All Laser LASIK at Stoken Ophthalmology

When it comes to laser vision correction, Dr. Stoken is one of the most experienced ophthalmologists in Central Pennsylvania. He has been performing laser vision correction surgery since its FDA approval in 1995. Additionally he has performed thousands of laser procedures for a variety of ophthalmic conditions. With over 20 years experience in eye surgery, Dr. Stoken works hard to provide the expertise you can trust.

Now, Dr. Stoken is pleased to offer ALL LASER LASIK, the newest advance in laser vision correction. All Laser Lasik uses a laser Intralase to replace the blade traditionally used for the first step of LASIK. Then for the refractive treatment he uses the Allegretto Wave Excimer Laser. Allegretto

Every LASIK eye surgery starts with Step One—the creation of a corneal flap. Doctors have traditionally performed Step One using a hand-held device with an oscillating metal blade, called a microkeratome. Results were considered good.

But that was before IntraLase.

IntraLase makes Step One your first step to all that better vision brings by replacing the hand-held microkeratome blade with a silent, computer-guided laser. Why? Because with the precision of the laser, you can now have greater assurance of a safer procedure and an excellent result.

Key Points of Interest of ALL LASER LASIK – Enriched with Intralase

1. Traditional blade LASIK is only part laser.
2. The biggest advance in Laser Vision Correction since LASIK was introduced a decade ago.
3. Virtually eliminates all complications caused by blades, the most common cause of LASIK complication.
4. Some day ALL LASIK will be performed as All-Laser LASIK.
5. If you have been waiting for a safer LASIK, this is it.
6. Everything ever invented took time to be perfected, now LASIK has advanced to a safer LASIK, All Laser LASIK.
7. It's taken over a decade for LASIK to go from part laser to All-Laser.
8. Improved surgeon control and flexibility translates directly into unprecedented safety for our patients
9. Intralase exceeds the performance standards of current mechanical microkeratomes (blades)
10. Reproducibility of critical flap parameters (such as diameter, thickness and hinge width) has been clearly demonstrated to be far more predictable than mechanical microkeratomes
11. The greater post-operative stability of the corneal flap created with Intralase greatly reduces the likelihood of post-operative flap complications
12. As demonstrated by electron microscopy, the surface quality of the corneal stroma underlying the flap is far superior with Intralase when compared to mechanical microkeratomes
13. Use of Intralase avoids the potentially dangerous elevation in intraocular pressure associated with mechanical microkeratomes
14. Dr. Stoken performs All-laser LASIK at the Pennsylvania Eye Surgery Center located at the Memorial Eye Institute on the Linglestown Rd. in Harrisburg

WHAT TO EXPECT BEFORE DURING AND AFTER
LASIK SURGERY

Before Surgery
Before you proceed with laser vision correction, we strongly suggest you have a LASIK consultation at Stoken Ophthalmology. A LASIK consultation is easy to set up, just call 249-6337 to schedule an appointment. If you are a current contact lens wearer and wear soft lenses, you must remove them 2 weeks prior to your appointment. If you wear rigid gas permeable or hard lenses they must be removed one month prior to your appointment.

The consultation will help us make a preliminary determination whether you are a candidate for LASIK or another vision correction procedure, and if so, which procedure would be most appropriate for you. If you schedule a consultation, there is no obligation to move forward with the procedure.

In general, to be a candidate for laser vision correction you should:

• be at least 18 years of age or older
• have stable vision for at least a year prior to the procedure
• be free of certain diseases of the cornea and retina
• be in good general health
• not be pregnant or less than 6 months post partum
• not be breast feeding for the last 6 months

Aside from these general requirements, we recommend you have a number of visual tests to determine whether you are a candidate. At Stoken Ophthalmology we will perform these tests in our office and the cost of the tests is included in the cost of your All Laser LASIK procedure.

It is important for you to realize that even if it is determined that you are not a candidate today, it does not mean that you will not be a candidate as new technology becomes available. However, laser vision correction is not for everyone, and some patients (for example, those with certain diseases of the eye involving the cornea or retina), will never be candidates. The best way for you to find out if you are a viable candidate for All Laser LASIK is having a consultation.

The secondary objective of the consultation is to educate you regarding all aspects of laser vision correction, including risks, benefits, options and expected results.

All of us at Stoken Ophthalmology want you to learn everything you can about your options so you can make an informed decision. The consultation process will help you to understand what you can reasonably expect from the procedure.

Day of Surgery
On the day of your procedure, you should arrive at the laser center as rested and relaxed as possible. You should allow approximately two hours for the entire process. You will first go through a complete preparation process including the administration of mild eye drops to numb your eyes. You may choose to have a mild sedative prior to your procedure. Then, you will enter the laser suite for treatment, which will last only a few minutes on each eye.

The most natural response prior to your procedure is a mixture of both eager anticipation and nervousness. Most All Laser LASIK patients describe similar feelings before their procedure, so be reassured this is extremely normal. Most patients' anxiety wanes as they see others going through the process before them.

Dr. Stoken has had extensive training on all aspects of laser vision correction.

We use the information from your eye exam to program the state-of-the-art computer software, which calculates the required corneal change and then helps the laser create this change. The Laser Center team programs and operates the laser, maintaining control throughout your procedure.

Post-Op
Once your procedure is complete you will be able to go home almost immediately to rest. Additional drops will be placed in your eyes and medication may be given to you to use over the next few days.

Following the All Laser LASIK procedure, an eye shield(s) will be placed over your eye(s). The eye shield is typically worn at bedtime, for several days.

Most patients notice dramatic visual results within the first 24 hours following the procedure and are able to resume all of their regular activities the next day.

It is important for you to understand that follow-up care is as important to your results as the actual procedure. Make sure that you see Dr. Stoken for all of your regularly scheduled post-op appointments and then on an annual basis to monitor the health of your eyes.

While laser vision correction has proven to be overwhelmingly successful in reducing dependence on glasses and contact lenses, the degree of improvement may vary from individual to individual. Dr. Stoken may perform an enhancement within the first few months after your procedure if you and Dr. Stoken agree that an enhancement could be beneficial.

An overwhelming majority of our patients tell us about the dramatic impact the procedure has had on their lives, enabling them to enjoy everyday activities in a way they could not before All Laser LASIK

All Laser LASIK financing provided through Commerce Bank.