iLASIK: What Is It? How does it work? Why is it technology at its best?

Abbott Medical Optics (AMO) provides an interview with Retired Captain Steven Schallhorn who talks about high technology iLASIK.  This technology is available locally here at The Harman Eye Clinic.  Watch at your convenience.

If you wish further information for yourself, a family member or a friend, visit our website or call us at 1.800.755.3937.

Sheila Nirenberg: A prosthetic eye to treat blindness

This is a video worth watching.  Perhaps you have heard about thewebsite, TED, Ideas Worth Spreading.    

At TEDMED, Sheila Nirenberg shows a bold way to create sight in people with certain kinds of blindness: by hooking into the optic nerve and sending signals from a camera direct to the brain.

Sheila Nirenberg: A prosthetic eye to treat blindness

This is a video worth watching.  Perhaps you have heard about thewebsite, TED, Ideas Worth Spreading.    

At TEDMED, Sheila Nirenberg shows a bold way to create sight in people with certain kinds of blindness: by hooking into the optic nerve and sending signals from a camera direct to the brain.

Congratulations To Our Newest Certified Ophthalmic Assistant!

Congratulations to Tasha Cleveland, C.O.A.!

Whenever I interview potential candidates as ophthalmic assistants, I do not place quite as much importance on technical skills as I do on their ability to relate to our patients as if each patient were their family members.  We call it extraordinary care.  We say, “champion the patient and never go wrong.”   We say, “every patient, every time.”  And when we find people who understand our culture, we snatch them up and train them in the fine art of ophthalmic assisting.  Such was the case with Tasha.

Our technician supervisor, under the direction of our doctors, is responsible for training the skills needed to become a technician.  However, the candidate will spend time in every department: billing and medical coding, infection control, surgery center, patient coordination, and with the compliance officer, to establish a firm foundation for a most rewarding future for both the candidate and our patients.  Our technician supervisor, permits the candidate to perform a portion of our patient’s exam only when they have been “signed-off” by the supervisor as proficient.

There’s more.  Our practice enrolls the candidate into Ophthalmic Medical Assisting: An Independent Study Course  This course is published by the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO). Enhancements in this revision include two new chapters: Refractive Surgery Concepts & Procedures, and Understanding Practice Management; revised chapters and glossary incorporating new evidence-based information and groundbreaking technologies; and 37 procedures explained in detail. The 368-page textbook is in full color, and the examination booklet contains 200 multiple-choice questions.

The candidate receives assistance from the doctors and staff, but the hands-on exposure creates invaluable training towards success.  Candidates are expected to study, ask questions, share and most of all, listen to our patient needs and, most important, act as liaisons to our doctors.

JCAHPO Certification is earned through testing.  An ophthalmic assistant must have graduated from high school or equivalent; successfully completed an approved independent study course (e.g., JCAHPO Independent Study Course (JCAT) or the American Academy of Ophthalmology Independent Study Course) within the 36 months prior to submitting an exam application. and been employed at least 1,000 hours (six months full-time equivalent) under ophthalmologic supervision within 12 months prior to submitting your application.

THE LONG INTRODUCTION is to give you a little history how much goes on before a technician receives his or her certification.  Like those who have gone before them, we salute and hold in high esteem our newest JCAHPO Certified Ophthalmic Assistant!  Your updated name tag is on the way with well-earned initials, C.O.A. after your name!

Congratulations and continued success!

Barbara C. Aliaga, Practice Administrator, The Harman Eye Clinic, Arlington WA, 20better.com

IntraLase method, a 100% blade-free approach.

For More Information visit www.20better.com

Topic: What is the IntraLase Method?  The IntraLase Method is a 100% blade-free approach to creating the corneal flap, the thin layer of tissue that the surgeon folds back in order to perform your LASIK procedure. The IntraLase Method can only be performed using the IntraLase FS Laser. Millions of procedures have been performed safely and effectively using the IntraLase Method.

Topic: How is the IntraLase Method different from other methods of creating a corneal flap?  The IntraLase Method is the most advanced technology available—and the first blade-free way to create a corneal flap.

Prior to the IntraLase Method, doctors relied on an instrument called a microkeratome for the creation of corneal flaps. The microkeratome is a hand-held steel blade that creates a cut as it travels across the cornea. While LASIK complications are rare, when they do occur they are primarily related to the use of the microkeratome. With the IntraLase Method, a blade never touches your eye.

Topic: How does the IntraLase Method work? How does it create a corneal flap without making a cut?  Instead of using a blade, the IntraLase Method uses tiny, rapid pulses of laser light to create your corneal flap.

Each pulse of light passes harmlessly through your cornea and forms a microscopic bubble at a specific depth and position within your eye that is determined by the doctor. The IntraLase laser moves back and forth across your eye, creating a uniform layer of bubbles just beneath your corneal surface.

Just prior to LASIK surgery, the doctor creates your corneal flap by gently separating the tissue where these bubbles have formed. The corneal flap is then folded back so the doctor can perform your LASIK treatment.

Topic: What is the difference between a corneal flap created with the IntraLase Method and one created with a microkeratome?  The IntraLase Method is 100% blade-free, exceptionally advanced, and has been shown to improve outcomes for more patients.1 And patients report better quality of vision overall, particularly in terms their ability to see well in low light such as at dusk or at night.2

The reason for this lies in the way the IntraLase Method works.

A microkeratome is only capable of making a single, one-dimensional cut across the cornea. As it cuts, the blade creates “drag,” which can leave a rough surface after the flap is lifted. This can affect the quality of your postoperative vision.

Because of the unique way in which the IntraLase Method creates a precisely positioned layer of bubbles just beneath the surface of your eye, it creates a smooth surface after your flap is lifted. This may translate to better vision.

Topic: Is the IntraLase Method better for the eye?  Unlike the one-dimensional cut made by a blade, the IntraLase Method gives your doctor the ability to tailor the dimensions of your corneal flap based on what’s best for your eye. Everything from the circumference of your flap to the angle of its edges can be precisely determined. This is important because everyone’s eyes are shaped a little differently. Having a corneal flap that’s individualized to the patient contributes to excellent postoperative vision. A corneal flap created with the IntraLase Method also “locks” back into position after the LASIK procedure is performed and rapidly begins to heal.

Topic: Is the IntraLase Method proven, or is it still being tested out? IntraLase technology has been in existence since 2001. To date, it has been used in over millions of LASIK procedures around the world.

Topic: How long does it take to create a flap using the IntraLase Method? The creation of the flap itself takes only 15 to 20 seconds per eye.  Including preparation time, it takes about 10 minutes total.

Topic: Is it painful?  Prior to creating the flap, the doctor applies drops to numb the eye, then applies a special ring and an instrument that gently flattens your cornea in preparation for the IntraLase Method. This part of the process takes about 10 minutes and is not painful—patients report feeling only slight pressure.

Topic: What’s the reaction of patients who have experienced the IntraLase Method?  In a clinical survey, the vision in the IntraLase-treated eye was preferred by LASIK patients 3-to-1 over the vision in the microkeratome-treated eye (among those who stated a preference).3

REFERENCES: 1. Tanzer DJ, Schallhorn SC, Brown MC, et al. Data on file, IntraLase Corp. 2005. 2. Durrie D. Data on file, IntraLase Corp. 2005. 3. Durrie DS. Randomized prospective clinical study of LASIK: IntraLase versus mechanical keratome. Subsets presented at: Meeting of the International Society of Refractive Surgery of the American Academy of Ophthalmology; November 14-15, 2003; Anaheim, Calif; American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery Symposium; May 1-5, 2004; San Diego, Calif; Refractive Surgery 2004: International Refractive Surgery: Science and Practice; October 22-23, 2004; New Orleans, La; American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery Symposium, April 15-20, 2005; Washington, DC.

©2009 Abbott Medical Optics Inc. INTRALASE AND FOR A BLADE-FREE LASIK EXPERIENCE are trademarks owned by or licensed to Abbott Laboratories, its subsidiaries or affiliates. Mkt Doc 373 Rev. C

Certified Surgical Technologist in Ophthalmology Employment Available

Work with one of the finest surgical teams in the world!

Part-Time (2-3 days per week) Surgical Technologist, Scrub Tech Needed.

After orientation training, candidate will possess excellent skills in oral and written communication, medical terminology, case study analysis, procedure analysis, surgical OR equipment management and instrument manipulation and dexterity in the area of ophthalmic surgery.

Assist in operations, under the supervision of surgeons, registered nurses, or other surgical personnel. May help set up operating room, prepare and transport patients for surgery, adjust lights and equipment, pass instruments and other supplies to surgeons and surgeon’s assistants, hold retractors, cut sutures, and help count sponges, needles, supplies, and instruments.

Sample of job titles: Surgical Technologist (CST), Surgical Technician, Certified Surgical Technologist (CST), Operating Room Surgical Technician (OR St), Surgical Scrub Technologist, Surgical Scrub Technician, Endoscopic Technologist, Operating Room Technician (OR Tech)

• Candidate will possess a reputation that reflect: 5-star patient care, dependable teamwork, hard working and dedication to the practice.
• Candidate will work with a strong sense of camaraderie where professional skills are developed and sustained.

After orientation training, duties will include but not be limited to:

• Assist with the physical preparation of the OR, creating the sterile field, and maintaining sterile technique during operative procedure.
• Identify and select appropriate packs, trays and accessory/specialty equipment for each surgery.
• Assist with the count of , sponges, needles and other surgical items Pass correct instruments,  and sutures as needed by surgeon.
• Prepare specimens for submission of pathological analysis

Apply by emailing BAliaga(at)20better(dot)com for more information.  Or call 360.435.8595.

Visit the Association of Surgical Technologists for more information about this career.

Is Cataract Surgery Considered Successful If You Have To Wear Glasses Afterwards

A 70-year-old friend recently asked me why I thought her friend needed glasses after cataract surgery.  She asked me, did something go wrong?  This is a great question and one that will be the subject of this day’s blog. First … Continue reading →