LASIK Eye Center of Silicon Valley - Dr. Gary Kawesch

LASIK Complications

2012-01-24T07:22:00.000-08:00

If you are considering LASIK surgery, you are probably wondering about the safety and risks of the procedure. In general, vision-threatening complications are rare, provided you are a good candidate for the surgery. Most complications that do arise can be corrected with additional enhancement procedures.

Possible LASIK complications include:
• Dry eye
• Overcorrection
• Undercorrection
• Glare and halos
• Epithelial ingrowth

These complications are typically reversible and do not have long-term effects on vision.

To reduce the risks of LASIK, choose a surgeon who is experienced and uses FDA-approved lasers. A good eye surgeon carefully screens LASIK patients. Certain conditions may mean that the procedure is not right for you; if that is the case, your LASIK surgeon should not recommend the procedure for you and should instead suggest alternatives.

To learn more about LASIK surgery in the San Francisco area, please contact the experienced eye surgeons at the Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley to schedule a consultation.

LASIK Candidacy

2012-01-18T08:05:00.000-08:00

LASIK eye surgery provides improved vision and reduces dependence on eyeglasses and contact lenses; however, not everyone is a good candidate for LASIK. People who are good candidates have a reduced risk of LASIK complications and an increased chance of satisfactory results.

There are many LASIK variant surgeries which may provide an alternative for people who are not candidates for LASIK, but generally the following is required to be a good candidate for LASIK:

•18 years of age or older
•Stable prescription for at least one year prior to surgery
•General good health
•Free from eye infections and injuries
•Adequate corneal thickness
•Have realistic expectations of LASIK results
•Have a common refractive error (nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism)

Certain things that may disqualify you from LASIK include pregnancy, breastfeeding, autoimmune disorders or a long history of dry eyes.

An important part of your candidacy is your expectations of the results. After LASIK surgery, many people continue to wear glasses and contact lenses some of the time. You should be okay with the possibility that LASIK will not eliminate the need for corrective eyewear.

If you live in or near San Francisco and would like to find out if you are a candidate for LASIK eye surgery, please contact the experienced eye surgeons at the Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley to schedule a consultation.

LASIK and the FDA

2012-01-17T07:42:00.000-08:00

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates the sale of medical devices and monitors the ongoing safety of these devices, including the lasers used in LASIK. The FDA does not regulate the procedures in which the devices are used.

Even if a laser is not approved by the FDA, a doctor may legally use the device; however, as a patient, you should note that lasers not approved by the FDA have not been evaluated by a governmental regulatory agency.

You can find a long list of FDA-approved lasers for LASIK on the FDA website. Included in the list are the following lasers:
•B&L Zyoptix
•LADARVision 4000 Excimer Laser System
•Mel 80 Excimer Laser System

To monitor the ongoing safety of medical devices that have been approved, the FDA gathers reports from the following sources:

•MedWatch. This FDA reporting program lets consumers, healthcare professionals, and manufacturers report serious complications related to medical devices and drugs.

•SightNet. In this program, healthcare professionals can report concerns specifically regarding ophthalmic medical devices.

The FDA cannot create any kind of rating system ranking the devices. For example, the FDA cannot say one device is better or safer than another.

If you live in San Francisco and would like to learn more about LASIK surgery, please contact the experienced LASIK eye surgeons at the Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley to schedule a consultation.

How do Different LASIK Technologies Affect Recovery?

2011-09-26T08:46:00.000-07:00

In general, recovery from LASIK surgery is a short process. Although it may take up to six months for your eyes to completely heal, most people experience clear vision within hours to a few days following the procedure.

There are a few factors that affect your recovery from LASIK, including the specifics of your vision condition, your overall health and the technology used in your laser vision correction. The advanced LASIK surgery lasers used by the experienced San Francisco eye surgeons at the Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley all provide precision and comfort while limiting the physical impact to your eyes that affects recovery time.

That said, aspects of each laser differ and play a role in the time you’ll need to recover.

The LADARVision laser, for example, reshapes your cornea while smoothing the eye’s surface thanks to a unique laser. The laser’s horseshoe-shaped tip (most are flat) and narrow beam allow accurate, uniform reshaping in a manner that is increasingly believed to assist in faster vision recovery.

With the IntraLase laser, the corneal flap necessary to access and reshape your cornea can be created without the use of a blade. In traditional LASIK procedures, a tool called a microkeratome with an oscillating surgical blade was used to hand cut the flap.

With the bladeless IntraLase, the corneal flap is gently separated from the cornea and can be easily replaced following cornea reshaping. In addition to being advantageous for patients with thin corneas, IntraLase provides less pressure on the eye during the corneal flap creation and may reduce the risk of dry eyes and other forms of irritation that can slow recovery.

Of course, your individual recovery will rely on factors aside from technology. Closely following our post-operative LASIK guidelines will also help ensure a quick recovery and clear vision.

If you would like to learn more about LASIK surgery options, please contact the skilled San Francisco ophthalmologists and LASIK experts at the Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley to schedule a consultation.

Do Different LASIK Technologies Matter?

2011-08-09T07:11:00.000-07:00

Evolving technology has benefitted every aspect of LASIK vision correction, from diagnosis to determining the best treatment method to the surgery itself.

The San Francisco LASIK experts at the Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley use the most advanced laser vision correction technology to provide you with optimal safety and results.

In evaluating your condition, we utilize Wavefront technology to diagnose specific aspects of your vision problem and use that data to program the laser used to reshape your cornea during your LASIK procedure. Depending on your specific vision problem and the condition of your eyes, we may use one of three advanced laser vision correction systems:

• LADARVision
• IntraLase
• Zyoptix

LADARVision is a versatile laser that gently reshapes your cornea with cool laser light, smoothing the eye’s surface as it works. LADARVision is used in conjunction with LADARTracker, which automatically adjusts for any eye movement during your LASIK surgery.

The IntraLase laser is the first of its kind to allow the creation of the flap necessary to access your cornea for reshaping without the use of a surgical blade. IntraLase provides the ability to create a precise corneal flap without cutting, which is beneficial to patients with thin corneas.

Bausch & Lomb's Zyoptix provides your San Francisco ophthalmologist the ability to address individual refractive variances between your eyes during your LASIK procedure. This provides enhanced consistency in correcting your vision condition.

If you would like to learn more about LASIK surgery options, please contact the skilled San Francisco ophthalmologists and LASIK experts at the Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley to schedule a consultation.

How Long does it Take to Recover from LASIK?

2011-08-02T07:08:00.000-07:00

Recovery from LASIK varies depending on the type of procedure, your vision condition, the extent of corneal reshaping necessary and your overall health.

While some patients see clearly immediately after surgery, others require a few days for their vision to stabilize. Although recovery rarely involves discomfort, you may experience light sensitivity, dry eyes and mild soreness.

Your eyes will begin to heal as soon as your procedure is finished. You may need to wear an eye shield or sunglasses and use special eye drops for the first few days following your surgery. You should avoid activities that could cause trauma to your eyes. It is also important to avoid rubbing or applying pressure to your eyes during these first few days.

Work can generally be resumed after two days. Strenuous exercise and activities that may cause your eyes to become wet such as swimming or sitting in a hot tub should also be avoided until cleared by your ophthalmologist.

It may take several months for your eyes to completely heal. During your recovery period, you will visit the Oakland LASIK experts at the Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley for post-operative exams to ensure you’re healing properly.

During your consultation, the Oakland ophthalmologists at the Laser Eye Center of Silicon valley will discuss your individual LASIK recovery instructions with you in detail.

If you live in the Oakland, San Francisco or San Jose, California, areas and are interested in learning more about the benefits of LASIK vision correction, please contact the Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley to schedule a consultation.

How Long Does LASIK Take?

2011-07-20T14:35:00.000-07:00

In most cases, LASIK surgery is completed within 15 minutes. However, there are a number of factors that will affect the length of your individual LASIK procedure.

The severity of your condition and the type of LASIK procedure best suited for correcting your problem will play a role in the duration of your procedure. The creation of the flap in the outer eye necessary to expose your cornea actually takes more time than the focal point of LASIK surgery, which is the reshaping of your cornea to restore your vision.

In traditional LASIK surgery, the flap is created using a microkeratome, a surgical tool with a small, oscillating blade. However, for some patients—such as those with thin corneas—bladeless LASIK may be recommended. Depending on the procedure, creation of the corneal flap may take 30 seconds to a couple minutes.

Once the flap allowing access to the cornea has been created, the reshaping of your corneas may take only about one minute per eye.

It’s important to remember that while the LASIK procedure itself is brief, there are some pre-surgical preparations necessary and occasionally a short in-office recovery period is recommended depending on your individual condition. The entire procedure typically takes between one and two hours.

The San Francisco ophthalmologists at the Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley can provide you with a clear idea of how long your laser vision correction surgery will take and other specifics of the procedure during your LASIK consultation.

If you would like to learn more about LASIK surgery options, please contact the skilled San Francisco ophthalmologists and LASIK experts at the Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley to schedule a consultation.

How is LASEK Different from LASIK?

2011-07-19T13:34:00.000-07:00

LASEK and LASIK are both laser vision correction procedures. Both LASEK and LASIK can treat nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and presbyopia. Both are able to be safely and quickly performed in our comfortable Bay area office in about 15 minutes, and both can produce remarkably clear vision. This is what they have in common, but the difference is more than just a letter.

LASIK

LASIK is ideal for patients with thicker cornea tissue and small to moderate sized pupils. With LASIK, a flap is created in your cornea at 50 microns, and does not go below the top layer of corneal tissue. Due to the minimal size of the flap, recovery from LASIK can be as quick as 24 hours. With LASIK, corneal haze is extremely rare, and most patients experience 20/20 vision or better after one surgery.

LASEK

LASEK may be a better option for patients with insufficient corneal tissue to support a LASIK flap. With LASEK, the corneal flap is cut to a thickness of 100-180 microns and involves both the top and middle layer of corneal tissue. Recovery from LASEK can take four or more days, and clear vision may not be achieved until six to eight weeks. LASEK is less likely to cause dry eye syndrome than LASIK, and may be a better solution for patients with a history of this disorder.

The truth is, no single option is going to be suited to every patient. Patients in the San Francisco area who are interested in LASIK surgery may find out that LASEK is actually more suited to meet their needs. When you come to our comfortable office for a laser vision correction evaluation, we will carefully assess your eyes and help you determine what procedure will be best for you.

If you live in or around San Francisco, California and are interested in learning more about laser vision correction surgery, please contact the helpful staff at Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley to schedule an initial consultation today.

Crystalens for Cataract Surgery

2011-06-20T08:26:00.000-07:00

A cataract is a clouding of your eyes natural lens that can result in serious vision difficulties, including blindness. In fact, cataracts are the leading cause of blindness in people over the age of 55. The only way to treat cataracts is to remove your natural, cloudy lens and replace it with an artificial lens. At Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley, we offer our patients a number of choices for lens replacement surgery. One of the most exciting and effective solutions is Crystalens.

Crystalens

Crystalens is the latest advancement in intraocular lenses (IOLs). Most IOLs are able to provide vision at near and far distances, but due to their design compromise vision at intermediate or arms-length distance. Crystalens is the only IOL that works with the muscles in your eyes to accommodate in the exact same manner as your natural lens. Choosing Crystalens for your cataract surgery can not only remove your cataracts, it can provide you with freedom form glasses for a number of years.

When you come to our Santa Clara area office for cataract surgery, one of our experienced ophthalmologists will provide you with full information about all of your lens replacement options. We understand that each patient is unique, and what works best for others may not be ideally suited to meet your needs. By working closely with you and addressing all of your vision difficulties, we can provide you with the solution that will give you optimal vision well into the future.

If you live in or around San Francisco, California and are interested in learning more about Crystalens, please contact the ophthalmologists at Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley to schedule an initial consultation today.

LASIK and Astigmatism

2011-06-10T08:23:00.000-07:00

If you suffer from astigmatism, chances are you’re wearing eyeglasses or contacts right now. While in the past, glasses and contacts were the only way to correct astigmatism, the Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley offers a permanent solution with No-Blade LASIK vision correction surgery for patients in San Francisco, San Jose, and Oakland.

Freedom from Glasses and Contacts with LASIK Surgery

If you have astigmatism and live an active lifestyle and are ready to be free from the hassle of glasses and contacts, LASIK surgery can give you that freedom. LASIK surgery at the Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley actually fixes the odd shape of your lens or cornea that causes astigmatism. We offer the very latest in LASIK technology, including No-Blade, Thin-Flap LASIK using the state-of-the-art IntraLase laser.

Athletes, pilots, surgeons and other professionals that depend on their eyesight have already helped make LASIK surgery a popular option for better vision. In fact, our board-certified ophthalmologist and experienced eye surgeon, Dr. Craig Bindi, is the official LASIK surgeon of the Oakland Raiders football team. Even if you’re not a pro football player, you can trust Dr. Bindi and the eye care team at the Eye Center of Silicon valley with all your eye care needs, including astigmatism correction with LASIK eye surgery.

If you have astigmatism and are ready to be free from glasses and contacts, please contact the Eye Center of Silicon Valley for a free LASIK consultation with San Jose eye surgeon Dr. Craig Bindi, also serving San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley, and Palo Alto, California.

Laser Vision Correction

2011-05-18T13:53:00.000-07:00

The Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley offers a host of laser vision correction options so you can finally remove your reliance on contacts and eyeglasses. Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis, or LASIK, is an advanced surgical procedure used to reshape your cornea to adjust the refraction of light entering your eye, placing the focus back on the retina. LASIK eye surgery is safe, is proven effective, and has an extremely high customer satisfaction rate. Thanks to advancements in laser technology, the procedure is safer and more effective than ever before.

Some of the most exciting advancements are custom LASIK using the Wavefront system, IntraLase lasers, and other advanced technologies. This computer aided eye mapping allows Dr. Kawesch of the Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley to pinpoint exactly where to make the incisions necessary to reshape the cornea. This technology allows him to account for every abnormality in your eye, even if you have astigmatism or a wrinkled cornea.

If you find out that you are a poor candidate for LASIK surgery because of thin corneas or other limiting factors, other laser vision correction options may be available. You may be a good candidate for PRK or LASEK, which are advanced surface ablation procedures that do not require a corneal flap like LASIK does. Because it requires less corneal tissue, people with thinner corneas may still undergo effective laser vision correction.

For more information on laser vision correction in the San Francisco area, please contact the laser eye specialists at the Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley today.

LASIK can be Tax Free

2011-05-05T13:43:00.000-07:00

If your place of employment offers a medical flexible spending account, you may be able to save up to 40% on your LASIK procedure by using the pre-tax money that goes into the account.

An FSA is a savings account used for medical expenses, including laser eye surgery. The money placed into your FSA is deducted from your gross income, prior to any taxes coming out. The FSA is also exempt from Social Security and Medicare taxes, and other federal income. The amount of money you do not put toward taxes can add up quickly to pay for LASIK.

Steps to take to find out about tax-free LASIK include scheduling your free LASIK exam with us to find out if you are a candidate. You also need to sign up for an FSA through your company. Find out what the deadline is for open enrollment from your benefits manager. Finally, find out how much your LASIK procedure will cost so you know how much money to set aside each month.

To find out more about how you can save money on your LASIK procedure in the San Francisco, San Jose, and Oakland, California area, please contact the experienced eye doctors at the Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley to schedule a free initial consultation.

Questions About Monovision LASIK

2011-04-25T08:20:00.000-07:00

For those of you who just cannot wait for your personal consultation for monovision LASIK, here are a few answers to some common questions about this procedure. Be sure to follow the links as each one will lead you to more information about both LASIK this revolutionary treatment that frees you from glasses as presbyopia develops.

How Does Monovision LASIK Work?

Presbyopia occurs because with age the crystalline lens begins to lose the flexibility it needs to refocus quickly and fully between reading range to distance range. It tends to lose more near vision capacity than distance vision causing people to need reading glasses. Monovision LASIK works by correcting just one eye for clear reading vision, leaving the other to see distances.

Is Monovision LASIK Permanent?

All laser surgery, including LASIK, is permanent, allowing you to enjoy glasses-free vision for many years from one quick procedure. Other methods of achieving monovision are temporary, such as CK, contact lenses, or intraocular lens implants, although the latter can be reversed with additional surgery.

Will Monovision LASIK Treat Cataracts?

No. Cataracts, another age-related disease, result from clouding of the natural lens. Cataracts are not curable but refractive lens exchange (RLE) will restore clear vision for cataract patients.

Does Monovision LASIK Treat Any Other Disorders?

While monovision LASIK could be used to correct other refractive errors, it is a preferred method for treating presbyopia rather than refractive error that affects younger eyes. Best results come from evaluating each patient’s unique vision correction needs. The eye surgeons at Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley will make sure they give you the most appropriate recommendation for your best vision results.

If you are ready for your presbyopia vision consultation please contact us to schedule an appointment at a Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley in San Francisco, Oakland, Pleasanton, or San Jose.

Monovision LASIK

2011-04-18T08:18:00.000-07:00

As we get older we face the loss of many abilities we have come to take for granted, like physical strength, endurance, and visual loss that results from presbyopia. These things we all have in common. While it is nice to be able to grow old gracefully, there really is no reason to just roll over and accept whatever comes. Laser eye surgery offers many solutions to preserve clear unaided vision for many years beyond what previous generations could expect. Monovision LASIK is a wonderfully successful way to correct the vision loss that comes with presbyopia.

The eye surgeons at Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley have extensive experience in providing laser surgery to patients including athletes of the Oakland Raiders and the San Jose Sharks. Monovision LASIK involves LASIK surgery on just one eye to increase nearsighted vision adequate to read without glasses.

The other eye is left with good distant vision, which allows you to quickly change focus from near to far without wearing glasses or contact lenses.

If you are tired of glasses or annoyed by bifocals, please contact us for a no-cost consultation to find out about monovision LASIK at Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley or other solutions tailored to your personal vision correction.

Questions About Visian™ ICLs

2011-04-11T08:13:00.000-07:00

There are two types of phakic intraocular lenses (P-IOL) available for correction of nearsightedness (myopia), especially more severe degrees of myopia. One is placed in front of the iris (between the iris and the cornea.) The other, the Visian™ ICL is placed behind the iris, (between the iris and the natural crystalline lens.)

What is the Visian™ ICL?

The Visian™ Implantable Collamer Lens is a biocompatible implantable lens that is made of collagen and is compatible with human tissue. Because of its collagen and polymer compound makeup it repels proteins that might otherwise cloud its surface, and allows it to produce clearer vision than other materials.

Is the Visian™ ICL Better Than LASIK?

P-IOLs have the capability of correction high degrees of myopia while producing fewer higher-order aberrations than LASIK. But beyond a certain point they may not achieve a full 20/40 correction. Each procedure has advantages and disadvantages over the other so it is best to discuss these with your eye surgeon to find out which procedure will give you the better results. Dr. Gary Kawesch is committed to giving the highest quality care to you. His extensive experience with both procedures assures you that he will determine the better choice for you.

How Long Does the Visian™ ICL Procedure and Recovery Take?

Each eye will be implanted in separate outpatient visits. The actual procedure takes only about 15 minutes. You should arrange to have someone drive you home, as your vision might be blurry for a few hours, initially. After a one or two day recovery period you should be able to return to work and normal activities.

If you would like to learn more about the Visian™ ICL implant solution for your myopia please contact Dr. Gary Kawesch at Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley providing laser surgery in San Jose, Pleasanton, Oakland and San Francisco, California.

Questions About Verisyse™ P-IOLs

2011-04-04T08:09:00.000-07:00

Laser surgeries like LASIK have revolutionized how ophthalmologists help improve your vision. But for some, laser surgery just is not an option. For these, and others who hesitate to have LASIK, there is another possibility. Phakic intraocular lens implants (P-IOLs) may be a perfect solution. The Verisyse™ IOL is one of two types of P-IOLs that are FDA approved to treat myopia. The eye surgeons at Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley are excited about these alternative treatments to correct refractive error.

What is the Verisyse™ P-IOL?

The Verisyse™ P-IOL is an implantable lens that is inserted between your iris and cornea to correct your vision to 20/40 or better. It is most useful for patients who have between -10 and -20 diopters of myopia, or severe nearsightedness.

Is the Verisyse™ P-IOL Better Than LASIK?

Some patients are not good LASIK candidates for any of several reasons. Others prefer the reversibility of the Verisyse™ P-IOL. For more severe cases of nearsightedness, Verisyse™ P-IOL implantation has produced clearer vision with fewer higher-order aberrations than LASIK.

How Long Does the Verisyse™ P-IOL Procedure and Recovery Take?

The actual implantation of a Verisyse™ intraocular lens takes only about 15 minutes, but if both eyes are being treated is usually done in separate outpatient visits for each eye. Recovery takes only one or two days before you can return to your usual activities.

If you would like to learn more about P-IOLs from the experienced Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley eye surgeons please contact Dr. Gary Kawesch for a no-cost Verisyse™ P-IOL consultation in San Francisco, Pleasanton, Oakland or San Jose, California.

Do You Need to See an Ophthalmologist?

2011-02-25T10:17:00.000-08:00

When you need professional eye care your choices of provider types are limited but confusing. Do you need to see an ophthalmologist or an optometrist? The answer depends upon why you need care. Ophthalmologists are medical doctors who specialize in medical treatment and surgery of the eye. Optometrists are not medical doctors, and can treat far fewer disorders.

Corrective Lenses, LASIK or P-IOL Implants

If your vision is losing clarity, especially if you are in your early 40s, you would probably do as well seeing either provider. Both offer eye exams and lens prescription services.

However, laser surgery and P-IOL implants offer freedom from glasses or contact lenses. Ophthalmologists, such as Dr. Gary Kawesch and his associates at Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley, are trained in eye surgery, LASIK and other refractive error correction surgery treatments.

Deciding Factors in Choosing an Ophthalmologist

But the real question is, do you know, with certainty, that an eye exam and prescription is all you need? Could you possibility have underlying eye disease or health problems, like diabetes, high blood pressure or a parasitic eye disease, that could be causing or contributing to your problem? If so, you must see an ophthalmologist.

To schedule your no-cost consultation with an experienced ophthalmologist please contact Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley with offices in San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose and Pleasanton, California.

Ophthalmologist Specialties

2011-02-23T10:15:00.000-08:00

It is all too easy to take our vision for granted–until something goes wrong. While there are many things we can do to protect our eyes and prevent or delay vision loss, some eye disorders are age-related. Others result from systemic disease. Fortunately, ophthalmology specialties target many areas of eye disease and treatment. Research is ongoing, and new treatments and cures are on the horizon.

Why There are Ophthalmology Sub-Specialties

The complexity of the eye and it interrelationship with the rest of the body require that ophthalmologists specialize in different types of treatment and surgical intervention. Pediatric eye disorders are very different from those of the older population such as cataracts. While LASIK isn’t for everyone, everyone generally needs refractive correction, eventually.

Eye infections and infestations can be complicated; systemic disease can develop secondary macular, retinal or other disorders; cancers can require extensive surgery, and functional corrective surgery may create defects that can be corrected or improved with oculoplastic surgery. No one physician can master all of these specialties, but specialization concentrates studies and practice in one or more related areas.

Choosing Your Ophthalmologist

When you seek care from an ophthalmologist ask what his or her specializations are. If you need more specialized treatment than your ophthalmologist offers, he or she can give you referrals and coordinate care to give you the best possible outcomes.

When you need an experienced ophthalmologist for your refractive correction, laser eye surgery or cataract treatment in the San Francisco, San Jose, or Oakland area please contact Dr. Gary Kawesch at Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley for your specialized consultation.

Choosing your LASIK Surgeon

2011-01-17T16:10:00.000-08:00

Not all LASIK surgeons are created equal. Therefore, it is important to do your research when choosing a LASIK doctor. The skill and experience of your surgeon can greatly impact the outcome of your procedure.

A great way to begin your search is by asking for referrals from people you trust. This can include your regular eye care physician as well as friends and family members who have undergone LASIK. Your eye care practitioner should be able to steer you towards some of the most accomplished LASIK surgeons in the area, and discussing prior experiences with friends and family members can provide you with significant insight about the procedure. If you receive a recommendation from someone who was absolutely thrilled with the outcome of the procedure, you may want to schedule a consultation with that surgeon.

Credentials are also very important. You should always look for a board certified ophthalmologist. Board certification with the American Board of Ophthalmology demonstrates that the surgeon has undergone years of in-depth training in the field and has passed comprehensive exams which indicate excellence in the area of specialization.

Your initial consultation is also a great place to get a better feel for your prospective LASIK doctor. You will have the opportunity to ask the surgeon questions about his skills, background, and ability. Do not be afraid to ask difficult questions, and make sure you are satisfied with the answers you receive.

Some important questions to ask include:

How many procedures have you performed? (Your surgeon should have extensive experience performing the exact same procedure you require)
What is your complication rate and how does it compare with other surgeons?
If a LASIK complication arises, how do you handle the situation?
Do you charge extra if an enhancement procedure is required?
What kind of LASIK technology do you use?
Have you ever faced a medical malpractice claim?

If for any reason you are not comfortable with a surgeon after the initial consultation, do not work with him. Continue your search until you find a doctor you trust.

Please contact our San Francisco LASIK surgeon today to schedule your free initial consultation. Dr. Kawesch serves patients in the San Francisco, San Jose, and Oakland, California areas.

Visian™ Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL)

2011-01-07T16:02:00.000-08:00

For some people, LASIK is not the best option to correct refractive errors in vision. There are a variety of alternative vision correction procedures available today which yield results that are comparable to those experienced with LASIK. One of these options is the Visian™ Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL).

The Visian ICL is a phakic intraocular lens inserted into your eye to correct moderate to severe myopia. Since no corneal tissue is removed during the procedure, San Francisco ophthalmologist Dr. Gary Kawesch often recommends the Visian ICL to patients with corneas that are too thin to successfully undergo LASIK.

The majority of Visian ICL candidates are between the ages of 21 and 45, have healthy eyes, and experience myopia ranging from -3.0 diopters to -20.0 diopters. Mild astigmatism does not rule you out as a candidate; however, your astigmatism must not exceed 2.5 diopters. You must also have sufficient anterior chamber depth to support the lens.

Your Visian ICL procedure is performed on an outpatient basis and can be completed in less than a half hour. Dr. Kawesch will apply anesthetic eye drops to numb the area. He will make a small incision in your cornea and place the Visian ICL between the iris and your eye’s natural crystalline lens. Once the ICL is centered behind your pupil and supported by the inside walls of your eye, Dr. Kawesch will close the incision.

You should notice the results immediately, and your vision will most likely continue to gradually improve over the next few days. About 95% of patients achieve vision of 20/40 or better, and approximately 60% achieve 20/20 vision or better. Therefore, you will most likely not require glasses or contacts after surgery.

The Visian ICL is intended to be a permanent correction for your refractive error. However, it is possible to remove or replace the lens at a later date, providing a significant advantage over several other refractive procedures which are irreversible.

Please contact our San Francisco ophthalmologist today to schedule your free initial consultation. Dr. Kawesch serves patients in the San Francisco, Oakland, and San Jose, California areas.

Verisyse™ Intraocular Lens (IOL)

2010-12-26T08:06:00.000-08:00

Not everyone is an ideal candidate for LASIK. There are many reasons why this procedure may not be the most effective way to correct the refractive errors in your vision. Fortunately, there are a variety of alternative vision correction options available to you. One of these options is the Verisyse™ intraocular lens (IOL). At your initial consultation, San Francisco ophthalmologist Dr. Gary Kawesch will perform a comprehensive eye examination to determine whether the Verisyse IOL is right for you.

The Verisyse lens is a phakic IOL. This means your eye’s natural crystalline lens will not be removed when the IOL is inserted. Instead, you will have the benefit of an additional lens helping to focus light on your retina. This is a very valuable benefit, since your eye’s natural crystalline lens is responsible for adjusting between near and far objects.

The procedure is very safe and can be performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthetic. It will take approximately 15-30 minutes to complete.

Dr. Kawesch will place an incision in your cornea. The Verisyse IOL will be inserted through the incision and placed in between your iris and cornea. Once the lens is centered in front of your pupil, Dr. Kawesch will attach it to the iris in order to ensure it remains in place. For the first few days of the healing process, you will need to wear a protective shield over your eye to prevent infection.

The Verisyse IOL yields very successful results. About 90% of all patients achieve vision of 20/30 or better following the procedure. As a result, you will most likely not need to wear glasses or contact lenses anymore.

To learn more about Verisyse IOLs or to schedule a free initial consultation, please contact our San Francisco ophthalmologist today. Dr. Kawesch serves patients in the San Francisco, Oakland, and San Jose, California areas.

Visian

2010-12-22T08:01:00.000-08:00

Some of the greatest advancements in technology are taking place in the field of visual correction. Laser eye treatments like laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis or LASIK eye surgery and refractive lens exchange for using advanced intraocular lenses are allowing more people in San Jose and the surrounding area to see better and improve their quality of life.

The newest corrective lens technology is called Visian ICL, implantable collamer lens. This lens is a phakic lens, which does not replace your natural crystalline lens; instead, it sits between the cornea and the natural lens and offers an assist to your vision. Tiny sutures are used to attach the Visian lens to the iris, covering the pupil. Since the natural lens is left intact, it is still able to change shape to focus at multiple distances.

STAAR Surgical, the makers of Visian ICL say that the difference between their lens and others is the same as a normal television versus high definition television. Now you can experience clearer vision than ever before without having to go through the hassles of contacts or glasses. These implantable lenses offer a permanent vision correction solution.

If you are not a good candidate for LASIK vision correction, you may want to look at other vision correction options. To find out more about Visian, please contact San Jose vision specialists at the Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley to schedule an initial consultation.

Laser Vision Correction

2010-11-29T17:46:00.000-08:00

LASIK can be Tax Free

2010-11-12T17:43:00.000-08:00

If your place of employment offers a medical flexible spending account, you may be able to save up to 40% on your LASIK procedure by using the pre-tax money that goes into the account.

An FSA is a savings account used for medical expenses, including laser eye surgery. The money placed into your FSA is deducted from your gross income, prior to any taxes coming out. The FSA is also exempt from Social Security and Medicare taxes, and other federal income. The amount of money you do not put toward taxes can add up quickly to pay for LASIK.

Steps to take to find out about tax-free LASIK include scheduling your free LASIK exam with us to find out if you are a candidate. You also need to sign up for an FSA through your company. Find out what the deadline is for open enrollment from your benefits manager. Finally, find out how much your LASIK procedure will cost so you know how much money to set aside each month.

To find out more about how you can save money on your LASIK procedure in the San Francisco, San Jose, and Oakland, California area, please contact the experienced eye doctors at the Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley to schedule a free initial consultation.

Monovision LASIK

2010-10-15T15:53:00.000-07:00

Sometimes described as a work-around for a condition called presbyopia, monovision LASIK corrects the vision in one eye for distance vision, while correcting the other for near vision. Presbyopia is a condition that you will likely experience around age 40 and it literally means "old eyes." When you begin to hold your newspaper at arms length, or move back in order to read your computer screen, you should be examined to determine if you suffer from presbyopia.

Just because you have presbyopia, does not mean you cannot undergo LASIK vision correction. LASIK typically corrects the vision in both eyes for distance vision. The eye surgeon cuts a microscopically thin flap of your cornea and reshapes the eye with one of a number of types of lasers. This helps the eye to refract, or bend, light onto the retina for good focusing. In some cases, when you correct for distance vision, you may still need reading glasses for your near vision problems caused by presbyopia.

With monovision LASIK, the eye surgeon fixes your dominant eye for distance vision, but leaves or makes minor corrections on the non dominant eye so you can see close up. If you are considering undergoing monovision LASIK, Dr. Kawesch may have you try monovision contacts for a few months first, to see if you tolerate it well. Many people experience problems and cannot get used to adjusting to the changes in their vision.

To find out more about monovision LASIK in the Oakland area, please contact the laser vision specialists at Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley to schedule an appointment.

LASIK and Wavefront-Guided Technology

2010-10-05T15:52:00.000-07:00

Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis, LASIK, has earned a reputation as the method of choice for eliminating glasses and contact lenses and their accompanying hassles. Since its introduction in the last part of the 20th Century, millions of people have benefited from LASIK vision correction surgery. Every year, the lasers, techniques, and surgeons improve, making the procedure safer and more effective than ever.

During the procedure, Dr. Kawesch may use one of a number of advanced lasers for which he is qualified, depending on your specific needs. In most cases, a standard excimer laser is used to reshape the underlying cornea. But if you have astigmatism or other eye conditions that require more precision, the laser can be used in conjunction with Wavefront guided technology. This allows the doctor to plan the new landscape of your eye precisely to account for any wrinkles or abnormalities.

First, a flap is created from the outside layer of the cornea and the underlying corneal material reshaped to help refract the light to the retina for proper focusing. In some cases, one eye is corrected for distance vision, while the other is left alone, or corrected for near vision. This is known as monovision LASIK and is used to help treat presbyopia as well as myopia.

If you are looking to eliminate your glasses or contact lenses, please contact the Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley, which serves Palo Alto and other surrounding areas, to schedule an initial consultation.

Helping LASIK Patients in San Francisco

2010-09-16T09:53:00.000-07:00

Dr. Kawesch is one of the leading laser eye surgeon's in San Francisco and the surrounding area. His clinic, the Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley provides LASIK eye surgery and other laser vision correction procedures throughout the valley. While celebrities are not more important than other people are, they typically have the resources to search for and seek out the best provider's for the services they need. Many celebrities go to Dr. Kawesch at the Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley to help them restore their vision, and get rid of their glasses or contact lenses.

LASIK, or laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis, helps people see better and eliminate their need for glasses or contacts by reshaping the corneal layer of the eye. If you suffer from myopia, you can see things up close, but have trouble seeing things at a distance. The reason is that they eye is elongated and the light of the image converges in front of the retina, causing blurriness. With LASIK, Dr. Kawesch can reshape the cornea to account for the discrepancies and put the focal point back on the retina where you can see clearly.

The Laser Eye Center serves San Francisco and the surrounding area, providing types of laser vision correction. If you are tired of wearing glasses, or dealing with the hassles of contact lenses, please contact the experienced laser eye surgeon in San Francisco, Dr. Kawesch at the Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley to schedule an initial exam.

San Francisco LASIK

2010-09-14T09:51:00.000-07:00

LASIK, or laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis, is one of the most exciting technological breakthroughs in the last part of the last century. Millions of people who have elected to undergo LASIK eye surgery have improved their vision to 20/40, 20/20 and sometimes even better acuity, eliminating the need for glasses and contact lenses.

San Francisco Laser Eye surgery specialist, Dr. Kawesch performs hundreds of LASIK procedures every year. He is highly trained on a number of different lasers and all the latest techniques. The procedures are fast, virtually painless, and provide immediate results. Although it may be several months before your final visual acuity is measured, you will notice improved vision right away.

In order to determine if you are a good candidate for LASIK, you need to schedule an appointment with a qualified surgeon, skilled in all aspects of LASIK eye surgery. If you do not have enough corneal material, or have another eye condition preventing you from undergoing LASIK, there may be other laser surgery options like PRK or LASEK.

To find out more about your LASIK options in the San Francisco area, please contact the laser eye surgery specialists at the Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley to schedule an initial consultation.

LASIK and IntraLase

2010-08-27T11:24:00.000-07:00

When searching for a surgeon to perform delicate surgery on your eye, you want to find the best doctor available. Eye surgery can only be performed by a trained medical doctor with an ophthalmology specialty. Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis of the eye, LASIK, is a highly specialized procedure that takes extra training and skill to perform well. The industry changes so quickly, you need to find a LASIK eye surgeon with the skill and wherewithal to stay abreast of the latest technology and techniques.

San Jose Magazine ranks Dr. Kawesch one of the top eye surgeons in the area. He has performed more than 40,000 refractive eye surgeries during his career. He is trained with all the latest advancements including the IntraLase laser procedure, the all-in-one laser that creates the corneal flap as well as creates the precise incisions on the cornea. With custom LASIK and Wavefront eye mapping, each eye receives customized incisions to give you the best possible refractive correction.

Refractive surgery to correct standard vision problems is a great option if you want to get rid of your glasses or contact lenses and their associated hassles. To find out more about procedures for you eyes, including LASIK, please contact the San Jose LASIK specialists at the Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley to schedule an initial consultation.

LASIK Doctors

2010-08-18T11:21:00.000-07:00

Diagnosis and treatment of many visual problems can be undertaken by either an optometrist or an ophthalmologist. Both types of doctors can prescribe glasses and contact to correct your vision, but only a qualified medical doctor with a specialty in ophthalmology can perform refractive eye surgery like LASIK. Most people progress through various stages of vision correction, from glasses to contact lenses to laser vision correction. It just makes sense to start out seeing an experienced LASIK surgeon like Dr. Kawesch who can treat you as you move through each stage.

Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis or LASIK eye surgery must be performed on stable eyes, ones whose visual acuity has remained the same for approximately two years. During that time, you will continue to need vision correction and regular eye exams. Once you are ready to move to the next step toward permanent vision correction, LASIK surgery, you can go to the same facility that knows your entire visual medical history.

At the Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley, Dr. Kawesch can diagnose and treat any vision problem, from problems with acuity, to advanced surgery like cataracts and LASIK. Since 1992 he has performed more than 40,000 refractive procedures and has treated thousands of people in the San Jose area.

If you are looking for a vision specialist to treat all your vision needs, please contact the vision specialists at the Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley to schedule an initial consultation.

Contact Lens Risks

2010-07-22T13:17:00.000-07:00

Estimates show that more than 30 million people wear contact lenses in the United States. These thin plastic disks that rest on the cornea of the eye have given people around the world a chance to reduce their need for glasses. While contact lenses have offered wearers a chance to enjoy activities that glasses restrict, the lenses also have created a few problems.

Those who wear contact lenses are at greater risk of injury to their eyes and for contracting infections related to the eyes. To prevent eye injury and illness, you should work closely with an eye doctor, like those at Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley in Northern California to understand the best practices in wearing contact lenses, in order to prevent eye injury.

Problems Connected with Contact Lens Use

Due to the increased risks of contact lenses, some eye patients find that LASIK surgical procedures counter those risks and yet provide the same level of vision without the daily routine of inserting and taking out contacts. The most common injuries and illnesses related to contact lens wear include:

Corneal ulceration – more common in soft contact lens wearer due to their comfort level and potential for overnight use
Corneal abrasion – more common in hard contact lenses, but even soft contact lenses are at increased risk
Infections of the corneal – these can be fungal or bacterial in nature and have the potential for vision loss

If you are concerned about the potential risks of contact lenses and want to consider what LASIK could do for you, please contact our office today. The Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley staff can help you understand more about LASIK surgery and the alternative it provides to contact lens wearers.

Eyes and Sun Damage

2010-07-20T13:14:00.000-07:00

During the summer months, warnings about protecting our skin hit us from a multitude of commercials, news reports and product displays, but not just your skin burns, fries and bakes. Your eyes are also at risk for sun damage; protecting these valuable assets can mean the difference between having clear sight later in life or a lifetime of eye problems.

Shielding your eyes from the sun’s damaging UVA and UVB rays should be as important as protecting your skin. Anytime you are outdoors, whether in the summer or winter months, wear a pair of highly protective sunglasses to prevent eye damage and increase your chances for a lifetime of clear vision. If the sun has already damaged your eyes, then you'll want to schedule an appointment with a highly trained ophthalmologist, like California's Dr. Gary Kawesch at the Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley to see if it can be corrected.

Sunglass Questions to Ask Beyond – How do I look in these?

Knowing how you look in a certain pair of sunglasses is of less importance than how those sunglasses protect your eyes. When selecting a pair of sunglasses, look for a minimum UV400 protection marked on the glasses. Again, this is the minimum requirement for protection; blocking 99 to 100 percent of UV radiation is your ultimate goal. When you are unsure about the protection of your sunglasses, contact your eye doctor to have a professional sunglass recommendation or to have the sunglasses you own evaluated for their ultraviolet protection.

When Eyes Have No Sun Protection

When eyes remain unprotected from the sun’s rays, UVA rays can penetrate deep into the eye and UVB rays can damage the cornea and lens. The resulting damage to your eyes will leave you with serious vision consequences. Those include:

Increased risk of cataracts
Added risk of macular degeneration
Skin cancer of the eyelid
Increased risk of pteryguim – a tissue growth on the whites of the eyes which can block vision

Your eye doctor is your best resource for help with protecting your eyes against the sun’s ultraviolet rays. For those who live in San Francisco, San Jose and Oakland, the eye doctors at Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley can help you determine the best sun protection for your eyes. Please schedule an appointment today.

Crystalens Eye Surgery - Is it Right for You?

2010-06-18T13:12:00.000-07:00

As cataracts form with age, things we once saw clearly become clouded and blurry. Cataracts make it almost impossible to drive and they, also significantly affect our quality of life. A new type of implantable lens called Crystalens is now available to not only help your regain your distance vision from cataracts but to also make it possible to focus at all distances, helping you to see near, far, or at median lengths.

To gather more information about this new lens used for cataract surgeries around the country, contact an eye surgeon like those at Laser Eye Center in Silicon Valley. An ophthalmologist can examine your eyes to determine if Crystalens is the best option for your cataract surgery.

Determining if You are a Good Crystalens Candidate

Typically, if you are a good candidate for intraocular lenses (IOLs), you will be a good candidate for the Crystalens. The determining factors for both are:

Have you had previous cataract surgery? If yes, then you would not be a good candidate.
Do you suffer from any major health problems? If yes, then likely you could not be considered for the Crystalens eye surgery.
Do you have healthy eyes? If no, then another method of cataract removal and correction will need to be considered.

If you live in San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose, or the surrounding areas and suffer from clouded vision due to cataracts, please contact one of our offices today. The eye surgeons at the Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley will be happy to work with you to find the best option for restoring your youthful vision.

Questions About Crystalens Eye Surgery

2010-06-01T13:09:00.000-07:00

The FDA gave approval for the Crystalens in 2003. Since that time, more than 40,000 patients have had the Crystalens implanted in their eyes to correct presbyopia - a condition that affects millions of middle-aged adults who can no longer see up close without reading glasses and have cataracts.

Designed to mimic the eye's natural lens by giving a full range of focusing ability, the Crystalens has been a huge technological leap for cataract sufferers. Prior to the Crystalens' availability, those individuals with cataracts could only have their distance vision corrected with intraocular lenses (IOLs) and had to wear reading classes for close vision. By contacting an eye surgeon like Dr. Gary Kawesch at the Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley, you can have all your questions answered about this new implantable lens.

Will Crystalens Enable Me to Have 20/20 Eyesight Again?

Crystalens eye surgery may be your best chance to have 20/20 eyesight again, but it can't be guaranteed in all cases. Virtually everyone that has the Crystalens eye surgery will have significant improvement, but not all patients will regain 20/20 for distance, as well as close-up. What can be guaranteed is that you'll have greater freedom from wearing glasses than if you have a traditional IOL implanted.

Do the Crystalens Lenses Work in All Light Conditions?

Along with age comes a reduced ability to see in lower light conditions. Much of this is due to overall eye health and condition of the light sensors in the retina. When an eye surgeon implants a traditional IOL, many cataract sufferers say they experience glaring and halos while driving at night. This possibility also exists with the Crystalens, but due to its unique ability to use all available light rays, you have a lesser chance that glaring and halos will occur for night vision.

If you live in San Francisco, San Jose, or Oakland, California and suffer from cataracts, let the eye surgeons at Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley examine your eyes for the possibility of Crystalens eye surgery to rectify your cataracts and regain reading vision. Please contact our office today for your consultation.

Eye Health

2010-05-28T14:24:00.000-07:00

Protecting your sight and preventing eye disease later in life starts with proper eye care. When we treat our eyes with as much concern as we treat our body, we can gain more certainty that our vision will last just as long.

You can do many things to maintain your vision over your lifetime. By contacting an eye doctor, like those at Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley, you can learn about the various ways to protect your site and keep your eyes healthy.

Healthy Eyes Start with the Eye Exam

If you haven't had an eye exam in the last few years, there's no time like the present. An eye care professional will perform a comprehensive dilated eye exam to evaluate you for eye diseases before symptoms can be detected. Dilation is a painless procedure that enables your eye doctor to look within the eye to determine the presence of eye diseases.

Common Vision Problems

During your eye exam, your eye doctor will be looking for common vision problems found in children and adults. These vision problems can affect our reading ability, as well as distance vision that can leave us squinting and straining to see.

Myopia - nearsightedness
Hyperopia - farsightedness
Astigmatism - a condition where the cornea is not perfectly spherical
Presbyopia - an age related condition that affects near vision

Treating the Older Eyes

After age 60, you should have yearly eye exams. Your optometrists or ophthalmologists will specifically evaluate your eyes for these conditions as you age:

Cataracts - the clouding of the eye's lens that reduces vision and can even cause blindness
Glaucoma - a group of eye diseases that gradually steal sight without warning
Diabetic eye disease - a group of eye problems that can cause severe vision loss or even blindness

When you contact the eye doctors at the Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley, you are assured of having a partner in your eye health. Please schedule an appointment today at one of our three offices in San Francisco, San Jose and Oakland, California.

Answering Your Questions about Monovision LASIK

2010-05-18T14:22:00.000-07:00

LASIK surgery has become one of the most studied elective procedures since it gained widespread acceptance in 2000. Monovision LASIK is building upon that history of successful eye surgery and expanding it to adults with presbyopia – the condition that all middle-aged adults have when the eye's natural lens becomes more rigid with age and results in a loss of near vision.

By contacting a skilled eye surgeon, like those at Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley, you can have all your questions about this relatively new procedure that offers a great alternative to reading glasses.

What are the expected results from monovision LASIK?

Results vary from one individual to the next, but generally, after monovision LASIK you will have an adjustment period before your brain accepts that it must compensate for distance with one eye and up close reading with the other. With that said, your best bet for determining the expected outcome is to try monovision contacts for several months to see if you easily adapt to the correction for up close reading in one eye.

Can I throw away my glasses after a successful monovision LASIK surgery?

Again, everybody's eyes are different, but it is typical for the average monovision LASIK patient to significantly reduce or eliminate the need for glasses shortly after surgery. This is welcome news for presbyopia patients who have found reading glasses to be a bother in the middle-aged years. One thing to keep in mind is that eyes do continue to age, and while reading glasses may not be needed right after surgery, a decade or two down the road you may find some optical assistance necessary.

Our monovision LASIK surgeons at the Laser Eye Center of Silcon Valley in San Francisco, San Jose and Oakland can help you with your other questions about monovision LASIK surgery. Please contact us today to schedule your appointment.

Monovision LASIK: Overlaying two views for seamless vision

2010-04-22T15:26:00.000-07:00

As our population ages, so do the number of people with presbyopia - an eye condition that results when our eye's natural lens becomes rigid with age and no longer focuses for reading distance.

Middle-aged patients at the Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley in San Jose, Oakland and San Francisco, California, often have questions about how monovision LASIK works. By contacting a skilled ophthalmologist like Dr. Gary Kawesch, you can have your questions answered to determine if monovision LASIK is right for you.

How Monovision LASIK Differs from Traditional LASIK

Unlike traditional LASIK, which corrects distance vision in those at most any age, monovision LASIK reduces the need for reading glasses in middle-aged adults with presbyopia and maintains the distance vision that the individual still enjoys. The procedure is performed by leaving the dominant eye for distance sight and correcting the non-dominant eye for up close vision.

Who Can Have Monovision LASIK Surgery

Anyone, aged 40-60 can consider monovision LASIK surgery; the procedure is most applicable for you if:

You are nearsighted, with or without an astigmatism
You are over 40 and suffering from presbyopia

Determining if Monovision LASIK is the Best Solution

Fortunately, for those who are considering monovision LASIK surgery, a way exists for you to try it out. Your eye doctor can fit you for monovision contacts that will emulate the same effect that you will experience with monovision LASIK surgery. After several months, you'll know if this surgery will suit your vision needs.

The Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley, with offices in San Francisco, San Jose and Oakland offer several types of LASIK surgery, including monovision LASIK. Please contact us today and our eye doctors can have you seeing clearer that you'd ever imagined.

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2010-04-19T14:32:00.001-07:00

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Choosing a Cataract Eye Surgeon

2010-04-12T15:22:00.000-07:00

Choosing a cataract eye surgeon can be a daunting task, especially when you consider that optimum results will guarantee that your overall vision will remain crystal clear throughout your life. So selecting a qualified cataract eye surgeon is top priority as you move forward with your eye surgery.

Trust in a competent eye surgeon, along with your doctor's years of specialized training will give you confidence that you’ve chosen a skilled doctor who will treat your eyes with special care. By contacting Dr. Gary Kawesch at the Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley in Northern California, you have access to an eye surgeon who is both experienced in LASIK and cataract eye surgery.

Eye Surgery Consultation - Your First Step to a Successful Procedure

Evaluating an eye surgeon for your cataract procedure occurs during the consultation phase. After you have consulted friends and family members who may have had cataract surgery, you'll want to get recommendations for more than one eye surgeon. From there, arrange a consultation to discuss the specifics of your case and the procedure in general. During the consultation, you'll be learning more about:

The doctor's board certifications
Educational experience of the eye surgeon
Patient recommendations and the doctor's own patient testimonials

If you are considering cataract surgery and live in San Jose, San Francisco or Oakland, California, please contact our office today. By reading about Dr. Gary Kawesch, you'll understand why he and the staff at the Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley would be the first to call when you are considering a cataract eye surgeon.

BOTOX® Safety: Is it Safe Enough for You?

2010-03-26T14:41:00.000-07:00

When you want to smooth out your wrinkles instead of nipping and tucking them, BOTOX® is a great alternative. It's also a less invasive way to obtain a more youthful appearance. However, patients do squirm at the thought of putting a neurotoxin into their face. The question remains, just how safe is BOTOX® Cosmetic? You can learn more about the safety of BOTOX® by contacting Dr. Gary Kawesch at the Laser Eye Center in Silicon Valley.

When BOTOX® is injected appropriately, and according the labeled instructions, it is one of the safest cosmetic interventions you can have. While there are risks, you can rest assured that overall, the procedure is reliable and trustworthy.

Considering the Doctor Behind your BOTOX® Injection

Seems that just about everybody offers BOTOX® these days - dermatologists, ophthalmologists, urgent care centers, plastic surgeons and others. Finding a doctor to perform your BOTOX® injection is easy, but finding one that is reliable may be more difficult unless you ask these five qualifying questions:

Can you show me some of your patients pre- and post-BOTOX® pictures?
How many of Botox injections have you performed?
Will you be doing the injections, or will a staff member do the procedure?
If another staff member, what are his/her qualifications?
Where is the procedure to take place?

By asking these critical questions and remembering not to base your physician selection on price over credentials, you will ensure that your BOTOX® procedure is handled appropriately and safely.

Now, more than ever, you have options that can turn back the clock on your face. Dr. Gary Kawesch at the Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley, with office locations in San Jose, San Francisco and Oakland can help you determine if BOTOX® is right for you. Please schedule an appointment today.

BOTOX® Questions: Erasing those Fine Lines

2010-03-16T14:36:00.000-07:00

Now that you have those fine lines on your forehead, between your eyebrows and around your eyes, minimizing or eliminating those wrinkles, takes top priority. Oh, you could have a facelift, but it might be a bit early for such drastic measures. If you are like millions of women worldwide, you will attack an age-old problem with a temporary, less invasive solution - BOTOX®. When you have fine lines around your eyes, an eye surgeon, like Dr. Gary Kawesch of the Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley is your best option for cosmetic enhancement.

How does BOTOX® work?

BOTOX® restricts the action of facial muscles that form the wrinkles and fine lines. This restriction allows the muscle to relax and produce a more youthful appearance on the face. The BOTOX® Cosmetic injection is placed into the muscle and causes only minimal discomfort for several months of younger looking skin.

How long does BOTOX® last?

Typically, BOTOX® injections will last three to six months; the average is around four months. However, many factors are involved when determining the length of time before wrinkles will reappear. Some of those factors include:

Age
Body type
Health
Weight
Type of treatment
Treatment location

Deeper wrinkles cause BOTOX® injections to wear off faster than shallow ones. However, if you receive repeat treatments, the effects can last longer.

If you live in Northern California and want to rejuvenate your appearance by smoothing out those nagging wrinkles, please contact the Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley. We have three conveniently located offices in San Jose, Oakland and San Francisco.

Choosing an Ophthalmologist

2010-02-25T15:30:00.000-08:00

Ophthalmology is a field of medicine that specializes in preventing, diagnosing, and treating diseases and disorders of the eye. Ophthalmologists are doctors trained to provide total eye care such as routine eye examinations, the treatment of diseases and disorders of the eye and to perform complicated and precise surgeries of the eye.

Choosing an ophthalmologist requires just a few inquiries on your part. An excellent way to start your search is by asking friends and associates about their choice of ophthalmologists. Your local hospital also has a list of physician referrals that you can access. If you compare these recommendations, after researching the physician's credentials and special areas of interest you will be able to make an informed decision on your choice.

Some areas of concern you should address in choosing an ophthalmologist are whether they have an M.D. or D.O. degree from an accredited medical school, whether they have completed additional training, and are Board Certified and licensed in the state in which you reside.

Additional concerns to be addressed are whether they work with your insurance company, and have admitting privileges at your hospital of choice. Is the ophthalmologist's office conveniently located with office hours to suit your needs and does the office have an after hour's or emergency policy you agree with?

Choosing the right ophthalmologist for you is worth some time and effort on your part to provide you with the care and treatment you want for your precious eyes.

Please contact Dr. Gary Kawesch of the Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley today to learn more about what services are available to you to prevent and treat disorders and diseases of the eye and do all you can to maintain your eye health. Dr. Kawesch serves patients in the San Jose, Oakland and San Francisco areas of California.

What is Ophthalmology?

2010-02-05T15:27:00.000-08:00

Ophthalmology is a field of medicine that concerns itself with the anatomy, function and diseases of the eye. An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who specializes in diseases and functions of the eye.

Ophthalmologists are trained to provide total care related to the eye. An ophthalmologist can provide a routine eye examination and perform complicated, precision eye surgery and treat diseases of the eye also. There have been many revolutionary advances in the field of ophthalmology in recent years, such as the use of lasers in the treatment of some eye disorders that in the past meant certain loss of vision.

An ophthalmologist must spend at least three years in an ophthalmology residency after four years of medical school and an internship program. During this ophthalmology residency, the ophthalmologist receives special training in all areas of eye care, including prevention, diagnosis and medical and surgical treatment of eye conditions and diseases.

Many ophthalmologists then choose to advance their knowledge even more with one to two years training in a subspecialty such as glaucoma or pediatric ophthalmology.

Board certified ophthalmologists have completed a rigorous two-part examination given by the American Board of Ophthalmology that tests their knowledge and ability to provide the best possible eye care.

Please contact Dr. Gary Kawesch of the Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley today to if you have questions about your eye health to schedule a consultation and learn what the highly trained and skilled professional staff there can do for you.

What Foods are Good for Your Eyes?

2010-01-21T09:51:00.000-08:00

A diet that is high in saturated fats and sugar does not supply the antioxidants required for good eye health and creates substances that put your eye health at risk. The most important way to ensure good eye health is to eat a nutritious diet full of fruits and vegetables, fish, herbs and spices that contain vitamins, carotenoids, minerals and essential fatty acids for your eyes.

The choices you can make to provide excellent antioxidants to support healthy eyes include green vegetables like broccoli, green beans, spinach, peas, and carrots, corn, celery and leafy lettuces. Sweet potatoes and yams, tomatoes and fruits such as dried apricots, blueberries, cantaloupe and lemons are also included on the must have list. Fresh fruit and vegetable juices are an excellent source of antioxidants as well.

Salmon, albacore tuna, mackerel and sardines and herbs like dill, oregano and parsley also provide a great source of what your eyes need to stay healthy. To get the greatest benefit from these foods, make sure you buy the freshest foods you can find as they have more antioxidants and nutrients available.

To learn more about how a healthy and nutritious diet can improve your eye health, please contact Dr. Gary Kawesch of the Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley today to schedule a consultation to discuss how you can do more to improve your eye health with the knowledgeable professionals on staff.

How Long Do the Results of LASIK Eye Surgery Last?

2010-01-08T09:49:00.000-08:00

The results of LASIK eye surgery are a permanent change. The conditions that can affect your vision, such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, cataracts or other eye conditions or diseases can still develop even after LASIK eye surgery.

LASIK eye surgery was designed to reduce or eliminate the need to wear eye glasses or contact lenses by gently reshaping the cornea with computer-controlled technology to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.

LASIK eye surgery is quick, safe and effective usually requiring one to two minutes for each eye. You are able to see more clearly within minutes and are able to return to your normal daily activities the day after your procedure. Your vision continues to improve over the ensuing weeks and months.

Although there are some risks associated with LASIK eye surgery, they are minimal. However, it must be noted the potential exists for overcorrection or undercorrection, infection and scarring. With recent advances in LASIK technology these risks are minimized in the hands of a highly skilled and trained eye surgeon or ophthalmologist.

If you reside in San Francisco, Oakland or the San Jose, California area and the idea of not having to wear eye glasses or contact lenses any longer appeals to you, please contact Dr. Gary Kawesch of the Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley today to schedule a consultation to discuss the great benefits and minimal risks involved with LASIK eye surgery.

LASIK Eye Surgery and Eye Health

2009-12-15T15:52:00.000-08:00

LASIK eye surgery is the most frequently performed eye surgery nationwide with over one million surgeries successfully completed every year. LASIK eye surgery takes less than fifteen minutes to complete with the patient experiencing improved vision immediately.

LASIK eye surgery is used to treat myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness) and astigmatism, reducing your dependency on eye glasses and contact lenses.

Anyone eighteen years of age or older with realistic expectations regarding the outcome of the surgery and who has had no changes in refraction for at least one year may be a LASIK candidate. If you experienced an injury to your eye or have had an eye infection within a year of your surgery, it is recommended you forego the surgery for the time being. Your eye surgeon or ophthalmologist will advise you of the optimum time to schedule your surgery for the best results.

As with any surgical procedure, there is the risk of complications. Risks related to LASIK eye surgery include increased sensitivity to light, haloed or glared vision, irregular astigmatism, dry eyes, and loss of visual clarity. Recent advances in LASIK eye surgery technology have served to reduce the risk of complications with this procedure which is virtually painless.

Please contact Dr. Gary Kawesch of the Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley today to schedule a consultation and learn more about LASIK eye surgery and how this procedure can improve your quality of life in just minutes.

Questions about Latisse®

2009-12-04T15:50:00.000-08:00

What is Latisse®?

Latisse® is the only Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved product for eyelash growth for those with no or inadequate eyelashes manufactured by Allergan, a pharmaceutical company with over sixty years of experience in eye care product production.

How is Latisse® administered?

Latisse® works from the inside out gradually over the course of twelve to sixteen weeks and could not be easier to use. Latisse® is applied once daily to the base of your upper eyelashes using a specially provided applicator. Always be sure to use the specially provided applicator designed to release Latisse® in the appropriate manner. Do not be tempted to use a cotton swab instead.

What are the possible side effects of using Latisse®?

With the use of any prescription medication there is always the possibility of side effects and Latisse® is no exception. Reported side effects may include eye irritation, redness and dryness of the eyes, temporary darkening of the skin and unintended hair growth. The use of Latisse® should be monitored by your physician to minimize the risk of side effects and to ensure you get the best result intended for this product.

How can I learn more about Latisse®?

If you are interested in learning more about Latisse®, please contact Dr. Gary Kawesch of the Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley today to schedule a consultation with the highly trained professionals on staff there so you too can have darker, thicker and longer more natural-looking eyelashes.

Latisse™

2009-11-15T09:08:00.000-08:00

Thanks to scientific advances in the pharmaceutical industry, Allergan, a company with over sixty years of expertise in eye care products, has introduced Latisse™, a prescription medication that makes darker, fuller and longer eyelashes possible for everyone. Latisse™ is the only Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved treatment for the growth of eyelashes in those with none or inadequate lashes.

Latisse™ is available through a prescription from a doctor to ensure the risks of side effects are minimized and also to monitor the use of this medication. It must be noted, as with all prescription medication, some side effects are possible and may include eye irritation, redness and dryness of the eyes and temporary darkening of the skin. A specially designed applicator is provided in order to reduce the risk of Latisse™ coming in contact with unintentional areas of the skin resulting in unwanted hair growth.

Latisse™ is a once daily treatment you apply at the base of your upper eyelashes for a simple, easy to use, effective approach to beautiful, natural eyelashes. The effects of Latisse™ are gradual with the full result attained in twelve to sixteen weeks.

If you have always wanted darker, longer, thicker eyelashes, but not the hassle of applying eye make-up and false eyelashes every single day, please contact the Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley today to learn how easy it is to enhance your eyes with a stroke of the Latisse™ applicator. Dr. Kawesch serves patients in and around the Oakland and San Jose area of California.

Laser Skin Rejuvenation

2009-11-05T09:05:00.000-08:00

Laser skin rejuvenation is a revolutionary way to combat signs of aging. No harsh chemicals or long recovery periods are necessary and this non-invasive procedure results in smoother, fresher looking skin by diminishing the appearance of imperfections on the surface of the skin.

Laser skin rejuvenation can reduce the effects of sun and aging that cause age spots, dry, dull skin, fine lines and wrinkles, freckles, acne scars, and spider veins.

Laser skin rejuvenation has been proven to be very effective, but as everyone’s skin and history are different not everyone can expect the same results. It is important to have realistic goals and expectations before having laser skin rejuvenation performed by a highly trained healthcare provider to ensure you get the best care and treatment possible.

Although there are few risks and complications connected to this procedure, it must be noted there are possible risks involved. The most common risk is temporary darkening or lightening of the skin and a very small risk of scarring. Though laser skin rejuvenation does permanently remove signs of aging, the procedure cannot prevent your skin from continuing to age and developing new problems.

If you live in San Francisco, Oakland or San Jose, California or the surrounding area please contact the Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley and Dr. Gary Kawesch today, to schedule a consultation to discuss how laser skin rejuvenation can give you a fresher, more youthful appearance with no harsh chemicals easily, safely and effectively. Dr. Kawesch serves patients in and around San Francisco, Oakland and San Jose, California.

Is BOTOX® Safe?

2009-10-20T10:06:00.000-07:00

Millions of people have had BOTOX® injected into facial lines and wrinkles and the procedure appears to be easy, safe and effective for the majority of those people.

As with any treatment, there may be some side effects noted in some people such as, headache, redness and swelling at the site of the injection, temporary eye-lid droop, nausea and flu-like syndrome. BOTOX® is administered through injections with a tiny needle directly to the area to be treated with almost immediate results. One ten minute treatment brings results that last as long as four months. BOTOX® is the only non-surgical alternative to surgery to have Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval.

The benefits of a BOTOX® treatment far outweigh the risks involved. However, there are certain conditions that exist when BOTOX® treatment should be avoided, such as if you have an infection at the site you wish to have injected, you are hypersensitive to the ingredients of the Botox® formulation or you have a neurological disorder.

BOTOX® is recommended for patients between eighteen and sixty-five years old. Women who are breastfeeding or pregnant should avoid BOTOX® treatments. Although millions have been safely and effectively treated with BOTOX® for years, it is important only a trained physician administer your BOTOX® treatment to minimize the risk of complications.

We encourage you to please contact Dr. Gary Kawesch of the Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley today to schedule a consultation to learn more about BOTOX® treatments and how they can enhance your appearance. Dr. Kawesch serves patients in and around San Francisco, Oakland and San Jose, California.

BOTOX®

2009-10-01T09:58:00.000-07:00

BOTOX® is a non-surgical treatment that temporarily smoothes moderate to severe lines between the brows, around the eyes and the mouth. A short time after being injected with a very fine needle you will see a noticeable improvement at the site of the injection according to over 90% of those who have had the procedure.

Having a BOTOX® injection has been described as virtually pain-free, although some healthcare providers choose to apply an anesthetic cream or cold pack to the area to be treated. The entire procedure takes only minutes, with no recovery time necessary. You may experience mild pain, inflammation, tenderness or swelling and redness at the injection site, but this is usually self-limiting and tends to lessen over time. Compared to the benefits of BOTOX®, the risks are minimal

To obtain the maximum benefit of a BOTOX® treatment it is important to have it administered by a healthcare practitioner who is experienced and skilled in the procedure so you are totally satisfied with the results.

BOTOX® is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is safe, easy, convenient and most importantly, effective. You can achieve a refreshed, youthful appearance without the pain and time involved with surgery with a few minutes devoted to a BOTOX® treatment.

Have you been thinking of looking into a BOTOX® treatment but have some unanswered questions? Please contact Dr. Gary Kawesch of the Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley today to schedule a confidential consultation and learn more about this procedure.

LASIK and Night Vision

2009-09-25T14:23:00.000-07:00

At the Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley, we offer Custom LASIK. That is a far more accurate procedure than the early LASIK surgeries done in the mid-1990s. What makes it more accurate is the very detailed diagnosis of your eyes done beforehand. Early LASIK used the same diagnostic method that is used to determine a glasses prescription. Custom LASIK uses Wavefront technology to map the microscopically tiny contours of each eye.

No two human eyes are the same. Your two eyes will have slightly different treatments and nobody else will ever have those exact same treatments. Your Custom LASIK surgery will correct more than just the defects which cause nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. These defects are known as the three lower order aberrations.

Higher Order Aberrations
Custom LASIK corrects the tiny defects which cause poor night vision - the higher order aberrations. While there are just the three lower order aberrations, there are many higher order aberrations and more being discovered all the time. Some of them have names such as:

Halos
Starburst
Ghosting
Coma
Trefoil

Others are named by mathematical expressions. When your Wavefront diagnosis is made, the computer shows your eyes as colored three-dimensional topographical maps. This data is used to guide your treating laser and gives you a correction of both lower and higher order aberrations.

Early LASIK procedures gave far less correction - only as much as a pair of glasses can give. They left people with night vision problems because they did not correct the higher order aberrations. But your Custom LASIK will remove most of the tiny contour errors which cause those night vision problems. You will have clear vision and also better quality vision.

For more information on how Custom LASIK can benefit you, please call or email our LASIK surgery office for a personal consultation.

How the Eye Works

2009-09-14T14:22:00.000-07:00

If you're like many people, you probably take the complex process of vision for granted. The eye takes the light reflecting off object and focuses it into a way for you to interpret what you are seeing. If the eye is not shaped correctly, you may not be able to see objects clearly; at our San Francisco office, we perform LASIK vision correction to give your eye a shape that will allow you to see clearly.

Light bounces off objects and enters the eye through the cornea. It passes through the lens (behind the iris) and passes through a clear fluid which fills the main part of the eyeball. The back inside surface of the eye is the retina, filled with light-sensitive cells. They receive the images and convert them to nerve energy. The eye’s large optic nerve carries them to the brain for interpretation.

The Eye's Shape
Vision problems arise when the eye is not shaped correctly. Both the cornea and the lens bend all incoming light to focus it on the retina.

In a nearsighted eye, they bend it too much when it comes from a distant object, so that object looks blurry.
In a farsighted eye they bend it too little when it comes from nearby objects, so those objects look blurry.
In an astigmatic eye, there is an oval shape instead of spherical. Therefore the light is bend at two different angles coming from the same object. That creates two images on or in front of the retina and everything looks blurry to some extent.

To correct these vision problems, we can perform LASIK to reshape the cornea and change the way your corneas bend light.

If you would like to learn more about LASIK or how you can achieve vision without glasses or contacts, please call or email the Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley today to schedule your initial consultation.

LASIK and Athletes

2009-08-25T10:02:00.000-07:00

We have performed LASIK on many different athletes in the San Jose, San Francisco, and Oakland, California areas. If you’re an athlete who wears contact lenses or glasses, you have probably experienced problems at some point with your vision and your performance. LASIK can improve your vision so that you can compete at your highest level without dealing with glasses or contacts.

LASIK treats astigmatism, myopia, and hyperopia. Before the laser gives you the treatment a small flap is created on the corneal surface and folded back to give access to a deeper layer. Then the laser reshapes the cornea and the flap is replaced. It heals up by itself.

You will not be able to play sports for about a month while your eyes fully heal. During this time, any bumps or impacts to the eye could dislodge the LASIK flap. Dr. Kawesch would reposition it but you are better off if it is not dislodged.

Over the course of about three months, your vision may fluctuate. You may temporarily see haloes around lights or have some blurriness. Your eyes will feel dry while the tear gland nerves recover. For your long-term best vision you should stay away from any situation which could cause an impact to your eyes and interfere with their healing.

If you are interested in LASIK and would like to schedule an initial consultation, please call or email the Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley. We will listen to your concerns and goals and answer your questions, and if you decide to go ahead with vision correction we will set up an appointment for your complete eye examination.

LASIK and Dry Eyes

2009-08-19T10:01:00.000-07:00

Dry eyes can occur regardless of LASIK. Temporary dry eyes caused by such things as working too long at the computer or being out in windy weather are easily treated with over-the-counter eyedrops.

However, there is also a condition called Dry Eye Syndrome which is chronic and often a disqualifying factor for LASIK. It is not caused by external conditions but by the eye’s inability to produce enough tears, or to produce good quality tears. Tears have certain ingredients and sometimes one can be missing.

The Lacrimal Gland
When the LASIK corneal flap is created to give the laser access to a deeper layer of tissue, small nerves are often cut. They run between the cornea and the lacrimal gland which produces tears. It is situated beneath the eyebrow on the outer side of the eye.

When these nerves are severed the tear gland is unable to send tears. This is why moisturizing eyedrops are always prescribed after LASIK. The eyes need to be kept moist while the tiny nerves regrow. Typically they regrow within a few weeks and the dry eye condition disappears.

In rare cases the nerves do not regrow fully and the eye dryness persists past the recovery period. If you had Dry Eye Syndrome to begin with, your eyes would now be very dry indeed, and this is why Dry Eye Syndrome typically rules a person out for LASIK.

If you are unsure whether you have Dry Eye Syndrome or just minor periodic dryness, please contact the Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley to schedule a personal consultation. Dr. Kawesch may find that you could have LASIK, or perhaps an alternative vision correction procedure instead.

What is Astigmatism?

2009-07-31T15:23:00.000-07:00

Astigmatism is a very common vision problem that occurs when the shape of the eye causes light to pass through the pupil and the lens improperly, hitting the retina in a way that causes the objects you see to appear blurry. We treat many Oakland, San Jose, and San Francisco, California patients suffering from astigmatism with LASIK and other vision correction procedures.

For most people, the eye is shaped like a sphere, and the light entering through the pupil is focused on the retina so that they can see. When you have astigmatism, the eye is more oblong shaped, like a football, and it cause light to become skewed when it passes through the eye.

One of the many LASIK myths is that astigmatism cannot be treated with LASIK. Although this may have been true year ago, advancements in LASIK technology now allow us to perform LASIK and improve the vision of people with astigmatism.

If you are suffering from cataracts and you have astigmatism, we can still perform Replacement Lens Exchange so that your clouded lens is replaced with one of our intraocular lenses (IOLs) like Crystalens, ReSTOR, or ReZoom.

To learn more about astigmatism, or how we can correct your vision if you have astigmatism, please contact us today at the Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley to schedule your initial consultation.

Questions About Cataracts

2009-07-21T15:25:00.000-07:00

Millions of people develop cataracts as they age. A cataract occurs when there is a protein build-up on the lens of the eye, causing a cloudy spot in your vision. When a cataract has formed, you may be able to function normally for a while, but they can become very bad.

Patients from Oakland, San Jose, and San Francisco, California come to our office all the time with questions about cataracts. Some of the most common questions we answer include:

Can I prevent cataracts from forming?
Cataracts are incredibly common, and there are many different theories as to what exactly causes them. Some studies suggest that people living at higher altitudes or with more exposure to sun develop cataracts earlier.
How can I correct my cataracts?
To correct cataracts, we perform Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE), to replace your clouded natural lens with a permanent, clear, artificial intraocular lens (IOL).
Will I be able to see with an IOL?
Yes! After your RLE procedure, you will be able to perform nearly all your daily activities almost immediately. For some people, it takes some time getting used to the IOL, but you will be able to see.

If you would like to learn more about RLE or any other vision correction procedure, please contact us today at the Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley to schedule your initial consultation.

Contact Lens Infections

2009-06-29T15:16:00.000-07:00

More and more people switch to contact lenses every year, and as a result, contact lens infections are becoming increasingly more common. One of the ways you can avoid any type of contact lens infection is by correcting your vision at our San Francisco, California ophthalmology office.

Contact lens infections can occur in a variety of different forms:

Corneal Ulcer -Develops when a microscopic parasite breeds in the cornea. People most at risk for this are swimmers and people who practice poor hygiene.
GPC (also called Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis) -Can be caused simply by a reaction from your body toward the contact lenses.
Solution Irritation -While not as serious as other forms of contact lens infection, some people can become irritated and develop an infection from using certain types of contact lens solutions.

We provide a few different vision solutions for patients who wear glasses and contacts:

If you would like to learn more about the ways you can correct your vision and be free from contacts and eyeglasses, please call or email our Silicon Valley LASIK office to schedule a personal consultation.

How Does Your Vision Change After LASIK?

2009-06-25T09:49:00.000-07:00

LASIK provides improved vision almost immediately but the total improvement is not always evident for perhaps three months. You will have follow-up visits with one of our LASIK doctors – first on the day following your surgery, then after a week, a month and decreasing intervals for about a year. That way we can monitor your vision improvement and make sure no complications arise.

In the first three months it is common to experience temporary vision changes. For the first few days after the procedure, you may be more sensitive to bright lights, it may be more difficult to drive at night, and you may experience blurred or faint double vision.

For many people, these side effects subside in days or weeks, but there can also be fluctuations in your vision over the three months. You may see haloes, more glare, or changes in your distance vision. If these symptoms continue to occur after 6 months have passed, you may consider having revision surgery.

LASIK has provided millions of people with improved vision. If you are curious about LASIK or any other vision correction procedure, please visit our LASIK FAQ or LASIK Alternatives pages to learn how you can correct your vision.

Please contact our LASIK office today to schedule your initial consultation. During that consultation we will listen to your desires and concerns and answer your questions. You can meet our staff and take a look around the office. If you choose, you can make an appointment for a full eye examination.

What is 20/20 Vision?

2009-05-24T12:06:00.000-07:00

20/20 vision is a term developed by optometrists and ophthalmologists to determine what a “normal” person can see when they are 20 feet from an object. Many people who do not have 20/20 vision require glasses or contacts to assist them in seeing more normally. We perform LASIK surgery at our San Francisco, California to improve people’s vision so they no longer require contacts or glasses.

If you have 20/20 vision, when you stand 20 feet from an eye chart, you can see what most other people can see. However, if you are near or far sighted, you may have 20/40 or 20/100 vision, which means when you stand 20 feet away from the chart, you see the same detail that a normal person would see 40 or 100 feet from the chart.

Much of what determines how well you can see involves the shape of the eyeball. When light enters the eye, it passes through the pupil to the retina in the back of the eye. If your eyes are too steep or too elongated, it can cause the light to focus improperly.

During LASIK, a laser is used to reshape the corneal tissue, and allow light to hit the retina properly, providing you with improved vision. LASIK can correct nearly any prescription, and will almost always improve vision enough for you to pass a driving test without glasses or contacts.

If you would like to learn more about your vision and whether LASIK can improve what you see, please contact us at the Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley today to schedule your initial LASIK consultation.

What to Expect After the LASIK Procedure

2009-05-21T13:51:00.000-07:00

LASIK is a fantastic vision correction procedure that can provide you with clearer vision almost immediately after the procedure is complete. When people from Oakland, San Jose, and San Francisco come to our office, we provide them with a few guidelines to follow during the days after their LASIK surgery.

Immediately after your LASIK procedure, you may feel an itching, burning, scratching, or irritating sensation and your eyes might tear or water for a day or two. This is completely normal, and it is important that you do not touch or rub your eyes because it can dislodge the corneal flap. Your eyes may also be more sensitive to lights and your vision can be blurry or hazy for a few days.

We will schedule several follow-up visits for you so we can monitor your healing. But if you begin to feel any serious pain, you are encouraged to come to us as soon as possible because this could be a sign of infection or other complication.

After your LASIK surgery, you cannot wear any eye makeup, creams, lotions, or any other facial product because they can increase your chances of infection. It is important not to have anything get beneath the flap while it is healing. You will need to protect your eyes from any hits or bumps for at least a month.

To learn more about what to expect after your LASIK procedure, please contact our LASIK surgery office to schedule your initial consultation.

What to Expect Before the LASIK Procedure

2009-04-29T15:57:00.001-07:00

Prior to your LASIK procedure, you will need to schedule an initial consultation with one of the experienced LASIK eye surgeons at our San Francisco, California office. We suggest that before your initial consultation, you only wear glasses for a week or two. Contacts can change the shape of the cornea, so wearing glasses will allow your eyes to return to their natural shape.

During your consultation, we will determine if you are good candidate for LASIK vision correction and we will perform a thorough eye exam. The eye exam will allow us to map your eyes and determine exactly what changes should be made with the laser. This initial consultation will also provide you with time to ask any and all questions you have about the procedure.

On the days before and after your LASIK procedure, you should stop wearing any lotions, make-up, perfumes, and creams because these products can attach to the eyelashes and can increase the chance of infection after the procedure.

Lastly, it is important that you arrange transportation to and from your LASIK procedure. Prior to undergoing the procedure itself, we may prescribe you a relaxation and/or pain pill to help you during the procedure, but these pills can affect your ability to drive.

If you’ve decided that you’d like to have LASIK, please call or email the Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley and we will schedule a personal consultation for you.

Are LASEK and PRK Painful Procedures?

2009-04-19T14:19:00.000-07:00

No, vision correction done with a laser is not painful. We first give you numbing eyedrops and make you comfortable on the patient bed that is part of the Custom LASIK hardware. You will feel only a slight sensation of pressure some of the time.

In addition to the more popular LASIK procedure, we also perform both LASEK and PRK procedures at our San Francisco, California ophthalmology office. Much like LASIK, PRK and LASEK both use lasers to reshape the cornea for vision correction, but there are differences between the three:

LASIK-A small flap is created in the cornea and is folded back. The laser then reshapes the underlying corneal layers, and the flap is replaced.
LASEK-A flap is created in the epithelium, which is a very thin layer of cells on the outermost part of the cornea. The laser corrects the shape of the cornea, and the thin flap is replaced so the cornea can heal.
PRK-The epithelium is completely removed so that the laser can correct the shape of the cornea. This layer of cells will grow back after the procedure.

All three of these procedures are completely safe. Recovery after LASIK is usually short and easy, involving use of moisturizing eyedrops to deal with the temporary feeling of grittiness. As the corneas heal that feeling fades away.

Recovery after LASEK and PRK takes longer because corneal cells must regrow. For about two weeks you will need to wear a contact lens “bandage” to promote healing. We will monitor your recovery closely and any discomfort can be soothed by a prescription painkiller.

To learn more about the LASEK and PRK procedures, you can visit our Differences between PRK, LASEK, and Epi-LASIK page.

If you are currently wearing glasses or contacts and are interested in correcting your vision with any of our laser vision correction options, please call or email the Laser Vision Center of Silicon Valley today to schedule your personal consultation.

LASIK and Traveling

2009-03-24T15:51:00.000-07:00

Many people from Oakland, San Jose, and San Francisco, California come to our office wondering if it will be safe to travel after they have had LASIK. We are happy to tell them that there have been almost no vision problems associated with flying or other travel after a LASIK procedure.

At first your eyes will feel irritated, so we don’t recommend that you travel very soon after your LASIK surgery. The best thing you can do in the immediate recovery period is to rest and relax at home until your eyes are finished healing. Three months is a typical time for complete healing, but it may be shorter in your case. Then you can feel free to travel wherever you like.

LASIK can correct all but the most severe myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism and provide you with near-perfect vision without the use of glasses or contacts. If you have any other questions about LASIK, please visit our LASIK and LASIK FAQ pages to learn more about this procedure.

To speak with one of our experienced LASIK ophthalmologists in person and to schedule your LASIK vision correction surgery, please contact Dr. Gary Kawesch, surgical ophthalmologist at the Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley to schedule your personal consultation.

Will I Ever Need Glasses Again?

2009-03-24T15:48:00.000-07:00

While LASIK can correct most prescriptions, there is no way that we can guarantee everyone’s vision will be perfect following their LASIK procedure. However, nearly all the patients leaving our San Francisco, California LASIK office are able to pass a driving test without the use of glasses or contacts.

Since ophthalmologists began using the LASIK procedure, huge advancements have been made in the technology. Today, our skilled LASIK eye surgeons are able to improve almost anyone’s vision, but there are some LASIK limitations. For instance, LASIK cannot correct cataracts, a lens condition that often develops after mid-life and causes progressive loss of vision.

Even though LASIK cannot correct every vision problem, we have a variety of other vision correction options available to our patients, including:

If you use glasses or contacts, and are curious about what LASIK can do for you, please contact us at the LASER Eye Center of Silicon Valley to schedule your initial LASIK consultation.

LASIK Affordability

2009-02-23T12:04:00.000-08:00

Having clear vision without the use of contacts or eyeglasses is something everyone should be able to experience. We want all our patients in the San Francisco, California area to afford clear vision. Each LASIK procedure we perform is unique, so the cost of the procedure is different for each customer.

LASIK can correct nearly any prescription and to make sure you can afford your LASIK procedure, we have a variety of different financing options:

CapitalOne Healthcare Financing, Vision Fee Plan
Unicorn Financial
CareCredit
Cash
Check
Credit Cards

You deserve to have great vision; to learn more about the payment options we provide you can visit our LASIK Cost page. In addition to using these payment options for LASIK, you can choose to finance any other procedure at our office, such as Advanced Surface Ablation, Crystalens, ReZoom, or ReSTOR.

If you would like to learn more about your LASIK financing options, please contact us at the Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley to schedule your initial consultation. During your initial consultation, we will outline exactly how you can afford your LASIK eye surgery.

Does LASIK Hurt?

2009-02-09T12:01:00.000-08:00

We have had many patients visit our San Francisco, California office who have been concerned about their LASIK vision correction procedure being too painful. One of our main concerns is that our patients are completely satisfied with their LASIK procedure.

To make sure you are as comfortable as possible while your LASIK procedure is being performed, we will provide you with a mild anesthetic so that you won't feel any discomfort. In addition to this, we can also give you a pill to help you relax and prevent any anxiety you may be feeling prior to the LASIK procedure.

During your recovery, you may feel slight discomfort, burning or itching; these are all normal following LASIK and can be corrected with over the counter pain relievers. We recommend you try to sleep after your LASIK procedure so that you can heal without feeling too much discomfort.

If you are considering other vision correction procedures, like Crystalens, ReSTOR, ReZoom, or Advanced Surface Ablation, similar steps will be taken to make sure you are completely comfortable during and after your vision correction procedure.

To learn more about LASIK or any other vision correction procedure, please contact Dr. Gary Kawesch, surgical ophthalmologist at the Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley today to schedule your initial LASIK consultation.

LASIK History

2009-01-30T13:26:00.000-08:00

LASIK, which stands for Laser Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis, is a vision correction procedure I perform on patients in the San Francisco, California. Since being approved for use in the United States in the early 1990s, LASIK has helped millions of people achieve great vision without glasses or contacts.

Ophthalmologists have been using ablative lasers to reshape eye tissue and correct vision for many years. Prior to LASIK, procedures like ASA (Advanced Surface Ablation) were performed to reshape the corneal tissue. With advancements in laser and vision technology, LASIK was developed.

During the LASIK procedure, a small incision is made in the corneal tissue to create flap. This small flap of tissue is then pushed back, allowing the laser to reshape the rest of the corneal tissue. During the procedure, the laser is used to remove minute amounts of tissue, correcting the natural imperfections in the eye. Once these imperfections have been corrected, the flap is placed back over the area to promote faster, healthier healing.

The LASIK procedure has been improved many times over the years, and is now able to correct nearly all types of vision prescriptions. In addition to LASIK, we also perform Crystalens, ReSTOR, and ReZoom procedures.

If you are considering one of the many different vision correction procedures available to you, please contact Dr. Gary Kawesch, ophthalmologist at the Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley, to schedule your free initial consultation.

LASIK Eye Surgery Myths

2009-01-27T13:18:00.000-08:00

As a LASIK office in the San Francisco Bay Area, we have corrected many different rumors and myths about LASIK. Patients who come to our office have heard many different things about LASIK and we are happy to let them know if what they've heard is true or not.

Sometimes, myths about vision procedures can keep people from pursuing vision correction solutions and prevent them from achieving the vision they want. Some of the most common LASIK myths we’ve helped correct include:

I could lose my vision from LASIK
LASIK is a painful procedure
Recovering from LASIK takes a long time
LASIK won't correct my astigmatism
My prescription is too high to undergo LASIK

Not only are these myths false, but there are also many other myths you may have heard that are untrue about LASIK vision correction. We perform incredibly safe LASIK eye surgeries as well as many other vision correction procedures like ReSTOR, ReZoom, and Crystalens.

If you are considering LASIK or any other vision correction procedure, please contact Dr. Gary Kawesch, surgical ophthalmologist at the Laser Eye Center of Silicone Valley today to schedule your initial LASIK consultation. During your initial consultation we can answer all your LASIK questions and help your find out if LASIK is right for you

Choosing a LASIK Surgeon

2008-12-26T15:10:00.000-08:00

Your eyesight is a very precious thing. If you are considering any type of vision correction surgery, you want to be sure the eye surgeon you select is qualified, experienced and worthy of your trust.

Dr. Gary Kawesch would like you to keep these suggestions in mind as you research the best ophthalmologist and eye surgeon for your needs.

Make sure your LASIK doctor will be a part of the entire process. This includes performing the majority of your surgery and monitoring your recovery in the following months.
LASIK surgery should be a primary part of his or her business, rather than an occasional procedure. It is suggested that should have performed at least 1,000 LASIK procedures, indicating they have the experience and skill.
Your LASIK surgeon should be willing to review all the procedures and potential complications in detail with you. He or she should also be patient enough to answer all your questions.
Try to avoid LASIK centers that have overly aggressive advertising or offer discounted prices. They may not be using the most advanced technology available.
The LASIK surgeon that was right for your friend or co-worker may not be right for you.
Feel free to attend a LASIK seminar or seek a consultation prior to making your choice. Do not feel obligated to that surgeon, however, if you don't feel comfortable with the atmosphere of the office or their answers to your questions.
Price should not be your deciding factor. LASIK financing is available through several companies. Your decision should be based on the technology, experience and professionalism of the LASIK surgeon and his or her staff.

Whether you choose Dr. Kawesch and Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley or another equally qualified LASIK surgeon, we hope that these simple suggestions will help make your selection process easier.

If you are considering LASIK in San Francisco, Oakland or San Jose, California, please contact us today.

Cataracts

2008-12-12T15:07:00.001-08:00

As a cataract forms on your natural eye lens, it will cause your vision to change. If you aren't having regular eye exams, and the cataract goes undiagnosed or untreated, you can end up with very blurred or cloudy vision. While cataracts do not lead to blindness, they do make reading, driving or watching television an unpleasant experience.

A good alternative may be refractive lens exchange (REL) surgery. RLE surgery employs IOLs (intraocular lenses) as a replacement for your natural lens, now damaged by the cataract.

Dr. Kawesch uses the ReZoom™ and ReStor® lenses and has had excellent results. The ReZoom™ lens creates several focal points for your eye, which allows you to see better at various distances. The ReStor® lens is also an excellent choice for cataract-impaired vision. This unique multi-tiered surface has been adapted from other optical devices like lighthouse lamps and microscopes. The tiers, which are concentric rings, are what allow you to see at all distances.

We don't see any reason why you shouldn't consider REL surgery if you are suffering with cataracts. You shouldn't either.

If you are considering REL cataract surgery in San Francisco, Oakland or San Jose, California, please contact us today.

LASIK vs. Contacts or Glasses

2008-11-23T08:43:00.000-08:00

When you are considering have LASIK so you don't have to wear glasses or contacts any more, don't just look at the price of LASIK. You should consider a number of other things, too.

First, did you know that LASIK will pay for itself in about three years? It is a one-time charge. You are committed to contacts and glasses for your whole life.

After having LASIK surgery, you will still want to keep up with those regular eye exams. However, you won't have to worry about needing new lenses, frames or contacts.

Let's a take a look at some national averages to give you a better idea of the potential savings.

Doctor Visit: $150 every two years
Prescription Glasses: $320 every two years
Prescription Sun Glasses: $270 every two years
Contacts: $48 a month
Contact Supplies: $12 a month

If you have your eyes checked every year, and also get new lenses and frames with each new prescription, your costs could be considerably more. Multiply these averages over the rest of your life. You can see that the cost of LASIK is a fraction of what it will cost to maintain your contacts or glasses.

To make LASIK surgery even more enticing, there are several companies that specialize in financing laser vision correction surgery. You can probably find a plan that fit your budget perfectly.

We hope this information is beneficial and has helped you see that LASIK is a cost-effective alternative to wearing contacts or glasses.

If you are considering LASIK in San Francisco, Oakland or San Jose, California, please contact us today.

Lens Implants

2008-11-10T08:41:00.000-08:00

At the Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley, Dr. Gary Kawesch offers RLE (refractive lens exchange) surgery for his patients who are at least 50 years old, are near- or farsighted and do not qualify for other LASIK surgery procedures.

Dr. Kawesch also offers the three standard intraocular lens implants options based on your needs:

ReZoom™ is ideal for patients with presbyopia (farsightedness). This lens creates multiple focus points so you can see clearly up close, far away and all points in between.
ReStor® is also a common choice for those wishing to rid themselves of glasses and contacts. Originally used for such optical devices as lighthouse lamps and microscopes, this technology incorporates multiple tiers for light to reflect off of. These tiers are concentric rings and allow you to see clearly at all distances.
Crystalens® is unique because its ability to flex the same way your natural eye lens does. By mimicking the bending and flexing of the natural lens, this implant lens can provide a crystal clear image whether it is close or far away.

When you visit our state-of-the-art vision center, we will be happy to discuss all the benefits and options of RLE surgery with you. We can provide a full eye exam, as well, and be sure that you get all your questions answered before scheduling your laser vision correction procedure.

If you are considering LASIK in San Francisco, Oakland or San Jose, California, please contact us today.

LASIK Complications

2008-10-22T10:23:00.000-07:00

LASIK surgery is no different than any other surgery when it comes to risk. There is always a chance that complications may set in during or after the procedure. However, our doctors are highly skilled laser eye surgeons and we use the state-of-the-art technology. Both of these factors greatly reduce the likelihood of anything going wrong.

Even so, we do believe that you should be aware of the risks so you can make informed decisions. Here are a few of the most common complications associated with LASIK vision correction.

Dry Eyes: you may experience dry eyes for a few days following the procedure. Just use a soothing eye drop and you should be fine.
Over or Under Correction: this is usually seen in patients with high prescriptions. If the eyes heal differently than expected a LASIK enhancement may be required to tweak the prescription.
Flap Folds: if the corneal flap made at the beginning of the LASIK procedure doesn’t lie flat when replaced, it can cause irritation. A simple LASIK enhancement will remove any wrinkles.
Glare and Halos: these are normal and temporary results of the cornea swelling due to the laser vision surgery. It most cases, the affects will fade in just a few weeks as the cornea heals.

Dr. Kawesch will be happy to review all the possible complications with you during your consultation. Today’s technology has greatly improved the success rate of LASIK surgery. Reports indicate that 95% of all laser vision correction procedures performed each year have little or no side effects. What does occur is very easily corrected.

If you are considering LASIK in San Francisco, Oakland or San Jose, California, please contact us today.

LASIK at Your Age

2008-10-08T10:19:00.000-07:00

We see it every day at Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley. Young people and old people complaining that they can’t see as well as they used to. We probably expect to hear that from people over 45 or 50, but even people in their 20’s can experience a change in the quality of their eyesight. Here’s a short breakdown of age groups and how LASIK vision correction might be helpful.

Ages 21 to 40: Our patients in this age group tend to be active men and women who find it annoying to have to deal with glasses or contacts. If you fall in this group, you can probably appreciate the convenience and affordability of LASIK. We offer a wide variety of laser vision correction procedures that can provide dramatic improvements in your vision.

Ages 41 to 54: Our patients in this age group tend to see the most changes in vision over a shorter period of time. They have realized that the gift of clear vision without a dependence on even just reading glasses is priceless and have made LASIK the most popular elective procedure in the United States.

Ages 55 and over: Thanks to so many wonderful advances in laser vision correction over the past few years, our patients in this age group don’t have to be stuck wearing glasses for reading and driving. Plus, we offer refractive lens exchange surgery with the best choices in implantable lens available.

All of our patients are important to us, no matter how old they are. Dr. Gary Kawesch and Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley take great pride in offering state-of-the-art technology with a staff that is dedicated to providing the best vision care possible.

No matter how old you, if you are considering LASIK or laser vision correction surgery in San Francisco, Oakland or San Jose, California, please contact us today.

Blade-free LASIK

2008-09-20T13:26:00.000-07:00

Many people shy away from the idea of LASIK surgery as soon as they hear the words “knife” or “blade.” There is a blade-free alternative, though, that is making them reconsider.

As a matter of fact, blade-free, all-laser LASIK is the only type of LASIK surgery that Dr. Gary Kawesch will perform on our patients at Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley. The difference is this. In traditional LASIK, a thin blade is used to make the corneal flap. Blade-free LASIK only requires a laser. Since the laser is making the incision rather than the doctor, the incision is much more precise and considerably less room for error and complications.

The technology used in our Blade-Free LASIK procedure is the IntraLase laser. It is the first of its kind and makes thinner, more accurate incisions. It makes the blade practically obsolete.

Once the initial corneal flap has been created, the corneal tissue is gently reshaped using wavefront technology and the flap is moved back in place. It will heal naturally and fairly quickly so no stitches are required.

No doubt you can see why this is the only way Dr. Kawesch performs LASIK surgery on his patients. He knows it is the best procedure for them and will allow for the most accurate vision correction possible.

If you are considering LASIK in San Francisco, Oakland or San Jose, California, please contact us today.

Wavefront LASIK

2008-09-03T12:48:00.000-07:00

At Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley, we take great pride in providing our patients with the best and most current technology available. Wavefront LASIK falls in that category.

In a nutshell, wavefront technology is a form of mapping. Pretend you are holding a bundle of light rays. Now draw lines perpendicular to the tips of those lights. What you get is a map. Since we’re talking about your eyesight, you get a map of everything relating to the health of the eye – nearsightedness, farsightedness, halos, etc. Wavefront maps for eyes with perfect vision are flat. Eyes with less than perfect vision have a wavefront map that is bumpy and irregular.

The wavefront technology has greatly improved the ability of laser eye surgeons like Dr. Gary Kawesch to provide precision accuracy in your LASIK surgery. Plus, wavefront technology in LASIK surgery provides quicker healing and a lower risk of side effects.

Our staff welcomes the opportunity to tell you more about wavefront LASIK and our other laser vision correction procedures. We would love to show you around our comfortable, state-of-the-art vision center, too.

If you are considering wavefront LASIK in San Francisco, Oakland or San Jose, California, please contact us today.

Modern LASIK Technology

2008-08-19T09:06:00.000-07:00

The world of laser vision correction has come a very long way in 50-plus years. The first oscillating blade, known as a microkeratome, was developed in the 1950s and was used to cut the ultra-thin corneal flaps allowing for the reshaping of the cornea. This is known as keratomileusis.

In the 1970s, RK (radial keratotomy) came along with PRK (photorefractive keratotomy) following close behind in the 1980s. Although these are laser vision correction procedures, they are not the same as LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis).

In the late 1960s, carbon-dioxide laser was developed and this formed the cornerstone of modern LASIK technology. By the late 1980s, the excimer laser (ultraviolet laser used to etch tissue) was introduced and quickly became the standard for LASIK procedures.

All of these discoveries and advancements have played a major role in developing the technologies of the 20th and 21st centuries. These include:

LASEK (laser epithelial keratomileusis): developed in the late 90s; designed for those who are not good LASIK candidates
Epi-LASIK (epithelial laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis): a cross between LASIK and LASEK; designed for those who have less steep myopia
Wavefront Technology: eye health mapping technology providing highly accurate measurements of eye health

Being committed to providing the most advanced vision technology available, Dr. Gary Kawesch and Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley are proud to offer these and many other superior laser vision correction options. We look forward to helping you find the option that is right for you.

If you are considering LASIK or laser vision correction in San Francisco, Oakland or San Jose, California, please contact us today.

Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE)

2008-08-04T08:58:00.000-07:00

RLE surgery is specifically designed for those over 50 wearing bi- or trifocals and don’t qualify for any other type of LASIK vision correction procedure. By replacing the impaired lens of your eye with an implantable lens, your vision can be dramatically improved.

Determining how you want your eyes to “sight” is one consideration. Monovision lenses allow your eyes to “sight” at the same distance. Multifocal lenses are designed so that one lens is “sighted” for distance and the other is “sighted” for near vision.

In addition, there are three brands of implantable lens that can be used based on your “sighting” needs. The ReZoom™ lens creates multiple points for your eye to focus allowing you the ability to see better at various distances.

The ReStor® lens has a multi-tiered surface similar to those found in other optical devices such as lighthouse lamps or microscopes. The tiers are actually concentric rings that allow you to see at all distances.

Perhaps the most unique implantable lens is Crystalens®. It is the only one of the three that flexes like your natural eye lens does. A healthy eye focuses by coordinating the bending and flexing of the cornea and crystalline lens based on whether the image is near or far. This lens can duplicate those movements and allows you to see both near and far without glasses or contacts.

Dr. Gary Kawesch welcomes the opportunity to discuss your vision needs in greater detail. There are several other laser vision correction procedures that might better fit your needs and we can help determine that with a complete eye examination and review.

If you are considering RLE in San Francisco, Oakland or San Jose, California, please contact us today.

Why is LASIK Expensive?

2008-07-31T12:52:00.000-07:00

Not all vision centers charge a lot for their procedures. But you should be weary of those low cost offers. Generally, low cost LASIK procedures mean the center is using older, out-dated technology.

LASIK procedures done with current state-of-the-art technology are going to be more expensive. Technology is more costly. And you can’t have advanced technology without the staff training that goes with it. We will not subject our patients to less-than-professional care and that means we are continually taking educating our doctors and staff, learning about new techniques and investing in the latest technology.

We won’t subject our patients to outrageous pricing, either. We offer very reasonable pricing and a variety of payment options. If you wish to finance your gift of improved eyesight, we will be happy to help you pick the right option for you. These options include tiered pricing to match your budget, so you need not worry.

Your eyesight isn’t something to skimp on. When it comes to improving your vision, you want to be sure you are getting the best possible care from a highly qualified laser eye surgeon using the most advanced technology available. You want someone like Dr. Gary Kawesch and his staff at Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley.

Dr. Kawesch founded Laser Eye Center on the premise that we will always provide exceptional vision care using advanced technology and a highly-trained staff. That means you may have to pay a little more but you will be glad you did.

If you are considering LASIK in San Francisco, Oakland or San Jose, California, please contact us today.

LASIK Procedures

2008-07-29T12:42:00.000-07:00

Dr. Gary Kawesch and the staff of Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley have made a conscience decision to only offer the most advanced technology available in LASIK today.

No-Blade LASIK: This is only type of LASIK that we offer at Laser Eye Center. Instead of the thin blade, a precision laser is used to cut the corneal flap, leaving less chance for errors and complications.
Thin Flap LASIK: While thin flap technology isn’t new, it is the best option for our patients. Using the thin flap concept, patients heal quicker and have better results overall.
Wavefront Treatment: This advanced technology allows Dr. Kawesch to better track and measure eye abnormalities. This, in turn, allows for greater precision in refining the corneal reshaping for the best in vision correction.

In addition to these procedures, Dr. Kawesch also uses the following lasers for the most precise surgery possible.

IntraLase Laser: This laser is the first of its kind and allows for totally blade-free flap creation during the LASIK surgery.
LADARVision: This laser is used to gently reshape the cornea after the flap has been made. It uses a cool laser light and helps aid in a quicker recovery of the cornea.
Bausch & Lomb Zyoptix: Zyoptix works with the wavefront system to detect even the most minute vision errors. It is fast, safe and practically pain-free.

As you can see, we take great pride in providing the best possible vision care using the most advanced technology available.

We would enjoy the opportunity to discuss your LASIK surgery needs in detail. We will answer all your questions and would love you to show you around our state-of-the-art vision center.

If you are considering LASIK in San Francisco, Oakland or San Jose, California, please contact us today.

Welcome

2008-04-10T14:00:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the blog for the LASIK Eye Center of Silicon Valley. Check back frequently for articles and news on the latest developments in LASIK.