DR. ROBERT MALONEY

For many living in Los Angeles, wearing glasses or contacts is still a part of everyday life. Older people especially, who have lived with imperfect sight all their life, are not as willing to make a change in their lifestyle and get vision correction surgery. Baby boomers who may not have had bad vision are starting to notice their eyes weakening. It is getting progressively difficult to see far distances or read small lettering close-up. What these people may not know, is that there are many options they can look into for vision correction, in order to start seeing perfectly without the use of contacts, glasses, or bifocals. Perhaps the most common option is LASIK Los Angeles ophthalmologists will tell you however, this is not the only option.

There are two main focusing structures of the eye, the cornea and the lens. The cornea is the outer clear tissue over the center of the eye whose shape and focusing ability can be improved with procedures like LASIK, the best known of the vision correction procedures. Over the past decade, millions of people have been able to leave their glasses behind thanks to this advancement in vision correction. The improvements in LASIK surgery over that time have been breathtaking.

Two new technologies have caused a resurgence of LASIK. Custom LASIK involves mapping a detailed optical “fingerprint” of the eye and using it to guide the laser. “Custom LASIK gives better night vision and sharper clarity of vision than the traditional LASIK procedure,” says Dr. Robert Maloney, director of the Maloney Vision Institute and the first surgeon to perform LASIK in Western North America.

Complementing custom LASIK is Intralase “all-laser” LASIK, in which the flap is made with an ultra fast laser instead of the traditional machine. “All lasers” LASIK eye surgery Los Angeles patients agree, the fear of having a flap cut on the eye is completely eliminated with this technology.

But, LASIK can’t correct high levels of nearsightedness or farsightedness, and it can’t correct people with thin corneas (LASIK can weaken a thin cornea). For people with thin corneas or weak corneas, “flapless LASIK”, also called PRK, is the way to go.

The Implantable Contact Lens is another option for vision correction surgery in Los Angeles. This is a special lens that is inserted permanently inside the eye. Unlike ordinary contact lenses, it never needs to be cleaned or changed, and lasts a lifetime. While the Implantable Contact Lens would give great distance vision, it wouldn’t eliminate reading glasses for some, because the natural lens weakens with age.

The human eye’s natural lens is flexible in young people. This allows the lens to change focus, much as a camera lens can focus on distant mountains and a close up baby’s face. Unfortunately, as we get older, the natural lens hardens, impairing its ability to focus up close. This process of hardening of the lens is called “presbyopia”, and it happens to every human on the planet.

Many new Los Angeles vision correction surgery options are available to patients, and the quality of vision is better than ever. But it is not a one size fits all. Patients need to do their research and consider all their choices.

LASIK stands for Laser-Assisted in situ Keratomileusis. The LASIK procedure has been performed in Beverly Hills and Los Angeles for many years and has been perfected using the latest in technology. Laser vision correction has even expanded in the past few years, as newer technology opened doors for even more people to rid themselves of glasses and contact lenses. For qualified candidates of LASIK Los Angeles patients, laser eye surgery corrects different eye defects such as myopia, astigmatism and hyperopia.

How much does Lasik Eye Surgery costs in Los Angeles?

In Los Angeles Lasik eye surgery varies from surgeon to surgeon. Some techniques require more advanced technology and equipment, so it may be more expansive than the traditional technique. For example, IntraLase is a newly developed technology that uses a laser beam to create a corneal flap instead of using a metal blade. This technique (also known as Blade-Free LASIK, or All-Laser LASIK) raises the costs of the LASIK surgery by about $300 per eye.

In Los Angeles LASIK surgery costs vary from $1000 to $2500-$3000 depending on the LASIK eye surgery center and surgeon. If you are looking for the best (and most expensive) LASIK surgery center Los Angeles & Beverly Hills are the places to go.

What are the other alternatives?

Some of the alternatives for LASIK eye surgery are PRK (photorefractive keratectomy) and LASEK (laser epithelial keratomileusis). LASEK is a newer procedure similar to PRK. If no type of laser eye surgery is an option at all, then you may want to look into implantable contact lenses. The Visian ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens) can correct a wide range of myopia without removing or destroying the cornea’s delicate tissue. The lens is made of an advanced biocompatible material called Collamer. Because the Visian ICL is placed inside the eye, refractive outcomes and optical performance are consistent. The result is excellent quality of vision.

Lasik complications

Every surgery has risks and LASIK eye surgery is no different. Here are some frequently reported complications of LASIK:

- Overcorrection or undercorrection

- Dry eye

- Infection

- Double vision

Although there are some risks involved, patients having unresolved complications six months after surgery has been estimated to about 3%.

Although LASIK is seemingly the most popular and commonly performed vision correction surgery, not all patients are good candidates for LASIK Los Angeles procedures. Another option for vision correction is the implantable contact lens. One of the more popular types is the Visian Implantable Collamer Lens. This is another type of Phakic Intraocular Lens which is manufactured from a soft foldable polymeric material called Collamer. Because the cornea is actually comprised of collagen, this material provides excellent biocompatibility and superior optical capability. It is readily implanted in your eye behind the iris by gently folding it and injecting into the anterior chamber through a tiny incision only 3.0mm in length placed by the eye surgeon at the clear edge of the cornea.

The Visian ICL as an option for vision correction surgery, because of its unique Collamer composition offers numerous advantages including:

• Quality of Vision - The Visian ICL produces not only improved visual acuity (20/20 vision is considered normal visual acuity), but also excellent visual quality. Many patients experience the “Wow” factor when they experience the immediate improvement in the quality of their vision.
• Biocompatibility - Collamer, the 100 percent pure collagen copolymer lens material of the Visian ICL, is not viewed as a foreign object by the body’s immune system.
• Versatility - The Visian ICL offers a wider treatment range for myopia than Los Angeles LASIK and PRK procedures.
• Simplicity - Unlike traditional contact lenses, once the Visian ICL is implanted in the eye, there is no additional maintenance needed.
• Safety - After implantation in over 55,000 eyes worldwide, the Visian ICL has established a proven track record of safety.
• Lens Placement - The placement of the Visian ICL makes the lens invisible to the patient and any observer.
• Removable - The Visian ICL was designed to be permanently placed in the eye. However, the lens can be removed if a patient’s vision changes or if it otherwise needs to be removed or replaced. This offers the option for removal and/or reversal which other laser eye surgery Los Angeles patients do not have.

If you’ve been researching LASIK Los Angeles prospective patients should know there are more than 5,000 brands of LASIK. And most likely the dizzying array of technologies and clinical outcomes has left you more blurry-eyed than usual. The iLASIK Procedure brings it all into focus by simply combining the most advanced LASIK technologies for you.

Only the iLASIK Procedure is 100% custom-fit to you and your eyes from start to finish using the two-laser approach that has been shown to improve clinical results for more patients than the single-laser platform of older LASIK surgery Los Angeles techniques.

Step One: The iLASIK Procedure’s advancements address the uniqueness of your two eyes, from the distinctive curvature of your corneas, to the microscopic nuances of your anatomy, with the goal of delivering the exact correction you need. Iris Registration and WaveScan 3D Mapping create a blueprint (or fingerprint) of your eye, allowing your surgeon to custom-fit the entire iLASIK Procedure for each of your eyes.

Step Two: Your exact measurements and vision correction requirements are programmed in to guide the two lasers. The first, an ultra-fast laser creates a thin corneal flap, which is then folded back to allow the second laser to correct your vision. Individualized to you, this combination delivers outstanding safety through reduced flap complications1. It takes just minutes for a quick, virtually painless procedure with immediate results.

Step Three: Final post-op visits are conducted and then you are free to resume your active lifestyle, with the potential for 20/20* or better vision.

* Results may vary. 98% of mild-to-moderately nearsighted patients participating in the CustomVue Clinical Trials could see 20/20 or better one year after treatment.

Laser assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) can only be performed by a trained physician and is specified for reduction or elimination of myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism as indicated within the product labeling. In Los Angeles LASIK surgery is contraindicated for patients: a) with collagen vascular, autoimmune, or immunodeficiency diseases; b) who are pregnant or nursing women; c) with signs of keratoconus or abnormal corneal topography; d) who are taking one or both of the following medications: Isotretinoin (Accutane) and Amiodarone hydrochloride (Cordarone). Potential side effects to laser refractive surgery may include glare, dry eye, as well as other visual anomalies. LASIK eye surgery Los Angeles requires the use of a microkeratome that cuts a flap on the surface of the cornea, potential side effects may include flap related complications. Consult with your eye care professional and Patient Information Booklet regarding the potential risks and benefits for laser refractive surgery, results may vary for each individual patient.

Restricted Device: U.S. Federal Law restricts this device to sale, distribution, and use by or on the order of a physician or other licensed eye care practitioner. U.S. Federal Law restricts the use of this device to practitioners who have been trained in its calibration and operation and who have experience in the surgical treatment and management of refractive errors.

LASIK eye surgery Los Angeles and beyond is one of the best improvements resulted by the technological advancement in the medical field. LASIK stands for Laser assisted in situ Keratomileusis. One of the most preferred forms of LASIK eye surgery is custom LASIK.

Custom LASIK Los Angeles is performed only on those who qualify as good candidates. Your physician will complete an examination to determine your candidacy based on the guidelines offered by the FDA. If you do not qualify, your physician will be able to advise on a more suitable method of treatment.

Custom LASIK is performed in order to treat myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism. Although it is one of the most expensive forms of laser eye surgery Los Angeles procedures, it also is known for its success and has the least post operative complications in comparison to other forms of eye surgery.

Custom LASIK is called Wavefront LASIK due to the usage of wavefront device to diagnose the corneal aberrations. The wavefront device creates a 3D map which helps the surgeon during the operation.

During the custom LASIK procedure, the patient remains awake. They are given a mild dose of anesthesia and anesthetic eye drops. The next step is to create a flap in the cornea. The flap that is created is folded back and held in position so that the surgeon can reshape the cornea using a laser beam. The flap is then placed back in original position and allowed to heal naturally without any special medication.

Once the LASIK eye surgery is completed, extra care should be given to the patient to ensure that the surgery site does not get infected or incur any damage. The patient is given protective dark glasses to wear so that their eyes are not exposed to the sun or other bright lights. Los Angeles laser eye surgery cost may vary from surgeon to surgeon, depending on the surgeon’s location, experience, the technology used, the severity of the vision being corrected, or other varying factors. Contact your local ophthalmologist to find out if Custom LASIK is right for you.

Usually the biggest difference in pricing for Lasik eye surgery is location. Larger cities generally have the best doctors working with the most recent technology. Also there is much more competition. Lasik Los Angeles costs may run a bit higher than Lasik in a smaller city, far away from metropolitan areas. Differences in cost also depend on the surgeon’s experience and how involved the surgery is. Larger corrections may be a bit more expensive than smaller corrections to vision.

Generally, Lasik eye surgery Los Angeles and elsewhere, may run anywhere from $500-$2,500 per eye. However, it is important to not base your decision on cost alone. Discount surgery is not always the best option, since lower costs could mean a lesser qualified surgeon or lesser quality equipment.

When shopping around before deciding on the best surgeon for you, you should be sure that the price quote includes everything you will need for the surgery. You don’t want to be surprised by bills in the mail required for follow up care. Before signing any paperwork or checks, you should be entirely sure of what you are getting and what you are paying for.

Be aware, some Los Angeles laser eye surgery centers may advertise very low prices, but require additional services that will cost your more than the advertised fee. You should be sure to compare the total cost between the surgeon with the ads for discounts and the surgeon down the street who is more upfront about the fees, and may have a better reputation. You should also be sure to find the total cost for the surgery that is right for you. Some surgeons have a advertised price that only includes minimal correction to the eyes. Most people seeking LASIK need more than a minimal correction, so the fee can be much more than that advertised. Remember that you always have the option to get a second opinion.

Also be aware that just because you choose the most expensive Lasik surgeon in Los Angeles, doesn’t always mean that he or she is the absolute best. Be sure that you check out the LASIK surgeon you are planning to use. Seek the recommendation of friends and family as well as your optometrist and your family doctor. Take the time to check the records of complaints against the surgeon with your state medical board. You will be thankful later that you did all the research and groundwork necessary to find the best surgeon for your needs, as well as avoid unexpected costs later.

Los Angeles Lasik center Maloney Vision Institute is hosting an FDA study on the ACI Corneal Inlay, which is an implant that can reduce the need for reading glasses.

Understanding the loss of near vision.

A healthy, young eye is able to focus light from both far and near objects to create a clear image at all distances. By age 45, the eye’s natural lens is too stiff to focus on near points. As a result, near tasks like reading or computer work are blurry. This is a natural occurrence that affects us the rest of our life. The clinical term for the loss of near vision is presbyopia. It is possible to have poor near vision, but good distance vision, especially if you have already had Los Angeles Lasik surgery to correct this.

Buying a pair of reading glasses is a quick way to improve near vision. While “readers” will help you read a book or dial a telephone number, they will not help you see far objects. Some find putting glasses on to see near and taking off to see far inconvenient.

The ACI Corneal Inlay is an investigational device. A no-cost clinical research study is currently underway. The purpose of the study is to examine the safety and effectiveness of the inlay.

The ACI Corneal Inlay no-cost research study.

Smaller than a contact lens, the ACI Corneal Inlay looks like a black ring. There is a tiny aperture or hole in the center of the inlay. The inlay can help vision correction Los Angeles patients in two ways.

1. Creates a pinhole effect so near objects are clearer.

2. Focuses light rays so you can see a wider range of vision – near, intermediate (computer) and distance. During an out-patient procedure, the research doctor will implant the inlay in one eye. If needed, the ACI Corneal Inlay can be surgically removed.

You may be eligible to participate in the study if you are…

• Between the ages of 45 and 60.
• Using reading glasses to read or work on the computer.
• Not using glasses or contacts to see far objects – Lasik Los Angeles patients are welcome.
• In good physical health.
• Able to meet other medical criteria determined by the research doctor.

Improvement in near vision.

The amount of time it takes to see an improvement in near vision varies. Some see better in a few days. For others, it takes several months, or there may be no improvement at all.

You can help your eye heal faster by using eye drops as prescribed. You will also be asked to practice reading without glasses. This activity will help train your inlay eye how to see near again.

The goal of the inlay is to reduce your need for reading glasses. You may continue to need glasses for reading very small print or in dim light.

Next steps.

If you are interested in learning if the ACI Corneal Inlay can reduce your dependence on reading glasses, contact Maloney Vision Institute by telephone 310.208.3937 or email info@maloneyvision.com . You can also visit www.NearVisionStudy.com for more information.

The information about the ACI Corneal Inlay clinical research study is not intended to provide medical advice. Always consult your doctor for medical advice and treatment.

Caution: Investigational device. Limited by United States federal law to investigational use.

For the many people weighing vision correction, the modern LASIK Los Angeles procedure is the standard by which all treatments are measured. In fact, both the military and NASA reviewed LASIK’s safety and visual results and now allow sharpshooters and astronauts alike to have the procedure. Bottom line: LASIK has matured since the FDA first approved it and anyone considering laser vision correction Los Angeles and beyond, should know about the advanced technological innovations available today.

With cost savings a priority, many with vision correction needs are choosing advanced LASIK treatments as a long-term investment in better vision that can eliminate the hassle and expense of glasses and contact lenses. And now, more and more LASIK centers are offering affordable financing options for those who previously thought they could not afford the procedure.

When it comes to achieving 20/20 vision, no two eyes are alike. Modern LASIK, also known as the iLASIK procedure, makes it possible to address the microscopic characteristics distinct to each individual patient’s individual eye(s) to perform the correction needed to target 20/20 or better vision.

After a thorough screening and consultation with a qualified Los Angeles LASIK surgeon, the procedure has three steps:

Step One: Precise WaveScan 3-D mapping measures the uniqueness of each patient’s eyes, creating a blueprint that provides the data needed to perform an individually tailored, custom-fit vision correction treatment for each eye.

Step Two: The iLASIK Los Angeles procedure uses two lasers. The first, ultrafast laser creates a thin corneal flap, which is then folded back to allow the second laser to correct vision based on the blueprint created in step one. Clinical results show more patients achieve 20/20 or better vision when two lasers are used, instead of the single-laser platform of older LASIK techniques.

Step Three: Final post-op visits are conducted and then the patient is free to resume an active lifestyle, now with the freedom of better vision.

Patients experience a quick, virtually painless procedure in unparalleled safety. Clinical studies show that one year after LASIK:

• 98 percent of mildly to moderately nearsighted patients could see 20/20 or better.

• More than 95 percent of all clinical study participants could pass a driving test without glasses or contact lenses.

• Four times as many mildly to moderately nearsighted participants were very satisfied with their night vision after treatment compared to their night vision before treatment with glasses or contacts.

To find a qualified ophthalmologist and schedule a consultation, visit www.iLASIK.com. With the help of your surgeon you can determine if you are a candidate, review the list of indications, warnings and precautions, and make sure laser vision correction is right for you.

LASIK Los Angeles procedures greatly vary in technique. Many people are familiar with the most common type of vision correction surgery, which is the traditional LASIK procedure. During LASIK, a thin layer of tissue is folded back from the surface of the cornea. After the laser reshapes the cornea, the tissue is folded back into place, where it bonds quickly. This three-minute procedure requires no needles and no stitches, and patients usually have improved vision almost immediately. Most patients heal very quickly and can return to work the next day.

Yet as amazing as all this technology sounds, many people still are uncomfortable with the fact that there is a blade involved, to make the flap. Others still, find themselves not an ideal candidate for traditional LASIK eye surgery Los Angeles. For these and other patients, there are other options for vision correction.

With the IntraLase method, pulses of laser light create your corneal flap, which is then lifted so the next step of LASIK - the reshaping of your cornea - can be performed. When your LASIK treatment is over, the flap is securely repositioned into place. A qualified laser eye surgeon Los Angeles will be able to determine whether you are a good candidate for the IntraLase Method.

At the Maloney Vision Institute Dr. Robert Maloney has had many years of clinical experience correcting the vision of thousands of patients using a variety of techniques, and has personally performed over 45,000 LASIK procedures. In a nationwide survey of eye surgeons, Dr. Robert Maloney was voted one of America’s Top Ten Vision Correction Specialists. The Los Angeles LASIK specialists at Maloney Vision Institute are leading researchers in the field, and are able to offer customized vision correction options, as well as personalized vision care best suited for your individual eyes. If you’re not a good candidate for any given procedure, they’ll tell you.

For more information visit: www.maloneyvision.com.

Disclaimer: This blog or article is for information purpose only, and should not be treated a professional advise or price protection guarantee. This blog is mainly used for search engine optimization and other commercial purposes and it is advised that readers seek professional consultation in the field of interest for more information.

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