Northwestern Lasik Physicians

Northwestern Lasik Physicians: The Importance of Quality.

2009-02-26T13:58:00.003-06:00

LASIK and PRK can be a substantial expense. With prices reaching into the thousands of dollars for either procedure, patients are right to expect top-notch care and results for their investment.

At Northwestern LASIK Physicians, our philosophy is to provide premium care for our patients from start to finish. We believe that any lapse, whether in technology, counseling, or the frequency and quality of post-operative care, exposes our patients to unnecessary risk and discomfort.

With this in mind, we offer the following assurances to all of our patients:

You will receive an informative consultation. The surgeon responsible for your care will give you a candid assessment of the risks and benefits of LASIK, and recommend the most advantageous procedure. Everyone's eyes are different, and we will not advise you to select a procedure if you are a borderline candidate, nor will we encourage you to select a more expensive procedure if it will not substantially enhance your vision.

We will discuss financing and payment options. Payment is acceptable via cashier's check, cash, and credit or charge card. We offer financing at low fixed rates through Capital One, including interest free options up to 18 months. Finally, many of our patients are able to deduct their surgeries from their taxes by taking advantage of employer-sponsored flexible spending accounts.

On the day of the procedure, we will make sure that you are ready for surgery. Any surgery, even LASIK, can be a source of stress. Our doctors and staff are ready to answer any final questions you may have at the time of your surgery. We will provide you with a post-operative kit and will carefully review post-operative care.

We will provide you with necessary medication during and after your surgery. Medication typically includes prescription eyedrops and/or artificial tears, and will be provided by our office free of charge. By incorporating these expectations into the cost of the procedure, you are insulated from hidden costs resulting after your surgery.

We will provide you with thorough and conscientious post-operative care. At most LASIK clinics, you will only see your surgeon at the time of the surgery. Follow-up care is typically performed by an optometrist or a technician. At Northwestern, we believe that continuity of care is important in monitoring the healing of the treated eye. For this reason, all of your post-operative visits will be with the same doctor who performed your surgery, and who is familiar with your medical history and particular needs. Your post-operative care will be covered for one full year after your surgery. This duration of care is particularly important considering the desirability of a refractive enhancement.

We will improve your vision to the best of our ability. While your vision will improve most noticeably within the first day (for LASIK) to week (for PRK) of your procedure, the eye will continue to heal on its own. Several months after your surgery, your doctor may observe that the procedure has not lived up to its fullest potential; with an enhancement, your vision could be improved even further. At Northwestern, since our goal is to provide you with the best possible vision, we will provide enhancements free of charge within a year of your surgery. We will ensure that you receive the same quality of post-operative care for you enhancement as we offer for your original treatment.

There is a tendency sometimes to treat LASIK as a very commonplace procedure, which helps to explain the abundance of discounts and bargains available in the marketplace.

However, the eye is a very delicate instrument, and one which we rely upon constantly, whether driving or reading, whether in work or in recreation.

While our commitment to quality care from start to finish does result in some higher prices than the competition, we believe that the end result is worth it. Your vision is important to us, and you deserve the best care available.

Refractive Surgery and Dry Eyes

2008-11-12T11:27:00.000-06:00

Dr. Michael Rosenberg, one of our fine surgeons here at Northwestern Vision Correction Associates, discusses the relationship between refractive surgery and symptoms of dry eyes:

Many kinds of eye conditions give rise to irritative symptoms that patients describe as "dry eyes." True dry eye results from either an inadequate production of tears or an abnormal tear quality that prevents the tears from staying on the eyeball as long as they should. This is distinct from dryness resulting from eyelid inflammation, as well as from the symptoms most commonly found in recipients of LASIK surgery and PRK. Some physicians feel that PRK causes less dry eye symptoms than LASIK.

For reasons we do not fully understand, the nerves in the cornea responsible for sensation (feeling) also affect the amount of time that tears remain on the cornea after we blink. Due to the effects of LASIK flap creation upon these nerves, patients having laser refractive surgery will experience faster evaporation of tears and slight numbness of the cornea. As the nerves regenerate over several months, the tear behavior improves. The tears remain on the cornea longer and the symptoms of dry eye improve. Because of the initial numbness, patients may not be aware of a dry feeling and will tend not to use the drops as directed.

Scientific studies measuring volume of tears after laser surgery are inconclusive. Some studies have shown no effect on tear production; others have shown a decrease. In the latter cases, dry eyes have been shown to have improved over time. If a patient has a dry eye syndrome prior to laser surgery, it may be temporarily worse after the procedure, but will improve to its pre-surgery level.

Dryness is worse in cold or windy weather because of low humidity and increased evaporation. Dryness improves in humid weather or in areas with humidifiers. Some systemic medications may worsen the symptoms. Patients who are concentrating, for instance at work, blink less frequently causing faster evaporation. Dry eyes rarely affects vision significantly. It is more common in women and in older patients. Discomfort is usually mild with appropriate treatment.

Treatment of dry eye includes artificial tears, occlusion (blockage) of the tear drainage system, treatment to improve the quality of the tears (such as Omega 3 fish oil or flaxseed oil), antibiotics to control eyelid inflammation and Restasis, an eye drop, which has the potential to improve tear volume and quality. Your doctor will tailor any treatment to the severity of any symptoms.

There is significant individual variability, but if a patient has no dry eye symptoms prior to laser surgery, and if the physician finds no corneal irritation in the pre-operative examination, dry eye would not be expected to be a significant post-operative problem.

Testimonial

2008-05-20T14:43:00.000-05:00

Another one of our patients had good things to say about her LASIK experience:

"I am very happy with the results of my laser eye surgery. Dr.Feder
and team were all wonderful from beginning to end." -Susan

This just goes to show how much of an impact our philosophy of refractive surgery makes on our patients: a dedicated, professional staff supporting a world class surgeon through a rigorous post-operative routine. The results? Great vision and happy patients.

Recent LASIK Reports

2008-05-19T14:04:00.000-05:00

Lately, we’ve been getting a lot of questions about recent news reports highlighting bad results from LASIK and the risks associated with the surgery. We at the Northwestern Vision Correction Associates want our patients to be as well informed as possible. It is true that LASIK carries risks, including severe dry eye, eye pain, and poor vision. While these risks should never be downplayed, studies sited in these recent reports suggest that only 5% of the more than 700,000 Americans who undergo the surgery every year are dissatisfied with their results, and that less than 1% of patients suffer serious complications. And while it is truly tragic when these complications arise, it is our feeling that we can minimize the risks through a number of methods.

Perhaps the most important is our rigorous screening process. Since, unlike most practices, our surgeons personally communicate the benefits, risks and side effects of refractive surgery in a lengthy conversation, they are able to identify patients who are not candidates because of unrealistic expectations. Using the latest technology, including the CustomVue Wavefront system and the Pentacam Corneal Topographer, they are able to evaluate patients in order to be sure they do not have medical or anatomic contraindications for refractive surgery. If, after reviewing all of the patient’s data, our highly skilled surgeons determine that the procedure would pose an unacceptable risk, they simply will not offer surgery to the patient. That cautious discretion can make all the difference in our patients’ outcomes and is a benefit of Northwestern’s commitment to the patient experience.

The most up-to-date surgical technologies and techniques also further our goal of minimizing the risks to our patients. Our exclusive use of Intralase technology provides us with the safest and fastest flap cutting method available. During the procedure, the Iris Registration feature tracks small movements of the patient’s eye to ensure that the laser is on target at all times in addition to shutting the laser down before any such movements can affect the treatment. The treatment itself can be optimized for the individual patient with the CustomVue technology, possibly reducing the night vision issues that have featured prominently in these reports. And in terms of technique, our surgeons are all full time academic, board certified ophthalmologists on staff at Northwestern’s prestigious Feinberg School of Medicine. They are some of the most experienced and respected figures in the field, having literally written a book on LASIK.

The key to resolving any issues should they arise is world-class post-operative care. In an arrangement becoming more and more uncommon, our surgeons follow their patients through the entire process, from the screening to the end of the post-operative period and beyond. This way they have crucial knowledge of the patient’s personal needs and history, the experience to catch any issues early, and the expertise to treat those issues and guide the patient toward the best possible results.

We at the Northwestern Vision Correction Associates understand that risk management is a factor in any medical procedure, and we are proud that our patients put their trust in us to do everything we can to ensure their safety and their surgical results. The vast majority of our patients have been able to improve their quality of life through refractive surgery. This is possible because of the steps we take to minimize the risks of LASIK refractive surgery. We couldn’t see doing it any other way: that is the Northwestern difference.

Top Docs

2007-10-24T15:44:00.000-05:00

Castle Connolly just released their latest edition of America’s Top Doctors, and our Dr. Rosenberg and Dr. Feder were included again! For those that don’t know, Castle Connolly seeks to unite patients with the most qualified and respected doctors in the country through a series of national and regional guidebooks. Physicians are nominated by their peers and vetted by a dedicated, physician run research staff. This recognition puts Dr. Rosenberg and Dr. Feder in the top tier among their colleagues. Congratulations gentlemen!

Flex Spending

2007-10-05T16:14:00.000-05:00

It’s nearing the end of the year, and employee benefits enrollment season is almost here. If your employer offers it, now is the time to start thinking about Flex Spending. Flex Spending is money taken out of your paycheck before taxes and set aside in a fund specifically designated for medical expenses. Generally, you can use this money for any such expenses, even elective procedures like LASIK. Typically the fund goes into effect after the turn of the year and does not roll over year to year, so timing is everything. For example, sometimes a patient with leftover Flex dollars at the end of the year will get LASIK in one eye in December and the other in January, after the next year’s Flex Spending account becomes available. Ask your human resources department for more information about how Flex Spending works at your company.

NASA

2007-10-01T14:26:00.000-05:00

The Custom Intralase procedure recently got the stamp of approval from NASA, according to a recent press release from Advanced Medical Optics, Inc (AMO). About 50 percent of people who are turned down as astronaut candidates are disqualified because of poor vision. Now, after reviewing the results of Department of Defense studies, NASA has opened up new opportunities for these potential astronauts by accepting what we at the Northwestern Vision Correction Associates already knew: that LASIK with the Custom Wavefront and Intralase technologies is a safe and effective method of correcting refractive errors. For more information, check out NASA’s website, or read the AMO press release here.

2007-09-13T11:11:00.001-05:00

Dr. Rosenberg was interviewed for another recent Tribune article by Leslie Mann, this time in the July 18, 2007 Prime Time Special Section. The article talks about vision issues in older patients and the various treatments, including LASIK and multifocal cataract lenses, available to them. The good news, according to Dr. Rosenberg?

“Dr. Rosenberg . . . says LASIK can help adults continue their favorite
activities such as golf and tennis without the need for corrective lenses.”

The better news?

“He says studies show those age 40 to 70 do not have a greater number of
complications than the general population.”

Testimonial

2007-09-12T16:00:00.000-05:00

Take a look at what this patient has to say about his LASIK experience and the impact it had on his "Big Day":

Dr. Rosenberg,
I wanted to thank you and your staff for the great care and professionalism you exhibited during my LASIK surgery. It was so accomodating of you to fit me in during the few weeks I had available before my wedding, and the results were more than I could have asked for. To be able to see my bride as she walked down the aisle was a blessing. Thank you for making our special day that much more special!
With gratitude,
S C
Chicago

The Northwestern Difference

2007-09-11T17:43:00.000-05:00

A recent (Aug. 21) article by Robert Mitchum in the Tempo section of the Chicago Tribune talks about an organization that helps people who have had complications after LASIK surgery. Dr. Rosenberg was interviewed for the article and had this to say about how some of the issues patients face come about:

"In a private or corporate practice, the amount of money everyone is making is proportional to [the] number of patients being done," Rosenberg said. "There's more of an assembly-line approach to it."

The Northwestern Vision Correction Associates take a different approach. Here, the well-being of our patients is our first concern. Our surgeons would rather decline to offer surgery to a patient than risk a bad result simply to raise their numbers. Unlike many other practices where the surgeon has a small role in the screening and post-op processes, our surgeons personally explain the procedure, discussing appropriate visual expectations and the entire surgical process from start to finish. They personally follow their patients from day one in order to give everyone they treat the personal attention they need and deserve. There is no assembly-line at Northwestern, just a talented group of physicians passionate about giving their patients the best vision, and the best care, possible.

Testimonial

2007-09-04T15:40:00.000-05:00

Here is another great LASIK experience from another satisfied patient:

Dr. Rosenberg (and Staff):

Thank you for improving the quality of my life. I greatly appreciate your professionalism along with your kind and gentle manner. Furthermore, your staff does a great service by remaining warm, friendly, supportive and knowledgeable. Kudos to you all.

I am more than happy that I choose you and your team to perform my LASIK procedure. Not only do I enjoy the gift of perfect sight each time I blink, but I also know that wonderful people made this possible.

Cheers,
J H
Oak Lawn

P.S. Whenever somebody asks about my experience, I explain that I would have paid twice the amount to have my vision restored. Thus, not only do I see 20/20, but I also got a GREAT DEAL!

Testimonial

2007-08-30T08:28:00.000-05:00

See what one of our patients had to say about LASIK at Northwestern:

Dear Dr. Bryar & Staff:
I want to thank you and your staff for the great experience I had regarding
my laser vision eye sugeries. I made multiple return visits and your staff was
always courteous and pleasant to work with. I had a bit of apprehension going
into each of my eye surgeries, but you and your staff made me feel very
comfortable.

Dr. Bryar, without your patience and determination, I would not be seeing
20/25 today. I do believe in miracles. I want to thank you again for this
wonderful experience. I would strongly recommend you to any individual thinking
aobut having laser vision correction.

Regards,
P J

Buffalo Grove

Look for other patient experiences in the coming days!

Dr. Rosenberg

2007-05-21T08:28:00.000-05:00

Dr. Rosenberg is the Vice Chairman of the Department of Ophthalmology at Northwester University. He has been citied as a top doctor in Chicago and recognized in the book "Best doctors in America". He performs LASIK, Custom LASIK, and cataract surgery using Crystalens and ReZoom. Dr. Rosenberg is an established ophthalmologist performing refractive surgery since 1991.