LASIK
Laser-Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK) is an FDA-approved surgical procedure intended to reduce or eliminate dependency on eyeglasses or contact lenses. It is performed on nearly 1 million patients each year to correct myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism by permanently altering the shape of the cornea, the eye's thin, transparent covering. Corneal reshaping modifies the eye’s focusing power to achieve unprecedented visual clarity.
After eye drops are given to numb the eyes, a thin incision is made to form a flap in the surface of the cornea. The flap is folded back to reveal the cornea’s midsection, called the stroma. Next, an excimer laser is used to remove a thin layer of the stroma. Guided by a sophisticated computer, this cool laser beam can reshape with curvature of the cornea by removing microscopic amounts of tissue without damaging surrounding areas. The excimer laser is so precise that each pulse can remove 39 millionths of an inch of tissue. It would take 200 excimer laser pulses to cut through a single human strand of hair. Finally, the flap is repositioned and, due to the cornea’s extraordinary bonding qualities, the flap remains in position without stitches.
The vast majority of patients who have LASIK achieve between 20/20 and 20/40 vision without glasses or contact lenses. Studies show that over 90 percent of patients who have had vision correction surgery are able to pass a standard driver’s license eye exam (which generally requires 20/40 vision or better) without corrective lenses.
Although LASIK will not prevent age-related eye conditions or diseases, results are usually permanent. Most patients return to their normal daily activities the day after surgery. As with any surgical procedure, however, there are some risks involved with LASIK, which Dr. Kaufman reviews with each patient prior to the procedure.
Dr. Kaufman is proud to offer the most advanced technology to our patients, the VISX Star S4™ CustomVue™ laser technology, and he was the first person in Northeast Georgia to perform the CustomVue™ LASIK procedure. Utilizing WaveScan® technology, this revolutionary product tailors a distinct correction for each patient and provides 25 times more precision than standard measurements used for glasses and contacts. WaveScan® technology produces a detailed map of the eye, much like a fingerprint. With the CustomVue™ procedure, no two “prescriptions” are identical. The laser also combines variable spot scanning and ActiveTrak® 3-D Eye Tracking to provide the best possible treatment options. According to the FDA clinical trial for myopic patients, well over 90 percent of those who underwent the CustomVue™ procedure noted vision of 20/20 or better at one year after treatment.
For more information about LASIK or to schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Kaufman, please contact the North Georgia Eye Clinic today.
PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy)
Photorefractive keratectomy, or PRK, has been used in the United States since 1995 to correct myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism. Due to medical issues such as thin corneas, certain patients are not suitable candidates for LASIK but have excellent results with PRK. The procedure uses anesthetic eye drops and takes only a few minutes. During PRK, the top layer of the cornea is removed to expose the cornea’s mid-section, or stroma. Then, in a manner identical to that of the LASIK procedure, a computer-controlled excimer laser vaporizes specific corneal tissue using bursts of ultraviolet light. Patients typically experience some discomfort for one to two days after the procedure while the cornea’s top layer regenerates. The visual outcomes of PRK are generally as good as the results from LASIK.
For more information about PRK or to schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Kaufman, please contact the North Georgia Eye Clinic today.
CK (Conductive Keratoplasty)
Imagine turning back the clock on your vision to a time when you could read a menu or work on a computer without the hassle of reading glasses. Now you can with conductive keratoplasty (CK), an FDA-approved technology designed to improve near vision.
When we turn 40, our eyes begin losing their ability to easily focus on near objects, a problem that can be the result of two different conditions, presbyopia (when the lens in the eye loses flexibility because of age) or hyperopia (farsightedness). CK is a revolutionary vision correction process to correct both presbyopia and hyperopia.
CK allows your ophthalmologist to correct your vision without lasers or cutting. The procedure, which lasts approximately three minutes per eye and is virtually painless, utilizes radio frequency energy to permanently alter the shape of the cornea.
During the procedure, energy is focused through a small wand that is pressed up against the wall of the eye. This causes the area to tighten and the cornea to steepen, allowing for advanced focusing power and an improvement in near vision.
CK is intended for people over 40 years of age who want to improve their near vision. If you are over the age of 40, had great vision most of your life, and now struggle with reading glasses, you may be an excellent candidate for CK.
For more information about CK or to schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Kaufman or Payne, please contact the specialists at North Georgia Eye Clinic today.
Clear Lens Extraction
For patients with moderate to severe myopia or hyperopia, clear lens extraction may be an attractive option. This procedure was designed specifically for patients over the age of 40 who are not good candidates for LASIK.
Unlike LASIK and other vision correction procedures, clear lens extraction does not reshape the cornea. Instead, this procedure changes the focusing power of the cornea by replacing the patient’s natural eye lens with an intraocular lens (IOL). Technologically advanced intraocular lenses (IOLs), including the ReSTOR® Lens and Crystalens®, are now available that provide patients with a full range of quality vision (near, intermediate, and distance). These new IOLs are particularly well-suited for patients who wish to reduce their dependency on reading glasses and bifocals in addition to maintaining good distance vision.
For more information about clear lens extraction or to schedule an examination with Dr. Kaufman or Payne, please contact the specialists at North Georgia Eye Clinic today.
Visian ICL™ (Implantable Collamer Lens)
Please contact North Georgia Eye Clinic for more information today.
Financing Your Vision Correction Procedure
North Georgia Eye Clinic is dedicated to offering refractive surgery including LASIK, PRK, CK, clear lens extraction, and the use of premium intraocular lenses during cataract surgery at surprisingly affordable prices. Our fee for laser vision correction includes the use of the best technology available and all pre- and post-operative clinic visits with Dr. Kaufman. We offer payment programs through Chase Health AdvanceSM Finance Plan, which make these procedures affordable to nearly everyone. Payment options include 12 months without interest. In addition, these procedures may be covered by your company’s flexible benefits plan (“Flex-Plan”), which allows the use of pre-tax dollars toward elective medical procedures.
To learn more about the financing options available, please contact North Georgia Eye Clinic today.
Outstanding expertise, professionalism and customer care. Best experience I've ever had with any type of doctor or staff anywhere.
- William Cooper
It's like family here...Dr Kaufman is the best...I would do it all over again.
- Melinda Price
I would and have recommended North Georgia Eye Clinic to family and friends. Dr. Kaufman gave me a lot of confidence and I was treated as a patient rather than a number.
- Milton Griswold
I would recommend North Georgia Eye Clinic...I was very cautious about having surgery on my eyes, but felt very comfortable with Dr. Kaufman's ability.
- Gary Blasingame
My overall experience has been excellent - I never had any idea how happy and satisfied I would be with the results for so little trouble - I don't know why I waited so long!
- James Harrison
Yes, I would recommend North Georgia Eye Clinic. It is extremely convenient to have this high quality facility in the North Georgia area that is on the level of skill and care as the well known facilities in Atlanta. Low wait, no traffic headaches, and highly qualified doctors.
- Kathy Brew
I have recommended North Georgia Eye Clinic in the past and will continue to do so. Dr. Kaufman and staff are so professional at what they do and they make you feel so at ease.
- Barbara Watkins
My experience was Fabulous! The staff is so knowledgeable and helpful. Dr. Kaufman is talented and attentive, calling to check on the outcome. It was easy.
- Sam Harben
My LASIK experience at North Georgia Eye Clinic was a great one! My father has come in already. I Hope to get my husband in also.
- Carol Abernathy
I would definitely recommend North Georgia Eye Clinic! The entire staff, Dr. Kaufman, all his nurses and staff treat you so professionally and also treat you as if you are family. Everyone has been wonderful to me.
- Kathy Martin