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Dr. Vadim Filatov (1964-2003) pioneered the Filatov Preventive System for Reducing Refractive Complications, based on his scientific research. In particular, he wrote textbook material used by other doctors to manage and prevent complications, "Selected Complications of Radial Keratotomy, Photorefractive Keratotomy and Laser in Situ Keratomileusis". (International Opthalmology Clinics, 1997) |
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. Diamond Vision 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 Diamond Vision, 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, Diamond Vision
surgeons adjust for it by selecting different size rings and
applying varying degrees of pressure on flat or steep corneas.
Dry eyes: Patients
with dry eyes are at a higher risk for dry eyes after LASIK.
Diamond Vision surgeons are particularly 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 Diamond Vision, only disposable blades and cannulas are used.
The highly skilled staff follow a scrupulous regimen that eradicates
and prevents infection. As a result the likelihood of an even
mild infection is less than 1:10,000.
State-of-the-art
Technology - the best and latest equipment
Diamond Vision 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 by Diamond Vision is the only FDA approved laser for LASIK that has performed more than a million refractive
surgeries in the U.S. alone. The latest upgrade, VISX S4, provides
three-dimensional eye tracking, variable spot scanning, and
a larger ablation zone to prevent glare.
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 to insure adequate pressure inside the
eye during LASIK. More
about our technology
Surgical Skills
The best equipment will not give its full potential unless the surgeon is skilled.
Diamond Vision doctors have a combined experience of more than 50,000 LASIK procedures and have gone through a rigorous process of fellowship training, licensing and certification.
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