National LASIK Expert Clarifies Ever Evolving and
Complex Field of Laser Surgery
Vadim Filatov, M.D., Helps Eliminate Consumer Confusion
GREENWICH, Conn. —Since its inception in 1996, LASIK has been the procedure of choice to correct farsightedness, nearsightedness, and astigmatism and until a few years ago, a generally standardized procedure offering relatively few options. Today, while a more evolved field of refractive surgery offers increased benefits, there is an increased difficulty for patients and doctors alike to comprehend this complex field. In a continuing effort to educate consumers, Vadim Filatov, M.D., clarifies the latest advancements in laser vision correction and what these new benefits mean to each individual.
“The ‘original’ LASIK could only be performed with two lasers and worked solely to correct nearsightedness,” says Dr. Filatov. “Over the past six years, there have been significant advancements in refractive surgery, making it safer and more effective. Advanced LASIK brings a proliferation of laser and microkeratome technology and a more customized approach to the treatment of patients. The scope of the procedure has changed allowing laser surgery to be performed on a wider range of refractive errors including hyperopia and astigmatism. An increase in the effectiveness of the procedure offers the welcomed reduction in the rate of complications and side effects.”
According to Dr. Filatov, a variety of instruments are now utilized in a myriad of procedures specifically tailored to the individual needs of each patient. The major task for potential candidates is to make certain that their needs are met with an individual treatment plan that’s suited to provide them with the best possible outcome.
Dr. Filatov continues to be one of the first refractive surgeons to evaluate and implement the most advanced techniques in refractive surgery. Trained at Yale, Harvard, and Johns Hopkins Medical School, he founded the Filatov Eye Institute in 2001 as a center for research and education. Through the Institute, Dr. Filatov devotes resources to teaching, informative seminars, a full-time LASIK fellowship program to heighten the standard of laser vision correction training across the country, and various community related activities. Each patient of the Filatov Eye Institute is given guidance and instruction prior to surgery concerning their customized treatment plan as well as several alternatives available for their unique situation.
Laser vision correction is often equated with LASIK, although the practice of refractive surgery is not limited to LASIK, Dr. Filatov notes. In fact, several procedures exist today that should be considered for each prospective patient. These include the original laser vision correction procedure called PRK as well as a newly modified PRK technique known as LASEK.
“The practice of LASIK has changed,” says Dr. Filatov. “In the past, the initial step in LASIK, the creation of the flap was performed with a device known as a microkeratome which used a steel blade to cut the flap. Now, the flap can be created without cutting the cornea with a metal blade. Instead, it is created with the aid of a new laser, thereby making LASIK an all-laser procedure. It is safer and can be performed in a more sterile fashion than the original and even advanced LASIK procedures.”
Dr. Filatov first performed the procedure a year and a half ago in Mexico and, therefore, is one of the first doctors in the United States to have gained the experience with all-laser LASIK. Filatov Eye Institute is the first practice in Connecticut and New England and only second in the New York metropolitan area to offer this advanced technology to the community.
Dr. Filatov outlines key points about the other laser vision correction options below. All laser vision correction procedures treat myopia (nearsightedness) and hyperopia (farsightedness) with or without astigmatism. Presbyopia correction may also be performed by each of the discussed procedures by leaving one eye slightly nearsighted for near vision—a technique known as monovision.
