ONLY at Auckland Eye

Worldwide, over 30 million people have experienced the freedom of life without glasses and contacts through LASIK (laser in-situ keratomileusis). ivision LASIK performed at Auckland Eye leads the way in providing a safe and effective laser treatment for a wide range of common focusing problems. LASIK is a procedure that can restore vision for people who suffer from blurred and/or distorted eyesight caused by nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia) or astigmatism. The life-changing benefits are so significant that LASIK has become one of the most frequently performed elective surgeries in the world. These benefits include, but are not limited to:

• safe, effective procedure

• rapid vision improvement

• a long lasting solution for vision problems

• minimal down time – most people only need a couple of days off work

• increasedself-confidence and feeling more at ease socially and professionally

• nomorehasslecausedbyglasses/contactlensesimpacting on your working/sporting/family life

• occupational benefits for jobs requiring good unaided vision e.g. pilot/aircrew/police

• analternativeforpeopleunabletotolerate contact lenses

• no more worries when you lose a contact lens or break your glasses

• cost-saving advantages compared with years of prescription updates, lenses, frames, prescription sunglasses, contacts and solutions

• avoidthepossiblenegative consequences to your eye health from long term contact lens wear.

In summary, life-changing.

LASIK, one of the safest eye procedures – experienced by millions

ivision LASIK

At Auckland Eye we provide ivision LASIK. The technique has been developed to provide the very BEST LASIK experience available. Bringing together technology, experience, people and credentials, ivision LASIK provides the confidence of knowing your eyes are in the very best hands and being treated with the very BEST LASIK available... here’s why:

First provider of LASIK in Auckland

More years’ experience than anyone else in Auckland

ONLY quality accredited LASIK provider in Auckland

Superior European technology, approved by NASA, unmatched in Auckland

Ultimate LASIK promise, 20/20 vision or better – or it’s free

Lowest price in Auckland – we’ll match or better any offer

ivision LASIK – how does it work?

ivision LASIK, like all types of laser eye surgery, works by re-shaping the front surface of the eye, the cornea. LASIK will in most cases remove almost all of the eye’s distance focusing error and most people will have no need to wear glasses or contact lenses for clear distance vision. For the most common focusing problems 98% of people achieve 20/20 (6/6) or better vision.

The excimer laser removes small amounts of tissue from the cornea in an extremely precise manner, to sculpt a new surface that enables your eye to form a clear image on the retina, much like a camera that has been perfectly focused. The entire procedure is painless and very fast – less than 15 minutes per eye. The excimer laser or re-shaping part of the procedure takes only 30-90 seconds.

ivision LASIK – the stages

There are three fundamental stages to having ivision LASIK. Each stage of the process is designed to ensure you get the most personalised treatment available today.

Stage one assessment – 100% personalised As part of our ‘personalised approach to patient care’ ivision LASIK uses the latest wavefront (custom) technology to deliver an individualised treatment plan for each patient. Wavefront technology offers a

Before ivision LASIK After ivision LASIK

new level of diagnosis and treatment for people with nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. During your initial assessment to determine your suitability, our qualified LASIK technician will take you through a full assessment and establish a personalised map of your eye (WavePrintMap).

This ‘personalised blueprint’ reveals the way your entire optical system works, rather than just the corneal surface, providing the most precise analysis of your vision that enables our surgeon to fully customise your treatment. During the assessment phase you will see both a qualified LASIK technician and surgeon who will take you through all aspects of ivision LASIK and answer any questions.

Stage two procedure – 100% customised and bladefree Historically, the first step of reshaping the cornea was to create a flap using a blade (microkeratome). While this was a proven, safe and successful procedure, the minor complications that arose were associated with the use of a microkeratome. ivision LASIK uses a bladefree, IntraLase all-laser method to create the flap. This NASA preferred and approved approach eliminates these possible blade associated risks.

The IntraLase femtosecond laser uses tiny pulses of laser light that pass harmlessly through the outer surface of the cornea, forming a uniform layer of microscopic bubbles just under the surface (step 1). Your surgeon determines the exact dimensions of the bubble layer and this is all computer controlled for precision and accuracy. The surgeon is then able to gently separate the layers allowing the reshaping of the cornea just below the surface (step 2).

WavePrintMap – individualised blueprint of your eye

ivision LASIK then uses a superior European Technolas excimer laser (developed by Bausch & Lomb – world leaders in vision technology) to reshape the cornea (step 3).

For nearsightedness reshaping takes place in the central area to flatten the cornea, for farsightedness reshaping takes place on the edges to enhance its curve and with astigmatism reshaping targets various locations to improve uniformity of the cornea’s shape.

ivision uses a superior Technolas WaveFront guided system that is precisely calibrated to your individual eye profile which provides significant and unique advantages enabling your surgeon to reshape the cornea with exceptional accuracy, performance and safety. These include:

• Variable Spot Scanning which uses a smooth edged-beam laser vs. a broad-beam laser that provides two significant benefits:

• Itallowsforalargertreatmentareawhichprovides superior outcomes in low light conditions, especially important for people with large pupil sizes.

• Additionally,thesmoothbeamallowsforamore accurate procedure than other technology, conserving tissue and increasing visual outcomes.

• 3D Active Trak follows the tiny motions of your eye and iris, repositioning the laser as required ensuring safety and the most accurate LASIK treatment available, ultimately providing peace-of-mind

• Active Flying Spot laser that automatically prevents variations in power and fluency during the procedure adjusting the laser as required, delivering consistency, performance and safety to the highest level.

step 1: The corneal flap is created using an Intralase laser exposing the inner layers of the cornea. This takes about 25 seconds.

When the reshaping of the cornea is complete (which typically takes 30-90 seconds per eye) your surgeon replaces the flap (step 4) over the reshaped cornea and there is little or no post-operative discomfort. There is no need for stitches and the flap ‘locks’ securely back into place due to its precise shape and your eye heals very quickly (step 5).

Stage three post operative – 100% care Following your surgery you will have three post operative checks – one the day after your surgery, 1-3 weeks later and your last visit will be approximately 8 weeks later. After your first post-operative check you will be free enjoy your new vision and carry on with your life as normal.

step 2: Flap is created with the Intralase laser and folded away from the central cornea

step 3: Excimer laser reshapes the cornea

step 4: Corneal flap is replaced step 5: LASIK surgery is complete

Step 3Corneal flap is replacedStep 4LASIK surgery is complete

Step 3Corneal flap is replacedStep 4LASIK surgery is complete

Step 1Flap is created and folded

away from the central corneaStep 2Excimer laser reshapes the

cornea

Step 1Flap is created and folded

away from the central corneaStep 2Excimer laser reshapes the

cornea

ivision LASIK – when only the best will do

Why ivision LASIK at Auckland Eye?

ivision LASIK is designed especially for you, offering peace-of-mind and ultimate confidence in knowing you are getting the very best for your eyes without compromise.

It is important to note that not all LASIK providers are the same. All will claim they offer safe, high quality services, but how can you be sure? They have different technologies, approaches and processes which ultimately deliver different visual outcomes and experience. You may be surprised to know that in New Zealand any eye surgeon can offer LASIK without obtaining independent certification of the quality and safety of the service they provide.

So how can you be sure you are getting the very best procedure for your eyes? Here are some important reasons why ivision LASIK at Auckland Eye is your ONLY choice:

• ivision LASIK is 100% blade-free which means ultimate personalisation that delivers better quality of vision overall, particularly in low light such as at dusk or at night

• ONLY LASIK in Auckland that is approved in the US for variable optical zones and the only treatment fully customised for you. This is a significant advance on the “one size fits all” approach of older, broad-beam lasers. Despite their claims about customised treatments, the results from broad-beam lasers are not comparable with those provided by ivision

• ONLY LASIK in Auckland using a smooth-edged beam that can more accurately treat a larger area of the eye delivering superior outcomes in low light conditions and reducing the risk of halos

• Second-to-none precision that ensures less tissue is removed during the procedure even when treating more complex vision errors at the

periphery of your eye, which cannot be treated effectively by broad beam lasers

• ONLY LASIK in Auckland with high-speed, actively linked eye tracking that adjusts to the smallest of eye movements during the LASIK procedure, ensuring the most accurate treatment available.

• Our Wavefront personalised LASIK system maps out an individual treatment plan designed especially for you – a fingerprint of your eye, as no two are the same

• Our superior European technology uses an ‘active flying spot’ laser that automatically prevents variations in power and fluency during the procedure. Only Auckland Eye offers this level of LASIK consistency in Auckland, which cannot be matched by other providers utilising older technology.

In summary, ivision LASIK at Auckland Eye is the only place to have your LASIK treatment, providing you with the ultimate confidence in knowing that you are getting the very best and safest procedure available in Auckland.

Am I suitable for ivision LASIK?

While many people are good candidates for LASIK, it isn’t for everyone. The following conditions will help determine whether you may be a good candidate for LASIK:

• Youare20yearsofageorolder

• Yourvision/prescriptionhasbeenstable (not worsened) for at least one year

• Youreyeshaveahealthycornea,retina,and eye pressure

• Yourcorneamustalsohavesufficientthickness

• Youdonothaveaneyediseaseorothermedicalproblem relating to the eyes

• Youdonothavediabetesorothersystemicillnessthat may affect your eye health

• Youshouldhavenoevidenceofcollagen,vascular or autoimmune disease

• Youdonottakedrugsthatsuppressyourimmunesystem

• Youare not pregnant or a nursing mother

We make it easy for you to determine suitability by offering a free no obligation assessment with our qualified team.

Common questions about LASIK

How long does the surgery take? The LASIK procedure typically takes only 15 minutes per eye. The actual time that the laser is applied is only 30-90 seconds per eye. You will need to have someone drive you to the practice on the treatment day and take you home afterwards. You and your driver should plan to spend approximately an hour to an hour and a half at Auckland Eye from start to finish.

Does LASIK surgery hurt? No, the laser procedure itself does not hurt. Anaesthetic drops are used to numb the eye and a sedative tablet is offered to help you relax. Slight pressure may be felt during the procedure. For three or four hours after surgery, most people’s eyes will feel scratchy, watery and uncomfortable. Your surgeon will give you medicated drops and lubricants to ease the discomfort and help the cornea heal.

Can you guarantee me perfect vision with LASIK? No, we cannot absolutely guarantee perfect results from the surgery because each eye responds slightly differently. However, experience from previously treated people allows us to estimate the probability of your achieving perfect vision. With low amounts of myopia and astigmatism, 98% of people will achieve perfect or near perfect vision. With moderate amounts of myopia 85% of people will achieve perfect or near perfect vision. People with higher amounts of myopia and astigmatism also have a very good probability of achieving good vision but with a significant chance that glasses or contact lenses will be needed at times, or that further (enhancement) surgery may be required to achieve a full correction.

Is laser surgery completely safe? Yes, surgery is safe, but as with any surgery, laser eye surgery has potential risks that you must be aware of. Final visual results cannot be guaranteed. Though complications can arise, they are rare and will be discussed with you well before committing to surgery.

How long will the correction last? Results have shown that after the completion of the healing process the results gained will be permanent. There are rare cases where blurring of vision may recur. In most cases, this happens after many years and is a result of progression of the process of myopia, which can occur naturally in any person. This could be expected in around 1-2% of treated people.

When can I drive? A person is legal to drive with one eye 6/12 or better. Almost all people will reach the legal standard for driving on the day after surgery. Occasionally, imbalance between eyes, glare, or residual blurring may make a person feel unsure about driving. Night driving maybemoredifficultforafewweeksduetoglare.

When can I return to work? Most people will be completely pain free and have good vision on the day after surgery. Because you will need a check with your surgeon, this should be a planned day off. Most people will be able to return to normal work on the second day after surgery. Occasionally people may need a longer period off work (fewer than 5%).

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How long will I be on medications? For LASIK, prescribed eyedrops are used for 1 week. Artificial tears are usually required for a month or so following LASIK.

How much does it cost? Auckland Eye offers the best price in Auckland as well as interest free finance terms for your ease and convenience.

Do I need to leave contact lenses out before surgery? Yes, this is essential to achieve an accurate result. The use of contact lenses may alter the natural shape of your cornea and affect the outcome of your treatment.

Soft lenses should be left out for seven days and hard (rigid gas permeable) lenses should be left out for one month per decade of use prior to the initial assessment.

Is there an upper age limit for LASIK? No, as long as the eye and in particular, the cornea is healthy. After the age of 45 the eye’s ability to do the extra focusing work needed to see for reading or close work gradually diminishes. Many people start to need reading glasses at this age and this requirement for reading glasses is not prevented by laser eye surgery. This means that even if you have surgery, you will probably still need reading glasses from age 50. Our experienced team will take this into account and will be able to advise you about the best refractive option for your situation and vision requirements, whether this is ivision LASIK or possibly something else such as a lens replacement procedure.

Auckland Eye offers a no obligation, free laser assessment.

To make an appointment, or if you have any questions about ivision LASIK surgery please contact one of our friendly specialist team.

Life-changing ophthalmic care

New Zealand’s largest and most highly specialised Eye Centre offers:

• internationallytrainedlaserspecialistsand state-of-the-art laser surgery for refractive errors

• thebestqualitycareaseachophthalmologisthas specialist training in specific eye diseases and surgery techniques

• appointmentsareavailableatAucklandEyeinRemuera and also at our Apollo clinic in Albany (see website for details)

• modernday-stayfacilitiesforcataractandoutpatient ophthalmic surgery.

Auckland Eye is dedicated to providing the highest quality service in a caring environment. It is the only laser eye centre that has Quality Health New Zealand accreditation (QHNZ), for quality of patient care.

AucklandEyeisanaffiliatedprovidertoSouthern Cross Health Society.

Auckland Eye offers a no obligation free laser assessment. Interest free finance is also available for approved applicants. To make an appointment, or if you have any questions about laser surgery, please contact one of our friendly specialist team.

Auckland Eye

LASIK Doctors

Dr Dean CorbettBSc, FRANZCO

Dr Justin MoraFRANZCO

Dr Sue OrmondeMD, FRCOphth, FRANZCO

Dr David PendergrastFRANZCO

Dr Paul RosserFRANZCO

8 St Marks Road, Remuera Phone 0800 NEW EYESivision@aucklandeye.co.nzwww.aucklandeye.co.nz