STAR S4 Excimer Laser

About The Procedure On the day of the procedure, your WaveScan map is obtained. Then, anesthetic drops are placed into the patient's eyes and a mild sedative is given to help you relax. Unlike conventional LASIK, the patient's unique correction information is transferred from the WaveScan to the laser. A flap is then created using a highly precise instrument known as a microkeratome. The flap is folded back and the cool beam from the laser then removes microscopic amounts of tissue-less than the thickness of a human hair in most cases-to create a new curvature. The procedure typically takes about 30 minutes from start to finish and the majority of individuals feel no discomfort.

To treat nearsightedness, the cornea must be made flatter. This is accomplished by removing tissue from the center of the cornea.

To treat farsightedness, the cornea must be made steeper. This is accomplished by directing the laser beam to remove tissue from around this area.

To treat astigmatism, the cornea must be made more spherical. By changing the pattern of the beam, tissue is removed in one direction more than the other.

Following The Procedure

Following the treatment, it is possible to experience a slightly stinging and or gritty sensation. Your vision will probably be a little blurry. These symptoms are temporary and usually disappear in a few hours. Functional vision generally occurs in 24 hours. Most patients notice an immediate improvement the next day, with the vast majority resuming their normal daily activities. You can expect to see maximum improvement in your vision within 3-4 weeks after the surgery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is CustomVue better than glasses or contacts?

Glasses and contact lenses are limited in their ability to crrect unique imperfections in each individual's vision. Thousands of individuals have the same eyeglass or contact lens prescription. With CustomVue, no two prescriptions are identical.

What is the difference between CustomVue LASIK and other LASIK procedures?

Although the actual procedure is the same, the difference is the mapping process that is done prior to your procedure then transferred to the laser for treatment. Because the WaveScan map can identify, measure, and correct imperfections in an individual's eyes 25 times more precisely than with conventional LASIK, the difference is in the results.

Why is WaveScan technology so important?

Until now, doctors were forced to practice one-size-fits-all vision. This off-the-shelf approach corrects an individual's vision very well, but it does not correct it precisely. With WaveScan technology, each person's correction is unique to their eyes.

How does the laser interpret the WaveScan® measurements?

The information from the WaveScan is transferred to the laser, providing precision and accuracy during laser treatment.

What does better than 20/20 mean?

20/20 is the current standard for excellence in vision. But, with the CustomVue procedure, individuals have the potential to see even better than 20/20. In fact, one year after the CustomVue procedure, nearly 70 percent of clinical study participants saw 20/16 or better.

Can CustomVue improve my night vision?

In the FDA clinical study, four times as many people were very satisfied with their night vision after the procedure as compared to their night vision before with glasses or contact lenses.

Who can have CustomVue?

Anyone 21 or older who wears glasses or contact lenses to correct nearsightedness and/or astigmatism may benefit from CustomVue. The best way to determine if you are a candidate is to schedule a no-cost consultation appointment. During this appointment, you will meet one of our LASIK consultants and Dr. Bryan to discuss your individual case.

Dr. Bryan will address your questions and concerns with the knowledge and experience that comes from years of helping patients gain clear vision through corrective surgery. It takes only seconds to treat a lifetime of nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. Find out if you are a candidate for one of these life-changing procedures by calling one of our Laser Vision Consultants at 919-945-3937 or toll-free at 877-321-EYES.