INTRALASIK: "All-laser" LASIK

Possible Treatment for: Nearsightedness, Farsightedness, Astigmatism
LASIK (Laser Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis) uses a computer-controlled cool excimer laser beam to gently reshape the cornea. This reshaping is performed under a protective flap of corneal tissue. This is to promote rapid recovery and minimize discomfort versus the longer recovery associated with surface treatments like PRK and Supralase.

With the safety of bladeless IntraLase®, the IntraLasik procedure takes only a few minutes, is virtually painless, and can be performed in the comfort of Beach Eye Care's very own laser center.

Whether you are nearsighted, farsighted, or have astigmatism, LASIK can dramatically improve your vision. The vast majority of patients achieves legal driving vision or better. Beach Eye Care offers "all-laser" LASIK…Wavelight Wavefront Optimize (WWO) or CustomVue™ enriched with IntraLase.

LASIK with the added safety of bladeless IntraLase

Possible treatment for: Nearsightedness, Farsightedness, Astigmatism
LASIK has proven to be a relatively safe procedure, with most LASIK complications related to the creation of the corneal flap. Even in skilled hands, the manually-controlled surgical blade used in a conventional LASIK procedure can be unpredictable.

Now, LASIK is even safer because IntraLase makes it possible to create the flap with a more precise process that works from the "inside out", and greater precision means improved safety and results. Beach Eye Care has been using this technology since 2007.

Only LASIK procedures enriched with the precision of IntraLase can be considered "all-laser."

LASIK and the benefit CustomVue LASIK

Possible treatment for: Nearsightedness, Farsightedness, Astigmatism
Precision. It is vital when we send astronauts to the moon, and it is just as important when it comes to your LASIK procedure.

That is why Beach Eye Care offers WWO or CustomVue LASIK. CustomVue's WaveScan diagnostic system measures the unique characteristics of your eyes much more precisely than standard methods. WaveScan creates a customized map of the unique characteristics of each eye, including refractive errors and irregularities that blur or decrease vision. The data converted into digital instructions and transferred to the laser makes it possible to deliver a precise and accurate procedure.

The technology behind CustomVue was developed for use in high-powered telescopes to reduce distortions when viewing distant objects in space. Down on Earth, the results are every bit as impressive. In a clinical study, 100 percent of patients who had a CustomVue procedure were able to pass a driver's test without glasses or contacts, and 98 percent could see 20/20 or better.

PRK

Possible treatment for: Nearsightedness, Farsightedness, Astigmatism
Photo-Refractive Keratectomy (PRK) treats nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism by using a wavefront optimized or guided excimer laser to remove tiny bits of tissue from the surface of the cornea. This process reshapes the cornea to better focus light onto the eye’s retina. Surgeons often prefer PRK rather than LASIK for patients with thin corneas or asymetrical topography.

During a PRK procedure, the eye is numbed with anesthetic eye drops. Then, the surgeon removes the epithelium, a thin layer of protective skin that covers the cornea with dilute sterile alcohol. In less than a minute, the laser removes a precise amount of tissue while it reshapes the surface of the cornea. The PRK procedure only lasts a minute for each eye. No needles are used, and most patients experience some discomfort during recovery. The recovery process of PRK typically involves more discomfort than LASIK. It is the procedure of choice for thin corneas or those with abnormal curvature.

Healing rates vary by individual. Final visual results may not be fully realized for a few weeks to 3 months.
Most PRK patients achieve 20/20 vision or better, but some may achieve 20/40 or still need a lesser degree of correction with glasses or contact lenses following the procedure.

Visian ICL

Possible Treatment for: Nearsightedness, Astigmatism
Those with nearsightedness who, until now, had few options for vision correction, may be excited to learn about Visian ICL, an implantable collamer lens. The implantable lens, which is biocompatible with the eye, gives many people the opportunity to enjoy High Definition Visian™ for the first time, eliminating the need for glasses or contacts. And because the ICL is removable, there are distinct advantages to the procedure, as there is opportunity to change lenses should the patient’s vision continue to change with the passage of time.

Dr. Neatrour is proud to be one of the first surgeons in the United States trained to perform this advanced procedure, which generally takes as little as 15 minutes. Patients enjoy a significant reduction in recovery time, as the required incision is very small and there are no sutures required in most cases. The ICL procedure is suitable for a wide range of vision correction needs and also gives patients the added benefit of UV blocking capabilities, which may protect the eye from the sun’s harmful rays over time.

The National Media Coverage of the Visian ICL Continues

On Friday, November 14, the Visian ICL was given a major segment on the hit television show “The Doctors,” during which a patient – who was borderline legally blind – received the procedure with fantastic results. During the segment the patient's surgeon, Dr. Paul Dougherty, aptly describes the benefits of the Visian ICL as providing “high definition vision” with “fewer side effects” than LASIK. He also discusses and demonstrates the immediate “sit up and see” results that this particular patient, and all others, enjoy.

Watch the Video

Intacs

Possible Treatment for: Nearsightedness, Astigmatism, Kerataconus
Another viable option for vision correction for many is the Intacs procedure, or insertion of corneal ring implants. Kerataconus, the gradual changing of the cornea into more of a conical shape rather than rounded, is a condition in which Intacs can help restore the natural shape of the cornea by flattening it back out. The fifteen-minute procedure involves the insertion of Intacs rings between the layers of the stroma on the surface of the eye outside the visual field. The biocompatible rings essentially flatten the cornea allowing it to restore proper focus of light on the retina.

This refocusing makes Intacs a suitable procedure for nearsightedness and astigmatism as well. And because Intacs are implanted rings, as vision changes, they can be removed and replaced without any damage to the cornea.

NearVision CK

Possible treatment for: Farsightedness
CK (conductive keratoplasty), the first FDA-approved vision technology for presbyopia (difficulty with reading vision), is helping millions of baby boomers with age-related near vision loss.

The most common eye condition in America, presbyopia affects everyone after age 40. As the eye ages, the lens loses its ability to flex and re-focus to accommodate our need for both near and distance vision.

Designed for baby boomers, NearVision CK uses radio frequency energy instead of a laser to improve near vision or to correct presbyopia. Patients around the world have undergone this safe procedure and have succeeded in reducing their dependence on glasses to drive at night, work on the computer, or read a menu.

The NearVision CK procedure is simple and virtually painless, and there are no hassles—just incredible results. The procedure can be conveniently performed in as few as five minutes at Beach Eye Care, using only an eye drop anesthesia. You can even return to work or normal activities the next day with a younger look, a more confident attitude, and less dependence on glasses for reading.

Cataract Surgery

Some of us still remember the way cataract surgery was done in our parents’ day: the hospital stay, the sand-bagging, the lengthy recovery time. The more than two million people who will have cataracts removed this year are fortunate to live at a time when cataract correction is so very convenient, safe, and comfortable.

The idea behind modern cataract surgery is quite simple: the surgeon removes the clouded natural lens from the eye and replaces it with a clear lens implant, called an “IOL” (intraocular lens), that takes over the job of focusing light that enters the eye.
On the day of surgery, the patient will be given medication for relaxation and anesthetic eye drops that keep the patient quite comfortable during the surgery. To prevent infection, the skin surrounding the eye is cleaned, and strict precautions are observed to maintain a sterile environment.

The surgeon uses a microscope throughout the procedure. Only a very small (1/8”) incision is necessary because ultrasound energy breaks up the clouded lens, making it easy to remove. The surgeon then implants an IOL in its place, and the incision seals and heals. Stitches are rarely needed. The entire process is usually finished in as few as 15 minutes. The patient is then taken to the recovery area, and after a short stay, may return home with a designated driver.

Most patients experience better vision after only a few days. More than 99 percent of patients who undergo cataract removal rank their vision as significantly improved.

Over time, the lens of the eye gradually loses its elasticity and its ability to change shape (‘accommodate’) to see close objects. This loss of accommodation is called presbyopia. Traditionally, bifocals have been prescribed to remedy presbyopia. Now, however, your doctor may recommend an advanced implantable multifocal replacement lens designed to compensate for changes in the eye and improve functional vision. One of these new technologies may make it possible for you to recapture a full range of vision…without bifocals.

• ReSTOR ®

  Possible treatment for: Presbyopia, Cataracts
  The revolutionary ReSTOR multifocal lens implant provides a wide range of quality vision in any type of lighting by working with the eye’s pupil to allocate light for optimal vision at near, intermediate, and far distances.
  The result? Very good distance vision and excellent near vision. In clinical trials, more ReSTOR patients were spectacle-free than those with any other lens implant. In fact, 80 percent of these patients reported never needing glasses following implantation in both eyes.

• Crystalens ®

  Possible treatment for: Presbyopia, Cataracts
  Crystalens is an FDA-approved advanced multifocal lens implant that replaces the natural lens and works in conjunction with the eye’s own muscles. This amazing lens “accommodates” (flexes) to provide sharper, seamless vision without corrective bifocals or laser surgery. In clinical trials, 100 percent of Crystalens recipients could see their computer and dashboard, read prices in the supermarket, or put on makeup, and 98 percent could pass their driver’s test.

• ReZoom™

  Possible treatment for: Presybyopia, Cataracts
  The implantable ReZoom lens can help you to achieve a full range of vision following cataract correction surgery…without glasses. The Balanced View Optics™ of the ReZoom advanced multifocal replacement lens provides a wide range of quality vision at near, intermediate, and far distances.
  Ninety-two percent of ReZoom recipients enrolled in clinical trials reported never or seldom needing to wear glasses. No traditional single-focus lens can make that claim.
  Which lens is right for you? ReSTOR? Crystalens? ReZoom? Find out by calling our office today to schedule a consultation. See if one of these amazing new technologies can revive your ability to see the world as nature intended.

Glaucoma Treatment Options

Various medications are sometimes useful in treating glaucoma. Beta-blocker eye drops may reduce the amount of fluid produced by the eye. Prostaglandin analogs and alpha-2 agonists may also lower intraocular pressure by increasing outflow.
No treatment can restore vision already lost to glaucoma.

• SLT

  The doctor may recommend SLT (Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty), a laser treatment for open-angle glaucoma that can be performed in the office to reduce pressure within the eye. SLT targets only specific cells containing the pigment melanin. This treatment lowers pressure by stimulating the body’s healing response, which increases the drainage of fluid from the eye.

  The SLT procedure takes only a few minutes to perform. Before the procedure begins, drops are placed in the eye to prepare it for treatment. After the treatment, the doctor will prescribe anti-inflammatory eye drops. Many patients experience a drop in pressure within a day of the procedure.

  It is estimated that more than 3 million Americans have glaucoma, but only about half are actually aware of it. Glaucoma strikes without warning and without symptoms. It is sometimes called the silent thief, because it can develop slowly and often is not diagnosed until permanent vision loss has occurred.

  Currently there is no cure for glaucoma, but it can be treated. If detected early enough, glaucoma can often be managed with medication or surgery and further vision loss may be averted. But the best prevention is getting an annual eye exam from your ophthalmologist.

• ECP

  Endoscopic CycloPhotocoagulation (ECP) is for those who:
  • have glaucoma or higher than normal pressure within the eye, including those with cataracts
  • have not responded well to medications or other surgical treatments
  ECP is an exciting development in the management of many types of glaucoma including the more common open-angle glaucoma and narrow-angle glaucoma. ECP is performed on an outpatient basis. In this procedure, the ciliary body of the eye, which creates fluid, is treated with a laser. This reduces fluid production that in turn, reduces the pressure within the eye. The ciliary body is a small gland running around the circumference of the eye located behind the iris.

  ECP allows the surgeon to view the area through an endoscopic camera, which aids in the very precise placement of the laser beam used for treatment.

  Endoscopic CycloPhotocoagulation is often performed on patients at the time of cataract surgery. It can also be performed on those patients who had SLT or ALT laser procedures, glaucoma filtration surgery or other surgical procedures that were not successful at controlling the pressure.

  ECP has proven to be an effective way to reduce pressure within the eye. Studies have shown that the majority of patients have their glaucoma medications reduced or completely eliminated after the procedure, reducing their risk of loss of vision from glaucoma.

  The effect of the surgery may wear off over time, but the majority of patients have their pressure reduced and many can eliminate their need for glaucoma medications. However, this procedure and other glaucoma surgical procedures do not restore lost vision. Serious complications with Endoscopic CycloPhotocoagulation are rare, but like any surgical procedure, it does have some risks. Prior to your procedure, you will be given additional information that will allow you to make an informed decision. Be sure you have all your questions answered to your satisfaction.