LASIK
Drs. Beers and Volpicelli have performed tens of thousands of LASIK procedures including performing the surgery on each other. 94% of our patients see 20/20 or better following LASIK.
LASIK is a refractive surgery that changes the shape of the cornea enabling a person to see without the use of glasses or contact lenses. The cornea is the part of the eye that focuses light to create an image on the retina. When light reaches a curved surface such as the cornea or the lens inside the eye, it bends. This bending of light is called refraction. More often than not, the shape of a person’s cornea is not perfect, which prohibits the light from focusing correctly on the retina. When this occurs, the eye will be near-sighted, far-sighted or astigmatic. These problems are called refractive errors.
Drs. Volpicelli and Beers of Mountain View specialize in eliminating these refractive errors, so you can see without using glasses or contact lenses. It is how they eliminate these errors that have led them to become widely recognized and named as “the best eye surgeons in the San Francisco Bay Area” by San Jose Magazine. Drs. Beers and Volpicelli perform many types of refractive surgeries and are therefore able to custom tailor the perfect procedure for each individual patient.
Wavefront LASIK: Highest Quality Vision and Safest Procedure
No two pairs of eyes are alike. The standard LASIK procedure performed by most doctors corrects “lower order aberrations” such as myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism. Although this may correct 90% of visual imperfections, 10% of visual imperfections are “higher order aberrations” that can cause problems such as halos, glare and poor night vision. Using the newest VISX Wavefront™ technology, Drs. Beers and Volpicelli are able to correct both lower and higher aberrations, which result in the best vision and quality of life for you.
Refractive Procedure Options
Unlike other physicians who are limited to the standard LASIK procedure, Drs. Volpicelli and Beers perform many types of refractive surgeries such as LASEK, Implantable Collamer Lens or Refractive Lens Exchange in their Mountain View office. Because every eye is unique, some people will have better vision results with an alternative procedure to LASIK. For example, patients with unusually thin corneas may have a better visual outcome with LASEK. A patient who has severe myopia (nearsightedness) should consider having an Implantable Collamer Lens (Visian ICL™) inserted into the eye. And, for those who are terribly farsighted, Refractive Lens Exchange may be the best option. There are even choices within the Wavefront LASIK procedure. People reaching middle age, for instance, may prefer Monovision which eliminates the need for reading glasses. When considering LASIK, it is very important to find a surgeon who performs all of these refractive surgeries so you know you are receiving the best option available for your unique visual needs.
Most Advanced Technology
Drs. Beers and Volpicelli use the newest and safest technologies in all of their procedures. The Intralase laser, which can be used to create the corneal flap during LASIK, offers patients the highest quality and safety available. According to a study conducted by NASA, “This highly advanced combination of LASIK technologies [Intralase and Wavefront] has been proven in extensive clinical trials to provide both excellent safety and outstanding visual outcomes -- beyond 20/20 in many cases.”
The VISX STAR 4 IR Excimer Laser, which is used to correct refractive errors by altering the cornea’s curvature, is recognized as the most advanced and safest laser on the market. It works seamlessly with the Wavefront system to custom tailor the best vision for you.
Complete Ophthalmologists
Many LASIK surgeons do nothing but LASIK. Drs. Volpicelli and Beers do everything from extensive eye exams to corneal transplants. It is very comforting to know that your LASIK surgeon will also be able to treat your cataracts as you get older. Comprehensive eye exams will detect early glaucoma and other diseases before they affect your vision. Because Drs. Volpicelli and Beers know your history, any future eye problems will be well taken care of.
The Procedure
The LASIK procedure takes about 10 minutes and is relatively painless. The entire visit takes about one hour. Prior to LASIK eye surgery, most patients are given a small dose of valium simply to help them relax. Drs. Beers or Volpicelli will recheck your eyes and confirm measurements.
To begin the procedure, you will first relax in a comfortable, reclining chair. The doctor will place a few numbing drops in your eye and will use a retainer to gently hold your eyelids open during the procedure. You will focus on a blinking light. The doctor then surgically lifts a thin corneal flap and the laser correction is performed. The treatment lasts approximately 30 to 60 seconds, after which the corneal flap is repositioned. Most patients then go home and sleep. Your doctor will call you at home that evening to check on you and answer any questions you may have.
After the Procedure
By the next day, patients can see clearly and can resume their normal activities. Although vision generally improves dramatically right away, it is normal for some patients to experience small vision changes during the first month. Typically, you will be scheduled for a follow-up appointment in our Mountain View office the next day and again in about a week. These appointments only take about 15 minutes and we pride ourselves on punctuality.
To schedule a complimentary LASIK exam at our Mountain View office, call 650-961-2585 or contact us online.
For more information about LASIK, please read our LASIK FAQs.
