Another one of our patients had good things to say about her LASIK experience:

"I am very happy with the results of my laser eye surgery. Dr.Feder
and team were all wonderful from beginning to end." -Susan

This just goes to show how much of an impact our philosophy of refractive surgery makes on our patients: a dedicated, professional staff supporting a world class surgeon through a rigorous post-operative routine. The results? Great vision and happy patients.

Lately, we’ve been getting a lot of questions about recent news reports highlighting bad results from LASIK and the risks associated with the surgery. We at the Northwestern Vision Correction Associates want our patients to be as well informed as possible. It is true that LASIK carries risks, including severe dry eye, eye pain, and poor vision. While these risks should never be downplayed, studies sited in these recent reports suggest that only 5% of the more than 700,000 Americans who undergo the surgery every year are dissatisfied with their results, and that less than 1% of patients suffer serious complications. And while it is truly tragic when these complications arise, it is our feeling that we can minimize the risks through a number of methods.

Perhaps the most important is our rigorous screening process. Since, unlike most practices, our surgeons personally communicate the benefits, risks and side effects of refractive surgery in a lengthy conversation, they are able to identify patients who are not candidates because of unrealistic expectations. Using the latest technology, including the CustomVue Wavefront system and the Pentacam Corneal Topographer, they are able to evaluate patients in order to be sure they do not have medical or anatomic contraindications for refractive surgery. If, after reviewing all of the patient’s data, our highly skilled surgeons determine that the procedure would pose an unacceptable risk, they simply will not offer surgery to the patient. That cautious discretion can make all the difference in our patients’ outcomes and is a benefit of Northwestern’s commitment to the patient experience.

The most up-to-date surgical technologies and techniques also further our goal of minimizing the risks to our patients. Our exclusive use of Intralase technology provides us with the safest and fastest flap cutting method available. During the procedure, the Iris Registration feature tracks small movements of the patient’s eye to ensure that the laser is on target at all times in addition to shutting the laser down before any such movements can affect the treatment. The treatment itself can be optimized for the individual patient with the CustomVue technology, possibly reducing the night vision issues that have featured prominently in these reports. And in terms of technique, our surgeons are all full time academic, board certified ophthalmologists on staff at Northwestern’s prestigious Feinberg School of Medicine. They are some of the most experienced and respected figures in the field, having literally written a book on LASIK.

The key to resolving any issues should they arise is world-class post-operative care. In an arrangement becoming more and more uncommon, our surgeons follow their patients through the entire process, from the screening to the end of the post-operative period and beyond. This way they have crucial knowledge of the patient’s personal needs and history, the experience to catch any issues early, and the expertise to treat those issues and guide the patient toward the best possible results.

We at the Northwestern Vision Correction Associates understand that risk management is a factor in any medical procedure, and we are proud that our patients put their trust in us to do everything we can to ensure their safety and their surgical results. The vast majority of our patients have been able to improve their quality of life through refractive surgery. This is possible because of the steps we take to minimize the risks of LASIK refractive surgery. We couldn’t see doing it any other way: that is the Northwestern difference.

Castle Connolly just released their latest edition of America’s Top Doctors, and our Dr. Rosenberg and Dr. Feder were included again! For those that don’t know, Castle Connolly seeks to unite patients with the most qualified and respected doctors in the country through a series of national and regional guidebooks. Physicians are nominated by their peers and vetted by a dedicated, physician run research staff. This recognition puts Dr. Rosenberg and Dr. Feder in the top tier among their colleagues. Congratulations gentlemen!

It’s nearing the end of the year, and employee benefits enrollment season is almost here. If your employer offers it, now is the time to start thinking about Flex Spending. Flex Spending is money taken out of your paycheck before taxes and set aside in a fund specifically designated for medical expenses. Generally, you can use this money for any such expenses, even elective procedures like LASIK. Typically the fund goes into effect after the turn of the year and does not roll over year to year, so timing is everything. For example, sometimes a patient with leftover Flex dollars at the end of the year will get LASIK in one eye in December and the other in January, after the next year’s Flex Spending account becomes available. Ask your human resources department for more information about how Flex Spending works at your company.

The Custom Intralase procedure recently got the stamp of approval from NASA, according to a recent press release from Advanced Medical Optics, Inc (AMO). About 50 percent of people who are turned down as astronaut candidates are disqualified because of poor vision. Now, after reviewing the results of Department of Defense studies, NASA has opened up new opportunities for these potential astronauts by accepting what we at the Northwestern Vision Correction Associates already knew: that LASIK with the Custom Wavefront and Intralase technologies is a safe and effective method of correcting refractive errors. For more information, check out NASA’s website, or read the AMO press release here.

Dr. Rosenberg was interviewed for another recent Tribune article by Leslie Mann, this time in the July 18, 2007 Prime Time Special Section. The article talks about vision issues in older patients and the various treatments, including LASIK and multifocal cataract lenses, available to them. The good news, according to Dr. Rosenberg?

“Dr. Rosenberg . . . says LASIK can help adults continue their favorite
activities such as golf and tennis without the need for corrective lenses.”

The better news?

“He says studies show those age 40 to 70 do not have a greater number of
complications than the general population.”

Take a look at what this patient has to say about his LASIK experience and the impact it had on his "Big Day":

Dr. Rosenberg,

I wanted to thank you and your staff for the great care and professionalism you exhibited during my LASIK surgery. It was so accomodating of you to fit me in during the few weeks I had available before my wedding, and the results were more than I could have asked for. To be able to see my bride as she walked down the aisle was a blessing. Thank you for making our special day that much more special!

With gratitude,

S C

Chicago