The method consists of conducting a systematic evaluation of all the possible sources of complications, and then putting into place a "firewall" - a system to prevent them from occurring in the first place. It can be summarized with 4 S's: Screening, Sterility, Surgical Skill and State-of-the-art technology.

Screening

Screening patients is key to avoiding complications. Screening consists in analyzing a patient's medical history and in performing precise measurements and examinations in order to decide whether LASIK can be recommended for that particular patient.

Screening can help predict the likelihood of complications and thus provide the patient with a precise estimate of the cost-benefits of LASIK or PRK. Five main factors are taken into account:

Pupil size: The size of the pupil may predict the likelihood of night glare. Filatov Eye Institute uses the latest technology to quantitatively measure the pupil size in the dark and screen for overly large pupils.

Pachymetry (thickness of the cornea) The thickness of the cornea is measured with ultrasound and the doctors then calculate if it is sufficient for the amount of correction needed.

Astigmatism: Even subtle corneal abnormalities may increase the risk of LASIK. At Filatov Eye Institute, corneal astigmatism is evaluated by both traditional and computerized methods. Within seconds, a "map" of the cornea is taken, with its hills and valleys. Dr. Filatov worked on the prototype of the corneal topography machine in 1982 at the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary. His work is incorporated in today's machines.

Corneal curvature: A cornea that is too steep or too flat can increase the risk of flap complications. When the risk exists, adjustments are made by selecting different size rings and applying varying degrees of pressure on flat or steep corneas. Dr. Filatov was the first surgeon in Connecticut to use the down-up LASIK technique.

Dry eyes: Patients with dry eyes are at a higher risk for dry eyes after LASIK. The doctors at the Filatov Eye Institute are experienced in detecting and treating dry eye before and after LASIK.

Sterility

Sterility in the laser room goes a long way toward reducing the occurrence of complications. At Filatov Eye Institute, only disposable blades and cannulas are used. The highly skilled staff follow a scrupulous regimen that stamps out, not only bacteria, but other micro-organisms and foreign bodies that may enter the eye during surgery.

State-of-the-art technology - the best and latest equipment

The Filatov Eye Institute never uses experimental equipment, or lasers that have not proved their performance or reliability in hundreds of thousands of patients. The VISX Laser System chosen is the only FDA approved laser for LASIK that has performed more than a million refractive surgeries in the US alone. The latest upgrade, VISX S3, provides three-dimensional eye tracking, variable spot scanning, and a larger ablation zone to prevent haze.

Diagnostic measurement is done with unprecedented precision thanks to the MARCO TRS/EPIC Computerized Vision Testing System, which measures a patient's prescription by cross-checking the results of three measurements, using infra-red, optical and imaging technology. The final measurement is then programmed into the laser for utmost accuracy.

Built on ground-breaking wavefront technology, the NIDEK OPD-Scan provides the most complete information about the entire optical system of the eye, helping surgeons plan LASIK procedures with remarkable precision.

We are also one of only a few practices to use a pneumometer in order to monitor at all times the pressure inside the eye during LASIK.

More about our technology