|
|
|
Dr. Andrew M. Barrett
With Sandy Fasano, Laser Vision Coordinator
|
Imagine the freedom of waking up in the morning and instantly being able to see clearly. Picture the security of not ever having to worry about losing your glasses or contact lenses in an emergency. Think about the comfort you will have when you shed your irritating contact lenses and heavy glasses. Sounds like a dream, but it's not.
Dr. Andrew M. Barrett of Delaware Ophthalmology Consultants has been giving patients freedom, security and comfort through LASIK surgery for over six years. Thousands of our patients now enjoy an active and spirited lifestyle with a clear view and renewed enthusiasm.
From our top-of-the-line Custom Vue Wavefront laser by VISX, to our state-of-the-art facilities, you will quickly realize that we offer only the highest quality care and service. Our dedicated and highly trained staff is always available to provide you with information on vision correction options and answer your questions; not only prior to LASIK, but also for years after your procedure has been completed. We always take the time to make sure that you are comfortable and satisfied with your care.
New innovations in the field of laser vision correction have recently been FDA approved and are now available through Dr. Barrett and Delaware Ophthalmology Consultants. Custom Vue Wavefront LASIK marks a major breakthrough for the correction of nearsightedness and astigmatism. This treatment signals a new era in laser vision correction, and establishes a new standard for the measurement and correction of the unique imperfections in each individual's vision.
With thirteen years of refractive surgical experience and over six years spent performing over 2000 LASIK procedures, Dr. Barrett has been chosen to be the leading Refractive Surgeon in Delaware according to a 2003 poll of Delaware's physicians conducted by Delaware Today Magazine, TOP DOCS. This level of professionalism is evident from your first call to our dedicated LASIK coordinator, to your comprehensive preoperative evaluation and counseling session with Dr. Barrett, through your actual LASIK procedure and, throughout your entire postoperative experience.
Professionalism with caring is the hallmark of our organization. With Dr. Barrett and the staff of Delaware Ophthalmology Consultants, you will always be treated with the level of care and personalized attention that you would expect from the Delaware's most experienced eye care practice. Dr. Barrett will perform all aspects of your care including your preoperative evaluation, your LASIK procedure, and all of your postoperative examinations. We understand that LASIK patients often require special accommodations to scheduling due to work or home responsibilities. We will make every effort to schedule your procedure and office visits at times that are convenient to you.
 Dr Andrew M. Barrett of Delaware Ophthalmology Consultants is pleased to announce the availability of Custom Vue Wavefront LASIK, by VISX. FDA approved in 2003 for the correction of low to moderate amounts of nearsightedness with or without astigmatism, Custom Vue Wavefront LASIK has rapidly become the procedure of choice for those who are eligible for this most advanced technology.
Using techniques developed by NASA scientists for use in high-powered telescopes, a detailed analysis of an individual's eye, known as a Wave Scan, can be obtained. This Wave Scan describes not only the refractive power of the eye, but also the higher order distortions and aberrations associated with an individual's vision. A Wave Scan can be thought of as a 'fingerprint' of the eye. While thousands of individuals may share the same prescription for glasses or contact lenses, no two eyes share the same 'fingerprint.'
 Using Wave Scan technology, the unique characteristics of each individual's vision can be measured and a treatment plan can be developed that is customized just for that person's eyes. This custom tailored approach allows more people than ever to see 20/20 after LASIK. A recent clinical study has shown that up to 98% of participants achieved 20/20 or better vision, without glasses or contacts, when measured one year after their procedure. Seventy percent of these patients had vision better than 20/20.
Laser vision correction procedures have improved eyesight for millions of people worldwide. In the year 2003, nearly one million Americans successfully underwent LASIK. A constant topic of conversation in social circles and in the workplace, nearly everybody knows or is related to someone who has undergone the lifestyle changing procedure. Still, most people truly don't know what LASIK is.
LASIK stands for Laser Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis. It is a procedure, which utilizes a cool ultraviolet wavelength energy beam emitted from an Excimer laser to reshape the curvature of the cornea. The newly shaped cornea has improved ability to focus light clearly, without glasses or contact lenses. Using the techniques of LASIK, virtually any patient with nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism can obtain improved vision.
The seven minute LASIK procedure consists of three basic steps which, when performed by a skilled surgeon, can dramatically improve vision within hours. First, a thin flap of corneal tissue is created with an instrument called a microkeratome, which glides across the corneal surface. Next, the Excimer laser pulses gently reshaping the corneal surface with amazing accuracy and precision in less than a minute. Finally, after the laser treatment has been completed, the corneal flap is replaced in its original position and allowed to seal into place.
The entire procedure is fast, effective and pain-free. By adjusting the laser beam pattern, it is possible to treat nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Both eyes can be treated at the same session.
Most patients who undergo LASIK will notice significant improvement of their vision within a few hours. Many patients feel comfortable driving to the office and going to work the next day.
 |
|
LASIK Step 1:
A hinged flap is created with a microkeratome. The flap is
gently lifted up, exposing the underlying corneal surface. |
| |
|
|
 |
|
LASIK Step 2:
Pulses of Excimer laser energy gently reshape the surface
of the cornea. |
| |
|
|
 |
|
LASIK Step 3:
The corneal flap is replaced. The flap naturally seals to
the cornea without stitches.
|
Prior to the procedure, an extremely detailed examination of your eyes is performed. This examination includes visual acuity measurements, intraocular pressure assessments, refraction, and a detailed evaluation of the anatomic structures including lacrimal apparatus, conjunctiva, cornea, iris, lens, and retina. Advanced analyses of corneal topography and corneal thickness are also performed along with a Wave Scan.
This detailed information is used by Dr. Barrett to formulate a surgical plan and develop a computerized treatment program designed to maximize your vision. This surgical plan will be discussed with you for your understanding and approval prior to LASIK. Pre-LASIK sedation will be offered to those who request it.
Before you enter the laser suite, your LASIK technician will perform a sterilizing preoperative skin prep around your eyes and place a few anesthetic drops in your eyes to prevent discomfort.
Once the laser has been properly calibrated and tested, Dr. Barrett will place a sterile drape around your eye. A specially designed eyelid holder will be placed between your eyelids to keep them open throughout the procedure. Dr. Barrett then uses a microkeratome (an automated microsurgical instrument) to create a corneal flap that has a thickness of approximately 160 microns. A cool laser beam of light from the Excimer laser is then used to precisely and gently reshape your cornea. Once the laser energy has been applied to the cornea, the flap is carefully put back into place and the eyelid holder is removed.
During LASIK, you can rest assured that small movements of your eye will not complicate your results as our VISX S4 Custom Vue laser is equipped with automatic pupil centering and eye tracking functions.
After your procedure is completed, you will relax in the recovery examination room and receive postoperative instructions. Dr. Barrett will perform a postoperative examination to ensure that everything is in order before you leave. You will also be given your post-operative eye drop medications in addition to sunglasses to reduce the discomfort that sunlight may cause. Protective goggles designed to be worn while sleeping will be given to you for use during the first postoperative week.
Upon leaving the laser center, many patients will feel the need to rest for a few hours. Keeping your eyes closed for several hours after the procedure is always recommended. Later that evening, most patients feel very well and are extremely pleased with their results already. Many patients go back to work the next day, while others wait a few days.
You will need to go for a post-operative check-up following your procedure to ensure that your eyes are healing as expected. There are a few restrictions for a week or so following your procedure, but as long as you follow the instructions, you should be free to resume all of your normal activities within ten days.
LASEK: An Alternative for Those Who Can't Have LASIK
Although LASIK is an effective and reliable procedure to correct vision difficulties, not all patients are eligible for the procedure. During your no-obligation preoperative evaluation, Dr. Barrett may inform you that you are not eligible for LASIK due to irregularities of corneal curvature or corneal thickness. In these cases, LASEK may be right for you.
LASEK is an equally safe and effective alternative to LASIK for many patients. LASEK is similar to LASIK in that an Excimer laser is used to create a new curvature on the cornea to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. However, LASEK does not rely upon the creation of a partial thickness corneal flap, as performed in LASIK. Instead, a special chemical treatment of the corneal surface (epithelial) cells is performed so they are loosened and peeled from the cornea, exposing the underlying surface. Excimer laser energy is then applied to the cornea and the surface cells are then repositioned.
LASEK recovery takes longer and is somewhat more uncomfortable than LASIK recovery, but once healed, patients enjoy excellent vision.
Intraocular Lens Insertion
The use of customized lens implants for the correction of nearsightedness and astigmatism will soon be approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration. Once available, these 'inside-the-eye contact lenses' will offer a most interesting and exciting alternative to LASIK and LASEK.
Special biocompatible materials are used to create intraocular lenses, which can be placed inside the eye in a way that can potentially correct for vision difficulties such as nearsightedness. Unlike traditional contact lenses, these lenses will not have to be removed or exchanged. Instead, they are permanently situated inside the eye, behind the iris, where they can correct vision indefinitely.
Already in use in Mexico and in Europe, these procedures have helped thousands of patients to achieve glasses-free vision.
Dr. Barrett has already performed these 'inside-the-eye contact lens' procedures abroad and looks forward to offering this advanced technique of vision correction to patients once FDA-approved.
Because the results of vision correction procedures depend upon the skill of the surgeon, selecting the right LASIK doctor is imperative.
Dr. Andrew M. Barrett, the Director of Refractive Surgery Services of Delaware Ophthalmology Consultants and Medical Advisor to Laser Management Group, Inc., is widely recognized as the leading refractive surgeon in Delaware. Named a “Top Doc” in a 2003 poll of physicians conducted by Delaware Today Magazine, Dr. Barrett also serves as Associate Section Head of Ophthalmology for Christiana Care Health Services.
Dr. Barrett, a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, also graduated from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. Upon completing his Residency training in Ophthalmology at the Jonas Friedenwald Eye Institute, Dr. Barrett went on to complete Fellowship training in Cornea and Refractive Surgery at Bethesda Eye Institute. Dr. Barrett has served as an Instructor of Ophthalmology at both St. Louis University School of Medicine and Temple University School of Medicine. Dr. Barrett has lectured throughout the United States on refractive surgery topics and has published several articles and abstracts in the field of vision correction.
Dr. Barrett is a Diplomat of the American Board of Ophthalmology, a Fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, and a Member of the American Society of Cataract & Refractive Surgeons, the International Society of Refractive Surgery, the American Medical Association and the Delaware Academy of Ophthalmology.
Among the first surgeons in the region to perform LASIK, Dr. Barrett has been affiliated with Delaware Ophthalmology Consultants since 1993. He has successfully performed over 2000 LASIK procedures.
Dr. Barrett works with several national medical finance companies that can offer you the most attractive financing options available. Short term, longer term, and partial payment financing is available in an easy on-line format with 24 hour approval. Contact Sandy Fasano, Laser Vision Coordinator, at 1-888-59-LASIK or (302) 477-2616 for details. You can also email Sandy at Sfasano@delawareeyes.com.
Did you know that you might be eligible to pay for your LASIK procedure with pre-tax income? A Health Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA) allows you to save both FICA (7.65%) and Federal Income Tax (10%-35%) on LASIK expenses for you, your spouse, and your dependents.
How can you participate in this great opportunity to lower the cost of your LASIK procedure? Simply ask your workplace Human Resource Benefits Officer how you can join. Most large employers and many mid-sized and small employers offer FSA's. Once you join, your employer will deduct an elected amount to have withheld from each paycheck. No FICA or federal income taxes will be deducted from your elected amount. These funds will be held in a disbursement account in your name until you make a claim for a qualifying expense, such as LASIK.
Be sure to plan ahead as enrollment in FSA's is time limited. Most plans offer an enrollment period from September to December for participation in the following year's plan. We suggest that you arrange for a LASIK consultation during this period so that you can be certain that you are eligible for the procedure prior to funding your FSA.
Contact Sandy Fasano, Laser Vision Coordinator, at 1-888-59-LASIK or (302) 477-2616 with any questions. You can also email Sandy at Sfasano@delawareeyes.com.
If you would like to experience the exhilaration and freedom of clear vision without glasses or contact lenses, take the first step by calling Dr. Barrett today. A free, no-obligation LASIK evaluation is just a phone call away.
Call 1-888-59-LASIK or (302) 477-2616 to schedule your LASIK evaluation today. Sandy Fasano, Laser Vision Coordinator, will gladly arrange your appointment at a convenient time and answer questions about LASIK surgery, scheduling, and financing. Sandy can also be contacted by email at Sfasano@delawareeyes.com.
The alarm rings and as I lean over to turn it off, I realize the two-inch numbers that were once out of focus are perfectly clear. It's now twelve hours after having my LASIK procedure.
For twenty-two years, I was dependent on glasses to function and live a normal life. Instantly, that dependence vanished in a minute and thirty seconds. My name is Jeffrey Mainolfi and I am an Optometrist at Delaware Ophthalmology Consultants. Allow me to share my personal LASIK experience with you.
As an Optometrist, I follow the current research and read the latest literature describing advances in laser vision correction. I remained unconvinced. My eyes are critical to my ability to perform my job. I wasn't ready to take any risks.
For the past six years, I have had the opportunity to develop a close working relationship with Dr. Andrew Barrett. I have had the chance to observe the LASIK process from preoperative consultation, through surgery and postoperative visits. I grew increasingly impressed with the techniques used by Dr. Barrett, and more importantly, with the satisfaction of his LASIK patients. As time went by, I began to realize that I had no excuse for avoiding LASIK. I was practicing eye care with one of the region's best and most experienced refractive surgeons.
Three months have now passed since my LASIK surgery and I know now that LASIK with Dr. Barrett was definitely the right choice for me. Seeing 20/20 without my glasses or contact lenses is something I thought I could never do. I feel confident when I tell my patients that refractive surgery is more than a cosmetic procedure, it is life enhancing. I only wish that I had asked Dr. Barrett to perform my LASIK sooner.
My experience with the LASIK procedure and with
the professionals at Delaware Ophthalmology Consultants has been
completely positive. Dr. Barrett and Sandy Fasano explained to
me the LASIK procedure, including all the potential pros and cons
of the surgery. They were sensitive to my concerns about undergoing
the procedure, and how it would relate to my career. They made
me feel completely comfortable about making the choice to try
LASIK.
The procedure itself was COMPLETELY painless,
took about 20 minutes, and Dr. Barrett was supportive and enthusiastic
the entire time. My vision was dramatically improved just hours
after the surgery (I was able to watch television that night.
It appeared kind of watery-looking, but definitely MUCH clearer.),
and there was no serious irritation or complications afterward.
It's been a month now since the surgery, and my vision is clear.
My last vision test was 20/20 (it was -8 before the procedure),
and we're anticipating no problems with my continued recuperation.
Both Sandy and Dr. Barrett have been great; checking up on me
between appointments and making sure everything was progressing
normally.
My surgery has been a complete success, and I
anticipate no complications. I highly recommend investigating
LASIK to see if it's an option for you.
As a writer, I spend my days creating unforgettable
heroes. But I have now decided that the unforgettable Dr. Andrew
Barrett IS MY HERO! I was truly "blind as a bat" before
Dr. Barrett performed LASIK surgery on my eyes. I am ecstatic
with my near-perfect vision. It really is a miracle! His friendly,
professional staff made the procedure a breeze. Dr. Barrett has
changed my life. He is a real, live hero!
Not only am I thrilled with the results of LASIK
(20/20, and no more of the glasses and contacts I've dealt with
since age 12), I'm so happy with the quality of before and after
care I've received from Dr. Barrett and his staff. Having LASIK
was a major decision for me, and I feel I made the best, most
informed decision in choosing Dr. Barrett.
"As the owner of a shuttle service, driving
is my profession. LASIK eased the stress of driving and I have
more energy. My world is much brighter now."
"My eyes were always tired, burning and
dry by the end of the day. Now I have perfect vision without contacts.
I wish I had done it years ago."
"I am thrilled with the results of my LASIK
procedure. After 25 years of glasses and contacts, I have 20/20
vision. This was an important decision and I feel Dr. Barrett
and his staff provided great information and patient care before
and after surgery"
FAQ
Call
now for an appointment: 302-479-3937 (EYES)
|
