iDesign Refractive Studio is a vision repair machine from Johnston and Johnston Vision that has the potential to correct a nearsighted patient’s vision by eliminating astigmatism. This, in turn, can eliminate a patient’s need for contacts or glasses in the long term. That said, this type of treatment may not be the right choice for every patient. Learning about the specifics surrounding this treatment can help you determine whether or not it would benefit you. If you are considering receiving iDesign Refractive Studio treatment, take a look at this guide, which answers the question of how the device works.
What is iDesign Refractive Studio?
iDesign Refractive Studio is a type of contemporary eye treatment that utilizes high-powered lasers to correct a patient’s nearsightedness. The machine allows a highly personalized variety of LASIK to be applied to the cornea and, in successful cases, can eliminate the astigmatisms that impact a patient’s vision.
How Does iDesign Refractive Studio Work?
iDesign functions by reshaping the cornea of the eyeball utilizing a beam of intense ultraviolet light. This type of procedure is known as a PRK or Photorefractive Keratectomy. The procedure functions by removing a small amount of corneal tissue from the eye with a highly accurate laser. Prior to this step of the procedure, your doctor will engage in a series of measurements and tests to accurately depict the size of one’s eyeballs. This will help them program the coordinates for the iDesign system to accurately begin to shape your cornea.
During the procedure, the surgeon will apply anesthetic drops to your eyes to reduce the possibility of pain and irritation. Your physician then manually removes the outer layer of your cornea in order to expose the inner layer for treatment with iDesign. You can expect to have each eye treated for approximately three minutes. The entire procedure should only take about 10 minutes in total. You will likely be able to go home directly following the procedure, although you may have to arrange for someone to drive you home.
Benefits of iDesign
iDesign is a safe, easy, and long-lasting alternative to traditional vision-correction methods such as contacts or glasses. Some of the reported benefits of this treatment include the following:
- Improved vision
- Long-lasting impacts
- Eliminating the need for contacts or glasses
- Possibly permanent improvement in vision
For patients for whom the treatment works well, iDesign represents a potentially permanent option to improve their day-to-day life and overall sense of well-being. It is arguably the most convenient choice for individuals who have issues with more traditional methods of vision correction.
Risks of iDesign
iDesign is an effective and worthwhile addition to the suite of eye treatment options that are currently available on the market. Unfortunately, it does come with some mild risks that warrant attention from concerned parties. Some of the factors you may want to consider are:
- Experiencing hazy vision and mild vision loss immediately following the procedure
- Experiencing moderate amounts of pain following your procedure.
- Longer wait time to see results than with traditional LASIK
- Over-correction of vision
- Unintended loss of vision
- Dry eyes
- Light sensitivity
Prior to receiving treatment, you will be able to discuss with your physician whether or not they think that iDesign treatment would work for you. Part of this discussion will include an assessment of your general medical profile. Most healthy patients who are interested in receiving this treatment should be approved.
Getting Approved for Treatment
As stated above, most individuals who are interested in receiving iDesign treatment will ultimately be approved for treatment following a medical evaluation. However, certain individuals may have trouble receiving approval from their physician. Some of the issues a person may have that can interfere with receiving approval for iDesign include:
- Active connective tissue diseases, such as arthritis
- Autoimmune issues
- Significant dry eye
- Diabetes
- Eye infection or eye inflammation
- Your corneas are too thin
In addition, it is important to note that in order for iDesign to work, you will be required to look directly at the laser as it performs the procedure. Flinching or looking away from the laser has the potential to impact your overall results, making it imperative for you to look straight into the laser for the duration of your procedure.
The Best Vision Clinic in Orange County
Dr. Ghosheh and the rest of the team at Advanced Eye Medical are dedicated to providing the best vision treatments in Orange County. If you are interested in iDesign Refractive Studio treatment, contact our office today for a consultation.