Archive for the ‘Texas Lasik’ Category

Lasik Surgery

Wednesday, April 15th, 2009

lasikLaser Vision Correction is now in its second decade of helping patients reduce or eliminate their dependence on glasses and contact lenses. As testimony to its life changing benefits, thousands of ophthalmologists and optometrists around the world have become so impressed with the results of laser vision correction that over one million procedures are now performed each year. At Black Hills LASIK Center our patients continuously tell us they appreciate our commitment to being on the cutting edge of this exciting technology.

Heavy patient demand for laser vision correction has inspired surgeons and laser manufacturers to make tremendous advancements in both Excimer laser technology and surgical technique. When laser vision correction was first performed in 1988, only low to moderately nearsighted patients without astigmatism could be treated. Today, with the second and third generation Excimer lasers, very low to moderately high degrees of nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism can be effectively treated. And for many patients that had large pupils, thin corneas or other contraindications for laser vision correction, newer surgical techniques now allow them to enjoy the benefits of clear vision without dependence on glasses and contact lenses. Only a few years ago these patients would not have been good candidates for laser vision treatment.

Laser Vision Correction at Black Hills LASIK Center

All laser vision correction procedures are not the same. Because of our dedication to excellence, Black Hills LASIK Center is recognized as one of the premium eye care providers in the area. Our surgeon is highly trained in a number of laser vision correction procedures. And we’ve invested in the laser vision technology needed to provide you with the best possible care.  Dr. Kowal has successfully performed thousands of vision correction procedures and is ready to help you choose the option that’s best for your individual vision problem, whether you’re nearsighted, farsighted or have astigmatism.

Pricing

The cost of vision correction varies among practices, based on surgeon experience and what the center includes in the fee. We are not the least expensive providers because we never sacrifice safety to save you money. We have invested heavily in advanced laser technology and our diagnostic technology is second to none. This investment is extremely important to surgical results and our patients tell us they can see the difference. We encourage you to attend a seminar at our clinic, and visit other laser centers to compare. Please download our “How to chose a laser vision provider” form, found in Patient Forms.

It’s only natural to want to get the best price, but remember, quality and service are extremely important when it comes to medical care. After all, laser vision correction is a procedure you’ll have only once in your lifetime and your vision is one of your most important assets. The best way to find out exactly what your price will be is to schedule an exam. After a comprehensive evaluation to determine what procedures you’re a candidate for and what degree of correction you need, we’ll be able to give you a specific price.

A few insurance companies do pay for all or part of vision correction procedures. You can check with your plan administrator, or we will be happy to make a copy of your insurance card and check coverage for you. Many people have medical flex plans they use to save up to 50 percent on their procedure by using pre-tax dollars. Your employer’s human resources department can tell you whether you have this benefit. Vision correction may be tax deductible as a medical expense (check with your financial advisor).

If you do not have insurance coverage, we do offer affordable payment plans starting as low as $84 per month for both eyes. It is easy to apply online and receive credit approval before you schedule an appointment. We also accept cash, personal checks, Visa and MasterCard.

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Posted in Beverly Hills Lasik Surgeon, Beverly Hills Lasik Surgery, Boulder laser eye surgery, Colorado Laser Eye Surgery, Colorado Lasik, Conductive Keratoplasty, Denver Lasik, Denver lasik vision correction, LADARvision CUSTOMCORNEA, LASIK, Laser Epithelial keratomileusis, Laser vision correction, Lasik surgery, Los Angeles laser eye surgery, Nj custom lasik, North Carolina Lasik doctor, Oakland lasik md, Photo-Refractive Keratectomy, San Jose Lasik md, Texas Lasik, Texas Lasik Surgery, Texas Lasik doctor, dallas texas lasik, high definition Lasik Dallas, laser eye surgery, san franciso lasik md, santa clara lasik md, vision correction | No Comments »

Laser Vision Correction

Sunday, January 1st, 2006

Surgeon experience combined with the latest advances in laser vision technology are the two most important elements that determine how you will see after laser vision correction. At Black Hills LASIK Center, we invest heavily in training and leading edge technology. Our commitment to you is that we will not take short cuts to save you a few dollars. If you are shopping around for laser vision correction, use this section of our Web site to compare our technology to others. You can also view our  handy, “Checklist of things to ask your LVC provider” page.

Click on any of the links below to learn more about our laser vision correction technology.

Diagnostic Technology:

State-of-the-art diagnostic equipment is important because it’s used to determine whether you are a candidate for laser vision correction, and if so, which procedure is most appropriate for you. It’s also used to calculate the customized settings for the laser for your particular treatment.

Lasers:

Now in its second decade of use, the technologically advanced Excimer laser has added a tremendous amount of precision, control and safety to treating nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.

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Posted in Advanced Laser Technology, Beverly Hills Lasik Surgery, Colorado Lasik, LASIK, Laser vision correction, Lasik surgery, Surgical vision correction, Texas Lasik, dallas texas lasik, laser eye surgery, vision correction | No Comments »

Conductive KeratoplastySM (CK)SM

Friday, September 19th, 2003

Conductive Keratoplasty is a relatively new procedure that uses radiofrequency energy to shrink collagen tissue within the cornea to treat low to moderate farsightedness and presbyopia.

Using a controlled release of radiofrequency energy into the stroma (the third layer of cornea), the temperature of the corneal tissue is increased, which makes the cornea steeper and increases its focusing power.

CK is for those who:

  • want to reduce or eliminate their dependence on glasses, reading glasses or contacts
  • have difficulty with close vision
  • are at least 40 years of age
  • have not had a significant change in their vision for one year
  • have no health issues affecting their eyes
  • have not had previous vision correction surgery
  • are not pregnant or nursing

What to expect on surgery day:

First, your eye will be numbed with anesthetic eye drops. When your eye is completely numb, an eyelid holder will be placed between your eyelids to keep you from blinking during the procedure.

Then you’ll be asked to look at the microscope light and your eye will be marked with a series of dots. Your surgeon will touch the dots with the probe making a full circle around the outer margins of the cornea. There will be eight to 32 treatment points, depending on the amount of correction needed. As the dots are touched, heat from the radio waves shrinks the tissue, producing a clenching effect that creates a more curved cornea. Some patients elect to have only one eye treated to give them monovision.

Soon after the procedure, your eyes will be examined and you will go home and relax for the rest of the day. For the first couple of days, you may experience some scratchiness in your eyes, or excessive watering. This rapidly improves and medications can be taken to relieve any discomfort. Normal activities are generally resumed within a day or two. While many patients see improvement in their near vision immediately after the procedure, it usually takes a few weeks to several months for the results to be fully realized. As with other vision correction procedures, you may experience some discomfort and light sensitivity (glare or halos) for a few days following CK.

Realistic expectations:

The decision to have CK is an important one that only you can make. The goal of any refractive surgical procedure is to reduce your dependence on corrective lenses. However, we cannot guarantee you will have the results you desire.

CK has been approved to treat farsightedness between +.75 and +3.00 Diopters. When CK is used to correct presbyopia, it is considered an off-label use of an approved medical device.

Serious complications with CK are extremely rare. CK is a safe and effective procedure, but like any medical procedure, it does have some risks. After a thorough eye exam you and your doctor will determine if CK is an option for you. If you are a good candidate, you will be given additional information about the procedure that will allow you to make an informed decision about whether to proceed. Be sure you have all your questions answered to your satisfaction.

Alternatives to CK

CK is not the only surgical procedure designed to treat presbyopia and farsightedness. To learn about other vision correction procedures go to the surgical and laser vision correction procedures section of our Web Site. If you would like to learn more about vision correction procedures from sources other than our practice, we encourage you to link to a number of Web sites we feel provide factual and up-to-date information. You may also choose to make an appointment, attend a seminar or request additional information to learn more about this exciting procedure.

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Posted in Conductive Keratoplasty, LASIK, Laser vision correction, Lasik surgery, Texas Lasik, Texas Lasik Surgery, Texas Lasik doctor, vision correction | No Comments »

Punctal Occlusion

Friday, May 3rd, 2002

One way to alleviate dry eye is to help the eyes to make better and longer use of the small amount of lubricating tears they do produce. This is accomplished by closing off the small funnel-like drain hole found in the inner corner of the upper and lower eyelids. These drain holes, called punctums can be closed with tiny plugs called punctal plugs. The plugs can be placed in the two tear ducts, top and bottom, in both eyes or in only the lower ducts. The punctum can also be permanently closed with a heat or laser procedure.

Punctal plugs can be temporary or permanent. Temporary plugs dissolve a few days after insertion. If your dry eye symptoms disappear when the temporary plugs are inserted, your doctor may consider permanent punctal occlusion.

Punctal occlusion is for those:

  • who have been diagnosed with dry eye
  • whose doctor has determined that punctal occlusion is the appropriate treatment for their condition

What to expect on procedure day:

Your treatment will be performed in an examination room. It does not require a surgery center. Once you have been checked in and settled comfortably, drops will be used to numb your eye; no injections or needles are used.

Your doctor will pull your eyelid up and ask you to look toward the outside of your head, away from your nose. Using a forceps-like applicator, the plug will be placed into the corner of your eye, then released. An applicator or another tool will then be used to gently push the plug into your natural punctal opening and you’ll be asked to blink. Once the plugs get wet, they will expand to completely fill the opening. The entire procedure takes only a few minutes. Many patients report immediate relief from dry eye symptoms and resume normal activities immediately.

Realistic expectations:

Serious complications with punctal occlusion are extremely rare, but like any medical procedure, it does have some risks. If you experience side effects, your doctor can remove the plugs. Going to a specialist experienced in punctal occlusion can significantly minimize risks.

If you and your doctor decide that punctal occlusion is an option for you, you will be given additional information about the procedure that will allow you to make an informed decision about whether to proceed.

Posted in Texas Lasik, Texas Lasik Surgery, Texas Lasik doctor, vision correction | No Comments »