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Aloha Laser Vision

Archive for February, 2009

EYE-Q System Offers Fastest LASIK Treatments in the Country

Posted on February 27, 2009 8:26PM in LASIK

In June of 2008, Aloha Laser Vision installed the newest and most advanced FDA-approved LASIK system in the United States. The ALLEGRETTO WAVE™ Eye-Q, made by WaveLight Inc., delivers the fastest laser vision correction treatment available. With the Eye-Q system, the average treatment time for correcting nearsightedness is between just 7 and 8 seconds. Very short treatment times have shown to reduce healing time while decreasing the risk of post-operative infections, over- corrections and under-corrections. In addition, patient comfort significantly increases as the need to focus during the procedure is significantly shortened.

”Our practice is devoted to providing our patients with the safest and most advanced technology available,“ said Dr. Faulkner. “With the Eye-Q, we can now perform laser treatments much faster than before, to achieve the best outcomes possible while ensuring the highest level of comfort for our patients.”

The Eye-Q is a next generation system featuring WaveLight’s proprietary PerfectPulse TechnologyTM to ensure maximum safety at high speed. PerfectPulse Technology was specifically developed to monitor and control each laser pulse that is delivered to the eye. The most important component of this technology is the high speed eye-tracking device which monitors eye movement 400 times per second.

Unlike older excimer lasers, which removes tissue in a central flat manner that creates an edge, Allegretto Wave’s Perfect Pulse technology uniformly applies pinpoints of laser pulses adjusted to each eye’s specific curvature. With this unique system, eye tissue is reshaped in a smooth, consistent manner that provides the very best vision result.Wavelight also uses a technology the company pioneered called wavefront. Wavefront measurements provide meticulously detailed information that can help address even obscure defectsin the eye’s optical system known as higher order aberrations. This unique LASIK platform has been shown to preserve the natural shape of the cornea and prevent the induction of optical errors that could lead to night vision problems or loss of contrast sensitivity (the ability to see the images crisply).What does this new technology mean for patients treated with the Allegretto Wave Eye-Q? Rapid treatment speed has been shown to increase predictability and reduce the incidence of complications.“Superior vision following the LASIK procedure is dependant not only the surgeon’s experience but also on the technology
used to deliver the treatment,”Dr. Faulkner added. “We offer our patients the highest level of safety and precision possible while achieving spectacular visual outcomes.”

If you have been waiting to have laser vision correction, wait no longer. Proven technology is here and now is the time to find out if you are a candidate. Call us today at 792-EYES (3937) and schedule your free consultation with Dr. Faulkner.

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Concerns About LASIK?

Posted on February 27, 2009 8:10PM in LASIK

If you’ve been reading or seeing too many negative reports in the media about LASIK surgery, here are some facts you should know. Nearly a decade after the FDA approved the first devices for laser vision correction, its Ophthalmic Device Panel convened a hearing last month to examine the status of LASIK today. They heard public testimony from individuals who had experienced adverse outcomes, as well as from optometrists, ophthalmologists, therapists, and attorneys. Although the reports focused on the dissatisfaction of a few patients, the FDA reaffirms that LASIK is both safe and effective.

Unfortunately, the media chose to concentrate on the negative outcomes of a select few rather than the overwhelming satisfaction of the majority of patients. A literature review by the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ASCRS) indicated that more than 95.2% of patients in the US were satisfied with their post-operative vision; globally, approximately 95% of patients were satisfied with their LASIK results.

Despite the often dramatic testimony of some dissatisfied patients, the FDA panel was not convened as a referendum on LASIK, according to Dr. Weiss, committee chairperson. “I think some of you came here today, and I know that some of the press had touted this meeting as a referendum on LASIK,” Dr. Weiss said. “It appears to me from hearing what was said today that this really has been a referendum on the performance of LASIK by some surgeons who should be doing a better job. And I hope and feel that in general will help you get the answers to some of this, and the FDA and the organizations will help in terms of getting further information to try to make things better for future patients, so your testimony here has been of value, and we thank you.”

It’s important to understand the factors associated with maximizing a positive experience with your laser vision correction procedure. As with any surgery, risks do exist. The key is in determining who is a good candidate, what technology will be used, and the experience of the surgeon.

Some patients are just not candidates for LASIK surgery; maybe their corneas are too thin, their eyes too dry, or their nearsightedness too severe. Maybe their expectations are too unrealistic. When choosing a laser center, it’s important to find a surgeon who is qualified to evaluate the patient for all options, and recommend the procedure that best fits his or her needs. Ideally, the surgeon should meet and examine the patient preoperatively to discuss treatment options, as well as the risks and benefits. The surgeon should also be available to address any postoperative issues.

Technology is another consideration when choosing a laser center. Some centers still use conventional LASIK which produces good results for lower corrections.  However, this older technology has resulted in higher instances of complaints with glare, halos and decreased night vision. Newer laser technologies like the Allegretto Wave Laser incorporate either wavefront optimized or wavefront guided treatment patterns that minimize the risk of night glare, often improving night vision when compared to contact lenses or glasses. The difference between conventional versus wavefront LASIK is like comparing regular television to high definition TV.

At Aloha Laser Vision, we take pride in bringing the best technology available to the islands. Over 4 years ago, we were the first in Hawaii to use the femtosecond laser instead of the traditional microkeratome blade to create the corneal flap during the first step of LASIK surgery. The IntraLase®FS (femtosecond) laser is safer and more precise, dramatically reducing the risk of complications and improving visual outcomes.

There is no question as to LASIK’s safety and effectiveness.  In fact, the FDA holds that nearly all LASIK patients are satisfied with their procedure. LASIK is the #1 elective surgery in the US today with nearly 12.4 million procedures performed to date.

At Aloha Laser Vision, we are committed to advancing our technology and surgical techniques so that we can continue to enhance our patients’ quality of life. If you are considering vision correction options, we encourage you to call 792-EYES (3937) to schedule your free consultation with Dr. Alan Faulkner.

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Making LASIK Affordable: Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

Posted on February 27, 2009 6:51PM in LASIK

What is a Flexible Spending Account (FSA)?

A Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or a Cafeteria Plan is an employer sponsored benefit that allows you to use pretax
income on medical expenses. These expenses can include deductibles, co-payments and other charges not normally covered by medical
insurance, such as refractive surgery. If you expect to incur medical expenses that will not be reimbursed by your
health insurance plan, you should consider taking advantage of your employer’s FSA, if one is offered.

FSA Benefits

A Flexible Spending Account allows you to save money by reducing the amount of income tax you owe. The contributions made to the FSA are
deducted from your paycheck before Federal,State and Social Security taxes are calculated.The end result is that these contributions are
never reported to the IRS as income, allowing you to save money. For example, if you put in $4,000 to cover the cost of LASIK, you could avoid paying
up to $1,600 in taxes depending on your tax bracket. In other words, your LASIK treatment only costs $2,400, a huge savings.

How does a Flexible Spending Account(FSA) work?

At the beginning of the plan year (usually January 1st or July 1st), your employer will ask you how much you want to contribute for the
year. Most employers set a maximum contribution level of around $5,000. You only have one opportunity to enroll, unless you have a change
in your family status (marriage, divorce, birth of a child, or loss of a spouse’s insurance coverage). The yearly amount you designate is then deducted
in equal installments from your paycheck each pay period and deposited into a special account. In order to receive reimbursement for
eligible expenses, you are required to submit the provider’s receipt or a copy of theExplanation of Benefits from yourinsurance. The request for reimbursement
must occur before the year end deadline, otherwise you may actually lose the money.

What types of expenses are eligible?

Any expense that is considered a medically related deductible expense by the IRS and is not reimbursable by your insurance plan can be reimbursed
through a Flexible Spending Account. Costs that are typically included are laser vision correction, prescription drug co-payments and
deductibles.Not all employers participate in FSA programs. It is recommended that you check with your Human Resources Department to see if this
type of plan is offered. You’ll need to do a little planning to decide how much you want to set aside from your paycheck to contribute for the
year. If you put in more money than you need, it cannot be rolled overinto the next year and you will lose it. For LASIK surgery, we recommend
you that you have a consultation/screening to determine your candidacy prior to setting aside any allocations to your FSA.

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Frequently Asked Questions – Visian ICL Implantable Contact Lens

Posted on February 27, 2009 6:33PM in Implantable Contact Lens

How do I know if I’m a candidate?

A good candidate for the Visian ICL is a patient between the ages of 21 and 45 who is nearsighted. It is preferable that the patient has not had previous eye surgery or a history with ophthalmic disease such as glaucoma, iritis, or diabetic retinopathy. Our practice offers a complimentary screening to determine if you are a candidate for this exciting procedure.

Where in the eye is Visian ICL placed?

The Visian ICL is surgically inserted inside the eye just behind the iris in front of the eye’s natural lens. It is inserted by a trained ophthalmologist through a micro-incision. The Visian ICL does not touch any internal eye structure and stays in position without maintenance, indefinitely.

What is the track record of Visian ICL?

Extensive research and development preceded the introduction of Visian ICL. It is now being used by more than 65,000 patients worldwide. The satisfaction rate among patients is extremely high – above 99%. The Visian ICL provides unparalleled quality of vision and has excellent and stable outcomes for patients with moderate to severe myopia. The Visian ICL has been available internationally for over 10 years.

Does it hurt?

No, most patients state that they are very comfortable throughout the procedure. We use a topical anesthetic drop prior to the procedure. Your surgeon may choose to administer a light sedative, as well.

What if my vision changes?

The Visian ICL offers treatment flexibility. If your vision changes dramatically, the lens can be removed and replaced, or another procedure can be performed at any time. With the Visian ICL, you can wear glasses or contact lenses if necessary. The Visian ICL does not help presbyopia (the difficulty with reading which is experienced by people over the age of 40), but you can wear reading glasses if needed.

Can the Visian ICL be seen by the naked eye?

No. The lens is positioned behind the iris where it is invisible to both you and observers. You enjoy a cosmetic appearance that is completely natural. Only your doctor will be able to tell that you’ve had vision correction.

What is the Visian ICL made of?

The Visian ICL is made of Collamer which is an advanced lens material that is highly biocompatible. Collamer does not cause a reaction inside the eye and it contains an ultraviolet filter that provides protection to the eye.

What is involved in the Visian ICL procedure?

One to two weeks before your surgery, your doctor will make a small opening with a laser to allow fluid to pass between the lens and the front chamber of the eye. The actual Visian ICL procedure typically takes approximately 15 minutes and is performed on an outpatient basis, although you will need to have someone with you to drive you home from your procedure, you will be functional when you leave the office. Normally, very little discomfort is associated with this procedure. A light topical drop anesthetic is administered and a mild sedative may be given. In addition, eye drops or an oral medication may be prescribed. You will come back to our office the next day for a follow-up visit and we will see you again at one week, one month and six months for follow-ups.

How long does the Visian ICL stay in my eye?

The Visian ICL is intended to remain in place within your eye without any maintenance. Should it become necessary, the lens can be removed by a certified ophthalmologist.

Can the Visian ICL be felt once it is in my eye?

No, the lens is not noticeable after it is put in place. It does not attach to any structures within the eye and it stays in position.

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The Gift of Great Eyesight

Posted on February 27, 2009 6:04PM in LASIK

Some are born with the ability to see the world clearly, but if you aren’t one of those people, now you can share that gift too. With Dr. Alan Faulkner’s expertise and the Allegretto Eye-Q®, improving your vision can be completely customized to your individual needs. The results may make you wish that you’d done it sooner.

Why Your Eyes Need Help

Your eye functions in much the same way as a camera. The front surface of the eye (the cornea) and the lens inside the eye are responsible for focusing incoming light rays onto the back of the eye (the retina) so that you can see clearly. When your visual system is perfectly matched (cornea, lens and retina), the images are in focus; any mismatch will result in a blurry or distorted image. The three most common types of mismatch that occur are called myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism. Myopia, or nearsightedness, is one type of vision condition that can cause blurred eyesight. With this condition you are able to see objects up close, but not at a distance. Hyperopia, or farsightedness, is a vision condition in which you can see distant objects clearly, but not those up close. For someone with astigmatism the surface of the eye is curved more like a football (instead of a basketball) with both flatter and steeper curves. When the surface of the eye has an uneven curvature, vision becomes distorted.

What Are the Laser Correction Options for Correcting Less-than-Perfect Vision?
Today, laser vision correction surgeries offer more alternatives to improve less-than-perfect vision than ever before. These procedures usea laser to help correct the cornea’s shape.
Some of the most common surgeries are LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis and PRK (photorefractive keratectomy).

It’s a Simple Procedure
This surgery is done as an outpatient procedure in our laser suite. The actual laser procedure takes only a few seconds, while the entire process may take up to an hour. Our staff will discuss the follow-up regimen (eye drops, protective eyewear, etc.) and schedule your post-op visit to ensure your eyes are healing well.

Be Confident in YourProcedure with the Allegretto Eye-Q® Laser
Studies show 97% of our patients see at least 20/20 or better following the procedure. While individual results may vary, the benefits of laser vision correction are compelling especially the thought of living without contact lenses or glasses.

An Invaluable Gift
Choosing laser vision correction surgery will help you experience the type of vision that you’ve always desired. The Allegretto Eye-Q® Laser can help by giving you a customized treatment for your vision needs, whether you suffer from nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism. Now you are able to have the gift of excellent vision some have naturally.  Payment plans make this truly affordable.

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Honolulu LASIK Patient Testimonial

Posted on February 17, 2009 9:39PM in Testimonials

I am very pleased with my Lasik surgery at Aloha Laser Vision. The whole team did a fantastic job with answering my questions, concerns, education, pre-op/post-op care, true professionals!

Costs is comparable to what I researched, but their technology was a lot more advanced.

I am so happy, no glasses, no contacts, can’t wait to get in the water soon.

- Rowena

All Laser LASIK Intralase® Surgery Technology Hawaii

Posted on February 11, 2009 10:41PM in Video Transcripts

MALE VOICE: LASIK. Most of us have heard of this unique vision correction surgery that has given millions of people freedom from glasses and contacts. But what you might not have heard of is the revolutionary technology from IntraLase, a new tool that now enables our surgeon to provide you with even better vision, vision that is far more predictable with technology that is uniquely safe and precise.  And since we are dedicated to providing you with the best vision possible, our office is now equipped with IntraLase.  Better technology, better results, better vision.

Since the introduction of LASIK, the procedure has always involved two steps but until today has never been an all laser procedure.  Traditionally a handheld mechanical device, essentially a surgical blade, was first used to create a think flap of tissue on the front of the cornea. In the second step, this flap was then folded back allowing surgeons to reshape the inner layer of the cornea using a laser beam.  The flap was then returned to its original position.  Complications of the procedure are rare but most of the complications that have occurred have been directly related to how precisely and how uniformly the initial flap was created.

Well exactly how does the IntraLase technology help us provide you with this uniquely safe, uniquely precise approach to predictably better vision?  The difference today is that we use IntraLase’s advanced laser technology in the first step of the procedure rather than the traditional mechanical, hand held bladed device.  The IntraLase technology provides a less invasive approach that uses a computer controlled laser rather than the handheld bladed device.  This enables our surgeon to safely create a corneal flap of exact shape and thickness.  The benefit to you, better vision and a new sense of assurance that comes from this unprecedented level of safety and precision. So if you’ve been considering laser vision correction surgery, your timing couldn’t be better.  Better technology.  Better results.  Better vision.  With IntraLase, we’re making every procedure better.

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Lasik Eye Surgery Honolulu Hawaii Patient Testimonials

Posted on February 11, 2009 10:33PM in Video Transcripts

GLORIA BARAQUIO: I can say goodbye to my contacts and say Aloha to Laser Vision.  I’ve always been nervous about laser eye surgery but when my squinting sister, Rose, decided to give it a try we knew that the only place to go was to Aloha Laser Vision.

ROSE BARAQUIO: Recently I realized that I was squinting every night to watch the television, squinting at people waving at me down the hallways, squinting at everything and not really wearing my glasses as often as I should.
(Background) Dr. Faulkner: “Take ‘em off. Can you make that out? C an you make that one out?”

GLORIA BARAQUIO: And so did I. But things were even worse without my glasses.

(Background) “I’m guessing it’s an ‘E’ but it looks pretty blurry.”
Luckily we were in good hands with Dr. Alan Faulkner who walked us through the entire procedure.

(Background) Dr. Faulkner: “Here comes the laser, and it makes this in a circular pattern.”

(Background)Gloria: “That’s just right on my cornea?”

(Background) Dr. Faulkner: “That’s right on your cornea, and you won’t feel this at all.”

(Background)Gloria: “And how long does that take?”

(Background) Dr. Faulkner: “In your case it’s going to take about 8 to 10 seconds to reshape your eye”

(Background)Gloria: “Seconds? Wow”

GLORIA BARAQUIO: A Punahau grad and a son of a world renowned eye surgeon, Dr. Faulkner is considered to be one of the best eye care specialists in the state and he’s always on the cutting edge of technology, investing millions of dollars into his equipment.

DR. ALAN FAULKNER: In LASIK, we’re the only ones in Hawaii who use the IntraLase, which is a laser to cut the flap before the next laser reshapes the eye. Both of the lasers we use there are unique in Hawaii.  I think that tells our patients that we have a commitment to get the best results for them and to get them the best vision.

GLORIA BARAQUIO: Rose and I could really sense that commitment from the entire staff. They made everything so easy and comfortable for us. The operating room was just as relaxed where they gave us a blanket and a teddy bear to hold.

ROSE BARAQUIO: It’s so funny because like they kept calling it surgery, surgery, surgery but when I did the actual surgery, it was like nothing to me. It was just a couple of lights in my eyes and a little bit of eye drops, some valium and then I woke up four hours later and I could see just like a, what do you call it, a rabbit.

GLORIA BARAQUIO: Rose, I know you know how completely freaked out I was to have someone work on my eyes but I think we both can attest to how easy and painless it was.

ROSE BARAQUIO: If that’s the only thing that’s holding you back from getting LASIK surgery is that you’re afraid, well get over it. Gloria and I did and we’re so happy because now the only glasses we’ll need are sunglasses.

BERNADETTE BARAQUIO: But Aloha Laser Vision is more than just laser surgery.

DR. ALAN FAULKNER: We offer all kinds of eye care, everything from cataract surgery to general eye exams.

BERNADETTE BARAQUIO: And most importantly they do it with Aloha.

DR. ALAN FAULKNER: The embodiment of Aloha is treating people extremely nicely and welcoming them into your office as if you’re welcoming them into your home.

BERNADETTER BARAQUIO: So if you’re looking for a path to better eyesight or for some tender loving eye care, make sure you visit Dr. Alan Faulkner and his ohana at Aloha Laser Vision, the people of vision.

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Aloha Laser Vision Correction Patient Feedback Honolulu Hawaii

Posted on February 11, 2009 10:31PM in Video Transcripts

NIKKO BARAQUIO: I love being able to see.  It’s like a new world for me.

SANDY NG: My eyes are perfect now. They’re not dry.  I don’t need to constantly be putting in eye drops.

MATT MILLER: I just don’t need glasses any longer.

CYNTHIA HENKE: You can actually look up on the wall and see the clock and see what time it is.

DR. ALAN FAULKNER: My favorite day is the day after surgery because people come in and they are so happy.

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Implantable Contact Lens (ICL) Surgery Honolulu Hawaii

Posted on February 11, 2009 10:30PM in Video Transcripts

BERNADETTE BARAQUIO: You know some people are told that they’re not candidates for laser eye surgery and they continue to live with poor eyesight but now there’s a new technology that can bring new hope.  It’s true many have been told they don’t qualify for LASIK surgery while hundreds of thousands of Americans are dependent on glasses or contact lenses.  If this sounds familiar, you might want to consider some alternative type of refractive surgery.

DENISE SUGIHARA: Unless you have bad vision, one doesn’t understand how important your vision is.  But it’s like a miracle when you open your eyes and you can see without contacts or glasses, you’re like “Wow, yes”.  It’s all I can say.

BERNADETTE GALIOS: I’ve been a contact wearer and a glasses wearer for like twenty five years now and now that the children are out of the house it’s like “Oh, you know what? Maybe it’s our time to do a little bit of improvement here and there”.

BERNADETTE BARAQUIO: Dr. Alan Faulkner is one of the leading laser eye surgeons in Hawaii and the only certified physician in the state to perform the Visian ICL.

DR. ALAN FAULKNER: Visian is an implantable lens.  It kind of looks like a contact lens but it’s made to put inside the eye and it’s implanted behind the iris, the colored part of the eye, and it rests on the natural lens of the eye.  So it doesn’t replace anything, it just basically adds a lens inside the eye.

BERNADETTE BARAQUIO: And because the lens is made of a substance naturally found in your body, the eye doesn’t recognize it as a foreign object so side effects are significantly reduced.  With more than 60,000 successful implants made worldwide and a recent FDA approval, the Visian ICL procedure is fast becoming a viable alternative to LASIK.

DR. ALAN FAULKNER: For many patients, the Visian’s actually a better and a safer alternative because of some of the potential complications of LASIK itself.

DENISE SUGIHARA: I got Visian implants because I wasn’t a candidate for LASIK.

DR. ALAN FAULKNER: A lot of the patients for Visian would absolutely be unsafe patients for LASIK because their corneas would end up too thin for what we know the eye can tolerate.

BERNADETTE GALIOS: I didn’t know there was anything beyond, you know, LASIK. I didn’t know there was that, you hear about implantable lens but you heard they were only offered to like cataract patients but I wasn’t sure if they were extended to other patients with other levels of eye weakness.

BERNADETTE BARAQUIO: Now with modern technology, good vision can be a reality for many patients who have lost hope, even those with myopia or severe near sightedness.

DENISE SUGIHARA: I was legally blind.  To see something, it literally had to be touching my nose for me to see it.  That’s how bad my vision was.

DR. ALAN FAULKNER: She went on after a very short recovery period to actually see 20/10 which means that she can see at twenty feet what a normal person sees at ten feet. So it’s double normal vision.

DENISE SUGIHARA: I can wake up and see the clock.  I can wake up and see everything.  I can go swimming and open my eyes under the water.  I can see and do everything and anything.

BERNADETTE BARAQUIO: For those who wish to keep their options open for the future, the Visian ICL is a completely reversible process and the affects are immediate, literally moments after surgery.

BERNADETTE GALIOS: You know walking out of there that afternoon I was like “Wow”.  I mean I was just in awe because when you haven’t been able to see at a distance for a while and you can finally see, it’s like “Wow, was I missing everything?  I mean did I not see that?”  I should sit there and go, “Wow”.

BERNADETTE BARAQUIO: For Dr. Faulkner and his staff, giving people the gift of eyesight is simply their way of giving back to the people of our Hawaii.

DR. ALAN FAULKNER: I guess the thing that motivates me the most is being able to come in here and see how lives are changed and how happy people are, seeing the smile on people’s faces when they come in the day after surgery and can see.

BERNADETTE BARAQUIO: So if you suffer from poor eyesight and really want to enjoy a better quality of life, check out Aloha Laser Vision and see what options are best for you.

BERNADETTE GALIOS: It’s a lifetime change.  There will never be a, you’ll never regret it.

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