Info Articles

The Difference Between Contoura And LASIK

The LASIK surgeon in Orange County informs us that Lasik and Contoura are two eye surgery procedures that are believed to be excellent variants of laser vision correction. Eye doctors of LASIK in Orange County inform us that the way they choose between the two procedures is through a series of comprehensive eye examinations and discussions with the patient about their vision needs and expectations. 

 

It is important to understand and critically evaluate both LASIK and contoura eye surgery before making a final decision.

What Is Contoura Eye Surgery?

Contoura Vision, which is also referred to as a type of topography-guided LASIK, is the most recent FDA approved evolution in cutting-edge LASIK technology. The LASIK surgeon in Orange County says that the benefits of this procedure appeal to many patients who are thinking about eye laser surgery. 

 

Contoura eye surgery in Los Angeles is very beneficial to patients who do not qualify for LASIK surgery because of irregularities in the cornea. This topography-guided LASIK treats both the shape of the patient’s eye and the surface texture of the cornea, whereas other LASIK treatments only correct the shape of the eye. 

The Contoura technology provides eye surgeons with detailed data that calculates the unique characteristics of each person’s eyes. As a result of this, an individualized treatment plan is created using this information that surgeons can use to perform personalized LASIK procedures on each eye.

How Was Contoura Vision Developed?

Over the years, vision correction has moved in leaps and bounds to help those with poorer eyesight see clearly. For instance, eyeglasses were invented in the 13th century in Europe, and contact lenses were first produced in the late 1800s from hand blown glass in Switzerland.

As time moved on, innovations in correcting refractive errors became more sophisticated. For example, a Russian ophthalmologist developed radial keratotomy, which is a surgical procedure to treat short-sightedness. 

During a radial keratotomy procedure, the surgeon creates an incision with a diamond knife from the center of the cornea to the periphery to change the cornea’s curvature. Nowadays, radial keratotomy is still used to treat specific forms of astigmatism. 

The late 1980s saw the introduction of excimer lasers, which are used to reshape the contours of the eye. Back then, the technique was known as photorefractive keratectomy and was approved in the early 1990s by the U.S. FDA. Ever since then, PRK laser-assisted eye surgery has achieved more precise and long-lasting corrections to refractive errors. 

LASIK, which is an acronym for laser-assisted in-situ keratomileuses, has refined the techniques of RK and PRK. During LASIK surgery, a small flap of the cornea is lifted to reshape the underlying corneal tissues. Afterward, the flap is placed back and left to heal without any need for stitches. LASIK surgery is the most common corrective refractive surgical procedure around the globe to correct astigmatism, near-sightedness, and far-sightedness.

Before the turn of the new millennium, doctors developed wavefront analysis, which maps the errors of a patient’s eye in its entirety. The data is programmed into the laser, which provides a customized procedure with more accurate results. Contoura Vision is based on the foundation of topography, providing a precise mapping of 22,000 points of the cornea. Traditional LASIK wave-front only maps around 200 points of the whole eye.

Are You A Candidate For Topography-Guided LASIK? 

To find out whether you are a good candidate for Contoura Vision is contingent on a thorough consultation by an experienced LASIK surgeon in Orange County. He or she can best determine whether the procedure is right for you. 

Normally, Topography-Guided LASIK is particularly helpful to patients with several vision issues such as myopia (nearsightedness), irregular corneas and/or astigmatism. Contoura uses personalized diagnostic technology to find and record imperfections in the curvature and optics of the cornea, then blends those measurements with the eyeglass prescription so that the eyes can focus better. 

These are the standard guidelines for patients who do not qualify for Contoura vision surgery:

• Patients who are younger than 18
• Patients suffering from an immune deficiency disease
• Patients with vascular disease
• Patients with myopia higher than 9.00 D
• Patients who have a prominent nose and brow that obstructs reflection.

Your eye doctor will determine other criteria on a case-to-case basis.

What Is The Difference Between Contoura And LASIK Surgery? 

Both procedures are advanced methods of eye laser surgery and are used to correct short-sightedness, long-sightedness, and astigmatism. However, they have some differences between them when it comes to the procedures themselves as well as their outcomes. Here are some of the ways that Contoura and LASIK vary from one another. 

Although LASIK is well-renowned as a top-notch surgery to help patients eliminate the need for eyeglasses or contact lenses, the Contoura Vision procedure provides better visual acuity and refractive outcomes in many cases. Contoura Vision takes LASIK corrective surgery to a new level. Also, Contoura Vision utilizes a computer-guided topographic mapping technique that maps microscopic contours of the cornea. Keep in mind that the cornea is the clear front part of the eye.

Contoura Vision can treat irregularities in the curvature of the cornea as well as optics. Most of the time, the underlying cause of vision issues is this irregular curvature. The treatment focuses on the visual axis of the eye while other LASIK procedures only concentrate on the pupil. 

When your eye surgeon performs Contoura Vision, the contours of the cornea produced by the computer analysis are programmed into a uniquely designed laser that is utilized for your vision correction. About 22,000 points of the cornea are mapped, which helps the surgeon create an individualized treatment plan, and eventually, the laser applies this treatment to the cornea. Due to the fact that each patient’s eyes are different, no two treatment plans are the same.  

Once Contoura Vision surgery is complete, the irregularities of the cornea are smoothed, and optical quality becomes so flawless that light can penetrate the eye evenly. As a result of this, the patient has clear, sharp vision. The Contoura Vision technique does more than provide patients with a means of eye correction to eliminate their need for glasses or contacts. Many patients see more clearly after the treatment than they did when they wore corrective lenses. Also, there are fewer issues with glare and halos around lights. This makes it easier for patients to drive at night and do any other routine activities without the need for corrective lenses. 

Contoura eye surgery delivers amazing results. About sixty-five percent of patients who received the treatment had a correction ratio better than 6/6. Moreover, this procedure lessens the amount of tissue irritation and thus leads to a faster recovery. Additionally, Contoura Vision can be used in some cases to treat people who have had LASIK surgery and were not satisfied with the results. 

If you want more information about LASIK and Contoura eye surgery in Orange County and Los Angeles, do not hesitate to give Excel Laser Vision Institute a call at (818) 907-8606, or fill out our contact form today!

What Should You Know Before Undergoing LASIK

Everyday, people with refractive vision errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism get LASIK in Los Angeles for an outstanding solution that helps them restore their eyesight. The LASIK eye center in Los Angeles such as Excel Laser Vision Institute confirms that the procedure has been approved by the FDA for over 20 years. As a result of this innovative eye surgery, millions of people have enjoyed the advantages of LASIK.

Based on data from the American Academy of Ophthalmology, about 700,000 LASIK procedures are carried out every year in the United States. Furthermore, the American Refractive Surgery Council has informed us that around 99% of LASIK patients achieve 20/40 vision or better and over 90% of patients achieve 20/20 vision or better. If you consider the number of patients who undergo LASIK, this is a remarkable success rate. 

Undoubtedly, LASIK has generated positive results with almost no side effects and it has become very widespread in the process. However, a patient’s exact experience will depend on factors surrounding the doctor, the clinic, and the patient’s case. Before you book an appointment for LASIK in Los Angeles, and say goodbye to prescription eyeglasses and contacts for good, you should take into consideration the following important factors: 

A Good Surgeon Is Important

You must find an eye surgeon that has ample skills and experience in LASIK surgery since this plays a role in achieving positive results. Also, you should understand that no two eyes are exactly the same. For that reason, your procedure has to be customized to tackle your specific vision problems. When you are with an excellent surgeon like Harvard-trained Dr. Ferzaad Moosa, who has performed thousands of procedures throughout his career, you can be sure that your unique vision correction goals will be met. 

When you start to size up LASIK surgeons, be sure to think about the following questions: 

• How many years has the surgeon been performing LASIK?
• How many LASIK procedures has the surgeon performed? 
• What pre-operative and post-operative care is available for this procedure, and will there be an extra fee or is it included in the surgery cost?
• Is there an additional charge for any future enhancement procedures required?
• What has been the surgeon’s track record on patients with similar refractive errors? 
• Will the surgeon be using the newest and best laser technology for the procedure? 

Asking your surgeon about the equipment that they will be using for your procedure is crucial. It is best to work with a LASIK surgeon that uses the most advanced technology since it will refine the precision of your results, lower your risk of complications, and reduce your chances of requiring an enhancement procedure. 

Find Out If You Are A Good LASIK Candidate

You should know that not everybody is a good LASIK candidate. Some determinants that may prevent you from a successful LASIK procedure include:

• Corneas that are too thin to sustain the creation of a LASIK flap
• Corneas that are severely misshapen
• Harsh vision problems (prescription stronger than +6.00 diopters for hyperopia, stronger than -12.00 diopters for myopia, and more than 6 diopters of astigmatism)
• A serious case of chronic dry eye syndrome
• Corneal scarring and other problems that affect the health of your eyes

Make Sure To Follow All Pre-Surgery Instructions To A ‘T’

There is a good reason why your doctor gives you pre-surgery instructions. You should follow them carefully, so you set yourself up for a successful procedure. If you choose to ignore them, you may increase your possibilities of complications. 

The two most critical instructions you will get from your LASIK Los Angeles surgeon are: 

• Stop wearing soft contact lenses for at least two weeks before your scheduled LASIK surgery. If you wear hard or gas permeable lenses, you should discontinue use at least three weeks before surgery. 

• Do not wear makeup before LASIK

The first directive is the most crucial since wearing contact lenses changes the shape of your cornea. To allow the laser to properly adjust to the curvature of a person’s cornea, you will have to give your eyes time to go back to their original shape before LASIK is carried out. This takes several weeks to happen. Although the standard procedures listed above are only minimum requirements, you would  benefit from giving your eyes even more of a break from contacts before your surgery day.

You should avoid wearing makeup before LASIK since this can help reduce the risk of developing an infection after the surgery has been performed. An infection can gravely impact a patient’s healing, comfort, and results. Not wearing makeup for a few days will be worthwhile in the end when you have a smoother recovery process. 

You May Experience Mild Side Effects In The Recovery Process

Even though serious complications are very uncommon, it is typical to experience minor side effects during the healing process. These include the following symptoms: 

• Halos and glare around bright lights
• Light sensitivity
• Dry eyes
• Blurry vision and changes in the quality of vision
• Tearing 

These effects, if you experience them, will fade as your eyes heal and are usually nothing to be worried about. Nevertheless, you should always let your surgeon know about any symptoms so that he or she can monitor them throughout your recovery process. 

LASIK Results

LASIK can, and often does, eliminate a person’s need for glasses and contact lenses. However, this is not a 100% guarantee. About 99% of patients will receive 20/40 vision or better after LASIK. This is usually the level of vision needed to operate a vehicle without corrective lenses. Therefore, in many cases, you won’t need your glasses after the procedure.  

On the other hand, there are limitations to what can be achieved with LASIK. Patients with a severe prescription may experience great improvement in their vision after LASIK, but might still require glasses to have sharper vision. 

During your consultation, you should discuss with your surgeon what type of results you can reasonably expect to achieve from your procedure. 

If you want more information about LASIK surgery, do not hesitate to give Excel Laser Vision Institute a call at (818) 907-8606, or fill out our contact form today!

Contoura™ Explained

The LASIK surgeon in Orange County reveals that the arrival of Contoura™ Vision Topography-Guided Laser Vision Correction is finally here, the most state-of-the-art laser platform that is currently available in the United States. 

What Is Topography-Guided LASIK? 

Contoura® Vision is a topography LASIK Orange County treatment that has recently been approved by the FDA as a LASIK surgery technology available in the United States. 

This recent technology has one-of-a-kind capabilities that support the LASIK surgeon in Orange County to a significant level of individual personalization. This new procedure has reevaluated the phrase “quality of vision” with research exhibiting that many patients encountered better vision than they have ever experienced with glasses or contact lenses. 

The LASIK surgeon in Orange County describes how Contoura Vision topography-guided LASIK, technology provides surgeons with more detailed information on the structure of the cornea than previous generations of LASIK procedures. 

The information supported by the topographer measures the individual characteristics of each person’s eyes that cannot be measured with long-established technology. This information supports an individual profile for each eye that surgeons can use to carry out personalized laser eye surgery procedures. 

Furthermore, topography-guided LASIK has proven to enhance vision just the same (or even better) than glasses or contact lenses for many patients. 

Am I A Good Candidate For Topography-Guided LASIK?

Before you can actually get Contoura Vision performed on your eyes, you have to find out from your ophthalmologist if you are a suitable candidate. This innovative, new treatment will be available for many patients with vision issues, but not for all. Currently, topography-guided LASIK is for patients that are nearsighted, with and without astigmatism. 

If you suffer from astigmatism, topography-guided LASIK may be the answer to your vision problems. This new eye laser procedure is particularly advantageous to patients with astigmatism since no two astigmatism patterns are alike. 

Contoura is a type of personalized LASIK procedure that focuses on these variations more precisely than a surgeon could ever achieve. A comprehensive consultation at the Excel Laser Vision Institute can help you determine if you are suitable for a topography-guided LASIK eye procedure.

How Does Topography-Guided LASIK Work? 

Your eye surgeon uses the topographer and WaveLight EX500 Excimer Laser simultaneously. The procedure alters the shape of the patient’s cornea, greatly enhancing vision. Since the topography-guided LASIK procedure is distinctively individualized to each patient’s cornea, the risk of feeling light sensitivity, glare, and halos after the procedure is scaled-down.  

The personalized treatment uses an assortment of very detailed images on each of the patient’s eyes, to evaluate a patient’s particular vision correction requirements. The patient’s eye is rendered and studied using 22,000 unique elevation points on the cornea. Then, this data is sent to a surgical planning computer to create an individualized, custom-made profile to improve the patient’s vision. 

This type of diagnostic technology can precisely identify and record aberrations in the cornea’s curvature as well as its optics. During the LASIK procedure, this data is combined with the patient’s corrective eyewear prescription to significantly enhance vision for patients suffering from nearsightedness (myopia) and astigmatism. Although standard LASIK surgery has been helping patients improve correct visual refractive errors for many years, Contoura™ Vision sets the bar higher by providing even greater levels of enhanced vision quality.  

What Does Topography-Guided LASIK involve? 

When it comes to the procedure, there isn’t a big difference between Topography-Guided LASIK, since the patient goes through the same steps as they would for a traditional LASIK procedure. 

An eye surgeon performs LASIK by creating tiny changes to the shape of the cornea. The topography-guided LASIK can provide an eye surgeon with an outstanding outline of the patient’s eye structure. A topography-guided LASIK procedure usually lasts fifteen minutes. Many patients report little to no discomfort during the surgery. 

What To Expect With Topography-Guided Recovery? 

Many LASIK patients recognize dramatic visual enhancements right after their Contoura Vision LASIK procedure. However, recovery time is different for each patient. A few patients with higher prescriptions might recover more gradually than patients who do not have severe eye problems. Besides resting with protective eye shields in a postoperative room for at least an hour, your eye surgeon will recommend the following:

• Designate a driver to take you home after surgery and pick up any medications that your eye surgeon may have prescribed to you. 
• Do not rub your eyes and keep them clean.
• Rest at home for a few hours with your protective eye shields.
• Make sure to follow up on additional postoperative instructions the surgeon may provide you. 

It is not unusual to have slight to moderate discomfort during the first days after surgery as your eyes heal. A few patients experience small reactions after surgery such as watery or red eyes for the first couple of days after the procedure, but others are able to go back to work the following day. 

Normally, your eye surgeon will prescribe medications to help with any discomfort and will schedule a follow-up appointment the next day to test the patient’s vision and make sure their eyes are healing correctly. 

What Are The Topography-Guided LASIK Benefits? 

Although LASIK can transform a person’s life, because it enhances their lifestyle and gives them more freedom, many topography-guided LASIK patients report experiencing better vision quality than they ever had with glasses or contacts. Other benefits include the following:

• An eye surgeon has a better outline of the patient’s eye structure.
• It allows more unique customization for personalized vision correction.
• It was created to improve the results of LASIK.
• It can be particularly helpful for patients with astigmatism.

Similar to other LASIK vision correction procedures, topography-guided LASIK can be used to fix many common vision problems. A well-trained eye refractive surgeon such as Dr. Ferzaad Moosa at the Excel Laser Vision Institute can help you decide on the best option for your vision problems. If you have any more questions about LASIK vision correction procedures, give the Excel Laser Vision Institute a call at + (818) 907-8606 to arrange an appointment today.

Refractive Surgery Explained

The LASIK surgeon in Orange County explains that refractive surgery is the term used to define surgical procedures that correct common vision issues such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and presbyopia in order to reduce or eliminate your dependence on prescription eyeglasses and contact lenses. 

At the moment, a laser procedure called LASIK (LAY-sik) is the prevalent refractive surgery performed in the United States. However, many LASIK Orange County patients are not aware of the other types of refractive surgery that are available at the Excel Laser Vision Institute, including other laser procedures that could be a more suitable choice for you, depending on your requirements. 

Below are a few options in vision correction surgery that may be better options for you.

PRK Laser Eye Surgery

PRK (photorefractive keratectomy) is a type of refractive surgery that corrects myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism.

It is quite interesting to know that PRK was the first type of laser eye surgery created for vision correction and is the near ancestor of the very popular LASIK procedure. 

Although PRK recovery can take a slightly longer time than LASIK recovery, PRK is still widely performed and provides certain advantages for some patients. 

Similar to LASIK and other forms of laser eye surgery, PRK surgery involves reshaping the cornea using an excimer laser, allowing light to enter the eye to be correctly focused onto the retina for clear vision. 

The primary difference between PRK and LASIK is the first step of the procedure. 

During LASIK, a thin flap is created on the cornea with a microkeratome or a femtosecond laser. This flap is lifted to reveal the underlying corneal tissue and is replaced after the cornea is reshaped with an excimer laser. 

When PRK is performed, the thin outer layer of the cornea (epithelium) is removed and discarded before reshaping the underlying corneal tissue with an excimer laser. The epithelium repairs itself since it can grow back over the corneal surface within a few days after surgery. 

LASEK Laser Eye Surgery

An alternative to PRK is a procedure called LASEK, which is also available to patients looking for solutions for vision problems. 

Rather than removing the outer epithelial layer of the cornea as PRK does, LASEK consists of lifting the epithelial layer using a surgical instrument called a trephine, preserving it during surgery, and then putting it back on the eye’s surface at the end of the procedure. 

The LASIK surgeon in Orange County says that LASEK has become less popular over the years because of the slower recovery process in contrast to PRK. The replaced epithelial layer takes longer to recover in LASEK than the growth of a new epithelial layer in PRK. 

SMILE Laser Eye Surgery

Patients that come in for a consultation with the LASIK surgeon in Orange County are sometimes concerned with nearsightedness. Besides LASIK, there is a relatively new option for laser eye surgery called SMILE. SMILE laser eye surgery received FDA approval for use in the United States in September of 2016. 

First of all, SMILE is an acronym for Small Incision Lenticule Extraction. Typically, a SMILE laser eye surgery is performed using a VisuMax femtosecond laser, which is a technology developed by Carl Zeiss Meditec. 

During a SMILE procedure, the surgeon uses a femtosecond laser to make a small, lens-shaped piece of tissue, called a lenticule, within the cornea. Then, with the same laser, a small arc-shaped incision is created within the surface of the cornea, and the surgeon removes the lenticule through this incision and disposes of it. 

In a SMILE procedure, only a tiny opening is required, about less than 4mm, for the eye surgeon to be able to remove the lenticule. 

When the small lenticule has been removed, the shape of the cornea is changed, correcting nearsightedness. The corneal incision heals within a few days, without stitches, and sharper vision is achieved very rapidly. 

Epi-LASIK Eye Surgery

Epi-LASIK is a laser vision correction procedure that almost works the same as LASIK and LASEK, and could be an excellent alternative to these procedures for particular eyes.  

During an epi-LASIK procedure, the eye surgeon creates a flap on the cornea that is thinner than a LASIK flap. This is sometimes beneficial for patients who have thinner than normal corneas. 

The epi-LASIK flap is identical to the thin flap created in LASEK surgery. In both types of eye laser procedures, the flap consists of only cells from the very thin outer layer of the cornea, called the epithelium. 

The only difference is how the epi-LASIK and LASEK flaps are created. 

A LASEK flap is produced with a tool that includes a sharp blade. In epi-LASIK, the flap is separated from the underlying corneal layer, which is called the stroma, with an instrument referred to as an epithelial separator that has an oscillating plastic blade that has a thin blunt edge. 

Also, unlike LASEK, an alcohol solution is not applied to the eye in epi-LASIK procedures. Some surgeons prefer epi-LASIK to LASEK for this very reason. Alcoholic solutions can be toxic to epithelial cells and can prolong the healing time after the procedure. 

Once the epi-LASIK is created, it is folded back and the underlying central stroma is reshaped with an excimer laser, which is similar to LASIK.

Since the epi-LASIK flap is very thin, the surgeon usually applies soft contact lenses over the flap when it is repositioned after the laser treatment. The contact lens behaves as a sort of bandage to increase the patient’s comfort and support the growth of new epithelial cells on the cornea for swift healing. 

Eventually, your eye surgeon will remove the bandage contact lens at one of the follow-up visits, a few days after the epi-LASIK procedure. 

If you want further information about various refractive surgeries to improve your eyesight, give the Excel Laser Vision Institute a call at + (818) 907-8606. Our expert team of highly trained refractive surgeons can guide you step-by-step to the laser eye surgery that best suits you! 

Comparing Blade And Bladeless LASIK

LASIK, which is an abbreviated form for laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis, is the most well-known type of laser vision correction at the LASIK Los Angeles clinic like Excel Laser Vision Institute. Ever since it was first approved by the FDA in 1999, it has transformed the vision of about 10 million Americans. 

Surgeons at this LASIK eye center in Los Angeles use this form of eye surgery to successfully treat refractive eye conditions such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (far-sightedness) and astigmatism. 

If you need laser vision correction and have looked into having LASIK in Los Angeles, you may know that there are currently two options available. These options are traditional and bladeless LASIK. So, which should you choose? Take a look below for a comparison between traditional and bladeless LASIK surgery.

The Difference Between Blade vs Bladeless LASIK

The main difference between traditional and bladeless LASIK belongs in the creation of the flap. The flap is undoubtedly an important aspect of the LASIK procedure. The eye surgeon creates the flap in the top layer of the cornea, called the epithelium, and it is lifted to achieve access to the tissue beneath.  

This underlying tissue is what your LASIK Los Angeles surgeon reshapes using a laser, to make the eye refract light correctly. After a short healing period, the patient can see clearly with little to no need for glasses or contact lenses. 

When an eye surgeon performs traditional LASIK, it involves the use of an instrument called a microkeratome. A microkeratome has a very small oscillating blade that is used to manually make the incision that will create the hinged flap. Then, the surgeon uses suction to hold the eye in place, and the LASIK laser vision correction is performed using laser technology. Once the procedure is over, the flap is placed back over the cornea and left to heal naturally. No sutures are required for the healing process. 

As the name suggests, bladeless LASIK does not involve the use of a microkeratome. Instead, the eye surgeon makes an incision required to create the flap using a high-energy, femtosecond laser. This laser gives off pre-programmed short pulses of energy that form the incision. When the flap has been created, the flap is lifted so that LASIK can be carried out on the underlying tissue. 

The Advantages Of Traditional LASIK

The most considerable advantage of traditional LASIK is that this technique has an evident track record of success. Today, LASIK is over twenty years old and general success rates are very high. The latest research has shown that LASIK has a 99% success rate in helping patients attain 20/40 vision or better, with 90% receiving 20/20 vision or even better. Furthermore, complication rates are very low. While bladeless LASIK is equally successful, it has a shorter history. 

When it comes to cost, mechanical microkeratome systems are less expensive to purchase and maintain. Also, traditional LASIK is less expensive for patients than bladeless treatment. Some LASIK surgeons have not invested in the advanced laser system required for a bladeless laser, which is also considerably more expensive to purchase.  

When comparing speed, many patients are shocked to learn that even though both procedures are reasonably short, in terms of the time it takes to perform them, traditional LASIK can be carried out faster than bladeless LASIK. 

The Advantages Of Bladeless LASIK

The IntraLase was the first FDA approved bladeless flap-making system in the United States. It was acquired by Advanced Medical Optics (AMO) in 2007 and blended into the company’s CustomVue excimer laser platform, which is now sold under the brand name iLASIK. 

In addition to IntraLase, other bladeless LASIK systems include zLASIK (Ziemer Ophthalmic Systems), Femtec (2010 Perfect Vision) and Visumax (Carl Zeiss Meditec).

One of the most predominant advantages of bladeless LASIK is fewer flap-related complications. Issues concerning the flap are one of the most common complications that can occur from traditional LASIK laser vision correction. This is due to the mechanical nature of the microkeratome system, which can experience lost power, jammed mechanical parts, or loss of suction. 

If this occurs, it can cause a variety of issues with the flap including a partial/incomplete flap, a flap without a hinge, that is referred to as a free cap, or other aberrations with the shape of the flap which can undermine healing. These complications are very infrequent in bladeless LASIK. 

During traditional LASIK,  the hinge for the flap usually occurs in the same location. However, every patient is different and, for some, it may be suitable to customize the hinge position. This is only achievable using bladeless LASIK. 

Many LASIK experts and surgeons debate about the level of precision and accuracy, along with uniformity, which is more significant in bladeless LASIK. Since the laser can be pre-programmed with the particular measurements required, there is no room for manual error. Problems that can occur with traditional LASIK include inconsistencies in the flap edge and uneven flap thickness. Bladeless LASIK can avoid this. 

Studies have concluded that the recovery rate for patients who have undergone bladeless LASIK is swifter and smoother. As a matter of fact, many patients can get back to work within 24 hours of their treatment. This fast recovery makes bladeless more convenient for many patients with a full schedule. 

Traditional and bladeless LASIK are both very successful and effective treatments for dealing with refractive errors. If you have had previous corneal surgery, microkeratome LASIK may be required. Sometimes, with all-laser procedures, water bubbles can form and penetrate previous incisions, meddling with the focusing (reshaping) laser.

The choice between traditional and bladeless LASIK usually depends on the patient’s preference and their ophthalmologist’s opinion. At the Excel Laser Vision Institute, our ophthalmologists have many years of experience in performing LASIK. 

If you are considering LASIK, Dr. Ferzaad Moosa, a Harvard trained laser eye surgeon, can consult with you in order to decide which LASIK procedure is suitable for your eyes. 

If you want more information about LASIK surgery, give the Excel Laser Vision Institute a call at (818) 907-8606, or fill out our contact form today!

Understand Cataract Surgery Better

Every year, over 3 million Americans have cataract surgery. Over 98% of these cataract surgeries are successful. Taking into account the number of aging people who have faced blindness from cataracts, the arrival of modern cataract surgery serves as a marvel of medicine!

What Are Cataracts?

Normally, cataracts occur as a person ages. These age-related cataracts are a gradual clouding of the lens tissue, which is inside the eye behind the iris. 

This modification in the lens tissue can involve one or both eyes. When it comes to age-related cataracts, one eye usually deteriorates quicker than the other, but both will eventually need treatment at a LASIK eye center in Los Angeles such as the Excel Laser Vision Institute. 

Refractive and LASIK Los Angeles surgeons explain that cataracts happen when proteins in the lens of the eye become glycated to the point that clearness dwindles away. As a result of this gradual deterioration of visual quality, the patient needs to have their cataracts corrected with surgery or they will go blind. 

What Is Glycation? 

Glycation is the cause of cataracts according to refractive and LASIK Los Angeles surgeons at the Excel Laser Vision Institute. It is the pathologic binding of a sugar molecule to the body’s proteins or lipid molecules that bring about the formation of non-functioning tissue structures. The lens of the eye is particularly defenseless to this type of degradation. Some of the nutrients that help to prevent glycation include carnosine, benfotiamine, glutathione, and activated forms of vitamin B6 (pyridoxal-5-phosphate).

The following factors can increase a person’s chances of getting cataracts:

• Diabetes
• Sunlight exposure
• Cigarette smoking
• Eating foods cooked at high temperatures
• Hypertension
• Blunt trauma to the eye
• Electrical shock
• All forms of radiation, especially ultraviolet light (specifically UVB)
• Corticosteroid drugs

Although, the most common cause of cataracts is aging.

40% Less Risk Of Mortality

It is proven that cataract surgery can benefit patients by more than just restoring their vision. Cataract surgery could actually make you live longer!

A recent study analyzed a five percent irregular sample of U.S. Medicare beneficiaries with cataracts within the years of 2002 to 2012 to look at the effects of cataract surgery on the risk of death. As a result of this study, cataract surgery contributed to a slight decrease in mortality incidence. 

Of the 1.5 million cataract patients in the study, 36 percent had cataract surgery. Patients who underwent surgery had a mortality incidence of 2.78 deaths per 100 person-years, compared to 2.98 deaths per 100 person-years among patients who did not undergo surgery. The strongest connection was in women, aged 80 to 84 years old, residing in the western United States suffering from severe cataract and moderate systemic disease burden. 

16% Fewer Odds For A Hip Replacement

Besides having a clearer, more colorful vision after cataract surgery, it could also help prevent hip fractures. A study that came out in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) claims that fixing cataracts can lower the risk of breaking a hip. 

It may sound odd that cataracts can affect hip fractures, but there is a more logical connection than you might think. Since better vision can help a person navigate a new environment and achieve better balance, this will decrease their chances of bumping into objects or, even worse, falling down. 

The effects of cataract surgery were analyzed on the frequency of hip fractures in the following year after the surgery took place. In a group of more than a million adults ages 65 and older who had cataract surgery, they found that: 

• about 1.3% suffered hip fractures
• the frequency of hip fracture was 16% lower among those who had cataract surgery compared with those who didn’t have it.
• the reduced risk was even more (23%) if the cataract was severe.  

These are amazing and critical findings. They provide extra incentives for people with cataracts who are considering having cataract surgery.

13% Fewer Car Crashes

Having cataract surgery can greatly reduce car crashes involving senior drivers and, as a result, lower the cost of accidents to the community.

There was a recent study that focused on 2,849 drivers, 60 years of age and older in Western Australia, all of whom had cataract surgery on both eyes and were involved in car crashes as the driver. The study found that participants were less likely to be involved in car crashes in the year following their procedure as compared to before.

Refractive and LASIK Los Angeles surgeons noticed that there was a 61 percent reduction in crash risk after these drivers’ first cataract was removed and a 23 percent reduction in accidents after they had their second cataract procedure. 

Greater Quality Of Life

Unfortunately, cataracts can prevent you from doing everyday tasks and the things you love to do for fun. Eventually, you will begin to feel less independent and more socially withdrawn. 

A 2013 study revealed that the quality of life for patients who had cataract surgery in one eye showed 21% greater quality of life afterward and patients who had cataract surgery in both eyes felt their lives improved by 36 percent after surgery in contrast to those who did not undergo surgery at all. 

Overall, because of cataract surgery, there has been a $123.4 billion cost advantage to society over the last 13 years. 

Cataract surgery can give you the visual freedom you need and better improve your overall health. If you want further information about cataract surgery, give the Excel Laser Vision Institute a call at + (818) 907-8606 today. 

Frequently Asked Questions About LASIK

If you are thinking about vision correction, it is crucial to ask these questions before you commit to the LASIK Los Angeles surgery, eye surgeon and the clinic. When your vision affects the quality of your life or your ability to fulfill your work responsibilities, you will eventually contact a LASIK eye center in Los Angeles like Excel Laser Vision Institute. 

LASIK laser eye surgery is an advanced procedure that was approved in the U.S. in 1999. Ever since then, many individuals have enjoyed an improvement in their eyesight, their ability to perform at work as well as an enhancement in the quality of their life. 

Not only is it understandable, but it’s also very important to ask many questions before you do the surgery. Here are six major questions that LASIK Los Angeles patients ask. 

Question No. 1 – Will It Hurt? 

No, not at all! So, you can breathe a sigh of relief. As soon as you arrive for LASIK surgery, your eye doctor will apply topical eye drops in your eyes. 

LASIK eye surgery is performed by an ophthalmologist who creates a thin flap in the cornea with a laser or an instrument called a microkeratome. You will probably feel some pressure on your eye, but normally this is not painful and this feeling lasts less than a minute. In fact, many patients cannot believe how quick and comfortable the procedure actually is. 

Question No. 2 -Are Side Effects Intense?

When you get back home from LASIK Los Angeles procedure and the anesthesia (the numbing eye drops) start to wear off, it is usual to experience sensitivity to light, watery eyes and mild to moderate eye discomfort for a couple of hours. Typically, if any of these symptoms are irritating you, over-the-counter medications can help you ease the discomfort.  

Many individuals say that taking a nap when they return home from LASIK surgery, results in little to no eye discomfort afterward.

If you experience significant eye discomfort after your Los Angeles LASIK surgery, particularly if over the counter medicine does not help you to manage it, contact your LASIK surgeon for advice.

Question No.3 – Will It Work For Astigmatism?

Yes, absolutely! LASIK can completely correct astigmatism, and the effect is permanent. Although astigmatism sounds complex and scary, it is not an eye disease and is a very common vision problem. Astigmatism is just like any refractive error similar to nearsightedness and farsightedness, so it can be corrected with eyeglasses, contact lenses and LASIK surgery.

Generally, astigmatism is caused by the front surface of the eye (cornea) having an asymmetrical shape. LASIK surgery uses ultra-precise lasers that can be programmed to reshape the cornea so the front surface of the eye is more symmetrical, which eliminates vision problems caused by astigmatism. 

Also, higher amounts of astigmatism can be corrected with LASIK, though it does increase the possibility of a follow-up LASIK enhancement that may be required to fine-tune the correction.

Question No.4 – Is It Long Lasting?

Yes, in a majority of cases the improved vision from LASIK surgery provides a permanent solution. 

However, in a small number of cases, typically because changes happen in the lens inside the eye, with or without LASIK surgery, some nearsightedness, farsightedness and/or astigmatism can come back over time, causing blurry vision. 

If this type of regression happens and becomes annoying, a follow-up procedure called LASIK enhancement is routinely performed to restore clear vision. 

Question No.5 – Is It Affordable?

Over the years the surgery has quickly become more affordable because of the continuous advancements in technology. In the long run, LASIK can actually work out cheaper than the cost of glasses and contact lenses.

In the United States, the average cost of LASIK surgery in 2019 was $2,246 per eye. This amount is slightly higher than the average price for LASIK performed in the U.S. in 2018, which was $2,199 per eye.

Nonetheless, you must bear in mind that these prices are for LASIK surgery performed on just one eye. To work out the total cost of LASIK surgery for both eyes, you have to double these prices. 

These figures come from ongoing surveys conducted by American ophthalmologists who regularly perform LASIK and other vision correction procedures, for instance, PRK, SMILE and refractive lens exchange. 

To truly know the price you will pay for LASIK surgery, consider factors such as the experience and reputation of your eye surgeon, as well as the technology used for your LASIK procedure. 

Question No.6 – Could It Make Me Blind?

If you are considering LASIK surgery, but the only factor stopping you from doing this procedure is that you are afraid you will go blind, you can relax. It is not possible to go blind from LASIK since the surgery only affects the front surface of the eye. 

Ever since LASIK surgery was born, millions of LASIK procedures have been performed around the world with high levels of safety and effectiveness. It would be very unexpected for anyone to go blind from LASIK, particularly if you follow your surgeon’s instructions and go to all your follow-up visits as recommended by your eye doctor. 

The majority of LASIK risks and complications are mild and can be managed easily. The most reported complications from LASIK surgery are dry eyes, halos, glare, and other visual disturbances. These issues are usually temporary and are seldom permanent. 

Furthermore, it is crucial to understand the level of experience your eye doctor has in performing LASIK and other vision correction procedures such as PRK, phakic IOLs, and refractive lens exchange. Also, ask what type of technology is available for each procedure. 

During your pre-op consultation, Harvard-Trained, Laser Eye Surgeon – Dr. Ferzaad Moosa will discuss your suitability for LASIK and your specific risks, based on your refractive error, measurements of your cornea, your health and age, and other factors.

When you meet with a LASIK surgeon, it is important to ask a lot of questions during your eye exam and preoperative consultation and feel at ease that your doctor will do everything possible to reduce the likelihood of LASIK complications and help you manage post-operative symptoms you may have. 

If you want more information about LASIK surgery, do not hesitate to give Excel Laser Vision Institute a call at (818) 907-8606, or fill out our contact form today!

Important LASIK Stats

Why Women Should Go To the LASIK Surgeon

Today’s average woman has a lot to do on a daily basis. Fortunately, females have the innate ability to multi-task because they have to juggle the demands of work and family. No wonder women are always looking for ways to make their lives smoother sailing.  

It is no surprise that women are going to LASIK surgeon in Orange County to talk about vision correction surgery. A majority of women who are thinking about LASIK in Orange County have friends who have had the operation and recommend it. They may have heard how the procedure can save them money in the long run, and how a LASIK procedure is life-changing.

What Do Women Think About Laser Vision Correction? 

The difference between men and women is that the latter has a various set of priorities, preferences, and attitudes than men when exploring a possible purchase, such as LASIK. Although men search for a suitable solution, women are on the hunt for the perfect answer. 

Women will spend more time and engage in a more thorough process than men as they try to qualify for the LASIK procedure and find a qualified LASIK surgeon in Orange County. Before they commit to a procedure, women reflect, compare and talk to trusted medical professionals about whether the solution will meet their needs. Therefore, since women have done their homework, they feel more confident about recommending their decision to others. 

Women who are carefully considering their correction alternatives, it is vital to be aware of how the procedure helps them in the long run. For instance, how it saves them time, energy and the inconvenience besides providing optimum vision. 

Here are several advantages women experience after selecting a laser vision correction procedure such as LASIK: 

Better Vision

Certainly, the greatest advantage of LASIK is the capability of seeing clearly without glasses or contacts. LASIK surgeon in Orange County explains that this improvement in visual acuity supports many advantages, at work as well as at home. From reading street signs or meeting agendas to watching movies or reading restaurant menus, sight is significantly improved with LASIK. 

Positive Self-Image

A lot of women start wearing glasses in middle school and move on to contacts in high school. Even though they wear eyewear at such an early age, they never get used to the irritation and hassle that glasses and contacts often bring.

As they mature, women usually invest in extravagant designer eyeglasses to feel more self-assured. Although this solution fixes the annoyance of contacts when it comes to doing physical activities with eyeglasses, it could result in frustration since glasses can slip and fall off. LASIK lets women become free of eyeglasses and contact lenses, to implant a better sense of self-confidence. 

Easier Application Of Makeup

Putting on makeup can be a real struggle for women, whether they wear eyeglasses or contacts. Mascara is notorious for smudging on glasses or flaking onto contacts. Furthermore, foundation or tinted moisturizer leaves a daily residue on glasses that eventually dries and hardens. 

Have you ever tried to put on eyeliner when you wear glasses? If so, you probably know how it is almost impossible to manage an epic wing with glasses in the way, and without them, you can’t see what you are doing. LASIK can get rid of all these battles and support women with more freedom to experiment with using makeup to flaunt their eyes. 

Reliable Parenting

For a majority of women, being a mother is the most influential job in the world. Many moms are concerned about their ability to help their children in case of an emergency if they can’t swiftly find their glasses or have to pause to put in their contacts. 

If they can see the clock, dial 911, find the car keys or make out a prescription label, that is a huge source of relief for many mothers. Answering to their children’s requirements has many women thinking about LASIK or other laser vision correction procedures. 

Bridal Beauty

A wedding day is a big day for many women who all they want is to look their best. Most of the time, this means they do not want to deal with eyeglasses or contacts. If the bride-to-be has LASIK way before the big day, they feel more beautiful and can cry happy tears without having to stress about fogging glasses or moving contacts. 

Travel Comfort

Nowadays, over half of business owners are women, and many more women have to travel for business or simply travel for fun. Being forced to pack glasses and contacts, along with the countless other items that go with them is very inconvenient. When women do LASIK, they can pack without having the hassle of refilling an intricated eye-care kit. 

What Women Should Consider Before Doing LASIK?

Since fluctuating hormones can affect refractive stability, eye surgeons do not advise women who are pregnant or nursing to do LASIK. These fluctuating hormones are also a concern during menopause, and will briefly rule out a candidate until hormones get back to normal levels. 

Although the FDA has approved LASIK for anyone over the age of 18, it is better to wait until you are in your mid-twenties when refractive power has stabilized. On the other hand, there is no age that is too old to get LASIK, however, conditions happening later in life, such as cataracts, can affect eligibility. 

While each woman is unique, LASIK can be the perfect solution to living an independent life without the hassle of eyeglasses and contact lenses. Whether you are looking for an active lifestyle, want to pursue a professional career with more self-esteem, or streamline your daily routine, women can learn more about the advantages of LASIK. 

That being said, it is important to talk about the benefits of LASIK by scheduling a consultation and evaluation with a qualified refractive surgeon. Also, it is helpful if you find an experienced and well-trained eye refractive surgeon such as Dr. Ferzaad Moosa to give you the advice and care that you need. If you have any more questions about a LASIK vision correction procedure, give Excel Laser Vision Institute a call at + (818) 907-8606 to arrange an appointment today.

Cataract Surgery Recovery

Many adults who are over the age of fifty have a high risk of developing cataracts and may need surgery to remove the clouded lens of the eye and replace it with intraocular lens technology. If you and your refractive and LASIK surgeon in Orange County feel that now is a good time for you to manage your cataracts, you probably want to know everything that you should expect during your cataract surgery recovery period. 

To help you get ready for this conversation you will have with your refractive and LASIK eye surgeon in Orange County, find a list of commonly asked questions and typical answers about the cataract surgery recovery process.

What Can I Do During Cataract Surgery Recovery?

The refractive and LASIK surgeon in Orange County informs us that there is very little alteration to your regular routine after cataract surgery, and you will be glad to hear that many patients are usually back to work the next day. 

Nevertheless, it is vital to not rub the eye for the first week or two, and many surgeons tell their patients to wear a protective shield or goggles while sleeping.

Your refractive and LASIK surgeon in Orange County may prescribe you eye drops to be administered several times a day for the first few weeks. The reason for the drops is to keep the eye comfortable, prevent infection and inflammation, and help in the healing process. Also, you may find that you are more comfortable wearing dark glasses while outdoors for the first few weeks after surgery. The best to go for are polarized glasses with UV protection. 

What Can’t I Do During Cataract Surgery Recovery?

Many eye surgeons strongly recommend to patients who have just had cataract surgery to avoid driving until you have been seen the day after surgery to assess whether the vision is clear enough to drive safely. Furthermore, do not rub, touch or put pressure on your eye. 

If you are a bit of a gym rat, regular exercise is permitted by most surgeons, but you should avoid activities that would directly impact the eye, such as contact sports. These activities can put unnecessary stress on your eye while it is healing.

Although you can shower and bathe, you have to be cautious to not get any soap or water in the eye. You have to avoid going swimming in a pool, ocean or lake for a few weeks to prevent exposing your eye to dirty, contaminated,  or over-chlorinated water. 

Also, make it a point to avoid environments and activities that are dusty. Many eye surgeons advise their patients to avoid eye makeup for the first week. The reason being is that you want to avoid any particles, grime or other contaminants from entering your eye and causing irritation or infection.  

How Will My Eyes Feel Like After Cataract Surgery? 

During the first few days following a cataracts surgery, it is not unusual for your eye to be sensitive and slightly uncomfortable. Fortunately, besides the medicated eye drops your surgeon will prescribe, you should be able to handle any symptoms with an over-the-counter pain reliever. 

If you find that your eye is itchy or sore for a few days, do not be alarmed since this is normal. Also, there might be some fluid discharge, but again this is common. Some patients have redness in their eyes and experience blurry vision in the first few days after surgery. 

It is important to be aware that none of these symptoms should prevent you from doing your everyday routine nor should you be in excruciating pain while doing them. These symptoms are just a  normal part of the healing process that happens during cataract surgery recovery. Nonetheless, if you do experience a lot of pain or your symptoms persist for more than a couple of weeks, get in touch with your eye doctor as soon as possible. 

When Can I Return To Normal Activities? 

Normally, your eye doctor will test and assess your vision to determine whether or not you are safe to drive after your cataract surgery. This is usually possible a few days after the procedure. Normally, the eye will be completely healed within eight weeks after the surgery. The good news is that many people are able to return to their normal routine in a matter of a few days. 

Revolving around your particular requirements and surgery, your cataract surgeon may advise other or extra instructions and recommendations for your cataracts surgery recovery. Do your best to take your time during your pre-operative visit to read over every question, and any others you might have regarding your procedure and recovery with your refractive surgeon so you are knowledgable on what to expect during and after your cataracts surgery. 

Follow These Tips For A Safe And Swift Cataract Surgery Recovery

• Do not drive on the first day after the surgery.
• Do not do any heavy lifting or vigorous activity for a few weeks.
• Right after the procedure, avoid bending over since this can put extra pressure on the eye.
• Try to avoid sneezing or vomiting immediately after surgery whenever possible, of course. 
• Be cautious where you walk around after surgery, and avoid bumping into doors or other objects. 
• To lower your chances of infection, avoid swimming or using a hot tub during the initial week of your cataract surgery recovery.
• Do not expose your eye to possible irritants such as dust, dirt, wind, and pollen within the first few weeks after surgery.
• Do not rub your eye after surgery. 

Typically, you should be able to perform these activities within a few hours of your surgery:

• Computer work
• Brief TV watching
• Showering or bathing – but do not get water or soap in your eye

To achieve the best outcome from cataract surgery, make sure to follow your doctor’s specific instructions about how to safeguard your eye after your procedure.

If you want further information about the cataracts recovery process, give Excel Laser Vision Institute a call at + (818) 907-8606 today. Our expert team of highly trained refractive surgeons can guide you step by step on what to expect after your cataracts surgery.