Hawaii LASIK Surgeon on Choosing the Right Practice

According to the latest statistics from the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), approximately 800,000 refractive surgical procedures were performed in 2010. Dr. Alan Faulkner, a laser vision correction surgeon and eye doctor in Hawaii, says these statistics reflect the popularity of corrective eye surgery and indicate a need for patients to ensure their physician is qualified and experienced in ophthalmologic techniques. Dr. Faulkner discusses how to choose the right surgeon for a procedure such as LASIK surgery in Hawaii.

At his Hawaii eye care facility, Dr. Alan Faulkner says refractive surgical procedures have increased significantly in the past few years. The most recent surveys from the American Academy of Ophthalmology report that there were approximately 800,000 refractive surgical procedures performed in 2010, up more than 50,000 from 2009. As refractive and laser vision correction procedures continue to grow more popular, Dr. Faulkner says consulting with the proper doctor is essential to achieving the best results and improving vision. With procedures like LASIK and cataract surgery, he says high quality vision correction requires exact precision from the surgeon and an up-to-date knowledge of the latest technology.

Thanks to recent developments in laser correction technology, Dr. Faulkner says LASIK and refractive eye surgeons are able to reduce the risks and side effects of procedures to a minimal amount. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, LASIK surgery complications now occur in less than 5% of all cases. Dr. Faulkner says that in order to maintain such a high degree of success, surgeons must pursue continued education in techniques and procedures in addition to their normal patient care. He says patients should be sure to choose a qualified and experienced surgeon who is active in the ophthalmologic community and who has a strict attention to patient safety and well-being.

Dr. Faulkner says another important attribute to look for in an eye doctor is dedication and personalized patient care. He recommends taking time to meet a surgeon and his or her staff while researching their credentials before undergoing any procedure. Through individualized and personal outlining of each patient’s needs, Dr. Faulkner also says patients and doctors must maintain open communication in order to achieve the right results for each individual.

About Alan R. Faulkner, MD

Dr. Alan Faulkner earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Northwestern University and graduated from Tulane Medical School in New Orleans, Louisiana, where he was elected to the National Medical School Honors Society Alpha Omega Alpha. Following graduation, he remained at Tulane to complete an internship in Internal Medicine, residency training in Ophthalmology, and a Fellowship in Oculoplastics, Ocular Oncology, and Orbital Disease. Dr. Faulkner is a Fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, a Diplomate of the American Board of Ophthalmology, and a member of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons, the International Society of Refractive Surgeons, and a founding member of the American College of Ophthalmic Surgery.

Located at 1100 Ward Ave. Ste. 1000 in Honolulu, HI, Dr. Faulkner’s practice can be reached at (808) 792-3937. It can also be contacted online at the website alohalaservision.com or facebook.com/alohalaservision.

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Dr. Faulkner Launches New LASIK Website

Aloha Laser Vision, a practice providing laser eye surgery in Honolulu, HI, is announcing the launch of a new website designed to enhance its current and potential patients’ online experience. As more and more people turn to the internet for information on vision correction procedures such as LASIK and cataract surgery Dr. Alan Faulkner says the website is extremely important to create an educational, comprehensive first impression.

At Aloha Laser Vision, Honolulu laser eye surgeon Dr. Alan Faulkner is announcing the launch of a new website designed with his patients in mind. By combining a comprehensive network of vision correction information with cutting-edge website design, he hopes to provide both current and potential patients with a valuable online resource as they consider vision correction procedures or begin to research common eye conditions and methods of treatment such as cataract surgery.

Dr. Faulkner says Aloha Laser Vision is committed to providing patients with the latest available technology in vision correction. The new website offers detailed descriptions of all procedures offered, as well as doctor biographies, and educational patient videos. Another essential element Dr. Faulkner included in the website is social media buttons to encourage the formation of an online community or patient ohana centered on patients’ experiences with the practice. As patients turn to social networks such as Facebook, Dr. Faulkner says providing a platform for current and potential patients to interact leads to a greater understanding of the procedures and informed patient expectations and goals.

In collaboration with Rosemont Media, a LASIK website design firm in San Diego, CA, Dr. Faulkner is not only providing their patients with an informative exploration of the practice and vision correction procedures offered, but also an aesthetically-pleasing and easy-to-navigate user experience. He adds that he hopes the new website provides an in-depth look at the practice, and further supports a positive patient experience with Aloha Laser Vision.

About Dr. Faulkner

Alan R. Faulkner, MD earned his medical degree from Tulane Medical School in New Orleans, and then completed his internship in Internal Medicine, his residency training in Ophthalmology, and fellowships in Oculoplastics, Ocular Oncology, and Orbital Disease. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Ophthalmology, a fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, and a member of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery and the International Society of Refractive Surgeons.

Aloha Laser Vision is located at 1100 Ward Ave., Ste. 1000 in Honolulu, HI 96814, and can be reached at (808) 792-3937, or found online at www.alohalaservision.com or the Aloha Laser Vision Facebook page.

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Dr. Faulkner: For me it’s all about improving patients’ lifestyle.

The simple implantation procedure is performed on an outpatient basis by ophthalmologists who are certified in the Visian ICL™ procedure. According to Dr. Alan Faulkner, “It’s the same procedure that I have performed on cataract patients for years, so it’s quite familiar to me.” The ophthalmologist makes a small incision where the cornea meets the white part of the eye and inserts the foldable lens, which unfolds into place. The procedure takes 15 to 30 minutes and is done using topical anesthesia. Typically, patients can see very clearly within a few hours after the procedure. Visian ICL™ is cosmetically pleasing, as well. The lens is placed in the posterior chamber, between the iris and in front of the crystalline lens. The placement makes it invisible to the patient and others. Further, the lens avoids contact with any eye structures, providing safety, stability, comfort and predictable outcomes. Once in place, the lens stays there indefinitely and should require no maintenance. Except for outstanding vision and an annual checkup, the patient may forget the lens is even there. Visian ICL™ is made of an advanced lens material called Collamer® that may provide exceptionally clear vision and practically eliminates reflectance of light that can cause glare, halos and compromised night vision.

A highly biocompatible lens material, Collamer® does not trigger an inflammatory response in the body and minimizes the occurrence of inflammation, induced astigmatism, and other complications.More than 55,000 patients worldwide have had the Visian ICL™ procedure. The lens has been subjected to numerous scientific studies and continuing refinement over time. In a rigorous US clinical trial, the satisfaction rate among patients was impressive: 99.4% reported satisfaction three years after the procedure. Visian ICL™ is being introduced by STAAR Surgical, Company, a leading developer, manufacturer and marketer of minimally invasive ophthalmic products. If you are considering vision correction options, you are encouraged to contact Dr. Alan Faulkner at 792-EYES (3937) to discuss the possibilities of Visian ICL™, the new 21st century option for vision correction. Dr. Faulkner is the only certified Visian surgeon performing procedures in Hawaii.

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Based on their review of multiple studies, ophthalmologist William Mathers, M.D., and colleagues found a greater chance of suffering vision loss from contact lenses than from laser vision correction (LASIK). Their findings were reported in a letter published in the journal “Archives of Ophthalmology.”

The Oregon researchers reviewed several large studies and concluded that daily contact lens wearers have a one in 100 chance of developing serious lens- related eye infection over 30 years of use, and a one in 2,000 chance of suffering significant vision loss as a result. The study confirms that only one in 10,000 patients risk significant vision loss due to complications from LASIK, making LASIK the safest elective procedure performed today.

As technologies continue to evolve, the risk of laser vision correction continues to diminish. In 2001, the All- Laser, No-Blade method was introduced which dramatically decreased flap complications making All-Laser LASIK safer. Dr. Faulkner was an early adapter and the first LASIK surgeon in Hawaii to bring this technology to the islands. In 2005, Dr. Faulkner introduced Custom Cornea LASIK which not only improved vision, but also virtually eliminated night glare and halos, one of the early complaints of LASIK patients.

Between 20 and 25 million people in the United States wear contact lenses; about a million Americans undergo laser surgery to correct vision problems each year. Direct comparisons of the risks vs. benefits of contacts and LASIK have been difficult because surgical complications are immediate and the risks associated with contact lenses accumulates over several years.

The risk of wearing contacts is greater when the lenses are used improperly, such as sleeping in them, using tap water to store them, or even not washing your hands before putting them in. Infections can occur even when contact lens wearers do everything right.

“One should not assume that contact lenses are safer than LASIK,” explains Dr. Faulkner. “It may have been true years ago, but for the average person this is certainly not the case anymore. Contact lens wearers are prone to serious infections.”

If you wear contact lenses and have considered LASIK surgery, consider this – LASIK will pay for itself in about 4 years (not to mention it’s tax deductible). Contact lens wearers have monthly costs for lenses and solution, in addition to the expense of yearly eye exams and backup prescription glass- es. This doesn’t include an emergency visit to the doctor if you develop an eye irritation or infection from wearing contacts. To make LASIK affordable and convenient for every budget we offer flexible financing plans, such as 0% interest for 24 months.

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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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