Refractive Surgery
Dr. Oppenheim began refractive surgery in 1993, and later became the first ophthalmologist in the Tidewater area to perform Laser Vision Correction. Continuing to bring the latest in refractive eye surgery to the area, Dr. Oppenheim performed the first five VISIAN ICL cases in the state of Virginia. He and his highly trained staff take pride in offering Laser Vision Correction and VISIAN ICL as an alternative to glasses and contact lenses. Each patient's interest in refractive surgery is addressed in a candid and friendly atmosphere. The decision to pursue Laser Vision Correction or VISIAN ICL can then be made with confidence. Dr. Oppenheim has chosen the best equipment and techniques for these advanced procedures. Personal and individual attention and the best technology distinguish the service of Dr. Oppenheim and his staff. This, along with a strong code of ethics and a friendly environment, makes Dr. Oppenheim the choice in Laser Vision Correction and VISIAN ICL.
"If the Visial ICL can meet the demands of soldiers in the US Military, you can imagine it will deliver excellent vision throughout your active, fast-paced lifestyle."
Click image to learn more.
Q. What is laser correction?
A. It is an out-patient treatment first performed in 1987 that uses a light beam to gently reshape the surface of the eye (the cornea) and improve vision. The light gently pulses to remove microscopic amounts of tissue, altering the curvature of the cornea and allowing visual images to be more sharply focused on the retina.
Q. What are the benefits of laser vision correction?
A. Laser vision correction reduces or eliminates nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism and, with it, the need for glasses or contacts.
Q. How does laser vision correction improve nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism?
A. The cool beam of light gently reshapes the surface of the cornea, making it more like a normal eye. Light can then focus at the back of the eye, on the retina, making images on the retina clear, thereby improving vision.
Q. What's the difference between LASIK, PRK, and STAAR® ICL?
A. PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) and LASIK (Laser In-Situ Keratomileusis) both use the laser system to remove corneal tissue and thereby flatten the cornea for nearsightedness or steepen it for farsightedness. In the PRK procedure, the laser operates on the surface of the cornea. Click here to view a PRK procedure.
A. LASIK is laser surgery to correct nearsightedness with or without astigmatism. The surgery is similar to PRK, but does not treat or alter the front surface of the cornea. The doctor uses an instrument called a microkeratome to create a circular flap of corneal tissue. The flap is then lifted from the cornea while the doctor uses the excimer laser to remove small amounts of underlying tissue from the exposed cornea. The corneal flap is then repositioned and the eye is covered with an eye patch.
A. STAAR ® IMPLANTABLE COLLAMER LENS (ICL), is a procedure that can be used on individuals with thin corneas, flat eyes, hyperopia, or who have a high myopic correction. During this surgical procedure, under a topical or local anesthetic, a small lens is placed in front of the natural lens, behind the iris through a small incision in the eye. To learn more about the STAAR ® ICL, visit www.staar.com and Visian ICLT
To view the The first Visian ICL procedure broadcasted on Hampton Roads News Channel 3, click here.
Q. Is laser vision correction safe?
A. The FDA has approved the laser for the treatment of nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism for eligible patients. Millions of patients worldwide have undergone successful laser vision correction procedures, and over one million laser procedures have been performed in the US since our first FDA approval in 1996. Virtually all people treated experience an improvement in vision that would allow them to pass a drivers' license exam without the aid of glasses or contacts.
Q. Does laser vision correction hurt?
A. The procedure itself is painless. Your eye is numbed with eye drops that are instilled prior to the procedure and no general anesthetic is necessary. You may experience some temporary discomfort after treatment; your doctor can prescribe pain medication if needed.
Q. Do I have to wait for my regular eye exam.
A. No. Call our office or email us at: lvc@hamptonroadslaser.com today to schedule a free consultation, and we can schedule the procedure as soon as you are ready and eligible for it.
Q. What happens before the treatment?
A. Your eye care professional will conduct a thorough examination to determine whether your eyes are healthy and suitable for the procedure. Then your eyes will be photographed and a computerized map (corneal topography) will be created. This "map" will assess the shape of your cornea and is one of the many diagnostic tests the doctor uses to help plan your procedure.
Q. What can I expect the day of treatment?
A. This is an out-patient procedure that takes less than 15 minutes to complete for most patients. Your entire visit will be complete in about an hour. If you are choosing CustomVue Treatment, you will have additional measurements the day of surgery. This information will be transferred to the laser to give your personal refractive correction. Anesthetic drops will be placed in your eye, your eye doctor will position your head under a laser, and a retainer will be used to gently and comfortably hold your eyelids open during the procedure. You will be asked to focus on a blinking light for a minute or less. The doctor will view your eye directly through a surgical microscope. During your procedure, the VISX 3D Activtrac will follow any motions of your eye to ensure that your correction is precisely centered. This tracking feature captures involuntary movement of your eye including slight movements as you breathe. Once finished, you will get up, receive instructions from the staff, and rest for a few minutes. Afterward, you'll go home to rest and relax for several hours.
Q. What kind of laser do you use?
A. The VISX Star S4™ Excimer Laser with CustomVue is known for its most updated hardware and software to ensure the most precise laser vision correction possible. With this laser the smallest amount of corneal tissue is removed to allow for shorter treatment times and the most accurate outcome. To learn more about the VISX Star S4™ Excimer Laser, please visit www.visx.com.
Q. How well will I see after laser vision correction?
A. Results vary with each individual. Doctors report that a vast majority of patients treated with the VISX STAR S4™ Excimer Laser System are highly satisfied. In fact, nearly all could pass a state driver's exam without glasses or contact lenses. As every patient is different you should ask your doctor about patients with vision problems like yours. A discussion with your doctor will help you to understand the risks and benefits of the procedure. Vision usually improves immediately after treatment though it's normal that some patients may experience small visual changes during the first several months.
Q. How soon can I return to work?
A. Some people return the day after treatment. 2 or 3 days of rest are suggested.
Q. How do I know whether I can have laser vision correction?
A. Your eye care professional can tell you if laser vision correction is right for you. Some guidelines are: You must have healthy eyes, and be at least 18 years old to undergo the procedure for nearsightedness, You must be 21 years old for the farsightedness or astigmatism procedures. Your vision must be stable for at least 1 year before the laser procedure. You are not a good candidate if you have degenerative or autoimmune diseases, if you're pregnant or nursing, or if you have a condition that deters or slows healing. The best way to find out if you are a candidate is to schedule your free personal consultation today with Dr. Oppenheim. Email: lvc@hamptonroadslaser.com.
Q. Are there any risks?
A. There are risks that accompany all surgical procedures. Laser vision correction is performed using a computer-controlled light beam under the guidance of a trained and certified eye doctor. Please ask your eye doctor to discuss with you the risks and benefits of laser vision correction.
