GraystoneLASIK

Vision For My Generation

Nearly 290 million people worldwide are good candidates for the iLASIK™ procedure.

LASIK stands for Laser Assisted in-Situ Keratomileusis. It is a painless; outpatient procedure that utilizes ultraviolet light energy from the Excimer laser to reshape the cornea improving how light is focused by the eye, correcting near-sightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.

At Graystone, we use the iLASIK procedure exclusively. Only LASIK using the iLASIK® technology suite uses a unique process to map the eye’s entire visual pathway, not just the front of the eye (cornea); this creates a customized treatment plan for each individual patient. We use advanced technologies every step of the way to measure each of your eyes, create a personalized treatment, and reshape the cornea—all of which can result in clearer, sharper vision.

Because no two eyes are alike, it’s important to capture each eye’s exact vision imperfections. The iDESIGN system uses a high-definition sensor that has 5x the resolution of previous technology, capturing over 1,200 data points from each eye to create a detailed picture of your eye’s unique imperfections and aids in the creation of individual vision profiles.

The iLASIK treatment consists of the Intralase laser for flap creation, and VISX CustomVue laser for the corneal reshaping. This provides a 100% blade-free treatment and a truly customized all laser vision correction. Modern lasers offer a level of precision that has not been achievable in the past. Utilizing eye trackers to ensure centration, as well as variable spot scanning for larger treatment zones, these lasers provide unparalleled visual results. In fact, most patients tell us they see better after iLASIK than with contact lenses or eyeglasses. Many safety-minded organizations, including NASA and the U.S. military, rely on this same iLASIK technology. If you’ve been waiting for the right motivation to have laser vision correction, the iLASIK™ procedure is your reason to act.

The iLASIK Procedure
iLASIK

You’re Probably A Candidate

The reality is that the majority of people who meet the age and general health requirements are in fact good candidates for the iLASIK procedure. If you meet the basic criteria below, you are probably a good candidate for iLASIK:

  • You are at least 18 years old
  • You are in good general health
  • You have had a stable vision prescription for at least one year
  • You have no existing eye disease

Find out if you’re a good candidate for iLASIK. Take the LASIK Self-Test now!

Exceptional Vision Correction Technology At Every Step

When you have the iLASIK procedure, you’ll get a completely integrated, completely personalized procedure based on advanced vision correction technology at every step.

Step 1 — Creating Your Personal Vision Profile

The first step in the iLASIK procedure is to perform a series of tests to determine the individual characteristics of your vision. This is done with our iDESIGN Advanced WaveScan Studio ™ technology. The iDESIGN system captures over 1,200 data points and creates a 3-D map of the unique imperfections of your eyes. Then our Advanced CustomVue™ process uses the digital information from that map to design a personalized custom treatment for both of your eyes.

Step 2 — Making The iLASIK Flap

The iLASIK procedure exclusively uses an advanced technology called the IntraLase™ Method. The IntraLase Method is a 100% blade-free approach to creating your corneal flap, the thin flap of tissue that Dr. Oursler folds back in order to perform your iLASIK procedure.

Step 3 — Delivering Your Personalized Treatment

This step is referred to as the Advanced CustomVue treatment, and is delivered with the VISX CustomVue laser. The VISX is an ultra-precise laser that gently reshapes the cornea (front of your eye) to the desired curvature, based on your custom vision profile created by the iDESIGN.

What is the CustomVue™ System?

Your vision is unique – as personal as your fingerprint or your DNA. The CustomVue System™, allows us to measure the unique focusing qualities of your eyes. This FDA approved technology is the safest and most precise form of vision correction available. The Advanced CustomVue process has earned FDA approval to treat the broadest range of vision imperfections possible, including mild-to-severe nearsightedness, farsightedness and all types of astigmatism.

 

Frequently Asked Questions About iLASIK

How do I know if I am a good candidate for iLASIK?
The best way to find out if you are a good candidate for iLASIK is to proceed with the free refractive consultation. During the consultation, Dr. Oursler will evaluate your current prescription, vision needs, and expectations. In addition, he will explain the iLASIK procedure and answer any questions you might have. It is crucial to understand individual vision needs and expectations, as well as provide professional guidance in recommending whether or not you should proceed with surgery.
How soon will I see after my surgery?
Most of our patients notice immediate improvement right after they step up off the table, but the visual recovery varies for each person. Most patients are seeing well enough to drive and go back to work within 24 to 48 hours. The speed at which your vision improves is due to the individual rates of healing and degree of correction. In most patients, the vision is stable by three months.
Does iLASIK hurt?
No. Anesthetic eye drops are used during surgery, so that the procedure is completely painless. Patients often do feel a moderate amount of pressure sensation during surgery, but pain is not a normal part of the procedure. If pain is experienced during surgery, the patient should notify Dr. Oursler, as it is not expected. After surgery, some patients may experience a gritty or sandy feeling in the eyes, some tearing and some light sensitivity, and small fluctuations in their vision, as well as halos around lights at night. These are all temporary and improve.
Will I still be a candidate if my prescription is really strong?
With iLASIK at Graystone Eye, we have the ability to correct a range of nearsightedness from approximately -1.00D to -12.00D or higher. Farsightedness is more limited. We typically are comfortable correcting up to +6.00 diopters. Sometimes, if the patient’s prescription is higher, refractive lens replacement may be a better option for correcting the vision.
Does iLASIK correct astigmatism?
Yes, we have the ability to correct astigmatism with the iLASIK procedure. It is important to remember that not every prescription is correctable with iLASIK and other factors are taken into consideration when evaluating a person for candidacy for iLASIK surgery. Please call 828.304.6611 or request a free consultation online.
Why the IntraLase™ method?
The Traditional Method utilizes a microkeratome (or blade) to create the flap, whereas the IntraLase Method™ uses a laser for a totally-blade free procedure. Due to its consistently predictable outcomes, Dr. Oursler utlizes the IntraLase Method™ exclusively.
I have thin corneas. Can I still have iLASIK?
Due to its precision, the IntraLase Method™ now allows treatment for people with thin corneas who were previously told they were not good candidates for iLASIK.
Why should I choose Graystone over another iLASIK provider?

Dr. Oursler spends an extensive amount of time educating his patients in the pre-operative evaluation and helping the patient decide what refractive procedure, if any, is right for them.

He is very thorough and detail oriented during surgery and does not rush patients through the surgery.

Dr. Oursler does all the pre- and postoperative evaluation himself. He has completed an iLASIK fellowship and has extensive experience identifying and correcting the complications that can occur with iLASIK.

Dr. Oursler has an excellent relationship with our network of Graystone affiliated eye doctors. While your postoperative care can be arranged through one of these doctors, Dr. Oursler is available to see you 5 days a week in the Hickory area if you have minor complications from the iLASIK procedure.

Graystone Eye has been a provider of quality eye care in the Hickory area for over 50 years and will continue to be in the area for long into the future. Some of our lower price competitors don’t have the same track record.

Our commitment to your final visual outcome is unparalleled by any of our competitors.

Our threshold for re-treating patients is very low, and we are available at a phone call for any postoperative concerns. Compare the Advantages.

What Is an enhancement?
If the goal of the surgery was not achieved with the initial iLASIK procedure, we may want to fine tune your vision with another surgery called an enhancement. The enhancement is very similar to the first surgery. The existing flap is surgically lifted with a different instrument following the original incision line. The enhancement procedure is typically done no sooner than three months after the initial procedure.
Is an advertisement for "All Laser Correction" the same as All Laser iLASIK?
No, this is probably a misrepresentation. PRK could be technically called “all laser vision correction,” but this does not involve making a cornea flap and does not utilize the precision of iLASIK. Be sure to ask for iLASIK by name. Only iLASIK offers the safety of micron level precision of a truly all-laser surgical approach. Patients must be sure that only the IntraLase FS pulsion laser is used to create the corneal flap in iLASIK.
Is iLASIK more expensive?
iLASIK is now more affordable than ever! The two most advanced technologies offered by Graystone Eye are: IntraLase laser to create the cornea flap, and WaveFront-Guided Customized vision correction. Our center has an IntraLase laser, and a FDA approved excimer laser for WaveFront-Guided Customized treatments. However, because our clinic specializes in laser vision correction, our fees are highly competitive and our patients tell us the added level of safety and assurance offered by Graystone Eye is well worth the cost when considering laser vision correction surgery.

Rather than spending $12,000 – $18,000 for contacts and glasses over the course of your lifetime*, you can invest $3,000 to $5,000 on a one-time iLASIK procedure, which typically includes all pre-surgery evaluations and post-surgery follow-up exams.* Patients can eliminate glasses in most cases and have clear, natural vision. Most insurance companies do not cover laser vision correction.

*Contact lens costs are estimates and provided for comparison purposes only (based over 20 years). Your personal contact lens cost will vary. LASIK with the iLASIK® technology suite cost is based on an estimated fee of $3,000 to $5,000 for both eyes.

How do I pay for the iLASIK procedure?

We accept Visa, Mastercard, Checks, American Express, and Discover Card. We offer affordable payment plans through Alphaeon Credit and Care Credit with interest- free financing up to 24 months for those who qualify.

Does insurance pay for this procedure?
We will be happy to assist you in determining whether your insurance company will cover your procedure. If your company does provide the benefit, we will assist in filing your claim.
Can I use my Flex Spending Account?
Your company may offer a Flex Spending Account, which allows you to set aside pre-tax dollars to pay for your medical expenses such as iLASIK. Use our FSA Savings Calculator to find out how much you can save by using your FSA to pay for iLASIK.