LASIK &
Advanced Surface Ablation
Laser Vision Correction at Valley EyeCare Center
Valley EyeCare Center has been performing Laser Vision Correction (LASIK, PRK, Advanced Surface Ablation, Refractive Surgery) since it’s introduction in the United States. Our board-certified surgeon, Dr. Gagnon, has performed thousands of refractive procedures.
Valley EyeCare Center provides comprehensive care with this groundbreaking procedure including all pre and post-operative care by your surgeon. Our staff and surgeon have been caring for the community since 1975 and this is only one of many services we provide.
We believe that it is vital to have complete care from your surgeon starting with the initial evaluation and at all following visits after the procedure. Dr. Gagnon sees all of his patients for the initial evaluation and does all of the follow-up care.
What is Laser Vision Correction or Refractive surgery?
Laser Vision Correction or Refractive Surgery, includes the use of an excimer laser to perform procedures such as LASIK (Laser In-Situ Keratomileusis) or Advanced Surface Ablation/PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy). These procedures can be used to correct nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia) and astigmatism.
Currently, LASIK is the procedure of choice for the vast majority of patients with these conditions. However in some cases, such as patients with thinner corneas, dry eyes, or high impact activities, Advanced Surface Ablation (PRK) is a better choice.
Valley EyeCare Center uses the state of the art Wavelight EX-500 excimer laser with the latest wavefront-optimized technology, to provide Custom LASIK. This helps to produce the smoothest ablations of any laser on the market. It also utilizes a pupil-tracker to track patient eye movement, providing the utmost accuracy and precision in refractive surgery.
OCCUPATION: TECH TEACHER
AGE: 30
SURGEON: MICHAEL GAGNON, MD
PROCEDURE: LASIK
I have worn contacts since I was 10 years old. I decided it was time for lasik, so that i could enjoy water activities with my kids. I was also tired of my eyes looking red and tired all the time.
My fear was that I could see so well with contacts, what if I could not see as well with surgery, (and still had to wear corrective lenses)? That is something I considered for a long time and decided it would be worth it, since I could not see anything without my contacts.
THANKS GOODNEDSS I DID IT!
I see better now than I did with my contacts. I can see so crisp and clear and my eyes feel healthier.
I drove back and forth 1 1/2 hours each way, several times and would drive 100 miles for Dr. Gagnon! He was amazing!!!
He has a patient for life, +3 (my family).
The only downside is that I lose a few minutes of sleep everynight to wake up to look at all the things I couldn’t see before! I figure I make it up in the five minutes I save not taking out my contacts.
THANK YOU SO MUCH!
Lisa
How does LASIK surgery work?
LASIK is a two step process. First, a thin flap is made on the outermost layer of the cornea.
The second step is the excimer laser reshaping the cornea. The length of time required for treatment will depend on the level of your refractive error or prescription. What makes LASIK such an appealing option is that it is relatively pain free with a quick recovery time. The next day, most patients are able to drive themselves to their post-operative appointment without glasses or their old contact lenses.
How does Advanced Surface Ablation work?
In patients who are not good candidates for LASIK because of thin corneas, dry eyes, or high impact activities, Advanced Surface Ablation/PRK is a better option. As an example, our Air Force pilots have Advanced Surface Ablation (PRK) done instead of LASIK.
Instead of creating a flap, the surface cells of the cornea are removed. The same excimer laser that is used in LASIK is used in Advanced Surface Ablation (PRK) to treat your prescription.
A contact lens is placed on your eye after surgery and is removed a few days afterwards when the surface cells of the cornea have healed. The drawbacks include more discomfort and a slower visual recovery but it is the only option for some patients.
The results with Advanced Surface Ablation (PRK) are the same as or better than LASIK. top
What is Wavefront or Custom refractive surgery?
Wavefront technology was developed for use in high-powered telescopes to reduce distortions when viewing distant objects in space. This technology is now available in laser vision correction providing a level of measurement that is more precise than the standard measurements used to determine your eyeglass prescription.
The WaveScan produces a wavefront map of how your eye’s optical system processes light. This map provides a detailed analysis of your eye’s unique visual characteristics. Much like your own fingerprint, no two eyes are exactly alike.
Dr. Gagnon uses this analysis to create an individualized treatment plan to correct your eyesight.
The WaveScan map is transferred into the VISX Star S4 Iris Registration Excimer Laser to provide you with Custom LASIK Surgery.
OCCUPATION: ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
AGE: 44
PROCEDURE: LASIK
After working for Dr. Savell for two years, I knew he was a gifted and skilled Surgeon, but I had no idea how miraculous LASIK surgery was! I had worn glasses and/or contacts since I was 9 years old. I had been “blind” for so long I didn’t realize all the things I couldn’t see. The day after my surgery, I turned over in bed and could read the time on my alarm clock on the bedside table! It seems like such a silly thing, but it was incredible to me. I realized as I was showering that I could see my feet! Before my surgery, was so nearsighted that I literally couldn’t see more than a few inches in front of my face. I can’t explain the wonder I felt as I looked at the world around me, clear and focused, for the first time without the aid of glasses or contacts. Thank you Dr. Savell, for this miracle, you are the greates!
Kathy W.
OCCUPATION: SR VP 24 HR FITNESS
AGE: 42
SURGEON: MICHAEL GAGNON, MD
PROCEDURE: CUSTOM PRK
Dr. Gagnon was excellent from providing fact-based data about the procedure, risk factors and benefits to helping me clearly understand how I would feel days after the procedure. The procedure went well, no pain, which I was concerned about. Dr. Gagnon called me the night after my procedure to check on how I was doing. Needless to say my vision had immediately improved. I am delighted. Lastly, the way I was treated by Dr. Gagnon and his staff is a model for all business organizations — fantastic customer/patient service.
Thank you for your excellent care.
Gary T.
Am I a candidate for LASER Vision Correction?
Most patients who consider Laser Vision Correction (LASIK, Advanced Surface Ablation, PRK) are frustrated or have had difficulties wearing eyeglasses or contact lenses. Our staff will perform a thorough evaluation of your eyes prior to scheduling any refractive procedure.
The initial consultation will last two to three hours. The consultation will be performed by the surgeon doing your procedure. Extensive testing is performed on the eyes during this visit. Your surgeon will also discuss all the risks and benefits of the procedure. All post-operative visits will be with your surgeon as well.
If you are a soft contact lens wearer, you must remain out of your lenses for at least 14 days prior to both the consultation and the surgery. If you wear hard or gas-permeable lenses, it is preferable for you to remain out of your lenses at least 4 to 6 weeks prior to the surgery.
Why do you use a Pentacam HR in your evaluation?
The Pentacam HR is a revolutionary technological device. It helps the surgeons at Valley EyeCare Center to provide you with safe refractive surgery options. It is the only device on the market that will measure the true posterior corneal elevation. This measurement helps our LASIK surgeons make sure that Refractive Surgery is a safe option for you. It allows us to screen for corneal conditions such as keratoconus, forme fruste keratoconus, and pellucid marginal degeneration which are contraindications to LASIK.
The Pentacam HR images the anterior segment of the eye and supplies pictures in three dimensions. The cornea, including the front and back elevation, is measured precisely. It also accurately measures the thickness of the cornea with 25,000 data points.
The measurement process lasts less than two seconds and measures 25,000 true elevation points, providing the surgeons with a highly precise image of not only your cornea, but also the anterior chamber and lens.
OCCUPATION: EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT
AGE: 45
PROCEDURE: LASIK
After wearing glasses for 27 years, I got tired with them. My eyes had changed in the last year to the point where I had to read without my glasses. The bother of putting them on and off was disturbing. Since my surgery, I now have Freedom From The Frames, so to speak.
It is one of the best things I have ever done.
If you know of anyone who wears glasses or contacts, tell them to Just Do It!
Rick M.
OCCUPATION: TRAUMA RN
AGE: 33
SURGEON: MICHAEL GAGNON, MD
PROCEDURE: PRK
I can’t thank your team enough for the gift of sight! I feel like I have all kinds of new potential now. The overall process was great. Everyone has been incredible, patient, kind and informative. I have, and will continue to recommend this process with your team to anyone interested in laser vision correction. You guys are awesome!
I FEEL LIKE I HAVE KINDS OF NEW POTENTIAL NOW.
Matt E.
Who do I call to schedule a consultation?
Please contact one of our knowledgeable Refractive Counselors at (925) 460-5000 to arrange for your initial free consultation. They can answer many of the questions you may have about Laser Vision Correction. We look forward to hearing from you and discussing this exciting new technology for corrective surgery.
Financing Options
Valley EyeCare Center has a variety of payment options available for your convenience:
- Cash or Debit Card.
- Credit Cards accepted: Visa, Master Card, and Discover.
- Flexible Spending Accounts allow you to set aside pre-tax dollars to pay for medical expenses. Check your benefit coverage with your employer.