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  C. Starck Johnson, M.D.
C. Starck Johnson, M.D.

Refractive surgery is a term used for several surgical procedures designed to correct refractive errors that occur in vision, such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness) and astigmatism (irregular shaped cornea).

As part of the Insight LASIK team of surgeons, we are proud to offer multiple convenient locations and the latest LASIK and refractive surgery procedures and technology to our patients. 

Have you been told you are NOT a candidate for LASIK? 

Visian ICL is a revolutionary new procedure that has opened up the world of refractive surgery to individuals who were previously not candidates for surgical eye correction.  The Visian ICL is an implantable lens that has proven to be effective in patients within a wide range of refractive errors. In fact, the Visian ICL can correct myopia from as low as -3.0 diopters to -16.0 diopters and reduce myopia from -16.0 diopters up to as high as -20.0 diopters with or without astigmatism. Clinical studies have shown how the Visian ICL is truly a breakthrough myopia treatment in terms of vision correction results.

The Visian ICL procedure is a short 15 minute outpatient procedure similar to that of cataract surgery. The main difference is that, unlike cataract surgery, the Visian ICL procedure does not require the removal of the eye's crystalline lens.  And unlike the LASIK or PRK refractive procedures, the Visian ICL procedure does not involve the removal of sensitive eye tissue. 

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE VISIAN ICL

LASIK

LASIK (laser assisted in-situ keratomileusis) is the most commonly performed and well known refractive surgery.  Using an excimer laser, the doctor re-shapes the cornea (the stationary refractive element at the front of the eye) so that images are focused to the correct spot on the retina (the light receptor of the eye).  The success rate with this procedure is excellent, with most patients achieving 20/20 vision or better upon completion.

The LASIK procedure itself involves little or no discomfort (or pain) both during the procedure and through the recovery process.  Also, eyesight improvement is almost immediate, and maximum vision is typically achieved within a few days.

 CLICK HERE FOR A VIDEO ON REFRACTIVE SURGERY

Reasons to consider LASIK:

  • Nearsightedness (myopia).
  • Farsightedness (hyperopia).
  • Astigmatism (irregularly shaped cornea).
  • Desire to decrease or eliminate dependence on glasses or contacts.

The Procedure - Custom Wavefront LASIK

One of the premier LASIK clinics in the Denver area, InSight Lasik offers its patients both state-of-the-art technologies and unsurpassed excellence in patient-care. Now the advanced Custom Wavefront LASIK procedure (an enhanced version of LASIK) is also available. This improved system allows the eye surgeon at our Lafayette/Boulder and Denver Colorado clinics to customize the procedure for each eye, accessing opportunities for superior vision-correction.

Incorporating image-mapping technology, the custom wavefront LASIK procedure measures the eye’s irregularities with a sensor and a laser. This information is entered into the Allegretto’s mapping technology system that then produces a three-dimensional map of the eye’s visual system, including the cornea’s imperfections or aberrations.

While earlier vision-correction systems were tested on, calibrated, and designed for flat surfaces, these systems focused treatment area (the optical zone) on the front-center of the curved cornea, a very limited area. The inability of these earlier systems to treat the entire eye resulted in a flattened circular area on the front-center of the cornea that ended with an abrupt edge. This abrupt edge was responsible for many unwanted side-effects like halos and other higher order aberrations. The Allegretto’s custom wavefront LASIK procedure, on the other hand, is developed to be able compensate for those side-effects. Applying the uniquely mapped treatment patterns from each individual’s eye (their own specific algorithms), the custom wavefront LASIK is able to apply peripheral treatment in a blend zone around the optical zone. This blend zone anticipates and counterbalances the risk of the abrupt edge that occurs when limiting treatment to a narrow optical zone, and produces a smoothly sculpted optical surface, thus optimizing visual quality, including the correction of higher order aberrations and reducing incidents of halos and night vision.
Vision-correction laser systems vary in accuracy and performance.

InSight Lasik now offers its patients the Allegretto Wavefront procedure, the only system specifically designed for Custom LASIK from its inception, rather than being adjusted or upgraded from a stock pattern. Representing a new generation of refractive technology, the custom wavefront LASIK procedure by Allegretto embraces a holistic approach to correcting vision by preserving the natural curvature of the eye, substantiating references such as “High Performance Visual Correction,” because it allows patients to enjoy the correction of lower and higher order aberrations like halos, poor night vision, and glare.

The Recovery

The patient may go home shortly after the procedure; however, someone else must drive or alternate transportation must be arranged.  Patients will be asked to get lots of rest, avoid any strenuous activities, and avoid rubbing the eye area for a period of time.  There are follow up appointments with the doctor 24 to 48 hours after the procedure and periodically over the following weeks and months.  Vision should dramatically improve in the first few days following surgery.  The patient often may return to work in a day or two, though it is best to take a few days off to ensure a smooth recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question:  Can I go blind?

We have experienced zero cases of blindness due to the LASIK Procedure.

Question:  Is there any pain?

The surgery is painless. Pressure sensation and occasional stinging may occur during surgery and some mild burning or stinging may occur for 2-3 hours after surgery. We rarely prescribe pain medications.

Question:  How much does LASIK cost?

Costs vary depending on what type of refractive surgery you and the physician decide is the best for you. All procedure prices include: the pre-operative exam, surgeon fees, facility fees, post-operative care & any enhancements for up to one year.

Question:  How long does the surgery take?

You should plan on being at the surgery center for approximately 1 1/2 hours. The actual scheduled surgical procedure takes about 20-30 minutes to do both eyes. You will need to make arrangements for someone to drive you home after your surgery.

Question:  Will I ever need corrective lens again?

Patients usually do not need corrective lenses for distance vision, however, some patients may still require a low prescription for fine tuning, or perhaps night driving. Patients over the age 40 years may expect to use reading glasses due to the natural development of presbyopia (loss of near accommodation).

Question:  How long should I plan on being off work?

If the procedure is done on a Friday afternoon, you should be ready to return to work by the following Monday.

Question:  Are there any restrictions to activity?

No swimming or hot tubs for 3 weeks, and no rigorous physical exertion for 1 week. You will need to wear a protective shield over the eye, at night for 1 week. You should avoid eye makeup for 1 week.

Question:  Is there any danger of the laser causing other eye problems?

The wavelength of the laser is very short, therefore producing an extremely precise focus. The laser does not penetrate to the lens or retina. Consequently, no damage is caused to the other ocular tissue.

Question:  How long before my vision is good after LASIK?

Usually vision is quite good on the first postoperative day, but vision after LASIK typically improves over the first week. More time is usually necessary after hyperopia (farsighted) treatments. Remember that LASIK is surgery, and vision stabilization may take some time.

Question:  Is financing available?

Yes. Financing is available through CareCredit. Please call our office for further information regarding financing.

Question:  If I wear contact lenses do I need to do something special before LASIK?

Yes. If you wear soft contact lenses, please remove your lenses 3 weeks prior to surgery. If you wear hard/gas permeable contact lenses, a minimum of 6 weeks and possibly longer is required for the stabilization and resume of the eyes normal and natural curvatures.
 

Contact us today at 303-794-1111 to schedule a consultation!

 

Specialty Eye Care Ophthalmologists, E. Randy Craven, M.D., C. Starck Johnson M.D. and John Samples, M.D. - Locations in Denver and South Suburban area of Colorado. LASIK Definition, Procedure, IntraLASIK, Recovery and Frequently Asked Questions information.