LASIK Eye Center of Silicon Valley - Dr. Gary Kawesch

Contact Lens Infections

2009-06-29T15:16:00.000-07:00

More and more people switch to contact lenses every year, and as a result, contact lens infections are becoming increasingly more common. One of the ways you can avoid any type of contact lens infection is by correcting your vision at our San Francisco, California ophthalmology office.

Contact lens infections can occur in a variety of different forms:

Corneal Ulcer -Develops when a microscopic parasite breeds in the cornea. People most at risk for this are swimmers and people who practice poor hygiene.
GPC (also called Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis) -Can be caused simply by a reaction from your body toward the contact lenses.
Solution Irritation -While not as serious as other forms of contact lens infection, some people can become irritated and develop an infection from using certain types of contact lens solutions.

We provide a few different vision solutions for patients who wear glasses and contacts:

If you would like to learn more about the ways you can correct your vision and be free from contacts and eyeglasses, please call or email our Silicon Valley LASIK office to schedule a personal consultation.

How Does Your Vision Change After LASIK?

2009-06-25T09:49:00.000-07:00

LASIK provides improved vision almost immediately but the total improvement is not always evident for perhaps three months. You will have follow-up visits with one of our LASIK doctors – first on the day following your surgery, then after a week, a month and decreasing intervals for about a year. That way we can monitor your vision improvement and make sure no complications arise.

In the first three months it is common to experience temporary vision changes. For the first few days after the procedure, you may be more sensitive to bright lights, it may be more difficult to drive at night, and you may experience blurred or faint double vision.

For many people, these side effects subside in days or weeks, but there can also be fluctuations in your vision over the three months. You may see haloes, more glare, or changes in your distance vision. If these symptoms continue to occur after 6 months have passed, you may consider having revision surgery.

LASIK has provided millions of people with improved vision. If you are curious about LASIK or any other vision correction procedure, please visit our LASIK FAQ or LASIK Alternatives pages to learn how you can correct your vision.

Please contact our LASIK office today to schedule your initial consultation. During that consultation we will listen to your desires and concerns and answer your questions. You can meet our staff and take a look around the office. If you choose, you can make an appointment for a full eye examination.

What is 20/20 Vision?

2009-05-24T12:06:00.000-07:00

20/20 vision is a term developed by optometrists and ophthalmologists to determine what a “normal” person can see when they are 20 feet from an object. Many people who do not have 20/20 vision require glasses or contacts to assist them in seeing more normally. We perform LASIK surgery at our San Francisco, California to improve people’s vision so they no longer require contacts or glasses.

If you have 20/20 vision, when you stand 20 feet from an eye chart, you can see what most other people can see. However, if you are near or far sighted, you may have 20/40 or 20/100 vision, which means when you stand 20 feet away from the chart, you see the same detail that a normal person would see 40 or 100 feet from the chart.

Much of what determines how well you can see involves the shape of the eyeball. When light enters the eye, it passes through the pupil to the retina in the back of the eye. If your eyes are too steep or too elongated, it can cause the light to focus improperly.

During LASIK, a laser is used to reshape the corneal tissue, and allow light to hit the retina properly, providing you with improved vision. LASIK can correct nearly any prescription, and will almost always improve vision enough for you to pass a driving test without glasses or contacts.

If you would like to learn more about your vision and whether LASIK can improve what you see, please contact us at the Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley today to schedule your initial LASIK consultation.

What to Expect After the LASIK Procedure

2009-05-21T13:51:00.000-07:00

LASIK is a fantastic vision correction procedure that can provide you with clearer vision almost immediately after the procedure is complete. When people from Oakland, San Jose, and San Francisco come to our office, we provide them with a few guidelines to follow during the days after their LASIK surgery.

Immediately after your LASIK procedure, you may feel an itching, burning, scratching, or irritating sensation and your eyes might tear or water for a day or two. This is completely normal, and it is important that you do not touch or rub your eyes because it can dislodge the corneal flap. Your eyes may also be more sensitive to lights and your vision can be blurry or hazy for a few days.

We will schedule several follow-up visits for you so we can monitor your healing. But if you begin to feel any serious pain, you are encouraged to come to us as soon as possible because this could be a sign of infection or other complication.

After your LASIK surgery, you cannot wear any eye makeup, creams, lotions, or any other facial product because they can increase your chances of infection. It is important not to have anything get beneath the flap while it is healing. You will need to protect your eyes from any hits or bumps for at least a month.

To learn more about what to expect after your LASIK procedure, please contact our LASIK surgery office to schedule your initial consultation.

What to Expect Before the LASIK Procedure

2009-04-29T15:57:00.001-07:00

Prior to your LASIK procedure, you will need to schedule an initial consultation with one of the experienced LASIK eye surgeons at our San Francisco, California office. We suggest that before your initial consultation, you only wear glasses for a week or two. Contacts can change the shape of the cornea, so wearing glasses will allow your eyes to return to their natural shape.

During your consultation, we will determine if you are good candidate for LASIK vision correction and we will perform a thorough eye exam. The eye exam will allow us to map your eyes and determine exactly what changes should be made with the laser. This initial consultation will also provide you with time to ask any and all questions you have about the procedure.

On the days before and after your LASIK procedure, you should stop wearing any lotions, make-up, perfumes, and creams because these products can attach to the eyelashes and can increase the chance of infection after the procedure.

Lastly, it is important that you arrange transportation to and from your LASIK procedure. Prior to undergoing the procedure itself, we may prescribe you a relaxation and/or pain pill to help you during the procedure, but these pills can affect your ability to drive.

If you’ve decided that you’d like to have LASIK, please call or email the Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley and we will schedule a personal consultation for you.

Are LASEK and PRK Painful Procedures?

2009-04-19T14:19:00.000-07:00

No, vision correction done with a laser is not painful. We first give you numbing eyedrops and make you comfortable on the patient bed that is part of the Custom LASIK hardware. You will feel only a slight sensation of pressure some of the time.

In addition to the more popular LASIK procedure, we also perform both LASEK and PRK procedures at our San Francisco, California ophthalmology office. Much like LASIK, PRK and LASEK both use lasers to reshape the cornea for vision correction, but there are differences between the three:

LASIK-A small flap is created in the cornea and is folded back. The laser then reshapes the underlying corneal layers, and the flap is replaced.
LASEK-A flap is created in the epithelium, which is a very thin layer of cells on the outermost part of the cornea. The laser corrects the shape of the cornea, and the thin flap is replaced so the cornea can heal.
PRK-The epithelium is completely removed so that the laser can correct the shape of the cornea. This layer of cells will grow back after the procedure.

All three of these procedures are completely safe. Recovery after LASIK is usually short and easy, involving use of moisturizing eyedrops to deal with the temporary feeling of grittiness. As the corneas heal that feeling fades away.

Recovery after LASEK and PRK takes longer because corneal cells must regrow. For about two weeks you will need to wear a contact lens “bandage” to promote healing. We will monitor your recovery closely and any discomfort can be soothed by a prescription painkiller.

To learn more about the LASEK and PRK procedures, you can visit our Differences between PRK, LASEK, and Epi-LASIK page.

If you are currently wearing glasses or contacts and are interested in correcting your vision with any of our laser vision correction options, please call or email the Laser Vision Center of Silicon Valley today to schedule your personal consultation.

LASIK and Traveling

2009-03-24T15:51:00.000-07:00

Many people from Oakland, San Jose, and San Francisco, California come to our office wondering if it will be safe to travel after they have had LASIK. We are happy to tell them that there have been almost no vision problems associated with flying or other travel after a LASIK procedure.

At first your eyes will feel irritated, so we don’t recommend that you travel very soon after your LASIK surgery. The best thing you can do in the immediate recovery period is to rest and relax at home until your eyes are finished healing. Three months is a typical time for complete healing, but it may be shorter in your case. Then you can feel free to travel wherever you like.

LASIK can correct all but the most severe myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism and provide you with near-perfect vision without the use of glasses or contacts. If you have any other questions about LASIK, please visit our LASIK and LASIK FAQ pages to learn more about this procedure.

To speak with one of our experienced LASIK ophthalmologists in person and to schedule your LASIK vision correction surgery, please contact Dr. Gary Kawesch, surgical ophthalmologist at the Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley to schedule your personal consultation.

Will I Ever Need Glasses Again?

2009-03-24T15:48:00.000-07:00

While LASIK can correct most prescriptions, there is no way that we can guarantee everyone’s vision will be perfect following their LASIK procedure. However, nearly all the patients leaving our San Francisco, California LASIK office are able to pass a driving test without the use of glasses or contacts.

Since ophthalmologists began using the LASIK procedure, huge advancements have been made in the technology. Today, our skilled LASIK eye surgeons are able to improve almost anyone’s vision, but there are some LASIK limitations. For instance, LASIK cannot correct cataracts, a lens condition that often develops after mid-life and causes progressive loss of vision.

Even though LASIK cannot correct every vision problem, we have a variety of other vision correction options available to our patients, including:

If you use glasses or contacts, and are curious about what LASIK can do for you, please contact us at the LASER Eye Center of Silicon Valley to schedule your initial LASIK consultation.

LASIK Affordability

2009-02-23T12:04:00.000-08:00

Having clear vision without the use of contacts or eyeglasses is something everyone should be able to experience. We want all our patients in the San Francisco, California area to afford clear vision. Each LASIK procedure we perform is unique, so the cost of the procedure is different for each customer.

LASIK can correct nearly any prescription and to make sure you can afford your LASIK procedure, we have a variety of different financing options:

CapitalOne Healthcare Financing, Vision Fee Plan
Unicorn Financial
CareCredit
Cash
Check
Credit Cards

You deserve to have great vision; to learn more about the payment options we provide you can visit our LASIK Cost page. In addition to using these payment options for LASIK, you can choose to finance any other procedure at our office, such as Advanced Surface Ablation, Crystalens, ReZoom, or ReSTOR.

If you would like to learn more about your LASIK financing options, please contact us at the Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley to schedule your initial consultation. During your initial consultation, we will outline exactly how you can afford your LASIK eye surgery.

Does LASIK Hurt?

2009-02-09T12:01:00.000-08:00

We have had many patients visit our San Francisco, California office who have been concerned about their LASIK vision correction procedure being too painful. One of our main concerns is that our patients are completely satisfied with their LASIK procedure.

To make sure you are as comfortable as possible while your LASIK procedure is being performed, we will provide you with a mild anesthetic so that you won't feel any discomfort. In addition to this, we can also give you a pill to help you relax and prevent any anxiety you may be feeling prior to the LASIK procedure.

During your recovery, you may feel slight discomfort, burning or itching; these are all normal following LASIK and can be corrected with over the counter pain relievers. We recommend you try to sleep after your LASIK procedure so that you can heal without feeling too much discomfort.

If you are considering other vision correction procedures, like Crystalens, ReSTOR, ReZoom, or Advanced Surface Ablation, similar steps will be taken to make sure you are completely comfortable during and after your vision correction procedure.

To learn more about LASIK or any other vision correction procedure, please contact Dr. Gary Kawesch, surgical ophthalmologist at the Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley today to schedule your initial LASIK consultation.

LASIK History

2009-01-30T13:26:00.000-08:00

LASIK, which stands for Laser Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis, is a vision correction procedure I perform on patients in the San Francisco, California. Since being approved for use in the United States in the early 1990s, LASIK has helped millions of people achieve great vision without glasses or contacts.

Ophthalmologists have been using ablative lasers to reshape eye tissue and correct vision for many years. Prior to LASIK, procedures like ASA (Advanced Surface Ablation) were performed to reshape the corneal tissue. With advancements in laser and vision technology, LASIK was developed.

During the LASIK procedure, a small incision is made in the corneal tissue to create flap. This small flap of tissue is then pushed back, allowing the laser to reshape the rest of the corneal tissue. During the procedure, the laser is used to remove minute amounts of tissue, correcting the natural imperfections in the eye. Once these imperfections have been corrected, the flap is placed back over the area to promote faster, healthier healing.

The LASIK procedure has been improved many times over the years, and is now able to correct nearly all types of vision prescriptions. In addition to LASIK, we also perform Crystalens, ReSTOR, and ReZoom procedures.

If you are considering one of the many different vision correction procedures available to you, please contact Dr. Gary Kawesch, ophthalmologist at the Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley, to schedule your free initial consultation.

LASIK Eye Surgery Myths

2009-01-27T13:18:00.000-08:00

As a LASIK office in the San Francisco Bay Area, we have corrected many different rumors and myths about LASIK. Patients who come to our office have heard many different things about LASIK and we are happy to let them know if what they've heard is true or not.

Sometimes, myths about vision procedures can keep people from pursuing vision correction solutions and prevent them from achieving the vision they want. Some of the most common LASIK myths we’ve helped correct include:

I could lose my vision from LASIK
LASIK is a painful procedure
Recovering from LASIK takes a long time
LASIK won't correct my astigmatism
My prescription is too high to undergo LASIK

Not only are these myths false, but there are also many other myths you may have heard that are untrue about LASIK vision correction. We perform incredibly safe LASIK eye surgeries as well as many other vision correction procedures like ReSTOR, ReZoom, and Crystalens.

If you are considering LASIK or any other vision correction procedure, please contact Dr. Gary Kawesch, surgical ophthalmologist at the Laser Eye Center of Silicone Valley today to schedule your initial LASIK consultation. During your initial consultation we can answer all your LASIK questions and help your find out if LASIK is right for you

Choosing a LASIK Surgeon

2008-12-26T15:10:00.000-08:00

Your eyesight is a very precious thing. If you are considering any type of vision correction surgery, you want to be sure the eye surgeon you select is qualified, experienced and worthy of your trust.

Dr. Gary Kawesch would like you to keep these suggestions in mind as you research the best ophthalmologist and eye surgeon for your needs.

Make sure your LASIK doctor will be a part of the entire process. This includes performing the majority of your surgery and monitoring your recovery in the following months.
LASIK surgery should be a primary part of his or her business, rather than an occasional procedure. It is suggested that should have performed at least 1,000 LASIK procedures, indicating they have the experience and skill.
Your LASIK surgeon should be willing to review all the procedures and potential complications in detail with you. He or she should also be patient enough to answer all your questions.
Try to avoid LASIK centers that have overly aggressive advertising or offer discounted prices. They may not be using the most advanced technology available.
The LASIK surgeon that was right for your friend or co-worker may not be right for you.
Feel free to attend a LASIK seminar or seek a consultation prior to making your choice. Do not feel obligated to that surgeon, however, if you don't feel comfortable with the atmosphere of the office or their answers to your questions.
Price should not be your deciding factor. LASIK financing is available through several companies. Your decision should be based on the technology, experience and professionalism of the LASIK surgeon and his or her staff.

Whether you choose Dr. Kawesch and Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley or another equally qualified LASIK surgeon, we hope that these simple suggestions will help make your selection process easier.

If you are considering LASIK in San Francisco, Oakland or San Jose, California, please contact us today.

Cataracts

2008-12-12T15:07:00.001-08:00

As a cataract forms on your natural eye lens, it will cause your vision to change. If you aren't having regular eye exams, and the cataract goes undiagnosed or untreated, you can end up with very blurred or cloudy vision. While cataracts do not lead to blindness, they do make reading, driving or watching television an unpleasant experience.

A good alternative may be refractive lens exchange (REL) surgery. RLE surgery employs IOLs (intraocular lenses) as a replacement for your natural lens, now damaged by the cataract.

Dr. Kawesch uses the ReZoom™ and ReStor® lenses and has had excellent results. The ReZoom™ lens creates several focal points for your eye, which allows you to see better at various distances. The ReStor® lens is also an excellent choice for cataract-impaired vision. This unique multi-tiered surface has been adapted from other optical devices like lighthouse lamps and microscopes. The tiers, which are concentric rings, are what allow you to see at all distances.

We don't see any reason why you shouldn't consider REL surgery if you are suffering with cataracts. You shouldn't either.

If you are considering REL cataract surgery in San Francisco, Oakland or San Jose, California, please contact us today.

LASIK vs. Contacts or Glasses

2008-11-23T08:43:00.000-08:00

When you are considering have LASIK so you don't have to wear glasses or contacts any more, don't just look at the price of LASIK. You should consider a number of other things, too.

First, did you know that LASIK will pay for itself in about three years? It is a one-time charge. You are committed to contacts and glasses for your whole life.

After having LASIK surgery, you will still want to keep up with those regular eye exams. However, you won't have to worry about needing new lenses, frames or contacts.

Let's a take a look at some national averages to give you a better idea of the potential savings.

Doctor Visit: $150 every two years
Prescription Glasses: $320 every two years
Prescription Sun Glasses: $270 every two years
Contacts: $48 a month
Contact Supplies: $12 a month

If you have your eyes checked every year, and also get new lenses and frames with each new prescription, your costs could be considerably more. Multiply these averages over the rest of your life. You can see that the cost of LASIK is a fraction of what it will cost to maintain your contacts or glasses.

To make LASIK surgery even more enticing, there are several companies that specialize in financing laser vision correction surgery. You can probably find a plan that fit your budget perfectly.

We hope this information is beneficial and has helped you see that LASIK is a cost-effective alternative to wearing contacts or glasses.

If you are considering LASIK in San Francisco, Oakland or San Jose, California, please contact us today.

Lens Implants

2008-11-10T08:41:00.000-08:00

At the Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley, Dr. Gary Kawesch offers RLE (refractive lens exchange) surgery for his patients who are at least 50 years old, are near- or farsighted and do not qualify for other LASIK surgery procedures.

Dr. Kawesch also offers the three standard intraocular lens implants options based on your needs:

ReZoom™ is ideal for patients with presbyopia (farsightedness). This lens creates multiple focus points so you can see clearly up close, far away and all points in between.
ReStor® is also a common choice for those wishing to rid themselves of glasses and contacts. Originally used for such optical devices as lighthouse lamps and microscopes, this technology incorporates multiple tiers for light to reflect off of. These tiers are concentric rings and allow you to see clearly at all distances.
Crystalens® is unique because its ability to flex the same way your natural eye lens does. By mimicking the bending and flexing of the natural lens, this implant lens can provide a crystal clear image whether it is close or far away.

When you visit our state-of-the-art vision center, we will be happy to discuss all the benefits and options of RLE surgery with you. We can provide a full eye exam, as well, and be sure that you get all your questions answered before scheduling your laser vision correction procedure.

If you are considering LASIK in San Francisco, Oakland or San Jose, California, please contact us today.

LASIK Complications

2008-10-22T10:23:00.000-07:00

LASIK surgery is no different than any other surgery when it comes to risk. There is always a chance that complications may set in during or after the procedure. However, our doctors are highly skilled laser eye surgeons and we use the state-of-the-art technology. Both of these factors greatly reduce the likelihood of anything going wrong.

Even so, we do believe that you should be aware of the risks so you can make informed decisions. Here are a few of the most common complications associated with LASIK vision correction.

Dry Eyes: you may experience dry eyes for a few days following the procedure. Just use a soothing eye drop and you should be fine.
Over or Under Correction: this is usually seen in patients with high prescriptions. If the eyes heal differently than expected a LASIK enhancement may be required to tweak the prescription.
Flap Folds: if the corneal flap made at the beginning of the LASIK procedure doesn’t lie flat when replaced, it can cause irritation. A simple LASIK enhancement will remove any wrinkles.
Glare and Halos: these are normal and temporary results of the cornea swelling due to the laser vision surgery. It most cases, the affects will fade in just a few weeks as the cornea heals.

Dr. Kawesch will be happy to review all the possible complications with you during your consultation. Today’s technology has greatly improved the success rate of LASIK surgery. Reports indicate that 95% of all laser vision correction procedures performed each year have little or no side effects. What does occur is very easily corrected.

If you are considering LASIK in San Francisco, Oakland or San Jose, California, please contact us today.

LASIK at Your Age

2008-10-08T10:19:00.000-07:00

We see it every day at Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley. Young people and old people complaining that they can’t see as well as they used to. We probably expect to hear that from people over 45 or 50, but even people in their 20’s can experience a change in the quality of their eyesight. Here’s a short breakdown of age groups and how LASIK vision correction might be helpful.

Ages 21 to 40: Our patients in this age group tend to be active men and women who find it annoying to have to deal with glasses or contacts. If you fall in this group, you can probably appreciate the convenience and affordability of LASIK. We offer a wide variety of laser vision correction procedures that can provide dramatic improvements in your vision.

Ages 41 to 54: Our patients in this age group tend to see the most changes in vision over a shorter period of time. They have realized that the gift of clear vision without a dependence on even just reading glasses is priceless and have made LASIK the most popular elective procedure in the United States.

Ages 55 and over: Thanks to so many wonderful advances in laser vision correction over the past few years, our patients in this age group don’t have to be stuck wearing glasses for reading and driving. Plus, we offer refractive lens exchange surgery with the best choices in implantable lens available.

All of our patients are important to us, no matter how old they are. Dr. Gary Kawesch and Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley take great pride in offering state-of-the-art technology with a staff that is dedicated to providing the best vision care possible.

No matter how old you, if you are considering LASIK or laser vision correction surgery in San Francisco, Oakland or San Jose, California, please contact us today.

Blade-free LASIK

2008-09-20T13:26:00.000-07:00

Many people shy away from the idea of LASIK surgery as soon as they hear the words “knife” or “blade.” There is a blade-free alternative, though, that is making them reconsider.

As a matter of fact, blade-free, all-laser LASIK is the only type of LASIK surgery that Dr. Gary Kawesch will perform on our patients at Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley. The difference is this. In traditional LASIK, a thin blade is used to make the corneal flap. Blade-free LASIK only requires a laser. Since the laser is making the incision rather than the doctor, the incision is much more precise and considerably less room for error and complications.

The technology used in our Blade-Free LASIK procedure is the IntraLase laser. It is the first of its kind and makes thinner, more accurate incisions. It makes the blade practically obsolete.

Once the initial corneal flap has been created, the corneal tissue is gently reshaped using wavefront technology and the flap is moved back in place. It will heal naturally and fairly quickly so no stitches are required.

No doubt you can see why this is the only way Dr. Kawesch performs LASIK surgery on his patients. He knows it is the best procedure for them and will allow for the most accurate vision correction possible.

If you are considering LASIK in San Francisco, Oakland or San Jose, California, please contact us today.

Wavefront LASIK

2008-09-03T12:48:00.000-07:00

At Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley, we take great pride in providing our patients with the best and most current technology available. Wavefront LASIK falls in that category.

In a nutshell, wavefront technology is a form of mapping. Pretend you are holding a bundle of light rays. Now draw lines perpendicular to the tips of those lights. What you get is a map. Since we’re talking about your eyesight, you get a map of everything relating to the health of the eye – nearsightedness, farsightedness, halos, etc. Wavefront maps for eyes with perfect vision are flat. Eyes with less than perfect vision have a wavefront map that is bumpy and irregular.

The wavefront technology has greatly improved the ability of laser eye surgeons like Dr. Gary Kawesch to provide precision accuracy in your LASIK surgery. Plus, wavefront technology in LASIK surgery provides quicker healing and a lower risk of side effects.

Our staff welcomes the opportunity to tell you more about wavefront LASIK and our other laser vision correction procedures. We would love to show you around our comfortable, state-of-the-art vision center, too.

If you are considering wavefront LASIK in San Francisco, Oakland or San Jose, California, please contact us today.

Modern LASIK Technology

2008-08-19T09:06:00.000-07:00

The world of laser vision correction has come a very long way in 50-plus years. The first oscillating blade, known as a microkeratome, was developed in the 1950s and was used to cut the ultra-thin corneal flaps allowing for the reshaping of the cornea. This is known as keratomileusis.

In the 1970s, RK (radial keratotomy) came along with PRK (photorefractive keratotomy) following close behind in the 1980s. Although these are laser vision correction procedures, they are not the same as LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis).

In the late 1960s, carbon-dioxide laser was developed and this formed the cornerstone of modern LASIK technology. By the late 1980s, the excimer laser (ultraviolet laser used to etch tissue) was introduced and quickly became the standard for LASIK procedures.

All of these discoveries and advancements have played a major role in developing the technologies of the 20th and 21st centuries. These include:

LASEK (laser epithelial keratomileusis): developed in the late 90s; designed for those who are not good LASIK candidates
Epi-LASIK (epithelial laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis): a cross between LASIK and LASEK; designed for those who have less steep myopia
Wavefront Technology: eye health mapping technology providing highly accurate measurements of eye health

Being committed to providing the most advanced vision technology available, Dr. Gary Kawesch and Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley are proud to offer these and many other superior laser vision correction options. We look forward to helping you find the option that is right for you.

If you are considering LASIK or laser vision correction in San Francisco, Oakland or San Jose, California, please contact us today.

Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE)

2008-08-04T08:58:00.000-07:00

RLE surgery is specifically designed for those over 50 wearing bi- or trifocals and don’t qualify for any other type of LASIK vision correction procedure. By replacing the impaired lens of your eye with an implantable lens, your vision can be dramatically improved.

Determining how you want your eyes to “sight” is one consideration. Monovision lenses allow your eyes to “sight” at the same distance. Multifocal lenses are designed so that one lens is “sighted” for distance and the other is “sighted” for near vision.

In addition, there are three brands of implantable lens that can be used based on your “sighting” needs. The ReZoom™ lens creates multiple points for your eye to focus allowing you the ability to see better at various distances.

The ReStor® lens has a multi-tiered surface similar to those found in other optical devices such as lighthouse lamps or microscopes. The tiers are actually concentric rings that allow you to see at all distances.

Perhaps the most unique implantable lens is Crystalens®. It is the only one of the three that flexes like your natural eye lens does. A healthy eye focuses by coordinating the bending and flexing of the cornea and crystalline lens based on whether the image is near or far. This lens can duplicate those movements and allows you to see both near and far without glasses or contacts.

Dr. Gary Kawesch welcomes the opportunity to discuss your vision needs in greater detail. There are several other laser vision correction procedures that might better fit your needs and we can help determine that with a complete eye examination and review.

If you are considering RLE in San Francisco, Oakland or San Jose, California, please contact us today.

Why is LASIK Expensive?

2008-07-31T12:52:00.000-07:00

Not all vision centers charge a lot for their procedures. But you should be weary of those low cost offers. Generally, low cost LASIK procedures mean the center is using older, out-dated technology.

LASIK procedures done with current state-of-the-art technology are going to be more expensive. Technology is more costly. And you can’t have advanced technology without the staff training that goes with it. We will not subject our patients to less-than-professional care and that means we are continually taking educating our doctors and staff, learning about new techniques and investing in the latest technology.

We won’t subject our patients to outrageous pricing, either. We offer very reasonable pricing and a variety of payment options. If you wish to finance your gift of improved eyesight, we will be happy to help you pick the right option for you. These options include tiered pricing to match your budget, so you need not worry.

Your eyesight isn’t something to skimp on. When it comes to improving your vision, you want to be sure you are getting the best possible care from a highly qualified laser eye surgeon using the most advanced technology available. You want someone like Dr. Gary Kawesch and his staff at Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley.

Dr. Kawesch founded Laser Eye Center on the premise that we will always provide exceptional vision care using advanced technology and a highly-trained staff. That means you may have to pay a little more but you will be glad you did.

If you are considering LASIK in San Francisco, Oakland or San Jose, California, please contact us today.

LASIK Procedures

2008-07-29T12:42:00.000-07:00

Dr. Gary Kawesch and the staff of Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley have made a conscience decision to only offer the most advanced technology available in LASIK today.

No-Blade LASIK: This is only type of LASIK that we offer at Laser Eye Center. Instead of the thin blade, a precision laser is used to cut the corneal flap, leaving less chance for errors and complications.
Thin Flap LASIK: While thin flap technology isn’t new, it is the best option for our patients. Using the thin flap concept, patients heal quicker and have better results overall.
Wavefront Treatment: This advanced technology allows Dr. Kawesch to better track and measure eye abnormalities. This, in turn, allows for greater precision in refining the corneal reshaping for the best in vision correction.

In addition to these procedures, Dr. Kawesch also uses the following lasers for the most precise surgery possible.

IntraLase Laser: This laser is the first of its kind and allows for totally blade-free flap creation during the LASIK surgery.
LADARVision: This laser is used to gently reshape the cornea after the flap has been made. It uses a cool laser light and helps aid in a quicker recovery of the cornea.
Bausch & Lomb Zyoptix: Zyoptix works with the wavefront system to detect even the most minute vision errors. It is fast, safe and practically pain-free.

As you can see, we take great pride in providing the best possible vision care using the most advanced technology available.

We would enjoy the opportunity to discuss your LASIK surgery needs in detail. We will answer all your questions and would love you to show you around our state-of-the-art vision center.

If you are considering LASIK in San Francisco, Oakland or San Jose, California, please contact us today.

Welcome

2008-04-10T14:00:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the blog for the LASIK Eye Center of Silicon Valley. Check back frequently for articles and news on the latest developments in LASIK.