LASIK
Laser Vision Correction
The Santa Clarita Vision Center is associated with the UCLA Laser Center, TLC Laser Center, the Berg Laser Centers and others. The office was among the first in this area to associate with Summit Laser, the founder of the U.S. laser clinics.
We perform eye exams, all pre-procedure setup and all follow-up care for Laser Vision Correction done at these Laser centers. We make all the arrangements for the procedure and help you pick the best surgeons, the correct clinic and the most effective laser for your individual visual needs.
We have found vast differences between the different lasers now available and especially in the many laser clinics.
Recently we have found that the VISX STAR 5 and the new Ultralase laser meets and usually exceeds our expectations, unlike the older Summit or the LADAR lasers which have highly specific uses. We are very careful in our choices as to which laser is best for your eyes.
We are now recommending the LASIK procedure for most patients. Radial Keratotomy and the older laser procedure, PRK, are no longer the procedures of choice.
Financing is now available. For most eyes this will be less than $40 - $50 per month with no down payment necessary. Ask for Celia when calling the office.
How The Laser Works-LASIK
LASIK is the newest and most advanced method of changing the shape of the cornea to improve the way light is focused by the eye. The new LASIK procedure features increased comfort and incredibly fast recovery time to better vision compared with an alternate procedure known as PRK (which is no longer recommended). Most people experience very little or no discomfort and return to normal activities within a day or two with very clear vision!
There are two common methods of Lasik. One involves cutting a "flap" of tissue and the other and newest method uses the laser (Intralase) to make a flap.
In the older method, a thin layer of cornea called a "cap" is lifted by a microkeratome gliding across the cornea. In the newest method, the laser is used to produce a "flap". This is now the method of choice.
Both methods produce the "flap" of tissue seen in the pictures. Then energy pulses from the laser reshape the cornea with a high level of accuracy. By adjusting the pattern of the laser beam it is possible to treat high levels of nearsightedness and moderate levels of astigmatism. The flap is moved back into place without the need for any stitching. The entire procedure takes less than 20 minutes. (Farsightedness is also being treated, but with mixed results. This farsighted correction procedure is seldom recommended at this time for most eyes).
The First Step
Finding out more about your refractive error and vision needs is the first step. To do this you need to make an appointment for your FREE laser exam consultation. Please call our office at (661) 297-2020 to make your appointment. We will provide you with more information and help you decide if this procedure will be a benefit for you. Easy payment plans are available.
Once again... We have found severe problems in some of the 800 phone number clinics who advertise on radio and TV. Check with The Vision Center for the Laser Clinics that have the best laser specialist and laser equipment. The true difference in cost between the best and the others is very small.