Woodhams Eye Clinic > Free Evaluation

INTRALASE ® FS Laser and IntraLASIK ® Software replace blade in Corneal Flap creation; and eliminate many LASIK surgery complications.

Woodhams Laser and Lens Implant Center, LLC introduced the INTRALASE METHOD of LASIK to Atlanta and is the MOST EXPERIENCED of this "all-laser" approach in Atlanta. Click here to learn more about IntraLASIK®.

Below are some frequently asked questions about Woodhams Eye Clinic:

1) What is LASIK and how does it work?
LASIK (Laser Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis) is a vision correction procedure that uses a laser to improve the focusing ability of the cornea (the clear dome overlying the colored part of the eye). The curve of the cornea’s surface (like a lens) has a focal distance that must match the distance to the back of the eye where the retina (like film in a camera) is located. If this is not the case, blurred (out-of-focus) vision is the result.

After temporarily folding back an ultra-thin "flap" of superficial cornea (the keratectomy), laser energy is used to re-shape the underlying exposed cornea in a way calculated to create ideal focusing through the new corneal surface. A successful LASIK procedure will reduce or eliminate nearsightedness (Myopia), essential farsightedness (Hyperopia), and the most typical form of astigmatism (Cylinder). It will NOT cure, however, the age type of farsightedness (Presbyopia) -but there IS a way around this (See Question 9).

A proper LASIK procedure should include:

Careful testing and skilled evaluation by the doctor for the condition of each eye considerably beyond that found in a routine eye exam.
Personalized planning of the LASIK procedure for each eye based on the evaluation and the patient’s particular needs.
Precise use of the keratome and laser by the doctor.
A thorough and careful checkup by the doctor for at least 90 days after the procedure.
Attentive care by the doctor and his staff until the eyes are completely healed and stabilized.

Different clinics, different doctors and different lasers have varying abilities and levels of commitment to accomplish these goals.

2) Is LASIK the only surgical vision correction available?
No, but it is the most common procedure since RK (Radial Keratotomy) in the late 1990s. There ARE, however, other procedures that may offer advantages compared to LASIK for many individuals. It is unlikely that a clinic not offering a full range of services would be in a position to knowledgably discuss these with you.

LASEK is a variation of PRK, a surface laser treatment of the cornea that can be performed in those cases where LASIK would leave the cornea too thin for safety. While a good choice for some, it has the relative disadvantage of being more uncomfortable and having slower visual recovery than LASIK. INTRALASIK may possibly be recommended for thin corneas as well.

There are also lens implant technologies that do not utilize a laser. Refractive lensectomy is a sort of "pre-cataract operation" where the natural lens of the eye is replaced with an artificial one that includes your spectacle prescription. [add link to IOL here] Dr. Woodhams is also the most experienced provider of the STAAR implantable "contact lens."

ABOUT IMPLANTABLE COLLAMER LENSES (ICL)

These lenses are a revolutionary new treatment for patients who are 21 to 45 and are not candidates for Lasik due to high myopia or thin or weak corneas. The lenses are placed just below the iris in a simple, 10 minute, painless procedure and are not detectable to the patient and are invisible to others. The lenses are removable and reversible and can eliminate the need for glasses or contacts in patients who are -3 to -16 diopters. For more information on the Visian ICL go to the link below.

http://www.visianinfo.com/weblink.php?siteid=471

3) What holds the LASIK "flap" in place?
After Woodhams LASIK the natural bonding properties of the cornea go to work immediately upon replacing the thin "flap" in its original place. This seals the edges of the flap (the epithelial layer) back together in a matter of hours. There is also a more gradual and firm healing of the interface between the flap and the underlying, "lasered" cornea. It would be extremely difficult to rub loose the flap past the immediate post-operative period.

4) What can be done to avoid the kind of post-op vision problems I have read about?
At Woodhams Eye Clinic we have developed an evaluation process using several detailed eye and vision tests not available in routine eye exams. These include:

A computerized 3-D mapping (Orbscan) of the cornea of each eye. This measures every point of focus and thickness of the cornea, not just a few. It also greatly improves the ability to identify certain otherwise hidden conditions (e.g keratoconus) that are incompatible with good LASIK outcomes.
Measurement and analysis of pupil size and vision under low light conditions (twilight and nighttime). In objectively evaluating risk factors, we can avoid potential night vision problems by taking appropriate precautions, or even avoid performing surgery at all on unsuitable patients.
Ongoing, objective outcomes analysis by Refractive Surgery Consultant™ for continuously updated treatment parameters and ever-improving precision and accuracy.
Wavefront analysis of your vision (Wave Print™ and Tracey™ ). These analyze the eye’s image quality both pre- and post-operatively (see Question 8). Wavefront analysis provides assessment of Higher Orders (9 levels) of visual quality and can pinpoint subtle vision problems undetectable by standard eye charts and refraction. This allows us to personalize our surgical planning to fit your eye’s unique "fingerprint." It also allows us to analyze the source of post-op visual problems referred to the clinic by other doctors.
All LASIK procedures at Woodhams Eye Clinic are performed using the most advanced and proven laser, the VisX Star S4. This is a variable spot-size, scanning laser with the ActiveTrak™ 3-D eye tracker. We NEVER use older, cheaper, models (such as scanning slit or broad-beam models) for the "easy" cases that can be passed off on unsophisticated patients.

In addition, we do not "outsource" your pre- and post-operative care to other doctors (much less non-medical personnel). You will personally have the opportunity to meet Dr. Woodhams, discuss your case in an unhurried fashion, and know that we alone are providing continuing care after the actual LASIK itself.

5) What is all this I see advertised about LASIK for unbelievably low prices?
Misleading Ads: Aggressive advertising by some corporate centers has produced a number of unsavory LASIK ploys. One is the lowball, teaser price. The overwhelming majority of patients do not qualify for this. It is common for a $499 advertised price to become $2,500-$3,000 for both eyes once a patient's prescription and a complete set of pre- and post-operative services and enhancements are included.

Technology and safety shortcuts: Some centers use older technology that doesn’t provide a full range of FDA approved vision correction or eye-tracking capabilities. There have been cases of providers reusing blades or not sterilizing equipment. It is rare for a LASIK center to bother with inviting inspection for the high standards necessary for State ASC certification. Confirm that your LASIK will be performed in a state-certified eye surgery center (you can ask for their Georgia number). Validate the use of a state-of-the-art, FDA-approved laser utilizing 3-D eye tracking, large treatment zones, and backup power supply. For additional safety, verify the surgeon uses a "nasal hinge" cutting microkeratome to avoid dry-eye problems caused by the total severing of both corneal nerves inherent in the older "superior hinge" method.

Itinerant Surgeons: Some eye surgeons "circuit ride" and can only be met on the day of surgery (if at all); some even fly in from out-of-state for the day! In order to pull this off, pre- and post-op care is delegated to others, often not even medically licensed personnel. Very low prices usually mean processing large numbers of patients with many non-certified support staff.