laser vision correction
Patient Guide
A safe and proven procedure. No need to put your life on hold for a lengthy recovery.
Lowry porter Ophthalmology www.lowryeye.com
A lifetime of freedom.
Swim, play, live without the constraints of glasses or contacts. Lowry Porter Ophthalmology offers both LASIK and PRK procedures. Since performing the first LASIK procedure in North Carolina in the 1990s, we have performed over 9,000 laser vision correction procedures in our state of the art surgery facility. Call today to schedule your free consultation with the professionals at Lowry Porter Ophthalmology to see how one day can change your life for the better.
919.876.4064
Lowry porter Ophthalmology www.lowryeye.com
Laser Vision Correction Options at Lowry Porter Laser vision correction is a procedure that improves vision by using a laser to permanently change the shape of the cornea. Our patients have the option of undergoing the Advanced CustomVue laser vision correction procedure with either LASIK or PRK (photorefractive keratectomy) depending upon their individual needs. LASIK and PRK are performed with the VISX Star S4 IR excimer laser, which uses a cool ultraviolet light beam to precisely remove (ablate) very tiny bits of tissue from the cornea in order to reshape it. Both nearsighted and farsighted people can benefit from laser vision correction. With nearsighted people, the goal is to flatten the cornea; with farsighted people, a steeper cornea is desired. Also, excimer lasers can correct astigmatism by smoothing an irregular cornea into a more normal shape.
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The surgery was the single best investment I’ve made in myself and my quality of life.
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During Surgery Laser vision correction is an ambulatory procedure; you walk into the surgery center, have the procedure and walk out again. Your eyes are anesthetized with special drops. The doctor will have you lie down and will make sure your eye is positioned directly under the laser. One eye is operated on at a time. The doctor uses a computer and precise measurements of your eye to adjust the laser for your particular prescription. First, the cornea will be prepared for the LASIK or PRK treatment. You will be asked to look at a target light for a short time while the laser sends pulses of light to your cornea that painlessly remove the tissue. The laser tracks your eye while the procedure is performed. Laser treatment time is usually less than one minute. The entire procedure typically takes less than ten minutes per eye.
After Surgery As with any kind of eye surgery, it’s important that you follow your doctor’s instructions. Immediately following surgery you can go home. Someone must drive you home the day of surgery. You may have a scratchy sensation. Your surgeon will examine your eyes the day after surgery to make sure they are healing properly. You will use antibiotic and steroid drops for about a week. Then you will taper the steroid drops for a few weeks. Most people achieve 20/20 or better vision with laser vision correction. Even if you see 20/20 or better on an eye chart after laser eye surgery, you will still need reading glasses by age 45. This is because the eye’s lens becomes less flexible with age (a condition called presbyopia), reducing your near vision. Your distance vision will remain crisp, but seeing up close will be more difficult. These are important topics to discuss with your surgeon before making the decision to have surgery.
919.876.4064 Lowry porter Ophthalmology www.lowryeye.com
PRK or LASIK What’s best for you? PRK was once the most common refractive surgery procedure before LASIK was developed as a more popular alternative. Both PRK and LASIK are grouped under the umbrella “laser vision correction”, but each is a little different when it comes to advantages and disadvantages.
LASIK The first step of LASIK is creating a flap in the cornea. This corneal flap is then moved aside, and the cornea is reshaped using the excimer laser. Once the flap is repositioned, it adheres to the underlying cornea. Many patients return to work the next day.
PRK: The Original Laser Vision Correction LASIK isn’t for everyone and PRK is an alternative option. PRK was invented in the early 1980s. The first FDA approval of a laser for PRK was in 1995, but the procedure was practiced in other countries for years. This procedure can be performed on individuals whose corneas are too thin for LASIK. The same laser is used to reshape the cornea, but without the use of the corneal flap. PRK begins with the removal of the cells from the surface of the eye. Then the excimer laser is applied to the surface of the eye. Recovery time is slower compared to LASIK and PRK patients tend to experience more discomfort after surgery, but the final results are the same.
919.876.4064
Lowry porter Ophthalmology www.lowryeye.com
PRK and LASIK What’s the difference?
PRK at a Glance Performed with the same excimer laser as LASIK. May be performed on individuals with thin corneas who are unable to undergo LASIK. Improvement of vision is gradual, possibly taking a week or more. The final results are comparable to LASIK.
LASIK at a Glance Less discomfort. Obtain better vision almost immediately. Quick recovery, with many patients being able to drive and return to work the next day.
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Thanks to you and your wonderful staff for correcting my vision! You’re the best!
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919.876.4064 Lowry porter Ophthalmology www.lowryeye.com
Advanced CustomVue Laser Vision Correction The Most Advanced Custom Wavefront-Driven Treatment Available Your choice to undergo laser vision correction with the VISX Advanced CustomVue Procedure puts you in good company. More physicians in the U.S. choose VISX lasers to perform laser vision correction than all other lasers combined. That’s because VISX has led the industry since the beginning and continues to provide innovative advances that improve outcomes and ensure patient satisfaction.
Advanced CustomVue Delivers Exceptional Outcomes The Advanced CustomVue Procedure is now a superior vision correction alternative to glasses and contact lenses. Many surgeons agree that the VISX system’s new level of accuracy makes the Advanced CustomVue Procedure the most effective for the broadest range of vision imperfections.
Notable Outcomes During clinical trials for FDA approval, participants undergoing Advanced CustomVue treatment for all indications achieved the following outcomes: Almost three quarters of all clinical study participants could see 20/20 or better without glasses or contact lenses one year after treatment. More than 92 percent of all clinical study participants could pass a driving test without glasses or contact lenses one year after treatment. Clinical study results showed high participant satisfaction with night vision after the VISX Advanced CustomVue Procedure compared to night vision before with glasses or contact lenses.
FREE Consultation You are invited for a FREE consultation to determine if you qualify for laser vision correction. Please bring your glasses with you to this visit so that we can check your prescription. If the prescription in your glasses is not current but you have an updated prescription, please bring that with you. At this visit you will meet Dr. Porter and our staff, you will learn if you are a candidate for laser vision correction, and we can answer any questions that you may have.
Scheduling your LASIK or PRK procedure with Lowry Porter Ophthalmology
Pre-Op Exam This visit will take at least 2 - 2.5 hours. We will perform multiple tests to check your prescription, the surface curvature of your eyes, and dilate both eyes. This will help us make the final plan for surgery and determine the health of your eyes. Upon checkout, we will confirm your date for surgery. On the day of the pre-op examination, please be prepared to finalize any financial matters.
LASIK or PRK You will be at our office for several hours the day of surgery. You will complete all the necessary paperwork and then be offered a mild sedative. Once everything is prepared, we will proceed with your operation. Please do not wear any perfume, cologne, hairspray, aftershave, or makeup. You must have someone available to drive you home after the procedure.
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Thank you for helping me see the world through my own eyes!
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Post-Op Care We will see you the day following your operation. After that visit, we will coordinate care with your primary eye doctor throughout the following year as appropriate. Please feel free to call anytime if you have questions or concerns. All of your follow-up appointments for the first year are included at no charge.
“It’s been a year since you performed my LASIK surgery. During the year with my newly corrected vision, I have enjoyed skydiving without the fear of my contact lenses coming out of my eyes during freefall and swimming with the ability to see clearly underwater. Thanks to you and your wonderful staff for correcting my vision! You’re the best!” “I wanted to formally say thank you for taking such good care of me and my eyes during my LASIK surgery this spring. I’m thrilled with my improved quality of life thanks to my corrected nearsightedness. Thank you again for doing such a terrific job (my vision is testing at 20/20), and for the thorough introduction you and your staff gave me to the surgery. I have and will continue to recommend you to my friends. The surgery was the single best investment I’ve made in myself and my quality of life.” “After going through life since the 6th grade wearing glasses and later contact lenses, it is extremely exciting to see the world through my own eyes without optical aid. Having gone from 20/400 vision to 20/20 is totally remarkable. The surgery was quick, painless, and handled with an elite level of professionalism. You and your entire staff provide a cozy comfort level that helps diminish the anxiety one might have. The entire office has a relaxed atmosphere. Thank you for helping me see the world through my own eyes!” “I wanted to express how pleased I am with the results of my refractive surgery, and what a difference having PRK has made in my life. The procedure was quick, and I could have never imagined how immediate the results would be. I still can’t believe I’m seeing 20/20. I’ll never forget sitting down to lunch the day I had PRK, looking up and being able to read the menu behind the counter from a substantial distance for the first time. Thank you for doing such a beautiful job. The “visual freedom” is definitely worth the investment!”
Call Now for a Free Consultation. 919.876.4064
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Patient Testimonials Lowry porter Ophthalmology www.lowryeye.com
1422 East Millbrook Road Raleigh, NC 27609 (919) 876-4064 (800) 352-8397
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION Laser assisted in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK) can only be performed by a trained physician and is specified for reduction or elimination of myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism as indicated within the product labeling. Laser refractive surgery is contraindicated for patients: a) with collagen vascular, autoimmune, or immunodeficiency diseases; b) who are pregnant or nursing women; c) with signs of keratoconus or abnormal corneal topography; d) who are taking one or both of the following medications: Isotretinoin (Accutane) and Amiodarone hydrochloride (Cordarone). Potential side effects to laser refractive surgery may include glare, dry eye, as well as other visual anomalies. LASIK requires the use of a microkeratome that cuts a flap on the surface of the cornea, potential side effects may include flap related complications. Consult with your eye care professional and Patient Information Booklet regarding the potential risks and benefits for laser refractive surgery, results may vary for each individual patient. Restricted Device: U.S. Federal Law restricts this device to sale, distribution, and use by or on the order of a physician or other licensed eye care practitioner. U.S. Federal Law restricts the use of this device to practitioners who have been trained in its calibration and operation and who have experience in the surgical treatment and management of refractive errors. LASIK IS APPROVED FOR USE IN PATIENTS 21 AND OVER.