About IntraLASIK How much does it cost? What is Intra LASIK and why is it better? Is it painful? What is WaveFront Technology? Why is corneal thickness important? How long does it take?

How do I keep my eye open and what if it moves?

Will I have a patch on the eye?

Can I have both eyes done at the same time?

What is the visual recovery?

What is the success rate?

What about reading vision?

What are the possible complications?

What would exclude me?

How often will I need to be reexamined?

How much does it cost?

At Providence Eye & Laser Specialists, we believe in an honest and straightforward pricing policy. Bargain pricing ads for LASIK are optical illusions. "Bait and switch" is an unethical way of providing health care and you will not find any "small print" or "starting at" prices in our ads. We firmly believe that our pricing is competitive when comparing similar technology and that we provide a level of service and results that are unmatched in the region.  Be careful when comparing prices.  With the technological advancements in laser vision correction, not all practices provide the best available lasers. Our pricing options are based on the level of aftercare and will be explained to you at the time of your evaluation. Our most popular option includes a lifetime of enhancements if needed (no "royalty" charges at all), a full year of examinations, and the latest blade-free IntraLASIK technology. We do not charge more for high prescriptions or astigmatism.

What is IntraLASIK and Why is it better?

IntraLASIK is the latest advancement in vision correction allowing Dr. Mozayeni to eliminate the use of a blade utilized in traditional LASIK.  This allows for a safer and more accurate procedure by utilizing a computer-guided laser to create the corneal flap.  Dr. Mozayeni performs your entire IntraLASIK procedure and is the first and most experienced cornea specialist in the region to perform IntraLASIK. To complete the IntraLASIK procedure, Dr. Mozayeni uses the latest and most advanced excimer laser technology including the VISX S4 and the latest available Allegretto Wave.  This component was chosen to not only provide the best immediate results for our patients, but to also ensure a long-lasting result with uncompromising safety.  In addition, we utilize the most advanced corneal mapping systems and WaveFront analysis; considered the next generation of technology in laser vision correction.

What is WaveFront Technology?

WaveFront is a visual mapping system that reveals the way your entire optical system processes light. Like your fingerprint, your WaveFront map is unique to you and may help us personalize your treatment assuring the best results. Some people may benefit from WaveFront guided IntraLASIK and achieve a better result than standard IntraLASIK or LASIK.  Dr. Mozayeni is the first cornea specialist in the region to combine both IntraLASIK and WaveFront technology, and now to offer Allegretto IntraLASIK.

Why is corneal thickness important?

The thickness of a persons cornea contributes to its strength and ability to maintain its shape.  Over the past several years, LASIK surgeons have determined that a minimum cornea thickness is necessary in order to avoid long-term complications after laser vision correction.  At Providence Eye & Laser Specialists we believe this is crucial and our technology allows us to provide the safest form of laser vision correction today -  IntraLASIK in conjunction with the newly released VISX Star S4 Laser or the latest Allegretto laser. This combination allows for the maximum conservation of your corneal thickness, thus optimizing long-term safety.

	Is it painful?
	Not with the anesthetic drops that are used. Most people experience some burning, tearing and light sensitivity for 4-6 hours following the procedure.

	How long does it take?
	It takes approximately 5 minutes to complete the procedure per eye. Plan on spending about 1 to 1 1/2 hours at our facility on the day of your procedure.

 

How do I keep my eye open and what if it moves?

During the procedure you do not have to worry about keeping your eye open.  A special device is used to gently keep it open throughout the entire time.  Each eye is kept open for only 2 minutes.  Any eye movement is also tracked by both our lasers.  The Allegretto laser has the fastest eye tracker of all lasers and will move the laser treatment with your eye movement to assure a more predictable result and give you further peace of mind.

 

	Will I have a patch on the eye?
	Almost never.   Clear plastic shields and protective sunglasses are provided to you and should be worn until the day after your procedure.

	Can I have both eyes done at the same time?
	Usually yes with IntraLASIK. There are some exceptions and Dr. Mozayeni will recommend what is in your best interest, during your customized evaluation.

What is the visual recovery?

Recovery of vision with IntraLASIK is quite rapid but varies from person to person. Most people will be able to function well within 24-48 hours. There is some fluctuation in vision for the first 2 to 8 weeks depending on the severity of your prescription, your age, other health issues, and how much dryness is present afterwards. You should expect to have some dryness of your eyes for 2 to 6 months after the surgery.

What is the success rate?

The success of your procedure is dependant on many factors. A thorough examination and evaluation is necessary before specific success rates can be determined. Generally, between 90% and 98% of mild to moderately nearsighted patients obtain 20/20 or better uncorrected vision under the care of Dr. Mozayeni and Providence Eye & Laser Specialists. We feel strongly that the personal attention provided to every patient is one of the many reasons why our results are so outstanding.

	What about reading vision?
	IntraLASIK is generally intended to improve your uncorrected distance vision.  If you are close to the age of 40 or older, you may need reading glasses after treatment even if you didn't need them before.  There are some good options for those that wish to eliminate reading glasses, including monovision and CK.  Click here for more information on this topic.

	What are the possible complications?
	Although complications are rare, most are related to the corneal flap in traditional LASIK.  At Providence Eye & Laser Specialists, the IntraLASIK procedure eliminates 95% of these rare complications.  Nevertheless, no surgical procedure is risk free and a thorough discussion will take place during your evaluation.

What would exclude me?

You must be over the age of 18, but more importantly your prescription must be stable. Your eyes should be generally healthy and your corrective prescription needs to be within a certain range. Some eye problems, health problems and medications may also exclude you from having this procedure. Other important factors that will be evaluated during your examination include corneal thickness, pupil size, and corneal mapping. This will be thoroughly reviewed during your evaluation.

	How often will I need to be reexamined?
	Following the procedure, you will be seen by your doctor within 24 hours. Another examination is required 1-4 weeks later. Another exam is usually arranged in 3 to 5 months and then 6 months later. Of course individual results vary and some patients may be required to return more frequently.