Custom Cornea LASIK

What is Custom Cornea®?

Custom Cornea is an exciting new laser vision correction procedure that is capable of addressing both the familiar refractive vision problem, nearsightedness, as well as a range of visual distortions called higher order aberrations (night vision, halos, etc.). Through a completely customized approach, using data collected directly from your eye to drive the procedure, the procedure aims to improve both visual acuity and visual quality.

What is the difference between Custom Cornea and traditional laser vision correction?

While traditional laser vision correction can help with familiar refractive vision problems, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism, Custom Cornea can go further and help with a range of visual problems that were not able to be measured before. The goal of traditional laser vision correction procedures is to improve visual acuity. With Custom Cornea the goal is to improve both your visual acuity and visual quality.

Why is the LADARVision System the only one that can provide truly customized laser vision correction?

Only the LADARVision System has all the requirements to provide truly customized treatment (wavefront measurements, closed-loop eye tracking, and a small spot laser beam). Further, the LADARVision System has demonstrated to the FDA that it measures and addresses visual problems associated with visual acuity, i.e. your quantity of vision, as well as other issues that affect the quality of your vision (crispness and clarity).

What kinds of vision problems can Custom Cornea correct?

Custom Cornea laser vision correction is currently FDA approved to treat nearsightedness and some astigmatism. FDA trials are ongoing for the treatment of a wide range of astigmatism and farsightedness, as well as eyes with more significant problems. In addition, Custom Cornea can address a range of common vision problems called higher order aberrations. These problems are widely believed to be responsible for low-light vision problems, including glare and halos.

How is LASIK done?

Essentially, LASIK works by using an instrument called a microkeratome to create a small flap by making an incision in the outer layer of your cornea. This protective flap is folded back to expose a small area of your cornea onto which a laser beam is applied to reshape the cornea. The reshaping helps correct vision problems by changing the curvature of the cornea.

How do I know if I'm a good candidate for laser vision correction?

Based on a comprehensive pre-operative examination, a doctor at Toyos Clinic can qualify you as a candidate for laser vision correction.

If I need reading glasses now, will I still need them after LASIK?

In all likelihood, yes. Most people who wear reading glasses continue to need them even after LASIK. The reason? They likely suffer from presbyopia, a physiological visual condition occurring with age that LASIK does not address. There is a treatment approach called monovision through which one eye is left slightly nearsighted for reading. The other eye is treated for distance vision. In time, the two eyes will work together, with good vision both far and near. Monovision is not for everyone and is used only in certain cases, when the patient and physician agree on this type of treatment.

How safe is this procedure?

Several controlled clinical trials have been conducted in the United States to evaluate the safety of laser vision correction procedures. Following these studies, laser eye surgery systems were approved by the FDA as safe for the correction of various vision problems. There are, as with any surgical procedure, certain safety issues and risks that anyone contemplating laser eye surgery should be aware of.

Will LASIK hurt?

Most people feel nothing more than mild discomfort during or after the procedure and no real pain. Because your eyes are "numbed" with eye drops before the procedure, you should not feel pain during your procedure. During the creation of the corneal flap, you may feel some pressure. The application of the actual laser beam should also be painless. There are no stitches involved. The corneal flap is simply laid back into place and it adheres to the rest of the cornea.

What pre-surgery restrictions are there?

Daily soft lenses must be removed 1 week prior to the initial evaluation. Hard lenses or rigid gas perm lenses must be removed 1 month for every 10 years they have been worn (or 3 weeks - whichever is longest).

Can you guarantee 20/20 vision after laser eye surgery?

With any form of surgery there are no guarantees. All patients undergoing the LASIK procedure are required to view our LASIK video which outlines the inherent risks of the procedure. You will be given the opportunity to closely review and sign our consent for surgery. This form outlines the risks, benefits and alternatives to LASIK. Presently, 98.8% of our patients are able to drive an automobile without glasses or contact lenses after successful LASIK treatment. Complications are uncommon and rare. In fact, the complication rate is lower than most other common eye treatments, such as cataract surgery. The doctors and technical staff at Toyos Clinic take pride in providing thorough verbal and technical information to assist you in making an informed decision.

Does insurance cover the cost of LASIK?

Most insurance companies do not cover the fees associated with LASIK. However, more and more companies are beginning to understand the importance of this procedure and the impact it has on their employees' quality of life. Regardless, it is the patient's individual responsibility to handle all the communication with insurance companies and file insurance as it relates to LASIK. The vast majority of insurance companies still consider LASIK an elective procedure; therefore, full payment from the patient is expected at the time of procedure regardless of insurance.

How long does it take?

LASIK surgery on both eyes usually takes 8 to 12 minutes. After the procedure is completed, the surgical ophthalmologist will look at your corneas through the microscope and give final after-treatment instructions. You will be instructed to go home and sleep/relax for several hours following the procedure. Protective goggles will be worn until you are evaluated at Toyos Clinic on the next day following your treatment. Protective goggles need to be worn while sleeping or napping for a minimum of 2 weeks.

How often am I seen after LASIK surgery?

Typically, one of our experienced doctors at Toyos Clinic will evaluate your eyes the next day after LASIK treatment. If your condition is stable, the routine visits occur at 3 to 4 days, 2 weeks, 1 month, and 3 months, with a qualified network doctor in your area or at Toyos Clinic.

How soon after my surgery can I wear makeup, eyeliner, blush, and other forms of makeup?

Absolutely avoid all forms of eye makeup including eyeliner for a minimum of two weeks following treatment. Mascara brushes can cause severe corneal infectious diseases if used. Other facial makeup is tolerated as long as the eyes are not involved.

What is included in the cost of LASIK?

• Consultation
• Orbscan
• Diagnostic LADARWave
• LASIK procedure
• 1 year post operative care
• Enhancement within one year if required

Is there financing available?

• Financing available through CareCredit (www.carecredit.com) and Unicorn.
• Financial (www.unicornfinancial.com).  Toyos Clinic provides a step-by-step.
• guide for applying for financing with both services.
• Financing must be approved before the procedure is done.
• Toyos Clinic does not allow payment arrangements.
• Full amount of fee collected day of procedure.
• Insurance does not normally cover the fees for LASIK.