Thinking about LASIK?

Q&A with dr. doug K AtSev, corneal specialist and Laser eye Surgeon

Dr. DouGlaS KaTSeV, a board-certified ophthalmologist at Sansum Clinic’s Laser Eye Care Center trained in cornea refractive surgery at the prestigious Jules Stein Eye Institute at UCLA and has been offering his expertise and specialized skills to the Santa Barbara community for more than twenty years. He introduced the IntraLase™ laser to Sansum Clinic patients which allows a flap to be made in the cornea without a blade and is the only such device in the area. He also uses the DSEK laser which is the most popular procedure among refractive surgeons in the United States. Dr. Katsev enjoys discussing the rapidly advancing field of eye surgery and the expanding range of options he is now able to offer his patients.

Q: What are some of the basics to understanding laser eye surgery?

a: most people are familiar with the term laSIK, an acronym for laser-assisted intrastromal in-situkeratomileusis. laSIK is a way of reshaping the cornea using a laser so light rays can focus more precisely on the retina, improving vision.

Q: Who can benefit from LASIK?

a: just about everyone can benefit - especially those with nearsightedness, farsightedness and those with astigmatism. also people that find they cannot read if they have successfully used monovision contact lenses can have laSIK to read without glasses. It is preferred that patients are at least twenty years-old, have a stable refraction, and are not pregnant, although each case is different. I corrected both of my daughters at ages less than 18 because of special needs for sports activities.

Q: Is there an alternative for people with a cataract?

a: Yes, the intraocular lens. With the newer lens available, we can remove the cataractous lens and replace it with intraocular lens that corrects the patient’s vision at the same time. lenses have improved such that you can correct them so they see both distance and near. most patients can read and drive without glasses which most people are excited about. It is called a multi-focal lens and I put one in my on mother about six years ago and she has been very happy but it does cost extra.

Q: What is IntraLase®?

a: It is a computer-guided, bladeless laser used to achieve precision before we do the laser procedure to reshape the cornea. It makes the flap, which is very important for quick recovery of vision without scarring. Surprisingly some people in our progressive town still use the blade to do this important part of the procedure. I have used Intralase for seven years and have had great success . Patients can drive the next day and do not have to miss work or more important their favorite activities. Safety and stability are improved with Intralase a: I am the only surgeon in our area currently performing the DSeK procedure for cornea transplants. With it, I have typically seen my patients’ vision return within 6 weeks versus 6 months with traditional techniques. a: DSeK, or Descemet’s Stripping endothelial Keratoplasty, is a cuttingedge procedure for a cornea transplant in which only the innermost layer of cells in the cornea is replaced and swelling is reduced which leads to clearer vision. The procedure is completed through a smaller incision with fewer stitches, which decreases recovery time and lessens the risks associated with the procedure. a: There is a new procedure called the big bubble that can be used during corneal transplant. It essentially allows the surgeon to not replace the whole cornea, which we presently do, but only remove the diseased part and preserve the part that is useful. It allows for quicker recovery and a better post-operative refractive result. a: I speak at events across the united States and abroad on laser surgery, which allows me to be current on what is going on in laser refractive surgery. companies come to me first to evaluate new ideas, equipment and procedures. We are able to bring things to Santa Barbara quickly and instead of following the lead, we are in the forefront of the industry, applying the best technologies available. also, I like to operate in the evenings, because afterwards, it is good to close your eyes for about twelve hours and let things heal. This way, people can leave the surgery, go to sleep and wake up healed the next morning. They do not have to miss work and can enjoy a quick recovery. a: People need to get checked for glaucoma, especially if they have a family history of it. certain vitamins are good for everybody especially if you have a history of macular degeneration. I would not smoke because it affects your heart and the vessels in the back of your eye and can make macular degeneration worse. a: I love making people happier. often I meet somebody who is scared and thinks they are losing their vision, and I am able to give that back to them - plus more than they anticipated. Their positive reaction is very satisfying for me. I have such a great time at work. Nowadays, there is almost nothing we cannot improve on whether it is cataract, corneal transplant or just wanting to get rid of glasses. a: We are the only local ophthalmology group that has specialists in multidisciplines. That allows us each to excel in our specialty and gives us access to other top specialists. I make myself accessible to all patients and they have my cell phone, which I always answer, so I am easy to track down.

Q: I understand you have a new procedure for cornea transplants.

Q: What is the dSEK technique?

Q: Is there anything else new in cornea transplants?

Q: What makes you unique?

Q: What can readers do to save their sight?

Q: What is the best part of your job?

Q: What makes Sansum Clinic special?

Dr. Katsev can be reached at Sansum Clinic Laser Eye Care Center

29 West Anapamu Street, Santa Barbara. (805) 681-8951