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Custom LASIK in Oregon - Serving Residents of Portland, Bend, Albany, Salem, Beaverton, Vancouver, and Surrounding Communities

For over 10 years, laser vision correction has been a safe and effective, FDA- approved treatment for a wide range of common vision problems, including myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism. In Portland, Oregon, as well as the rest of the United States, it is currently the most frequently performed elective surgery.

To view video demonstration of eye anatomy and refractive disorders choose one of the following videos:

• Myopia
• Hyperopia
• Astigmatism

Laser vision treatments involve the use of a laser to permanently change the shape of the cornea, the crystal-clear covering of the front of the eye. By adjusting the curve of the cornea, the focusing system of the eye is changed, allowing the patient to see clearly without the need for glasses or contact lenses. By measuring the eye before surgery, applying advanced objective diagnostic equipment, and using mathematical formulas developed from analyzing thousands of patient outcomes, we know how to program the laser to achieve the best custom LASIK treatment at our Portland, Oregon area offices.

There are two common techniques used in laser vision correction—LASIK and Epi-Lasik. LASIK involves the use of a separate instrument called a microkeratome to first make a thin flap in the surface of the cornea, whereas in Epi-LASIK, a much more superficial flap is created. The advantage of LASIK is the quick healing and visual recovery. However, for certain patients, the creation of a thicker flap is not advised. Dr. Teplick may recommend Epi-LASIK for these patients; healing time will generally be longer in these instances.

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How LASIK Works

LASIK is short for laser in-situ keratomileusis. In this procedure, a cool beam of ultraviolet light is used to microscopically adjust the curvature of the cornea (the clear surface of the eye), allowing light to focus on the retina without the aid of glasses.

The entire procedure takes about 10 minutes, and most patients have both eyes done at the same sitting. You are given a mild sedative prior to surgery, but you are awake during the operation. Anesthetic eye drops make the entire experience relatively painless.

After the eye is numbed, you are positioned underneath a microscope that the surgeon uses to directly focus the laser. The eyelids are secured with a small surgical speculum so that you cannot blink during the procedure. The patient is positioned under the Intralase laser and a flap is created using small pulses of light thus allowing the surgeon to focus the laser within the cornea itself. A computer determines the number and location of laser pulses to be applied.

After the flap is created with the Intralase the patient is positioned under the VISX and laser treatment is applied to the surface of the cornea using advanced three-dimensional eye tracking which monitors the position of the eye; therefore, it is virtually impossible for the patient to negatively affect the outcome of the procedure by moving or blinking. The flap is replaced and acts like a natural bandage, allowing rapid healing and prompt return to full activity.

At the conclusion of LASIK surgery, you are given eye drops, and clear plastic shields are applied to protect the corneas for the first 24 hours. Most patients have little post-operative discomfort.

You will be seen by the surgeon the next day and generally followed carefully for the next few months. Most patients may return to full activity, including driving, the day following surgery. Contact us today to discuss your LASIK eye surgery options.

View a video demonstration of the LASIK procedure

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Technology

Everyone claims to have the best technology for LASIK eye surgery, and yet there are several lasers approved by the FDA. The combination of an experienced LASIK surgeon, state-of-the-art technology, careful preoperative selection, and attention to detail greatly enhance the success rate of any surgical operation. Having been involved in custom LASIK in the Portland, Oregon area from its inception, we have had the opportunity to evaluate every technology available. We ultimately chose to invest in and have the most experience with the VISX STAR S4 excimer laser, which is also the most popular laser in the United States.

Over 25,000 eyes have been treated with VISX at the Portland area offices of Dr. Stanley Teplick. Using this data, as well as that from a database of 4 million VISX cases worldwide, we are able to accurately predict the results of your LASIK surgery.

The VISX, used in our four Portland area offices, has advanced scanning capabilities, as well as three-dimensional infrared eye tracking to ensure that minor eye movements will not interfere with the quality of the custom LASIK treatment. In addition, we are one of the few centers in the Northwest that utilizes state-of-the art Visx Customvue wave front technology with Iris Registration, which allows us to correct complex refractive disorders, not just nearsightedness. Teplick Vision is one of the few centers in the country using the latest automated iris registration technology which allows much more accurate tracking of the eye during surgery, improving outcomes and adding yet another layer of safety to insure your best result. At the four Oregon offices of Dr. Stanley Teplick, we carefully analyze your entire optical system so we can develop a personalized correction specific for your unique eyes. Originally developed by astrophysicists to reduce distortion when viewing distant objects in deep space, the VISX CustomVue™ method is more accurate than laser treatments based on standard refractions. Instead of the subjective quality of “Which is better; one or two?” tests, Dr. Teplick can map the exact surface features of your cornea and use custom LASIK to correct the irregularities.

In fact, VISX CustomVue™ technology can identify, measure, and treat imperfections in the human visual system 25 times more precisely than standard methods.

The advantages of customized vision treatments include:

• Greater chance of achieving 20/20 vision
• Improved quality of vision
• Much greater chance of achieving vision better than 20/20
• Reduced chance of losing visual quality or contrast sensitivity
• Reduced chance of glare, haloes, or night vision disturbances

As new technology like VISX custom LASIK becomes available to improve outcomes, we are committed to incorporating it into our centers. Nonetheless, it is a mistake to think that technology alone is responsible for the best outcomes. The skill, experience, and judgment of your surgeon are why patients choose to have custom LASIK with VISX at our offices serving Portland, Bend, Albany, Beaverton, Salem, Vancouver, and surrounding communities.

Click here for more information on VISX technology.

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Laser Vision Correction Screening and Consultation

Prior to scheduling custom LASIK at one of our Portland, Oregon area offices, it is recommended that every patient have a screening consultation exam to evaluate his or her candidacy for the procedure. Preferably, this screening should be with the operating surgeon. During this evaluation, the patient's visual system is examined with particular attention to issues which could affect a satisfactory outcome, or which could increase the patient's risk of encountering a side effect or complication from the procedure.

Screening essentials should include a careful refraction, biomicroscopic evaluation of the eye, pupil measurement, tear film analysis, measurement of corneal thickness, corneal topography, and wave front visual analysis. In addition, this is the time for the patient to have all questions and concerns addressed. At the screening, the patient has an opportunity to evaluate the surgeon and to feel comfortable that he or she has selected someone with experience, dedication, and commitment.

As with any medical procedure, there are some risks associated with laser vision correction. Fortunately, the risk is very low. Visual side effects occur in roughly one percent of patients and are usually temporary. Serious visual problems are encountered in approximately one in 1,000 patients. Dr. Teplick will thoroughly review your risk/benefit analysis prior to surgery.

You should do careful research, and take the time to have all your questions answered. The decision to have surgery is best made personally between the patient and the surgeon. Be cautious if the surgeon is not available to you pre-operatively, or if you feel you are being pressured to sign up for surgery.

Common sense would suggest that it is unwise to select a medical operation based upon price alone. At Teplick Vision, we are committed to the success of every procedure. We provide quality laser eye surgery procedures for patients who trust only the top surgeons with their vision. Contact us today to schedule a free LASIK eye surgery consultation.

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What to Expect On the Day of Surgery

Plan to be at the laser center for about two hours on the day of your procedure, and to have someone with you to drive you home. Prior to surgery, you will have some additional eye testing and a chance to review all of your questions with Dr. Teplick. A mild sedative will be given if desired. The LASIK procedure itself takes about 15 minutes. The eye is numbed with anesthetic drops to ensure that the whole process is relatively painless.

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Postoperative Care for LASIK

You will be given a thorough review of your post-operative care by one of our counselors on the day of surgery, but here are some essentials.

• Try not to rub or bump your eyes for one to two weeks following surgery
• Wait to drive until you are comfortable and seeing clearly
• You may shower the next day, but try to avoid getting shampoo or soapy water in your eyes
• It is normal to have irritation and blurry vision for a few days after surgery
• Avoid strenuous activity for two to three days
• Night glare, halos, and star bursts are infrequent and usually temporary
• If you are over 40, you will most likely need reading glasses after surgery
• The eyes will become more dry for a few months after surgery—be sure to keep them lubricated frequently with artificial tears
• Do not remove eye shields until your first postoperative exam (except for eye drops)
• Wear eye shields over your eyes while sleeping for one week following surgery
• Avoid mascara or eye liner for one week

• Expect your vision to fluctuate and your eyes to be sensitive to light for the first few days
• Try to take one day off work following surgery
• No swimming, hot tubs, or saunas for one week
• Wear protective eyewear for a few weeks for any contact sport or in dusty environments
• Wear sunglasses when outdoors to protect your eyes from sun, wind, and debris

This information is not meant to replace a personal consultation with Dr. Teplick. Everyone’s eyes are different, and we want to be able to craft the most effective and personalized treatment for your unique eyes. For more information about laser vision correction for nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, Portland, Bend, Salem, Beaverton, Albany, Vancouver, and other Oregon and Southern Washington residents are urged to contact Teplick Custom Vision today.

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