What is Z-LASIK?

For those who ask, “ What is Z-LASIK? ”, the answer is that LASIK surgery is one of the most common forms for vision correction available today.  Patients suffering from common eye problems found in adults, such as astigmatism, nearsightedness and farsightedness have Z-LASIK, a result of recent technological advances. Not only is Z-LASIK less invasive, the recovery period is shorter.

What Is Z-LASIK?

LASIK is corrective surgery where a thin layer of the eye surface is moved aside, allowing a laser to reshape the cornea, improving vision. In the past, surgeons used a small blade to create a flap in the surface of the eye during LASIK surgery.

So what is Z-LASIK? It is the most advanced, innovative, blade-free procedure available, using only lasers to create the eye surface flap and reshape the cornea.

Z-LASIK Process

To further answer the question, “ What is Z-LASIK? ”, it is important to explain what the process includes. The doctor begins with a digital map, or WavePrint, of the imperfections that are unique to each patient’s eyes, using a computerized system known as the WaveScan. The system creates a three-dimensional map of the eye, which is then transferred to a computerized excimer laser, creating a customized procedure unique to each patient. A femtosecond laser is used to create a small flap based on the information provided by the computer, and the excimer laser precisely reshapes corneal tissue based on individualized data.

Benefits of Z-LASIK

To see clearly, light must be reflected directly onto the retina.  Vision problems occur when light is directed either in front of or behind the retina.  Once the cornea has been reshaped, the eyes are enabled to focus light more directly onto the retina. Ultimately, what is Z-LASIK? A procedure that puts light back where it is supposed to be in your eyes.

For those who suffer from nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism, the question, “ What is Z-LASIK? ” can be answered: it is new technology that puts light in the right spot in your eyes so you can see clearly.  For more information on what is Z-LASIK, feel free to visit us at North Columbus Eye.

Eyesight Exercises

Eyesight exercises are a natural way to help keep your eyes healthy and possibly reduce the risk of needing glasses or contacts.  Like other body parts, eyes need regular exercise to keep them in shape.  Although some eye problems occur as a result of the natural aging process, using vision improvement exercises could slow that process and help you delay the need for reading glasses.

Increase Blinking

Because computer users tend to focus on the screen intently, research shows that they blink less, which can lead to eye strain.  Blinking is the body’s method for keeping eyes moist, so decreased blinking can lead to dry, irritated eyes.  Every few minutes, blink your eyes a few times to increase the moisture, which keeps your eyes healthy.

Rolling and Warming Eyes

Rolling and warming your eyes are good eyesight exercises, especially if you have spent a significant amount of time working on a computer, or scouring through a lengthy report.  So, take a break!  Wash your hands, as paper and computer keyboards are known to contain bacteria that can cause eye infections. While you are washing or drying your hands, roll your eyes by looking up and then slowly circle them ten times clockwise, then ten times counterclockwise.  Once your hands are dry, rub your palms together to warm them and place them against your eyes for three seconds.

Focal Point

Every 20 minutes, find a focal point about 20 feet away and stare at it for 20 seconds.  You can also hold a pen at arm’s length, focus your eyes on it and slowly bring the pen closer until it is about six inches from your nose.  Then slowly move it back, keeping your eyes focused on the pen.  These exercises work the muscles responsible for focusing your eyes on objects at various distances.

These simple eyesight exercises can help keep your eyes healthy and promote better vision in a natural way.  For more information on vision improvement exercises, feel free to visit us at North Columbus Eye.

In response to the recent Dr. Oz LASIK

In response to the recent Dr. Oz LASIK show.

Every news reporter and/or variety show celebrity is always looking for THE story. They use scare tactics or other means to get the numbers up and viewers interested. Dr. Oz’s recent story on Lasik evidently is no exception. In fact, this show went so far as portray LASIK as dangerous and ineffective.

According to Joseph Ceravolo, MD, founder and surgeon at North Columbus Eye Center “Lasik is a relatively straightforward surgery to perform. However, a successful Lasik procedure is 100% dependent on the most accurate, detailed preoperative evaluation. We are meticulous in our approach, using the best of the best technology and equipment. As a surgeon performing the procedure, I factor in every aspect of a patient’s ocular health including the retina, the possibility of future glaucoma, and most importantly, the lifestyle and postoperative goals of the patient. In our practice, 5-10 percent of patients that come in for consideration of the Z-Lasik procedure are not considered viable candidates because of medical indicators both in the short and long term. Before we will medically clear a patient for Z-Lasik, the patient must meet our criteria for candidacy. Some doctors will perform Lasik on less than ideal candidates but we are not willing to take the risks on behalf of our patient population.”

Every patient of North Columbus Eye Center goes through a thorough screening and evaluation process as well as a very extensive physician consultation with complete preoperative and postoperative Lasik education. These patients are thoroughly educated and fully informed on the results and safety of this procedure and know beyond a doubt, as with any surgical procedure, although extremely rare in Lasik, complications may occur including glare at night and dry eyes. Both medical science and the technology companies have worked for many years to address any and all potential risks as well as reduce the possible side effects that may accompany Lasik. Our surgeon has personally observed a significant reduction in dry eyes and glare at night with the addition of the newest lasers and technologies that they utilize at North Columbus Eye Center.

The Dr. Oz show on Lasik foregoes the truth about Lasik in general. Considering the overwhelming majority of procedures performed today are highly successful and the outcomes are remarkable on behalf of the patients. This show diminished the successes and blatantly misrepresents the statistics by stating that Lasik does not work and that a significant number of patients revert back to their pre-Lasik vision and most patients develop dry eye. With thousands of Z-Lasik procedures performed to date, North Columbus Eye Center has the ability to review and verify our statistics.  Certainly most of our patients following their Z-Lasik procedure achieve 20/20 vision or better. Additionally, rarely do our patients require a supplemental enhancement following Z-Lasik.

While dry eye is always possible following a Lasik procedure notably during the first few months postoperatively, this condition is rarely permanent. With the advent of femtosecond laser technology, surgeons can now create thinner corneal flaps. These smaller flaps contribute to improved surgical outcomes including the reduction of dry eye syndrome. In the event a patient does develop dry eye, even in the short term, we have medicines and other protocols to help manage this successfully.

Rarely do we receive complaints about nighttime halos that the Dr. Oz show has reported is common following Lasik. Nighttime glare that may occur following Lasik has been reduced significantly thanks to wavefront optimized and high definition laser technology offered at North Columbus Eye Center.

The successes appreciated at North Columbus Eye Center can be attributed in large part to the number of patient referrals who are happy with their results. And, despite the claims of the Dr. Oz show, several  doctors have undergone Z-Lasik as well as sent us their wives and children over the years.  Our own staff has had Z-Lasik and they continue to be an advocate for this life-changing procedure.

Military Experience: Public confidence in LASIK has grown in recent years due to the solid success rate of LASIK surgery outcomes. The U.S. military also has adopted widespread use of laser eye surgery to decrease reliance of troops on corrective eyewear. As of 2008, more than 224,000 military personnel had undergone laser vision correction. Since the procedure first was introduced in the military in 2000, researchers have conducted more than 45 studies regarding safety and effectiveness of LASIK and other procedures. LASIK outcomes have been overwhelmingly positive. Most military patients see 20/20 or better after the procedure without corrective eyewear, and the rate of complications has been very low. According to one study, only one in 112,500 patients could not perform his duties due to complications from laser vision correction during this eight-year period.

We invite you to come to our office for a complimentary screening and comprehensive evaluation appointment. We are meticulous in our approach. Learn why countless patients have both selected and recommend Z-LASIK to their friends and family at North Columbus Eye Center for their vision correction procedures. Learn more about Z-Lasik and the many other vision correction procedures performed at North Columbus Eye Center at NorthColumbusEye.com

How Long Does LASIK Last?

One of the frequently asked questions regarding LASIK surgery is “ How long does LASIK last? ”  The answer to that question is, “It varies.”  Although LASIK, and especially the newer technique known as Z-LASIK, offers significant improvement for those with vision problems, there are some things the procedure cannot correct.

Natural Aging Process

The first thing to remember when asking, “ How long does LASIK last? ” is that with the aging process of our human bodies, come different challenges.  Eyes age just as much as knees and hips, and LASIK surgery cannot stop the natural aging of eyes, just as arthroscopic surgery can not stop the aging of your knees.

Presbyopia

When people reach their 40s and 50s, they often begin experiencing a condition known as presbyopia.  This occurs when the lenses in your eyes lose elasticity, becoming more rigid, causing the eyes to be unable to focus on printed matter or computer screens that are close.  It becomes evident when people hold menus at arm’s length or squint at their computer screen.  Moving closer to the printed matter makes the condition worse.  Because presbyopia is caused by a problem with the lens, and not the cornea, LASIK surgery cannot correct it.  How long does LASIK last depends on how long it takes a patient to develop presbyopia.  The majority of adults develops the condition after the age of 40.

Permanent Solution

The true answer to the question, “ How long does LASIK last? ” truly depends on the patient.  Although LASIK permanently corrects common adult eye problems in most patients, some patients do require adjustments after the initial procedure.  The length of time that LASIK lasts is based on each individual patient.

If you have more questions regarding how long does LASIK last, feel free to visit us at North Columbus Eye.

Age & LASIK

One of the frequently asked questions about LASIK Columbus GA regards the age at which it’s best to have the procedure performed.  Because eyes change as we age, it is important to understand how age ranges can affect the outcome of the procedure.

Teenagers and LASIK Columbus GA

Patients must be at least 18 years of age and have had stable vision for at least two years to have this procedure.  It is not recommended that anyone under the age of 18 undergo the procedure because eyes are still growing.

Ages 18 to 22

A patient in this age group could be a good candidate for LASIK Columbus GA, however, there are other factors to consider in learning if they qualify for the procedure.  The patient must have had stable vision for two years which means there can be no change in prescription for that two-year period.  The eyes of some patients do not develop stable vision until they are 22 or 23 years of age.

Ages 22 to 40

Although there are several other factors to consider, patients in this age group are usually the best candidates for LASIK in Columbus, GA.  Normally, vision has stabilized between 22 and 23, and most patients in this age range have not had a prescription change in two years.  A consultation and a few simple tests must be performed to be sure the patient is a good candidate for the procedure.

Ages 40 and Over

At this age, many people begin to need reading glasses due to a condition known as presbyopia.  Because this condition is caused by loss of elasticity in the eye lens, and not due to a misshapen cornea, LASIK in Columbus, GA will not correct this type of vision problem.  Those patients who also suffer from nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism, could still benefit from LASIK, but could still need reading glasses.

The best age for LASIK Columbus GA depends on the patient.  Although some patients are good candidates as young as 18 and others over the age of 40, only a consultation and specific tests can verify if a patient would be successful with LASIK surgery.  For more information, feel free to visit us at North Columbus Eye.