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Show Volume II, Issue XVI THE OGDEN VALLEY NEWS Page 5 15 August 2000 LASIK—Laser Vision Correction, Are You a Viable Candidate? Are you a viable Candidate for LASIK—Laser Vision Correction? You probably are, and a short screening test can determine for sure if you are. What is Laser Vision Correction? Laser vision correction treats vision problems like hyperopia myopia and astigmatism using a state-of-the-art, computer-controlled excimer laser. This gentle beam of cool laser light carefully reshapes a thin layer of the cornea, improving the focusing problem. The laser pulses remove less tissue from the cornea than the width of a human hair. These pulses “dissolve” the molecular bonds of the corneal tissue without generating any heat— ensuring that thermal damage to adjacent tissue does not occur, and that the structural integrity of the cornea is maintained. Since 1988, more than 1,300,000 excimer procedures have been performed worldwide. LASIK uses the laser to sculpt the cornea with microscopic accuracy. A small, mechanical device called a microkeratome creates a thin cap of tissue from the cornea. The cap is folded back from the surface and the laser then sculpts the inner layer of cornea, altering the shape to correct the curvature. The corneal cap is then returned to its original position, adhering back to the cornea within minutes, without stitches. Can Laser Vision Correction Help All Vision Problems? The quality of one’s vision depends on three elements: Curvature of the cornea (may be too steep or irregular) Power of the lens (may block vision or delay focusing) Length of the eye (might be too long or short) When these three elements are correctly proportioned and configured, light focuses on the retina correctly and clear vision is the result. When not arranged correctly, as is the case for millions of people, a refractive problem occurs. Is Laser Vision Correction Right For Me? Laser vision correction is well suited for active people who find glasses and contacts to be a nuisance and for those who simply don’t want to be so dependent on them. If you wear glasses or contacts and are over 18 years old, you may be a good candidate. Your lens prescription should be relatively stable for at least one year and you should be free of medical problems related to your eyes. You should also make sure you have realistic expectations about laser vision correction. Though laser vision correction has the potential to greatly reduce or eliminate dependency on corrective lenses, there can be no assurances that you will obtain perfectly corrected vision. If necessary, visual sharpness after laser vision correction can be enhanced with lenses, however, for most people, the use of glasses should be merely occasional. Is Laser Vision Correction Painful? There is virtually no discomfort during the procedure. No needles or general anesthetics are used. The eyes are anesthetized with eye drops that are instilled prior to the procedure. Discomfort, rarely experienced by LASIK patients, is often compared to having sand or an eyelash under a contact lens. How Soon Can I Return To My Daily Activities? For the first 12 hours immediately following your procedure, we strongly encourage you to rest. With LASIK, patients wear a protective eye shield until the next morning. The wait time for LASIK patients is typically one or two days before going to work or driving. You should avoid rubbing or touching your eye for 24 hours and then only do so with caution for one week. Avoid getting soap, shampoo, hair spray, etc. in your eyes for one week. Avoid sunlight exposure, scuba diving, swimming, saunas, hot tubs, and water sports for a minimum of one week. Wear proper eye protection when participating in active sports and working with machinery, tools, or hazardous materials. These are only guidelines and the healing response varies from person to person. Know For Sure If You Are A Candidate With A Complimentary LASIK Screening LASIK has brought happiness and freedom from glasses to many people. Ogden Valley Optique has a book full of testimonials from happy patients expressing their pleasure and satisfaction with their procedure. For anyone interested in finding out if they are suited for the LASIK procedure, Ogden Valley Optique will provide a complimentary (FREE), no obligation screening test, and will discuss the results to determine your candidacy for the procedure. Note: For Questions or comments about this article, contact Dr. Jerry Burger, CLINICAL DIRECTOR, OGDEN VALLEY OPTIQUE at 745-0978. Realtor/Appraiser Picture of the Month 392-8801 Phone Orders Welcome Five Points Shopping Center (Next to Key Bank and Harmons) 25% OFF Loaf of Bread Limit 2 loaves Expires 9/7/00 Buy 3 Bagels Get 3 FREE Expires 9/7/00 Kitty-corner to the Valley Market in Eden. 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