapping the eye’s surface and measuring its imperfections in detail, iLASIK can address many eyesight issues, including nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. The goal is to help you achieve 20/20 vision or better in a safe, minimally invasive way. With its advanced technology and reduced risk of complications, iLASIK has become one of the most trusted and effective vision correction options available today.
Who Are The Ideal Candidates For Lasik Eye Surgery?
An eye exam is required to determine if you are a good candidate. To be considered:
- You must be at least 18 years old to ensure that your eyes have matured.
- Your vision must have remained stable without an infection or injury for one year before the surgery.
- You shouldn't suffer from dry eye syndrome or any autoimmune disorder such as lupus or Sjogren’s syndrome.
- You should have no scarring on the cornea or existing eye diseases or conditions such as cataracts or keratoconus.
- Your cornea must not be too thin or shaped too irregularly.
Shenandoah Lasik And Cataract Center’s iLasik Technology
Over the years, many improvements have been made in LASIK procedures since they were first introduced. Shenandoah LASIK & Cataract Center has the most upgraded technology in the Northern Virginia Area.
Among the newest and most advanced is iLASIK, which incorporates IntraLase and CustomVue technologies for the best possible vision enhancement.
What is IntraLase® and how does it work?
IntraLase® is a bladeless LASIK technology that eliminates the need for traditional metal blades during surgery. Instead, it uses laser energy to create a precise and painless incision for the corneal flap, reducing the risk of complications and ensuring greater accuracy during the procedure.
How The CustomVue® Procedure Works
CustomVue® takes vision correction a step further by using advanced WaveFront and STAR IR S4 Excimer Laser systems to map your eyes in detail. This allows for customized treatment based on your eye structure, providing fast results without needing to dilate your pupils. These innovations make iLASIK one of the most precise eye procedures.
Shenandoah Lasik iDesign Refractive Studio
The iDesign Refractive Studio allows us to offer a fully personalized LASIK procedure tailored to your specific vision needs. iDesign technology provides:
- 25 times more precision than standard vision correction measurements
- Completely customized laser correction for each individual eye
- The potential for 20/16 or even better vision for most patients
This system uses wavefront analysis and corneal topography to map both the inside and outside of your eye. It captures over 1,200 measurements, giving your surgeon detailed insight into the unique characteristics of your eye. This data helps us provide the best possible vision correction specifically for you.
How is iLASIK Performed?
The iLASIK procedure involves several precise steps, all guided by advanced laser technology. Here's a breakdown of how it works:
Step 1: Creating the Corneal Flap
- The procedure begins by using a laser to create a small flap in the cornea (the outer layer of the eye).
- The laser uses rapid pulses of energy to form microscopic bubbles under the corneal surface, which gently separate the tissue to create the flap.
- This step takes about 30 seconds and is guided by a computer to ensure exact depth, size, and position.
Step 2: Reshaping the Cornea
- Once the flap is created, the surgeon lifts it to access the underlying corneal tissue.
- A second laser, known as an excimer laser, emits cool ultraviolet light to precisely reshape the cornea.
- The excimer laser follows a customized plan based on detailed measurements of your eye using VISX CustomVue® Technology.
- This step adjusts the shape of the cornea to correct your vision by removing small amounts of tissue.
Step 3: Flap Repositioning
- After the cornea has been reshaped, the surgeon gently places the flap back in its original position.
- No stitches are required – the flap naturally adheres to the eye as it heals.
These steps ensure a safe, precise, and customized procedure, helping to improve your vision without affecting other parts of the eye, like the iris, lens, or retina.
What Is Recovery Like From iLASIK Surgery?
You can expect to notice a significant improvement in vision the very next day. Most patients are able to resume normal daily activities, including driving and returning to work, at this time. You should, however, avoid using any eye makeup for three days following the procedure and avoid swimming and rubbing your eyes for two weeks.
Discomfort is usually minimal following iLASIK. Some patients experience increased sensitivity to bright light in the weeks following iLASIK. Patients sometimes also report seeing halos around lights at night.
On occasion, patients may experience dry eyes and require eye drops to increase moisture. These symptoms typically decrease shortly after the surgery. Follow-up visits are required to make sure that the procedure went well and that your vision remains crisp and clear.
Benefits of iLASIK
With its advanced technology and personalized approach, iLASIK comes with numerous benefits, such as:
- Greater Precision: iLASIK uses advanced laser technology for a completely blade-free procedure, offering more accuracy and a custom fit for each eye compared to traditional LASIK.
- Faster Recovery: Patients typically experience quicker recovery times and minimal downtime, with most returning to normal activities the next day.
- Fewer Complications: Studies show that iLASIK reduces the risk of complications thanks to its precise, computer-guided system that minimizes human error.
Why Choose Shenandoah LASIK & Cataract Center?
At Shenandoah LASIK & Cataract Center, our number one goal is to provide quality procedure results for our patients and see how their new vision makes them smile. We go above and beyond to provide the best iLASIK care the state of Virginia has to offer.
Our team aims to make the process as smooth and reassuring as possible, from consultation to recovery. In addition to iLASIK, our practice offers a wide range of eye care services, including cataract treatment, macular degeneration management, and routine eye exams. With modern technology and personalized care plans, we are fully equipped to handle all of your vision needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What If I'm Not an Ideal Candidate for iLASIK?
If you're not a good candidate for LASIK, we offer several other procedures, such as Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE), Advanced Surface Ablation (ASA), or cataract surgery, that might be more suitable for you.
What Are Some Tips for Post-Surgery Care and Maintenance?
These tips will help you have a smooth recovery and lasting results:
- Avoid rubbing your eyes: This can disrupt healing and displace the corneal flap.
- Use prescribed eye drops: Follow the schedule to prevent infection and dryness.
- Avoid water exposure: Stay away from swimming and hot tubs for two weeks.
- Wear protective eyewear: Use eye shields while sleeping and sunglasses outdoors.
- Rest your eyes: Limit screen time and reading during the first few days.
- Attend follow-up appointments: Ensure proper healing by keeping all follow-up visits.
Are There Risks to an iLASIK Procedure?
iLASIK is extremely safe and effective. But, no surgery is totally free from risks and complications. Some potential risks include:
- Dry Eyes: Temporary dry eye symptoms are common after LASIK, but they usually resolve with time. In rare cases, it can become a long-term issue.
- Overcorrection or Undercorrection: There’s a chance that your vision may not be fully corrected, requiring additional surgery or the continued use of glasses or contacts.
- Flap Complications: LASIK involves creating a thin flap in the cornea, and though rare, issues with this flap, such as dislocation or infection, can occur.
- Visual Disturbances: Some patients may experience glare, halos, or difficulty with night vision, especially in the weeks following surgery. These usually improve over time.
Of the hundreds of thousands of iLASIK procedures that have been performed globally to date, there have been no reports of any serious or sight-threatening complications.
How Does iLASIK Compare to Other Vision Correction Procedures?
Compared to traditional LASIK, iLASIK is more advanced and precise due to its bladeless technology. While traditional LASIK uses a blade to create the corneal flap, iLASIK uses a laser, resulting in more accuracy, faster recovery, and fewer complications.
When comparing iLASIK to PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy), the main difference is that PRK doesn’t involve creating a corneal flap; instead, the outer layer of the cornea is removed. PRK is best for patients with thinner corneas, but it has a longer recovery time and more discomfort than iLASIK. iLASIK generally offers quicker healing and less downtime, making it the preferred choice for most candidates.
Can I Finance iLASIK Surgery?
Yes, you can finance your iLASIK surgery! Since LASIK is typically not covered by insurance, many patients take advantage of special financing options, such as CareCredit, to make the procedure more affordable.
Additionally, LASIK is often a covered expense under employer-provided flex-spending programs or cafeteria plans, allowing you to use pre-tax dollars for the surgery. For more information about your specific benefits, talk to your Human Resources Department.
Let’s Discuss Your Vision Goals in a Consultation
If you’re interested in learning more information about our Lasik services, or if you wish to schedule an appointment with Shenandoah LASIK & Cataract Center, call our office at 540-722-6200 or fill out the Email Contact Form below!
