Monterey Doctors

Lasik Vs Implantable Contact Lenses

I just heard about Implantable Contact Lenses (ICL) and how they are reversible. Is there anything that would make me a better candidate for ICL over LASIK? Do many ODs perform this procedure?

ICL's are approved for correcting myopia (near-sightedness).  High amounts of myopia and/or thin corneas are usually the primary reason for preferring ICLs over LASIK among refractive surgeons (MDs).  While ICLs are technically reversible, it would require another surgical procedure to remove them and it would be hard to argue that the eye is in the exact same condition following two intraocular surgeries as it was prior to the surgeries.  Perhaps the greatest concern for ICL implantation would be the development of cataracts due to proximity of the implant to the patient's natural lens.  ICL patients are among the most satisfied patients in a practice due to their high prescriptions prior to surgery and the generally high quality of vision following treatment.

Jay Bansal, MD

San Francisco Ophthalmologist

Could Laser Eye Color Surgery Work?

I saw this on around the net -- a dr in LA says he's developed a laser to permanently turn brown eyes blue. Based on your experience with eyes, is this truly possible? Is it safe??

Actually, I believe it was a lawyer who patented the idea of changing the eye color through a laser procedure and not a medical doctor.  Until this procedure undergoes FDA clinical trials that demonstrate it as safe and effective, it would be wise to avoid an off-label use of the laser for this purpose.  In the future, it might be accepted by the medical community but it would require rigorous testing first.

Jay Bansal, MD

San Francisco Ophthalmologist

Can You Schedule a Lasik Consult and then the Procedure the Following Day?

I was just wondering if it was possible to schedule a consultation one day and then the following day have the procedure done? I am driving about two hundred miles to have this procedure and it would be a great help if I didn't have to complete the drive two weeks in a row. The facility I am going to suggested a consult this week and then surgery the following week. Thanks in advance!

There are some surgeons who perform surgery on the same day as the screening.  Assuming that the eye is healthy, the patient is a good candidate, and the health or refractive status of the eye will not change over the next fews days or weeks, there is no reason to believe that a delay is necessary for medical reasons.  Patients must be aware that they may not be a good candidate so they can't assume that the screening will conclude that they can have the procedure.  Contact lens wearers may require time out of there contacts.  Patients with blepharitis or other eye condition may need to be treated before surgery.  It is also wise to allow patients time to consider their decision to have LASIK surgery.  No patient should be rushed into have a surgical procedure.  LASIK has a strong record of success but can still have complications. 

Jay Bansal, MD

San Francisco Ophthalmologist