Northwestern Vision Correction Associates
Monday, May 19, 2008
Recent LASIK Reports
Lately, we’ve been getting a lot of questions about recent news reports highlighting bad results from LASIK and the risks associated with the surgery. We at the Northwestern Vision Correction Associates want our patients to be as well informed as possible. It is true that LASIK carries risks, including severe dry eye, eye pain, and poor vision. While these risks should never be downplayed, studies sited in these recent reports suggest that only 5% of the more than 700,000 Americans who undergo the surgery every year are dissatisfied with their results, and that less than 1% of patients suffer serious complications. And while it is truly tragic when these complications arise, it is our feeling that we can minimize the risks through a number of methods.
Perhaps the most important is our rigorous screening process. Since, unlike most practices, our surgeons personally communicate the benefits, risks and side effects of refractive surgery in a lengthy conversation, they are able to identify patients who are not candidates because of unrealistic expectations. Using the latest technology, including the CustomVue Wavefront system and the Pentacam Corneal Topographer, they are able to evaluate patients in order to be sure they do not have medical or anatomic contraindications for refractive surgery. If, after reviewing all of the patient’s data, our highly skilled surgeons determine that the procedure would pose an unacceptable risk, they simply will not offer surgery to the patient. That cautious discretion can make all the difference in our patients’ outcomes and is a benefit of Northwestern’s commitment to the patient experience.
The most up-to-date surgical technologies and techniques also further our goal of minimizing the risks to our patients. Our exclusive use of Intralase technology provides us with the safest and fastest flap cutting method available. During the procedure, the Iris Registration feature tracks small movements of the patient’s eye to ensure that the laser is on target at all times in addition to shutting the laser down before any such movements can affect the treatment. The treatment itself can be optimized for the individual patient with the CustomVue technology, possibly reducing the night vision issues that have featured prominently in these reports. And in terms of technique, our surgeons are all full time academic, board certified ophthalmologists on staff at Northwestern’s prestigious Feinberg School of Medicine. They are some of the most experienced and respected figures in the field, having literally written a book on LASIK.
The key to resolving any issues should they arise is world-class post-operative care. In an arrangement becoming more and more uncommon, our surgeons follow their patients through the entire process, from the screening to the end of the post-operative period and beyond. This way they have crucial knowledge of the patient’s personal needs and history, the experience to catch any issues early, and the expertise to treat those issues and guide the patient toward the best possible results.
We at the Northwestern Vision Correction Associates understand that risk management is a factor in any medical procedure, and we are proud that our patients put their trust in us to do everything we can to ensure their safety and their surgical results. The vast majority of our patients have been able to improve their quality of life through refractive surgery. This is possible because of the steps we take to minimize the risks of LASIK refractive surgery. We couldn’t see doing it any other way: that is the Northwestern difference.
Perhaps the most important is our rigorous screening process. Since, unlike most practices, our surgeons personally communicate the benefits, risks and side effects of refractive surgery in a lengthy conversation, they are able to identify patients who are not candidates because of unrealistic expectations. Using the latest technology, including the CustomVue Wavefront system and the Pentacam Corneal Topographer, they are able to evaluate patients in order to be sure they do not have medical or anatomic contraindications for refractive surgery. If, after reviewing all of the patient’s data, our highly skilled surgeons determine that the procedure would pose an unacceptable risk, they simply will not offer surgery to the patient. That cautious discretion can make all the difference in our patients’ outcomes and is a benefit of Northwestern’s commitment to the patient experience.
The most up-to-date surgical technologies and techniques also further our goal of minimizing the risks to our patients. Our exclusive use of Intralase technology provides us with the safest and fastest flap cutting method available. During the procedure, the Iris Registration feature tracks small movements of the patient’s eye to ensure that the laser is on target at all times in addition to shutting the laser down before any such movements can affect the treatment. The treatment itself can be optimized for the individual patient with the CustomVue technology, possibly reducing the night vision issues that have featured prominently in these reports. And in terms of technique, our surgeons are all full time academic, board certified ophthalmologists on staff at Northwestern’s prestigious Feinberg School of Medicine. They are some of the most experienced and respected figures in the field, having literally written a book on LASIK.
The key to resolving any issues should they arise is world-class post-operative care. In an arrangement becoming more and more uncommon, our surgeons follow their patients through the entire process, from the screening to the end of the post-operative period and beyond. This way they have crucial knowledge of the patient’s personal needs and history, the experience to catch any issues early, and the expertise to treat those issues and guide the patient toward the best possible results.
We at the Northwestern Vision Correction Associates understand that risk management is a factor in any medical procedure, and we are proud that our patients put their trust in us to do everything we can to ensure their safety and their surgical results. The vast majority of our patients have been able to improve their quality of life through refractive surgery. This is possible because of the steps we take to minimize the risks of LASIK refractive surgery. We couldn’t see doing it any other way: that is the Northwestern difference.
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