...Exclusively at Norden

Q: How is the LTK different from LASIK Vision Correction?

A: LASIK is a surgical procedure in which a protective flap is created in the cornea using surgical instruments. A laser then sculpts the curve of your eyeglass prescription into the cornea, and the flap is put down again to heal. With LTK, no flap is created. There is no surgery. Instead, 16 spots of laser light are applied to the periphery of the cornea, creating a thermal effect which shrinks the collagen in the cornea. This acts like a belt tightening around the periphery of the cornea, steepening it centrally and correcting the vision. The entire procedure takes 3 seconds per eye, and is done without ever touching the eye itself.

Q: Who is a good candidate for this procedure?

A: LTK is only for people who are forty or older. In these patients, the collagen in the eyes is more relaxed and responsive to the laser. It is used to correct farsightedness in the mild to moderate range, in people who have not had a change in vision for at least six months. People who have become farsighted as they age as well as those who were farsighted for years are good candidates. The eyes must me otherwise healthy, although a slight degree of astigmatism can exist as well.

Q: What are the risks?

A: No procedure can claim to be without risks, but LTK is not surgery. There were absolutely no serious complications in the FDA study, and no extended recovery period. Nothing ever touched the eye, and a computer is used to regulate the laser, keeping potential complications to a minimum.

Q: When will I be able to see?

A: With LTK healing time is very quick. Most patients experience an immediate and noticeable improvement in vision. You should be able to enjoy the benefits of greatly improved vision as soon as the procedure is completed. Many are capable of reading a newspaper without their reading glasses immediately after the procedure.

Putting Price in Perspective

If you had a heart attack, or were diagnosed with cancer, would your first instinct be to shop around for the doctor who offers the lowest price? Of course not. You would look for the most qualified, most experienced professional, someone you could trust to deliver the best quality of care. The same reasoning holds true when you are considering laser vision correction.

When you see ads for "discount" laser eye surgery, ask yourself what is being compromised in order to offer the reduced rate. Oftentimes, the discount is offered by a practice which does a high volume of procedures. Rarely is time made for the patient to speak with doctor before or after surgery. These practices normally offer just one procedure, usually LASIK, not individualized for each patient's particular eye problem. Additionally, supplies, even blades, may be reused in an effort to save on expenses. When speed and cost are a priority, mistakes can be made.

Low prices can also be an indication of inexperience. Studies show that there is a steep learning curve and the complication rate is greatly increased for the first 400-600 procedures a surgeon performs.

At Norden Laser Eye, the doctor/patient relationship is very important. Each patient spends up to two hours speaking with Dr. Norden personally and to his technicians and educators to have all their questions answered before the procedure. Because a particular procedure may not be right for everyone, Norden Laser Eye offers a variety of treatments tailored to meet the needs of the individual patient, including LASIK, LTK, and Intacs. Unlike discount practices, Dr. Norden always sees his patients for follow-up visits.

Each month, several patients come to Norden Laser Eye to correct problems that resulted from faulty laser surgery done elsewhere. Your eyesight is priceless. It isn't a bargain if your eyesight is jeopardized.