LASIK (Laser In-Situ Keratomileusis) has become the most common elective surgical procedure in the United States. The surgery is painless, and it eliminates or reduces the need for eyeglasses or contact lenses to see objects clearly. Patients are usually able to see dramatically better within 12 to 24 hours.
LASIK consists of 2 different parts. During the first part of the procedure a microscopically thin flap is created by a laser called Intralase. The second part of the procedure consists of tissue removal performed using an excimer laser -- a highly precise instrument that produces and controls a beam of cool laser light. After the flap is lifted, the computerized excimer laser gently sculpts the cornea to alter its curvature to the same prescription as your corrective lenses. The procedure improves the way light is focused through the cornea onto the retina and results in improved vision.
LASIK Vision Correction is an outpatient procedure and is performed using an "eye-drop" anesthesia. Some patients report some minor discomfort immediately afterwards until the outer portion of the cornea heals, usually within just a few hours. Many patients will see a dramatic improvement in their vision within the first day and return to normal activities within one to three days.
 OAV was the first practice in the San Fernando Valley to perform LASIK surgery for nearsightedness and astigmatism, and so our doctors have come to be known as “LASIK leaders of the Valley.” We now offer laser vision correction for nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia) and astigmatism. With LASIK and LASEK technologies, the entire surgical process takes place in about 20-30 minutes and can eliminate the need for corrective lenses.
Think of it -- no more eyeglasses or contact lenses! You will be able to see clearly when you wake up in the morning, in the shower, when participating in sports activities, etc. Your peripheral vision will no longer be blurred. Simply, you can have more fun doing the things you wanted to do, but couldn't without glasses. Laser vision correction can truly change your life.
Virtually all people treated experience an improvement in vision that would allow them to pass a drivers' license exam without the aid of eyeglasses or contacts.
is a highly precise tool aiding in corneal flap creation, the first step in laser vision correction surgery. During the procedure, the IntraLase laser fires 15,000 pulses per second into the cornea, where the flap can be created at a depth and diameter determined by the surgeon as appropriate for each individual patient.
Traditionally, a surgical blade was used to make the flap. By replacing the older approach with the Intralase, there is dramatically less risk of complications both during the surgical procedure as well as many years down the road. Hence, OAV surgeons switched almost exclusively to Intralase flap creation over 3 years ago and have done around 3,000 eyes with this incredible technology.
 Opthalmology Associates of the Valley uses two laser systems: The VISX S4 CustomVue™ system & the Allegretto Wave™ excimer laser. Using both lasers allows us to pick the one that is best for each individual patient.
The CustomVue™ laser system combines the technologies of the WaveFront and STAR S4 Excimer Laser systems for high-definition, high-accuracy LASIK vision correction. Benefits of the CustomVue process include faster treatment time, elimination of need for pharmacological pupil dilation, minimal heating of the cornea, capability of ignoring errors arising from torsional eye movements, variability of beam size and depth during spot scanning, and individualized treatment with images based on hundreds of data points gathered from each patient's pupil.
 The Allegretto Wave™ excimer laser for refractive surgery was the first laser to use wavefront-optimized ablation profiles, which reduce the risk of formation of spherical aberrations in the peripheral cornea (causing difficulty with night vision and/or middle-distance focus) during surgery. The Allegretto laser’s high resolution makes possible the creation of exceedingly precise corneal curvature, while many of its other features (fast video-based closed-loop eye tracker, easy-to-use calibration, closed-loop energy control) allow the surgeon to focus his or her attention on the patient, rather than on the equipment.
We have the ability to “customize” the treatment pattern utilizing the FDA approved VISX CustomVue WaveScan technology. There are distinct advantages to “Custom LASIK.” First, the WaveScan map is essentially a fingerprint of one’s eye and thus it is able to individualize the treatment plan as opposed to treating one with a generic pattern. Custom LASIK is derived from technology first developed to correct distortions of light waves from space. This allowed astronomers to more accurately view images of stars and planets. These measurements are painless and are made prior to surgery. Soft contact lenses must now be discontinued for a minimum of 3 weeks because of the critical nature of the Wavescan analysis. With older technology, the degree of accuracy was only ¼ of a diopter, but now with Custom LASIK it is 1/100 of a diopter.
Secondly, the manner in which the excimer laser treats the cornea is more accurate and controlled. Larger treatment areas give ophthalmologists more flexibility in developing a personalized laser vision procedure especially when pupil size is a consideration. Also, the use of eye tracking technology lets the patient relax knowing that the laser is being precisely centered during the treatment.
Most importantly though are the results. 98% of eyes treated with the Custom LASIK technology were 20/20 and 70% of eyes were 20/16 (supernormal vision). Furthermore, 80% of eyes had the same or better vision quality after surgery without glasses as they did before surgery with glasses. Furthermore, the incidence of night vision complaints was significantly better compared to earlier technology. Safety is everyone’s primary concern. Custom LASIK is now enabling patients to see better than they ever did with glasses or contacts.
 Your vision is unique -- as personal as your fingerprint. We use the WavePrint System to give our doctors treatment options that are truly personalized to your visual needs.
The WavePrint System includes The WavePrint Map 3D ActiveTrak EyeTracker Variable Spot Scanning, which provides a new level of diagnostic information previously unavailable. The WavePrint is derived from technology first developed to correct distortions of light waves from space, allowing allowed researchers to accurately view images of stars and planets. The WavePrint Map uses the same technology to measure light waves as they travel through your eye. This provides a precise and more detailed analysis of your vision.
Anyone who is considering laser vision correction should obtain a WavePrint Map as the first step. By providing information on more than just the corneal surface of your eye, it reveals the way your entire optical system processes light. Using this information, we can accurately assess whether you're a good candidate for laser vision correction.
We use your WavePrint Map to gain a detailed understanding of your vision correction requirements to develop a personalized laser vision correction plan.
Your doctor will perform a thorough eye examination as part of a LASIK consultation. He will explain all of the advantages, the realistic outcome and any potential side effects that might result. Most of all, he will advise you if you are a good candidate for the procedure and will help you decide if laser vision correction is right for you.
The decision to undergo LASIK vision correction is important. We want you to understand the procedure and your options so that you can make an informed decision.
To schedule an appointment for a LASIK consultation call (818) 907-1055.
 The Orbscan is a multidimensional diagnostic tool that has drastically improved the diagnostic accuracy of determing who is a good LASIK candidate and who is not. One of the most severe complications from LASIK surgery is ectasia, or a weakening of the structural integrity of the cornea. Ophthalmologists have become much more selective in recommending LASIK to extremely nearsighted patients and patients with thin corneas because of the increased risk of ectasia. Furthermore, patients with a disease called keratoconus are at significant risk for worsening ectasia if they undergo LASIK. Unlike current topography systems that scan the surface of the eye, the Orbscan acquires over 9000 data points in 1.5 seconds to meticulously map the entire corneal surface as well as the inner aspects of the cornea. These measurements are usually made on the day of your surgery but may be recommended during your consultation.
Most medical insurance plans will not usually cover cosmetic ophthalmic procedures such as LASIK refractive surgery. However, vision correction is an excellent investment in an individual's medical and psychological well being. Financial considerations should not be an obstacle to obtaining this important health service.
Our office is able to assist you with a financing program for elective medical procedures. Patients may be pre-approved for financing with a low-interest monthly payment plan. Our office can help to arrange financing through Vision Fee Plan. You may apply for financing on-line at their website at www.feeplan.com or call 1-877-837-2272 for more information.
Major credits are also accepted.
For more information, or to schedule an appointment, please call (818) 907-1055.
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PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) also uses an excimer laser to correct vision, though the treatment is applied to the corneal surface. The long-term results are identical to LASIK, but patients are often less comfortable postoperatively and visual recovery is slower. Given the success of LASIK, PRK is now mostly used for patients who are prone to healing problems, have thinner corneas, and have other reasons that make them poor candidates for LASIK.
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iLASEK (Laser Assisted Subepithelial Keratectomy) is a modification of the LASIK and PRK procedures. A flap of epithelial tissue is created with a special solution, then shifted out of the optical zone so that the central cornea may be treated with an excimer laser. The epithelial tissue is then replaced and a contact lens is worn for a few days until recovery is complete. Theoretical advantages of LASEK over PRK are diminished pain, shorter recovery time and a lower risk of infection, but in reality the LASEK and PRK are no different.
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CK (Conductive Keratoplasty) is a safe, non-laser, FDA-approved technique to eliminate or eradicate farsightedness and presbyopia. CK is one of the first procedures designed specifically for the millions of people with hyperopia. Instead of a scalpel or a laser, CK uses a probe as thin as a strand of human hair to release radio-frequency energy, treating your farsightedness without cutting or removing tissue. CK reshapes the cornea by using a controlled release of radio-frequency energy to shrink the corneal tissue, steepening the cornea and changing the way the eye focuses light. The radio-frequency energy is applied in a circular pattern, causing a peripheral constriction and a relative central lengthening of the eye.
As the first FDA approved method for treating hyperopia, CK is safer and less invasive than the LASIK procedure. It's quick -- less than three minutes per eye, using a topical anesthetic. With minimal post-operative discomfort, return of vision is almost immediate.
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