Why is the VISX Star S4 system so unique?

Dr. William Boothe is able to determine the necessary laser beam size and shape for each individual patient with STAR 4 variable beam technology.

The VISX Exclusive SmartBeam system regulates the beam size that accurately determines the amount of corneal tissue that needs to be removed.

The ActiveTrak 3D eye-tracking technology works in two directions – it detects and compensates for eye movements and it uses a computer-guided laser beam that centers precisely over the treatment area.

Due to VISX’s ActiveTrak technology it has become possible to track eye movements in all three dimensions. With an exact centered laser beam on the eye at all times during the surgery, the patient can expect optimal results.

The ActiveTrak system doesn’t require pupil dilation which promotes quicker recovery.

VISX laser technology makes an extremely smooth surface on the cornea. Such smoother ablations provide faster healing and better results.

VISX laser technologies achieve an optical zone that reduces side effects such as halos or glare at night.

VISX laser systems take less time compared to other lasers which increases the comfort of treatment and reduces the risk of postoperative complications.

What are the benefits of CustomVue technology?

The benefits of theVISX CustomVue system of correcting vision include:
1) Higher probability to receive 20/20 or better vision
2) Patients with large pupils can be a candidate for laser surgery
3) Patients are able to maintain or even improve their night vision.

Is CustomVue system used only with VISX Star S4?

CustomVue technology can be used with other Lasik and/or PRK surgeries. The CustomVue system is designed for measurement and treatment your optical imperfections as well as eyesight prescription. It includes using a VISX Star S4 excimer laser.

How much does VISX Star S4 cost?

Your individual cost of laser eye correction procedure with VISX Star S4 laser mostly depends on your prescription, the type of procedure, and the amount of your pre- and postoperative care provided by the surgical team. Our counselor will be glad to provide you with different payment options available at the Boothe Eye Care center.

Who is a good candidate for VISX?

If you 18 years and older and suffer from nearsightedness, farsightedness, \mixed astigmatism, and must constantly use eyeglasses or contact lenses, you may benefit from this state-of-the-art procedure. Dr. William Boothe can determine if you are a good candidate for this procedure. If you want to receive a free consultation with Dr. Boothe, please call or email our center today.

Should I wait for a new generation of laser technology for surgery?

Dr. William Boothe uses a 4th-generation laser. The VISX Star S4 is a complete wavefront-compatible laser. With the S4 laser is possible not only to be free from eyeglasses or contact lenses, but also to correct even insignificant vision problems. However, the patients with vision diseases such as keratoconus should wait for newer lasers.

Is laser vision correction with VISX S4 permanent?

Yes. During a 5-year study, patients have reported that after the healing period their vision is completely stable. During the laser eye correction procedure your corneal tissue is permanently removed in order to reshape the cornea for improving refraction. You can be assured that the corrections are permanent with this procedure.

Introduction
LASIK is an acronym for “laser-assisted in Situ keratomileusis,” a description that indicates that the surgery involves a minimum of one non-laser operative device. In traditional LASIK, surgeons use a microkeratome, a metal blade that has been specifically designed to create a very fine slice of tissue within a particular area. In the case of a bladeless LASIK procedure, a specialized laser replaces the microkeratome, but the treatment still falls within the category of LASIK.

Procedure

Every LASIK treatment method follows a similar procedural order. First, Dr. William Boothe will carefully and accurately measures the cornea, and then studies it to determine the exact nature and extent of surgery required to correct the patient’s vision. Secondly, the surgeon immobilizes the eye with corneal suction rings. Thirdly, the corneal flap hinge is created and folded back to reveal the stroma, which is the central part of the cornea. Finally, the folded tissue is moved back into place and, if necessary, the flaps are changed before the eyes are left to heal.

Bladeless LASIK differs from traditional LASIK in the third step. In this step, the microkeratome is replaced by a femtosecond laser, which is a device that cuts the corneal flaps using short, well-focused pulses of energy.

Why is bladeless LASIK eye surgery the best option for me?

Compared to other types of surgery, the LASIK procedure poses only a minimal risk of complication. One of the primary risks of LASIK results from the use of blades to cut the corneal flaps. Thus, bladeless LASIK minimizes these risks as it does not utilize a blade. This treatment instead uses IntraLase lasers, which are operated by computers and therefore can cut the flaps with more accuracy. In addition, bladeless LASIK provides such a high level of accuracy that it can even be used in individual with thin corneas, who are typically ineligible for traditional LASIK surgery.

Advantages

Bladeless LASIK offers several advantages. As discussed above, the accuracy of IntraLase lasers used during bladeless LASIK allow for greater curvature, and thus reduces the margin of error. The usage of the lasers instead of blades also lowers the risks of infection and irritation post-surgery. Furthermore, the bladeless LASIK procedure tends to have a shorter healing and recovery time than other categories of LASIK surgery.

Before bladeless LASIK surgery, many people who had LASIK surgery, needed to return to their doctor for follow-up exams or to repeat an operation that was not performed accurately. With bladeless LASIK surgery, however, these stories have become a thing of the past, with the current success rate of bladeless LASIK reaching almost 100%.

Do I still need an Ophthalmologist?

Now, you might be wondering why we need an ophthalmologist, when the lasers are so efficient and accurate. Although many actions are computer and laser operated, they are still machines that need to be directed by an experienced surgeon. In addition to all other training, the LASIK surgeon must also acquire a deep knowledge of the technology in order to perform the surgery. The bladeless LASIK surgeons must even understand the functional operations of the computer that control the laser.

Where should I undergo the surgery?

Although the bladeless LASIK procedure is more costly, the results and minimized risk are worth the additional price for many patients. Dr. Boothe, a renowned eye surgeon with many years of experience, is an expert in laser eye surgery, and offers the most effective and safe bladeless LASIK eye surgery to his patients.

Epi-Lasik (Epithelial Laser in Situ Keratomileusis) is a relatively new technique for correcting refractive error and restoring clear vision for patients. Distinct from conventional LASIK, Epi-Lasik is a delicate procedure that is ideal for patients with thin corneas, a condition that increases patient’s risk of complications in conventional LASIK surgeries.

While both LASIK and Epi-Lasik share many similarities, some importance differences include creating a thinner tissue flap in Epi-Lasik, as well as omitting the use of alcohol to separate the flap, which reduces the risk of damaging epithelial cells. In traditional forms of LASIK, an incision in the cornea is made using a sharp blade known as a microkeratome. Alcohol is then used to gently loosen the corneal layer, creating a flap that can be folded back on a hinge. An excimer laser then shapes the exposed tissues beneath to correct refractive error as needed.

Epi-Lasik procedures, however, do not involve creating a complete corneal flap. Rather, the surgeon makes a small incision in the cornea’s outermost layer, the epithelium, using a blunt, plastic oscillating blade. Instead of using alcohol, the instrument is used to separate the thin tissue and fold it back. This method allows for a shallow corneal incision that avoids cutting too deeply for patients with exceptionally thin corneal tissue. This nuance also makes Epi-Lasik ideal for people with flatter corneas.

Once the corneal tissue beneath has been excised to help refocus light on the retina and improve visual clarity, the epithelial layer is carefully restored to its original place. A special oxygen-permeable contact lens is used to keep the epithelial flap in place while it heals. To prevent external trauma, the patient’s eyelid will be bandaged.

Dr. William Boothe

Performing Epi-Lasik procedures requires a highly skilled and experienced surgeon. Using advanced laser systems, Dr. William Boothe has successfully restored clear eyesight for thousands upon thousands of patients at his world-class facility near Dallas, Texas. Dr. Boothe is a staunch advocate for the laser technologies at his practice, always making sure his patients reap the benefits of the most advanced breakthroughs that science has to offer.

After the Procedure

Within three days of the surgery when the healing has taken place, Dr. Boothe may remove the protective lens. By this time, most patients experience 20/20 or 20/40 vision, but may continue to see improvements for up to 6 months. Patients can usually resume driving about one week after the procedure.

As with any surgical procedure, Epi-Lasik carries some risk of complications, particularly with the healing of the epithelial flap. Compared with LASIK, Epi-Lasik procedures have higher risk of infection and flap dislodgement. Side effects may include glares, starbursts, halos, and over or under correction of eyesight. The patient may also develop astigmatism if the epithelial tissue removed is uneven.

Ultimately, the improvement and quality of vision following an Epi-Lasik procedure will depend on how well the cornea heals. It is important to follow aftercare instructions carefully, never missing medications or eye-drops prescribed by Dr. William Boothe.

What did happen and how did I change my mind and I agreed to do laser eye surgery? I am used to wearing contact lenses. My contact lenses were very flexible and comfortable. But in the last few months I had a problem – my eyes started to get inflammations. I was diagnosed with keratitis and suddenly I realized how important it is to have a better vision. One day I was without contacts and I understood how it limited my actions. On that day I had to wear my old glasses that have a very thick lens. These glasses also don’t fit me too well any more, my vision was not 100%. I felt uncomfortable by the restriction of my field of view.

I went to a consultation at Boothe Laser Center and did many exams. At the consultation Dr. William Boothe explained to me in details the technologies for treatment of nearsightedness. I was absolutely convinced that I will get positive results after surgery.

As it seems as the most logical way to solve my problem, I opted for Intralasik. A day before surgery Dr. William Boothe’s assistant called and asked me to try to come in with a healthy attitude. I think it was also good that I did not feel worried about the operation itseld. I was sure that the surgery will go well as I heard of Dr. Boothe from many of my friends. The procedure was really quick.

After the Intralasik my eyesight was clearly improved. I noticed it almost right away. Even when I used contact lenses of very high quality I could not see so many details everywhere I looked – such as tiny droplets of rain on the window.

During the 1.5 years since surgery I never regretted that I had done this form of vision correction. Now when I hear that someone can see well with contact lenses, I’m sharing my own experience and I am convinced that laser vision correction is a better solution for eye problems. I’m a fan…

I want to explain in details the course of my surgery and my feelings after this procedure. I am 28 years old. I had had poor eyesight since I was eight years old. During the last ten years my vision deteriorated gradually and when I was twenty-seven years old I had medium-high degree of myopia. To be exact, in both of my eyes I had -6.0 diopters. I learned about laser eye correction many years ago. I kept reading about advancements in Lasik and listened to different opinions. Eventually I felt it was the right time for me to do it. I think it is a personal decision and each person should discuss his situation with an eye doctor and do it only when he/she feels comfortable with the idea.

My laser eye surgery was performed in about ten minutes, on both eyes. Before the procedure my eyes were anesthetized by special drops. I didn’t feel a thing! I want to assure all the people who want to do laser eye surgery that Lasik procedure can be done without any pain, I guess if it performed by professional surgeon such as Dr. William Boothe.

On the first consultation Dr. Boothe told me that I am a good candidate for Lasik. He also detailed how common complications or side effects in the past are minimized in today’s laser eye surgery procedures due to the use of more accurate and safer technologies. Now I can say with confidence that he was right in his diagnosis and treatment. I feel that I received a customized treatment and an outstanding result. I think that you can also see it from a great number of positive reviews.

For a couple of days after my surgery I felt irritation in my eyes. The next day after surgery my vision improved by 60%. After five days I had 0.8 vision in one eye and 0.9 in the other eye. I think it is a pretty good result. Plus the vision improved a little more in the following weeks.

I hope my experience will be useful to others. I am so glad that my laser eye surgery was done at Boothe Eyecare Center.

Dr. Boothe of Boothe Laser Center explained that cataract is a very wily foe for my eyesight because the first time a person has such a disease he will not notice that his eyesight slowly deteriorates and can get to the point that almost no vision is left. He offered me to replace my natural crystalline lens with an artificial lens. Dr. William reassured me that 99% of those who underwent replacement lens surgery received great results and were able to see without glasses. I thought that this is a pretty good success rate… Although I experienced a great deal of attention during my the first visit and saw that this center has the best technology and equipment, I was still a bit skeptical whether it would work for me.

Dr. Boothe said that before I can have the surgery I need to wait for my lens to be ready. I received eye-drops and detailed explanations about how to use them. When my eye condition was ready for surgery I booked a day for the operation.

That day I came to the center at seven thirty AM. The counselor very quickly assigned me to Nancy who stayed by my side throughout the day. I want to personally thank her for her support. She was helpful by keeping me calm and in a positive mood.

During the surgery at Boothe Laser Center Dr. William Boothe talked with me and explained what is being done. His assistants worked with him and the operation went very smoothly. My eyes were numb so I did not feel pain during the surgery.

The postoperative period was quick. I had a good feeling after surgery that it worked. This was on the left eye and as you may expect my doubts were dispelled after surgery. I did get the result which Dr. William Boothe promised at the first consultation. Now I’m waiting for a couple of weeks to get my right eye done.

I had my laser eye surgery two days ago. I am so amazed with the results so I decided to tell everyone about my experience. On the first consultation day, I met with Dr. Boothe and together we went over a few options to improve my eyesight. Eventually Dr. Boothe said that I didn’t have any contraindications and that he recommends the intralasik procedure which is his specialty. Before my laser surgery I wore contact lenses for about ten years and had -6.5 vision. I had discussed it further with my counselor and she made an appointment for surgery.

On the day of surgery I was not the only patient for IntraLasik. When I saw that five other patients were before / after surgery, it convinced me that this center has great experience with intralasik. Before my surgery I felt some tension like when I feel at every new “beginning”, but the assistant was very attentive she managed to calm me down by describing the different steps. I want to thank her (Jane) for her patience.

When I entered the surgery room I was still worried. Dr. Boothe smiled to me and by looking at his stable, quick, expert movements I calmed down more. During the surgery Dr. Boothe told me how and what will be performed in advance, what I can do and what I cannot. When my eye correction was done, the assistant advised me to get up slowly because dizziness may occur. I sat in the recovery room and tried to recall the different steps of surgery as they were all done quickly. I think that the laser touched my eyes for 2-3 minutes top.

Looking back at the surgery, I realize that Dr. Boothe has a big responsibility to his patients. I think that not everyone can match his personal qualities. Restoration of vision is very serious work and Dr. Boothe did not let me down.

My husband drove me back home. I slept a few hours and when I woke up he began to ask me: How do I feel? Can I see him? Yes, I do, I answered, I can see you clearly without contact lenses!

Many people look for good service and I received such treatment at the Boothe Laser Center. I visited Dr. William Boothe after I tried many different kinds of treatments for poor vision. I began with simple eyes exercises and then went for (can’t believe I did it) different pills and drops for the eyes but my vision, despite my efforts, slowly deteriorated. I understood that I could not help my vision with self-medication. I needed a professional consultation and therapy. I looked for ophthalmology information on the Internet and asked my friends about their experience of treating eyesight problems. More of them recommended me to undergo an eye exam at Boothe Laser Eye Center. I researched this center, it is close to my home and went to see it. I was met by a friendly assistant named Sara and she explained the general services provided by the center and the technologies used by Dr. William Boothe. I felt reassured and confident that I am choosing a world-class ophthalmologist center. Yet, before my consultation with the doctor I had the opportunity to speak with patients who came for a follow-up. They had only positive reviews and highly recommended me to undergo surgery with Dr. William Boothe. After all that happened with me at this center I fully agree with their recommendations.

If I can summarize my treatment, I think that I had a very pleasant experience, as weird as it may sound. I met with caring, attentive and warm staff members and I completely trusted Dr. William Boothe, he sure knows what he’s doing!

My eyes were examed, than diagnosed and prescribed with the the appropriate treatment. After the surgery, I thought that even though at the past the word “surgery” made me scared, this laser eye surgery and the hald-holding by Dr. Boothe changed my attitude and I see now that if you pick the right surgeon the whole experience becomes better. I restored my vision and now I see clearly. After surgery I used the drops he gave me and it helped to prevent irritation in the eyes. When my eyesight was examed on the first follow-up I had 20/15. Three weeks later my vision was almost 20/20 and I was satisfied with the result. Now, a month later, I do not have irritations, watery eyes, cloudy mysts or other complications. Do laser eye surgery & forget about poor vision forever!

Revision Lasik procedure is virtually identical to the initial vision correction surgery with the exception of one aspect; neither microkeratome nor femtosecond laser is used for the creation of the flap. The corneal flap which was created during initial procedure is detached by special instruments in one to two minutes. All other steps are performed in the same order as during standard Lasik procedure. As a rule, a residual level of nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism is minimal, thus the procedure with femtosecond laser takes a few seconds to remodel your cornea.

After the revision procedure, your doctor will give you the same recommendations as after the initial Lasik surgery. Dr. Boothe suggests that you follow the recommendations of your refractive surgeon to reduce the risk of eye infection development and to achieve a better visual result.

In most cases, revision Lasik solves the problem of incomplete correction, allowing the patient to obtain a desired result. However, more than one surgery is sometimes required.

Painless, professional, an affordable price – this I want to say about my laser eye surgery which was performed by Dr. Boothe. Lasik is really a painless procedure, though there is a level of discomfort when your eye is treated with the laser. Thankfully, it only lasts about a minute per eye… In the past, I thought that surgeries are always painful and have a long post-surgical rehabilitation period. I knew that each operation has pros and cons. After my consultation with Dr. Boothe I understood that the Lasik procedure has more advantages than disadvantages. I improved my eyesight and now I have the best vision I imagined. It is fantastic! After my laser eye surgery I have had not any problems with my eyes and no postoperative complications. At the Center I told that some patients after Lasik experience pain in their eyes but after a couple of hours were fully recovered - this was not my case.

Boothe’s Center offers an affordable price and at the same time they have an individual approach and they tried to match my needs, including financing plans. I was explained how much my treatment would cost before surgery and we worked out a plan that fit my budget.