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Conventional LASIK vs. iLASIK

Posted on February 19, 2016 by Maria Afonso in Bense, Bense Vision, Eye Health, Eyes, iLASIK, Newfoundland, Technology, Vision

Dr. Bense

Conventional LASIK vs. iLASIK

Vision correction has come so far from the first eye glasses introduced in the 13th century, we have evolved from specs to surgeries. The first Laser Vision correction surgeries started with PRK in early 1990’s, followed by the LASIK procedure late 1990’s and then iLASIK in the early-mid 2000’s. If you are interested in LASIK eye surgery and have come this far, you’ve likely been doing some research on Blade vs. Bladeless. What do these terms really mean? What are the advantages and disadvantages? Is it worth it? We want to clear the air and answer some of these common concerns.

LASIK 101

Let’s start by telling you what happens during the LASIK procedure, this will help you understand the difference! During LASIK, the cornea (the outermost layer of the eye) is reshaped to correct vision including nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. In order to get to the corneal tissue that needs to be reshaped, the LASIK surgeon must create a thin corneal flap. The flap is the very exterior layer, often described as thin as “saran wrap” or “skin on an onion”. The flap is then lifted for application of laser energy that reshapes the eye for vision correction. The flap stays connected to the eye, when the LASIK procedure is complete and the cornea has been reshaped, the surgeon “closes” the flap, which naturally starts to ahere right away.

What is Conventional or traditional LASIK?

In a conventional LASIK procedure, the surgeon will use a bladed instrument known as a microkeratome to cut a thin flap into the cornea. The hand-held blade comes in direct contact with the cornea in this type of procedure. The flap (door into the cornea) created by a microkeratome is not always precise and may be thinner toward the middle of the flap because of how the blade works. This has the potential to cause certain types of flap defects including buttonholes (where the flap is shaped like a button) and flaps that become detached from the eye or incomplete.

What does “Blade-Free” LASIK means?

In a 100% blade-free LASIK procedure (AKA bladeless or all-laser LASIK procedure), the surgeon will use the advanced technology of a laser to create the flap (door to the cornea). At Bense Vision, our iLASIK procedure exclusively uses the advanced IntraLase iFS™ femtosecond laser – the most advanced Laser Vision Correction used worldwide. This laser uses high-energy laser pulses to separate the corneal tissue. Using this advanced laser technology to create the corneal flap means a more consistent thickness throughout the flap and reduces the number of complications that can result from using the bladed microkertome instrument.

What are the advantages of blade-free flaps

It is a fact that iLASIK technology is 25 times more accurate that conventional LASIK. It is so custom, so precise, and so accurate that we are able to treat many more patients, those that would not have been candidates for “conventional” LASIK are more likely to be good candidates for iLASIK today. As well, using a laser to create the corneal flap during LASIK will lead to fewer flap complications, that we used to see when doing cornea bladed LASIK. This can translate to additional benefits in terms of long-term quality of vision following this iLASIK procedure. Numerous studies have demonstrated the benefits of using a laser to create the corneal flap in a LASIK procedure. Some of the advantages compared with conventional LASIK include:

  • Less flap complications
  • Increased accuracy creating the corneal flap
  • Unprecedented control and precision during the procedure
  • Less patient anxiety without the “blade”
  • Reduced occurrence of halos and glare associated with blade
  • Better long-term vision quality
  • Treat more patients
  • Dry eyes more associated with blade

Is Blade-Free really worth It?

There are many advantages to blade-free LASIK, and there are certainly associated costs with this type of procedure. However, at Bense Vision we believe so strongly that the blade free iLASIK procedure, is the standard of care for today – we do not pass on that cost difference to our patients. It is our opinion that patients who receive the bladed LASIK for the same cost as Bense Vision’s iLASIK are simply overpaying. Did you know? The blade-free iLASIK procedure is the only approved laser vision correction procedure for use by NASA and US Military branches! Now that you understand the advantages compared with conventional LASIK, it’s up to you to determine if the benefits are important to you! When it comes to your vision, you decide what you want and deserve!

Don’t underestimate Surgeon Experience!

While blade-free iLASIK offers many benefits compared with conventional LASIK, the most important aspect is that the patient is in the hands of an expert surgeon. We are talking about tools, and tools are only as good as the surgeon who is using them. For example, a novice surgeon does not have the experience and skill as a seasoned surgeon who has been performing LASIK for many years. While both of these surgeons may use the same femtosecond laser, the seasoned surgeon would be more skilled at using the laser to provide patients with optimal vision outcomes. So don’t let the appeal of blade-free LASIK technology blind you to other important LASIK considerations, such as surgeon experience. We believe in the best, that is why we practice exclusively blade free for our LASIK patients – we are the only iLASIK certified provider in the province.

Experience Blade-Free LASIK from the Best!

At Bense vision you will receive 100% blade-free iLASIK technology in the hands of an experienced and skilled iLASIK surgeon who has performed almost 30,000 laser vision correction surgeries! Because we remain committed to using leading-edge technology and being Newfoundland’s most experienced and qualified iLASIK surgeon, we have helped 95% of our iLASIK patients see 20/20 or better following their procedure, with the majority seeing even better than that….20/15! At Bense Vision we are a “true centre of excellence” for LASIK eye surgery in the province.

To find out if you are a candidate, schedule a free evaluation with our doctors by calling 709.722.2020 or request an appointment via our contact page .


Fact or Fiction: Discussing LASIK Myths

Posted on October 15, 2015 by Maria Afonso in iLASIK, Vision

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Laser Vision Correction procedures have been around for 20 years now, constantly making progressive changes in technology, treatment plans, and financing options. As with any other surgical procedure, your first instinct is to gather as much information as possible in order to help with your decision to move forward.

For as long as laser vision correction procedures have been around, there has been a sharing of information and, more often than not unfortunately, misinformation! Unless you are a LASIK expert, it can be hard to sort through and determine what is fact and what is fiction when it comes to laser vision correction procedures. There is so much information available regarding these procedures, you may not even know where to start!

Luckily, here at Bense Vision, we are experts in all things LASIK, and want to help give you the correct information you are looking for. Let’s take a look at some of the most common LASIK myths, and distinguish once and for all what is fact, and what is pure fiction.

LASIK surgery is painful!

This myth is complete fiction! While LASIK is a surgical procedure, pain is kept under control with the use of eye drops that numb your eyes during the duration of the procedure, which only lasts about 20 minutes from start to finish. Typically, patients will feel pressure during a portion of the procedure, but the actual laser reshaping is completely pain-free. Additionally, you may be provided a mild sedative prior to LASIK if you are experiencing anxiety.

LASIK can correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and even astigmatism.

This myth is absolutely true! Many think that LASIK is only meant to or able to treat nearsightedness, but that thinking is incorrect. Advances in laser vision technology mean that many common refractive errors can be treated with LASIK. If you happen to have a more serious refractive error, there are other surgical options available to treat your vision as well.

LASIK surgery can make your vision worse.

This is one of the biggest fears potential laser vision correction patients have prior to undergoing their surgery. Some people are under the belief that laser vision correction can damage your eyesight, and even make you go blind! This couldn’t be further from the truth. No one has ever gone blind from a LASIK procedure, and since the surgery only affects the front surface of your eye, complications are very rare.

You will never have to wear corrective lenses again after LASIK.

This is a trickier LASIK myth, and it is understandable why so much misinformation exists. LASIK will correct your current vision issues, meaning if your vision stays the same for the rest of your life after LASIK, you will be fine! However, since no laser vision correction procedures can stop the natural aging process, it is common for LASIK patients to wear glasses for reading, or for activities such as night driving, when they get older.

Long-term side effects of LASIK are unknown.

This is another myth that can be counted as pure fiction. As mentioned before, laser vision correction procedures have been around for more than 20 years! Given this, the sample size of LASIK patients is more than large enough to state that long-term complications or side effects are not only known, but are virtually non-existent.

Discussing LASIK Myths at Bense Vision

We are committed to providing our patients with the most knowledgeable, professional, reliable, and state-of-the-art eye care solutions available. At Bense Vision, your vision is important to us. We have performed thousands of successful LASIK procedures, and are proud to offer the highest-quality treatment and technology available. Part of the Bense Advantage is being able to enjoy the benefits of our premier laser vision correction facility, including the expertise of Dr. Bense himself, and the support of his highly skilled staff.

If you are having vision problems, and are looking into ways to finally be free of those contacts or glasses, we want to help put you on the right track towards better vision. During your free consultation at Bense Vision, we will be happy to discuss any LASIK myths, frequently asked questions, and any other concerns you may have regarding your laser vision correction procedure.

The information on laser vision correction procedures can be entirely overwhelming if you don’t know where to look. We pride ourselves on being able to clear up the most common LASIK myths out there to help make your laser vision correction journey a smooth one. If you’ve heard or read any information about LASIK that you don’t see addressed here, please feel free to contact us and we will happy to set the record straight!


Life after LASIK

Posted on July 17, 2015 by Maria Afonso in Bense, Bense Vision, Eyes, iLASIK

You can begin enjoying the advantages of LASIK immediately after the procedure! The recovery process is so quick that, if your workplace has a low risk of eye injury, you can return to work one day after getting LASIK. Before you can enjoy your new eyes, it’s important to follow the doctor’s instructions and be aware of what you can and cannot do.

BV blog

Immediately After LASIK Surgery

After your surgery, it is important to do whatever you can to protect your eyes. Your doctor will provide you with sunglasses or eye shields, which you will have to wear while sleeping. You will also be given eye drops to prevent inflammation, infections and to keep your eyes moist during the healing process.
It is crucial that you have transportation arranged for after your surgery, as you will not be able to drive immediately after the procedure has been completed. Once you’re home, you may feel like scratching and rubbing your eyes, but it is very important that you do not touch your eyes during recovery time at all. After your procedure, your corneal flap is healing, and rubbing your eyes can halt the healing process by displacing the flap. You may also experience red, watery eyes during healing, but these are all normal, temporary symptoms and nothing to be worried about!

The Next Few Days After LASIK

Your doctor will likely want to do a check-up within the first 24 hours of your procedure to make sure your eyes are recovering well. This is when you will be advised as to when you can drive, and if it’s safe to return to work. After 3 days, you may be able to resume regular outdoor activities, if you are wearing protective eye gear and are being very careful.
You can also resume applying make-up at this time, as long as you stay away from your eyes. This means no mascara or eyeliner just yet, ladies! Additionally, when washing your face make-up off, don’t forget to stay away from the eyes, which can be done by using make up wipes instead of a full-face wash. This alternative will help prevent you from being tempted to rub your eyes during make up removal.

One Month After LASIK

In the weeks following your procedure, you may feel as though there is something in your eye at times, but this is just a normal side effect of LASIK. As long as you are not touching or picking your eyes, this symptom should go away in due time. At this time, you can now resume wearing make-up, and play your favourite sports without eyewear protection!

A Few Months After LASIK

You’re free! A few months after your procedure, you can finally enjoy your new eyes without any restrictions at all. Of course, we always recommend wearing sunglasses and eye protection for high trauma activities, such as outdoor sports, or exposure to the sun. Now go ahead, and savor a life without glasses and contacts!

Did you know that Bense Vision is the only laser clinic in Newfoundland to offer iLASIK™, the most advanced form of LASIK. Book a free consultation to see if you are eligible for laser vision correction today!


5 Essential Nutrients for Eye Health

Posted on February 13, 2015 by Maria Afonso in Uncategorized

Having healthy eyes and clear vision should never be taken for granted. Maintaining the health of your eyes is as simple as eating the foods that contain nutrients that support eye health.

A young woman holding green and red peppers over her eyes and laughing

Below are 5 essential nutrients for eye health and the foods you can find them in:

Omega-3s

Omega-3’s are very important for eye health and can protect against dry eye and macular degeneration. Cold-water fish such as salmon, tuna and mackerel are all rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Try to incorporate fish into your diet at least twice a week. If you’re not a fan of fish, omega-3’s can also be found in nuts such as almonds and walnuts, as well as in flaxseed oil. In addition, fish oil supplements are just as effective for obtaining the omega-3’s you need to support eye health.

Lutein and Zeaxanthin

Lutein and zeaxanthin protect against the formation of macular degeneration and cataracts and can be found in leafy greens such as spinach and kale. In addition, the powerful antioxidants also found in these green veggies help to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays. Pack a handful of spinach or kale into a fruit filled smoothie and you’ll never be able to taste the difference!

Vitamin A and Beta-Carotene

Good sources of Vitamin A include orange vegetables such as carrots, sweet potatoes, peppers and pumpkin. Beta-carotene is responsible for giving these veggies their distinct orange colour. When consumed, the beta-carotene gets converted into Vitamin A, which helps protect the cornea of the eye.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is found mostly in foods that contain fat such as almonds, sunflower seeds and avocados.

Zinc

Zinc protects against macular degeneration and night blindness and helps your body to absorb Vitamin A. Sources of zinc include oysters, eggs, black-eyed peas and tofu.

 

If you’re keeping your eyes healthy, but still would like clearer vision, contact us for a free consultation.


LASIK Satisfaction

Posted on August 18, 2014 by Maria Afonso in iLASIK, Vision

LASIK satisfaction

According to this recent study, LASIK patients highly recommend their method of treatment to friends. While people tend to recommend the vision correction method that they already subscribe to, LASIK is the most recommended when people switch from glasses or contacts. Switching from glasses to contacts or staying in contact lenses led to a 53% recommendation rate, while switching from glasses or contacts to LASIK resulted in up to an 87% recommendation rate.

The satisfaction people feel after obtaining LASIK is greater when people were asked if LASIK worked better for them than their contacts did. 96% of people believed it did.

All in all, patients are most happy with reputable centres for LASIK eye correction that are diligent in learning about new techniques and technologies while being careful about candidate selection.

Are you interested in LASIK? Come in for a free consultation today!


Protective Eyewear for Sports

Posted on August 14, 2014 by Maria Afonso in Eyes

If you’re an athlete at heart, eye protection is an extremely important consideration. You need to protect your eyes from potential injury.

Did you know? 90% of all eye injuries are preventable, according to the CNIB. The CNIB also warns that children under 12 are more susceptible to injury, as they are still developing their depth perception.

eye protection sports

So what sports put you at the highest risk for eye injury? According to the Canadian Ophthalmological Society, the top 3 offenders for eye injury are hockey, racquet sports, and baseball. That’s why face protection for these sports is highly recommended or even required. Face masks and goggles are recommended to keep your eyes safe while playing these sports.

Other sports that put your eyes at risk include shooting sports, fencing, cricket, basketball, and lacrosse. Fishing, football, volleyball, golf, and soccer also include a moderate risk for eye injury.

sports eye safety

Even sports that pose a low risk for eye injury, like bicycling, swimming, or skiing do not leave your eyes completely free from damage. Activities like bicycling and skiing should involve sunglasses to protect from UV rays or even strong glare that could impair your ability to see where you’re going. Swimming with goggles can also prevent irritation in the eyes from chlorinated water.

Make sure you are wearing the proper protection for the sport you are playing so you can keep having fun without putting your eyes at risk!


10 Interesting Facts about Eyes

Posted on June 19, 2014 by Maria Afonso in Bense, Eyes, iLASIK

Eyes are complex and amazing organs. Sight is so valuable because not only do eyes allow us to see the beauty in the world around us, but they can also reveal a lot about your health.

eye facts

Here are 10 interesting facts about eyes that you may not have known:

  • The muscles that control your eyes are the most active muscles in the body. They may be small, but they are very hard working.
  • On average, you blink 12 times per minute.
  • Eyes have more than 2 million working parts.
  • Over a normal lifespan, you see close to 24 million images. See the world through perfect vision with LASIK.
  • It’s virtually impossible to sneeze with your eyes open.
  • Everyone is colour blind at birth.
  • The eye is the only place in the body that has exposed veins, arteries, and a major optic nerve that can be viewed. Since eyes can reveal a lot about your health, optometrists can investigate the eye without any incisions.
  • 80% of vision problems are avoidable and curable, making routine eye exams critical for the detection of eye related problems.
  • Eye size never changes! They stay the same from birth to death.
  • Eyes use more brainpower (65%) than any other body part.

 

Bense Vision

Healthy eyes contribute to your overall health. At Bense Vision, we care about the investment in your eyes. Specializing in iLASIK™, we are the premier laser vision correction centre in Atlantic Canada and the only facility offering the procedure in Newfoundland. Find out if you’re a candidate by booking a free consultation today. Bonus: celebrating 20 years of experience, now receive 20% off!

 


The Value in Seeing Clearly: 3 Benefits of LASIK

Posted on June 5, 2014 by Maria Afonso in Bense, Eyes, Vision

Quick, safe, and effective, LASIK has become one of the most popular methods in treating common eye conditions. If you are nearsighted, farsighted, have an astigmatism or glaucoma, LASIK might be for you! Here are 3 reasons why you should consider LASIK to permanently correct your vision:

Benefits of LASIK

  1. Glasses and Contact Lenses

If you have glasses or contact lenses then you know all too well that they can be a hassle. From itchy, red, irritated eyes to random blurs in vision, contact lenses can be quite uncomfortable. In addition they require routine cleaning and maintenance which, if you’re not an avid cleaner, can increase your risk of bacterial eye infections. In addition, remembering to take them out every night can be a real pain in the neck when you’re about fall asleep. Why not make your life easier by dropping the rules and responsibility of having contacts and get LASIK! With LASIK you can also forget about the frustration of losing or even breaking your glasses.

 

2.   Cost of Contact Lenses

The lifetime costs of contact lenses can be significantly more than the one time procedure required for LASIK (depending on factors such as your age and the type of lenses you require). Just think about the number of boxes of contact lenses you purchase a year. Bense Vision’s price match guarantee means if you spot a lower price advertised for LASIK, we’ll match it!

 

3.   Seeing Clearly

Did you know that over an average lifespan you see close to 24 million images. Don’t you want to see the world around you with the sharpest vision? In most cases, vision can be restored to 20/20 with LASIK. What could be more perfect than perfect vision! With the Bense Lifetime Satisfaction Plan if we are unable to correct your vision to 20/20 the first time, we offer free enhancements for life if you meet the requirements of the plan. Eligibility for the plan can be determined at your initial free consultation.
Have a question? Get in touch with one of our experts to have all your questions answered by professionals who have seen many eyes get better vision.