Lasik
Here at the Alaska Lasik Center we offer a variety of laser vision correction options to best fit your eyecare needs.
All of the laser vision correction procedures we perform are FDA-approved and utilize the best technology available in the United States (click here to learn more about the technology). We offer conventional LASIK, CustomVue™ LASIK (wavefrontTM technology), LASEK, PRK and CK®. Click here to find out how to get started and what the process is like.
100% Blade-Free LASIK using the IntraLaseTM Method is Here!
We are the ONLY clinic in Alaska that offers the most current technology which is proven to have better results. LASIK surgery consists of 2 steps. During step one, the surgeon creates a corneal flap. During step two, the surgeon gently folds back the flap to perform the vision correction procedure with the excimer laser. Traditionally, the corneal flap has been created using a thin metal blade. The IntraLase method uses tiny ultra-precise pulses of laser light to create the corneal flap - a blade is not used. While LASIK is extremely safe, if complications do occur the flap created by the blade is most often the cause. The IntraLase method has been safely used on over a million eyes and with the IntraLase method, more people achieve vision that is 20/20 or better! Get the facts! To learn more visit www.IntraLaseFacts.com.
What procedure would be best for me?
Ultimately, that is a decision that you will not be able to make until you have a thorough, comprehensive pre-exam with Dr. Coulter, our Board Certified surgeon and medical director of the Alaska Lasik Center. In the meanwhile, below is a guide that will advise you as to the capabilities of each procedure.
- If you are nearsighted or myopic, conventional LASIK, CustomVue™ LASIK, LASEK and PRK may be options for you. All of these procedures can also correct astigmatism, so if you have both, don't worry.
- If you are farsighted or hyperopic, conventional LASIK, CustomVue™ LASIK, LASEK, PRK, or CK® may be options for you. Most of these procedures can also correct astigmatism, so if you have both, don't worry. If your farsightedness started only after the age of forty, see the bullet below, as those procedures may be more appropriate for you.
- If you have age-related farsightedness or presbyopia, you will have started
needing reading glasses
around or after the age of forty. If you ONLY WEAR GLASSES TO READ AND you are over the age of 40, CK® (Conductive
Keratoplasty) may be appropriate for you. Click here to go to the CK® page. If you need correction for up close and
far away (you may wear bifocals or progressive lenses), a monovision LASIK procedure (either CustomVueTM LASIK or
Conventional LASIK) may be more appropriate for you.
- If you have astigmatism, conventional LASIK, CustomVue™ LASIK, LASEK or PRK may be options for you. If you are nearsighted or farsighted in addition to having astigmatism, don't worry - we can correct both. We can also correct mixed astigmatism with these procedures.
Are you still confused? Click here to determine your eyecare needs.
Conventional LASIK
LASIK (Laser Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis) is a form of outpatient corneal surgery in which a surgeon uses a specialized and precise flap-making instrument, called a microkeratome, to create a thin flap of corneal tissue. This flap is raised and laid back while still attached to the cornea. The surgeon then uses a state-of-the-art excimer laser to remove a predetermined amount of corneal tissue from the exposed bed of the cornea.
The flap is then replaced and held back by natural forces. Within a few hours, the surface epithelium of the cornea begins to grow over the cut edge of the flap to seal it into position. This surgical technique is used in both the conventional and CustomVue™ LASIK procedures. The difference between the two is the data that is programmed into the laser for your correction.
Conventional LASIK uses only the data from your prescription. Your prescription is determined by your eye exams and diagnostic scans, and confirmed by the surgeon several times prior to surgery.
Conventional LASIK has the widest range of FDA-approvals for correction and can correct nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), astigmatism or any combination of these three. The advantages of a LASIK procedure include very little discomfort after surgery, fast healing time, and relatively immediate results.
Click here to learn about the process. You can also learn more about LASIK at the American Academy of Ophthalmology website by clicking here. Another great resource is the FDA website, just click here to learn more!
CustomVue™ LASIK using Wavefront™ Technology
CustomVue™ LASIK using wavefront™ technology is setting a new standard in laser vision correction. The visual quality results have been astounding! Before the recent advancements with this technology, doctors could only correct for the refractive prescription of the patient. Now, the wavefront™ technology allows the doctor to correct for other imperfections in your optical system and allows you to achieve your personal best vision!
CustomVue™ LASIK using wavefrontTM technology is an individualized treatment plan for your eyes only, giving you the potential for better vision than you had with your glasses or contact lenses. During the pre-examination process, the surgeon and technicians take several pictures of your optical system using a diagnostic program called a WaveScan™. These scans in turn are used to develop a unique treatment plan to correct for your prescription and for other smaller imperfections in your optical system. This individualized treatment plan is then transferred to a disk and programmed into the VISX® StarS4 Excimer Laser system for your LASIK procedure.
The results have truly been amazing! Here are the results for CustomVue™ LASIK patients one year after their procedure (results from the FDA clinical trials)
- 100 percent could pass their driving test without glasses or contact lenses
- 98 percent could see 20/20 or better
- 70 percent had better than 20/20 vision
- Before the surgery 65 percent said they were very satisfied with their night vision, AFTER the surgery 85 percent said they were very satisfied with their night vision.
The surgical technique used in the CustomVue™ LASIK procedure is the same as it is for the conventional LASIK procedure; the difference is that the treatment is unique to your eyes. LASIK (Laser Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis) is a form of outpatient corneal surgery in which a surgeon uses a specialized and precise flap-making instrument, called a microkeratome, to create a thin flap of corneal tissue. This flap is raised and laid back while still attached to the cornea. The surgeon then uses a state-of-the-art excimer laser to remove a predetermined amount of corneal tissue from the exposed bed of the cornea.
The flap is then replaced and held back by natural forces. Within a few hours, the surface epithelium of the cornea begins to grow over the cut edge of the flap to seal it into position.
CustomVue™ LASIK can correct nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), astigmatism or any combination of these three. The CustomVueTM LASIK procedure has smaller treatment ranges than conventional LASIK, but is appropriate for a large percentage of refractive surgery candidates. The advantages of a LASIK procedure include very little discomfort after surgery, fast healing time, and relatively immediate results.
Click here to learn about the process at the Alaska Lasik Center. Visit www.personalbestvision.com to learn about the advantages of CustomVue™ LASIK. Learn more about CustomVue™ LASIK and other laser vision correction procedures at the following websites:
- American Academy of Ophthalmology website. Click here.
- FDA website, just click here to learn more!
PRK
PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) is a form of outpatient corneal surgery in which a surgeon removes the outer surface of the cornea called the epithelium, and then reshapes the corneal bed with the laser in the same way as the LASIK procedure. The PRK technique is used for people whose corneas are not ideal for LASIK; for example, corneas that are scarred or too thin may be better treated with PRK. PRK is also used when certain careers mandate its use (certain military positions, such as pilots) or in patients who feel strongly about receiving it after learning about their different options.
PRK is used to correct nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism.
More information about PRK may be found at the American Academy of Ophthalmology website, by clicking here. Another great resource is the FDA website, just click here to learn more!
LASEK
LASEK (Laser Epithelial Keratomileusis) is a form of outpatient corneal surgery that is technically a variation of PRK.
In LASEK, the outer epithelial cells are removed in a flap-like construction and are replaced after the laser treatment allowing more rapid recovery. It can be thought of as "in-between" LASIK and PRK in both technique and recovery time. Again, the same excimer laser is utilized to sculpt the corneal tissue as is used in PRK and LASIK. LASEK is one more strategy to provide an optimal outcome for specific types of patients. You and your surgeon will review your specific case and decide which makes the most sense for you.
More information about LASEK may be found at the American Academy of Ophthalmology website, by clicking here.
CK®
CK®, or Conductive Keratoplasty®, is a form of outpatient corneal surgery using radio frequency waves to correct age-related farsightedness (presbyopia) and occasionally low amounts of farsightedness (hyperopia). Click here to go to the CK® page.
The Process - What Can I Expect?
At the Alaska Lasik Center, we offer several educational opportunities for our patients so that they can make an informed decision as to whether laser vision correction is appropriate for them. You will also receive an abundance of information from the moment you contact our office.
Seminars
We offer seminars on a regular basis to inform the public about the procedures and the risks and benefits of those procedures. This seminar is accompanied by a Question/Answer session with Dr. Coulter, the medical director of Alaska Lasik Center. Click here to see dates and times and/or sign up for a seminar.
Free Consultation
The free consultation is a learning opportunity for potential patients. You will be seen by one of our certified ophthalmic assistants who will be happy to explain the procedures and answer any questions you may have. The free consultation will be able to tell you which procedures you may be a candidate for, but we cannot tell whether or not you will be a good candidate for laser vision correction until you have a comprehensive Pre-Examination with our surgeon, Dr. Coulter. Simply click here to contact us and indicate you would like a free consultation OR CALL Toll Free: 866-579-8207 Local: 907-569-1551 to set up an appointment!
1. Pre-Surgical Examination
If you are considering laser vision correction, the first step is scheduling a pre-examination to evaluate your candidacy for refractive surgery.
Pre-exams are done on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. The pre-examination is performed by our surgeon, Dr. Coulter, who is assisted by our Certified Ophthalmic Assistants. The pre-examination involves a complete eye examination with dilation drops, auto-refraction, glasses testing (please bring them), eye laser scanning, manual manifest refraction and numerous other studies. This will be a little longer than most eye exams you may have had in the past (usually 1 1/2 to 2 hours). We recommend arranging transportation because after dilation your near vision will be blurry and your eyes will be sensitive to light. The pre-examination will tell you with a certainty whether you are a good candidate for laser vision correction and which procedure would best suit your eyecare needs.
Scheduling a pre-examination does not oblige you to have surgery. Our philosophy encompasses the belief that laser vision correction is not for everyone. At no time will anyone pressure a patient into any form of surgery. This needs to be a comfortable evaluation and exchange between our clinical team and you. You will have ample opportunity to discuss your options and ask questions during the examination process with the surgeon.
If you wish, you can obtain a prescription from this exam. You have three months after the exam to decide whether laser vision correction is right for you and proceed with surgery. After three months we would have to re-examine you before being able to proceed with laser vision correction.
Oftentimes, at the time you schedule for your pre-examination, we will ask you if you would like to set up a tentative surgery date. This is simply for convenience in scheduling. You may schedule your procedure at any time before or after your pre-examination. We perform procedures every Thursday and Friday in order to offer the most flexibility to patients. All procedures are performed here in our office's state-of-the-art operating room for your convenience. Post-operative examinations generally occur the day after surgery, a week month and three months surgery. Dr. Coulter personally performs all examinations, ensuring best possible outcomes!
If you are a candidate for laser vision correction and you choose to proceed, please keep in mind that if you wear contact lenses, they will need to be out for a certain period of time prior to your surgical procedure. It helps to have them out prior to the pre-examination, but is not necessary. Soft contacts and soft-toric lenses need to be out for two weeks and hard lenses must be out for at least four weeks before surgery.
2. Surgery Preparation
Please arrange transportation for the day of surgery and for your 24 hour post-operative appointment following the day of surgery. You will receive a prescription for an antibiotic drop at your pre-operative examination. You must use one drop in each eye the night before and the morning of your surgery.
On the day of your surgery your face and body should be clean and dry. Absolutely no make up, perfume, cologne, hair spray, deodorant, etc. We also recommend avoiding alcohol and caffeinated beverages for 24 hours prior to and 48 hours following your surgery, as this tends to dehydrate the tissues and can delay the healing process.
Wear comfortable clothing on your surgery day. Avoid clothing, such as wool, that may generate lint in the surgical suite. In consideration of others, and to ensure that your visit is as comfortable as possible, please do not bring young children with you on your surgery day.
Lastly, depending on your occupation, you may need to arrange to be away from work for up to four days following your surgery.
Click here to see the full Surgery Day Instructions. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view this document.
3. The Procedure
The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis at the clinic on Thursdays and Fridays. On the day of your surgery you can expect to be here anywhere between two and five hours. On average, most patients are here three hours on surgery day. You will go through a counseling session with our surgical counselor, during which you will sign consent forms and receive instructions for your post-operative care. Your eyes will be checked one more time prior to the procedure. You will be offered a mild sedative, such as Valium or Ativan, to help you relax during the procedure. The next step is surgery, which generally requires 20 minutes of operating room time, during which the laser is usually used less than a minute on each eye. The actual duration of the procedure may vary according to the type and amount of correction needed.
Conventional LASIK and CustomVueTM LASIK Patients
Before the procedure begins, you will be given eye drops to numb your eyes. While you relax on the treatment bed, your eyelids are gently held open and the microkeratome is carefully positioned. You will be asked to focus on a special fixation light in a microscope. The surgeon activates the microkeratome electronically and seconds later is able to fold away a corneal flap, revealing the middle layer of the cornea. The laser reshapes the cornea and the corneal flap is then repositioned. Natural forces hold the flap in place and the surface begins to heal within hours. After the procedure we ask you to stay and rest for 15-30 minutes to be sure you are feeling okay before going home.
The LASIK procedure offers extremely fast recovery. We ask you to go home and rest after surgery. Most patients start to experience slight discomfort when the numbing drops wear off. It helps if you can sleep or at least keep your eyes closed. Most patients are able to resume most day-to-day activities just 24 hours after the surgery. Your first follow-up exam is normally the morning after surgery. Please arrange transportation for this appointment as it is illegal for you to drive until your vision is confirmed. Most patients are approved to drive at the one-day follow-up exam. Your surgeon may prescribe eye drops for one or two weeks after surgery. You must also wear eye shields at night to prevent rubbing your eyes for the first week.
Please keep in mind that you should not drive for at least 24 hours after the procedure and in no event should you drive until your vision is clear.
PRK and LASEK Patients
The PRK and LASEK techniques are used for people whose corneas may be too thin or manifest other pathologies limiting the ability to create a corneal flap required for the LASIK procedure. Sometimes these procedures are felt to be better for certain patients. During PRK and LASEK a small area on the corneal surface is gently polished away. LASEK retains the polished cells in a thin "flap" type construction and replaces them after the laser treatment. PRK discards these cells and allows a new "sheet" of them to re-grow into place. After either procedure, your surgeon will place a soft contact lens on the cornea to protect the eye and reduce discomfort while healing.
The contact lens will be removed after the initial surface healing is complete, usually within three days of the procedure. Your vision will gradually improve during the first two weeks, and in most patients, vision stabilizes between four to eight weeks after surgery. The surgeon will prescribe eye drops to take during this period.
For the first few days after either procedure, you may experience some discomfort. During this time, your vision may be blurry and/or may fluctuate between being clear and being blurry. In some cases, a patient's vision improves immediately after the procedure, but later becomes blurry. The final outcomes of LASIK, PRK and LASEK are identical; the difference is the healing time.
Please keep in mind that you should not drive for at least twenty-four (24) hours after the procedure and in no event should you drive until your vision is clear.
4. After the Procedure
Your follow-up care is as important as the actual procedure. Please remember to schedule and attend all of your follow-up appointments.
During the counseling session on surgery day we give you a bag with safety-sunglasses, eyeshields for nighttime eye protection, anti-inflammatory eye drops, and a sheet with post-operative instructions for your drops and activities. Please wear the sunglasses we provide you, as most other varieties do not provide adequate protection. Follow the eye drop regimen recommended by the surgeon. Your first mandatory post-operative appointment will take place at the clinic within 24 hours following your surgery. Your appointment time will be given to you during the counseling session prior to surgery, but usually occurs the morning after surgery, bright and early.
You are required to attend three additional post-operative appointments (five for PRK). Post-operative examinations for LASIK are required at approximately one week, one month, and three months from the date of surgery. Each post-operative appointment takes approximately 15 to 30 minutes and are usually scheduled on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. It helps us evaluate and monitor the healing process of your eyes and guards against infection.
You will not be able to perform certain activities for up to three months after surgery. You will be given an activity schedule on the day of surgery. You will need to strictly adhere to this schedule. Click here to view the Activity Schedule following uncomplicated bilateral LASIK surgery. (You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view this document.)