San Francisco Laser Eye Surgery doctors
 |
Jay Bansal, MD
San Francisco Ophthalmologist
1700 California Street Suite 480, San Francisco |
4 answers | |
 |
William Ellis
San Francisco Ophthalmologist
El Cerrito |
||
 |
Jacqueline T. Koo, MD, MPH
San Francisco Ophthalmologist
1850 Sullivan Ave. Ste. 540, Daly City |
||
 |
Lillie Mosaddegh, MD
San Francisco Ophthalmologist
490 Post St Suite 1440, San Francisco |
||
|
|
Claudia S. Pinilla, MD
San Francisco Ophthalmologist
909 San Ramon Valley Blvd #114 , Danville |
Recent Answers
I am led to believe that these are currently the most advanced laser eye surgery techniques to date. I am leaning towards lasek because it seems it is just as effective these days with less complications (eg less likely to get long term dry eyes) but a slower recovery time? I could be convinced otherwise if one had better long term results but they are both relatively new.
We offer both Epi-LASEK and Intralase in our clinic and have many patients in both categories. There is some data that suggests that Epi-LASEK might provide slighter better long term vision performance results over Intralase but the choice of one over the other is not always clear and certainly varies from patient to patient. Other studies suggest that Intralase might have a shorter recovery time and better safety profile. There are many factors to consider and a trained refractive surgeon should certainly be involved when trying to decide which treatment to undergo since your eyes are unique to you. Some surgeons might feel more comfortable with one type of technology as well. Both Epi-LASEK and Intralase provide excellent results so in most cases it wouldn't matter which one a patient receives. Most likely, they would be very happy with either.
For future reading purposes, we were advised to do cataract surgery as the vision is getting blur. 1. How long does the surgery lasts? 2. Will there any side effect that need to follow up as years go on? 3. Will the cataract return? 4. What to expect after the surgery? 5. What do we need to know in advance before the surgery? Many thanks.
Cataract surgery around the age of 70 is quite normal in the U.S. The actual procedure takes aprrox. 15 minutes, however, expect to be at the surgery center 1 1/2 - 2 hours from the time of arrival. Cataracts are a natural clouding with age of the human lens and do not recur after surgery. There are additional procedures that may be necessary including clearing of the posterior capsule with a laser months to years after the initial procedure (takes about 5 minutes and painless). The vast majority of people have significantly better vison post-operatively and have little down time and side effects. There are now many different lens options which you should understand and review with your surgeon.
Last month, I underwent what I believed to be PRK (at least that's what I wanted). However, there is no mention of PRK or (photo-refractive keratectomy) on the "Operative Report." In the pre-op and post-op paperwork, "PRK" is present.
My mother, who was watching the says that the "VISX" machine that was used for the CustomVue treatment listed the procedure as "LASIK." So, how can I be sure that I received PRK and not LASIK?
The operative report also indicates that "Physician has specified a LASIK Treatment, Superior Flap." I chose PRK to avoid the flap. Please advise. Thanks.
It is unfortunate that this confusion exists. I would first suggest that you ask the question to the surgeon directly. It is also quite easy for another Ophthalmologist to figure out with an eye exam if you are not satisfied with the response.
There are significant early post-operative differences between PRK and LASIK. With LASIK, there is minimal discomfort and downtime and rarely is a bandage contact lens placed upon your eye immediately after the procedure. With PRK, the surgeon places a bandage contact lens upon your eye immediately after the procedue and it is usually left in place for 3-5 days along with moderate discomfort and light sensitivity.
The operative report from the laser can be somewhat confusing because many surgeons have the default set to LASIK even when they perform PRK.