SERVICES

LASIK

Dr. Jackson is a North Chicago LASIK specialist who treats patients from many of the surrounding areas, including Racine, Arlington Heights, Crystal Lake, Kenosha and Lake Geneva. In the page below, Dr. Jackson describes the LASIK procedure and how it has helped many patients to eliminate their dependence on glasses or contact lenses.

LASIK is an FDA approved procedure to correct nearsightedness (myopia), astigmatism and farsightedness. With LASIK, it is necessary to make a protective flap of the cornea with a special instrument called a microkeratome. This portion of the procedure lasts only a few seconds. The laser then reshapes the cornea in a matter of seconds. The corneal flap is then replaced on the eye and adheres within about 30 seconds with no need for stitches.

Prior to the procedure, numbing and dilating drops are applied to the eye. There is little to no discomfort during and after the procedure, with some patients experiencing a temporary scratchy sensation the first day afterwards. The patient is sent home with eye drops and protective goggles to prevent dryness, discomfort and possible rubbing of the eye.

Will LASIK help you achieve the visual results you want? Not everyone is a good candidate for a particular procedure. Dr. Jackson will perform a thorough evaluation of your eyes before recommending the most appropriate vision correction procedure.

Custom LASIK with Zyoptix

With the Bausch & Lomb Zyoptix™ customized and personalized LASIK, Dr. Jackson can advance vision to a new level of precision and clarity. The Zyoptix system makes it possible for Dr. Jackson to examine each eye for microscopic visual errors previously unseen with normal diagnostics. Dr. Jackson can develop a personalized vision correction plan that corrects visual errors that are as unique as your fingerprint, giving you the most precise treatment possible and better natural vision.

More than 100,000 Zyoptix procedures have been performed worldwide with virtually all patients expressing satisfaction with their new eyesight. You may be a possible candidate for Zyoptix if you are in good general health, have had stable vision for more than two years, and suffer from nearsightedness or astigmatism. Many who have been turned down for LASIK in the past may now be candidates for Zyoptix. For more information, call Dr. Jackson's office today.

LASIK FAQ

What is LASIK?

During LASIK (laser in situ keratomileusis), an instrument called a microkeratome is used to gently lift and fold back a thin flap of tissue across the outer layer of the eye, to expose the cornea. The Bausch & Lomb Technolas laser is then used to reshape the cornea. This laser is extremely accurate and can remove a quarter of a micron (only 1/200 the width of a human hair) of tissue at a time. (A human hair is approximately 50 microns thick). After the laser is used, the flap is folded back into position and reseals itself; no sutures are needed. The procedure itself takes about 5 to 10 minutes per eye.

Is there a difference between "LASIK" and "laser vision correction"?

Yes. The term "laser vision correction" can be applied to a number of differing laser procedures for correcting vision, and LASIK is only one of these procedures. Other laser vision correction procedures are EPI-LASIK, LASEK, PRK, and PTK.

Am I a good candidate for laser vision correction?

This depends on your age, your prescription and the general health of your eyes. Not everyone is a suitable candidate for a laser vision correction procedure. Your prescription must have been stable for the past 12 months, and you should be at least 18 years of age or older. Although most laser vision correction patients are under 60, even seniors may be eligible. To find out if you are a candidate for a refractive procedure, we offer NO COST - NO OBLIGATION consultations. Dr. Jackson himself has had LASIK surgery and can share his experience as a patient, providing a valuable perspective for anyone contemplating this surgery.

Do I need an examination first?

Prior to treatment, you will have a laser vision consultation and a thorough eye exam. A detailed computer image of your eye will detail the curvature, shape, overall smoothness and regularity of the cornea, and this data will be used to program the laser equipment for your individual treatment.

Does the surgery hurt?

No, the procedure is not painful. An oral sedative is given prior to the procedure to help you relax, and anesthetic drops are administered to your eyes.

You may experience minimal discomfort during the first 12 to 36 hours after the procedure. Some patients describe the feeling as a lash in the eye or something under a contact lens. Medications are available if you are concerned about this type of discomfort.

How long does the procedure take? Will I be able to drive home?

The LASIK procedure itself takes only 5 to 10 minutes for each eye. You may be asked to arrive at the refractive center approximately an hour before the procedure is scheduled. You will be given a mild sedative for relaxation before the procedure and will not be allowed to drive yourself home. You and your designated driver should expect to spend 1-1/2 to 2-1/2 hours at the refractive center.

Will I miss much work?

Most patients are able to resume normal activities (with the exception of swimming) the next day and are able to return to work within 1 or 2 days.

Does laser vision correction really work?

Yes. More than 90% of people who have had one of these procedures now experience normal vision, and many others enjoy decreased dependence on glasses and contact lenses.

Will I be able to see better right away?

Most LASIK patients notice some improvement immediately following the procedure, with visual acuity continuing to improve over the course of serveral weeks. However, every patient's healing process is unique; Dr. Jackson will advise you as to how long it may take for your eyes to heal before you can expect to experience the full benefit of the treatment.

Will I need glasses in the future?

As the normal eye ages, it loses the ability to focus due to the aging of the muscle within the iris. That's why many people need reading glasses after the age of 40 to focus sharply on near objects. We currently correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism with refractive surgical procedures. After age 40, most patients will still need reading glasses.

Is laser vision correction covered by my insurance?

Most insurance plans consider laser vision correction elective in nature and do not cover the procedure, but we recommend you check with your individual insurance company.

What do I do next?

Call today to schedule your free, no-obligation LASIK consultation. We are committed to helping you make an informed decision.

LASEK (PRK)

"Advanced Surface Ablation"

If your cornea is determined to be too thin or your pupils too large for LASIK laser vision correction, Dr. Jackson may recommend LASEK to help reduce or eliminate your need for glasses. LASEK is sometimes called PRK (photorefractive keratectomy).

During the LASEK procedure, the surgeon makes a very thin flap in the epithelium of the eye using a device known as a trephine. As with LASIK, an excimer laser sculpts the corneal tissue underneath.

LASEK/PRK FAQ

Why would the doctor recommend LASEK instead of LASIK?

A LASEK procedure is preferred for patients whose corneas are too thin, too flat, or too steep for LASIK. When the flap cannot be the ideal thickness or diameter, LASEK exposes the patient to comparatively less risk of complications.

Is LASEK the same as the LASIK procedure?

No, but both procedures are considered "laser eye surgery." During LASIK (laser in-situ keratomileusis) and LASEK (laser epithelial keratomileusis), the surgeon makes a flap then uses a laser to reshape the cornea of the eye. For LASEK, however, a finer blade, called a trephine, is used to make a thinner flap, loosening only the protective layer of the cornea's surface.

What is the difference between LASEK and PRK?

The two procedures correct vision in the same way, but there is a difference. In a LASEK procedure, the surgeon reshapes the cornea with the laser and replaces the flap; the flap is not replaced after a PRK procedure. After both procedures, a bandage contact lens is used to promote healing.

Are there any other differences?

A typical LASEK or PRK patient may experience a slightly longer wait (4 to 7 days) to begin enjoying the full benefits of improved vision.

LRI (Limbal Relaxing Incisions)

Ideally, the eye’s cornea has a uniformly rounded curvature, like the surface of a ball. With the most common type of astigmatism, the cornea has a more oblong contour, much like the oval bowl of a teaspoon. One end of this oval may be shallow and the other end deeper, in much the same way that the portion of the oval that is closer to the spoon’s handle is deeper. This uneven curvature causes blurred vision because light passing through it focuses on more than one spot in the back of the eye.

To reduce astigmatism and make vision more precise, Dr. Jackson may recommend LRI (Limbal Relaxing Incisions). During the LRI procedure, Dr. Jackson makes small curved incisions along the limbus, the outer edge of the cornea. These incisions relax or flatten the steeper portion of the cornea, giving it a more normal, spherical curvature.

LRIs are a relatively non-invasive treatment for astigmatism. The cornea responds quickly to the relaxing incisions, and patients rarely report more than mild discomfort following this surgical procedure. Serious complications are extremely rare. Dr. Jackson frequently recommends this treatment to patients who have both a cataract and astigmatism, because LRI can be performed at the time of cataract surgery.

Your LRI Procedure

Prior to your LRI procedure, Dr. Jackson will evaluate your medical history, test your eyes, (including measuring the thickness of the corneas), and evaluate your eyeglass prescription. If he will also be removing a cataract, Dr. Jackson and his staff will give you instructions to prepare for that procedure as well.

PREPARING FOR LRI:

Rigid gas-permeable contact lenses should not be worn for a three-week period before the LRI procedure.
Patients who normally wear other types of contact lenses should not wear them for at least three days before surgery.

ON THE DAY OF THE LRI PROCEDURE:

Dress casually and comfortably
Do not wear eye makeup on the day of surgery
Bring a designated driver with you, because you will not be permitted to drive yourself home.

You may be given a mild sedative for relaxation, and your eyes will be numbed with anesthetic eye drops. A small device will be used to prevent blinking during the brief procedure. The relatively comfortable LRI procedure takes approximately five minutes per eye. No injections are necessary.

AFTER THE PROCEDURE:

Expect your eye to be sensitive to light for a few hours following LRI surgery
You may experience a gritty feeling, as if you have dust in your eye
Dr. Jackson will prescribe eye drops to prevent inflammation and infection
Unless instructed otherwise, you may use over-the-counter pain relievers as needed

You may notice an improvement in your vision by the day after surgery. However, you should allow several weeks for your vision to stabilize.

CK (Conductive Keratoplasty)

Designed for baby boomers, CK uses radio frequency (RF) energy instead of a laser to reshape the eye and improve reading vision. Patients around the world have undergone this safe procedure with success, reducing their dependence on glasses to work on the computer, read a menu or a newspaper.

With CK, controlled RF energy heats and shrinks the corneal tissue, which steepens the cornea. This steepening results in the desired refractive effect. RF energy has actually been used in medical practice since the 1950s, with current applications including treatments for prostate cancer or sports-related joint injuries.

CK FAQ

What kinds of vision problems can be treated with CK?

CK (conductive keratoplasty) is FDA-approved for the treatment of hyperopia ("farsightedness") and presbyopia (loss of ability to focus sharply on nearby objects due to age-related changes in the eye's lens). The procedure is the same for both conditions.

The procedure involves no cutting or lasers, only gentle touching on the surface of the cornea.

How does CK work?

CK builds upon 20 years of research into the use of radio frequency energy. CK improves hyperopic vision by making the cornea steeper and giving the eye a more natural, spherical contour. With presbyopia, CK alters the eye's contour to compensate for the lens' loss of ability to flex for near vision.

Radio frequency energy has been used in medical practice since the 1950s, with current applications including treatments for prostate cancer and sports-related joint injuries.

Because CK does not involve any cutting of the cornea, the procedure can be conveniently performed in our office using only a topical (eye drop) anesthesia. You can even return to work or normal activities the next day.

Why would the cornea need reshaping?

The shape of the cornea is a major factor determining how well a person can see. A cornea that is too flat promotes farsightedness and lessens the ability to see things up close. Reshaping the cornea to a more natural, spherical shape using CK can improve vision greatly and decrease or eliminate the need for contacts and eyeglasses. For patients with presbyopia, CK's alteration of the cornea's contour compensates for loss of the lens' ability to flex for near vision.

What happens during the procedure?

During the CK procedure, the surgeon uses a pen-shaped instrument with a cool tip as thin as a human hair to apply radio frequency energy in a circular pattern along the periphery of the cornea. The entire process takes about three minutes and is normally performed as an outpatient procedure.

An immediate vision improvement is possible and recovery is fairly quick. No patches or bandages are needed.

What about side-effects? Is any pain involved?

Because CK is a minimally-invasive procedure, there are very few surgical complications. Numbing drops are applied before the procedure begins, and most patients report that the actual process is generally comfortable.

Will I still need glasses or contacts?

At this time, 92 percent of patients with low to moderate ranges of hyperopia achieve normal or near-normal vision after one CK procedure. However, depending on age and the type of refractive disorder, additional vision correction (surgery, reading glasses or bifocals) may be needed at some point. This is because the eyes continue to change with age, no matter what vision procedure is used.

Will my insurance pay for CK?

Because CK is an elective procedure, most health insurance plans do not cover it. Financing options are available, however, and many employers offer flexible spending plans that make it possible to use pre-tax income to cover medical expenses such as CK.

Refractive Lensectomy

If freedom from bifocals is important to you, you may want to consider an advanced-technology presbyopic intraocular lens (PIOL), like the Crystalens™. This implantable replacement lens makes it possible to take vision correction to a new level by restoring youthful ability to focus on objects at varying distances. It provides sharper vision with less reliance on corrective lenses.

Crystalens

The Crystalens™ intraocular lens is an FDA-approved surgical implant that replaces the natural lens of the eye for both refractive and cataract patients. The unique design of the Crystalens allows the lens to "accommodate," or move naturally with your eye's own muscles, just as your lens did before time took away the ability to focus. The result is a return to natural vision that provides seamless eyesight at all distances.

The procedure uses anesthetic eye drops and is virtually painless, with no shots. Although an immediate improvement is very possible, it may take a few days for the muscles around the lens to exercise their proper function again.

The technology of the Crystalens began in the late 1980s when it was discovered that certain cataract patients who had intraocular lens implants were able to both read and see at a distance without glasses. Research showed that the eye's muscles that control the lens, previously thought to have lost function, were still able to move implanted lenses forward and backward. The unique hinged design of the Crystalens responds to those muscle movements.

The Crystalens is now changing the lives of thousands of patients around the globe. This new technology offers yet another benefit: Crystalens patients will never develop cataracts, since the eye's natural lens has been removed and replaced. This means clearer, cloud-free vision, even into the later years.

ReZoom

The ReZoom™ intraocular lens can help you to achieve a full range of vision following cataract correction surgery…without glasses. The Balanced View Optics™ of the ReZoom PIOL provides a wide range of quality vision at near, intermediate, and far distances.

Ninety-two percent of ReZoom recipients enrolled in clinical trials reported never or seldom needing to wear glasses. No traditional single-focus IOL can make that claim.

Which lens is right for you? Crystalens? ReZoom? Find out by calling our office today to schedule a consultation. See if one of these amazing new technologies can revive your ability to see the world as nature intended.

Crystalens FAQ

What makes the Crystalens different from other intraocular lenses?

Standard lens implants correct vision at a single distance, requiring most patients to wear glasses for middle and near vision. The Crystalens has the unique ability to use the eyes' own muscles to focus on objects at varying distances, providing sharper, seamless vision from near to far and everything in-between...without corrective lenses.

Can my vision be corrected to 20/20, for both reading & distance?

The Crystalens has been designed to focus your eyes at all distances. While virtually everyone will experience a significant improvement in their uncorrected vision after surgery, some people will not see 20/20 at all distances. In the FDA clinical study, 92 percent of bilaterally-implanted patients could see 20/25 or better at distance, 96 percent could see 20/20 at arm's length, and 73 percent could see 20/25 at near, all without glasses or contact lenses.

How do I know if I am a good candidate for the Crystalens?

Dr. Jackson will perform a thorough examination and advise you of a customized treatment plan for effectively correcting your vision. Virtually everyone with good general health is a candidate for the Crystalens, but those with chronic infections, uncontrolled diabetes, or other health issues may have to wait until these conditions stabilize. People with prior corneal refractive surgery may be candidates for Crystalens implantation as long as their eyes are in good health; previous cataract patients are not candidates.

What does the procedure involve?

The Crystalens can be implanted in less than 20 minutes as an outpatient procedure using topical eye drops to anesthetize your eye and dilate your pupil. Oral or intravenous medications may be administered to help you relax. The natural lens is removed through a micro-incision, and the Crystalens is implanted in its place. The Crystalens' unique hinges secure the lens in place and allow your new lens to move and focus like a normal lens.

What happens after the procedure?

After the procedure, additional drops will be given to prevent infection, decrease inflammation, and keep your pupil dilated. A patch may be placed over your eye and someone will need to drive you home. You should rest for the remainder of the day, avoid strenuous activity, and avoid rubbing your eye. Dr. Jackson will see you the next day to remove the eye patch and examine your eye. You may receive additional medications to promote healing in the next week or two.

What will my vision be like after surgery?

Patients may experience an immediate improvement, but it usually takes a few days for the muscles around the lens to exercise their proper function again and it may take several months to reach full focusing potential. Most people will be able to see clearly in the distance, have excellent mid-range vision, and will be able to read a newspaper without glasses. Problems with glare, night vision, and light sensitivity can be initiated or intensified by lens replacement surgery; however they are usually temporary and rarely debilitating.

Crystalens

Monofocal vs. Advanced Multifocal: Which replacement lens is right for you?

This question can be answered only after careful consideration of the health of your eyes, your individual lifestyle, and the demands of your occupation and hobbies.

Before advising you, Dr. Jackson will want to know about your lifestyle. He may ask...

What kind of work do you do?
How much time do you spend reading? What do you read?
How much time do you spend using a computer?
What types of outdoor activities do you enjoy?
What hobbies do you enjoy? Do you do close work, like sewing or knitting?
Do you often drive at night?
Do you plan to do much traveling?
How much does wearing glasses bother you?

If you opt for a presbyopic IOL, Dr. Jackson will select the technology that best meets the visual demands you face.

Implantable Collamer® Lens

The Visian ICL™ (Implantable Collamer® Lens) is FDA-approved for the correction of moderate to severe myopia. If you are one of the many nearsighted patients who have not been candidates for LASIK, Dr. Jackson may be able to help you achieve the excellent quality of vision you have always wanted, without disturbing corneal tissue.

Dr. Jackson implants the small, foldable Visian ICL through an incision so tiny (only 3 mm) that it closes without stitches; competing technology requires an incision at least twice that size. Visian is designed to remain in place within your eye without maintenance, although a surgeon can easily remove or replace the lens if your needs change. Unlike a contact lens, the Visian ICL does not dry out or become dirty.

This revolutionary lens is made of Collamer, a highly biocompatible material that contains pure collagen. Because Dr. Jackson positions the lens behind the eye’s iris, it cannot be seen by the naked eye. The Visian ICL’s cosmetic appearance is perfect, and there is no way for a non-professional to notice that it is in place.

Worldwide, more than 40,000 Visian ICLs have been implanted, but the lens was approved for use in the United States in 2005.

A new treatment for PRESBYOPIA?

You could be a candidate for an FDA clinical research study of PresVIEW™

Presbyopia. It eventually affects just about everyone sometime after age 40.

This office is participating in a nationwide clinical research study to investigate a new surgical procedure that has the potential to correct presbyopia and reduce or eliminate dependence on reading glasses. Dr. Jackson has been selected as one of only a few eye surgeons in the United States to perform this procedure as part of an FDA trial.

How do I know if I have presbyopia?

If you are between the ages of 50 and 60 and experience blurred vision when focusing for near vision tasks, you have presbyopia. Individuals affected by presbyopia experience difficulty reading a newspaper or a restaurant menu unless you move it further away. Presbyopia is sometimes called "short-arm disease," but it is no laughing matter for those who must wear reading glasses, bifocals, or contact lenses to correct near vision.

What is the objective of this study?

Two devices have been developed by Refocus Group for use in a new surgical treatment under investigation. These devices will be evaluated for safety and effectiveness in correcting presbyopia. They are scleral implants used in the surgery and the hand-held implantation device used by the surgeon.

What is the theory behind the procedure?

This surgical treatment is based on a new theory about accommodation, the ability of the eye to change its focus from distance to near objects. A youthful lens "accommodates," or changes shape, when tiny muscles in the eye contract and pull on certain fibers that are attached to the lens. The center of the lens becomes more rounded in shape, allowing the eye to re-focus for close vision. As the lens ages, however, it grows larger and creates slack in those muscle fibers, making them too loose to change the shape of the lens.

What does the procedure involve?

The surgical procedure involves inserting four tiny plastic implants that decrease the slack in the eye's muscle fibers and restore their ability to change the shape of the lens when re-focusing to see at varying distances.

Who can participate?

Dr. Jackson's patients who meet certain criteria may be eligible to participate in this study. If you have presbyopia and are between ages 50 and 60, you may be eligible to enroll in the study. You are NOT eligible if you have a chronic disease or have undergone cataract correction surgery or a laser procedure like LASIK, RK, or PRK. All individuals enrolled in this study must be able to complete a written informed consent.

Some standard medical tests, including a complete eye exam, will be performed to assess your health.

What does the study involve?

If you are enrolled in this study, you may be scheduled for surgery. Patients will be monitored for a 24 to 30 months period.

What will I receive for my participation?

Enrolled patients do not receive compensation, but all medical examinations and procedures involved in the study are provided free of charge.

I am interested in participating. Whom do I contact for more information?

Speak with a member of Dr. Jackson's staff.

INTACS

For keratoconus patients who are contact lens intolerant, there is now a revolutionary new procedure available, Intacs® prescription inserts. Intacs (intrastromal corneal ring segments) are clear, precision-engineered, polymer crescents that are placed into the channeled layers of the cornea. They provide a new option to improve both corrected and uncorrected vision, and may defer the need for a corneal transplant.

The goal of the Intacs procedure is to provide the keratoconic patient with the ability to achieve improved functional vision with contact lenses or glasses, and, in some cases, without them. In the few patients that later required a cornea transplant after having the Intacs procedure, their transplants were completed without complication following removal of Intacs.

Intacs may provide an effective option prior to considering a cornea transplant. Intacs were originally designed and FDA approved to correct mild nearsightedness, and now Intacs have emerged as a new therapy for treating patients with keratoconus.

INTACS FAQ

What kind of material are Intacs® made from?

Intacs inserts are made of polymer, the same material as in intraocular lens implants that have been used safely in cataract surgery for nearly 50 years.

How do Intacs inserts work?

When in position at the sides of the cornea, Intacs subtly change the curvature of the eye, flattening the cornea to correct myopia.

What kind of vision should I expect?

In FDA clinical trials, more than 50 percent of myopic Intacs recipients could see better than 20/20. Only 3 percent still required eyeglasses or contact lenses to drive.

When using Intacs to treat keratoconus, the goal is to provide the patient with the ability to achieve improved functional vision with contact lenses or glasses and in some cases without them. Intacs may provide an effective option to improve one's vision prior to considering a cornea transplant.

Will I be able to feel the Intacs inserts in my eye?

No. You cannot feel an Intacs insert once it is in place.

Will other people be able to see Intacs inserts in my eye?

An Intacs insert is no more visible than a contact lens.

What kind of maintenance will be required?

No maintenance is required, other than routine annual exams.

What if my vision changes in the future and I need a new prescription?

Intacs can be replaced or removed if your needs change. If an adjustment is required, the doctor can replace Intacs with a different prescription.

I have a pilot's license. Can I benefit from Intacs inserts without jeopardizing my license?

Yes. The FAA has approved Intacs to correct myopic vision in pilots; Intacs has not received FAA approval for treatment of keratoconus.

BOTOX

Those frown lines between your eyebrows...the ones that may be making you look tired or upset...wouldn't you look like more like yourself without them?

The simple, non-surgical Botox® Cosmetic procedure can dramatically reduce even the toughest wrinkle within days. One ten-minute treatment relaxes the muscles that cause lines to form and keeps them relaxed for up to four months. For years, ophthalmologists have treated disorders such as chronic twitching or inward turning of the eyelids with Botox.

Botox is safe, easy and FDA-approved-hundreds of thousands of people worldwide have experienced the power of Botox Cosmetic.