When someone decides that they want LASIK, they rarely consider the type of laser that will be used to fix their vision. While it is true that there are many different lasers used by ophthalmologists to correct myopia or hyperopia, you may want to know a little about the one that will be used on your eyes, especially if you are concerned about some of the side effects on your night vision that you may have heard about. Halos and glare are extremely rare, but they have a bothersome effect on LASIK patients. One of the latest generation lasers that can solve these types of issues is called the Allegretto Wave excimer laser.
The Food and Drug Administration approved the Allegretto Wave laser in 2003 for use with LASIK surgery. Allegretto Wave uses PerfectPulse Technology. This technology basically means that the laser is calibrated for your individual eye and does not act as a blanket solution for all eyes. Think of your eye like a fingerprint: no one else has your exact eye. One of the problems with older lasers is that they may have acted as a one-size-fits-all solution. It is here where some of the problems with LASIK have occurred. With Allegretto Wave’s PerfectPulse Technology, the beam’s pulse hits your eye exactly where it should. Checkpoints are made even as the pulse works at 200 times per second. If an adjustment is needed, this can be done, if your eye moves out of the beam’s range, for example.
Allegretto Wave also uses something called wavefront-guided technology. This essentially creates a map of your eye. Because no two eyes are the same, the eye’s “cartography” is important at the microscopic level. Since the laser will be sculpting your cornea, it is necessary that a map be created so that the 200 pulses per second know where they’re going. When this is done, more corneal tissue is preserved.
One of the unique features about Allegretto Wave is that it is able to read a large optical zone. This is the zone of the pupil that is affected by night vision (the more light needed in the eye, the larger the pupil zone). Through reading and mapping the entire optical zone, the chances of halos and glare are nearly eliminated.
If you are in the New York City, Manhattan, or Long Island, New York area and would like to learn more about the Allegretto Wave laser, please visit the website of board certified ophthalmologist Dr. James Kelly.
Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/vision-articles/consider-the-allegretto-wave-laser-for-lasik-1523236.html
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Whether or not you have an eye problem or condition, you probably care a great deal about your eyesight. That is why, when searching for an ophthalmologist, you should come to consultations prepared with questions and a list of criteria. After all, ophthalmologists provide total eye care, including surgeries. By making a measured, educated choice, you will know you are getting the best care, and this knowledge will help you feel more relaxed and confident about any treatments you undergo.
What to Look For in an Ophthalmologist
To begin, make sure that potential ophthalmologists are licensed to practice in your state are certified through an accredited medical institution. If you are undergoing a surgical procedure, ensure that you speak with an ophthalmologist. Although licensed optometrists and opticians are certainly qualified to provide eye care, ophthalmologists are trained to perform surgeries.
If possible, review ophthalmologists’ Web sites or read testimonials from current or former patients. Often, you can find more information than you would from just reading advertisements or flipping through the phone book.
Questions to Ask an Ophthalmologist
In addition to checking credentials and getting a sense of an ophthalmologist’s reputation, you should feel free to ask any or all of the following questions:
- What surgeries or procedures do you typically perform on patients?
- What does your pre- and post-operative care include?
- What vision improvements do your patients typically experience post-surgery?
- How long have you been practicing?
- Do you have any preferences in treatment that you think I should know about?
- How might I get in touch with current or former patients who can speak to the quality of care you provide?
Making a Decision
Ultimately, choosing an ophthalmologist is a deeply personal decision. In addition to making sure your care provider is qualified and respected in the field, you must also make sure that he or she helps you feel more at ease about your eye care. You should feel as if your questions are being answered thoroughly and that you are given the proper amount of information to make educated choices. The care of a good ophthalmologist can result in life-changing improvements in vision, and you must make the choice that makes you feel comfortable, educated, and confident.
If you live in the Seattle area and are trying to find the best ophthalmologist for you, please contact the licensed staff at the Bellevue LASIK & Cornea Center today.
Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/vision-articles/choosing-an-ophthalmologist-a-sharpeyed-approach-1484708.html