In the beginning…
Prior to the 1970's many people could not enjoy the quality of life they wanted because of their dependence on glasses or contact lenses. This began to change with early types of refractive surgery such as Radial Keratometry or "RK".  But this corrective procedure has been replaced by more modern and effective methods of permanent vision correction using the excimer laser and the results have enable millions of people to lead more active, carefree lives. Now, High-Definition LASIK using Wavefront™ technology has taken laser vision correction to remarkable levels of precision.

LASIK (Laser-Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis) laser eye surgery utilizes the precision of the excimer laser to reshape the cornea, improving vision by reducing near- or far-sightedness and astigmatism. LASIK is very successful in allowing people to pass a driver's license exam or perform daily activities without relying on glasses or contacts. Because the laser is applied underneath a thin protective flap created on the cornea, vision restoration is almost immediate and there is little or no discomfort. This allows Dr. Leach's patients to resume most activities within a day or two.

What is High Definition LASIK?
At the ClearView Eye Clinic, our High-Definition LASIK procedure is a vast improvement over traditional methods of laser vision correction. Using an extraordinary new technology called Wavefront™, Dr. Leach can identify and measure unique imperfections in your vision that elude standard technology. In fact, Dr. Leach's advanced Wavefront™ LASIK measures your eyes 25 times more precisely than standard methods. These measurements create a 3-D  "map" of your eye, which is as unique as your personal fingerprint. Dr. Leach transfers this precise data directly into his VISX laser, allowing him to custom-tailor your LASIK treatment. This makes for better quality vision known as "High Definition LASIK."

What is Wavefront^™ technology?
Wavefront™ technology was originally developed for use in high-powered, deep-space telescopes to reduce distortions when viewing distant objects in our solar system. This technology has now been applied to laser vision correction, detecting imperfections and subtle distortions in the eye that could never before be measured by standard methods.  This amazing feat is accomplished by pulsing a single beam of harmless infrared laser light into your eye and onto your retina. The light is reflected off the retina and back through your eye to be captured by a sophisticated sensor called a Wavescan™ device. This wavefront reflection is analyzed from 200 different angles to create a 3-dimensional map of your visual system--a map as unique as your fingerprint. And it's this map that guides the laser to treat the subtle imperfections in your vision that would have otherwise gone untreated by standard, conventional LASIK.

Dr. Leach's Wavescan™ device identifies the unique imperfections of your eye never before detectable to give you a safer, more precise LASIK treatment and better long-term vision.

What can Wavefront™ High-Definition LASIK do for me?
A majority of eye surgeons practice one-size-fits-all vision correction: they only treat nearsightedness, farsightedness and possibly astigmatism. But using his advanced Wavefront™ technology Dr. Leach can do much more. He can literally customize your laser treatment.

To better understand how he does this, think about when you go to an optical shop to buy glasses. Your prescription is measured, the prescription lenses are fitted into the frames you selected and you're done. The off-the-shelf lenses correct your vision fairly well. But these glasses are like traditional LASIK: they do not correct the more subtle, hidden imperfections in your vision that only Wavefront™ technology can detect. Consequently, traditional LASIK can correct your vision only so well. But with Wavefront™, Dr. Leach can not only treat  nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism, but he can detect and erase the subtle irregularities in your eyes that reduce your vision quality and cause such problems like nighttime glare, halos and starbursts after LASIK. By eliminating these distortions, High-Definition LASIK has the ability of giving you vision quality you may never have dreamed possible.

Am I a candidate for High Definition LASIK?
If you have nearsightedness, farsightedness--even astigmatism--you are likely are a candidate for treatment. Do you know that 9 out of 10 people in the U.S. who are over 20 years of age have vision errors requiring vision correction? If you are in this category and wear glasses or contacts, you may benefit from Dr. Leach's Wavefront™ High Definition LASIK procedure. The only sure way to know if your a suitable candidate for  LASIK HD is to schedule a free screening, click here.

What is Iris Registration Technology?
Iris Registration enhances the accuracy and safety of your laser vision treatment. To understand how this works, you must first remember that the colored part of you eye is called the iris. Before your LASIK treatment, Dr. Leach measures your eyes using a Wavefront™ machine called the WaveScan™. During these measurements, this device identifies over 2 dozen unique landmarks on your iris. This information is matched with your WaveFront™ Map and programmed into the computer of the laser. The laser treatment is directed precisely centered and on-target, regardless of any eye movements or pupil changes. Iris Registration is just one more thing to enhance your laser vision treatment accuracy for a higher vision quality in the years to come.

Will I need glasses or contacts after WaveFront LASIK?
Probably not. One year after an FDA clinical study for treatment of myopia (nearsightedness), all participants saw well enough to drive a car without glasses or contacts. In fact, 98% had 20/20 vision or better! Of course, individual results may vary but the numbers speak for themselves.

FDA results using Wavefront™ CustomVue LASIK:

100% could pass a driving test without glasses or contacts

       98% could see 20/20 or better without glasses or contacts

               70% could see better than 20/20 without glasses or contacts!

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How could High-Definition LASIK affect my night vision?
Night vision is often improved. In FDA clinical studies for the treatment of myopia (nearsightedness) and hyperopia (farsightedness), four times as many participants were very satisfied with their night vision after the procedure, as compared with their night vision before surgery with glasses or contacts. In an FDA clinical study for treatment of mixed astigmatism, twice as many participants were very satisfied with their night vision after the procedure, as compared with their night vision before with glasses or contacts. In other words, night vision frequently improves after your High-Definition procedure. This is exactly the opposite experience for most people who settle for traditional LASIK.

Is  High-Definition LASIK for me?  As shown in an FDA clinical studies, with Wavefront™ treatment you now have the potential to achieve better vision than is possible with your glasses or contacts. If this sounds good to you, request a FREE personalized LASIK Screening visit with Dr. Leach to determine if you are a good candidate for laser vision correction click here.

Dr. Leach exclusively uses the region's only 3-D Eye Tracking laser, the VISX^® S4^™.

This makes your laser correction more precise and more comfortable.

What is the difference between PRK and LASIK?
In the LASIK procedure a thin corneal flap is created with a device called a microkeratome. The flap remains hinged and the layer of tissue is intact. The patient does not feel or see the cutting of the corneal flap, which only takes a few seconds. The excimer laser then sculpts and smoothes the tissue underneath this corneal flap, and the flap is then repositioned. The corneal flap begins to adhere within a minute or two. While it is possible to dislodge the corneal flap in the early healing days after the surgery by rubbing the eye, this is rare. After LASIK the vision is usually much improved within the first 24 hours.

In the less common PRK procedure, a thin layer of corneal tissue is removed with a medical solution and the laser is then used to sculpt the cornea. After the procedure the patient is fitted with a bandage contact lens to improve comfort during healing. The bandage lens is usually removed on the third day, and the patient uses drops to increase comfort and promote healing. Unlike LASIK, PRK can take several weeks for vision to become clear and stable, which is one reason LASIK has become the procedure of choice for most LASIK surgeons and their patients.

Why should I choose Dr. Leach?
As the only ophthalmologist performing LASIK in the Quad Cities, Dr. Leach has made a solid commitment to excellence in refractive surgery. His consistent track record as the regional leader in LASIK surgery make for his happy patients and outstanding refractive results year after year are reasons why. Consequently, he uses the latest model of the smooth-scan VISX Starr S4 excimer laser complete with patented eye-tracking software. This eye-tracking aspect takes a lot of the work out of the procedure for the patient and it ensures greater reliability and more precise surgical outcomes for each surgery.

A meticulous and accomplished surgeon, Dr. Leach is known for his high ethical and surgical standards as well as his warm, compassionate approach to patient care. At ClearView, our patients enjoy an extremely high level of satisfaction with both their postoperative vision and the spirit of service that makes it all possible. Besides keeping busy with his refractive practice in the quad-cities, Dr. Leach is chief surgeon of the TLC Laser Center in Boise.

Dr. Leach's Role

Dr. Leach first started performing laser vision correction several years ago and has built a solid reputation of surgical excellence by keeping current on the latest, "cutting-edge" technologies.

Furthermore, Dr. Leach is affiliated with the highly esteemed TLCVision network of LASIK surgeons, known for their refractive expertise and surgical innovations nationwide. As such, he accepts some of the more challenging cases that other LASIK surgeons lack the expertise or experience to perform.

What are some of the risks of LASIK?

Enhancement
The most common undesirable occurrence with LASIK surgery is an undercorrection or overcorrection requiring a second "touch-up" treatment known as an enhancement. Enhancements are a part of doing LASIK surgery and are not typically performed within the first 6 months after the initial procedure. Approximately 2% will need to have an enhancement in order to see 20/40 (driving vision), and 10% choose to have an enhancement even though they may be seeing fairly well. Not all patients can be ideally corrected even with retreatment and some will need to wear glasses or contacts afterwards. The risk for needing an enhancement corresponds with a patient's preoperative refractive error and technology used. The greater the amount of preoperative myopia, hyperopia or astigmatism, the greater the chances of needing an enhancement in the future. Less than 2% of Dr. Leach's patients who undergo Custom "High Definition" LASIK ever need an enhancement! This is well below the national average and reflects the benefits that choosing Dr. Leach as your LASIK surgeon holds for you and a lifetime of clear vision.

Major risks
More than two million procedures have been done worldwide. Serious complications have been reported at a rate less than one-percent. The most serious complications might be an infection or severe malfunction of the microkeratome (the device that creates your flap). Although these problems have not occurred in any of Dr. Leach's patients, they have been reported elsewhere. By selecting an experienced surgeon like Dr. Leach who uses only the most advanced technology, you lessen your risk of problems, and improve your chances of seeing well postoperatively.

Minor risks
Some of the less serious complications that are often treatable may not permanently affect your surgical outcome include: corneal abrasions (scuffing of the surface), inflammation, irregular healing, ingrowth of cells underneath the flap, slippage of the flap, irregular bowing of the cornea after surgery (keratoconus) and some loss of contrast or sharpness to vision. Most people have some dryness to their eyes for several months after LASIK, and many have some glare or rings around lights at night that lessens over time. This night glare is familiar to many who wear contact lenses but if you have very large pupils or were very nearsighted, it can persist and be bothersome. Fortunately, Dr. Leach carefully tests for dry eyes and glare potential before LASIK surgery in order to tailor his recommendations to your individual needs.

Technical points
LASIK requires the use of a microkeratome to create a "flap" of cells that will be reseated after your laser treatment. To create this flap, it is necessary to be able to open your eyelids wide enough to fit the microkeratome ring. If this ring will not fit on your eye then LASIK may not be an option for you. In 1% of patients, the ring will fit, but the flap may not be created perfectly. If this happens, your treatment will not be done that day. The flap will be repositioned and the eye allowed to heal for 3 to 4 months-afterwards the procedure can be attempted again. This can be very disappointing for patients, but it is much better to be safe and delay any treatment if the flap is not perfect.

The alternatives
Alternatives to LASIK include continuing to wear glasses or contacts, PRK, Intac rings, or waiting for future improvements in laser technology. PRK is an older form of laser vision correction that has a much longer recovery but may be an option for some patients who are unable to have LASIK (examples: patients with unusually thin corneas or small eyes where the LASIK suction ring will not fit). Intac rings are only useful for a patient with very low amounts of nearsightedness and no astigmatism. Because of a longer recovery with more visual fluctuation, Intac ring implants have fallen out of favor with most ophthalmologists, including Dr. Leach.

After considering the surgical options, most of our patients are choosing in favor of LASIK, with practically all of them electing to have both eyes done on the same day. The choice to have refractive surgery is an individual decision that only you can make. It is our pleasure and privilege to provide as much information as possible in order for you to make a thoughtful, well-informed decision.

Can I have LASIK performed on both eyes the same day?
Yes. With the LASIK procedure, both eyes are typically done on the same day. (In contrast, because PRK heals more slowly the eyes are sometimes treated a few weeks apart.)

Can I have LASIK if I have astigmatism?
Yes. When in combination with nearsightedness or farsightedness, astigmatism can be corrected with LASIK using the *NEW* VISX S4 Smoothscan excimer laser.

What is astigmatism?
The cornea of an eye without astigmatism is dome-shaped. It is even in all directions. In contrast, an eye with astigmatism has a cornea shaped like more like a football, with steepness more prominent in one direction than the other. This steepness produces distorted and blurred images both up close and far away.

Does LASIK hurt?
No, the procedure does not typically hurt. While there may be a brief sensation of pressure at the very start of your procedure, there is typically no pain because the eye has been numbed with anesthetic drops. Additionally, an oral sedative is provided before your procedure to help calm and relax you during the few minutes of your laser eye surgery.

What stops me from blinking or moving my eye during the laser treatment?
There is an instrument called a "speculum" that gently holds your eyelids safely apart to prevent blinking. You will be looking at a target light during the procedure and our laser's eye-tracking system allows the laser beam to "follow" your eye in case of eye movement during treatment. With the VISX S4 smooth-scanning laser, the eye-tracking software monitors the position of your eye thousands of times per second--much faster than you can even move your eye!

How long does the LASIK procedure last?
Your entire procedure lasts 10-15 minutes. Your eyes will be examined within 15 minutes after your procedure and again within the next few days.

What should I expect on the day of my LASIK?
You should wear comfortable clothes. Soft contacts and eye makeup should be discontinued 3-7 days before your procedure. Hard contacts should not be worn within 4-6 weeks of your LASIK. On the day of your LASIK surgery, no perfume/cologne should be worn because the fragrance from these products as well as from perfumed soaps and scented shampoos can interfere with the fluency of the sensitive excimer laser and result in a delay in your LASIK treatment.

After I have LASIK, how often do I need to be seen by Dr. Leach?
Postoperatively, a typical patient is seen by Dr. Leach later in the day of their LASIK procedure and again within the next few days. The remaining follow-up appointments are scheduled at intervals tailored to your specific needs and progress. If a patient has special concerns, more frequent visits are gladly provided at no additional cost.

When can I return to work and my normal activities?
Most patients can resume usual activities the day following their procedure. We will ask you to avoid certain activities like swimming, using hot tubs, and extreme exertion for 2 weeks following your LASIK.

Will I still need my reading glasses after LASIK?
For people over 40, it is unrealistic to expect that LASIK will free you from ever needing reading glasses. Often we can reduce dependency on reading glasses by undercorrecting one eye. This technique is called monovision, and although quite successful, it has some unique drawbacks. Monovision can be discussed in more detail at our seminars or during your free screening examination.

What is "Monovision"?

This is sometimes used in a person who has reached the age where reading glasses are needed to see to read. If you are a nearsighted laser candidate, then monovision may be an option for you. Monovision is a technique in which your Dr. Leach fully treats one of your eyes, usually correcting your dominant eye for best distance vision. Dr. Leach then either undercorrects your non-dominant eye, or does not treat it at all (if it is only mildly nearsighted). This leaves the eye slightly myopic for improved reading vision. Monovision lets you maintain your reading vision in one eye, which may help you to avoid reading glasses once you develop presbyopia. As always, you must give up a little distance sharpness to gain this near vision. During your consultation, you can discuss this option with Dr. Leach and, together, you can decide what the best choice is for you.

Is LASIK permanent?
The results of LASIK are permanent and have proven to be stable over time. Most patients do not experience significant changes in their vision once the postoperative results have stabilized, although this does not affect the normal aging changes of the eye known as presbyopia.

What's the "ideal" candidate?
In general, the ideal candidate for LASIK is over 18 years of age and has healthy corneas. Candidates must not have had a significant change in their glasses or contact lens prescription in the last 12 months. People with certain medical conditions (lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren's or autoimmune disorders) are excluded. Women who are nursing or pregnant may not be good candidates for LASIK.

Does insurance cover LASIK? Can I finance my surgery?
Most insurance companies do not cover LASIK, although a few will offer discount programs. If you are an employee of Gritman Medical Center, you may be eligible for their $1000 vision benefit towards your laser surgery.

If you have a "FLEX" Medical Spending Account through an employer, you can use pre-tax dollars to pay for your procedure. Affordable financing is also available through our Vision Fee Services.

How much does LASIK cost?
Our fee is an all-inclusive one, covering your preoperative examination and testing, surgeon fees, laser facility and rental fees, and the necessary follow-up visits during the next year. This fee is priced competitively within the local market and when compared to the ongoing expenses associated with wearing glasses and contacts is quite reasonable. In theory, over a 10 year timeframe a contact lens wearer could potentially spend as much or more than the one time expense of LASIK. At ClearView we are committed to doing all we can to make this sight-restoring procedure available to everyone who desires it. Consequently, we offer a variety of payment options, including affordable financing through our Vision Fee Plan. Many of our patients use their FLEX medical spending benefit to cover some or all of the investment.

What's the next step?

You can visit our office or attend a seminar to learn more about ClearView LASIK with Dr. Leach. Our LASIK word-of-mouth referrals generate most of our LASIK patients. This is a reliable indication of just how satisfied our patients are with their results. We hold free personal screenings at ClearView so you can discover for yourself if laser vision correction is right for you.

If you already have an optometric physician, we will work closely with your doctor to schedule your treatment and follow-up visits-ensuring a smooth flow of care.

If you are ready to schedule now or would like to learn more about ClearView LASIK, you can call our Vision Coordinator toll free at 877-881-4662 or   email us.

Before the procedure:

Before you proceed with laser vision correction, it is important that you have a pre-procedure consultation with Dr. Leach at ClearView Eye Clinic. This consultation is to determine whether you are a candidate for laser vision correction, and if so, which procedure would be most appropriate for you. If you schedule a consultation, there is no obligation to move forward with the procedure. If you decide to move forward with LASIK, a "pre-LASIK testing" will be scheduled.

What to bring to your pre-LASIK Testing Day:

• Prescription glasses

• Prescription sunglasses

• Please DON'T wear your soft contacts for two weeks prior to the exam.
  Don't wear hard or gas-permeable lenses for three weeks prior to the exam.

• List of all medications

• List of medical and general allergies

• Records from your previous eye doctors. (Old prescriptions)

• Working distance measurements for custom glasses (i.e. computer, crafts, piano)

• Insurance information

What Happens on the Day of the Procedure?

On the day of your procedure, you should arrive at the LASER CENTER as rested and relaxed as possible, and should allow approximately two hours for the entire process. You will need to have someone to drive you home. Payment is made on or before the day of your laser vision surgery. Before your procedure, you will go through a complete preparation process including any additional counseling, Wavefront™ measurements and the administration of mild eye drops. After this, you will be directed to the Laser Suite for treatment, which will last 15 minutes or so.

The most natural response on the day of your procedure is a mixture of eager anticipation and nervousness. Most ClearView LASIK patients describe similar feelings before their procedure, so be reassured this is normal. Dr. Leach will give you some Valium to help you relax and have a peaceful state of mind during the brief procedure as well as gently reassure you through your treatment.

After your procedure

Once your procedure is complete you will be able to go home almost immediately to rest. Additional drops will be placed in your eyes and medication may be given to you to use over the next few days.

It is important for you to remember the following during this period:

• We recommend that you rest as much as possible following your procedure as sleep helps to speed up your recovery tremendously.

• You may find that placing a cold compress over your eyes while resting is very comfortable and soothing.

• You should avoid swimming, hot tubs, or whirlpools for two weeks.

• Showers and baths are fine, but try to keep your eyes closed in the shower and avoid getting water and shampoo in your eyes for the first few days.

• We recommend you avoid eye makeup, gardening and dusty, dirty environments for the first few days after LASIK. Smoking is allowed, but you may find that smoke can be quite irritating to your eyes.

• Watching TV and reading may strain and irritate you eyes for a few days. These activities should be done in moderation.

• We recommend that you avoid driving for the first five days following PRK, and one to three days following LASIK. As you heal, you may experience fluctuating vision or decreased depth perception. Dr. Leach will let you know when you are able to safely resume driving.

While the goal of ClearView LASIK is to reduce your dependence on glasses and contact lenses, the degree of improvement may vary from individual to individual. Results cannot always be predicted and can never be guaranteed. We tell people that our goal is to make them 20/happy and day after day we see that goal achieved!

At ClearView, we recognize that all patients are unique. Each starts off with a particular prescription, a unique healing profile, and personal expectations for the procedure. It takes experience with many patients to effectively plan and forecast the visual results, as well as to counsel patients about what they can expect. Dr. Leach and his skilled staff have that experience and his patients' enjoy excellent vision results that distinguishes Dr. Leach as the leading and most sought after LASIK surgeon in the region.

Overwhelming majorities of our patients tell us about the dramatic impact the procedure has had on their lives, enabling them to enjoy everyday activities in a way they could not before laser vision correction.

The decision to undergo a LASIK procedure is obviously an important one which should not be entered into lightly. It is important to understand the risks involved, and to have realistic expectations. LASIK can dramatically improve your vision, but you should not expect perfection. For instance, patients over the age of 40 may still need to wear glasses for reading. LASIK is usually not performed on women who are pregnant or nursing and there are certain other medical conditions such as autoimmune diseases or poorly-controlled diabetes that may eliminate you as a safe candidate for laser eye surgery.

If you are contemplating High-Definition LASIK, the next step is easy and time-efficient. Simply call our friendly staff to schedule your FREE, NO-pressure LASIK screening today. It takes only minutes to see if you are a suitable candidate for laser vision correction and unlike most other laser centers, nobody at ClearView is going to pressure you for a decision or try to "sell" you on the idea of LASIK. Guaranteed. What you can expect is to get an objective, honest opinion from Dr. Leach as to whether or not your eyes can undergo laser vision correction.

If you have questions, he'll give you the answers. And there's NO COST to you. It's that simple. You are invited to take the next step and call for your FREE personalized screening with Dr. Leach at 882-4662 or toll free 1-877-881-4662.