LASIK
Laser assisted in situ keratomileusis
Z-LASIK
Laser assisted in situ keratomileusis, or LASIK, is the most commonly performed vision correction procedure for patients suffering from nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. Using the most advanced LASIK technology available, Dr. Ceravolo performs the Z-LASIK procedure to improve your vision by actually re-shaping your cornea with highly precise beams of laser light allowing your eye to refract light more precisely onto your retina.
Each patient’s treatment is customized and so precise that, following the custom Z-LASIK procedure, they report their vision is significantly improved. Most patients, in fact, say their vision is better than it had been while wearing glasses or contact lenses.
How Our Custom Z-LASIK Works
Dr. Ceravolo uses leading-edge technology to perform your customized eye treatment.
- A digital map or a WavePrint of the unique imperfections of your eyes through a computer-mapping system called the WaveScan®.
- Dr. Ceravolo then transfers your custom 3D eye map to CustomVue VISX Star S4 IR excimer laser, completely customizing the procedure to fit your individualized vision needs.
- The Ziemer femtosecond laser, using the innovative top view camera, creates a corneal flap based on the data of your custom WavePrint map.
- Dr. Ceravolo will use the state-of-the-art Wavefront-guided VisX Star S4 excimer laser to precisely reshape your corneal tissue based on upon WavePrint.
Once Dr. Ceravolo has reshaped your cornea to optimize your vision, your eye’s ability to focus light onto the retina will be greatly improved. In most cases, your vision is clear and without the hassle associated with contacts or glasses.
With these two extraordinary state-of-the-art lasers used in combination the patient has undergone our Z-LASIK procedure. The Z-LASIK dramatically changes the quality of our patient’s lives. Incredible patient care, a highly respected surgeon and a talented clinical team are what we offer our patients every day.
LASIK FAQs
I know my prescription. Am I a candidate for Z-LASIK?
Everyone’s eyes are different. There are a lot of factors that contribute to vision problems that we may not be able to tell just by knowing your prescription. The best way to determine if you are a candidate is to come in for a complimentary consultation. Our highly trained staff will be able to run some simple tests to tell if you are a good candidate and which procedure will work best for you.
I talked to my eye doctor a few years ago about Z-LASIK, and he said that my corneas are too thin. Does this mean that I still can’t have Z-LASIK?
Z-LASIK technology has come a long way in the past few years. In the past, the corneal flap, the first step of the procedure, was performed by hand with a blade. Now with our all-laser Z-LASIK procedure, we use a laser to create the flap. It is much more precise and requires less corneal tissue. So, if you weren’t considered a candidate before, you may be able to have the procedure now. The best way to find out for sure is to come in for a complimentary consultation. Our highly trained staff can determine if this or any of our other procedures is right for you.
How old do you have to be to have Z-LASIK?
You must be at least 18 years old to have the procedure. It is also important that your vision has been stable for at least two years. Most of the time, this doesn’t happen until you are about 22 or 23 years old. When you are in your teens, your eyes are still growing. In order for you to have stable vision, you must maintain the same prescription for at least two years. When you come in for a complimentary consultation, we will be able to tell you if you are a candidate based on the stability of your eye.
What is the best age for Z-LASIK?
- IF UNDER 18: Unfortunately, you must be at least 18 to be considered for a Z-LASIK procedure. Even in your teen years, your eyes continue to change and develop. If you are interested in having Z-LASIK once you are 18, pay attention to your eye prescription. Your eyes must maintain the same prescription for at least two years before we consider you to be an ideal candidate for the procedure.
- IF 18-22: Age wise, you are a candidate for the Z-LASIK procedure. There are several other factors that also determine if you qualify. For one, your eyes must be stable for at least two years. This means that your prescription should remain the same for two years. Your eyes may still be developing in your late teens and early twenties. The best way to determine if you are a candidate is by coming in for a complimentary consultation. We will run some simple tests and talk with you personally about the health and history of your eye.
- IF 22-40: Age wise, you are a candidate for the Z-LASIK procedure. There are several other factors that also determine if you qualify. The best way to know for sure is to come in for a complimentary consultation. We will run some simple tests and talk with you personally about the health and history of your eye.
- IF 40-OVER: The best way to know for sure is to come in for a complimentary consultation. We will run some simple tests and talk with you personally about the health and history of your eye. Depending on your type of correction, you may either be a candidate for Z-LASIK or a premium lens procedure. Most people start needing reading glasses to see near objects when they hit their 40s or 50s. This condition, called presbyopia, occurs when the lens in your eye becomes more rigid. You’ll start holding your menu farther away to see it or start squinting to see the computer screen. If you now wear reading glasses after a lifetime of good eyesight, you may have started to see the effects of presbyopia. When you come in for a complimentary consultation, we can determine if Z-LASIK or a premium lens is right for you.
Will it hurt?
You will be given drops to numb the eye before the procedure. Most patients report NO PAIN associated with their Z-LASIK procedure rather a mild pressure similar to gently pushing your forefinger into your arm. This procedure has been designed to keep you as comfortable as possible.
Will I be awake during the procedure?
Yes. This type of procedure does not require anesthesia. Just remember that the whole procedure takes only minutes to perform, you will receive drops to numb the eye and minimize pain and we use the latest and safest technology available combined with an expert surgeon for a quick, precise procedure.
When can I go back to work?
Most Z-LASIK patients can return to work the following day.
What happens after the procedure?
Once the procedure is complete, you will need someone to drive you home. We ask that you rest the remainder of the day giving your eyes the time it needs to recover. When you wake up the next day, you should see a dramatic improvement in your vision. You will meet with the doctor the day following the procedure. He will test your vision and make sure the healing process is on schedule. Many patients return to work that day. Over the course of the next few weeks, you will see a steady improvement in your vision.
How soon after the procedure will I be able to see?
After your procedure, your eyes will be sensitive and your vision will be blurry; you will need someone to take you home. We encourage that you rest the remainder of the day. You will notice an immediate improvement in your vision the next day. Over the course of the next few weeks, your vision should continue to improve.
How long does Z-LASIK last? Will my eyes start going bad again after a little while?
Z-LASIK is considered a permanent correction, but it cannot stop the natural aging process. Most people start needing reading glasses to see near objects when they hit their 40s or 50s. This condition, called presbyopia, occurs when the lens in your eye becomes more rigid. You’ll start holding your menu farther away to see it or start squinting to see the computer screen. Presbyopia involves a different part of the eye than the conditions that cause you to have nearsightedness or farsightedness. So, if you have Z-LASIK procedure, you may still develop presbyopia. When you come in for your complimentary consultation, we can determine if Z-LASIK or a premium lens procedure is best for your vision.
What’s the difference between All-laser Z-LASIK and regular LASIK?
All-laser Z-LASIK involves highly advanced laser vision correction technology. With all-laser Z-LASIK, we use a Ziemer femtosecond laser to perform the first step of the procedure, the creation of the corneal flap. In traditional LASIK, the corneal flap is created with a microkeratome blade. Through various clinical trials and testing, the Ziemer femtosecond laser laser has been proven to be safer and more accurate in creating the corneal flap than the blade used in traditional LASIK. Our surgeons use the VISX Star S4 Laser excimer laser to reshape the cornea. During your procedure, this laser is designed to increase accuracy, features a scanner feedback system for quality assurance and allows your surgeon more flexibility and control.
What if I’m not a candidate for Z-LASIK? Do you have something else for me?
At North Columbus Eye, we offer a variety of technologies and procedures to help our patients achieve incredible vision. If you are not a candidate for Z-LASIK you may still be a right for a premium lens or permanent contact lens, called Active Life Lenses. The best way to find out is to come if for a complimentary consultation. We will be able to accurately determine which approach we need to take for your vision.
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